The Social Justice Commission is part of our parish’s answer to basic Catholic social teaching: “As followers of Christ, we are challenged to be the voice for the voiceless, to defend the defenseless, to assess life styles, policies, and social institutions in terms of their impact on the poor.” 

According to the US Catholic Bishops, “We cannot be called truly ‘Catholic’ unless we hear and heed the Church's call to serve those in need and work for justice and peace.”  For Catholics, service to the poor is not optional or extra-curricular; it is an essential part of being Catholic.  

In Matthew Jesus says, “For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” And when He was asked when did we do these things for you?  Jesus relies, “Whatever you did for the least brothers of mine, you did it for me.”

Matthew 26: 35-40

1. Economic Justice for All, Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy

U. S. Catholic Bishops, 1986 www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/EconomicJusticeforAll.pdf

2. Communities of Salt and Light, U.S. Bishops, 1993

Saint Lawrence Basilica

97 Haywood St. Asheville, North Carolina 28801