Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
While the common good embraces all, those who are weak, vulnerable, and most in need deserve preferential concern. A basic moral test for our society is how we treat the most vulnerable in our midst. In a society marred by deepening disparities between rich and poor, Scripture gives us the story of the Last Judgment (see MT 25:31-46) and reminds us that we will be judged by our response to the “least among us.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains:
"Those who are oppressed by poverty are the object of a preferential love on the part of the Church which, since her origin and in spite of the failings of many of her members, has not ceased to work for their relief, defense, and liberation through numerous works of charity which remain indispensable always and everywhere. (no. 2448)"
Pope Benedict XVI has taught that “love for widows and orphans, prisoners, and the sick and needy of every kind, is as essential to [the Church] as the ministry of the sacraments and preaching of the Gospel” (Deus Caritas Est, no. 22). This preferential option for the poor and vulnerable includes all who are marginalized in our nation and beyond—the unborn, persons with disabilities, the elderly and terminally ill, and victims of injustice and oppression.
Welfare policy should reduce poverty and dependency, strengthen family life, and help families leave poverty through work, training, and assistance with child care, health care, housing, and transportation. It should also provide a safety net for those who cannot work. Improving the Earned Income Tax Credit and child tax credits, available as refunds to families in greatest need, will help lift low-income families out of poverty.
NCRLC offers an educational resource titled "Food Security and Economic Justice: A Faith-Based Study Guide on Poverty and Hunger."This study guide applies Catholic social teaching to the problems of hunger and poverty in a world of abundance, and how we can act to resolve this contradiction. The study guide can be used for individual learning or group discussions.
First Fridays for Food Security
On the first Friday of each month through April 2012, Catholics can “fast” by limiting meal spending to the amount allotted for a family of their size in the USDA Modified Thrifty Food Plan, which is used as the basis for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called food stamps). This event continues on Friday, June 3, 2011. The theme for June 3 is “A Eucharistic Response to Hunger.” On that day, Catholics will be asked to reflect on the connection between our celebration of the Eucharist and our concern for our brothers and sisters in need.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD)
CCHD Video: New Video from USCCB Explains Work of Catholic Campaign for Human Development
Bishops' Statements/Teachings
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. Chapter Seven, Economic Life. Pontifical Council for Peace and Justice, 2005.
Ohio Bishops' Campaign to End Poverty Proposal, 2007
Fair and Adequate Tax Reform May 21, 2004
A Place at the Table, USCCB, November 13, 2002
Economic Justice For All, USCCB, November 13, 1986
Federal
Protect the Poor & Vulnerable in Deficit Reduction
Super Committee Legislation: Contact Senator Portman & Members of the Super Committee
Deficit "Super Committee" meeting on budget
US Bishops letter to Super Committee.
Resources
This Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Resource helps Ohio's unemployed workers learn more about the programs and resources available to them, from both the government and the private sector.
Catholic Conference of Ohio Poverty Report. November 2011
Strategic Recommendations for Expanding Opportunity and Reducing Poverty in Ohio
The Ohio Anti-Poverty Task Force 4/28/09
Governor Strickland's Final Report, Poverty Task Force 4/28/2009
Response to Poverty Task Force Report 9/08. CLICK HERE
Ohio Poverty Task Force Short-Term Recommendations, 9/08. CLICK HERE
Powerpoint Presentation on Ohio Poverty Trends. 9/08.
CLICK HERE
Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity. Excellent Resource includes links regarding Ohio Poverty Statistics and National Poverty Campaigns. CLICK HERE
Powerpoint Poverty presentation: includes poverty quiz and background on CCUSA Poverty Campaign 2007 . CLICK HERE
Catholic Campaign For Human Development: Poverty USA.
CLICK HERE
CCUSA Campaign to Reduce Poverty. CLICK HERE
Catholic Campaign Against Global Poverty. CLICK HERE
Report on Poverty in Ohio: Ohio's Poorest Children- Excellent paper by Jack Frech, Director of Jobs and Family Services, Athens County. Includes poverty statistics; an explanation of how Ohio's public assistance programs work; and a call for benefit increases.
Ohio Public Assistance Payment Standards 2011-12 Catholic Conference of Ohio
Balancing an Ohio Works First Budget 2012 - Catholic Conference of Ohio Worksheet
Tour of Poverty in the USA - Animated website by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, nccbuscc.org (Macromedia Flash player required)
Need More Information
Contact Jim Tobin , 614-224-7147
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