Ave Explores Series | Faith in Action | Week 2
People Loving People:
Answering the Call of Mater et Magistra
by Katie Prejean McGrady
Almost sixty years ago, Pope John XXIII issued Mater et Magistra, that made a bold claim about the role of the Church as mother and teacher of all nations:
“… though the Church’s first care must be for souls, how she can sanctify them and make them share in the gifts of heaven, she concerns herself too with the exigencies of man’s daily life, with his livelihood and education, and his general, temporal welfare and prosperity.”
This document from the man known as “the happy pope” set a precedent, one that carried through the documents of the Second Vatican Council and into the life of the Church globally, prompting numerous men and women, religious communities, priests, and parishes to pick up the work of caring for, serving, and attending to the needs of the poor and marginalized.
In 2020, that work continues around the world and people often ask how they can help when they hear about good work being done to care for the poor, attend to the sick, fight for the dignity of human life, and preach the Gospel to those most in need.
There is remarkable work being done across the United States to attend to the corporal and spiritual needs of so many.
In St. John’s Parish in Pittston, Pennsylvania, had to close its parochial school. It was merged with another diocesan school and the building on the parish’s property remained empty for some time. After creative planning and with help from donors and community members, St. John’s began to use the three-story building to house a food pantry, free health clinic with pediatric care, a kid’s clothes closet, and a toy and book corner. Every Wednesday of the month, the Care and Concerns Ministry throws open the doors of the repurposed school building and serves the community.
If you drive through Lake Charles, Louisiana, and happen to pass a Catholic parish, you’re likely to see a sign with an image of “Madonna of the Streets” with the words: “Pregnant? Need Help?” A phone number is printed on the bottom, directing women to the Gabriel Project, a nonprofit pro-life ministry located in twenty-six states and hundreds of parishes across the country. With a focus on helping women find the practical resources they need when faced with an unplanned pregnancy, the Gabriel Project is uniquely housed within parish communities. Coordinators of the project are connected to pregnant mothers and fathers who need referrals for housing, medical care, counseling, adoption information, maternity clothing, baby supplies, and all manner of things a pregnant woman might need. Through friendship, encouragement, and emotional and spiritual support, the Gabriel Project groups are designed to help women in need by ensuring they will be walked with and cared for during pregnancy and as they raise their child.
Jonathan Reyes founded Christ in the City in Denver, Colorado, to connect with people struggling with homelessness, poverty, addiction, and isolation. With fifteen young people joining him, in 2011 Reyes began forming teams of missionaries to learn the faith, live in community, and serve the poor. By spending time with the homeless, Christ in the City creates a culture of encounter, learning the names, stories, and struggles of the men and women they meet, and providing aid to help bring them out of homelessness. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 27 sign up for a year of service to live together in Denver and build relationships with men and women in need. It's not just about handing out money or leading people to a shelter; the volunteers first address homelessness by loving the men and women experiencing it.
The good work being done in parishes and organizations is inspiring. Each uniquely answers the call of Mater et Magistra, to care for the temporal needs of people, as well as care for their souls.
Download this article as a PDF here.
Katie Prejean McGrady is a Catholic speaker and the project manager of Ave Explores. She is also the author of Room 24 and Follow.
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