We SHINE by spreading hope in neighborhoods everywhere!
The Archdiocese of Indianapolis shines by living out the Gospel message to love our neighbor as ourselves and see the face of Christ in all we encounter. All members of the Catholic Church shine when they see the face of Christ in all human beings; and in turn, serve as Christ to all others.
As outlined in the SHINE Plan, here's what we will accomplish as an archdiocese beginning Oct. 1, 2009, and continuing through Catholic Charities Sunday on Sept. 26-27, 2010:
- More individuals and families in our communities who are suffering will be served by Catholics and Catholic institutions
- People will experience the conversion of heart that results from service
- Parishes will begin or expand their own parish social ministry with a foundation of knowledge to take action
- New collaborations will be formed between parishes, Catholic Charities, and other Catholic social service ministries (Catholic health care, education, St. Vincent de Paul, etc.) enabling more and better service to be provided
- Catholic Charities will become known to others as a resource for beginning or enhancing social ministry and for social ministry education
- Parishes will see social ministry as an integrated part of parish life – not a separate ministry left to certain individuals within a parish
- Expand the knowledge of and involvement in the current ministries of Catholic Charities
Of course SHINE will not end in 2010. This year of renewal is only the beginning of the reinvigoration of social ministry into the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. We hope by focusing for one year on social ministry, the enthusiasm and hard work will only grow from there!