SHINE: A Social Ministry Renewal
“The Church’s deepest nature is expressed in her three-fold responsibility: of proclaiming the word of God, celebrating the sacraments and exercising the ministry of charity”
(Pope Benedict XVI, God is Love)
SHINE is recombining these three elements to serve more of those in emotional and physical need. Social Ministry is defined as “love for widows and orphans, prisoners and the sick and needy of every kind.” We also recognize that “love is (therefore) the service that the Church carries out in order to attend constantly to man’s suffering and his needs, including material needs” (Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est).
SHINE will help parishes, deaneries, archdiocesan offices and agencies recognize “social ministry not as an added burden, but as a part of what keeps a parish alive…Effective social ministry helps the parish not only do more, but BE more – more of a reflection of the gospel, more of a worshiping and evangelizing people, more of a faithful community. It is an essential part of the parish life.” (Communities of Salt and Light introduction)
Pray with us
O Lord, our God,
We pray that your Holy Spirit may shine upon us during this year of renewal.
Guide us to follow the example of Jesus who came to serve rather than to be served;
Inspire us to be the compassionate presence of Jesus to all of our brothers and sisters;
Strengthen us to work for justice and peace in all that we do.
And through the intercessions of St. Joseph, St. Francis Xavier, St. Theodora Guerin, and St. Vincent de Paul, help us to share the light of our faith with all people.
Amen.