Catholic social teaching is a model designed for people to use as a blueprint to live the gospel of life. The seven major themes of Catholic social teaching were developed from the life of Jesus, and serve as a framework for Catholics to use to put faith into action. The foundation for Catholic social teaching is the Life and Dignity of the Human Person, protection of all life from conception to natural death. The other six major themes identify ways to protect life: Call to Family, Community and Participation, Rights and Responsibilities, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers, Solidarity & Care of God's Creation.
The Diocese of Syracuse Social Action Ministry (SAM) is a function of the Diocesan Public Policy Office and organized by a team of people from various ministries throughout the Diocese. The group meets regularly to share information and generate parish resources and to communicate opportunities to actively integrate Catholic Social Teaching (CST) into their daily faith life. Each year the SAM team develops 1-3 educational packets for parishes to use with weekly liturgies. These packets are on current topics that exemplify one of the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching. The SAM also maintains a Speaker’s Bureau to assist parishes with educating parishioners on a wide range of Social Justice issues.
As a part of the Public Policy Office, SAM members are linked via e-mail to research which the Public Policy Office does on current issues, and receive invitations to participate in Public Policy Day and the Catholic Advocacy Network, both sponsored by the New York State Catholic Conference (NYSCC).
Participation in the SAM/Public Policy network is open to all members of the diocese. If you would like more information or to be added to the e-mail network, please contact the Director of Public Policy at (315) 378-4054 X19, or pwelch@syrdio.org or follow the Priests Peace and Justice Committee on Facebook.