St. James Parish has a long history of social ministry.  This has been primarily of the “direct service” type that helps people survive the present crisis in their lives.  We are active in providing food and clothes to those in need.  Parishioners work at food kitchens and shelters.  St. James is one of the original founding churches of the Manchester Area Conference of Churches and, as a parish, we continue to provide financial support for town programs run by MACC.

Along with direct service, social change is the other aspect of social ministry.  Social change is removing the cause of the problems.  Changing the system requires education about the issues and about social structures.  Advocacy demands networking and a willingness to take risks.   It will grow from the compassion we are called to by our Christianity.

The Church, if it is to faithfully continue the mission of Jesus, must strive for justice in our world.  The Christian Involvement Committee has recently become more active in the “politics” of social issues and we hope to continue to grow in this area.  To this end we have joined the other Catholic churches in town.

Coordinators: Martha DiGiovanni Contact by e-mail   and Don Wheatley Contact by e-mail

 the hunger site

 Manchester Area Conference of Churches
 
 
 
 

Last updated:16 September 2002
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