Working Together for a More Just Society

Who We Are:

As Catholics we are called to join with others to change the systems that cause human suffering. The mission of Catholic Charities includes a call to “convene the community” and “advocate for justice.” Our advocacy efforts are driven by this calling to come together to work for social justice.

Our office staff works in a variety of ways that go beyond providing direct services to the poor. As advocates, we press for a change in the social conditions that are the root cause of much of the suffering of the poor in our country. Working in collaboration with parishes, community leaders, lay volunteers, and public officials at the local, state, and federal level, we advocate for the poor by educating, training, and attempting to guide the direction of public policy.

Specifically, we have held educational forums on public policy issues that affect the more vulnerable in our community. We train volunteers who wish to learn specific skills related to advocacy in the public arena. We partner with elected officials to become a voice for the poor in an effort to guide lawmakers in their efforts to promote justice and the common good in our society.

Issues faced include: affordable housing, public benefits, healthcare access, child welfare, smart growth, on Colorado’s Western Slope, and expansion of public transportation to better serve the working poor.

You Make the Difference:

The United States Catholic Bishops, in their document, Faithful Citizenship, called upon all persons of faith to become more involved in public life. In order really to make a difference and to help create a better society for ourselves and for others, we need your voice to be heard. Therefore, we want to help you to get started by providing you with the resources and information that you need to get involved. Your advocacy work may include writing letters, making phone calls, or meeting with elected officials to express concerns and suggest policy directions.

Social Concerns Ministry

The Social Concerns Ministry is responsible for areas of social concern as they relate to the promotion of Catholic social teaching and social action, and the implementation of these in the schools and parishes of this Archdiocese.

The ministry implements consciousness-raising programs and advocacy projects for local, national, and international justice concerns as they relate to papal documents and positions, bishops’ pastorals, statements and strategies of the US Catholic Conference of Bishops and the Colorado Catholic Conference. One of these programs is the domestic anti-poverty, social justice program of the US Catholic Bishops. The mission is to address the root causes of poverty in America.

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