Human Concerns Social Justice
LENT 2026
Consider observing Lent by:
- Signing up to read and discuss An Encyclical for a Divided World: FRATELLI TUTTI (Sisters and Brothers All). Pope Francis calls the world to consider the common good and to strive for unity based on fraternal charity. In doing so, he reminds humanity of an important truth: that we belong to one another. He reminds us to dream and to hope. There is room for each person at God's table. Readings will be held at two times on Tuesdays starting on February 24th, lasting 6 weeks. There will be an 11AM in-person session and an 8PM online session - choose the one that works for you. Sign up by Feb. 17th to receive materials. Email socialjustice@stanselm.com to register or complete THIS FORM. Click HERE to read Fratelli tutti.
- Participating in the Greener Lent program to pray, fast, and give alms that help build water wells in Africa. New options for individual and group prayer have been added since last year by popular request. See www.greenerlent.org for more details and to sign up.
Interested in Food Drive Efforts?
We’re building an email list to communicate with those interested in food assistance opportunities, such as partnering with area organizations on food pantry collections and soup kitchen volunteering. To be included, please send your contact information to socialjustice@stanselm.com.
In the meantime, we’ve been partnering with “From Hearts to Hands,” a new food pantry initiative serving area residents in need. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off on an ongoing basis at the Tinton Falls Municipal Building in the labeled bins M-F from 8:15AM–4:45PM, or at St. Thomas AME Zion Church (87 Squankum Road in Tinton Falls) MWF 5-9PM and Saturday 9AM–6PM. Thank you!
Trenton Monitor Article about Sept 6th, 2025 Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation
Click the video below to view Bishop O'Connell's Sept 6, 2025 homily.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of our committee is two-fold: (1) to provide assistance and care for the needs of the more vulnerable people in our parish and local community and (2) to identify, publicize, and educate the parish on current social justice issues. In all of our activities we follow certain key principles of Catholic social justice.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE PRINCIPLES
The Dignity of Each Person
Belief in the inherent dignity of the human person is the foundation of all Catholic social teaching. We are made in the image and likeness of God and must be the starting point of a moral vision for society.
The Common Good and Community
We have a responsibility to participate in organizing our society, in law, policy, economics and politics because of the direct effect on human dignity and the rights of individuals. We must protect human life and dignity and promote the common good.
Rights and Responsibilities
We have not only the right but the responsibility to participate in politics out of concern and commitment to the good of the community. We have a duty to keep informed about issues of the day and to vote to protect the common good.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
The Bible teaches us to put the needs of the poor first. Jesus showed us the way. This is the true test of our Christianity: how we treat those living in poverty.
Stewardship of God’s Creation
God gave human beings the task of caring for and nurturing all of creation. All people have an equal right to breathe clean air and drink clean water. In his Encyclical, Laudato Si, On Care for our Common Home, Pope Francis calls all people of the world to take “swift and global action” to stop the environmental destruction of our planet which has a disproportionate effect on those living on the margins of society. Concern for creations is inseparable from concern for justice.
Promotion of Peace
There is a close relationship in Catholic teaching between peace and justice. Peace is the “fruit of justice and is dependent on the right order among human beings.