Learn, Grow and Make a Difference through Charity and Justice
Pope Francis has described charity workers and volunteers as the hands of Jesus in the world, who change the course of the lives of "the poor, the lonely single, the elderly shut-in, the young family, the homeless adult, the hungry child, the refugee youth, the migrant father, and so many others."
We provide resources to assist you in serving God through volunteer acts of charity and justice. Some of them are listed below.
The Difference Between Charity and Justice
Charity is often referred to as “direct service.” It meets basic emergency needs (food, water, shelter, clothing, education, etc) and often helps individuals stabilize their current situation (hunger, thirst, homelessness, etc.). Justice, or Social Justice, as it is more commonly referred to, looks at the root causes of social injustice and works toward social change in institutions or political structures. For instance, a charitable response to abortion, would be to offer crisis pregnancy services, prenatal care or housing. An example of a justice response would be to protect the unborn child, mother and family.
One way to work for Justice is through legislative advocacy. To take action, visit Human Life Action Center.
Learn More
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has more information and resources for adults and youth about how charity and justice work together. The resources are based on Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclicals; Deus Caritas Est and Caritas in Veritate.