Social Ministry at St. Mary Magdalene Parish builds on successful efforts from the past. We invite parishioners into cooperative efforts to minister to and advocate for Christ in need: the hungry, the stranger, the elderly, those who are poor – economically, socially, spiritually. The goal of our Social Ministry is to model discipleship to Jesus and the principles of Catholic Teaching: within the parish, in our charitable outreach to neighbors in need, and as a voice for Justice and Peace – advocating and acting on behalf of and with the poor, marginalized and oppressed locally and around the world.
Our Parish Territory Welcoming neighbors in need and assisting those who come to our door are at the heart of the Gospel call to love and service. The parish straddles some of the most impoverished neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. Nearby residents experience a host of social challenges from poverty, lack of healthcare, inadequate employment opportunities, poor housing, racism, violence, drugs, gangs, hopelessness, and a host of others. We cannot solve the depths of the problems that they bring. But we do what we can to respond with mercy, to offer hope, whatever tangible assistance seems appropriate, and leads to other resources.
Our Call As Catholic Christians, we recognize our call to assist neighbors in carrying these heavy crosses. Building on past parish efforts through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, food banks, health ministry, Mary’s Child, and other social services, we respond in works of mercy as best we can to address these needs. Guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, we also confront the root causes of these problems through the Peace and Social Justice Committee. We cooperate with individuals and organizations beyond our Parish like Wilkinsburg Community Outreach, the Sanctuary Project, Wilkinsburg Affordable Housing Advocates, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Just Harvest, and the Anti-War Committee of Pittsburgh to support and enhance their efforts and augment our own.
Implementing Catholic Social Teaching As a ministry within the parish, we try to widen and deepen the commitment of parishioners in our efforts – to give generously of their time, talent and treasure. We strive to respond appropriately to each person as Christ at our door, with hospitality and deep respect. Following the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching, we also invite parishioners into practical ways to address the underlying causes that undermine our neighborhoods and our world.
A Parish Social Ministry Coordinator is charged with facilitating and/or managing all the social ministry programs and encouraging parishioner involvement in them. The Coordinator’s duties include networking with each campus, recruiting and training parishioners, developing resources, meeting and assessing needs of those who come for assistance, and providing leadership as new opportunities present themselves. The Coordinator works in collaboration with other parish staff, a Social Ministry Committee, and volunteer program leaders to carry out the work. The Coordinator is also the liaison to the broader community, developing mutually beneficial ways of collaborating.