ARTICLES

Update: Office of Justice and Peace

The May 4th issue of The Catholic Virginian reported the Office of Justice and Peace is being reorganized based on input from the Justice and Peace Task Force, Diocesan Pastoral Council and Priests’ Council.

Since then, additional conversations have occurred during recent Diocesan Pastoral Council and Priests’ Council meetings and discussions with Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC). Based on these conversations, a second phase has been put into motion to explore the potential placement of Justice and Peace under CCC by means of a formalized agreement.

Bishop DiLorenzo has approved this review and a Diocesan exploratory committee has been formed. The exploratory committee includes representation from diocesan office directors, Priests’ Council, Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Executive Director of CCC.

Additionally, the Board of Directors of CCC will evaluate the feasibility of this change.

Many dioceses have organized social justice ministry under the umbrella of Catholic Charities, including the dioceses of Wheeling-Charleston, Wilmington, Raleigh, Charlotte, Rochester as well as the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

The priorities identified earlier this year remain a strong force in guiding future services and support to our parishes and communities, including Catholic Social Teaching/Education, Respect Life, Haiti / Global Solidarity, Migrant Ministry/ Domestic Poverty, Catholics with Disabilities, Prison Ministry and unique ministries tied to southwest Virginia. Emphasis on Family and Marriage Life and Natural Family Planning are also identified priorities and will either be accomplished through Justice and Peace staff or become a separate office within the Diocese.

We will review the many considerations relative to an alignment of this nature, from diocesan and parish working relationships to geographic coverage. Over the years there has been good work accomplished and the desire is to build on these foundations to best serve those in need. A progress report will be provided after the Priests’ Council, Diocesan Pastoral Council and CCC Board meetings in July.

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