Options for the Poor and Vulnerable

STEWARDS OF OUR EARTH

All of God’s Creation

Social Justice Committee, Holy Cross Parish, Mt. Airy, September 21, 2025

Catholic teaching proclaims that a basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgement (Mt.25) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

“World Humanitarian Day celebrated on August 19 each year honors humanitarian aid workers all over the world…. Humanitarian aid workers provide life-saving assistance to suffering people worldwide. Those workers who live in conflict zones or in areas devastated by natural disasters are especially vulnerable…. The day pays tribute to the thousands of humanitarian workers who gave their lives and suffered injuries in the course of their work.” (nationaltoday.com, 8/19/25) 

“Humanitarian aid saves lives. It provides clean water when wells run dry, medical care when illness strikes, and safe shelter when violence forces families to flee. It's food for children, trauma counseling for survivors, and hope for people who have lost everything. And it represents less than 1% of the federal budget.” (HIAS, 9/15/25)

Recently, there have been unprecedented cuts to U.S. funding for humanitarian aid across the world. This affects millions of refugees and people experiencing conflict, natural disasters, and hunger. If you believe the U.S. should stand with refugees and displaced people worldwide, take action to protect Humanitarian Aid. (HIAS, 9/14/25)

One example of hope witnessed in the work of an inspiring initiative that lives out the Christian value to feed the hungry is Bread for the World. “Fifty years ago, in the basement of a small church in Manhattan, a handful of people asked a simple question: What more could we do to end hunger? What began as letter-writing to elected officials grew into Bread for the World — a national movement of faith and conscience that has changed policies, strengthened programs, and given voice to those most affected by hunger.

In the last five decades, Bread for the World has:

♥Engaged more than 1.25 million supporters in nearly 7 million advocacy actions

♥Helped cut global hunger rates nearly in half since the 1970s

♥Championed legislation like the Global Food Security Act and the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act 

♥Strengthened life-changing nutrition programs like WIC and SNAP” (Bread for the World, 8/20/25) 

This is their story and their future. Watch their inspiring film here.

Join us next week on September 28 after the 9:00 Mass in the Community Room downstairs for discussion on the Catholic Social Teaching principle – Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. The Social Justice Committee looks forward to your reflections, insights, and suggestions for action as a parish. Discussion guides are at the entrance to the church. Light refreshments will be served.

Comments on this column may be directed to the Social Justice Committee at socialjustice@holycrossphl.org. Click here for column archive.