On behalf of the Social Concerns committee of St Theresa’s, thank you for visiting our website. The aim of our mission is both charity and justice, for those in our parish and the broader community, based on Catholic Social Teaching. In an effort to achieve our mission Social Concerns is engaged in a variety of both one time and ongoing projects. For more information on these activities please explore the links on this site or feel free to contact myself.

Because the Social Concerns committee is part of the parish, I’d like to extend an open invitation for everyone at St Theresa’s to join our effort. Your talent, treasure, and wisdom can all help to better serve the face of Christ found in the needy among us. As usually happens when serving Christ, you’ll probably end up receiving more than you’ve given. In just the last few months with Social Concerns I’ve learned how to install kitchen cabinets, gained awareness of how much goes into leasing rental property, and was blessed with sharing the joy of our new tenants as they saw the St Theresa house for the first time. The satisfaction of helping an ambitious refugee family that’s been through so much have a shot at the American dream is beyond description. I’ve also experienced the sorrow and disappointment of having to decline needy tenant applicants who are in extremely difficult circumstances, however this too is a gift from God in the sense that it keeps us humble.

By far though, the biggest gift I’ve received from Social Concerns is the fellowship and inspiration from the dedicated and generous members with whom I feel honored to serve alongside. I find their example of living the Gospel every day invaluable to my own spiritual journey. We begin and end our meetings in prayer, which helps keep us centered on what’s really important throughout the decisions we make during our gathering. Everyone is welcome at our meetings. The greater the number of parishioners; the greater the amount of experience, wisdom and creativity we can apply to our current undertakings as well as generate possible new activities in the service of Christ. For those who cannot attend Social Concerns meetings, please remember we’d love for you to be involved with us through any of our projects. And as a member of the parish, I would always appreciate constructive feedback from you about Social Concerns, both positive and negative.

I remember the first homily I heard from Bishop Pates at St Theresa’s. He made a point of speaking about Social Concerns. It made me realize our parish has an uncommon organization dedicated to the common duty of all Catholics; serving the poor and needy of God’s children. Please join us in our common duty.

Bill Worlie

Director

515-457-7538