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The Ministry Of Justice And Service

Our faith calls us to work for justice; to serve those in need; to pursue peace; and to defend the life, dignity, and rights of all our sisters and brothers. This is the call of Jesus, the urging of his spirit, the challenge of the prophets, and the living tradition of our Church.

The ministry of justice and service with teen has several distinct features that give direction to programming and action. Specifically, justice and service with youth.

• Engages young people in discovering the call to justice and service in the Scripture, in the life of Jesus, and in Catholic social teaching;
  
• Involves youth, their families, and parish communities in actions of direct service to those in need and in efforts to address the causes of injustice and inequity;
  
• Develops the assets, skills, and faith of young people by promoting gospel values in their lifestyles and choices; by increasing positive self-esteem, self-confidence, and ,
  
• Moral reasoning abilities; by building leadership and social skills; by helping them discover their personal gifts and abilities; by helping them learn that they can make a difference in the world and receive recognition by the community for their contributions;
  
• Incorporates doing the right thing with attention to why and how we do what we do (Four elements guide youth in moving from awareness to action on issues of justice. Involvement helps youth connect with justice issues personally and experientially. Exploration helps youth understand the causes, connections, and consequences of justice issues - expanding their knowledge and moving them toward action with a stronger background and motivation to work for real change when faced with injustice. Reflection helps youth utilize the Scriptures, Catholic social teachings, and the lived faith of the church community to discern a faith response to justice issues. Action helps youth respond to injustice through direct service or actions of social change - locally or globally, short term or long term. 12);
  
• Involves a supportive community that builds a sense of togetherness, nurtures a life of justice and service, works together to serve and act for justice, and provides support and affirmation;
  
• Nurtures a lifelong commitment to service and justice involvement (This includes providing opportunities, support, and follow-up help to young people reflect on their experience. People who learn to serve when they are young are more likely to be service oriented throughout their lives.)