CRS Parish Ambassador Corps Ministros de la Solidaridad
CRS Mission Statement Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We are motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Catholic social and moral teaching as we act to: PROMOTE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies; and, SERVE CATHOLICS IN THE UNITED STATES as they live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world. As part of the universal mission of the Catholic Church, we work with local, national and international Catholic institutions and structures, as well as other organizations, to assist people on the basis of need, not creed, race or nationality.
La misión de CRS Catholic Relief Services (CRS) cumple el compromiso que los obispos católicos de los Estados Unidos han asumido de ayudar a los pobres y desamparados en el extranjero. El Evangelio de Jesucristo nos motiva a valorar y defender la naturaleza sagrada y la dignidad de la vida humana, además de impulsar la caridad y la justicia y encarnar la doctrina social y moral de la Iglesia en el trabajo con el fin de: Promover el desarrollo humano cuando respondemos a emergencias, luchamos contra la pobreza y la enfermedad y construimos sociedades que puedan vivir en justicia y paz. Servir a los católicos de los Estados Unidos, acompañándolos a vivir su fe en solidaridad con nuestro prójimo en todas partes del mundo. Como parte de la misión universal de la Iglesia Católica, colaboramos con instituciones católicas locales, nacionales e internacionales, así como con otras organizaciones para asistir a las personas en sus necesidades, sin importar su religión, raza o nacionalidad.
What is PAC? CRS Parish Ambassadors are active parishioners with a passion for global solidarity. They encourage their parishes to respond to Catholic social teaching by engaging their fellow parishioners to participate in CRS Rice Bowl and at least two other global solidarity initiatives, annually. Los Ministros de la Solidaridad de CRS son feligreses activos con una pasión por la solidaridad global. Animan a sus parroquias a responder a la doctrina social católica comprometiendo a sus feligreses a participar en Plato de Arroz de CRS y en al menos otras dos iniciativas de solidaridad global, anualmente.
Two way expectations/ Expectativas de dos direcciones Ambassadors will/los ministros: Partner w/ Pastor & parish staff Se asociarán al párroco y el personal parroquial Learn and growth in faith Aprenderán y crecerán en la fe Engage fellow parishioners Invitarán e involucrarán a los feligreses Provide leadership for 3 actions* each year: Proporcionarán liderazgo para 3 acciones cada año CRS Rice Bowl Plato de Arroz de CRS Two additional actions from a menu of CRS programs Dos acciones más a elegir de entre los programas de CRS *During an ambassador s first year we ask that she or he focuses on building relationships in their parish and implementing CRS Rice Bowl Durante el primer año de un miniinistro pedimos que se centre en construir relaciones en su parroquia y en poner en marcha el Plato de Arroz. 5
Two way expectations/ Expectativas de dos direcciones CRS and the Diocesan staff will/crs y el personal diocesano: Offer two faith-formation/skill development retreats annually Ofrecerán dos retiros de formación en la fe y desarrollo de capacidades anualmente Produce skill-building and formation webinars + online resources Elaborarán webinars y recursos on line para la capacitación y formación Build community nationally though a special online social network Construirán comunidad nacionalmente a través de una red social especial online Provide support for Ambassadors Proporcionarán apoyo para los Ministros
CRS Rice Bowl Join nearly 14,000 faith communities in 180 dioceses around the U.S. in prayer, fasting and almsgiving this Lent. Through CRS Rice Bowl, we hear stories from our brothers and sisters in need worldwide, and devote our Lenten prayers, fasting and gifts to change the lives of the poor. Each day of Lent, individuals are invited to use the Lenten Calendar included with every CRS Rice Bowl to guide their Lenten almsgiving. These daily almsgiving activities such as giving 25 cents for every faucet found in your home help families reflect on the realities of our brothers and sisters around the world and how they can be in solidarity during the Lenten season. 7
Ethical Trade Catholic Relief Services Ethical Trade is a celebration of the dignity of work. It s a community of fair trade believers dedicated to improving the lives of the world s most vulnerable by choosing to consume differently. Together, we re creating a better world through education, advocacy and conscientious purchasing. Your purchases support farmers and artisans by providing fair wages, building long term trade relationships, providing equal opportunity for employment to all, engaging in environmentally sustainable practices, and more. 8
CRS Helping Hands Recognizing the Catholic call to love our neighbor, CRS Helping Hands serves the vulnerable in two ways. We send food for immediate hunger relief and fund income-generating projects to prevent hunger in the long-term. Young and old come together for a couple of hours, standing shoulder to shoulder to package nutritious meals for people suffering from food shortages 9
Catholics Confront Global Poverty Catholics Confront Global Poverty is an initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services. We call on Catholics and our nation to defend the lives and dignity of people living in poverty worldwide, through advocacy and action. Unite with Catholics in the U.S. to help shape social justice policy that can change lives. Sign up for text message alerts when urgent action is needed. TEXT 'Global' to 30644. 10
Questions?
Next Steps 1. Discern whether you are called to be a CRS Parish Ambassador through prayer and discussion with your pastor or a parish leader. 2. Reach out to fellow parishioners to see if they might be interested in volunteering as a CRS Parish Ambassador. 3. Fill out the CRS Parish Ambassador Application and return it to Sabrina Burton Schultz by email, fax, or mail. (Don t forget to get the signature of your pastor or other parish leader.) 4. MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the first CRS Parish Ambassador Corps Retreat to be held on Saturday, December 1, 9 AM 3 PM, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz. IT WILL BE SUCH A GREAT DAY!