Serving the poor and those in need
Authenticity in Christian behaviour, who are part of the Church (16%)
1. Helping the poor and excluded is the essence of Christianity. Jesus did it, and so have his disciples throughout history
2. Boost and promote her strength: solidarity! “Solidarity” is the characteristic that best defines the Church, according to 74% of people surveyed.
3. Assistance with Love. It cannot just be a “routine service”. People are worthy of love and care as sons and daughters of God, they are the face of Christ in the world.
4. Everyone’s task: parishes, institutions and individuals.
5. Not waiting for them to come: going out to meet them, wherever they are!
Voice of participants
«Adapting or building physical spaces to house people living on the streets at night. As far as possible, give them tools and pathways so that they can re-enter society»
«If a person goes to seek help from the Church, they should never leave empty-handed»
«Accept every human being as a creature of God and equal to ourselves»
«Becoming closer, creating programs for the attacked and marginalized classes of our time, migrants, LGTBI community, single mothers and fathers, sex workers, victims of drug trafficking, drug and alcohol abuse; Priests should be in the streets, not inside their convents»
Voice of missionaries
Difficulties re-entering society after prison
Promoting generosity
Father Jorge Reinaudo
The Magisterium, the Gospel
The Magisterium
“Prayer to God and solidarity with the poor and suffering are inseparable. In order to perform an act of worship acceptable to the Lord, we have to recognize that each person, even the poorest and most contemptible, is made in the image of God. From this awareness comes the gift of God’s blessing, drawn by the generosity we show to the poor.”
“Time devoted to prayer can never become an alibi for neglecting our neighbor in need. In fact the very opposite is true: the Lord’s blessing descends upon us and prayer attains its goal when accompanied by service to the poor.”
Message for the Fourth World Day of the Poor, November 15, 2020
The Gospel
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? (…) And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
Matthew 25, 34-40
Survey results
In your opinion, which of these characteristics best define the Church? Choose 3
Stats.
- Solidarity 74%
- Participative 46%
- Proximity 40%
- Outdated 28%
- Authoritarian 23%
Solidarity is a key identifier of the Catholic Church.
49.183
Surveys analyzed
How to move forward?
Theological standpoint
Service, care and attention to all those in need is essential in the Church, for whom Christ is present in all people who suffer. Christian love becomes a force to fulfill the mandate of charity, treating everyone as brothers.
Moral-behavioural standpoint
Keep reminding everyone of the enormous needs that exist close to us, and the obligation of Christians to share their resources with those in need, aiding their development.
Structural and organizational standpoint
Support and give visibility to the work of ecclesial institutions that already work promoting those in need. Promote the organization and training of young people for volunteer work, in places and organizations that serve the poor and those in need, all over the world.
Pastoral-pedagogical standpoint
Laity should change their mindset from a logic of alms to another of responsible support in what refers to the economic needs of the poor. Socially active religious groups and Congregations should facilitate volunteering, expanding opportunities for laity to learn to serve the poor in Catholic environments.