In addition to providing grants that support low-income communities in their efforts to confront the injustices that affect them, CCHD seeks to provide education and promote understanding about poverty and its root causes. This dual strategy of investment in local, low-income communities and education for justice reflects the mandate of the Scriptures and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. These are just a few of the ways that parishes and individuals can encounter, learn, and take action around issues of poverty and injustice.
Education
In partnership with the USCCB, the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity sponsors an annual academic year internship for any local Catholic with an interest in social justice and Catholic Social Teaching.
This part-time intern (15-20 hours per week) will assist staff in promoting CCHD within the Archdiocese of Chicago. Tasks may vary, but will include:
Marketing and promotion to maximize funds raised during the annual collection
Evaluation of grant proposals and relationship-building with funded groups
Outreach and education to Catholic schools and parishes around poverty issues and CST
Interns will be compensated at a rate of $14/hour.
Apply by March 19, 2021
Application (DOC)
Job Description (DOC)
Flyer (PDF)
2020-2021 Theme: Rebuilding Together at the Margins
The Creating on the Margins art contest is a tool for schools and parishes to engage young people in grades 7 – 12 in learning about root causes of poverty in the US and faith-inspired efforts to address them.
Top pieces will then be sent to the USCCB for national judging. Staff is available to develop resources, facilitate dialogues, or make presentations on racism and other social justice topics for school or parish groups. Questions can be directed to Sr. Julia Walsh, CCHD Intern, at 312.534.8057 or [email protected].
Click here for more information.
Journey to Justice is a day-long retreat that facilitates an experience of encounter with persons living in poverty and helps participants grow in understanding of the root causes of poverty in their community and reflect on how the Gospel challenges us to respond.
Staff are available to help facilitate the retreat or arrange immersion experiences.
- Poverty USA: CCHD’s bilingual companion website with information about poverty and faith-based efforts to address it
- Ending Poverty in Community (EPIC): This toolkit for young advocates is an interactive, interdisciplinary curriculum for youth ministry programs and high school classrooms.
- Two Feet of Love in Action: Lesson plans and other tools that explore two distinct, but complementary, ways we can put the Gospel in action in response to God's love: social justice and charitable works.
Building Communities of Justice Prayer
Breathe Upon Our Troubled World Prayer
Come, Gracious God Litany for Justice
Prayer for Those Who Work for Justice
Overcoming Indifference: Prayer & Reflection
Show Us Your Face Prayer (Bilingual)
The Tears of Solidarity Prayer