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Issue 54
September 26, 2014
From the Director's Desk

"Our faith in Christ, who became poor, and was always close to the poor and the outcast, is the basis of our concern for the integral development of society's most neglected members.
- Pope Francis (Evangelii Gaudium 186)

Fr. Frank Faith and charity are not disconnected from one another. St. Vincent Pallotti  saw clearly the need to connect very closely revival of faith with rekindling of charity as a powerful way for all to live the mission of Christ in the world.  He even chose as a motto for his spiritual family one that is associated with the similarly-named great patron of the poor, St. Vincent de Paul, whose feast day is tomorrow: caritas Christi urget nos (the charity of Christ urges us on - 2 Cor 5:14). We are not simply moving toward our eternal destiny with a blind eye to the needs of those in our world.  We are sent into the world to witness our faith in word and deed.  We offer healing to a broken world through our acts of charity and justice. We are meant to be in solidarity with all, affirming the dignity of all human beings.  We are called and challenged to advocate and care for the poor, the vulnerable, the oppressed, and the persecuted. The rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching offers us a strong foundation upon which to build our action in a way that is not simply social work, but missionary work that sees Christ in those we serve (cf. Matthew 25:31-46) As Pope Francis teaches, 

"For the Church, the option for the poor is primarily a theological category rather than a cultural, sociological, political, or philosophical one" (Evangelii Gaudium 198).

May we live, then, as apostles on mission, as missionary disciples, sent into the world to preach and to heal! May the charity of Christ urge us on!

In God, the Infinite Love,

Fr. Frank

In This Issue
Apostles on Mission has Launched!

In collaboration with the Archdiocese of Washington's office of Young Adult Ministry, we have completed the third of our ten Apostles on Mission sessions. The discussion about bringing discipleship to fruition is heating up as we help young adults prepare for their own apostolates. Here's what you can do to get involved:
  1. Pray about how God wants you to continue following him as an apostle in the world.
  2. Seek out a circle of Catholics to whom you can candidly relate you experience of prayer.
  3. Click the picture for more info.
  4. Be part of the discussion by following @CathApostleCtr on Twitter every Monday at 8pm as we live-tweet the next session!
  5. Contact Brian Niemiec or Jonathan Lewis if you have any questions.
Our Featured Affiliate

Since its inception in 1963 as a regional diocesan organization to its current standing as one of the nation's leading volunteer agencies, Catholic Volunteer Network has provided thousands of people with volunteer training and resources, as well as networking opportunities. The Catholic Apostolate Center is proud to partner with Catholic Volunteer Network by developing faith formation resources for volunteers and alumni as well as assisting in its efforts to provide and advocate for faith-based volunteerism.

Catholic Social Teaching Resources

Putting Two Feet of Love in Action
Putting Two Feet of Love in Action
Catholic social teaching is an essential element of our faith. Its roots can be found in the Hebrew prophets who announced God's special love for the poor and called God's people to a covenant of love and justice. It is a teaching founded on the life and words of Jesus Christ. On the page you will find various documents from the Vatican, the USCCB, and other sources detailing different aspects of Catholic Social Teaching. Also included is this recording of a webinar the Center hosted back in June, which you can access directly by clicking to the right.


 From the Ad Infinitum Blog...

"Be Strong, Have Courage, Keep Going!"
by Thomas Wong, Catholic University of America
(Originally published September 9, 2014)

As Christians, we are tasked with following the teachings of Christ over those of the world. Doing so often puts us at odds with the latter, amid accusations of fostering inequality, forcing our beliefs on others, adhering to obsolete traditions, or getting involved in matters that do not concern the Church. It's true that there have been many efforts over the centuries to silence Christians-persecution is nothing new to the Church-but Jesus had warned that believing in Him would not make us popular in the eyes of the world. Read More
St. Vincent de Paul
 
Memorial:
September 27

Lived: 
1581-1660

Quote:
"You will find out that Charity is a heavy burden to carry, heavier than the kettle of soup and the full basket. But you will keep your gentleness and your smile. It is not enough to give soup and bread. This the rich can do. You are the servant of the poor, always smiling and good-humored. They are your masters, terribly sensitive and exacting master you will see. And the uglier and the dirtier they will be, the more unjust and insulting, the more love you must give them. It is only for your love alone that the poor will forgive you the bread you give to them." 



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