Social Concerns Committee

Each of us has been given special talents to bring Christ to the world in which we live and work.  Living the Beatitudes and practicing the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy we are called upon to examine what gifts we have been given, share them and return them to God joyfully in the service of others near and far.

Opportunities to care for one another are without measure.  The Social Concerns Committee offers a number of organized ways in which you may care to become involved.  Education about social justice issues and prayer are always tremendous support for those working in the field.

Below are brief descriptions of areas of concentration in which the committee is now involved.  Please contact the chair or the parish office for more information.  You are always welcome at the regular meeting.  It is held the first Monday of each month in the library at 6:00 pm.  

The Social Concerns Committee assists the Pastoral Council in fostering pastoral concern and action for justice in the world, especially in all areas of parish life.

Respect Life

This subcommittee conducts activities, provides education and raises funds in support of action on behalf of life.  It distributes fact sheets on pending legislation, encourages contact with political leaders, sells roses and pins on Respect Life Sunday and Mothers’ Day cards for the benefit of Birthright.  Participation in the annual Life Rally in Madison and the Life Chain event are encouraged.  An ecumenical memorial prayer service is held on the Roe v. Wade anniversary.

Cathedral Job Club

The Catholic Church is clear in its teachings on the dignity of the human person and the dignity of labor.  This is a self-help/support group in the form of a club that brings together on an as-needed basis those seeking help and those offering solutions to employment obstacles.  An appointment can be made by contacting the chair of the committee.    This service is open to all in the greater La Crosse area.

Causeway

Causeway’s motto is: neighbors helping neighbors.  It is an interfaith volunteer organization devoted to bringing together those who are in need of assistance and those who wish to help.  There is always a list of odd jobs that are needed to be done-- a ride to church or the doctor, or perhaps an hour of companionship.

WAFER 

Each Sunday members of the parish are invited to bring non-perishable food items to Sunday Mass.  Boxes are located at all entrances of the church to collect the food items which are delivered to the West Avenue Food Emergency Resource (WAFER).  Food is distributed from this pantry to La Crosse residents who meet income guidelines.  The parish has a long standing association with WAFER and supports it financially as well with food collection.  Volunteers are needed to help sort and shelve food at the pantry. 

Jail Ministry

This ministry is active through our lay ministers who conduct prayer services at the jail.  This committee collects magazines for distribution at the jail.  There is a box in the ushers’ room for contribution of only paperback books and magazines.  There are other programs that some of our parishioners participate in as volunteers which require special training if you are interested.

Habitat for Humanity

There is an annual Timber Signing for Habitat’s Hope House. 

Heifer International

At Christmas time a contribution is made for the purchase of animals to be given to a family in an underdeveloped country for food and income.

From Thanksgiving until mid December coats are collected for distribution through the Salvation Army.  There is also a Mittens for the Manager collection of gloves, mittens, hats and scarves.

Back to School Backpack Campaign

From mid July to mid August the Cathedral is a collection site for school materials which are distributed through the Community Liaison and Salvation Army school programs.

Meals on Wheels

Volunteers pick up prepared meals and deliver them to the elderly in need of nutritional services. 

Place of Grace

Our confirmandi provide service hours at this Catholic Worker House which provides a food pantry and prepared meals certain days of the week for those in need in the La Crosse community.

Education

Each year goals and objectives are set to fulfill the annual vision statement of the Pastoral Council.  The committee has sponsored the Church’s teaching on social justice through The ART of Social Justice, the study of Laborem Exercens, Deus Caritas Est, Lenten soup supper discussions of the USCCB Campaign for Human Development.  Monthly bulletin articles on the lives of saints who served the poor and patron saints of various occupations have been published.  We encourage prayer to our patron, St. Joseph the Workman, through dedicated prayers and a novena.