Catholic Social Teaching (CST) calls us to action in diverse ways that resonate with our gifts and passions. During a recent talk, I highlighted organizations and ministries within the New Orleans metro area that align with the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching. These groups provide us with meaningful opportunities to put our faith into practice, helping to transform our local community.
We are all called to live out Catholic Social Teaching, and how we respond to this call is shaped by our unique skills, talents, and passions. Whether you feel a particular pull toward environmental stewardship, advocating for human rights, or walking alongside those in poverty, there’s a place for you to contribute.
1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Project Lazarus provides housing and supportive services to people living with HIV/AIDS,
ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.
Free Nola works to end human trafficking and sexual exploitation in the Greater New Orleans area through prevention, outreach, rescue, and aftercare.
Hotel Hope provides temporary housing and support services to homeless women and their children.
Silver Slammers is a senior advocacy and support group in New Orleans that improves the lives of elderly residents through social, educational, and health-related activities. The organization helps seniors stay active, engaged, and connected within their communities.
2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Catholic Engaged Encounter provides weekend retreats for engaged couples to strengthen and enrich marriages and foster stronger family units.
Christopher Homes, Inc. offers affordable housing to low-income seniors, emphasizing community and family support.
PACE GNO (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) GNO enhances seniors' quality of life and autonomy while maximizing their dignity and respect.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana mobilizes the community to fight hunger and ensure all families have access to nutritious food.
Court-appointed special Advocates (CASA) emphasize the importance of supporting and strengthening families by advocating for the best interests of children in foster care and working to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, permanent, and nurturing environment.
3. Rights and Responsibilities
Louisiana Appleseed works to advance social justice and access to legal rights for all citizens, particularly the poor and marginalized.
Southern Poverty Law Center (Louisiana Office) advocates for civil rights and protecting vulnerable populations, focusing on justice and equality.
Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee Services provides legal assistance and advocacy for immigrants and refugees, helping them understand and exercise their rights.
Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights protects children's rights in the juvenile justice system, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.
4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Ozanam Inn is a homeless shelter in New Orleans that provides food, clothing, shelter,
and supportive services to the poor and homeless.
St. Vincent de Paul Society, New Orleans, offers direct assistance to those in need, focusing on the poor and vulnerable in the community.
Covenant House New Orleans provides shelter and support services for homeless and at-risk youth, focusing on their safety and well-being.
Lantern Light Ministry offers services to people without homes, including meals, healthcare, and assistance in obtaining IDs and other vital documents.
Generation Hope supports young parents and their children as they pursue higher
education. Their work helps break the cycle of poverty and offers support systems that nurture the vulnerable, empowering them to achieve long-term success.
5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana provides job training and employment opportunities to individuals with barriers to employment, promoting the dignity of work.
Job 1 Career Center offers employment and training services to help New Orleans residents find meaningful work and improve their economic situations.
Catholic Charities Workforce Development assists individuals in gaining employment through job training, resume building, and interview preparation.
6. Solidarity
Pax Christi New Orleans is a local chapter of the international Catholic peace movement. It advocates for justice, peace, and solidarity with oppressed communities.
Catholic Relief Services (New Orleans Chapter) mobilizes local support for global solidarity initiatives like disaster relief and poverty alleviation.
JustFaith Ministries promotes social justice education and action through small group programs that help participants address poverty, human rights, and environmental care.
Operation Helping Hands (CCANO) organizes volunteers to assist with rebuilding and repairing homes, fostering solidarity with those affected by disasters.
Community Sailing New Orleans brings together people from various economic, racial, and social backgrounds, encouraging unity and mutual understanding. It promotes teamwork, shared experiences, and cooperation, helping to bridge divides and create a more inclusive and cohesive society.
7. Care for God’s Creation
Louisiana Bucket Brigade works to reduce pollution and protect the environment, advocating for the health and safety of communities affected by industrial pollution.
Green Light New Orleans provides residents with energy-efficient light bulbs and garden installations, promoting environmental sustainability.
Nola Tree Project is a nonprofit organization in New Orleans focused on reforestation and
environmental stewardship. It holds big TREEsy giveaways in various New Orleans districts to promote and enhance the community's well-being.
The Green Project (New Orleans Office) collects and sells used household items and teaches about reuse. We are able to provide affordable materials to the community, host low-cost and free workshops, keep usable goods out of landfills and nearby waterways, preserve historic architectural pieces, and educate residents about environmental issues.
These are just a few examples of how we can live out the Gospel message through action. However, this is not an exhaustive list, and I encourage you to explore additional organizations that align with your interests. Your contributions, big or small, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and help build a just society rooted in our Catholic faith.
Please share any other organizations in the comments that inspire you or that you believe others would benefit from learning about. Let’s continue to support one another in living out these teachings in our daily lives, guided by love and compassion.
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