Charities at Work

No person should be exploited for economic gain. All workers maintain their rights as children of God, and the workplace must honor their dignity by fair labor practices and wages. Everyone who works participates in God’s creation. Listen as Eila Latif, director of the employment network at Catholic Charities Santa Clara County, and Steve Bogus, vice president of social enterprise and workforce development at CCUSA, talk about work and workers in light of the Catholic faith.

Human beings cannot maintain their own rights without respecting and protecting the rights of others. As St. James says, “If a brother or sister has nothing to wear or has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?” (2:15-16). Join our discussion with George Horton, director of social and community development at Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York, and Diane Zbasnik, director of the Diocesan Social Action Office at Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland.

A good test  for respecting human dignity and working for the common good is to see how those who are poor and vulnerable are being treated in society.  Something is wrong in a community that has an abundance of resources, but some of its members lack nutritious food and employment opportunities. Sister Betsy Van Deusen, director of community partnerships at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, and Deacon Kevin Sartorius, CEO of Catholic Charities Eastern Oklahoma, discuss the pastoral foundations and practical aspects to the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.

Family is the first institution in society, and  it is the place where each human being learns to receive and offer love. Children learn not only their inherent worth but also their responsibility to participate in their community and political life. Ed Lis, director of mission integration and Catholic identity at Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia talks about the theological principles involved. Jean Beil, senior vice president of programs and services at CCUSA, discusses the practical implications of being part of a family and larger community.

As human persons we have three main relationships: with God, with each other and with creation. Our care for Earth should reflect our gratitude to God for all life by respecting the planet and using its resources wisely.  Listen to Scott Hurd, vice president of leadership formation at CCUSA, and Kim Burgo, vice president of disaster operations at CCUSA, as they talk about the meaning and practice of caring for our common home.

If each person reflects God to the world, then all men and women are brothers and sisters who have a responsibility to work together for the common good. Join us as we discuss this topic with Msgr. John Enzler, president and CEO of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington, and Kim Mazyck, senior manager, Social Policy, Catholic Charities USA.