<\/p>\n
by CAPP-USA<\/span><\/h5>\n <\/p>\n
\n![\"Helping](\"https:\/\/bunny-wp-pullzone-shrwjal8rd.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/AdobeStock_177330490.jpg\")
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Helping the poor requires conversion, courage, and structural change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Who are the Poor?<\/span><\/h2>\n
The Church teaches a\u00a0preferential option for the poor. But who are the poor? H<\/span><\/span>elping the poor first requires understanding who we are called to help!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The preferential option for the poor \u201cextends not only to material poverty but also to the many forms of cultural and religious poverty.\u201d (CCC, 2444)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMaterial poverty<\/strong> – which consists of “living conditions opposed to human dignity: those who lack basic rights and needs”. (Pope Francis, 2)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMoral poverty<\/strong> \u2013 which consists of “slavery to vice and sin”. (Pope Francis, 2)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSpiritual poverty <\/strong>– “which we experience when we turn away from God and reject his love.” (Pope Francis, 2)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAll these forms of poverty<\/strong> require and deserve a \u201cpreferential option\u201d.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nJesus on Helping the Poor<\/span><\/h2>\n
Christ often spoke of our duty toward those in poverty. And this applies to all its forms!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cGive to the one who asks of you<\/strong>, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.\u201d Mt 5:42 because \u201cWithout cost you have received; without cost you are to give.\u201d Mt 10:8<\/span><\/p>\n“Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Lk 3:11<\/span><\/p>\n“Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, \u2018You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me\u2019.” Mk 10:21<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cSell your belongings and give alms.\u201d Lk 12:33<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWhen you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind\u201d. Lk 14:13<\/span><\/p>\nJesus on Helping the Poor \u2013 To What End?<\/span><\/h2>\n
“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine<\/strong>, you did for me<\/strong>.” Mt 25:40<\/span><\/p>\n“Then the king will say to those on his right, \u2018Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world\u2019.” Mt 25:34<\/span><\/p>\nHow to Help the Poor<\/span><\/h2>\n
While it is true that “The poor you always have with you”, Jn 12:8 there are ways of helping. \u201cIt is <\/strong><\/span>all men who are called<\/strong> to further the development of human society as a whole.<\/span>\u201d\u00a0<\/span>(Pope St. Paul VI, 17)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe preferential option for the poor \u201c<\/span>will<\/span>\u00a0never be fully attained unless people see in the poor person, who is asking for help in order to survive, not an annoyance or a burden, but an opportunity for showing kindness and a chance for greater enrichment.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>(Pope St. John Paul II, 58)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cW<\/span>e need to broaden our per<\/span>spective<\/span>\u2026We need\u00a0to grow in a solidarity<\/strong>\u00a0which \u2018would allow all peoples to become the artisans of their destiny\u2019, since \u2018every person is called to self-fulfillment.\u2019\u201d<\/span>\u00a0(Pope Francis, 190)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“Where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters; what matters is rolling up our sleeves and putting our faith into practice through a direct involvement, one that cannot be delegated.”<\/span>\u00a0(Pope Francis, 7)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nHow to Help the Poor \u2013 It’s Also Spiritual<\/span><\/h2>\n
“Openness to God makes us open towards our brothers and sisters and towards an understanding of life as a joyful task to be accomplished in a spirit of solidarity.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 78)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAnd, this will take<\/strong> courage<\/strong> “to\u00a0face the risk<\/strong> and the change involved in every authentic attempt to come to the aid of another.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 58)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIndeed, \u201cChristian love embraces<\/strong> what is not lovable<\/strong>, it offers forgiveness\u201d. (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nUltimately, helping the poor \u201crequires above all a change of life-styles, of models of production and consumption, and of the established structures of power which today govern societies.\u201d (Pope St. John Paul II, 58)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat Exactly is the Preferential Option for the Poor?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat is Poverty?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nStructural Poverty and Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWho are the Working Poor?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Poorest Country in the World<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPoverty Quotes from the Church<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n5 Surprising Ideas about Poverty from Dilexi Te<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/preferential-option-for-the-poor\/” button_text=”Learn More About the Preferential Option for the Poor” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles\/” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” 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width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Helping the poor requires conversion, courage, and structural change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Who are the Poor?<\/span><\/h2>\n
The Church teaches a\u00a0preferential option for the poor. But who are the poor? H<\/span><\/span>elping the poor first requires understanding who we are called to help!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The preferential option for the poor \u201cextends not only to material poverty but also to the many forms of cultural and religious poverty.\u201d (CCC, 2444)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMaterial poverty<\/strong> – which consists of “living conditions opposed to human dignity: those who lack basic rights and needs”. (Pope Francis, 2)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMoral poverty<\/strong> \u2013 which consists of “slavery to vice and sin”. (Pope Francis, 2)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSpiritual poverty <\/strong>– “which we experience when we turn away from God and reject his love.” (Pope Francis, 2)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAll these forms of poverty<\/strong> require and deserve a \u201cpreferential option\u201d.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nJesus on Helping the Poor<\/span><\/h2>\n
Christ often spoke of our duty toward those in poverty. And this applies to all its forms!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cGive to the one who asks of you<\/strong>, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.\u201d Mt 5:42 because \u201cWithout cost you have received; without cost you are to give.\u201d Mt 10:8<\/span><\/p>\n“Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Lk 3:11<\/span><\/p>\n“Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, \u2018You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me\u2019.” Mk 10:21<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cSell your belongings and give alms.\u201d Lk 12:33<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWhen you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind\u201d. Lk 14:13<\/span><\/p>\nJesus on Helping the Poor \u2013 To What End?<\/span><\/h2>\n
“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine<\/strong>, you did for me<\/strong>.” Mt 25:40<\/span><\/p>\n“Then the king will say to those on his right, \u2018Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world\u2019.” Mt 25:34<\/span><\/p>\nHow to Help the Poor<\/span><\/h2>\n
While it is true that “The poor you always have with you”, Jn 12:8 there are ways of helping. \u201cIt is <\/strong><\/span>all men who are called<\/strong> to further the development of human society as a whole.<\/span>\u201d\u00a0<\/span>(Pope St. Paul VI, 17)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe preferential option for the poor \u201c<\/span>will<\/span>\u00a0never be fully attained unless people see in the poor person, who is asking for help in order to survive, not an annoyance or a burden, but an opportunity for showing kindness and a chance for greater enrichment.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>(Pope St. John Paul II, 58)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cW<\/span>e need to broaden our per<\/span>spective<\/span>\u2026We need\u00a0to grow in a solidarity<\/strong>\u00a0which \u2018would allow all peoples to become the artisans of their destiny\u2019, since \u2018every person is called to self-fulfillment.\u2019\u201d<\/span>\u00a0(Pope Francis, 190)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“Where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters; what matters is rolling up our sleeves and putting our faith into practice through a direct involvement, one that cannot be delegated.”<\/span>\u00a0(Pope Francis, 7)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nHow to Help the Poor \u2013 It’s Also Spiritual<\/span><\/h2>\n
“Openness to God makes us open towards our brothers and sisters and towards an understanding of life as a joyful task to be accomplished in a spirit of solidarity.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 78)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAnd, this will take<\/strong> courage<\/strong> “to\u00a0face the risk<\/strong> and the change involved in every authentic attempt to come to the aid of another.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 58)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIndeed, \u201cChristian love embraces<\/strong> what is not lovable<\/strong>, it offers forgiveness\u201d. (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nUltimately, helping the poor \u201crequires above all a change of life-styles, of models of production and consumption, and of the established structures of power which today govern societies.\u201d (Pope St. John Paul II, 58)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat Exactly is the Preferential Option for the Poor?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat is Poverty?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nStructural Poverty and Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWho are the Working Poor?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Poorest Country in the World<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPoverty Quotes from the Church<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n5 Surprising Ideas about Poverty from Dilexi Te<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ 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custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” 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Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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The Church teaches a\u00a0preferential option for the poor. But who are the poor? H<\/span><\/span>elping the poor first requires understanding who we are called to help!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
The preferential option for the poor \u201cextends not only to material poverty but also to the many forms of cultural and religious poverty.\u201d (CCC, 2444)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Material poverty<\/strong> – which consists of “living conditions opposed to human dignity: those who lack basic rights and needs”. (Pope Francis, 2)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Moral poverty<\/strong> \u2013 which consists of “slavery to vice and sin”. (Pope Francis, 2)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Spiritual poverty <\/strong>– “which we experience when we turn away from God and reject his love.” (Pope Francis, 2)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n All these forms of poverty<\/strong> require and deserve a \u201cpreferential option\u201d.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cGive to the one who asks of you<\/strong>, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.\u201d Mt 5:42 because \u201cWithout cost you have received; without cost you are to give.\u201d Mt 10:8<\/span><\/p>\n “Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Lk 3:11<\/span><\/p>\n “Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, \u2018You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me\u2019.” Mk 10:21<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSell your belongings and give alms.\u201d Lk 12:33<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhen you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind\u201d. Lk 14:13<\/span><\/p>\n “Then the king will say to those on his right, \u2018Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world\u2019.” Mt 25:34<\/span><\/p>\n The preferential option for the poor \u201c<\/span>will<\/span>\u00a0never be fully attained unless people see in the poor person, who is asking for help in order to survive, not an annoyance or a burden, but an opportunity for showing kindness and a chance for greater enrichment.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>(Pope St. John Paul II, 58)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cW<\/span>e need to broaden our per<\/span>spective<\/span>\u2026We need\u00a0to grow in a solidarity<\/strong>\u00a0which \u2018would allow all peoples to become the artisans of their destiny\u2019, since \u2018every person is called to self-fulfillment.\u2019\u201d<\/span>\u00a0(Pope Francis, 190)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “Where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters; what matters is rolling up our sleeves and putting our faith into practice through a direct involvement, one that cannot be delegated.”<\/span>\u00a0(Pope Francis, 7)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n And, this will take<\/strong> courage<\/strong> “to\u00a0face the risk<\/strong> and the change involved in every authentic attempt to come to the aid of another.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 58)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Indeed, \u201cChristian love embraces<\/strong> what is not lovable<\/strong>, it offers forgiveness\u201d. (Pope Francis)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Ultimately, helping the poor \u201crequires above all a change of life-styles, of models of production and consumption, and of the established structures of power which today govern societies.\u201d (Pope St. John Paul II, 58)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n What Exactly is the Preferential Option for the Poor?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n What is Poverty?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Structural Poverty and Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Who are the Working Poor?<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Poorest Country in the World<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Poverty Quotes from the Church<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 5 Surprising Ideas about Poverty from Dilexi Te<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ 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width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Jesus on Helping the Poor<\/span><\/h2>\n
Christ often spoke of our duty toward those in poverty. And this applies to all its forms!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nJesus on Helping the Poor \u2013 To What End?<\/span><\/h2>\n
“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine<\/strong>, you did for me<\/strong>.” Mt 25:40<\/span><\/p>\nHow to Help the Poor<\/span><\/h2>\n
While it is true that “The poor you always have with you”, Jn 12:8 there are ways of helping. \u201cIt is <\/strong><\/span>all men who are called<\/strong> to further the development of human society as a whole.<\/span>\u201d\u00a0<\/span>(Pope St. Paul VI, 17)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHow to Help the Poor \u2013 It’s Also Spiritual<\/span><\/h2>\n
“Openness to God makes us open towards our brothers and sisters and towards an understanding of life as a joyful task to be accomplished in a spirit of solidarity.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 78)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSign Up For Our Newsletter:<\/h4>\n