How we organize our society -- in economics and politics, in law and policy -- directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. The church teaches that every person has a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.

What are you doing in your family and community to encourage others to participate, especially in the work to address the systems and structures that keep people in poverty? Learn more about Civilize It: A Better Kind of Politics and pledge charity, clarity, and creativity to promote the common good.

Here is even more that you can do:

1.) Learn more about how the Catholic Campaign for Human Development has been living out this call for more than 50 years, including addressing housing discrimination by partnering with organizations that have long been fighting to reform and expand access to affordable housing.
3.) Watch this video to learn more about the complexity of poverty in the United States.
4.) Go to PovertyUSA.org to discover more about poverty in your community.
5.) Follow the US Conference of Catholic Bishops Poverty Awareness Month Calendar for daily insights, prayers, and action steps.
6.) Sign up for daily reflection emails.
7.) For 15 years our community has hosted the JustFaith Ministries Series on Faith and Poverty - click here to learn more!

Check weekly in this column for parish-sponsored opportunities to learn more about the face of poverty in our world and where you can serve those in need. 

Peace & Justice

JUSTFAITH - stmonica.net/justfaith
Faith and Poverty Series returns, Wednesday, Jan. 26! Learn about the Catholic Faith's justice tradition and our call to serve the poor - register today!

HELPING THE HOMELESSS - stmonica.net/homeless

• We are back at St. Francis Center for their Breakfast program Saturday, Feb. 5!
• Help us witha a grab and go outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness on the westside at St. Robert's Center, Saturday, Feb. 12!

LOAVES AND FISHES - stmonica.net/loaves
In LA County, over 20% of residents struggle with food insecurity - help us by donating to our Loaves and Fishes Food Drive on Sunday, Feb. 13!

GREEN TEAM - stmonica.net/greenteam
Green Team has won a grant for their Youth Climate Summit! World Wetlands Day is observed on Wednesday, Feb. 2 - learn wats to protect these fragile areas.

HOLY CROSS AFRICA MINISTRIES - stmonica.net/HCAM
Since 2002, we have had a sister relationship with Holy Coss in Dandora, and we have supported a variety of educational and building projects. Next up is our Race 4 Veronika's Place, raising funds to help those fighting AIDS.

Fellowship, Socials, & Clubs

FILM CLUB - stmonica.net/filmclub
Is Oscar always right? Ask our three panelists on zoom on Thursday, Feb. 10, where we will be discussing past Oscars and "what the winner should have been."

YOUNG MINISTERING ADULTS [YMA] - stmonica.net/yma
Vespers is back, virtually, Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Don't forget to attend our Get Acquainted Dinner, Sunday, Jan. 30!

BOUTIQUE GROUP - stmonica.net/boutique
Do you like to craft, knit, sew, etc? Join us starting Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 9:00 a.m.

ST. FRANCIS PET MINISTRY - stmonica.net/pets
Find out what the ministry is all about and preview our upcoming events at our general meeting on Monday, Jan. 27!

THIRTIES THROUGH FORTIES MINISTRY [TTF] - stmonica.net/ttf
We are off on another Virtual Vacation at the TTF Drop-in Lounge, this time we're crusing down the Rhine River in Germany and France!
 

Pastoral Care

STEPHEN MINISTRY - stmonica.net/stephenministry
During the cold winter weather outside, many people experience winters in their personal lives. Loneliness, isolation, and many other struggles may leave you with nowhere to turn. Stephen Ministry can help support you through struggles, providing one-on-one Christian care. 

HEALTH MINISTRY - stmonica.net/health
Thank you to all of our January blood drive donors and volunteers! We collected 41 pints, which will be used to help 123 people! Our next blood drive will be May 15.

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY - stmonica.net/bereavement
Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? You don't have to do it alone - contact our Bereavement Ministry to find out more our grief support opportunities

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