At Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas we embrace the broadest definition of neighbor, and stress the great importance of helping all of our neighbors in need, regardless of national, racial, economic and ideological differences. The Gospel invites us to be peacemakers on mission and implores us to be our brothers’ keeper (Genesis 4:9). 

“We have to move from our devotion to independence, through an understanding of interdependence, to a commitment to human solidarity. That challenge must find its realization in the kind of community we build among us. Love implies concern for all – especially the poor – and a continued search for those social and economic structures that permit everyone to share in a community that is part of a redeemed creation (Rom 8:21-23).” United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All, no. 365

Striving for solidarity with all of our brothers and sisters can begin here and now in our local community by learning more about our neighbors in need, assisting at upcoming events like World Refugee Day (happening Saturday, June 22nd at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead), participating in further training to become more trauma-informed or inviting other friends and family to join you in the great service you are doing already in the community. 

Prayer

God of Justice, open our eyes to see you in the face of those in poverty. Open our ears to hear you in the cries of those exploited. Open our mouths to defend you in the public squares as well as in private deeds. Remind us that what we do to the least ones, we do to you. Amen.