The Office of Life, Justice and Peace seeks to educate, inspire and activate all people to protect the dignity and sanctity of every life, from conception to natural death and all of the years in between. The office represents a Catholic viewpoint at local, state and national levels of government as we strive to protect people in poverty, preserve all of God's creation, promote global solidarity, and ensure a life of dignity for every person.
Catholic social teaching stems from Sacred Scripture, papal encyclicals, Vatican II, and documents from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It is an extension of the Eucharistic liturgy; “The Eucharist, celebrated as a community, teaches us about human dignity, calls us to right relationship with God, ourselves and others, invites us to community and solidarity, and sends us on mission to help transform our communities, neighborhoods and world.” Catholic social teaching guides us in our attempt to share the Eucharistic celebration in a transformative manner. It is typically divided into seven major intertwining themes. For more information about the themes, click on the Catholic Social Teaching menu item on the left.
Catholics may join the diocesan advocacy efforts on issues related to Catholic social teaching. Weekly advocacy opportunties may be found by joining the Prayer and Action Network.
Legislative Priorities
During each legislative session, the Diocese watches bills that impact the dignity and sanctity of life. Such bills may include proposals related to affordable housing, minimum wages, tax policy, access to health care, homelessness, assisted suicide, the death penalty, abortion, racism, police and criminal justice reform, among others. To learn more about our advocacy efforts on particular bills, please join the Prayer and Action Network.
Who represents you? Enter your address here and find your state representative and senator.
To find your Congressional representative, click here.
For Senate, click here.
Read the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop's comprehensive document for discerning our individual votes as people of Faith, Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship (en Espanol).
A weekly email on current issues and suggested actions for readers. Join HERE.
While there are many current events, policies, and issues of concern to the Catholic Church, a few of our ongoing advocacy efforts center on immigration reform, economic justice, religious liberty, and global poverty.
Catholic Teaching on Immigration
Catholic Teaching on Economic Life
Catholic Teaching on Religious Liberty
