What is Social Services Sunday?
Social Services Sunday is observed in the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne on the third Sunday of September. In 2024, this falls on Sunday 15 September. On this day we give thanks to the dedicated work that the thousands of staff and volunteers of Catholic social services do to serve the poor, disadvantaged and marginalised in our communities.
Why is Social Services Sunday important?
Core to the Gospel message is the offer of love and hope, particularly for those who are isolated, in need and experiencing suffering. Catholic Social Teaching provides us with a rich tradition of wisdom in how we can live out the values of justice and mercy that permeate the Scriptures – respecting the dignity of the human person, having a preferential option for the poor, committing ourselves to solidarity with our human family, caring for our common home, ensuring subsidiarity and participation, and working for the common good.
Catholic social services inevitably have their beginnings in working to enact Catholic Social Teaching, and have arisen in response to particular needs in particular places. These principles continue to drive these organisations to provide services to those that need them most.
At at time when more and more people are relying on the support provided by community service organisations, we acknowledge with gratitude all of Catholic Social Services Victoria’s 40 member organisations, their 7,000+ staff and 15,000+ volunteers and the important work that they do to serve more than 300,000 people across Victoria.
What can we do to observe Social Services Sunday?
CSSV is developing a Social Services Sunday parish kit that provides information, text for inclusion in parish bulletins, and actions that we can all take to honour and show support for the work of Catholic social services.
Social services may also like to mark this day in some way within their own organisations. They may also wish to get in touch with the local parish in their area and explore opportunities to partner together for Social Services Sunday.
Further resources will be available by Friday 30 August 2024.
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