Resources for Social Services Sunday:
What is Social Services Sunday?
Social Services Sunday is observed in the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne on the third Sunday of September. It is an opportunity to give thanks, pray for and stand with the thousands of dedicated staff and volunteers who serve those who are poor, disadvantaged and marginalised in our communities. It also provides us with the opportunity to reflect on what our role might be in this work of service and justice.
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.
At a 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 who bring their talents and diversity into the service of the social mission of the Church. The work they do to serve more than 300,000 Victorians each year is so important – especially when there are so many more in need. Social Services Sunday is a great opportunity to bring prayerful focus to their work of service and justice.
It also presents a time to reflect on the need for encounter. Passion for connection and meeting others creates the kinship that is imperative in times of hardship and for building strong communities. Through these encounters, we recognise the dignity of every person and can stand alongside those who may otherwise go unheard through accompaniment, advocacy, and practical support.
What can we do to observe Social Services Sunday?
- Join with others in your parish or organisation to take action–big or small. Consider the particular needs in your local community and ask: How can we respond? What can we do together? How can we better love and serve our neighbours?
- Act by giving your time, sharing your skills, making a donation, or advocating for people experiencing disadvantage and marginalisation.
- Pray for those people experiencing hardship, and for the staff and volunteers who accompany and serve our communities.
- Connect with Catholic social service organisations in your community. Find a list of CSSV member organisations and learn more about their work and how you can support them.
Suggested Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart filled with a desire to serve and uplift our community. You have called us to love our neighbours as ourselves and to be instruments of your peace and compassion in the world.
Grant us wisdom and discernment as we seek to serve others. Help us to see beyond outward appearances and to recognize the dignity and worth of every person we encounter. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, empowering us to be your hands and feet in the world, bringing hope and healing wherever we go.
We lift up our community into your loving hands, praying for its well-being and prosperity. Help us to be agents of positive change, working together to build a community where all are valued, respected, and cared for.
Lord, I ask for your blessing upon our efforts to serve others. May our actions be guided by your love and motivated by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
In your name, God, we pray for service to the community. May our hands be your hands, our feet be your feet, and our hearts be your hearts as we seek to serve others in your name. Amen.
Source: Prayer for Service to the Community, Common Good Magazine
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