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What is Social Services Sunday?
On Sunday, 21st September, the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne marks Social Services Sunday – a day to give thanks for the dedicated work of the thousands of staff and volunteers who stand with and serve the poor, disadvantaged and marginalised, and to reflect on how we might partner with Catholic agencies to be more involved in Gospel-inspired works of charity and justice in our own 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.
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 people each year is so important – especially when there are so many more in need.
Catholic social service organisations have been working with people to bring to life the Catholic Social Teaching principles to anchor hope in those who need it during their hardships. They continue to bring hope, compassion, and good news to the poor and marginalised. They need your prayers and support, and Social Services Sunday is a great opportunity to bring this prayerful focus to their work of service and justice.
Social Services Sunday is also a time to reflect on how we, as Pilgrims of Hope, can partner with Catholic agencies and others to be more involved in Gospel-inspired works of charity and justice in our own communities.
How can you be an Anchor of Hope?
- Consider whether you can volunteer at or donate to a Catholic social service organisation to support their work.
- Gather your parish community, reflect on local pressing social issues, and determine Gospel-inspired actions your parish can take in collaboration with social service organisations to offer loving service to those most in need.
- Pray for the staff and volunteers of social services who provide hope to our communities.
CSSV has developed a Social Services Sunday parish kit (available below) 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. We encourage you to share this with your parish, school or wider community,
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.
Suggested Prayer
Loving God,
We give thanks for those who stand at the margins,
who hear the cry of the abandoned,
who dress the wounds of those mugged at the roadside,
and carry hope into forgotten places.
May your unconditional love inspire us
to see your presence in every person,
and to act with steady hands in courage and compassion,
to sow seeds of justice and peace.
Guide us with the wisdom of saints like Mary MacKillop,
so that we may walk in the footsteps of Jesus,
gently alongside our human family in hardship.
We pray for those who serve in social services.
May we who gather here join them as builders of peace,
companions to the vulnerable,
and bearers of hope.
Amen.
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