By David Eck

ARCHDIOCESE — Well over 175 priests from across the Archdiocese of Cincinnati discussed church mission and Catholic social teaching at the annual convocation of priests Oct. 23 at Incarnation Parish in Centerville.

The daylong event also featured plenty of fellowship, camaraderie and news updates.

CT/DAVID ECK

Father Jeff Bacon, left, pastor of Queen of Peace Church in Milvillle, and Father Raymond Leurck, pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Shandon, talk at the annual convocation of priests.

He urged the priests to encourage social mission — from Luke’s Gospel: bringing good news to the poor; liberty to the captive; sight to the blind; set the downtrodden free — in their parishes.

"The priest should make known the social teaching of the church and foster in the members of his community an awareness of their right and duty to be active subjects of this doctrine," said Carr, quoting the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. "Through the celebration of the sacraments, especially Eucharist and reconciliation, the priest helps the faithful live their social commitment."

Social mission is not optional.

"This is a central part of what it is to be a priest," he said.

He also acknowledged there are challenges in the world today, including a lack of respect for life.

"This is a tough time to be carrying out this mission," Carr said. "This is a challenging time for this archdiocese. This is a time for mission."

Based on his own experiences, Carr relayed the challenges of raising teen-agers and what kind of world will they be a part of.

"I feel like we’re in a battle for our kids’ hearts, minds and souls," he said. "And some days I feel we’re not winning."

Despite the increasing involvement of the laity in the church today and the impact scandals have had on the church, the priests’ role remains vital, he said. Catholics are grateful about the service of good priests.

"Our church is not our church without you," Carr said. "You shouldn’t think for a minute that your role has been marginalized."

Taking social mission/solidarity seriously helps us not just do more but be more Catholic; more an evangelizing, worshiping and serving community; more the "Body of Christ" and "People of God," he said.

Among the key ideas for fostering a social mission in a parish, Carr said, is to integrate social mission, anchor in prayer, and preach — connect a parishioner’s faith to an action.

It’s also important for the priest to practice everyday Christianity. He should become involved in the community and become active in social justice programs. Priests can lead by example, Carr said.

Priests and parishes are also called to build community and solidarity. Parishes can build community with a community presence and participation, organization for justice and standing with the poor.

Parishes should look beyond their boundaries and become involved with opportunities for solidarity with Catholic Relief Services, mission work, Operation Rice Bowl and twinning.

"I think we are in the engagement business," Carr said, "the persuasive business."

In an afternoon panel discussion, Father Gerald Haemmerle, pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Kettering, outlined some of the social justice activities at that parish.

The parish recently held an African summit to promote education and advocacy for Africa. The event offered nearly a dozen different workshops and drew about 170 people.

"I think we all have good (parishioners)," Father Haemmerle said. "All we have to do is enable them and encourage them."

Sister of Divine Providence Alice Gerdeman, director of the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center in Cincinnati, spoke of social justice opportunities within her organization, particularly with the ministering of those on death row and their families.
Other resources and opportunities for social justice activities can be found within the archdiocesan Mission and Catholic Social Action offices.

"The social mission of being a priest is central," Carr said. "It’s not marginal. It’s not an add-on. It’s at the core of who they are and how they serve."