In commemoration of the second World Day of the Poor, celebrated on Sunday, Nov. 18, the Office of Life, Justice and Peace of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has launched a new website, LACatholics.org, where Catholics can learn what the local Church is doing and find ways to get involved in the different ministries that support the underserved.
“This is a day to remember that we are called to hear the cry of the poor in our community — and to remember that there are many kinds of poverty,” said Archbishop Jose H. Gomez. “We are blessed to have so many generous Catholics here in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles — their works of mercy and love make a difference in the lives of countless people every day.”
The Catholic community in the tri-county Archdiocese of Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties), numbering close to 5 million, houses the homeless, feeds the poor, cares for foster kids, visits those in prison, provides resources to pregnant women in need, and assists the ill and dying every single day. This work often goes unnoticed or under-appreciated by the culture, and even by the Catholic community.
“It is important to celebrate the works of mercy performed quietly by everyday Catholics,” said Kathleen Buckley-Domingo, senior director of the Archdiocese’s Office of Life, Justice and Peace. “When we amplify these actions, we proclaim that the lay faithful, and the work done in Jesus’ name, are the heart of our Church and the true manifestation of the Christian faith.”
In sharing these stories and programs, the Archdiocese hopes to invite local Catholics to participate, offering opportunities to celebrate success and to transform parishes from places only to go for sacraments, to hubs of service for those in need.
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