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Parish Social Ministry

Following in the footsteps of Saint Damien and Saint Marianne

To develop and support Parish Social Ministry, the Diocese established the Office for Social Ministry - OSM which is a vital part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. We promote social justice ministry through acts of charity and justice serving those most in need. Inviting the involvement of our parishes and the community-at-large, OSM strives to address the challenges of communities in Hawaii by utilizing spiritual, human, and material resources for empowerment with dignity and respect. We work with parish social ministries to collaborate on justice goals such as reducing homelessness and providing affordable housing. Social justice ministry is a way to follow Christ, and demonstrate that Hawaii Catholics Care. 

Mission:

Our parish social ministry mission is to prepare and support parishes and their leaders to make social ministry, especially ministries to persons who are most vulnerable, an organized, effective and integral part of parish life grounded in faith, witnessing to Jesus, and committed to following in the footsteps of Saints Damien and Marianne.

Vision:

We envision a world where all people reach their full potential, achieve self-sufficiency, and live in a just and compassionate society.

We work toward a vision of stronger, more self-reliant communities by providing leadership training, organizational workshops, and financial assistance when available to parishes and other groups to solve community problems. We act as a local representative for Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Relief Services, and we oversee the Ministry for Persons with Disabilities.  OSM is also the home of the Office of Affordable Housing.  Our emphasis on outreach to those in need, and promotion of community involvement signifies our intent to not only serve the immediate crises of the poor, but to initiate systemic change that addresses the root causes of social problems. We live out our mission using a four-sided approach which incorporates outreach and charity, justice and peace education, advocacy and legislation, and community organizing.

Our Core Values:

RESPECT:  Treat others as we want to be treated;.
COMPASSION:  Live the Gospel call to serve others locally and globally with love, without judgment, especially persons who are the most poor and vulnerable.
DIGNITY:  Value and respect all persons, at every stage and condition of life.
INTEGRITY:  Honor our commitments and stay true to our mission and values.
SPIRITUALITY: Direct work with a greater purpose and faith in loving God and our neighbor.
EXCELLENCE: Challenge ourselves to meet the highest standards of service and leadership.

Sharing Aloha:  Give Time, Talent and Treasure

The Office for Social Ministry has an extensive history of initiating and providing innovative safety net programs that serve those who have nowhere else to go. Join us in this mission of service by subscribing to our community!
As you give of your time, talent and treasure, you join with others in ministering to those in your community and beyond. Be an active part of the faith that enriches your life each and every day.

What Is Parish Social Ministry

Parish Social Ministry Coordinator Job Description

Forming Parish Social Ministry Teams (PowerPoint)

Organizing Parish Social Ministry From Scratch-Getting Started

Resources and Links For Parish Social 

JustFaith Ministries -Organizing and Developing Parish Social Ministry

JustFaithwill be creating a JustMatters module that incorporates this document on parish social ministry.  This new JustFaith Ministries module will be available late 2013.