Social Justice
Ministries » Social Justice
The Church's social teaching comprises a body of doctrine, which is articulated as the Church interprets events in the course of history, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, in the light of the whole of what has been revealed by Jesus Christ. CCC 2422
Central to our identity as Catholics is that we are called to be leaven for transforming the world, agents for bringing about a kingdom of love and justice. Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions, U.S. Catholic Bishops, 1998.
Our parish community follows the following principles of Catholic Social Teaching: Dignity of the human person; Community of the common good; Rights & responsibilities; The needs of the poor; The dignity of work; The acceptance of diversity in the human family; And care for God's creation.
Warming Center
Our parish, in conjunction with Catholic Charities and other churches around the city, supports the La Crosse Warming Center, which provides a warm place from November 1st to April 30th for unhoused adults 18 and older. Our parish provides food and staffing every Saturday. For more information or to sign up, contact Tony Weisse.
Outreach & Opportunities
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Volunteer to make a difference!
Bread for the World
A Christian advocacy organization, Bread for the World works to end hunger in the United States and around the world by urging policymakers to address the root causes of poverty and by mobilizing people of faith to speak out for those in need.
Our Social Justice Committee supports this mission through our annual parish Bread Sale, held just before Thanksgiving, and our Offering of Letters each spring, when we urge congressional leaders to advocate for policies that address the root causes of poverty and hunger. Please reach out to Wanda Wochos to get involved.
Birthright
Birthright of La Crosse is a compassionate resource center that provides support, guidance, and essential services for women facing unplanned pregnancies, as well as ongoing care for new moms and their babies. To see how you can be involved and support this work, contact Julie Boen.
Casa Hogar
Casa Hogar is a mission of the Diocese of La Crosse and an orphanage for children in Peru. To see how you can be involved and support this work, contact Deacon David Allen.
Giving Tree & Alternative Gift Giving
Each December, we embrace the spirit of Christmas by sharing personal stories and creative, non-commercial ways of giving. Our committee also sets up and takes down the parish Giving Tree and delivers the donated gifts to the recipient organizations and families. To get involved in this meaningful outreach, please contact Therese Regner.
Coats for Kids
In collaboration with Catholic Charities, Jail Ministry, the Salvation Army, and WTC, we collect gently used, clean winter clothing such as coats, hats, mittens, and snow pants for both children and adults. The collection runs from late September through November, with volunteers gathering and delivering donations to the appropriate agencies. Watch the parish bulletin during this time for more details.
Habitat for Humanity
In October, we collect donations and signatures to support Habitat’s future homes. Donors are invited to sign a 2’x4’ board that will be used somewhere in the home construction. There are other opportunities such as Faith Build to contribute and work on new home construction in our community. For more information please contact Alice McGuire-Backlund.
Food Drive
Several times each year, both RNC and BSP parishes hosts food drives to support those in need. Most collections benefit local organizations, including WAFER, Catholic Charities, Western Technical College, UW–La Crosse, Viterbo University, and Place of Grace. On even-numbered years, one of our drives instead supports the Minnesota Food Pantry. Volunteers assist by transporting and sorting donations. Watch the parish bulletin for upcoming dates and details.
Hoseas Heart
Each May, we partner with BSP to host a plant sale supporting Hosea’s Heart, a faith-based organization in Eswatini that provides safe homes, education, and hope for women and young girls rescued from sexual abuse, exploitation, and sex trafficking. To get involved or for more information, reach out to the Social Justice Committee.
Back to School Drive
Before each school year, we partner with Catholic Charities to collect school supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, and other essentials. These donations help ensure that children in our community have the tools they need for a successful school year. Watch the parish bulletin for details on how to contribute and volunteer.
Environmental Concerns
Our parish’s ongoing ‘Caring for the Earth’ initiative focuses on protecting and preserving God’s creation. We are always looking for new ideas and ways to strengthen these efforts. Please contact the Social Justice Committee for more information or to share your suggestions.
Fundraisers Supporting Social Justice Initiatives
Throughout the year, our parish hosts several fundraisers to support social justice efforts. In February, we hold a bake sale; in July, we hold a ‘Strawberry Sunday & Floats’ fundraiser alongside Art Fair on the Green; and in November, we host our annual Bread Sale.
Jail Ministry
Roncalli Newman supports collections of winter wear for those leaving jail and may provide for other needs as they arise. Volunteers also have the opportunity to participate in Circle of Supports groups. Please reach out to Dee Paqué for more information or to get involved.
Juneteenth
June 19th, 1865, marks the day enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom. In past years, our parish has participated in local events, such as distributing books that promote diversity, kindness, and inclusion for all ages. Watch the parish bulletin for details on upcoming activities.
Mental Health Awareness
In May and September, our parish organizes activities and initiatives to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention. These efforts include educational resources, community discussions, and opportunities to connect with local support services. Watch the parish bulletin for details on upcoming events and ways to get involved. For any questions, reach out to Julie Boen.
Thanksgiving Community Meal
The Social Justice Committee helps coordinate donations for the La Crosse Community Dinner held on Thanksgiving Day. Contributions may include cash or large cans of green beans. Watch the parish bulletin for details on how to donate and participate.
Social Justice - Committee
Our Social Justice Committee serves the parish by prayerfully discerning which pastoral needs of parishioners and/or community residents are in need of outreach and assistance. We are given the task to foster pastoral concern and action for justice in the community and world, and especially in all areas of parish life. The areas of concern include but are not limited to the promotion of respect for all human life; and care of the afflicted, the needy, imprisoned, migrants, and refugees. We also work to promote just structures in the parish and foster a greater understanding of the Church's teaching on social justice. Come join us!
The Social Justice Committee meets six times per year, on the first Tuesday of every other month (February, April, June, August, October, December). Currently via Google meets at 6:00 PM
