“If you want peace, work for justice.”
--Pope Paul VI

Catholic social teaching has been called "our best kept secret," and "an essential part of Catholic faith." This is for good reason, as you would be hard pressed to find many Catholics who could name just one of its key themes. Take a look at the seven themes; then explore how these themes relate to you and your everyday life. 

• Life and Dignity of the Human Person
  All human life is sacred; the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.

• Call to Family, Community, and Participation
  The person is not only sacred but also social. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened.

• Rights and Responsibilities
  Every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.

• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
  The needs of the poor and vulnerable deserve preferential concern.

• The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
  Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected.

• Solidarity
  We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are called to work for the common good.

• Care for God’s Creation
  We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith.

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Living the Light of Christ

Highlighting opportunities to “live in the Light” by helping those in need.

“When I feed the poor they call me a saint.
But when I ask why they are poor they call me a communist”
                                               ‐Dom Helder Camera

~City Greens Market~

Catholic Charities Midtown Center, serving individuals & families since 1982, began City Greens Market in 2009 to address area families’ lack of access to quality, affordable produce. Areas without healthy food access are called “food deserts.” City Greens Market has grown in the “desert” of mid-city St. Louis.
The Market is sustained by a unique membership structure: low income families receive membership at no charge, while sponsoring members contribute an annual donation. Those members earning $30,000/year, or more, are asked to pay a membership fee of $150. This way, when shopping, all members are purchasing items at the same price.

By purchasing a membership, you can buy local, naturally grown produce, meat, eggs & dairy products year round while also investing in community health & supporting local Missouri farmers. Memberships are tax- deductible and there is no sales tax on purchases. Join your friends & neighbors in a truly unique shopping experience-a place where you will find chemical-free food & community inspired conversation.

City Greens recently received a matching grant from the Brown Sisters foundation for $30,000. This money will be used so that the market can move into a permanent home within The Grove Neighborhood. As a result, hours of operation will be increased, as well as our reach. If interested in making a donation, which will be matched by the grant, to support City Greens with this move go to: http://www.gofundme.com/25ja9s

Join the St. Gabriel Outreach Yahoo Group

Would you like to help serve others within our parish community but aren't quite sure how to begin?
Join the St. Gabriel Outreach Yahoo Group!  This group was originally formed in 2008; we are currently working with our Parish Nurse to use this tool to meet the needs of the sick, elderly, and homebound in the parish community.  By helping those in need, we can nurture a sense of responsibility for one another and experience God's love in a concrete way.  If you would like to be a part of this group, please email
Kristen Goldkamp at kristen.goldkamp@sbcglobal.net.