Messages in Scripture about giving to the poor go back as early as Leviticus and Deuteronomy, and, of course, to the life of Christ, said Mike Rios-Keating, social justice education manager at Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. “We do get a sense of ‘who is the poor?’ and ‘what does it mean to give of ourselves?’” he said.
Scripture mentions widows, orphans and aliens, he said, “and certainly that translates to today, when we’re talking about women, children, immigrants and refugees in terms of who might be in need.” The more difficult question today, he said, is who are the marginalized? “And that changes,” Rios-Keating said.
“That’s why (Catholic social) teaching is so important because it allows us to … think about the issues that may change 10 years from now,” he said.
Rios-Keating recently joined “Practicing Catholic” radio show host Patrick Conley to discuss ways to minister to the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
People need to ask themselves what they are willing to give up for the good of their neighbor, Rios-Keating said. “I think that gets into the hard question of the pieces of the pie, not having enough pieces of the pie,” he said. And what we learn from Scripture, he said, is that it takes sacrifice.
“What are we willing to give up— whether resources, time, power, comfort and being comfortable, so that we all might thrive? And there are a lot of ways to do that,” he said.
During the interview, Rios-Keating described the various programs and services Catholic Charities offers as a large social service agency that’s been around for more than 150 years. Emergency services, for example, include Higher Ground homeless shelters and social services hubs in Minneapolis and St. Paul and emergency services for youth in both cities, he said.
Volunteering as an individual, or part of a faith community or other group is a great way to get involved and learn about Catholic Charities’ programs, Rios-Keating said. But giving, whether monetarily or with in-kind donations, is also important, he said, because the organization needs them to continue its work.
When people learn more about issues, they are more likely to act, whether through volunteering or advocacy, Rios-Keating said. Catholic Charities staff are available to give presentations on topics such as homelessness, housing, racial equity or Catholic social teaching, he said.
To learn more, visit the Catholic Charities website at cctwincities.org or text the word “voice” to 50457 to connect with Catholic Charities’ advocacy work.
Tune in to the latest episode of “Practicing Catholic” to hear the entire interview. It airs 9 p.m. April 1, 1 p.m. April 2 and 2 p.m. April 3 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM.
“Practicing Catholic” is produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and broadcast on Relevant Radio 1330 AM. Other guest interviews on the April 1 show are Judith Oberhauser, chaplain at Our Lady of Peace hospice in St. Paul, who discusses end-of-life care, and local Catholic educator Maria Zownirowycz, who discusses what she is hearing from relatives in Ukraine.
Listen to all of the interviews after they have aired at:
