Church documents provide a means toward keeping in touch with current church teachings. Help keep your parish aware of papal encyclicals and bishops’ statements that relate to social justice issues. Consider the following examples.

	In 1991, Pope John Paul II issued the encyclical Centesimus Annus (One Hundred Years) to acknowledge the 100th anniversary of the encyclical Rerum Norarum (On the Condition of Labor) which marked the beginning of the social conscience of the Church.
	In 2002, we observe the 40th anniversary of Vatican Council II (1962-1965). A valuable document from the Council is the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et Spes), which discusses the relationship of the Church to today’s world.
	The US Catholic Conference of Bishops teaches through pastoral letters addressed to all Catholics living in the United States. Their 2002 letter, "A Place at the Table - A Catholic Recommitment to Overcome Poverty and to Respect the Dignity of All God's Children" provides important guidelines involving social justice.

The New Concise Catholic Dictionary

by Reynolds R. Ekstrom

This dictionary resource offers an overview to the teachings, facts, beliefs, and values unique to the Catholic community. It will benefit teachers, staff, parents, and students. The text also cross-references the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).

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