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Advocacy & Social Justice
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Office of advocacy & justiceLiving the Gospel Through Education, Prayer, Advocacy, and Service
The Office of Advocacy and Justice nurtures a culture of discipleship by empowering Catholics to put their faith into action. Through prayer, education and pastoral care, we promote the Church's social teaching and respond to the needs of the vulnerable in our communities.
Prayer
We partner with the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FLCCB) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to host prayer vigils, novenas, and Masses focused on issues such as abortion, immigration, and the death penalty.
The office also coordinates ministry in 42 county, state, and federal prisons within our diocese. We support sacramental ministry. organize retreats behind prison walls and assist with Bishop Wack's visits to incarcerated individuals.
Education and Awareness
We help Catholics understand the real-life impact of social justice issues by partnering with local organizations and parishes. Educational events and presentation explore a wide range of topics, including:- Protecting God's Creation
- Abortion and End-of-Life Issues
- The Death Penalty
- Immigration and Human Trafficking
- Restorative Justice
- Poverty
Pastoral Care
We collaborate and help lift the work of local organizations serving the most vulnerable, including:- Refugees
- Pregnant Women in Need
- Individuals with Disabilities
- Victims of Human Trafficking
- People Reentering Society After Incarceration
Advocacy
The Office of Advocacy and Justice mobilizes parishes and Catholic organizations to act on key issues through collaboration with Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Efforts include:- Organizing Catholic Days at the Capitol
- Mobilizing Catholics to take action through FLCCB and USCCB action alerts
- Raising awareness on policy issues affecting human dignity
- Catholic Relief Services: Diocesan Webpage | Official Website
- Catholic Campaign for Human Development: Diocesan Webpage | Official Website
- Justice for Immigrants: Diocesan Webpage | Official Website
- National Catholic Partnership on Disability: Official Website
- Catholic Prison Ministry Coalition: Diocesan Webpage | Official Website
To learn more about the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, please follow these links:
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Catholic Social Teaching Pastoral Documents
Document Year / Author Catholic Social Teaching Theme Link Rerum Novarum 1891 – Leo XIII Workers' rights, dignity of labor, private property, social justice. Read here Quadragesimo Anno 1931 – Pius XI Subsidiarity, social order, critique of capitalism & socialism. Read here Mater et Magistra 1961 – John XXIII Global solidarity, rural poverty, social responsibility. Read here Pacem in Terris 1963 – John XXIII Human rights, peace, global cooperation rooted in justice. Read here Gaudium et Spes 1965 – Vatican II Human dignity, ethical progress, Church engagement in modern world. Read here Populorum Progressio 1967 – Paul VI Integral human development, global solidarity, economic justice. Read here Octogesima Adveniens 1971 – Paul VI Christian responsibility in social & political reform. Read here Justitia in Mundo 1971 – Synod of Bishops Justice as core to Gospel mission, structural injustice. Read here (external link) Laborem Exercens 1981 – John Paul II Dignity of work, labor rights, work as human vocation. Read here Sollicitudo Rei Socialis 1987 – John Paul II Ethical global development, solidarity, common good. Read here Centesimus Annus 1991 – John Paul II Critique of socialism & consumerism, solidarity, subsidiarity. Read here Evangelium Vitae 1995 – John Paul II Sanctity of life, opposition to abortion, culture of life. Read here Deus Caritas Est 2005 – Benedict XVI Love as foundation of charity, social justice rooted in faith. Read here Caritas in Veritate 2009 – Benedict XVI Justice and charity, ethics in economics and globalization. Read here Laudato Si 2015 – Francis Care for creation, ecological justice, conversion of heart and policy. Read here -
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Aida Boneboneaptdiocese.orgDirector of Advocacy & Justice -
Luisa Derrezaderrezalptdiocese.orgAdministrative Assistant
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