​The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. The depth and richness of this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents. In these brief reflections, we highlight several of the key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition. - USCCB

Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

• Life & Dignity of the Human Person
• Call to Family, Community, and Participation
• Rights and Responsibilities
• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
• Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
• Solidarity
• Care for God's Creation​

 

Faith and Society
Commander Eric Tennessen, Rev. Julie Morris, Fr. Patrick Mullen
​November 16, 2020

A Conversation with Camarillo Police Commander Eric Tennessen.
Communities are stronger and safer when residents and law enforcement professionals can relate as ordinary people with shared values, hopes, and dreams.​
The communities of Mt. Cross and Padre Serra are invited to a conversation with Camarillo Police Chief Eric Tennessen, Rev. Julie Morris, and Fr. Patrick Mullen to find ways to work together around our many commonalities, to build bridges and break down biases, and to foster awareness and understanding of training, tactics and goals of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

 

How to Vote Like a Catholic
Dr. Janice Daurio
September 29, 2020

We are Republicans and Democrats, Independents and unaffiliated. But our most intimate identity is our membership in the Body of Christ. Why do Catholics vote and how do we vote as Catholics? Learn how you can vote conscientiously as a person of faith.

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​Catholics Care, Catholics Vote

"We vote because we are citizens. But we vote conscientiously because we are people of faith. Our consciences are formed through studying Scripture and the teachings of the Church, examination of the facts, and prayerful reflection." ​- Faithful Citizenship

We are called as Catholics to exercise our civic duty to vote with an informed conscience and with gospel values. Prayer and study should be our guide as we make decisions. In this election year, our duty and responsibility is to educate ourselves about the issues and candidates.

Here are several helpful resources:

• U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
  • Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the Church's teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics
  • 7 Principles of Catholic Social Teaching 
  • Civilize It, a pledge campaign to promote civility, love our neighbors, and build community

• California Catholic Conference of Bishops
• Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Life, Justice and Peace​

 

Catholic Social Teachings and the Signs of Times
Sr. Lisa Megaffin, SND
September 15, 2020

The phrase “these are unprecedented times” has become very trite in recent months.  Nevertheless, these unprecedented times also provide an invitation to study the Catholic Social Teachings. This presentation examines the traditional Catholic Social Teachings, their Scriptural roots, and personal applications. Although many of these topics can lead to partisan disagreements, this talk will focus on personal application rather than political platforms.

Sr. Lisa has ministered primarily as a secondary educator including La Reina High School and is currently Director of Mission Advancement for the Sisters of Notre Dame. Within the civic community, Sr. Lisa has served on various non-profit boards, including Many Mansions, a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing with life-enriching services.

Peace & Justice