Social Concerns Ministry
Social Concerns
The Archdiocesan Secretariat of Catholic Charities recognizes that not only is it important to assist our neighbors in their time of immediate need, but to also walk beside them and provide the tools they may need on their journey to rise above their current situations.
The Archdiocese of Indianapolis Mission Statement asks its faithful to commit themselves to generosity in the use of their spiritual and material resources by serving all those in need. With that in mind, Social Concerns for the Archdiocesan Secretariat of Catholic Charities encompasses the work of Catholic Charities USA Parish Social Ministry (CCUSA – PSM), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) and the work of the USCCB Office of Justice, Peace and Human Development.
Social Concerns encourages the Community to grow in a deeper understanding of Catholic Social Teaching by providing resources and strategies for effective action in parishes, schools and surrounding communities. Most importantly, it calls us to a deeper understanding in living out the Two Greatest Commandments, which is to Love God and to Love our Neighbors, both locally and globally."
World Refugee Day 2022
.jpg)
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
A mental illness is a condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, behavior or mood. These conditions deeply impact day-to-day living and may also affect the ability to relate to others. If you have — or think you might have — a mental illness, the first thing you must know is that you are not alone. For a list of Catholic mental health therapists, visit
https://www.archindy.org/marriageandfamily/therapists.html
Mental Health Awareness Month: May 1-May 31
May is Mental Health Awareness Month as well as the feast day of St. Dymphna, the patron saint of those with mental illnesses. To help bring awareness to the pervasiveness of mental illness in our society, please join Catholic Charities- Social Concerns in a month long walking challenge to nourish both our mental and spiritual health.
The Challenge: Each day in the month of May, take a walk as an offering for the daily mental-health intention that is listed on the Walking In Hope Calendar. Whether you pray a Rosary or a Divine Mercy Chaplet, or simply lift up in prayer those specific names that have been placed on your heart of individuals or families who are struggling with the disease of mental illness, your prayers will bring healing to others. Feel free to invite others to walk with you on your journey. Share your experience and a picture on Facebook. Don't forget to tag Catholic Charities - Social Concerns. Just know that you are not alone on your journey to better mental, spiritual, emotional and physical health.
Download Walking In Hope Daily Offerings for Healing HERE.

More info about Catholic Charities Bloomington and Catholic Charities Indianapolis
Catholic Social Teaching and the Saints
May 2022 - St. Dymphna, Patron Saint of those Suffering from a Mental Illness. (Learn more about her)
Catholic Social Teaching principals:
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Download how you can Pray, Learn, and Act with St. Dymphna
Your Help Is Needed In Ukraine
As the Ukrainian conflict continues, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in partnership with the Church and Caritas Ukraine (the Catholic Charities of Ukraine), has been on the ground in the Ukraine and in bordering countries working closely with the people in providing safe shelter, hot meal, hygiene supplies, fuel to keep warm, transport to safe areas, counseling support and more.
Your prayers and financial support are needed as CRS and Caritas Ukraine continued to provide immediate assistance for our Ukrainian sisters and brothers affected by this crisis.
Donation Options
Online: www.crs.org Or click HERE to be directed to the CRS Ukraine Giving Webpage
By Phone: 877-435-7277
Check or Money Order by Mail:
Catholic Relief Services
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, MD 21297-0303
The situation there is rapidly unfolding, and we could not do this work without your help. To learn more about the work and ministry of CRS, the international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, in the Ukraine, please visit www.crs.org.
To learn more about the work of CRS in the Ukraine, visit...
Ukraine Conflict: Facts and How to Help
CRS Press Release - March 1, 2022

Catholic Church Teaching on War and Peace Infographics
Read quotes about Catholic teaching on war and peace here
Resource Highlight
CST 101 is a collaborative 7-part video and discussion guide series presented by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services on Catholic social teaching. Learn more here
Contact Us
Theresa Chamblee
Director of Social Concerns
Catholic Charities
1400 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317-236-1404
tchamblee@archindy.org