Clergy Care Collective: Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching

Clergy Care Collective stands firmly upon the foundation of Catholic Social Teaching, recognizing the profound call of seminarians and clergy to serve the poor, marginalized, and those cast aside by society. This mission is illuminated by the Church’s constant exhortation to solidarity and preferential love for the poor, as articulated in Gaudium et Spes (§1) and Evangelii Gaudium (§198).

Our work is inspired by the Church’s call to protect human dignity and promote the common good, remembering Pope Francis’s reminder in Laudato Si' (§117) that true human development cannot exclude care for the weakest among us. Seminarians and clergy, while often enjoying relative economic stability, have a sacred duty to reach beyond their comfort and to accompany the materially poor, recognizing the face of Christ in every suffering person (Matthew 25:31-46).

Furthermore, Catholic Social Teaching demands inclusion and justice for the disabled, affirming in Fratelli Tutti (§98) that "persons with disabilities must be recognized and respected in their unique worth." This commitment echoes Christifideles Laici (§47), which calls the Church to ensure the participation and dignity of the disabled in all spheres of ecclesial life.

Clergy Care Collective emphasizes that seminarians and clergy must not merely serve but stand in solidarity with those experiencing poverty and disability, transforming ecclesial culture through accompaniment, advocacy, and humble service. This is how we heed the call of Caritas in Veritate (§6), which insists that charity must be rooted in truth and justice, respecting the inalienable worth of every human being.

Through this vision, we invite the Church to uphold the prophetic witness of clergy and seminarians who dedicate themselves to the poor and disabled, drawing strength from the Gospel and the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching.