SOLIDARITY II
“Solidarity means...thinking and acting in terms of community.” (Pope Francis, Fratelli tutti no. 116)
“We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters' keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace.” (USCCB)
“Wanting to inaugurate a kingdom of justice, fraternity and solidarity, God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks us, his Church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest.” (Pope Leo XIV, Dilexi te no. 16)
WHAT IS SOLIDARITY?
At the Catholic Volunteer Network (CVN), Cecilia Flores, Executive Director says being in solidarity means focusing on what a community is saying about their needs and how people who volunteer can engage meaningfully with them. She further explains that CVN moves people from service to adopting an attitude of solidarity because, as a volunteer, “I want you to be able to live the way God wants you to live, so I am here to serve you because I see something bigger you are capable of.”
HOW DOES THE CATHOLIC VOLUNTEER NETWORK PRACTICE SOLIDARITY?
The Church is one body in Christ, Cecilia reminds us, which is why the Catholic Volunteer Network seeks to provide opportunities for a “meaningful and deep encounter through the lens of faith.” Service is seen as a catalyst for people who volunteer to be in solidarity with others who are different from themselves and to treat them with the dignity they deserve. CVN represents a network of about 100 faith-based, faith-inspired service programs that can be found through their online search tool.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT?
Many people who seek service opportunities through the Catholic Volunteer Network do so after they graduate from college. They’ve discerned that they want to use this time in their life and the gifts God has given them in service for others before embarking on a career. What volunteers may only realize after their commitment is finished is the profound effect being in solidarity with others can have on their own life.
Cecilia has experienced firsthand how allowing God to take you on a journey through service can reveal a lot to a person about themselves. She decided to commit to a faith-based program in Central America for three months after completing her undergraduate studies and ended up staying for six years, while changing the course of her life. She has worked in multiple different areas of ministry in service to others, which led to her current role as Executive Director of CVN.
Another story of radical change in life direction involved a woman who graduated with a theater major. She decided to volunteer in a maternity home in Dallas through CVN that provided housing and services to young pregnant women and their children. As a result of this experience walking with people in need, this woman decided to pursue a master's degree in social work and just graduated this past August.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
Given the profound effect participation in a volunteer commitment can have on a person, the greatest need at Catholic Volunteer Network is for mentors. These mission-minded people would walk with volunteers post-mission in processing what they experienced and discerning how it will affect their life choices going forward. People with knowledge and experience in mission-related areas are also in demand as are donations to help with the educational programs CVN provides for volunteers and member program managers. Finally, encourage others to explore service opportunities no matter their age or circumstances.