A Movement of Mercy

I took my youth group to the “Catholic Action Center” this past Sunday. This is a place of hope for the homeless in Lexington, KY that seeks to fill the gaps missed by other organizations.

Before they opened in 2000 they talked to homeless people at a town hall meeting and asked what they needed most and then tried to fill those needs. Besides things like food, shelter, and clothes, they needed a place to go to the bathroom, a place to clean up, and a place to hang out. Though they did those things, often they were subject to being arrested for loitering, public urination, etc. In addition, they needed a place to wash their clothes. After all, how could they put their best foot forward at interviews and things (both physically and in their own mindsets) if they were wearing dirty, nasty clothing? So this Center and some surrounding buildings attempt to meet those needs.

It proved to be a great experience. Some of us served food while others sorted clothes to be given out at “God’s Garments”. The center is based on the “Catholic Worker Movement” which started during the Great Depression in the 30s. It is not affiliated with Catholicism but with the universal understanding that all of God’s people should be cared for. I recommend finding a center in your area and getting involved, as it is all done by volunteer efforts.

Below is a brief history of the movement written by Jim Forest for The Encyclopedia of American Catholic History.

The Catholic Worker Movement By Jim Forest

The Catholic Worker movement was founded in 1933 during the Great Depression by Dorothy Day at the urging of Peter Maurin. It is best known for houses of hospitality located in run-down sections of many cities, though a number of Catholic Worker centers exist in rural areas. Food, clothing, shelter and welcome is extended by unpaid volunteers to those in need according to the ability of each household. In 1995 there were 134 Catholic Worker communities, all but three in the United States.

"Our rule is the works of mercy," said Dorothy Day. "It is the way of sacrifice, worship, a sense of reverence."

Beyond hospitality, Catholic Worker communities are known for activity in support of labor unions, human rights, cooperatives, and the development of a nonviolent culture. Those active in the Catholic Worker are often pacifists people seeking to live an unarmed, nonviolent life. During periods of military conscription, Catholic Workers have been conscientious objectors to military service. Many of those active in the Catholic Worker movement have been jailed for acts of protest against racism, unfair labor practices, social injustice and war.

With its stress on voluntary poverty, the Catholic Worker has much in common with the early Franciscans, while its accent on community, prayer and hospitality has Benedictine overtones.

"We try to shelter the homeless and give them clothes," Dorothy Day explained, "but there is strong faith at work. We pray. If an outsider who comes to visit us doesn't pay attention to our prayers and what that means, then he'll miss the whole point."

It is unlikely that any religious community was ever less structured than the Catholic Worker. Each community is autonomous. There is no board of directors, no sponsor, no system of governance, no endowment, no pay checks, no pension plans. Since Dorothy Day's death, there has been no central leader.