New York dioceses launch joint effort to raise awareness of poor

Published: 2005-12-28

HICKSVILLE, N.Y. (CNS) -- The dioceses of New York state are launching an effort to promote awareness of society's responsibility for the poor and vulnerable. All eight New York dioceses are taking part in a multistep implementation plan for "Restoring the Covenant: A Pastoral Letter on Society's Responsibility to the Poor and Vulnerable." The New York state bishops released the letter last March and approved the implementation plan in June. Richard Koubek, who wrote a study guide for the pastoral letter and serves as administrator of the Public Policy Education Network for Catholic Charities in the Rockville Centre Diocese, said the Christmas season was a time when attention was focused on the needs of the poor. "Of course, this effort will go on long after the Christmas trees are put away," he added. There are guides for parish adult education groups as well as high school, college and young adult groups; lesson plans for kindergarten through grade 12; and bulletin inserts for parishes, all explaining the pastoral letter and the plight of the poor, he said.

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