Core Commitments of the Winona Catholic Worker

These are the basic commitments of the Winona Catholic Worker. These commitments define who we are and why we do what we do. When we make decisions, we turn to these principles either explicitly or implicitly, to guide us.

Community
We could not hope to do the works of mercy day in and day out without the strength and encouragement found in community.. In fact, the hospitality we offer to others is an outgrowth of the faith, hope, and love shared and fostered in this community. This means we make it a priority to share time and friendship with those in our immediate community. We not only work together, we also make time to play together and simply enjoy each other’s company as well.

Poverty
We hold a preferential option for the poor which means we live in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need. It also means we believe in the fair distribution of resources and will be conscious of our needs verses our wants and at times we will have less in order to live simply and justly.

Hospitality
Hospitality can be seen as simply openness. This means that we open our doors to those in need of shelter, food and friendship as well as our hearts and doors to all we encounter, keeping in mind that the face of Christ is reflected in each person.

Stewardship
God has been very generous to this community. In thanksgiving for the gift of creation and in particular for the outpouring of love and support this community has received from God through the work of human hands, we practice stewardship in all things. This means we take care of our houses by maintaining our tools, returning things to their proper places and always keeping in mind the next person that will come along and have the opportunity to use the many gifts we have to share. This also means making conscious decisions about caring for the earth in our daily lives and decisions as in our transportation choices, our water and energy resources, and our consumption and discarding of food.

Faith
Our work is grounded in our faith. Without our faith, our work seems senseless and even foolish. This means that we trust that God’s providence will continue to provide for the needs of our community and our guests. Our faith is also in a merciful God, recognizing that God has endless mercy on us as we carry on in a compassionate and forgiving way with our guests and all those we encounter.

Nonviolence
We are committed to nonviolence in all things. This means we practice it in our personal relationships with one another, with houseguests, with neighbors and with the world at large. This means we take a stand and resist violence and war- making wherever we encounter it.