You Can Put a Priest in the Union Hall, on the Picket Line, and in the Pulpit

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On Labor Day, we launched A Labor of Love—our first-ever appeal to revive the Church’s labor ministry. If you’ve already contributed, thank you: your generosity is already at work. If you haven’t yet joined us, let me share why your support is so urgent.

We recently told the story of Alex, a worker who was robbed of his wages when he wasn’t paid in full for cement work he had completed. His story is not unique. Workers’ dignity is strengthened when they know they have the support of their priest and local Church leaders.

That’s why we’re working to revive our Labor Priest Ministry—so that priests can stand alongside workers on the picket line, in the union hall, and in the pulpit.

“I didn’t know the Church actually cares about these things.”

During a recent Catholic Labor Network listening session, Fr. Michael, a long-time diocesan priest and CLN member, shared about a workshop he led for labor union leaders across the country. Afterward, several union members—some in tears—told him the same thing:

“I’m Catholic, but I didn’t know the Church supports workers and their right to unionize.”

For too many, our Church’s strong tradition of supporting workers’ rights remains hidden. Yet since Rerum Novarum in 1891, the Church has consistently taught that work has dignity, that wages must be just, and that workers have the inherent right to organize and collectively bargain.

Through the support of members and donors, the Catholic Labor Network has lived out the teachings of Rerum Novarum by:
 ✊ Walking alongside striking workers in Catholic hospitals and schools;
 📖 Teaching Catholic Social Teaching on labor to hundreds; and
 🤝 Partnering with bishops and universities to lift up the Church’s voice on worker justice.

For thirty years, we’ve accomplished much with volunteers and part-time staff. But the needs of workers—and the call of our faith—demand more.  And we need you to join us.

Thank you to all who have already made a gift.  Your generosity is already being put to work.  For those who have not been able to contribute yet, there is still time.

Your support today will:

  • Train priests to preach and minister to workers;
  • Equip Catholic institutions to become ethical employers;
  • Stand in solidarity with all workers; and
  • Proclaim Catholic Social Doctrine and the Joy of the Gospel.

At the heart of this work is Catholic identity. Will the Church in our lifetime be known as a faithful friend of workers? With your help, it can.

👉 Make your gift today to put a Labor Priest on the picket line and in the pulpit!