Credible Signs of Christ Alive: Case Studies from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development - Hardcover

Hogan, John P.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 074253166X ISBN 13: 9780742531666

Publisher: Sheed & Ward, 2003

Synopsis

This accessible and stirring book not only introduces readers to the work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the domestic antipoverty and social justice program sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, but also inspires us to service. With John P. Hogan as our guide, we are invited to walk with those who serve and those who are served in confronting the daily reality of poverty as well as the root causes and structures that cause it. Written with the skill of a journalist and the passion of a social justice reformer, Credible Signs of Christ Alive highlights six exemplary CCHD-funded projects that represent successful joint efforts between the working poor--including whites, African-Americans, Latin Americans, and a variety of immigrant groups including, Africans, Asians, Hispanics, and Russians--and the non-poor. Complete with case studies, reflection questions, suggested actions, contacts, and optional further reading, this book tells the story behind the poverty statistics, mines the hope behind the headlines, and makes real the power of faith to transform the world.

About this title

About the Author:

John P. Hogan, Ph.D., has worked with Peace Corps and Catholic Relief Services in Africa, Haiti, and South America. He has taught at Catholic University, Loyola College and SAIS, Johns Hopkins University. He lives in Washington, DC.

Review:

This volume... will be a rich resource for parish and school groups to mine, and it will be of great value for teachers to help students understand the Church's option for the poor. (The Living Light)

From the poultry plants and gentrifying urban neighborhoods of the East Coast to the gang-infested streets of East L.A., the CCHD is making a difference in the lives of thousands. It sponsors grassroots projects to support community action that empowers the poor. Hogan is a wonderful tour guide, weaving together the message of justice from scripture and Catholic social teaching with inspiring profiles of six case studies in social change. This compelling book offers concrete hope for a world so desperately in need of solidarity and commitment to the common good. (Thomas Massaro, S.J.,)

In a personal, reflective, easy-to-read style, John Hogan challenges us all to deepen our understanding of the Catholic social tradition and strengthen our will to get involved. Coupled with the case models are helpful discussion questions, suggested parish action, and both contacts and ideas for optional further study. As a result, Hogan does indeed present us with Credible Signs of Christ Alive. His book will be a welcomed addition to parishes, adult education groups, Catholic high schools as well as Catholic college and university student centers. I highly recommend it. (Weigert, Kathleen Maas)

Reading Credible Signs of Christ Alive by John Hogan reminds me of listening to a pianist stretching out fingers to strike vibrant cords. It draws richly on the Papal Documents for the principles of Catholic Social Teaching; it mediates these principles through analyses of the social structures in which people live; and it resonates with the daily, hourly anguish of workers in the chicken factories of Maryland, the hog farms of Iowa and the tense inner city neighborhoods of Camden and Los Angeles. Principles of solidarity, subsidiarity and the preferential option come alive when spoken through the lives of America's "working poor." Hearing the voices of Americans who live at the margin one is awakened to the jarring sound of misery, yet one also marvels at how people supported by the CCHD respond by finding ways to hammer out hope. This work brings to life CST for classrooms and points the way for action by parishes and other groups. (George F. McLean, O.M.I.,)

It [is] consoling to turn away from the mountains of literature on the current crisis in the church to read about places where people demonstrate that the Good News is alive, even in places where most of the news is bad. (Commonweal)

It [is] consoling to turn away from the mountains of literature on the current crisis in the church to read about places where people demonstrate that the Good News is alive, even in places where most of the news is bad..... (Commonweal)

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is one of the great post-conciliar stories of the Church in the United States. Author John Hogan introduces us to the men and women--the working poor--who are the heart and soul of the CCHD efforts. The result is a narrative of hope, hope in the power of community and the soundness of Catholic social teaching. It's a story you won't easily forget. (Dolores R. Leckey)

A practical and colorful resource for presenting the principles of Catholic social teaching. (Momentum)

Hogan has compiled a readable, engaging, and motivational work that is both artful and scholarly. His rich hands-on experience is as evident as is his knowledge of what parishes and communities need in navigating and sustaining the gospel call for social justice. (Catholic Press Association)

Well executed . . . easy to read. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a better understanding of what faith-based initiatives can accomplish. Whether one hopes to emulate the programs, wants to know more about CCHD, or just wants to read a book that is uplifting, Credible Signs of Christ Alive is well worth the time. (H-Net)

About this edition

• Publisher: Sheed & Ward
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 074253166X
• ISBN 13: 9780742531666
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 144