August Appeal

Dear Friends,

Hi, I’m Peter and I’m a practicing Catholic.

Sometimes it’s hard to admit this in public as most of the news about the Catholic Church over the past 30 years has not been good. I’m sure that I don’t need to detail the actions that I’m alluding to here. However, this summer I read Humanitas Magnifica, Pope Leo’s recent encyclical letter. I wasn’t sure what to expect from it, except that it was touted as some sort of critique of artificial intelligence and the digital age in which we find ourselves. In reading the letter I was impressed and inspired by what I read. It reminded me of why I have chosen to continue my chosen work as a practicing Catholic even with all the negativity surrounding the church.

But first, what is the letter about? In brief, the letter focuses on advances in technology that are changing our world, with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence. Particularly the issues surrounding its growing use and what it means to be human in the technocratic age. The letter does not outright condemn Artificial Intelligence and the digital revolution. It does acknowledge technology’s potential to provide for a better life for people, but it also points out its dangers. Especially its potential for the concentration of power through the amassing of data and extreme wealth in a few hands. An example of this, not mentioned in the letter, was Elon Musk giving $250 million to sway the 2024 election and then being given an appointed position in the new administration where he slashed funding to federal programs created and funded by congress that he didn’t like. Again, the letter does not call for a rejection of this technology, but for regulation of its use and a reflection on the threats it poses to people and human dignity. This critique of technology is well and good, but it was his emphasis on the need and importance of encouraging and supporting human dignity which grabbed my attention.

Before Pope Leo gets into talking about the issues around artificial intelligence, he spends two chapters talking about the history and development of Catholic Social Teaching over the past century and a half. Hearing over and over the Church’s stance that we as people of faith must always safeguard the dignity of the human person is what really inspired me. It reminded me of why in my early twenties I chose to devote my life to serving those in need from a faith-based perspective. I learned from the Church that people are more than just another factor in economic production to be used or discarded depending on what value they bring to a business. People are made in the image and likeness of God, are loved by God, and thus need to be encouraged and supported to grow into all they can be. The church has continued to adhere to the belief that people are more important than profits and that people are more important than possessions. The same is true if you switch out “people” for “the common good” or “relationships.”

I think back to when I joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) after graduating from college. During one of the orientation sessions the presenter posed the question: “Why do we in JVC choose simple living? We don’t do it out of self-flagellation, but to show that people and relationships are more important than possessions.” When we have limited financial means, it forces us to focus on relationships instead of doing “retail therapy,” for entertainment or personal fulfillment.

A year later, on my way to Philadelphia for my second year in JVC, I stopped off to visit relatives in South Texas. When asked what my plans were, I told them I was moving to Philadelphia to live in a poor neighborhood and work for next to no money serving people for which our society has a very low regard. I was asked, “Why in the hell would you want to do something like that?” (The question was posed with much more “colorful” language.) I was not very articulate in my response, but I said something along the lines of “I want to try to live out my faith by serving others.” Well, they still thought I was “not quite right,” but it was enough of an answer to move the conversation on to more palatable topics.

It’s almost 40 years later and I’m still not quite right. I, and my co-workers at Catholic Worker Hospitality House, are still trying to live out our faith by serving those on the margins of society. Every day we feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and visit the sick. We strive to create a world that protects each person’s dignity and where it is easier for people to be good and to honor and protect God’s creation. Regardless of their past deeds, their economic or educational status, or their country of origin, we do our best to treat all we serve with dignity and respect. We try to keep our overhead expenses low and operations simple so that more of our resources go directly to serving those in need. These are the beliefs and values we try to live by daily at Catholic Worker Hospitality House. We fall short at times, but we keep on trying to live out the ideals put forth by Jesus Christ and by Catholic Social Teaching. With your help we’ve been doing this for the past thirty years. We ask for your ongoing support to continue our work for as long as we are able.

In Christ’s Peace,

Peter Stiehler
For all of us at
Catholic Worker Hospitality House

THANK YOU!
In July we sent out a card asking for help with needed supplies. The response was overwhelming! Thank you! While most of our food and supply needs are covered for now, we can always use more canned soup, as well as your ongoing financial support to help us cover our various expenses.
Again, thank you so much for helping us to continue our work of serving those in need in our community.