Inspired by Scripture and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the Vicariate works to support and animate ministries within our Diocesan parishes, schools, and organizations that serve the poor and vulnerable. We help form consciences by raising awareness of Church teaching and how it applies to issues that affect human dignity and the life of the family.
Deacon David Bezusko
Senior Director, Vicariate for Social Doctrine
614-241-2540 ext. 1
dbezusko@columbuscatholic.org
Mary Kristof
Associate Director, Pro-Life Office
614-241-2540 ext. 2
mkristof@columbuscatholic.org
The current work of our Vicariate is specifically focused on the following areas:
Catholic Social Teaching
To provide ongoing education for clergy, parish leaders, and the faithful on Catholic Social Teaching and the Church’s understanding of the human person through workshops, resources, and pastoral initiatives.
Pro Life Ministries
Initiate and coordinate leadership training and community-building opportunities for Pro-Life organizations and parish-based Respect Life coordinators. Animating Project Rachel, the Church’s post-abortion healing ministry. Addressing end-of-life issues such as euthanasia, assisted suicide, etc.
Social Outreach and Catholic Charity
Office staff formally serve on governing boards of our Diocesan-Sponsored Charities and as liaison to other Catholic and secular social outreach ministries and programs.
Mental Health Ministry
Mental Health Ministry is a growing field designed to provide vital spiritual accompaniment and resources by offering a ministry of presence in the lives of people coping with mental health challenges. To help overcome the stigma and discrimination that people living with a mental health challenge encounter in the Church and in human society.
Prison Ministry
Coordinates formal prison ministry to provide for the spiritual needs of the incarcerated in 12 State Prisons located within the Diocese. Seven priests and six deacons are providing weekly Mass, Confessions, and pastoral care.
Diocesan Disaster Response
Mobilizes the Diocesan Disaster Response Team and Parish Points of Contact to provide a coordinated, organized response in the event of a natural or man-made disaster anywhere in our Diocese. The plan includes elements of preparation to mitigate the risk of disaster in our facilities.
Mobile Outreach Ministry
We are piloting a new outreach thanks to the generous donation of a cargo van to the Diocese with the goal of taking ministry to the streets. The idea is to spread the presence of the Church and the Good News of hope and salvation “off campus,” to people and places who might not experience it otherwise.
Political Advocacy
In conjunction with the Ohio Conference of Ohio and the USCCB, we champion the Church’s vision of a just society among local and state legislators and empower Catholics to be engaged in faithful citizenship.
Persons with Disabilities
To ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families are fully included in the sacramental and communal life of the Church. These offices provide parish support, religious education, and advocacy.
Rural Life
To focus on the unique needs and interests of the small towns and outlying communities that comprise the geographic majority of our 23-county Diocese.