Ending Poverty in Community (EPIC)

Overview
In this activity, participants will read a portion of the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ pastoral reflection titled A Place at the Table. This reflection uses the metaphor of a table. Each leg of the table represents a unique social institution – 1) families and individuals; 2) community and religious institutions; 3) private sector and business and 4) the government. This activity will help participants understand how the Church calls upon various institutions to act collectively to address poverty in the United States and throughout the world.

In this warm-up, participants read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (One Body, Many Parts). As participants enter the room, some will be seated at a table while the majority of the others will stand against a wall – away from the table. Participants will begin to understand the metaphor of a table as a place to eat and a place where decisions are made.

In this activity, participants will read a portion of the United States Catholic Bishops pastoral reflection titled A Place at the Table. In small groups, they will reflect on how the Church asks various institutions in society to respond to poverty both in the United States and throughout the world.

Participants will reflect on how the Church asks each institution in society to assume responsibility for addressing poverty and the practical difficulties associated with relying upon only one or two social institutions.