Diocesan Resources
Scripture Vigil on the Themes of Catholic Social Teaching (2015)
National Bible Week 2015: Scripture Vigil on the Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
The following vigil offers an extended reflection on the seven themes of Catholic social teaching. The foundation of this vigil is extensive reading from and reflection on Sacred Scripture. This vigil may be used any time a parish or other faith community wishes to reflect more intently on the call to work for justice and peace. For example, a youth group may celebrate this vigil the night before beginning a service project. A peace and justice committee may make this vigil the centerpiece of a day of prayer. A parish may celebrate this vigil during the week before an election. While designed for use at a single event, the reflection may be spread over eight days, concluding with a Eucharistic liturgy on the ninth day to make a novena.
Ideally, the vigil will take place in the church. A priest who leads the vigil will use the presider’s chair; a deacon or layperson should sit in another appropriate place. The Scripture should be read from the ambo.
The celebration may begin with an appropriate song. The vigil is divided into sections matching the seven themes of Catholic social teaching. Each part consists of a reading from Scripture, time for silent reflection, a brief reflection on the Word of God (with the bishop’s permission, a layperson may give this reflection), some general intercessions (a group may add additional prayers based on local needs), and a closing statement. Each section may conclude with an appropriate song.