Core Values
The Lord’s Supper, Fritz Eichenberg © 1951, Print reproduction | The Catholic Worker portfolio, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/
1| ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION
[Seeing I to I]
Peter Maurin, co-founder of The Catholic Worker movement wanted to see people from various philosophical viewpoints come together and discuss their thoughts. By engaging in conversation, intellectual positions could be clarified. Maurin wanted both scholars and workers alike to attend.
Sermon to the Birds, Fritz Eichenberg © 1964, Print reproduction | The Catholic Worker portfolio, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/
2| HOUSE OF HOSPITALITY
[A space to wake up]
The next part of Maurin’s plan was to develop “Houses of Hospitality.” Drawing from the medieval practice of providing shelters for the wanderer, Maurin wanted to see houses where the more fortunate could help those who were in need.
The Labor Cross, Fritz Eichenberg © 1954, Print reproduction | The Catholic Worker portfolio, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/
3| FARMING COMMUNITY
[Creation, the first bible]
The final part of Maurin’s social program was to create farming communes, in an attempt to bring about a cultural agrarian economy. The machine was increasingly replacing workers in the factories of the cities, which meant that workers were being increasingly displaced. The solution was to return to the land and let it support them.
Works of Mercy mural by Dimitri K. completed in 2016 for Trinity House Catholic Worker
SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY
Admonish the sinner
Instruct the ignorant
Counsel the doubtful
Bear wrong patiently
Forgive offenses
Comfort the afflicted
Pray for the living and the dead
CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY
Feed the hungry
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit the imprisoned
Give alms to the poor
Give drink to the thirsty
Bury the dead