CATHOLIC SOCIAL ACTION T H R O U G H T H E P A R I S H C R E D I T U N I O N NOTEWORTHY DEVELOPMENTS in the field, of parish credit unions in 1958 are highlighted in this folder, the fourth in a series published by Mt. Carmel Parish Credit Union. Included is the text of a Papal letter to the Rev. John P. Sullivan, S.J., of Jamaica; references to Papal recognition of two of our credit union leaders; the credit union sermon outline prepared by the Canadian Catholic Conference; and an address, "Parishioners, Money and the Credit Union," given by Robert Dolan, Director of the CUNA Organization Department. P a r i s h i o n e r s , M NEED FOR U N D E R S T A N D I N G If we are to give the best possible credit union service to our members, and if t h e Hierarchy of t h e Church is to be encouraged to provide credit union service to all of the Faithful, it is necessary to cultivate the will t o serve as well as increasing our skill in credit union operations. Ours is not j u s t to "do or die" b u t also t o "reason w h y . " This means pausing to consider t h e special circumstances surrounding parish credit unions t h a t provide the strong motivation to excel in per- formance. "While there is much talk about the maturity and strength of the layman in the Church, it is in public life that this must be practiced and proved. To act in this field is truly to act in the Church, because the Church and the Christian faith necessarily must influence the economic, the social, the cultural and the civil spheres to bring them all into conformity with the commandments of God." ii-Pope Pius XII EARLY HISTORY I t is customary to place the historical beginnings of the modern credit union movement in the 19th century with the work of Friedrich RaifFeisen. The movement spread to N o r t h America in the person of Alphonse Desjardins who started t h e first credit union in N o r t h America—in a Catholic Parish in Levis, Quebec. Then to t h e U. S. where t h e first credit union was organized in 1909—in a Catholic Parish in New Hampshire. I t was only natural t h a t the greatest growth of credit unions since t h a t time paralleled the industrial expan- sion of America. Today a new momentum ^ c a r r y i n g credit union expansion closer to its true potential. T h e expansion of parish credit unions has been steady if not spectacular. However, we can look further back t h a n RaifFeisen in a search for roots. We discover t h a t in the Middle Ages there were institutions known as the Möns ¡Pietatis. These Monies were established -by the Franciscans to combat the evils of usury, and lent money a t low rates of interest upon the objects of security left in pawn. IT ALL G O E S TOGETHER Much of the inspiration for the parish credit union spirit can be found in the connection t h a t exists ¡between our spiritual, political, and economic lives. St. Pius X who was responsible for so m a n y reforms t h a t permitted the laity more active participation in the official worship of the Church is the same man who organized a credit union in his parish a t Salzano in Italy. Furthermore, it was he who conferred Knight- hood on Desjardins, founder of the credit union move- ment in N o r t h America. I t is well to remember t h a t the principle of active participation is t h e key to meeting the crises of our times. We pray better when we actively participate o n e y a n d t h e C r in our worship; we govern ourselves better when we actively participate in our political institutions; and likewise we can handle our financial affairs better when we actively participate in controlling our money ac- cording to its intended use. I n credit unions we have this opportunity. "The Church's only compelling urge, and that of Christians worthy of the name, toward social action does not come from without. It is not fear of revolu- tion, nor of the rousing of the masses that drives them to work for the people. No, it is love that makes their hearts beat, that same love that made the heart of Christ throb, that inspires their devoted concern for the defense and respect of the modern workingman's dignity, along with their active zeal to provide him with material and social living conditions in accord with such dignity." ]?®S&Pope Pius XII C A T H O L I C S O C I A L DOCTRINE Pius X deplored the fact t h a t we have become mute spectators in Church, thereby missing t h e energizing influence of the Mass and the Sacraments in our lives. M u t e spectatorship in politics in a like manner leads to tyranny. Carrying it one step farther, being mute spectators in money matters makes us economic slaves. T h e issue resolves into one of freedom. Only free men can make the required application of Catholic social doctrine in the urgent need to find a basis for recon- struction of the social order. I n the Encyclical Quadragessimo Anno Pius X I calls for the establishment of societies of mutual aid to help relieve the social evils of our time. Catholic churchmen have always been quick to identify credit unions as one of the institutions t h a t fit the definition of societies of mutual aid. And in 1958, the Pope specifically com- mended the work of credit unions. We are only beginning to see t h e social action implica- tions in the fuller meaning of credit unions. There is a great need for serious discussion to see credit unions as a social invention with great potential for social reform. "What is needed is the active presence in factories and work places of pioneers who are fully conscious of their double vocation—as Christians and as workers— and who are bent on assuming their responsibilities to the full, knowing neither peace nor rest until they have transformed the environment of their lives to the demands of the Gospel. The Church, by this positive, constructive work, will be able to extend her life-giving action to the millions of souls for whom she has a maternal and ardent solicitude." —Pope Pius XII TRENDS T O D A Y A resurgence of life and interest in the untapped poten- tials for service by parish credit unions is apparent. There is so much left t o do; it behooves us to tool-up for tackling the job of fuller service by expansion of fteaetfed d i t U n i o n existing parish credit unions and t h e organization of hundreds more parish credit unions. M t . Carmel Parish Credit Union in Pueblo, Colorado takes t h e position t h a t we have a moral obligation to bring credit unions to all who need it, especially t h r o u g h parish credit unions. E v e n better, they back it u p with a budget item. A genuine concern t o give full service to one's own members is bound t o overflow in activity t h a t reaches beyond t h e individual credit union. I n 1958, P a p a l honors were given t o four leaders of M t . Carmel Parish Credit Union by Pope Pius X I I . Elsewhere today, there is reason to thrill t o t h e work of many people, including F a t h e r s Sullivan, Ganey, Steele, McClellan, Green, O'Rourke, and M o t h e r Alicia in t h e West Indies, L a t i n America, and t h e Pacific. I n Michigan on L a e t a r e S u n d a y it has become a custom for parish credit unions to have an a n n u a l Gold Mass a t which credit union leaders pray for t h e success of t h e movement. This practice is spreading t o other p a r t s of t h e country. Knights of St. Gregory Richard T. Lagerman, K.S.G., honored for his cease- less efforts to elevate the economic status and to bring Catholic thinking into the life of Pueblo Catholics. Clarence C. Bellinger, K.S.G., honored for his self- less interest in giving of his time and talents to his credit union as president and in other capacities. PARISH CREDIT UNIONS AND THE MOVEMENT P a r i s h credit unions are n o t " d i f f e r e n t " f r o m other credit unions. Actually, t h e y are t h e same in all essen- tials, with extra opportunities a n d obligations peculiar t o Parish credit unions. Being organized in a parish does not m a k e it a " C a t h o l i c " credit union, b u t giving all possible service t o all eligible members does m a k e it " u n i v e r s a l " and " c a t h o l i c " in t h e t r u e s t sense. T h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o set good examples in constructive leadership is foremost in this special kind of apostolate. I t is also t h e t h i n g t h e whole credit union m o v e m e n t will appreciate most. T h r o u g h actual participation in t h e programs of its credit union league, t h e parish credit union is best able t o advance. W h e n we wonder a b o u t t h e purpose and meaning of t h e m a n y hours of hard work we p u t into t h i s credit union m o v e m e n t , it helps t o recall t h e meaningful words of t h e Irish writer, " A . E . " (George William Russell): "It is a dull business, Unworthy of being made in the image of God To grind away at work Without some noble end to be served, Some glowing ideal to be attained." . . . letter to the Rev. John Peter Sullivan, S.J., Kingston, Jamaica, from the Secretary of State for His Holiness, Pope Pius XII Dear Reverend Father, His Holiness has been informed of the praise- worthy work being accomplished by the "Credit Union Movement" in Jamaica and in other terri- tories of the West Indies, and He directs me to send you this expression of His paternal interest and encouragement. Always solicitous for the material as well as the spiritual welfare of His children, without dis- tinction of religion, race or colour, the Holy Father could not fail to derive comfort from the knowledge of the meritorious achievements, both economic and social of the Credit Union Movement, in pursuance of the laudable purposes for which it was founded.. He therefore bids me felicitate you on the success that has crowned your efforts in this field, to which you have devoted so much of your priestly energy and pastoral zeal, and He cherishes the prayerful hope that your persevering endeavour in this social apostolate may reap an ever more abundant harvest of spiritual fruits. As a pledge of that heavenly favour and in further token of His paternal interest and benevo- lence, the Pontiff cordially imparts to you and to your collaborators in the Credit Union Movement His paternal Apostolic Benediction. With sentiments of high esteem and cordial regard, I remain, Yours sincerely in Christ (Signed) Monsignor Angelo Dell'Acqua (For a d d i t i o n a l c r e d i t u n i o n i n f o r m a t i o n , w r i t e t o C r e d i t Union N a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n , 1617 S h e r m a n A v e n u e , M a d i s o n , Wisconsin) A S e r m o n O u t l i n e The Credit Union . . . Christian Social Leadership in Action (Prepared May, 1958, by the Rev. F. J Smyth, Director, Social Action Dept., Canadian Catholic Conference, assisted by priests, seminarians, and laity throughout Canada.) Social Action Sunday c o m m e m o r a t e s t h e a n n i v e r s a r i e s of t w o great Social Encyclicals: P o p e L e o X I I I ' s Rerum Novarum (1891) a n d P o p e P i u s X I ' s Quadragesimo Anna (1931). The theme chosen b y t h e C a n a d i a n H i e r a r c h y for t h i s y e a r ' s Social A c t i o n S u n d a y is: "THE CREDIT UNION: CHRISTIAN S O C I A L i E A D E R S H I P IN A C T I O N . " I n deciding on t h i s t h e m e , T h e i r Excellencies were u n d o u b t e d l y influenced b y t w o f a c t s : 1. T h e Social Life Conference, which will t a k e p l a c e a t W i n n i p e g n e x t N o v e m b e r , will be d e v o t e d t o " T h e T r a i n - ing a n d R o l e of Social L e a d e r s . " 2. T h e e n c o u r a g e m e n t given t o t h e C r e d i t U n i o n M o v e m e n t b y t h e H o l y See. WHAT IS A CREDIT UNION? T h e n a m e itself suggests t h e m e a n i n g a n d p u r p o s e of a C r e d i t U n i o n : it is a society or association of people w i t h a c o m m o n b o n d . I t o p e r a t e s u n d e r a legal c h a r t e r a n d is owned a n d m a n a g e d b y its m e m b e r s for t h e i r m u t u a l b e n e f i t . As a financial i n s t i t u t i o n it provides m e m b e r s w i t h facilities for saving m o n e y a n d f o r using t h e i r pooled savings t o o b t a i n personal loans f o r p r o v i d e n t a n d p r o d u c t i v e p u r p o s e s a t a m i n i m u m cost. "Credit Unions . . . unite the efforts and resources of the workers and of those who join them, with a view to their economic prosperity and their social advancement. . ." 0Joint Pastoral Letter of the Quebec Bishops, 1950, para 116) "A Credit Union is not an ordinary financial concern, seeking to enrich its members at the expense of the general public. Neither is it a loan company, seeking to make a profit at the expense of the unfortunate . . . the Credit Union is nothing of the kind; it is an expression in the field of economics of a high social ideal.7' (Alphonse Desjardins, founder of the Caisse Populaire Movement, originator of Credit Unionism in Canada.) "Credit Unions are societies for mutual help. They are among the most important of social agencies to achieve financial freedom and independence for the worker, to promote thrift, responsi- bility and self-help . . . . . . Credit Unions put restrictions on the profit motive. Credit Unionists, however, are not Utopian eollectivists. They realize that the profit motive is necessary for the proper functioning of the natural law of self-preservation, culture and. progress." (Leo XIII and Credit Unions by Bishop Muench of Fargo.) C r e d i t U n i o n i s m h a s p r o v e d itself t o be a s o u n d economic t e c h n i q u e . B u t it is fundamentally very much more than a technique: it is C H R I S T I A N S O C I A L L E A D E R S H I P I N A C T I O N . WHAT IS LEADERSHIP? . . the power to influence and direct the lives of other people; this power is a combination of virtues and habits residing in the intellect and the will; hence it can be cultivated and de- veloped." (Archbishop Pocock, Address at St. Paul's College, Winnipeg, Feb. 17, '58) WHAT IS CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP? ".. . the power to influence society and its institutions according to the mind of Christ." (.Archbishop Pocock—as above.) • A C h r i s t i a n is a follower of C h r i s t , d e d i c a t e d t o H i m in all his a c t s , p u b l i c a n d p r i v a t e . • C h r i s t g a v e one g r e a t law, t h e law of C h a r i t y : " A new c o m m a n d m e n t I give y o u ; t h a t y o u love one a n o t h e r a s I h a v e loved y o u . " • B y B a p t i s m we a r e all i n c o r p o r a t e d i n t o t h e C h u r c h , t h e B o d y of C h r i s t . • A t C o n f i r m a t i o n we a r e commissioned t o build u p t h e B o d y of C h r i s t . • T h e B o d y of C h r i s t is more t h a n a n aggregation of individuals; it is a n organism, a society a n d a social i n s t i t u t i o n , t h e m e m b e r s of which h a v e m u t u a l r i g h t s a n d duties. (St. P a u l — t h e B o d y a n d t h e m e m b e r s ; S t . J o h n — t h e Vine a n d t h e branches.) • T h e m e m b e r s of t h e C h u r c h should govern t h e i r activities b y t h e v i r t u e s of J u s t i c e a n d C h a r i t y . Since t h e C h u r c h is a society, it follows t h a t these v i r t u e s m u s t also be social. • Social J u s t i c e a n d C h a r i t y a r e concerned n o t only w i t h s p i r i t u a l m a t t e r s , b u t also w i t h t h e m a t e r i a l goods of t h i s world, t h a t is, t h o s e t h i n g s which a m a n needs t o foster a n d m a i n t a i n a good C h r i s t i a n life. • T h e s e v i r t u e s should compel u s t o assist o u r n e i g h b o u r s when t h e y a r e i n need a n d t o r e m o v e t h e causes of social i n j u s t i c e . ( " B e a r ye one a n o t h e r ' s b u r d e n s a n d y e shall fulfill t h e L a w of C h r i s t . " ) "Social C h a r i t y , " " s a y s P i u s X I I , " i s t h e soul of t h e Social O r d e r . " HOW DOES CREDIT UNIONISM PROVIDE CHRISTIAN SOCIAL LEADERSHIP? • I t gives expression t o C h r i s t ' s c o m m a n d m e n t of L o v e . • I t is b a s e d o n t h e b r o t h e r h o o d of m a n u n d e r t h e F a t h e r h o o d of G o d . " When people are in the State of Grace, any co-operation with others for mutual help, or to foster the common good, is Christian Charity in action. Men may combine their efforts in the spiritual, the social, the educational or the economic spheres: as long as their aim is. to help others, they are practicing Charity. Their co-operation may initiate or sup- port works of religion and mercy, some community enter- prise, a Credit Union . . . a co-operative home-building society: as long as they are helping others, they are practicing Charity. "Admittedly, modern society might consider all this too wide a use of the word charity, but only because modern society has practically forgotten the full meaning of charity, and has limited it to almsgiving or some other form of remedial work." (Bishop John R. MacDonald, in an address on the Mystical Body and the Co-operative Movement.) • I t is, in economic life, a n expression of t h e d o c t r i n e of t h e M y s t i c a l B o d y . • C r e d i t U n i o n study clubs f o r m t h e i r m e m b e r s b y t e a c h i n g t h e m t h e s t r u c t u r e a n d d a y - t o - d a y o p e r a t i o n of a C r e d i t U n i o n . • T h i s t r a i n i n g helps t h e m t o j u d g e objectively (e.g. advertising.) • I t restores t h e i r awareness of their dignity and destiny a s h u m a n beings. • I t t e a c h e s t h e m t h e value of planning f a m i l y e x p e n d i t u r e s (an i m p o r t a n t k e y t o f a m i l y h a r m o n y ) . • P r o p e r l y followed, t h e C r e d i t U n i o n p r o g r a m gives training in action. WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE LEADERS IN THE CREDIT UNION MOVEMENT? T o s u m u p t h e foregoing: • Because C r e d i t U n i o n s a f f o r d special o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r t h e p r a c t i c e of social j u s t i c e a n d social c h a r i t y . "(VVicy) must not look upon the co-operatives as merely economic enterprises; it is of great consequence that they be instruments of education and means of amending our eco- nomic system. It is especially with this in mind that we have supported them. A spirit of social Christianity, so much the more powerful since these enterprises deal more with money, must prompt the members and their association. That is why study clubs, without abandoning the economic training necessary to good business management, should especially pay attention to the social training of co-operators ..." (Joint Pastoral Letter of the Quebec Bishops, 1950, para 117.) " A particular reform in the structure of society—a particu- lar law—a particular current of thought—may help or hinder greatly the chance of religious extension . . . "This reason alone should make Christians take part in social or political activities, with a view to bringing social conditions into conformity with the plan of God. It is not only a civic duty, it is clearly an apostolic duty also." {Bishop Suenens, in The Gospel to Every Creature, p. 27.) • O u r p r e s e n t H o l y F a t h e r h a s c o m m e n d e d a n d blessed C r e d i t Unions, (vide F r . S u l l i v a n ' s letter.) THE IMPACT OF CREDIT UNIONISM O N OUR C A N A D I A N SOCIETY "Pioneers who well remember the timid beginnings of credit unions in the Maritimes a quarter of a century ago get quite a lift out of the recent report that, today, ONE OUT OF EVERY EIGHT PERSONS IN CANADA IS A CREDIT UNION MEMBER." (Maritime Co-operator, Feb. 1, 1958.) "We hope that these organizations will multiply and become still more effective by reason of the number and quality of their members, and that those whose existence is precarious may acquire a better financial stability through a more intensive education and a greater interest by the members." (Joint Pastoral Letter of the Quebec Bishops, 1950, para 116.)