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The Life and Dignity of the Human Person
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Doing works of mercy for the residents of Marian Homes allows Catholics in the Diocese of Arlington to take direct and immediate action to aid their sisters and brothers in Christ and to oppose the ills of society that threaten to rob these people of the current stability in their life at the Northern Virginia Training Center. By getting engaged in this work to create viable options, we will help restore to the intellectually disabled and their families life, freedom, and dignity.
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Human Rights and Responsibilities
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The Marian Homes as an extension of the Knights and the broader Catholic Community live out the Corporal Works of Mercy on a daily basis by providing food, shelter, community and stability to our residents and the neighbors of our homes. In addition, through this direct action, we seek to protect the vulnerable members of the community by advocating for the responsibilities we have to each other, to our families and to society at large.
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The Call to Family, Community and Participation
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The broader Catholic Community can get involved in this ministry through service projects as well as through financial support. By joining us, this is another tangible means for them to practice and promote human dignity and a consistent ethic of life.
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The Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
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Perhaps there is no portion of the living community more vulnerable and unable to care for themselves than those who are intellectually disabled. Knights have long been their advocates through KOVAR and other projects. Seeking partners for the mission of Marian Homes helps us to renew this option for the poor and vulnerable.
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Solidarity
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By public words and works in Fairfax County and the State of Virginia, Marian Homes seeks to imitate Christ's witness against the potential injustice to the individuals and families who have faced these significant medical and financial hurdles. Like Christ, we see a better world in which we are all able to take care of those least able. As Catholics, we embody the view that “we are our sisters’ and brothers’ keeper.” “Loving our neighbor” has significant local connotations as we watch society struggle with how to care for this population without the institutions of the training centers.
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