The modern cornerstone for the work of the Knights of Columbus and Marian Homes is rooted in the Gospel call to faith and action and in Respect for Life at all its stages. This translates into strong connections with Catholic Social Teaching.
The Roots: The principles of Catholic Social Teaching are mirrored in the commitment that the Knights of Columbus made nearly 20 years ago to establish and grow the ministry of Marian Homes. We believe in seeing those with intellectual disabilities in the personal traditional of Catholicism. We all have a responsibility to look after the needs of our neighbors, but especially after the needs of those who are most vulnerable.
As Catholics and Knights, we do that through the daily practices of Corporal Works of Mercy and this includes providing hospitality, shelter and quality of life to the residents of Marian Homes. However, our mission does not end with two houses. We are committed to finding others who will join us in the establishment of additional communities as the needs of our region change.
These residents are in many ways “ambassadors from God” to us – and provide us with a way to renew our faith in their service. As ambassadors, we see our life and those who are able to join us as a way and a means to welcome them into the community
The Roots: The principles of Catholic Social Teaching are mirrored in the commitment that the Knights of Columbus made nearly 20 years ago to establish and grow the ministry of Marian Homes. We believe in seeing those with intellectual disabilities in the personal traditional of Catholicism. We all have a responsibility to look after the needs of our neighbors, but especially after the needs of those who are most vulnerable.
As Catholics and Knights, we do that through the daily practices of Corporal Works of Mercy and this includes providing hospitality, shelter and quality of life to the residents of Marian Homes. However, our mission does not end with two houses. We are committed to finding others who will join us in the establishment of additional communities as the needs of our region change.
These residents are in many ways “ambassadors from God” to us – and provide us with a way to renew our faith in their service. As ambassadors, we see our life and those who are able to join us as a way and a means to welcome them into the community
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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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