The social mission of the Church calls us to discern the needs of people who are suffering in our communities and our world, to act within our means to alleviate that suffering, to reflect on social issues in the light of the Gospel and the teaching of the Church, and to work in Christian Love to transform unjust social, political, and economic structures. 

Catholic Charities agencies in the Diocese of Richmond provide quality and professional social services to individuals and families through two independent agencies.  Commonwealth Catholic Charities serves the western and central portions of our Diocese including Refugee and Immigration Services, and Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia serves the eastern portion.

The Office of Justice and Peace, also under the management of Commonwealth Catholic Charities, aids parish communities in organizing and structuring ministers of service to their community and the world; to live out the social mission of the Church at the local level.  OJP also coordinates such Diocesan Social Ministries as Migrant Ministry, Southwest Virginia Ministries,  Respect Life Ministry, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Prison Ministry, and the Global Solidarity Ministries with special partnership with the Diocese of Hinche, Haiti.

The Virginia Catholic Conference represents the legislative agenda of the Bishops of the Diocese of Richmond and the Diocese of Arlington providing opportunities for Catholics in both diocese to speak the truths of their faith in the legislative arena.

The Office of Disabilities, the Office of the Hispanic Apostolate, and the Office of Black Catholics and Asian Ministry also serve the needs of specific populations within the Diocese, helping parishes to foster diverse and welcoming communities of faith.