Katalikiškų organizacijų socialinės programos

The aim of the master thesis was to bring out the activity peculiarities of catholic organizations’ social programs in Panevėžys diocese. The situation was analyzed applying the qualitative research methodology, using the methods of an unstructured interview and document analysis, the experience of the “Caritas” catholic organization members Three superintendents of “Caritas” organization representing three different organizations subject to “Caritas” in Panevėžys diocese districts and Panevėžys, took part in the interviews. The research analyses social work trends run by the “Caritas” organization programs in Panevėžys diocese. The research for the first time discloses the peculiarities of the provided service and variety of clients. The catholic organizations are mostly engaged in the field of social work. They take care of the disadvantaged, they provide spiritual and financial support to all in need, even to those of different confession. According to scholars, NGOs and religious communities play a very important role. They provide social service, often without a legal status of a social service institution, but running social programs. Catholic social organizations work under the principles of Christian social teaching. The majority of members of the catholic organizations are volunteers. “Caritas” in Lithuania organizes and implements new programs which aim to examine the biggest poverty and social exclusion problems and, propose practical problem solving models The analysis of social programs of catholic organizations in the Panevėžys diocese could be a reference point for further implementation and assessment of social projects, providing as effective help as possible to the needy. Main concepts: catholic organizations, non governmental organizations, social programs, Christian social teaching.