Five prayer cards are now available toto support parishes, schools and communities to respond to the Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor as well as on their 7 year journey towards the Laudato Si’ Goals.
Join us for the national launch of the Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. This is the only statement where all the Bishops of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) release a joint reflection on a particular topic annually.… Read More »Launch of Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth and Cry of the Poor
The recording of the Laudato Si’ – Sowers of Hope online reflection hosted by the Office of Social Justice and Caritas Australia’s Catholic Earthcare is now released and available online. The reflection gathered people from across Australia who participated in prayer and reflection on the Laudato Si’ Year. The gathering also had sharing from across the country on the successes of the previous year and lay the spiritual foundation for the journey ahead with the seven-year Laudato Si’ Goals.
Australian Bishops have written to various members of Parliament appealing for greater welcome, support and inclusion of people seeking asylum and granted refuge. Bishop Michael McCarthy of Rockhampton Diocese and Bishop Vincent Long van Nguyen OFM (Conv) and Chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service have both written to Federal ministers appealing for a more human approach to the detention and processing of people seeking asylum.
Australian Government family reunion policies have been found to ‘prolong family separation and exacerbate its negative effects’ in Jesuit Refugee Service Australia’s submission (JRS) to the Senate Standing Committee of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Inquiry into the process and granting of family reunion visas. Based on the experience of thousands of those they work with, JRS highlighted five ways this occurs and provided eight recommendations for consideration including abolishing bans on overseas travel for temporary reunions overseas.
Refugee Week (20 – 26 June) is an annual event focusing on raising awareness of issues refugees face, celebrating the contribution of refugees and promotes harmony and togetherness. A virtual screening of Rosemary’s Way on Friday the 25th at 7pm is a fundraiser event open to all people in Australia. There is also a conference from the 6th-7th of July Refugee Alternatives which is both face to face and online, convened by the Refugee Council of Australia.
Community organising in Queensland has contributed to the State government announcing a $2 billion fund investing in renewable energy, storage, and hydrogen. Over 800 people gathered in the Queensland Community Alliance’s Budget Assembly, including members of the Brisbane Archdiocesan Justice & Peace Commission and parishes around South-East Queensland. The Queenslanders negotiated with the deputy Premier before the State Budget on a range of issues.
Dynamic and engaging resources to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday have been released by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council. NATSICC). Homily notes, liturgy notes, prayers of intercession, videos and activities are available, celebrating this year’s theme Healing Country. “Today our world is in need of healing… We must all come together … to fight the injustices of inequality, racism and environmental damage.”
Seafarers are currently working across the seas, transporting goods in a global pandemic. This Sea Sunday, on the 11th of July, our Christian community is being invited to pray, reflect, celebrate and support seafarers. Despite facing the possibility of catching the virus in the ports they enter, many are not seen as key workers and have not been vaccinated. Stella Maris, the Catholic maritime welfare agency provides practical, spiritual and pastoral support.
The Vatican has launched their new world wide tool – the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. This is purpose built for families, parishes, schools, diocese and communities to make Laudato Si’ a reality. The first phase of the initiative begins today and is an opportunity for all to review initial information and get ready for the full plans to be released on St Francis of Assisi’s feast day – October 4.