Catholic Teaching
| Catholic Social Teaching - 20 June 2010 PARISH OUTREACH PROJECT—STRATHEWEN BUSHFIRE RECOVERY Arrangements are being finalised for a Bushfire Photo exhibition to be in the Narthex over next weekend (26/27 June). This exhibition will include photographs taken in the Strathewen and St Andrews area after the February 2009 bushfires. This exhibition will give parishioners an indication of the focus for our Parish Outreach Project and to the bushfire recovery effort required in the Strathewen community. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 13 June 2010 The Committee of the Whitehorse Interfaith Network (WIN) would like to extend an invitation to you, your congregation, family and friends to the Caring for the Earth free public forum on Sunday 25 July. The event will feature presentations by representatives of various faith traditions and a panel discussion. The presentations and discussion will focus on the philosophies and relationships of faith and spiritual traditions in regard to environmental (and social) sustainability. We hope the forum will promote wider and deeper understandings of different perspectives in relation to “earth care”. The Whitehorse Interfaith Network Committee continues to meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 7pm at the Nunawading Senior Citizen’s Centre. New Committee members are always welcome and the network is open to people of all faiths. Please see Social Justice Noticeboard for further information and flyers on this and other events / programs that are coming up. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 30 May 2010 Calling for the reinstatement of an ‘unrestricted and uncompromised’ Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) in the NT Did you know our Federal Government is about to legislate a ‘heavily restricted’ Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) in the NT? Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform and Reinstatement of Racial Discrimination Act Bill 2009). “The RDA, though re-instated, becomes restricted by the manipulation of the legislation… The unfortunate result of this process will be that Government will have legitimised the continuation of racist measures in Australia…” (See ‘concerned Australians’ supporting Argument to the United Nations; Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Social Justice Group (SJG) board. “The RDA requires that legislation does not negatively impact on a particular group of people identifiable by race, and should this occur, the measures involved must necessarily be for the wellbeing of the people affected, appropriate for the intended purposes, and have the informed consent of those affected by the measures. Significant parts of the current legislation don’t appear to meet those criteria.” The leaders of the Australian Congregations and Provinces of the Sisters of St Joseph issued this strong statement and request to Minister Macklin. 120510 www.cam.org.au/news/the-re-instated-racial-discrimination-act-needs-to-go-further.html This weekend there is a petition available. We are joining local churches, religious congregations, community and Indigenous groups in this. SJG members are available in the Narthex this weekend. Petitions in the clip folders at church exit points. On line petition www.gopetition.com/online/35341.html closes 31 05 10. If you have the capacity to take a blank lined page to fill please do so and return to address on petition asap; very latest June 9th. Any queries Georgina ph. 98747595. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 16 May 2010 Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 “The Big Swap” The St John’s Social Justice Group invites you to join us for a cuppa this weekend after Sunday Mass at 9.45am, in the Narthex at St John’s. “Fairtrade guarantees a better deal for Third World Producers”. Fairtrade is a global campaign that aims to give producers in third world countries a fair price for their product. Come along to learn more about the campaign, the logo, sample a variety of Fairtrade teas, coffees and chocolates, and find out where to buy Fairtrade products so that you too can make “The Big Swap” from your usual stuff to Fairtrade stuff. Hope to see you then. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 2 May 2010 PETER KEARNEY CONCERT ‘People of Faith—Working for Justice’ Tuesday 18 May at 7.30pm St Joseph’s Church, 212 Boronia Rd, Boronia. Donation according to means Peter Kearney’s repertoire is interesting and varied, including songs of justice, compassion and peace, songs of shared humanity, songs just for fun. Peter has brought music to local communities all over Australia, as well as in Ireland and the UK. Hosted by JUSTICE GROUP, BORONIA CATHOLIC PARISH. Please register attendance by 16 May (or just come along) by email boroniaparish@tpg.com.au or phone 9761 2124 (during office hours) or at church. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 18 April 2010 Bran Nu Dae (PG) Fundraising night for the Mullum Mullum Indigenous House. An energetic, star studded musical road trip about finding out where you belong. Bran Nu Dae’s unique mix of comedy, dance, music and joy is brought to the screen by Rachel Perkins. Filmed in the desert-scapes of Western Australia’s Broome, stars Jessica Mauboy, Ernie Dingo, Missy Higgins & Geoffrey Rush. Venue: The Plaza at St John’s Parish Date: Saturday 29 May Time: 7.30pm Tickets: $5 each or $12 for a family Pre-booking necessary, contact Pat Schmidt on 98787939 | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 4 April 2010 WATER AND LIFE The waters of Baptism bring new life and hope particularly at Easter, and through your support of Project Compassion and Caritas you are doing that for many in the world who do not have access to safe clean drinking water. Australia has, and is experiencing water shortages in many parts of the country but our citizens do have access to a safe water supply for essential needs. In many of the poorer countries of the world: - 4 out of 10 do not have access to basic sanitation. - 2 in 10 have no source of safe drinking water. - Women and children need to haul water over great distances, preventing them from developing skills and education. - Children die from preventable water borne diseases in great numbers. The achievement of the Millenium Development goals depends on sound water resources development and management. Caritas is working in many of these countries to rectify this situation and has been successful in implementing simple effective programmes that have changed people’s lives. How is it that we can send a man to the moon but are unable to provide a safe water supply, that is essential for life, for so many here on earth?? | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching -21 March 2010 INVITATION TO MESSAGE STICK CUSTODIANS Invitation opens to parishioners, schools and parish leadership Catholics for Australian Reconciliation (CFAR), Binnap Partners and the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM) invite you on a Pilgrimage to Coranderrk, Healesville, Friday 14 May to Sunday 16 May 2010 (or come for the day on Saturday 15th at Worawa Aboriginal College). An opportunity to explore and reflect upon Victoria’s untold history, (focusing on William Barak & Coranderrk) and on Sunday continuing the journey of ‘joyful acceptance’. See flyer on SJG boards, more information email cfar@passiton.org.au or ph: ACM Melbourne 9480 3849. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching -7 March 2010 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY—SUNDAY MARCH 7 International Women’s Day has been observed since 1911 as the day connecting all women around the world. This year’s theme is “Empowering women to end poverty by 2015”. Can it be done? ‘The health of our society can be judged by the treatment of its most vulnerable citizens’ - Australian Bishops Conference Social Justice Statement 2008. All women are urged to follow closely our Government’s commitment to our most vulnerable citizens. Our prayers this day are for women worldwide and for our most vulnerable women living in fear and despair especially in Australia. We affirm too those women who are ministering in our rural and outback regions who bring hope and dignity to these communities. Website: www.cacw.catholic.org.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 9 May 2010 PARISH NEEDS DAY! Another Success Thank you to all the parishioners who attended and contributed so enthusiastically to a thoughtful afternoon of discussion and planning around the theme of “What are our Dreams and Doings for this place? The structure of the forum assisted a wide range of issues and opportunities to be raised and discussed. These have been documented and will be made widely available in the next few weeks. Final discussions highlighted two areas for early attention, the need for a youth ministry and to improve parish communication. The Parish Pastoral Council will be invited to take these up as early priorities for action. Once again, thank you to all who attended and for their enthusiastic participation. With the Grace of God we will continue the growth of our wonderful Parish. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 21 February 2010 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? St John’s Social Justice Group:- Are you passionate about social justice? Would you like to help in some practical way? Please come and join in the St John’s Social Justice Group. Our first meeting for 2010 is on Friday 26 February at 10.30am in the Supper Room. If you have any questions, please contact Melanie Hosie on 0422 136 155. Hope to see you there. Project Compassion Lenten boxes now available. Project Compassion is a project of Caritas Australia who work in solidarity with the world’s poor to help realise their hopes:- hope for regular food and clean water hope for effective treatment and medical facilities hope for education and job opportunities and ultimately hope for a better world. Money collected through Project Compassion supports Caritas in their work. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 31 January 2010 Catholic Social Teaching - What can I do about it here & now? New book available to help individuals/parishes/SJG's /reconciliation groups/secondary schools & community groups to understand the impact of the NT Intervention on Aboriginal people. The new book called "This is What We Said" follows the 'Will They be Heard?' Report. The book shares the views of Aboriginal people from within the 'prescribed areas' of the NT Intervention. Quotes from other well known Indigenous & non-Indigenous Australians, and from two visiting UN officials to Australia, are also noted at the end of the book. The book gives rise to the Indigenous Voice. Copies will be available early Feb. This beautifully illustrated, hard backed, 72 page book will sell @$15 each. For pre-orders/donations towards the printing of the books & book launch details email harrisme@bigpond.com / phone Georgina 98747595. There is a Senate Select Hearing (into proposed legislation changes) submissions close 1 February; contact the Committee Secretariat on (02) 62773515 (Inquiry into Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform and Reinstatement of Racial Discrimination Act) Bill 2009 & others. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 24 January 2010 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Donations to Caritas Australia for the Haiti Earthquake appeal may be made online via their secure Paypal donation page at www.caritas.org.au or by calling 1800 024 413 toll free. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. For emergency appeals, after the initial emergency needs have been met, surplus donations will be used for on-going relief and rehabilitation work in the affected area. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 13 December 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? > Catholic Mission is promoting an online gift registry to encourage people to donate for poor children around the world, and present that gesture as a gift to someone else at Christimas. See www.catholicmission.org.au > It’s that time of year again! Trying to think of something for the person who has everything? Or something different? How about a pig or a goat or veggie garden for someone in a developing country? Gift catalogues from four aid agencies are in the Narthex for you to take. They are from Caritas, Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision and TEAR. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 6 December 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? > Catholic Mission is promoting an online gift registry to encourage people to donate for poor children around the world, and present that gesture as a gift to someone else at Christimas. See www.catholicmission.org.au > It’s that time of year again! Trying to think of something for the person who has everything? Or something different? How about a pig or a goat or veggie garden for someone in a developing country? Gift catalogues from four aid agencies are in the Narthex for you to take. They are from Caritas, Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision and TEAR. > Will they be heard? (report available in the Parish office we invite you to borrow and read).Last week the Government introduced a bill to reinstate the Racial Discrimination Act in the NT. It seems many of the same measures will continue despite overwhelming opposition to these by Aboriginal people. The Government recently spent millions of dollars conducting consultations across NT communities. This report highlights serious flaws and asks whether the views of Aboriginal people will be taken into account? The report was launched on 23rd November by former Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser. A copy of the full report is available at the Parish Office for perusal. Contact Georgina on 98747595. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 29 November 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Tuesday December 1—World AIDS day The Red Ribbon is an international symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness and is the original ribbon used to promote awareness and support of a worthy cause. The money raised through the Red Ribbon Appeal helps prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS through education campaigns as well as to promote services and facilities essential to the health and well being of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Catholic Aids Ministry is an agent of Catholic Social Services Victoria www.aids.net.au/us.catholic | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 22 November 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Thank you to all those that participated in Operation Christmas Child. Boxes are being processed down at the Samaritans Purse Mitcham warehouse but help is needed to get the boxes to the children as soon as possible. Last year they processed over 66,000 boxes! If you’d like to help in any way, you can look on their website for details (www.samaritanspurse.org.au) or contact Melanie Hosie from the St John’s Social Justice group on 0422 136 155. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 8 November 2009 Every Letter Counts The Social Justice Group would like to thank parishioners for their ongoing support in relation to “The reinstatement of the Racial Discrimination Act in the NT”. Your letters have had an impact. A few weeks ago non-Indigenous church leaders from around the country were invited to meet with Jenny Macklin MP, in Canberra. There are still issues that need addressing and Minister Macklin committed to meeting NT Indigenous church leaders in the future. However, this legislation is currently being framed and there are concerns. We will watch this closely and will be seeking your assistance in having “Just and Right” legislation progressed through the senate. Legislation that does allow for the full reinstatement of human rights for Aboriginal Australians. A short sample letter to senators’ Fielding and Troeth is available on SJG Boards. Please take a copy from the clear envelope. For a more detailed sample phone Georgina on 98747595 / email mpgegart@optusnet.com. We need as many letters as possible to progress this through. Thank you | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 1 November 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? PUBLIC HOUSING In spite of the desperate need for safe and affordable housing, and the current availability of funding to improve the situation through Federal and State government programmes, some projects are being delayed, and may be abandoned due to community protests. Currently there are 40,000 on the waiting list for public housing and numbers are increasing each quarter. These are often people in desperate situations, eg women leaving a domestic violence situation, the homeless, those living in substandard rooming houses run by unscrupulous landlords, and as a result of these delays they are being denied a safe place of their own. There appears to be a growing hostility in the general community toward public housing, and possibly also to those who require it. Is this another sign of fear of those who are different and are we afraid of our property values decreasing? Neither of these fears should be cause for rejecting those in such desperate need. Let us remember Jesus’ example of welcoming the “outsider”, and if the situation arises in our community give us the grace and courage to support such initiatives and welcome those who are seeking a safe place to live. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 25 October 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? PRAYER FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE Lord Jesus, look with tender mercy upon all people who bear the indignities of injustice everywhere. Raise up leaders in every land dedicated to your standards of order, equity and justice. Grant to us Lord Jesus, the grace to labour unceasingly for your work in our world. Sharpen our intellects to pierce the pettiness of prejudice and to perceive the beauty of all humankind. Guide our minds to a meaningful understanding of the problems of the poor, of the oppressed, the unemployed; of all in need of assistance anywhere. May we hunger and thirst after justice always. Amen. “Catholic Prayer Book” 1999 MAKE POVERTY HISTORY—STAND UP NOW! Last weekend, parishioners at St James and St John’s masses participated in the Stand Up Take Action Against Poverty campaign. Overall, 979 people from the St John’s community made a pledge to end world poverty now! Our numbers have been counted as part of a Guiness World Record with over 173 million people throughout the world. Thank you for participating and making a difference. St John’s Social Justice Group | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 18 October 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? “City of Whitehorse—Spring Festival On Sunday 18 October, the City of Whitehorse “Spring Festival” is being held. This year the Combined Social Justice Group of Mitcham Area Churches (including St John’s) is having a stall. Please come and support us, and learn more about the social justice issues that we support. The Festival is on from 10am till 4pm and we are part of the Community Information Expo in the main Civic Centre foyer. If you have any queries, please contact Melanie Hosie on 0422 136 155. “Be fair and just and merciful, and walk humbly with our God” - Micah 6-8. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 4 October 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? CARITAS OPENS APPEAL FOR PACIFIC TSUNAMI, FLOODS IN THE PHILIPPINES AND INDONESIAN EARTHQUAKE Caritas Australia is accepting donations to the Pacific Tsunami, Floods and the Indonesian Earthquake Appeal and once immediate needs are addressed will focus on the long term rehabilitation of the affected populations. You can support the Caritas Australia by calling 1800 024 413 or making a donation online. email caritas@caritas.org.au For more information call Tim O’Connor (02) 9306 3444 or 0417 284 831. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 20 September 2009 Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? NT Intervention (NTER) and Calling for a Genuine Reinstatement of the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) We wish to thank you for your recent support. The UN Special Rapporteur, Prof. Anaya, spent much of his time in N.T. Indigenous communities. On 27.08.09 he released a document stating the N.T. Emergency Response (NTER) /Intervention is racially discriminatory and incompatible with Australia's international obligations. http://www.faithdoingjustice.com.au/docs/ProfAnayaSpeech270809.pdf. This doc.was rejected by the Govt!  The Govt is planning to reintroduce the RDA in Oct. This will provide Govt. the opportunity to make the required changes to ensure that the legislation complies with the conventions and treaties to which Australia is a signatory.  Please join in with us at this crucial time in writing to PM Kevin Rudd. We wish to see a genuine reinstatement of the RDA in line with human rights principals as well as seeing genuine negotiations with Aboriginal people. For further details please email Georgina mpgegart@optusnet.com /98747595. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 13 September 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Many parishioners will fondly remember Carmel Davidson parishioner here for many years who died of cancer in 2002. Her youngest daughter Jenny is now on staff at Emmaus College and is involved in a fundraising event for the Peter MacCullum Cancer Centre. Next Wednesday September 16 Jenny will have her head shaved to raise awareness and money for cancer research. Jenny is seeking financial support for this courageous endeavour and parishioners are invited to leave a donation at the Parish Office or you can donate directly online to http://www.everydayhero.com.au/Jenny_Davidson (this site will issue you with a tax receipt). This is a most worthy event and deserving of our full support. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 6 September 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Our Parish is participating again in ‘OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD’. You can pack one of the shoeboxes with the “somethings” - to love, to wear, to play with, for school, for personal hygiene (not toothpaste) and something special for a young boy or girl. You can also donate specific items or money if you prefer. * Don’t forget to include $8 for transportation costs then return it to the Narthex or Parish Office by 13 September in time to be posted overseas for a young child’s Christmas gift. Many thanks for your generous support. St John’s Social Justice Group | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 30 August 2009) Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD This weekend our Parish is participating again in ‘OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD’. You can pack one of the shoeboxes with the “somethings” - to love, to wear, to play with, for school, for personal hygiene (not toothpaste) and something special for a young boy or girl. You can also donate specific items or money if you prefer. * Don’t forget to include $8 for transportation costs then return it to the Narthex or Parish Office by 13 September in time to be posted overseas for a young child’s Christmas gift. Many thanks for your generous support. St John’s Social Justice Group | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 23 August 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? FESTIVAL OF REFUGEES — SUNDAY AUGUST 30 2009 Aboriginal Elder Reg Blow will welcome the refugees to the Festival and acknowledge the traditional people of this land. Performances from, Sudan, Burma, Vietnam, West Papua, Sri Lanka, China and more. Followed by Middle Eastern and West African dinner. Guest appearance: Kavisha Mazzella. Box Hill Town Hall—1022 Whitehorse Road—3pm to 5.30pm Admission $10 Contact: Visier or Glenys 96504511 vcc@vcc.org.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 16 August 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Caritasnews Magazine Spring 2009 Edition Subscribe to the Caritas News Update & OzSpirit e-newsletters to be informed of latest news updates. www.ozspirit.info > Find out how Caritas is working with Muslim partners to promote stronger communities in Java. > Find out how Caritas is tackling diabetes in the Kimberley, Western Australia. > G8-How do the world’s poor fare following the latest meeting of world leaders? > Find out when the exciting AusAid/Caritas multimedia exhibition is in your area. Be Informed! | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 9 August 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Letters to the Visiting UN Rapporteur for Indigenous people regarding the serious concerns with the Northern Territory Intervention and the calling for a genuine reinstatement of the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA). NATSIEC and the SJG would like to thank parishioners for their participation in this. Still not too late. Feel free to take a blank copy (found at all church exits and SJG board. Please return to RDA address (bottom of petition) in the next few days. Any queries phone Georgina 98747595. Indigenous garden of recognition concept plans on display in St. John’s Church Narthex, St. John’s & St. James School entrance Foyer’s and St. James Mass centre. If you are able to contribute landscape materials or have any contacts who might be willing to contribute to the supply of materials listed near displays/ Social Justice Group boards please contact Nick Magree, 98745916 / email nmagree@live.com | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 2 August 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Professor James Anaya, UN Representative on Human Rights will be in Australia shortly. Church leaders, many organisations and those following the Northern Territory Intervention closely have serious concerns about the Intervention in its current form and are writing to Prof. Anaya to ask for his support. There is strong support for the reinstatement of the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA). ‘Special measures’ in their current and proposed form are discriminatory and opposed. It is hoped that James Anaya will bring pressure to bear on government to ensure an authentic reinstatement of human rights for Aboriginal people in the NT. We are inviting parishioners to continue to join us in this social justice action and thank those who have. The letter is supportive of and consistent with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) joint statement of June (downloaded www.ncca.org.au/natsiec). Copies of the Petition letter will be available for signing in the church and St James mass centre over the next few weeks downloaded from www.ccjdp.org. There will also be available some hard copies that can be returned to the church clipboards (by August 9) or sent, see end of letter. Any queries phone Georgina 98747595. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 26 July 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? St John’s Parish Social Justice Group Initiative Indigenous Garden update A parish working party has been working with Aunty Doreen, Snr Wurundjeri Elder, over the past year to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land upon which our parish buildings stand, the “concept designs” for an Indigenous garden of recognition is now displayed in the St John’s Church Narthex, St John’s and St James School entrance and St James Mass Centre. If you are able to contribute landscape materials and / or have any contacts willing to contribute to the supply of the materials listed on the Social Justice Board, please contact Nick Magree (Graduate Landscape Architect) on 98745916 or email jmagree@techinfo.com.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 12 July 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Show International Students that Your Care There has been a lot of recent media attention about the plight of Indian international students in the community. Two issues that have a negative impact on international students are public transport concessions (a large percentage of students do not get travel concessions) and Student Emergency loans (Loans may be provided to local students for one year while international students need to prove it is an emergency and may only access smaller loans for 6 months). How can you Help? - Email or write to relevant Government Ministers expressing your concern. See www.justact.org.au for addresses of Ministers and more information. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 5 July 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? NATIONAL ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SUNDAY Today is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday, a day that has been celebrated for 65 years. We acknowledge the deep religious and spiritual traditions of our ancestors with respect. It is also the beginning of a week (NAIDOC WEEK) of celebrations throughout the nation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people celebrate their spirituality, identity, culture and survival. ------------------------------------------ Opening the Doors Foundation is an education foundation for Aboriginal children in Victoria and is an initiative of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Melbourne. “Knowledge about the foundation is growing and Koorie families are increasingly seeking our support. We expected a rise in numbers this year, but have been surprised by the many new families.” “In addition to the Koorie students from Victoria, we are also supporting Aboriginal students from remote communities who are studying in Victorian schools. The fact that so many more Aboriginal parents and families are making tough educational decisions, which incur a heavy financial burden, is a wonderful sign of hope and confidence.” Indigenous people, the Criminal Justice system, Education and Rehabilitation Currently, indigenous people are over represented in the criminal justice system that does not seem to be meeting their needs. Some of the facts are: - There is a clear link between drug and alcohol abuse and over-representation in gaol. - A quarter of male prisoners, a third of female prisoners and half of all juveniles detained are indigenous. - Many of them attribute their offences to their dependence on alcohol and drugs. - It costs taxpayers $269.00 a day to keep a person in gaol, and residential rehabilitation costs about $98.00 a day. - Treatment is a better and more effective option than building prison cells. - Mainstream diversion programs to get offenders out of the criminal justice system and into Health-care are often unavailable to indigenous people. Education offers a solution for some the reasons that young aboriginal people turn to drugs and alcohol, and Opening Doors Foundation is a wonder way to allow many of them to have the opportunity of achieving this education. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 28 June 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? ‘Circle of Friends’ Australian Refugee Association email ian.swift@ausref.net All donations tax deductible and will assist refugees with financial support. See “Ali’s story” on the Social Justice Noticeboard in the Narthex. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 21 June 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Make the Humanitarian Program more humane. Since the Rudd Government took office in November 2007, some key changes in immigration have been announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. While the changes go some way to making Australia’s refugee and asylum seekers program fairer, there is still more to be done. See website—www.justact.org.au for ways you can help. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 14 June 2009 June 16—International Day of the African Child In Soweta, South Africa, thousands of black school children took to the streets in 1976, in a march more than half a mile along, to protest the inferior quality of their education and to demand their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young boys and girls were killed and more than a thousand injured. This day honours the memory of the courage of all those who marched and draws attention to the plight of African children today. Have you ever thought of supporting or sponsoring a child in Africa? Contact www.worldvision.com.au or www.caritas.org.au to support community development projects in Africa. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 24 May 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? National Sorry Day - Tuesday May 26 Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples were affected by the policies which brought about the Stolen Generations. Those who were removed and their families, still carry the pain of loss and separation. The Governments’ apology has brought healing for many but there is still a long journey ahead. We are ever hopeful that those in pain can find peace and rest in the knowledge that God is there to walk with them on this journey of healing. Prayer of the Day: God of Compassion, you have loved and forgiven us in Christ, and you have sought to reconcile the entire human race in that redeeming love. Look with favour upon us, who work and pray for unity in our communities. Grant us the experience of being brothers and sisters together in your love. May we be one; one in your hand. Amen | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 26 April 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? “ALL THAT I AM, OR HOPE TO BE, I OWE TO MY MOTHER” - Abraham Lincoln Make Poverty History and Micah Challenge want to make the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) a reality—to see poverty halved by 2015. The campaigns are endorsed by many groups working with communities overseas to tackle illness, provide health services and improve health education. We also want more government aid money directed to the vital work of meeting MDGs on child and maternal health. Millennium Development Goal 4: Reduce child mortality. Cut infant and child deaths by 2/3 by 2015 Millennium Development Goal 5: Improve maternal health. Reduce by 3/4 the proportion of women dying in childbirth. You can help by signing one of our cards on Mothers Day. More information next week. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 18 April 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Launch of the Yarra Institute for Religion and Social Policy Thursday April 23 at 7.30pm at the new Study Centre YTU 98 Albion Rd, Box Hill The Yarra Institute for Religion and Social Policy aims to explore the social traditions of the churches as they engage with wider social issues and offers a new research capability in areas of social ethics and public policy. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 12 April 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? About Human Rights in Australia The Government is currently conducting human rights consultations across the nation. Human rights are about equality and dignity for everyone in Australia. Human rights are important to Australia’s democracy. Melbourne (city) sessions are now full. There is an opportunity to attend the 12pm-2pm session in Dandenong this Wednesday 15 April. To register follow link http://www.humanrightsconusltation.gov.au/www/nhrcc/community.nsf/calendar To find out more or to make a submission: http://www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au/www./nhrcc/nhrcc.nsf/Page/Public_submissions To make your submission visit www.getup.org.au/campaign/rights/407 | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 29 March 2009 ECOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY AND THE FUTURE This is the second in a free public conversation series leading up to the Parliament of the World’s Religions, December 3—9 2009 Monday 20 April—6pm-7.30pm Treacy Conference Centre, 126 The Avenue, Parkville (Melways 29 : F12) | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching (15 March 2009) Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Prayer Shawls & Pocket Hearts—Spiritual Care for Bushfire Survivors A collaborative of Pastoral Nurses including Leonie Rastas from Pastoral Health Services in Geelong and the Australian Faith Community Nurses Association recently visited Clergy and Chaplains in Whittlesea and Diamond Creek to offer support and donate a collection of Prayer Shawls, Pocket Hearts and prayer cards. They would be very grateful for us to keep the supply coming so we are asking the Deaneries to assist us in recruiting people to knit shawls and make little Hearts to be packaged with small prayer cards. They will then be delivered to Clergy, Chaplains and Pastoral workers in the fire—ravaged regions of Victoria. These Prayer Shawls and Pocket Hearts bring warmth and comfort to those who have experienced trauma and loss in their lives. The shawls wrap, enfold, hug, shelter and comfort. The hearts are small enough to put into a pocket and give people permission to hold their own hearts tenderly and to grieve, and also to remember that others care about their loss and grief. If you can help with donations of felt, wool, needles or are willing to knit, patterns are available from the Newsstands in the Church. Knitters are invited to “pray as they knit” for healing in mind body and spirit for the survivors as they grieve their losses and rebuild their futures. Thanking you in anticipation of your support. Leonie Rastas, Pastoral Nurse Consultant—Pastoral Health Services, Geelong. Phone Sr Carmel O’Dwyer 5229 7954 or Leonie 0408 217 375. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching (8 March 2009) Project Compassion—Second Sunday of Lent Oh, that we could always say “Ready!” when we hear God’s invitation to act. Abraham placed total trust in God and God reciprocated with a promise of many descendants. We are the descendants and as we struggle to be “ready”, St Paul encourages us in Romans with “if God is for us, who can be against?” Prabha Tirkey lives in Silma, one of India’s poorest tribal areas. Prahba has found in Green Hope and Caritas Australia every reason to say “Ready!” Green Hope is a local program that empowers 470 marginalized families to increase their livelihoods, regenerate the environment and facilitate communal harmony. Prabha has become an active participant in one of many self help groups that are being established . They can now plan for a future and perform collective environmental and social actions. Mark’s Gospel today tells of the story of the Transfiguration. It leads us into our own stories of growth and change and history and promise. We can imagine Peter, James and John sitting around afterwards with their many questions, and in particular “questioning what rising from the dead meant.” Perhaps Prabha could throw some light onto the question of “rising from the dead”. Her comment that arises from the covenantal action of Caritas Australia and Green Hope is: “I see a future since this project has started.” As Christian we are called to walk with those in need. Your Project Compassion donation brings hope to families like Prabha’s, empowering them to work together for a sustainable future. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 1 March 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Last year, St John’s Parish participated in the Micah Challenge “Offering of Letters” project. Our letters contributed to over 5,000 letters that were presented to Kevin Rudd to voice our concerns for the world’s poor. Thank—you for your support. This year, Micah Challenge has released a CD of Christian songs called “Heart Life VOICE”. If you are interested in finding our more, please see www.heartlifevoice.org and ww.micahchallenge.org.au Micah Challenge is having a training day for those interested in becoming involved in the campaign or just to find out more about speaking up against global poverty within our community. It will be on Saturday 28th March in Balwyn North. Please contact Melanie Hosie on 0422 136 155 for further details. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 22 February 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? BUSHFIRE APPEAL COMMUNITY CONCERT (organised by Maroondah Catholic Parishes) All proceeds to St Vincent de Paul. Tickets still available for both the 2pm & 8pm shows to be held next Saturday 28 February at Mt Lilydale Mercy College Centennial Hall, Anderson Street Lilydale (Melways Ref. 38 G3). Cost $20 Adult / $10 Concession $50 for Family (up to 2 adults & 4 children) Some of the acts include: Melbourne based Tenor Mark Spencer, Jazz Pianist/Singer/Songwriter Tracey Roberts, Singer & award winning actress Angela Glennie, Catholic Gospel Band Cornerstone, International Irish stand up comedian Liam Williams. (See flyer in newsstands for a detailed profile of all acts). As a bonus, all pre-bookings will receive one free entry into the raffle draw, with the major prize of a hot air balloon ride across the Yarra Valley. For bookings call Bernie Snell on 9735 2223 or email Bernie@techdoctor.com.au Pre-bookings would be greatly appreciated to assisted with catering arrangements. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 1 February 2009 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Catholic Social Teaching sums up the teachings of the Church on issues or matters of social justice. It promotes a vision of a just society that is grounded by the experience of the Christian community as it has responded to social justice issues throughout history. The work of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council (ACSJC) is based on Catholic Social Teaching and is a contribution to this living tradition. A brief introduction to Catholic Social Teaching is found on its website. www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 25 January 2008 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? Australia Day This weekend we celebrate Australia Day, our official national day. We need to be sensitive to the first people of this land and remember that these people and this land have a story and a history that started long before British settlement of Australia. We can all celebrate Australia Day as our home land, the place of our dreams and hopes where we are privileged to live. “Father ever generous, enlighten us with new vision to see your shaping hand at work in all the gifts of our country with which your providence frames our lives, We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen” (Opening prayer from Australia Day Mass) | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 30 November 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What can I do about it here & now? St Vincent de Paul—Christmas Wish List As an independent charity, the St Vincent de Paul Society relies on the goodwill of people in the parish communities in which they work. St Vinnies are facing an overwhelming demand for their services this year and rely on our support. We can help in two ways:- Donation—use the Christmas Wish List envelopes to help provide food for a farming family affected by drought, pay an elderly person’s electricity bill or buy a present for a child in one of the women’s refuges. One of the greatest needs in our local community is for non-perishable food items (canned goods) eg ham, fish, fruit, vegetables, rice, pasta etc or place a gift under our Parish Community Christmas Tree mainly needed for adults. Remember to label your gift with gender & age appropriate details. Donations can also be left at the Piety Stall no later than Friday 12 December to enable delivery of gifts/hampers in time for Christmas. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 23 November 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What can I do about it here & now? Sixty years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the most basic of human rights remain under threat around the world. The right to life itself is threatened both by personal decisions and by public policy: by abortion and euthanasia; and by the death penalty, inadequate responses to HIV/AIDS, and the failure to address extreme poverty. In many places the right to freedom of religion and belief is protected in law but not in practice. Rather than dismissing the notion of human rights as discredited or impractical we can celebrate the 60th anniversary of the approval of the Declaration—which John XXIII called ‘an act of the highest importance’, with renewed efforts to take up the duty to more effectively safeguard the rights to which human dignity gives rise. We need good laws and effective structures to defend and promote human rights, but also need to cultivate values, attitudes and behaviours that take respect for human rights beyond mere compliance with the law. If we see each other as sisters and brothers, love will call us beyond refraining from murdering one another, buying and selling one another, exploiting one another’s labour committing acts of violence against each other, or discriminating against each other on the basis of gender or belief. We will want the good for each other and find joy in the flourishing of our sisters and brothers. www.faithdoingjustice.com.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 16 November 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What can I do about it here & now? Wurundjeri Memorial Stone Working Party Thursday November 20th—8—9.30pm Parish Supper Room As one response to the Australian Bishops 2007’s Social Justice Sunday Statement “Heart of our Country Report” and the historic 2008 National Apology members of the Social Justice Group will be meeting with a parish working party to plan for the placement of a memorial stone acknowledging the Wurundjeri people as the traditional custodians of the land upon which our church stands. If you would like to join the group you are most welcome. If unable to attend and would like to contribute or comment in any way please email Pat Schmidt jandpschmidt@bigpond.com or Georgina Gartland mpgepart@optusnet.com. If no email access please phone: 98747595 Please Note You are also most welcome to attend the Combined Social Justice Church Groups (of Mitcham area) Meeting Friday 21st November 10—11.30am in the Supper Room or to follow the final 2008 St Johns Justice Social Group at 11.30am. Enquiries Melanie 0422136155 | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 9 November 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What can I do about it here & now? Both climate change and the turbulence on the stock exchange can challenge us to re-think our relationships with people, things, and the planet. We need to stop and ask ourselves: Who and what is really important to us? How do we spend our time and money? Can we live more simply, share generously and work for structural change to ensure that everyone is able to contribute to the community and to have their needs met? We are challenged to cultivate the virtue of solidarity. www.Faithdoingjustice.com.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 19 October 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What can I do about it here & now? A Rich Young Nation: The challenge of affluence and poverty in Australia Australia is a rich country in many ways. It has experienced spectacular economic growth and prosperity in recent years, and increasingly our international economic status has become a symbol of our national identity. Yet in Australia there are many who are wealthy, but live in spiritual poverty, and there are those who have been bypassed by the economic growth and live in material poverty. In 1992, towards the end of the last global recession, the Catholic Bishops of Australia warned of higher levels of serious poverty, unemployment and homelessness, and of the emergence of an underclass of gravely disadvantaged people. Now, the Bishops are renewing that call for justice for those afflicted by poverty in our affluent society. Some who are particularly vulnerable include Indigenous families and communities, single-parent families, low-paid workers, refugees and people who are homeless. The statement can be downloaded at: www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au Join us for the Gaayip (come together) walk and picnic Blackburn Lake Sunday November 9th 12—4pm February 13th marked a turning point for our nation. Whitehorse Friends for Reconciliation are providing a rich opportunity for us at the local level to help take the necessary further steps forward. Come and enjoy a brief walk around the lake, have a chat with members of the stolen generations and enjoy an Indigenous BBQ or BYO picnic. Activities for all. See flyers in newsstands or on the Social Justice Boards. Enquiries to Georgina on 98747597. After the Apology many steps by many people. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 12 October 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What can I do about it here & now? Stand UP and Take Action against poverty and for the millennium development goals. Join over 43 million people around the world who are standing up and taking action—be part of the pledge to make poverty History and to break the Guiness World Record. Come and hear guest speakers from the Australian Breastfeeding Association and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre speak about Maternal & Child Health in developing countries. FRIDAY OCTOBER 17 at 9.30am COGHLAN CENTRE Contact Melanie Hosie 0422 136 155 ALL WELCOME | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 5 October 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What can I do about it here & now? Thank you to all the very generous parishioners who supported us in “OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD”. Boxes & $8.00 for postage to be returned by October 12 to the Parish Office or to the Narthex after Masses. Many thanks from St John’s Social Justice Group. Stand UP and Take Action against poverty and for the millennium development goals. Join over 43 million people around the world who are standing up and taking action—be part of the pledge to make poverty History and to break the Guinness World Record. Come and hear guest speakers from the Australian Breastfeeding Association and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre speak about Maternal & Child Health in developing countries. FRIDAY OCTOBER 17 at 9.30am COGHLAN CENTRE Contact Melanie Hosie 0422 136 155 ALL WELCOME | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 28 September 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What can I do about it here & now? ST JOHN’S SOCIAL JUSTICE GROUP OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Today is Social Justice Sunday. We can give hope to the children of the world living in extreme poverty by participation in Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child”. You have a number of ways that you can help. They are: 1. Complete a shoe box 2. Donate items for a box 3. Donate money to help off-set the freight costs as 1 box costs $8. Please put 50 cents into the small box to pay for a pre-printed shoe box. Remember to take a brochure, read it carefully and follow all the steps. If you are completing a box, don’t forget to fill in the form, include $8 to off-set freight costs and to stick the Boy or Girl Shoe Box Label onto the box. Please return the boxes or items to the Narthex or drop off to the Parish Office by 12 October. Any queries please contact Melanie Hosie on 0422136155 for St John’s Social Justice Group. Micah Challenge “Offering of Letters” - the Combined Social Justice Group forwarded 177 letters onto the PM Kevin Rudd in support of increasing Government funding for foreign aid & achieving the Millennium Development Goals which aim to halve extreme world poverty by 2015. Thank you for your participation. Stand-up Event for Make Poverty History 9.30am Friday 17 October—keep this date free—more information to come. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 21 September 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What can I do about it here & now? Call for Federal Government to endorse Indigenous Declaration Pressure is mounting for the Federal Government to endorse a declaration on indigenous rights adopted by the UN’s general assembly a year ago. Under the Howard government, Australia was one of just four countries to vote against the non-binding UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples last year. At the time of its election,Rudd’s Labor government said it would endorse the declaration, but has failed to do so in its first nine months in office. Visit the Australian Human Rights Commission for more information. Learning Together Conference: Indigenous perspectives in our Local Councils and our Schools ANTaR Vic in conjunction with Reconciliation are presenting a conference to be held at the Aboriginal Advancement League on 17 and 18 October. Day one is directed towards teachers and principals and will focus on implementing Indigenous perspectives and heritage in school culture and curriculum. Day two is for local government and local reconciliation groups, recognising their important role in building relationships with Koorie communities. This day will assist councils to recognise, respect and celebrate Koorie culture. To access the flyer and registration form, visit www.antarvictoria.org.au or phone 94193613. Last Opportunity for Offering of Letters! If you have not had a chance to write to or sign one of the letters to our Prime Minister regarding the Millenium Development Goals and Making Poverty History then we have copies in the Narthex for you to sign and drop in the blue box. The letters will be gathered up and sent to Canberra during the week. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 31 August 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What can I do about it here & now? This Sunday is Migrant & Refugee Sunday Prayer:- God, no one is a stranger to you and no one is ever far from your loving care. In your kindness watch over refugees and asylum seekers, those separated from their loved ones, those who are lost, and those who have been exiled from their homes. Bring them safely to the place where they long to be and help us always to show your kindness to strangers and those in need. Amen By writing letters to PM Rudd asking him to achieve the Millenium Development Goals to halve global poverty by 2015, we can be a voice for the voiceless. Join us as we participate in an “Offering of Letters”. Letter writing day September 14. See www.micahchallenge.org.au or Contact Melanie Hosie 0422136155. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 24 August 2008 What can I do about it here & now? In Afghanistan, for every 1000 births, 257 of those children will not live to reach their fifth birthday. Ever wondered what you can do to help change the world of disparity and poverty that we live in? We as a church have a chance to be a voice for those children in Afghanistan, and for children in other developing nations, by offering to write a letter to PM Rudd, asking the government to keep their promise to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, to halve global poverty by 2015. Micah 6:8 calls us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our Lord. Because God is a God of justice, we shall be a people of justice, using our voices as an offering to Him. Join us as we take up an “Offering of Letters”, giving our voices to God for the sake of the poor. For more information about faith, poverty and justice see www.micahchallenge.org.au or contact Melanie Hosie on 0422136155. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 27 July 2008 The newly formed Combined Social Justice Group of Mitcham Area Churches is having their second meeting on Thursday, 7th August at 10am till 12 noon. At this meeting, will have a guest speaker from the Migrant Resource Centre talking about issues facing the Sudanese Community. We will also be planning a combined effort for Anti Poverty Week / Make Poverty History in October. If anyone is interested, please contact Melanie Hosie on 0422 136 155 for details and to RSVP. Introducing Catholic Social Teaching 9-10 August, 9am—4.30pm Venue: Campion, Kew Day 1: Addresses the question “What is Catholic Social Teaching? And explores the topics—sources; key principles; and how it can help us to live a faith that does justice Day 2: Using the Pastoral Spiral. What is the Pastoral Spiral methodology? Suggested donation $50 per day. Ph: Samantha Hall: 02 89184152 or email Loyola@loyola.org.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 20 July 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What can I do about it here & now? REFUGEES & ASYLUM SEEKERS Did you know that many asylum seekers have skills in many areas that are needed, particularly now when Australia has a skills shortage. Rather than depriving them of their right to employment it may be a better option to ensure that they are given the opportunity to improve their English language skills. This would give them a degree of hope and independence. A recent survey has shown that 74% of those surveyed had skills / training in areas that are needed in Australia at present. How can we help? - a letter to the Minister for Immigration & Citizenship. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 13 July 2008 NATIONAL NAIDOC WEEK July 6—13th THEME: ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR NAIDOC celebrations are held the week following Aboriginal Sunday to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. NAIDOC originally stood for “National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee”. This committee was once responsible for organizing national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has become the name of the week itself. This year’s theme encourages us to think about the position of A&TSI people and the need for equality to improve the lives and opportunities for Indigenous Australians. The posters displayed in the Narthex and St James mass centre feature the word “Sorry” on a vibrant red and orange background, with an emu and kangaroo in the foreground. These are surrounded by the Southern Cross, which is connected by bold, wavy black lines. “For the background, we have used the colours of the land, the sorry is in blue representing water and a healing point.” the artists said. “The Southern Cross is in the colours of the sunset, the time when it first comes out. The lines connecting the Southern Cross represent the spirits of our ancestors that are looking down on us and keeping an eye on us……(and) the orange is power and knowledge that they have and have given.” The emu and the kangaroo from the Australian coat of arms have been swapped left to right “to represent the switch in the Government’s attitude” with its decision to apologise to members of the Stolen Generation. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 22 June 2008 Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (acmm) have a range of gifts for sale through their office. They make lovely presents and momentos. Their gifts create an awareness of the Aboriginal Story. Inexpensive items such as handpainted Pilgrim Journey Blessing Stones ($5), suitable for WYD pilgrims can be ordered now and are available through www.acmm.org or phone 94803849. Orders forms are available in the Narthex, on the acmm gift display table next to Social Justice Boards. Elizabeth Pike’s book will also be available for sale at the Piety Stall & St James Mass Centre, suitable for all ages ($15). | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 15 June 2008 ]THE LONGEST NIGHT APPEAL[/B Shedding light on the plight of homeless youth When you’re a young person who is homeless and living on the streets, the longest night of the year feels even longer. A longer night of being cold, hungry and lonely. There are 36,000 homeless young people in Australia each nIght of the year. That is a staggering one in 70 young people aged 12-25 years. Open Family believes that by supporting Outreach workers that you have the chance to not only support one young person but one hundred young people. Open Family aims to raise $200,000 to support their Outreach work to help get homeless young Australians off the street, off drugs, out of prostitution, away from violence and back into education or work. What can you do? There are a number of different programs throughout The Longest Night Appeal that you can support. These include: > Donations on line at www.openfamily.com.au or > phone 1300669600 or > can your workplace or social group find 21 employees to each raise $21 on June 21 - phone 8698 6700 for more information. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 8 June 2008 Thank you to Fr Mark for getting behind the Archie Roach concert at St John’s last weekend. The indigenous children’s choir from Healesville started the show and they were great. Archie, his son Amos and Dave Arden were terrific. All 300 plus who attended really enjoyed themselves. The music and songs were so moving and heart felt and really made you think. From little things big things grow and healing can start to take place on so many levels. I would also like to thank all the parishioners who got involved and networked for the concert on my behalf especially Georgina from the St John’s Social Justice Group. Through everyone’s efforts both of the following projects will be funded—Australian Indigenous Medical Scholarship and the Solar Power lighting of East Timor’s community centres. Well done to everybody. Regards, Sharon Partridge, President of Rotary Mitcham | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 1 June 2008 ST VINNIES—WINTER CAMPAIGN Each night in Victoria 23,000 people are homeless, 7,000 of these are aged between 12 and 24 years. This winter the St Vincent de Paul Society or Vinnies is conducting the Winter Campaign 2008—this time it’s personal! This campaign is calling us to meet the needs of the poor and homeless during the cold months. We would like to invite you to donate any warm coats (in all sizes) and or spare blankets that you may have to support Vinnies. There is a collection bin at both St James and St John’s schools and there is the Vinnies shop on Whitehorse Road where you may drop off your donations. Alternatively if you wish to make a cash donation envelopes are available at the back of the church. Thank you for your generosity. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 25 May 2008 A Rich opportunity not to be missed in National Reconciliation Week June 1st—2pm St John’s Parish Hall Feb 13th Apology to the Stolen Generations marked a turning point in our Nation. The St John’s Social Justice group would like to help realise the momentum of this time and invite you to spend some time with an Inspirational Aboriginal Singer songwriter, Archie Roach & Friends. Such a rich opportunity on our doorsteps, Archie’s last concert before he embarks on a tour overseas, we have sold 150 tickets but would love to fill the Hall. Cost: $25 / $15 concession, $5 for children under 6. Bookings: Sharon Partridge 98735848 or 0438221366 or sharon/partridge747@bigpond.com You will need to book prior to the concert. Funds raised will be used for training Aboriginal Medical professionals in remote communities and solar panels for community centres in East Timor. Tickets available for sale also at Liyarn Ngarn Monday May 26th at 8pm at St John’s Coghlan Centre. **************************** What Can we do to help the victims of China and Burma—Donate to Caritas Australia’s appeals, call 1800024413, donate online at www.caritas.org.au or via mail Caritas Australia GPO Box 9830 Sydney 2000 | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 18 May 2008 RESPOND TO DISASTER Burma—Cyclone - Over 100,000 people are feared dead and up to 1 million people are without homes in the disaster which has also wiped out a large amount of Burma’s rice crops. China—Earthquake - Nearly 15,000 people are feared dead with this number expected to rise. The total number of people missing, displaced and affected by the earthquake is still to be confirmed. What Can We Do? - Donate to Caritas Australia’s appeals Call 1800 024 413 or donate online. See www.caritas.org.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 11 May 2008 This National Sorry Day Monday 26th May—8pm Wanting to learn or understand more about what lay behind the Historic Feb 13th “Apology to the Stolen Generations? You are welcome to join us for this special repeat viewing of Liyarn Ngarn (rated M). Starring English actor Peter Postlethwaite (In the name of the Father) and singer songwriter Archie Roach. Pete travels from England to Australia in search for what happened to an old friend’s adopted son, Louis, who died tragically. Both Archie and Pete travel the road together. As this and other personal stories of injustice are recounted they are taken on a journey of discovery, of history and of truth. You will be taken on a journey into the heart. You are welcome to join us for supper following. Gold coin donation. Venue: St John’s Coghlan Centre, Mitcham, entry via Elizabeth St, parking in school grounds. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 20 April 2008 National Close the Gap Day—April 22nd In 2007 the Close the Gap campaign for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equality drew massive support. People and organisations around Australia pledged support. This year you are asked to:
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| Catholic Social Teaching - 13 April 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What Can I do about it here & now? 22,000 people live on the streets each night in Australia. Most of these homeless are young people—teenagers and young adults. How can we help? Prayer is a powerful and significant part of living our Catholic Social teaching, but we need to be careful that we aren’t praying to a “Santa Claus god” who solves all problems with magic. When we pray for the poor, our prayer should always include “we” eg Lord, watch over those suffering from poverty and the homeless, that we may see their need and respond with generosity and justice. Amen | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 6 April 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What Can I do about it here & now? EQUAL LIKE ME (Opening Exhibition Friday May 2nd 7-9pm YTU Albion Rd Box Hill) Is a moving photo story project about being an equal in Australia. Twenty young refugees an immigrants took photos and told very personal stories about their experiences during their first year in Australia. Yarra Theological Union shall be exhibiting this along with an International Project “Imagine”. Workshops are available with curator. Times vary. Exhibition to May 9th, for other dates and times please refer to the Social Justice Boards in the Narthex / St James Mass Centre or contact Meg Rice at comdev@ytu.edu.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 30 March 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What Can I do about it here & now? “A RIVER DREAMING” - Book Launch Elizabeth Pike’s new book. (Elizabeth is a Ncongar Woman, Elder and Writer in residence at the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Melbourne) Thursday April 17th 6.00pm at the Australian Catholic University 115 Victoria Pde FITZROY RSVP—by April 10 to 94803849 or cfar@passiton.org | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 23 March 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What Can I do about it here & now? The Whitehorse Interfaith Network and Initiatives of Change invite you to a screening of “The Imam and the Pastor” A moving story of grass-roots peace—building that gives hope for humanity. Also hear from two Sudanese youth in Melbourne about a courageous initiative to bridge the North—South divide. WHERE: Waratah Room, Whitehorse Centre 379 Whitehorse Road Nunawading WHEN: Sunday 30 March TIME: 2.45—5pm COST: (Entry by Donation) RSVP: 88021777 or email: parisanyu@au.iofc.org | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 16 March 2008 MARCH 21—GOOD FRIDAY Jesus was executed by the State with two other criminals. As we commemorate the death of Jesus, we are sadly aware that many nations still use the death penalty. “The death penalty is incompatible with our shared belief in life as a precious gift from God… The principles upon which we oppose capital punishment are such that no exceptions should be made at home or abroad. The fundamental human right to life is not a relative concept. All humans, not just Australians, are entitled to protection from the death penalty.” (Bishop C Saunders ‘Confronting the Death Penalty’, ACSJC CSJS.No. 61) | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 9 March 2008 What Can I do about it here & now? Support Project Compassion 2008 Did you know that Project Compassion is Australia’s largest humanitarian fundraising campaign? Your donation helps Caritas Australia to help the poorest of the poor around the world. Contribute to the work of Caritas—you can make change happen! See the website—www.caritas.org.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 2 March 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What Can I do about it here & now? International Women’s Day—March 7 This day is an opportunity to reflect on the dignity and role of all women; in the family, society and the church. “We know that the church as a whole has much to learn from and about women, who constitute more than half its membership….we know that their contribution over the centuries and today has been (and is) enormous, even if not fully recognized and valued.” (Cardinal Clancy 1996). We pray that we, the Church, ensure that women are encouraged and enabled to become more fully participative members of the Catholic Church in Australia. See website of the Council for Australian Catholic Women www.cacw.catholic.org.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 24 February 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What Can I do about it here & now? As part of Oxfam’s Refugee Realities Project, Pierre Kazadi Mwamba, parishioner at St Leo the Great Parish, Altona North, and political refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, will be presenting “Faces of a Forgotten Emergency” including a photographic display by Nabil Elderkin, (photographs for sale), performances and lecture. Pierre will officially launch Faces of a Forgotten Emergency: 6.30pm, Friday 7th March Gasworks Theatre, 21 Graham Street, Albert Park Please support Pierre’s work by attending the launch, or viewing the exhibition anytime from 1st—13th March 2008. RSVP appreciated to pierrek@oxfam.org.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 17 February 2008 What Can I do about it here & now? “CLOSE THE GAP” - WHAT DOES IT MEAN? On Wednesday the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition agreed to a bi-partisan approach in forming a commission that would develop effective strategies for ‘Closing the gap’ on the 17 year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. There is no quick fix but with a long term bi-partisan commitment to work with Indigenous communities, change can be brought about in the areas of housing, education and self determination. For more information visit the ANTAR Website www.antar.org.au or CARITAS Website www.caritas.org.au We all need to be informed. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 10 February 2008 What Can I do about it here & now? Apology to Stolen Generations 13 February To help realise the great potential of this ‘historic moment’ in moving our nation forward, we encourage you to ask the questions and seek the answers. Who are the stolen generations? How do we know these people’s stories are true? Why is it important to apologise? Why should Australians apologise today for something we aren’t responsible for? What does an apology mean to me as a non-Indigenous Australian? Will an apology lead to compensation claims? Why is the word "Sorry" important as part of the apology and what does this word represent in A&TSI culture? For this and more information see Social Justice Notice Boards in Narthex/St James Mass Centre or view http://www.reconcile.org.au/getsmart/pages/sorry.php CTRL, click ‘Frequently asked questions’ & “The Bringing Them Home Report” which gives details of the National Inquiry into the Separation of A&TSI Children from their Families (1997). | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 3rd February 2007 Catholic Social Teaching—What Can I do about it here & now? Project Compassion 2008—”Just Want Justice—a call to action” This year the campaign explores the role of young people around the globe empowering their communities and being advocates for change, as they call upon us all to raise our voices and stand up for those whose basic rights are ignored and who live in desperate poverty. Don’t forget to collect your Project Compassion box soon! | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 27 January 2008 Catholic Social Teaching—What Can I do about it here & now? “Do we help the poor if we do not ask why they are poor? Dom Helda Camara Aboriginal and Catholic Ministry and Opening the Doors Foundation work together to support, financially, the educational disadvantaged of Koorie kids by encouraging enrolment in Catholic Schools. See flyers in Newsstands or phone 94803849 | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 9 December 2007 BUY NOTHING THIS CHRISTMAS This Christmas try something different. The Buy Nothing Christmas Movement offers these alternatives:
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| Catholic Social Teaching - 23 December 2007 “Stargaze Part of living out this social teaching is to see the wonder and beauty of this creation we care for. Go outside for ten minutes tonight and look up at the stars. Look up at the majesty of creation that extends far beyond the boundaries of our own planet, solar system and galaxy. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 2 December 2007 MAKE POVERTY HISTORY—WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING? There is a great new website that helps you see progress on the Millennium Development Goals, by country or by goal. (Dazzle friends with your in-depth knowledge!) See www.mdgmonitor.org/index.cfm Thank you for sending in your 07:07:07 postcards. The final number of postcards received by Micah Challenge was 26,733. Please keep praying for a positive response by our newly elected Government. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 17 November 2007 MAYBE YOU COULD CONSIDER A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT? Through their Global Gift campaign, Caritas Australia is delighted to offer the opportunity to make a life changing difference to some of the poorest people around the globe as well as sharing five beautiful Christmas tree ornaments with your family and friends. Christmas is about giving and sharing and for just $50 you can purchase a Global Gift pack that will enable you to give the gift of Play to children in Bolivia, the gift of Joy to indigenous Australians in Balgo, the gift of Peace to the child victims of war in Northern Uganda, the gift of Hope for young men in PNG and the gift of a healthier Environment to communities in India. Their Christmas tree ornaments were especially designed for Caritas Australia by an artist committed to social justice and to their work around the world. They are printed on recycled paper so are kind to the environment too!. The pack contains five ornaments, each representing one program in regions where Caritas Australia enables development and change. They will add colour and variety to your tree this year but more importantly they will remind you of your contribution to impoverished communities. To order phone 1800 024 413 or go to www.caritas.org.au. NB: Last orders will be taken on 7 December 2007. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 11 November 2007 Catholic Social Teaching—What Can I do about it here & now? The Social Justice Group has now been operating the Parish for 12 months, and we are in the process of reviewing our activities and planning for the future. During the year we have been involved in the Make Poverty History campaign, increased awareness of indigenous issues, and conducted 2 successful forums on Your Rights at Work and the Church’s teachings on Social Justice issues particularly relating to Industrial Relations. It is therefore a great time for any interested Parishioners to join the Group where there will be scope for you to assist the group in developing strategies that will help to inform other parishioners about Social Justice issues. You may have a particular area of interest/knowledge, and this would be welcome. If you would like more information please contact: Helen Thomas 9874 7024 or email lehbart@alphalink.com.au We are also interested in confirming the best time for meetings, currently monthly and alternating between a Tuesday evening and a Friday morning. Keep an eye on the Social Justice Noticeboards! We have a Social Justice Noticeboard in the Narthex at St Johns and also at St James Mass Centre. The Social Justice Group will be regularly updating these with notices, announcements and news that comes to us. Please keep an eye on these boards for ways you can be involved in or informed of Justice issues. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 4 November 2007 CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE GIVE CHURCH’S SOCIAL MISSIOIN A HIGHER PROFILE In a move designed to strengthen the arm of the Archdiocese in social justice, social services and aboriginal ministry, the Archbishop of Melbourne recently announced the appointment of Bishop Christopher Prowse as Episcopal Vicar for Justice and Social Services together with the establishment of a new Justice Unit. The appointment of Bishop Prowse who undertook his doctorate in Moral Theology (STD) at the Lateran University as Episcopal Vicar for Justice and Social Services in the Archdiocese of Melbourne elevates the Archdiocese’s focus on social justice, aboriginal ministry and social services issues and ensures the Archdiocese’s endeavours in these areas complement priorities and initiatives of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. The Archbishop of Melbourne has also invited the Bishops of Victoria to support the reconstitution of Catholic Social Services Victoria as a peak body for all of Victoria accountable to, and, under the auspices of the Bishops. The Archbishop recently said “There is a clear need for such a properly constituted body to represent the Church in Victoria as a whole and particularly in our dealings with state government”. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 28 October 2007 Important Information From Mark Clark, Justice Unit, Archdiocese of Melbourne It is with much regret that the International Secretariat of Amnesty International has imposed a policy in regard to “selected areas of abortion”. After many months of discussions, the President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has advised Catholics regarding membership of Amnesty International: “And it is with much regret that we are now in a position of having to advise that because of this change in policy, membership of Amnesty international is no longer compatible with Catholic teaching and belief on this important point,” Archbishop Wilson said. If you missed the article regarding this matter it may be found at: http://www.cathnews.com/news/710/26.php It is extremely disappointing that the International Secretariat of Amnesty have taken this position, without giving the Australian membership, at the very least, the opportunity to vote on this new policy. You may be aware that Bishop Michael Evans, author of the Amnesty Prayer and member of Amnesty International for over 30 years has now resigned from Amnesty. Sadly, I too shall also be resigning from Amnesty over this issue. I think it is incumbent upon us all to support the Bishops’ position, and take the necessary steps to ensure we continue to defend the human rights of all, including the unborn. You may wish to express your disappointment with this incredible policy shift by contacting Amnesty’s Sexual and Reproductive Rights Projects Co-ordinator officer, Elena Rosenman. Her email address is: Elena_rosenman@amnesty.org.au If you have any questions in regard to this matter I would be only too happy to assist. Phone: 99265710 or mclarke@melbourne.catholic.org.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 21 October 2007 ANTI POVERTY WEEK A justice response is compassionate not sympathetic. It moves beyond shock to action. It asks the questions eg “What are the economic, political and social structures that condemn millions to live in poverty?” How Can I respond? What Can I do? Our faith tradition says “get engaged” and the Gospel should be our motivation. Have you bought your ‘Make Poverty History’ Wristband On sale this weekend in the Narthex. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 14 October 2007 Stand up - Speak Out October is the month that you can show your support by getting involved in international and local Make Peverty History events. This is Anti-Poverty Week In 2000, world leaders signed up to the Millenium Ddevelopment Goals (MDGs), a global plan to halve extreme poverty by 2015. 2007 marks the halfway point of this commitment to tackle extreme poverty, but Australia and the world are falling behind schedule to achieve the goals. We have achieved real change but there is much more to be done. Join the growing international movement of people calling on our leaders to take action now. STAND UP and SPEAK OUT - Have you collected your card and expressed your concern. Cards are available in the Church foyer. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 7 October 2007 “Faith and Industrial Relations” A Faith Perspective on Industrial Relations in contemporary Australian Society. Community FORUM—hosted by St John’s Social Justice Group to be held on Tuesday October 9 at 7.30pm—9.00pm in the Coghlan Centre. - Speakers from Australian Catholic Council for Employment Relations - Victorian Council of Churches - Australian Services Union, Your Rights at Work Representatives of major political parties have been invited. Opportunities for questions and discussion. Everybody Welcome | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 30 September 2007 Catholic Social Teaching—What Can I do about it here & now? SUNDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER IS SOCIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Statement for this year is entitled: “Who is my Neighbour? Australia’s role as a global citizen”. Copies can be downloaded here. It is a call for us Australians to act more in the interests of people who do not share our prosperity and security and to reconsider the way we live and act as individuals and as a nation. TUESDAY 9TH OCTOBER in the COGHLAN CENTRE at 7.30pm the Parish Social Justice Group will be hosting “Your Rights at Work” forum with speakers from the local churches and political groups. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 16 September 2007 National Close the Gap Day Tuesday 18 September 2007 It’s hard to believe but impossible to deny that Indigenous Australians live 17 years less than other Australians. In the 21st century Australia this is plainly unacceptable. While most women in Australia can expect to live to an average age of 82 years, A&TSI women can expect to live to only 64.8 years. The situation is even worse for men whose life expectancy is only 59.4 years. Please sign the pledge on: http://www.oxfam.org.au/campaigns/indigenous-health/take-action/sign-the-pledge. If you work in the city visit Federation Square 12—2pm and show your support for long-term, adequately funded solutions to the Indigenous health crisis by adding your handprint to our large Koori flag in the heart of the city. Or organise an event in your own workplace on Tuesday 18 September. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 9 September 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? OUR CHURCH A SAFE COMMUNITY A SHARED COMMITMENT Our aim is to ensure that all communities and organisations within the church are safe and enriching environments for people of all ages, with special concern for children, young people and vulnerable adults. What can each of us do?
An initiative of the National Committee for Professional Standards 2007 | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 2 September 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? You are invited to attend Stepping Up! Walking Together 40 Years as “Citizens”? Where to Next? 1967 — 2007 40 years of Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships. 2007 The Eastern Metropolitan Region—What is this relationship now? 2007— onwards From words to actions. Couch Conversation Dinner and Forum from 5pm Tuesday 18 September and all day Wednesday 19 September 2007 Hawthorn Town Hall. Georgina Gartland (on behalf of our Parish Social Justice Group) would like to organise a table or two. If you are interested in attending the Dinner or the whole Forum or in finding out more about it please contact her on 98747595 by Thursday 6 September. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 26 August 2007 What can I do about it here & now? Today is Refugee and Migrant Sunday when we are reminded to celebrate with thanks the Unity in Diversity in Australia. The Church, like the nation, is made up of peoples from many different countries with different languages and customs. We are invited today to pray for migrants and refugees that they may be welcomed warmly into our midst. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 19 August 2007 What can I do about it here & now? This week sees the beginning of Refugee and Migrant Week (Next Sunday being Refugee and Migrant Sunday in our Melbourne Church). Australia is a first world country and as such is identified with wealth, economic prosperity, social status and privileged life. It is a country that has a lot to offer. Alternatively, as a young country we have much to gain from those who come with a desire to transplant their lives, culture and experience and build a new future here. During Refugee and Migrant Week we join hands in praying for and expressing our solidarity with refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in Australia and in our global community. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 12 August 2007 What can I do about it here & now? On July 1st we celebrated National and Torres Strait Islander Sunday across Australia. We celebrated as Christians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous with the theme ‘Gathering Together in Faith Sharing in God’s Love’. It is a call today and everyday, to open our hearts and minds to God and invite the Holy Spirit to help us along our different journeys in life and to live in unity with God and one another. On this day we welcomed our Message Stick to our Parish at all Masses at St John’s. This Sunday—12 August—we welcome it to the St James community at the 9.30am Mass. This will be a permanent reminder to us that for thousands of years the Aboriginal people used the message stick as a way of communicating across country. Symbols or markings were engraved or painted to tell of Sacred Ceremonies asking permission to cross the country to another tribe with different totems and lore. Aboriginal artist—Ricki Lee Mumber from the Yuin tribe describes the symbols on our message stick as:- Ancient Dreaming is Bunjil—the eagle—representing God the Father and the Old Testament. The Cross represents the Modern Dreaming and the New Testament and Jesus’ suffering. The Campfire/Smoke represents the Holy Spirit and the Penitential Rite. Today the Aboriginal Catholics carry the Message Stick with the Bible, symbolising the respect for cultural differences when spreading the Good News. We acknowledge the original custodians, the Wurundjeri People, of the land on which we are standing. We thank the Elders for their care and protection of the land. We will carry on this tradition through our care for the environment. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 5 August 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? Some dates for your diary:- Breakfast at the Tudor—Bernie Millane “East Timor Today—a neighbour in need of friends” 1101 Whitehorse Rd Box Hill—21st September 7am—8.30am Cost $25 ($20 Concession) Phone 98771971 2007—Whitehorse Youth Music Mosaic Thursday 9th August 7.30pm Cost $10—Phone 92626555 Whitehorse Centre Theatre—Nunawading Come and support the talented youth of Whitehorse and other local areas as they perform a unique mix of music, to raise money and other resources for the people of East Timor. See Newsstands for more information | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 29 July 2007 What does the Catholic Church say about a “Preferential Option for the Poor”? This is central in the Hebrew Scriptures and in Jesus’ Mission in the Gospel. It calls for a commitment from individuals and communities at every level to engage actively in a struggle to overcome the social injustices, especially through national and international structures, which impoverish and marginalise people. In Catholic Social Teaching the poor are the key criterion for assessing both the justice and efficacy of an economy; they are to be the first concern of policy-makers and decision makers. In addition, Catholic Social Teaching urges the poor to organise and demand change and sees them as ‘teachers’ for those who are not poor. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 22 July 2007 Let us pray: We pray today for God’s world. We pray for a world divided unequally between the prosperous and the desperate, between the privileged and the powerless, between the wealthy and the poor. God of life, into this divided human community you come. You sit amongst the poor, you walk with the lonely and the abandoned, you stand among the hungry crowds, you live among the powerless, the frightened and the weak. Grant us the energy to serve others in your name. Grant us the love to heal despair. Grant us the strength to continue in your service. Grant us the power to overcome evil. Help us to walk humbly where you walk so that in your name, we become the answer to the prayers of the silent, suffering, struggling ones. Amen From a Micah Challenge service for the meeting of G20 Finance Ministers in Melbourne Our Parish Social Justice Group meets monthly, alternating between a day and a night meeting. The next meeting is on Friday 27 July at 11.30am in the Parish Centre. All Welcome | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 15 July 2007 Thank you to all of the parishioners who supported our MAKE POVERTY HISTORY efforts last Sunday. If you would still like to purchase a wrist band go to the website www.makepovertyhistory.org for more information. Keeping our eye on the goal to halve global poverty by 2015 is so important if we are to MAKE POVERTY HISTORY. Stay tuned for more activities to be arranged by our Social Justice Group in the coming months. Many thanks, Carolyn Wallace The next meeting of the Social Justice Group will be held on Friday, July 27, 2007 at 11.30am in the Parish Centre. All Welcome. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 8 July 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? MAKE POVERTY HISTORY The Millennium Development Goals Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women Goal 4: Reduce child mortality Goal 5: Improve maternal health Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development with a focus on fairer trade, debt relief and more and better aid. For more information log on to www.makepovertyhistory.com.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 1 July 2007 Social Justice Group We would like to thank Melissa Brickell from the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council for attending Tuesday’s Social Justice Group meeting and imparting her story and the significance of the Message Stick. The incredible joy that Melissa feels in our embracing this was sensed by all. There are close to 200 other Parishes or Schools in the Archdiocese welcoming a Message Stick in the next week or so. Thank you to the large group of people who came out on such a cold night (and for the many who apologised). Our next meeting will be Friday 27th July 11.30am—1pm in the Parish Centre. All welcome. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 24 June 2007 What can I do about it here & now? Tuesday June 26 at 8pm in the Coghlan Centre Social Justice Group—Guest Speaker Melissa Brickell from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council. Melissa is a descendant of the Yorta Yorta and Wiradjeri people. She has worked as a teacher in Victoria and the N.T. in primary, secondary and tertiary education and as Aboriginal Cultural Parish Worker for the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Melbourne. Melissa has also worked in the Prison system and the Museum. She will speak about the Message Stick and its place in our Parish Community. At all masses at Mitcham next weekend 1st July is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday— we will welcome the Message Stick to our parish. It will be welcomed at Vermont on Sunday 12 August. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 17 June 2007 What can I do about it here & now? Tuesday June 26 at 8pm is the next meeting of the Social Justice Group in the Coghlan Centre. At this gathering Melissa Bricknell (NATSICC) will speak on the significance of the message stick. ALL WELCOME! Suicide & Desperation—”The Human Cost of Baxter Clearnace”. “There were renewed reports of executions of political opponents in political prisons, and of executions of people charged with economic crimes, such as stealing food. Unconfirmed reports suggested that people operating underground churches had been executed. Hundreds of North Koreans forcibly returned from China faced detention, torture or ill-treatment, and up to three years’ imprisonment in appalling conditions. Prisoners reportedly died from malnutrition in labour camps for political prisoners and in detention centres, which were severely overcrowded. Prisoners charged with breaking prison rules had their food cut even further.” Last week a North Korean couple attempted suicide in the Baxter Detention Centre. “Suicide in Australia may seem preferable to being returned to this fate. Today 3 more refusals have arrived. Two are for men who arrived in Australia as refugees from Vietnam aged 12 and 13 years and who have no family left in Vietnam. The third is a young man from the Philippines who arrived here aged 14 years and whose family all live here. He has one sister nursing and another sister studying medicine. The quality of mercy is non-existent in Australia’s detention camps. This is a system where responsibility for the consequences or decisions is not considered.” Pamela Curr ASRC Campaign Coordinator (Just Freedom.org.au) | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 10 June 2007 What can I do about it here & now? “OFF YOUR BACK” - Three years ago a group of like minded individuals got together and decided to mount a Victorian based campaign to get coats out of wardrobes and the back of garages and on to the back of the homeless. So go through your cupboards grab that old winter coat—men’s, women’s or children’s and pass it on so someone else can use it.Drop off your coat at:- (See Flyer in Newstands) * Rusden House—662 Blackburn Road Clayton * Sandy—103 Tooronga Road, Malvern Mobile 0400267823 * Lygon Court—333 Drummond Street Carlton Drop off—Cark Park Attendant * Melbourne Arts Rooms/Café—418 Bay Street Port Melbourne | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 3 June 2007 What can I do about it here & now? Asylum Seekers There are families living in Melbourne, some with children born in Australia, who have no means of support due to our legally complex Visa classification system. These people have come here seeking safety and a peaceful life but have been “rewarded” with detention, some for many years, and uncertainty causing ongoing health problems. Our punitive attitude to those who are “different” has cost the country millions of dollars that could have been used to settle and assimilate these people rather than antagonize them and their children, causing great despair and hopelessness. You can help by contacting:- THE AYSYLUM SEEKER RESOURCE CENTRE Phone 9326 6066 email—home.of.humanrights@asrc.org.au www.asrc.org.au | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 27 May 2007 Catholic Social Teaching — What can I do about it here & now? * National Sorry Day 2007—Saturday May 26 * National Reconciliation Week May 27—June 3 “Sorry Day” is only one day of the year that commemorates, acknowledges and honours the Stolen Generations. Action needs to happen every day until the 54 recommendations of the “Bringing them Home” Report are fulfilled. This needs individuals and groups from every Region, State and Territory to become involved. To find out what you can do to make a difference go to the National Sorry Day Committee website—www.nsdc.org.au. Learn what has and hasn’t been done. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 20 May 2007 Catholic Social Teaching—What can I do about it here & now? Make Poverty History—Everyday 30,000 children are dying as a result of extreme poverty. We have the resources, knowledge and opportunities to end this. This campaign calls on world leaders to honour their commitments to the Millennium Development Goals—an eight point plan for tackling poverty. Join the band of people trying to do this by logging on to www.makepovertyhistory.com.au Reconciliation Week 2007 (May 27—June 3) - Flagraising Ceremony The City of Whitehorse is celebrating Reconciliation Week 2007 with a flagraising ceremony of the Aboriginal Flag in the Nangnak Garden at 379-397 Whitehorse Road Nunawading from 10.30am—11.30am on FRIDAY May 25. * You are invited to attend. * RSVP email helen.papaioannou@whitehorse.vic.gov.au or phone 9262 6443 * See flyers in the Newsstands for further information and map of Civic Precinct. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 13 April 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? [PR]“Bibles for India”[/PR] - During May (until May 31) you can bring any bibles you don’t need to your local Koorong Store (Vicky St Blackburn) and deposit them in the area labeled “Bibles for India”. Any bible will be used and is greatly appreciated—regardless of condition. [PR]Reconciliation Week 2007[/PR] (May 27—June 3) - [PR]Flagraising Ceremony[/PR] The City of Whitehorse is celebrating Reconciliation Week 2007 with a flagraising ceremony of the Aboriginal Flag in the Nangnak Garden at 379-397 Whitehorse Road Nunawading from 10.30am—11.30am on FRIDAY May 25. * You are invited to attend. * RSVP email helen.papaioannou@whitehorse.vic.gov.au or phone 9262 6443 * See flyers in the Newsstands for further information and map of Civic Precinct. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 6 May 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders have a lower life expectancy than any other first-world country Indigenous population. Put simply, Australia ranks bottom in a league table of first-world wealthy nations working to improve the health and life expectancy of Indigenous people ...Australians spend $1.9 billion on confectionery each year. Just one-quarter of this sum, an allocation of an additional $460 million annually towards culturally appropriate primary healthcare services, could help solve this health crisis if governments followed the recommendation of the Australian Medical Association (AMA)… WHAT MUST BE DONE BY FEDERAL, STATE and TERRITORY LEADERS At minimum, achieving healthy equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health within 25 years will require federal, state and territory leaders from all sides of politics to commit to an agreed time frame for achieving health equality…” Please take action now. For full report refer to “Close the Gap Oxfam April 07” Report http://wwww.oxfam.org.au/media/files/CTG.pdf | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 29 April 2007 What can I do about it here & now? Throughout your day pay attention to people whom you dismiss easily. In our daily lives we can easily overlook some people as ‘invisible’. They can be retail assistants, the homeless on the footpath or women struggling with several children, or people we never see, like those who cook in restaurants or cafes, cleaners, utility workers. Find one person who was ‘invisible’ to you at some time and reflect on their genuine humanity. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 22 April 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? Spend time this week reflecting on the gift of your own life. Reflect on your dignity and worth, which is based on nothing more than your creation by the one living God. Do you base your value on other things? If these things were gone, could you still see yourself as a valuable human being? Do you trust your own life as sacred by keeping healthy habits? | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 15 April 2007 What can I do about it here & now? > Make conservation a game for your children or grandchildren. >Tell your children or grandchildren that when they turn the lights off, they are helping to care for God’s creation. Teach them to recycle their paper. Make sure they turn the water off when they have finished washing up or while they are cleaning their teeth. Make it a game for them to find new ways to care for God’s creation. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 8 April 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? Reflect on your own materialism and consumption. Living out the teaching to care for God’s creation involves self reflection on our own habits of materialism and consumption. Our culture pushes us into the idea that consuming more is better, thus supporting the idea that we are what we own. Spend twenty minutes reflecting on how much these ideas influence you. Write down your own ideas and beliefs about materialism and see how they affect your life. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 1 April 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? About one in five Australians suffer from mental illness. Of these, only half ever get treatment. People in rural and remote areas of Australia are especially affected because of a lack of services. The problem is often not discussed and those who suffer from this problem are often stigmatised and alienated by their condition. This week be attuned to anyone who needs a listening ear. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 25 March 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? Donate to Project Compassion—Take home a box or envelope. Through Project Compassion, Caritas Australia is promoting the United Nations Millenium Development Goals—eight goals that aim to halve world poverty by 2115. See www.caritas.org.au. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 18 March 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? An Invitation to Live the Mystery to be Open to the other, to Walk with the Other is to be the person we are Called to be… This Sunday 18 March is an opportunity for each of us to walk towards Reconciliation… In the spirit of Michael Long you are invited to walk from behind the Whitehorse Council to Blackburn Lake (2.7Km) to demonstrate your commitment to reconciliation and to raise a little money for the Sir Doug Nicholls Fellowship (Indigenous Leadership). Walk followed by picnic (BYO or food available to purchase). Free concert and entertainment and Indigenous Cultural activities at Blackburn Lake from 12.15pm A terrific family and community day. Walk starts at 10.30am. Prior registration encouraged & payment details available www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au (select Major Events) or register on the day from 9.45am. For more information ring Howard on 98982514 /Georgina 98747595. (See flyers in newsstands) | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 4 March 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? > Support the WHITEHORSE LONG WALK and RECONCILIATION PICNIC 2007— Sunday March 18th. In the Spirit of William Barak and Michael Long you are invited to join in the Whitehorse Long Walk to Blackburn Lake to raise funds for the Sir Douglas Nicholls Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership. Please join us as we walk together for reconciliation. > Registration opens at 9.45am and the Walk begins at 10.30am at Nunawading Civic Centre and finishes at 12noon at Blackburn Lake (distance 2.7km). See www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au (select Major events) or pick up flyer / registration forms in the Church Newstands or City of Whitehorse Service or Arts Centres, Blackburn Lake Sanctuary Information Centre or Eastern Suburbs Police Stations. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 25 Feb 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? Shop in a suburban area that is struggling. People who live in less well off areas need things, like local milk bars and stores. But maintaining a store in a struggling area can be an uphill battle. Notice stores in struggling areas and shop there once in a while rather than always going to larger shopping centres and supermarkets. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 18 Feb 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? Donate to a food bank. Feeding the hungry is one of the corporal works of mercy. It is one of the most fundamental charitable actions to which we are called. Find a food bank in your parish or suburb and make a donation. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 11 Feb 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? This week’s Gospel confronts us with choices concerning material goods. The Beatitudes point to a new order in which positions will be reversed in order to lead us to an awareness of our responsibility to share our resources with others. What challenges does this present for us, the people of Australia? Take one of the Beatitudes which is most applicable to you and live it out this week. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 4 Feb 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? Notice if the policies in your workplace support family life. If they support family life, then follow that by investing your time and energy in family. If not, offer subtle but consistent resistance. | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching - 28 Jan 2007 What Can I do about it here & now? Reflect on the gift of those you love. Nowhere is the value and dignity of the human person easier to see than in those you love. Spend some time today reflecting on the gift of their lives. What makes them special? Why is loving them easy? Then take that feeling and consider how God feels about every single human being. | ||