Social Justice Committee

 

Social Justice Ministry

Catholic Social Teaching includes a body of papal documents developed in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, however, it is much more than that. The tradition of social justice begins in the Old Testament with, for example, the story of liberation from slavery in Exodus, the jubilee laws in Leviticus to prevent the exploitation of workers and the abuse of creation. The prophets such as Isaiah who spoke against the oppression of the weak; Amos who denounced the hypocrisy of the powerful and Micah who denounced the corruption of the religious and political leaders.

Jesus’ Mission

Jesus proclaimed the fulfilment of the kingdom of God in himself, that is, God reigning or governing in every part of our lives and our world. In the gospel of Luke Jesus proclaimed his mission by drawing upon the prophetic tradition of justice in the prophet Isaiah: Luke 4:18-19 

Social Justice Ministry Team

The Social Justice Ministry Team meets on a Tuesday afternoon each month from February to November. Members gather at 12.15pm for lunch and meet from 12.45 to 2.30pm. The agendas include a broad range of current social justice issues, such as supporting refugees and people seeking asylum; issues affecting Australia's first people; our environment and changing climate drawing partcularly from Pope Francis' document Laudato Si. We welcome new members or interested observers.

Contact Trish Wilson on 0431 696 504

Climate Change Rally Sunday 22 February

rally 4

Being part of the rally on climate was an amazing experience. Trish Wilson, Mary Gallagher, Meredith Collum and Gail Gill joined with other Broken Bay parishioners to be part of the climate rally on Saturday 22 February. In a time when we experience so many divisions, being part of this rally was an experience of solidarity with people of various beliefs and reasons for wanting to be part of this rally. 

Thanks to Phil Jones from Frenchs Forest parish, we were a visible Catholic presence in our Laudato Si T shirts and with our Laudato Si placards. We stood in the midst of the Greens, Teachers Federation supporters and members of the Maritime Workers Union and experienced welcome in our united concern. 

Pope Francis urges all of us to go out into the world and beyond our comfort zones. People approached us and asked if Pope Francis really said what was on our placards, and where could they read more. Other people told us that although they were no longer part of church they were grateful for our presence.

rally 2

 

Parish Outreach

The parish has three key social justice outreach projects; one local, one national and one international. These were selected as part of a parish discernment some years ago.

1.    Local Outreach – Street Work

2.    National Outreach – Sister Parishes of Bourke and Brewarrina

3.    International Outreach – Maubara Orphanage in Timor Leste

IMG_2762Street Work - see streetwork.org.au

Street Work is a Sydney based charity helping young people between 11 and 18 who are ‘at risk’. Street Work aims to help troubled young people who are affected by crime, violence, destructive family relationships, rejection and isolation, risk of homelessness, learning difficulties, truancy, poor employment opportunities, drug and alcohol dependency. Street work offers programs to support these young people as they strive to turn their lives around.

We support Street Work by promoting its programs and by raising awareness of young people who need support. We support Street Work financially with considerable funds raised through our Bunnings BBQs.

BourkeBourke and Brewarrina Bre welcome

We aim to provide pastoral and financial support to these outback parishes. There have been a number of initiatives of outreach, practical and financial support that have fostered mutual respect and friendship.

Maubara Orphanage Timor Leste

Timor 1       Timor 2

The Carmelite Sisters care for around 27 girls ranging in ages from 6 to 16 at Maubara. They are well cared for and attend the local school. As a result of a generous bequest from one of our parishioners, accommodation has been built in Fatuada in Dili. This enables the senior girls to complete their last years of secondary schooling in Dili. Parish funds have provided new furniture and furnishings for the new dormitory. We believe that education is the key to a sustainable future for the young people of Timor Leste.

Fatuhada study time

Maubara Dining Room