Our relationship with the environment can never be isolated 

from our relationship with others and with God.

Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ (119)

This Sunday we celebrate Social Justice Sunday.  Each year, the Australian Catholic Bishops release a Social Justice Statement to encourage the Catholic community to reflect and act on social, economic and ecological issues.  The Social Justice Statement for 2021-22 is entitled, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor.  

This year’s statement acknowledges the complex ecological crisis facing our world and seeks to discern how God is calling us to respond.  It draws on scripture, theological foundations and from the wisdom of First Nations peoples, while sharing the stories of those most affected.  It serves to inspire our efforts to care for creation while responding to the needs of the most vulnerable.  We are called to listen and reflect on all God’s creation and respond through practical action. 

Laudato Si’ Action Platform

In the Statement, the Bishops invite Catholic communities to join them in adopting Pope Francis’ seven-year journey towards total ecological sustainability guided by seven Laudato Si’ Goals.  The Laudato Si’ Action Platform will provide tools to guide and empower individuals, families, parishes, schools, dioceses and organisations to take practical steps to implement Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’. 

World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation

Pope Francis has called for the Catholic community around the world to keep 1 September as a day to pray for care of our common home and all creation. 

Our parish communities will join together on Wednesday, 1 September to participate in 24-hours of prayer.  You are invited to sign up on the parish Prayer Wall to pray during a specific hour on this day.

Seasons of Creation

Social Justice Sunday coincides with the start of the Season of Creation.  Christians from around the world will celebrate the Season of Creation beginning with the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation and continuing until the Feast of St Francis of Assisi (4 October).  This is an ecumenical season dedicated to prayer for the protection of creation and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles.

Read the Social Justice Statement.

Sign up and commit to pray on Wednesday, 1 September.

Visit the parish website to learn more about the Seasons of Creation.

By Tricia Norman