News & Events
World Day of the Poor, 17 November
"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor using our energies, gifts and resources..." (Chapter Statement)
This year’s theme is taken from Sirach 21 “The prayer of the poor rises up to God.”
As has become customary, Pope Francis will celebrate World Day of the Poor with some of the poor people of Rome, who will join him for lunch after he has presided over mass.
In his message Pope Francis highlights the impact of war in generating new poverty and innocent victims. 'The violence caused by wars clearly shows the arrogance of those who consider themselves to be powerful before men and women, but they are poor in the eyes of God. How many more people are impoverished by misguided policies involving weapons! ...'
He reminds us that ' The poor still have much to teach us because in a culture that has placed wealth at the forefront and often sacrifices the dignity of people on the altar of material goods, they swim against the tide, highlighting that what is essential for life is something else entirely.'
- Read the complete message here
World Day of the Poor, 17 November
"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor using our energies, gifts and resources..." (Chapter Statement)
This year’s theme is taken from Sirach 21 “The prayer of the poor rises up to God.”
As has become customary, Pope Francis will celebrate World Day of the Poor with some of the poor people of Rome, who will join him for lunch after he has presided over mass.
In his message Pope Francis highlights the impact of war in generating new poverty and innocent victims. 'The violence caused by wars clearly shows the arrogance of those who consider themselves to be powerful before men and women, but they are poor in the eyes of God. How many more people are impoverished by misguided policies involving weapons! ...'
He reminds us that ' The poor still have much to teach us because in a culture that has placed wealth at the forefront and often sacrifices the dignity of people on the altar of material goods, they swim against the tide, highlighting that what is essential for life is something else entirely.'
- Read the complete message here
For Those Who Have Lost a Child
"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor..." (Chapter Statement)
The loss of a child may be the worst pain a father and mother can experience. There’s no word that could possibly describe such profound grief. Pope Francis asks us to join him in prayer this month precisely for those parents who have lost a child.
Pope Francis invites us in this video to listen in a particular way to those fathers and mothers who suffer this heartbreaking loss.
"Let us pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community, and may receive peace of heart from the Spirit of Consolation."
Post your prayer in our sacred space here.
The Spirit is Moving: Updates from a Global Synod
"We will encourage understanding and practice of our faith, informed by new knowledge and the interaction of science, theology and spirituality." (Chapter Statement)
Br Mark's 'Updates from a Global Synod' can be downloaded below as they become available:
28 October 2024: The Spirit is Moving: Updates from a Global Synod. letter 5
21 October 2024: The Spirit is Moving: Updates from a Global Synod, Letter 4.
15 October 2024: The Spirit is Moving: Updates from a Global Synod, Letter 3.
10 October 2024: The Spirit is Moving: Updates from a Global Synod, Letter 2.
7 October 2024: The Spirit is Moving: Updates from a Global Synod, Letter 1.
Source: Catholic Outlook
Anti-Poverty Week 2024
"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor using our energies, gifts and resources..." (Chapter Statement)
Children, people on income support, those experiencing homelessness, older women, domestic and family violence survivors and First Nations people are among more than three million Australians living in poverty this Anti-Poverty Week.
We are each encouraged to get behind three national campaigns and take action to end poverty – Raise the Rate, Everybody’s Home and End Child Poverty.
- RAISE THE RATE Campaign
Income support should be there to support people through tough times, not keep them in a struggle for survival.
Sign the petition calling on the Federal Government to raise the rate of JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and related payments to at least $82 a day.
Further details can be found here
- EVERYBODY"S HOME Campaign
Everybody’s Home is calling on all candidates and parliamentarians to sign up to their Roadmap to Reform
Sign the petition for a Fair Housing Future
Further details can be found here
- END CHILD POVERTY Campaign
Join the campaign and take action by signing the pledge and the petition.
Further details can be found here