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| Editorial |
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Social justice groups in parishes around the country are gearing up for their 'one day of the year' - Social Justice Sunday (25 September). This specially designated Sunday in the official liturgical calendar for the Catholic Church in Australia serves to remind us that the love of God and love of neighbour are inseparable.
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| Happenings |
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Jesus, Light for the World: Living the Gospel Today
Jesus is the light of our lives. He is light for our footsteps and the guide for our path. As we walk in the light we give it a chance to shine in our world. How today are we light for the world? This year's Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Social Justice Sunday Statement is titled Jesus, Light for the World - Living the Gospel Today [Summary PDF].
The Australian Catholic Social Justice Council will launch the Statement 14 September. Hard copies can still be ordered from the ACSJC, and the full text will be available on their website after the launch. For more information visit www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au or call Yolanda on Tel 9956 5811.
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Can War Be Just?
In this course Bruce Duncan, Australia's top scholar in the field of Catholic Social Teaching, will explore Catholic and other Christian traditions on questions of war and peace, and their relevance for international relations and conflict resolution, especially in the changing context of terrorism and religious fundamentalism. 27 - 30 September at The Broken Bay Institute, Thornleigh. NSW. [Flyer PDF] For More Information Tel 9473 4570 Email amcmanis@brokenbay.catholic.org.au or visit www.bbi.catholic.edu.au
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Retreats for Women
Judith Keller is presenting retreats especially for women. They will celebrate the spiritual dimension of life in ways that reverence the body and will feature dance meditation and labyrinth walking.
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St Vinnies Queensland Youth Congress
The St Vincent de Paul Society, Queensland's inaugural Congress for young adults aged 18-35 will be held at the James Byrne Centre in Toowoomba on October 7-9. Harnessing the vitality and energy of young people to shape a more just and compassionate society is integral to the Society. For more information and registrations contact David McGovern on (07) 3010 1032 or david.mcgovern@svdp-qld.org.au, visit the web site at www.vinnies.org.au/qld or download the Program and Registration Form.
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| Mission & Ministry |
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Share Your Journey
The Brisbane Archdiocese Adult Faith Team are preparing their Lenten program for 2006. It will be called Transforming Love, Hope for the World and will focus on mission. The Team are inviting people to share what it means for them to live out their Christian mission in daily life. Stories will either be included on an internet site or in the program book.
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LinkUp: a resource for parishes and schools
This free electronic newsletter provided by John Garratt Publishing was developed to promote stronger links between home, school and family. LinkUp addresses the parent's needs as well as the child's and places both in the context of community. It promotes a Catholic educational vision, is accessible, and has a variety of uses.
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Communications theology
Never heard of communications theology or a 'fashion Bible'? Visit the Radio National site to read or listen to Rachel Kohn's exploration of media religion and how new communications technology is being used for evangelization on The Spirit of Things. The program practices what it preaches - it is podcast, can be manually downloaded in MP3 or Real Media formats and transcripts are available online.
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| Feature |
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Terra Spiritus
Terra Spiritus is a new Australian web site due to be launched this month. It aims to inspire Catholic Christians to a renewed and refreshed experience of Christian spirituality and respond to a thirst for spirituality which is increasingly evident in our national conversation. Terra Spiritus will offer a wide range of articles on Christian spirituality, reflections on prayer and relationships, meditations on Scripture, an online chapel and fragments from Christian tradition, all accessible over the Internet.
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| Reflection |
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Which Issue, What Action?
Parish and school social justice groups or programs are faced with a huge array of important issues and potential social justice activities. They can't take on everything, so how should they decide which issues to take up and how?
Sandie Cornish* suggests that the most effective social justice activities include two or more of the following dimensions: service of the poor or marginalized; education / awareness raising; advocacy or transformation of causes; and faith formation. For Catholic organizations, the faith formation dimension is essential. [PDF]
* Sandie Cornish is the Social Justice Education Coordinator of the Broken Bay Institute and has held leadership positions in national and international Church based social justice organisations.
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