Share the Signs of Our Times you encounter during this Christmas season in the joys and hopes, grief and anguish of those who live on the margins of our community.
Share this video invitation to make 2023 a year of a culture of encounter in your social and environmental action.
Goal Seven of Laudato Si invites us: Community resilience and empowerment envisage a synodal journey of community engagement and participatory action at various levels. Actions could include promoting advocacy and developing people’s campaigns, encouraging rootedness and a sense of belonging in local communities and neighbourhood ecosystems.
You can read about the Laudato Si Action Plan for the Archdiocese of Brisbane here
The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission is a member body of Queensland Conservation Council and welcomes this opportunity for local action and support.
Queensland has a rich natural legacy – an abundance of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
Sadly, we’re also a state that has historically fallen well short when it comes to protecting that natural legacy for future generations.
Queensland has the highest rate of deforestation in the country and one of the highest rates of animal extinction in the world.
We’re failing to do the basics when it comes to protecting our home – and we’re going to shortchange our kids and grand kids unless we do more for Queensland’s wildlife and natural places.
Establishing a strong, independent environmental protection agency (EPA) is a much-needed first step to protecting this natural legacy.
Queensland is the only state in Australia without an EPA and now is our opportunity to implement an independent agency with the authority needed to make the tough calls.
An EPA acts as a watchdog to enforce the laws that protect our natural places and wildlife. Without one, there’s no one to hold those who exploit the rules accountable.
Let’s take this opportunity to build the EPA that Queensland deserves to preserve our natural legacy for future generations. If you believe we need an independent EPA with teeth, please feel free to use our letter template to develop a letter to send to your MP. You can also download it as a Word Doc here.
In 2015, Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si’ (The Letter); an encyclical letter about the environmental crisis to every single person in the world. A few years later, four voices that have gone unheard in global conversations have been invited to an unprecedented dialogue with the Pope. Hailing from Senegal, the Amazon, India, and Hawai’i, they bring perspective and solutions from the poor, the indigenous, the youth, and wildlife into a conversation with Pope Francis himself. This documentary follows their journey to Rome and the extraordinary experiences that took place there, and is packed with powerfully moving personal stories alongside the latest information about the planetary crisis and the toll it’s taking on nature and people. Because, in the words of the Laudato Si’ Movement chair Lorna Gold, “once you know, you CANNOT look away.” #LaudatoSiFilm Learn more about the protagonists and how you can take action at https://TheLetterFilm.org
The Season of Creation runs from the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation – September 1 – to the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi – October 4. It is a time set aside each year to focus on God’s gift of creation and our responsibility to care for it, our common home.
The theme for the Season of Creation in 2022 is Listen to the Voice of Creation.
There are many resources available to support you in your efforts to celebrate the Season of Creation. A key resource is the Season of Creation web site. Here you will find:
⦁ A celebration guide which provides a prayer service template from which you can choose material to use in your context
⦁ Social media and newsletter graphics and wording
⦁ A message from Pope Francis and more.
The site also has a wealth of other resources which you may find useful for preparing a special Mass, a prayer service or other activities during the Season.
A Catholic Season of Creation
The Columbans in Australia have compiled resources to help you to incorporate Season of Creation themes into each Sunday Mass during the Season. You can access their resources and find out more here.
Pope Francis’ Message for the World Day of Prayer
for Care of Creation 2022 One way you can help your community engage in the Pope’s message is to share a quote on each of the five Sundays during the Season of Creation. Here are five examples you can use:
Sunday 4 September
The sweet song of creation invites us to practise an “ecological spirituality” (Laudato Si’, 216), attentive to God’s presence in the natural world. It is a summons to base our spirituality on the “loving awareness that we are not disconnected from the rest of creatures, but joined in a splendid universal communion” (ibid., 220).
Sunday 11 September
For the followers of Christ in particular, this luminous experience reinforces our awareness that “all things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being” (Jn 1:3). In this Season of Creation, we pray once more in the great cathedral of creation, and revel in the “grandiose cosmic choir” made up of countless creatures, all singing the praises of God. Let us join Saint Francis of Assisi in singing: “Praise be to you, my Lord, for all your creatures” (cf. Canticle of Brother Sun). Let us join the psalmist in singing, “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!” (Ps 150:6).
Sunday 18 September
Tragically, that sweet song {of creation} is accompanied by a cry of anguish. Or even better: a chorus of cries of anguish. In the first place, it is our sister, mother earth, who cries out. Prey to our consumerist excesses, she weeps and implores us to put an end to our abuses and to her destruction. Then too, there are all those different creatures who cry out. At the mercy of a “tyrannical anthropocentrism” (Laudato Si’, 68), completely at odds with Christ’s centrality in the work of creation, countless species are dying out and their hymns of praise silenced.
Sunday 25 September
…There are also the poorest among us who are crying out. Exposed to the climate crisis, the poor feel even more gravely the impact of the drought, flooding, hurricanes and heat waves that are becoming ever more intense and frequent. Likewise, our brothers and sisters of the native peoples are crying out. As a result of predatory economic interests, their ancestral lands are being invaded and devastated on all sides, “provoking a cry that rises up to heaven” (Querida Amazonia, 9).
Sunday 2 October
…Finally, there is the plea of our children. Feeling menaced by shortsighted and selfish actions, today’s young people are crying out, anxiously asking us adults to do everything possible to prevent, or at least limit, the collapse of our planet’s ecosystems.
Intercessory Prayers
Here are a selection of prayers of intercession from which you may choose a prayer to include in the Intercessory Prayers of each Sunday in the Season of Creation or which you may use at a special Mass or prayer service for the Season of Creation:
For all that You have created, that we may always be aware that we are not disconnected from other creatures, but joined in a splendid universal communion. Lord, hear us.
For Your wondrous gift of creation, that we may join St. Francis of Assisi and all of creation in ceaselessly praising You, our creator. Lord, hear us.
For our sister, mother earth, who cries out because of the impact of our consumerist excesses, that we may put an end to our abuses and take action to end her destruction. Lord, hear us.
For the countless animal and plant species that are dying out and whose praise of You is being silenced, that urgent and effective action is taken to ensure their survival. Lord, hear us.
For our poorest sisters and brothers who feel much more acutely the impact of extreme weather events associated with climate change. That world leaders will hear their cry for dignity and justice and take timely action. Lord, hear us.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples whose traditional lands and places of cultural significance are being devastated by economic interests. That their cries for justice are heeded and result in appropriate action by Government and business leaders. Lord, hear us.
For world leaders who will gather for the COP 27 on climate and the COP 15 on biodiversity later this year. That they will remain resolute in their commitment to do what is needed to prevent the devastating impacts of climate change and halt the alarming loss of biological diversity. Lord, hear us.
For the children of the world who are worried about the impact on the earth of short-sighted and selfish actions. That all adults will share in the responsibility to offer them a future without immense ecosystem collapse. Lord, hear us.
Other Resources
You may wish to use some of the resources below as part of your Season of Creation Masses, services and events or to share them in your newsletters over the Season of Creation.
⦁ Australia’s State of the Environment Report A comprehensive assessment of the state of Australia’s environment was released in July this year:
An Ecological Examen s a tool to help you to deepen your commitment to care for creation and the most vulnerable people on the planet:
Happy NAIDOC Week 2022!!!
This is NAIDOC Week (3 – 10 July). It is a weeklong celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and contributions. The 2022 theme is Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up.
Many NAIDOC events are being held across the Archdiocese this week. Here are just a few, but please keep an eye out for any changes that may happen because of wet weather:
· NAIDOC at the Pools, Beenleigh Aquatic Centre, City Rd., Beenleigh & Logan North Aquatic Centre, 2 Sports Dr., Underwood, Wednesday 6 July, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
· Ipswich Family and Cultural Day, Briggs Rd. Sports Complex, Flinders View, Thursday 7 July, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
· Gayndah NAIDOC Family Fun Day, Lions Park, Gayndah, Thursday 7 July, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
· Brisbane Family Fun Day, Musgrave Park 91 Cordelia St., South Brisbane, Friday 8 July, 10:00 Am – 4:00 PM
· Wan’dini Sunshine Coast Family Fun Day, Quota Park, Nambour, Saturday 9 July, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
· Gold Coast Titans NAIDOC Event, Viney Park, 1 Yaun St., Coomera, Wednesday 6 July, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
· Fraser Coast Family Fun Day, Scarness Jetty, Hervey Bay, Thursday 7 July, from 11:00 AM
· Inala NAIDOC Family Fun Day, C.J. Greenfield Complex Park, 149 Kimberley St., Richlands, Wednesday 6 July, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
· Cherbourg NAIDOC Celebration, Memorial Park (opposite the Ration Shed Museum), Cherbourg, Tuesday 5 July, from 10:00 AM.
The Logan NAIDOC Celebration at the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct has been postponed until mid-August.
All are welcome to the NAIDOC Mass to be celebrated in the Cathedral of St. Stephen, Elizabeth St., Brisbane, this Sunday 10 July at 12 noon.
Laudato Si’
Are you interested in exploring how your parish could get involved in the Archdiocese of Brisbane Laudato Si’ Action Plan? Your involvement can be as simple as asking for help to establish a study group to learn what Pope Francis teaches in his encyclical, Laudato Si’. Your involvement can be as simple and as flexible as you want it to be. Simply contact our Executive Officer, Peter Arndt, and he can discuss how we can support you. Either e-mail him at arndtp@bne.catholic.net.au or call on 0409 265 476.
You may even want to consider enrolling your parish in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. This can also be as simple as you want it to be. There is no obligation to undertake a time-consuming or expensive audit to participate. , please contact Peter as above and we can help you to tailor your participation to your needs and circumstances.
Individuals, families and schools are also welcome to consider enrolling in the Platform. Please contact us and we can offer you advice and support.
The Season of Creation is a special time of the year set aside for us to reflect on the gift of creation and our responsibility to care for it. It runs from September 1, the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation, to October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Promoting participation in the Season of Creation is one of the actions identified in the Archdiocese of Brisbane Laudato Si’ Action Plan. Why not organise a Season of Creation service in your parish, school or office during this time?
This year’s theme is : Listen to the Voice of Creation. Resources are now available to help you to get involved. Take a look at the resources, which include a celebration guide, at the Season of Creation web site.
The Queensland Churches Environmental Network (QCEN) will hold an ecumenical service for the Season of Creation on 1 September at 7:30 PM at the Albert Street Uniting Church, 319 Albert Street, Brisbane City. All are welcome.
Social Justice Statement 2022 – 2023
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference will launch their new Social Justice Statement, Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse, nationally in early August. It explores the roots of violence and pays particular attention to the impact of violence on women and children. It proposes a number of responses from faith communities to violence in the community. The text of the Statement and other resources will become progressively available, but liturgy notes are already available here.
Printed copies of the Statement and the accompanying prayer card will only be available through a direct order from the printer.
A Brisbane launch of the Social Justice Statement will take place at St. James’ Hall, 92 Kirkland Avenue, Coorparoo, on Tuesday 23 August, at 7 for 7:30 PM. All are welcome to this event which will also be livestreamed.
Signs of Our Times
Signs of Our Times was officially launched a month ago by Archbishop Coleridge. Signs of Our Times is a collaboration between the Commission and the ACBC Office for Justice Ecology and Peace. It seeks to promote a culture of encounter in Catholic social action. It encourages action which is grounded in prayer, scripture and the Church’s tradition. It is a resource to help us to be a church on mission.
A recording of the launch is available at:
We are happy to help you to use these resources to enter more deeply into the daily struggles of the people around you. Take a look at the resources and, if you are interested in learning more, please contact Peter Arndt at arndtp@bne.catholic.net.au or on 0409 265 476 and we will help you to use these resources to become a more missionary Church.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Sunday is on July 3
The National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) has just released its resource booklet for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Sunday on 3 July. It has resources for you to use including liturgy notes, homily notes, youth resources and lots more.
Congratulate New Queensland Greats
The Commission congratulates those First Nations people announced recently as Queensland Greats for 2022, Prof. Gracelyn Smallwood and Uncle Albert Holt.
Refugee Week is 19 – 25 June. The theme of Refugee Week this year is Healing. The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office and the Office for Justice Ecology and Peace have collaborated to provide you with resources to help you celebrate Refugee Week. They have also organised a Refugee Week prayer service on Monday 20 June at 6:00 PM. You can register for the on-line service and find the resources at:
The Archdiocese of Brisbane’s Laudato Si’ Action Plan Is Officially Launched
A Laudato Si’ Action Plan for the Archdiocese of Brisbane was launched on Pentecost Sunday which was also World Environment Day. The plan has been accepted by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and is on its Laudato Si’ Action Platform. It contains a range of actions linked to the Platform’s seven goals. Further actions will be added in the coming seven years. Agencies within the Archdiocese will implement the actions. Resources and opportunities for parishes and individual Catholics will become available over the course of the next year. If you or your parish would like to know more and want to get involved at your pace and to suit your circumstances, please contact our Executive Officer, Peter Arndt, at arndtp@bne.catholic.net.au.
Signs of Our Times was officially launched on 31st May by Archbishop Coleridge. Signs of Our Times is a collaboration between the Commission and the ACBC Office for Justice Ecology and Peace. It seeks to promote a culture of encounter in Catholic social action. It encourages action which is grounded in prayer, scripture and the Church’s tradition.
A recording of the launch is available at:
At the launch, the Commission announced that it would undertake a number of initiatives including organising visits to Cherbourg Aboriginal community and offering help to parishes wanting to use the Signs of Our Times resources in their own context. If you want to find out more, plese contact our Executive Officer, Peter Arndt at arndtp@bne.catholic.net.au.
National Sorry Day
National Sorry Day is this Thursday 26 May. It is a day on which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remember the many years of forcible removal of children from their families and its immense cost individually and communally. Sorry Day ceremonies will be held this week at Stolen Generations plaque sites around Brisbane:
· Sherwood Arboretum, Joseph Street, Sherwood, Thursday 26 May, 7:00 – 8:00 AM,
· Teralba Park, cnr. Osborne Rd. & Pullen Rd., Everton Park (entry via Pullen Rd), Thursday 26 May, 6:50 Am for 7:00 AM start, bring flowers to put on the plaque, free breakfast follows.
· Breakwater Park, Wynnum Foreshore, Thursday 26 May, 7:00 AM, free breakfast follows
· Kalinga Park, via Park Rd. entrance, Thursday 26 May, 9:00 Am elders’ morning tea, ceremony 10:00 AM, BBQ from 11:00 AM.
· Orleigh Park, West End, Friday 27 May, 8 – 10 AM, ceremony and free breakfast hosted by Link-Up Qld.
National Reconciliation Week is from 27 May to June 3. It’s a time to renew our commitment to build stronger relationships of respect and trust between First Nations Australians and non-Indigenous Australians. The theme for this year is Be Brave. Make Change. We are encouraged to make a commitment to deal with unfinished business so that change is possible.
An ecumenical reconciliation service will take place at St. Joseph’s and St. Anthony’s Parish, 30 Eldorado Street, Bracken Ridge, 7:00 – 8:00 PM, this Friday 27 May. All are welcome.
Don’t Forget to Register for the Signs of Our times Launch!
If you haven’t already registered for the on-line launch of Signs of Our Times by Archbishop Mark Coleridge on Tuesday 31 May, 6:00 – 7:00 PM, make sure you do so this week. Signs of Our Times is a collaboration between the Commission and the ACBC Office for Justice Ecology and Peace. It provides resources and support for Catholics to embrace a culture of encounter in their social action. It also encourages social action which is firmly grounded in scripture, tradition and prayer. During the launch, we will announce some opportunities for you to get a practical experience of what Signs of Our Times is all about. Register here.
Join Us for the Luminous Lantern Parade Welcoming Migrants and Refugees
Once again, the Commission is a community sponsor of the wonderful Luminous Lantern Parade. The parade will take place on Friday 10 June at Southbank Parklands (starting at Little Stanley Street). It kicks off at 6:00 PM, but contingents begin forming from 5:00 PM. For 15 years, we have been part of the parade which is a public expression of welcome to migrants and refugees. We encourage Catholics to join our contingent and help to carry our banner and lantern. Please register your interest in participating in the parade by e-mailing us at cjpc@bne.catholic.net.au.
Refugee Week 2022
Refugee Week 2022 is June 19 – 25. This year’s theme is Healing. You can find information and resources for Refugee Week at:
You can also find lots of information about refugee policy in Australia and much more at the web site of the Refugee Council of Australia
Urgent Help Wanted for Refugee Family
The Asylum Seeker and Refugee Assistance Program is urgently seeking donations to help a number of refugee families who have or will soon be evicted. Some do not have work rights. So, their situation is dire.
Donations can be paid to Communify: Direct deposit to the Communify Qld Gift Account: Reference: Asylum Seeker/rent BSB: 064123 Account: 10123138
Please email Communify’s Finance Team to request a tax-deductible receipt if you choose this method: janetp@communify.org.au
Laudato Si’
Laudato Si’ Week is currently being celebrated in Australia – 16 – 24 May. The Office for Justice Ecology and Peace has produced some resources for you to use each day for prayer, reflection and action. You can use these at any time during the year:
In other parts of the world, Laudato Si’ Week is just getting started. You can find information about resources and events in which you can get involved, including a series of webinars, at:
Season of Creation 2022
The Season of Creation begins on the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation, 1 September, and concludes on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, 4 October. This year’s theme is Listen to the Voice of Creation. You can find out more and start planning what you will do on the website
Listening to the Voices of the Pacific
There are two opportunities this week for you to listen to the voices of the peoples of the Pacific. In both cases, the General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, Rev. James Bhagwan, will feature:
*A Pacific Islands Council of Queensland look at relations between Pacific countries and Australia. Register here.
*Talanoa 2022, an NCCA Assembly with the Pacific Ecumenical Community with Rev. James Bhagwan in Sydney or on-line. Register here.
Brisbane Laudato Si’ Action Plan
We’ve kept some of the best news till last! The Archdiocese of Brisbane’s Laudato Si’ Action Plan will be launched on World Environment Day, 5 June. The plan aligns with the Laudato Si’ Action Platform and will be the first of seven years of action to respond to Pope Francis for ecological conversion. Stay tuned for more soon!
This newsletter is authorised by the Commission Chair, Ms. Maree Rose.
This newsletter caters for a wide range of interests. Don’t feel obliged to read every item. If you don’t have much time, just choose those items which interest you.
The Church in the Modern World
Ash Wednesday already seems a long time ago, but the Pope’s homily for that day is worth a read. He focusses on the temptation to seek recognition and admiration from others instead of the reward God offers us:
…The Lord, however, speaks of two kinds of reward to which our lives can tend: a reward from the Father and, on the other hand, a reward from others. The first is eternal, the true and ultimate reward, the purpose of our lives. The second is ephemeral, a spotlight we seek whenever the admiration of others and worldly success become the most important thing for us, our greatest gratification. Yet the latter is merely an illusion. It is like a mirage that, once we get there, proves illusory; it leaves us unfulfilled. Restlessness and discontent are always around the corner for those who look to a worldliness that attracts but then disappoints. Those who seek worldly rewards never find peace or contribute to peace. They lose sight of the Father and their brothers and sisters. This is a risk we all face, and so Jesus tells us to “beware”. As if to say: “You have a chance to enjoy an infinite reward, an incomparable reward. Beware, then, and do not let yourself be dazzled by appearances, pursuing cheap rewards that disappoint as soon as you touch them”. (Full text)
50 Years of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy
50 years ago, four young Aboriginal men erected the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra. It is still going strong today. A recent podcast discusses the role the Tent Embassy has played in the struggle for land rights and the connection between that struggle and the struggle to overcome the many problems facing First Nations people in Australia. It’s well worth a listen here.
Learning about the History of Dispossession
So That We Remember is a web site which seeks to provide resources for a deepening awareness of the violent dispossession of Australia’s First Nations people:
Join an On-Line Forum – Fair Go for Refugees: Australia Can Do Better!
Join this forum on Wednesday 6 April, 7pm – 8.15pm. Register here:
This online forum, hosted by the Australian Refugee Action Network and supported by Amnesty International, will explore our treatment of refugees and those who seek protection, and how this could be entirely different, with some reflection on Australia’s more enlightened response to the Vietnamese refugee crisis in the late 70s. Don’t miss a great line-up of speakers.
Palm Sunday Rally for Peace and Refugees
This year’s Palm Sunday Rally for Peace and Refugees will take place in King George Square, Adelaide Street, Brisbane, on Sunday 10 April from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The focus of the rally will be freedom and justice for refugees and an end to the militarism which creates refugees. All are welcome.
Refugees Need Your Support
Many of you helped to convince the Queensland Government to renew the contract for the Asylum Seeker and Refugee Assistance (ASRA) Program last year. Although the $8 million over 4 years to provide wrap-around support for refugees and people seeking asylum was much more than we expected, the demand for support exceeds ASRA’s capacity. ASRA supports individuals and families who have had income and accommodation support removed and also those who have been released from detention without support. Paying rent is one of the biggest struggles. In the current rental market, when leases are renewed, weekly rents are being increased by between $30 and $50. If you can make a tax deductible donation to the ASRA Program, you will help to relieve the stress faced by many refugees in SE Queensland. Some have also lost much because of the recent floods.
Donations can be made to:
Communify Gift Fund
BSB: 064 123 Account: 10123138 Reference: ASRA Rent
Please email anneh@communify.org.au with your name, date of deposit and referencing ASRA Rent and you will be provided with a receipt for your tax deduction. For any further information or questions please email Anne Hilton anneh@communify.org.au
Principles for Australia’s Refugee Policy
The Kaldor Centre at the University of NSW recently released an updated set of principles to guide Australia’s refugee policy. These will be a valuable resource if you want to raise issues about refugee policy with your local candidates in the upcoming Federal election. The principles are available in summary and in full here.
Caring for Our Common Home
Easter is coming soon. It’s a good time to think about taking some small actions to care for our common home.
Information about buying Easter eggs and chocolates which are not produced using slave labour and which don’t contribute to more deforestation is at:
There are many guides available to help you to celebrate Easter in a way that cares for the earth and all who live on it. Take a look at Clean Up Australia’s tips here.
Try to keep your Easter feast simple, minimise food waste and avoid wasteful packaging. Try offering an experience or a service as a gift instead of chocolate and other objects. With a bit of thought and care, we can minimise waste. The money you save could be added to your Project Compassion donation or to the Queensland flood relief appeal or to an environmental organisation working to protect endangered species like the koala.
Laudato Si’ Week is 16 – 24 May.
The Office for Justice Ecology and Peace has produced some resources for you to use each day for prayer, reflection and action:
Don’t forget enrolments for families, schools, parishes and other organisations for the Laudato Si’ Action Platform close on Earth Day, 22 April. But, don’t worry if you can’t enrol by then. A new round of enrolments will open later in 2022. For more information
Death Penalty Prayer Vigil
Please join us for our annual death penalty prayer vigil to pray for those on death row, their families and for the victims of crime. It will be held on Good Friday, 15 April, at 12 noon at Christ the King Church, Churchill Street, Graceville.
Solidarity with the People of Ukraine
The suffering of the people of Ukraine worsens as the Russian invasion continues. Many thanks to you all for your solidarity with the people of Ukraine in this time of great hardship. Your prayers and practical support are a sign of your commitment to peace and justice. Fr. Stefan and the Ukrainian Catholic Community continue to welcome you to join them in prayers for peace at daily divine service at the Ukrainian Catholic Church, 36 Broadway Street, Woolloongabba. Divine service commences at 9:00 Am each weekday and at 9:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s service is in English.
There are a variety of appeals providing practical support to Ukrainians affected by the invasion, including the many who have fled to other countries. You might like to support this appeal.
You can keep in touch with further action and appeals by the Ukrainian Community of Queensland here.
We invite you to also include those in other parts of the world who continue to live with violence and oppression including Myanmar, Yemen and West Papua.
This newsletter is authorised by Commission Chair, Maree Rose.
Media Statement
Monday 4 October 2021
BRISBANE’S CATHOLIC JUSTICE & PEACE COMMISSION ANNOUNCES 40 DAY
PRAYER CAMPAIGN
40 days of prayer lead up to next phase of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform
The Catholic Justice & Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane announces its co-leadership of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development’s 40-day campaign of prayers based on the Laudato Si’ Goals, for communities joining the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
The prayer campaign supports the seven sectors joining the Laudato Si’ Action Platform with a dedicated day of prayer for each, connecting each sector with a Laudato Si’ Goal.
14 November will begin the next phase in the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. On that date, Laudato Si’ Planning Guides and all related materials will be published, and members of the universal Church will be invited to make a firm commitment to creating their own Laudato Si’ Plans.
While the next phase in the platform had been planned for 4 October, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development sees a need to continue building on the dynamic conversations taking place with the Catholic Justice & Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane and nearly 200 additional partners.
The Catholic Justice & Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane has been an integrally important co-leader of efforts to build the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Serving as a member of the Parishes and Dioceses working group, the Commission has assisted in shaping both the model and the content of the platform.
Extending the date from 4 October to 14 November helps ensure that the Laudato Si’ Action Platform will truly serve the needs of Catholic parishes, schools, families and other institutions
All Catholic parishes, schools, families and households and other institutions are warmly invited to review the existing resources on the Laudato Si’ Action Platform website and to discern their commitment to creating a Laudato Si’ Plan.
For further information or comments, please contact Peter Arndt, Executive Officer of the Commission, on +61 409
265 476
Documents for Download
CJPC Media Release 4th October 2021
Catholic Justice and Peace Commission of Brisbane 