The Social Justice Group has several objectives:

• To pray together and encourage each other in our hopes, concerns and frustrations as we work for social justice
• To create awareness in our community of issues both local and global
• To support other parishes in our Deanery and other local social justice groups
• Some examples of what we do:
• Publicise and distribute Project Compassion material.
• Celebrate Reconciliation Week, where we use our Message Stick to link the Gospel with the Aboriginal community.
• Collect food and toiletries from parishioners for Asylum Seekers.
• Collect money through a monthly giving program, for housing for Refugees and Asylum Seekers – last year parishioners donated $4,433.
• Publicise Social Justice Sunday, distribute the Bishop’s annual statement and follow up where possible. The 2018-2019 theme was on Housing “A Place to Call Home”.
• Collect household batteries, to save poisonous chemicals going into the environment, and take them to the Banyule Council’s Recycling Centre. Approximately 30kgs is collected each year.

We meet in the Parish House every 4-6 weeks on a Monday evening, or when there is an issue that we think should be looked at. Overall, we would like to take on more justice challenges, but we know that is not possible. We have to rely on the Holy Spirit and others to help us transform our world. Everyone is most welcome to join the group or come along and share your ideas and concerns.

For more information contact Ellen Smiddy (9435 5145)