Issue 16| Spring 2018 Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

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A Place to Call Home

“CHRI STMAS I S BUI LT UPON A BEAUTI FUL AND I NTENT I ONAL

PARADOX - THAT THE B I RTH OF THE HOMELESS SHOULD BE

CELEBRATED I N EVERY HOME .” - G.K. CHESTERTON

A Place to Call Home (linked to ‘Bishops confront challenge of homelessness in 2018-2019 Social Justice Statement)

The Justice, Ecology and Development Office (JEDO) within the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, Western Australia (WA) is

grateful for the leadership of the national Bishops, (through the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference: ACBC) for the

2018/19 Social Justice (SJ) Statement, ‘A Place to Call Home – Making a Home for Everyone in our Land’.

As stated by Most Rev. Vincent Long Van Nguyen, Bishop of Parramatta and Chairman of the Australian Catholic Social

Justice Council (ACSJC): ‘The Statement reflects the deep concern of Australia’s Bishops at the growing problem of

homelessness and insecure housing in Australian Society…. The Bishops emphasise that housing is a human right,

asserted by documents like the UN (United Nations) Declaration of Human Rights and by the teachings of our Church.’ Acknowledging that the Scriptural reference for the Statement and for our call to action is the good Samaritan (Luke 10:

30-35), the question is raised: ‘Will Australia let its heart go out to the homeless or will we continue to walk past? Can we

be like the good Samaritan who bridges the divide and addresses both the symptoms and the causes of the

distress?’ (SJ Statement, p 3). Given we are now in the privileged preparation space of Advent, may we prayerfully reflect on the SJ Statement and

be called to action to accompany those on the margins. May we also remember that the joys of this time are to be

shared with all, especially those who are challenged in their life or faith. As Pope Francis stated: “Advent increases our

hope, a hope which does not disappoint. The Lord never lets us down”. With blessings, peace and Advent joy

Carol Mitchell: JEDO Director JEDO Advent/Christmas blessing (linked to ‘JEDO Christmas Greeting’)

We welcome your inclusion and participation in our ‘call to action’. With Catholic Social Teaching as our guide, let us walk together as one to make a difference in our communities – to

think globally, but act locally – within our families, parishes, schools, work, civic and leisure communities, and

beyond…We welcome you on our shared journey: www.jedo.perthcatholic.org.au

”EVERY MAN AND WOMAN IS A MISSION.

THAT IS THE REASON FOR OUR LIFE ON THIS EARTH”

POPE FRANCIS

Perth Launch of the 2018-19 Social Justice Statement

(L to R) Carol Mitchell (JEDO), Adeline Bock (CYM), Renay Grech (CAPAC), Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton VG,

Debra Zanella (RUAH), Desire Mallet, Dcn Greg Lowe (WACMRO)

Issue 16| Spring 2018 Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

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“TO ENCOUNTER THE L IV ING GOD I T I S NECESSARY TO

TENDERLY K ISS JESUS’ WOUNDS IN OUR HUNGRY, POOR, S ICK

AND INCARCERATED BROTHERS AND SISTERS” POPE FRANCIS (2013)

JEDO Advocacy & Networking

Perth Launch of the 2018-19 Social Justice Statement (linked to ‘Putting Others Needs Above Our Own - The RECORD)

The Perth launch of the Social Justice Statement, ‘A Place to Call Home – Making a Home for Everyone in our Land’ from the

ACBC was held at the Newman Siena Centre in Doubleview on Thursday 29th September. Following the Welcome to Country

by Aunty Marie Taylor, the Statement was launched by Aux. Bishop of Perth, Most Rev. Donald Sproxton VG. Other guest

speakers, Debra Zanella and Deacon Greg Lowe spoke of the growing problem of homelessness and insecure housing in

Australia. Thanks to Desire Mallet for sharing some of his experiences of homelessness, to Renay Grech for facilitating the

panel discussions and Adeline Bock for leading us in the Social Justice Prayer for people who are homeless.

Social Justice Prayer (linked to the 2018 Social Justice Prayer for the Homeless - ACSJC)

Lana Turvey Collins (Plenary Council Facilitator)

Plenary Council Mass - held at St Mary’s Cathedral

Issue 16| Spring 2018 Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

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JEDO Advocacy & Networking

NATSICC Assembly - Strong Faith, Strong Youth, Strong Future (linked to ‘NATSICC Assembly 2018 demonstrates spirit of unity’ The RECORD) (Tuesday, 2nd to Friday, 5th October 2018)

It was such a privilege to be a part of the NATSICC Assembly hosted in Perth, WA in early October and held at

Technology Park, Bentley. A day trip to New Norcia was also a welcome inclusion to the program. Well done to all

involved in the planning and hosting, including colleagues from Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM) with support from

Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM). The next NATSICC Assembly will be hosted in Townsville in 2021.

“KNOWING GOD IS MORE IMPORTANT

THAN KNOWING ABOUT GOD ”

KARL RAHNER

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Opening / Blessing of ACRATH Office, Newman Siena Centre (linked to ‘ACRATH Celebrates Opening of WA Office- ACRATH)

Monday, 29th October 2018

It was an exciting time for ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) WA members and friends with

the official opening and blessing of the new office at the Newman Siena Centre in Doubleview. It was wonderful to have

national ACRATH Executive Officer Christine Carolan share this moment with us.

JEDO Advocacy & Networking

‘YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME UPON YOU;

AND YOU WILL BE MY WITNESS’

ACTS 1: 8

NATSICC Assembly - Strong Faith, Strong Youth, Strong Future … cont’d Prayer for Guidance (linked to ‘NATSICC Assembly - Prayer for Guidance’)

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Parish Promotions & Social Justice Action

“BE WHO GOD MEANT YO U TO BE AND

YOU WILL SET THE WORLD ABLAZE”

CATHERINE OF SIENA

Journeying Together - An example of collaboration

From Renelda (Ron) Chemaly - Baldivis Parish

Firstly, for a bit of background information, I would like to mention that the four parishes which fall into the Rockingham area

(that is, Kwinana, Rockingham, Baldivis and St Bernadette's- Port Kennedy) have been involved in collaborative/hub activities.

About a year ago we consulted with your office (JEDO) to try to find an area of focus and after much deliberating we

decided that we wanted to get to learn more about and become more welcoming to our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. This

led to a few initiatives which took place earlier this year. The first was a workshop called "Head, Hearts and Hands" which took

place at Rockingham parish. Please see feedback from someone who attended below: ‘Head, Hearts and Hands’ Workshop:

It was a truly blessed day, learning, sharing and challenging too. It was a real eye opener to see the vast differences in culture

and also see how we take it for granted that everyone should be following the western culture. It also highlighted how there

needs to be more sharing, story telling and listening. More than anything else, how as people we need to get to know each

other better, in order for us to understand our differences. There was also this strong sense of community amongst the people

from the various parishes. Kwinana Parish hosted the second event which was a morning sharing, listening and learning. 26th May – St Vincent’s Parish, Kwinana The purpose of this session was to look at the next steps on the reconciliation and relationship building journey. This was another session of community building amongst the parishes. The non-Aboriginal parishioners were introduced to the

Aboriginal Message sticks. This was another inspirational and fruitful session. The Parishes were all sanctioned to take the

learning/sharing/notes about the message sticks back to their respective parishes for further discussion. For Aboriginal Sunday Mass, each parish held their own events which included Aboriginal ceremonies conducted by

Aboriginal Community Elders.

Finally, Baldivis Parish hosted the Dadirri Retreat on the 6th October 2018 at the end of our block in the bushes. This was lead

by Aboriginal Elder Aunty Ivy and Sister Francine Roberts. It was well attended and truly well received. The feedback was

positive and it seemed to create an excitement about the possibilities for future fellowship. We started with Aboriginal smoking and water ceremonies. Thereafter both Aunty Ivy and Sister Francine lead us into the

session by encouraging the right frame of mind for deep listening. We were given some information about how this gift of

deep listening has been an invaluable tool used by the Aboriginal people to connect with their environment and with their

spirituality. Thereafter we were given a chance to walk out into the bushes in silence. We were encouraged to use all of our senses to

experience our natural environment. After 30 minutes or so we returned to share our experiences. Wonderful feedback came

from the participants who firstly shared in small groups and thereafter we had an open floor for those keen to share further.

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Meet the JEDO Committee Member……….

Name: Sr Jacinta Unger rgs

Background

In 1982, together with my companions I responded to the call of God through the Good Shepherd

Sisters in Myanmar. The main mission involved working with the marginalised, especially mothers

and children in remote areas. At the time life was tiring but fulfilling and rewarding.

In 1998 I initially came to Australia to visit my family, specifically my parents. I did not return home

as planned due to the political situation in my country. After careful discernment, I chose to stay

in Australia and work alongside the Good Shepherd Sisters here in Perth, offering to journey with

people who are in need of my services. This decision enabled me to further my career path in

Counselling and Applied Psychology at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle. I commenced

my journey as a counsellor with Centrecare Migrant Services and felt blessed to join the team of

dedicated people, and this spanned over ten years.

Outside of the official work scene, I am continuing my commitment within the Good Shepherd realm. I was appointed as the

Good Shepherd Area Leader for WA in 2015, and this position is still current.

I have always had a fondness and passion for music especially liturgical music. I was made Music Coordinator in my Parish

and remain very enthusiastic. This brings me closer to the wider church community. My Parish life provides me with good

experience of how to make a valuable contribution to the lives of others, especially those who are grieving, or who are

overwhelmed in settling into a new life in Australia and its culture.

Why did you join JEDO?

My love for social justice issues brought opportunities to advocate for refugees, and this experience during my time of

involvement has been rewarding. Furthermore, my concerns lie clearly with the issues regarding the environment, and how I

can contribute to make a difference. Therefore, with this background I followed my desire and happily responded to the

invitation of JEDO, and I am proud to be a part of such a dynamic committee.

What are you passionate about?

I enjoy gardening, cooking and yet another great interest is photography. Capturing special moments and creating lifelong

memories wherever possible.

If your friends and family could describe you in THREE words, what would they be?

Generous, kind, zealous

Click here to learn more about the Good Shepherd Sisters.

‘EVERYONE WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES ,

I F YOU HAVE LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER’

JOHN 13: 35

Issue 16| Spring 2018 Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

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ACSJC Social Justice Diary - Sept to Nov

1st September 2018

World Day of Care for Creation

Beginning of National Biodiversity Month

2nd September 2018 Beginning of National Child Protection Week

5th September 2018 International Day of Charity

7th September 2018 National Threatened Species Day

8th September 2018 International Literacy Day

9th September 2018 Child Protection Sunday

10th September 2018 World Suicide Prevention Day

16th September 2018 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

21st September 2018 International Day of Peace

26th September 2018 International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

28th September 2018 World Maritime Day

30th September 2018 Social Justice Sunday (linked to ‘Letter from Archbishop Coleridge’)

1st October 2018 International Day for Older Persons

2nd October 2018 International Day of Non-Violence

World Habitat Day

4th October 2018 Feast of St Francis of Assisi

10th October 2018 World Mental Health Day

11th October 2018 International Day of the Girl-Child

13th October 2018 International Day for Disaster Reduction

14th October 2018 Beginning of Anti-Poverty Week

15th October 2018 International Day of Rural Women

16th October 2018 World Food Day

17th October 2018 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

21st October 2018 World Mission Sunday

24th October 2018 United Nations Day

Beginning of Disarmament Week

5th November 2018 World Tsunami Awareness Day

6th November 2018 International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict

International Day of Science and Peace

10th November 2018 World Science Day for Peace and Development

18th November 2018 World Day of the Poor (linked to ‘Message of His Holiness Pope Francis’)

20th November 2018 Universal Children’s Day

25th November 2018 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

White Ribbon Day

Beginning of 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence

‘THE PATH OF HOLINESS I S A SOURCE OF PEAC E AND JOY,

GIVEN TO US BY THE SP IR I T ’

POPE FRANCIS (G AU DETE ET EXSULT AT E) # 164

Issue 16| Spring 2018 Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

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• Peace Conference and Gospel Non-Violence

• Season of Creation and Living Laudato Si’

• Parish Promotions and Social Justice Action

• JEDO Networking, JEDO Advocacy, and more...

In our next

JEDO Newsletter

Contact JEDO:

Visit: Newman Siena Centre, 33 Williamstown Road, Doubleview

Tel: (08) 9241 5256 Email: admin.jedo@perthcatholic.org.au

“NATURE IS THE ART OF GOD ”

DANTE

“Prayer is sitting in the silence until it silences us; choosing gratitude until

we are grateful; and praising God until we ourselves are an act of

praise.”

Richard Rohr