Religious Education and Social Justice

Way of the West Asylum Seeker Food Assistance

In the western suburbs of Melbourne, there are many refugees and people seeking asylum who do not have enough food to eat or the means to buy it. Pope Francis has challenged the whole church to show compassion and practical care for refugees. We have decided to take up the challenge as we have done in past years and support ‘those who’ve come from across the seas’.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?

During Weeks 4 and 5 of this term, we aim to collect food and living essentials for refugees and people seeking asylum. The types of items that will be of most benefit are listed below and  your donated items will be distributed through the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) located in Footscray, which looks after the most vulnerable people in our community who do not get help from elsewhere.

Baskets will be available in each Learning Community to place the items you donate. We encourage you to buy an extra item or two in your weekly shopping to support this cause and  help us to live out the some of the Catholic Social Teachings in our community. We know that your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

Bianca, Liv, Elle, Anna, Maddie and Sophie

The Social Justice Leaders

All Saints Day - 1st November

From the first centuries after Christ, Christians who died a martyr’s death were considered saints, who live in God’s presence forever. Every year, on the anniversary of the martyrs’ deaths, Christians would visit their tombs and celebrate the Eucharist. This practice grew throughout the centuries to include remembering other outstanding Christians on the days they died. Soon the entire calendar was filled with memorials of the saints. In the ninth century, Pope Gregory IV designated November 1 as the day to remember all the saints living in God’s presence.

On the feast of All Saints, we honor those men and women who—whether they’ve been canonized or not—have led lives of heroic virtue that set an example for all Christians. Saints are big dreamers. They believe that with God on their side, no one and nothing can stop them. Saints are go-getters. They don’t wait for someone else to do good first; they jump right in. Saints are love-bringers. They try to see Christ in every person and every situation. Saints tell us what matters most in life is not what we earn or own, not the job we have or the people we know. What really matters is how much we love God, others, and ourselves, and how well we show that love in all we do.

Collect Prayer from the Solemnity of All Saints

     Almighty ever-living God,

     By whose gift we venerate in one

            celebration

    the merits of all the Saints,

    bestow on us, we pray,

    through the prayers of so many

             intercessors,

    an abundance of the reconciliation

             with you

    for which we earnestly long.

    Through our Lord Jesus Christ,

             your Son,

    who lives and reigns with you in the

             unity of the Holy Spirit,

    one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader