Mission & Catholic Identity News

For those who’ve come across the seas

From June 16-22 we celebrate National Refugee Week. I read again recently the Social Justice Statement written by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference: For those who’ve come across the seas, justice for refugees and asylum seekers.

I bring to your attention this small sample of a rich document.

From the beginning, Jesus experienced the terrors of the refugee when his family fled tyranny and sought refuge in Egypt. In his ministry he led the life of a wanderer and relied on the hospitality of others: ‘The Son of man has nowhere to lay his head’ (Matthew 8:20). He urged his disciples to do the same: ‘Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey’ (Matthew 10:9-10). He embraced the outsider and the exile as a person like himself, and he commands us to do as he did. When we Australians support policies of cruelty and rejection, we close our ears to Christ’s call and turn him away from our doors.

We know that we are better than this. As Christians, we know that it is within us to hear the call of Jesus. As Australians we have shown ourselves willing to take the path of generosity and leadership. We can do so again.

The words and actions of Jesus demand a response. We do not open our hearts and our home to vulnerable people simply because they are ‘deserving’ of charity or compassion. We take them in, provide shelter and bandage their wounds because they are equal to us in dignity. They are no longer ‘aliens’ (Lev. 19:33) but our brothers and sisters.

Click here for the full statement:

Be grateful with what you have

The SPC Morning Show with guests Peter and Paul (FICTITIOUS!)

Today on the SPC Morning Show we are going to look at the issue of child labour, as June 12 was World Day Against Child Labour. Hundreds of millions of girls and boys throughout the world are engaged in work that deprives them of adequate education, health, leisure and basic freedoms, which violate their rights. We are fortunate to have with us on the couch, a 14 year old student from the First World who attends a Catholic College in the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne – Peter and 14 year old, Paul from the Philippines, who does not attend school.

Host: Tells us, what is your view on the issue of child labour?

Peter: I go to a very good school in Cranbourne and we learn a lot about social justice and the rights of children. I see the images on TV and the internet of what some children live with in the world. I have not seen it first-hand though. Speaking of first hand, I suffered a form of child labour this morning that needs mentioning. Mum had an appointment so didn’t drive me the 10km to school so I had to walk at least 500m up the road to the bus stop. Plus I had to eat my breakfast, 2 muesli bars and an apple on the bus because I was rushed. Plus my hands are sooooo cold – I need a hot chocolate ASAP!

Paul: I have seen child labour first-hand. Children in my country can be working at our age. I do. The worst forms of work I have seen, have been in hazardous environments, slavery or other forms of forced labour, such as illicit activities, drug trafficking and prostitution. According to the stats, I million children are in domestic work in the Philippines and like me, being forced to work -- being owned or controlled by an 'employer', usually through mental or physical threat; being dehumanised and treated as a commodity or bought and sold as 'property' and having restrictions placed on freedom of movement. I could not walk to the bus like you Peter!

Host: I have heard that too, Paul. I have also heard that an estimated 126 million children around the world are in work that is harmful to their health and welfare. While it is impossible to give precise and reliable figures about the number of children working as domestic workers it is estimated that millions of children are engaged in this type of employment globally. Most child domestic workers are between 12 and 17, but some are as young as five or six. The International Labour Organisation estimates that domestic service is the single largest source of employment for girls under 16 around the world. It is estimated that around 90% of child domestic workers are girls.

Message: Be grateful with what we have at St. Peter’s College!

Upcoming Events:

1. June 13: Jewish Culture excursion, St Kilda East – Year 11 (Clyde North campus).
2. June 14: Jewish Culture excursion, St Kilda East – Year 11 (Cranbourne campus).
3. June 17: Refugee Week.
4. June 20: Learning community session with Bernard Dobson on Marian Theology.

June 24: St Peter’s Day Mass, Casey Stadium. 10:30am start.

Matthew Williams

Deputy Principal - Mission & Catholic Identity