Editorial

Advent is the season of hope. With the close of the recent United Nations Climate Change conference in Egypt, the world continues to live in hope that we will collectively take urgent measures to address climate goals. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that more needs to be done to drastically reduce emissions now. “The world still needs a giant leap on climate ambition.” In our region, we learn that Australia’s average temperature has increased at a higher rate than the rest of the world. In the South Pacific, the ocean countries are under threat due to rising sea waters and extreme weather events. 

‘Hope is the door that opens onto the future. Hope is a humble, hidden seed of life that with time, will develop into a large tree. It is like some invisible yeast that allows the whole dough to grow, that brings flavour to all aspects of life.’ Pope Francis, April 2017

We are being asked to take action in response to the needs of a fragile planet and protect those particularly vulnerable at this time. Here, in Australia, we are responding to those who are flood affected as we experience a protracted La Nina weather pattern. One of our own Kildare Ministries schools, St Joseph’s College, Echuca has been challenged by the anxiety, distress and vulnerability that the floods have brought to the town. The Kildare Education Ministries Board is pleased to promote the Flood Appeal for the school through the Brigidine Relief Fund. 

The Brigidine congregation is establishing a task group to educate and engage sisters and colleagues on the work of integral ecology as expressed in Laudato Si to address matters of eco justice and spirituality. (see advertisement in this newsletter) In our schools, students are prominent activists for addressing climate goals. We know that our students can  also be our provocateurs in this field. Next year we look forward to the establishment of the Net Zero Network, an initiative of two Year 12 students at Clonard College. The network aims to unite senior Kildare Ministries students to protect and care for creation drawing on Laudato Si for their goal setting.

In this final newsletter for the year, we have input from our Community Works on the important contribution of volunteers to the work of each organisation. In the Acting Commissioner’s column, in a recent newsletter of the ACNC (The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission), there are a couple of statements on volunteers …

Volunteers still power the sector. More than three million volunteers contribute to charities, and more than half of all charities operate without any paid staff.

Charities range from small volunteer-based groups to large scale organisations. They operate across a multitude of industries and causes. The sector is extremely diverse.

Most Australian charities are small - 31% turnover less than $50,000 a year while 20% have revenue between $50,000 and $250,000.

As well as hope, Advent is also a time for peace, joy and love. In Australia, Advent coincides with the beginning of summer; the end of the school year; for most the end of the working year; and the start of summer holidays. There is much anticipation indeed. I thank the Mission and Ministry Team: Peter, Monica, Padraig, Renee and Niluka for their perseverance and commitment during a particularly challenging six months. From all of us we wish all in the Kildare Ministries family a joyful Christmas and a peaceful end to 2022.

Loving God,

Lead us beyond ourselves

To care and protect,

To Nourish and shape,

To challenge and energise

Both the life and the world

You have given us.

From ‘Prayer for Conscience and Courage’ – Joan Chittister

Jeff Burn

Acting Executive-Director

Kildare Ministries