In this issue of our JPIC newsletter Peter Clark reflects on the latest IPCC report and the recent Bishop's statement, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. The Statement draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations. Peter is passionate about saving our planet from destruction and he shares his wisdom from a lifetime working as a geologist.
Join Lay Carmelites from Australia and New Zealand in prayer, reflection and celebration online on Saturday 4 September from 2-3.30pm (AEST) via Zoom. The prayer gathering will include presentations from Lay Carmelites working in various areas of environmental concern. It will mark the launch of the Australian Catholic Bishop's 2021-2022 Social Justice Statement, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor and the beginning of Seasons of Creation for the month of September. Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5847203845?pwd=K2lMVVZtcFFzM1RhZ1dsbFZTeDE3QT09
Meeting ID:584 720 3845 Passcode 080244gf
In October 2021, the Catholic Church in Australia will gather for the first Assembly of the Plenary Council to be held since the second Vatican Council. In 2018, when the decision to hold a Plenary Council was announced, the entire People of God in Australia began preparing for this historic moment by listening to God and by listening to one another’s stories of faith.
Join Fr Paul Cahill, a member of the Plenary Council, for Looking to the Plenary Council: A Carmelite Response on Wednesday 1 September 10.30-12.00 midday via Zoom. Book here | Read pdf Fr Paul's article here | More Plenary Resources here.
The Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, affirms that “we human beings need a change of heart, mind, and behaviour”. It draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations.
Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor helps to ground and inspire efforts to care for creation while responding to the needs of the disadvantaged and excluded. The Statement also reflects on the need for conversion and change of life. Read pdf Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor | Watch the launch video
In these pandemic times we have all got the message about the need to wash our hands to prevent infection. In the time of Jesus, the ritual practice of washing hands had little to do with the transmission of disease. In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus reminds his listeners that evil does not come from the outside, but from within. According to Jesus, being at rights with God is not achieved through ritual practice but through inner conversion to the mind and heart of God. It’s our hearts, not our hands, which need washing. Read more
Celebrating At Home 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time [PDF]
Celebrating At Home 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time [ePub]
Over the last four Sundays, St John has taken us on a journey of discovering Jesus as the living Word of God who nourishes and strengthens us on our journey; as the living bread who gives his very self (flesh and blood) for the life of the world; and, today, as the bread of faith. Those who share the bread of faith are those who have chosen to believe in Jesus and follow him. Only by drawing life from Jesus can one be drawn into the life of God. Read more
Celebrating At Home 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time [PDF]
Celebrating At Home 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time [ePub]
This weekend, the Carmelites are not only celebrating the Feast of the Assumption, but also the 20th anniversary of the Australian Carmelites taking responsibility for the East Timor Mission and the Timorese Carmelites. The Indonesian Carmelites who founded the mission in 1999 and In January 2001, asked the Australian Carmelites to take responsibility for the Timor-Leste mission and the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Zumalai. Their request was made in the light of the changing political circumstances in Timor-Leste and the struggle for independence from Indonesia. The Australian Carmelites voted unanimously to accept this responsibility and on 15 August 2001 formally took responsibility for the Timor-Leste Mission and the Timorese Carmelites. More story
In difficult situations we look for hope. Who or what will deliver us? Where is the light at the end of the tunnel? In the pandemic we have looked to health authorities and governments, to lockdowns, mask-wearing and social distancing. More recently, we have looked to vaccines. The Assumption of Mary is a great feast of hope! In the scripture and related writings for this feast, we learn that God’s plan is that we, like Mary, are destined to share the same glory of heaven, through Christ’s resurrection. Read more
Celebrating At Home Assumption of BVM [PDF]
Celebrating At Home Assumption of BVM [ePub]
This Sunday the Church in Australia celebrates its first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop who was declared a saint on 17 October 2010. Born in Fitzroy, Victoria in 1842, Mary worked from the age of 16 to support the rest of her family. In 1866 she travelled to Penola, South Australia, and with Fr Julian Tenison Woods, opened a school in a disused stable. Eventually other young women came to join her and the Sisters of St Joseph began to take shape. The Sisters spread in groups to small outback settlements and large cities around Australia. Read more
Celebrating At Home Solemnity of Mary MacKillop [PDF]
Celebrating At Home Solemnity of Mary MacKillop [ePub]
As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, we also celebrate and give thanks to God for reaching 3,200 Instagram followers... we remember all our social media followers and their families in our prayers. "At Pentecost, the Spirit made the apostles go forth from themselves and turned them into heralds of God’s wondrous deeds, capable of speaking to each person in his or her own language. The Holy Spirit also grants the courage to proclaim the newness of the Gospel with boldness (parrhesía) in every time and place, even when it meets with opposition. Let us call upon him today, firmly rooted in prayer, for without prayer all our activity risks being fruitless and our message empty. Jesus wants evangelizers who proclaim the good news not only with words, but above all by a life transfigured by God’s presence." - Pope Francis
