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A great day was held here on Wednesday
4th August, 2010, with about fifteen of our Confirmation candidates discovering ways in which they can be effective in fighting the injustices of our world.
The session was led by Patsy Cummings,
a young People’s Forum Development Worker from the CARJ:
One of the young Justice and Peace group members
talked to the congregation about the work of CARJ
at all Masses
at that time. |
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Last Wednesday Patsy came to talk to our Justice and Peace group about equality and how each and every person can make a difference.
Patsy works with CARJ the Catholic Association for Racial Justice towards social equality for people of all nationalities.
CARJ is now preparing for Racial Justice Sunday, which will happen on the 12th of September.
We are asked to focus on whether migration builds bridges or barriers. |
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We could use the Gospel from that day to help us: Luke 10:29: in which Jesus answers the question, 'who is my neighbour?', or even today's Gospel which asks us to reflect on whether we treat people in the same way: a way we would wish to be treated ourselves. |
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Racial Justice Sunday
2010 offers us a unique opportunity to
reflect on the fact that we are all
members of the human family, bound
together by our common humanity. |
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As such we should be working together to build bridges of all sorts with each other and to eliminate any preventable barriers. |
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Churches throughout Britain and Ireland share a common biblical tradition that migration and welcoming strangers, particularly those who are vulnerable and in need, is not a new phenomena and is an essential aspect of our mission and ministry. |
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Migration comprises an integral part of our history and an important dimension of our current reality and experience living in Britain and Ireland.
Just think about our own pastoral area of Slough: back in the 1950' and 60's. Irish people decided to make their home here and integrated themselves into Slough life; nowadays, there are people from ail over the world who have chosen to live in our community.
The Church has a duty to concern
itself with all the pressing social issues that touch deeply
on human dignity. |
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Our Christian scriptures teach us that migration is also a theological event. It is significant to remember that God revealed his covenant to his people when they were in the process of migrating, and that Jesus and his family were forced to become refugees in Egypt, to escape persecution.
Therefore based on the life and teachings of Jesus, we need to be prepared to follow his example and to cross borders of all kinds, to create a community of compassion and generosity which reflects God's unquestioning love for all people |
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This is why we are asking people to consider giving a donation to CARJ to help its continuous battle against the prejudices which often arise in our society today.
If you would like to donate or to visit their website click here
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Photography by
Barbara Meaney |
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