Social justice is about respecting human dignity and promoting the common good. As Catholics we are called to respond to those in need and work for justice and peace.
Addressing the issues
There are many ways we can answer this call. We can:
- educate our children
- educate ourselves
- donate money
- donate time to service
- live a socially just lifestyle
- act as an advocate for the needy
The Social Justice Initiative seeks to integrate service, fundraising and teaching to create a meaningful programme with a variety of opportunities for students and parents to participate.
Goals for 2009
1. Focus Fundraising
Streamline our efforts at the school to a limited number of causes that represent the local and international communities.
St. Jude’s School of Tanzania
St. Jude’s was started in 2002 by Australian Gemma Sisia (nee Rice) to service the orphaned and vulnerable children in the lowest socio-economic class in Tanzania. The primary school is supported solely by sponsorship donations. Former Holy Family staff person Felicity Flynn, is there now as a volunteer teacher. More information at: www.schoolofstjude.co.tz
st_Jude_Christmas_card.pdf
Project Compassion—Caritas
Caritas is a Catholic agency for international aid and development. Project Compassion is their fundraising component. More information at: www.caritas.org.au
CANA—Teresa House
Teresa House provides free overnight and safe shelter for the mentally ill and others at risk. CANA has been around for 30 years setting up shelters and providing for the homeless. CANA relies solely on donations. More information at: www.teresahouse.org.au
Woods Cottage
Woods Cottage is a group home for young adults with an intellectual disability. The home is named after Tom Woods, a former teacher at Holy Family school. The home has been in operation since 1981.
More information at:
Woods Cottage Foundation,
PO Box 161
Lindfield 2070
2. Establish Service Opportunities
Create opportunities for children and parents to interact with or directly service the needy. These will include working with the residents of Lourdes Nursing Home in Killara, packing hampers of food for delivery by St. Vincent de Paul or providing other suitable services to the local community.
3. Education
Engage speakers from all walks of life to talk with the children. Support staff in their efforts to educate our children about the underprivileged.
How Can You Help?
One hour of your time can make a year’s worth of difference to many. You’ll not only reap great rewards but you’ll be giving back to your community and setting an excellent example for our children.
You can help by:
- Volunteering for one hour a month
- Sharing your ideas or resources
- Participating in fundraising events
The Social Justice Initiative is a priority both in our school and in the Broken Bay Diocese. A committee was formed in late 2005 to address the issue at our school and to implement a plan that encapsulates the parish and school.