Our Mission
To promote justice and peace, ecological concern and respect for life in society, in the light of the Gospel and the social teaching of the Church.
Aims
The Network aims:
To promote a spirituality which gives prominence to relationships that enhance care for creation, respect for life, action on behalf of justice and liberation from every form of oppression;
To work for justice in social structures and promote the development of a society within which all members experience justice;
To promote ethical and ecologically-sustainable patterns of production, consumption, and investment in the Church and wider community;
To assist the clergy in addressing social justice issues, and in the task of spreading the Gospel message of justice in the local Church and wider community.
In fulfilling its mission, wherever possible, the Network will endeavour to:
Heighten awareness of social injustice and of the need to promote peace and a spirituality of non-violence, through creating opportunities for forming and educating the Catholic community in the social doctrine of the Church;
Provide a Christian context for the research and analysis of social issues where structural injustices occur
Initiate and support activities in the preparation and promotion of the annual Catholic Social Justice Statements;
Develop and promote models and methods for effective, non-violent action on behalf of justice and social transformation;
Monitor the development and implementation of legislation and public policy as it affects social justice, particularly in the Macarthur region;
Liaise with the clergy regarding representations to government, politicians, public inquiries and other agencies concerned with public policy, including approaches to the media.
Assist in the development of a network of social justice representatives and social justice groups, at parish, deanery, or regional levels, and to provide appropriate formation and resources (such as clearing house resources, guest speakers, training kits, an annual Formation Day, assistance with submissions);
In consultation with the clergy, liaise with other diocesan, state and national Catholic Church agencies in the areas of justice, social welfare, respect for life/human dignity, ecology and Catholic education;
Work with Aboriginal Catholic Ministries of the region and their appointed Chaplain to promote;
greater understanding, recognition, acceptance and inclusion of our Aboriginal brothers and sisters and their spirituality at both parish and diocesan levels;
reconciliation in the Church and in the wider community .
Where appropriate, collaborate with Christian and other faith communities, as well as with groups and individuals, to promote joint action in favour of justice, peace, and integrity of creation.