Read the newsletter editorial
Almost time for Easter eggs
I get a bit grumpy about Easter eggs appearing in the shops straight after Christmas, writes Sandie Cornish in Catholic Care Sydney's staff newsletter. That’s how the retail cycle works, but the Christian calendar doesn’t jump straight from the joy of the birth of the Jesus to the hope of the Resurrection. I don’t think our personal or organizational lives are really like that either. 
Pope Francis' unfinished business with the poor
Pope Francis' desire that the Church should be a church of the poor and for the poor has struck a chord, writes Andrew Hamilton in Eureka Street. 'As did his simple way of living and his evocation of Francis of Assisi when choosing to be called Pope Francis. But his emphasis on the service of the poor will put on the agenda unfinished business from the 1960s–80s.
Of hope and pain: Rachel Corrie's Rafah legacy
'Hi Papa .. Don't worry about me too much, right now I am most concerned that we are not being effective. I still don't feel particularly at risk. Rafah has seemed calmer lately,' Rachel Corrie wrote to her father, Craig, from the town of Rafah, at the southern end of the Gaza Strip.
'Rachel's last email' was not dated on the Rachel Corrie Foundation website. It must have been written soon after her last email to her mother, Cindy, on Feb 28. She was killed by an Israeli bulldozer on March 16, 2003.
'Spend mentality' won't help the new Burma
Development is the new name for peace,' said Pope Paul VI in 1967. Well, not in Burma, where wars and religious disputes have caused the death or displacement of 190,000 people. Such horror stories don't concern the Western and Chinese business people who sweep in, salivating, to 'develop' Burma
Does mining cost more than it's worth
While mining is a source of great wealth for Australia, its socio-ecological benefits are mixed. Yet the sheer power of the industry means a balanced conversation on these issues is yet to start. Both major parties are beholden to the industry and fear the advertising power its money can buy. Two examples demonstrate the problem.
India's Dalits bathe with priests
In the breaking of an ancient taboo, about 100 Dalit scavengers have become the first members of India’s lowest caste to take a holy bath alongside higher caste priests in the river Ganges during the ongoing holy Kumbh Mela pilgrimage in the northern city of Allahabad.
Faith in Action workshop
Catholic Social Teaching specialist Sandie Cornish is joining with the Wollongong Diocese Justice, Ecology and Peace Council to present a workshop on Catholic Social Teaching. We will be following an Ignatian methodology (just like Pope Francis), exploring local issues and nurturing a spirituality of justice. 1 June. RSVP by 24 May.
Australia in the Asian Century?
A 10-week course with Professor Joe Camilleri
On Wednesday evenings from 1 May to 3 July in Collins Street Melbourne. Speakers include former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and former Foreign Minister Gareth Evans. Applications close 18 April. For information, see www.mire.org.au.
Social Justice: fuller life in a fairer world
Fr Bruce Duncan speaks about the legacy of social justice in the Church from such leaders as Frederic Ozanam, founder of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Barbara Ward, and Fr Josef Cardijn at the launch of his book, Social Justice: fuller life in a fairer world. Watch the video here.
Let the Son Shine
An Australian Catholic response to climate change
The words 'climate change' are on many people’s lips. Scientific evidence has convinced many that humans are largely responsible for this change and must act urgently to address it. Others have been shocked out of complacency and into reflection by fickle weather conditions, ranging from recent hurricanes in New Orleans to a ten-year drought throughout Australia. So says Columban Fr Charles Rue in a new release, Let the Son Shine
Fast from Carbon Consumption this Lent
This Carbon Fast Lenten Calendar offers an action idea for every day of Lent. It was produced by the Social Justice Committee of the Conference of Leaders of Religious Institutes of New South Wales in Australia.
The Call to Justice in Scripture
How do you experience the Scriptures calling you to live justly? This PowerPoint can be used for personal reflection or as stimulus material for group discussion. Reflecting on The Call to Justice in Scripture
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
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Major International Catholic Social Teaching Documents
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