Download What is our response? WITNESSES TO JUSTICE Ambassadors of

2009 Social Justice Sunday Statement
and you will be my witnesses:
young people and justice
2009 Social Justice Sunday Statement
and you will be my witnesses:
young people and justice
2009 Social Justice Sunday Statement
and you will be my witnesses:
young people and justice
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 Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, 2009
2009 Social Justice Sunday Statement
and you will be my witnesses:
young people and justice
 Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, 2009
2009 Social Justice Sunday Statement
World Youth Day
Australia
2008
The power of the holy Spirit
does not only enlighten and
console us. It also points us
to the future, to the coming
of God’s Kingdom … This
power can create a new
world: it can renew the face
of the earth!
Pope Benedict XVI
We witnessed your passion
and commitment to issues of
social justice and your
concern for your sisters and
brothers in Australia and
overseas who endure the
burdens of poverty, war,
exploitation and persecution
Australian Catholic Bishops
We are impressed by
your enthusiasm
to play your part
in the mission
of the Church
in the modern world
Australian Catholic Bishops
THE MESSAGE
You will
receive power
when the Holy Spirit
has come upon you;
and you will be my witnesses.
Acts 1:8
The power received at
Baptism
The power received at
Baptism
is the power:
•to change ourselves
•to change the world by addressing unjust
situations and structures
•to care for the most vulnerable
•to be a force for justice
•to have a passion for the common good
•to hear and respond to the call of Jesus
THE CALL
The call of Jesus is to share
in the work of generations
in building up the Kingdom
of God
THE CHALLENGE TODAY
The challenge now is to
move forward together
taking the inspiration of the
WYD celebration with us.
THE CHALLENGE TODAY
What will you leave to the
next generation?
THE CHALLENGE TODAY
Are you building your lives
on firm foundations?
Are you living your lives in
a way that opens up space
for the Spirit?
THE CHALLENGE TODAY
How are you using the gifts
you have been given,
the ‘power’ which
the Holy Spirit
is even now prepared
to release within you?
THE CHALLENGE TODAY
What legacy will you leave
to young people yet to
come?
What difference will you
make?
SPEAKING JUSTICE
Do we recognise that the
innate dignity of every
individual rests on his or her
deepest identity – as image
of the Creator – and
therefore that human rights
are universal?
Pope Benedict XVI
AUSTRALIAN YOUTH:
WITNESSES TO JUSTICE
Be watchful! Listen!
Through the dissonance and
division of our world, can you
hear the concordant voice of
humanity? … Enriched with the
Spirit’s gifts, you will have the
power to offer the consistency
and certainty of Christian
witness.
Pope Benedict XVI
AUSTRALIAN YOUTH:
WITNESSES TO JUSTICE
We are invited:
 to develop a spirituality
of justice
 to respond to
the Spirit of justice
that dwells within us
BEARING THE CROSS
The Cross is a compelling
symbol for justice
BEARING THE CROSS
The Cross is a compelling
symbol for justice
During World Youth Day,
young people stood with
and under the Cross
at some of the more
confronting places
on the landscape
BEARING THE CROSS
The Cross is a compelling
symbol for justice
United with the Cross was the
Icon of Mary, reflecting her
presence at
Calvary
BEARING THE CROSS
The Cross is a compelling
symbol for justice
Accompanying both was
a Message Stick
brought to
Indigenous communities
along the way
WOOMERA
Woomera – the site for
missile testing
WOOMERA
Woomera – the site for
missile testing
Woomera – the site for
an immigration
detention facility
What are
the stations of conflict,
suffering and tension in
our world today?
What are
the stations of conflict,
suffering and tension in
our world today?
What is our response?
WITNESSES TO JUSTICE
Ambassadors of faith
By bringing our faith to issues of social justice
our work
for justice
can bring
people
to the
faith
WITNESSES TO JUSTICE
Ambassadors for justice
Addressing the human need before us
Being a force for change to unjust institutions
and policies
WITNESSES TO JUSTICE
Ambassadors of hope
Using our gifts to encourage, support and enable
AUSTRALIAN BISHOPS IN SOLIDARITY
WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
Young people may be among the strongest fighters
in the cause of justice,
but at the same time, they can be among the most
vulnerable to
injustice
Give young Indigenous people a voice
Secure employment for young workers
Address mental
health issues
Ensure safe environments
INVITATION INTO A SHARED
FUTURE
Go forth in the peace of the Holy Spirit
to love and serve the Lord
Acknowledgements
•Australian Catholic Social Justice Council
•Fairfax Photos
•Kimberley Community Profile
•L’Osservatore Romano
•Paul O’Bryan
•Allen Brierley
•Suzette Clark rsc
 Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, 2009
 Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, 2009