young people and justice 2009 Social Justice Sunday Statement and you will be my witnesses: young people and justice

young people and justice 2009 Social Justice Sunday Statement and you will be my witnesses: young people and justice

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young people and justice 2009 Social Justice Sunday Statement and you will be my witnesses: young people and justice

World Youth Day Australia 2008 2009 Social Justice Sunday Statement World Youth Day Australia 2008

The power of the holy Spirit does not only enlighten and console us 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

What will you leave to the next generation? 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

Australian Catholic Social Justice Council Fairfax Photos 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