‘Your face, Lord, do I seek’. Lent 2017 ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek’. ‘Me rapu ahau i tōu mata, e te atua’.  

“Your face LORD, do I seek” – Psalm 27:8 Emergencies Cyclone Winston in Fiji - Caritas' worked with local partner the Archdiocese of Suva to respond quickly to urgent needs, such as food and shelter following the devastating category 5 storm. Caritas and the Archdiocese of Suva are continuing to work with affected communities to help them rebuild their lives and better prepare for future emergencies. Syria conflict - Caritas is working inside Syria providing life-saving healthcare and emergency supplies to the most vulnerable in Aleppo. Caritas has been supporting Syrian refugees in Lebanon since the conflict began in 2011 and is also continuing to support Syrian refugees in Jordan through the Peace in the Middle East fund. This humanitarian work is part of a Caritas regional response that includes supplying food, water and shelter to refugee families in Iraq, Turkey, Jordan and throughout Europe. Development Pacific - Caritas works with local partners across the Pacific region to help communities adapt to and mitigate the increasing effects of climate change, such as coastal erosion, sea level rise, water salination and impacts on food security. Advocacy State of environment report - Caritas’ advocacy work involves speaking out against poverty and injustice and its causes in both New Zealand and overseas. This work includes solidarity visits, prayer, affecting change by lobbying politicians and decision-makers and education work within New Zealand to raise people’s awareness. Caritas’ State of the Environment Report for Oceania in 2016 highlighted widespread hunger and thirst in the Pacific, among other key issues affecting people in the region These issues are: Impact of severe weather-related emergencies Coastal erosion and rising sea levels Mining and drilling of the ocean floor Climate financing for Oceania’s developing nations – to support both minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) and adaptation to climate change.

“Provide us with the strength to be Your voice and to make good choices. Help us to help others face the tests that challenge them.”

“Lord, in the times when our lives are overcome by cloud and shadow, we pray that Your light and love touches us.”

“May our cups be so full that they overflow and Your graces are poured out onto others.”

“Open our eyes to the injustices in the world “Open our eyes to the injustices in the world. Guide our faith to encounter others who need it.

“Help us to remember that You are able to bring good –– even from the most dire situations.”

“May we see the face of Christ and reflect Your love to those we encounter each day.”

facebook.com/caritasaotearoa Ngā mihi - Thank you For more information, visit Caritas online at www.caritas.org.nz www.caritas.org.nz facebook.com/caritasaotearoa