1. Just Faith The Argyll and the Isles Perspective Marian Pallister – 2014

2. The dove of peace…

3. The fight for justice

4. No monopoly on compassion Of course the Catholic Church wants peace Of course the Catholic Church wants peace Of course the Catholic Church wants justice Of course the Catholic Church wants justice Of course the Catholic Church wants to aid those in need Of course the Catholic Church wants to aid those in need BUT BUT So too do non government organisations of all faiths and none So too do non government organisations of all faiths and none

5. Our USP? Matthew 25: Jesus adds to the ‘weightier matters’ of justice and mercy the Church’s unique selling point- Good faith! ‘The Church’s charitable activity at all levels must avoid the risk of becoming just another form of organised social assistance’ ‘The Church is not a shop, she is not a humanitarian agency, the Church is not an NGO. The Church is sent to bring Christ and his Gospel to all.’

6. Catholic Social Teaching ‘The Church’s best-kept secret’?

8. Just Faith Not just three ‘NGOs’ coming together Not just three ‘NGOs’ coming together Three organisations whose humanitarian work is inspired by and carried out in the spirit of Catholic Social Teaching Three organisations whose humanitarian work is inspired by and carried out in the spirit of Catholic Social Teaching Three organisations whose work will continue in their own areas of expertise Three organisations whose work will continue in their own areas of expertise But together, taking CST to the people of Scotland under the banner of ‘Just Faith’ But together, taking CST to the people of Scotland under the banner of ‘Just Faith’

9. Responding to diverse needs Argyll & the Isles 12,000 square miles 25 parishes Around 12,000 Catholics Total population of 76,800 29 priests Paisley 220 square miles 35 parishes Around 79,400 Catholics Total population of 342,000 71 priests

10. Not to stereotype…. Star of the Sea St Charles Borromeo

11. My ‘Just Faith’… Taking roadshows to parishes and schools throughout the diocese Taking roadshows to parishes and schools throughout the diocese Identifying what matters to each parish Identifying what matters to each parish Discussing during presentations and a meal Discussing during presentations and a meal Using music and a ceilidh (in the old ‘visit’ sense of the word) concept to make connections Using music and a ceilidh (in the old ‘visit’ sense of the word) concept to make connections Using Catholic Social Teaching as a scaffold for all discussion Using Catholic Social Teaching as a scaffold for all discussion

12. Our diocese – three deaneries At least three reasons for welcoming Just Faith: ‘I want to inspire a new action group’ ‘Catholic Social Teaching needs a fair hearing’ ‘We are stewards of our island – we need to remember why’

13. Paisley Diocese My big road show question: ‘What makes you angry?’ Your answers: Very different from Argyll & the Isles What we share…

14. All dioceses share the need to promote… Human dignity Human dignity Community and participation Community and participation Care for creation Care for creation Dignity in work Dignity in work Peace and reconciliation Peace and reconciliation Solidarity Solidarity …within the framework of our faith …within the framework of our faith

15. Pray, act, give – remembering that… ‘The theological dimension is needed both for interpreting and for solving present day problems in human society’ (Saint John Paul II) Lumen Gentium says that the ‘glorious burden’ falls on all the laity to bring the divine offer of salvation…into the reach of all men of all times and all over the world, ‘with whole-hearted personal participation’

16. Just Faith Giving us that opportunity for whole-hearted participation in the growth of the Church An exciting project we must style to the needs of our own communities A chance to give others faith in a better world

17. Thank you for your time