Glenda Carson, National Chairperson of Social Justice, September 6th, 2023
FOR: Provincial Chairpersons of Social Justice
Greetings, sisters in the League!
September often presents an overwhelming array of activities as schedules and routines begin again after the summer break. Social justice activities are not an exception. The Calendar of Social Justice/Catholic Social Teaching in the Church on the national website may be helpful to focus reflections and actions for the month and throughout the term.
The Season of Creation began September 1st with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and concludes on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4th). This year’s theme is Let Justice and Peace Flow. It calls us “to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together” and offers opportunities to pray and take action ecumenically for our common home.
Pope Francis’ message on the theme is, “It is necessary to stand with the victims of environmental and climate injustice, striving to end the senseless war on our common home, which is a terrible world war. I urge all of you to work and pray for it to abound with life once again.” The website has information and suggested activities linked to this year’s theme that councils could perhaps reflect on with their members.
Note of Interest: Pope Francis has announced that the second part of the encyclical Laudato Si’will be published on October 4th. It will focus on the climate crisis.
Resolution 2023.01 Combating Textile Waste in Canada was adopted at the 103rd national annual meeting of members in Saint John, New Brunswick. This resolution addresses the concern that textile waste is for Canada. With your diocesan counterparts, please encourage members to reflect on following up on the action plan recommendations.
Truth and Reconciliation:In June 2021, the federal Bill C-5 An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received royal assent to make September 30th a federal statutory day of observation as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The federal government describes this day as honouring “the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.” More information and suggestions for activities can be found on the government’s website.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) issued four pastoral letters in 2023 on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, titled “That We May Walk Together.” For more information on the vision forward for Truth and Reconciliation, read the CCCB letters.
The Moira Ste. Marie Memorial Lecture Series: Addressing Food Insecurity
Toronto Diocesan Council invites members to attend the memorial lecture series. Guest speakers are from the Yonge Street Mission (YSM), a Christian development agency specializing in poverty-related challenges. This lecture series is open to all. The presentation aims to provide background on food insecurity and individuals’ and councils’ parts in addressing the issue.
Date: Monday, September 25th Virtual: Zoom Time: 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (EST)
Register by email to Shaila D’Souza at shailaflavy@gmail.com. The deadline is September 23rd. Login details will be provided after registration. A suggested registration donation of $10.00 per person or $25.00 per council may be submitted by September 23rd. YSM and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Toronto will share all registration fees and additional donations. Please mail one cheque per council payable to The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, Toronto Diocesan Council to Shaila D’Souza, 35 Lilac Ave., Thornhill, ON L3T 5K1 and indicate 2023 MSMM Lecture Series on the memo line.
“The right to a truly human life logically leads to the right to enough food to sustain a life with dignity” (Catholic Social Teaching).
Your sister in the League,
Glenda Carson
National Chairperson of Social Justice