A Church that Hears and Responds to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor
2021 Diocesan Assembly Work
Pre-Assembly Consultation.
Prior to the 2021 Diocesan Assembly, people in the Archdiocese were surveyed about what topics and issues they wanted discussed at the Assembly. Many of the responses dealt with questions, challenges and issues related to Responding the the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor:
People are concerned about the role of the church in responding to various crises facing the poor and vulnerable, locally and globally. There were significant responses seeking leadership in the area of climate change and working to end poverty and homelessness. Others asked how the Archdiocese can lead in areas of social and political topics (e.g. abortion, euthanasia, refugees and migrants, and reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples), and defend the rights of the most vulnerable in society. People are looking for opportunities to engage in action and advocacy for social justice.
Many want to see greater collaboration with other Christian denominations and organisations as well as expanded opportunities for ecumenical and inter-faith dialogue. There is little knowledge of the work the Archdiocesan ecumenical and inter-faith dialogue groups.
Click here to read the 2021 consultation analysis.
Assembly Recommendations.
At the 2021 Diocesan Assembly, participants gathered in groups according to the six pastoral themes. In the area of Community Life and Worship, 39 recommendations were developed (click here to read the recommendations).
Inspired by our rich tradition in Catholic Social Teaching, and including Pope Francis’ writings, each of us has a responsibility to care for Creation and one another. Our homes, schools, a parishes and diocesan agencies must commit to action, education, and transformation in the areas of ecological justice, protection of the most vulnerable, peace and reconciliation with First Nations people, and elimination of all injustice. We cannot do this alone, we must collaborate with other communities of faith and in the civic arena.
Recommendations were developed in other groups that crossed over with this theme. You can find these in the full list of recommendations. Click here to access all the recommendations developed at the 2021 Diocesan Assembly in the six pastoral themes
2022 Diocesan Assembly Work
Pre-Assembly Feedback.
In 2022, parishes, schools, communities and Catholic agencies were invited to provide feedback on the 2021 Diocesan Assembly Recommendations by prioritising their top three recommendations for the Archdiocese, and choosing their top three for their own context.
Click here to view the Feedback Results.
Click on the image to download a pdf version of the infographic.
Key Questions
How do we become a more outward-facing Church connecting with issues of local and global concern?
How might the Church in Australia respond to the call to ‘ecological conversion’?
How can we express and promote a commitment to an ‘integral ecology of life’ in all its dimensions, with particular attention to the more vulnerable people and environments in our country and region?
What kinds of action would you like to see the Archdiocese take in the areas of ecological and social justice, ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue?
How best can the Catholic Church in Adelaide demonstrate leadership in tackling issues of justice, ethics and morality?
What kinds of advocacy are most likely to be effective?
Support and Resources
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From the 2022 Diocesan Assembly
Access the presentation materials from the ‘Theological Foundations’ Workshop at the 2022 Diocesan Assembly. This workshop was presented by Rev. Dr. Michael Trainor, a priest of the Archdiocese and lecturer with the Australian Catholic University.
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Justice, Healing and Inclusion
In response to the 2021 Diocesan Assembly, the pastoral area of Justice Healing and Inclusion was established in the Pastoral Services Team. This team looks after social justice, peace, and ecology, including multicultural services, and prison and hospital chaplaincy.
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Council for Integral Ecology
The Council for Integral Ecology is the Archdiocesan advisory Council responsible for the areas of social justice and ecology (integral ecology) influenced by Pope Francis and his encyclical, Laudato Si’. For more information about the Council for Integral Ecology, their networks and projects, visit the website below.
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CESA Ecological Advisory Council
Catholic Education SA has engaged significantly in the area of ecological conversion with schools and offices. Catholic schools in South Australia are leaders in environmental sustainability and education.
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Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is the umbrella organisation that supports the following agencies working with the most vulnerable in South Australia. Hutt St Centre; Aboriginal Catholic Ministry ; Our Lady of La Vang & St Patrick’s Special Schools ; Centacare Catholic Family Services .
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ACBC Office for Social Justice
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Office for Justice, Peace and Ecology provide resources and support nationally, including the release of an annual Social Justice statement with supporting resources for local communities.
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Caritas Australia
Caritas Australia is the international aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church in Australia. They provide resources, projects, and education for parishes and schools across Australia. To connect with our diocesan Caritas coordinator, call Tracey Tessitore on 08 8210 8172.
