Cry of the earth, Cry of the Poor

The Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, affirms that “we human beings need a change of heart, mind, and behaviour”. It draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations.

The Social Justice Statement 2021-22 provides theological foundations to ground and inspire efforts to care for creation while responding to the needs of the disadvantaged and excluded. The Statement reflects on creation in and through the Trinity; the sacramentality of all created things; the wonder and beauty available to the contemplative eye; and the need for conversion and change of life.

In the Statement, the Bishops invite the whole Catholic community to join them in taking up Pope Francis’ invitation to a seven-year journey towards total ecological sustainability, guided by seven Laudato Si’ Goals. These Goals are: response to the cry of the earth; response to the cry of the poor; ecological economics; sustainable lifestyles; ecological spirituality; ecological education; and community engagement and participatory action.

The Statement especially encourages Catholic families, communities and organisations to: listen to the First Nations; reflect on the theological foundations offered in Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor; and plan their next steps towards the Laudato Si’ Goals.

You can read more about the statement and how to get involved HERE:  

ERA for Change – 28 Days for Climate

Currently, as part of our commitment to the direction of the Social Justice Statement, our student leaders are promoting a national campaign about personal responsibility and what we can do to make an impact on the world around us through personal choices. Will Douglas, Elijah Hurley, Marcus Stevanovski and Nathanael Shaw have been working on resources and all students received an email about the Energy Audit. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved in the CSL program while we are Off-Campus and make your home more energy efficient.  You can follow ERA for Change on social media to get some other ideas about caring for our common home.  Michael Piela, the ERA for Change Prefect and national Committee member, arranged a Zoom meeting with MP Chris Bowen this week to discuss energy policy and how young people can be practically involved in advocating for better policies for the future. Thanks to Michael., Will Douglas and Elijah Hurley for attending this meeting and asking some very important questions, demonstrating the interest of young people in caring for the environment.

EREBB Peru Virtual Immersion

Last week we followed up with Br Stephen Casey and the family in Peru who were the recipients of the grant from CBHS Lewisham to build a house in Lima. It was a privilege to be allowed this glimpse into the difference that we can make when we act together. We are going to work with CBHS Lewisham to explore ways that ERC can be involved in this amazing initiative, standing in solidarity with the people whose lives are impacted by the sinful structures of society.  This is the vital work of bringing our touchstones to life. Thank you to Henry Jones, Christian Yeo, Oliver Penrose and Stirling Roper for participating in the virtual immersion.    

Please Pray for Kath McGuinness

Our Catholic School community has been supported by families and individuals over the years, none more so than Kathleen McGuinness who was part of the Christian Brothers College and Edmund Rice College communities. She retired from work at Edmund Rice in 2013. Recently we became aware that Kath is not well and her family has noticed a decline in her health.  We would like to ask you to pray for Kath who has been a stalwart of the Wollongong community and certainly a central figure in the lives of students who attended the College up to 2013. Blessed Edmund Rice. Pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever

Mullets for Mental Health – It’s Mullet Season!

Currently, we have 28 students raising awareness of the importance of good mental health by getting a bad haircut!! The mullet season is upon us and while we are Off-Campus, it is another way to stay connected and to let others know that you are with them. One in seven Australian men experiences depression or anxiety or both in any year. We want to make this statistic a thing of the past. The more awareness we can bring to issues like the importance of good mental health, the more we can change the conversation. The students have raised over $9000 so far and the initiative will run through the month of September. Please check out the page and donate a few dollars if you can. You can scroll all the way down to see the individual members or you can make a donation to the team.  For those participating, don’t forget to add this as  CSL activity to your electronic CSL Log on LERA. A reminder that this also counts towards your Liberating Education Badge in the CSL Challenge. Thanks to Nathan Shaw and Matthew Armitage for their leadership and organisation. 

To make a donation click HERE

Mrs Hurley

Director of Identity