Social Justice News – September 8, 2016

When one considers the range of issues that society is facing it is easy to become encumbered with the stress of trying to make things better. That feeling of weight on our shoulders and the best way this can be actioned up is with the support of others.

-Peace of heart Рwithout it, no good can make us happy. With it, every trial, even the approach of death, can be borne.- РFr̩d̩ric Ozanam (Founder of St. Vincent de Paul)

On Thursday the 8^th of September sixteen boys from St. Patrick’s College met with other regional schools for a St. Vincent de Paul Society conference held at Monivae College, Hamilton. The conference focused around the issue of Social Justice, Catholic Social Teaching, and supporting those in our local community. The boys had the opportunity to meet with like-minded individuals, to learn what other schools are doing, and had a chance to share their views on some pressing issues in society.

Those that attended ranged from years 7 to 11 and each confidently contributed to the discussion and proceedings of the day. Each played numerous roles throughout the day and each were able to live in the moment with students from other schools. Their hearts filled with the desire to bring about the kingdom of God in the world -“ emphasised in their taking the time to volunteer for St. Vincent de Paul.

The conference finished with a final activity where the students were mixed with students from other schools to handcraft blankets for those suffering in the Hamilton community and its surrounds. These were offered with messages of hope handwritten by the boys and their peers from other schools.

In other news, the college held a casual clothes day to support the House of Welcome, a local charity that provides short-term emergency accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers. A protest was also held in the canteen during senior lunch where the students stood in solidarity -“ speaking out against detention centers.

Learn to do right; seek justice.

Defend the oppressed.

Take up the cause of the fatherless;

plead the case of the widow. Isiah 1:17

If you’re interested in learning more about Social Justice and St. Vinnies at St. Patrick’s College, please contact Art Nichols at anichols@stpats.vic.edu.au