What is Social Justice

Macarthur Social Justice Network is excited to have Mr John Ferguson, National Executive Officer of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, coming to speak to the next meeting about "What is Social Justice?".

The meeting will be held at St Thomas More Parish Hall in Ruse on Saturday February 12th starting at 2.30pm.

The Australian Catholic Social Justice Council (ACSJC) was set up by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) in 1987 as the national justice and peace agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. It aims to promote research, education, advocacy and action on social justice, peace and human rights, integrating them deeply into the life of the whole community
in Australia, and providing a credible voice on these matters in Australian society.

As the National Executive Officer, John Ferguson has a deep knowledge and understanding of what social justice means, the issues affecting social justice, and the current policies and trends in the field. Many people have heard the term 'social justice' but do not know or misunderstand the meaning of the term.

In this talk John Ferguson will answer the question "What is Social Justice" followed by a discussion of the social justice issues in the Macarthur region.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact Michael on 46206047 or email secretary@msjn.org for catering purposes.

Renewal and Perpetual Vows De Boismenu College

We've been head down developing web sites and Annals for most of the past week, however on Wednesday we had something special.

 

Renewal and perpetual profession of vows was held at the De Boismenu College chapel on 2nd February 2011. Eleven MSC's recorded their vows at this mass. They were:

 

Perpetual Vows

• Roger Alabeti
• Hillary Kapei
• George Kepui
• Michael Lau
• Pius Tourai

Renewal of Vows

• Simon Tibam
• Francis Ulalom
• Ambrose Kolmaris
• Emil Thaddeus
• Blasius Kadico
• Patrick Kovova

The celebrant was Father John Mitakde MSC and the homily was delivered by Fr John Aneo. Fr John Aneo also accepted the vows as delegate of the Superior General of the MSC's.

 

Attached photo of the congregation exiing the chapel after the celebration.

 

This was followed by a lunch and the release of the second compilation of songs by the students of De Boismenu College with a concert on the lawn of the College. Featuring songs in several PNG languages the album, produced by Quake Studios, covers many styles of Christian music. The locally popular Patti Potts Doi features on a number of the songs. It is currently on cassette only at a cost of K25.00.

 

Peace,

Sean

 

Tapini

Date: 1 February 2011 14:23

I made the trek up to Tapini over the weekend and arrived back last night. It was arranged at the 11th hour (literally on Friday night) and it was a most informative experience seeing all the villages along the way and how important the church and in particular the MSC's are to the area.

Although many of the students for the Bl Peter To Rot primary school and the Sacred Heart senior school had not yet arrived back from the break, most of the teaching staff were there getting ready for the new year. I met all of the staff from both schools either at the Bereina Diocese compound before we left or otherwise at Mass in Tapini. The new teachers at the Sacred Heart school were very excited to be joining a school with such a good reputation. Some of the students took me to look at the hydro power generator that is run by the school and provides 24x7 power to the whole of Tapini.

One new project that is nearing completion is the contruction of a new health centre for the area, again with the organisation of the MSC's and assistance from benefactors. From memory the facility has separate wards for TB/AIDS (6 beds), antenatal care (3 beds), maternity care and adjoining delivery room (3 beds plus 2 delivery), general health (6 beds) and nursing station. It is due to be officially opened on 17th March. They are currently getting quotes for the new beds to go into the centre and will be seeking financial assistance from benefactors to pay for these.

I have only been one week here but have learnt so much each day that it seems longer. It is with great enthusiasm that I look forward to the next several weeks.

Attached is a photo of the new health centre at Tapini.

Peace,
Sean

 

PNG Annals Editorial Board Meeting Jan 2011

Date: 25 January 2011 16:20

 

The first meeting of the new PNG Annals editorial board was held this morning with a view to producing an Annals magazine in time for Easter. Casmiro Kito as editor ran the meeting and presented a number of matters for agreement including decisions involving advertising, content structure, and distribution. Members of the editorial group took on responsibility for specific content such as spirituality, vocations, and so forth.

 

Section content will be provided by the end of February to enable the draft copy to be produced and approved by the editorial board on March 5. In the mean time, Casimiro will be following up with printers and advertisers as well as creating the draft template ready to incorporate the articles.

 

Notices will be requested in parishes over the next couple of weeks advising that a new Annals is coming and if anyone would like to receive a copy to send their name and address to the editor.

 

Photo attached.

 

Peace,

Sean

 

Arrived PNG

Reduce Your Stress

This arrived in my email and I thought they were pretty cool to share.

 

Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain.. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice..

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day un rushed.
4. Say 'No' to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.  
 
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.  
 
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a good book with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
 
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life..
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Try to nip small problems in the bud.
24. Make friends with good people...  
 
25. Keep a folder of favorite readings/sayings on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you, Jesus'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).  
 
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego
33  Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.  

Macarthur Social Justice Network Meeting

Reminder that the Macarthur Social Justice Network meeting is on this weekend.

See http://www.msjn.org/

 

Date: Saturday 8th January

Time: 2:30pm

Location: St Thomas More Hall, Ruse

 

Administrative meeting to follow up preparations for 2011 schedule