‘The Cost of Our Living’
The most recent Australian Catholic Bishops’ Statement (published in February 2026) raises a contemporary and urgent issue to our attention. In discussing the ‘cost of living crisis’ we are challenged to consider one of the key principles of Catholic social teaching, that of working for the common good.
The bishops remind us that respect for the dignity of all human persons is at the heart of all Catholic social teaching and that each person is created in the image and likeness of God.
Financial pressures and low wages; the cost and availability of food; and housing insecurity, are aspects of contemporary life that many in the community are experiencing and all contribute to the loss of human dignity.
The earth and its goods should be available for all people, shared fairly, so that everyone can live with dignity. There are many examples of where this doesn’t happen in our world, especially when viewing the nightly news. But by committing to the common good, the Church promotes human flourishing for everyone equally.
So how do we, in our part of the world, respond to this crisis, which to many may feel too hard and too overwhelming? Fortunately, the Bishops have included a range of suggested actions in their Statement, aimed at both encouraging reflection and making a difference to the lives of those around us. These include (with some tailoring to our Parish in brackets):
Individually
- Notice people around you (perhaps even at Sunday Mass), who may be showing signs of struggling with the cost of living.
- Offer practical help, to those who seem to be struggling to make ends meet (maybe by asking respectfully what would help, even offering something simple like making a meal).
- (Support small, local business as much as practicable).
- Donate money and goods to organisations providing support to people affected by the crisis (our parish specifically supports the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project).
- Volunteer your time to Church and community organisations offering practical support (such as the ones beforementioned).
Reflecting
- Reflect on the above experiences with the guidance of scripture and Catholic social teaching principles. Pray for God’s guidance on what action you might take.
- Read the occasional articles from the Parish’s social justice group in the Parish newsletter.
Joining others
- Look for local organisations promoting action to address inadequate support for people on low incomes and join their advocacy campaigns.
- Join organisations promoting more affordable housing locally or nationally.
- Work with others to urge governments to prevent corporations and businesses from raising the price of goods and services excessively.
Politically
- (If you run a business, ensure that you pay fair wages, charge reasonable prices and make a commitment to support your local community).
- Work with local politicians, businesses, churches and community groups to encourage the collaboration of representatives of all these sectors in community efforts to address the cost-of-living crisis locally.
- Ask local politicians to encourage the participation of people affected by the crisis in local efforts to address local problems.
If you are interested in finding out more about Our Lady of Pentecost Parish’s Social Justice Group, please contact Michael Ryan on 0400 602 402 or email [email protected]
By Margaret O’Connor
