Social Justice Group

The following is a report from the newly formed Our Lady of Pentecost Parish Social Justice Group.

Background

In response to the interest expressed at the Parish Forums held last year during the Stewardship Renewal Program, and in line with the priority accorded it in the Annual Strategic Plan, the Parish Pastoral Council held a meeting in October 2025 to which all parishioners were invited, to discuss the role of a social justice in the Parish, and the formation of a Social Justice Group.

The Social Justice Group was formed, which in many ways is a re-activation of a similar group chaired by the late John Hassett.

Purpose of the Social Justice Group

The purpose of the Social Justice Group is to support and enhance the social justice work of the Parish as outlined in the Parish Council Strategic Plan.  The Group exists to:

• foster amongst Parishioners an increased knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching
• support Parishioners in the application and implementation of Catholic Social Teaching in their lives and life of the Parish, and
• raise awareness of the many ways societal issues involve Catholic Social Teaching.

The Social Justice Group met for its first meeting last November.  From that meeting, the Group developed an Action Plan for 2026 with one of its objectives being to increase the awareness of social justice and Catholic Social Teaching within the Parish.  For this reason, information about social justice and activities of the Social Justice Group will be included on a regular basis in the Parish Newsletter.

Membership of the Social Justice Group is open to all parishioners. 

What is social justice?

Social Justice embodies the principle that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities, no matter what circumstances into which they were born. 

Social justice is about creating a fair and compassionate society where everyone’s dignity is respected and basic needs are met. In the Catholic tradition, it means working not only to help people in need but also to address the root causes of poverty, inequality, and exclusion – so that all can share in the common good.

The impact of social justice touches most aspects of life. It covers the standards of education, healthcare, housing and income sources, as well as access to such elements as transport options, communication sources and food.

Social justice is underpinned by a belief that a person’s circumstances should not prevent them from having the best life possible or from achieving their full potential.

What are the ways in which we can work for social justice within our Parish?

In broad terms, the ways in which we (the Parish) can work for social justice include:

1. recognising inequalities where they occur
2. addressing the immediate needs of people impacted by these, and
3. working towards finding a solution for the cause where possible.

This work will be led, promoted and co-ordinated in the Parish by the Social Justice Group. 

Recognising inequalities where they occur

Social justice begins with a commitment to understanding the causes of disadvantage and inequality and to working to alleviate / eliminate these.

Ways in which inequalities could be recognised within (and potentially outside of) the Parish include that the Social Justice Group:

• meet regularly with the priests and staff of the Parish who in the course of their work have identified inequalities
• regularly liaise with:
  • groups such as the St Vincent de Paul Society conferences within the Parish to discuss the inequality which SVDP members have identified during their home visits to people who have sought assistance from SVDP
  • the principals of schools within the Parish to seek their views on where inequality they have identified exists
• encourage parishioners to contact the Parish Office or the Social Justice Group when they have identified examples of inequalities, and 
• actively look for situations inequity, disadvantage and inequality are not being addressed by one or more Parish groups or networks.

Addressing the immediate needs of people impacted by inequality

The immediate needs of people impacted by inequality and living with disadvantage include the need for food, clothing, housing, and assistance to meet the cost of utilities, education, medicines, rent and other essentials.

These immediate needs can be met through:

• St Vincent de Paul Society members in visits to people requesting help to assess need  
• other agencies which provide emergency and short / medium term accommodation for rough sleepers and others without shelter
• working with groups formed under the auspices of the Parish such as the Parish’s Friendship Group.

Working towards finding a solution for the cause where possible

Social Justice goes beyond meeting the immediate needs of the disadvantaged.  It encompasses those current and future social, economic and environmental issues and factors that impact on their lives.

From a Parish perspective, advocacy on behalf of those experiencing inequality, inequity and disadvantage might occur both directly and indirectly.

If you are interested in joining or finding out more about the Social Justice Group, please contact Michael Ryan on 0400 602 402 or at [email protected]

Michael Ryan

Social Justice Group