For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…
Every year presents opportunities to focus upon issues of concern to you, your school, parish or community. Below is a list of seasons and special days to help you focus your prayer life, community-organising and other work for social justice. Please click on the pictures below to take you to further information about these special days and seasons.
Seasons
The season of Lent is a wonderful time to begin a journey toward greater social justice.
Advent is the beginning of what can be a busy holiday season. You can use this time to return to the true meaning of Christmas, recognise the gift of the people in your community and find greater balance in your life.
The ‘Season of Creation’ starts from the beginning of Spring, September 1st, to the Feast day of St Francis of Assisi, October 4th each year. While it is not part of the liturgical season of the Church, it is a great way to focus on caring for creation in your parish, school or community.
Special Days
World Day of Peace / the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (1 January).
Feast of St Josephine Bakhita/ International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (8 February each year).
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
(1 September each year)
Migrant and Refugee Sunday – see the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office
Social Justice Sunday (last Sunday in September each year)
The Feast of St Francis of Assisi (4 October each year)
World Day of the Poor (Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, which this year is Sunday, 19 November 2017)
Some days, while not specifically Catholic, may still relate to your social justice concerns.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday
Other Resources
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Parish Resource: Lamentation for those who perished seeking asylum.
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The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Calendar.
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The yearly Australian Catholic Social Justice Council Calendar can be purchased here.
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National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council Calendar.
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Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney Parish Mass Times.