Contemporary examples of the Catholic Church responding to the social issue of Homelessness
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND HOMELESSNESS IN THE MEDIA
MEDIA WATCH ACTIVITY: In small groups, choose a media article from the links below, and summarise how Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, has responded positively to the issue of Homelessness.
In your summary, include:
An overview of the article
What was the issue being addressed?
Who were the main people involved?
What was the response of the Homeless people and society?
Any relevant Church teachings evident in the article.
The key message that you have taken away after reading the article.
Present your findings to the class.
Articles:
"Pope Francis says give to the homeless: don't worry about how they spend it" (2017) - https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2017/02/28/pope-francis-says-give-homeless-dont-worry-about-how-they-spend-it-lent
"Pope Francis gives interview to 'Homeless' magazine" (2017) - http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/02/28/pope_francis_gives_interview_to_homeless_magazine__/1295552
"Pope opens free Laundrette for Homeless people" (2017) - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/11/pope-francis-opens-free-launderette-poor-homeless-people-rome
"Pope welcomes poor, homeless for Jubilee in Rome" (2016) - http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/11/11/pope_welcomes_poor,_homeless_for_jubilee_in_rome/1271611
"There is no justification for Homeless, says Pope in speech to Catholic charities" (2015) - http://catholicherald.co.uk/news/2015/09/24/there-is-is-no-justification-for-homelessness-says-pope-francis-in-speech-to-catholic-charities/
HOW IS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH RESPONDING AT A LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL IN AUSTRALIA?
READ, REVIEW AND REFLECT: In small groups, review the following examples of how the Catholic Church is responding locally and nationally to the issue of Homelessness in Australia. Report back to the class.
NATIONALLY:
Marist Youth Care "Breaking Bread for the Homeless" Housing Affordability Program: http://www.parramattasun.com.au/story/1698970/blacktown-program-aims-to-house-the-homeless/?cs=12
LOCALLY:
The Sister's Place, Fremantle: A night refuge for homeless women: http://stpats.com.au/services/sisters-place/ and http://www.therecord.com.au/blog/sisters-place-a-powerhouse/
Vincent's Project for the Homeless: http://www.communitynews.com.au/fremantle-gazette/news/whitford-catholic-primary-student-vincent-pettinicchio-proves-no-one-is-too-young-to-be-good-samaritan/
VincentCare in WA: https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/Find_Help/WA/Homeless_Mental_Health_Services/
CLASS DISCUSSION:
Which initiative moved you the most and why?
If Jesus had to 'vote' for one of these initiatives, which would he choose and why?
Now... it's your turn to make change and TAKE ACTION in Part 3!
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" - Joshua 1:9