A Culture of Encounter: Be The Church. Social Justice Week 2021

The words of dismissal at the end of every Mass begin with the command “GO.” While the Eucharist we gather for each week is essential food for the journey, we are sent from this gathering to live the presence of Jesus with justice in every social encounter. The week 12 -18 September is Social Justice Week. The theme for 2021 is 

A Culture of Encounter: BE THE CHURCH

Inspired by Fratelli Tutti – Brothers and sisters all (2020) Pope Francis' third encyclical is based on the theme of fraternity and social friendship. 

Pope Francis challenges us all to restore a sense of closeness and paths of renewed encounter. He redirects us to the life of St Francis of Assisi in calling for “a love that transcends the barriers of geography and distance.” (Fratelli Tutti, #1). With the addition of Fratelli Tutti, the body of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) has deepened further. Showing the importance for applying Christ’s teaching to the issues of today, CST principles provide the basis for action in the community as we seek to follow Christ’s example.

To read Fratelli Tutti in full visit the Vatican website HERE

Liturgy Resources

Homily notes for Sunday 12 Sept HERE

Liturgy resources available from Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand HERE

Other Caritas resources including two posters and discussion guide HERE

“To restore hope and bring about renewal…it is closeness; it is the culture of encounter.”

Fratelli Tutti, p.30, 2020