The Pope’s Message for World Day of the Poor contains one very practical suggestion: the sharing of the Sunday meal with the poor.
What could parishes do? What about inviting parishioners and the homeless to share a meal after the late morning mass on 18 November 2018?
Pope Francis said:
"On this World Day we are invited to give concreteness to the words of the Psalm: «The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied» (Psalm 22:27). We know that in the Temple of Jerusalem, after the sacrificial rite, a banquet took place. It was this experience which enriched the first World Day of the Poor in many Dioceses last year. Many people found the warmth of a home, the joy of a celebration meal and the solidarity of those who wished to share the table in a simple and brotherly way. I would like that this year and in the future this World Day be celebrated in the spirit of joy for the rediscovery of our capacity for getting together. Praying together as a community and sharing a Sunday meal is an experience which takes us back to the earliest Christian community, described by St. Luke the Evangelist with all his originality and simplicity: «And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. […] And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need» (Acts 2:42.44-45)".
The Archdiocesan Social Justice Commission would welcome reports on parish responses to this call which could then be included in the December diocesan communications as good news story for the Christmas season.
Archbishop Christopher invites parishioners to join him at St Peter Chanel Church, 6–7pm in Yarralumla.
This liturgy accompanies the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. In prayer, we will gather with heads bowed seeking healing and hope in Christ.