Respect for Life Week Sep 24 to Oct 3 – prayer, service format, calendar of events

Service Format  – pdf 53K

Calendar of Events – download

Prayer

Creator of all we thank you for the gift of life.

We pray for a deeper respect and appreciation or life and all that sustains life.

Instill in us a sense of wonder and awe for all creation, especially for human life.

You created us for unity and to live in unity with all of creation.

We ask forgiveness for the times we have selfishly exploited the land and other life forms for our own desires;

for our failure to love our brothers and sisters whom we are called to love – regardless of their ethnic background, social status or religious belief.

We pray that we may be a source of unity and life as we journey through life.

Amen.

Pakistan floods

Pakistan floods: CAFOD increases aid to Pakistan

Catholic Agency for Oversees Development (CAFOD)

CAFOD has increased its aid pledge to Pakistan, as the scale of the disaster continues to emerge.
Donate to our Pakistan Appeal >>

Special focus: Capital Punishment

At a time when the issue of resuming hangings in TT is being discussed, CCSJ urges each person to pray that the death penalty in TT and in the world will be abolished (see CCSJ’s media release on 13 July).  Let us demonstrate that we are witnesses to the Gospel of Life. The Catholic Church must provide strong moral leadership, affirming and protecting the sanctity of human life as a gift from God at all stages and in all circumstances. More >>

Preparing for Respect for Life Week

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ

I would like to draw your attention to the Calendar of Events for Respect for Life Week (RFLW) (Sept 24– Oct 3) published in today’s issue of Catholic News. CCSJ would like to thank all those who have come together from various archdiocesan departments and from other faith communities to assist us in planning these events. We call on all people of goodwill to join us in this initiative. Read more »

Fr Joe’s Sunday Gospel Reflection Sept 5 – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

by Fr Joseph Harris, CSSp

Gospel:Lk,14: 25 – 33

Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Read more »

Reflections on Independence

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ

“At around midnight on the night of August 30, 1962, my wife and I stood in front of the Red House, with other Members of Parliament and their wives. We stood with many other dignitaries, including Princess Alice, the Princess Royal, who represented the Queen. Read more »