Catholic Commission for Social Justice
Nineteen year old Ottrisha Carter from Coryal won the Essay Competition in the over 14 category. On being told of her successful entry, she immediately donated her prize money to the Archbishop’s Cathedral Appeal. CCSJ thanks her for her generosity. The following is her essay:
Over the past few years CCSJ has organized a competition linked to Respect for Life Week for under14 year-olds and 14-19 year olds. The Theme for the Competition this year was: “What are the core Christian values that guide you on your life’s journey?” CCSJ would like to thank those who submitted essays in response to this competition.
by TERRENCE W. FARRELL
Presentation to Sir Ellis Clarke Memorial Conference
‘Respect Life: Promote Morals and Values’
October 5th 2013
Sir Ellis
I am delighted to speak at this 2013 edition of the Sir Ellis Clarke Memorial Conference. Sir Ellis was a very special citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. We all know the critical role he played in crafting this country’s Independence Constitution, his outstanding service as a lawyer and diplomat and then as Governor General and the first President of the Republic. Until well into his winter years he was the ‘go-to’ constitutional law expert whenever difficult issues arose, and he never failed to provide insight and wisdom. In fact those two words – insight and wisdom — summarise what he brought to his public life.
Theme: Regenerating the Moral and Spiritual Values of our Society
October 5th 2013
On behalf of members of CCSJ I extend a warm welcome to all of you. This is the 4th year that our Archdiocese is observing Respect for Life Week (RFLW). At the 3rd sitting of Synod, 2009, the faithful asked for such an observance.
Strategy 3a:1 of Resolution 3 under pastoral priority 3: Regenerating the Moral and Spiritual Values of our Society, stated: “The Archdiocese to dedicate a week every year to the theme of ‘respect for life’.
Strategy 3a:3 states: “Each parish to conscientiously, honestly assess how it respects life, in terms of facilities for and services to persons from all walks of life and implement systems accordingly.”
Theme: Regenerating the Moral and Spiritual Values of Our Society
SOME PLANNED ACTIVITIES
All Archdiocesan departments, Catholic schools and Catholic organisations are encouraged to plan activities to observe Respect For Life Week (RFLW).