Social Justice

We held a Social Justice Forum in the OLHC parish hall on 10 August 2025 following the 10.15am Mass. Over 30 people attended in addition to most members of the Social Justice Committee. The purpose of the Forum was to hear what is already active in our parish, consider what the pressing concerns are in our communities and then nominate the most significant in the collective of concerns presented in the room.

We were appreciative of representatives sharing with us some of the many ministries already alive and active in the parish. These include St Vincent de Paul, prison ministry, environment including recycling, support of Parramatta Women’s Refuge, support for Parramatta Women’s Shelter, political presence, support for Jesuit Refugee Services, to name a few. 

Attendees worked in groups through a process of reflecting on what they believe are the most pressing issues in their lives and our community. They then had the opportunity to nominate their most prominent issues from all the issues that were collected from the morning.

Whilst there were a number of very important concerns aired across the morning, the most prevalent were:

• Mental Health

• Environment

• Refugees

• Women and Children

Almost all the issues raised could fall into one or more of these key concerns. In addition to these, there was a strong appetite for our Parish to advocate these issues both across our community and particularly with our local members.

Our Social Justice committee is now preparing ways to raise the profile of these concerns and generate action. We thank all who attended the Forum and warmly invite members of the congregation who may not have been able to attend but would like to be part of our committee or contribute in some way to one or more of our focus areas. 

It is in embracing the presence of God in all those we encounter, particularly those who are the least of my brothers and sisters, that we can truly say we are in service to Jesus Christ himself.

If you’d like to take part in a project in any of these areas, please contact the parish office here:

Contact Us

Blessings, 

Sue Lennox

Parish Social Justice Team Chair