As Pope Francis appeals for people to “walk together, with the most vulnerable” in his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on September 29, Adelaide Archdiocese has launched an initiative to foster inclusion, acceptance and social cohesion. Source: The Southern Cross.
The Draw Near Project is being piloted by the diocesan Justice, Healing and Inclusion office, in partnership with St Brigid’s and St Gabriel’s Catholic schools, the Clearview/Kilburn parish and Vinnies House of Welcome.
The education and outreach program aims to raise awareness about the experience of displaced people within the community, in particular the Kilburn area, which is home to a high proportion of asylum-seekers.
It mirrors a program from Western Australia’s Office of Migrant and Refugees, which was developed to integrate faith and justice, and to foster the fundamentals of Christian welcoming.
Tracey Tessitore, from the Justice, Healing and Inclusion office, said the project uses a “head-heart-hands” pastoral care model to introduce the parish to the plight of asylum-seekers in the local community.
On August 11, representatives from the Archdiocese, St Brigid’s, St Gabriel’s, Clearview/Kilburn Parish, and Vinnies House of Welcome signed an in-principle agreement, committing to their collective partnership in the endeavour.
This was followed by a formation and social education evening at St Brigid’s school on August 21, during which the asylum-seeker and refugee experience in Australia was explored.
The Draw Near Project’s outreach period runs through September, during which household goods, food, and small hygiene packs will be delivered to those in need in conjunction with Vinnies House of Welcome.
Distribution will occur in October, followed by a Thanksgiving Mass celebration. The goal is to continue the project on an annual basis.
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Drawing near to those from afar (By Katie Spain, The Southern Cross)
