ENCYCLICAL: LAUDATO SI’

Pope Francis highlights the link between poverty and our environment.

Protecting the planet requires an “integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.” [139]

What is poverty?

POVERTY IS…

“Not having the minimum income level to get the necessities of life.”

‘Necessities of life’ means basic things like food, shelter and clean water – anything that is vital to life.

But…

…Poverty also means not having the opportunities and choices which open up a future: education, healthcare and human rights.

WHO IS AT RISK OF POVERTY IN AUSTRALIA?

Those with low education attainment

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Households with someone living with a long-term health problem or disability

Those aged 65 and over

Jobless households

Those living in disadvantaged areas

Pope Francis @Pontifex

To live charitably means not looking out for our own interests, but carrying the burdens of the weakest and poorest among us.

NATIONAL

Australians living in poverty =

2.55 million (13.9%)

Photo credit: LifeLink

NATIONAL

Percentage of Australians whodo not have $500 in savings for an emergency=

17%

Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

NATIONAL

Percentage of Australian children living in poverty =

10.9%

Photo credit: LifeLink

GLOBAL

Population living on less than $1.25 per day =

836 million

Photo credit: François Therrien

GLOBAL

Number of people without access to clean water =

663 million

Photo credit: Sean Sprague

GLOBAL

Number of people without enough food =

780 million

Photo credit: Caritas Australia

GLOBAL

Children out of school =

57 million

Photo credit: Peter Saunders

Pope Francis @Pontifex 19 Jun 2015

We have to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. #LaudatoSi

Caritas Australia’s response

CALL TO ACTION

What can you do?

LEARN

• What are the causes and consequences of poverty?

• How does your faith inspire you to act?• How can you get involved and support the

agencies of the Church?

PRAY

• For all those experiencing and at risk of poverty

• For our community to work together to combat poverty

• For our Church to continue to amplify the voice of the poor and marginalised and promote charity and justice

ACT• Raise awareness of poverty with your family,

friends and community• Have a voice. Participate in advocacy

campaigns.• Fundraise to support the work of church

agencies.• Volunteer. Ask about volunteering

opportunities with local church agencies.• Donate goods in kind such as food and

blankets to local agencies.

Prayer

Photo credit: Stephen Kadlec / Caritas Australia

WE BELIEVEIN THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

Reader:

ALL: Lord hear our prayer.

Loving God, We believe that every person is created in your image and that all life is sacred. May we always work to eliminate poverty and injustice so all people can live a life equal to their dignity.

WE BELIEVEIN THE PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR

• Photo credit: Maya Haviland / Caritas Australia

Reader:

ALL: Lord hear our prayer.

Loving God, May we always remember that by serving the women, men and children most vulnerable to poverty and injustice, we are loving and serving you. Give us the wisdom to see the structures which create and perpetuate poverty and the passion to make a change. Lord hear us.

WE BELIEVEIN SOLIDARITY

Photo credit: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia

Reader:

ALL: Lord hear our prayer.

Loving God, May we recognise each other as sisters and brothers in our one global human family, all equal in your eyes. May we recognise the responsibilities we have to each other, and take an active role in helping each person achieve their full potential.Lord hear us.

WE BELIEVEIN THE COMMON GOOD

Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

Reader:

ALL: Lord hear our prayer.

Loving God, You call us to look beyond our own interests to what is good for all people. May we work towards a world where everyone has their fair share in order to live life to the full. Lord hear us.

WE BELIEVEIN STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION

Photo credit: Ramadian Bachtiar/Caritas Australia

Reader:

ALL: Lord hear our prayer.

Loving God, We give thanks for your gift of all creation. May we be good stewards of the earth’s resources and always mindful of the link between our environment and poverty. Lord hear us.

WE BELIEVEIN PARTICIPATION

Photo credit: Danielle Lyonne

Reader:

ALL: Lord hear our prayer.

Loving God, We give thanks for our talents. May all people have the opportunity to participate in the decisions that impact their own lives and in creating a just and peaceful society where no one is left vulnerable to poverty. Lord hear us.