WelCom March 2022
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has urged Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee to listen to the most-affected communities to tackle ongoing crises in housing, climate change and accelerating inequality that worsen outcomes for the poor.
In its submission on the Budget Policy Statement, Caritas said inequality had increased under the Covid-19 crisis, and short-term and long-term measures were required to deal with this and the housing crisis. More particular and localised approaches were required and participation of the people most directly affected was essential.
Caritas’ Advocacy Adviser on social issues Joanna Viernes said, ‘We need more initiatives, public and private to build more affordable homes of different types to suit different needs, and measures to ensure good use of existing stock.’
Caritas said increased climate funding signalled by the Government to address the climate emergency needed to be accountable to taxpayers and communities most in need.
‘Assessment of impact needs to be based on criteria relevant to local communities,’ said Martin de Jong, Caritas’ Advocacy Adviser on the environment. ‘A similar approach is required for allocating funds at home and abroad, and ensuring participation of local communities in identifying needs, and planning and implementing solutions.’
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 8 December
‘As has been the custom for many years an archdiocesan Mass will be celebrated on our diocesan feast day, 7pm, Thursday 8 December, at St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, Karori. The archdiocese will again be entrusted to the care of Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception at this Mass. Parishes are asked to renew that Consecration on the following Sunday, 11 December, at All parish Masses.’ – Cardinal John Dew
Dates and events – what’s on
December 2022
If you would like your event listed on this page, please send an outline to welcom@wn.catholic.org.nz including name of event, date, time, location and contact.
Pope Francis registers for the next World Youth Day in Lisbon
At the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis registered for the next World Youth Day to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, in August 2023. Assisted and accompanied by Portuguese university students studying in Rome, the Pope tapped his way to becoming the first officially registered pilgrim for World Youth Day.