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Refugee and Migrant Sunday 2004

Dear Friends

For the annual observance of Refugee and Migrant Sunday, 28th August 2004, the following items are enclosed:

1. Pope John Paul II's message for 2004.

2. A message from Bishop Joseph Grech* Chairman of the Committee for Migrants and Refugees of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference;

3. A poster* for display in your church or school.

4. Liturgy notes based on the Year C texts of the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time (August 29th)*

5. Parish Story Sheet - Children in Detention
   
   
6. REACH OUT - Flyer
   
   
7. School Media Cometition - Entry Guide
   
   
8. School Education Sheet

*You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files.

In his message, Bishop Grech refers to the Catholic Bishops' Statement on Refugees and Asylum Seekers (May 2004). This Statement was given good coverage in the Catholic Papers of most Australian capital cities during May & June. The full Statement may be found on the web-site of the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) at www.acmro.catholic.org.au

On 1st June 2004, the Catholic Bishops released an Election Statement "Having Faith in our Democracy: Building a better Australia". This statement, which may also be found at www.acmro.catholic.org.au has a section on migrants, refugees and asylum seekers entitled Building a Culture of Hospitality.
In this section the Bishops say:

"Australia is a country of immigrants. The Church is firmly committed to the biblical value of welcoming the stranger. While we recognise the need for effective border control, we have spoken often of the need to treat migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in a way that respects their human dignity. We have stated our opposition to mandatory detention of asylum seekers, beyond the need for initial processing. We insist once again that children not be held in detention. People released into the community on bridging visas need appropriate support. The fine work of Church personnel among asylum seekers highlights the need for greater pastoral care in detention centres and better access to them".

Other helpful material for the observance of Refugee and Migrant Sunday may be found on the following websites:

• National Council of Churches in Australia
  www.ncca.org.au/cws/refugees

• Refugee Council of Australia
  www.refugeecouncil.org.au

• Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs
  www.immi.gov.au

I hope that the above material and suggestions assist you to celebrate Refugee and Migrant Sunday in a fitting way.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Father John J. Murphy
Director, ACMRO