To Live Life to the Full-Mental Health in Australia Today

Social Justice Sunday August 30 2020

In a tradition reaching back to 1940, the Australian Catholic Bishops release major social justice statements each year, in time for Social Justice Sunday. Through this tradition they contribute to the development of local Catholic Social Teaching. The statements encourage the Catholic community to reflect and act on social, economic and ecological issues. This year, they remind us of the social dimension of the mission of the Church and encourage faith communities, governments and each one of us, to make mental health a priority. It is a timely message in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic which is affecting many members of our schools, parishes, and communities.

St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, as a strong faith community comprising students, parents and staff, is challenged at this time to recognise the ongoing and growing importance of mental health issues. Those members of our community and families who depend on us for support and understanding, demand increasing care and knowledge in this area. We are called to reach out to those people in our lives, young and old, with acceptance, care and healing. 

This Sunday, as parents and teachers, responsible for the wellbeing of our children, students, and others in our care, we might reflect on the words of the Bishop of Australia: 

'Our society tends to draw away from, or to push away, those who confront us with frailties and limitations. This is completely at odds with the story of Jesus who takes on the frailty of the human condition and "draws near to those who are sick or who have disabilities, those who are marginalised or despised”. We should be reminded that those living with mental ill-health are part of the Body of Christ, and share equally in Jesus’ promise of the fullness of life (John 10:10).'

Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning