Sydney (Fides Service) - Australia is soon to mark Anti-Poverty Week with events and initiatives concerning the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals and families in Australia and around the world organised by parishes, movements, schools and other institutions 16 - 22 October and for Catholics it will culminate with World Mission Sunday 23 October. Anti-Poverty Week was established several years ago in Australia as an expansion of the UN's annual International Anti-Poverty Day 17 October.
The National Facilitating Group for Anti-Poverty Week includes representatives from more than twenty major national organisations and social welfare services which are actively involved in efforts to reduce poverty and hardship in Australia and overseas. There is also a Facilitating Group in each State and Territory.
Initiatives are organised by people of all faiths, Christians in particular. The Catholic Church is present and active through its Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, which refers to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
ACSJC distributes information and material and encourages initiatives in dioceses and parishes including prayers, meetings, public demonstrations, project for real development . Activities are also organised by human rights group and other non religious associations. For Catholics this drive to alleviate and end poverty will culminate with the annual Mission Sunday collection for the needs of people in mission countries.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/9/2005 righe 24 parole 252)