OUTREACH
“Act
justly, love tenderly, walk humbly with your God” – Micah 6, 8
Norbertine
outreach efforts exist in response to distinct needs in the communities we
serve. We serve at all levels in
this outreach: diocesan, parish, community organizations and also directly to
individuals. Though we remain
proudly Catholic, much of our outreach functions ecumenically and through
secular groups – without direct reference to denominations or religious
identification.
Many of our outreach efforts link to efforts organised by affiliated agencies. As well as working on global issues like world peace, the arms trade, fair-trade, the cancellation of third world debt and the abolishment slavery, we are also heavily involved in more regional and local issues: poverty, nutrition and health issues, housing and homelessness, immigration, refugees and asylum seekers, individual liberties, women’s rights, family abuse, children’s rights, and environmental issues.
Enlightened by the Gospel vision of God's kingdom, our Norbertine outreach seeks a world in which:
There is respect for the integrity of the whole of creation, and for the dignity and freedom of every human being,
People live in peace, without fear of violence, and seek non-violent ways of resolving conflict,
People have freedom from subjegation, nuclear arms, and the arms race,
All have access to food, clean water, shelter, health, education and a digified livelihood,
There is justice for those who at present have no land, are in debt, or are enslaved by their work,
Development and the use of resources are sustainable.
While
working actively as individuals, as a community, and with affiliated agencies on
each of these efforts, Norbertines are additionally involved spiritually to
energize each of these efforts:
Inspiring all through prayer and a spirituality that informs,
Sustaining one another while witnessing and working for change,
Raising awareness of Justice and Peace as a central element in the life of the Church,
Networking and communicating effectively among individuals, groups, communities and agencies,
Providing resources for training, workshops and conferences on specific issues,
Actively seeking collaboration over resources, ideas and good practice,
Based on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ as found in the New Testament, on the Church's Social Teaching and on our own Norbertine faith experience, the Values that inspire us are:
Thanksgiving at God's Spirit throughout creation and in every human being,
Love, hope and compassion for all,
Solidarity in diversity,
Confidence to work for and achieve social progress,
Tolerance of all,
Partnership and dialogue,
Care for and stewardship of all creation,
Non-violence and reconciliation,
Simplicity
and sustainability of lifestyle.
Some Links of interest include: