Helping those on the ‘edge’
Upholding the dignity of every person is an integral part of Catholic social teachings. To help strengthen this message, Social Justice Sunday is held on the last Sunday of August.
The statement for 2025-26 is Signs of Hope on the Edge: Serving Homeless People with Mental Ill-Health.
This year’s Social Justice Statement calls us to follow the example of Jesus, who always noticed, listened to, and cared for the poor and needy.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe says, “Australia is facing a deepening crisis. Over 273,000 people sought help from homelessness services last year, many also struggling with mental illness. Services are overstretched and many people are left without care, shelter, or hope.
“Many who are homeless also live with serious mental health challenges. Services are overwhelmed, and too many people are left without the help they desperately need.”
Earlier this week new research revealed three-quarters of homeless children in Australia who seek help without a parent or guardian remain homeless after their crisis support ends. The data shows more than 13,000 12- to 17-year-olds sought assistance unaccompanied by an adult last year.
Tragically, more than 500 young people died after contacting specialist homelessness services in the past decade, according to the research.
The Office of Social Justice website states several aims:
- To undertake initiatives and programs on behalf of the Bishops
- To support the Bishops in their advocacy on social justice concerns
- To undertake policy development and providing advice
- To provide formation in Catholic Social Teaching
- To raise awareness of issues
- To network with others involved in promoting social, economic and ecological justice.
“The Church must become a place of encounter, where people are not just helped, but befriended and embraced as equals,” says Archbishop Costelloe. We must notice those on the edge, truly get to know them, and walk with them in love. The Bishops call for practical action: more affordable housing, better mental health services, stronger support systems, and an end to policies that leave people behind.
“But above all, they call on each of us to respond with compassion, courage, and hope. This is not just the work of professionals or institutions. Every Christian is called to step into the lives of those who are suffering, to befriend them, advocate for them, and journey alongside them,” adds Archbishop Costelloe.
More details at: https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/
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