Reflections about Development and Peace / Caritas Canada – St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon

Dulce Reyes, Bernice Daratha, Fr. Kevin McGee and Michelle LaBrash (l-r) hold up a Development and Peace / Caritas Canada on the steps of St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon. (Submitted photo)

Why am I involved in D&P?

Dulce Reyes:

“I joined the D&P team in Fall 2017 (the same year when my family and I moved to Canada) as I wanted to be part of a faith-based organization. It’s a humbling experience to be the voice of the victims of social injustice. I am able to help in my own little way by sharing their stories during announcements at Mass.”

Bernice Daratha:

“Do you remember these words from the hit song, ‘Tears are Not Enough’ by fantastic Canadian artists during the height of the Ethiopian famine: ‘We can bridge the distance, Only we can make the difference, Heaven knows that tears are not enough’?

“Together with thousands of Canadian Catholics, wonderful partners in almost 30 countries, Development and Peace- Caritas Canada is making a difference! And I think that God is singing with us and cheering us on!”

Fr. Kevin McGee:

“My commitment to Development and Peace / Caritas Canada comes out of a desire and a hope that together we are living Christ’s call to be a missionary. What I mean by that is, that we need to be mindful that we are always in service of others. He gives us the opportunity to be aware and committed to seek justice for those who are in need. It’s really a commitment to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Michelle LaBrash:

“My involvement in Development and Peace increases my personal satisfaction because I am participating in my faith community by building a happier and healthier community for others. This promotes my own well-being because I am doing positive things for others and making a difference in my parish, my country and my world.

“This enhances my relationship with my God and encourages my active participation at Mass. Development and Peace promotes equality, justice and the human rights for others. It values other people the way we want to be valued. It respects and listens to others. It loves others as we would want to be loved. It cares about people the way Christ teaches us to care. It advances Christian values that need to be taught to others so that all people may benefit. It is a Christian response to the needs of others.”

Share Lent 2022 – Development and Peace / Caritas Canada’s People and Planet First campaign invites us to support our sisters and brothers in the Global South in defending their rights and the planet:

  • Donate online at devp.org/give or during the Solidarity Sunday collection on April 3, the fifth Sunday of Lent. Your generosity helps support over 85 projects in 27 countries around the world.
  • Learn more by reading the Share Lent mini-magazine and other resources available at devp.org/lent/resources.
  • Sign the petition for strong laws to control Canadian corporations’ behaviour abroad at devp.org/act.

 

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