As we look back on 2024, the Cardijn Community in Perth has been blessed with opportunities to connect, share, and grow in faith and action, guided by the See-Judge-Act methodology of Cardinal Joseph Cardijn.
Staying Connected Through Technology
One of the highlights of the year has been our ZOOM meetings with other members of the Cardijn Community across Australia. While we may not always be able to gather in person, these virtual meetings have allowed us to see and hear each other, exchange experiences, and explore how Cardijn’s method of discernment is being applied in our diverse contexts. A special thanks to Mark Ager for organising these sessions, enabling us to stay connected and inspired.
A Special Visit from Mark Ager
In October, Mark Ager visited Perth and stayed for a few days with Josie van der Zanden. We had a wonderful gathering at Josie’s home, joined by Guido and Rosina Vogels, and Maria Raheb, to share stories of living the Cardijn life. Mark also met with Greg and me to discuss the Cardijn Community Newsletter, a vital tool for sharing news and resources within our community. Greg’s efforts in making the website highly interactive, with links to sites advocating for workers’ rights and justice, deserve special recognition for their impact.
Insights from George Poniatowski
Another highlight was a visit from George Pontiatonski from Adelaide. George shared his life’s work in ministry, which has been deeply rooted in the See-Judge-Act method. His experiences provided invaluable insights and reaffirmed the power of Cardijn’s approach to creating meaningful change.
Celebrating Milestones with ACRATH
The Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) held its final ZOOM meeting for the year, marking 20 years of service in Australia. During this session, we bid farewell to long-serving National Executive Officer Christine Carolan, who reflected on how the See-Judge-Act methodology has guided her decisions throughout her tenure. Her dedication to justice and human dignity is a testament to the enduring relevance of Cardijn’s vision.
Looking Ahead
At our Annual General Meeting on 15 December, we heard reports from across the country and thanked our chaplain, Monsignor Frank Marriott, for his support. The discussion also turned to outreach plans for 2025, including potential notices in parish and archdiocesan bulletins and word-of-mouth invitations. Key issues for future enquiry include elder abuse and the exploitation of migrant workers, demonstrating the community’s commitment to addressing pressing social challenges.
As we move forward, we continue to embrace the See-Judge-Act methodology as a powerful tool for discernment and action, helping us to navigate the complexities of our times while remaining faithful to the principles of justice, solidarity, and love.
Heather Weedon, FMM
Cardijn Community Australia