Justice & peace commission

• Secretary: Mrs Sue Ingham
• 118 Brynland Avenue, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 9DY
• Tel 0117 924 3011
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• Racial Justice Committee: Mrs Sue Smailes
• 55 Belvoir Road, Bristol BS5 5DQ
• Tel 0117 985 6458

A new book for Polish worshippers was launched by the Clifton Diocese Justice and Peace Commission on Sunday 14 January - the 93rd World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The Clifton Diocese Polish Directory contains full details of all Polish Masses and Polish Priests in the Clifton Diocese and surrounding areas.

As well as Church information the Clifton Diocese Polish Directory gives practical details about organisations that could be of help to Polish migrants. The directory is available in all parishes as well as Polish shops and other outlets. The directory is supported by a series of striking posters welcoming Polish worshippers to local Catholic churches. The posters saying, "Welcome to the Clifton Diocese" and "Our priests welcome all Polish people and can give information about the local Polish Church", in Polish, feature Polish Saints and other images from Bristol's Our Lady of Ostrobrama Polish Church.

Dr Julia Verne, Director of Polski Bristol - a voluntary organisation supporting Poles in the West Country - welcomed the launch of the Clifton Diocese Polish Directory, saying, "Polish people often turn to the Catholic Church as a first port of call when seeking information. The Clifton Diocese Polish Directory will be very useful for parish priests in our area - allowing them to provide practical information to a hard working and devout community.

"I'm delighted the directory will be launched on Sunday 14 January - the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Pope Benedict XVI has written a special message on the theme of 'the emigrant family' which is particularly relevant as we support Polish people of all ages in different family circumstances, including those who are finding their feet integrating into our local communities."

Local clergy highlight the usefulness of the directory and posters. Parish Priest of St Thomas More in Cheltenham, Father Mark Moran said, "As many people know, Polish people are increasingly contributing to our local communities and parishes. They bring an opportunity for us to welcome fellow Catholics and can give us new viewpoints from which we can better understand our faith. In return we can now offer them a concise collection of useful contacts and full details of Polish pastoral care in our areas. The Clifton Diocese Polish Directory will certainly help us in putting people in touch with the appropriate organisations. The posters are a striking example of what it means to be welcoming community - reaching out to our brothers and sisters."

Sister Moira McDowall, a member of the Clifton Diocese Justice and Peace Commission, said, "We have been delighted to work with the Polish community on this project and we know the directory is eagerly awaited in several parts of our diocese. Much of the information it contains is relevant to other migrant workers as well. Life as a migrant worker is a huge upheaval, wherever you come from, and we hope this directory will play a part in helping our parish communities welcome people from Poland and from all parts of the world, for as long as they stay here."

A new revised edition of the Clifton Diocese Polish Directory can be downloaded below together with and our welcoming posters.

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Preaching the good news of authentic freedom to the poor and oppressed is at the heart of Christ's message and therefore has always been the essence of the Church's mission. In 1966 one of Vatican II's most important documents, Gaudium et Spes, was published and begins, 'The joys and the hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted are the greifs a anxieties of the followers of Christ.' A year later Pope Paul VI established a Pontifical Commission for Justice and Peace which became a focus for a deepened commitment and new approach to questions of social justice. From this the Bishops were asked to commission people in their dioceses to address these questions and to promote an awareness of the Church's social teaching. In 1985 the present Diocesan Clifton Justice and Peace Commission was formed and its objectives were defined by the 1988 Diocesan Synod. It is made up of people who are part of the Catholic and ecumenical diocesan network and are committed to working with other Christian denominations whenever possible.

The aims of the Justice & Peace Commission are:

• To stimulate the reflection and action around the diocese on justice all peace issues.
• To act as an effective consultative and executive body to the Bishop on issues of justice and peace.
• To support individuals and groups working for justice and peace around the diocese, enabling and empowering people to reach their potential.
• To work in partnership with others including ecumenical groups.

Details of what the Justice & Peace Commission have been organising and how you can take part by taking may be found by looking at the Events section of this site.