President Michael D. Higgins opened the first Action for Justice Conference in Dublin last Tuesday morning (Tuesday, 28th) – organised by Dublin’s leading Catholic charity – Crosscare.
President Michael D Higgins said, “the long tradition of direct social provision by the Catholic Church, its religious congregations and numerous clergy and religious, in the fields of education, healthcare and social care”.
The conference, which continued through out the day at All Hallows College in Dublin was also addressed by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.
Crosscare, is the social care agency of the Archdiocese, has worked with those most in need of support for over 70 years. They currently have 13 projects helping with homeless people, Travellers, migrants, and young people at risk from drugs and alcohol, carers, the elderly and the provision of food through the country’s only food bank.
Crosscare Director Conor Hickey said it was crucial that when times are difficult they clearly identify people who are most at risk of becoming marginalised or sliding into poverty. When resources are scarce he added, it was vitally important to identify the changing situations of families and people in Dublin and to continually respond to those most in need.
“By talking to and working directly with priests, parishes and religious, Crosscare has access to the enormous wealth of experience of people who have given their lives in the service of the those in poverty”, said Mr. Hickey, “I am anxious that we listen and learn from their experience in the community and ensure their legacy of service informs our work into the future.”
Mr. Hickey said that that nongovernmental organisations like Crosscare—who receive significant state funding – had to be mindful to ensure that receipt of that funding did not lead to NGO’s being slow to speak out when the State failed its most vulnerable.
He said the Call to Action at the conference in All Hallows College would help Crosscare focus on just who in Dublin needed the services and solidarity of a Catholic charity at this time.
Workshop themes include emigration, homelessness, disability, exclusion as a result or race of ethnic background, alcohol abuse and addition, and those who are alone and isolated.