Resources
We collect a variety of resources, tools and training programs on a wide range on topics that focus on supporting our most vulnerable communities.
CPJ Poverty Trends 2025 Report: Pathways From Poverty to Rights & Well-being
Citizens for Public Justice is a national, ecumenical organization, inspiring people of faith to act for social and environmental change in Canadian policy.
From the report: “We have the knowledge and resources to effectively end chronic poverty and inequity in Canada. But to make these changes, we need to reframe our understanding of poverty from being a matter of charity in response to individual needs, to a matter of justice and right relationship in community.”
Diocese of Hamilton Virtual Indigenous Book Study
The Diocese of Hamilton Virtual Indigenous Book Club returns with a new schedule for the 2025-26 year. Facilitated by Donna McGreal, Cultural/Indigenous Studies, McMaster University. To Register please contact dwmcgreal@gmail.com.
Pope Leo XIV Apostolic Exhortation - DILEXI TE – “I Have Loved You”
In continuing the work of the late Pope Francis in Dilexit Nos, Pope Leo XIV shares his own reflections: “I share the desire of my beloved predecessor that all Christians come to appreciate the close connection between Christ’s love and his summons to care for the poor.” (3)
Care for Creation Guide
Many parish communities have been looking for ways in which they can be better stewards of creation. Our friends in the Diocese of Ottawa have put together a comprehensive guide for parishes to reduce waste, build fellowship and minimize their impact on the environment. Available in English and French.
Soin de la création - Guide pour les paroisses
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Reconciliation is a cornerstone of the Catholic faith. We must continue to learn, listen and support our First Nations, Métis and Inuit brothers and sisters. A first step in accomplishing this is developing a thorough understanding of and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report. Below you can find the report's Calls to Action. You can read the full report and explore supporting materials at the TRC website.
An important part of understanding and appreciating our Indigenous communities, is acknowledging their stewardship of the land we call home. Land Acknowledgements are an important practice that are becoming part of our collective consciousness. There is still much more work to be done however. If you are hosting an event, or meeting within your parish or your community, consider learning more about the land on which you are standing, and acknowledging those who have cared for it.
Give Us A Chance to Succeed, Voices From the Margins
In April of 2016 the Diocese of Hamilton in partnership with HOPE (Hamilton Organizing for Poverty Elimination) hosted a three day Social Audit. These audits are done once every five years around the province with the support of a provincial, multi-faith advocacy group called ISARC (Inter-faith Social Assistance Reform Coalition). The audit is meant to take a snap-shot of how our communities are impacted by our social assistance programs and where we are falling short. This information is then compiled and used to inform provincial policy and advocacy efforts.
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The audits are modelled after United Nations hearings in which those with lived-experience come to share their story with a group of listeners who bare witness, ask questions, and use their influence in their communities to further initiate change. Over the course of three days, those with a diverse lived-experience in poverty and on social assistance came to share their experience to a number of community leaders including Bishop Douglas Crosby, City Councillor Aidan Johnson, Academic Co-ordinator for Journalism at Mohawk College, Sue Prestedge and Director of Clinical Programs and Urgent Care at St. Joseph's Hospital Carolyn Gosse, among others.
The report compiled from this audit provides an important look at what it is like for those who live under the poverty line within our communities. You can read the full report below.
A Brief Flowering of Hope: Life after Ontario's Basic Income Pilot
Sixteen Hamilton residents described their experiences living in poverty and being in the Ontario Basic Income Pilot Project. The pilot gave them hope and the opportunity to improve their lives. With steady, modestly higher incomes, they could eat better, buy clothes and medicine, socialize more and participate more in their communities. Their physical and mental health improved and as it did, many took steps to permanently improve their lives, through education, better accommodation or paying down debts.
Contact
Sarah Guinta
Coordinator of the Office of Justice and Peace
905-528-7988 Ext. 2259
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