Congregational Projects
At the 2016 Brigidine Forum ongoing commitment for the Common Project Fund was expressed in this way.
“In this graced moment, we are becoming more deeply aware of our mission to live within one web of life: our common home. The cries of the hurting planet and those of our sisters and brothers in distress tug at our hearts as we hear the groans of ecological and human exploitation that lead to destruction and annihilation. We are impelled to take action in small and large ways in the footsteps of Jesus, living in the spirit of Brigid of Kildare and reflecting the values of Daniel Delaney.”
The 2022 Brigidine Congregational Forum affirmed commitment to the following Common Congregational Projects – Misean Cara, UNANIMA International (completed) & Pacific Calling Partnership (completed):
Misean Cara is an international and Irish based missionary movement working with marginalised and vulnerable communities in developing countries. In realising the human rights of each person Misean Cara’s partners deliver services in the areas of education, health, livelihoods and income generation as well as advocacy, networking and community development.
A holistic approach to eliminating poverty works through the implementation of locally appropriate programmes and projects that target the root causes of social inequalities. This work is undertaken in partnership with local communities and local, national and international agencies.
Climate Resilient Livelihoods, Inclusive Education and Human Rights in Zambia (Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary), 2023-2026
The Households in Distress (HID) Programme works towards the attainment of an empowered, sustainable and healthy society that appreciates the coexistence and dignity of humanity through key thematic areas that include sustainable livelihoods and environmental care, inclusive education, and human rights. HID operates in Mbala, Mpulungu, Senga, Kasama and Mungwi districts in Northern Province, Zambia.
The Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026 sets out three key objectives:
- Uphold the right to climate resilient livelihoods and decent jobs: HID will contribute to the realisation of this goal by improving beneficiaries’ household nutrition and food security, increasing household income and economic security, and strengthening environmental resilience.
- Uphold the right to quality education: HID will continue to strengthen and improve its inclusive education programme, consisting of the following services: 1) special needs education; 2) early childhood education; 3) primary education; 4) short-term boarding for children with disabilities; 5) home school-based education programme / community-based rehabilitation
- Uphold and advocate for human rights: HID will promote and protect the rights of children and women by improving awareness of, and mobilisation for rights and entitlements. HID will increase access to and the realisation of basic human rights among children and women by awareness raising and campaigning and lobbying duty bearers and government.
In 2026 the Brigidine Sisters added both the Laudato Si Movement and Talitha Kum Pasifika to the Common Congregational Projects for the 2026-27 years:
Talitha Kum is the International Network of Consecrated Life Against Human Trafficking.
As an umbrella network of Sisters-led networks, Talitha Kum is grounded in the long, rich tradition of Catholic women, inspired by the life-giving ministry of Christ, who are committed to community work and collaboration, following the example of the Triune God.
Talitha Kum network lies in its bottom-up, grassroots engagement and in its person- and community-centered approach, which ensures proximity to victims and survivors of trafficking, their families, and those at risk of exploitation.
The Talitha Kum focus areas are to:
- Tell stories of liberation
- Support leaders to drive systemic change
- Prepares Study, Prayer, and Action Packets
Talitha Kum Pasifika partners with ACRATH to provide a presence in the Pacific region.
For general information about Talitha Kum please visit the website:
The Laudato Si’ Movement’s distinctive call to “care for our common home” has deeply inspired and united people in responding to the ecological crisis.
The movement unites Catholic organisations and grassroots members worldwide in synodality, communion and ecological conversion. Together, they pray, collaborate and act in response to “the cry of Earth and the cry of the poor,” respecting diversity and subsidiarity while connecting through local Laudato Si’ Circles, Chapters and global initiatives.
Laudato Si Movement has three strategic goals:
To encourage a change of heart of the Catholic faithful and motivate a more passionate concern for our common home, enshrining creation care as a Catholic priority.
To help the Catholic community lead by example by embodying the “Less is More” motto and shrinking its footprint to zero, in line with the urgency of the climate and ecological crises.
To mobilize the Church to raise a prophetic voice for climate and ecological justice, calling for bold policies to accomplish the Paris Agreement’s goal of 1.5C and halt biodiversity collapse.
https://laudatosimovement.org/