萬寧主教致神父、教友的信 二零零九年三月一日
	各位神父、教友： 我們身處的地球，正面臨著氣候巨變、過度消費及環境惡化等等難題，2009年明愛的《關懷行動》將專注於資助農業復甦及社區規劃，以促使人類能活出燦爛的生活。 作為澳洲人，我們對乾旱、山林大火及水災不會感到陌生，而在發展中國家，人們所面對的則是水源污染、糧食短缺及疾病等困境，2009年明愛《關懷行動》將主題定為：「融匯環保」，並將致力資助以下六個項目：   1.   在烏干達幫助農務及建立食物安全系統   2.   在印度面臨乾旱的地區設立綠色希望活動   3.   在巴布亞新幾內亞協助流浪者實行有機耕種   4.   在印尼資助弱勢社群自給自足   5.   在澳洲協助社區設立青少年培育計劃   6.   在玻利維亞推動當地適應環境變遷活動 通常弱勢社群都難免成為環球氣候巨變及金融海嘯下，首當其衝的受害者，這《關懷行動》喚醒了我們的心，締造了一個良機，讓各位能向他們伸出援手，為消除貧窮和不公盡一己之力。 我相信巴拉瑪打教區屬下的堂區及學校，將一如以往，為不幸的弱勢社群慷慨解囊，以助明愛能繼續在本土及外地展揚善舉，希望今年的四旬期藉著這《關懷行動》，燃起我們的愛心，鼓勵我們愛護地球自然生態，活出生命的真光。 主佑， 萬寧主教 巴拉瑪打教區 (此乃萬寧主教致巴拉瑪打教區神職人員及教友的信之意譯，書信內容以英文為準   Dear Brother Priests, Parish Associates and Parishioners, As the world struggles with issues of climate change, over consumption and environmental degradation Project Compassion 2009 focuses on the environment with projects which support not only sustainable farming practices and positive community development but make it possible for people to live life to the full. Australians are only too aware of the impact of drought, flood and fire on rural communities. In the developing world the consequences of such natural disasters are polluted water, food shortages and disease. Project Compassion 2009 with its theme An Environment to Grow In, highlights six stories of people involved in projects funded by Caritas Australia which provide opportunities for more sustainable living:   1.  Building food security and livelihoods for subsistence farmers in Uganda   2.  Bringing Green Hope to drought prone areas in tribal India   3.  Helping former ‘street boys’ to farm organically for their future in Papua New Guinea   4.  Supporting Indigenous Indonesian communities to participate in a future of ecological justice   5.  Developing and training local community members to run an effective youth program that benefits the whole community in Indigenous Australia   6.  Building communities’ capacity to adapt to the effects of changing weather in Bolivia Vulnerable communities are the first to experience the impact of global disasters whether they are financial or environmental. Project Compassion provides us with an opportunity to support disadvantaged people in their efforts to provide for their families and to live productive and sustainable lives. The parishes and schools in the Diocese of Parramatta continue to respond generously to Project Compassion and other appeals for help and I have no doubt that 2009 will once again see that same generosity as we recognize the need to take action for justice. Your generosity enables Caritas Australia to continue to support many projects in Australia and around the world. This Lent may Project Compassion remind us to take good care of the earth and encourage us all to live more sustainably. Yours sincerely in Christ, Bishop Kevin Manning Diocese of Parramatta