A New Covenant with the Poor
a programme of preparation and celebration
The Church and the Millennium
Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter on the coming third millennium, Tertio Millennio Adveniente, is a fresh and timely message of hope for the poor of the Third World. In the light of the biblical tradition of jubilee-a time when debts were forgiven, land restored and slaves freed-the Pope insists that a new deal for the poor and the outcast must be at the heart of the Church's celebrations:
"In a world like ours, marked by so many conflicts and intolerable social and economic equalities, a commitment to justice and peace is a necessary condition for the preparation and celebration of the jubilee."
CAFOD and the Millennium Jubilee
Taking up this call to action, CAFOD has embarked on a Millennium Jubilee Programme of prayer, renewal and action. The aim is to celebrate the joy of the coming of Christ by ensuring that the poor of the world begin the new millennium with a better future.
A New Covenant with the Poor
At the heart of CAFOD's response is an invitation to the Catholic community in England and Wales to share in God's commitment to the poorest of God's family in the Third World.
This is being taken up by dioceses, parishes, Catholic organisations, schools, families and individual Christians to express their solemn commitment through:
 | prayer and worship |
| sharing wealth with Third World communities |
| campaigning for a Fair Deal for the Poor |
Prayer and Worship
CAFOD has produced a range of resources to enable our spiritual reflection to focus on the Jubilee. This is with a view to placing the poor at the centre of our prayer and liturgical celebration; including them in our intercessions; rejoicing in their expression of faith; making them part of our diocesan, parish and school worship and being enriched by their reciprocal prayer on our behalf.
Fair Deal for the Poor Campaign
In today's world, communication, travel and the transport of products happen at high speed in a global market place. But not everyone benefits. Millions of people live in poverty and work in appalling conditions; poor countries pay more in interest on their debts that they can spend on health and education. Is this the kind of world we want for the next millennium? In 1997 CAFOD has begun a four-year campaign: Fair Deal for the Poor, focusing on working conditions, debt, aid and trade.
| Pilgrim People |
Face to face contact is one of the most powerful ways of deepening relationships. Through a series of overseas visits, CAFOD supporters will bring the lives and hopes of Third World communities home to their own parishes, dioceses and organisations. Then in 200, these "pilgrim people" will welcome to their parishes visitors from the Third World to celebrate the millennium together.
| Option for Young People |
At a time when financial resources for youth work are being squeezed, CAFOD will be strengthening its partnership with Catholic youth networks and its support of local justice and peace youth initiatives.
| Partnership Projects |
CAFOD will join its overseas partners in creating innovative new development projects for the third millennium.
Resources for the Millennium
The Fullness of Time
Fr Joseph Donders draws out the jubilee themes and messages in the readings for each Sunday in the three year cycle. �7.95
The Millennium Jubilee
Wide-ranging reflections placing preparation for the millennium in a Christian context. Brian Davies, Mary Grey, Ed O'Connell, Jim O'Keefe, Aloys Opiyo, Jon Sobrino and David Williamson. �2.95
The coming of the Third Millennium
A popular illustrated version of Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter, Tertio Millennio Adveniente. �2.95
Tertio Millennio Adveniente
The full text of the Apostolic Letter of Pope John Paul II. �2.50
The Church and the Millennium
Text of the 1996 Pope Paul VI memorial lecture by Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace: Church event-challenge to society. �1
The Jubilee Challenge of Jesus
A video with resources booklet, on the Jubilee theme of Tertio Millennio Adveniente. '...this popular video explains the Jubilee vision and suggests avenues which adult and youth groups can explore to work towards constructing a more just world.' Cardinal Basil Hume. �9.95
Fair Deal for the Poor
A range of materials have been produced to support CAFOD's four-year campaign. These include a Briefing paper, a special Liturgy and a Campaign video. Please tick the relevant box on the Order Form if you would like to be sent details of the campaign materials.
For further information, please contact,
Robert Plourde, [email protected]
CAFOD Campaign,
