I would like to examine the relationship between trauma, poverty and (systemic) racism over my next three articles. Part One discusses trauma.
Canada
A Canadian View: Hope Can Overcome Hopelessness
by Jim Paddon | December 7, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
As we enter another Christmas time with lots of hopes and prayers it may be a good time to reflect on this world, we are living in which at times seems like a hopeless situation for many.
A Canadian View: Homelessness – Why Should We Care? What Can We Do?
by Jim Paddon | November 2, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
I think we are all aware of the increasing number of homeless women, men and children in our communities, whether large cities or smaller rural towns and villages.
A Canadian View: Refreshing Our Social Justice Approach
by Jim Paddon | October 5, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
The term social justice can mean different to different people. It can also leave us confused on exactly what it is or is not.
A Canadian View: Summer Reflections
by Jim Paddon | September 7, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
As we approach the end of summer here in Canada, for myself and many others, we have had a summer of relaxation and an opportunity to enjoy time with family and exploring new and exciting parts of our vast nation.
A Canadian View: A Time for Change
by Jim Paddon | Nov 4, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
As we see the changes nature provides to us, perhaps all Vincentians can take this time to examine how we might be open to some personal and organizational changes.
A Canadian View: Diversity is a Fact….Inclusion is an Act
by Jim Paddon | Apr 22, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
As a Canadian, I know for myself and perhaps others, we tend to think systemic racism only exists in other countries but if we look at it from within our borders, we can see it exists here too.
A Canadian View: Housing and Homelessness in Canada
by Jim Paddon | May 23, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
In Canada, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is very excited to be undertaking the issue of housing during a 3-year national campaign.
A Canadian View: Spring-time Reflections
by Jim Paddon | May 9, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
As we attended Easter Sunday Mass, the sense of joy and a spiritual re-birth that takes place is truly amazing.
A Canadian View: Reconciliation (Part 2)
by Jim Paddon | Apr 25, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
Part two of how reconciliation was used as the foundation of the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) commission.
A Canadian View: Reconciliation (Part 1)
by Jim Paddon | Apr 11, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
A word that is heard and used often during the Lenten season is reconciliation.
A Canadian View: Charity, Social Justice and the Vincentian – Part Two
by Jim Paddon | Mar 21, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
If we can develop some methods to attract new members from within our parish, it can only benefit our effort to be a strong and effective social justice voice.
A Canadian View: Charity, Social Justice and the Vincentian – Part One
by Jim Paddon | Mar 14, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
As I meet and talk to fellow Vincentians about social justice, I am often asked what social justice is.
A Canadian View: Housing and Homelessness
by Jim Paddon | Feb 28, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
One term we often see used is affordable housing, but I believe the term affordable is a very subjective.
A Canadian View: The Haves and the Have Nots
by Jim Paddon | Feb 14, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
In one of Frederic’s famous speeches he warns us about the widening gap between those that have (the haves) so much and those that have very little. (the have nots).
A Canadian View: Hope and Despair
by Jim Paddon | Jan 24, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
On a recent day of doing four home visits with my partner, I saw two very different views on what this year may have in store for us: Hope and Despair.