Development and Peace is the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada. The organization encourages Canadians to act in solidarity with the poor through education, advocacy, personal choices and financial assistance to the projects and programs of its overseas partners.
At St. Mary’s, two events are held every year: the Fall Action Campaign and the Share Lent Campaign. Volunteers distribute literature, show videos, set up displays in the foyer and give talks during masses informing parishioners about what the campaign is all about. In the fall, the volunteers encourage everyone to sign petition cards lobbying the Canadian government for specific policy changes. The lent campaign is mainly a fundraising event through the Share Lent Collection. During this time the volunteers encourage every parishioner to give generously to support our partners in their work for peace, justice and development.
D&P is also a member organization of Caritas Internationalis, based in the Vatican. It is a confederation of 162 Catholic relief, development and social service organizations working on behalf of the poor and oppressed in 198 countries and territories. The St. Mary’s D&P committee also helps in soliciting funds for reliefs and emergencies. One best example is $30,000 raised in the parish as emergency relief to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. The funds raised helped in the building of St. Francis Village in Leyte, Philippines.
There are no regular monthly meetings, but meetings are scheduled before and after the fall and lent campaigns.
