Role of parenting for ‘graduation season’

By Fr Stephan Alexander General Manager, CCSJ Many families experienced joyful moments over the last few weeks as their children graduated from primary and secondary school. For many, ‘graduation season’ is a time of pride, accomplishment and transition as parents celebrate the successes of their children and usher them into a new stage of their […]
The human person is a good…”

By Fr Stephan AlexanderGeneral Manager, CCSJ It was one of those scenes that can’t be unseen. A man, walking down Broadway, with no pants. My mind struggled to process what I was seeing—something odd, unsettling. The man’s demeanour seemed calm, but his condition was alarming: his genitals badly swollen. Despite his obvious distress, he walked […]
Father’s Day, World Refugee Day, and human dignity

By Fr Stephan AlexanderGeneral Manager, CCSJ The second half of June offers us the opportunity to observe two significant yet distinct commemorations: Father’s Day and World Refugee Day. At first glance, these observances might seem unrelated. Father’s Day is a celebration of paternal bonds, appreciation for fatherhood, and honouring fathers’ contributions to their families and […]
The transformative and therapeutic power of Performing Arts

By Darrion M Narine Programme Manager, CCSJ In the heart of La Romaine, where the vibrant culture of Trinidad meets the hopes of many families seeking new beginnings, the La Romaine Migrants Ministry (LARMS) has hosted classes for vulnerable children for the past five years. After visiting the space a few times and speaking […]
Be mindful: tune into our youth

By Fr Stephan Alexander General Manager, CCSJ and AMMR “Our communication speaks to our needs.” I first heard that statement in 2011 during a meeting of young men and women discerning vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Sr Julie Peters SSM, who facilitated the meeting, drew our attention to the importance and impact […]
Sacredness down the slippery slope

By Fr Stephan Alexander General Manager, CCSJ Have you ever experienced a bad fall? Most of us might say yes to that. I’ve had many slips, falls and tumbles in my time, especially when playing football in my younger days. However, there’s one particularly memorable fall that now comes to mind. I was in […]
Recognise the rights and dignity of all workers

By Fr Stephan Alexander General Manager, CCSJ My recent focus on human dignity comes from the blessing of experiencing my blindness and how it impacts my relationship with others. Specifically, how I often fail to honour the human dignity of others as well as my own. This tends to occur when I adopt the stance […]
Restoring our sight

By Fr Stephan Alexander, General Manager, CCSJ There are times when at the end of the day we are so tired that our tiredness becomes our focus and we become closed to life’s invitation. Wednesday, April 24 was one of those days for me. After an incredibly exhausting day, I was readying myself to leave […]
A reflection on Dignitas Infinita

By Fr Stephan Alexander General Manager, CCSJ In the ever-evolving tapestry of Catholic social teaching (CST), the principle of human dignity stands as a foundational pillar that guides principles of justice, compassion, and respect. To highlight “the indispensable nature of the dignity of the human person in Christian anthropology” (what it means to be human) […]
Highlighting Leela’s legacy this International Women’s Day

By Fr Stephan Alexander General Manager, CCSJ/AMMR As the world commemorated International Women’s Day (IWD) on Friday, March 8, it is fitting to highlight the remarkable contributions of women who have tirelessly championed the cause of social justice. Among these luminaries, Leela Ramdeen, former President and Chairwoman of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice […]