A commitment to social justice is an essential element of Christian spirituality according to Peter Arndt, Executive Officer of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission.

This was the central theme of a workshop presented by Mr Arndt at St Joseph’s Parish, Nambour last Saturday April 13.

Mr Arndt said that a commitment to social justice is as essential to our spirituality as prayer, devotions and the sacraments.

"A commitment to justice embraces both acts of charity and social action and this commitment nourishes our spiritual lives as much as our commitment to prayer and the sacraments," Mr Arndt said.

"A study of papal encyclicals and The Catechism of the Catholic Church shows us clearly that the Church consistently teaches us that the Gospel calls us to be witnesses and agents of justice and peace in the world," he said.

The Nambour workshop explored this question through a study of a number of passages from the Gospel of Luke which deal with the faith of Mary and the preaching of Jesus.

Mr Arndt commended St Joseph’s Parish for its commitment to social justice.

"A wonderful example of their commitment is their erection of a plaque recognising the traditional custodians of the land on which they worship, the Jinnibara people," Mr Arndt said.

"The parish also acknowledge the traditional custodians at the beginning of special occasions such as confirmations," he said.

"Nambour parish is putting into practice the Gospel call to justice in simple, but very important ways," he said.