Working Towards Freedom

The Purpose of the Study Guide 

The “Working Toward Freedom” Study Guide was created as a call to mission; to reduce the harms of human trafficking in our local communities and uphold the dignity of every child of God. Pope Francis describes the Church’s mission as a permanent state that calls us to go to the peripheries of society.

The primary and supplementary document of reflection used in this study guide is the 2021 Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter on Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation in Canada

The new study guide has been created in a joint effort of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.

Divided into four sections this guide delves deeper into the pastoral letter and animates it in your specific community context. Each section of this guide follows a particular learning model of See, Learn, Pray, Act.

It is recommended to study one section per session. The intent of these reflections is to bring people together in dialogue in local parishes and other community settings. Although in-person settings are ideal the guide is also setup in a way to be used over online communications platforms.

Before studying with the guide: Download or provide printed copies of the 2021 Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter on Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation in Canada

How to use the guide in a group:

1. Welcome participants.
2. Pray the included prayer invoking the intercession of Saint Josephine Bakhita.
3. Allow time for introductions.
4. The facilitator may offer a brief outline of the section being studied.
5. Several resources have been suggested, choose one/two that is most appropriate for your group.
6. After the last section participants may be invited to share what challenged them and what actions they might undertake.
7. The facilitator or volunteer can lead a brief closing prayer.
8. Decide a date for the next gathering.

For more information or to place an order for printed copies of the “Working Toward Freedom” Study Guide please contact Myron Rogal at mrogal@rcdos.ca or 306-659-5841.

International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking – February 8 Feast Day of Saint Josephine Bakhita

“How many times have we permitted a human being to be seen as an object, to be put on show in order to sell a product or to satisfy an immoral desire? The human person ought never to be sold or bought as if he or she were a commodity. Whoever uses human persons in this way and exploits them, even if indirectly, becomes an accomplice of injustice. ” – Pope Francis (2014 Message to the Lenten Fraternity Campaign in Brazil)

The main objective of this Day of Prayer, marked each year on Feb. 8, is to bring awareness of this tragic phenomenon which impacts an estimated 21 million people worldwide. Human trafficking is the third-largest form of organized crime after the arms trade and illegal drugs. Additionally we are being called to take concrete individual and collective action that will provide solutions to counter trafficking

Calls to Action for Parishes and Parishioners

Through prayer and education you will become more aware of the human trafficking that is occurring in our midst. A primary action is to stop “minding your own business” and bring to light situations where people may be in danger.

• Pray! Pray a Novena to Saint Josephine Bakhita for an end to human trafficking.
• Use the newly-created “Working Toward Freedom” Study Guide which calls us to mission and helps us to work to reduce the harms of human trafficking in our local communities and uphold the dignity of every child of God. The primary and supplementary document of reflection used in this study guide is the 2021 Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter on Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation in Canada. (More information above).
• Plan an awareness event for your entire parish, or a specific group such as the CWL or K of C where you invite a presenter. Nashi is a local organization that opposes human trafficking by raising awareness. They can be contacted at 306-281-9877.
• Attend NASHI’s annual Perogy Paradise fundraiser. Visit their webpage at www.nashi.ca
• Host a movie night, using: www.redlightgreenlightfilm.com
• Educate yourself or create discussions in a small group, post online or gather in real life. Examples:

Sisters Against Trafficking – Prayer resources LINK

International Day of Awareness and Prayer Against Human Trafficking LINK

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