The Catholic church is "powerless", but says it is seeking ways to support Holden workers who face a grim Christmas knowing they will lose their jobs when the company quits local vehicle production.
Archbishop of Adelaide Philip Wilson has called for a more caring society and says there are people in the local community who are suffering because of the circumstances they find themselves in.
"In the northern suburbs there are families experiencing a grim Christmas as a result of the decision of General Motors Holden to close the Elizabeth plant in 2017," he said in a Christmas message on Tuesday.
"Although we are powerless to change the situation, as a church we are looking at practical ways we can support the workers and the community in the days ahead."
Archbishop Wilson has also encouraged all Australians to show compassion to the thousands of asylum seekers facing uncertainty and distress as a result of what he says is the federal government's harsh and inhumane approach to border protection.
And he has urged people to keep the victims of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in their thoughts as they continue to recover from the devastation.
