Catholic social services, living signs of the Gospel
In a spirit of anticipation and celebration, staff, friends and member representatives of Catholic Social Services Victoria recently gathered for the 2021 Commissioning Mass and annual general meeting. It’s been more than 12 months since CSSV has hosted an ‘in-person’ event, given the onset of COVID-19 restrictions soon after the national Catholic social services conference held in Melbourne last February.
CSSV 2020 Annual Report out now
Catholic Social Services Victoria’s 2020 Annual Report contains the latest news and information about our work – who we are, how we do what we do, and why we do what we do. There are plenty of photos to scour through, as well as info about our Members and works, as well as the financials.
The challenge of living life to the full
Addressing the impact of mental ill health and its onflow effects cuts across the heart of much of the work of Catholic Social Services Victoria and our member organisations. CSSV welcomes the final report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which was tabled in Parliament by the Victorian Government on 2nd March 2021.
Pope Francis’ prayer for women impacted by family and domestic violence
Each month, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention. For February, Pope Francis is drawing our attention and prayers to the devastating impact of family and domestic violence. We pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded.
World Day of Social Justice, 20 February 2021
In Australia the World Day of Social Justice goes pretty much unnoticed. It is swamped by the start of the school year, the gathering speed and urgency in work places, and the last weeks of summer. These things leave little room for reflection. That said, World Social Justice Day offers an opportunity for broader reflection. As with other events, we normally think locally about social justice.
Our mission is to assist the Catholic Church in Victoria to fulfil the gospel imperatives to:
Stand in solidarity with and serve the poor, disadvantaged and marginalised; and work for a just, equitable and compassionate society.
Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) is the peak body for Catholic social services across the state. Underpinned by Catholic social teaching, CSSV works with its 40+ member organisations to assist the bishops and broader Catholic community across Victoria, to fulfil the gospel imperatives to stand with and serve the poor, disadvantaged and marginalised.
“If someone helps an elderly person cross a river, that is a fine act of charity. The politician, on the other hand, builds a bridge, and that too is an act of charity. While one person can help another by providing something to eat, the politician creates a job for that other person, and thus practices a lofty form of charity that ennobles his or her political activity.”
Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, #186
Latest Updates
20 years of addressing disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
The Opening the Doors Foundation, which celebrates its 20-year anniversary in 2021, addresses the severe educational disadvantage still being experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Victoria. In a special edition newsletter, Manager of Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Victoria, Sherry Balcombe, shares her ‘great pride and pleasure’ in ‘the fantastic achievements of the Opening The Doors Foundation’.
Volunteer needed for Mt Atkinson Community adult art group
Mt Atkinson Community, located in Truganina, in Melbourne’s west, hosts a weekly adult art group on Mondays, 10am-12.30pm for locals. The art group, which is welcoming of all abilities, and offers a diverse forms of art, is followed by a social lunch from 12.30pm-1pm. The group is looking for a committed volunteer who could assist in the running and facilitation of this group.
Jobs on offer within Catholic social services
Each month we compile a list of job opportunities, board vacancies and volunteering opportunities within our network of members. We encourage you to visit this page and spread the word among your networks. We hope this ‘Jobs Board’ will become a valuable resource among our readers.
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Each month we round up the latest news, calls-to-action, resources and upcoming events from Catholic Social Services Victoria and our members. Stay up to date with the newsletter!
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