The Catholic Church together with the many Catholic social services agencies across the state are making considerable efforts to assist people seeking asylum, refugees, and other migrants who hold temporary visas. Many remain in harsh circumstances in detention centres, and the majority of the 100,000+ living in Australian community have been deemed ineligible for any federal government support payments during COVID-19, making many at risk of homelessness and despair.
Refugees and asylum seekers are among our most vulnerable community members. Collectively, we can do much to provide practical assistance and support.
Welcome the Asylum Parish Support Program
CSSV auspices the Welcome the Asylum Seeker Parish Support Program, which aims to promote the Gospel message of welcome and support for asylum seekers and refugees to Catholic parishes.
CSSV and its member agencies
- encourage parishes to reach out to asylum seekers and refugees, in appropriate ways within the capacity of each parish
- recognise and celebrate the contributions of parishes providing support for asylum seekers.
- support parishes, agencies and individuals advocating for more humane asylum seeker policies.
- Our Vision Increasing numbers of Catholic parishes reaching out and supporting asylum seekers and refugees in their parishes and in the broader community. A humane asylum seeker policy in Australia, where asylum seekers and refugees are welcomed and helped to settle in our communities
News related to asylum seekers and refugees
Soiree raises funds for Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project
Cabrini Choir in collaboration with St Joseph’s Music Ministry held a Soiree in Cabrini Chapel Malvern, raising an incredible $2400 to support the wonderful outreach work of the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project who assist those seeking asylum in our community.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees -Sunday 29th September 2024
The World Day of Migrants and Refugees is observed each year as a time to learn about, listen to, and pray for and with those who have been forced to flee their homeland.
Walk for Justice for Refugees: Walking in Solidarity on Palm Sunday
On Sunday 2nd April, hundreds of people gathered on the steps of the State Library of Victoria for the 2023 Walk for Justice for Refugees. Held on Palm Sunday, people walked in solidarity with people seeking asylum in Australia, coming together from a wide range of communities, organisations and faith backgrounds to show their support.
CSSV Service Providers working to assist refugees and asylum seekers
Refugees & Asylum Seekers
Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project
BASP works for a humane, just and inclusive approach for people seeking asylum in Australia.
- 54 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park VIC 3206
- (03) 9696 2107
- basp.org.au/
Health
Cabrini Outreach
Cabrini Outreach is a community development organisation and member of an international family of services inspired by the spirit and vision of Mother Cabrini and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
- 140 Westbourne Grove, Northcote Vic 3070
- 03 9508 7000
- www.cabrinioutreach.com.au/
Families support
CatholicCare Victoria
CatholicCare Victoria provides a broad range of child, family and youth services, family relationship services, school counselling and pastoral care services, social housing, homelessness services, employment and advocacy services across Victoria.
- 4-6 Peel Street Nth, Ballarat VIC 3350
- 03 5337 8999
- www.catholiccarevic.org.au
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