Category: Parish

Parishes taking action on domestic and family violence

Awareness about the terrible experiences and impacts of domestic and family violence is growing, and Catholic parishes in Melbourne are taking up the challenge of addressing violence in our communities by asking ‘what can we do’? On Saturday 15 March 2025, over 50 people gathered in a hall at St Brigid’s Primary School, Mordialloc to attend a Domestic & Family Violence Forum organised by the Justice Action Group at St Mary of the Cross Parish, Mordialloc and Aspendale.

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.

Social Services Sunday – 15 September 2024

Social Services Sunday is observed in the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne on the third Sunday of September. In 2024, this falls on Sunday 15 September. On this day we give thanks to the dedicated work that the thousands of staff and volunteers of Catholic social services do to serve the poor, disadvantaged and marginalised in our communities.

Social Justice Sunday – 25 August 2024 ‘Truth and Peace’

In their 2024-25 Social Justice Statement, 'Truth and Peace: A Gospel Word in a Violent World', the bishops call for peace in the midst of a rise in violence, armed conflict and suffering around the world.

Seven-year Laudato Si action plan for environmental sustainability

June 5 is World Environment Day. At this time, we call to mind the recent launch by Pope Francis of the Vatican’s seven-year Laudato Si’ action plan to implement environmental sustainability in different sectors of the Church.

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 join with him in praying.

Parishes invited to host workshop addressing domestic and family violence

A number of parishes and deaneries within the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne have taken up the opportunity to host a workshop in 2019 addressing domestic and family violence: what is it? What supports are available? This follows a similar workshop that was held in the Sunbury parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel last November, which was led by Sr Nicole Rotaru rsm.

Forum on family violence increases understanding and empathy

Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Sunbury recently hosted a workshop entitled, Domestic and Family Violence: What is it? What supports are available? led by Nicole Rotaru rsm. On the evening of 28 November, parish priest, Fr Kevin McIntosh, welcomed 24 participants who attended from the parish community, surrounding townships and local organisations.

Parish communities play a vital role in preventing domestic violence

For the past 12 months, Catholic parishes and organisations in Melbourne and surrounding areas have benefited from participating in workshops that deepen their understanding of domestic violence and its prevention. More parishes are invited to put their hand up to offer these workshops to their local communities.