Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) does not stand alone in our work for right social relationships. To be a coherent body, which is truly able to work in a multi-faceted way on the issues facing Victoria, we rely on the intimate involvement of the Bishops of Victoria and their offices, religious congregations, our 45 member organisations and their 7,000 staff, and the communities which make up the 315 parishes across Victoria. Significantly, Australian parishes make available a range of social service activities providing for those in need. In some ways, they can reach out to sections of the community that professional service agencies cannot. Services provided by parishes usually have a strong personal focus on those being served.
As part of its mission, CSSV aims to provide resources to parish communities to help strengthen their mission in serving those in most need within the local community.
Resources for parishes
Helpful articles related to parishes
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.
Parish representatives deepen understanding of domestic violence
Chaos. War zone. Domestic terrorism. Lost childhood. Uncertainty. Is there a way out? These were just some of the words used to describe family and domestic violence by participants in an interactive workshop hosted by CSSV with Sr Nicole Rotaru rsm.
Catholic Response to Domestic Violence – Resources
The Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay has a comprehensive set of resources to assist the Catholic community in gaining a deeper understanding of domestic and family violence, and how to best respond.
Responding to Domestic Violence – Parish Resource Kit
Following the call of Victorian Bishops, Catholic Social Services Victoria has developed a resource kit for parishes in order to help them better respond to domestic and family violence. Resource kits are being distributed to every parish in Victoria, plus leading social services organisations.
Victorian Catholic Bishops Condemn Domestic and Family Violence
The Victorian Bishops released a statement on 29 November 2016 condemning domestic and family violence in the strongest possible terms, and have called on the whole Church community to work together in preventing violence.
Family Violence: The Church Challenged to Make a Difference
Prevention and putting an end to family violence are of key concern for Catholic Social Services Victoria and the wider community. The Catholic Church has a key role to play and so in Victoria, Catholic Social Services has been working with the bishops and with parishes in order to produce a range of resource material that will help address this very important issue.
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