An online gathering was held to provide an opportunity for participants to understand the mental health services on offer within the Catholic Social Service Victoria member network, and how to practically reach out for assistance.
The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2020-21, To Live Life to the Full: Mental health in Australia today, has been released and challenges everyone – individuals, schools, parishes, communities, policy-makers, governments – to take an interest in the issue of mental ill-health.
Debra Zanella provided the closing keynote at the national conference for Catholic social services, Serving Communities with Courage and Compassion. She explored the role of modern-day prophets amidst the current milieu of Catholic social service provision.
A clear highlight of Friday morning’s sessions at the national Catholic social services conference, Serving Communities with Courage and Compassion, held in Melbourne from 26-28 February, was the panel of young leaders of Catholic organisations who gave a fresh perspective to the notion of a ‘way forward in mission’.
The opening keynote address at the 2020 Catholic Social Services conference will re-issue Pope Francis’ call to the margins. To be delivered by Francis Sullivan and entitled Margin Call ― The Risk of Integrity, the address will present a challenging overview of the state of Australian society and the Australian Catholic Church and explore the root of our calling to serve in ministries of the Church.
Effective engagement with the media is essential for those working in Catholic social services. Mobilising Media for Mission and Advocacy, on Friday 28 February, from 2pm-4pm, at the Catholic Leadership Centre in East Melbourne, will be an informative, practical and inspiring forum, involving interaction with media professionals to gain insight into how to engage with the media effectively to advance the mission of Catholic social services, and how to effect powerful advocacy.
The national Catholic Social Services conference, Serving Communities with Courage and Compassion, was held from 26-28 February 2020 at the Catholic Leadership Centre, 576 Victoria Parade, in East Melbourne.
"Taking the side of impoverished and disenfranchised people is not an option for Gospel-inspired organisations. It is a mainstay of the mission," said Francis Sullivan, former CEO of the Catholic Church's Truth Justice and Healing Council for the opening keynote address of the biennial Catholic Social Services national conference.
The Australian community is facing the challenge of recovering from a summer of natural disasters ― fires, floods and drought. Many Catholic agencies have been involved in providing relief to affected communities.
The upcoming 2020 Catholic Social Services conference, will feature a workshop conducted by John Warhurst AO, which will draw on his extensive governance experience and explore "best practices and dangerous practices' in the governance of Catholic and other organisations.