Family support agency MacKillop Family Services (MacKillop) celebrates its 25-year anniversary this year. Formed in 1997, when the congregations of Christian Brothers, the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of St Joseph, came together with a common goal of supporting children, young people and families, MacKillop has continued that commitment of helping communities when they are at their most vulnerable.
Due to the succession of some St. Mary's House of Welcome (SMHOW) directors and the forthcoming changeover of Chair and Deputy Chair later in the year, SMHOW is looking to nominate three directors to the SMHOW Board of governance.
Parish communities in Traralgon have been empowered with knowledge, tools and a deeper understanding in 'lifting the lid' on, and responding to family and domestic violence.
A recent workshop in the south-east of Victoria, has provided participants an opportunity to better understand the experiences of those impacted by domestic violence and to consider how the causes of domestic violence can be addressed in our communities. 9 participants—clergy, volunteers and parish staff—from Wonthaggi and surrounding areas in Gippsland joined the Shining A Light workshop on 25 June at St Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Parish communities in the Gippsland region continue to equip themselves with knowledge, tools and a deeper understanding in how to respond to family and domestic violence as part of a pilot program being coordinated by Catholic Social Services Victoria and the Catholic Diocese of Sale. A series of ‘Shining A Light’ workshops have been running across the diocese since March 2022, with 20 people attending the most recent worksop at St Joseph's in Warragul.
Find out about the privilege of volunteering with JoCare - overcoming isolation and loneliness.
Catholic Social Services Victoria, in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Sale, and with support from the Victorian Government via the Victorian Multicultural Commission, has continued to roll out its ‘Shining a Light’ Workshops to raise awareness of domestic violence within parish communities. The most recent sessions were held in Sale and Bairnsdale.
Read more about the Commissioning Mass for Catholic social services and the 2022 CSSV AGM held in late April.
CSSV's response to the 2022/23 Victorian Budget recognises the funding for important social service provision and outlines what else is needed to ensure all Victorians can flourish.
The Commissioning Mass for Catholic social services in Victoria was held at the John Pierce Centre on 27 April. Bishop Martin Ashe celebrated the Mass with Father Wayne Edwards, assisted by Deacon Mark Kelly. The homily he shared on the day was a commissioning for staff and volunteers of Catholic social services throughout Victoria.