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Catholic Parishes Serving the Community July Update

Our July edition of Catholic Parishes Serving the Community newsletter aims to highlight news and events of interest to Catholic parishes and social services agencies. It highlights the ways in which our parishes are assisting, or can further assist the pressing needs of refugees and people seeking asylum, and the ways in which parishes can assist people impacted by domestic and family violence. View the full newsletter, here.

The Australian Government is currently removing basic support payments for a significant number of people seeking asylum. In effect, over 7,000 people will lose their sole, basic source of income, which will have a devastating effect on many vulnerable people in our community. Many Catholic organisations across the country are already providing much-needed material support, however, in this particular time of need, we all are encouraged to do more to help. Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) has compiled a comprehensive list of the ways we can practically help.

Jesuit Refugee Services has welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback on the Department of Home Affairs Discussion Paper on Australia’s Humanitarian Program 2018 – 2019. Its feedback focusses on five areas:
1. Global compacts
2. Australia’s migration program and complementary pathways
3. Protecting forcibly displaced peoples in the Asia Pacific region
4. Onshore protection

5. Family Reunion

Read the full submission, here.

Community members are being urged to rally around their youngsters as Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) Young Carer Mentor Program urgently seeks mentors for at least 13 young carers living in Seymour, Euroa, Heathcote Junction, Mooroopna, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Wodonga and Boweya. Some of the carers supported by the program are as young as eight and have little family, community or financial support. Research indicates that if they are not adequately supported, their own health and wellbeing can be seriously affected. The mentor program links them with volunteer mentors who give emotional support, life skills and social opportunities.