Joan Chittister OSB reminds us of the first Christmas and its call for us again to welcome the stranger.

“At Christmas, it's so easy to get caught up in the magnificence of Jesus and so miss the simplicity of Jesus, the normalcy of Jesus, the invisibility of the Jesus who lives almost totally unseen, unheralded, for the first 30 years of his life. Just like us.

Jesuit Social Services is pleased to announce that applications for the fourth round of the Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program, which seeks to increase the representation of African-Australians from refugee and other backgrounds in Victoria Police, are now open! Successful applicants will commence the Victoria University 15 week Course in Policing Recruitment Pathway, which is held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm-9pm, on 31 March 2020. Applications close 19 February 2020.

Compassionate God, Your unconditional love for all inspires our hearts and empowers our actions for those who are most vulnerable. May we boldly and humbly serve our brothers and sisters and be steadfast in our work for justice for all your people. Keep our hearts open to the joys and the hopes of our world, and our ears ready to hear your call to truth, justice and reconciliation.

On 1 December 2019 the Catholic community hosted the annual Holding The Light Ecumenical Prayer Service at St Francis’ Church in Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. This service commemorates, honours and prays for all women who have died during 2019 as a result of Domestic Violence.