Normally at this time of year, St Mary’s House of Welcome is busy organising its ‘Degustation for Dignity’ annual fundraising gala event to help people sleeping rough and experiencing chronic homelessness. Sadly, COVID-19 and physical distancing has put a stop to that for this year. Far from being defeated, St Mary’s has created something new — ‘De-frustration for Dignity’, to be held on Friday 30th October, 7:00pm - 8:30pm. Cost is $220 for two people (includes premium grazing hamper for two, full of beautiful Victorian wine and produce; exclusive access to an online wine Masterclass hosted by renowned wine writer, Max Allen, tasting notes, access to an online silent auction, and more.

On 20th September 2020, we mark Social Services Sunday within the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. On this day we are invited to give thanks and pray for all who provide care and support to those who are marginalised and vulnerable within our community. We recognise with deep gratitude, those working within Catholic Social Service Victoria’s 45 member organisations, made up of 7,000 passionate and committed staff and 17,000 generous volunteers, who together, serve more than 200,000 people in need each year. We also give thanks for all in our parishes, who are often at the forefront of providing practical support and care to those in need within their local communities, and beyond. Indeed, many of our social services agencies were either born from or are sustained by Parish initiatives and support.

On Sunday 27th September, the Catholic church marks the 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees centred on the theme, 'Like Jesus Forced to Flee: Welcoming, Protecting, Promoting and Integrating Internally Displaced People'. The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office has prepared a Migrant and Refugee Kit, which includes stories from local communities, homily notes, reflections and prayers that help draw our hearts and minds to those seeking refuge, love, support and care within our communities.

The Church in Australia marks Child Protection Sunday on 13th September. The day seeks to acknowledge the immense damage caused by the sexual abuse of children, including by priests, religious and lay people within Catholic contexts. The Church makes a commitment to practices and protocols that create and maintain safe environments for all people, especially children and other people who are at risk.