Our May eNewsletter is now out and includes the latest news and information from Catholic social services, both within Victoria, and nationally. We are in the midst of National Reconciliation Week, and have also been reminded of Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si, with the recent Laudato Si week (which has kicked off a year-long anniversary year). There are also a couple of upcoming 'virtual' events that our readers may like to partake in, along with a number of reflection pieces.

"It is indeed a spiritual truth that periods of hardship offer the opportunity to attain greater personal growth, more than during the good times. Perhaps, the challenges we are facing individually and globally are God’s way of revealing to us opportunities for growth, giving, and achieving closeness to Him and to our fellow human beings. Such sensitivity to the sufferings of others makes us think and feel and surely thinking and feeling makes us more warmly human." Fr Frank Freeman sbd reflects on the impact of COVID-19 and God's call for faith, hope and growth. 

On May 1 we celebrate the Feast of St Joseph the Worker and International Worker's Day. Catholic Social Services Victoria stands in solidarity with workers, particularly those across the social services. Chair of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Commission for Social Justice - Mission and Service, Bishop Vincent Long, reminds us in his message for today about the importance of the conditions of those who are employed, and also the need for solidarity with those who are excluded from being able to work and the need for adequate welfare support.