The Australian community is facing the challenge of recovering from a summer of natural disasters ― fires, floods and drought. Many Catholic agencies have been involved in providing relief to affected communities. At the same time, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Catholic Religious Australia, Catholic Social Services Australia and the National Catholic Education Commission have moved to establish a new national collaboration called Catholic Emergency Relief Australia (CERA). It will serve as a coordination point for Catholic agencies responding to natural disasters now and in the future. Other Catholic organisations are expected to join the collaboration soon.

Effective engagement with the media is essential for those working in Catholic social services. Mobilising Media for Mission and Advocacy, on Friday 28 February, from 2pm-4pm, at the Catholic Leadership Centre in East Melbourne, will be an informative, practical and inspiring forum, involving interaction with media professionals to gain insight into how to engage with the media effectively to advance the mission of Catholic social services, and how to effect powerful advocacy. All welcome!

The opening keynote address at the 2020 Catholic Social Services conference will re-issue Pope Francis’ call to the margins. To be delivered by Francis Sullivan and entitled Margin Call ― The Risk of Integrity, the address will present a challenging overview of the state of Australian society and the Australian Catholic Church and explore the root of our calling to serve in ministries of the Church.