As part of the national Catholic social services conference, Hearing Healing Hope, 21 – 23 February 2018, at the Catholic Leadership Centre, East Melbourne, we have developed a comprehensive program that can be attended in whole, or in parts. We commence on Wednesday evening with a 2.5 hour session titled 'A healthy earth for a flourishing society: Implementing Laudato Si', which focuses on Pope Francis’ call to ecological conversion.

Social service organisations are an outstanding example of the Catholic church in action in Australia. However, as necessary as their services are, the challenges our Catholic Social Service agencies are facing are building writes Denis Fitzgerald, executive director of Catholic Social Services Victoria.

Congratulations to Peter Gill, Board member at Villa Maria Catholic Homes, on his award of Member of the Order of Australia.

Congratulations to our Life Member Vicki Clark, Muthi Muthi Elder, on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).