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New Catholic social services book provides "leadership with hope"

There has never been room for complacency in a church that seeks to be at the service of humanity. Archbishop Mark Coleridge wrote this in his preface to our new book, Hearing Healing Hope: The Ministry of Service in Challenging Times, and, it was reiterated by prominent barrister and advocate Julian McMahon QC AC, who launched the book in Melbourne on 13 November.

Deputy Premier James Merlino told the 2018 pre-election forum at Catholic Social Services that "a great society is where the most vulnerable citizens are supported so that they can reach their full potential." Deputy Liberal leader David Hodgett noted that "good economic policy needs to be balanced with support for those that are disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalised." Catholic Social Services Victoria has produced a brochure, Building a fairer Victoria where everyone flourishes, which identifies policy issues and priorities to encourage dialogue with candidates in the lead up to the election.

In response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, many organisations have redoubled their efforts to ensure they respond properly to known or suspected incidents of abuse. To facilitate learning, the Australian Safeguarding Network held an online webcast in October, Abuse in Organisations: Prevention is Better for Everyone, delivered by Professor Stephen Smallbone. It provided information about preventing child sexual abuse by assessing and mitigating the situational risks in community services organisations and activities.

Forty-five people from 12 parishes and eight housing support agencies met for the Parish Forum on Housing and Homelessness at St Columba’s Parish Centre, Elwood, on Wednesday evening 24 October 2018. They met in response to the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2018-19 A Place to Call Home – Making a home for everyone in our land. Participants listened to expert and sympathetic speakers who told of their efforts to reduce homelessness and improve access to housing.