Catholic Social Services Australia has expressed its deep concern that new regulations could silence charities’ advocacy on behalf of vulnerable groups for fear of having their charitable status revoked.

For more than a decade, Catholic Religious Australia and Catholic Mission have worked together on a number of projects to offer formation opportunities for the community. This September will once again see this collaboration in action when the fifth Mission: one heart many voices conference takes place.

With Mother’s Day still fresh in our memory, Sr Corrie van den Bosch MSS reflects on the God-given mothering role we all share.: “The upheavals of this critical moment in our history are like birth-pangs: something new wants to be born. You and I are called to be part of this birthing, to listen deeply to what is happening in our natural and human world, to see it in the context of the big story and to bring our wisdom, understanding and imaginations to creating a future in which all life and Earth itself can flourish.,” she writes in Melbourne Catholic.

Spiritual Direction has a rich history in the Church. It may not always have been known by this term, but the experience of looking to a spiritual guide, a ‘Father’ or ‘Mother’ for advice and support goes back to the time of Jesus. Jesus was ‘Rabbi’, the ‘Master’, writes CRA President, Br Peter Carroll FMS. Some people prefer other words to describe the relationship: spiritual companion, or just ‘accompaniment’ are also used. Whatever the terminology, they all denote a unique relationship: a special ministry of presence – a patient, waiting, hospitable, mutual presence. Traditionally, it’s been seen as a covenanted relationship between two people. It truly is a sacred ministry.

The Federal Government’s decision to refer decision making about raising the age of criminal responsibility back to states and territories – after years of debate – will condemn more vulnerable children to unnecessary contact with the criminal justice system, says Jesuit Social Services.