One woman, her beloved pet dog, and a deep sense of purpose. That’s all it takes to quietly make a difference across the rural heartland of the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.

Sister Angela Mary Doyle wrote in a diary entry the day she arrived in Brisbane, June 25, 1947, that she was “suddenly experiencing a sense of real terror at the prospect ahead”, reports The Catholic Leader.

Two Religious, Fr Bruce Duncan CSsR and Sr Mary O’Shannassy SGS, have been inducted as life members of Catholic Social Services Victoria, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the mission of the organisation  and the broader social services landscape of Victoria.

The media ministries of a number of religious institutes were recognised for their excellence at the recently held 2025 Australasian Catholic Press Association (ACPA) Annual Awards Dinner, at which De La Salle Brothers’ Provincial, Br Peter Bray was guest speaker. 

Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry IBVM, the Irish religious sister who introduced the Loreto order to Australia 150 years ago, has been named a Trailblazer on the 2025 Victorian Honour Roll of Women for her contribution to education.