The Australian 2022 Advent Appeal for Ukraine was generously supported by Australian Catholics and raised $430,000. The first half of these funds was used to deliver 10,750 food packages to parishes and communities in Ukraine, many in hard-to-reach areas which have been constantly under fire.

On Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May, St Vincent’s College Past Students celebrated the 68th anniversary of the foundation of the College in 1955 with a Sports Hall of Fame Dinner and reunion gathering.

St Vincent’s College is a predecessor college of Catherine McAuley College situated at Junortoun and was originally a boarding school for boys, 

The Australian Catholic Bishops have published a study guide ‘Carrying Forward the Plenary Council’ and invite Catholic communities across the country to consider how the outcomes of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia can be integrated into local contexts.

Project Compassion concludes with the financial year and, as donations come in from our Parishes and Schools, we see the great efforts made to raise awareness and funds. Caritas Ks in Echuca as a whole community event has become a tradition, writes Kerry Stone.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has appointed Fr Chris de Souza, currently serving as one of two Vicars General in the Diocese of Parramatta, as its new General Secretary.
Born in Sri Lanka, Fr de Souza moved to Sydney at a young age. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1983 for the Archdiocese of Sydney and has ministered in the Diocese of Parramatta since it was erected in 1986.

The Catholic Education Sandhurst ‘Auslan Teacher as Co-Learner (TCL) Conference’ held at St Monica's Kangaroo Flat this month was a great success. There were 33 attendees from the Auslan TCL schools including classroom teachers, school principals, and Auslan language teachers and assistants.

The Globally Reality Meal, An Amazing Race, and a viewing of the film, ‘The Public’ were just some of the activities which facilitated a deeper understanding of social justice issues at the annual Sandhurst Justice Matters Camp. Kerry Stone keeps us updated:

The blessing and official opening of the new Administration Office Building at Holy Rosary Primary School in White Hills was held on Friday 19 May. 

The school community gathered under blue skies for the official ceremony with Bishop Shane Mackinlay, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Paul Desmond, Deputy Premier of Victoria, Ms Jacinta Allan and Parish Priest Father Minh Tran as special guests.

After nine years of outstanding leadership and loyal and dedicated service to the Diocese of Sandhurst, Mr Paul Desmond, CEO of Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd will retire. From the end of 2023 Paul intends to focus his time and energy on other pursuits in service to the Church, which will allow him greater lexibility and more time with family.

In response, to a public announcement by Catholic Church Insurance (CCI) on 5 May, the Australian Catholic Bishops and Catholic Religious Australia have issued a statement to underscore the Church's enduring commitment to engage with victims and survivors of abuse with justice and compassion.