Pope Francis has appointed Eaglehawk born and raised Catherine McGrath (nee Reed) as a Dame of the Order of St Gregory the Great, in recognition of her personal service in leadership roles with the Catholic Womens’ League and World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations, as well as her positive and generous contribution to her current parish of Mittagong-Bowral in New South Wales.

The Papal Award is one of five honorary Orders of Knighthood awarded by the Holy See for significant service to the Catholic Church. Since 1994, Women have been awarded this honour which bestows recipients with the title of ‘Dame’.

Seventh-year seminarian, Jackson Saunders, reflects on the season of Lent and sport.

"Lent is a journey of hope where amidst the darkness the spotlight in the sports stadium of our lives shines brightly on Jesus Christ, the saviour of the world".

Instrumentum laboris,the working document for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia provides a catalyst for the Church to renew the journey of prayer and discernment toward the first assembly in October, says Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB.

Catholic Social Services Australia says the Government’s decision to increase the Jobseeker and Youth Allowance payments by only $50 per fortnight is “deeply disappointing”, “short-sighted” and will perpetuate long-term disadvantage. CEO Ursula Stephens said the increase of just $3.57 per day must be a first step, otherwise generations of Australians will face entrenched disadvantage.

On Shrove Tuesday, Kerry Stone reflects on what should have been! Sadly, our Project Compassion Launch became a casualty of COVID-19 but there was a silver lining to the cloud. Kerry then invites us all to join in on a great new Caritas initiative called Virtual Immersions.

Wednesday 3 March, St Joseph's, Benalla

The annual conference of the  Catholic Women's League of Victoria and Wagga Wagga will commence with Holy Mass at 10.00 a.m.   Fr Vijay Bandanadam, Administrator of Benalla Parish will be the guest speaker.   The CWL always welcomes new members.

"Why go back to Mass?' is the theme for the next Goulburn Valley Spirituality in the Pub (GV SIP) event will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday 1 March at the Terminus Hotel, 212-226 High Street, Shepparton. Cathy Jenkins, Assistant to the Direcotr: Leadership at Catholic Education and Alma Limbrick, Pastoral Associate of Kyabram Parish and a convenor of GV SIP will start the conversation.  

Caritas Australia’s partner, Caritas India, has recently been awarded the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Award 2020 for COVID-19 Humanitarian Efforts.

The award recognises the tireless work of Caritas India during the pandemic to reach the most vulnerable communities.

Catholic Social Services Australia CEO Ursula Stephens says the failure to retain the higher Jobseeker rate provided during the pandemic will create financial pressure on families that could last for generations.

Noel Davis’ poem, “He’ll Heal Me For Sure”, offers simple words to pray through this season of Lent, for ourselves, for those in our circles of life and love , and for our world; says Lyn Breen, Sandhurst Adult Faith Education Officer.