Catholic not-for-profit hospitals have stepped up their push to encourage all Australians to get their third vaccine shot with a campaign that poses the question: Do I Really Need a COVID Booster?

Australia's largest non-government grouping of aged-care services, Catholic Health Australia, has welcomed the federal government's plan to allow greater access to visitors, and is urging the states to act urgently on implementation.

The peak body for Catholic not-for-profit hospitals is calling on the government to stamp out the rise of inefficient ‘junk’ health insurance policies by making ‘bronze level’ insurance the new minimum requirement for Australians seeking to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS).

On Monday 14 February, St Joseph’s Primary School, Cobram celebrated its 100th anniversary. So many people have contributed to the education and formation of children in Cobram, over the last 100 years, starting with the generous commitment of the Sisters of Mercy who founded the school in 1922.

Tuesday 8 February was the Feast Day of St Josephine Bakhita – Patron Saint of Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. Catholic Education Sandhurst recognised this day by launching the CES Ltd Modern Slavery Policy to Catholic schools across the Diocese.

From  Bishop Shane Mackinlay

"In early February, I was one of seven bishops ordained in the past couple of years who gathered in Canberra for a four-day seminar to assist us as we settle into this new ministry." 

“Synodality starts with coffee.”
Sr Nathalie, Becquart, Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops.

All of us now have an opportunity to make a submission to the Bishops Synod on Synodality and have our voice heard by those right at the top of the Global Church. All you need to do is download the Coffee Conversations guide, gather with a few friends, family members or colleagues and chat about some of the questions. Work together to summarise your answers to the questions and make an online submission. As long as your conversation is open, honest, respectful, prayerful (and even brave) you can’t go wrong.

So why not take up Pope Francis’ invitation and participate in this global conversation?

By Mary Pianta

Each year, our nation celebrates the achievements and contributions of eminent Australians by profiling leading citizens who are role models for us all. They inspire us through their achievements, and challenge us to make our own contribution to creating a better Australia.
Tennis star and Paralympian, Dylan Alcott was named Australian of the Year for 2022. He is a champion who has risen to the top of the world rankings through sheer grit and determination.

In 2022, Catholic Mission will celebrate key anniversaries as a global mission agency. These celebrations include 200 years of the Society of the Propagation of the Faith, and the beatification of its founder, Pauline Jaricot. With great anticipation, Catholic Mission is looking forward to celebrating these momentous occasions with donors and supporters throughout Australia.

As the pandemic enters its third year, the World Day of the Sick this Friday (11 February) will pay tribute to the valuable work that Catholic health institutions undertake, not just in Australia, but around the world.

In his message to mark the 30th World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis spoke directly to healthcare workers, recognising the importance of their work as infection rates and deaths from COVID-19 continue to rise.