Pope honours St Mary Mackillop of the Cross in general address
Pope Francis has praised St Mary of the Cross for her ‘apostolic zeal’ in the latest of his series on catechesis on the topic at Saint Peter’s Square.
In his speech, the Pope praised her for ‘wisely reading the signs of the times’ because ‘she understood that for her, the best way to do so was through the education of the young, in the knowledge that Catholic education is a form of evangelisation’.
He went on to say that her vision was ‘fully relevant today, when we feel the need for an ‘educational pact’ capable of uniting families, schools and society as a whole’.
‘May her example and intercession support the daily work of parents, teachers, catechists and all educators, for the good of young people and for a more humane and hopeful future’, he said.
Read more here.
NCEC wants expanded access to preschool
The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) has recommended the Victorian and NSW model of expanding access to 30 hours of preschool for children in the year before full-time school be adopted in other states and territories.
In its submission to the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care, NCEC also calls for young children in regional and remote areas to be offered the same opportunities to allied services as their counterparts in metropolitan areas. The submission highlights the need for capital support to the non-government sector to establish early learning centres on existing primary school sites in areas of high disadvantage and low supply. Read more.
Collaboration aims to improve outcomes for students with disability
The National Catholic Education Commission’s Students with Disability Network group came together with Department of Education representatives in Canberra this month to collaborate on current issues affecting the sector.
Key topics included the National Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) followed by the development of a draft document outlining how NCCD funding can best be used by schools.
Read more.
Act to alleviate homelessness
The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, in collaboration with Evangelisation Brisbane, is encouraging individuals and organizations to support those experiencing homelessness. It suggests:
1. Donate or volunteer at organisations that offer support to people experiencing homelessness:
St Vincent De Paul Society
Micah Projects
Emmanuel City Mission
2. Find ways to fundraise in your communities to support these missions.
3. Discuss the issue with your friends and family, so that it continues to be a challenge to our conscience. This discomfort with the situation can lead to action.
4. Resist the temptation to walk past and ignore people who are obviously experiencing hard times. Sometimes this approach is due to not feeling safe but if it is in response to embarrassment or discomfort, continuing to ignore does not serve either party. When feeling safe, acknowledge the people you pass in the street; if welcomed, start a brief conversation. Using people’s names and having friendly conversation builds respect and integrity as Christians.
It’s a model that would suit most capital cities in Australia.
Bishops launch Laudato Si’ action plan
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference launched its Laudato Si’ Action Plan this month.
It aims to inspire all Australian Catholics to have a conversion of heart, to care for God’s creation through actions that protect our earth and our vulnerable communities.
The Fifth Plenary Council of Australia called all Catholic communities to commit to creating a Laudato Si’ plan that will work towards a hopeful future.
Access to the plan and accompanying video is through this link. If you are wishing to start a Laudato Si’ Action plan in your community, look at the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, Catholic Earthcare.
Briefs
The National Catholic Education Commission welcomes the appointment of Robert Tonkli as director mission and operations and Anna Howarth as director of strategy.
This week 8 students from the Lismore Diocese engaged in the Walking with God program at the Griffith Eco Centre in Brisbane. The students learnt about the practice of Dadirri and spent time with our Creator.
Learn more about our Walking with God program here.
Caritas Australia has partnered with NATSICC to create the One Journey Together resources. It’s a one stop ship for everything you need to know about The Voice. Find out more here.
What’s On
NAIDOC Week 2023: For Our Elders ¬– Sun, 2 July-Sun, 9 July 2023. Find resources here.
Plastic free July: this global movement helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution.