Mission Conference 2017. If you are passionate about mission and/or serve in a leadership role in an agency, organisation, community or parish, this conference is for you!

Broken Bay Institute (BBI) became an accredited higher education provider on September 1 and is now recognized by the regulator, Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA), meaning that BBI can now offer higher ed degrees which meet the national benchmarks. BBI has “rebranded” as BBI –The Australian Institute of Theological Education. The Catholic Education Office Ballarat recognises their leadership, theology and RE courses for BDSAC study support. More information here.

You are invited to a Mass of Thanksgiving for the blessings of the Holy Year of Mercy to be celebrated at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat by Bishop Paul Bird CSsR on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at 10.30am.

Take the time to read and reflect on Sunday’s Gospel.

Prayer for this edition of e-News.

The challenge to make a real difference to those on the margins of Australian society are immense - intergenerational disadvantage, drug and alcohol challenges, increased inequality all cry out for renewed commitment to building a more just and compassionate country.  At the same time, rapid changes in Australian society, in the Church, and in the way Governments work all challenge faith-based organisations in their mission-inspired work.  The papers in “Review, Reimagine, Renew: Mission making a difference in a changing world” illuminate the challenges and shed light on the way forward.  

Statement in support of offshore detainees by Archbishop Denis Hart, President, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.