Our recent Diocesan Social Justice Commission meeting commenced with Tony Haintz as Chair. We sincerely thank Jim Ryan who has chaired the Commission since 2011 and still remains on the Commission as a member. We also welcome Tony Fitzgerald, recently appointed CEO of Centacare, to the Commission.  

Formation is a regular component of each meeting, and for this meeting was led by Mary Rita Thomas and Sue Searls with a focus on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, ‘Joy of Love’. Among many themes highlighted was the focus on the loving triangle of the Holy Family: “every family should look to the icon of the Holy Family of Nazareth” (#30).

Family Forum: Fr Frank Brennan will be our keynote speaker at the Forum on Saturday, June 24 in Ballarat.  A range of workshops will be available before concluding with a panel. Details of this exciting event will be circulated to all parishes and schools in coming weeks.

The Social Justice Commissioners are open to invitations to speak at parish meetings and school staff meetings about work of the commission or about the principles of Catholic Social Teaching that motivate our work. Contact the commission at social.justice@ballarat.catholic.org.au

The next Social Justice Commission is scheduled to take place in Ararat, which will be an opportunity to learn what makes their Parish Council / Social Justice group so dynamic in living out the Church's mission for justice.