Catholics urged to vote for the common good
Australia’s Catholic bishops are urging voters in the upcoming 3 May federal election to prioritise the common good, focusing on the vulnerable and disadvantaged. In their statement, ‘Called to bring hope in the Year of Jubilee’, the Bishops Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement calls on Catholics to uphold the sanctity of life and foster justice. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe highlighted the importance of conscientious voting, while Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) called for a respectful campaign focused on policies that serve the common good. The bishops encourage voters to consider policies that promote unity, fairness, and the wellbeing of all, especially the most vulnerable.
The bishops’ full statement is available at Election Statement 2025.
Rising violence and stress for principals
A new ACU survey reveals rising anxiety, depression and violence among Australian school principals. The Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey shows nearly half have faced physical violence, and over half have encountered threats, the highest levels recorded. Despite these challenges, more than half report high job satisfaction, though heavy workloads and student-related issues are major stressors. Experts warn that without urgent reforms, Australia risks losing a generation of school leaders.
For more details, visit ACU's full report.
Calls for support after crises in Myanmar and Gaza
Caritas Australia has launched appeals for two urgent humanitarian crises. Following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, Caritas is working with local partners to provide emergency aid, including food, shelter and psychosocial support. Hundreds are feared dead, with hospitals overwhelmed and the country in a state of emergency.
In Gaza, escalating violence has killed nearly 800 Palestinians in one week, displacing 142,000 people. Caritas partners are delivering essential support such as medical care, food and shelter, with additional funding from the Australian government. Caritas Australia’s humanitarian manager, Sally Thomas, praised the resilience of aid workers and urged Australians to donate to the Myanmar and Gaza crisis appeals.
Meanwhile, Catholic schools in Penrith and Parramatta are raising awareness for Caritas’ Project Compassion by participating in ‘Walking With Water’ events. On Monday (7 April), more than 50 students will walk a 3km circuit along the Nepean River, while next Thursday, more than 130 students will walk 2km in Parramatta Park. These solidarity walks highlight the struggles of communities who lack access to clean water and contribute to the ongoing fundraising efforts for Project Compassion.
To donate:
Myanmar Earthquake Appeal
Gaza Crisis Appeal
Hope and connection take centre stage
CathEvents is a new online platform designed to connect Catholic communities across Australia. Developed by the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (AMPJP) with support from the Catholic Development Fund (CDF), CathEvents allows users to find, share, and promote faith-based events, responding to calls from the Plenary Council and Synod on Synodality for enhanced faith formation.
Additionally, the Mission: One Heart Many Voices (MOHMV) conference will focus on the theme ‘Choosing hope: trust yourself to its leading’. The event will bring together leaders, theologians, and mission professionals to explore emerging pathways in mission work, with keynote speakers including Dr Anna Cody and Dr Estela Padilla. For more information, visit the MOHMV and CathEvents websites.
For more information and to register for MOHMV, visit www.mohmv.com.au, and to explore CathEvents, visit www.cathevents.org.au.
Buzzing with brilliance
As Brisbane Catholic Education’s Open Week approaches (28 April to 4 May), St Ambrose’s Primary School in Newmarket is showcasing its High Potential Learner Framework, including the ‘Buzzing Brains Program,’ which fosters critical thinking and personalised learning pathways.
The school blends academic rigour with co-curricular activities such as STEM, music, and sport, creating a well-rounded learning environment. St Ambrose’s also nurtures its Catholic identity, drawing inspiration from its Patron Saint Ambrose, symbolising both academics and beekeeping.
Key to its success is community involvement, highlighted by the ‘Grandfriends’ program, pairing students with seniors for meaningful connections. The school also promotes sustainability with projects like a new garden initiative for hands-on learning.
What’s on
2025 Young Voices Awards: Open to secondary and senior primary students, with categories in articles, photography, and digital media. Theme: Voices of hope. Learn more here.
ACU Prize for Poetry 2025: Entries are open to all poets, with a $10,000 first prize on offer. The 2025 theme is Belonging, inspired by St Teresa of Kolkata’s quote: ‘If we have no peace, we have forgotten that we belong to each other’. The competition will be judged by experts Margot Hillel and Robert HF Carver. For details, visit the ACU Prize for Poetry website.
When: Until 1 June 2025
Where: Online
Indigenous Literacy Day 2025: Join the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) in celebrating the power of First Nations stories and languages.
When: Wednesday, 3 September
Theme: Strength in our stories – for now & future generations
More info: www.ilf.org.au
PICTURED
1. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Ambrose's Primary School, Newmarket (2023)
2. Aftermath of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on 28th march credit to Chindwin News Agency
3. A Caritas Jerusalem worker amongst what remains of her community in Northern Gaza photo credit Caritas Jerusalem