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Patrice Moriarty

The five front-liner advocates showcased in The Letter stand together against a stone wall.

The Letter – Ground-breaking Laudato Si’ Film and Prayer Campaign

The Letter is a documentary showcasing the stories of frontline champions and promotes the message of Pope Francis’ letter to the world – Laudato Si’ Caring for Our Common Home. “Hello everyone. My name is Bilal Seck. My home has been affected by rising sea levels.” There is also a 40-day Laudato Si’ Prayer Campaign in the lead up to 14 November which marks when Laudato Si’ Planning Guides and all related materials will be published.

Welcome to Peter Arndt

Bishop Vincent Long van Nguyen welcomes the newly appointed Director of the ACBC Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace, Mr Peter Arndt who commences in the role on 10 October 2022. Peter Arndt has been the Executive Officer of the Catholic Justice & Peace Commission in the Archdiocese of Brisbane and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in working in parish, diocesan and international settings. Peter will continue to work in Brisbane and travel to Canberra when needed.

Picture of Damien Gardiner

New disability projects officer starts at Bishops Conference

Damien Gardiner has been appointed as the new Disability Projects officer of the ACBC. Mr Gardiner’s role will be to carry forward efforts to promote the full participation of people with a disability in the life of the Church. Bishop Tim Norton SVD, the Bishop Delegate for Disabilities Issues welcomed him, “Through his professional experience and through his personal faith commitment and practice, Damien is a wonderful addition to the Bishops Conference.”

A water colour image shows a line of diverse people silhouetted standing on the shore of a lake with the sunsetting in front of them. A line of a skyline is in orange across the sky.

Migrant and Refugee Sunday

The 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be held this Sunday, 25 September around the world. The theme for this year is “Building the future with migrants and refugees.” A kit has been developed by the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office which features stories from the community as well as prayers and prayer services for schools and parishes, posters, and reflections for use.

White text "National Week of Prayer and Action 25-30 September 2022" is on a light blue background. The CAPSA emblem is below with a symbol next to it. It is a white circle with two hands lifting a heart within it.

CAPSA – National Week of Prayer and Action

The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) is holding a National Week of Prayer and Action beginning on 25 September, World Day of Migrants and Refugees and ending on 30 September. On Tuesday 27 September, CAPSA are running an online webinar at 6.30pm AEST featuring four speakers on how we can all use our time, resources, heart and voice to advocate and take action alongside people seeking asylum.

A water colour image shows a line of diverse people silhouetted standing on the shore of a lake with the sunsetting in front of them. A line of a skyline is in orange across the sky.

World Day of Migrants and Refugees Resource Kit

Migrant and Refugee Sunday is on
25 September. The Australian Catholic Migrants and Refugee Office will release the resource kit for this year’s celebrations on 15 August. The resources centre on this year’s theme, “Building the future with migrants and refugees”. It will include stories from local communities, reflection, primary and secondary schools’ prayer rituals and prayers of the faithful to be used for the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

Young woman sitting on a bridge and talks with young man sitting in wheel chair.

Disability workforce at breaking point

One in three disability sector workers report wanting to leave their job in the next twelve months and Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) report the sector is demoralised and at breaking point. Ms Monique Earsmon, Executive Director of CSSA is bringing the issue to the fore, “Disability workers are undervalued and this is having a devastating impact on the people they care for.”