Author: Sitback
Advocating for Craig
Craig was homeless. He had a history of incarceration, mental illness and substance misuse when he was referred to CatholicCare. Now, he has a place to call home, a range of supports to help him get back on track, and hope for a better future.
NDIS support changes everything for the Mockler family
Four years ago, life looked very different for the Mockler household. Without support via the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) they were managing, but only just.
Why World Religion Day matters so much
When you believe in a higher power—whether divine or secular—it gives you a feeling of control and a sense that life is inherently meaningful. Regardless of colour, creed, or culture, the history of humanity is a history of searching for something unifying and timeless that adds meaning and richness to life. For centuries, for many, religion has served that need.
Making the world better and fairer for those living with disability #IDPWD23
1 in 6 Australians are living with a disability - that’s 4.4 million people. Disability can be related to genetic disorders, illnesses, accidents, ageing, injuries or a combination of these factors. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of people for whom their main form of disability is mental or behavioural.
What is Advent and why is it important?
Advent always starts four Sundays before Christmas. This year, in 2023, Advent starts on Sunday 3 December and ends on Sunday 24 December.
Taking communion to the sick
National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering which recognises the invaluable support that volunteers provide to their communities. A Volunteer Appreciation Day was held in May at the Royal North Shore Hospital where many of our Catholic Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion were amongst those who received commendation for every five years of service.
How to talk to someone going through a difficult time
“It’s all about compassion, empathy and active listening when talking to someone who is going through a hard time,” says Peter Brown who works as a Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Manager at CatholicCare. For Peter, he looks to Jesus and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop as models of compassion. As Australia’s first saint, Mary Mackillop was “a big-hearted woman full of love and compassion.
Our pilgrims return from World Youth Day refreshed and energised
It’s not every day you wake up to a DJ priest pumping beats to a field of 1.5 million people. But for CatholicCare employees, Lucy Martin and Petition Chinyemba, this was exactly how their day started on 6 August 2023.
Memory Innovations Centre fills gap in services for seniors
Exercise … we all know it’s good for us and, if we’re honest, we do feel better for doing it. After all, exercise bumps up the production of our brain’s ‘feel-good’ hormones called endorphins.
Blake’s youth work story
Every few months, CatholicCare hosts a Youth Worker information night to attract prospective employees for the Permanency Support Program. Attendees come and go, with some deciding to apply for a Youth Worker position and others going on their merry way in search of the right career.
It’s International Youth Day
International Youth Day this year is 12 August. This is a time when we can really focus on the issues that challenge Australia's youth and consider viable solutions and ways forward.
Supporting youth in the fight against bullying
Bullying is a national health concern, affecting many children and adolescents. A recent study revealed that over 25% of children and adolescents in Australia experience traditional forms of bullying, and 7% experience cyberbullying.