National Briefs
THE St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to slash unemployment benefits to a rate barely more than the old Newstart. National president Claire Victory said the society was dumbfounded by the Government not increasing a rate that had been condemned by business leaders, social services groups, union leaders and its own members.
– St Vincent de Paul Society
With Pope Francis’ recent declaration of 2021 in honour of St Joseph, two Sydney parishes are taking part in a 33-day consecration to their Spiritual Father ending on 19 March, the Feast of St Joseph. Led by the Somascan Young Adults and supported by Somascan Movement Australia, Moorebank and Holsworthy parishioners are guided by daily emails of readings from Fr Donald Calloway’s book, Consecration to St Joseph, and videos produced by the parishes’ youth.
– The Catholic Weekly
BRISBANE’S Catholic community will welcome more than 100 men and women into the Church at Easter. Catechumens – young, mature and from diverse backgrounds – celebrated the annual Rite of Election liturgy at Brisbane’s St Stephen’s Cathedral.
– The Catholic Leader
ANOTHER 100 children and young people in foster care will be offered scholarships in Catholic schools across South Australia, following the success of an innovative partnership between the State Government and Catholic Education. In all, 113 scholarships were provided last year. They cover the full cost of tuition, uniforms, textbooks, excursion and extracurricular activities, continuing each year until the student completes their schooling.
– The Southern Cross Adelaide
AUSTRALIA has only half the number of palliative care doctors needed to provide good quality care for chronically and terminally ill patients, an Australian Catholic University study has found. It said the number of people hospitalised for palliative care is growing at an average of 5 per cent a year and services are not keeping pace. For children, the growing demand is even more dramatic.
– The Southern Cross Adelaide