The Fellowship is the result of a partnership between the Bishops’ Office for the Participation of Women (OPW), The Broken Bay Institute (BBI), and the Sisters of the Good Samaritan.

• A media release with details is available by clicking here.
• To apply for the Young Catholic Women's Interfaith Fellowship, download the application form here as a Word Document
• To download the referee form click here

Dear Friends

In a short time I will be finishing work in the Office for the Participation of Women.  The last five years have been an extraordinary experience for me.  I have been inspired and energised by the contribution women make to the Church throughout Australia.  I have worked with women and men in towns and cities from Geraldton to Townsville and am constantly amazed by the life-giving ways people are involved in the life and mission of the Church.

It has been a privilege to work with many of you on projects and in planning gatherings in your local areas.  I am particularly grateful to the diocesan contacts for women who have supported and brought to life national ideas, projects and resources.  Without you these initiatives would still be sitting on a shelf!  Your dedication to continuing to promote, recognise and celebrate the contribution of women is appreciated.  Thank you for your hospitality and generosity when I have been in your home town.  What wonderful memories I am taking with me!

JOB ADVERTISEMENT, DIRECTOR, OPW

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) is the permanent assembly of the bishops of Australia, exercising together certain pastoral offices. A vacancy exists in its Secretariat for Church Ministry, based in Canberra, for the position of Director, Office for the Participation of Women.

Reporting to the Chairman of the Bishops Commission for Church Ministry, you will lead a small team to provide executive support to the Bishops Commission for Church Ministry, the Australian Catholic Council for Lay Pastoral Ministry and the Council for Australian Catholic Women. You will be responsible for the management and delivery of projects as required by the Bishops Commission for Church Ministry and for ensuring that the Office for the Participation of Women meets the operational expectations of the Mandate.

For a full job description, Click here.

Dear Friends
Last week we hosted the Pilgrims for truth Pilgrims for peace gathering in North Sydney.  This year marked the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II first invitation to leaders of the world’s religions to gather in Assisi.  This gathering was extraordinary!  The energy and involvement of participants in discussions was empowering.  

Dear friends,
Last week, I was invited to give a 90 minute workshop on "Communicating the word: Evangelisation using new media" at a conference called "Living Mercy", a celebration to mark 150 years of the Mercy Sisters in Australia.
And it was a remarkable moment to observe the contribution these women have made, and are making to the Catholic Church in this country - in fields as diverse as education, communications, ministry, aged care, right through to advocacy on behalf of landmine victims, as is the case of Brisbane Mercy Sr Denise Coghlan RSM.
And I wondered, where would this Church be without women? These apostolic religious sisters, many of them in thei more elderly years have given their lives at the service of the Gospel.
I hope that with their courage, wisdom and inspiration, younger women in the Church too will discover their mission, vocation and calling - in perhaps new and charismatic ways.
Best wishes,
Beth Doherty

Dear friends,
Last week, I was invited to give a 90 minute workshop on "Communicating the word: Evangelisation using new media" at a conference called "Living Mercy", a celebration to mark 150 years of the Mercy Sisters in Australia.