By Fiona Basile

This article was published in CAM News

"I believe in the genius of women. Even in the darkest periods that genius is found, which is the leaven of human progress and history." Blessed Pope John Paul II.

The Catholic Women's League of Australia (CWLA) has launched a new dynamic website to help bring the light of the Gospel to a wider audience and to contribute to the transformation of our culture into a civilisation of life and love. The new site is at:

http://www.cwla.org.au

By Fiona Basile

This article was published in CAM news

Sr Mary Thecla Slattery SGS, who was to celebrate her 108th birthday on 28 December 2011, peacefully passed away in her sleep in the early hours of this morning. The following article was written last week by Kairos Catholic Journal's Fiona Basile, in the lead up to her momentous birthday.

It’s with much excitement that we announce the inaugural winners of the: Council of Australian Catholic Women (CACW) Prize for Women Leaders
This prize is presented to a graduating female student (undergraduate or postgraduate) who through her leadership and commitment, best exemplifies the role of women in the Catholic Church in the fields of education, healthcare, family and community services, church ministry or liturgy.  

The inaugural joint winners are: Mary Harrigan and Mary Moran
Congratulations to Mary and Mary!

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!

By Jenny Brinkworth

This article was published in the Southern Cross

The Adelaide Archdiocese’s Sue Rivett is the first non-religious South Australian woman to become a canon lawyer.

By Martin Swinchatt

This article was published by Caritas Australia

Six years ago, a newborn baby’s story made Kenya’s national press. Unnamed, unloved and dumped near a slaughterhouse in Nairobi, her cries caught the attention of a young woman who saved her. Martin Swinchatt, Africa Regional Representative, tells the story.

By Giselle Lapitan

This article was published in Province Express

Jess Woodward has surrounded herself with the best people, and this has prepared her for her newest role as MAGiS Queensland Coordinator.

Outside of MAGiS, she enjoys teaching developmental music to children and babies. ‘Through working with young children I have learnt to go with the flow, and to multitask’, Jess says. ‘I have learnt that the promise of 'special' marshmallows can cure most upsets, and that the way to calm a room is to sing a familiar song. If only this worked with adults!’

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.