A Catholic food bank which served Christchurch people for 60 years had to close earlier this month. Catholic Social Services says the cost of essential food items and a lack of donations were behind the decision to close. “It’s terribly sad that our efforts to feed those who cannot afford food ceased because it had Read more
School counselling service funds are badly over-stretched, the Association of Counsellors is warning. Some schools are coping – like eight Catholic schools in Dunedin – but only after stretching out their hands to their communities. They’re now getting funded by the Mercy Charitable Outreach Fund. Meanwhile, Catholic Social Services is helping support the service with Read more
The overwhelming volume of donations clothing and furniture for Afghan refugees has forced Catholic Social Services (CSS) to close the appeal. CSS recently published a statement thanking those who made contributions. The message said simply, the organisation doesn’t have the capacity to store any additional items. The statement read, “Thank you for your immediate and Read more
People’s response to Catholic Social Service’s (CSS) appeal welcoming refugees from Afghanistan has been remarkable, says archdiocese general manager, John Prendergast. On 2 September, the social agency launched an appeal for housing, furniture and household packs. “Every action, small or large, will greatly benefit the individuals and families fleeing a desperate situation and seeking safety Read more
Catholic New Zealand is leaping to support local communities during the current lockdown. The lockdown comes with a familiar high price for many New Zealanders, among them religious communities are unable to gather safekly for prayer and worship, and it makes ordinary community service difficult. To help meet congregant’s spiritual needs, many local parishes are Read more
One day after the US presidential election, the US Supreme Court will hear arguments in a blockbuster religious freedom case. Fulton v. City of Philadelphia is one of the first cases of new Supreme Court appointee Amy Coney Barrett and one of the biggest cases of the Court’s term. The case could hand religious conservatives Read more
Catholic agencies and individuals around Aotearoa-New Zealand are busy working from home and still-open “essential services” supporting communities in need during the Level 4 COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown. Work that is less visible nationally but very important locally is happening everywhere. Foodbanks and soup kitchens are two very busy basic services working hard behind the scenes. Read more
Catholic Social Services (CSS) is no longer included in City of Philadelphia’s’ foster care programme. The city says it has stopped using CSS because it does not place children with same-sex couples. Last week one of the Philadelphia Councillors asked for the city’s Public Health and Human Services to investigate Philadelphia’s partnership with organisations that Read more