This year’s Hope in Action Conference reinforced the commitment of Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) and its supporters, including the Diocese of Parramatta ad Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, for their steadfast commitment to bringing light and hope to communities across Australia.
Held over two days in Sydney, more than 130 social service leaders, advocates, and supporters gathered to discuss the critical need for sustainable funding for social services, while exploring how Catholic Social Teaching can guide the creation of a more just and compassionate society.
The conference was inspired by the Catholic Church’s Jubilee 2025 theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” which reminded attendees that hope is an active force – a call to stand in solidarity with those in need, and to work towards lasting change.
A pivotal moment during the conference was during the keynote address by Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. Bishop Vincent has also spoken at the 2024 CSSA Governance Forum and 2024 national conference.
In his speech, Bishop Vincent spoke passionately about the importance of hope in action, urging Catholic social services to continue their mission as “fellow pilgrims with God’s poor.”
Drawing from the courage of female leaders like Saint Mary MacKillop and the biblical midwives Shiprah and Puah, who defied oppression to stand in solidarity with the vulnerable, Bishop Vincent called on today’s Catholic leaders to adopt a prophetic stance.
He emphasised the need to challenge unjust systems, advocate for the marginalised, and work toward a more just and compassionate society.
“One of the great signs of hope for me is Pope Francis himself,” he said.
“In a world where some are deemed as undeserving and expendable, he has emerged as an increasingly solitary moral voice against perilous global trends such as nationalism, populism, xenophobia, and indifferentism.”
Bishop Vincent’s call for a just and compassionate future resonates strongly within Australia’s social services sector, where honest and courageous advocacy is essential for securing fair and sustainable funding for those serving the most vulnerable.
His emphasis on reframing harsh realities into a vision of hope aligns with the conference’s overarching message of building a more just society through both action and compassion.
His Eminence Cardinal Mykola Bychok at the CSSA National Conference. Image: Carlita Sari/ Catholic Social Services Australia
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The conference also highlighted the inseparable link between truth and peace, a theme articulated by His Eminence Cardinal Mykola Bychok.
Cardinal Bychok’s address emphasised that true peace can only be built upon truth. He warned against the dangers of misinformation and falsehood, which can divide us and perpetuate oppression.
“It is only in confronting truth, face to face, that we are able to discover and experience peace,” he said.
Following the conference, delegates gathered for Mass, which was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, Bishop Martin Ashe.
The Mass served as a powerful moment of reflection on the mission of Catholic Social Services and reaffirmed a collective commitment to serve the most vulnerable in society.
A shared mission
CSSA Executive Director Dr Jerry Nockles praised the collective strength of the national Catholic social services network.
“This conference has reaffirmed our shared mission – to bring truth where there is injustice, peace where there is suffering, and hope where there is despair.”
Dr Jerry also spoke of the need for a renewed social contract, one that prioritises the dignity of the human person and the well-being of communities, as reflected in the Common Good Accord – a statement developed by CSSA to enhance policy design with a focus on the common good, aligning with Catholic Social Teaching principles.
“We are deeply grateful for the dedication of our members, whose daily work transforms lives,” Dr Jerry Said.
To learn more, visit the CSSA website.
