Endorsement of Palms Program
In January you can prepare for mission at home or abroad.
Palms Australia has trained Australians to live and work within cultures and communities overseas since 1961. Now four days of that training will be available for parishioners interested to assist harness the diverse gifts of our community and make it stronger.
At Home
Palms’ Neighbours Without Borders program (January 7 – 11) will “focus on building communities that are welcoming to all, with particular attention to those on the margins of society and the church” as urged by the recent Plenary Council.
Overseas
Completing a further four days (January 12 – 15) will prepare you to meet one of the many requests Palms has from communities in Africa, Asia and the Pacific who need educators; health professionals; administrators and others to assist build on the strengths of their people who otherwise have little opportunity for training.
Enquire about Palms Orientation for mission via www.palms.org.au or call 02 9560 533 or 0422 472 567.
CAN YOU HELP VICTIMS OF CHURCH-RELATED ABUSE?
For fourteen years, the Lifeboat Geelong Foundation has been assisting victims of church-related sexual abuse from all over Australia. Generous supporters have donated a number of motor vehicles of varied value (from $500 to $20,000!), including cars from deceased estates or which are no longer required. Some have been directly gifted to a victim/survivor in need, while others have been sold to generate funds required to assist victims in a multitude of ways (counselling, rent, utilities and other domestic and personal necessities).
You could help this important work simply by bringing it to the attention of people who might consider donating an unwanted motor vehicle, such as a car from a deceased estate or which, for whatever reason, is no longer required.
Also, since the “Lifeboat Car Project” began in 2020, one single dedicated volunteer has overseen the process, which includes working with the donor to organise a Roadworthy Certificate and assisting recipients or purchasers of the vehicle with the required documentation for Vicroads. He now needs a rest – or at least some help!
So “Lifeboat” also needs a few people who are reasonably familiar with the usual car transfer regulations to assist donors of vehicles (and potential buyers) to negotiate the formal processes. If you or someone you know could help (maximum involvement with four cars per year), please contact Fr. Kevin Dillon (0421 777 360 or frkdillon@outlook,com.au) for more information.