Media Release A new online hub for Catholic events, CathEvents, has officially launched, providing a central platform for Catholics across Australia to find, share, and promote events that foster connection, faith, and Catholic leadership. CathEvents has been developed through the foresight and leadership of the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (AMPJP), in partnership with and supported by the Catholic Development Fund (CDF). This innovative initiative is designed to serve as Australia’s pre-eminent site for Catholic events, creating new opportunities for individuals and organisations to engage with one another and grow in their fa ith. For some years, Catholic events have been promoted to members on the AMPJP website, but in response to the call of the Plenary Council and Synod on Synodality to increase formation, AMPJP has established CathEvents as a national service to all Catholics and Catholic organisations. "CathEvents represents an important step in connecting Catholic communities around Australia. It is a place where anyone—whether from a parish, school, ministry, or community group—can easily find and share events that bring many more people together in faith and fellowship," said Moira Najdecki, Chair of AMPJP. The platform features a wide variety of events, including retreats, workshops, conferences, faith formation sessions, leadership training and special celebrations. It is designed to be user-friendly, enabling organisations to submit events for free and allowing visitors to search by category, location, and date. "We are proud to support CathEvents as part of our commitment to strengthening Catholic communities," said Brendan Hoy, General Manger Client Services at CDF. " This platform will provide a valuable resource for all those across the sector seeking to learn, grow and engage more deeply with their faith or one another." Key Features of CathEvents: Comprehensive listing of Catholic events nationwide. Easy-to-use search and filter functions. Free event submission for Catholic organisations and groups. Focus on community connection, faith formation and leadership development. CathEvents is now live and can be accessed at: www.cathevents.org.au Catholic organisations, parishes, schools, and individuals are warmly invited to visit the site, explore upcoming events, and contribute their own events to share with the wider community. Please note - CathEvents is not associated with CathNews, and is a separate service to the Australian Catholic community. About AMPJP The Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (AMPJP) is a national association of Catholic entities entrusted with the mission of governance and leadership within the Church. Its member organisations minister in health, aged care, community services and education. AMPJP promotes collaboration, formation, and shared mission among Catholic organisations. About Catholic Development Fund (CDF) CDF provides financial solutions to Catholic organisations that balance margin and mission for the common good. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, CDF supports Catholic schools, parishes, healthcare, aged care, and social service facilities, primarily through funding capital development projects, that strengthen the Church’s mission and ensure its lasting impact on the community. For media enquiries, please contact: Martin Teulan Executive Director, AMPJP 0408 867 046 executive.director@ampjp.org.au For website enquiries and advertising, please contact: Tony Biviano Project Leader 0448 465 128 cathevents@ampjp.org.au

Catholic Development Fund (CDF) congratulates Bishop George Kolodziej SDS on his ordination and installation as the fifth Bishop of Bunbury. The ceremony took place on March 19, 2025, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, at St Patrick's Cathedral in Bunbury. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC), presided over the ceremony as principal consecrator, and was joined by more than 19 bishops from across Australia, including CDF’s Board Member Most Rev. Anthony J. Ireland, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne. Tim O’Leary, CDF Deputy Chair of the Board, and Matthew Cassin, CDF Chief Executive Officer, were also in attendance amongst distinguished guests. Apostolic Nuncio Charles Balvo presented the Papal Bull during the ceremony, which brought together the entire Bunbury Catholic community—clergy, seminarians, acolytes, altar servers, musicians, choir members, Salvatorian priests from across Australia, and representatives from Catholic Education Western Australia Ltd and Catholic Religious Australia. In his poignant homily, Archbishop Costelloe highlighted the significance of Bishop George's middle name being Joseph, noting, "Perhaps today, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, we might look to him as a model of this tender and compassionate presence to others, a model especially, though not only, for our soon-to-be Bishop George." 

Catholic Development Fund (CDF), recently hosted its first Catholic Connect Workshop for 2025 exploring ' Leading with Hope in Uncertain Times.' The event, brought together in partnership with Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV) , united Catholic organisation leaders to explore the intersection of leadership, formation, and hope. The workshop's theme aligned perfectly with both International Women's Day and the Jubilee Year theme "Pilgrims of Hope," creating a timely opportunity to reflect on cultivating hope within communities and organisations. The heart of the event featured an impressive panel moderated by Josh Lourensz, Executive Director of CSSV. The distinguished speakers included: Micaela Cronin , the Inaugural Federal Commissioner for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, whose career began in social work with organisations like St. Vincent De Paul Society and MacKillop Family Services, Annie Carrett , the Chief of Staff to the Archbishop of Melbourne and first female Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, bringing over 35 years of experience within the Catholic Church; and Sr. Joan Healy , a 90-year-old author, activist, and pioneer in family and child support models whose work over five decades continues to influence current practices.

Two hundred and twenty delegates from Catholic parishes, schools, and organizations across the Diocese of Sale gathered at Federation University in Churchill on February 14, and 15 for a Diocesan Assembly focused on defining the pastoral priorities and actions for the next five years.

At the end of 2024, CDF had the privilege of working alongside our clients, Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH), CatholicCare Victoria, MacKillop Family Serivces and Sacred Heart Mission, to spread Christmas joy, hope, and compassion to individuals and families in need. Each year, our clients rely on donations from everyday people, and corporate partners like CDF, to help ensure that the festive season is a time of care and connection across communities. Villa Maria Catholic Homes’ (VMCH) annual Hamper Appeal was their largest yet with 850 hampers distributed to those in need across their network of affordable homes, home care, and disability services. These hampers, filled with essential items and festive treats, brought comfort and joy to those most in need.

An exciting, world-class, unique retirement development – funded by CDF – is coming soon to Melbourne’s East. St Clare , on Studley Park Road in Kew, will offer a new standard of living for over 55’s and retirees within 102 premium apartments across the historical site. Thanks to a substantial $185m loan from CDF, Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) will breathe new life into the long-held 1.4ha site and meet critical demand for retirement housing options across the $200m project.

Amidst the vibrant discussions at the 2024 Catholic Social Services Australia National Conference, one overarching theme emerged: the importance of collaboration and social justice within today’s societal framework. Against the backdrop of 'commons, commonality, common good’, over 230 delegates from diverse sectors and faith-based backgrounds across Australia came together to explore innovative ways and approaches to addressing pressing challenges and ways to foster sustainable development into the future.

Pictured: Bede and his mother with Brendan Hoy; CDF GM Client Services and Aaron Gupta; CDF Relationship Manager.