Catholic Connect

Uniting mission, service and the community

Designed to harness collaboration between organisations, CDF hosts a series of events aimed to better connect Catholic agencies.

Together we enable networks, drive conversations and create impact while putting our faith into action. We invite all organisations in the not-for-profit, faith-based, professional, social service, health or education sectors to join us in 2025.

2025 Overview

Held once a quarter, the Catholic Connect events run during lunchtime, providing an opportunity for informal conversation and networking, followed by a practical workshop or seminar.

Each event focuses on a different theme, and invites special guests or keynote speakers to share their learning, skills and expertise.

Topics for exploration in 2025 will include:

• AI and future technology
• Risk mitigation and governance
• Data and digital security
• Fundraising and advocacy
• Faith and formation

Please check this webpage for further updates.

What others are saying

“The CDF Catholic Connect Workshops have proven to be a valuable platform for fostering meaningful connections and inspiring impactful initiatives. At the Education Workshop earlier this year, the insights and discussions shared among panelists sparked a new program by Mercy Health Foundation: ‘The Accompaniment Program - Ageing with Dignity through Reflection and Scripture.’

This program addresses ageism and encourages respect for older people—a vision brought to life through the collaboration and inspiration nurtured at the workshop.”

"Thanks to a meaningful connection made at the CDF Catholic Connect Workshop on Parish Engagement, MacKillop Family Services and Saltbush Balnarring Beach have partnered to provide foster carers and foster families with restorative holiday experiences.

This partnership offers these families a chance to recharge in the beautiful setting of Balnarring Beach - a wonderful outcome rooted in the collaborative spirit of the Workshops."

Participating Organisations

Meet with other CDF clients, Catholic organisations and agencies based across metropolitan and regional Victoria, working within the not-for-profit, educational, social service, health and educational sectors.

Previous Workshops

Catch-up on previous events covering a variety of topics. 

CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Catholic Development Fund ABN 15 274 943 760 (the Fund) against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by the assets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Fund is required by law to make the following disclosure. Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund. Investors’ funds will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale, Bunbury and Ballarat. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by ASIC. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and investments in the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed at here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.