Written by Jeff Wilde, Community Engagement Coordinator, CatholicCare

Family Week is the combination of fun activities and fundraising events that are undertaken by schools and parishes across Greater Melbourne, Geelong and Gippsland. It is celebrated each year with the aim of strengthening families and communities, and this year it will run from 15 to 21 May to coincide with National Families Week.

Parents, schools and parishes are encouraged to partner with CatholicCare to participate in Family Week activities that are relevant and suitable for each respective community.

Who are CatholicCare and what do they do?

Relationships are at the heart of CatholicCare’s mission. Where relationships within a family are fractured, CatholicCare, in a spirit of hope, works to rebuild connections, nourish resilience and improve communication. Thus CatholicCare has a significant role in “equip[ing] our young people with the knowledge, skills, hope and optimism to live meaningful lives and shape and enrich the world around them.” (From the vision statement of Catholic Education Melbourne)

Following broad consultation including with Catholic School Parents Victoria, CatholicCare’s theme for Family Week 2019 is Building Connections in the Spirit of Hope. This year’s resources focus on the dynamic concept of Hope – how it can be celebrated and strengthened within families, within school communities, and how CatholicCare programs contribute to the wellbeing and provision of hope for families of all backgrounds. 

Catholic schools work in many different ways to nourish and support families. The resources from CatholicCare are a focus and a stimulus to that work. The resources for Primary and Secondary classes, and for families, will be available for download on the CatholicCare website from late March. Please feel free to connect with the CatholicCare Team to discuss your needs and ideas on how you and your family could participate in Family Week.

Families supported by CatholicCare are often facing complex issues and difficult times. If your family and school partake in the Family Week activities, you may be invited by your school to extend a helping hand by donating to support CatholicCare’s work with families. Furthermore, for a family member or friend in need, you may be the vital link in connecting them to CatholicCare services.

More information on these services is available at www.ccam.org.au/services or by contacting (03) 9287 5555.

Genuine hope is built on vulnerability and love, rather than self-defence and indifference; on a joy that seeks new opportunities, rather than a fear that constantly sees new threats; on a strong community base rather than individualism; on building bridges not walls.

In this spirit, you are invited to be involved in Family Week 2019.