Listening, Learning and Leading

Tim Fischer AC, in his Foreword to this book writes: "As you study the papers that follow, as each of us tries to take up the cudgels for a better and Christian-oriented society, we do so helped by both the work of Catholic Social Services Victoria and the bold leadership of the 266th occupant of the Throne of St Peter as the first Southern Hemisphere, first Argentinian, first Jesuit Holy Father, resident downstairs at the hotel Santa Marta in Vatican City - namely Pope Francis." Many of the chapters in this book are based on papers presented at a conference organised by Catholic Social Services Victoria in 2013. The topic of that conference, the impact of Catholic identity and mission on what we do and how we do it, is relevant to the many parts of the Church working in a culturally diverse Australia. The aim of the conference was to enhance the contribution of the Church to the building of a more just and compassionate society - to enhance our work in building the Kingdom. This book extends that work.