Commemorating Australia's first Saint with MacKillop Family Services
July 18, 2023

This August MacKillop Family Services is commemorating the remarkable life of Australia’s first Saint, Mary MacKillop.


MacKillop Family Services history extends back to 1854 when the Sisters of Mercy, Christian Brothers and Sisters of St Joseph began their work in Australia, establishing homes for children who were orphaned, destitute or neglected, and for families in need of care and support.


Today, MacKillop Family Services continues to embody Mary MacKillop’s passion for social justice and concern for children who experience disadvantage.


"Caring for vulnerable families was the impetus that drove Mary MacKillop to find a place in her heart for those most challenged by life’s circumstances. That compassion has come full circle when a sixth cousin of Mary MacKillop continued the legacy of caring for others by opening her home to children who are unable to live with their families through the foster program offered by Mackillop Family Services."

To celebrate Mary MacKillop’s legacy and commemorate her Feast Day on August 8; 


Catholic organisations can:  

• Book a speaker from MacKillop Family Services. 

• Run a special appeal in support of MacKillop Family Serivces’ work to keep children engaged with education.  

 

In Saint Mary MacKillop's words, "Never see a human need without doing something about it." Through MacKillop Family Services, you can help make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families and honor the remarkable life and legacy of Saint Mary MacKillop. 

 

For more information, contact: 

 

Susan Parajuli 

Community Engagement Officer 

susan.parajuli@mackillop.org.au 

(03) 8687 07552

Share this article:

Related articles

Building Faith and Community: How a Tech-Savvy Teen Saint Inspired a New School

September 1, 2025
It's lunchtime at Carlo Acutis Catholic Primary School in Wollert , part of Melbourne's northern growth corridor, and the sound of spirited play fills the air as children explore the grounds of their brand-new school. The red and blue of their uniforms, still fresh in the school’s foundation year, is a deliberate tribute to their patron's favorite colours. Named after Italian teenager Carlo Acutis, who used his coding skills to document and celebrate Eucharistic Miracles before dying from leukemia in 2006 at just fifteen years old, the school embodies the spirit of a remarkable young man who will soon become the first of the 'influencer' generation to be canonised as a Saint on the 7th September 2025. "He lived a life of faith, of service, of generosity and courage, and these are the values that we take for the life of this school," says Foundation Principal Damian Howard, who traveled to Assisi in Italy where Carlo is buried and had the honor of meeting Carlo's mother to learn more about her son's qualities and discuss plans for the school. The primary school opened in February this year and was built with the assistance of a $10.3 million loan from CDF, creating a focus point for a new Catholic community.

CDF Announcement: Chief Executive Officer Transition

August 1, 2025
Announcement: 1 August 2025

A New School Program Helps Bridge Generation Gap

July 28, 2025
A new program called Generations of Value has been introduced in Catholic primary schools across Australia at the start of Term 3, 2025. The program aims to help children appreciate the unique contributions of people at all stages of life, showing them how society is stronger and more vibrant with generations working together. The program was developed by Mercy Health Foundation , Australian Catholic University (ACU) , Meaningful Ageing Australia and Catholic Health Australia , and sponsored by Catholic Development Fund (CDF). One of the main instigators, the foundation’s partnerships manager, Mark Trayli ng, says the thinking behind the program stemmed from a comment by his grandfather, a naval man, that when people lose their last parent, they become a ship without a rudder. ‘I appreciated the sentiment because it underscored how much we rely on previous generations for guidance ,’ Mr Trayling says. ‘ But upon reflection, I’d modify that image: while growing up, it’s helpful to have two hands on the tiller and someone pointing to the North Star—so that later in life, we’ll know how to steer on our own. Generations of Value is a reflection of this sentiment .’ Older people now are healthier, more educated and more involved than they ever have been.
More

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 and Bunbury. 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 here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.