Advent is a time of waiting and hopeful anticipation. As we count down the days to the coming of the Christ child, we are invited to widen our vision, orienting ourselves to the future kingdom of God—a future that, miraculously, we already inhabit through the transforming power of our hope in Christ.

In his latest video message, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli calls us to embrace this broader vision, reminding us that Advent is a time of preparation and joyful expectation, pushing us forward towards ‘the gift of our eternal life in God’.

As we prepare ourselves for the greatest gift of all in Jesus Christ, and consider how our lives might better reflect the great mercy and generosity of our Saviour, we look at seven practical ways to give hope and make a difference in our world this Advent.

And as the Victorian Parliament gets ready to debate changes to anti-vilification laws in the new year, Archbishop Comensoli welcomes the government’s clarification on religious protections, promising to watch progress of the legislation closely.

As we begin to shift our focus to the year ahead, Advent reminds us that we are accompanied on our journey into an unknown future by a God who never abandons us and who delights in making all things new.

Last weekend was a huge week for the Church. As 21 new cardinals were elevated at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome—among them Melbourne’s own Bishop Mykola Bychok, who becomes the Church’s youngest cardinal—Pope Francis encouraged them to participate in God’s mission of renewal by being ‘witnesses of fraternity, artisans of communion and builders of unity’.

In another powerful sign of Advent hope, Paris celebrated over the weekend as the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral was reopened, rising from the ashes after a devastating fire in 2019.

And we hear from our Archdiocese’s four new transitional deacons—themselves a sign of hope and renewal—about the things that sustain them in their vocations as they take this significant new step.

Applications are currently open for the following positions:

Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

• Learning Support Officer, Catholic Theological College, East Melbourne

Parish positions

• Parish Secretary, Mary Help of Christians Parish, Altona
• Parish Administration Coordinator, Sacred Heart and Emmaus Paris, St Albans
• Parish Secretary, St Macartan's Catholic Church—Mornington
• Cleaner—St John the Baptist Parish, Ferntree Gully
• Pastoral Worker, Mission Parishes of St Mary’s Thornbury, St Joseph’s Northcote, Holy Spirit Thornbury East and St Anthony’s Alphington, Fairfield
• Houseperson/cleaner—Newman Residential College, Parkville

If you are interested in applying for any of the above positions, further details can be found here.

Applications are currently open for the following positions:

Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

• Learning Support Officer, Catholic Theological College, East Melbourne
• Houseperson/cleaner—Newman Residential College, Parkville

Parish positions

• Parish Secretary, St Macartan’s Catholic Church—Mornington
• Parish Secretary, Catholic Parishes of Yarraville and Kingsville, Kingsville/Yarraville

If you are interested in applying for any of the above positions, further details can be found here.

To learn more about upcoming events and opportunities, visit the Melbourne Catholic events page.