St Vincent de Paul Society welcomes new Network for Formation Professionals

The National Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society has welcomed the launch of the new Network for Formation Professionals, a national initiative led by formation.org.au and backed by Catholic Mission—the Catholic Church’s not-for-profit agency focused on global development work.

“The Network is designed to strengthen and assist those involved in supporting and guiding organisational formation across Australia,” said the Society’s National President, Mark Gaetani.

“St Vincent de Paul Society is delighted to join the Network and looks forward to a close and productive collaboration. We share similar goals and are closely aligned through our Catholic faith.

“The Society is grounded in service and compassion. We recognise that the formation of our members is essential to ensuring our mission remains vibrant, responsive to those in need, and deeply rooted in Gospel values.

“Formation equips our people not only with the skills they need, but also with the spiritual, emotional, and ethical depth required to discern how best to serve our companions with integrity and compassion.”

Mr. Gaetani expressed gratitude for the leadership and vision of formation.org.au, Catholic Mission, and its partners in creating a space for collaboration, professional development, and shared wisdom.

“This Network will foster a community of practice that supports our members, volunteers, and employees working at the heart of mission and ministry across the country,” he added.

“Together with others from the broader Catholic Church community and beyond, we look forward to learning, sharing, and growing in our commitment to professional formation.

“The beneficiaries are not only ourselves but, more importantly, those we serve.

“Catholic social teaching highlights the importance of working together in solidarity and valuing the common good. We believe that life is best lived in relationship with others, through community. Formation is fundamental to this practice, and the Network for Formation Professionals represents a significant step on this journey.”

Echoing the National President’s sentiments, the Society's Spiritual Adviser, Sr. Therese Haywood, said:

“This new formation network is likely to become a sacred space where professionals can grow together in faith, wisdom, and service—strengthening both their mission and their ministry.”

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia consists of 45,000 members and volunteers who operate on the ground through over 1,000 groups located in local communities across the country.

MEDIA CONTACT
0475 068 209 or media@svdp.org.au