The National Council of 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 engaged in 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 the Catholic faith.

‘The Society is an organisation grounded in service and compassion. We recognise that the formation of our membership is essential to ensuring our mission remains vibrant, relevant 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 we continue to serve our companions with integrity and compassion.’

Mr Gaetani said the Society is thankful for the leadership and vision of formation.org.au and Catholic Mission and partners in creating a space for collaboration, professional development, and shared wisdom.

‘This network will foster a community of practice that supports those of our Members, volunteers and employees working at the heart of mission and ministry across the country,’ he added.

‘Together with others across the broader Catholic Church community and beyond, we look forward to learning, sharing and continuing to grow in our commitment to professional formation opportunities.

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

‘Catholic social teaching principles stress the importance of working together in solidarity and the value of the common good. It is true that we can only live life in all its fullness when we are in relationship with others, through community. Formation is an essential underpinning to this practice, and the Network for Formation Professionals is another important step on this journey.’

Echoing the words of the National President, 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.’ R