Office Address: 333 Given Terrace, Paddington, QLD 4064
Mailing Address: PO Box 112, Paddington, QLD 4064
Contact: Clyde Cosentino, Director
Phone: 07 38463189 Fax: 07 33693094
Email: cosentinoc@bne.catholic.net.au
Website: http://www.multiculturalcare.org.au
Current Staff: Percy Lawrence: Administrator;
Tricia Dakin (Volunteer administrator) one day per week;
Sr Ursula (Volunteer) 2 days per week;
Sr Onira Massote (Volunteer) one day per week
Brief Description/History
The CMPC is the official agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane for multicultural issues and pastoral care issues relating to people on the move. The Centre advocates on behalf of, and provides information, networks and support to migrants, refugee claimants, refugees and people on the move. It also informs the Brisbane Catholic Archdiocese and the wider communities of events, celebrations, news and activities relating to multicultural issues.
For many decades CMPC has been promoting interfaith dialogue as part of Catholic Immigration and the wider Catholic Church. It was in 1949 when the Federal Catholic Immigration Committee (FCIC) was established by the Australian Bishops’ Conference to respond to the needs arising from the great influx of Catholic migrants into the country. At the request of the Vatican authorities, Catholic Immigration was established in Brisbane in about the same year (similar offices were established in other States) to assist with the pastoral care ministry to migrants and refugees (the displaced people at that time) and to meet the needs of the post-war movement of people.
After 45 years, in June of 1994, the Archdiocese of Brisbane separated the Catholic Immigration Office (which was part of the Pontifical Mission Societies) from the Catholic Mission Office and assumed full financial responsibility for the new Centre for Multicultural Pastoral Care (known as CMPC). The objectives of the new Centre were to widen the scope of the activities previously undertaken, to be more inclusive of migrants and refugees in the Archdiocese and to ensure their full participation in the life of the local Church.
On a national level, FCIC and the Australian Catholic Refugee Office (ACRO) ceased operations in 1995. Canberra-based Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) continued both offices’ vital functions and to this day coordinates the Catholic migrant and refugee offices in each Australian State. The Directors of these Offices meet twice annually to discuss major issues. The Meeting produces resolutions and recommendations that are presented to the Bishops’ Commission for Pastoral Life at the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
The Centre for Multicultural Pastoral Care (CMPC), as an agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, exists to respond to the needs of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, overseas students and tourists regardless of their race, creed or nationality.
Because CMPC believes that all have the right to live in peace and harmony, it promotes interaction and understanding of a culturally diverse nation among all people.
CMPC’s mission involves challenging the church and society to be true to its cultural diversity. It also demands that we be challenged by society.
Based on Christian principles, CMPC’s mission seeks to promote the sacredness and dignity of each person and that all people be treated justly.
The Centre for Multicultural Pastoral Care Logo shows an artistic interpretation of the flight into Egypt of Jesus, Mary and Joseph as it is mentioned in the Gospel according to Matthew: "…so Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, left that night for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod was dead." (Mt7:14-15).
Pius XII’s Exsul Familia, on the spiritual care of displaced migrants (Family in Exile - August 1, 1952) takes inspiration from the same account. The Pontiff indicates the Family of Nazareth as a model and consolation of the refugees (EF 1). Model, example and consolation of migrants in all times who, as a result of fear from persecution or urged by necessity, are forced to leave their motherland and seek refuge in foreign countries.
Family is indeed one of the greatest themes of the Social Documents of the Church and it is also an ever-present concern in the pastoral care of people on the move.
The teachings of Christ about unity in diversity, coming together in love and charity are the key values and principles of the Christian faith that support the goals of interfaith dialogue.
Difficulties encountered during our interfaith dialogue initiatives/activities
Interestingly enough, the CMPC has not encountered major barriers in their interfaith dialogue initiatives and activities. The surprising factor is that all the faiths come together to dialogue and meet with one another here in Brisbane
Helping factors in facilitating the success of these interfaith dialogue activities
Places like the Multi-Faith Centre, which can draw together the different faiths through dialogue and seminars, have been key helping factors in facilitating the success of CMPC interfaith dialogue activities.
Future plans or proposals for promoting interfaith dialogue.
The CMPC plans to work alongside and support the Multifaith Centre in its role and mission for interfaith dialogue and to continue to dialogue and respect each other and each other’s faith
CMPC believes that interfaith dialogue has a very bright future through the many organisations and places which are actively engaged in dialogue in Queensland.
Activities
CMPC works jointly with the Multi-Faith Centre at Griffith University. For example, youth visits to CMPC, Refugee Week celebrations each year, CMPC co-sponsors Interfaith panels, etc.
NEWSLETTER
http://www.multiculturalcare.org.au/newsletter