Dear friends,
As the new Registrar* of Cardijn Community Australia, my priority in 2026 is to rebuild our membership and renew our mission.
We live in troubled times—characterised by uncertainty in the international order, the accelerating impact of climate change, and declining participation in volunteerism and church life across Australia. These conditions are not barriers; they are precisely the terrain for the Cardijn approach.
Joseph Cardijn reminds us of our baptismal call: lay people are called to become apostles who transform the milieu they inhabit. This is not optional—it is the heart of Christian life, lived through the See–Judge–Act method, where we discern reality in the light of the Gospel and act for justice and love. This spirit sits naturally within a Gospel‑centred synodal Church, where clergy and laity walk together, every baptised person has a voice and role, and care for our common home—Laudato Si’—is integral to the Christian vocation.
Our Focus for 2026
Responding to social challenges such as loneliness and isolation, particularly among young people, will be a priority. We will create spaces where their stories matter and their voices shape action. We will also address the underpayment and exploitation of young workers, advocating for dignity and justice in work.
Renewing Church life is essential. The changing social profile of Australian Catholics, characterised by declining affiliation and increasing diversity, necessitates inclusive approaches. Catholic schools must fulfil their mission to form young people in faith and justice. Parishes will be supported to engage actively in mission using the See–Judge–Act approach.
Building synodality and care for creation will remain central to our mission. We will promote Gospel-centred Synodality through lay–clergy collaboration and advance Laudato Si’ initiatives for environmental stewardship.
Acting Locally, Nationally, Regionally and Internationally
Local issues are deeply connected to regional and global realities. In 2026, Cardijn Community Australia will act at all three levels:
- Locally: Supporting parishes, schools, and diocesan initiatives through study circles and social enquiries in partnership with interested stakeholders.
- Nationally: Working closely with the Australian Cardijn Institute (ACI), Australian Young Christian Workers (AYCW), and Australian Young Christian Students (AYCS) movements.
- Regionally and Internationally: Strengthening ties with the Laudato Si’ Movement, and other Cardijn-inspired movements, in particular: Pax Romana – ICMICA (International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs), IMCS–MIEC (International Movement of Catholic Students), JECI-IYCS (International Young Catholic Students), CIJOC-ICYCW (International Coordination of Young Christian Workers), and JOCI-IYCW (International Young Christian Workers) to share resources and collaborate on common interests and actions.
Join Us – Be Part of the Mission
We cannot do this alone.
Cardijn Community Australia needs you—your voice, your experience, your passion for faith and justice. If you believe in walking with young people, renewing parish life, and building a synodal Church, we invite you to join CCA. Together, we can see, judge, and act to transform our world.
Sign up today via our website or connect with us on our Facebook group.
Come, Lord Jesus!
*NOTE: In 2022, Cardijn Community Australia suspended its constitution and adopted an interim governance model with a Registrar to maintain essential operations. Mark Ager served as Registrar from 2022 until the end of 2025. At the close of 2025, Greg Lopez was elected as Registrar. Since 2022, CCA has operated without a formal committee, and governance has been handled by the Registrar. Our hope is to restore a full committee by the end of 2026.