The Catholic Weekly 29 August 2021

catholicweekly.com.au 2 NEWS 29, August, 2021 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “We know that this is a popu- lation that’s extremely vulner- able and that if COVID does get to those sleeping rough, or populations in boarding houses or temporary accom- modation, then it’s going to be extremely difficult to con- tain. “Many people experienc- ing homelessness often have difficulties accessing main- stream healthcare services for a number of reasons. “The vaccination program relies on people having free access to the internet so that they can make bookings, ac- cess to mobile phones, having access to Medicare and those sorts of things. “So what we’ve done with this hub, is we’ve made it ex- tremely simple for people who may not have that free access to technology.” Robert Norford, who has been homeless long term, was one of the first to come for- ward and get the jab because he had become “even more isolated fromhis family due to the pandemic”. “Getting vaccinated is like I won the Lotto, I really just wanted to get the vaccines and get on with my life and let my family not stress out as much,” he said. “Now I have more chance of seeing my elderly mum and other members of my family that I have not been able to see for a long time.” St Vincent’s Hospital spokesman David Faktor said the outreach programwas fol- lowing in the footsteps of its founders and offering equita- ble access to vaccinations. “When Mary Aikenhead founded the Sisters of Charity in 1815, they became one of the first non-cloistered con- gregations, with a mission to go out on the streets to help Dublin’s poor and vulnerable,” Vaccines aid those on the margins he said. “It is a testament to the strength of our mission and values that over two hundred years later, St Vincent’s is so faithfully serving Mary Aiken- head’s vision to go out to those in need in the community during this pandemic, to help ensure that our vulnerable are vaccinated as a priority.” Incident Response and Disaster Manager Danielle Austin carrys on the charism of the Sisters of Chari- ty by offering equitable access to vaccinations for the vulnerable. PHOTOS: KATE GERAGHTY I n this edition Our story begins in 1839 with the Australasian Chronicle, continuing with the Freeman’s Journal in 1850. Level 13, Polding Centre, 133 Liverpool Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. Phone (02) 9390 5400 | Vol 73, No 5199. The Catholic Weekly is published by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney ABN 60 471 267 587 and is printed by ACM Australian Community Media, 159 Bells Line of Road, North Richmond NSW, 2754. News Movies, books Archbishop’s homily Editorial & Letters 1-11 8-9 21 25 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Kenny (02) 9390 5348 EDITOR Peter Rosengren (02) 9390 5400 REPORTERS Marilyn Rodrigues (02) 9390 5410 Debbie Cramsie (02) 9390 5396 SUBSCRIPTIONS Rita Ng (02) 9390 5411 ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Steve Richards (02) 9390 5404 Katie Clarke (02) 9390 5402 DESIGNERS Renate Cassis Mathew De Sousa Faith in the trajectory of life catch it now at: thiscatholiclife.com.au LEAVE A GIFT Archdiocese of Sydney Catholic CHARITIES Order your FREE Wills and Bequests Guide today 1800 753 959 or [email protected] myWill SUPPORTINGTHE MINISTRIES O F THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY Leaving a gift in a Be met on arrival at Melbourne Airport or Southern Cross Station. Personal and caring service. Pre-bookings preferred. Baby seat available. English-speaking driver greets you on arrival. » Meet and greet service » Female-friendly and safe BOOKINGS 1300 139 740 or email [email protected] MELBOURNE? Coming to Your safety is our No.1 priority! PERSONALIZED CABS Find the career you deserve SEE OUR LATEST JOBS Call Katie (02) 9390 5402 catholicjobsonline.com. au Now I have more chance of seeing my el- derly mum and other members of my family ...” Robert Norford