The Catholic Weekly

The
Catholic Weekly
Online

Sydney
21 November 2004

Aust group at congress

Working poor numbers on the rise: bishop

Help the needy to happy Christmas

English translation of Mass is ‘top priority’

First priest remembered as friars mark jubilee

‘Separation centre’ trials

Solo parent ministry

Strong new voice in abortion debate

Youth crusader warns on child sex trafficking

Tick for trials

Letters

Solo parent ministry

PARENTING is a daily challenge. Just ask any parent. Imagine then the demands on a single parent.

But help is at at hand for Catholics who find themselves in this parenting role.

The Solo Parent Ministry, established last year under the auspices of Centacare, is helping support the needs of single parents throughout the archdiocese of Sydney.

Its co-ordinator, Madeleine Pizzuti, a single mother of three sons, recognised the need for support groups to help separated, divorced and widowed parents come to terms with their loss and adjust to the different life of parenting on their own.

Cardinal George Pell gave his blessing to the ministry being set up in Sydney, and now, a year later, it has support groups in Mortlake and Kensington, which meet once a month to support single parents emotionally, spiritually, socially and practically. They also meet socially.

Madeline says much of her enthusiasm derives from the support and friendships she received from the Solo Parent Ministry of Parramatta diocese early in her marriage breakdown.

She has begun a Solo Parent Practical Assistance Network, which enables single parents to gain some help from volunteers within a parish with such tasks as childminding, help with children's homework, lawnmowing, shopping, etc.

For details or to offer help, call Madeleine on 9789 4474 or Annette at Centacare on 8709-9366.