In 2001 a group of lawyers in Melbourne held a series of meetings to
discuss the establishment of an association of Catholic legal professionals.
Unlike the position in New South Wales, there
had been no Association or Group for Catholic Lawyers in Melbourne since the 1950's. Approval was
obtained from the Archdiocese, and in late 2001 the "Melbourne Catholic Lawyers
Association" was formed. The Patron Saint of the Association is Saint Ives.
Essentially, we decided to create an association with a
number of aims. The first was to strengthen and develop the faith of all
involved, whether practising Catholics or 'just visiting.' Secondly, the
association would provide a forum for lawyers to meet and discuss work, ethical
and legal issues. Finally, the association would create a network of
like-minded professionals for Catholics in the legal field.
Mission Statement
We, the Melbourne Catholic Lawyers' Association, strive to serve God
through our jobs and lives as legal professionals. We strive to build
up the Church through our fidelity and witness. We strive to strengthen
our society through our professional integrity, commitment to justice,
community service and advocacy of the Gospel message. We commit
ourselves to lives of faith, hope and love in the service of God and
our neighbour.
19 May, the Feast of St Ives - Mass and breakfast - Fr Joe Caddy spoke on the topic "Faith, Prisons and Justice: The Reflections of a Prison Chaplain"
18 March - Evening talk and drinks - Peter Kavanagh MP, State MP for the Democratic Labor Party, spoke on "Campaign and Parliamentary Experiences".
2009
8 December - Christmas Mass and drinks
11 November - Seminar on the topic "Counting the Cost of Donor Conception" with the following speakers:
* Myfwanwy Walker - a young woman conceived by artificial insemination from an anonymous sperm donor. * Romana Rossi - the mother of a teenage son conceived by the same method.
Both speakers are members of TangledWebs, which opposes donor conception and campaigns for the rights of donor-conceived children to know their natural parents and extended family.
12 June - Mass and dinner - Justice Susan Crennan AC of the High Court spoke on the topic of pro bono work. Justice Crennan was introduced by Justice Paul Coghlan of the Supreme Court.
11 March - Mass and breakfast - Commissioner Gareth Grainger of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission spoke on "Why I became a Catholic".