‘You are part of Australia and Australia is part of you. And the Church herself in Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be until you have made your contribution to her life and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others.’ These words, spoken by Pope John Paul II, now a saint, on November 29 1986 in Alice Springs, form part of a longer address he gave that day to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders in Blatherskite Park. Even though he did so 37 years ago, they are well worth reading and meditating by every Australian Catholic, particularly in the lead up to the referendum on October 14.
The Diocesan Pastoral Council has met five times so far this year. At our first gathering in February we committed to understanding more about synodality and practicing synodality, in the way we conduct our meetings, make decisions, and engage with others in the diocese. We take seriously our role in promoting a synodal Church both locally and globally.
The Archdiocesan Pastoral Services Team recently hosted a retreat at the Henley Beach parish hall for liturgical musicians. An invitation to take time in prayer, reflection, and renewal in the company of other musicians.
It’s no surprise that the meteoric rise in AI (Artificial Intelligence) has been a hot topic of conversation among teachers and education in general across 2023, let alone in most industries.
People
It’s not my intention to write a eulogy about Chinchin Tano’s life after he passed away on June 13 at the age of 10.
Opinion
BOOK REVIEW - Reluctant Prophet: Tributes to Albert Nolan OP
Readers have their say regarding the Voice to Parliament referendum.
The Gospel from Matthew Chapter 15 for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary time Year ‘A’, which we proclaimed recently, featured the Canaanite woman ‘taking Jesus on’. Of the many elements in this Gospel, one that struck me this year was that of perseverance and persistence.
Lisa Buxton is executive officer of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Sydney. This is an edited version of her address at the launch of the 2023 Social Justice Statement.
I am going to throw my two cents worth into the discussion on the housing shortage and rental crisis in Australia. It’s a topic that was top of the agenda at the recent National Cabinet meeting in Brisbane, despite talk of a public holiday if the Matilda’s won the World Cup attracting much of the media attention in the lead up.
Throughout the liturgical year we celebrate many feast days in honour of Mary, days that acknowledge important events in the life of Mary and Jesus, and in the early days of the Church.
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