Many have been the tributes, reflections and expressions of gratitude for the life of our late Queen Elizabeth II. All have reflected a deep sense of gratitude for a life of tireless service, well-lived. One of the most touching, to me, were those which commented on her role as a mother. Mother to her family; to a nation; to a Commonwealth; mother to so many in a myriad of ways.
Christians have always gathered together to give praise to God on Sunday, the day of the Lord’s resurrection. In this they carry out Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “Do this in memory of me.” We know that Christ is always present when the faithful come together, and whenever we gather for Eucharist it is the whole Body of Christ that gathers, with Christ as head and us as his members.
During the Season of Creation, we have many opportunities to reflect on our call to care for creation.
In his message this month, Archbishop Patrick O'Regan shares two experiences from his recent trip to Darwin to celebrate the 60th anniversary of St Mary's Star of the Sea Cathedral.
Opinion
The recent spate of tragedies involving vulnerable young children who have suffered serious injuries and, in two cases, death from alleged neglect, has sent shockwaves through the community.
Opinion
The postures of participants in the assembly at Mass can feel routine for those who attend regularly: stand for the Alleluia and proclamation of the Gospel, sit for the homily and stand for the Creed, etc. On the other hand, if you’ve ever been to a Catholic wedding or funeral, you have most likely witnessed family and friends who are less familiar with the actions and responses, gathering uncomfortably in the pews, looking around the room for prompts from the regulars.
Opinion
One of two motions relating to the Sacrament of Penance passed by the Plenary Council in Sydney recommended that: ‘The Bishops Committee for Liturgy institute a sustained program of catechesis of the Sacrament of Penance to promote an understanding of the conditions for, and appropriate practice of, each of the three forms of the Rite of Penance’.
As a member of the Plenary Council communications team, I was privileged to witness first-hand the proceedings of the final assembly in Sydney last month.
‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’
Celebrating the big moments and seemingly little moments in life are so important for our wellbeing and our life together.
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