There is a line in John’s gospel, when Jesus says to his disciples, “I am telling you the truth: it is for your own good that I am going, because unless I go, the Paraclete will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” (Jn 16.7). As a parent,…
A week ago, the Vicar-General of the Newcastle Diocese wrote to all the parishes to help navigate the easing of restrictions and to communicate certain decisions for our diocese. The letter can be read on the Diocese’s website. It is important to note that the suspension of public Masses is still in effect: Believing it…
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect Australians’ lives, including their worship, the Catholic bishops will entrust the country to the care of Mary Help of Christians on her feast day next week … Mary Help of Christians has been the official patroness of Australia since 1844. Her feast day is celebrated on May 24,…
This year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be from 24 -31 May. The theme “They showed us unusual kindness” (Act 28:2), remembers the historic shipwreck of Paul on the island of Malta and calls us, just like the people on the Island of Malta to a greater generosity to those in need. The Week…
Since we cannot gather together as a community during Holy Week and Easter this year, the traditional ritual of bringing our Project Compassion boxes to the church to offer together is not possible. The work of Caritas continues and the donations are still so important to the work of Caritas. Click on this link to…
Everything Is Connected When the local gym closed some weeks ago, I began going for morning walks along tracks through the trees. Apart from observing the beauty of the trees and of nature in general, one of the first things I noticed was that I could hear the birds in those trees and the great…
“…Always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you all have.” – 1Pt3.15 We find ourselves at a time when the customary practices that define us are not available to us. If someone was to meet me today, would they recognise me as a follower of Jesus?…
Following the announcement of the state government that restrictions will be eased in three stages, people have begun to ask about when the church will be open and when we can resume small gatherings for team meetings, prayer and liturgies. I wanted to convey to all of you that I am continuing to work with…
Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled Although we are in the Easter period and moving towards the great feast of Pentecost, sometimes we go “backwards” in the Gospel readings before Christ’s death and Resurrection. Last week we had the beautiful imagery of Christ as the Good Shepherd, this week we explore through John‘s gospel…
“We will hand over this duty to them…” – Acts 6.3 Today’s first reading begins with some members of the community complaining to the leaders that there were people going without food during the daily distributions. Rather than deal with the issue directly, the apostles take the opportunity to raise up leaders within that particular…