DOCSLIB.ORG

On Reflection

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
On Reflection A Word From Our State Chaplain Dear CWL Friends, “How much I desire that the year to come will be steeped in mercy, so that we can go out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God! May the balm of mercy reach everyone, both believers and those far away, as a sign that the Kingdom of God is already present in our midst!” 1 So wrote Pope Francis in April when he formally announced the next Holy Year, the “Year of Mercy” which begins on 8 December 2015. We are invited to rediscover the mercy which is at the heart of our Christian faith, the divine mercy of God. Mercy is God’s constant response to the tragedy of sin: it is God’s medicine for what ails us. It is a constant call to conversion, to turn towards life and away from death. But during the Year of Mercy we are not only called to be mindful of God’s mercy towards ourselves: we are to learn what mercy is by being merciful like the Father. So that “mercy” doesn’t just become an empty platitude, we need to give it shape in our lives. How does doing mercy look in practice? I think we should look at what the Church calls the “Spiritual Works of Mercy”, by which we help people in their spiritual and emotional needs and the “Corporal Works of Mercy”, by which we help people in their physical and material needs. Are not these exactly the sorts of things that the people of the Catholic Women’s League should be doing?: The Corporal Works of Mercy feed the hungry give drink to the thirsty clothe the naked shelter the homeless visit the sick visit the imprisoned bury the dead The Spiritual Works of Mercy counsel the doubtful instruct the ignorant admonish sinners comfort the afflicted forgive offenses bear wrongs patiently pray for the living and the dead The Year of Mercy is a wonderful opportunity to receive mercy from the Father, and to be merciful ourselves. Mercy is how love responds to brokenness. Fr Don Richardson State Chaplain 1 Pope Francis, Misericordiae Vultus (Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Rome 11th April 2015). FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK As I pen this message the Higher School Certificate examinations have started and students from schools within NSW will enter the examination room filled with anxiety. There will be an air of anticipation. Expectation will also play its part as the hopes and dreams of so many rests on performing well in these final school exams. It is also a journey that parents and grandparents travel as words of encouragement and prayers are said for dreams to be realised. Having been through four HSC’s I can attest to the stress, and relief as one after another an exam subject is completed. The expectation then mounts as notification of results draws near, then the sigh of relief that it is all over and a new phase of life is about to open which will bring new challenges. We all have expectations, sometimes realistic and sometimes unrealistic! We can be hurt that a person has not reached our own expectations, but we are all only human and have many failings. The important thing is to believe that in trying to achieve the best outcome we have fulfilled all expectations. This can be said of all the members of Catholic Women’s League New South Wales who continue to hold on to the important elements of the organisation as change is taking place. The expectation that everything can continue as it always has may not always be possible. New directions may have to be approached. Women of CWL are not unused to change; it just gets a little harder as we get older! Needless to say we only have to look to Our Blessed Mother Mary for inspiration. Quoting from Benedict XV1 and his address on the Fourth Sunday in Advent 2012 in Saint Peter’s Square ‘the Gospel speaks of Mary’s visit to her kinswoman Elizabeth. This event is not merely a courteous gesture but portrays with great simplicity the encounter of the Old Testament with the New. Indeed two women, both of them pregnant, embody expectation and The Expected One.’ Mary is now in the state of expectation. Her life would never be the same, yet she accepted this and placed her faith and trust in God. As we as members of Catholic Women’s League discuss future directions and change we must place our trust in God to steer our course. At the October State Council Meeting Diocesan delegates will have the opportunity to share their insights into future planning. A discussion topic “Way Forward” will be presented offering some direction for the future. The National Conference held recently was a great success and I have extended congratulations to National President Carolyn Metcalfe and the National Executive on presenting a most informative and enjoyable programme of guest speakers. Once again it was an opportunity to gather and reconnect with friends and enjoy each other’s company. With the subject of domestic violence and violence against women a key discussion point, it is pleasing that further action and resources are being directed by the government to assist women escape violent circumstances. I sincerely thank the members of Lismore and Armidale dioceses for the trading table items. As always the handmade goods are snapped up! The support from all dioceses in support of the raffle is also appreciated. As the year draws to a close, we once again reflect on those who are no longer with us. We celebrate their presence in our lives and pray for their eternal rest. The Hon Pru Goward MP, NSW Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Medical Research, Assistant Minister for Health, Minister for Women, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault speaking at the National Conference. Also illness has taken its toll on many and I know prayers are offered for all who are in need. I am very appreciative of the prayers, care and concern shown to me this year. I wish you all a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year God’s Blessings Moya Potts President Catholic Women’s League Australia – New South Wales Inc ††††††††††††† ARMIDALE NEWS Five members from the Diocese attended the National Conference in Parramatta in September where our Armidale and Lismore Diocese organised the Trading Table. A wonderful array of gifts was available for sale and nearly $4000.00 was raised. The speakers at the Conference were very interesting. A great experience for those who attended. Our Annual Diocesan Conference will be held on 24-25 October and preparations are well in hand. Gunnedah branch will celebrate their 40th year of Catholic Women’s League at the Conference Mass and Dinner with Sr. Helen Baguley the dinner guest speaker. In September 50 ladies from local churches attended an Inter Church Morning tea held by Gunnedah branch. Deirdre Andren – Diocesan President Armidale CWL has continued with prayer and praise to The Lord. We have been holding exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on first Fridays continuing throughout the day concluding with Benediction. The Inter Church celebrations are continuing most successfully, with Hymn Fest this year being hosted by the Baptist Church congregation. We were very proud of the items by our Saint Mary and Joseph Cathedral Choir. A valued speaker at one of our monthly meetings was Sally Hendry who works with dementia care. Sally spoke of preventative care and how to support those affected by the condition. It is a subject we need to understand more about. Maureen Armatage and Jenny Pigram are the CWL representatives supporting CWC with the Walking With Love programme. Moyna Grant - Communications Guest speaker on dementia, Sally Hendry, and Armidale President, Robyn Judge. Tamworth Branch had three members attend the recent successful National Conference of CWLA at Parramatta. We were inspired with the liturgies and the guest speakers, and learnt a lot from our interstate members. Madeleine Hayes – Tamworth President Moyna Grant Communications Officer Armidale BATHURST BULLETIN Once again the Bathurst Diocesan Conference was held in Lithgow in March with attendees present from Parramatta, Broken Bay, Sydney and Wollongong Dioceses as well as members from Lithgow, Oberon and Bathurst. We were thrilled to welcome National President Carolyn, National Treasurer Pauline as well as State Vice President Sue Freestone. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Michael McKenna and Father Mark McGuigan in St. Patrick's Church before travelling to Fatima Hall for the Conference and AGM. Guest speakers were Professor Gavin Frost from Notre Dame University (based in Lithgow) and Sr. Virginia Burke. Many of our visitors spent Saturday night as guests of the Lithgow ladies and enjoyed a social evening meal at the local Workmen’s Club. Following the conference members from the Diocese were invited to visit Notre Dame by Professor Frost and Lithgow ladies were given a tour of the facilities available for the trainee doctors who have so far opted for country appointments at the completion of their studies. To our surprise we were treated to afternoon tea because we were such special visitors. Members of Bathurst Diocese visiting Notre Dame University Members of the Bathurst Diocesan Executive visited Oberon Branch for their April meeting which was held at Nancy Dennis's farm with the usual campfire, Aussie pies for lunch and bingo in the garage! A great day out......thank you Oberon. In May about twenty ladies converged on Bathurst for a Spiritual Day with Sr.Maureen Schiemer facilitating the day and highlighting women of the Gospels.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Catholic Charismatic Renewal Melbourne Thanking God for 50 Years of Grace
    FEBRUARY 2021 Catholic Charismatic Renewal serving the Church The newsletter of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Melbourne, Australia. www.ccr.org.au Catholic Charismatic Renewal Melbourne thanking God for 50 years of grace YE ST T E IS R R D H A C Y T R O E D V A E Y R FO 1971-2021 ACROSS MY DESK PAGE 2 • THE ENDGAME OF TRANSGENDER IDEOLOGY IS TO DISMANTLE THE FAMILY PAGE 3 • MELBOURNE’S CURRENT OF GRACE - CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL PAGES 4-6 • 50TH CELEBRATION PAGE 7 • MEMORIES OF A WORKER IN GOD’S VINEYARD PAGES 8-9 • BOOK REVIEW PAGES 10-11 • 50 YEARS OF CHARISMATIC RENEWAL PAGE 11 • A WORD... FROM MIRIAM PAGE 12 • MARK YOUR DIARIES... PAGE 13 ACROSS MY DESK By LENYCE WILLASON As Jesus was coming up out of the water, For enquiries about Catholic Charismatic Renewal, its events or prayer groups visit the: he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. CCR CENTRE 101 Holden Street Mark 1:10 NRSV North Fitzroy There is no greater need that we have as individuals than to receive VIC 3068 (Car park entry in Dean Street) the gift of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is by the Holy Spirit that we Telephone: (03) 9486 6544 are able to live as we long to live and are able to overcome the power Fax: (03) 9486 6566 of sin and guilt and fear within us. The most fundamental need of Email: [email protected] people is the gift of the Holy Spirit.
    [Show full text]
  • Centacare Catholic Family Welfare Services 2005 Club of the Year Proudly Supporting the Macarthur Community for Over 40 Years
    ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 Diocese Of Wollongong Centacare Catholic Family Welfare Services 2005 Club oF the Year Proudly supporting the Macarthur Community for over 40 years. 4625 0000 www.cathclub.com.au For the information of members and guests By saving into an Incentive Plus account with the CDF you can assist Centacare, while earning a TOP RATE OF INTEREST. For further details contact the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Wollongong 86-88 Market Street Wollongong 1800 047 703 www.cdfwollongong.org.au Contents Our Mission, Our Values, Our Services, Future Directions ......4 Director’s Report ..............................................................5 Bishop’s Report ...............................................................6 Chairman’s Report ...........................................................7 Organisational Chart .......................................................8 Leadership .....................................................................9 Fundraising Events .........................................................10 Reading the Signs of the Times ........................................11 Our Programs Family Services ...........................................................12 Counselling Marriage and Relationship Education Family Skills Training Children’s Contact Service ..........................................13 Aged Services .........................................................14 Community Aged Care Packages Community Visitors Scheme Volunteer Support Disability Services ......................................................15
    [Show full text]
  • Australians Begin ‘Ad Limina’ Visits Acknowledging
    Australians begin ‘ad limina’ visits acknowledging impact of crisis VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The president of the Australian bishops’ conference told his fellow bishops that it is “a time of humiliation” for Catholic Church leaders, but he is convinced that God is still at work. As church leaders continue to face the reality of the clerical sexual abuse crisis and attempts to cover it up, “we as bishops have to discover anew how small we are and yet how grand is the design into which we have been drawn by the call of God and his commissioning beyond our betrayals,” said Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane, conference president. After a weeklong retreat near Rome, the bishops of Australia began their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican with Mass June 24 at the tomb of St. Peter and a long meeting with Pope Francis. The 38-member group included diocesan bishops, auxiliary bishops, the head of the ordinariate for former Anglicans and a diocesan administrator. Archbishop Coleridge was the principal celebrant and homilist for the Mass in the grotto of St. Peter’s Basilica marking the formal beginning of the visit. The “ad limina” visit is a combination pilgrimage — with Masses at the basilicas of St. Peter, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls — and series of meetings with Pope Francis and with the leaders of many Vatican offices to share experiences, concerns and ideas. The visits traditionally were required of bishops every five years, but with the increased number of dioceses and bishops around the world that is no longer possible.
    [Show full text]
  • Summary of the Plenary Meeting of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Held at Mary Mackillop Place, Mount Street, North Sydney, Nsw
    SUMMARY OF THE PLENARY MEETING OF THE AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE HELD AT MARY MACKILLOP PLACE, MOUNT STREET, NORTH SYDNEY, NSW. 3 – 10 May 2012 The Mass of the Holy Spirit was concelebrated on Friday 4 May 2012 in the chapel of Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney at 7 am. The President of Conference, Archbishop Philip Wilson, was the principal celebrant and preached the homily. The President welcomed the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto who was warmly greeted. He concelebrated the opening Mass, met Bishops informally, addressed the Plenary Meeting and participated in a general discussion. Archbishop Denis Hart was elected President and Archbishop Philip Wilson was elected Vice-President. Page 1 of 7 The following elections were made to Bishops Conference commissions. (Chair of the Commission is highlighted in bold) 1.Administration and Information 7. Health and Community Services +Gerard Hanna +Don Sproxton +Michael McKenna +Terry Brady +Julian Porteous +Joseph Oudeman ofm cap +Les Tomlinson +David Walker 2.Canon Law 8. Justice, Ecology and Development +Brian Finnigan +Philip Wilson +Vincent Long ofm conv +Eugene Hurley +Philip Wilson +Greg O’Kelly sj +Chris Saunders 3. Catholic Education +Greg O’Kelly sj 9.Liturgy +Timothy Costelloe sdb +Mark Coleridge +James Foley +Peter Elliott +Gerard Holohan +Max Davis +Geoffrey Jarrett 4. Church Ministry +David Walker 10. Mission and Faith Formation +Peter Comensoli +Michael Putney +Peter Ingham +Peter Comensoli +Vincent Long ofm conv +Peter Ingham +Les Tomlinson +Julian Porteous +William Wright 11. Pastoral Life 5. Doctrine and Morals +Eugene Hurley +George Pell +Julian Bianchini +Mark Coleridge +Terry Brady +Tim Costelloe sdb +Anthony Fisher op +Anthony Fisher op +Gerard Hanna +Michael Kennedy 6.
    [Show full text]
  • Why the Delays in Appointing Australia's Bishops?
    Why the delays in appointing Australia’s Bishops? Bishops for the Australian mission From 1788, when the First Fleet sailed into Botany Bay, until 31 March 2016, seventeen popes have entrusted the pastoral care of Australia’s Catholics to 214 bishops. Until 1976 the popes had also designated Australia a ‘mission’ territory and placed it under the jurisdiction of the Sacred Congregation de Propaganda Fide which largely determined the selection of its bishops. The first five bishops never set foot on Australian soil. All English, they shepherded from afar, three from London, and two from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa where, from 1820 to 1832, they tendered their flock in distant New Holland and Van Diemen’s Land via priest delegates. The selection and appointment in 1832 of Australia’s first resident bishop, English Benedictine John Bede Polding, as Vicar Apostolic of New Holland and Van Diemen’s Land, was the result of long and delicate political and ecclesiastical negotiations between Propaganda, the British Home Secretary, the Vicars Apostolic of the London District and Cape of Good Hope, the English Benedictines, and the senior Catholic clerics in NSW. The process was repeated until English candidates were no longer available and the majority Irish Catholic laity in Australia had made it clear that they wanted Irish bishops. The first Irish bishop, Francis Murphy, was appointed by Pope Gregory XVI in 1842, and by 1900, another 30 Irish bishops had been appointed. Propaganda’s selection process was heavily influenced by Irish bishops in Ireland and Australia and the predominantly Irish senior priests in the Australian dioceses.
    [Show full text]
  • A/O 10/16/2015 V2 INTERNATIONAL LAW and RELIGION SYMPOSIUM
    a/o 10/16/2015 v2 INTERNATIONAL LAW AND RELIGION SYMPOSIUM International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University PAST PARTICIPANTS with Symposium Year Afghanistan H. Mohammaddin (Fahim), Director of Herat Education, City of Herat (2005) Mohammad Rafiq Mojaddadi, Mayor of the City of Herat (2005) Khalilullah Tawakol, Head of the Department of Health, City of Herat (2005) Albania Behar Bejko, Head, State Committee on Cults, Council of Ministers (2000) Rasim Hasanaj, Chairman, State Committee on Cults, Council of Ministers (2009) Brikena Kasmi, Head, Legal Drafting Sector, General Department of Codification, Ministry of Justice (2009) Arian Konomi, First Counselor to the President of Albania (2002) Artan Kosti, Member, State Committee on Religion (2004) Ana Lalaj, Director, Institute of History, Academy of Sciences (2005) Halil Lalaj, Chairman, National Committee of Television and Radio Regulatory (2005) Krenar Loloçi, Attorney, Loloçi and Associates (2004) Urim Muja, Economist, Financial Department of the Democratic Republic of Albania (2002) Perikli Zaharia, Justice, Supreme Court of Albania (2006) Angola Virgilio Coelho, Vice Minister, Ministry of Culture (2003) Xavier Paulo, Assessor, Ministry of Culture (2003) Francisco Lisboa Santos, Senior Director General, Ministry of Culture (2003) Argentina Gabriel Iván Álvarez, Director of Relations with Religions and NGOs, Ministry of the Government of San Juan (2014) Roberto Bosca, Professor, University of Austral (2004) Ariel David Busso, Father, Director of IDEC, Catholic
    [Show full text]
  • NEWSLETTER MMXX 2Nd QUARTER the EQUESTRIAN ORDER of the HOLY SEPULCHRE of JERUSALEM Lieutenancy of Victoria
    NEWSLETTER MMXX 2nd QUARTER THE EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM Lieutenancy of Victoria This Issue ….. Grand Master’s Corner Grand Master’s Corner ……………….................... 1 The Lieutenant’s Corner ………………………..… 2 A proposal to all members of Calendar 2020 ………………………………………… 3 the Order of the Holy Sepulchre Our Lady Queen of Palestine …...……………..... 3 Bishop appointed to Wagga Wagga …………. 4 The Jerusalem Cross Publications ……………. 4 My warm greetings to all members of Covid-19 Appeal …………………………………...… 5 3rd Pilgrimage to Lourdes ……………………... 10 the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sep- New Bishop of Sale ………………………………... 11 ulchre of Jerusalem. Julien O’Connell has been awarded OA …… 11 Prayers From Emeritus Bishop ……………… 12 The EOHSJ Newsletter “Jerusalem Cross” .. 14 Upon my arrival at the Order as Grand Remembering our deceased members …… 15 Master, I wanted to reflect on how I On Facebook ……………………………………...…. 15 can be present not only at central Featured website - Sacred Places …………... 15 Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands 2020 ………... 15 offices and occasionally at Investitures, Information Brochure for New Members ...15 but also relate more closely to you, the Members of our Pontifical Institution. Some Internet Links ……………………………… 16 Ours is a "large parish" and, as in all large families, sometimes distance and num- EOHSJ Victorian Council ………………………... 16 bers can make relations less personal. I would like to create initiatives through Magazines and Newsletters …………………… 16 St Joseph’s intercession: Francis ……………. 16 our existing means of communications to enter into dialogue by listening to your Lieutenants of Australia ……………………….. 17 questions and offering food for thought. Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Report ….. 17 NOTE: to jump to the appropriate page listed From next month, a new section will be added to our website www.oessh.va and in the index, press Control key (Ctrl) and then our Newsletter: Grand Master’s Corner.
    [Show full text]
  • Finding Compassion Through the Lens of Mercy Archbishop Mark
    Finding compassion through the lens of Mercy Archbishop Mark Coleridge, speaking at Australia’s largest Catholic eConference this week, said the time of Christendom is over, and the Catholic Church must recognise its real credential is in Mercy. Calling for Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year of Mercy to be enacted as a verb, Archbishop Coleridge said the Pope’s vision gives birth to action within the Church and across the global community. “When I speak about the covenant of God, it is a community of Mercy in a merciless world. Find the hungry one, the thirsty one, the naked one, the sick one, the one who is infinitely strange and the one who is seemingly imprisoned by the power of death. Look at the Crucified and understand what you see,” Archbishop Coleridge said. Captivating the eConference audience for over 4 hours, Archbishop Coleridge, along with renowned Catholic scholar, Sr Veronica Lawson and, President of the Refugee Council of Australia, Mr Phil Glendenning spoke compellingly about the plight of the 65 million people displaced around the world. “One of our blessings in this country is that our recent generations don’t understand war, what it’s like, what it smells like and what it does to your soul. People coming from war-torn countries tend to be invisible to the rest of the world. “Compassion for people is our greatest civilising strength, and the vision we see from Pope Francis is quite rare in this world. His leadership requires a response,” Mr Glendenning said. CEO of BBI – The Australian Institute of Theological Education, Dr Gerard Goldman said broadcasting a free annual eConference is a means to explore the rich dialogue of humanity amongst scholars, clergy and believers of all faiths on a global stage.
    [Show full text]
  • Delegates of the Fifth Plenary Council for the Church in Australia Adelaide 2020 | Sydney 2021
    Delegates of the fifth Plenary Council for the Church in Australia Adelaide 2020 | Sydney 2021 Adelaide . Most Rev Patrick O’Regan, Archbishop-elect . Fr Philip Marshall, Vicar General . Miss Madeline Forde . Ms Monica Conway . Mr Ian Cameron . Mr Julian Nguyen Armidale . Most Rev Michael Kennedy, Bishop . Monsignor Edward Wilkes, Vicar General . Mr Karl Schmude . Mrs Alison Hamilton Ballarat . Most Rev Paul Bird, Bishop . Fr Kevin Maloney, Vicar General . Ms Felicity Knobel . Mrs Marie Shaddock Bathurst . Most Rev Michael McKenna, Bishop . Fr Paul Devitt, Vicar General . Miss Hayley Farrugia . Mr Matthew Brown . Fr Gregory Kennedy, Vicar for Clergy Brisbane . Most Rev Mark Coleridge, Archbishop . Most Rev Kenneth Howell, Auxiliary Bishop . Monsignor Peter Meneely, Vicar General . Ms Toni Janke . Mr Thomas Warren . Dr Meave Heaney . Ms Patricia Kennedy . Fr Adrian Kennedy, Vicar North Country Deanery . Fr Adrian Boyle, Judicial Vicar . Fr Daniel Ryan, Vicar for Clergy . Fr John Grace, Seminary Rector, Holy Spirit melbourne Broken Bay . Most Rev Anthony Randazzo, Bishop . Fr David Ranson, Vicar General . Mrs Alison Newell . Mr Dharmaraj Rajasigam Broome . Fr Paul Boyers, Vicar General . Mr Aidan Mitchell . Ms Erica Bernard Bunbury . Most Rev Gerard Holohan, Bishop . Fr Tony Chiera, Vicar General . Dr Deborah Robertson . Mrs Maria Parkinson Cairns . Most Reverend James Foley, Bishop . Fr Francis Gordon, Vicar General . Mrs Anna Montgomery . Mrs Tanya Gleeson Rodney . Fr Kerry Crowley, Vicar for Southern Deanery and Clergy . Fr Neil Muir, Vicar for Finance, Education and Centacare Canberra-Goulburn . Most Rev Christopher Prowse, Archbishop . Fr Anthony Percy, Vicar General . Monsignor John Woods, Vicar for Education . Miss Brigid Cooney . Prof. John Warhurst Chaldean .
    [Show full text]
  • The Future of the Church in Australia the Future of the Church in Australia Report Is Produced By
    The Future of the Church in Australia The Future of the Church in Australia report is produced by: McCrindle Research Pty Ltd Suite 105, 29 Solent Circuit Norwest NSW 2153 AUSTRALIA mccrindle.com.au [email protected] +61 2 8824 3422 Authors: Mark McCrindle, Shannon Wherrett Data visualisation and design: Hendrik Zuidersma, Ben Duffin Title: The Future of the Church in Australia Publisher: McCrindle Research — mccrindle.com.au URL: cityinfield.com ISBN: 978-0-6486695-8-6 © McCrindle Research Pty Ltd 2020 This report was commissioned to help Christian leaders to understand and respond to the changing social and religious landscape in Australia. This publication is copyright. Fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review is permitted under the Copyright Act. In addition the Publisher grants permission to use images and content from this publication, up to 10%, for commercial and non-commercial purposes provided proper attribution is given such as ‘The Future of the Church in Australia’ By Mark McCrindle and Shannon Wherrett used by permission McCrindle Research. 02 The Future of the Church in Australia Contents Introduction 04 Christian leaders interviewed 06 Executive summary 08 01 Cultural relevance 12 02 The future of the church 18 03 Digital opportunities 26 04 Going and growing 32 05 Leadership pipeline 38 Recommendations for leaders 42 A final word 48 The Future of the Church in Australia 03 Introduction Australia has a rich history of faith and spirituality. Although the history of the Christian church in Australia began in 1788 with the arrival of the first fleet, God was already present in Australia as the creator and sustainer of the universe1.
    [Show full text]
  • “Communicating Hope and Trust”
    “COMMUNICATING HOPE AND TRUST” The Australian Catholic Communications Congress, organised every three years by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) was held recently at the Rydges Hotel in Brisbane. The theme of the Congress this year was “Communicating Hope and Trust”, inspired by Pope Francis’s message for World Communications Day 2017. It acknowledges that both hope and trust are in short supply today, including – or especially – when it comes to media and communications. The Congress examined how those working in the Catholic Church can do their best to restore some hope and trust in the world. For the first time, the Australian Catholic Communications Congress was held in partnership with the Australasian Catholic Press Association Conference, which attracts leading journalists, editors and communications experts from across Australia and New Zealand. The Congress was opened by Archbishop Peter Comensoli, Bishops’ Delegate for Media and he spoke on the theme of communicating hope and truth and that those in Catholic media are communicators. We are communicators of faith, which involves both listening and action. ‘The Power of Story -- Storytelling in Catholic and Indigenous Culture’ was the topic that Theresa Ardler, Indigenous Educator, Gweagal Aboriginal woman spoke on as first keynote speaker. Theresa intertwined both the indigenous and Catholic stories of creation and reminded us to keep telling our stories and to share these with the next generation. A keynote address by Greg Erlandson, a former Vatican journalist and current Editor-in-Chief of the US-based Catholic News Service was straight to the point in highlighting the bewilderment of the sexual abuse crisis in America.
    [Show full text]
  • Media Release
    Media Release MOST REV. ANTHONY RANDAZZO APPOINTED AS FOURTH BISHOP OF BROKEN BAY EMBARGOED UNTIL MONDAY 7 OCTOBER 2019 AT 9.00PM AEDT. Pope Francis has appointed Most Rev. Anthony Randazzo as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Broken Bay. 53-year-old Bishop Anthony has been an Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Sydney since 2016. He succeeds the Most Rev. Peter Comensoli who was appointed Archbishop of Melbourne in 2018. Bishop Anthony brings a great breadth of experience into his new ministry, having served in leadership roles, both in Australia and internationally. He is a Canon Lawyer and was Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary in Queensland from 2009-2015 and worked in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome from 2004-2009. As Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney, Bishop Anthony has served as Episcopal Vicar for Formation, with a strong focus on the formation of seminarians, young clergy and the ongoing formation of priests. He has also been Chair of the Board of Sydney Catholic Schools and a member for the Bishops’ Commission for the Plenary Council. Administrator of the Diocese of Broken Bay, Fr David Ranson, who has led the Diocese over the past 15 months, said the Diocese was thrilled to be welcoming Bishop Anthony. “We have enormous delight at this news and express our joyful gratitude to the Holy Father for enabling this appointment. There is a great sense of anticipation about the future with Bishop Anthony as our new shepherd,” Fr David said. “Bishop Anthony is simply a wonderful choice.
    [Show full text]