My Word
So we have a new Prime Minister, again. And once again, the change has come about through a coup in the government party room, without any reference to the Australian electorate and not because of any profound differences within the government on policy, apparently, but simply to benefit the party’s prospects of re-election.
Meeting Singer and Composer Fr Liam Lawton
Joanne Isaac introduces Irish singer-composer Fr Liam Lawton, who will perform locally in November at the launch of celebrations marking 150 years of diocesan life.
Meet the Neighbours
"Good fences make good neighbours."
That was the view of American poet Robert Frost but lately the fence between the offices of the Diocese of Maitland- Newcastle and neighbour of 26 years, Newcastle Arts Centre, has seemed smaller and less important. Perhaps in time it will come down altogether.
St Joseph’s Lochinvar is as environmental as anything
Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ challenges the world community to accept responsibility to care for the earth. Students and staff of St Joseph’s Lochinvar have accepted that challenge with gusto, spending a day focusing on all things environmental.
Educating Kids for Jobs That Don’t Exist Yet
Once children responded to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up? ” with answers such as “A teacher, doctor, firefighter, miner or astronaut”. In 2015, if children answer this question by saying ‘I don’t know’, they’re probably spot on. Chances are, their jobs haven’t been created yet.
Did Someone Say Archipaul?
Deiter F Uchtdorf wrote, “The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the soul.”
Bishop to Recognise Young People’s Contribution
Many young people in local Catholic schools have demonstrated strong commitment to their communities through their involvement in their parish or church groups or agencies.
Bishops ask tough questions about refugees and asylum seekers
St Clare’s Taree students, Adam Mayers and Sarah Locker, offer an analysis of the 2015 Social Justice Statement, “For Those Who've Come Across the Seas: Justice for refugees and asylum seekers”.
A Passion for People
The accomplishments of 18-year-old Caprice Skinner are recognised and appreciated by the community she serves tirelessly. As well as working towards her Higher School Certificate, the Year 12 student at St Mary’s Campus, All Saints College, Maitland, involves herself with the community just to “chip in” wherever she can.
A Decision I Had to Take
Helena Moseray came from Sierra Leone to visit her daughter in Newcastle in 2013. She wasn’t planning a long stay but events intervened. She shares her story.
Why Should I Enrol My Child in SRE?
Most public schools have Special Religious Education (SRE) – also known as school scripture – classes but contrary to what happened in the past, parents now have to choose whether or not to enrol their child.
What does it take to live well?
We know that 4 million Australians will experience mental illness this year alone. Many more of us will be affected as family members, friends, colleagues or school mates. No longer can we consider mental illness to be a fringe issue affecting only a few. In fact, it affects us all.
No Present like the Time
There’s a moment in The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel when hotel entrepreneur Sonny says, “No present like the time!” The misquoted cliché applies easily to a recent experience. Over some 35 days, I walked the pilgrim’s path across northern Spain. Camino is Spanish for ‘road’ but it’s come to refer to an ancient way, marked by yellow arrows, that leads from St Jean Pied de Port in France, across the Pyrenees Mountains and westward to Santiago de Compostela; ‘St James of the field of stars’.
Approaching the word of God in the New Testament
After years of study in some of the best places in the world, I have devoted much of my life to teaching, preaching, and writing about the New Testament. I am touched by the belief that the Gospels and the Letters of the New Testament communicate ‘the Word of God’ to all believers in a remarkable fashion.
What Sort of God would Choose Violence Over Peace?
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference recently combined with The Broken Bay Institute in sponsoring an eConference with the theme Religion: Catalyst for Violence or Peace: Probing the Abrahamic Traditions for Answers.
Don’t think about Purple Elephants
When she was seven years old, my daughter Elizabeth started to have trouble settling at night. She had never had problems before, so I assumed her requests for me to stay with her for “five more minutes” were simply a ploy to extend her bedtime.
Staff and Students of St Brigid’s are Buzzing!
What do the following words have in common: accommodation, plausible, catastrophic, immediate and elaborate?
Remembering Uncle Les
Mr Les Elvin, or “Uncle Les” as he was affectionately known, passed away suddenly on 16 August, aged 77.
CARE TALK: Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
CARE TALK is a monthly advice column in Aurora Magazine where a registered psychologist offers answers to common questions around mental health and counselling.
Restoration Signals a New Era
If you live in Maitland or travel through the city centre regularly, you will be aware that significant restoration work has begun on St John’s Church in Cathedral Street. St John’s was opened in 1846 and on I November, 1866, Bishop Murray took possession of St John’s as his Cathedral. The diocesan community is preparing to commemorate 150 years of faith, service and worship. Bishop Bill Wright provides a historical overview.
