A Nigerian Journey
On the night following the ordinations, at the farewell meal, Fr Chris said again that it was not possible to thank me enough for coming all this way to Africa to be with them. I assured him in reply that it was quite possible, and that he and the community had achieved that quantum of thanks several days earlier. I’d been told before leaving home that the welcome would be warm and the gratitude enormous. Never a truer word.
St Joseph’s Merriwa show strong community spirit
With many local farmers doing it tough in the current drought, the seventh annual St Joseph’s Primary School, Merriwa, Junior Campdraft and Fete provided the community with a much-needed break to enjoy some fun time with family and friends.
How much does physical health affect depression?
Q My doctor recently diagnosed with me with depression and ordered some blood tests in addition to prescribing anti-depressant medication. The doctor said the blood tests will screen for anything else which may be impacting on my mood, particularly relevant to a woman. How much does physical health effect depression? I understand eating a good diet and exercise are important, but how does it all link to mental health?
Young People, Social Media and Mental Health
Adolescence and young adulthood are critical times for the development of mental health problems. Research has found that half of all lifetime mental health disorders emerge by age 14 and three-quarters by age 24, and can lead to impaired academic achievement, unemployment, poor social functioning and substance abuse.
All of us are diminished
I don't know what will happen when I die.
I don't want to know
but I want the potter to make a whistle
from the clay of my throat
and for that whistle to fall into the hands of a naughty child.
and I want that child to blow on the whistle
with all the silent and suppressed air in his lungs
so that it might disturb the sleep of those
who are dead to my cries
Reconnecting the loose threads
Towards the end of September, hundreds of people from around Australia involved in youth ministry will gather together for the Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Convention (ACYMC).
Newcastle’s ambassador ship builds links with Papua New Guinea
“When I think back on my time onboard the s/v Ruach in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG), I cannot help to think of whose life was truly changed for the better - my own, or the people that we were reaching through medical and marine training, and different hospitality services,” says Vika Chartier, a 22-year-old volunteer with YWAM Ships Newcastle.
Sailing Solo
Andrew Brazier, a 27-year-old Catholic Sydney doctor, has just completed an incredible adventure.
Taking a leap of faith
Richard Sofatzis is 27 years old, studying at the Good Shepherd Seminary in Homebush for the Archdiocese of Sydney. As part of National Vocations Awareness Week, he shared his story at Pints With A Purpose.
God will bring it to fulfilment
Solomon Omeiza is 27 years old, a seminarian at the Good Shepherd Seminary in Homebush for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. As part of National Vocations Awareness Week, he shared his story at Pints With A Purpose.
Kesheni Kenya Immersion Program 2018
The 2018 Kesheni Kenya Immersion program saw staff from the Catholic Schools Office head off on a two-week trip to Nairobi in Kenya.
School funding explained in four easy steps (no, really)
It can be hard to follow the school funding debate because the topic seems so confusing.
Can Pope Francis make the Church relevant again?
Ecclesial relevance must not be confused with ‘trendiness’ – Professor Richard Gaillardetz reminded participants at his recent seminar on ‘Can Pope Francis make the Church relevant again?’
The Future of Faith
It is a brave person who is prepared to present on the topic of The Future of Faith – Challenges and Possibilities in Maitland-Newcastle at a time when many of us have lost faith.
Review: Be Still Awhile Along the Track
Just glancing at the contents pages of Jim Quillinan’s Be Still Awhile Along the Track is enticing. Dip into “A lesson from ants”, “The angels in our lives”, “Time for tomatoes” and “Running on empty?”
