May 08, 2018
A number of people from our Diocese travelled to Sydney to attend the Catholic Ministries Network Conference, Forming Missionary Disciples held last Tuesday (1 May). The purpose of the day was to explore this topic with others who are engaged in ministry. The keynote address was given by Fr Paul Roberts of the Diocese of Parramatta. His focus was on renewing our baptismal call and enabling our gifts in parish and school life.
May 01, 2018
What a lovely reading for us to contemplate on the weekend as we heard from the Gospel of John (15:1-8), the parable of the vinedresser and the careful cutting back, trimming and pruning of the vine in order for it to produce a rich yield. This should mean a great deal to us who live in the Hunter, surrounded by a great expanse of vines. The vinedresser just removes the bare minimum, with great care, in order to make the vine healthy and able to produce a rich harvest.
April 24, 2018
I am conscious that many of you will be reading this message on Anzac Day and, of course, in 2018 we remember that it is 100 years since World War I ended. I have no doubt that the theme for this week’s Sunday readings – The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep – resonates with each of us when we remember those who laid down their lives to protect the place they call home, and that world peace was attainable.
April 17, 2018
I imagine that many of you have a sense that when we gather for Mass we can become overwhelmed by the number of words that are spoken and sung in our liturgy. Most of it can wash over us as our minds wander and our bodies grow restless. And so there are times when I find myself hearing words for the first time, possibly because I have been mentally constructing this message to you over many days.
April 10, 2018
I am struggling with what aspect of the past week, the Octave of Easter, to focus on for this week’s message. There are just so many key messages, even from the Second Sunday of Easter readings.
April 03, 2018
The stone which the builders rejected,
becomes the cornerstone chosen.
Praise the work of God for this marvel in our eyes.
