Local response to Pope Francis’ environmental call
An event to be held in Newcastle on 17-20 May is effectively part of a response to the call of Pope Francis in his encyclical letter Laudato Si’ (2015) for ‘care for our common home’. Pope Francis wrote, “Young people demand change. They wonder how anyone can claim to be building a better future without thinking of the environmental crisis and the sufferings of the excluded.” (#13)
Lest we forget - Anzac Day liturgy 2018
The celebration of ANZAC Day enables all of us to remember not only the courageous actions of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) who fought in the battle of Gallipoli but also to honour those who died on the shores of Gallipoli on that fateful day - on 25 April 1915.
Christian Formation Course 2018
The Christian Formation Course is a great way for individuals to explore their faith or prepare for ministry. The 2018 course is underway, made up of eight units introducing participants to our Catholic tradition.
Bishop Bill’s Chrism Mass Homily
Hundreds of the Catholic faithful from throughout the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle gathered at the Sacred Heart Cathedral last week to celebrate the Chrism Mass - one of the most important annual events of the Catholic calendar.
Bishop Bill Wright: Easter Message 2018
In the past, I have sometimes at Easter written as a Christian to Christians, sometimes to the broader community. On the latter occasions, I’ve tried to find meanings in the Easter celebration for those who don’t believe in Christ, such as the value in coming together as families, celebrating hopefulness in a generalised sort of way or even just taking the opportunity for refreshment that a few days off can afford us. This year, looking around at our nation, I feel I have to try to speak to the community about what the Christians are on about at Easter, what it means to us.
Interfaith Forum: Our Faiths and Prayers
The Interfaith Forum series of events is an initiative of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Ecumenical and Interfaith Council.
Become the pleasing fragrance of Christ
Even before you entered the Sacred Heart Cathedral for the Chrism Mass, celebrated on Tuesday 27 March, you became more and more “the pleasing fragrance of Christ”, as the pleasing scent of the sacred oils wafted outside.
Reflecting on Mary Magdalene, first witness to the Resurrection
I was present at the Mass to acknowledge International Women’s Day on 11 March. Being in the Cathedral is something that is always a moving experience for me.