Places that are built as symbols of God’s grace, where everyone is truly welcome. A place for formation, education, retreat, reflection – no matter what your background or life circumstances may be.

On 31 May 2024, the official Blessing and Opening of the Diocesan Resource Centre saw the little building at 12 Tudor Street, Newcastle West, open its metaphorical arms to the local community, inviting people to study, learn, read, relax and feel the connection of being part of the family of God.

The Diocesan Resource Centre is a community library, built on a site that holds rich history to the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. This history spans back to 1957 when the Adult Education Institute and Legion of Mary opened and operated a library, which then went on to face many iterations at differing locations over the decades.

At the heart, it has remained a space where people are welcomed and can find a sense of community, or a quiet place for quiet reflection.

The rich history and legacy that comes with this library is integral to its foundation; it is built on the shoulders of those who have come before us.

The vision for the Diocesan Resource Centre is that it is a place where people of all ages can gather, feel safe, grow spiritually, and learn through sharing and storytelling.

The diocese wants people to bring their life experience to this space, then offer a reflective lens into current sound scholarship about matters of faith, ideally enabling us to move forward in hope.

The Diocesan Resource Centre provides faith-based resources to support those in our diocese engaged in Religious Education, Worship and Prayer, Formation and Education, Mission and Outreach, Leadership and Structure, academic study and personal development.

All resources (print and electronic) are available to borrow; and are searchable on the library catalogue which can be found online.

For more information visit mn.catholic.org.au/places/library/

Follow mnnews.today on Facebook.