A full heart
As Alex, Brendan and their three children wait for the photographer to set up on Redhead Beach, it was hard to miss the chorus of “look, it’s Mrs Walsh” from nearby youngsters enjoying an afternoon swim.
A celebratory service
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle made history when it celebrated its first-ever LGBTIQ Mass, on 4 March 2022.
The Mass is part of the Diocese’s response to the call of the Diocesan Synod and of the National Plenary Council. During the discernment process, it became clear that many Hunter Catholics wanted the Church to be more openly inclusive of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) community.
Organised by the Diocese’s LGBTIQ Catholic Forum established in 2020 with the encouragement of the late Bishop Bill Wright, the LGBTIQ Mass was the same as a regular Mass but with prayers and scriptures addressing the needs of LGBTIQ people and their families.
The Forum’s secretary, Lawrie Hallinan, said the LGBTIQ Mass is an opportunity to celebrate that LGBTIQ people are created in God’s image and are welcome in the Catholic Church.
Diocesan Administrator, Fr Greg Barker, led the Mass held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Tighes Hill. In his Homily, Fr Greg referenced Pope Francis’ recent message to Catholic families, which encouraged parents who “see different sexual orientations in their children” to accompany, not condemn their children.
Greg Byrne forms part of the Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Forster-Tuncurry and drove two hours to attend the service, which was of significance to his family.
“I am pleased to see the Catholic Church welcoming homosexual people into the worshiping community,” said Greg, who is also a member of PFLAG, the first and largest organisation for LGBTIQ+ and their parents, families and allies. “These people have felt very unwelcome in past years.”
In the lead up to the Mass, James Turner, a parishioner in the Diocese of Maitland- Newcastle now in his seventies, said he wished there had been a LGBTIQ Mass when he was a young man.
“It would have saved me years of fear and self loathing if my Church had clearly said, “God made you as you are, God loves you and we see you as a valued member of God’s Church”
Serving up new opportunities
Navigating the job market can be a murky business. This is particularly true if your qualifications are not recognised in your new homeland, English is your second language, and you don’t hold a NSW driver’s licence. However, CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning’s new cleaning service, in partnership with its Refugee Hub, aims to change that.
Financial boost set to assist refugee students
Access to a good education is an important factor in the success of the resettlement of young refugees arriving in Australia. However, many of these young people are subject to educational disadvantage, due to the poverty and distress they suffer.
Help from within
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School Principal, Cheryl Henderson, has seen it all during her 50 years of teaching.
Our Volunteers
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle deeply values the significant contribution volunteers make to our various committees, schools, parishes and social services. Through their good deeds our volunteers enrich the quality of life for the people we support and create a better society for everyone.
From visiting fellow parishioners in their time of need, to providing informed advice on topics that matter; our volunteers’ efforts are always appreciated. From reading books to students, to teaching English to new migrants; their time is of such value. From cooking meals for the vulnerable, to providing a shoulder to cry on; their care inspires hope.
In the lead up to National Volunteers Week, 16-22 May 2022, Aurora will be sharing stories of volunteers who are lending a hand to help others.
“Sowing goodness for the benefit of others frees us from narrow self-interest, infuses our actions with gratuitousness, and makes us part of the magnificent horizon of God’s benevolent plan,” an excerpt from Pope Francis’ 2022 Lenten message.
Spirit states its case
Satellite navigation was not the only force guiding Toronto’s new Parish Leader, Christopher Voigt, on his journey to Lake Macquarie. There was something far more powerful at play – the Holy Spirit.
Food talk: Pavlova wreath
The Taree Community Kitchen has been a place of welcome in the Manning district since it first opened its doors five years ago. In that time, thanks to generous volunteers and donors, the kitchen has served 50,000 meals.
