A synodal church?
Some readers will be aware of Pope Francis’ ongoing remarks on the desirability of ‘synodality’ in the church or, indeed, of a ‘synodal’ church. To many, this is unfamiliar language, although quite strong memories persist of the diocesan synod held in 1992-93.
Love Child: It isn't like that anymore
Jackelyn Bassett spoke to Chloe Allsopp, CatholicCare’s psychologist working in the field of open adoption.
Q What is your role in supporting the open adoption process?
A I provide information and counselling to anyone affected by adoption, past or present. This can relate to mandatory adoption counselling for parents considering adopting their newborn, counselling for those who were adopted or who have adopted, and providing information or services to assist with contacting birth parents.
Educating in the Dominican way: preach it we must!
We live in a society in which truth is under threat from ‘alternative facts’ in the ‘post truth world’.
However, if you were to visit the diocesan schools embodying the Dominican tradition and celebrating significant anniversaries this year, I believe your faith in the possibility of truth would be restored.
Diocese launches new Development and Relief Agency
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is pleased to announce the new Development and Relief Agency (DARA).
Jennifer, what do you want to be when you grow up?
Eccleston’s Jennifer Rumbel shares a story of encouragement, enlightenment and excitement!
Be part of something bigger
As registrations for 2017 open, Stephanie Trunk shares her experience at the 2015 Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in Adelaide, accompanying students from St Catherine’s College, Singleton.
Building the visual identity of St Bede’s
How does the spirit of an 8th century English monk provide meaning to the community of a contemporary Australian Catholic school?
Notes on thought-full parenting
This is the story of how I went from being a determined young woman, focused on career, to being a devoted mother and writer. It tracks fifteen years of my journey from London to Melbourne to Hobart.
Now is the winter of our grief
On Christmas Eve, 1987, an event occurred that would change my life and my husband's life forever.
“Go and do something”: what ‘the Salvos’ believe and practise
“Go and do something!” This was the response of William Booth, co-founder with his wife, Catherine, of The Salvation Army to his eldest son, Bramwell, upon learning that men were sleeping out on the bridges of London. Bramwell duly went and did something:
“A wondrous portal”: the joy of reading
Great literature − “the best words in the best order” as Samuel Taylor Coleridge defined true poetry − has always been one of humankind’s richest resources for making sense of difficult experiences and living through painful times. With a little effort and attention, great poems, novels and drama can serve us all as “safe places” for reflection and de-stressing in the busyness of life, and as building blocks towards self-understanding and sharing of emotions.
Renewing pathways, growing hope
Towards the end of last year CatholicCare Hunter Manning took on a new project for women and children victims of Domestic Violence.
From big city to bush and beach
Margaret McMahon is a woman of countless talents, from being a solicitor in Sydney to a dedicated and award-winning cattle farmer in the Dungog district. Now she’s an accomplished author as well. From tree change to sea change − it’s all been taken in stride, with the love and support of husband Gregan and their four children.
Grief Awareness Month: Understanding born of experience
Regular contributor John Murray shares a precious family story, one that surely has parallels in many families.
