A life devoted to learning
Gerard Mowbray assumed the position of Acting Director of Catholic Schools in September 2018, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the church and its school system.
How do I give support through health issues?
Q My husband has been experiencing deteriorating health over the past few years due to a variety of medical conditions. Life has become more difficult for him and I am now concerned about his mental health. He seems to have withdrawn from friends and family over the past few months and I believe he has become depressed. How do I raise this with him and support him in seeking help?
Struggling students benefit from breakfast
“Seek the welfare of the city … and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7
Compassionate student connects with his servant heart
It is not every day you come across a young man such as Tallas Lynch. The 18-year-old spends Saturday afternoons once a month handing out food packages in Islington Park. He is a Year 12 student at St Francis Xavier High School, Hamilton (SFX), and volunteers with the Development and Relief Agency (DARA).
Campus chaplains open up the world
As a newly arrived international student at the University of Newcastle a few years ago, I was not immediately aware of the presence of chaplains on campus. I came to know about the chaplaincy after I visited the university medical clinic some weeks after my arrival. After some questioning, the doctor told me I was not actually sick.
Calls for school counsellor needs-based funding
Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) is calling on the state government to extend its public school funding boost for mental health support to all education sectors as counsellors report more young people presenting at school with “significant distress”.
From little things, big things grow
A double flying fox, climbing walls, rope swings, a roundabout swing, and a “wicked” skateboard and scooter track all located at a beautiful waterfront location.
Bringing virtual ideas to life
Ever dream of watching the Sydney Swans or the Australian cricket team take the field regularly right here in Newcastle? Well Rohan Power from St Joseph’s Primary School, East Maitland has been working hard to make it a possibility.
Maximum attention for minimum wage and marginalised
“For those on the margins, those who are required to survive on an inadequate minimum wage or the abysmal level of Newstart, life will not be getting easier any time soon.”
Zimmerman Services upgrades with expanded mandate
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults will reach new levels when spring dawns on the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. There is no denying the effect of historic child sexual abuse, but there is an absolute commitment not only from the leadership of the Diocese, but also the people of the Diocese, to implement best-practice preventive programs.
Wrestling with the sacking of Israel Folau
High-profile Australian rugby player Israel Folau’s April 10 Instagram post is an example of the impact of our use of social media, and of the complex issues it raises.
And then there’s the Pope
Last month I wrote from Rome but before the Australian Bishops’ Ad Limina visit had begun. I think it will not be too boring if I also set today’s column in that ancient city, but this time with views inside the Vatican and, indeed, the Apostolic Palace itself.
