A pilgrim’s progress
As the bus pulled away from the last border checkpoint, I felt some lightening of my spirits.
Fires can’t destroy the heart of the people
Catastrophic fires burnt across NSW and Queensland throughout November and many readers will have firsthand experience of what it looked and felt like. It will remain raw for many of us for some time to come.
One perfect day
It is surprising how dramatically someone’s life can change when they suddenly fit in.
St Nicholas is coming to town
We know Santa Claus traverses the globe in a reindeer-powered sleigh on Christmas Eve but more fascinating are the historical travels and travails of his progenitor St Nicholas.
Give the gift of learning
Preparations for Christmas are well under way - advent candles have been lit, carols can be heard far and wide, Christmas trees have taken over lounge rooms and festive gatherings are in full swing.
In our time of dying
Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders have joined to reaffirm each religion’s clear opposition to euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.
Amazon synod questions celibacy
“Do I favour a celibate priesthood? Yes, I do,” says Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Bishop Bill Wright.
Happy days
St Pius X High School, Adamstown students Thomas Maddison and Lucy Kelly are “happy” after experiencing a week-long work experience at Maroba Caring Communities in Waratah.
Put down your pens and pick up language
Two diocesan schools certainly talked the talk recently. St Joseph’s Primary School, Denman and Holy Cross Primary School, Glendale put down their pens in order to pick up language.
Some facts about ecstasy-testing kits
Ecstasy-testing kits, as well as tests for a range of other drugs (cocaine, ketamine and LSD) are widely available on-line and are used by many to access information about what is contained in the drugs they have purchased.
Let the brain play
Neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis took leadership and infants teachers from Catholic schools of Maitland-Newcastle on a tour-de-force of the developing brain in November.
The right stuff
Born and bred in our steel city, John Gralton is a proud Novocastrian with a lifelong commitment to social justice.
Strategies to cope with solitude
Q I moved to Newcastle for a new job about six months ago. Despite my job keeping me busy and the enjoyment I get from working with new people, I have become increasingly lonely. Unfortunately, my family, who live interstate, will be overseas for Christmas, which makes me feel even more lonely and isolated. I love Newcastle and want to stay here but I’m not sure how to overcome my loneliness.
Climate of anxiety
Although he’s only 16, Ben Hewitt has been “keeping tabs” on climate change for years and he’s “particularly concerned” about the type of planet future generations will inherit.
Shape your shortbread
Are you looking for a homemade gift you can share with friends and family this Christmas?
