AURORA EXTRA: A poem for L'Arche
Stephen is a Board member of the L’Arche Hunter Community, but he lived for some time in the Brisbane Community. He and Jason developed a relationship which touched each other’s lives and this poem is an expression of this deep relationship.
Reality TV: Watching people behaving badly
The New Year break gives someone like me a bit more time to catch up on popular culture. And it’s somewhat disturbing. Of course, the culture I’m seeing may not be all that popular. I’m talking about watching TV...
Meet new Director of Catholic Schools, Dr Michael J Slattery
As the 2017 school year commences, the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools Office welcomes a new Director of Schools.
Love your neighbour through Project Compassion 2017
Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal is an extraordinary, ongoing demonstration of the faith, love and generosity of the Catholic congregation and caring supporters throughout Australia to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.
Diocese launches new Protection and Safety Council
As a diocese we have an absolute and enduring commitment to promoting and ensuring the safety of all who are connected with us – be it through our parishes, Catholic schools, early education or community outreach services. To ensure we deliver on this commitment and continually improve our practices, I am pleased to announce the formation of a new body − the Diocesan Protection and Safety Council (the Council).
What can I say about my mother?
In 2010, Kathleen Evans participated in the canonisation ceremony of Australian Mary of the Cross MacKillop in Rome. The disappearance of Kathleen’s cancer was accepted as the miracle that took Mary, co-founder of the Sisters of St Joseph, ‘over the line’, so to speak. Kathleen died just before Christmas and her son Luke shares his remembrances.
Marriage: Should I stay or should I go?
Q Over the past few months, I have been seriously considering leaving my husband. We have been married for 14 years and we have three children but somewhere along the way, we have grown apart. I am torn between doing what’s “right” by the children and what is “right” for me. I don’t know how I feel anymore and don’t want to open up too much to my friends, especially if I decide to stay. How do I start unpacking this more in my head before making my decision?
Women + Education = Hope
It’s a line as straight as an arrow: educate young women and you can expect a brighter future for their families. Nowhere have I seen this more clearly than in India.
Nurturing a relationship with God through hands-on experience
Siubhan Sadler introduces an innovative way to help children understand the Christian story.
A festival invitation to all young people
Following the success of the Australian Catholic Youth Festivals held in Melbourne and Adelaide in recent years, Bishop Bill Wright is optimistic that the 2017 Festival, to be held in Sydney in December, will be a destination of choice for many young members of the diocesan community.
Who’s your buddy?
This year I am in the privileged position of having a child in Year 6 and a child starting kindergarten (with another one in between). The reason I feel lucky about this is not just because I will finally get the much coveted school photo featuring all of my kids at once, but because I’ve been able to witness the buddy system at St Benedict’s Primary School, Edgeworth, from two perspectives.
I’m blessed to call Australia home
Chair of the diocesan Social Justice Council, Shirley McHugh, reflects on our nation in the wake of Australia Day.
Peace and blessings of God be upon you
In the first column of a new series, Muslim Farooq Rah offers an introduction to a faith that is followed by some 1.7 billion believers.
SEASONS OF MERCY Journeying with Parkinson’s disease
Warren and Christine Sheppard share their experiences since Warren’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease.
Local resource is for the common good
John Hayes shares a resource that may be useful to you or your organisation.
Meet a matriarch – and remember your prayers
Constance by name, constance by nature…it’s possibly not an original thought in terms of Waratah’s Constance (Connie) Jennings, but it is true.
Experience leads to improved services for people with disabilities
As a parent, grandparent and wife, I have supported my family through some challenging times. Having a child with special needs, I have, in years gone by, struggled to find individualised, local supports and often felt quite isolated and frustrated by the lack of control I was experiencing.
Global leadership for a global challenge
This is the last in our series examining the plight of refugees and asylum seekers who make their way to Australia.
