AURORA EXTRA: A Sign of Something Bigger
At present Stephen is living in Newcastle and is a Community and Board member of L’Arche Hunter. He wrote this story for My Home in L’Arche in 2014.
AURORA EXTRA: Phenom females
Regular Aurora contributor Michael O’Connor finds that for two sportswomen who might seem to have little in common, the similarities are in fact greater than the differences.
AURORA EXTRA: Gifted artist, Elizabeth Cant
L’Arche (The Ark) supports people living with an intellectual disability. Enjoy this story written by Hunter L’Arche and come along to the next L’Arche gathering on 2 July in Mayfield East. All are welcome!
Visiting a detainee
It is a big, new carpark, and in the early afternoon there are a couple of hundred vehicles in the visitors’ section. Villawood Immigration Detention Centre. I’ve come to see an old mate of mine who is awaiting deportation to New Zealand. He is not a ‘boat person’.
Bishops call for a vote for the voiceless
A statement by the Catholic Bishops of Australia on the election.
A caress from God
I met Fr Richard Shortall sj at the Mayfield West parish church on a windy Thursday morning. Settling into a camper style chair, the very one he sits in when listening to people who seek his ear as our diocesan Missionary of Mercy (MOM), I asked him what had been the highlights of his very special ministry so far.
Coming to terms with compassion
The annual writing competition held under the auspices of the Catholic Schools Office Teaching and Learning Services this year invoked Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy in its invitation to students.
Get involved in the 150 year celebrations!
In 2016, the diocesan community is commemorating the 150th anniversary of becoming a diocese.
Young adults move forward with renewed confidence
Two young locals can look back with satisfaction on a year-long journey into adulthood.
JD and Steve: A magical bond
Joel Howlett is a professional magician and his Dad, Steve, is his manager.
In 1995, aged five, Joel watched a magician perform at a local shopping centre and was transfixed. Joel announced to his family that he wanted to be a magician and he has never wavered from that goal.
How to manage change effectively
Q My employer has recently announced big changes within our organisation. This news has greatly affected morale at work and many of my colleagues seem to have become caught up in negativity. I am also very disheartened by the proposed changes and find it difficult to stay focused on my day-to-day work. How do I get through this time of uncertainty?
Teacher's back story leads to children's picture book
Author and teacher, Gavin McCormack, shares the experience which led to a delightful children’s picture book. You can win a copy – see below!
How are our Pacific Island neighbours facing climate change?
While the full impact of climate change and sea-level rise will happen in the future and will happen globally, the persistent discharging of green-house gases by the industrialised world today means that island nations like Kiribati and Tuvalu already suffer daily difficulties. They are scattered over the vast Pacific Ocean and are all but ignored by the big polluting nations.
For God's sake interrupt me
Marist Brother Tony Leon shares some of the wisdom of what is formally called in the Catholic world ‘consecrated’ or ‘religious’ life.
A way of Healing and Hope after abortion
Women and men sometimes experience pain after an abortion. They can be confused by the experience and the circumstances around the abortion. They can feel grief and loss because they have no baby and can experience guilt and shame for their part in the decision.
We all need to be lovers!
Regular contributor Michael O’Connor explains the fundamental role of love in becoming who you are meant to be.
Spiritual direction: mining for gold
Why would three social workers, a pre-school director, a speech pathologist and artist, and a doctor gather together one evening a month in a cosy city living room for several hours?
The answer is that each one is a spiritual director, and they meet monthly for group supervision.
"Her sunlight is like gold"
Madeleine Therese Sobb 21/11/1989 – 22/05/2015
Daughter, sister, partner, friend and disability advocate
Margaret Sobb
Where do I begin to the tell some of the story of our beautiful and amazing Madeleine?
#3weeks2days
In an effort to inform people of the plight of refugees, St Joseph’s Campus, Lochinvar, teacher, Michael Eccleston, is embarking on a Refugee Awareness Run from Aberdeen to Mayfield this month.
