The Christchurch effect
One night at the recent Bishops’ Conference, a number of us were sitting around talking when someone remarked on something surprising. He said there had been greatly increased numbers at his Easter Masses, which was hardly what one would expect after all the bad news in churches in recent times. This, however, matched my own experience. There were more people in the Cathedral on Easter morning than I can recall in any of my time here. And other bishops had the same thing to report. What had happened?
Father Figurado honours victims of Easter Sunday terrorist attack
The Sri Lanka terrorist attack on Easter Sunday caused shock and sadness around the world, but one Hunter priest believes interfaith solidarity is the only way for the country to truly heal.
Classy first group walking the walk
Generations of Hunter Catholic students have walked the pathway from feeder high school to senior college, but this year St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead and St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar will finally farewell Year 12 classes of their own.
Student wellbeing is paramount in our schools
When it comes to supporting male student wellbeing, our Catholic school communities are committed to a proactive whole-school approach.
Working together for a shared future
“Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future.”
More to Seafarers than just staying afloat
Seafarers are responsible for 95% of all goods and products that come into Australia, yet they are an “invisible workforce” enduring tough and lonely conditions, and confronted with genuine threats to their lives.
Celebrating unity in diversity
As part of National Refugee Week, 16-22 June, the Hunter community is invited to take part in a welcome walk and festival celebrating Newcastle’s cultural diversity.
Take a raincheck on bravery
As we come into Men’s Health Week from 10 – 16 June, it is important we take a few moments to stop and do a quick “how’s my health” checklist. A recent article published by The Conversation said “men can expect to die approximately five years sooner than women, and men are more likely to die as a result of unintentional injury and suicide relative to women”. The authors state “one possible explanation is that men are more reluctant to go to the doctor and less likely to be honest once they get there”, primarily because men have bought into a cultural script about masculinity that says we need to be tough, strong, brave and self-reliant.
Who will lead our parishes in the future?
Two young Nigerian men, Kingsley Chidiebere Dibia, 23, and Kizito Chukwuemeka Ogbonna, 25, are in their first year of study at Good Shepherd Seminary in Homebush. They join Solomon Omeiza, featured in the September 2018 edition of Aurora.
Sea-change but spirit remains
“We are but travellers here,” is an oft-quoted Mary MacKillop saying, and it is something for which the Sisters of St Joseph Lochinvar have come to have deeper respect over the past 18 months.
How to say 'no'
Q – I would like to learn how to say “no” more often. Over the years, I have constantly given in to everyone, especially my family, to do whatever is asked of me. However, my “people pleasing” is taking its toll and I don’t feel people are as willing to help me, as I am to help them. Saying no should be as simple as saying no, but I struggle with this.
Joel Fitzgibbon
Joel Fitzgibbon is a familiar name to many of us. Born in regional NSW in the town of Bellingen, Joel is a long-standing federal Member for Hunter, retaining his seat in the most recent election.
Lifelong learning needs early investment
Local and international studies demonstrate the first five years of a child’s life are the most critical for building the foundations for learning, wellbeing and health. Despite this, Australia currently ranks below the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average for its investment in early childhood education.
A Reckless God? Currents and Challenges in the Christian Conversation with Science
Has there been a continuous 'war' between Christianity and science for hundreds of years? Are the beliefs of Christians and the findings of science irreconcilable? This work answers 'no' to both questions.
