In remembrance
I’ve never had ‘trick-or-treaters’ turn up at my place for Halloween. For most of my life that was not surprising because Halloween, like Valentine’s Day or the Super Bowl, was something known to us only from American TV shows.
Sand, surf, scripture and the Spirit
Sports Chaplaincy Australia defines a chaplain as a “trusted, authentic, caring person. They are trained in sports pastoral care to assist sports communities provide genuine care for their members.”
Helene O’Neill is chaplain of Cooks Hill Surf Club.
Collaborating with thought leaders
Appointing a person whose role is “Manager, Practice, Development & Innovation” says a lot about an organisation.
Nominate a woman of substance for Magdalene Award!
A highlight of the International Women’s Day diocesan event in March was the announcement of the inaugural Magdalene Award winner, Margo Nancarrow of Rutherford. Margo has contributed, and continues to contribute, in the areas of liturgy, Special Religious Education, Catholic Women’s League and many others.
The rise of Gifted Education in diocesan schools
The holistic wellbeing of all students in our school communities is a key objective for all educators in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
Travelling to the beat of a different drum
They say the best way to make God laugh is to tell him your plans. If someone had told me when I was growing up that I would serve the church as a religious sister, I would have told them they were mad.
Recognising contribution of young people
Students and young people from across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are often engaged in activities that allow them to live out their faith in real and practical ways. From supporting music ministry to engaging with communities through social justice initiatives, attending youth days or helping out within their parish, students and young people have made extraordinary contributions to the life of the diocese.
Joint initiative to deliver a leadership program by women and for women in the Catholic Church
The Council for Australian Catholic Women, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Catholic Mission and Australian Catholic University (ACU), are delighted to announce a joint initiative to deliver a specialised leadership program for women in the Catholic Church.
Celebrating with Luther the moderate
With this year’s 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses and the beginning of the Reformation, there is a flood of biographies and histories, perhaps in emulation of the overworked printing presses of Luther’s day.
Playing with words
As parents, your hopes for your children are most likely along the lines of ‘be happy’ and ‘achieve to their potential at school’. One of the best ways in which you can help your children to work towards such goals is to develop their understanding of, and ability to use, a varied and rich vocabulary.
Western and Eastern Catholics complement each other
In the July Aurora, Rev James Carles, in his fine contribution titled 'Of feasts and fasts: the Eastern Orthodox Church' broadly described Ukrainian Catholics as well.
How can that be so?
Calling all kindred spirits!
An ‘Anne fan’ shares her deep appreciation of the stories of Anne Shirley, heroine of the beloved “Anne” books by LM Montgomery and set on Canada’s Prince Edward Island.
Glory be to God for pied beauty
There was nothing outstanding about the Cook children who lived in Stockton in ordinary circumstances; but as they grew – Fran, Warner, Trish, Meg, Colleen, and Anne − they developed into extraordinarily loving and artistically talented young people.
Students are maximising creative genius
Shane Abell, Learning Technology Co-ordinator at St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead, shares with us his passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and what competency in this field means for students.
Walking the walk in Newcastle
A local entrepreneur leads Newcastle walking tours that are steeped in the past, grateful for the present and confident about the future.
Pope Francis speaks at a time when decisions must be made
In an expanded “Frankly Spoken”, parish priest of Nelson Bay, Fr Kevin Corrigan, offers an overview of the words of Pope Francis as the deadline for the same-sex marriage plebiscite approaches.
