Magdalene maintains focus on leadership roles for women
The themes for the 2020 Plenary Council were released recently and it was interesting to note one of the recurring comments was to include women in the leadership of the Church. Here in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle we are keen to acknowledge the role women play in their parish, and beyond, via the presentation of the annual Magdalene Award.
Spirit sets timetable for listeners
The Rule of St Benedict opens with an impassioned call for the reader to “Listen”. The purpose of listening, the Rule continues, is not just for the sake of hearing, but so that the one who listens might obey and so grow in faithfulness to the call of the Christian life. The Latin root of the word “obedience”, which in today’s thinking can be something we need to outgrow, has the additional meaning “to listen, harken to”.
Consensus on religious freedom laws is proving elusive
The Morrison government’s controversial proposed religious freedom laws appear on the surface to be straightforward. The bill aims to protect a person from charges of discrimination when making a statement of belief.
Communal Wisdom: A Way of Discernment for a Pilgrim Church
There can be very little doubt that the Catholic Church in Australia in late-2019 has a growing understanding of the practice of discernment. In the lead-up to the Plenary Council in 2020, the process of discernment has been central to preparations for this unique opportunity in the life of the Australian church.
A Syrian staple — baba ghanoush
Ramzi Khalouf, a chef from Syria, arrived in Newcastle in May this year with his wife Sanaa, son Jawad and daughter Jule.
Customised care
Welcome to 2019 — a time when many families can no longer afford to have one parent staying at home while the other does all the earning.
From antiquity to Toongabbie
“Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because if there is one, He must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear.”
A-team’s app creates a vibe
The intricacies of coding, and the creation of a cool logo and compelling advertising pitch, are all part of the entrepreneurship when you’re an app-developing “A-team” Tech Girl. So too is learning the business of business, coping with feedback, and navigating tricky time zones.
Soft landing for post-school pathways
At this time of the year as we await the release of HSC results and ATARs there is great focus on secondary education and the pathways students will be taking beyond school.
Service of the sick
From replacing sheets and bandages more than 90 years ago to its role today as the major fundraising arm, the Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital Auxiliary has had an evolving association with the infirmary.
Don’t put your wellbeing on hold
Q: I feel I am terrible at managing my work-life balance. It might be that I’m just exhausted being so close to the end of the year, and also that work and my personal life have been extremely busy pretty much all year. I feel stuck and not sure how to make more time for me with all these competing demands.
In the steps of Jesus
Diocesan pilgrims journeyed through the Holy Land these school holidays to walk the places that Jesus once walked.
Life options from literacy
Jackie Coleman has travelled far and wide pursuing her desires to support linguistic minorities to achieve good literacy in their societies’ dominant languages and in their own.
Living, learning, growing
Stacey Peterson Mansfield was four years old when she entered out-of-home care, and now, against the odds, and thanks to an innovative University of Newcastle program, she is on track to achieving her goal of becoming a social worker.
Males must hold each other accountable
This month marks the commemoration of White Ribbon Day as part of a global social movement of men and boys to end men’s violence against women.
When Greta was the world
With a port city and industrial hub, Newcastle and the Hunter have played an intrinsic role in Australia’s migrant history.
