Tragedy turns to triumph
Marny Cringle’s life is an inspirational story of determination and faith overcoming devastating adversity. She suffered horrific injuries after being dragged under a train in the London Underground, had her life support turned off, a leg amputated due to the accident and then developed the killer brain infection meningitis.
Imbalance of abuse slowly redressed
The National Redress Scheme to help people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse was introduced following recommendations from the royal commission.
Talk the talk to keep the peace
Q I’ve recently been told that my communication style at work offends some of my colleagues. I didn’t think I was being offensive, however my preferred way of communicating is to be direct with people and get to the point, rather than get into social “chit-chat”. I don’t go to work to socialise, but I can see that sometimes I may appear unfriendly. To keep the peace at work, I’m interested in how I can adjust my communication style when necessary.
Author’s reading certainly a spectacle
It’s not every day you get to hear one of your favourite books read to you by the author. So when acclaimed children’s author Susanne Gervay visited St Columba’s Primary School, Adamstown, to read her most recent work The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses, the students were mesmerised by her animated presentation.
Building relationships that transcend age and language
Singing and dancing to The Hokey Pokey and Twinkle, Twinkle is lighting up the lives of Opal Aged Care residents at Raymond Terrace and opening up avenues of communication once considered parked in a cul de sac.
Experience beyond reproach
The Pastoral Placement Program (PPP) provides an opportunity for those who feel called to work for the church to experience ministry in a variety of settings.
Our Journeys
As part of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s commitment to the Perpetual Day of Remembrance, the Healing and Support team (Zimmerman Services) invited people affected by abuse to put forward ideas to mark the occasion.
Kesheni Kenya Immersion Program 2019
Staff from our schools have just returned from a two-week trip to Nairobi in Kenya as part of the 2019 Kesheni Kenya Immersion.
All sewed up in Australia
Darwich Sido was happy and successful until the savagery of war destroyed his business and his home but miraculously left his optimism and ambition intact.
Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, oi, oi, oi
Lucy Karbowiak is living the dream of many people. She can bring her dog to work. A caseworker for Beyond the Gates, Ms Karbowiak brings her border collie therapy dog Oliver to St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead.
Chart heroes in harmony with Hunter roots
Midway through 2018, drummer Zack Forsythe asked his fellow student at St Paul's Catholic College, Booragul, singer-guitarist Jordan Snowden, if he’d be interested in forming a duo to perform at the school talent show.
The abortion argument: I just don’t get it
Everyone knows the Catholic Church is opposed to abortion in principle, and for a very simple reason. But I will come to that soon. For now, let me just note that I say “in principle” because of the tendency for opponents of the church to suggest that, by being against abortion, the church is condemning all women who have had a termination, or is just anti-woman to start with. That, of course, is absurd. The church understands that many women resort to abortion in desperation, feeling they have little or no choice. They are not bad people. It’s a fault in our society that there is not more support available.
Growing area on learning curve
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is one step closer to delivering high school education in Port Stephens, with its development application for Catherine McAuley Catholic College now approved.
As the warmth returns
September is a great month. Shivering in single digit temperatures and blustery winds in August, I found myself several times assuring newcomers to the country that ‘It won’t last much longer’.
