Articles by Fiona Duque

The meaning and significance of Lent IMAGE Your Diocese

The meaning and significance of Lent

February 14, 2024

Easter is a significant period of time on the Catholic calendar, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his Crucifixion. In the lead-up to Easter, Christians also acknowledge Lent - a time that helps Christians prepare to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter.

To find out more about the significance of Lent and its customs, Fiona Duque, Pastoral Ministries Officer of Worship and Prayer has answered the following questions for us. 

LITURGY MATTERS: The Holy Family - Refugees and Immigrants IMAGE Liturgy Matters

LITURGY MATTERS: The Holy Family - Refugees and Immigrants

December 12, 2023

This Advent and Christmas season let us open our eyes to recognise Jesus in all of the faces that we see. That includes the stranger, the refugee, the immigrant. As Pope Francis has recently affirmed that “every human being, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, of any people or religion, every human being is sacred, is precious in the eyes of God, and has the right to live in peace.” [CNA Nov 23]. So, what does this have to do with this Advent season? How can you bring light and life? Let me offer some thoughts for your reflection.

Hidden in plain sight – the plight of the modern slave IMAGE Aurora

Hidden in plain sight – the plight of the modern slave

December 02, 2023

When you shop, have you ever paused to consider where the products you buy come from? Were children exploited to make the beans that are in your morning coffee? Was your latest outfit made in a factory that has hazardous working conditions?

LITURGY MATTERS: Christian Initiation and The Gift of Storytelling IMAGE Liturgy Matters

LITURGY MATTERS: Christian Initiation and The Gift of Storytelling

November 14, 2023

Stories can have a way of grabbing our attention and giving us inspiration; people connect to stories. When we do connect to a story, we are more likely to remember them, and the more the story impacts us, the more likely we are to share it. What story are you currently telling? Is it a story of faith? Is it a story that could inspire others?

LITURGY MATTERS: Mystery and Mission IMAGE Liturgy Matters

LITURGY MATTERS: Mystery and Mission

October 17, 2023

On the 28-30 September members of the Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Liturgy Council and other members of the diocesan community descended upon Brisbane for the National Liturgy and Music Conference, along with 500 others from around Australia and the Pacific.

LITURGY MATTERS: You are invited to come rest a while IMAGE Liturgy Matters

LITURGY MATTERS: You are invited to come rest a while

July 11, 2023

Last year, the Christian Initiation Forum held its first reflection day, Come Rest a While, for those ministering in Christian Initiation in their parishes and for all parishioners.