A statement from our Diocesan Administrator about the death of Cardinal George Pell

We pray for the repose of the soul of Cardinal Pell, comfort for his family and for all of those who loved him.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

In spite of all the hype, I truly do love Christmas. I happily sing carols in the weeks leading up to that blessed event. Singing loudly and proudly of mangers and shepherds, kings and angels and ‘snow that lays round about, deep and crisp and even’.

Listen to what the Spirit is saying

The second session of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia should be remembered as an event featuring many blessed defining moments. The session, which concluded on 9 July 2022, was a success, however, there is a risk that the silent protest regarding the statement, ‘Witnessing to the Equal Dignity of Women and Men’, will be remembered as having overshadowed the final outcomes of the Council. The protest was a defining moment creating a shift in thinking and a more synodal opportunity for the Church in Plenary.

If life is a test, resilience is the answer

We do a disservice to our young people in giving them a prize for participation regardless of where they finish in the race. Encouragement is one thing, a ribbon another. One of the best things we can do for them, often with the greatest outcome, is to buy them a goldfish or budgie. A pet with a short life span.

Australia has voted

Today the Hon Anthony Albanese was sworn in as the 31^st Prime Minister of Australia together with his interim Cabinet by the Governor-General of Australia, General David Hurley.  I note that each oath was taken holding a bible.

Diocesan leader shares fears now voluntary assisted dying becomes legal in NSW

Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Administrator, Fr Greg Barker, has shared his fears and sadness that the ‘sanctity of life is being diminished’. His statements come on the back of the NSW Parliament passing legislation overnight, which legalises voluntary assisted dying.

“It is a terrible day for our State,” Fr Barker said.