AM I A PEACE-MAKER?
Every Christmas, my thoughts return to the promise: ‘Peace on earth to all who enjoy God’s favour’. It is a time for Catholics to ask: ‘Are we doing our bit to advance Christian peace?’ ‘What is our parish community doing?’
This week, the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, announced that a Royal Commission will be established into the sexual abuse of children across Australia. Though terms of reference are yet to be announced, this Royal Commission will be welcomed by all who are concerned for the safety of our children, and for the healing of past victims.
Why, after two thousand years, are we still celebrating the Christmas Story? Because, like the rest of the Gospel, it relates to the hopes and lives of people across the world.
DownloadThe introduction of Middle Schooling in our schools is raising questions about when the Sacrament of Confirmation should be celebrated. To date, this sacrament has been conferred in Year Seven. We now have an opportunity to reconsider whether this is the best age for children to receive Confirmation.
DownloadA current controversial media question is Catholic teaching on the ordination of women to the priesthood. This is associated with the reported allegation by a university lecturer that Archbishop Hickey was not consistent in speaking out about the need for women’s dignity to be recognised, and remaining faithful to the Church’s teaching on this question.
DownloadOver the past two thousand years, the Mass has been the most powerful means of drawing upon the power of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, for the needs of people’s lives. The greatest means he left us to do so is the Eucharist. But to draw on this power, believers need to prepare themselves for the basic experiences Jesus offers through the Eucharist, which he instituted at the Last Supper.
DownloadThese days, it is all too easy to lose touch with ourselves. Daily life seems to be getting faster; economic and social pressures seem to be greater; demands seem to be on the increase.
How others see us is a common concern. We try in various ways to make a good impression. We try to present ‘our good side’ through words and behavior.
In March 2012, Chris Colman and Michael Philips were ordained as Deacons for the Bunbury Diocese. This represented the culmination of an extensive training program for the Diaconate, covering the areas of human, pastoral, theological and spiritual formation
As Deacons their most important function is to proclaim the Gospel and to preach. They also perform other liturgical roles such as baptising, witnessing marriages, bringing Viaticum to the dying, presiding over funerals and burials, presiding over Liturgies of the Word and conducting prayer services for the sick and the dying.
Marriage has been recognised as a special relationship between a man and a woman that is open to children since before recorded history. It has been recognised across all known human cultures as a relationship stemming from human nature itself. Its origins are not religious.