I was a bit taken aback recently when a Church leader told me he had received a death threat. He had suggested that the world would be different now if reaction to the horror of the terrorism against the New York World Trade Centre had been based upon Christ-like love, not military might and violence, particularly against Iraq.Read More
The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is an important one for our faith. It reminds us that, though he died for the whole human race, Jesus does not see us simply as a body of people.
I am delighted to have this opportunity to speak to you, the religious education leaders within the Catholic school systems from all the dioceses across Australia. In doing so, I also acknowledge the formidable challenges you face as you go about your special ministry in today’s society and Church.
Over 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.Read More
For many obvious reasons, the question of how to nurture the catholicity of our schools today is a vital one. The task that I have been given is to reflect upon this question from the perspective of the Church’s theology on Catholic education. To do this, I will draw upon the principal official Church documents related to the Catholic school:
Australia is a nation that loves celebrations. Australia Day is one of our biggest. We get together for ceremonies, including the raising of our national flag and to welcome new citizens.
Pastoral Letter to the People and Decision Makers in the Diocese of Bunbury
Dear brothers and sisters in ChristRead More
One of the most moving elements in the celebration of Easter is the sight of our priests renewing their priestly commitment during the Mass of the Oils. Easter reminds us that Jesus instituted the priesthood at the Last Supper. It reminds us too that priests are called to be instruments of the Risen Christ for his people.
DownloadOn 16 May 2005, a tornado tore through Bunbury, devastating the city and shifting the Cathedral on its foundations resulting in its demolition.
This DVD was commissioned by Catholic Church Insurances as a tribute to all those who helped build the Cathedral, to those who worshipped in it since 1921 and to all those who will ensure that its significance lives on in the community.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=1Aq0Nj8VyU0%3Frel%3D0
“The Holy Father was saddened to learn of the damage inflicted upon the Cathedral in Bunbury by the recent tornado and he wishes to express his spiritual closeness to all who grieve over the loss of this sacred building. He prays that the faithful of the Diocese will look to the future with confidence as they begin construction of their new Cathedral, a sign of their hope and trust in the Lord. Commending all the priests, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese to the protection of Our Lady, Help of Christians, His Holiness cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing.”
Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State-Vatican City, Rome
“The destruction of St Patrick’s Cathedral was a great loss not just to the parish but also to the wider community of Bunbury”
John Howard, Prime Minister
“St Patrick’s Cathedral was undoubtedly one of the most important buildings in Bunbury. As well as providing a focal point for the Catholic community, it was a true icon sitting prominently on the Bunbury skyline. The loss of St Patrick’s has been a blow for the entire Bunbury community”
Alan Carpenter MLA, Premier of Western Australia
People need a place to be at home. The church must be a home for the majesty of God. Not the down to earthiness of God, but the majesty of God.
Catholic Dossier
“The Bishop is to be considered the high priest of his flock…therefore all should hold in very high esteem the liturgical life of the diocese which centres around the bishop, especially in his Cathedral Church…”
Documents of Vatican II
“As a community we must ensure our history is safeguarded, so that our children and grandchildren understand that in our past we have found the foundation for our future”