Christmas is a fun time of the year. For most people it represents time off work to spend with families and an opportunity to watch your favourite movies. You are free to disagree, but this is my list of the best Christmas movies, carols and books to grace our homes.
Yuletide favourites Read More »
As Christmas approaches each year, I’m increasingly aware of those around me who have lost loved ones in the previous 12 months. I think this awareness began the year my father died. His death was in September, and I recall being very touched by those who remembered dad at Christmas and took the trouble to acknowledge my family’s first Christmas without him.
Raise a glass to absent loved ones Read More »
Every year I have the same thought. This is the year I am going to do Christmas right. It will be relaxed. It will be meaningful. It will be holy. It will be organised within an inch of its life. Every year I dream of having the sort of Christmas you could use as a model for best practice. An ideal for Catholic Family Life.
Staying true to Christmas Read More »
What are you like at waiting? As one person said: “I’m no good at waiting, but one day as I stood in line at a local supermarket I realised I was waiting. Waiting! I was doing what Advent is all about.”
The need for patience while we wait Read More »
The theme for Human Rights Day on Saturday is Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All. Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says, “It is absolutely clear that we need to regain the universality of human rights, the indivisibility of human rights, and we need to find a new energy that motivates young people around the world.”
Time to motivate the young Read More »
Christians around the world observe the birth of Jesus at Christmas. While their adoration of Jesus is the same, cultures celebrate differently. Here, we hear from several people about their family experiences at Christmas.
Christmas cheer around the world Read More »
John the Baptist was quite a celebrity around Jerusalem. People came from everywhere to see this strange man who lived on locusts and wild honey, dressed in camel hair, and preached the need for repentance. He even instituted a new ritual of baptism – pouring water on people’s heads – as a sign of forgiveness for those who confess their sins and genuinely seek a new way of life.
Serving the poor with love Read More »
While we can look forward to warmer and sunnier weather over the next few months, it’s a different story in other parts of the world including war-ravaged Ukraine.
A cold, harsh reality for Ukraine Read More »
The opportunity to make a fresh start is something that we all value, especially if we have been struggling with problems which have weighed us down. The tradition of making New Year resolutions illustrates this deep desire to put the past behind us and move on.
Walking in the light of the Lord Read More »
Friday marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. To observe the occasion the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) will hold a special online event.
World focus on violence against women Read More »