Parents often offer these words of encouragement and support to their children when they have to move to a new place or to a new school, “It will be alright; you will make new friends.”
The offer of God’s friendship Read More »
In recent newsletters, we featured the selflessness of people who have died in tragic circumstances while helping others.
The ‘selfless’ Anzac spirit Read More »
In these weeks after Easter and before the feasts of Ascension and Pentecost, our gospel readings come from Jesus’ farewell discourses in the Gospel of John. These are the teachings Jesus shared with his disciples in that precious time just before his arrest and crucifixion.
The true vine that feeds us Read More »
Florence was a conceited woman who was aware of her faults. One day after Mass she was talking to her parish priest and said, “Father, this morning I spent almost an hour looking into the bedroom mirror admiring my beauty. Is that cause for concern? Should I go to confession?”
“Actually, no,” the priest replied after thinking for a moment. “You only have to confess sins, not errors in judgement.”
Violence can be random and unexpected with devastating outcomes for the victims and their loved ones.
Finding light in the darkness Read More »
This week’s readings highlight how knowing Christ can change people. The first reading shows how the Resurrection and the presence of the Holy Spirit transformed Peter. Now, he heals as Jesus did and preaches as Jesus preached.
The Good Shepherd’s promise Read More »
After a long and successful career as a small business owner, a man decides he wants to devote the rest of his life to God, so he joins a seminary and studies to be a priest. A few years later after his ordination he is assigned to a parish. One Saturday afternoon he was about to hear confessions when he met an old friend from his former life.
The tragic deaths of seven aid workers including an Australian woman in Gaza last week highlights the dangers of working in war zones. It also highlights the selfless nature of people who want to help others, no matter the risk to their own personal safety.
Putting others first Read More »
To his Nazi captors, Polish priest and Conventual Franciscan friar Maximilian Kolbe was prisoner number 16670. But to Franciszek Gajowniczczek, his fellow inmate in Auschwitz, Maximilian was much more and his sacrifice would change his life forever.
Called to be prophetic witnesses Read More »
Following Mass one Sunday morning, a thoughtless parishioner tossed a cigarette butt into the garden. Spotting the smouldering bush, the parish priest pulled out his mobile phone and called the fire department.
