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Catholic Parish Ivanhoe
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Catholic Parish Ivanhoe
News 2020
A broad and diverse mix of Local, National and International faith-related News, Information and Opinions.
Views expressed are those of the Authors and may or may not always represent those of the Parish.
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** See important Parish Letter from Fr Bill on the HOME page concerning COVID-19 **
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Cartoon: Joe Heller
Staying in Touch
Stay in touch with your Parish! If you have an email address, and are not receiving this newsletter from our office by email, send your email address to our office so that we can add you to our parish email group. You can also help others to stay in touch by picking up a newsletter from the front door of our churches or parish office, while out exercising, and putting them in the letterbox of fellow parishioners while taking your daily (isolated) walk.
St. Vincent De Paul - Food Parcels
Our Vinnies grocery donation boxes have been shifted from our churches to the following locations (near front doors). Dixon’s (9 Ambrose St); Edebohls (63 Wilfred Rd); Parish Office (4 Waverley Ave). Please help if you can.
Stay in touch with your Parish! If you have an email address, and are not receiving this newsletter from our office by email, send your email address to our office so that we can add you to our parish email group. You can also help others to stay in touch by picking up a newsletter from the front door of our churches or parish office, while out exercising, and putting them in the letterbox of fellow parishioners while taking your daily (isolated) walk.
St. Vincent De Paul - Food Parcels
Our Vinnies grocery donation boxes have been shifted from our churches to the following locations (near front doors). Dixon’s (9 Ambrose St); Edebohls (63 Wilfred Rd); Parish Office (4 Waverley Ave). Please help if you can.
Do You Need Help
We have people happy to assist with the de-livery of groceries and other necessities. If you are vulnerable, can’t get out, or access services please phone or email the parish office or Fr. Bill
Thank you
...to all who have switched their Thanksgiving Offerings from envelopes to credit card or direct debit or are leaving their envelopes in the Office letterbox. If you wish to switch from Thanksgiving envelopes to credit card or direct debit please contact the Parish Office.
Letter to the Laity, Religious and Clergy of the Archdiocese of Melbourne from Most Rev Peter A Comensoli Archbishop of Melbourne.
Extract from Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, Tuesday 7 April 2020
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
This week, Holy Week, we have entered into the journey with Jesus towards his passion, death and resurrection. As disciples of Jesus Christ we make this journey with him to the foot of his Cross. His is the suffering, yet we accept our own part in it. This journey with Jesus can be confronting. Our faith community in Melbourne over these past two years has been caught up in another hard and difficult journey as we have followed the court proceedings involving Cardinal George Pell and the person identified through the Courts as ‘J’. It has been an intense and painful time for so many, especially all those personally involved in this case. But most particularly, this has been a hard road for all those whose wounds of abuse have been re-opened and laid bare– our relatives, friends and fellow travellers. At the heart of this trial and appeal process have been the people involved. I want to firstly acknowledge ’J’, who brought forward his story of abuse for examination in the courts of law. This is a right we value and honour. I also acknowledge Cardinal Pell who has steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout. Rightly, he has been afforded the full possibilities of the judicial system. This decision means the Cardinal has been wrongly convicted and imprisoned, and he is now free to live his life peaceably within the community. As a Christian disciple, and taking my lead from the Gospel (Matthew 25.31-46), I have striven to uphold the dignity of ‘J’ and Cardinal Pell throughout this time, both in my private thoughts and public statements. The sole matter for examination in this case was whether Cardinal Pell committed certain despicable crimes, of which he has now been acquitted, and not about the broader question of how Church authorities have dealt with sexual abuse. Yet, I fully appreciate that people have seen in this case another emblematic story of sexual abuse by a Catholic priest.....(more)
Extract from Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, Tuesday 7 April 2020
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
This week, Holy Week, we have entered into the journey with Jesus towards his passion, death and resurrection. As disciples of Jesus Christ we make this journey with him to the foot of his Cross. His is the suffering, yet we accept our own part in it. This journey with Jesus can be confronting. Our faith community in Melbourne over these past two years has been caught up in another hard and difficult journey as we have followed the court proceedings involving Cardinal George Pell and the person identified through the Courts as ‘J’. It has been an intense and painful time for so many, especially all those personally involved in this case. But most particularly, this has been a hard road for all those whose wounds of abuse have been re-opened and laid bare– our relatives, friends and fellow travellers. At the heart of this trial and appeal process have been the people involved. I want to firstly acknowledge ’J’, who brought forward his story of abuse for examination in the courts of law. This is a right we value and honour. I also acknowledge Cardinal Pell who has steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout. Rightly, he has been afforded the full possibilities of the judicial system. This decision means the Cardinal has been wrongly convicted and imprisoned, and he is now free to live his life peaceably within the community. As a Christian disciple, and taking my lead from the Gospel (Matthew 25.31-46), I have striven to uphold the dignity of ‘J’ and Cardinal Pell throughout this time, both in my private thoughts and public statements. The sole matter for examination in this case was whether Cardinal Pell committed certain despicable crimes, of which he has now been acquitted, and not about the broader question of how Church authorities have dealt with sexual abuse. Yet, I fully appreciate that people have seen in this case another emblematic story of sexual abuse by a Catholic priest.....(more)
First assembly of Plenary Council postponed
Extract from Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Media Blog, Monday 6 April 2020
In response to the dramatic changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the bishops of Australia have made the “difficult, but necessary” decision to postpone the first assembly of the Plenary Council. Changes in the ways people live, work and communicate due to the pandemic led the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council to consult with the advisory and planning teams, as well as the wider Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. The decision was made to postpone the assembly scheduled for October this year. Plenary Council president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said in a time of such upheaval, including severe restrictions on travel and group meetings, the postponement was unavoidable. “Even though it is possible Australia may have moved through the worst of this health crisis by October, our capacity to adequately continue the process of discernment and formation – for everyone in the Church and in particular for the delegates – is severely compromised,” he said. Archbishop Costelloe said the Church’s focus at the moment, and for the foreseeable future, is ensuring people continue to be cared for pastorally, spiritually and emotionally during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bishops will consider proposals for an alternative timeline for the Council’s two assemblies at their biannual meeting in May. “The bishops remain committed to the Plenary Council journey and affirm that two assemblies will take place. This allows for the maturation of the discussions and discernment of the first assembly to develop with clarity and lead into the second gathering,” Archbishop Costelloe said. “The timing, the order and the location of the two assemblies will need to be re-examined, but it is hoped that having one assembly in Adelaide and the other in Sydney might still be possible.”....(more)
Extract from Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Media Blog, Monday 6 April 2020
In response to the dramatic changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the bishops of Australia have made the “difficult, but necessary” decision to postpone the first assembly of the Plenary Council. Changes in the ways people live, work and communicate due to the pandemic led the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council to consult with the advisory and planning teams, as well as the wider Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. The decision was made to postpone the assembly scheduled for October this year. Plenary Council president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said in a time of such upheaval, including severe restrictions on travel and group meetings, the postponement was unavoidable. “Even though it is possible Australia may have moved through the worst of this health crisis by October, our capacity to adequately continue the process of discernment and formation – for everyone in the Church and in particular for the delegates – is severely compromised,” he said. Archbishop Costelloe said the Church’s focus at the moment, and for the foreseeable future, is ensuring people continue to be cared for pastorally, spiritually and emotionally during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bishops will consider proposals for an alternative timeline for the Council’s two assemblies at their biannual meeting in May. “The bishops remain committed to the Plenary Council journey and affirm that two assemblies will take place. This allows for the maturation of the discussions and discernment of the first assembly to develop with clarity and lead into the second gathering,” Archbishop Costelloe said. “The timing, the order and the location of the two assemblies will need to be re-examined, but it is hoped that having one assembly in Adelaide and the other in Sydney might still be possible.”....(more)
On this particular Palm Sunday, 5 April 2020, a quiet opportunity for deep reflection on Faith and Church:
Under lockdown, has the whole world become a monastery?
Extract from John L. Allen Jr. Editor, Crux, 4 Apr 4, 2020
ROME - Dominican Father Paul Murray is one of English-language Catholicism’s most prominent contemporary theologians and poets. Born in Northern Ireland in 1947, he joined the Irish Dominican Province in 1966 and was ordained in 1973. Murray has published five collections of poetry, including Scars: Essays, Poems, and Meditations on Affliction, and most recently, Stones and Stars in 2013, in addition to numerous books and essays on theology. He teaches the literature of the mystical tradition at Rome’s Dominican-run University of St. Thomas Aquinas, universally known as the “Angelicum.” Crux recently reached out to Murray via email to talk about the spiritual significance and fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. The following are Murray’s responses. Crux: For people today who are feeling deprived not only of the immediate grace of the Eucharist, but also of contact with friends and family and with fellow workers, is there any particular reading you would recommend? Murray: Yes, there is one text which comes to mind, a remarkable prose-poem by the Jesuit priest, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Finding himself, on one occasion, out in China’s Ordos Desert where he was unable to celebrate Mass, Father Pierre sat down and composed a work entitled The Mass on the World. It contains radiant lines such as the following:
Since once again, Lord, I have neither bread, nor wine, nor altar … I, your priest, will make the whole earth my altar and on it I will offer you all the labours and sufferings of the world … I call before me the whole vast anonymous army of living humanity, those who surround me and support me though I do not know them … I know we cannot forestall, still less dictate to you, even the smallest of your actions; from you alone comes all initiative - and this applies in the first place to my prayer … Do you now, therefore, speaking through my lips, pronounce over this earthly travail your twofold efficacious word … Over every living thing which is to spring up, to grow, to flower, to ripen during this day, say again the words: This is my Body. And over every death-force which waits in readiness to corrode, to wither, to cut down, speak again the commanding words which express the supreme mystery of faith: This is my blood.
De Chardin may or may not be a great scientist or a great theologian but he was, on the evidence of this meditation alone, a remarkable poet. Even Jacques Maritain, who was passionately opposed to the Teilhardian vision, could speak of The Mass on the World as “the great text of Teilhard.” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, referring in July 2009 to St Paul’s vision of the world itself becoming a living worship, remarked: “This is also the great vision of Teilhard de Chardin: in the end we shall achieve a true cosmic liturgy, where the cosmos becomes a living host. Let us pray to the Lord to help us [all the baptized] to become priests in this sense, to aid in the transformation of the world, in adoration of God, beginning with ourselves.” How does forced solitude affect the spiritual life? For a tradition such as Catholicism that places so much emphasis on community, what might the long-term fall out of all this be?....(more). Photo: St Peter's Basilica under COVID-19 restrictions, Andrew Medichini, AP, Crux
Under lockdown, has the whole world become a monastery?
Extract from John L. Allen Jr. Editor, Crux, 4 Apr 4, 2020
Editor’s Note: This is part two of a two-part interview with Dominican Father Paul Murray. Part one can be found here.
ROME - Dominican Father Paul Murray is one of English-language Catholicism’s most prominent contemporary theologians and poets. Born in Northern Ireland in 1947, he joined the Irish Dominican Province in 1966 and was ordained in 1973. Murray has published five collections of poetry, including Scars: Essays, Poems, and Meditations on Affliction, and most recently, Stones and Stars in 2013, in addition to numerous books and essays on theology. He teaches the literature of the mystical tradition at Rome’s Dominican-run University of St. Thomas Aquinas, universally known as the “Angelicum.” Crux recently reached out to Murray via email to talk about the spiritual significance and fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. The following are Murray’s responses. Crux: For people today who are feeling deprived not only of the immediate grace of the Eucharist, but also of contact with friends and family and with fellow workers, is there any particular reading you would recommend? Murray: Yes, there is one text which comes to mind, a remarkable prose-poem by the Jesuit priest, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Finding himself, on one occasion, out in China’s Ordos Desert where he was unable to celebrate Mass, Father Pierre sat down and composed a work entitled The Mass on the World. It contains radiant lines such as the following:
Since once again, Lord, I have neither bread, nor wine, nor altar … I, your priest, will make the whole earth my altar and on it I will offer you all the labours and sufferings of the world … I call before me the whole vast anonymous army of living humanity, those who surround me and support me though I do not know them … I know we cannot forestall, still less dictate to you, even the smallest of your actions; from you alone comes all initiative - and this applies in the first place to my prayer … Do you now, therefore, speaking through my lips, pronounce over this earthly travail your twofold efficacious word … Over every living thing which is to spring up, to grow, to flower, to ripen during this day, say again the words: This is my Body. And over every death-force which waits in readiness to corrode, to wither, to cut down, speak again the commanding words which express the supreme mystery of faith: This is my blood.
De Chardin may or may not be a great scientist or a great theologian but he was, on the evidence of this meditation alone, a remarkable poet. Even Jacques Maritain, who was passionately opposed to the Teilhardian vision, could speak of The Mass on the World as “the great text of Teilhard.” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, referring in July 2009 to St Paul’s vision of the world itself becoming a living worship, remarked: “This is also the great vision of Teilhard de Chardin: in the end we shall achieve a true cosmic liturgy, where the cosmos becomes a living host. Let us pray to the Lord to help us [all the baptized] to become priests in this sense, to aid in the transformation of the world, in adoration of God, beginning with ourselves.” How does forced solitude affect the spiritual life? For a tradition such as Catholicism that places so much emphasis on community, what might the long-term fall out of all this be?....(more). Photo: St Peter's Basilica under COVID-19 restrictions, Andrew Medichini, AP, Crux
Praying at home during this Coronavirus Holy Week
A theologian offers a practical way for Catholics to celebrate the most important liturgical events of the Christian faith
Limited extract from Thomas O’Loughlin*, subscription journal La Croix International, 3 April 2020
You can divide religions into two categories: those most at home in a large public space and those most at home in the domestic space. Most contemporary Christians, at least in the West, know only the former. They own many big buildings – and that is where religion takes place. If it takes place elsewhere, that is really just "a follow up". Christians seem to like big public statements. But it is startling to recall that the original Eucharistic meals – where the followers of Jesus distinguished themselves from their fellow Jews – took place in their homes.....(source). Image:Entry of The Lord Jesus Christ in Jerusalmen, Palm Sunday La Croix International 20200403. *Thomas O'Loughlin is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and professor of historical theology at the University of Nottingham (UK). His latest book is Eating Together, Becoming One: Taking Up Pope Francis's Call to Theologians (Liturgical Press, 2019).
A theologian offers a practical way for Catholics to celebrate the most important liturgical events of the Christian faith
Limited extract from Thomas O’Loughlin*, subscription journal La Croix International, 3 April 2020
You can divide religions into two categories: those most at home in a large public space and those most at home in the domestic space. Most contemporary Christians, at least in the West, know only the former. They own many big buildings – and that is where religion takes place. If it takes place elsewhere, that is really just "a follow up". Christians seem to like big public statements. But it is startling to recall that the original Eucharistic meals – where the followers of Jesus distinguished themselves from their fellow Jews – took place in their homes.....(source). Image:Entry of The Lord Jesus Christ in Jerusalmen, Palm Sunday La Croix International 20200403. *Thomas O'Loughlin is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and professor of historical theology at the University of Nottingham (UK). His latest book is Eating Together, Becoming One: Taking Up Pope Francis's Call to Theologians (Liturgical Press, 2019).
Plenary Council 2020:
Final Report for Phase I: Listening and Dialogue - A Final Report to the Archdiocese of Melbourne 3 April 2020
Today the National Centre for Pastoral Research (NCPR) published the last of its 28 Diocesan Reports – the 596-page report on the 2440 Written Submissions to the Plenary Council from 1649 individuals and 791 groups living in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The report estimates that 58,031 people were represented through the 791 groups and that the total number of respondents from the diocese was 59,680. The findings in this report are a summary of submissions that were received from the Archdiocese of Melbourne in Phase One of the Plenary Council process called ‘Listening and Dialogue’. The report is available from the Plenary Council website Here or the Plenary Council page of this website Here
Final Report for Phase I: Listening and Dialogue - A Final Report to the Archdiocese of Melbourne 3 April 2020
Today the National Centre for Pastoral Research (NCPR) published the last of its 28 Diocesan Reports – the 596-page report on the 2440 Written Submissions to the Plenary Council from 1649 individuals and 791 groups living in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The report estimates that 58,031 people were represented through the 791 groups and that the total number of respondents from the diocese was 59,680. The findings in this report are a summary of submissions that were received from the Archdiocese of Melbourne in Phase One of the Plenary Council process called ‘Listening and Dialogue’. The report is available from the Plenary Council website Here or the Plenary Council page of this website Here
Coronavirus and a Church of paradoxes
Limited extract from Massimo Faggioli, subscription journal La Croix International, 1 April 2020
Catholicism is full of paradoxes. The pope alone in St. Peter's Square, praying in front of a basilica that was built, in part, with the dirty money of indulgences; and yet here he is offering an indulgence to the people through his Urbi et Orbi blessing. As I wrote to my students, it's the same Church of the sex abuse crisis that we are studying in our course. Francis is evidently aware of the contradictions and paradoxes, as we have seen in the last seven years. It is particularly evident in his way of not letting the Roman Curia define his ministry. And we shall see what sort of impact the pandemic and the recession will have on his plans to reform the Curia. The contrast between Francis and the ecclesiastical status quo is not just a paradox. It is also a real and problematic contradiction. For one thing, it strongly contradicts the ongoing pandemic-induced revanche of liturgical traditionalism, with phenomena of clerical solipsism sometimes accompanied by the re-emergence of semi-magical rituals for local media consumption......(source). Photo: Pope Francis prayer deserted St Peter's Square 27 March 2020 AFP
Limited extract from Massimo Faggioli, subscription journal La Croix International, 1 April 2020
Catholicism is full of paradoxes. The pope alone in St. Peter's Square, praying in front of a basilica that was built, in part, with the dirty money of indulgences; and yet here he is offering an indulgence to the people through his Urbi et Orbi blessing. As I wrote to my students, it's the same Church of the sex abuse crisis that we are studying in our course. Francis is evidently aware of the contradictions and paradoxes, as we have seen in the last seven years. It is particularly evident in his way of not letting the Roman Curia define his ministry. And we shall see what sort of impact the pandemic and the recession will have on his plans to reform the Curia. The contrast between Francis and the ecclesiastical status quo is not just a paradox. It is also a real and problematic contradiction. For one thing, it strongly contradicts the ongoing pandemic-induced revanche of liturgical traditionalism, with phenomena of clerical solipsism sometimes accompanied by the re-emergence of semi-magical rituals for local media consumption......(source). Photo: Pope Francis prayer deserted St Peter's Square 27 March 2020 AFP
The Catholics who don’t believe in God
The issue of what has recently been described in a Vatican document as ‘baptised unbelievers’ has become a major issue for the Church - no less in Australia.
Extract from Daniel Ang, Catholic weekly, 1 April 2020
Few noticed it but a key issue at the heart of evangelisation found itself in the spotlight last week when a document published by a little-known Vatican body was made public. The key was in who ordered its publication: Pope Francis. The document had a somewhat obscure name: The Reciprocity Between Faith and Sacraments in the Sacramental Economy. It was published by the International Theological Commission (ITC), a body of top theologians and scholars who advise the Pope and the Church. Despite its somewhat academic character it has big implications for all Catholics as well as the pastoral practice of our parishes. To call it a landmark document would not be putting it too strongly. While the Catholic media focused on what the document had to say about marriage, specifically the sacramental status of a marriage between two “baptised non-believers”, the ITC acknowledged its discussion of the relationship between faith and sacraments had much broader implications. This includes for we Australians. While the number of marriages in our Church has declined sharply over the years, the number of families and children who continue to seek the Sacraments of Initiation in our parishes remain substantial, in their many thousands. Such demand seems like good news. But like the movement of quicksand, the longer we watch of this sacramental journey, the more likely we are to experience a sinking feeling as the promised fruits of these sacramental encounters struggle to manifest themselves in the real lives, desires and commitments of recipients. To put it plainly, despite the potent grace of the sacraments and numbers seeking them, we are not seeing a blossoming of committed disciples. We do not see, as Fr James Mallon describes, a deluge of Catholics with a personal relationship with Jesus, who are actively sharing their faith with others, open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, with knowledge and love of the Scriptures, and of basic Catholic theology, with a daily prayer life, the experience of real Christian community, a commitment to Sunday Eucharist and the frequent practice of Reconciliation, and who serve in ministry while seeing their lives as a mission field. So what explains this phenomenon which sees thousands ‘sacramentalised’ but few appearing to be ‘evangelised’, that is, become intentional and life-long disciples of Jesus Christ?....(more). Photo Photo: Baptism, CNS Gregory Shemitz Catholic Weekly 1 April 2020 1630
The issue of what has recently been described in a Vatican document as ‘baptised unbelievers’ has become a major issue for the Church - no less in Australia.
Extract from Daniel Ang, Catholic weekly, 1 April 2020
Few noticed it but a key issue at the heart of evangelisation found itself in the spotlight last week when a document published by a little-known Vatican body was made public. The key was in who ordered its publication: Pope Francis. The document had a somewhat obscure name: The Reciprocity Between Faith and Sacraments in the Sacramental Economy. It was published by the International Theological Commission (ITC), a body of top theologians and scholars who advise the Pope and the Church. Despite its somewhat academic character it has big implications for all Catholics as well as the pastoral practice of our parishes. To call it a landmark document would not be putting it too strongly. While the Catholic media focused on what the document had to say about marriage, specifically the sacramental status of a marriage between two “baptised non-believers”, the ITC acknowledged its discussion of the relationship between faith and sacraments had much broader implications. This includes for we Australians. While the number of marriages in our Church has declined sharply over the years, the number of families and children who continue to seek the Sacraments of Initiation in our parishes remain substantial, in their many thousands. Such demand seems like good news. But like the movement of quicksand, the longer we watch of this sacramental journey, the more likely we are to experience a sinking feeling as the promised fruits of these sacramental encounters struggle to manifest themselves in the real lives, desires and commitments of recipients. To put it plainly, despite the potent grace of the sacraments and numbers seeking them, we are not seeing a blossoming of committed disciples. We do not see, as Fr James Mallon describes, a deluge of Catholics with a personal relationship with Jesus, who are actively sharing their faith with others, open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, with knowledge and love of the Scriptures, and of basic Catholic theology, with a daily prayer life, the experience of real Christian community, a commitment to Sunday Eucharist and the frequent practice of Reconciliation, and who serve in ministry while seeing their lives as a mission field. So what explains this phenomenon which sees thousands ‘sacramentalised’ but few appearing to be ‘evangelised’, that is, become intentional and life-long disciples of Jesus Christ?....(more). Photo Photo: Baptism, CNS Gregory Shemitz Catholic Weekly 1 April 2020 1630
5th Australian Plenary Council: Has the diversity of voices been called?
Limited extract from Editorial, Catholics For Renewal Newsletter, 31 March 2020 (full editorial HERE)
limited extract:
The President of the Plenary Council, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, has now ‘called’ 256 persons to participate in the forthcoming Plenary Council and announced their names. The question now is: Will the so-called ‘delegates’ represent adequately the voices and voiced concerns of the people of God in Australia? Previous plenary councils held in Australia were exclusively clerical gatherings: only bishops and priests were present. Laypersons could not be invited to participate. Vatican II changed that, allowing the participation of the laity; but the 1983 Code of Canon Law set limits.
In its submission to the Plenary Council, Catholics for Renewal argued that a significant lay voice had to be present if the Council was to give witness to the Church as a community of believers. In it, and in Getting Back on Mission: Reforming Our Church Together, it recommended that at least one third of all those to be ‘called’ to participate in the Council should be non-religious lay women and men, that they be gender balanced, that each of the 35 particular churches (dioceses, eparchies, ordinariates) in Australia have a basic representation of 1 priest, and 1 male and 1 female non-religious lay person, and that more be called from the largest dioceses to represent the greater diversity within them. It was pleasing to learn, therefore, when the names of those ‘called’ to the Council by the Council President were announced, that these recommendations had been taken into account. We note, however, that the significant diversity in the largest dioceses still lacks adequate voices.......Read the full editorial HERE
Limited extract from Editorial, Catholics For Renewal Newsletter, 31 March 2020 (full editorial HERE)
limited extract:
The President of the Plenary Council, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, has now ‘called’ 256 persons to participate in the forthcoming Plenary Council and announced their names. The question now is: Will the so-called ‘delegates’ represent adequately the voices and voiced concerns of the people of God in Australia? Previous plenary councils held in Australia were exclusively clerical gatherings: only bishops and priests were present. Laypersons could not be invited to participate. Vatican II changed that, allowing the participation of the laity; but the 1983 Code of Canon Law set limits.
In its submission to the Plenary Council, Catholics for Renewal argued that a significant lay voice had to be present if the Council was to give witness to the Church as a community of believers. In it, and in Getting Back on Mission: Reforming Our Church Together, it recommended that at least one third of all those to be ‘called’ to participate in the Council should be non-religious lay women and men, that they be gender balanced, that each of the 35 particular churches (dioceses, eparchies, ordinariates) in Australia have a basic representation of 1 priest, and 1 male and 1 female non-religious lay person, and that more be called from the largest dioceses to represent the greater diversity within them. It was pleasing to learn, therefore, when the names of those ‘called’ to the Council by the Council President were announced, that these recommendations had been taken into account. We note, however, that the significant diversity in the largest dioceses still lacks adequate voices.......Read the full editorial HERE
Common Sense Isn’t Enough: Can the pandemic cure us of bad habits of mind?
Limited Extract from Roberto J. De La Noval, subscription Journal, Commonweal, 27 March 2020
As the coronavirus pandemic spreads throughout the globe, Americans are doing their best to “flatten the curve” by practicing social distancing. This is the advice of the world’s scientists, who are tracking this disease that has already cost so many lives. But in the midst of this collective push to secure compliance with necessary safety measures, a number of people still refuse to take the threat seriously. We now know, for example, that coronavirus can incubate in the body for several days without symptoms, yet you may still hear from some that, as long as no one is feeling sick, public gatherings are OK. This only quickens the contagion, as apparently healthy people unwittingly function as vectors for a virus that will likely find its way to someone more susceptible to the disease. Mandatory lockdowns nationwide will soon make these minor rebellions irrelevant. But it is nonetheless worth asking ourselves why so many people—secular and religious alike, elected officials and regular citizens—failed to heed the warnings of scientists. There are at least four sources of this heedlessness: political scheming, entrapment in the politics of “culture wars,” a profound ignorance of our own fragility, and a general distrust of science. Together they are prime examples of what the Jesuit philosopher and theologian Bernard Lonergan (1904–1984) called human bias. In Insight (1957), his monumental study of the human process of learning, Lonergan discusses the conditions not only for knowing but also for unknowing—that is, for the ways we can get knowing wrong. The human process of discovery, of insight, is always motivated by our innate desire to know, that basic orientation of wonder toward the world described by Plato and Aristotle and discovered by anyone who has ever met a child’s incessant questioning. We are, by our God-given nature, oriented toward truth by the ineluctable drive within us to ask questions and to seek reality through inquiry. Bias is anything that prevents the instinctive dynamism of our minds from attending to experience, seeking to understand, and making a disinterested judgment on the evidence that life offers. Lonergan identifies many kinds of bias, but among them are two that help explain the sources of heedlessness in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. The first is group bias.......(more) Photo: Coronavirus socialistancing CNS David Ryder, Reuters, Commonweal 20200326
Limited Extract from Roberto J. De La Noval, subscription Journal, Commonweal, 27 March 2020
As the coronavirus pandemic spreads throughout the globe, Americans are doing their best to “flatten the curve” by practicing social distancing. This is the advice of the world’s scientists, who are tracking this disease that has already cost so many lives. But in the midst of this collective push to secure compliance with necessary safety measures, a number of people still refuse to take the threat seriously. We now know, for example, that coronavirus can incubate in the body for several days without symptoms, yet you may still hear from some that, as long as no one is feeling sick, public gatherings are OK. This only quickens the contagion, as apparently healthy people unwittingly function as vectors for a virus that will likely find its way to someone more susceptible to the disease. Mandatory lockdowns nationwide will soon make these minor rebellions irrelevant. But it is nonetheless worth asking ourselves why so many people—secular and religious alike, elected officials and regular citizens—failed to heed the warnings of scientists. There are at least four sources of this heedlessness: political scheming, entrapment in the politics of “culture wars,” a profound ignorance of our own fragility, and a general distrust of science. Together they are prime examples of what the Jesuit philosopher and theologian Bernard Lonergan (1904–1984) called human bias. In Insight (1957), his monumental study of the human process of learning, Lonergan discusses the conditions not only for knowing but also for unknowing—that is, for the ways we can get knowing wrong. The human process of discovery, of insight, is always motivated by our innate desire to know, that basic orientation of wonder toward the world described by Plato and Aristotle and discovered by anyone who has ever met a child’s incessant questioning. We are, by our God-given nature, oriented toward truth by the ineluctable drive within us to ask questions and to seek reality through inquiry. Bias is anything that prevents the instinctive dynamism of our minds from attending to experience, seeking to understand, and making a disinterested judgment on the evidence that life offers. Lonergan identifies many kinds of bias, but among them are two that help explain the sources of heedlessness in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. The first is group bias.......(more) Photo: Coronavirus socialistancing CNS David Ryder, Reuters, Commonweal 20200326
Number of consecrated men and women decline, Vatican statistics show
But number of baptized Catholics increases by 6 percent between 2013 and 2018, reaching 1.33 billion
Limited extract from subscription journal La Croix International staff (with Catholic News Service), Vatican City 27 March 27, 2020
The decrease in the number of religious men and women is "worrying," according to the Vatican statistics office. While the number of religious brothers in Africa and Asia continues to increase, the number of religious brothers worldwide experienced an 8 percent drop between 2013 and 2018. During the same period, the number of women religious fell 7.5 percent globally, the Vatican Central Office for Church Statistics reported. The figures are presented in the "Annuario Pontificio 2020," the Vatican yearbook. The statistics are based on figures valid as of Dec. 31, 2018. The number of baptized Catholics increased by 6 percent between 2013 and 2018, reaching 1.33 billion or almost 18 percent of the global population, the statistics office reported March 25. The region with the highest proportion of Catholics, the yearbook reported, is in North and South America with "63.7 Catholics per 100 inhabitants," followed by Europe with 39.7 Catholics, Oceania with 26.3 and Africa with 19.4 Catholics for every 100 inhabitants. Asia has the lowest percentage of Catholics in the general population, making up 3.3 Catholics for every 100 inhabitants due to "the great spread of non-Christian denominations in the continent." The number of bishops of the world continued to increase in 2018, reaching 5,337 worldwide compared to 5,173 in 2013. The report also stated that while the total number of priests - diocesan and religious order - around the world increased slightly - by 0.3 percent in the 2013-2018 period - the numbers "appear rather disappointing overall." Europe, it said, showed a decrease of more than 7 percent in 2018 alone, while the decline in Oceania was a little over 1 percent. The decline in both continents account for the low numbers worldwide. However, the 14.3 percent increase of priests in Africa and 11 percent in Asia over 2013-2018 "is quite comforting," while numbers in North and South America "remain stationary," the report said. The yearbook also said that the number of permanent deacons is "rapidly evolving," noting a significant increase from 43,195 in 2013 to 47,504 in 2018.....(more)
But number of baptized Catholics increases by 6 percent between 2013 and 2018, reaching 1.33 billion
Limited extract from subscription journal La Croix International staff (with Catholic News Service), Vatican City 27 March 27, 2020
The decrease in the number of religious men and women is "worrying," according to the Vatican statistics office. While the number of religious brothers in Africa and Asia continues to increase, the number of religious brothers worldwide experienced an 8 percent drop between 2013 and 2018. During the same period, the number of women religious fell 7.5 percent globally, the Vatican Central Office for Church Statistics reported. The figures are presented in the "Annuario Pontificio 2020," the Vatican yearbook. The statistics are based on figures valid as of Dec. 31, 2018. The number of baptized Catholics increased by 6 percent between 2013 and 2018, reaching 1.33 billion or almost 18 percent of the global population, the statistics office reported March 25. The region with the highest proportion of Catholics, the yearbook reported, is in North and South America with "63.7 Catholics per 100 inhabitants," followed by Europe with 39.7 Catholics, Oceania with 26.3 and Africa with 19.4 Catholics for every 100 inhabitants. Asia has the lowest percentage of Catholics in the general population, making up 3.3 Catholics for every 100 inhabitants due to "the great spread of non-Christian denominations in the continent." The number of bishops of the world continued to increase in 2018, reaching 5,337 worldwide compared to 5,173 in 2013. The report also stated that while the total number of priests - diocesan and religious order - around the world increased slightly - by 0.3 percent in the 2013-2018 period - the numbers "appear rather disappointing overall." Europe, it said, showed a decrease of more than 7 percent in 2018 alone, while the decline in Oceania was a little over 1 percent. The decline in both continents account for the low numbers worldwide. However, the 14.3 percent increase of priests in Africa and 11 percent in Asia over 2013-2018 "is quite comforting," while numbers in North and South America "remain stationary," the report said. The yearbook also said that the number of permanent deacons is "rapidly evolving," noting a significant increase from 43,195 in 2013 to 47,504 in 2018.....(more)
Coronavirus indulgences evoke Francis' 'ridiculously-pardoning' church
Extract from Joshua J. McElwee, NCR Online, 26 March 2020
Rome — Announcement of the Vatican's offering of new plenary indulgences to those around the world affected by the coronavirus may have left some Catholics asking, "We still do that?" The answer is yes. And theologians say the move, made in a March 20 decree from the apostolic penitentiary, shows a seemingly unprecedented level of pastoral care for those who suffer from the virus — especially those who may die in isolation without being able to receive final rites. Jesuit Fr. James Corkery, an Irish theologian at the Pontifical Gregorian University, said the decree fits with Pope Francis' vision for a "merciful, welcoming, 'ridiculously-pardoning' church." "He wants people to be 'received back,' to be forgiven, above all to be loved," said Corkery, who has written extensively on the church after the Second Vatican Council. In Catholic teaching, an indulgence is the remission of the eventual punishment due for sins that have been confessed and forgiven. A plenary indulgence, which can only be granted in various ways outlined by the Vatican, involves the remission of all of a person's eventual punishment. The penitentiary's new decree offers special plenary indulgences to any Catholic affected by the virus, to health care workers and their families, to those who pray for the end of the epidemic, and to those who die without access to the sacraments. For those in the first three categories, the indulgence can be obtained if the person is sorry for their sins and prayerfully watches a celebration of the Mass, a recitation of the rosary, a practice of the Via Crucis, or some other devotion. For persons near death from the virus and unable to receive the sacraments because of isolation measures, the decree says they can obtain the indulgence "at the point of death, as long as they have recited some prayers during their life." Jeremy Wilkins, a theologian at Boston College, said he sees "something new" in the offering to those who are dying. "The conditions there are waived. It says ... the church fulfills the conditions for you," said the theologian. "That's quite amazing." "It really is tender," said Wilkins, who has focused his work in the areas of Christology and grace. "I think the church very tenderly wants to say, 'Be sorry for your sins, and know that you're not alone, and it will be OK.' "Jesuit Fr. Peter Folan, a theologian at Georgetown University, said he found the decree's treatment of the dying "especially moving." "There's just a deep theology behind that, and just a deep understanding of who God is, that God doesn't ever turn God's gaze away from anybody, especially those at that most important event of their life, which is our death," said Folan. Both Wilkins and Folan said that it appeared that the penitentiary had two primary objectives in offering the new indulgences: to show mercy to Catholics facing a severe time of trial, and to encourage them to think of their suffering in relation to that endured by Christ, and all the saints who have come before us.....(more) Photo:Pope Francis confession. NCR Online 20200326
Extract from Joshua J. McElwee, NCR Online, 26 March 2020
Rome — Announcement of the Vatican's offering of new plenary indulgences to those around the world affected by the coronavirus may have left some Catholics asking, "We still do that?" The answer is yes. And theologians say the move, made in a March 20 decree from the apostolic penitentiary, shows a seemingly unprecedented level of pastoral care for those who suffer from the virus — especially those who may die in isolation without being able to receive final rites. Jesuit Fr. James Corkery, an Irish theologian at the Pontifical Gregorian University, said the decree fits with Pope Francis' vision for a "merciful, welcoming, 'ridiculously-pardoning' church." "He wants people to be 'received back,' to be forgiven, above all to be loved," said Corkery, who has written extensively on the church after the Second Vatican Council. In Catholic teaching, an indulgence is the remission of the eventual punishment due for sins that have been confessed and forgiven. A plenary indulgence, which can only be granted in various ways outlined by the Vatican, involves the remission of all of a person's eventual punishment. The penitentiary's new decree offers special plenary indulgences to any Catholic affected by the virus, to health care workers and their families, to those who pray for the end of the epidemic, and to those who die without access to the sacraments. For those in the first three categories, the indulgence can be obtained if the person is sorry for their sins and prayerfully watches a celebration of the Mass, a recitation of the rosary, a practice of the Via Crucis, or some other devotion. For persons near death from the virus and unable to receive the sacraments because of isolation measures, the decree says they can obtain the indulgence "at the point of death, as long as they have recited some prayers during their life." Jeremy Wilkins, a theologian at Boston College, said he sees "something new" in the offering to those who are dying. "The conditions there are waived. It says ... the church fulfills the conditions for you," said the theologian. "That's quite amazing." "It really is tender," said Wilkins, who has focused his work in the areas of Christology and grace. "I think the church very tenderly wants to say, 'Be sorry for your sins, and know that you're not alone, and it will be OK.' "Jesuit Fr. Peter Folan, a theologian at Georgetown University, said he found the decree's treatment of the dying "especially moving." "There's just a deep theology behind that, and just a deep understanding of who God is, that God doesn't ever turn God's gaze away from anybody, especially those at that most important event of their life, which is our death," said Folan. Both Wilkins and Folan said that it appeared that the penitentiary had two primary objectives in offering the new indulgences: to show mercy to Catholics facing a severe time of trial, and to encourage them to think of their suffering in relation to that endured by Christ, and all the saints who have come before us.....(more) Photo:Pope Francis confession. NCR Online 20200326
Lack of resources, a priest shortage and the merging of dioceses in France
Catholic bishops in France agonize over best way to structure the Church for mission
Limited extract from Claire Lesegretain, subscription journal La Croix International, 27 March 2020
Retired Archbishop Jean Charles Descubes of Rouen is opposed to the reduction in the number of dioceses.
Catholics in rural France -- especially bishops, priests and religious — bristle every time there's talk about reducing the number of dioceses in the country. "That's the view from Paris!" they say with annoyance. And, yet, many wonder if 100 dioceses aren't a bit too many, given the serious priest shortage. Couldn't some of these places be merged, those that are poor in terms of human and financial resources? "Out of the question," retorts a priest from a "small" diocese in southwest France. "I am against it," says Jean-Charles Descubes, Archbishop-emeritus of Rouen. He recalls when the bishop of Le Havre reached retirement age in 2011. There was talk that the diocese, which had been created in 1974, would be suppressed and reattached to the Archdiocese of Rouen.....(more)
Catholic bishops in France agonize over best way to structure the Church for mission
Limited extract from Claire Lesegretain, subscription journal La Croix International, 27 March 2020
Retired Archbishop Jean Charles Descubes of Rouen is opposed to the reduction in the number of dioceses.
Catholics in rural France -- especially bishops, priests and religious — bristle every time there's talk about reducing the number of dioceses in the country. "That's the view from Paris!" they say with annoyance. And, yet, many wonder if 100 dioceses aren't a bit too many, given the serious priest shortage. Couldn't some of these places be merged, those that are poor in terms of human and financial resources? "Out of the question," retorts a priest from a "small" diocese in southwest France. "I am against it," says Jean-Charles Descubes, Archbishop-emeritus of Rouen. He recalls when the bishop of Le Havre reached retirement age in 2011. There was talk that the diocese, which had been created in 1974, would be suppressed and reattached to the Archdiocese of Rouen.....(more)
Women petition Cardinal Gracias for more decision-making roles
Extract from Joshua J. McElwee, NCVR Online, 10 March Republished 26 March 2020
Extract from Joshua J. McElwee, NCVR Online, 10 March Republished 26 March 2020
About 150 Catholic women in India have delivered a petition to Cardinal Oswald Gracias, asking that he take concrete steps to better include women in decision-making roles in the global church. The women are partly responding to a February NCR interview with Gracias, in which the cardinal acknowledged a bias among the members of the Catholic Church's all-male hierarchy against giving women more leadership roles. In that interview, he also said he and his peers must "shed this prejudice." The three-page memorandum praises Gracias' words in the interview, but asks for "changes in the policies, practices and structures of the Church so that women can participate fully in … leadership." Gracias is the archbishop of Mumbai, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India and one of six members of Pope Francis' Council of Cardinals. The petition was partly drafted* by Astrid Lobo Gajiwala, a medical doctor and scientist who has served as a consultor to the bishops' conference and helped draft the organization's gender policy. Some of the strongest language in the petition refers to that policy, passed in 2010 and the first of its kind in the global church. The policy said the Indian church "rejects all types of discrimination against women as being contrary to God’s intent and purpose," according to the memo. "Women continue to be discriminated against by keeping them out of decision-making bodies of the Church, which are controlled by clerics," states the memo. "Women have no say in the policy making that shapes the liturgy, worship, theology and practices of the church, including those that affect their own lives." In the February NCR interview at the Vatican, Gracias said he had become a "convert" to the cause of women seeking more opportunities for responsi the February 2019 Vatican summit of bishops' conference presidents in Rome on clergy sexual abuse, where several women spoke. "Women in India have been asking for places at the decision-making table since the early 1980s," she said. "It seems almost as if he has not been listening to us." ....(More) Photo: IndianWomen c Astrid Lobo Gajiwala CWC NCR Online 20200310
Melbourne’s Plenary Council delegates announced
Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Communications Office, 23 March 2020
Today, more than 250 people have been called to attend the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, which will be held over two sessions. The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne has announced the names of four delegates to the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council, to attend both the assembly in Adelaide (4-11 October 2020) and the assembly in Sydney (27 June - 2 July 2021). The chosen delegates for Melbourne are Nimmi Candappa, Jonathan Antony, Vivian Alamo, and Michelle Goh RSM. Archbishop Peter A Comensoli offered his congratulations to the four. ‘I have been humbled by the willingness and prayerful discernment expressed by so many in our community as we prepare for the Plenary Council.’ The role of the delegates is ‘not simply to represent particular causes, groups or issues,’ the Archbishop reminded those chosen, ‘but to act as delegates in service to the Gospel mission.....(more)
Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Communications Office, 23 March 2020
Today, more than 250 people have been called to attend the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, which will be held over two sessions. The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne has announced the names of four delegates to the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council, to attend both the assembly in Adelaide (4-11 October 2020) and the assembly in Sydney (27 June - 2 July 2021). The chosen delegates for Melbourne are Nimmi Candappa, Jonathan Antony, Vivian Alamo, and Michelle Goh RSM. Archbishop Peter A Comensoli offered his congratulations to the four. ‘I have been humbled by the willingness and prayerful discernment expressed by so many in our community as we prepare for the Plenary Council.’ The role of the delegates is ‘not simply to represent particular causes, groups or issues,’ the Archbishop reminded those chosen, ‘but to act as delegates in service to the Gospel mission.....(more)
Death of Ray Blackbourn
Edited extract from The Age Obituary, 20 March 2020
Tribute
Edited extract from The Age Obituary, 20 March 2020
On 19 March 2020 our much loved parishioner Ray Blackbourn Passed away peacefully aged 93. Ray was a Highly respected press photographer and pictorial editor of the Age, where he worked for 47 years. He was a fun loving man with a wicked sense of humour. His integrity and generosity of spirit will be sadly missed.
Our love and sympathy to Ray's wife Lyn, and to Ray's extended family...(The Age Obituary HERE)
An early photo of Ray as a cadet Photographer in The Age can be viewed here
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a Memorial Service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held at a later date.
Tribute
Ray what an extraordinary life. Survived a bullet in the back in world war2. Went on to have a stellar career in newspapers. A photographer who had no peer was Blacky. A devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and family man. One of the best. Loved a joke, a drink and a punt. Vale Ray it was an honour and pleasure to be your friend. We will miss those chats over coffee. David and Jacqui.
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Communication from the Archbishop HERE (19 March 2020)
A Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Victoria
Wednesday 18 March 2020
Prayerful greetings to the people of God across Victoria,
This
morning, the Prime Minister announced that non-essential indoor
gatherings will be limited to 100 people, and outdoor events of more
than 500 people will be disallowed, effective today. Given the
seriousness of COVID-19, we support this measure as being responsible
and sensible, and we encourage everyone to follow public safety
guidelines respectfully.
The
Bishops of the Province of Victoria have given this prayerful and
considered reflection, and have determined the following actions:
• Immediate suspension of public liturgies, celebrations of the Mass, until further notice.
• All other gatherings are suspended. For clarification of any concerns, please contact your local diocesan authority.
We
are very aware that this restriction will be particularly difficult for
families who are planning liturgies such as funerals, weddings and
baptisms. At this time, so long as appropriate precautions are able to
be put in place (such as distancing between participants), it may be
possible for these liturgies to proceed with a carefully limited
congregation. Deferring these liturgies may also be an option that is
offered to families.
In
light of this, all Catholics in Victoria are dispensed from their
Sunday obligation until further notice (canon 1248). We encourage you to
continue active participation in the life of the Church, through
activities such as time in personal and family prayer, reflecting on the
Scriptures, making a spiritual communion, or participating in a Mass online ........Full letter HER Ready access to Mass online is available on the Mass Details page.
Quarantining stimulus in time of crisis ‘beyond belief’
Extract from CathNews, Luke Henrique- Gomes, The Guardian, 19 March 2020
Welfare recipients on the cashless debit card will have their $750 stimulus payment quarantined as the Government bucks a call from the nation’s peak welfare lobby to give people “maximum flexibility” during the coronavirus outbreak. As the Government aims to prevent an economic downturn, about 6.5 million people – including those receiving payments including Newstart, the Age Pension, Family Tax Benefit and Disability Support Pension – will get $750 dropped into their bank account from March 31. But the decision to quarantine the money for some people means around 15,000 welfare recipients who have been compulsorily placed on the card will not be able withdraw the money as cash. Cassandra Goldie, the chief executive of the Australian Council of Social Service, said it was “beyond belief” that the payments would be quarantined at a time of crisis. She said that cardholders had previously been “unable to access quarantined income because of a range of issues, from technical outages to their cashless debit card being declined”. “People need to have as much flexibility as possible right now, including over their money,” she said. In an effort to reduce social harm, the card quarantines a proportion of a person’s welfare payments onto a debit card that cannot be used to purchase alcohol or gambling products, or withdraw cash. It is currently in place in Ceduna (South Australia) and Hinkler (Queensland), and the East Kimberley and Goldfields areas of Western Australia....(more)
Extract from CathNews, Luke Henrique- Gomes, The Guardian, 19 March 2020
Welfare recipients on the cashless debit card will have their $750 stimulus payment quarantined as the Government bucks a call from the nation’s peak welfare lobby to give people “maximum flexibility” during the coronavirus outbreak. As the Government aims to prevent an economic downturn, about 6.5 million people – including those receiving payments including Newstart, the Age Pension, Family Tax Benefit and Disability Support Pension – will get $750 dropped into their bank account from March 31. But the decision to quarantine the money for some people means around 15,000 welfare recipients who have been compulsorily placed on the card will not be able withdraw the money as cash. Cassandra Goldie, the chief executive of the Australian Council of Social Service, said it was “beyond belief” that the payments would be quarantined at a time of crisis. She said that cardholders had previously been “unable to access quarantined income because of a range of issues, from technical outages to their cashless debit card being declined”. “People need to have as much flexibility as possible right now, including over their money,” she said. In an effort to reduce social harm, the card quarantines a proportion of a person’s welfare payments onto a debit card that cannot be used to purchase alcohol or gambling products, or withdraw cash. It is currently in place in Ceduna (South Australia) and Hinkler (Queensland), and the East Kimberley and Goldfields areas of Western Australia....(more)
Mass myopia and coronavirus
Massimo Faggioli explains how COVID-19 is unmasking the clericalist Church
Limited extract from La Croix International, 17 March 2020
"Instead of watching Mass on the computer, why don't we read from the Bible together?" That's how our eight-year old daughter reacted last Sunday when we gathered to watch the celebration of Mass at home, where we've been self-quarantined since last week. From the mouths of babes… Our daughter is used to seeing me as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist at our parish where she's preparing to make her first communion. That ceremony, by the way, will most likely be postponed.....(more).
Massimo Faggioli explains how COVID-19 is unmasking the clericalist Church
Limited extract from La Croix International, 17 March 2020
"Instead of watching Mass on the computer, why don't we read from the Bible together?" That's how our eight-year old daughter reacted last Sunday when we gathered to watch the celebration of Mass at home, where we've been self-quarantined since last week. From the mouths of babes… Our daughter is used to seeing me as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist at our parish where she's preparing to make her first communion. That ceremony, by the way, will most likely be postponed.....(more).
Lent and Project Compassion 2020 - Barry's Story
Edited extract from Caritas Australia, Friday 13 march 2020
Project Compassion is a key element of Lent. To help us focus in this regard Caritas has produced a weekly series of short video to highlight different examples of disadvantage that call for our attention. This week Barry's story is one such example and the video can be viewed on our 'Reflection of the week' page. Father of four,
Barry, embodies resilience and strength. Growing up in a tough
environment, making mistakes and struggling as a young father, he had to
look inside himself to make the right choices for him and his family.
Thankfully, Barry and others like him, were able to take part in Red
Dust Healing – a cultural healing program, which encourages participants
to examine their own personal hurt and allows them to heal from within.
A 2018 evaluation of the program demonstrated that it improved
participants' ability to express deep-seated emotions, to make better
choices and consequently changes in their lives. Learn more HERE This video contains sensitive themes and may not suitable for younger viewers. Supervision is recommended.
Australian Catholic Plenary Council delegates to be announced next week.
Edited extracts on 3rd March from Melbourne Catholic, Friday 13 March 2020
All delegates selected to participate in the 5th Australian Plenary Assembly in Adelaide (4-11 October 2020) and the assembly in Sydney (27 June - 2
July 2021) will be announced this week. The Melbourne Archdiocese received 78 applications from which a Selection Panel recommended eight people to Archbishop
Peter A Comensoli, who accepted the recommendations. Chair of the
CAM Selection Panel, Mark Edwards OMI, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, said that each
one of the 78 names submitted could have easily been put forward as a delegate
for their example of Christian wisdom and faith. He stressed that delegates are
not ‘representatives’ of particular causes, groups or issues, but ‘delegates’ in
service to the Gospel mission. Of the 78
applications received, 44 were women and 34 were men—all with active
participation in the various areas of the Catholic Church across the Archdiocese
(e.g. parish life, education, healthcare, social services, etc.). Many of the
growing ethnic communities were represented and the ages of applicants ranged
from 18 to 82 years old. It was also encouraging to have received applications
from all four regions of the Archdiocese. The following criteria were used to assess the
applications: a commitment to living the Gospel through
prayer, sacramental practice and work; An informed awareness of the broader context
and challenges of the Church in Australia; an evident ecclesial practice in
Melbourne; potential for leadership in the Church
and/or her ministries; the diversity of cultural identity, age and gender
balance in the local Church.
Full bench reserves decision in Cardinal Pell case
Extract from Chip Le Grand CathNews, The Age, 13 March 2020
The High Court will decide the fate of Cardinal George Pell on a date to be fixed after the full bench reserved its decision on whether he was wrongly convicted of sexually assaulting two choirboys. A two-day hearing in Canberra ended with counsel for Cardinal Pell, Bret Walker SC, savaging the “improvised and rickety construction of a Crown case to make something fit that will not fit” and Victorian Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd QC urging the court not to acquit Cardinal Pell even if he wins his appeal. Ms Judd said if the court found that Victoria’s Court of Appeal had erred in law when it upheld Cardinal Pell’s conviction for child sex offences, it should send the matter back to the court to be heard again. This was rejected by Mr Walker, who said it would be an injustice to send the case back to the Court of Appeal “to have another go". “We win this argument, we wish the matter to be over,’’ he said. It was a testing day for Ms Judd, who was rebuked by Chief Justice Susan Kiefel for failing to take the court to the necessary material. However, it appears unlikely this case will be decided by the strength of the advocacy. Rather, it will come down to whether the High Court believes that the Court of Appeal majority placed too much weight on the credibility of Cardinal Pell’s accuser, the surviving former choirboy, and not enough on the witness testimony which threw up multiple obstacles to the crimes taking placed as alleged. A critical question before the court is whether Victoria’s Chief Justice Anne Ferguson and Court of Appeal President Chris Maxwell's majority decision, which upheld the verdict against Cardinal Pell, in effect forced the defence to prove that it was impossible for the sexual assaults to have occurred, instead of requiring the prosecution to eliminate all reasonable doubt. Cardinal Pell was jailed for six years for four counts of child sex offences and is serving a minimum term of three years and eight months. The High Court reserved its decision on whether to grant Cardinal Pell special leave to appeal and the merits of the appeal....(more)
Extract from Chip Le Grand CathNews, The Age, 13 March 2020
The High Court will decide the fate of Cardinal George Pell on a date to be fixed after the full bench reserved its decision on whether he was wrongly convicted of sexually assaulting two choirboys. A two-day hearing in Canberra ended with counsel for Cardinal Pell, Bret Walker SC, savaging the “improvised and rickety construction of a Crown case to make something fit that will not fit” and Victorian Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd QC urging the court not to acquit Cardinal Pell even if he wins his appeal. Ms Judd said if the court found that Victoria’s Court of Appeal had erred in law when it upheld Cardinal Pell’s conviction for child sex offences, it should send the matter back to the court to be heard again. This was rejected by Mr Walker, who said it would be an injustice to send the case back to the Court of Appeal “to have another go". “We win this argument, we wish the matter to be over,’’ he said. It was a testing day for Ms Judd, who was rebuked by Chief Justice Susan Kiefel for failing to take the court to the necessary material. However, it appears unlikely this case will be decided by the strength of the advocacy. Rather, it will come down to whether the High Court believes that the Court of Appeal majority placed too much weight on the credibility of Cardinal Pell’s accuser, the surviving former choirboy, and not enough on the witness testimony which threw up multiple obstacles to the crimes taking placed as alleged. A critical question before the court is whether Victoria’s Chief Justice Anne Ferguson and Court of Appeal President Chris Maxwell's majority decision, which upheld the verdict against Cardinal Pell, in effect forced the defence to prove that it was impossible for the sexual assaults to have occurred, instead of requiring the prosecution to eliminate all reasonable doubt. Cardinal Pell was jailed for six years for four counts of child sex offences and is serving a minimum term of three years and eight months. The High Court reserved its decision on whether to grant Cardinal Pell special leave to appeal and the merits of the appeal....(more)
'Synodal way' could call for women deacons
Extract from CathNews, 12 March 2020
Extract from CathNews, 12 March 2020
The new chairman of the German bishops’ conference has said that calling for the ordination of women could be a conclusion of the two-year “synodal way” being undertaken by the Church in Germany. Source: Catholic News Agency. Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg said in a radio interview this week for International Women’s Day that such a conclusion would require Roman approval. In an interview with WDR5 on Monday, Bishop Bätzing answered questions on the role and future of women in the Church. He said that if the “synodal way” calls for the ordination of women to the diaconate, Rome would have to grant an indult to allow German bishops to begin ordaining women. In that event, he said, it would be important that the synodal assembly call for the change with “a very strong voice”. Bishop Bätzing said that if bishops and laity united to present a “strong appearance,” Rome would be more likely to respond positively. Speaking after his election last week, he said that the role of women “is the most pressing question we have concerning the future” of Church. “That is where the Church really has a backlog. We won’t be able to wait. Women must be given equal rights,” the bishop said. Bishop Bätzing also said that Pope Francis “did not take a position” on the possibility of ordaining women to the deaconate, which last year’s Synod on the Amazon recommended for further consideration, and that the subject was open for further discussion. The two year “binding synodal process” is being conducted by the German bishops in partnership with the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK). Its first full assembly convened in January and its working groups are preparing proposals for reform on matters of Church teaching and discipline on marriage, ordination, clerical celibacy, and sexual ethics. Bishop Bätzing has said he “fully supports the synodal way,” calling it “at the centre of our considerations” for the Church in Germany”.....(more) Photo: Limburg Bishop Georg Batzing CNS Harald Oppitz KNA Cathnews 20200312
Broome bishop voluntarily stands aside amid allegations
Extract from CathNews, Victoria Laurie The Australian, 12 March 2020
The Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders has stood aside amid claims of serious but undisclosed sexual abuse allegations. The Catholic Church in Perth issued a communique from the Vatican, dated March 10, indicating that Bishop Saunders, 70, had “voluntarily stood aside from the ordinary administration of the diocese.” The Church move was in response to a Channel Seven TV report that police have been investigating historical allegations by two men that they had been victims of sex abuse by Bishop Saunders. According to the Seven report, WA police have interviewed past and present members of the Bishop’s staff, including priests, who allegedly laid complaints against his behaviour. No charges have been laid against him. WA Police Minister Michelle Roberts confirmed she had “directly referred correspondence in relation to Bishop Saunders to police.” When confronted by a reporter in Broome outside his church, Bishop Saunders said: “Without any reservation, without any doubt whatsoever, that has never happened, and it never would happen.”...(more)
Extract from CathNews, Victoria Laurie The Australian, 12 March 2020
The Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders has stood aside amid claims of serious but undisclosed sexual abuse allegations. The Catholic Church in Perth issued a communique from the Vatican, dated March 10, indicating that Bishop Saunders, 70, had “voluntarily stood aside from the ordinary administration of the diocese.” The Church move was in response to a Channel Seven TV report that police have been investigating historical allegations by two men that they had been victims of sex abuse by Bishop Saunders. According to the Seven report, WA police have interviewed past and present members of the Bishop’s staff, including priests, who allegedly laid complaints against his behaviour. No charges have been laid against him. WA Police Minister Michelle Roberts confirmed she had “directly referred correspondence in relation to Bishop Saunders to police.” When confronted by a reporter in Broome outside his church, Bishop Saunders said: “Without any reservation, without any doubt whatsoever, that has never happened, and it never would happen.”...(more)
2020 Plenary - what's ahead
Extract from Melbourne Catholic Podcast: Lana Turvey-Collins
CAM, Communications Office, 11 March 2020
Last month, Catholic Social Services Australia held their biennial national conference, ‘Serving our Communities with Courage and Compassion’. During the conference, Melbourne Catholic caught up with the national facilitator of the Plenary Council, Lana Turvey-Collins. In this episode, Lana reflects on how the idea of taking time out to pray and discern is deeply counter-cultural—even for an institution as old as the Catholic Church. ‘It’s a courageous decision,’ she explains. ‘Since the Second Vatican Council this (Australian Plenary) Council is only the third to be held (in the world).’ ‘The Australian psyche is very action-oriented,’ she says. ‘…we're doers, so three years of preparation and talking is something people are not used to ... The initial stage of dialogue was the first time there was a national formal invitation for all to come and share. When you do this for the first time in a country after 80 years of not doing it, then it takes time for people to move on from what they're angry about … and then the deep stuff comes through; the really beautiful golden nuggets that can be transformative. And that's what discernment is about: it's about finding the depth of the idea.’ She says discernment has to be an act of faith. ‘Discernment is not comfortable … we need to learn how to do that well; learn how to be “uncomfortably comfortable” in the mess.’ She cautions against people raising their hopes too high for a fix-all solution. ‘I don’t think these council assemblies will answer all of the questions that people want answered,’ she says, maintaining that the Church is simply ‘too big and too complex’ for that to happen. However, the message is a hopeful one, reasoning that through this process we can create ‘a pathway that will set us in the right direction of good things being nurtured and nourished’ and to ‘move and change and be responsive in culture’. ‘This whole process has been designed to activate our baptism,’ she says. ‘The council assemblies are important and historically significant, but so is every time a group of people gets together to make a decision ... the transformation that has happened because small groups of people rely on one another and on God and the Holy Spirit to make a decision has power beyond belief. So it was very deliberate to have two parts to respond to your discernment—locally and nationally.’ The body of delegates ‘is a group of people that we will need to pray for,’ Lana says. ‘They are charged with a huge responsibility.’ Lana says the delegates coming from their local places will be carrying their local story, ‘but with a heart and mind that is open to discern with all the people of God in Australia to finish this three and half year discernment process.’....(more)
Extract from Melbourne Catholic Podcast: Lana Turvey-Collins
CAM, Communications Office, 11 March 2020
Last month, Catholic Social Services Australia held their biennial national conference, ‘Serving our Communities with Courage and Compassion’. During the conference, Melbourne Catholic caught up with the national facilitator of the Plenary Council, Lana Turvey-Collins. In this episode, Lana reflects on how the idea of taking time out to pray and discern is deeply counter-cultural—even for an institution as old as the Catholic Church. ‘It’s a courageous decision,’ she explains. ‘Since the Second Vatican Council this (Australian Plenary) Council is only the third to be held (in the world).’ ‘The Australian psyche is very action-oriented,’ she says. ‘…we're doers, so three years of preparation and talking is something people are not used to ... The initial stage of dialogue was the first time there was a national formal invitation for all to come and share. When you do this for the first time in a country after 80 years of not doing it, then it takes time for people to move on from what they're angry about … and then the deep stuff comes through; the really beautiful golden nuggets that can be transformative. And that's what discernment is about: it's about finding the depth of the idea.’ She says discernment has to be an act of faith. ‘Discernment is not comfortable … we need to learn how to do that well; learn how to be “uncomfortably comfortable” in the mess.’ She cautions against people raising their hopes too high for a fix-all solution. ‘I don’t think these council assemblies will answer all of the questions that people want answered,’ she says, maintaining that the Church is simply ‘too big and too complex’ for that to happen. However, the message is a hopeful one, reasoning that through this process we can create ‘a pathway that will set us in the right direction of good things being nurtured and nourished’ and to ‘move and change and be responsive in culture’. ‘This whole process has been designed to activate our baptism,’ she says. ‘The council assemblies are important and historically significant, but so is every time a group of people gets together to make a decision ... the transformation that has happened because small groups of people rely on one another and on God and the Holy Spirit to make a decision has power beyond belief. So it was very deliberate to have two parts to respond to your discernment—locally and nationally.’ The body of delegates ‘is a group of people that we will need to pray for,’ Lana says. ‘They are charged with a huge responsibility.’ Lana says the delegates coming from their local places will be carrying their local story, ‘but with a heart and mind that is open to discern with all the people of God in Australia to finish this three and half year discernment process.’....(more)
Synod of Bishops to take up theme of synodality in 2022
Extract from Christopher Wells,Vatican news, 8 March 2020
Pope Francis has chosen “For a synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission” as the theme for the next Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. In a formal declaration released on Saturday morning, Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, announced that Pope Francis will convene the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2022, with the theme, “For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission”. Synodality: the path of the Church in the third millenium. Pope Francis has chosen “For a synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission” as the theme for the next Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. The topic of synodality has been an important feature in Pope Francis’ pontificate. In October 2015, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Synod of Bishops by St Paul VI, Pope Francis said, “From the beginning of my ministry as Bishop of Rome, I sought to enhance the Synod, which is one of the most precious legacies of the Second Vatican Council…... it is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church in the third millennium”. More recently, speaking to the International Theological Commission in 2018, the Holy Father said the theme of synodality “is very close to my heart: synodality is a style, it is walking together, and it is what the Lord expects of the Church in the third millennium”..........More recently, speaking to the International Theological Commission in 2018, the Holy Father said the theme of synodality “is very close to my heart: synodality is a style, it is walking together, and it is what the Lord expects of the Church in the third millennium”..... (more). Photo: Bishops at Synod of Bishops Pan Amazon Vatican News 20200308
Extract from Christopher Wells,Vatican news, 8 March 2020
Pope Francis has chosen “For a synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission” as the theme for the next Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. In a formal declaration released on Saturday morning, Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, announced that Pope Francis will convene the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2022, with the theme, “For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission”. Synodality: the path of the Church in the third millenium. Pope Francis has chosen “For a synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission” as the theme for the next Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. The topic of synodality has been an important feature in Pope Francis’ pontificate. In October 2015, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Synod of Bishops by St Paul VI, Pope Francis said, “From the beginning of my ministry as Bishop of Rome, I sought to enhance the Synod, which is one of the most precious legacies of the Second Vatican Council…... it is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church in the third millennium”. More recently, speaking to the International Theological Commission in 2018, the Holy Father said the theme of synodality “is very close to my heart: synodality is a style, it is walking together, and it is what the Lord expects of the Church in the third millennium”..........More recently, speaking to the International Theological Commission in 2018, the Holy Father said the theme of synodality “is very close to my heart: synodality is a style, it is walking together, and it is what the Lord expects of the Church in the third millennium”..... (more). Photo: Bishops at Synod of Bishops Pan Amazon Vatican News 20200308
Pope chooses 'synodality' as next synod theme
Extract from Christopher Lamb, The Tablet, 7 March 2020
Pope Francis has chosen synodality as the theme for the next synod. The Vatican announced today that the Pope will convene an October 2022 synod of bishops on the topic of “a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission”. Synodality is a crucial feature of the Francis pontificate, and the synod of bishops has become the vehicle through which he has sought to implement reforms. A synodal Church, according to Francis, is one which “walks together”, bringing people, priests and bishops together in an ongoing mission to spread the Gospel. It is an ecclesial model which moves Catholicism away from a top-down Rome model and gives a greater voice to ordinary Catholics and local bishops. Soon after his election, the Pope said that “synodality should be lived at various levels” in the Church and talked about changing “the methods of the Synod of Bishops.” In the years since he convened a series of revamped synod meetings on the family, youth and the Amazon which involved wide-ranging consultations, fiery debate and hotly debated final documents. In 2015 Pope stressed that synodality is “what the Lord expects of the Church in the Third Millennium,” while a document approved by Francis from the International Theological Commission in 2018 set out how this would be implemented. Francis’ choice of synodality for the next synod underlines his ambitions for this idea to become the new style of being the Church in the 21st century and to get it better understood. While synods have their roots in the early Church and are used by other Christian denominations, the synod of bishops body in the Catholic Church was established in 1965 by Paul VI as the Second Vatican Council was drawing to a close.....(more)
Extract from Christopher Lamb, The Tablet, 7 March 2020
Pope Francis has chosen synodality as the theme for the next synod. The Vatican announced today that the Pope will convene an October 2022 synod of bishops on the topic of “a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission”. Synodality is a crucial feature of the Francis pontificate, and the synod of bishops has become the vehicle through which he has sought to implement reforms. A synodal Church, according to Francis, is one which “walks together”, bringing people, priests and bishops together in an ongoing mission to spread the Gospel. It is an ecclesial model which moves Catholicism away from a top-down Rome model and gives a greater voice to ordinary Catholics and local bishops. Soon after his election, the Pope said that “synodality should be lived at various levels” in the Church and talked about changing “the methods of the Synod of Bishops.” In the years since he convened a series of revamped synod meetings on the family, youth and the Amazon which involved wide-ranging consultations, fiery debate and hotly debated final documents. In 2015 Pope stressed that synodality is “what the Lord expects of the Church in the Third Millennium,” while a document approved by Francis from the International Theological Commission in 2018 set out how this would be implemented. Francis’ choice of synodality for the next synod underlines his ambitions for this idea to become the new style of being the Church in the 21st century and to get it better understood. While synods have their roots in the early Church and are used by other Christian denominations, the synod of bishops body in the Catholic Church was established in 1965 by Paul VI as the Second Vatican Council was drawing to a close.....(more)
Remembering Rosemary Surridge
Merle Gilbo, 6 March 2020
The beginning of this year’s Lenten McKinney Lecture series is a good time to share something about Rosemary whose involvement began in the early days and has continued until now. In fact, when we heard of her death, we could say, with relief, that all was in place for Lent 2020. I got to know Rosemary over a number of years through our appreciation of what Ecumenism can mean for our churches and our world. What I heard at her memorial service at Scot’s Church, Heidelberg, where she has worshipped for many years, gave me a whole new picture of her life. It was so impressive to hear, from one of the speakers, that she had written to him while he was serving a prison sentence and through her membership of Prison Fellowship Australia supported him after his release. She had become ‘Aunty Rosemary’ to a family whose mother had died when there were 6 children, aged 1-9. Through her membership of Soroptimists International, she supported the ideal of improving the lives of women and girls and her interest in antiques brought joy to many. That can truly be said - a life well lived - a person’s gifts and talents so generously shared. Her smiling face and thoughtfully worded thank you to the speaker will be missed when we gather for the first lecture on 10th March. Thank you, Rosemary. Rest in peace.
Merle Gilbo, 6 March 2020
The beginning of this year’s Lenten McKinney Lecture series is a good time to share something about Rosemary whose involvement began in the early days and has continued until now. In fact, when we heard of her death, we could say, with relief, that all was in place for Lent 2020. I got to know Rosemary over a number of years through our appreciation of what Ecumenism can mean for our churches and our world. What I heard at her memorial service at Scot’s Church, Heidelberg, where she has worshipped for many years, gave me a whole new picture of her life. It was so impressive to hear, from one of the speakers, that she had written to him while he was serving a prison sentence and through her membership of Prison Fellowship Australia supported him after his release. She had become ‘Aunty Rosemary’ to a family whose mother had died when there were 6 children, aged 1-9. Through her membership of Soroptimists International, she supported the ideal of improving the lives of women and girls and her interest in antiques brought joy to many. That can truly be said - a life well lived - a person’s gifts and talents so generously shared. Her smiling face and thoughtfully worded thank you to the speaker will be missed when we gather for the first lecture on 10th March. Thank you, Rosemary. Rest in peace.
Bishop backs local fight against crime
The Bishop of Townsville has thrown his support behind a local anti-crime group, blessing the “meaningful” members in their fight for action.
Extract from CathNews, Shayla Bulloch Townsville Bulletin, 6 March 2020
Catholic Bishop of Townsville Tim Harris has spoken out in support of Townsville One Community the day after well-known veteran Lieutenant General-retired John Caligari announced his support. The regional advocates join the group’s leader, Jeff Adams in lobbying all levels of government to amend the Youth Justice Act to allow alternative sentencing options to be made available to judges, and long-term funding to be secured for rehabilitation programs. Bishop Harris said he had noticed a surge in crime in this three years living in Townsville. “I think the feeling is that things are too loose – the justice system is limited, as (are) the powers of police,” he said. Bishop Harris said the current youth crime solution was “failing” and he feared a vigilante mentality may be brewing. “Every day there is a drama and our streets are not as safe as they should be,” he said. “These youths are not only destroying themselves and the community, but it destabilises the families and the fabric of our society.”.... (more). Photo: BishopTim Harris Jeff Adams Uncle Russell Butler Diocese of Townsville CathNews 20200306
The Bishop of Townsville has thrown his support behind a local anti-crime group, blessing the “meaningful” members in their fight for action.
Extract from CathNews, Shayla Bulloch Townsville Bulletin, 6 March 2020
Catholic Bishop of Townsville Tim Harris has spoken out in support of Townsville One Community the day after well-known veteran Lieutenant General-retired John Caligari announced his support. The regional advocates join the group’s leader, Jeff Adams in lobbying all levels of government to amend the Youth Justice Act to allow alternative sentencing options to be made available to judges, and long-term funding to be secured for rehabilitation programs. Bishop Harris said he had noticed a surge in crime in this three years living in Townsville. “I think the feeling is that things are too loose – the justice system is limited, as (are) the powers of police,” he said. Bishop Harris said the current youth crime solution was “failing” and he feared a vigilante mentality may be brewing. “Every day there is a drama and our streets are not as safe as they should be,” he said. “These youths are not only destroying themselves and the community, but it destabilises the families and the fabric of our society.”.... (more). Photo: BishopTim Harris Jeff Adams Uncle Russell Butler Diocese of Townsville CathNews 20200306
New chair of Cardijn Institute
Cathnews 6 March 2020
The former chairman of the Australian Catholic Council for Employment Relations, Brian Lawrence, has accepted a new appointment as chair of the Australian Cardijn Institute Cooperative Ltd. Mr Lawrence said he accepted the appointment because the "Australian Cardijn Institute is a strong supporter of the Church's social ministry and the principles of lay formation adopted by the Second Vatican Council". He added: "A necessary step in shaping the future of Church in Australia is understanding what the universal Church said five decades ago about the role of lay people within society and within the Church". On a personal level, Mr Lawrence recalled that he joined the Young Christian Workers, which was co-founded in 1960 by Fr Joseph Cardijn, and was inspired by the then Cardinal Joseph Cardijn during his visit to Melbourne in 1966. "Cardijn and the Vatican Council shaped my view of Catholicism in the 1960s and I am convinced of the relevance and importance of both in 2020,” he said. In his recently published paper reviewing the Catholic Social Ministry Conference held at Catholic Theological College, Melbourne, in November 2019, Mr Lawrence argued that the Church needs to rediscover the mission of social engagement and lay formation promulgated by Vatican II. His paper, which is now on the ACI website, argues that the Church's social ministry and the development of lay formation are inextricably linked. Mr Lawrence called on the upcoming Plenary Council to focus more deeply on “the Church’s social mission and the reforms that are needed to promote the lay apostolate and the Church’s social ministry”.....(more)
Cathnews 6 March 2020
The former chairman of the Australian Catholic Council for Employment Relations, Brian Lawrence, has accepted a new appointment as chair of the Australian Cardijn Institute Cooperative Ltd. Mr Lawrence said he accepted the appointment because the "Australian Cardijn Institute is a strong supporter of the Church's social ministry and the principles of lay formation adopted by the Second Vatican Council". He added: "A necessary step in shaping the future of Church in Australia is understanding what the universal Church said five decades ago about the role of lay people within society and within the Church". On a personal level, Mr Lawrence recalled that he joined the Young Christian Workers, which was co-founded in 1960 by Fr Joseph Cardijn, and was inspired by the then Cardinal Joseph Cardijn during his visit to Melbourne in 1966. "Cardijn and the Vatican Council shaped my view of Catholicism in the 1960s and I am convinced of the relevance and importance of both in 2020,” he said. In his recently published paper reviewing the Catholic Social Ministry Conference held at Catholic Theological College, Melbourne, in November 2019, Mr Lawrence argued that the Church needs to rediscover the mission of social engagement and lay formation promulgated by Vatican II. His paper, which is now on the ACI website, argues that the Church's social ministry and the development of lay formation are inextricably linked. Mr Lawrence called on the upcoming Plenary Council to focus more deeply on “the Church’s social mission and the reforms that are needed to promote the lay apostolate and the Church’s social ministry”.....(more)
New laws will strengthen transparency
Extract from CathNews, Renee Viellaris The Courier Mail 6 March 2020
Charities will be forced to reveal the salaries of their highest-paid staff under wide-ranging transparency laws to be introduced by the Morrison Government. Source: The Courier-Mail. The $150 billion sector will be hit with a new blowtorch after cabinet ticked-off on a suite of reforms after a landmark review recommended trust in the industry needed to be strengthened. Legislation will be introduced to ensure large registered charities – likely those that take more than $1 million dollars in donations a year – disclose how much they pay their executives and potentially their directors....(more)
Extract from CathNews, Renee Viellaris The Courier Mail 6 March 2020
Charities will be forced to reveal the salaries of their highest-paid staff under wide-ranging transparency laws to be introduced by the Morrison Government. Source: The Courier-Mail. The $150 billion sector will be hit with a new blowtorch after cabinet ticked-off on a suite of reforms after a landmark review recommended trust in the industry needed to be strengthened. Legislation will be introduced to ensure large registered charities – likely those that take more than $1 million dollars in donations a year – disclose how much they pay their executives and potentially their directors....(more)
Speaking the truth to power dangerous but important
Extract from CathNews, CSSV, 05 March 2020
Holding firm to faith and having the courage to speak truth to power are among the distinguishing characteristics of Catholic organisations, Ursula Stephens told a national conference in Melbourne last week. Ms Stephens, the CEO of Catholic Social Services Australia, was delivering the Mary MacKillop Oration at the 2020 national Catholic Social Services conference dinner. In the oration, titled 'Mary MacKillop; the authenticity of speaking truth to power', she spoke of Mary MacKillop’s courage, faith and strength in serving both the oppressed and the oppressors. “Speaking truth to power is dangerous and usually has consequences for the speaker,” Ms Stephens said. “Such danger didn’t stop Mary MacKillop – throughout her life she recognised truth-telling as a duty. What can we learn from her courage and determination? How can we too have the courage to speak truth to power and accept the consequences?” Ms Stephens said the first lesson from St Mary of the Cross was to hold on to your faith. “Faith in God’s will and his love for us is what empowered Mary MacKillop. It gave her, as it can give us, the ability to lift our eyes above the drab landscape of what is, and imagine what could be. Her faith was constant at the beginning and the end of her life’s journey, as it should be for all of us. “As organisations, if we were without faith - what would make us any different to any other organisation? Without the principles of Catholic Social Teaching underpinning our very existence, many of us might never do anything of consequence, because we’d lack any reason to dare the uncertainty that always comes when we seek change from the way things have always been.” Ms Stephens said the second lesson from Mary MacKillop’s life was the “importance of choosing your own course” and not being distracted by the many voices trying to divert you. And the third lesson was to “rise above the limitations of others”.....(more) Photo: Ursula Stephens delivers 2020 Mary MacKillop Oration in Melbourne (Fiona Basile/CSSV) CathNews 20200305
Extract from CathNews, CSSV, 05 March 2020
Holding firm to faith and having the courage to speak truth to power are among the distinguishing characteristics of Catholic organisations, Ursula Stephens told a national conference in Melbourne last week. Ms Stephens, the CEO of Catholic Social Services Australia, was delivering the Mary MacKillop Oration at the 2020 national Catholic Social Services conference dinner. In the oration, titled 'Mary MacKillop; the authenticity of speaking truth to power', she spoke of Mary MacKillop’s courage, faith and strength in serving both the oppressed and the oppressors. “Speaking truth to power is dangerous and usually has consequences for the speaker,” Ms Stephens said. “Such danger didn’t stop Mary MacKillop – throughout her life she recognised truth-telling as a duty. What can we learn from her courage and determination? How can we too have the courage to speak truth to power and accept the consequences?” Ms Stephens said the first lesson from St Mary of the Cross was to hold on to your faith. “Faith in God’s will and his love for us is what empowered Mary MacKillop. It gave her, as it can give us, the ability to lift our eyes above the drab landscape of what is, and imagine what could be. Her faith was constant at the beginning and the end of her life’s journey, as it should be for all of us. “As organisations, if we were without faith - what would make us any different to any other organisation? Without the principles of Catholic Social Teaching underpinning our very existence, many of us might never do anything of consequence, because we’d lack any reason to dare the uncertainty that always comes when we seek change from the way things have always been.” Ms Stephens said the second lesson from Mary MacKillop’s life was the “importance of choosing your own course” and not being distracted by the many voices trying to divert you. And the third lesson was to “rise above the limitations of others”.....(more) Photo: Ursula Stephens delivers 2020 Mary MacKillop Oration in Melbourne (Fiona Basile/CSSV) CathNews 20200305
Plenary Delegates in Service to the Gospel Mission
Extracts from CAM Communications Office, Wednesday 4 March 2020
The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne (CAM) has submitted the names of eight possible delegates to the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council, from which four will be chosen to attend both the assembly in Adelaide (4-11 October 2020) and the assembly in Sydney (27 June - 2 July 2021). A total of 78 applications were received by the Archdiocese, from which a Selection Panel recommended eight people to Archbishop Peter A Comensoli, who accepted the recommendations. Chair of the Selection Panel, Mark Edwards OMI, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, said that each one of the 78 names submitted could have easily been put forward as a delegate for their example of Christian wisdom and faith. He stressed that delegates are not ‘representatives’ of particular causes, groups or issues, but ‘delegates’ in service to the Gospel mission............. Of the 78 applications received, 44 were women and 34 were men—all with active participation in the various areas of the Catholic Church across the Archdiocese (e.g. parish life, education, healthcare, social services, etc.). Many of the growing ethnic communities were represented and the ages of applicants ranged from 18 to 82 years old. It was also encouraging to have received applications from all four regions of the Archdiocese. The following criteria were used to assess the applications received:........The announcement of the final list of delegates will be made in the week of 16-20 March 2020. Soon after that, the final papers from the six Discernment and Writing Groups – one for each of the six national themes for discernment – will be published. These papers will be central to the preparation of the instrumentum laboris, or working paper, for the Plenary Council—with the first assembly scheduled for October this year.....(more)
Extracts from CAM Communications Office, Wednesday 4 March 2020
The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne (CAM) has submitted the names of eight possible delegates to the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council, from which four will be chosen to attend both the assembly in Adelaide (4-11 October 2020) and the assembly in Sydney (27 June - 2 July 2021). A total of 78 applications were received by the Archdiocese, from which a Selection Panel recommended eight people to Archbishop Peter A Comensoli, who accepted the recommendations. Chair of the Selection Panel, Mark Edwards OMI, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, said that each one of the 78 names submitted could have easily been put forward as a delegate for their example of Christian wisdom and faith. He stressed that delegates are not ‘representatives’ of particular causes, groups or issues, but ‘delegates’ in service to the Gospel mission............. Of the 78 applications received, 44 were women and 34 were men—all with active participation in the various areas of the Catholic Church across the Archdiocese (e.g. parish life, education, healthcare, social services, etc.). Many of the growing ethnic communities were represented and the ages of applicants ranged from 18 to 82 years old. It was also encouraging to have received applications from all four regions of the Archdiocese. The following criteria were used to assess the applications received:........The announcement of the final list of delegates will be made in the week of 16-20 March 2020. Soon after that, the final papers from the six Discernment and Writing Groups – one for each of the six national themes for discernment – will be published. These papers will be central to the preparation of the instrumentum laboris, or working paper, for the Plenary Council—with the first assembly scheduled for October this year.....(more)
Synodality and basic ecclesial norms
A group of US bishops use 'ad limina' visit to undermine Pope Francis
Limited extravt from Massimo Faggioli, subscription journal La Croix International, 4 March 2020
Pius XII, who reigned as pope from 1939-58, is said to have used this peculiar greeting to welcome certain bishops when they came to meet him: "Monsignor, please feel free to kneel wherever you want." How times have changed! In the years since the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), the Throne of Peter has been put into mothballs. There is now a much more fraternal and informal atmosphere whenever the pope meets other bishops. That is particularly true during the "ad limina" visits, which bishops are required to make to Rome every five years in order to give a report on the state of their dioceses. But as Chaucer said in the 14thcentury, "Familiarity breeds contempt." And perhaps that helps explain why some prelates have felt they can take advantage of the Bishop of Rome by putting words in his mouth. Badly behaved US bishops This happened recently after the bishops of Region XIII in the United States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) made their "ad limina" visits. Two unnamed members of their group sought to manipulate the meeting by claiming Pope Francis had told them he was furious with Fr. James Martin SJ and his ministry to LGBT Catholics. It was an ecclesiastical-journalistic hit-job against the American Jesuit that came in an article published on Feb. 20 by the editor of the Denver-based "Catholic News Agency" (CNA). But the operation was mismanaged in such an incoherent and inarticulate way that it quickly backfired. Two other prelates who were at that meeting with the pope – Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe and Bishop Steven Biegler of Cheyenne – spoke on the record and denounced the anonymous account as having never happened. Although these two bishops set the record straight, there is a serious problem that remains. It is clear that some US Catholic leaders are trying to weaken Pope Francis' authority and damage his credibility......(more)
A group of US bishops use 'ad limina' visit to undermine Pope Francis
Limited extravt from Massimo Faggioli, subscription journal La Croix International, 4 March 2020
Pius XII, who reigned as pope from 1939-58, is said to have used this peculiar greeting to welcome certain bishops when they came to meet him: "Monsignor, please feel free to kneel wherever you want." How times have changed! In the years since the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), the Throne of Peter has been put into mothballs. There is now a much more fraternal and informal atmosphere whenever the pope meets other bishops. That is particularly true during the "ad limina" visits, which bishops are required to make to Rome every five years in order to give a report on the state of their dioceses. But as Chaucer said in the 14thcentury, "Familiarity breeds contempt." And perhaps that helps explain why some prelates have felt they can take advantage of the Bishop of Rome by putting words in his mouth. Badly behaved US bishops This happened recently after the bishops of Region XIII in the United States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) made their "ad limina" visits. Two unnamed members of their group sought to manipulate the meeting by claiming Pope Francis had told them he was furious with Fr. James Martin SJ and his ministry to LGBT Catholics. It was an ecclesiastical-journalistic hit-job against the American Jesuit that came in an article published on Feb. 20 by the editor of the Denver-based "Catholic News Agency" (CNA). But the operation was mismanaged in such an incoherent and inarticulate way that it quickly backfired. Two other prelates who were at that meeting with the pope – Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe and Bishop Steven Biegler of Cheyenne – spoke on the record and denounced the anonymous account as having never happened. Although these two bishops set the record straight, there is a serious problem that remains. It is clear that some US Catholic leaders are trying to weaken Pope Francis' authority and damage his credibility......(more)
Plenary Council - some issues discussed during the Catholic Social Services Vic conference from 23-24 February 2020, Melbourne
Brief Notes from conference participant and presenter Emeritus Professor John Warhurst, 3 March 2020
John's conference paper "Governing - Walking the Talk" is available for download HERE.
It was a shock during discussion when members of the Plenary writing groups were told they were consequently ineligible to be Plenary Council delegates. Some said they would not have performed the job if that had been made clear beforehand.
The following updates on Plenary Council composition were given in response to a question:
1. March 18 is the day when the delegates will be announced.
2. 63% of the 72 names are women. Most dioceses when asked for four names chose three women and one man. That won't of course by a long shot fully balance the male official clerical and episcopal delegates. Outcome in Rome still unclear.
3. Average age is 49.
4. 16 or 18 'young' delegates.
5. Indigenous delegates and agreement this is not enough, hence the need for adjustment at the national level.
Brief Notes from conference participant and presenter Emeritus Professor John Warhurst, 3 March 2020
John's conference paper "Governing - Walking the Talk" is available for download HERE.
It was a shock during discussion when members of the Plenary writing groups were told they were consequently ineligible to be Plenary Council delegates. Some said they would not have performed the job if that had been made clear beforehand.
The following updates on Plenary Council composition were given in response to a question:
1. March 18 is the day when the delegates will be announced.
2. 63% of the 72 names are women. Most dioceses when asked for four names chose three women and one man. That won't of course by a long shot fully balance the male official clerical and episcopal delegates. Outcome in Rome still unclear.
3. Average age is 49.
4. 16 or 18 'young' delegates.
5. Indigenous delegates and agreement this is not enough, hence the need for adjustment at the national level.
When saints fall
Homily, First weekend of Lent
Fr Bill, (29 February/1March)
Inspired by and based on an article by Fr. Thomas Reese sj. Homily HERE
Forum and visit from Bethlehem University.
Friday 28 February 2020
Br. Peter Bray, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, addressed the large crowd that attended our forum at the Cunningham Centre last Sunday. Bethlehem University of the Holy Land is a Catholic Christian co-educational institution of higher learning founded in 1973 in the Lasallian tradition, open to students of all faith traditions. The first university established in the West Bank Bethlehem University can trace its roots to 1893. In 2023 Bethlehem University will be celebrating its golden jubilee as the first registered university in Palestine, with a mission to serve the Palestinian people through education. This Catholic university persevered through many challenges over the past few decades and the forum comprising a presentation by Br. Peter and recorded comments by several students was very inspiring. Each year a group of students from Bethlehem university undertake internships at Loyola College, Watsonia. In July this year's interns will speak to us at Mass and join us for lunch. Details and Invitations will follow later.
Friday 28 February 2020
Br. Peter Bray, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, addressed the large crowd that attended our forum at the Cunningham Centre last Sunday. Bethlehem University of the Holy Land is a Catholic Christian co-educational institution of higher learning founded in 1973 in the Lasallian tradition, open to students of all faith traditions. The first university established in the West Bank Bethlehem University can trace its roots to 1893. In 2023 Bethlehem University will be celebrating its golden jubilee as the first registered university in Palestine, with a mission to serve the Palestinian people through education. This Catholic university persevered through many challenges over the past few decades and the forum comprising a presentation by Br. Peter and recorded comments by several students was very inspiring. Each year a group of students from Bethlehem university undertake internships at Loyola College, Watsonia. In July this year's interns will speak to us at Mass and join us for lunch. Details and Invitations will follow later.
Lay woman gets seat at Council of Priests' table
Extract from CathNews, Felicity de Fombelle Catholic Voice, 28 February 2020
A lay woman has been invited to attend meetings of the Brisbane Archdiocese’s Council of Priests, in what is believed to be a first for the Church in Australia. In a move to boost women’s decision-making powers, Archbishop Mark Coleridge has invited former ABC journalist Cathy Uechtritz to join him, his vicar-general and 20 priests and deacons on the council. The key decision-making body represents the clergy in a diocese and advises the bishop. It meets every two months. In a statement to the Catholic Voice, Archbishop Coleridge said he was convinced women needed a bigger decision-making role in the Church. The President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference revealed he had also invited two women to join the College of Consultors, which is a smaller group of priests advising the Bishop. “It is up to other dioceses to make their own decision but I find it hard to see how any diocese wouldn’t benefit from having women more closely and consistently involved in its decision-making processes,” Archbishop Coleridge said. Ms Uechtritz, who joined Archbishop Coleridge as Director of Government Relations last June, said she was “a bit stunned” when he invited her to join the council. “I feel very humbled. It is significant. It shows that women have a voice. The most interesting thing for me is that we are being listened to now, more so, perhaps. I see this as a great opportunity not just for me but for the clergy and the whole Church.” In his statement, Archbishop Coleridge clarified that he had not appointed women as members of the Council of Priests or the College of Consultors. “That would be impossible since by Church law all appointed members of both bodies must be clergy," Archbishop Coleridge said. “What I have done is invite women (two in each case) to attend the meetings of the two bodies as observers, but with the right to participate fully in all discussions. “I decided to do this because I became convinced that women needed to be more part of the decision-making processes of the Archdiocese, and even at this early stage I would say that the move has shown its worth.....(more). Photo Cathy Uechtritz Catholic Voice Cathnews 20200228
Extract from CathNews, Felicity de Fombelle Catholic Voice, 28 February 2020
A lay woman has been invited to attend meetings of the Brisbane Archdiocese’s Council of Priests, in what is believed to be a first for the Church in Australia. In a move to boost women’s decision-making powers, Archbishop Mark Coleridge has invited former ABC journalist Cathy Uechtritz to join him, his vicar-general and 20 priests and deacons on the council. The key decision-making body represents the clergy in a diocese and advises the bishop. It meets every two months. In a statement to the Catholic Voice, Archbishop Coleridge said he was convinced women needed a bigger decision-making role in the Church. The President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference revealed he had also invited two women to join the College of Consultors, which is a smaller group of priests advising the Bishop. “It is up to other dioceses to make their own decision but I find it hard to see how any diocese wouldn’t benefit from having women more closely and consistently involved in its decision-making processes,” Archbishop Coleridge said. Ms Uechtritz, who joined Archbishop Coleridge as Director of Government Relations last June, said she was “a bit stunned” when he invited her to join the council. “I feel very humbled. It is significant. It shows that women have a voice. The most interesting thing for me is that we are being listened to now, more so, perhaps. I see this as a great opportunity not just for me but for the clergy and the whole Church.” In his statement, Archbishop Coleridge clarified that he had not appointed women as members of the Council of Priests or the College of Consultors. “That would be impossible since by Church law all appointed members of both bodies must be clergy," Archbishop Coleridge said. “What I have done is invite women (two in each case) to attend the meetings of the two bodies as observers, but with the right to participate fully in all discussions. “I decided to do this because I became convinced that women needed to be more part of the decision-making processes of the Archdiocese, and even at this early stage I would say that the move has shown its worth.....(more). Photo Cathy Uechtritz Catholic Voice Cathnews 20200228
Sullivan lays out challenges facing Church
Extract form Cath News, David Halliday Melboiurne Catholic, 28 February 2020
“Taking the side of impoverished and disenfranchised people is not an option for Gospel-inspired organisations. It is a mainstay of the mission,” according to Francis Sullivan. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
Mr Sullivan is the former chief executive officer of the Truth, Justice and Healing Council and Catholic Health Australia. He delivered the opening keynote address at the biennial Catholic Social Services national conference, titled Serving Communities with Courage and Compassion, in Melbourne yesterday. More than 200 community leaders gathered for the three-day conference, held at the Catholic Leadership Centre in East Melbourne, which seeks to study a range of key issues facing society and the Catholic service sector, and explore new ways for the sector to address social challenges and create a more just society. Mr Sullivan presented a challenging overview of the state of the Church in Australia, alongside an uplifting affirmation of “good works by good people for the good of others”. According to Mr Sullivan, Catholic social services’ function in aiding society’s most vulnerable is an inherently Catholic exercise. As former chief of the national body that oversaw the Church’s engagement with the 2015-17 Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Mr Sullivan explored the reputational damage not only suffered by the Church but also by service organisations with no direct link with the abuse scandal....(more)
Extract form Cath News, David Halliday Melboiurne Catholic, 28 February 2020
“Taking the side of impoverished and disenfranchised people is not an option for Gospel-inspired organisations. It is a mainstay of the mission,” according to Francis Sullivan. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
Mr Sullivan is the former chief executive officer of the Truth, Justice and Healing Council and Catholic Health Australia. He delivered the opening keynote address at the biennial Catholic Social Services national conference, titled Serving Communities with Courage and Compassion, in Melbourne yesterday. More than 200 community leaders gathered for the three-day conference, held at the Catholic Leadership Centre in East Melbourne, which seeks to study a range of key issues facing society and the Catholic service sector, and explore new ways for the sector to address social challenges and create a more just society. Mr Sullivan presented a challenging overview of the state of the Church in Australia, alongside an uplifting affirmation of “good works by good people for the good of others”. According to Mr Sullivan, Catholic social services’ function in aiding society’s most vulnerable is an inherently Catholic exercise. As former chief of the national body that oversaw the Church’s engagement with the 2015-17 Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Mr Sullivan explored the reputational damage not only suffered by the Church but also by service organisations with no direct link with the abuse scandal....(more)
New Wine, New Wine Skins.
Extract from Francis Sullivan, John Menadue website, 26 February 2020
Why it is worth staying active in the Church? Can I find in the practice of Catholicism a way to do life that is legitimate, transformative, relevant and effective? Or, like for the vast majority of Catholics, is it best that I look elsewhere for pathways to a moral, happy life, free of judgement and hypocrisy? I acknowledge that there are many Catholic identities these days. People come into contact with the Church in formal and informal settings, parishes, schools, hospitals, small prayer groups and regular social get-togethers. There are many understandings of being Catholic and how to associate as a Catholic. The strict, rules based, obligation-laden Church of my youth, no longer holds any appeal. Not even when our times can appear to be so confusing and even confounding. That rigid Church doesn’t do it for me. Not only that, it actually is a definite turn off in an age where personal autonomy, freedom of conscience and self actualisation are in my mind the fruits of the Spirit that should be nurtured for the good they bring to our lives. Yet there are too many reactionary noises in our Church that bedevil this individualism and caste it as the signs of decay and demise for our world. Neither can I muster any enthusiasm or even tribal excitement for an institution that stubbornly resists calls to be more representative of the communities in which it exists. I find no confidence in institutional structures and processes that exclude lay people, women particularly, but also openly excludes gay people and even those divorced and remarried. How will it be possible for the Church to teach on intimate life issues to people who don’t even get a mutual voice at the table? What practical value do their lives bring to the life of the Church? Why do we have to cop the tired assertion that the Church is not a democracy and participation by the baptised is conditional within a hierarchical and demonstrably dysfunctional structure? Why do we have to be publicly associated with inane, even incompetent, statements from Church officials and spokespeople that fuel the flames of social division, demonise particular social groups, and present our Catholicism as just another socially conservative reactionary grouping? Why should we tolerate Church finances being directed to dubious political and media campaigns that inevitably ostracise opponents and only further exacerbate the culture wars in which our voice so often is heard as being harsh, unbending and out of touch?......The simple answer to all this is that.....(more). Photo: Francis Sullivan
Extract from Francis Sullivan, John Menadue website, 26 February 2020
Why it is worth staying active in the Church? Can I find in the practice of Catholicism a way to do life that is legitimate, transformative, relevant and effective? Or, like for the vast majority of Catholics, is it best that I look elsewhere for pathways to a moral, happy life, free of judgement and hypocrisy? I acknowledge that there are many Catholic identities these days. People come into contact with the Church in formal and informal settings, parishes, schools, hospitals, small prayer groups and regular social get-togethers. There are many understandings of being Catholic and how to associate as a Catholic. The strict, rules based, obligation-laden Church of my youth, no longer holds any appeal. Not even when our times can appear to be so confusing and even confounding. That rigid Church doesn’t do it for me. Not only that, it actually is a definite turn off in an age where personal autonomy, freedom of conscience and self actualisation are in my mind the fruits of the Spirit that should be nurtured for the good they bring to our lives. Yet there are too many reactionary noises in our Church that bedevil this individualism and caste it as the signs of decay and demise for our world. Neither can I muster any enthusiasm or even tribal excitement for an institution that stubbornly resists calls to be more representative of the communities in which it exists. I find no confidence in institutional structures and processes that exclude lay people, women particularly, but also openly excludes gay people and even those divorced and remarried. How will it be possible for the Church to teach on intimate life issues to people who don’t even get a mutual voice at the table? What practical value do their lives bring to the life of the Church? Why do we have to cop the tired assertion that the Church is not a democracy and participation by the baptised is conditional within a hierarchical and demonstrably dysfunctional structure? Why do we have to be publicly associated with inane, even incompetent, statements from Church officials and spokespeople that fuel the flames of social division, demonise particular social groups, and present our Catholicism as just another socially conservative reactionary grouping? Why should we tolerate Church finances being directed to dubious political and media campaigns that inevitably ostracise opponents and only further exacerbate the culture wars in which our voice so often is heard as being harsh, unbending and out of touch?......The simple answer to all this is that.....(more). Photo: Francis Sullivan
Abuse scandals could 'destroy' Church
Extract from Christa Pongratz-Lippitt , Martha Pskowski, The Tablet, 25 February 2020
The clerical sexual abuse scandal is threatening the very existence of the Catholic. Speaking at a theme day on “Escaping from Power, Seduction and Abuse” in Dresden, he said the revelation of countless cases of abuse by clergymen had hit the Church like an “earthquake”, had made the hierarchy and the Pope open to attack and rendered them powerless. “The institution is threatened existentially but at the same time its coping capabilities are overtaxed,” he said. He had discerned a systemic inability to act, he said. Some churchmen were still trivialising and denying the abuse and the Church’s responsibility for it. In his eyes, the Church was traumatised, he said. There was a connection between spiritual power, power which was attributed to theology and power which was sanctioned by canon law, Zollner explained. It was therefore easily possible for priests, under the pretext of pastoral or spiritual care, to abuse their power for their own sexual gratification, he explained. One of the reasons why this was possible was that there was no such thing as accountability in the Catholic Church. It was therefore easy to “pass the buck” and refuse to cooperate or communicate.....(more) Photo: Hans Zollner Fr The Tablet Haring Picciarella Ropi Zuma Press PA Images 20201225
Extract from Christa Pongratz-Lippitt , Martha Pskowski, The Tablet, 25 February 2020
The clerical sexual abuse scandal is threatening the very existence of the Catholic. Speaking at a theme day on “Escaping from Power, Seduction and Abuse” in Dresden, he said the revelation of countless cases of abuse by clergymen had hit the Church like an “earthquake”, had made the hierarchy and the Pope open to attack and rendered them powerless. “The institution is threatened existentially but at the same time its coping capabilities are overtaxed,” he said. He had discerned a systemic inability to act, he said. Some churchmen were still trivialising and denying the abuse and the Church’s responsibility for it. In his eyes, the Church was traumatised, he said. There was a connection between spiritual power, power which was attributed to theology and power which was sanctioned by canon law, Zollner explained. It was therefore easily possible for priests, under the pretext of pastoral or spiritual care, to abuse their power for their own sexual gratification, he explained. One of the reasons why this was possible was that there was no such thing as accountability in the Catholic Church. It was therefore easy to “pass the buck” and refuse to cooperate or communicate.....(more) Photo: Hans Zollner Fr The Tablet Haring Picciarella Ropi Zuma Press PA Images 20201225
Reflections on the issues of Mandatory Celibacy for Ordination in the Latin Rite of Catholic Church
Extract from Dr Kevin Treston,
The issue of mandatory celibacy for ordination to priesthood in the Latin Rite has become a significant topic for the process of church renewal. During the listening phase of the Plenary Council in Australia, the current Synod of Germany, the Amazon Synod and the public church media in many countries have highlighted the growing movement to seriously address this issue in church life. The global exposition of sexual abuse by clergy, such as the finding of the Royal Commission in Australia (December 2016) sharpened the debate about mandatory celibacy for priesthood. Clericalism with its association to mandatory celibacy has been identified by many church leaders, including Pope Francis, as a major impediment to church renewal. It is important to begin this reflection by emphasising that the issue briefly addressed here is not about the charism of celibacy which has been and continues to be a sacred gift of the Spirit that has been lived and is now lived by billions of Christians including monks, Religious and dedicated lay groups throughout the ages. The issue considered here is whether mandatory celibacy should continue as a dictum for future ordinations in the Latin Rite church.....(more)
Extract from Dr Kevin Treston,
The issue of mandatory celibacy for ordination to priesthood in the Latin Rite has become a significant topic for the process of church renewal. During the listening phase of the Plenary Council in Australia, the current Synod of Germany, the Amazon Synod and the public church media in many countries have highlighted the growing movement to seriously address this issue in church life. The global exposition of sexual abuse by clergy, such as the finding of the Royal Commission in Australia (December 2016) sharpened the debate about mandatory celibacy for priesthood. Clericalism with its association to mandatory celibacy has been identified by many church leaders, including Pope Francis, as a major impediment to church renewal. It is important to begin this reflection by emphasising that the issue briefly addressed here is not about the charism of celibacy which has been and continues to be a sacred gift of the Spirit that has been lived and is now lived by billions of Christians including monks, Religious and dedicated lay groups throughout the ages. The issue considered here is whether mandatory celibacy should continue as a dictum for future ordinations in the Latin Rite church.....(more)
Faith leaders urge Morrison to act
Religious leaders have appealed to Prime Minister Scott Morrison as a “fellow person of faith” to heed climate science following the country’s catastrophic bushfire season.
Extract from CathNews, Heather Mcab, AAP via Caberra Times, 21 February 2020
An open letter – signed by 18 Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim and other faith leaders – urges Mr Morrison to show leadership and urgently transition Australia away from fossil fuels. The signatories include: Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM, chair of the Bishops Commission on Justice, Mission and Service; Dr Peter Catt, the Dean of St John’s Anglican Cathedral in Brisbane; Muslims Australia president Dr Rateb Jneid; and Buddhist Council of New South Wales president Dr Gawaine Powell Davies. “We are writing to you as a fellow person of faith about the climate crisis that has been playing out so tragically,” the letter states. The faith leaders said viable alternatives exist for the “destructive practices” of fossil fuel burning, animal agriculture and land clearing, and called for Mr Morrison’s government to urgently adopt such measures. They said climate change-fuelled disasters had “damaged God’s creation” and placed indigenous and farming communities at risk. “We are asking you to have the wisdom, courage and humility to admit that it is time to chart a new course when it comes to climate policy,” the letter states. “It will take courage to admit that policy directions chosen so far have been unwise but this is what this moment in history calls for.”....(more)
Religious leaders have appealed to Prime Minister Scott Morrison as a “fellow person of faith” to heed climate science following the country’s catastrophic bushfire season.
Extract from CathNews, Heather Mcab, AAP via Caberra Times, 21 February 2020
An open letter – signed by 18 Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim and other faith leaders – urges Mr Morrison to show leadership and urgently transition Australia away from fossil fuels. The signatories include: Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM, chair of the Bishops Commission on Justice, Mission and Service; Dr Peter Catt, the Dean of St John’s Anglican Cathedral in Brisbane; Muslims Australia president Dr Rateb Jneid; and Buddhist Council of New South Wales president Dr Gawaine Powell Davies. “We are writing to you as a fellow person of faith about the climate crisis that has been playing out so tragically,” the letter states. The faith leaders said viable alternatives exist for the “destructive practices” of fossil fuel burning, animal agriculture and land clearing, and called for Mr Morrison’s government to urgently adopt such measures. They said climate change-fuelled disasters had “damaged God’s creation” and placed indigenous and farming communities at risk. “We are asking you to have the wisdom, courage and humility to admit that it is time to chart a new course when it comes to climate policy,” the letter states. “It will take courage to admit that policy directions chosen so far have been unwise but this is what this moment in history calls for.”....(more)
High Court weighs details of witness testimony
The High Court is weighing up the importance of watching the testimony of Cardinal George Pell’s victim compared to just reading the transcript.
Extract from CathNews, Tessa Akerman, The Australian, 21 February 2020
The court requested submissions on the issue this month and released the response from Cardinal Pell’s legal team on Wednesday. Cardinal Pell’s barristers, Bret Walker SC and Ruth Shann, argue the majority opinion of the Victorian Court of Appeal last year took the wrong approach in assessing the impact of the demeanour of witnesses whose evidence was viewed. The Court of Appeal sought submissions on this topic last year indicating it intended to view video recordings of the trial evidence of the victim and three other witnesses. “The applicant submitted that … there was no necessity to watch any video recordings because the complaint of the applicant on appeal did not depend on the manner in which any witness gave evidence,” Cardinal Pell’s counsel said in their High Court submissions. “In particular, it was submitted that no matter how favourable a view was taken of the manner that the complainant gave evidence, it was not open to the jury, acting rationally, to conclude that the prosecution had eliminated all reasonable doubt due to the combined effect of the unchallenged evidence of other witnesses.” The appellate court ended up conducting a view of St Patrick’s Cathedral, where the abuse took place, and video recordings of 12 witnesses.....(more) Photo:The High Court of Australia in Canberra, High Court website
The High Court is weighing up the importance of watching the testimony of Cardinal George Pell’s victim compared to just reading the transcript.
Extract from CathNews, Tessa Akerman, The Australian, 21 February 2020
The court requested submissions on the issue this month and released the response from Cardinal Pell’s legal team on Wednesday. Cardinal Pell’s barristers, Bret Walker SC and Ruth Shann, argue the majority opinion of the Victorian Court of Appeal last year took the wrong approach in assessing the impact of the demeanour of witnesses whose evidence was viewed. The Court of Appeal sought submissions on this topic last year indicating it intended to view video recordings of the trial evidence of the victim and three other witnesses. “The applicant submitted that … there was no necessity to watch any video recordings because the complaint of the applicant on appeal did not depend on the manner in which any witness gave evidence,” Cardinal Pell’s counsel said in their High Court submissions. “In particular, it was submitted that no matter how favourable a view was taken of the manner that the complainant gave evidence, it was not open to the jury, acting rationally, to conclude that the prosecution had eliminated all reasonable doubt due to the combined effect of the unchallenged evidence of other witnesses.” The appellate court ended up conducting a view of St Patrick’s Cathedral, where the abuse took place, and video recordings of 12 witnesses.....(more) Photo:The High Court of Australia in Canberra, High Court website
Archbishop Coleridge in Rome for meetings on seal of confession, Plenary Council and Cardinal Pell
Extract from Mark Bowling, The Catholic Leader. 19 February 19 2020
BRISBANE Archbishop Mark Coleridge has started a two-week-long trip to Rome that will include high-level Vatican talks on the Plenary Council 2020, Cardinal George Pell and the Holy See’s response to Australia’s Royal Commission into child sexual abuse. Archbishop Coleridge, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, found himself under a global media spotlight when he visited Rome a year ago for a summit on the sexual abuse crisis in the Church. He described the crisis as “a global emergency” and advocated “concrete action” to address issues of law, accountability of bishops, and the formation of priests and religious persons. “I think the Church has failed lamentably and therefore we have to cop whatever criticism comes our way, deal with it in a way that doesn’t cause paralysis and paranoia but does prompt us to action,” Archbishop Coleridge said during the February 2019 meeting. Before jetting to Rome this week, Archbishop Coleridge made his 2020 agenda clear: “We’ll be discussing the Plenary Council, the situation of Cardinal Pell, the Holy See’s response to the Royal Commission’s recommendations, and the controversy surrounding the seal of the sacrament of Penance,” he said. “Other topics will inevitably come up. But they will be where we start in our meetings with the Secretariat of State, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Congregation for Bishops.” The High Court of Australia has set March 11 and 12 for the final appeal of Cardinal Pell, who was convicted in 2018 on five charges of child sexual abuse. The Holy See could initiate canonical proceedings once a final court outcome is reached in Australia.....(more)
Extract from Mark Bowling, The Catholic Leader. 19 February 19 2020
BRISBANE Archbishop Mark Coleridge has started a two-week-long trip to Rome that will include high-level Vatican talks on the Plenary Council 2020, Cardinal George Pell and the Holy See’s response to Australia’s Royal Commission into child sexual abuse. Archbishop Coleridge, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, found himself under a global media spotlight when he visited Rome a year ago for a summit on the sexual abuse crisis in the Church. He described the crisis as “a global emergency” and advocated “concrete action” to address issues of law, accountability of bishops, and the formation of priests and religious persons. “I think the Church has failed lamentably and therefore we have to cop whatever criticism comes our way, deal with it in a way that doesn’t cause paralysis and paranoia but does prompt us to action,” Archbishop Coleridge said during the February 2019 meeting. Before jetting to Rome this week, Archbishop Coleridge made his 2020 agenda clear: “We’ll be discussing the Plenary Council, the situation of Cardinal Pell, the Holy See’s response to the Royal Commission’s recommendations, and the controversy surrounding the seal of the sacrament of Penance,” he said. “Other topics will inevitably come up. But they will be where we start in our meetings with the Secretariat of State, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Congregation for Bishops.” The High Court of Australia has set March 11 and 12 for the final appeal of Cardinal Pell, who was convicted in 2018 on five charges of child sexual abuse. The Holy See could initiate canonical proceedings once a final court outcome is reached in Australia.....(more)
The growing pains of a Church that's both local and universal
How Pope Francis is working to develop synodality at every level of Catholicism
How Pope Francis is working to develop synodality at every level of Catholicism
Limited extract from Massimo Faggioli, subscription journal La Croix International, 19 Feb. 2020
United States. A butterfly's sneeze can actually change the weather thousands of miles away – or so they say. It's not very different from the dynamics of synodality in the Catholic Church today. The impact of what happens locally can have an effect on the universal Church, especially when it is in a state of transition. Since the very beginning of its history, the Christian Church has held numerous local synodsor councils. Despite the difference of terminology, both were assemblies of bishops and included the limited presence of non-bishop participants. Local conciliarity paved the way to ecumenical councils, the official list of which began in the year 325 when (Roman) Emperor Constantine convoked the Council of Nicaea. But synodality is somewhat different from conciliarity......(Source) Photo: Pope Francis Synod of Bishops La Croix International AP Alessandra Tarantino 20200219
Another US Catholic diocese seeks bankruptcy after abuse deals
Extract from Mark Scolforo, Crux, Matt Rourke AP, 19 February 2020
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania - The Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, filed for bankruptcy Wednesday, six months after disclosing it had paid millions of dollars to people sexually abused as children by its clerics. The diocese joins at least 20 others across the United States in seeking protection from creditors through the federal bankruptcy system, but it is the first diocese in Pennsylvania to take such a step. In August, the diocese said it paid 106 people a total of just over $12 million to compensate for claims of sexual abuse they suffered as children from its clerics, deacons and seminarians. Six others did not accept payment offers from the diocese....(more).
Extract from Mark Scolforo, Crux, Matt Rourke AP, 19 February 2020
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania - The Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, filed for bankruptcy Wednesday, six months after disclosing it had paid millions of dollars to people sexually abused as children by its clerics. The diocese joins at least 20 others across the United States in seeking protection from creditors through the federal bankruptcy system, but it is the first diocese in Pennsylvania to take such a step. In August, the diocese said it paid 106 people a total of just over $12 million to compensate for claims of sexual abuse they suffered as children from its clerics, deacons and seminarians. Six others did not accept payment offers from the diocese....(more).
Pope Francis: All priests training to be Holy See diplomats must spend one year in missionary service
Extract from Gerard O’Connell. America the Jesuit Review, 17 February 2020
Pope Francis has radically reformed the formation program for all priests preparing for the Holy See’s diplomatic service by decreeing that from now on they must spend one year of their formation period “dedicated entirely to missionary service in the local churches scattered across the world.” He stated this in a letter to the new president of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Archbishop Joseph Marino, dated Feb. 11. His decree will come into effect in the next academic year, 2020-2021, for the new trainees who join the academy in Sept. The academy is situated next to the Pantheon in the historic center of Rome, and today has 37 trainee diplomats (including 2 from the United States) from 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. Addressing the American born archbishop as “brother,” Francis recalled that in his talk at the conclusion of the Pan-Amazonian synod on Oct. 26, 2019, he had expressed this very desire. On that occasion, he told the synod fathers that he was considering reforming the curriculum of formation for Holy See diplomats that currently requires young priests training for the diplomatic service to spend an internship of at least one year at a nunciature (Vatican embassy) in mission territory. Francis said he wanted future trainee diplomats to spend that time “at the service of a bishop in mission territory.” Francis, who teaches that the whole church is called to be missionary, confirmed this reform in the letter which the Vatican released on Feb.17. He told Archbishop Marino, “I am convinced that such an experience can be useful for all young people preparing for, or beginning, the priestly service, but in a particular way for those who in the future will be called to collaborate with the pontifical representatives and, later on, in the their turn could be sent as envoys of the Holy See to nations and the particular churches.”...(more)
Extract from Gerard O’Connell. America the Jesuit Review, 17 February 2020
Pope Francis has radically reformed the formation program for all priests preparing for the Holy See’s diplomatic service by decreeing that from now on they must spend one year of their formation period “dedicated entirely to missionary service in the local churches scattered across the world.” He stated this in a letter to the new president of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Archbishop Joseph Marino, dated Feb. 11. His decree will come into effect in the next academic year, 2020-2021, for the new trainees who join the academy in Sept. The academy is situated next to the Pantheon in the historic center of Rome, and today has 37 trainee diplomats (including 2 from the United States) from 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. Addressing the American born archbishop as “brother,” Francis recalled that in his talk at the conclusion of the Pan-Amazonian synod on Oct. 26, 2019, he had expressed this very desire. On that occasion, he told the synod fathers that he was considering reforming the curriculum of formation for Holy See diplomats that currently requires young priests training for the diplomatic service to spend an internship of at least one year at a nunciature (Vatican embassy) in mission territory. Francis said he wanted future trainee diplomats to spend that time “at the service of a bishop in mission territory.” Francis, who teaches that the whole church is called to be missionary, confirmed this reform in the letter which the Vatican released on Feb.17. He told Archbishop Marino, “I am convinced that such an experience can be useful for all young people preparing for, or beginning, the priestly service, but in a particular way for those who in the future will be called to collaborate with the pontifical representatives and, later on, in the their turn could be sent as envoys of the Holy See to nations and the particular churches.”...(more)
Indigenous is not alien, High Court decides
Extract from Kerry Murphy, Eureka Street, 17 February 2020
Daniel Love and Brendan Thoms were the plaintiffs in two recent High Court cases. Both men are Indigenous. They were born outside Australia, held foreign citizenship, had never taken out Australian citizenship and, having been convicted of offences carrying custodial sentences of 12 months or more, were subject to automatic cancellation of their permanent residency and removal under the Migration Act. What is novel about their case is that this was the first time the High Court needed to consider whether an Indigenous person can even come within the Migration Act at all. At its heart, the question was whether an Indigenous Australian who was eligible for citizenship but had never formalised it could be regarded as an alien and therefore subject to removal. In a landmark judgment, a 4:3 majority of the Court found that Indigenous Australians were not aliens, even if they were not citizens.....(more)
Extract from Kerry Murphy, Eureka Street, 17 February 2020
Daniel Love and Brendan Thoms were the plaintiffs in two recent High Court cases. Both men are Indigenous. They were born outside Australia, held foreign citizenship, had never taken out Australian citizenship and, having been convicted of offences carrying custodial sentences of 12 months or more, were subject to automatic cancellation of their permanent residency and removal under the Migration Act. What is novel about their case is that this was the first time the High Court needed to consider whether an Indigenous person can even come within the Migration Act at all. At its heart, the question was whether an Indigenous Australian who was eligible for citizenship but had never formalised it could be regarded as an alien and therefore subject to removal. In a landmark judgment, a 4:3 majority of the Court found that Indigenous Australians were not aliens, even if they were not citizens.....(more)
Retirement on the Horizon
Fr Bill, Friday 14th February 2020
Our Parish Secretary, Ruth Villani, has given notice that after more than 15 years as Parish Secretary she will retire on 3rd July 2020. Appointed by Fr. John Cunningham in 2004, Ruth has served the Parish faithfully and has seen off three Parish Priests and is working on her fourth. This is not the time to eulogize Ruth for the way she has lived out her special vocation within the Parish - there will be time for that come July. But as Ruth prepares for a handover within the Parish Office, and also prepares more personally for her transition to retirement, I would ask you to remember her in your prayers in the months ahead. Change comes with all sorts of challenges for all of us as individuals but as St. John Henry Newman reminds us change helps us move towards perfection.
Deciding not to decide… for now
Why the pope has not ruled on married priests or women deacons
Limited extracts from Robert Mickens, subscription journal La Croix International, 13 February 2020
Vatican City. In his new apostolic exhortation on the Church in the Amazonian region, Pope Francis has refused a request by bishops at last October's Synod assembly to formally approve the ordination of married priests and women deacons. In Querida Amazonia (Beloved Amazon) the pope pretty much ignores these two issues all together. And this, of course, has provoked predictable responses throughout the variegated world of Roman Catholicism. Traditionalists and doctrinal conservatives, for the most part, are breathing a sigh of relief. Some are even jumping for joy......Most progressives, reformers and Vatican II types – on the other hand – are deeply disappointed. Some, especially women, are extremely hurt and angry..........But if you've read some of the commentary on Pope Francis's decision not to change the discipline of priestly celibacy or approve women deacons, you probably have the impression that this is a "win" for old-time Catholicism and a "loss" for the Church's reformers. Actually, it might be just the other way around.......(source). Photo: EPA LUCA ZENNARO MaxPPP La Croix International 20200213
Why the pope has not ruled on married priests or women deacons
Limited extracts from Robert Mickens, subscription journal La Croix International, 13 February 2020
Vatican City. In his new apostolic exhortation on the Church in the Amazonian region, Pope Francis has refused a request by bishops at last October's Synod assembly to formally approve the ordination of married priests and women deacons. In Querida Amazonia (Beloved Amazon) the pope pretty much ignores these two issues all together. And this, of course, has provoked predictable responses throughout the variegated world of Roman Catholicism. Traditionalists and doctrinal conservatives, for the most part, are breathing a sigh of relief. Some are even jumping for joy......Most progressives, reformers and Vatican II types – on the other hand – are deeply disappointed. Some, especially women, are extremely hurt and angry..........But if you've read some of the commentary on Pope Francis's decision not to change the discipline of priestly celibacy or approve women deacons, you probably have the impression that this is a "win" for old-time Catholicism and a "loss" for the Church's reformers. Actually, it might be just the other way around.......(source). Photo: EPA LUCA ZENNARO MaxPPP La Croix International 20200213
Querida Amazonia has much to offer the Church in Australia
Extract from CathNews, ACBC, 13 February 2020
Archbishop Mark Coleridge says Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Querida Amazonia is not just for a distant and alien part of the world, but has much to offer the Church in Australia. “The Amazon is remote from us but the issues are not,” the president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference said. “All papal documents are highly anticipated, but this one holds a special interest not just for the peoples of Amazonia with all their needs, but for the Church around the world,” Archbishop Coleridge said. He said two critical issues addressed during the Synod and in the Pope’s exhortation – indigenous culture and an integral understanding of ecology – must be front and centre in the Australian context as well. “The Amazon has a unique place in the planet’s ecological footprint and its abuse in various forms is having and will continue to have an impact on the connection between humanity and the planet, our common home,” Archbishop Coleridge explained. “Here in Australia we see, at times dramatically, the damage done by abuse of the natural world – not only to the environment but also to wildlife, to communities and countless individuals. “The Church has a God-given duty to care for our common home, made clearer than ever in Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’. Querida Amazonia builds on the papal teaching and applies it boldly in one particular situation.” Pope Francis’ focus on indigenous cultures in the Amazon speaks strongly to the Australian context, Archbishop Coleridge said. “It’s good that the Pope’s words on indigenous peoples come as we in this country consider the woeful lack of progress on closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in key areas,” he said....(more)
Extract from CathNews, ACBC, 13 February 2020
Archbishop Mark Coleridge says Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Querida Amazonia is not just for a distant and alien part of the world, but has much to offer the Church in Australia. “The Amazon is remote from us but the issues are not,” the president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference said. “All papal documents are highly anticipated, but this one holds a special interest not just for the peoples of Amazonia with all their needs, but for the Church around the world,” Archbishop Coleridge said. He said two critical issues addressed during the Synod and in the Pope’s exhortation – indigenous culture and an integral understanding of ecology – must be front and centre in the Australian context as well. “The Amazon has a unique place in the planet’s ecological footprint and its abuse in various forms is having and will continue to have an impact on the connection between humanity and the planet, our common home,” Archbishop Coleridge explained. “Here in Australia we see, at times dramatically, the damage done by abuse of the natural world – not only to the environment but also to wildlife, to communities and countless individuals. “The Church has a God-given duty to care for our common home, made clearer than ever in Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’. Querida Amazonia builds on the papal teaching and applies it boldly in one particular situation.” Pope Francis’ focus on indigenous cultures in the Amazon speaks strongly to the Australian context, Archbishop Coleridge said. “It’s good that the Pope’s words on indigenous peoples come as we in this country consider the woeful lack of progress on closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in key areas,” he said....(more)
What’s in Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on the Amazon synod?
Extract from Gerard O’Connell, America - The Jesuit Review, 2020
Pope Francis has again surprised the world with his long-awaited document (“Apostolic Exhortation”) in response to the deliberations of the Pan-Amazonian synod. He does not address the question of the ordination of mature married men to the priesthood as many had expected. Instead, in the text known as "Querida Amazonia" (“Beloved Amazonia,”) he pitches hard for justice for the region’s 33 million people, of whom 2.5 are indigenous peoples, and for the protection of their lives, their cultures, their lands, the Amazon river and rainforests, against the “crime and injustice” being perpetrated in the region by powerful economic interests, both national and international, that risk destroying the people and the environment. He declares that the church must stand with these peoples in their struggle but insists that it must also bring the Good News of salvation to them. He devotes almost half of the document to the need for a radical, missionary renewal of the Amazonian church that involves inculturation at all levels, including in the liturgy, church ministries and organization, and the development of “a specific ecclesial culture that is distinctively lay,” that gives a greater role for the laity, and especially for women. He emphasizes the central importance of the Eucharist in building the church in the Amazon region but, at the same time, highlights the disturbing fact that this is not regularly available to so many communities; some do not have the Eucharist for months or years, others not “for decades” because of the shortage of priests. However, notwithstanding widespread expectations, Francis does not address the proposal for the priestly ordination of suitable and esteemed married men (deacons) as a solution to this problem, an issue that largely dominated the media reporting of the synod. He does not explicitly reject the synod’s proposal on this matter, approved by more than a two-thirds majority, he simply does not mention it, not even in a footnote.....(more). Photo: Pope Francis Amazonian indigenous, CNS, Vatican Media America TJR 20200212
Extract from Gerard O’Connell, America - The Jesuit Review, 2020
Pope Francis has again surprised the world with his long-awaited document (“Apostolic Exhortation”) in response to the deliberations of the Pan-Amazonian synod. He does not address the question of the ordination of mature married men to the priesthood as many had expected. Instead, in the text known as "Querida Amazonia" (“Beloved Amazonia,”) he pitches hard for justice for the region’s 33 million people, of whom 2.5 are indigenous peoples, and for the protection of their lives, their cultures, their lands, the Amazon river and rainforests, against the “crime and injustice” being perpetrated in the region by powerful economic interests, both national and international, that risk destroying the people and the environment. He declares that the church must stand with these peoples in their struggle but insists that it must also bring the Good News of salvation to them. He devotes almost half of the document to the need for a radical, missionary renewal of the Amazonian church that involves inculturation at all levels, including in the liturgy, church ministries and organization, and the development of “a specific ecclesial culture that is distinctively lay,” that gives a greater role for the laity, and especially for women. He emphasizes the central importance of the Eucharist in building the church in the Amazon region but, at the same time, highlights the disturbing fact that this is not regularly available to so many communities; some do not have the Eucharist for months or years, others not “for decades” because of the shortage of priests. However, notwithstanding widespread expectations, Francis does not address the proposal for the priestly ordination of suitable and esteemed married men (deacons) as a solution to this problem, an issue that largely dominated the media reporting of the synod. He does not explicitly reject the synod’s proposal on this matter, approved by more than a two-thirds majority, he simply does not mention it, not even in a footnote.....(more). Photo: Pope Francis Amazonian indigenous, CNS, Vatican Media America TJR 20200212
‘Querida Amazonia’: Commentary on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation
Extract from Antonio Spadaro, SJ, La Civilita Catolica, 12 February 2020
Splendor, drama, mystery: with these three words Pope Francis offers to the people of God and all persons of goodwill his post-synodal apostolic exhortation Querida Amazonia (Beloved Amazon), on the special synod for the Amazon, which took place in Rome, October 6-27, 2019.[1] With this synod, held at the heart of catholicity in Rome, the Church set out in search of prophecy, shifting its center of gravity from the Euro-Atlantic area and looking to a land full of gigantic political, economic and ecological contradictions. Francis is seeking solutions that consider the rights of the original peoples, and that defend the cultural richness and natural beauty of the earth. And he seeks to support Christian communities with suitable pastoral solutions. In this regard, the engine of the exhortation – we immediately anticipate – is in the tenth paragraph of the fourth chapter, entitled “Expanding Horizons Beyond Conflicts.” When there are complex issues, the pope asks us to go beyond contradictions. When there are polarities and conflicts, we need to find new solutions, to break the impasse by looking for other better ways, perhaps not imagined before. Transcending dialectic oppositions is one of the fundamental action criteria for the pontiff. It is always good to keep this in mind.....(more)
Extract from Antonio Spadaro, SJ, La Civilita Catolica, 12 February 2020
Splendor, drama, mystery: with these three words Pope Francis offers to the people of God and all persons of goodwill his post-synodal apostolic exhortation Querida Amazonia (Beloved Amazon), on the special synod for the Amazon, which took place in Rome, October 6-27, 2019.[1] With this synod, held at the heart of catholicity in Rome, the Church set out in search of prophecy, shifting its center of gravity from the Euro-Atlantic area and looking to a land full of gigantic political, economic and ecological contradictions. Francis is seeking solutions that consider the rights of the original peoples, and that defend the cultural richness and natural beauty of the earth. And he seeks to support Christian communities with suitable pastoral solutions. In this regard, the engine of the exhortation – we immediately anticipate – is in the tenth paragraph of the fourth chapter, entitled “Expanding Horizons Beyond Conflicts.” When there are complex issues, the pope asks us to go beyond contradictions. When there are polarities and conflicts, we need to find new solutions, to break the impasse by looking for other better ways, perhaps not imagined before. Transcending dialectic oppositions is one of the fundamental action criteria for the pontiff. It is always good to keep this in mind.....(more)
Disappointment, outrage over papal document on the Amazon
Extract from Heidi Schlumpf, National Cayjolic Reporter, 12 February 2020
Vatican. Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation on the Amazon disappointed those hoping for an opening of clerical roles to married men and women, with many noting that the pope failed to extend his prophetic voice about environmental injustice to injustices in his own house, the church. Many women were especially outraged over the document's language of complementarity. Querida Amazonia ("Beloved Amazon"), the pope's response to last October's Synod of Bishops, did not grant the bishops' request to open priestly ordination to married men and the possibility of women deacons, both in an effort to address the severe lack of ministers in the nine nations of that region. Reading the document was "demoralizing" and "painful," especially given the pope's lyrical language about his dreams for the region, said Casey Stanton, who works in parish ministry and said she is called to the diaconate. "But then you get to the paragraphs about women … and it just feels like the dream stops short of including them and including me," said Stanton, a minister of adult faith formation at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham, North Carolina. She admitted that she did not expect a change in church teaching from the papal document, but "just wanted him to keep the conversation open in this slow-moving church." "Instead, I think what the pope has done in this document is to close the door," she said. After the testimony of women at the synod, the pope's response is "willful blindness," Stanton said, adding, "I can't imagine what the women in the Amazon feel."....(more)
Extract from Heidi Schlumpf, National Cayjolic Reporter, 12 February 2020
Vatican. Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation on the Amazon disappointed those hoping for an opening of clerical roles to married men and women, with many noting that the pope failed to extend his prophetic voice about environmental injustice to injustices in his own house, the church. Many women were especially outraged over the document's language of complementarity. Querida Amazonia ("Beloved Amazon"), the pope's response to last October's Synod of Bishops, did not grant the bishops' request to open priestly ordination to married men and the possibility of women deacons, both in an effort to address the severe lack of ministers in the nine nations of that region. Reading the document was "demoralizing" and "painful," especially given the pope's lyrical language about his dreams for the region, said Casey Stanton, who works in parish ministry and said she is called to the diaconate. "But then you get to the paragraphs about women … and it just feels like the dream stops short of including them and including me," said Stanton, a minister of adult faith formation at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham, North Carolina. She admitted that she did not expect a change in church teaching from the papal document, but "just wanted him to keep the conversation open in this slow-moving church." "Instead, I think what the pope has done in this document is to close the door," she said. After the testimony of women at the synod, the pope's response is "willful blindness," Stanton said, adding, "I can't imagine what the women in the Amazon feel."....(more)
Return Invitation last Sunday from the Noble Park South Sudanese Community to celebrate the feast of their patron saint
St Josephine Bakhita.
John Costa, 9 February 2020Our Website News on 13 December last year reported and showed a photo and video from our uplifting Patronal Mass celebration at Mary Immaculate Church with visiting members of the South Sudanese Catholic Community from Noble Park. We were very happy in return to be invited last Sunday to the feast of their patron St Josephine Bahkita. A group of our parishioners joined in this special Mass celebration which was a reminder of the great joy their liturgy richly expressed with us last December. Amongst celebrants last Sunday were Fr Bill, their Parish Priest FR Brian Collins, Priest in Charge Fr Martin Jerenais and their former Parish priest and now Cairns Bishop James Fuller, with Rev. George Piech Meat as Deacon. As for our Patronal Festival the Mass was followed by a large and animated gathering of all ages in st Anthony's hall (only half shown below). Photos can speak louder than words, so here (above and below) are just a few:
Parish Pastoral Council Report to Parish
Friday 7 February 2020
Friday 7 February 2020
Our Parish Pastoral Council held its 1st meeting for the year on 29th January.
Highlights of the meeting are published HERE
New Zealand Cardinal calls for religious tolerance
Extract from CathNews, Scoop News, 7 February 2020
Cardinal John Dew has urged New Zealanders to recommit to protecting the beliefs of followers of all religions and of non-religious people. Source: Scoop News. While giving the homily at the interdenominational church service for New Zealand’s national Waitangi Day holiday at Waitangi yesterday, Cardinal Dew recalled the Christchurch mosques massacre last March and said New Zealand’s tradition of religious freedom was first affirmed at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. “It is time to recommit ourselves to protecting the faiths of all who live here – of Māori custom and spirituality, of the different Christian denominations, of Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Bahai’i and many other faiths; and also the freedom of religion and conscience of those who profess no faith,” Cardinal Dew said......(more). Photo: Cardinal John Dew Facebook.
Extract from CathNews, Scoop News, 7 February 2020
Cardinal John Dew has urged New Zealanders to recommit to protecting the beliefs of followers of all religions and of non-religious people. Source: Scoop News. While giving the homily at the interdenominational church service for New Zealand’s national Waitangi Day holiday at Waitangi yesterday, Cardinal Dew recalled the Christchurch mosques massacre last March and said New Zealand’s tradition of religious freedom was first affirmed at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. “It is time to recommit ourselves to protecting the faiths of all who live here – of Māori custom and spirituality, of the different Christian denominations, of Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Bahai’i and many other faiths; and also the freedom of religion and conscience of those who profess no faith,” Cardinal Dew said......(more). Photo: Cardinal John Dew Facebook.
Faithful urge Government to ‘listen to the experts’
Buddhists, Anglicans, Catholics, Quakers and people of other faiths
joined thousands of concerned Australians in Canberra this week to call
for meaningful action on climate change. Source: MNnews.Today.
Extract from Thea Ormorod, CathNews, MNews 6 February 2020 The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) co-hosted the gathering, known as the People’s Climate Assembly. Christian ARRCC supporters made a meditation tent available and a number of faith leaders participated in the peaceful, silent encirclement of Parliament House. Well-known Gosford Anglican priest Fr Rod Bower helped lead an "interfaith mourning ritual" on Tuesday for bushfire victims. The ritual was organised by the Canberra Interfaith Forum and the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. “A religious response to climate change is essential for a healthy spirituality. It’s an expression of our connection with God, with each other and with the earth," Fr Bower said. "Our responsibility to care for the earth is something that is common to all the faiths.” Gillian Reffell, a Buddhist and secretary of ARRCC, was part of a panel of faith speakers on Monday which included Fr Bower and Catholic Brigidine Sr Jane Keogh. “With the wake-up call that has been the bushfire crisis, we ask that the government be guided by those experts who are offering pathways to a prosperous and sustainable future which does not depend on fossil fuels,” Ms Reffell said. Sr Jane Keogh spoke about the need to reach out to the “unconvinced”.....(more). Photo: Interfaith mourning ritual outside Parliament House CathNews Carrie Dennes 20200206
Catholic, Muslim leaders make interfaith commitment
Extract from CathNews, ABC Media Blog, 6 February 2020
Australian Catholic and Muslim leaders have adopted an interfaith commitment statement on the first anniversary of Pope Francis and Al-Azhar Grand Mufti Dr Ahmed al-Tayyeb signing the Document on Human fraternity. The anniversary was marked at an event at Australian Catholic University’s North Sydney campus on Tuesday attended by dozens of people from the two faith traditions. Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, the apostolic nuncio to Australia, and Bishop Michael McKenna, chair of the Bishops Commission for Christian Unity and Inter-religious Dialogue, were among the Catholic leaders at the event, along with Melkite Bishop Robert Rabbat, Chaldean Archbishop Amel Nona and Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Terry Brady. Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, the Grand Mufti of Australia, and Sheik Shafiq Abdullah Khan, chair of the Australian Islamic Cultural Centre, signed the document on behalf of Australian Muslims. A representative of the embassy of the United Arab Emirates, where the Document on Human Fraternity was signed in February 2019, was on hand. Members of other faith communities were also at the event. The Australian document – signed by Bishop McKenna, ACU deputy vice-chancellor Professor Hayden Ramsay on behalf of the Catholic Church – upholds, recognises and commits to a number of values. It upholds the concept of citizenship and the “capacity of every person to pursue the good and the true, through the exercise of the freedom of belief, thought expression and action”. It recognises all human beings “as children of God by divine grace”, as brothers and sisters. It commits to fraternity between believers, non-believers and people of good will and to the rejection of violence, hate, extremism and “the shedding of blood throughout the world”. Archbishop Yllana said the document signed in 2019 was “rich in content as well as in significance” and has a relevance for all people of goodwill....(more)
Extract from CathNews, ABC Media Blog, 6 February 2020
Australian Catholic and Muslim leaders have adopted an interfaith commitment statement on the first anniversary of Pope Francis and Al-Azhar Grand Mufti Dr Ahmed al-Tayyeb signing the Document on Human fraternity. The anniversary was marked at an event at Australian Catholic University’s North Sydney campus on Tuesday attended by dozens of people from the two faith traditions. Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, the apostolic nuncio to Australia, and Bishop Michael McKenna, chair of the Bishops Commission for Christian Unity and Inter-religious Dialogue, were among the Catholic leaders at the event, along with Melkite Bishop Robert Rabbat, Chaldean Archbishop Amel Nona and Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Terry Brady. Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, the Grand Mufti of Australia, and Sheik Shafiq Abdullah Khan, chair of the Australian Islamic Cultural Centre, signed the document on behalf of Australian Muslims. A representative of the embassy of the United Arab Emirates, where the Document on Human Fraternity was signed in February 2019, was on hand. Members of other faith communities were also at the event. The Australian document – signed by Bishop McKenna, ACU deputy vice-chancellor Professor Hayden Ramsay on behalf of the Catholic Church – upholds, recognises and commits to a number of values. It upholds the concept of citizenship and the “capacity of every person to pursue the good and the true, through the exercise of the freedom of belief, thought expression and action”. It recognises all human beings “as children of God by divine grace”, as brothers and sisters. It commits to fraternity between believers, non-believers and people of good will and to the rejection of violence, hate, extremism and “the shedding of blood throughout the world”. Archbishop Yllana said the document signed in 2019 was “rich in content as well as in significance” and has a relevance for all people of goodwill....(more)
In Germany, the synodal path takes a first step forward
Bishops and lay people will spend the next two years looking at four themes — power in the Church, priestly celibacy, the place of women and sexuality
Limited extract from Claire Lesegretain (with Cath.ch), Subscription journal La Croix International, 5 February 2020
Germany. The Catholic Church in Germany has begun its Synodal Path in an atmosphere of free and respectful dialogue. It held its first plenary assembly from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 in Frankfurt. The process was launched on Dec. 1 and over the next two years some 230 bishops and lay delegates will engage in dialogue around four main themes — power in the Church, priestly celibacy, the place of women and sexuality. After the assembly's opening Mass in St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, the delegates began their work in the former Dominican convent in Frankfurt that is now property of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. "The first image that struck me was the sight of the bishops wearing civilian clothes among the laity," said Klaus Nientiedt, former editor-in-chief of Konradsblatt, the weekly paper of the Diocese of Freiburg im Breisgau, and an expert on the German Church. A space without hierarchi In fact, the delegates were seated in alphabetical order. "This clearly showed that bishops and priests are participants like anyone else," Nientiedt told La Croix. Karin Kortmann, vice-president of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) also welcomed the "space without hierarchy". She is one of the co-presidents of the assembly along with Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, president of the German Bishops' Conference, and Thomas Sternberg, the ZdK president. During this initial gathering of the Syondal Path the four commissions reported on opinions gathered via the Internet on each of the four themes. "These results are not really representative, because groups that are numerically small expressed themselves massively," said Nientiedt. This is particularly the case on sexual morality, where opinions from conservative groups seem to be over-represented. Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck of Essen described this first synod assembly as a "witness to the true catholicity of the Church in Germany". He said the meetings and discussions were "characterized by an intense spiritual atmosphere and the search for God's will". "The discussions showed how much we live in a world of freedom," Bishop Overbeck said. For his part, Bishop Felix Genn of Münster welcomed "the willingness to listen to each other and to treat each other fairly, despite the diversity of positions". He expressed "confidence" that the synodal process will continue "without harming the unity for which we as bishops are responsible"....(source). Photo: Synodal Path Mass Frankfurt Cathedral January 30 LaCroix Int ANDREAS ARNOLD DPA PICTURE ALLIANCE MAXPPP 20200205
Bishops and lay people will spend the next two years looking at four themes — power in the Church, priestly celibacy, the place of women and sexuality
Limited extract from Claire Lesegretain (with Cath.ch), Subscription journal La Croix International, 5 February 2020
Germany. The Catholic Church in Germany has begun its Synodal Path in an atmosphere of free and respectful dialogue. It held its first plenary assembly from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 in Frankfurt. The process was launched on Dec. 1 and over the next two years some 230 bishops and lay delegates will engage in dialogue around four main themes — power in the Church, priestly celibacy, the place of women and sexuality. After the assembly's opening Mass in St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, the delegates began their work in the former Dominican convent in Frankfurt that is now property of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. "The first image that struck me was the sight of the bishops wearing civilian clothes among the laity," said Klaus Nientiedt, former editor-in-chief of Konradsblatt, the weekly paper of the Diocese of Freiburg im Breisgau, and an expert on the German Church. A space without hierarchi In fact, the delegates were seated in alphabetical order. "This clearly showed that bishops and priests are participants like anyone else," Nientiedt told La Croix. Karin Kortmann, vice-president of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) also welcomed the "space without hierarchy". She is one of the co-presidents of the assembly along with Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, president of the German Bishops' Conference, and Thomas Sternberg, the ZdK president. During this initial gathering of the Syondal Path the four commissions reported on opinions gathered via the Internet on each of the four themes. "These results are not really representative, because groups that are numerically small expressed themselves massively," said Nientiedt. This is particularly the case on sexual morality, where opinions from conservative groups seem to be over-represented. Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck of Essen described this first synod assembly as a "witness to the true catholicity of the Church in Germany". He said the meetings and discussions were "characterized by an intense spiritual atmosphere and the search for God's will". "The discussions showed how much we live in a world of freedom," Bishop Overbeck said. For his part, Bishop Felix Genn of Münster welcomed "the willingness to listen to each other and to treat each other fairly, despite the diversity of positions". He expressed "confidence" that the synodal process will continue "without harming the unity for which we as bishops are responsible"....(source). Photo: Synodal Path Mass Frankfurt Cathedral January 30 LaCroix Int ANDREAS ARNOLD DPA PICTURE ALLIANCE MAXPPP 20200205
Vatican confirms 'redistribution' of duties for Archbishop Gänswein
Extract from Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Reporter, 5 February 2020
Vatican City — The Vatican press office confirmed Feb. 5 that there has been an adjustment to Archbishop Georg Gänswein's role as head of the pontifical household, following reports that Pope Francis had placed the German prelate on an indefinite leave of absence. In an email to NCR, the press office said it had no information over whether Gänswein had been put on leave, but said there had been a "redistribution of the various commitments and duties" undertaken by the archbishop. Gänswein has been serving concurrently as the prefect of Francis' official household and as the private secretary to retired Pope Benedict XVI. The unspecified changes in the archbishop's duties occur after questions arose about his role in facilitating Benedict's unexpected involvement in a new book defending the Catholic Church's practice of clerical celibacy. News of the book, originally described as co-written by the ex-pontiff and Cardinal Robert Sarah, came as Francis is known to be is considering the possibility of allowing older, married men to be ordained as priests in the Amazon region. Several German outlets first reported Francis' decision to place Gänswein on leave in the morning of Feb. 5....(more). Photo: Pope Francis audience Aug 2019 Archbishop Georg Gänswein prefect papal household CNS Reuters Yara Nardi NCR 20200205
Extract from Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Reporter, 5 February 2020
Vatican City — The Vatican press office confirmed Feb. 5 that there has been an adjustment to Archbishop Georg Gänswein's role as head of the pontifical household, following reports that Pope Francis had placed the German prelate on an indefinite leave of absence. In an email to NCR, the press office said it had no information over whether Gänswein had been put on leave, but said there had been a "redistribution of the various commitments and duties" undertaken by the archbishop. Gänswein has been serving concurrently as the prefect of Francis' official household and as the private secretary to retired Pope Benedict XVI. The unspecified changes in the archbishop's duties occur after questions arose about his role in facilitating Benedict's unexpected involvement in a new book defending the Catholic Church's practice of clerical celibacy. News of the book, originally described as co-written by the ex-pontiff and Cardinal Robert Sarah, came as Francis is known to be is considering the possibility of allowing older, married men to be ordained as priests in the Amazon region. Several German outlets first reported Francis' decision to place Gänswein on leave in the morning of Feb. 5....(more). Photo: Pope Francis audience Aug 2019 Archbishop Georg Gänswein prefect papal household CNS Reuters Yara Nardi NCR 20200205
Sydney archbishop: Synodal process doesn’t mean ‘everything is up for grabs’
Extracts from Inés San Martín, Rome Bureau Chief, Crux, 1 February 2020
.......Crux: What brought you to Rome? Fisher: I’m here for the plenary of the CDF. It happens every two years, all the members gather, and we go through a number of doctrinal and moral messes being considered by the Church. We get a report from all the bodies that report to the CDF - the International Theological Commission, the Biblical Commission, the section dealing with the Anglicans who have become Catholics, the section dealing with the Latin Mass, and the disciplinary section that deals with grave crimes, including above all child abuse - so we get the reports on that and discuss the processes around that...........Next week I have the council for the synod, which I was elected for at the end of the Synod for Youth, and the new synod council is organizing the next one. We don’t yet know what the topic of the next one will be, nor when will it be held........Have you heard about topics being proposed already? I have heard talk for synodality… A synod on synod seems to me a bit too referential. I always laugh about TV shows that are about TV shows. It’s like this kind of endless mirrors, and there would be useful things to say, but … A bit like some of the national synods that are happening, there is a great risk that it will all become inward looking. “It’s all about us, about our structures, in a language that almost no one else understands.” Pope Francis often calls us to get out of the sacristy because there’s a whole world out there. I would be a bit wary about just being all internal stuff. Synodality is a very internal concern. But, as I said, there might be some useful things to say about it.......And I think all these Church assemblies have to be mindful of the risk of creating unreal expectations. This is an issue for the German synodal path and it’s also an issue for the plenary council in Australia. If you say to the world, everything is up for grabs, say anything you want to say, anything could happen; that is not true. We are recipients of a precious tradition, we have the revelation from God, not everything is up for grabs. If you give people the impression that some proposals or changes are going to happen or could happen, but actually can’t or won’t, that would lead to more disillusionment at the end of that process. I rather we went down a more constructive line.....(more). Photo:Archbishop Anthony Fisher, Crux 1 Feb 2020, Simon Caldwell CNS
Extracts from Inés San Martín, Rome Bureau Chief, Crux, 1 February 2020
.......Crux: What brought you to Rome? Fisher: I’m here for the plenary of the CDF. It happens every two years, all the members gather, and we go through a number of doctrinal and moral messes being considered by the Church. We get a report from all the bodies that report to the CDF - the International Theological Commission, the Biblical Commission, the section dealing with the Anglicans who have become Catholics, the section dealing with the Latin Mass, and the disciplinary section that deals with grave crimes, including above all child abuse - so we get the reports on that and discuss the processes around that...........Next week I have the council for the synod, which I was elected for at the end of the Synod for Youth, and the new synod council is organizing the next one. We don’t yet know what the topic of the next one will be, nor when will it be held........Have you heard about topics being proposed already? I have heard talk for synodality… A synod on synod seems to me a bit too referential. I always laugh about TV shows that are about TV shows. It’s like this kind of endless mirrors, and there would be useful things to say, but … A bit like some of the national synods that are happening, there is a great risk that it will all become inward looking. “It’s all about us, about our structures, in a language that almost no one else understands.” Pope Francis often calls us to get out of the sacristy because there’s a whole world out there. I would be a bit wary about just being all internal stuff. Synodality is a very internal concern. But, as I said, there might be some useful things to say about it.......And I think all these Church assemblies have to be mindful of the risk of creating unreal expectations. This is an issue for the German synodal path and it’s also an issue for the plenary council in Australia. If you say to the world, everything is up for grabs, say anything you want to say, anything could happen; that is not true. We are recipients of a precious tradition, we have the revelation from God, not everything is up for grabs. If you give people the impression that some proposals or changes are going to happen or could happen, but actually can’t or won’t, that would lead to more disillusionment at the end of that process. I rather we went down a more constructive line.....(more). Photo:Archbishop Anthony Fisher, Crux 1 Feb 2020, Simon Caldwell CNS
Watercolour of the Last Supper
Friday 31 January 2019
Damien and Pia Cramer have donated to the Parish an original watercolour based on the famous Da Vinci “The Last Supper“. The watercolour, from the Sri Lankan home of the Cramer family, is now hanging in the Lady Chapel of St. Bernadette’s Church.
We thank the Cramer’s for their gift and also thank Vito Iapozzuto for his picture hanging skills.
Synodal Governance for a pastoral Church
Thursday 30 January 2020
On
the verge of the 2020/2021 Plenary Council, the Australian Catholic
Church's 5th Plenary Council (the last was 83 years ago), Catholics for
Renewal has just published its 2nd brief 'Summary Document' as part of
an incremental series of brief resources on key terminology, phrases
and issues fundamental to, Australian Catholic faith, Church renewal,
and objectives of the Australian Catholic 2020 Plenary Council. This
2nd resource is titled 'Synodal governance for a pastoral church'.
The first Summary Document published December 2019 is titled 'Sense of
faith of Christ's Faithful - Sensus fidelium'. These
and a list of planned further incremental resources over the next six
months are published under Document No. 93 on their website's Documents
page HERE. Church leaders reject U.S. plan on Palestine
The "Trump Plan" was pieced together without any meaningful participation from the Palestinian people, they say
Limited extract from La Croix International staff (with Catholic News Service), 30 January 2020
Calling U.S. President Donald Trump's Peace-to-Prosperity plan a "unilateral initiative," Church leaders in the Holy Land and elsewhere said it did not give "dignity and rights" to the Palestinians. "This plan will bring no solution but, rather, will create more tensions and probably more violence and bloodshed," the Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land said in a statement Jan. 29. The group includes Catholic bishops and patriarchs of different rites as well as the Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land and one nun. In the long-awaited plan, which Trump called the "deal of the century," the U.S. president proposed the possibility of a future independent Palestinian state and the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over West Bank settlements, creating Israeli enclave communities. The plan also recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital while allowing for a Palestinian capital in villages on the outskirts of East Jerusalem, where, according to the plan, the United States would build a future embassy to the Palestinian state. But, the Church leaders said in their statement, such proposals must be reached with the agreement of both the Israelis and the Palestinians. The Reverend Dr. Fykse Tveit, general secretary of World Council of Churches (WCC), has urged the international community not to support the peace proposal by the U.S. president to end the Palestine conflict. The "Trump Plan" is meant to divide Palestine and it is pieced together without any meaningful participation from the Palestinian people, he said. "WCC urges members of the international community not to support this proposal or to recognize its implementation unless and until a better plan has been negotiated and agreed with representatives of the Palestinian people," said Rev. Tveit. "This proposal was developed primarily in line with long-stated Israeli objectives," the WCC leader said....(more)
The "Trump Plan" was pieced together without any meaningful participation from the Palestinian people, they say
Limited extract from La Croix International staff (with Catholic News Service), 30 January 2020
Calling U.S. President Donald Trump's Peace-to-Prosperity plan a "unilateral initiative," Church leaders in the Holy Land and elsewhere said it did not give "dignity and rights" to the Palestinians. "This plan will bring no solution but, rather, will create more tensions and probably more violence and bloodshed," the Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land said in a statement Jan. 29. The group includes Catholic bishops and patriarchs of different rites as well as the Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land and one nun. In the long-awaited plan, which Trump called the "deal of the century," the U.S. president proposed the possibility of a future independent Palestinian state and the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over West Bank settlements, creating Israeli enclave communities. The plan also recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital while allowing for a Palestinian capital in villages on the outskirts of East Jerusalem, where, according to the plan, the United States would build a future embassy to the Palestinian state. But, the Church leaders said in their statement, such proposals must be reached with the agreement of both the Israelis and the Palestinians. The Reverend Dr. Fykse Tveit, general secretary of World Council of Churches (WCC), has urged the international community not to support the peace proposal by the U.S. president to end the Palestine conflict. The "Trump Plan" is meant to divide Palestine and it is pieced together without any meaningful participation from the Palestinian people, he said. "WCC urges members of the international community not to support this proposal or to recognize its implementation unless and until a better plan has been negotiated and agreed with representatives of the Palestinian people," said Rev. Tveit. "This proposal was developed primarily in line with long-stated Israeli objectives," the WCC leader said....(more)
About the National Themes for Discernment - What happens Next
Extract from Plenary Council 2020 Website, 29 January 2020
Extract from Plenary Council 2020 Website, 29 January 2020
.....What
happens next? The six National Themes for Discernment are inspired
by the data and call us toward the future. As we move into this second
stage of preparation for the Plenary Council, we continue to seek the
wisdom of the Holy Spirit. In coming months, through the discernment
process and drawing on the six National Themes for Discernment, we will
develop the agenda for the first session of the Plenary Council.
This discernment process involves establishing Writing and Discernment
Groups for each National Theme for Discernment while people in faith
communities across Australia are called to participate locally in their
own communal Listening and Discernment encounters and to send through
their submissions to the Groups. The fruits of what is discerned
during this time will shape the agenda of the first session of Plenary
Council in October 2020....(more). Photo: ACBC
Europe's bishops mark Auschwitz anniversary denouncing hate
by Vanessa Gera, National Catholic Reporter, The Associated Press, 27 January 2020
Warsaw, Poland — Europe's Catholic bishops are marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz with a statement denouncing anti-Semitism and the "manipulation" of the truth for political aims. The statement was released on Saturday, also in a Hebrew version, two days ahead of the anniversary of the Soviet army's liberation of the camp on Jan. 27, 1945. It comes amid a rise in Holocaust denial and other forms of historical whitewashing. In a period of rising nationalism, even some governments have sought to replace honest historical inquiry with mythologizing their nations' behavior during the war. The bishops did not single out any specific case of historical manipulation. Instead, they called for prayers and for candles to be lighted "for people murdered in death camps of all nationalities and religions." "On this anniversary, we appeal to the modern world for reconciliation and peace, for respect for each nation's right to exist and to freedom, to independence, to maintain its own culture," the statement said. "We cannot allow the truth to be ignored or manipulated for immediate political needs." The bishops describe the power of Auschwitz as a symbol of the Nazi German horror, noting that the last three popes, St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis, have all visited the site of the former camp. They also noted that communist totalitarianism — like Nazism — claimed millions of lives. "Here, the Nazis took the power to decide who is human and who is not. Here, euthanasia met with eugenics. Auschwitz-Birkenau is a result of the system based on the ideology of national socialism, which meant trampling the dignity of man who is made in the image of God," the bishops said.....(more). Photo: Auschwitz NCR Markus Schreiber File 20200127
by Vanessa Gera, National Catholic Reporter, The Associated Press, 27 January 2020
Warsaw, Poland — Europe's Catholic bishops are marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz with a statement denouncing anti-Semitism and the "manipulation" of the truth for political aims. The statement was released on Saturday, also in a Hebrew version, two days ahead of the anniversary of the Soviet army's liberation of the camp on Jan. 27, 1945. It comes amid a rise in Holocaust denial and other forms of historical whitewashing. In a period of rising nationalism, even some governments have sought to replace honest historical inquiry with mythologizing their nations' behavior during the war. The bishops did not single out any specific case of historical manipulation. Instead, they called for prayers and for candles to be lighted "for people murdered in death camps of all nationalities and religions." "On this anniversary, we appeal to the modern world for reconciliation and peace, for respect for each nation's right to exist and to freedom, to independence, to maintain its own culture," the statement said. "We cannot allow the truth to be ignored or manipulated for immediate political needs." The bishops describe the power of Auschwitz as a symbol of the Nazi German horror, noting that the last three popes, St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis, have all visited the site of the former camp. They also noted that communist totalitarianism — like Nazism — claimed millions of lives. "Here, the Nazis took the power to decide who is human and who is not. Here, euthanasia met with eugenics. Auschwitz-Birkenau is a result of the system based on the ideology of national socialism, which meant trampling the dignity of man who is made in the image of God," the bishops said.....(more). Photo: Auschwitz NCR Markus Schreiber File 20200127
How St. John Henry Newman can help us understand why Catholics are leaving the church
Extract from David C. Paternostro, S.J. America The Jesuit Review, 22 January 2020
American Christianity is shrinking. Many scholars and religious thinkers have probably had this sense for a while, but numbers were recently published that back this up. Last October, the Pew Research Center released a study that confirmed the continued demographic shift away from Christianity in the United States. In the wake of these findings, many solutions have been put forward by those troubled by the church’s decline. Most of the proposals have been fairly standard: better liturgy, better catechesis, more focus on social justice. Depending on one’s doctrinal stance, either recommitting ourselves as a church to certain positions to show our distinct identity or abandoning them altogether to show our openness to the world have been suggested yet again. The suggestions usually say more about the pet interests of the one suggesting and perhaps generate more heat than light. Stephen Bullivant’s recent book Mass Exodus, which looks at the phenomenon of ex-Catholics in the United States and Great Britain, can help us make sense of all this. Bullivant’s work has already sparked excellent conversations. Reviewing the book for America, Timothy P. O’Malley concurs with Bullivant that “disaffiliation is rarely a single moment in the life of a Catholic. Instead, it is a process in which one no longer identifies as a Catholic.”....(more). Photo: America The Jesuit Review 20200122 CNS photo Gregory A Shemitz
Extract from David C. Paternostro, S.J. America The Jesuit Review, 22 January 2020
American Christianity is shrinking. Many scholars and religious thinkers have probably had this sense for a while, but numbers were recently published that back this up. Last October, the Pew Research Center released a study that confirmed the continued demographic shift away from Christianity in the United States. In the wake of these findings, many solutions have been put forward by those troubled by the church’s decline. Most of the proposals have been fairly standard: better liturgy, better catechesis, more focus on social justice. Depending on one’s doctrinal stance, either recommitting ourselves as a church to certain positions to show our distinct identity or abandoning them altogether to show our openness to the world have been suggested yet again. The suggestions usually say more about the pet interests of the one suggesting and perhaps generate more heat than light. Stephen Bullivant’s recent book Mass Exodus, which looks at the phenomenon of ex-Catholics in the United States and Great Britain, can help us make sense of all this. Bullivant’s work has already sparked excellent conversations. Reviewing the book for America, Timothy P. O’Malley concurs with Bullivant that “disaffiliation is rarely a single moment in the life of a Catholic. Instead, it is a process in which one no longer identifies as a Catholic.”....(more). Photo: America The Jesuit Review 20200122 CNS photo Gregory A Shemitz
Australia must lead on climate change: Bishop Long
Extract from Verlagsgruppe Bistumspresse and Catholic Outlook, Tuesday 21 January 2020
Verlagsgruppe Bistumspresse: What is your view on the horrible fire crisis in Australia? How much does it scare you? +Bishop Vincent Long: It has been a catastrophic summer for Australia. Dozens of people have died, and thousands of properties have been destroyed in the unprecedented bushfire crisis. Countless creatures, including precious livestock, have perished, or even become extinct and their habitats are decimated. Entire towns have been annihilated and livelihoods irreparably damaged. Despite the best efforts of volunteer firefighters, fire brigades, emergency services, and the military, the destruction is likely to continue for some time yet. There is little doubt that these fires and the drought have been made worse by human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels. This is a national catastrophe and the scary thing is that the worst might not be over. Beyond the expressions of sympathy and solidarity, there is yet to emerge a clear, resolute and courageous policy forward. This is what concerns the majority of Australians, myself included. VB: What is your opinion on the government and especially on Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s handling of the crisis?.....(more).
Extract from Verlagsgruppe Bistumspresse and Catholic Outlook, Tuesday 21 January 2020
Verlagsgruppe Bistumspresse: What is your view on the horrible fire crisis in Australia? How much does it scare you? +Bishop Vincent Long: It has been a catastrophic summer for Australia. Dozens of people have died, and thousands of properties have been destroyed in the unprecedented bushfire crisis. Countless creatures, including precious livestock, have perished, or even become extinct and their habitats are decimated. Entire towns have been annihilated and livelihoods irreparably damaged. Despite the best efforts of volunteer firefighters, fire brigades, emergency services, and the military, the destruction is likely to continue for some time yet. There is little doubt that these fires and the drought have been made worse by human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels. This is a national catastrophe and the scary thing is that the worst might not be over. Beyond the expressions of sympathy and solidarity, there is yet to emerge a clear, resolute and courageous policy forward. This is what concerns the majority of Australians, myself included. VB: What is your opinion on the government and especially on Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s handling of the crisis?.....(more).
Australia Day as a day for humility
Extract from Andrew Hamilton, Eureka Street, 21 January 2020
Over recent years discussion of Australia Day has largely focused on how appropriate the date is for a national celebration. Many Indigenous Australians see the arrival of the First Fleet as an invasion which destroyed Indigenous nations and cultures and left their descendants disadvantaged strangers in their own land. The obdurate refusal to consider changing the date inevitably makes the public holiday a symbol of exclusion as well as of national unity. Koomurri dancers during the Arrival of Fire and Smoking Ceremony at Barangaroo on 26 January 2019 in Sydney. (Photo by Cole Bennetts/Getty Images)The inappropriateness of the date, however, has some beneficial aspects. It focuses attention on the relationships between Indigenous Australians and later arrivals, and between Indigenous and the largely European cultures in Australia. Public discussion of these relationships often manifests prejudice and self-satisfaction. But it could also encourage humility and reconciliation, inviting a shared conversation about how our conflicted past has influenced the present Australian reality, and how reflection on it might shape a better future. In what we hope is the aftermath of the catastrophic fires this conversation is particularly important. In addition to the reviews of the factors that made them so destructive and of how we might better prepare for future fire seasons, we need also to ask larger questions about how Indigenous Australians before European settlement managed the land and how our agricultural and economic practices have contributed to the perilous situation in which we now find ourselves.....(more).
Extract from Andrew Hamilton, Eureka Street, 21 January 2020
Over recent years discussion of Australia Day has largely focused on how appropriate the date is for a national celebration. Many Indigenous Australians see the arrival of the First Fleet as an invasion which destroyed Indigenous nations and cultures and left their descendants disadvantaged strangers in their own land. The obdurate refusal to consider changing the date inevitably makes the public holiday a symbol of exclusion as well as of national unity. Koomurri dancers during the Arrival of Fire and Smoking Ceremony at Barangaroo on 26 January 2019 in Sydney. (Photo by Cole Bennetts/Getty Images)The inappropriateness of the date, however, has some beneficial aspects. It focuses attention on the relationships between Indigenous Australians and later arrivals, and between Indigenous and the largely European cultures in Australia. Public discussion of these relationships often manifests prejudice and self-satisfaction. But it could also encourage humility and reconciliation, inviting a shared conversation about how our conflicted past has influenced the present Australian reality, and how reflection on it might shape a better future. In what we hope is the aftermath of the catastrophic fires this conversation is particularly important. In addition to the reviews of the factors that made them so destructive and of how we might better prepare for future fire seasons, we need also to ask larger questions about how Indigenous Australians before European settlement managed the land and how our agricultural and economic practices have contributed to the perilous situation in which we now find ourselves.....(more).
Germany’s synodal assembly a step to rebuilding Church’s credibility
Extract from Catholic News Service, 20 January 2020
FRANKFURT, Germany - Catholic leaders in Germany have compiled responses from lay Catholics in areas related to who holds power in the Church, sexual morals, the role of priests and the place of women in church offices in preparation for an upcoming synodal assembly to debate church reforms. More than 940 suggestions and questions had been submitted by early January in advance of the Jan. 30-Feb. 1 assembly in Frankfurt, reported KNA, the German Catholic news agency. The synodal assembly is one segment of the synodal path, which the German bishops agreed to stage at their annual meeting last March. The synodal assembly will include 230 members. It is the highest decision-making body of the synodal path, an effort by the bishops’ conference and lay Central Committee of German Catholics to restore trust following a September 2018 church-commissioned report that detailed thousands of cases of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy over six decades. Comments will continue to be accepted through Jan. 23 at the website of the German bishops’ conference. The bishops and the lay group are collaborating in planning the synodal assembly. During a September plenary meeting, the bishops approved statutes to guide discussions at the assembly. The bishops’ conference and the committee each will send 69 members to the assembly. Decisions of the assembly must be passed by a double two-thirds majority: two-thirds of all participants as well as two-thirds of all members present from the bishops’ conference. German church officials say the synodal assembly is not meant to be a synod in the classic sense. In describing the synodal path, KNA reported that the inclusion of the term synodal in the name of the reform process reflects that the dialogue, initially limited to two years, is more than a nonbinding conversation. As with a synod, each respective local bishop will determine whether the decisions reached will be implemented. Several high-ranking church leaders have weighed in on the upcoming assembly. Bishop Franz Jung of Wurzburg called for greater patience in the debates on church reform.....(more).
Extract from Catholic News Service, 20 January 2020
FRANKFURT, Germany - Catholic leaders in Germany have compiled responses from lay Catholics in areas related to who holds power in the Church, sexual morals, the role of priests and the place of women in church offices in preparation for an upcoming synodal assembly to debate church reforms. More than 940 suggestions and questions had been submitted by early January in advance of the Jan. 30-Feb. 1 assembly in Frankfurt, reported KNA, the German Catholic news agency. The synodal assembly is one segment of the synodal path, which the German bishops agreed to stage at their annual meeting last March. The synodal assembly will include 230 members. It is the highest decision-making body of the synodal path, an effort by the bishops’ conference and lay Central Committee of German Catholics to restore trust following a September 2018 church-commissioned report that detailed thousands of cases of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy over six decades. Comments will continue to be accepted through Jan. 23 at the website of the German bishops’ conference. The bishops and the lay group are collaborating in planning the synodal assembly. During a September plenary meeting, the bishops approved statutes to guide discussions at the assembly. The bishops’ conference and the committee each will send 69 members to the assembly. Decisions of the assembly must be passed by a double two-thirds majority: two-thirds of all participants as well as two-thirds of all members present from the bishops’ conference. German church officials say the synodal assembly is not meant to be a synod in the classic sense. In describing the synodal path, KNA reported that the inclusion of the term synodal in the name of the reform process reflects that the dialogue, initially limited to two years, is more than a nonbinding conversation. As with a synod, each respective local bishop will determine whether the decisions reached will be implemented. Several high-ranking church leaders have weighed in on the upcoming assembly. Bishop Franz Jung of Wurzburg called for greater patience in the debates on church reform.....(more).
2020 could see major Vatican shakeups
Extract from Elise Harris, Senior Correspondent, Crux, 18 January 2019
ROME - At the beginning of the week, the insider Catholic universe imploded when news broke that retired Pope Benedict XVI and Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah had co-authored a new book defending priestly celibacy just as Pope Francis is considering an exception to the rule proposed during the Amazon synod. In the fierce and polemical debate that ensued, the role of a pope emeritus was questioned while Catholicism’s conservative and progressive camps exchanged arguments over Benedict XVI’s intentions with the book, titled From the Depths of Our Hearts: Priesthood, Celibacy and the Crisis of the Catholic Church, which hit shelves Jan. 15 in France. The saga culminated with Archbishop Georg Ganswein, personal secretary for Benedict XVI, saying the emeritus pope had asked that his name be withdrawn as a coauthor and removed from the book’s introduction and conclusion. Citing the Chicago Manual of Style, however, the English-language publisher, Ignatius Press, said it considers the publication “coauthored.” Though unprecedented is perhaps the wrong word to describe the bizarre episode, it was certainly odd, as Sarah, an active sitting cardinal who heads the Vatican’s liturgy office, took to social media to defend his credibility, issuing several statements and publishing correspondence between himself and Benedict - things that heads of Vatican departments don’t typically do.....(more). Photo: Cardinal Robert Sarah, Crux, Paul Haring CNS
Extract from Elise Harris, Senior Correspondent, Crux, 18 January 2019
ROME - At the beginning of the week, the insider Catholic universe imploded when news broke that retired Pope Benedict XVI and Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah had co-authored a new book defending priestly celibacy just as Pope Francis is considering an exception to the rule proposed during the Amazon synod. In the fierce and polemical debate that ensued, the role of a pope emeritus was questioned while Catholicism’s conservative and progressive camps exchanged arguments over Benedict XVI’s intentions with the book, titled From the Depths of Our Hearts: Priesthood, Celibacy and the Crisis of the Catholic Church, which hit shelves Jan. 15 in France. The saga culminated with Archbishop Georg Ganswein, personal secretary for Benedict XVI, saying the emeritus pope had asked that his name be withdrawn as a coauthor and removed from the book’s introduction and conclusion. Citing the Chicago Manual of Style, however, the English-language publisher, Ignatius Press, said it considers the publication “coauthored.” Though unprecedented is perhaps the wrong word to describe the bizarre episode, it was certainly odd, as Sarah, an active sitting cardinal who heads the Vatican’s liturgy office, took to social media to defend his credibility, issuing several statements and publishing correspondence between himself and Benedict - things that heads of Vatican departments don’t typically do.....(more). Photo: Cardinal Robert Sarah, Crux, Paul Haring CNS
Francis finishes work on Amazon Synod text
Extract from CathNews, Joshua McAlwee, National Catholic Reporter, 17 January 2020
Pope Francis has completed work on his highly anticipated response to last year’s Vatican gathering of Catholic bishops from the Amazon. Source: NCR Online. Catholic bishops around the world are receiving a letter from the Vatican this week, advising them that the document, which may allow for the ordination of married men as Catholic priests in the nine-nation region is nearing publication. The document is also expected to lament devastating environmental destruction in the region and may detail new ministries for women in the Church. “The draft is currently being reviewed and corrected and then needs to be translated,” states the letter, which is signed by retired Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes and was obtained by NCR. "Pope Francis hopes to promulgate it by the end of this month or in early February,” writes Cardinal Hummes, who served as the synod’s lead organiser. Francis’ response to the October 6-27 Synod of Bishops, is among the most awaited documents of his nearly seven-year papacy. The text is expected to address a request from the 185 synod members that he allow for bishops in the Amazon region to ordain current married deacons as priests, in order to meet sacramental needs in the vast, hard-to-traverse area. The as yet unpublished text received additional attention this week, with unexpected news that retired Pope Benedict XVI had co-authored a volume defending the Church’s practice of clerical celibacy. Benedict’s intervention touched off fears among theologians that the former pope might be trying to tie Francis’ hands, effectively preventing the reigning Pope from approving the synod’s request. Benedict’s personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, has since claimed that the ailing, 92-year-old ex-pontiff did not mean to co-author the volume, and has asked that for the removal of Benedict’s name as a co-author.....(more). Photo: CNS Paul Haring CathNews 20190117
Extract from CathNews, Joshua McAlwee, National Catholic Reporter, 17 January 2020
Pope Francis has completed work on his highly anticipated response to last year’s Vatican gathering of Catholic bishops from the Amazon. Source: NCR Online. Catholic bishops around the world are receiving a letter from the Vatican this week, advising them that the document, which may allow for the ordination of married men as Catholic priests in the nine-nation region is nearing publication. The document is also expected to lament devastating environmental destruction in the region and may detail new ministries for women in the Church. “The draft is currently being reviewed and corrected and then needs to be translated,” states the letter, which is signed by retired Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes and was obtained by NCR. "Pope Francis hopes to promulgate it by the end of this month or in early February,” writes Cardinal Hummes, who served as the synod’s lead organiser. Francis’ response to the October 6-27 Synod of Bishops, is among the most awaited documents of his nearly seven-year papacy. The text is expected to address a request from the 185 synod members that he allow for bishops in the Amazon region to ordain current married deacons as priests, in order to meet sacramental needs in the vast, hard-to-traverse area. The as yet unpublished text received additional attention this week, with unexpected news that retired Pope Benedict XVI had co-authored a volume defending the Church’s practice of clerical celibacy. Benedict’s intervention touched off fears among theologians that the former pope might be trying to tie Francis’ hands, effectively preventing the reigning Pope from approving the synod’s request. Benedict’s personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, has since claimed that the ailing, 92-year-old ex-pontiff did not mean to co-author the volume, and has asked that for the removal of Benedict’s name as a co-author.....(more). Photo: CNS Paul Haring CathNews 20190117
Committee to recommend Australian bishops give laity certain controls
Extract from Michael Sainsbury, Catholic News Service, National Catholic Reporter, 15 January 2019
Yangon, Myanmar — A six-person committee charged with reviewing church governance and management is expected to present Australia's bishops with a plan to overhaul the management of the church in the country. The plan would cede control over financial, human resources and governance functions to professional laity, Jack de Groot, a member of the review committee, told Catholic News Service. The committee, established by the Australian Catholics Bishops' Conference and Catholic Religious Australia in May 2018, expects to present the plan by late March. It is the latest in a series of responses by the Australian church to the country's Royal Commission Into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, which uncovered and documented the tragic history of abuses in religious and secular organizations, including Catholic-run schools and orphanages across the country. The commission found the Catholic Church, the denomination in Australia with the most followers, to be the worst offender and, since then, hundreds of millions of dollars have been paid in compensation to victims. Dozens of offenders, including many clerics, have been imprisoned. In June 2018, the government established a National Redress Scheme to provide support and compensation to survivors, although many have still chosen to pursue perpetrators through the courts. Catholic bishops and religious have been working to act on the series of recommendations handed down by the commissioners in August 2017. "The past year has seen steady and significant progress made across a range of areas, including in education, in governance reform and in responding to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse," Archbishop Mark Coleridge, president of the Australian bishops' conference, said in a progress report in mid-December. "Clearly, any institution that engages with young people must always be vigilant, working to ensure that strong and effective protocols and procedures are in place, generating a culture committed to prompt and decisive action when allegations arise." De Groot said the governance review was now the church's key priority. "We have a draft plan," he said, although he admitted it had been delayed from its original October target by the need to finalize an update for the Australian government on the church's response to the Royal Commission recommendations. A review of the governance of the Catholic Church was one of commission's central recommendations.....(more). Photo: NCR NS Maria Grazia Picciarella
Extract from Michael Sainsbury, Catholic News Service, National Catholic Reporter, 15 January 2019
Yangon, Myanmar — A six-person committee charged with reviewing church governance and management is expected to present Australia's bishops with a plan to overhaul the management of the church in the country. The plan would cede control over financial, human resources and governance functions to professional laity, Jack de Groot, a member of the review committee, told Catholic News Service. The committee, established by the Australian Catholics Bishops' Conference and Catholic Religious Australia in May 2018, expects to present the plan by late March. It is the latest in a series of responses by the Australian church to the country's Royal Commission Into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, which uncovered and documented the tragic history of abuses in religious and secular organizations, including Catholic-run schools and orphanages across the country. The commission found the Catholic Church, the denomination in Australia with the most followers, to be the worst offender and, since then, hundreds of millions of dollars have been paid in compensation to victims. Dozens of offenders, including many clerics, have been imprisoned. In June 2018, the government established a National Redress Scheme to provide support and compensation to survivors, although many have still chosen to pursue perpetrators through the courts. Catholic bishops and religious have been working to act on the series of recommendations handed down by the commissioners in August 2017. "The past year has seen steady and significant progress made across a range of areas, including in education, in governance reform and in responding to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse," Archbishop Mark Coleridge, president of the Australian bishops' conference, said in a progress report in mid-December. "Clearly, any institution that engages with young people must always be vigilant, working to ensure that strong and effective protocols and procedures are in place, generating a culture committed to prompt and decisive action when allegations arise." De Groot said the governance review was now the church's key priority. "We have a draft plan," he said, although he admitted it had been delayed from its original October target by the need to finalize an update for the Australian government on the church's response to the Royal Commission recommendations. A review of the governance of the Catholic Church was one of commission's central recommendations.....(more). Photo: NCR NS Maria Grazia Picciarella
Francis appoints first woman to managerial role at Vatican's Secretariat of State
Extract from Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Reporter, 15 January 2019
Vatican City — Pope Francis appointed an Italian woman as an undersecretary in the Vatican's Secretariat of State Jan. 15, in the first such appointment of a woman to a managerial role in what is traditionally considered the city-state's most important office. Francesca Di Giovanni, who has worked for the Secretariat for 27 years, will be one of two undersecretaries in the Section for Relations with States, which is essentially the Vatican's foreign ministry. The section is led by British Archbishop Paul Gallagher. Di Giovanni joins Polish Msgr. Miroslaw Wachowski, who had been appointed an undersecretary to Gallagher in October. In making the new appointment, Francis appears to be elevating what normally would be called a capo ufficio, or department head, to a full undersecretary position. In an interview with the state-run Vatican News shortly after announcement of the appointment, Di Giovanni explained that she will be responsible for the Vatican's multilateral relationships, such as with international institutions, while Wachowski will focus on its bilateral ones, such as with individual countries. Both roles had previously been filled by one undersecretary, now-Archbishop Antoine Camilleri, who Francis appointed the Vatican's ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti last September. In the Vatican News interview, Di Giovanni, 66, praised the pope for appointing the first woman to such a role. "The Holy Father has made an unprecedented decision, certainly, which, beyond myself personally, represents an indication of an attention towards women," she said. "But the responsibility is connected to the job, rather than to the fact of being a woman." There are now about half a dozen women serving in undersecretary or equivalent roles in the Vatican's sprawling bureaucracy.....(more)
Extract from Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Reporter, 15 January 2019
Vatican City — Pope Francis appointed an Italian woman as an undersecretary in the Vatican's Secretariat of State Jan. 15, in the first such appointment of a woman to a managerial role in what is traditionally considered the city-state's most important office. Francesca Di Giovanni, who has worked for the Secretariat for 27 years, will be one of two undersecretaries in the Section for Relations with States, which is essentially the Vatican's foreign ministry. The section is led by British Archbishop Paul Gallagher. Di Giovanni joins Polish Msgr. Miroslaw Wachowski, who had been appointed an undersecretary to Gallagher in October. In making the new appointment, Francis appears to be elevating what normally would be called a capo ufficio, or department head, to a full undersecretary position. In an interview with the state-run Vatican News shortly after announcement of the appointment, Di Giovanni explained that she will be responsible for the Vatican's multilateral relationships, such as with international institutions, while Wachowski will focus on its bilateral ones, such as with individual countries. Both roles had previously been filled by one undersecretary, now-Archbishop Antoine Camilleri, who Francis appointed the Vatican's ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti last September. In the Vatican News interview, Di Giovanni, 66, praised the pope for appointing the first woman to such a role. "The Holy Father has made an unprecedented decision, certainly, which, beyond myself personally, represents an indication of an attention towards women," she said. "But the responsibility is connected to the job, rather than to the fact of being a woman." There are now about half a dozen women serving in undersecretary or equivalent roles in the Vatican's sprawling bureaucracy.....(more)
Benedict XVI distances himself from new book on celibacy
Limited and edited extract from Nicolas Senèze and Clémence Houdaille, subscription journal La Croix International, 15 January 2019
Vatican City.........The book, written in French, opposes ordaining married men as priests and has raised many eyebrows in the Vatican. It was seen as a challenge to Pope Francis, but not because of the arguments the two theologians put forth in defence of ecclesiastical celibacy. 'Benedict XVI did not write the book'. Apart from the fact that the retired pope is breaking his self-imposed silence on the Vatican government and Pope Francis' papacy, the signature that appears on the book is "Benedict XVI" and not "Benedict XVI/Joseph Ratzinger" as had been the case with an earlier book he wrote. It was done to distinguish his personal writings from that of the papal magisterium. A person close to Benedict XVI told several Vatican reporters that the Pope Emeritus "did not write the book with Cardinal Sarah." On the other hand, on Jan. 14, the Guinean cardinal stated that "Benedict XVI knew our project would be published as a book." "I sent the complete manuscript to the Pope Emeritus on Nov. 19, including the cover, a joint introduction, conclusion, Benedict XVI's text and my own text," wrote the cardinal, who has on many occasions crossed swords with Pope Francis. "On Nov. 25, the Pope Emeritus expressed his satisfaction, and said, "I agree for the text be published," said the 74-year-old cardinal, whom Pope Francis appointed to head the office of liturgical matters in 2014. 'Delete Benedict XVI's name'. On Jan. 14, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Benedict's private secretary, went public against the book and Cardinal Sarah. "On the instructions of the Pope Emeritus, I asked Cardinal Robert Sarah to contact the publishers of the book and ask them to withdraw the name of Benedict XVI as co-author of the book, and also to withdraw his signature from the introduction and conclusions," he told the German agency KNA and the Italian agency Ansa.....(source)
Limited and edited extract from Nicolas Senèze and Clémence Houdaille, subscription journal La Croix International, 15 January 2019
Vatican City.........The book, written in French, opposes ordaining married men as priests and has raised many eyebrows in the Vatican. It was seen as a challenge to Pope Francis, but not because of the arguments the two theologians put forth in defence of ecclesiastical celibacy. 'Benedict XVI did not write the book'. Apart from the fact that the retired pope is breaking his self-imposed silence on the Vatican government and Pope Francis' papacy, the signature that appears on the book is "Benedict XVI" and not "Benedict XVI/Joseph Ratzinger" as had been the case with an earlier book he wrote. It was done to distinguish his personal writings from that of the papal magisterium. A person close to Benedict XVI told several Vatican reporters that the Pope Emeritus "did not write the book with Cardinal Sarah." On the other hand, on Jan. 14, the Guinean cardinal stated that "Benedict XVI knew our project would be published as a book." "I sent the complete manuscript to the Pope Emeritus on Nov. 19, including the cover, a joint introduction, conclusion, Benedict XVI's text and my own text," wrote the cardinal, who has on many occasions crossed swords with Pope Francis. "On Nov. 25, the Pope Emeritus expressed his satisfaction, and said, "I agree for the text be published," said the 74-year-old cardinal, whom Pope Francis appointed to head the office of liturgical matters in 2014. 'Delete Benedict XVI's name'. On Jan. 14, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Benedict's private secretary, went public against the book and Cardinal Sarah. "On the instructions of the Pope Emeritus, I asked Cardinal Robert Sarah to contact the publishers of the book and ask them to withdraw the name of Benedict XVI as co-author of the book, and also to withdraw his signature from the introduction and conclusions," he told the German agency KNA and the Italian agency Ansa.....(source)
Pope Benedict XVI breaks silence to reaffirm priest celibacy
Extract from Nicole Winfield, Crux, 13 January 2019
ROME - Retired Pope Benedict XVI has broken his silence to reaffirm the “necessity” of priestly celibacy, co-authoring a bombshell book at the precise moment that Pope Francis is weighing whether to allow married men to be ordained to address the Catholic priest shortage. Benedict wrote the book, From the Depths of Our Hearts: Priesthood, Celibacy and the Crisis of the Catholic Church, along with his fellow conservative, Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, who heads the Vatican’s liturgy office and has been a quiet critic of Francis. The French daily Le Figaro published excerpts of the book late Sunday; The Associated Press obtained galleys of the English edition, which is being published by Ignatius Press. Benedict’s intervention is extraordinary, given he had promised to remain “hidden from the world” when he retired in 2013, and pledged his obedience to the new pope. He has largely held to that pledge, though he penned an odd essay last year on the sexual abuse scandal that blamed the crisis on the sexual revolution of the 1960s. His reaffirmation of priestly celibacy, however, gets to the heart of a fraught policy issue that Francis is expected to weigh in on in the coming weeks, and could well be considered a public attempt by the former pope to sway the thinking of the current one. The implications for such an intervention are grave, given the current opposition to Francis by conservatives and traditionalists nostalgic for Benedict’s orthodoxy, some of whom even consider his resignation illegitimate. It is likely to fuel renewed anxiety about the wisdom of Benedict’s decision to remain an “emeritus pope,” rather than merely a retired bishop, and the unprecedented situation he created by having two popes, one retired and one reigning, living side by side in the Vatican gardens. In that light, it is significant that the English edition of the book lists the author as “Benedict XVI,” with no mention of his emeritus papal status on the cover. The authors clearly anticipated the potential interpretation of their book as criticism of the current pope, and stressed in their joint introduction that they were penning it “in a spirit of filial obedience, to Pope Francis.” But they also said that the current “crisis” in the Church required them not to remain silent.....(more)
Extract from Nicole Winfield, Crux, 13 January 2019
ROME - Retired Pope Benedict XVI has broken his silence to reaffirm the “necessity” of priestly celibacy, co-authoring a bombshell book at the precise moment that Pope Francis is weighing whether to allow married men to be ordained to address the Catholic priest shortage. Benedict wrote the book, From the Depths of Our Hearts: Priesthood, Celibacy and the Crisis of the Catholic Church, along with his fellow conservative, Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, who heads the Vatican’s liturgy office and has been a quiet critic of Francis. The French daily Le Figaro published excerpts of the book late Sunday; The Associated Press obtained galleys of the English edition, which is being published by Ignatius Press. Benedict’s intervention is extraordinary, given he had promised to remain “hidden from the world” when he retired in 2013, and pledged his obedience to the new pope. He has largely held to that pledge, though he penned an odd essay last year on the sexual abuse scandal that blamed the crisis on the sexual revolution of the 1960s. His reaffirmation of priestly celibacy, however, gets to the heart of a fraught policy issue that Francis is expected to weigh in on in the coming weeks, and could well be considered a public attempt by the former pope to sway the thinking of the current one. The implications for such an intervention are grave, given the current opposition to Francis by conservatives and traditionalists nostalgic for Benedict’s orthodoxy, some of whom even consider his resignation illegitimate. It is likely to fuel renewed anxiety about the wisdom of Benedict’s decision to remain an “emeritus pope,” rather than merely a retired bishop, and the unprecedented situation he created by having two popes, one retired and one reigning, living side by side in the Vatican gardens. In that light, it is significant that the English edition of the book lists the author as “Benedict XVI,” with no mention of his emeritus papal status on the cover. The authors clearly anticipated the potential interpretation of their book as criticism of the current pope, and stressed in their joint introduction that they were penning it “in a spirit of filial obedience, to Pope Francis.” But they also said that the current “crisis” in the Church required them not to remain silent.....(more)
Plenary Council 2020-2021
Application as Delegate, 12 January 2019
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has requested that each Diocese nominate four people, who may be laypersons, members of religious orders or Clergy, who are willing to be called as delegates for the Plenary Council Sessions in October 2020 and June and July of 2021.
As a delegate, you will participate in the process of discernment and contribute to a variety of forums before, during and after the Plenary Council Sessions. This is an important and critical role for the life of Catholic Church in Australia.
To apply, please fill out the following form and submit by the deadline of Friday 24 January 2020. Please note that the application process requires two referees including one active Priest (on appointment). Prospective delegate information HERE Delegate Nomination form HERE
Application as Delegate, 12 January 2019
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has requested that each Diocese nominate four people, who may be laypersons, members of religious orders or Clergy, who are willing to be called as delegates for the Plenary Council Sessions in October 2020 and June and July of 2021.
As a delegate, you will participate in the process of discernment and contribute to a variety of forums before, during and after the Plenary Council Sessions. This is an important and critical role for the life of Catholic Church in Australia.
To apply, please fill out the following form and submit by the deadline of Friday 24 January 2020. Please note that the application process requires two referees including one active Priest (on appointment). Prospective delegate information HERE Delegate Nomination form HERE
A prayer during the Australian bushfires
Extract from Peter Bierer, America. The Jesuit Review, 7 January 2020
A native Minnesotan, I have spent the last three years living and working in the Archdiocese of Adelaide, Australia, with my wife and children. Lauren, my wife, was born and raised in Adelaide, so when it came time to consider moving to her home country, we knew the benefits and risks involved. Bushfires are an ever-present risk in much of the country, but something about this year’s fires is very different. The year 2019 was the hottest, driest on record for the country, and many bushfires have been raging for months. We have been visiting family back in Minnesota during the worst of the fires in December and January, praying for our fellow Aussies and crying out for rain. While our home has been spared from danger thus far, I cannot help but anguish over the destruction facing Aussies in every corner of the continent. The following prayer is a lament, a petition for help and a search for hope. If it works for you, consider this prayer your own......(more)Photo: Bushfire Bairnsdale Aus. America The Jesuit Review Glen Morey via AP 20201007
Meeting of Church heavy-hitters calls for ‘adjustments’ to priestly formation
Extract from Christopher White, National Correspondent, Crux, 7 January 2019
NEW YORK - A major gathering of ecclesial heavy hitters focusing on the future of the priesthood concluded with a call for a reimagining of priestly formation - one that incorporates the laity and women in the process and better reflects the racial and cultural diversity within the U.S. Church. The two-day symposium at Boston College took place January 2-3 and was organized around “To Serve the People of God: Renewing the Conversation on Priesthood and Ministry,” a document first published in December 2018, which was the result of a series of seminars sponsored by the college’s Department of Theology and School of Theology and Ministry. “All consideration of priesthood and ministry must flow from the Second Vatican Council’s affirmation of the Church’s living tradition as it has been received and developed by Pope Francis,” said a communiqué from the conference released on Monday. “He has called the Church to missionary discipleship that goes to “the peripheries” and is responsive to the gifts and challenges of contemporary cultures.” The document goes on to outline ten pastoral recommendations, among them greater human formation in seminaries to “foster authentic psychosexual maturity and integration,” an evaluation process for candidates that allows i Some of the strongest language is reserved for the role of women in priestly formation, where organizers noted that women should be included in the faculty of seminaries.....(more)
Extract from Christopher White, National Correspondent, Crux, 7 January 2019
NEW YORK - A major gathering of ecclesial heavy hitters focusing on the future of the priesthood concluded with a call for a reimagining of priestly formation - one that incorporates the laity and women in the process and better reflects the racial and cultural diversity within the U.S. Church. The two-day symposium at Boston College took place January 2-3 and was organized around “To Serve the People of God: Renewing the Conversation on Priesthood and Ministry,” a document first published in December 2018, which was the result of a series of seminars sponsored by the college’s Department of Theology and School of Theology and Ministry. “All consideration of priesthood and ministry must flow from the Second Vatican Council’s affirmation of the Church’s living tradition as it has been received and developed by Pope Francis,” said a communiqué from the conference released on Monday. “He has called the Church to missionary discipleship that goes to “the peripheries” and is responsive to the gifts and challenges of contemporary cultures.” The document goes on to outline ten pastoral recommendations, among them greater human formation in seminaries to “foster authentic psychosexual maturity and integration,” an evaluation process for candidates that allows i Some of the strongest language is reserved for the role of women in priestly formation, where organizers noted that women should be included in the faculty of seminaries.....(more)
Pope Francis begins the most important year of his pontificate.
Extract from Robert Mickens*, Pearls and Irritations, John Menadue website, 4 January 2020
When the history of Pope Francis’ time as Bishop of Rome is finally written, there is a good chance that the Year of Our Lord 2020 will be recorded as the most important of his entire pontificate. Some are wondering whether it may actually be his last. The pope’s recent decisions to “retire” the powerful Italian churchman Angelo Sodano as dean of the College of Cardinals and to make Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines head one of the most powerful Vatican offices – Propaganda Fide – are being read as signs that Francis is beginning to prepare for the election of his successor on the Chair of Peter. The 83-year-old Jesuit pope will also be issuing two major documents in 2020, and probably a few others. He’ll continue to travel the globe, possibly going to places where his predecessors had hoped to visit but were denied entry. And there’s no doubt he will add more men to the illustrious red-hatted group from which will emerge the next Bishop of Rome. So any way one looks at this new calendar year, it will almost certainly prove to be pivotal. The Synod paves the way to reform Pope Francis is to publish at least two extremely important documents already in the initial weeks of 2020. The first of these texts is an apostolic exhortation on last October’s special assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region. Francis has already hinted that he will endorse a number of changes in pastoral practice that the Synod participants proposed to him. One of these is the priestly ordination of the viri probati (married men of proven virtue), specifically those who are already permanent deacons. Another is the establishment of a new papal commission to study the possibility of instituting the diaconate and other ministries for women. And a third is the compilation of a new liturgical rite to incorporate cultural elements particular to the native peoples of the Amazon. This highly anticipated post-synodal apostolic exhortation is likely to open up other avenues for reform, as well. So its importance should not be underestimated..........No one can read the future, but the Year of Our Lord 2020 looks like it could be one of the most crucial and important for the recent history of Roman Catholicism.....(more) *Robert Mickens is Rome Correspondent for La Croix International. This article was first published on Jan 2, 2020. Photo: Pope Francis and Akubra hat with Abp Mark Coleridge, June 2019 ad limina.
Extract from Robert Mickens*, Pearls and Irritations, John Menadue website, 4 January 2020
When the history of Pope Francis’ time as Bishop of Rome is finally written, there is a good chance that the Year of Our Lord 2020 will be recorded as the most important of his entire pontificate. Some are wondering whether it may actually be his last. The pope’s recent decisions to “retire” the powerful Italian churchman Angelo Sodano as dean of the College of Cardinals and to make Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines head one of the most powerful Vatican offices – Propaganda Fide – are being read as signs that Francis is beginning to prepare for the election of his successor on the Chair of Peter. The 83-year-old Jesuit pope will also be issuing two major documents in 2020, and probably a few others. He’ll continue to travel the globe, possibly going to places where his predecessors had hoped to visit but were denied entry. And there’s no doubt he will add more men to the illustrious red-hatted group from which will emerge the next Bishop of Rome. So any way one looks at this new calendar year, it will almost certainly prove to be pivotal. The Synod paves the way to reform Pope Francis is to publish at least two extremely important documents already in the initial weeks of 2020. The first of these texts is an apostolic exhortation on last October’s special assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region. Francis has already hinted that he will endorse a number of changes in pastoral practice that the Synod participants proposed to him. One of these is the priestly ordination of the viri probati (married men of proven virtue), specifically those who are already permanent deacons. Another is the establishment of a new papal commission to study the possibility of instituting the diaconate and other ministries for women. And a third is the compilation of a new liturgical rite to incorporate cultural elements particular to the native peoples of the Amazon. This highly anticipated post-synodal apostolic exhortation is likely to open up other avenues for reform, as well. So its importance should not be underestimated..........No one can read the future, but the Year of Our Lord 2020 looks like it could be one of the most crucial and important for the recent history of Roman Catholicism.....(more) *Robert Mickens is Rome Correspondent for La Croix International. This article was first published on Jan 2, 2020. Photo: Pope Francis and Akubra hat with Abp Mark Coleridge, June 2019 ad limina.
Expressions of interest for Diocesan Plenary Council 2020 delegates
Extract from Catholic Outlook, Diocese of Parramatta
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, the Bishop of Parramatta, has invited the faithful of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains to express their interest in being a delegate for our local Church to the Plenary Council. Our diocese will be sending a delegation of people to the Plenary Council and this includes - Two (2) delegates called from our diocese from the “presbyters and others of Christ’s faithful” These two people are to be called from among the “presbyters and others of Christ’s faithful” of our diocesan Church, that is: from among the clergy and the laity. Some characteristics of the delegates to be called to consider are: The person’s demonstrated commitment to leadership in the Church and/or her ministries (e.g. an active parish ministries leader, Catholic Education staff member, Catholic Social Services worker or ecclesial movement leader, etc.); The person’s living of the Gospel in their life through both prayer and deeds Their awareness of ‘the bigger picture’ of Catholic faith, community and works in context of contemporary Australian society; Previous participation in / leadership of listening and dialogue, or listening and discernment encounters with people in the person’s community, workplace or family. Ultimately, the foundational characteristic to be considered is the person’s ability and capacity to discern with an open heart, listening to what the Spirit is saying to the Church in Australia. Any person who expresses their interest in being called by our diocese to be a delegate to the Plenary Council must be available for the following dates....(more) Photo: Diocese of Parramatta Plenary Council 2020 delegates 2020103 Catholic Outlook
Extract from Catholic Outlook, Diocese of Parramatta
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, the Bishop of Parramatta, has invited the faithful of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains to express their interest in being a delegate for our local Church to the Plenary Council. Our diocese will be sending a delegation of people to the Plenary Council and this includes - Two (2) delegates called from our diocese from the “presbyters and others of Christ’s faithful” These two people are to be called from among the “presbyters and others of Christ’s faithful” of our diocesan Church, that is: from among the clergy and the laity. Some characteristics of the delegates to be called to consider are: The person’s demonstrated commitment to leadership in the Church and/or her ministries (e.g. an active parish ministries leader, Catholic Education staff member, Catholic Social Services worker or ecclesial movement leader, etc.); The person’s living of the Gospel in their life through both prayer and deeds Their awareness of ‘the bigger picture’ of Catholic faith, community and works in context of contemporary Australian society; Previous participation in / leadership of listening and dialogue, or listening and discernment encounters with people in the person’s community, workplace or family. Ultimately, the foundational characteristic to be considered is the person’s ability and capacity to discern with an open heart, listening to what the Spirit is saying to the Church in Australia. Any person who expresses their interest in being called by our diocese to be a delegate to the Plenary Council must be available for the following dates....(more) Photo: Diocese of Parramatta Plenary Council 2020 delegates 2020103 Catholic Outlook
Two Submissions to the Plenary Council Phase 2 Themes Working Groups available
John Costa, 1 January 2019
John Costa, 1 January 2019
Because our Parish submission to the Plenary Council Phase 1 process effectively also included responses relevant to the Phase 2 process we did not separately submit inputs to the Phase 2 process. That Phase 1 report report is published on this website Plenary Council website page.
St Kevin's Parish Templestowe has published its submission to the Plenary Council Phase 11 Working groups on its website, also available HERE.
The Catholics For Renewal submission to the Plenary Council phase two Theme Working Groups is also available HERE. The Plenary Working Groups comprise: 1.Missionary and Evangelising; 2.Inclusive, Participatory and Synodal; 3. Prayerful and Eucharistic; 4. Humble, healing and merciful; 5. A joyful, hope-filled and servant community; and 6. Open to Conversion, renewal and reform. The submissions comply with the 1000 character limit for each of the themes. Further details and actions supporting the Catholics For Renewal submission are included in their Plenary Council submission/book Getting Back on Mission: Reforming Our Church Together (details HERE)