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Catholic Parish Ivanhoe
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Catholic Parish Ivanhoe
News 2020 - January - June
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 **
Ivanhoe Parish Sunday Masses @Home currently streamed & available for a week are renewed from noon Saturdays HERE
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Amazon churches create transnational body to implement synod proposals
Extracts from Gerard O’Connell, Anerica, The Jesuit Review, 30 June 2020
The first significant implementation of last October’s Synod on the Amazon took place on June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, with the founding of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon, a new transnational church structure that is intended to implement many of the synod’s proposals. The decision to create the conference was made in a virtual assembly held on June 26 and June 29 by the Assembly for the Project of Constitution of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon. Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., who participated in the virtual assembly, described the decision as “historic” in a telephone interview with America. He recalled that Pope Francis, in his post-synodal apostolic exhortation, “Beloved Amazonia” (“Querida Amazonia”), had called on the synod’s participants to start implementing its proposals. He said they have begun to do so less than eight months later by creating this new transnational church structure covering the nine countries of the region: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Surinam, Venezuela and the territory of French Guiana. Cardinal Czerny highlighted the fact that “the energy and the effort for this came from the region itself.” The Ecclesial Conference of the Amazo n aims to be “an effective channel for taking up, from within the territory, many of the proposals that emerged” at the Pan-Amazonian synod............The assembly announced the creation of the new conference in a statement issued on June 29 and signed by Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos, O.F.M., president of the Latin American Episcopal Council, known by its Spanish acronym, CELAM; and Cardinal Cláudio Hummes, O.F.M., president of REPAM, the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network: “In these difficult and exceptional times for humanity, when the coronavirus pandemic is strongly impacting the Pan-Amazon region and the realities of violence, exclusion and death affecting the biome and its inhabitants clamor for an urgent and imminent integral conversion, the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon seeks to be good news and a timely response to the cries of the poor and of our sister Mother Earth.” According to the assembly’s statement, the E.C.A. aims to be “an effective channel for taking up, from within the territory, many of the proposals that emerged” at the Pan-Amazonian synod and to serve “as a nexus for encouraging other church and socio-environmental networks and initiatives at the continental and international levels.”.....(more) Photo:Kukama boys Amazon's Maranon River Peru's Loreto region CNS photo Barbara Fraser America Jes Rev 20200630
Pope Francis appoints Msgr Greg Bennet Bishop of Sale
Extract from Media Release, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, 27 June 2020
Pope Francis has this evening appointed Msgr Greg Bennet, a priest of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, the 10th Bishop of Sale. Msgr Bennet was born and raised in Melbourne, completing his secondary education at Braemar College in Woodend, northwest of Melbourne. After working in banking for several years, he entered Corpus Christi College in 1986 and was ordained priest in 1992. Following a number of parish appointments, Msgr Bennet undertook postgraduate study, gaining a master of science in pastoral counselling from Loyola College in Baltimore and a licentiate in sacred theology from the Angelicum University in Rome. On his return, Msgr Bennet held several leadership positions within the Archdiocese of Melbourne, including as director of Ministry to Priests and later as inaugural director of the Office for Evangelisation. After additional parish ministry, he served as vicar general from 2012 to 2019. Having returned to parish ministry just four months ago as parish priest in West Brunswick, he will now oversee a diocese that stretches from Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs, through Gippsland and to the New South Wales border. Msgr Bennet said he recognises the “enormous responsibility and privilege to be asked to undertake this appointment”.“It is a responsibility which cannot be exercised in isolation, but in close cooperation with the clergy, the faithful and those in diocesan leadership,” he said......(Media Release HERE)
Extract from Media Release, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, 27 June 2020
Pope Francis has this evening appointed Msgr Greg Bennet, a priest of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, the 10th Bishop of Sale. Msgr Bennet was born and raised in Melbourne, completing his secondary education at Braemar College in Woodend, northwest of Melbourne. After working in banking for several years, he entered Corpus Christi College in 1986 and was ordained priest in 1992. Following a number of parish appointments, Msgr Bennet undertook postgraduate study, gaining a master of science in pastoral counselling from Loyola College in Baltimore and a licentiate in sacred theology from the Angelicum University in Rome. On his return, Msgr Bennet held several leadership positions within the Archdiocese of Melbourne, including as director of Ministry to Priests and later as inaugural director of the Office for Evangelisation. After additional parish ministry, he served as vicar general from 2012 to 2019. Having returned to parish ministry just four months ago as parish priest in West Brunswick, he will now oversee a diocese that stretches from Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs, through Gippsland and to the New South Wales border. Msgr Bennet said he recognises the “enormous responsibility and privilege to be asked to undertake this appointment”.“It is a responsibility which cannot be exercised in isolation, but in close cooperation with the clergy, the faithful and those in diocesan leadership,” he said......(Media Release HERE)
Thanks for your generosity
Friday, 26 June 2020
Parishioners and families from our two schools have responded with great generosity to last week’s plea for groceries so that Vinnies could continue their care for those in our community most in need. Di Dixon and Michael Rocco are pictured surrounded by what they could fit on the tables - there’s more stacked around the St. Bernadette’s Community Centre. As well as groceries cash and supermarket vouchers have been donated. For those wishing to help we still need tea, coffee, sugar, dishwashing detergent and hand liquid soap – donations can be left in the boxes at the MOG Presbytery, the Parish Office, or brought to church if you are coming to Mass.
Parish Secretary
Friday 26 June 2020
After 16 years of service our Parish Secretary, Ruth Villani, retires on Friday. There will be a tribute to Ruth after she completes her long service leave in November. Our new Parish Secretary, Teana McIntosh, joins us on 1st July. Please make her welcome and keep Ruth and Teana in your prayers as they both make this transition.
Diocese creates company to oversee 57 Catholic schools
Extract from CathNews, By Chris Pedler Bendigo Advertiser 26 June 2020
A new business will take over the governance of the Sandhurst Diocese's Catholic schools, removing responsibility from local parishes. The new model comes as a result of recommendations from the Royal Commissions into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and is a Victorian Government directive. Bishop of Sandhurst Shane Mackinlay said the new governance model would affect 57 schools in the Sandhurst Diocese. Parishes are now responsible for the running of Catholic schools. Bishop Mackinlay said Catholic Education Sandhurst would incorporated “to strengthen responsibilities for the diocesan governance and operation of Catholic schools”. The plan to establish the new school governance model has been six months in the making and will be operational by January 1, 2021. Bishop Mackinlay said the rest of the year will be used to fine tune the setup of the company, to be known as Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd, which will include a board of directors. The bishop said he believes the new governance model “will sustain and enrich the integral role of our Catholic education system in the life and ministry of our parishes for many years to come”.....(more). Photo: CathNews, 20200626 Bigstock
Extract from CathNews, By Chris Pedler Bendigo Advertiser 26 June 2020
A new business will take over the governance of the Sandhurst Diocese's Catholic schools, removing responsibility from local parishes. The new model comes as a result of recommendations from the Royal Commissions into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and is a Victorian Government directive. Bishop of Sandhurst Shane Mackinlay said the new governance model would affect 57 schools in the Sandhurst Diocese. Parishes are now responsible for the running of Catholic schools. Bishop Mackinlay said Catholic Education Sandhurst would incorporated “to strengthen responsibilities for the diocesan governance and operation of Catholic schools”. The plan to establish the new school governance model has been six months in the making and will be operational by January 1, 2021. Bishop Mackinlay said the rest of the year will be used to fine tune the setup of the company, to be known as Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd, which will include a board of directors. The bishop said he believes the new governance model “will sustain and enrich the integral role of our Catholic education system in the life and ministry of our parishes for many years to come”.....(more). Photo: CathNews, 20200626 Bigstock
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Plenary Meeting
Extract from Summary Minutes of the ACBC Plenary, May 7-14, 2020, 24 June 2020
Due
to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Catholic bishops of Australia conducted
their biannual plenary meeting using videoconferencing technology. The
eight Commissions of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference held
meetings on the first day of the gathering, followed by the plenary
meeting over the seven subsequent days– except Sunday, 10 May. Meetings
were held with the full membership of the Conference, as well as in
smaller groups..........Link to Summary Minutes HEREIn an interview with EWTN, Trump hails ‘tremendous letter of support from the Catholic Church’
Extract from Michael J. O’Loughlin, America, The Jesuit Review, 23 June, 2020
President Trump declared himself “totally in favor of the death penalty for heinous crimes” in one breath and described himself as “pro-life” in the next during an interview that aired on the Catholic television station EWTN on Monday night. The interview comes as the president’s re-election campaign courts Catholic and other Christian voters ahead of the November election and in the wake of a recent poll that suggested a drop in support for the president among white Catholics, a demographic he won in 2016. The president was asked about claims that his likely opponent in November’s election, former Vice President Joe Biden, is more “pro-life” than Mr. Trump, given Mr. Biden’s opposition to the death penalty and embrace of efforts to confront climate change. Mr. Trump responded by talking about appointments to federal courts. “The Democrats? Look, who’s he putting on the court? They want to put people on the court. You have no chance. So, I’m pro-life. The Democrats aren’t. Nobody can say that Biden is. Look at his stance over the years,” Mr. Trump said, without clarifying which court or which people he was referring to. The roughly 10-minute interview was conducted by Raymond Arroyo, host of a weekly news show on EWTN and a regular contributor to Fox News. Few questions dealt directly with Catholicism, but Mr. Arroyo did ask the president about a letter written by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the former papal ambassador to the United States. The EWTN interview comes as the president’s re-election campaign courts Catholic and other Christian voters ahead of the November election and in the wake of a recent poll that suggested a drop in support for the president among white Catholics. In that letter, which Mr. Trump shared on his Twitter account, the archbishop expressed his belief in a number of conspiracy theories, including the existence of a “deep state” opposing Mr. Trump from within the U.S. federal government and a “deep church” comprised of “children of darkness”; a belief that the Covid-19 pandemic response represents “a colossal operation of social engineering”; and the notion that recent anti-racism protests in the United States evoke “the Masonic ideals of those who want to dominate the world by driving God out of the courts, out of schools, out of families, and perhaps even out of churches.” The president was asked how he reacted to the letter and if he agreed with the archbishop’s views. Mr. Trump called Archbishop Viganò “a great gentleman” and praised the letter without directly addressing any of its claims.....(more).
Extract from Michael J. O’Loughlin, America, The Jesuit Review, 23 June, 2020
President Trump declared himself “totally in favor of the death penalty for heinous crimes” in one breath and described himself as “pro-life” in the next during an interview that aired on the Catholic television station EWTN on Monday night. The interview comes as the president’s re-election campaign courts Catholic and other Christian voters ahead of the November election and in the wake of a recent poll that suggested a drop in support for the president among white Catholics, a demographic he won in 2016. The president was asked about claims that his likely opponent in November’s election, former Vice President Joe Biden, is more “pro-life” than Mr. Trump, given Mr. Biden’s opposition to the death penalty and embrace of efforts to confront climate change. Mr. Trump responded by talking about appointments to federal courts. “The Democrats? Look, who’s he putting on the court? They want to put people on the court. You have no chance. So, I’m pro-life. The Democrats aren’t. Nobody can say that Biden is. Look at his stance over the years,” Mr. Trump said, without clarifying which court or which people he was referring to. The roughly 10-minute interview was conducted by Raymond Arroyo, host of a weekly news show on EWTN and a regular contributor to Fox News. Few questions dealt directly with Catholicism, but Mr. Arroyo did ask the president about a letter written by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the former papal ambassador to the United States. The EWTN interview comes as the president’s re-election campaign courts Catholic and other Christian voters ahead of the November election and in the wake of a recent poll that suggested a drop in support for the president among white Catholics. In that letter, which Mr. Trump shared on his Twitter account, the archbishop expressed his belief in a number of conspiracy theories, including the existence of a “deep state” opposing Mr. Trump from within the U.S. federal government and a “deep church” comprised of “children of darkness”; a belief that the Covid-19 pandemic response represents “a colossal operation of social engineering”; and the notion that recent anti-racism protests in the United States evoke “the Masonic ideals of those who want to dominate the world by driving God out of the courts, out of schools, out of families, and perhaps even out of churches.” The president was asked how he reacted to the letter and if he agreed with the archbishop’s views. Mr. Trump called Archbishop Viganò “a great gentleman” and praised the letter without directly addressing any of its claims.....(more).
US Catholic leaders mark Pride Month via video conference
Extract from Sarah Salvadore, National Catholic Reporter, 23 June 2020
Prominent Catholic leaders sent messages of video support to the LGBTQ community for Pride Month after Outreach 2020, a Catholic LGBTQ conference hosted by Fordham University, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The June 18 video began with Jesuit Fr. James Martin reminding all LGBTQ Catholics that God created them, and that they are as much a part of the Catholic Church as the pope, bishops or local pastors. In their messages, speakers offered words of hope and encouragement, and called on the church and members to be more inclusive. Dominican Sr. Luisa Derouen, who has been a minister to the transgender community since 1999, said she missed meeting all transgender participants. "It was an honor and privilege of my life to walk with you on your sacred journey," she said. Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico, showed his support to those who minister to the LGBTQ community. He called their work "valuable" and "appreciated." Wester said that ministers played the part of the "good shepherd" by bringing LGBTQ members closer to God. "Your ministry serves all of us as you proclaim God's unconditional love and mercy in a world torn apart by prejudice and exclusion," he said. Jesuit Fr. John Cecero, superior of the Jesuits USA Northeast Province, called LGBTQ members to "share in the reconciling mission of Jesus." He said it was an invitation to dialogue, in an open, respectful way, not just in the church but in society and culture as well. He encouraged LGBTQ members to face hatred and homophobia in the church and country by being "beacons of light." ....(more)
Extract from Sarah Salvadore, National Catholic Reporter, 23 June 2020
Prominent Catholic leaders sent messages of video support to the LGBTQ community for Pride Month after Outreach 2020, a Catholic LGBTQ conference hosted by Fordham University, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The June 18 video began with Jesuit Fr. James Martin reminding all LGBTQ Catholics that God created them, and that they are as much a part of the Catholic Church as the pope, bishops or local pastors. In their messages, speakers offered words of hope and encouragement, and called on the church and members to be more inclusive. Dominican Sr. Luisa Derouen, who has been a minister to the transgender community since 1999, said she missed meeting all transgender participants. "It was an honor and privilege of my life to walk with you on your sacred journey," she said. Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico, showed his support to those who minister to the LGBTQ community. He called their work "valuable" and "appreciated." Wester said that ministers played the part of the "good shepherd" by bringing LGBTQ members closer to God. "Your ministry serves all of us as you proclaim God's unconditional love and mercy in a world torn apart by prejudice and exclusion," he said. Jesuit Fr. John Cecero, superior of the Jesuits USA Northeast Province, called LGBTQ members to "share in the reconciling mission of Jesus." He said it was an invitation to dialogue, in an open, respectful way, not just in the church but in society and culture as well. He encouraged LGBTQ members to face hatred and homophobia in the church and country by being "beacons of light." ....(more)
Bishop-designate Daisuke Narui to head Niigata Diocese
Extract from Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Reporter, Jun 22, 2020
Rome — Social justice promoters for the world's religious orders are praising Pope Francis' unusual appointment of one within their ranks as a diocesan bishop, saying the choice emphasizes the importance of their work and ministry. Divine Word Missionary Fr. Paul Daisuke Narui, who has been serving in Rome since 2015 as his order's coordinator for peace and justice issues, will return to Japan later this month as the new head of the diocese of Niigata, about 200 miles northwest of Tokyo. Narui — 46 years old and previously the coordinator of the Japanese church's relief efforts after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster —is one of dozens of such coordinators for the diverse range of congregations in Rome. His colleagues describe a priest who is dedicated to social justice issues, a good collaborator and especially attentive to raising women's voices. "Pope Francis is looking for people that will support his agenda, his mission, his message. You would find that for sure in Daisuke," said Sr. Sheila Kinsey, the executive co-secretary of the joint Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation commission of the two Rome-based umbrella groups of the world's men and women religious. Kinsey, a member of the Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary who has worked closely with Narui for about five years, said the new bishop "is steadfast and committed to the same things that Pope Francis is." "They are very, very fortunate to have him," Kinsey said about Narui's new diocese. Mercedarian Sr. Filo Hirota, who worked with Narui on justice issues while serving as the head of her order in Rome from 2012 to 2018, said he is someone who is "always available, ready to help and serve, simple, smiling and at ease." "He listens and learns from women," said Hirota, who now lives in Tokyo. "It is great to have a bishop who knows and lives what equal discipleship of Jesus is."....(more) Photo: Fr Daisuke Narui, Theresa Sacher NCR 20200622
Extract from Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Reporter, Jun 22, 2020
Rome — Social justice promoters for the world's religious orders are praising Pope Francis' unusual appointment of one within their ranks as a diocesan bishop, saying the choice emphasizes the importance of their work and ministry. Divine Word Missionary Fr. Paul Daisuke Narui, who has been serving in Rome since 2015 as his order's coordinator for peace and justice issues, will return to Japan later this month as the new head of the diocese of Niigata, about 200 miles northwest of Tokyo. Narui — 46 years old and previously the coordinator of the Japanese church's relief efforts after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster —is one of dozens of such coordinators for the diverse range of congregations in Rome. His colleagues describe a priest who is dedicated to social justice issues, a good collaborator and especially attentive to raising women's voices. "Pope Francis is looking for people that will support his agenda, his mission, his message. You would find that for sure in Daisuke," said Sr. Sheila Kinsey, the executive co-secretary of the joint Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation commission of the two Rome-based umbrella groups of the world's men and women religious. Kinsey, a member of the Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary who has worked closely with Narui for about five years, said the new bishop "is steadfast and committed to the same things that Pope Francis is." "They are very, very fortunate to have him," Kinsey said about Narui's new diocese. Mercedarian Sr. Filo Hirota, who worked with Narui on justice issues while serving as the head of her order in Rome from 2012 to 2018, said he is someone who is "always available, ready to help and serve, simple, smiling and at ease." "He listens and learns from women," said Hirota, who now lives in Tokyo. "It is great to have a bishop who knows and lives what equal discipleship of Jesus is."....(more) Photo: Fr Daisuke Narui, Theresa Sacher NCR 20200622
Let's get physical
The Vatican holds first "real" press conference in nearly four months as it struggles to start up again after pandemic shutdown
Limited Extract from Robert Mickens, subscription journal La Croix International, 19 June 2020
Vatican City. Throughout the long coronavirus lockdown, there were very few signs of institutional life at the Vatican. Pope Francis kept up his two fixed weekly appointments – the Wednesday general audience and the Sunday Angelus. But they were live-streamed from the seclusion of the Apostolic Palace and without the physical presence of anyone from the public. The only people in the room with him were several aides – all of them men dressed in cassocks or religious habits. Mind you, neither of these events requires the unique services of an ordained minister. And, yet, priests were the only ones present. Not a woman anywhere to be seen. Not great optics. The weekday Masses that were broadcast each morning from the chapel at the pope's Santa Marta Residence during the first several weeks of lockdown usually featured a religious sister proclaiming one of the scripture readings. But even at those streamed liturgies, most in the small congregation – once again – were men. Return to St. Peter's Square : When Italy opened up the entire.....(source)
The Vatican holds first "real" press conference in nearly four months as it struggles to start up again after pandemic shutdown
Limited Extract from Robert Mickens, subscription journal La Croix International, 19 June 2020
Vatican City. Throughout the long coronavirus lockdown, there were very few signs of institutional life at the Vatican. Pope Francis kept up his two fixed weekly appointments – the Wednesday general audience and the Sunday Angelus. But they were live-streamed from the seclusion of the Apostolic Palace and without the physical presence of anyone from the public. The only people in the room with him were several aides – all of them men dressed in cassocks or religious habits. Mind you, neither of these events requires the unique services of an ordained minister. And, yet, priests were the only ones present. Not a woman anywhere to be seen. Not great optics. The weekday Masses that were broadcast each morning from the chapel at the pope's Santa Marta Residence during the first several weeks of lockdown usually featured a religious sister proclaiming one of the scripture readings. But even at those streamed liturgies, most in the small congregation – once again – were men. Return to St. Peter's Square : When Italy opened up the entire.....(source)
Retirement of our of Parish Secretary
Friday 19 June, 2020
After almost 16 years as our Parish Secretary, Ruth Villani, will retire on July 3rd when she will begin her long deserved accrued annual leave and long service leave. At the end of her leave (late November) we will have the opportunity for a presentation of thanks to Ruth for her long and faithful service to the Parish and its priests. Hopefully by November we will be able to gather a little more freely for the event which we would be unable to do now under the current restrictions on gatherings. Please keep Ruth in your prayers as she embarks on this journey and transition into retirement.
Friday 19 June, 2020
After almost 16 years as our Parish Secretary, Ruth Villani, will retire on July 3rd when she will begin her long deserved accrued annual leave and long service leave. At the end of her leave (late November) we will have the opportunity for a presentation of thanks to Ruth for her long and faithful service to the Parish and its priests. Hopefully by November we will be able to gather a little more freely for the event which we would be unable to do now under the current restrictions on gatherings. Please keep Ruth in your prayers as she embarks on this journey and transition into retirement.
Appointment of New Parish Secretary
Friday 19 June, 2020
Teana McIntosh has been appointed as our new Parish Office Administrator. Katryna is a parishioner of St. Mary’s Ascot Vale where she has previously worked as the Parish Secretary. She commences with us on 1st July. I know that you will all make Katryna welcome once she joins our Parish team.
Friday 19 June, 2020
Teana McIntosh has been appointed as our new Parish Office Administrator. Katryna is a parishioner of St. Mary’s Ascot Vale where she has previously worked as the Parish Secretary. She commences with us on 1st July. I know that you will all make Katryna welcome once she joins our Parish team.
The two assemblies for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia will be
held in Adelaide from October 3-10, 2021, and in Sydney from July 4-9,
2022.
ACBC Media Blog, 19 June 2020
The new dates mean that the celebration of the Plenary Council has effectively moved 12 months from the original plan of a first assembly in October 2020 and a second assembly in June/July 2021.
Plenary Council president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said the confirmation of the specific dates will help in the formulation of a revised program of preparation for Council delegates, who were announced in March, and for the whole Catholic community. Archbishop Costelloe said the bishops’ preference to hold the second assembly in April 2022, announced last month, had to be revisited. “The confluence of a number of events in April 2022, including the New South Wales school holidays, Easter in the Latin Rite and Easter in the Eastern Rite, meant that the plan to hold the second assembly then was unworkable,” he said. “The one-year change to our initial timeline affords each of us the opportunity for a more extended period of individual and collective discernment leading into the first assembly than we would otherwise have had.” Plenary Council facilitator Lana Turvey-Collins said that this time will be utilised for all people to re-engage with the journey of discernment toward the Council assemblies after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “A renewed engagement will take place in a societal context that’s been altered by the pandemic,” she said. “The recently-published discernment papers were finalised in the midst of the pandemic. They are a key step in the process of discernment and preparation for all of us. The time and space between now and the first assembly, now in October 2021, enables deeper reflection, dialogue and consideration of how we’ve all been affected by recent global events.” Archbishop Costelloe said prayer, dialogue and discernment have been foundational pillars of the Plenary Council journey and will continue to be so. “I encourage everyone to read the discernment papers and to take some time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to continue to guide our path toward the assemblies and beyond,” he said...Source
Archbishop Peter joins Vinnies CEO Sleepout
Extract from Communications Office , Melbourne Catholic, Thursday 18 June 2020
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is a one-night event over one of the longest and coldest nights of the year (Thursday 18 June). Hundreds of CEOs, business owners as well as community and government leaders sleep outdoors to raise funds and support the many Australians who are experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness. By the numbers: 27% of homeless people in Australia are under 18 years of age; 1 in 200 people are homeless on any given night in Australia; Almost half of all homeless people are women; Over 17,000 kids under the age have no home; 14% of Australians live below the poverty line; 30% of people experiencing homelessness are living in severely crowded homes (Source: www.vinnies.org.au). Last year, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout raised $7.9 million for people experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness. Now in its 15th year, the restrictions caused by COVID-19 have meant the event has had to move to a more interactive, online format. Participants have been asked to nominate an alternate sleeping option (their couch, backyard or car) and will share the experience through an interactive live stream program, logging in with others all around the country. Participating in his first Vinnies CEO Sleepout, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli is sleeping out in his car to help raise awareness and funds for the important cause. "It's a little bit of discomfort for a good bit of awareness," he said.....Donations to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout directly assists people experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness, by: funding new initiatives; ensuring existing homeless services, like food vans and emergency support, continue expanding the reach of existing Vinnies programs to ensure every Australian can access accommodation, meals, and emergency a ......(more) Photo: ACBC
Extract from Communications Office , Melbourne Catholic, Thursday 18 June 2020
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is a one-night event over one of the longest and coldest nights of the year (Thursday 18 June). Hundreds of CEOs, business owners as well as community and government leaders sleep outdoors to raise funds and support the many Australians who are experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness. By the numbers: 27% of homeless people in Australia are under 18 years of age; 1 in 200 people are homeless on any given night in Australia; Almost half of all homeless people are women; Over 17,000 kids under the age have no home; 14% of Australians live below the poverty line; 30% of people experiencing homelessness are living in severely crowded homes (Source: www.vinnies.org.au). Last year, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout raised $7.9 million for people experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness. Now in its 15th year, the restrictions caused by COVID-19 have meant the event has had to move to a more interactive, online format. Participants have been asked to nominate an alternate sleeping option (their couch, backyard or car) and will share the experience through an interactive live stream program, logging in with others all around the country. Participating in his first Vinnies CEO Sleepout, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli is sleeping out in his car to help raise awareness and funds for the important cause. "It's a little bit of discomfort for a good bit of awareness," he said.....Donations to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout directly assists people experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness, by: funding new initiatives; ensuring existing homeless services, like food vans and emergency support, continue expanding the reach of existing Vinnies programs to ensure every Australian can access accommodation, meals, and emergency a ......(more) Photo: ACBC
WA dumps ‘Indigenous-biased’ fines law
Extract from Victoria Laurie, CathNews, The Australian, 18 June 2020
The West Australian Government has rid itself of fines-enforcement laws that imprisoned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with “systemic bias”. Source: The Australian Attorney-General John Quigley says he is proud to have reformed an unfair law that disproportionately targeted the state’s indigenous citizens who were unable to pay fines and went to jail instead. The Fines, Penalties and Infringement Notices Enforcement Amendment Bill passed both houses on Tuesday night, eight years after successive state governments vowed to significantly change the way fines were enforced and recovered. Until the late-night passage of the bill, Western Australia was the only jurisdiction that permitted fine defaulters to spend time in prison to “cut out” fines at a rate of $250 a day for offences dealt with in a criminal court. Mr Quigley said he was proud to have reformed an unjust law that had a “systemic bias”. “It disproportionately affected Indigenous West Australians who through no fault of their own can’t pay the fines. This reform was long overdue — we jail Aboriginal people at 70 per cent higher than the national average, and that’s a national scandal,” he said. “People who are vulnerable or have mental health issues don’t get around to paying their fine and it’s costing the taxpayer a fortune. To put someone in jail to cut out a $2500 fine is 10 days in prison at a cost of $6000. That is economic madness. “We are the last jurisdiction to make this step out of the dark ages, and I’m very proud to have brought this before parliament.” He said 1300 outstanding warrants would be cancelled, which is likely to lift the threat of imprisonment from 238 individuals. One of the key changes will see imprisonment relegated to a sanction of last resort......(More).
Extract from Victoria Laurie, CathNews, The Australian, 18 June 2020
The West Australian Government has rid itself of fines-enforcement laws that imprisoned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with “systemic bias”. Source: The Australian Attorney-General John Quigley says he is proud to have reformed an unfair law that disproportionately targeted the state’s indigenous citizens who were unable to pay fines and went to jail instead. The Fines, Penalties and Infringement Notices Enforcement Amendment Bill passed both houses on Tuesday night, eight years after successive state governments vowed to significantly change the way fines were enforced and recovered. Until the late-night passage of the bill, Western Australia was the only jurisdiction that permitted fine defaulters to spend time in prison to “cut out” fines at a rate of $250 a day for offences dealt with in a criminal court. Mr Quigley said he was proud to have reformed an unjust law that had a “systemic bias”. “It disproportionately affected Indigenous West Australians who through no fault of their own can’t pay the fines. This reform was long overdue — we jail Aboriginal people at 70 per cent higher than the national average, and that’s a national scandal,” he said. “People who are vulnerable or have mental health issues don’t get around to paying their fine and it’s costing the taxpayer a fortune. To put someone in jail to cut out a $2500 fine is 10 days in prison at a cost of $6000. That is economic madness. “We are the last jurisdiction to make this step out of the dark ages, and I’m very proud to have brought this before parliament.” He said 1300 outstanding warrants would be cancelled, which is likely to lift the threat of imprisonment from 238 individuals. One of the key changes will see imprisonment relegated to a sanction of last resort......(More).
Refugee advocates condemn move to ban mobile phones
Extract from CathNews, 18 June 2020
A move to introduce legislation allowing the seizure of mobile phones from people held in immigration detention centres is unnecessary and cruel, according to refugee advocates. Source: The Good Oil.
Last month, Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge announced legislation that would give Border Force officials search and seizure powers and allow the minister to ban certain items from the detention facilities, including mobile phones. Mr Tudge denied it would be a blanket ban, saying it would only apply to those suspected of being involved in illegal activity. “It’s a policy of cruelty,” said Good Samaritan Sister Clare Condon, who is part of Canberra’s Faith-Based Working Group of the Refugee Action Campaign (RAC). “Some of these guys have been in detention for seven years and their phone is their only lifeline...(more)
Extract from CathNews, 18 June 2020
A move to introduce legislation allowing the seizure of mobile phones from people held in immigration detention centres is unnecessary and cruel, according to refugee advocates. Source: The Good Oil.
Last month, Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge announced legislation that would give Border Force officials search and seizure powers and allow the minister to ban certain items from the detention facilities, including mobile phones. Mr Tudge denied it would be a blanket ban, saying it would only apply to those suspected of being involved in illegal activity. “It’s a policy of cruelty,” said Good Samaritan Sister Clare Condon, who is part of Canberra’s Faith-Based Working Group of the Refugee Action Campaign (RAC). “Some of these guys have been in detention for seven years and their phone is their only lifeline...(more)
At five-year mark for ‘Laudato Si,’ Vatican offers a ‘users guide’
Extract from Elise Ann Allen, Crux, 18 Jun2020ROME – To mark the five-year anniversary of Pope Francis’s eco-encyclical, Laudato Si, the Vatican Thursday published a “users guide” for both parishes and public officials on how to implement the document, including such concrete measures as a balanced diet, carpooling to reduce energy consumption, recycling, and “drip-by-drip” irrigation to curb water waste. The document also calls on legislators and governments to adopt eco-friendly policies, such as enshrining water as a “universal human right” and promoting international efforts to protect vulnerable ecosystems such as the Amazon and the Congo River Basin. In keeping with Pope Francis’s view of “integral ecology,” the document also advocates for poverty relief, family-friendly policies to combat a “demographic winter,” prison and healthcare reform, and the protection of human life from conception to natural death. The text also touts several steps within the Vatican City State to become more “green,” including discontinuing the use of toxic pesticides and recycling the water from the famed Vatican fountains. Presented June 18 and titled, “On the Path to Caring for the Common Home: Five Years after Laudato Si,” the lengthy 220-page document – longer than Laudato Si itself – is an initiative of the Vatican’s department for Integral Human Development and is the product of an inter-departmental “Table” on integral ecology established after Laudato Si’s publication in June 2015.....(more). [Ed: the Laudato Si 'User Guide' is longer than the Laudato Si !]
Final version of governance report to be published by mid-August
Extract from Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Media Blog, 15 June 2020
The final version of a report into diocesan and parish governance will be published after a series of amendments and clarifications have been made, likely by mid-August, it has been announced. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge on June 12 announced a timeline for the report’s release after a draft version was leaked to international Catholic media earlier this month. The report, The Light from the Southern Cross: Promoting Co-Responsible Governance in the Catholic Church in Australia, was prepared by the Governance Review Project Team, a group of experts assembled by the Implementation Advisory Group. The terms of reference for the project stated that: “The final report should be addressed to the bishops; it should be finalised in consultation with the Conference; and any matters pertaining to the Holy See, Plenary Council or other parties should be conveyed to them prior to publication. Upon completion of the final report, the Conference reserves the right to first consider the findings and recommendations, before deciding upon the timing of publication.” The report was provided to the bishops just days before the start of their May plenary meeting, which prompted a decision to postpone the publication of the report and the bishops’ response to it until they had had sufficient time to consider the more than 200 pages and 86 recommendations. Despite the bishops’ announced intentions, the report was subsequently leaked. “Entailed in our decision to delay publication of the final report was a commitment to engage the bishops in proper consultation and to refer matters pertaining to the Holy See, the Plenary Council and others for consultation before the report was finalised,” Archbishop Coleridge said in the June 12 statement. “What has been leaked to various media outlets is, therefore, an interim version rather than the final report.” As the bishops had decided at the plenary meeting, a period of consultation will allow for corrections and clarifications to be suggested. That task is due to be completed by mid-July, after which those amendments can be incorporated and the report finalised. “The amended version will then be published in late July or early August, accompanied by a reading guide. This version will be widely available, and people are encouraged to read the full report (and not just the recommendations) and to provide feedback to their local bishop to help him in shaping his response,” Archbishop Coleridge said. Archbishop Coleridge said the statement about the timeline for finalising and publishing the report was made “in the interests of transparency and in the hope that the whole Church in Australia will be led through this process to a deeper experience and understanding of what it means to be a synodal Church, able to respond creatively to the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves and build a future according to the mind of Christ”.....(more)
Extract from Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Media Blog, 15 June 2020
The final version of a report into diocesan and parish governance will be published after a series of amendments and clarifications have been made, likely by mid-August, it has been announced. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge on June 12 announced a timeline for the report’s release after a draft version was leaked to international Catholic media earlier this month. The report, The Light from the Southern Cross: Promoting Co-Responsible Governance in the Catholic Church in Australia, was prepared by the Governance Review Project Team, a group of experts assembled by the Implementation Advisory Group. The terms of reference for the project stated that: “The final report should be addressed to the bishops; it should be finalised in consultation with the Conference; and any matters pertaining to the Holy See, Plenary Council or other parties should be conveyed to them prior to publication. Upon completion of the final report, the Conference reserves the right to first consider the findings and recommendations, before deciding upon the timing of publication.” The report was provided to the bishops just days before the start of their May plenary meeting, which prompted a decision to postpone the publication of the report and the bishops’ response to it until they had had sufficient time to consider the more than 200 pages and 86 recommendations. Despite the bishops’ announced intentions, the report was subsequently leaked. “Entailed in our decision to delay publication of the final report was a commitment to engage the bishops in proper consultation and to refer matters pertaining to the Holy See, the Plenary Council and others for consultation before the report was finalised,” Archbishop Coleridge said in the June 12 statement. “What has been leaked to various media outlets is, therefore, an interim version rather than the final report.” As the bishops had decided at the plenary meeting, a period of consultation will allow for corrections and clarifications to be suggested. That task is due to be completed by mid-July, after which those amendments can be incorporated and the report finalised. “The amended version will then be published in late July or early August, accompanied by a reading guide. This version will be widely available, and people are encouraged to read the full report (and not just the recommendations) and to provide feedback to their local bishop to help him in shaping his response,” Archbishop Coleridge said. Archbishop Coleridge said the statement about the timeline for finalising and publishing the report was made “in the interests of transparency and in the hope that the whole Church in Australia will be led through this process to a deeper experience and understanding of what it means to be a synodal Church, able to respond creatively to the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves and build a future according to the mind of Christ”.....(more)
Fred Tosolini RIP
Fr Bill, pm 12 June 2020
On Friday we celebrated the Funeral Mass of our beloved brother in Christ, Fred Tosolini, who died suddenly on Friday 5th June after suffering a sudden heart attack.
Fred was the first person to book in for the first Mass at Mary Immaculate after the shutdown and he read the scriptures for us at Mass. He was in great spirits and so thankful to be back at Mass. The last words of scripture Fred read for us at what was to be his last Mass and Communion were from the Gospel Acclamation: “I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me will not die for ever.” We can but respond alleluia to that promise and an alleluia to a Christian life well lived. May Fred share in that promise - the destiny of all who believe.
Please remember Fred in your prayers and pray too for his family during this time of great sadness and grief.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord: And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Parish Redevelopment: Project Milestone
Fr. Bill, 12 June 2020
I am pleased to report that at their June 2020 meeting, the Archdiocesan Building and Property Committee approved the Mary Mother of the Church Parish Redevelopment Project. The approval formally moves the project into the final design, tendering and contract stages. The managing architects have been instructed to proceed with the works and provide an overall project schedule. Bridging finance during construction is being progressed with the Catholic Development Fund. Separately, Yarra Valley Water have advised that the planned relocation of the sewer is not required and the sewer branch can be abandoned, saving us some costs. The approval is a significant milestone for the Parish leading to renewal of our assets and consolidation of our community.
Website changes
John Costa, 12 June 2020
As you may notice some changes have been made to the Mass Times page. There are further changes to be made. This regularly updated website
established early in 2008 was introduced to improve communication
across the parish with timely information related to our changing Parish
and wider Church, and to strengthen the connection between the then
more disparate three communities comprising our Parish. It replaced a
small earlier website which was only updated occasionally, by a university student paid a nominal
fee. The current website structure has progressively evolved with our
circumstances, which continue to change. The COVID-19 emergency has
necessarily also altered this website structure, which again needs to
adapt as we move further towards a 'new normal'. This website also stores much Church history, past and more recent, so some further rearrangements need to be made. For any issues with this website you are welcome to email comms@ivahoecatholics.com or contact myself directly.
The Death of Fr Noel Connolly, and the legacy he leaves
John Costa, 10 June 2020
Fr Noel Connolly, most recently a forthright member of the Facilitation Team preparing for the Plenary Council, died peacefully on Saturday night 6th June after a long illness. He will be sorely missed by many people here and around the world. At the outset of the Plenary Council process a contingent of our parishioners including Fr Bill participated in his event at St Francis Xavier parish in Montmorency on 30 August 2018 "Listening to the Holy Spirit by Listening to one another". He highlighted that the forthcoming Plenary is not just an event for the Australian Catholic Church but for all of Australia as our faith calls us as missionaries of all ages to contribute to Australia by living and exemplifying a life reflecting Christian values, including love, compassion, justice, caring, joyfulness and forgiveness. He also outlined an open Plenary Process. His many writings since then have largely focused on process, importance of sensus fidelium, and necessity for Church Reform. All of this is consistent with Noel's rich earlier life following ordination in 1969 as a Columban Missionary.
He served as a missionary in Korea, 1970-74. He was the founding Chaplain to the Korean Catholic Community, Sydney, 1977-81. He was a lecturer in Moral Theology, St. Columban’s and Union Theological Institute 1976-84. He was Rector of St. Columban’s College and the Pacific Mission Institute from 1979-84. He was Dean of the Union Theological Institute [Sydney], 1979-80, 1984 and President of Union Theological Institute, 1981-83. As such he was a founding member of the Council of the Sydney College of Divinity. From 1985-88 he was the Central Coordinator for Justice & Peace for the Missionary Society of St. Columban and later Vicar-General of the Missionary Society of St. Columban throughout the world, 1988-2000. Both of these appointments were based in Ireland. After returning to Australia he was Director of the Columban Mission Institute, Sydney, 2002–05 and then Director of the Columban Region of Australia and New Zealand 2005-11. He lectured in Mission Theology at the Catholic Institute of Sydney and the Broken Bay Institute 2003 – and was Head of Mission Studies at the Columban Mission Institute, the Catholic Institute of Sydney and the Broken Bay Institute. He was a founding member of the Australian Association for Mission Studies. He was also: Member of the Council of the Broken Bay Institute 2003-2013; Chair of the Australian Mission Network 2012–2015; Member of the Council of Catholic Religious Australia 2008-2010. He has also been a consultant and lecturer in Multiculturalism to various Australian Dioceses and religious congregations. His prolific and clear writings show strong consistency and now form a legacy of inspiration for reform. His recent Plenary Council article on the final report on the Listening and Dialogue stage of the Plenary Council HERE illustrates this well. Noel selflessly delayed his very well earned retirement in order to support the Plenary Council Facilitation Team in its important reform task ahead. He has done so exceptionally well. May his work now continue to inspire and guide the delayed Plenary Council. May he now Rest In Peace.
Plenary Council may be delayed but the thematic papers show the fruits of communal discernment
Extract from Mark Bowling, Catholic Leader, 5 June 2020
The Church’s Plenary Council 2020 assemblies may have been delayed due to COVID-19, but six writing and discernment groups have been busy, using their diverse expertise and backgrounds to write thematic papers. Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe says six papers – each tackling a national theme for discernment that emerged from the Council’s Listening and Dialogue phase – signify the latest milestone as the Church considers its present circumstances and discerns its future. “The papers are the fruits of communal discernment,” Archbishop Costelloe, the Plenary Council president, said. “The aim of the discernment process was to draw upon the lived faith and experiences of more than 220,000 Australians, the living tradition of the Church, sacred Scripture, papal teachings and additional insights from outside the Church.” Archbishop Costelloe said the papers were an important contribution to the Church in Australia’s ongoing discernment towards the Plenary Council. “While not the final word on the six thematic areas which emerged from the Listening and Dialogue process, I encourage everyone to receive them in the spirit of faith and discernment with which they have been written,” he said. “They both invite and challenge us to continue to ‘listen to what the Spirit is saying’.” Each paper provides a reflection on some elements of the relevant pastoral reality, articulates a theological vision, outlines a number of challenges to be overcome, suggests prioritised questions to be answered and develops some proposals for change. They will be foundational to the next stage of discernment toward the Plenary Council – the development of the working paper, or Instrumentum Laboris – and ultimately the agenda for the Council assemblies.....(more).
Extract from Mark Bowling, Catholic Leader, 5 June 2020
The Church’s Plenary Council 2020 assemblies may have been delayed due to COVID-19, but six writing and discernment groups have been busy, using their diverse expertise and backgrounds to write thematic papers. Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe says six papers – each tackling a national theme for discernment that emerged from the Council’s Listening and Dialogue phase – signify the latest milestone as the Church considers its present circumstances and discerns its future. “The papers are the fruits of communal discernment,” Archbishop Costelloe, the Plenary Council president, said. “The aim of the discernment process was to draw upon the lived faith and experiences of more than 220,000 Australians, the living tradition of the Church, sacred Scripture, papal teachings and additional insights from outside the Church.” Archbishop Costelloe said the papers were an important contribution to the Church in Australia’s ongoing discernment towards the Plenary Council. “While not the final word on the six thematic areas which emerged from the Listening and Dialogue process, I encourage everyone to receive them in the spirit of faith and discernment with which they have been written,” he said. “They both invite and challenge us to continue to ‘listen to what the Spirit is saying’.” Each paper provides a reflection on some elements of the relevant pastoral reality, articulates a theological vision, outlines a number of challenges to be overcome, suggests prioritised questions to be answered and develops some proposals for change. They will be foundational to the next stage of discernment toward the Plenary Council – the development of the working paper, or Instrumentum Laboris – and ultimately the agenda for the Council assemblies.....(more).
Detroit Archdiocese to shift to ‘family of parishes’ over next two years
Extract from Michael Stechschulte, Crux, 3 June 2020
DETROIT - Over the next two years, the Archdiocese of Detroit will transition to a new pastoral and governance model for its 218 parishes called “families of parishes,” Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron announced May 31, the feast of Pentecost. Calling it a “very important step in the life and mission of our local church,” he said the move will allow parishes to more robustly serve their mission while proactively responding to historic challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Even before the pandemic, we knew God wanted to renew our parishes. The structures we inherited served our mission well in the past, but they need to be renewed and aligned for mission,” Vigneron said. “And so, in prayer and in consultation with others, I’ve discerned that this is the time to respond in faith to our new reality and to better equip our parish communities for mission.” While the health and economic crises have contributed to a reduction in material resources, the archdiocese also faces a looming priest shortage, the archbishop noted, with almost two-thirds of priests in southeast Michigan older than 60. Many of these priests care for one or multiple parish communities as they approach - or even exceed - retirement age, a burden that if left unchecked would quickly become unsustainable, the archbishop said. In the new “family of parishes” model, multiple priests and deacons would be assigned to care for a group of three to six parishes, alleviating some administrative burdens and allowing parishes to more closely share human and material resources and talents.....(more) Photo: Governance model Families of Parishes, Detroit Catholic via CNS Crux 20200604)
Extract from Michael Stechschulte, Crux, 3 June 2020
DETROIT - Over the next two years, the Archdiocese of Detroit will transition to a new pastoral and governance model for its 218 parishes called “families of parishes,” Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron announced May 31, the feast of Pentecost. Calling it a “very important step in the life and mission of our local church,” he said the move will allow parishes to more robustly serve their mission while proactively responding to historic challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Even before the pandemic, we knew God wanted to renew our parishes. The structures we inherited served our mission well in the past, but they need to be renewed and aligned for mission,” Vigneron said. “And so, in prayer and in consultation with others, I’ve discerned that this is the time to respond in faith to our new reality and to better equip our parish communities for mission.” While the health and economic crises have contributed to a reduction in material resources, the archdiocese also faces a looming priest shortage, the archbishop noted, with almost two-thirds of priests in southeast Michigan older than 60. Many of these priests care for one or multiple parish communities as they approach - or even exceed - retirement age, a burden that if left unchecked would quickly become unsustainable, the archbishop said. In the new “family of parishes” model, multiple priests and deacons would be assigned to care for a group of three to six parishes, alleviating some administrative burdens and allowing parishes to more closely share human and material resources and talents.....(more) Photo: Governance model Families of Parishes, Detroit Catholic via CNS Crux 20200604)
Responses to the 6 Plenary Council Discernment themes available
Monday 1 June 2020
A 'user-friendly' webpage for downloading responses to the 6 Plenary Council Discernment themes has been published on the Plenary Council website HERE. Note that Submissions have been de-identified and individual responses have been recorded, but are removed from public viewing. The Plenary Council team would like to remind everyone to read the guidelines for Communal Discernment well and to note its difference from the Listening and Dialogue phase before making a group response. The 6 Papers prepared by the Writing and Discernment Groups are available HERE
Monday 1 June 2020
A 'user-friendly' webpage for downloading responses to the 6 Plenary Council Discernment themes has been published on the Plenary Council website HERE. Note that Submissions have been de-identified and individual responses have been recorded, but are removed from public viewing. The Plenary Council team would like to remind everyone to read the guidelines for Communal Discernment well and to note its difference from the Listening and Dialogue phase before making a group response. The 6 Papers prepared by the Writing and Discernment Groups are available HERE
Discernment Papers help sharpen Focus for Plenary Council,
Extract from Media Release, Gavin Abraham, Australian Catholic Bishop Conference, 31 May 2020
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB says the six discernment papers for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia signify the latest milestone as the Church considers its present circumstances and discerns its future.Six Discernment and Writing Groups, one each for the six national themes for discernment that emerged from the Council’s Listening and Dialogue phase, were tasked with writing papers to bring some major themes and issues into focus.“The papers are the fruits of communal discernment. The aim of the discernment process was to draw upon the lived faith and experiences of more than 220,000 Australians, the livingtradition of the Church, sacred Scripture, papal teachings and additional insights from outside the Church,” said Archbishop Costelloe, the Plenary Council president.Archbishop Costelloe said the papers are an important contribution to the Church in Australia’s ongoing discernment towards the Plenary Council.“While not the final word on the six thematic areas which emerged from the Listening and Dialogue process, I encourage everyone to receive them in the spirit of faith and discernment with which they have been written,” he said.“They both invite and challenge us to continue to ‘listen to what the Spirit is saying’.”....(More)
Extract from Media Release, Gavin Abraham, Australian Catholic Bishop Conference, 31 May 2020
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB says the six discernment papers for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia signify the latest milestone as the Church considers its present circumstances and discerns its future.Six Discernment and Writing Groups, one each for the six national themes for discernment that emerged from the Council’s Listening and Dialogue phase, were tasked with writing papers to bring some major themes and issues into focus.“The papers are the fruits of communal discernment. The aim of the discernment process was to draw upon the lived faith and experiences of more than 220,000 Australians, the livingtradition of the Church, sacred Scripture, papal teachings and additional insights from outside the Church,” said Archbishop Costelloe, the Plenary Council president.Archbishop Costelloe said the papers are an important contribution to the Church in Australia’s ongoing discernment towards the Plenary Council.“While not the final word on the six thematic areas which emerged from the Listening and Dialogue process, I encourage everyone to receive them in the spirit of faith and discernment with which they have been written,” he said.“They both invite and challenge us to continue to ‘listen to what the Spirit is saying’.”....(More)
Report on Parish Redevelopment Project
Pat Kelly, Friday 29 May 2020
The Parish Redevelopment Project has achieved a significant milestone in May 2020. The formal application for project approval has been completed and submitted to the Archdiocesan Building and Property Committee. The submission will be considered at the June meeting with the outcome expected by the 12th of the month. The submission includes the design drawings, the estimated project cost, the planning notice and the agreement between the Archdiocese and the architects. The Archdiocese’s representative is aware of the details of our project and supportive of our application. Approval by the Archdiocesan Building and Property Committee moves the project into the tendering and contract phase. The estimated cost of the project will remain confidential until a contract is awarded. The plans will be on display when our churches reopen for Mass on the 2nd of June. The first proposed construction on the site is the relocation of a sewer in the area of our redevelopment. The contractor should be on site within the next few weeks. However, the time for the works will be determined by Yarra Valley Water. In the overall plan the works are minor but significant as the first construction supporting our redevelopment.
Rescheduled dates for the '2020' Plenary Council
John Costa, Friday 29 May 2020
At the recent Australian Catholics Bishops Conference 2020 Plenary Meeting bishops reportedly asssented to reschuled dates for the Australian Catholic Plenary Council of October 2021 and April 2022 respectively but haven't yet confirmed dates.
Religious discrimination bill on the backburner
Extract from CathNews, Greg Brown, The Australian, 28 May 2020
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has flagged delays in key elements of his pre-coronavirus agenda, saying Cabinet has shelved discussion on religious freedom legislation. Mr Morrison also declared the timetable for a referendum on the constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians would depend on whether “consensus is able to be achieved for it to be successful”. As he set out a new plans for industrial relations and skills reforms to help steer the economy out of the coronavirus crisis, Mr Morrison said his Government was yet to reconsider religious freedom changes, and the proposed federal anti-corruption body....(more)
Extract from CathNews, Greg Brown, The Australian, 28 May 2020
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has flagged delays in key elements of his pre-coronavirus agenda, saying Cabinet has shelved discussion on religious freedom legislation. Mr Morrison also declared the timetable for a referendum on the constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians would depend on whether “consensus is able to be achieved for it to be successful”. As he set out a new plans for industrial relations and skills reforms to help steer the economy out of the coronavirus crisis, Mr Morrison said his Government was yet to reconsider religious freedom changes, and the proposed federal anti-corruption body....(more)
NSW Churches want same rules as pubs and cafes
Extract from CathNews, Sydney Archdiocese, 28 May 2020
Catholics in New South Wales have been asked to sign a petition calling on Premier Gladys Berejiklian to grant places of worship equal treatment to other public spaces under eased COVID-19 restrictions. Under the new rules to be introduced on June 1, up to 50 people will be allowed to gather at a club, restaurant or pub at the one time, but the rules have not been extended to churches where only a maximum of 10 people are currently allowed. The petition asks the Premier why 50 people can dine in a restaurant, but only 10 people are allowed to attend Mass, even though churches are often much larger in size. It also asks why people who attend a place of worship for a service or even private prayer are required to provide contact details, when this requirement is not placed upon those dining in cafes or attending shopping centres, or undertaking any other activity. “Contrary to what has been said throughout this pandemic, we do not consider church attendance to be non-essential; indeed, nothing is more essential than the practice of our faith,” states the petition. It is a sentiment strongly backed by Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP who said he believed a “double standard was being applied to people of faith”....(more) St Mary’s Cathedral Wikipedia Adam JWC Cathnews 20200528
Extract from CathNews, Sydney Archdiocese, 28 May 2020
Catholics in New South Wales have been asked to sign a petition calling on Premier Gladys Berejiklian to grant places of worship equal treatment to other public spaces under eased COVID-19 restrictions. Under the new rules to be introduced on June 1, up to 50 people will be allowed to gather at a club, restaurant or pub at the one time, but the rules have not been extended to churches where only a maximum of 10 people are currently allowed. The petition asks the Premier why 50 people can dine in a restaurant, but only 10 people are allowed to attend Mass, even though churches are often much larger in size. It also asks why people who attend a place of worship for a service or even private prayer are required to provide contact details, when this requirement is not placed upon those dining in cafes or attending shopping centres, or undertaking any other activity. “Contrary to what has been said throughout this pandemic, we do not consider church attendance to be non-essential; indeed, nothing is more essential than the practice of our faith,” states the petition. It is a sentiment strongly backed by Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP who said he believed a “double standard was being applied to people of faith”....(more) St Mary’s Cathedral Wikipedia Adam JWC Cathnews 20200528
Archbishop Patrick O’Regan installed as ninth Archbishop of Adelaide
Extract from Communications Office CAM, 27 May 2020
On the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, Archbishop Patrick O'Regan was installed as the ninth Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide. The installation took place in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, with only a few people able to be present given the restrictions due to COVID-19. Apostolic Administrator Bishop Greg O’Kelly SJ conducted the installation ceremony with 30 people participating in the Mass. The installation would normally attract over 2000 people from around Australia. The service was, however, live-streamed to over 6000 people and watched by thousands more on-demand and on community television. In his first homily as Archbishop of Adelaide, Archbishop O’Regan referred to the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing it to the chaos of the first Easter. He gave warm thanks to his family and all those who had supported him. “To all those who have been praying for me, I know there have been many of you, I have really felt that today…it is by the gift of prayer and communion today that we celebrate the gift of life and grace.” To celebrate the former Bishop of Sale and priest of Bathurst committing himself to his new flock, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli recorded a short message of welcome and congratulations for the people of God in the Archdiocese of Adelaide......(more). Photo: Archbishop Patrick O'Regan. The Advertiser
Extract from Communications Office CAM, 27 May 2020
On the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, Archbishop Patrick O'Regan was installed as the ninth Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide. The installation took place in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, with only a few people able to be present given the restrictions due to COVID-19. Apostolic Administrator Bishop Greg O’Kelly SJ conducted the installation ceremony with 30 people participating in the Mass. The installation would normally attract over 2000 people from around Australia. The service was, however, live-streamed to over 6000 people and watched by thousands more on-demand and on community television. In his first homily as Archbishop of Adelaide, Archbishop O’Regan referred to the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing it to the chaos of the first Easter. He gave warm thanks to his family and all those who had supported him. “To all those who have been praying for me, I know there have been many of you, I have really felt that today…it is by the gift of prayer and communion today that we celebrate the gift of life and grace.” To celebrate the former Bishop of Sale and priest of Bathurst committing himself to his new flock, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli recorded a short message of welcome and congratulations for the people of God in the Archdiocese of Adelaide......(more). Photo: Archbishop Patrick O'Regan. The Advertiser
Bishop Mark Edwards appointed to Wagga Wagga
Extract from CathNews, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, 27 May 2020
Pope Francis last night appointed Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop Mark Edwards OMI the sixth Bishop of Wagga Wagga. Bishop Edwards, who will turn 61 next month, was born in Indonesia and grew up in Adelaide, Darwin and Melbourne’s southeast, attending St Leonard’s Primary School and Mazenod College. Mazenod was founded by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the order he would eventually join. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1986 and has held leadership positions within the Australian Province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne on November 7, 2014, and ordained bishop the following month. Bishop Edwards’ priestly ministry has largely centred on secondary school and seminary education, including serving as rector of Iona College in Brisbane and as aspirants’ master and novice master at St Mary’s Seminary in Mulgrave. In addition to his priestly formation and theological training, Bishop Edwards completed a science degree at Monash University, where he also obtained a doctorate in philosophy. In a letter to the faithful of Wagga Wagga, Bishop Edwards described his appointment “as a call from God to be with you and journey with you as disciple, brother and bishop”. “Together, as a community of missionary disciples, we will worship, love and evangelise,” he said.....(more). Photo: CathNews
Extract from CathNews, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, 27 May 2020
Pope Francis last night appointed Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop Mark Edwards OMI the sixth Bishop of Wagga Wagga. Bishop Edwards, who will turn 61 next month, was born in Indonesia and grew up in Adelaide, Darwin and Melbourne’s southeast, attending St Leonard’s Primary School and Mazenod College. Mazenod was founded by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the order he would eventually join. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1986 and has held leadership positions within the Australian Province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne on November 7, 2014, and ordained bishop the following month. Bishop Edwards’ priestly ministry has largely centred on secondary school and seminary education, including serving as rector of Iona College in Brisbane and as aspirants’ master and novice master at St Mary’s Seminary in Mulgrave. In addition to his priestly formation and theological training, Bishop Edwards completed a science degree at Monash University, where he also obtained a doctorate in philosophy. In a letter to the faithful of Wagga Wagga, Bishop Edwards described his appointment “as a call from God to be with you and journey with you as disciple, brother and bishop”. “Together, as a community of missionary disciples, we will worship, love and evangelise,” he said.....(more). Photo: CathNews
'Vos Estis' at one year: Some question pope's process for investigating bishops
Extract from Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Repoter, May 27, 2020
It is a bit early to assess the effect of Pope Francis' new global system for how the Catholic Church evaluates reports of clergy sexual abuse or cover-up by individual bishops, say canon lawyers who spoke to NCR. They also raised questions about the new process, first established in May 2019, which involves the empowering of archbishops to conduct investigations of prelates accused in their local regions. Among their main concerns with the procedure, outlined in Francis' motu proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi ("You Are The Light Of The World"): the possible bias that can arise in asking one prelate to investigate another, and whether there has been an appropriate level of transparency about bishops who are being investigated. Nicholas Cafardi, a civil and canon lawyer who was a member of the U.S. bishops' original National Review Board, highlighted the latter point. Mentioning that the procedure does not mandate that Catholics necessarily be told when a bishop is being investigated, Cafardi said: "It seems to me that the faithful have a right to know if somebody is a possible danger."....(more)
Extract from Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Repoter, May 27, 2020
It is a bit early to assess the effect of Pope Francis' new global system for how the Catholic Church evaluates reports of clergy sexual abuse or cover-up by individual bishops, say canon lawyers who spoke to NCR. They also raised questions about the new process, first established in May 2019, which involves the empowering of archbishops to conduct investigations of prelates accused in their local regions. Among their main concerns with the procedure, outlined in Francis' motu proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi ("You Are The Light Of The World"): the possible bias that can arise in asking one prelate to investigate another, and whether there has been an appropriate level of transparency about bishops who are being investigated. Nicholas Cafardi, a civil and canon lawyer who was a member of the U.S. bishops' original National Review Board, highlighted the latter point. Mentioning that the procedure does not mandate that Catholics necessarily be told when a bishop is being investigated, Cafardi said: "It seems to me that the faithful have a right to know if somebody is a possible danger."....(more)
National Reconciliation Week: In this together
Mission Team, Belbourne Catholic, CAM, Wednesday 27 May 2020
Each year, National Reconciliation Week marks two important dates in our nation’s history: the 1967 Referendum where more than 90 per cent of Australians voted to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the national census and give the Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the High Court Mabo decision which recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have rights to the land. Celebrated from 27 May – 3 June each year, Reconciliation Week is an important occasion for all Australians; a time when we can all reflect on how we can positively contribute to reconciliation in our own communities and how we can build relationships that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their unique gifts and stories. The theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week is: In this together. Over recent weeks and months, it has been heartening to see a newfound appreciation of how our community can work together to achieve the common good. Our Catholic understanding of reconciliation – being reconciled to God and to each other – gifts us with a unique appreciation of the need for healing in this area. We know that only when true reconciliation has been achieved, can we truly flourish. As Pope John Paul II said in his address to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 1986, “You are part of Australia and Australia is part of you. And the Church herself in Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be until you have made your contribution to her life and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others”. The task may seem vast – and indeed it is – but there are many ways we can each meaningfully contribute towards reconciliation being achieved. Here are some ways you can celebrate National Reconciliation Week in your parish, home and family:........(more)
Mission Team, Belbourne Catholic, CAM, Wednesday 27 May 2020
Each year, National Reconciliation Week marks two important dates in our nation’s history: the 1967 Referendum where more than 90 per cent of Australians voted to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the national census and give the Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the High Court Mabo decision which recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have rights to the land. Celebrated from 27 May – 3 June each year, Reconciliation Week is an important occasion for all Australians; a time when we can all reflect on how we can positively contribute to reconciliation in our own communities and how we can build relationships that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their unique gifts and stories. The theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week is: In this together. Over recent weeks and months, it has been heartening to see a newfound appreciation of how our community can work together to achieve the common good. Our Catholic understanding of reconciliation – being reconciled to God and to each other – gifts us with a unique appreciation of the need for healing in this area. We know that only when true reconciliation has been achieved, can we truly flourish. As Pope John Paul II said in his address to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 1986, “You are part of Australia and Australia is part of you. And the Church herself in Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be until you have made your contribution to her life and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others”. The task may seem vast – and indeed it is – but there are many ways we can each meaningfully contribute towards reconciliation being achieved. Here are some ways you can celebrate National Reconciliation Week in your parish, home and family:........(more)
How Vatican II can help us navigate the politics of a pandemic
Extract from Blase J. Cupich, America, The Jesuit Review, May 26, 2020
Our nation and our church stand at a pivotal moment as we ponder the crucial issue of how religious communities can contribute to the common good in a time of pandemic and bitter partisan political division. For the Catholic community, the penetrating vision of the Second Vatican Council on religion, the state and the political order provides an unparalleled orientation, identifying a clear pathway of public engagement, conscience formation and authentic witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A new vision of church-state relations: From the start, “Gaudium et Spes” (“The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World”) offers a new approach toward the church’s activity in the public square. Referring to the “church in the modern world” rather than “and the modern world,” the title of the document signals that the church exists on its own terms, not because any agency gives permission or grants a right. As Vatican II’s decree on the church’s missionary activity puts it, “The pilgrim church is by its very nature missionary” (“Ad Gentes,” No. 2). In other words, the church’s autonomy and freedom derive from the fact that it has been sent, that its very nature is missionary. Moreover, while the church enjoys its autonomy to act in the world, it does not stand in competition with the world. Rather, being in the world means that the church journeys in solidarity with all of humanity. If the church is to preserve its identity as “a sacramental sign and an instrument of intimate union with God, and of the unity of the whole human race” (“GS,” No.42), there must be a proper balance between its autonomy and its solidarity with humanity......(more). Photo: Martin Sanchez Unsplash America
Extract from Blase J. Cupich, America, The Jesuit Review, May 26, 2020
Our nation and our church stand at a pivotal moment as we ponder the crucial issue of how religious communities can contribute to the common good in a time of pandemic and bitter partisan political division. For the Catholic community, the penetrating vision of the Second Vatican Council on religion, the state and the political order provides an unparalleled orientation, identifying a clear pathway of public engagement, conscience formation and authentic witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A new vision of church-state relations: From the start, “Gaudium et Spes” (“The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World”) offers a new approach toward the church’s activity in the public square. Referring to the “church in the modern world” rather than “and the modern world,” the title of the document signals that the church exists on its own terms, not because any agency gives permission or grants a right. As Vatican II’s decree on the church’s missionary activity puts it, “The pilgrim church is by its very nature missionary” (“Ad Gentes,” No. 2). In other words, the church’s autonomy and freedom derive from the fact that it has been sent, that its very nature is missionary. Moreover, while the church enjoys its autonomy to act in the world, it does not stand in competition with the world. Rather, being in the world means that the church journeys in solidarity with all of humanity. If the church is to preserve its identity as “a sacramental sign and an instrument of intimate union with God, and of the unity of the whole human race” (“GS,” No.42), there must be a proper balance between its autonomy and its solidarity with humanity......(more). Photo: Martin Sanchez Unsplash America
Most prominent issues for the Plenary Council agenda
Extract from Peter Wilkinson, The Swag, Vol. 28, No. 2, Winter 2020, republished here with permission from The Swag, 27 May 2020
New research into the written submissions to the Plenary Council shows that among the issues raised, some are more prominent than others.
Listening and Dialogue: Preparations for the Plenary Council began in May 2018 with a ‘Listening and Dialogue’ phase aimed at “listening to the voice of God speaking through the voices of the people” and “gaining a sense of their faith” (sensus fidei). Australian Catholics, and others, were invited to reflect on and respond to the question: What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time? By 13 March 2019 over 220,000 persons, mostly Catholics, had responded in 12,758 individual and 4,699 group submissions. The National Centre for Pastoral Research (NCPR) subsequently published several reports on both their content and authors. It found individual respondents were: more female (49%) than male (29%); slightly more numerous in the older age groups (23% - 15-29 yrs; 22% - 30-59 yrs; 32% - 60-80+ yrs); predominantly Australian-born (65%) but with very few indigenous (143); more from non-English-speaking countries (11%) than from other English-speaking countries (6%); predominantly Catholic (72%); other Christians (3%) and non-Christians (1%); significantly regular Mass attenders (76%); and most numerous from Brisbane (1890), Melbourne (1649), Wollongong (1244), Sydney (1103), and Perth (1082).......research paper on most prominent issues HERE
Extract from Peter Wilkinson, The Swag, Vol. 28, No. 2, Winter 2020, republished here with permission from The Swag, 27 May 2020
New research into the written submissions to the Plenary Council shows that among the issues raised, some are more prominent than others.
Listening and Dialogue: Preparations for the Plenary Council began in May 2018 with a ‘Listening and Dialogue’ phase aimed at “listening to the voice of God speaking through the voices of the people” and “gaining a sense of their faith” (sensus fidei). Australian Catholics, and others, were invited to reflect on and respond to the question: What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time? By 13 March 2019 over 220,000 persons, mostly Catholics, had responded in 12,758 individual and 4,699 group submissions. The National Centre for Pastoral Research (NCPR) subsequently published several reports on both their content and authors. It found individual respondents were: more female (49%) than male (29%); slightly more numerous in the older age groups (23% - 15-29 yrs; 22% - 30-59 yrs; 32% - 60-80+ yrs); predominantly Australian-born (65%) but with very few indigenous (143); more from non-English-speaking countries (11%) than from other English-speaking countries (6%); predominantly Catholic (72%); other Christians (3%) and non-Christians (1%); significantly regular Mass attenders (76%); and most numerous from Brisbane (1890), Melbourne (1649), Wollongong (1244), Sydney (1103), and Perth (1082).......research paper on most prominent issues HERE
Historic Church Governance Report locked down by Australian Bishops
Extracts from Peter Wilkinson and Gail Freyne, Pearls & Irritations, John Menadue Website, 26 May 2020
On 4 May 2020 the Project Team commissioned by the Australian bishops and religious superiors to review the Catholic Church’s governance and management structures, presented its 200-page final report. Its 86 recommendations include the need for greater transparency and co-responsibility. The decision of the bishops to withhold the report from public view for at least 6 months has shocked many Catholics. The Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse spent years trying to understand why Catholic bishops and religious superiors across the nation had covered up the abuse happening under their noses, why they had protected the paedophile priests and religious who had abused innocent boys and girls in their care, and why they had treated the victims with such meanness and disdain. The Commission finally grasped that ‘clericalism’ – a belief by priests and bishops that they are superior to the lay faithful – and systemic dysfunctional governance on a massive scale were at the root of the problem. It therefore recommended in its 2017 Final Report that “the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) conduct a national review of the governance and management structures of dioceses and parishes, including in relation to issues of transparency, accountability, consultation and the participation of lay men and women” (Rec. 16.7). It took 8 months for the ACBC and Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) to accept the recommendation, and another 7 months to get advice from an Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) on how the review should be undertaken. The IAG recommended a Governance Review Project Plan and a 7-member Review Project Team of predominantly lay experts chaired by former WA Supreme Court justice and current member of the Pontifical Council for the Protection of Minors, Neville Owen. The IAG identified the essential elements of good governance as integrity, transparency, accountability, risk management, culture and ethics, consultation, inclusiveness, and the participation and genuine responsibility of men and women. In March 2019 the ACBC and CRA approved the Plan and Project Team, as well as terms of reference, review methodology, and a final report deadline of 31 March 2020, in time for consideration at the ACBC’s May plenary meeting.......It was a profound shock, therefore, when the ACBC, presumably with CRA (its president is an observer at ACBC meetings) support, decided at its May meeting that it would lock down this historic report and withhold it from public view until some unspecified time after its next meeting in November....(more)
Extracts from Peter Wilkinson and Gail Freyne, Pearls & Irritations, John Menadue Website, 26 May 2020
On 4 May 2020 the Project Team commissioned by the Australian bishops and religious superiors to review the Catholic Church’s governance and management structures, presented its 200-page final report. Its 86 recommendations include the need for greater transparency and co-responsibility. The decision of the bishops to withhold the report from public view for at least 6 months has shocked many Catholics. The Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse spent years trying to understand why Catholic bishops and religious superiors across the nation had covered up the abuse happening under their noses, why they had protected the paedophile priests and religious who had abused innocent boys and girls in their care, and why they had treated the victims with such meanness and disdain. The Commission finally grasped that ‘clericalism’ – a belief by priests and bishops that they are superior to the lay faithful – and systemic dysfunctional governance on a massive scale were at the root of the problem. It therefore recommended in its 2017 Final Report that “the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) conduct a national review of the governance and management structures of dioceses and parishes, including in relation to issues of transparency, accountability, consultation and the participation of lay men and women” (Rec. 16.7). It took 8 months for the ACBC and Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) to accept the recommendation, and another 7 months to get advice from an Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) on how the review should be undertaken. The IAG recommended a Governance Review Project Plan and a 7-member Review Project Team of predominantly lay experts chaired by former WA Supreme Court justice and current member of the Pontifical Council for the Protection of Minors, Neville Owen. The IAG identified the essential elements of good governance as integrity, transparency, accountability, risk management, culture and ethics, consultation, inclusiveness, and the participation and genuine responsibility of men and women. In March 2019 the ACBC and CRA approved the Plan and Project Team, as well as terms of reference, review methodology, and a final report deadline of 31 March 2020, in time for consideration at the ACBC’s May plenary meeting.......It was a profound shock, therefore, when the ACBC, presumably with CRA (its president is an observer at ACBC meetings) support, decided at its May meeting that it would lock down this historic report and withhold it from public view until some unspecified time after its next meeting in November....(more)
Plenary Council assemblies set for 2021 and 2022
The two assemblies for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia will now take place in October 2021 and April 2022, following the disruption of the original schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Extract from CathNews, ACBC Media Blog, 21 May 2020
The two assemblies for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia will now take place in October 2021 and April 2022, following the disruption of the original schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference last week decided to postpone the opening assembly by 12 months, with it now to be held in October 2021. Adelaide remains the venue for the first assembly. The second assembly will be in Sydney in April 2022. “Mindful of the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, it was felt that delaying the first assembly by a full year would provide some certainty that travel and social distancing guidelines will have been lifted for the assembly,” said Plenary Council President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB. “Just as importantly, we believe that period of time will allow for an adequate period of preparation for the delegates and the Catholic community. “The postponement was an unfortunate speed bump on the Church’s path to the Plenary Council assemblies, but we are committed to using this extra time wisely.” Plenary Council facilitator Lana Turvey-Collins said the continuing preparation for the Council will take on some new characteristics, shaped by the experience of the pandemic. “A program of webinars, podcasts and other multimedia projects will be rolled out in the latter half of 2020 to help the People of God explore and share about how they respond to the Spirit and live out their own call to mission – as individuals and collectively,” she said. “The material will be both formative and dialogical to help parishes, families, workplaces and other Catholic communities and organisations consider the unique contribution they make to the life and mission of the Church.” The next step on that journey will come next week at Pentecost, when the papers prepared by the Discernment and Writing Groups will be released...(more).
Photo: ACBC 20200521
The two assemblies for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia will now take place in October 2021 and April 2022, following the disruption of the original schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Extract from CathNews, ACBC Media Blog, 21 May 2020
The two assemblies for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia will now take place in October 2021 and April 2022, following the disruption of the original schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference last week decided to postpone the opening assembly by 12 months, with it now to be held in October 2021. Adelaide remains the venue for the first assembly. The second assembly will be in Sydney in April 2022. “Mindful of the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, it was felt that delaying the first assembly by a full year would provide some certainty that travel and social distancing guidelines will have been lifted for the assembly,” said Plenary Council President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB. “Just as importantly, we believe that period of time will allow for an adequate period of preparation for the delegates and the Catholic community. “The postponement was an unfortunate speed bump on the Church’s path to the Plenary Council assemblies, but we are committed to using this extra time wisely.” Plenary Council facilitator Lana Turvey-Collins said the continuing preparation for the Council will take on some new characteristics, shaped by the experience of the pandemic. “A program of webinars, podcasts and other multimedia projects will be rolled out in the latter half of 2020 to help the People of God explore and share about how they respond to the Spirit and live out their own call to mission – as individuals and collectively,” she said. “The material will be both formative and dialogical to help parishes, families, workplaces and other Catholic communities and organisations consider the unique contribution they make to the life and mission of the Church.” The next step on that journey will come next week at Pentecost, when the papers prepared by the Discernment and Writing Groups will be released...(more).
Photo: ACBC 20200521
The Plenary Council: Where to after Coronavirus?
Extracts from Gerry McKernan and Peter Sheehan, John Menadue website, 20 May 2020
The pandemic is forcing communities everywhere to adopt new approaches, unthinkable only a few months ago. This must apply to the Catholic Church too, and provides an opportunity to revive its Plenary Council process. The world will never be the same after the coronavirus pandemic. The failure to contain COVID-19 global tragedy, born of a massive failure of leadership and solidarity, both internationally and in major countries. With a likely death toll over 500,000 and the deepest recession since the 1930s, communities everywhere are demanding new ways of doing things, greater transparency and action not evasion. The power of nature unleashed shows the urgency of working together to protect those most at risk and dramatises the risk from global climate change. The future of the young is most at risk, and they will drive the push for real change. There are close parallels with the situation of the Catholic Church in Australia. Over several decades, there has been a failure of leadership, a weakening of community and an unwillingness to protect those most in need, especially children. The number of priests has fallen sharply and is now at crisis levels. The young have left Church in droves, while often still active in serving the community elsewhere. Except for Pope Francis, the faithful have tuned out from their leaders. The vehicle that the Australian Church has set up to address this challenge is the Plenary Council 2020 (PC). The pandemic has delayed the first assembly until 2021, but will have a more profound effect on it than that. The demand for new ways of doing things, greater transparency, and action not evasion will also apply to the Council. The Council must respond not only to the crisis in the Church but also to the desperate ...............The catch phrase on launching the PC was that ‘it cannot be business as usual’. Post-coronavirus that is more true than ever, but we have no consensus about the new direction. An urgent, open debate is needed now, before the opportunity for real change at the PC slips away. This debate must be horizontal, between parishes and individuals, and not just vertical, to and from the authorities, in the traditional way of the Church. A number of parishes in Melbourne have set up a website (www.senseofthefaithful.org.au) to assist that discussion. We invite contributions to it......(more)
Extracts from Gerry McKernan and Peter Sheehan, John Menadue website, 20 May 2020
The pandemic is forcing communities everywhere to adopt new approaches, unthinkable only a few months ago. This must apply to the Catholic Church too, and provides an opportunity to revive its Plenary Council process. The world will never be the same after the coronavirus pandemic. The failure to contain COVID-19 global tragedy, born of a massive failure of leadership and solidarity, both internationally and in major countries. With a likely death toll over 500,000 and the deepest recession since the 1930s, communities everywhere are demanding new ways of doing things, greater transparency and action not evasion. The power of nature unleashed shows the urgency of working together to protect those most at risk and dramatises the risk from global climate change. The future of the young is most at risk, and they will drive the push for real change. There are close parallels with the situation of the Catholic Church in Australia. Over several decades, there has been a failure of leadership, a weakening of community and an unwillingness to protect those most in need, especially children. The number of priests has fallen sharply and is now at crisis levels. The young have left Church in droves, while often still active in serving the community elsewhere. Except for Pope Francis, the faithful have tuned out from their leaders. The vehicle that the Australian Church has set up to address this challenge is the Plenary Council 2020 (PC). The pandemic has delayed the first assembly until 2021, but will have a more profound effect on it than that. The demand for new ways of doing things, greater transparency, and action not evasion will also apply to the Council. The Council must respond not only to the crisis in the Church but also to the desperate ...............The catch phrase on launching the PC was that ‘it cannot be business as usual’. Post-coronavirus that is more true than ever, but we have no consensus about the new direction. An urgent, open debate is needed now, before the opportunity for real change at the PC slips away. This debate must be horizontal, between parishes and individuals, and not just vertical, to and from the authorities, in the traditional way of the Church. A number of parishes in Melbourne have set up a website (www.senseofthefaithful.org.au) to assist that discussion. We invite contributions to it......(more)
New Australian report may help church find its way out of abuse crisis
Extracts from Massimo Maggioli. National Catholic Reporter, 19 May 2020
There are signs that the Catholic Church's response to the sexual abuse crisis is now getting at deeper, institutional questions. In particular, how local churches — parishes and dioceses — are governed.
Extracts from Massimo Maggioli. National Catholic Reporter, 19 May 2020
There are signs that the Catholic Church's response to the sexual abuse crisis is now getting at deeper, institutional questions. In particular, how local churches — parishes and dioceses — are governed.
In the last few years, a unique example that could bring encouraging news has come from the Australian church. Since 2017-18, the abuse crisis has taken on a new dimension, thanks to the unveiling of cases (such as disgraced former cardinal Theodore McCarrick) and of extensive cover-ups identified and published in the reports of nationwide and regional investigations (such as in Australia, Chile and Pennsylvania). The new phase of the crisis has focused on the direct involvement of bishops, cardinals and the Vatican. It has also identified that the crisis is not restricted to children and also involves women religious and other vulnerable persons — and has become a global crisis with huge repercussions on the relations between church and state in various countries. The new phase in the abuse crisis has also shown much complexity: It is not just a legal and ethical crisis, but also a theological one and a crisis of models of church governance. Pope Francis has reframed the scandal as something that must move the church to conversion. We must consider all the different levels that this conversion must reach: It is a pastoral and theological conversion as well as a conversion of ecclesial structures. Australia's role The Australian church plays a particular and unique role in this conversion, for several reasons. The Australian government's Royal Commission into the Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2013-17) undertook an in-depth, wide-ranging investigation into many organizations. This investigative process produced a damning exposé of abuse, not just in Catholic institutions, but across Australian society. The findings of the commission regarding the Catholic Church highlighted major failures of ecclesial governance and leadership. In their August 2018 response to the commission's final report, the Australian bishops and the country's religious orders accepted the commission's recommendation that there be a review of the governance and management of the nation's dioceses and parishes..........As the matter is still under consideration, the recommendations we made cannot be discussed in detail here. But our report will be studied for many years to come by theologians, church historians, canon lawyers, and all those with an interest in connecting spiritual and institutional reform in the Catholic Church. This report could become an example of how a local church can go about reforming its governance structure. No local church is exempt from this task.....(more). Photo:St Patrick's Cathedral Ballarat CNS Reuters Jonathan Barrett NCR 20200519
Historic review of Church governance presented to leaders
Media Release, Gavin Abraham, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, May 18 2020
The Australian Catholic bishops have welcomed a report into Catholic Church governance practices and possible reforms, which was presented to them shortly before last week’s plenary meeting. The report, entitled The Light from the Southern Cross: Promoting Co-responsible Governance in the Catholic Church in Australia,was commissioned by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference following a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The report is 200 pages long and includes 86 recommendations.“The members of the Governance Review Project Team are to be congratulated on producing such a substantial piece of work, with far-reaching implications for the Church’s life and mission,” said Archbishop Mark Coleridge, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. “To do it justice, the bishops will now take advice, consider the report in depth, conduct discussions at a provincial level, and otherwise prepare for a full discussion at their November plenary. This will allow them to then publish the report and respond to it.” Archbishop Coleridge noted that the report, dealing as it does with so many aspects of Church governance, will necessarily become a significant contribution to the ongoing work of prayerful reflection and discussion leading up to the formal assemblies of the Plenary Council. “The whole Church in Australia is presently engaged in a process of deep reflection and discernment on the life and mission of the Church in the immediate and longer-term future,” said Archbishop Coleridge. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the Governance Review Project Team for their important and comprehensive contribution to this ongoing process of discernment. The report will undoubtedly contribute to the eventual formation of proposals to be considered during the Plenary Council.” The report identifies key principles of good ecclesial governance, such as subsidiarity, stewardship, synodality, dialogue, discernment and leadership. It offers important ideas on how the Church might enhance the leadership role of lay people and ensure appropriate co-responsibility at parish and diocesan levels.“ The bishops look forward to considering the report in depth and to its eventual public release,” Archbishop Coleridge said....(source)
Media Release, Gavin Abraham, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, May 18 2020
The Australian Catholic bishops have welcomed a report into Catholic Church governance practices and possible reforms, which was presented to them shortly before last week’s plenary meeting. The report, entitled The Light from the Southern Cross: Promoting Co-responsible Governance in the Catholic Church in Australia,was commissioned by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference following a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The report is 200 pages long and includes 86 recommendations.“The members of the Governance Review Project Team are to be congratulated on producing such a substantial piece of work, with far-reaching implications for the Church’s life and mission,” said Archbishop Mark Coleridge, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. “To do it justice, the bishops will now take advice, consider the report in depth, conduct discussions at a provincial level, and otherwise prepare for a full discussion at their November plenary. This will allow them to then publish the report and respond to it.” Archbishop Coleridge noted that the report, dealing as it does with so many aspects of Church governance, will necessarily become a significant contribution to the ongoing work of prayerful reflection and discussion leading up to the formal assemblies of the Plenary Council. “The whole Church in Australia is presently engaged in a process of deep reflection and discernment on the life and mission of the Church in the immediate and longer-term future,” said Archbishop Coleridge. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the Governance Review Project Team for their important and comprehensive contribution to this ongoing process of discernment. The report will undoubtedly contribute to the eventual formation of proposals to be considered during the Plenary Council.” The report identifies key principles of good ecclesial governance, such as subsidiarity, stewardship, synodality, dialogue, discernment and leadership. It offers important ideas on how the Church might enhance the leadership role of lay people and ensure appropriate co-responsibility at parish and diocesan levels.“ The bishops look forward to considering the report in depth and to its eventual public release,” Archbishop Coleridge said....(source)
Changes to Restrictions on Churches
Fr Bill, Friday 15 May 2020
As of midnight last Tuesday the government lifted some restrictions on access to our churches. It is still very uncertain how these changes could be implemented in any meaningful way and the best way forward may be to wait until the next stage of lifting restrictions before we contemplate any change.
The main change to the regulations is that we can now celebrate Mass and open our churches for prayer – but no more than 10 people can be present, ushers must guard the doors to ensure that number is not exceeded and there are a set of requirements around recording personal details of everyone present, sanitising the church after every use, etc.
I am not suggesting that these rules are not still necessary and I firmly believe that the protection of life and the wellbeing of the most vulnerable must be our priority. My concern is that the regulations will not work pastorally, liturgically or practically and it is preferable to wait until a further relaxing of restrictions allow us to return to something closer to normality.
Planning to celebrate Masses with only 10 people will inevitably segregate people’s access to the sacraments unfairly and further undermine the liturgical role of the participating assembly.
Among the suggestions offered for implementing this first phase are: limiting access to the Mass via either a first-come, first-served system, a rotational or roster system, or asking people to book online and the first 10 to book get to attend.
How do you tell a parish that only 10 people can come to a Mass? Practically and pastorally, it seems untenable. The church is not like a supermarket, where you can let in 10 people and as they leave let in 10 more. The regulations also require a 60-minute gap before the next 10 can enter so that those coming and going don’t meet at the doorway and so that the church can be cleaned in between Masses - and God help the poor ushers who have to bar entry to the church building after 10 people have entered for Mass!
I have no magic answer to this dilemma. I will discuss it with the Parish Pastoral Council when we meet later this week. If anyone wants to offer comment or suggestions please email me at Ivanhoe@cam.org.au
Message of Pope Francis for the 54th World Communications Day
Extract from Melbourne Catholic, Communications Office, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Friday 15 May 2020
For Communications Day this year, Pope Francis speaks about storytelling and the importance of the stories we tell others and ourselves. Across Melbourne Catholic social media, we recently put up personal stories from staff about the people in our lives that influenced our spiritual journeys. Intended as tributes to loved ones, these stories provided a close look at the passing on of faith between generations; that these parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts were the ones to pass on the seed of faith by first living it themselves. In that way, the story of stories is written on the hearts of the next generation and all those to come. Pope Francis encourages us all to reflect on our own story and how it intertwines with others "as part of a living and interconnected tapestry." “That you may tell your children and grandchildren” (Ex 10:2) - Life becomes history....(more)
Extract from Melbourne Catholic, Communications Office, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Friday 15 May 2020
For Communications Day this year, Pope Francis speaks about storytelling and the importance of the stories we tell others and ourselves. Across Melbourne Catholic social media, we recently put up personal stories from staff about the people in our lives that influenced our spiritual journeys. Intended as tributes to loved ones, these stories provided a close look at the passing on of faith between generations; that these parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts were the ones to pass on the seed of faith by first living it themselves. In that way, the story of stories is written on the hearts of the next generation and all those to come. Pope Francis encourages us all to reflect on our own story and how it intertwines with others "as part of a living and interconnected tapestry." “That you may tell your children and grandchildren” (Ex 10:2) - Life becomes history....(more)
Churches open in New South Wales
Churches will open across New South Wales from today for private prayer, confession and small-scale Masses as part of the first stage of the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.
Extract from CathNews, Anna Patty, SMH, 15 May 2020.
St Mary’s Cathedral will open at 6.30am before the first of four Masses for the day is celebrated at 7am. Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP said many Catholics would welcome returning to Mass after two-months since churches closed on March 23. “The celebration of Mass is the highest form of Catholic worship and to not be able to physically gather these past two months has been very difficult for Catholics,” Archbishop Fisher said. “Whilst livestreaming of Mass has helped people to continue to pray along at home it is no substitution for being able to be physically present and receiving the Eucharist. While it will take some time to return to larger celebrations, this first step will offer comfort to many Catholics who have been deeply missing attending Mass. Catholics can register their attendance at church on a national website (www.massregister.com.au) to allow churches to notify parishioners if a member of the congregation tests positive for COVID-19.....(more) Photo St Marys Cathedral Sydney Wikipedia Adam JWC Cathnews 20200515
Churches will open across New South Wales from today for private prayer, confession and small-scale Masses as part of the first stage of the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.
Extract from CathNews, Anna Patty, SMH, 15 May 2020.
St Mary’s Cathedral will open at 6.30am before the first of four Masses for the day is celebrated at 7am. Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP said many Catholics would welcome returning to Mass after two-months since churches closed on March 23. “The celebration of Mass is the highest form of Catholic worship and to not be able to physically gather these past two months has been very difficult for Catholics,” Archbishop Fisher said. “Whilst livestreaming of Mass has helped people to continue to pray along at home it is no substitution for being able to be physically present and receiving the Eucharist. While it will take some time to return to larger celebrations, this first step will offer comfort to many Catholics who have been deeply missing attending Mass. Catholics can register their attendance at church on a national website (www.massregister.com.au) to allow churches to notify parishioners if a member of the congregation tests positive for COVID-19.....(more) Photo St Marys Cathedral Sydney Wikipedia Adam JWC Cathnews 20200515
UK Bishops criticise decision to keep English churches closed
Extract from CathNews, Simon Caldwell CNS, 15 May 2020
Churches in England and Wales must wait until July before they may reopen, under a coronavirus recovery strategy published by the British Government.Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s 50-page blueprint to ease the eight-week national lockdown says places of worship cannot open until July 4 at the earliest, meaning that churches will be closed even to private prayer for at least another seven weeks......(More)
Extract from CathNews, Simon Caldwell CNS, 15 May 2020
Churches in England and Wales must wait until July before they may reopen, under a coronavirus recovery strategy published by the British Government.Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s 50-page blueprint to ease the eight-week national lockdown says places of worship cannot open until July 4 at the earliest, meaning that churches will be closed even to private prayer for at least another seven weeks......(More)
Opening churches for private prayer ‘a gentle first step’
Victorian bishops say the Andrews Government’s decision to allow churches to open for private prayer for up to 10 people is a “gentle first step” as the state cautiously begins to lift COVID-19 restrictions.
Extract from CathNews, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, 14 May 2020
The bishops said they were delighted that churches could reopen “in certain circumstances”. “This opportunity for small gatherings and for some quiet moments of prayer in the sacramental presence of Our Lord is a gentle first step in the right direction, and rightly a moment of rejoicing for God’s people,” the letter states. “We are pleased to work constructively with our communities to make appropriate adjustments. Strict restrictions still govern our actions due to the risks of COVID-19 and we are all being asked to show patience and fortitude.” The bishops said each diocese would community directly with parishes about how various ministries, including sacraments, would be conducted in the first stage of the easing of social restrictions. “We wish to be fully compliant with the directives that apply across Victoria, so that we ensure the protection of elderly and vulnerable people, and work together for the common good of our communities,” the letter states. “The conditions under which a church can be open include a collection of contact details (for the purposes of contact-tracing if it becomes necessary), strict monitoring of numbers, ongoing hygiene requirements, publicising the scheduled times for private worship, and public worship limited to ten people at a time.” The bishops asked for “patience and understanding” while arrangements for liturgies and church access to meet social distancing and hygiene guidelines are made.....(more) Photo: Pew prayer Bigstock Cathnews 20200514
Victorian bishops say the Andrews Government’s decision to allow churches to open for private prayer for up to 10 people is a “gentle first step” as the state cautiously begins to lift COVID-19 restrictions.
Extract from CathNews, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, 14 May 2020
The bishops said they were delighted that churches could reopen “in certain circumstances”. “This opportunity for small gatherings and for some quiet moments of prayer in the sacramental presence of Our Lord is a gentle first step in the right direction, and rightly a moment of rejoicing for God’s people,” the letter states. “We are pleased to work constructively with our communities to make appropriate adjustments. Strict restrictions still govern our actions due to the risks of COVID-19 and we are all being asked to show patience and fortitude.” The bishops said each diocese would community directly with parishes about how various ministries, including sacraments, would be conducted in the first stage of the easing of social restrictions. “We wish to be fully compliant with the directives that apply across Victoria, so that we ensure the protection of elderly and vulnerable people, and work together for the common good of our communities,” the letter states. “The conditions under which a church can be open include a collection of contact details (for the purposes of contact-tracing if it becomes necessary), strict monitoring of numbers, ongoing hygiene requirements, publicising the scheduled times for private worship, and public worship limited to ten people at a time.” The bishops asked for “patience and understanding” while arrangements for liturgies and church access to meet social distancing and hygiene guidelines are made.....(more) Photo: Pew prayer Bigstock Cathnews 20200514
Loungeroom concert rocks for Caritas
Extract from CathNews, 14 May 2020
Hundreds of Australians logged on for an hour of musical entertainment on Saturday, raising emergency funds for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion COVID-19 appeal.
ARIA Award-winning artist and musical mentor Gary Pinto led the "Walk With Me – Loungeroom Sessions" event, which featured Guy Sebastian, Mark Lizotte (Diesel), Prinnie Stephens, Fr Rob Galea and other musicians who generously gifted a song for the cause. The livestream brought a welcome respite for the energised congregation of homebound fans, invigorated by the eclectic musical performances. Pinto recently penned the song Walk with Me for Project Compassion. “Caritas Australia works quietly behind the scenes, delivering long-term programs and essential humanitarian and emergency services, globally. Thanks to the generous support of the Australian public, they carry on working for a peaceful, equitable and just society with profound respect for human dignity,” Pinto said. “I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Caritas family and through the magic of music gifting my talents to support this extraordinary work.” The effect of COVID-19 pandemic is amplified for those living in communities already vulnerable to poverty, malnutrition and without access to adequate sanitation. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2017, two billion people lacked access to basic sanitation facilities and only 45 per cent used a safely managed sanitation service. Caritas Australia CEO Kirsty Robertson says funds raised during the Loungeroom Sessions will support Caritas Australia’s work, including their response to the COVID-19 pandemic in vulnerable communities at risk of infection. “We are currently responding to the hardest-hit countries, including the Pacific Islands, Bangladesh and Cambodia, which have limited access to proper sanitary living conditions and medical support, even before the spread of COVID-19,” Ms Robertson said. “The people in these communities are facing a dual crisis at this time and your donation will truly save lives.“ .....(more) To donate to Caritas Australia visit HERE lent.caritas.org.au/donate or telephone 1800 024 413. Photo: Gary Pinto top left with his band CDB online concert Caritas Australia
Extract from CathNews, 14 May 2020
Hundreds of Australians logged on for an hour of musical entertainment on Saturday, raising emergency funds for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion COVID-19 appeal.
ARIA Award-winning artist and musical mentor Gary Pinto led the "Walk With Me – Loungeroom Sessions" event, which featured Guy Sebastian, Mark Lizotte (Diesel), Prinnie Stephens, Fr Rob Galea and other musicians who generously gifted a song for the cause. The livestream brought a welcome respite for the energised congregation of homebound fans, invigorated by the eclectic musical performances. Pinto recently penned the song Walk with Me for Project Compassion. “Caritas Australia works quietly behind the scenes, delivering long-term programs and essential humanitarian and emergency services, globally. Thanks to the generous support of the Australian public, they carry on working for a peaceful, equitable and just society with profound respect for human dignity,” Pinto said. “I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Caritas family and through the magic of music gifting my talents to support this extraordinary work.” The effect of COVID-19 pandemic is amplified for those living in communities already vulnerable to poverty, malnutrition and without access to adequate sanitation. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2017, two billion people lacked access to basic sanitation facilities and only 45 per cent used a safely managed sanitation service. Caritas Australia CEO Kirsty Robertson says funds raised during the Loungeroom Sessions will support Caritas Australia’s work, including their response to the COVID-19 pandemic in vulnerable communities at risk of infection. “We are currently responding to the hardest-hit countries, including the Pacific Islands, Bangladesh and Cambodia, which have limited access to proper sanitary living conditions and medical support, even before the spread of COVID-19,” Ms Robertson said. “The people in these communities are facing a dual crisis at this time and your donation will truly save lives.“ .....(more) To donate to Caritas Australia visit HERE lent.caritas.org.au/donate or telephone 1800 024 413. Photo: Gary Pinto top left with his band CDB online concert Caritas Australia
Catholic Bishops must embrace transparency and accountability
Senior Catholic bishops must exercise leadership and firmly grasp the fresh opportunities now provided to them for increased transparency and accountability within the church. They must grab the moment.
Extract from John Warhurst, Pearls & Irritations, John Menadue blog, 13 May 2020
The power dynamics within the church, involving a hierarchy within the hierarchy, means that the senior bishops, including Anthony Fisher, the Archbishop of Sydney, who was recently involved in controversy with former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (Quentin Dempster, “Catholic Church duplicitous and unaccountable in needs-based school funding says Malcolm Turnbull”, Pearls and Irritations), must exercise responsibility. The others include Mark Coleridge, the Archbishop of Brisbane, who is the President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC), Tim Costelloe, the Archbishop of Perth, who is the Chair of the Plenary Council 2020 (PC2020), and Peter Comensoli, the Archbishop of Melbourne. If Fisher, Coleridge, Costelloe and Comensoli do not exercise such leadership, these precious opportunities for reform may be lost despite whatever efforts the rest of the Catholic community make. The May ACBC meeting began last Thursday. They had before them several documents making the undeniable case for increased transparency and accountability in church governance. They considered the report of the Governance Review which was set up by the ACBC and Catholic Religious Australia in the light of the recommendation by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse to review the church’s governance and culture. The bishops were due to consider the reports by the six Writing and Discernment groups chosen to investigate the major themes identified by the 17,500 submissions by Catholics to the PC2020 Listening process. Governance reform, including greater transparency, inclusivity, lay participation in leadership and accountability, was a major focus of these submissions, a summary of which has been published. They had also received earlier in the week an Open Communique from the 15- member national network of church reform groups, known as the Australian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform (ACCCR). This communique embraced co-responsibility in church governance and condemned autocratic and unaccountable leadership. Among the specific matters ACCCR stressed as being of fundamental importance were: Good governance with accountability, inclusion in decision making and appointments, equality and transparency, with synodality and subsidiarity, with the very best models of leadership, and with ongoing and open dialogue with all Christ’s faithful. This is a great moment of opportunity for the Church in Australia to embark on internal reform and to prove that it is part of an era of change in which business as usual is not good enough. Between them these documents, and the research, conversations and discernment upon which they are based, provide the basis for serious governance reform. They provide the church leadership, not just the bishops but also other religious leaders, with the basis for such action....(more)
Senior Catholic bishops must exercise leadership and firmly grasp the fresh opportunities now provided to them for increased transparency and accountability within the church. They must grab the moment.
Extract from John Warhurst, Pearls & Irritations, John Menadue blog, 13 May 2020
The power dynamics within the church, involving a hierarchy within the hierarchy, means that the senior bishops, including Anthony Fisher, the Archbishop of Sydney, who was recently involved in controversy with former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (Quentin Dempster, “Catholic Church duplicitous and unaccountable in needs-based school funding says Malcolm Turnbull”, Pearls and Irritations), must exercise responsibility. The others include Mark Coleridge, the Archbishop of Brisbane, who is the President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC), Tim Costelloe, the Archbishop of Perth, who is the Chair of the Plenary Council 2020 (PC2020), and Peter Comensoli, the Archbishop of Melbourne. If Fisher, Coleridge, Costelloe and Comensoli do not exercise such leadership, these precious opportunities for reform may be lost despite whatever efforts the rest of the Catholic community make. The May ACBC meeting began last Thursday. They had before them several documents making the undeniable case for increased transparency and accountability in church governance. They considered the report of the Governance Review which was set up by the ACBC and Catholic Religious Australia in the light of the recommendation by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse to review the church’s governance and culture. The bishops were due to consider the reports by the six Writing and Discernment groups chosen to investigate the major themes identified by the 17,500 submissions by Catholics to the PC2020 Listening process. Governance reform, including greater transparency, inclusivity, lay participation in leadership and accountability, was a major focus of these submissions, a summary of which has been published. They had also received earlier in the week an Open Communique from the 15- member national network of church reform groups, known as the Australian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform (ACCCR). This communique embraced co-responsibility in church governance and condemned autocratic and unaccountable leadership. Among the specific matters ACCCR stressed as being of fundamental importance were: Good governance with accountability, inclusion in decision making and appointments, equality and transparency, with synodality and subsidiarity, with the very best models of leadership, and with ongoing and open dialogue with all Christ’s faithful. This is a great moment of opportunity for the Church in Australia to embark on internal reform and to prove that it is part of an era of change in which business as usual is not good enough. Between them these documents, and the research, conversations and discernment upon which they are based, provide the basis for serious governance reform. They provide the church leadership, not just the bishops but also other religious leaders, with the basis for such action....(more)
Down the barrel of $158 million gun, Vatican reform is coming … but what kind?
Extract from John L. Allen Jr. Editor, Crux, 13 May 2020
ROME - According to an internal Vatican analysis recently presented to Pope Francis for a meeting with his department heads, declines in revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic will cause the Vatican’s annual deficit to balloon somewhere between 30 and 175 percent, depending on which of three scenarios, ranging from best to worst case, is realized. Under the worst-case scenario, which assumes shortfalls between 50 and 80 percent and only limited success at containing costs, the 2020 deficit would be 146 million Euro, or $158 million. For a sense of scale, the total projected income for the year is $160 million, which means the Vatican would be spending twice as much as it brings in. As a footnote, something many observers have said for a long time is worth repeating: In the grand scheme of things, $158 million just isn’t that much money, especially when you put it in the context of other major Catholic entities. The University of Notre Dame in the States, for example, has an annual budget of $1.3 billion. The fact that such a comparatively modest sum could trigger an existential crisis is one measure of how much the Vatican’s financial operation needs aggiornamento, meaning “updating.”...(more) Photo: Pope Francis overlooking St Peter's Square coronavirus Andrew Medichini AP Crux 20200513
Extract from John L. Allen Jr. Editor, Crux, 13 May 2020
ROME - According to an internal Vatican analysis recently presented to Pope Francis for a meeting with his department heads, declines in revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic will cause the Vatican’s annual deficit to balloon somewhere between 30 and 175 percent, depending on which of three scenarios, ranging from best to worst case, is realized. Under the worst-case scenario, which assumes shortfalls between 50 and 80 percent and only limited success at containing costs, the 2020 deficit would be 146 million Euro, or $158 million. For a sense of scale, the total projected income for the year is $160 million, which means the Vatican would be spending twice as much as it brings in. As a footnote, something many observers have said for a long time is worth repeating: In the grand scheme of things, $158 million just isn’t that much money, especially when you put it in the context of other major Catholic entities. The University of Notre Dame in the States, for example, has an annual budget of $1.3 billion. The fact that such a comparatively modest sum could trigger an existential crisis is one measure of how much the Vatican’s financial operation needs aggiornamento, meaning “updating.”...(more) Photo: Pope Francis overlooking St Peter's Square coronavirus Andrew Medichini AP Crux 20200513
Archbishop Coleridge re-elected president of Bishops Conference
Extract from Catholic Outlook, 8 May 2020
The
Catholic bishops of Australia have today elected Archbishop Mark
Coleridge of Brisbane to a second two-year term as president of the
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. Archbishop
Coleridge was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne in 2002 and later
became Archbishop of Canberra-Goulburn. Since 2012, he has served as
Archbishop of Brisbane. He was
elected president of the Conference at its plenary meeting in May 2018
after previously serving as its vice-president for two years.
Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP was re-elected Conference
vice-president, a role he also took on in May 2018. “Archbishop
Fisher and I have worked very closely over the past two years and I’m
grateful that the bishops have backed our ongoing partnership,”
Archbishop Coleridge said. “As
a Conference, we have faced a number of big challenges over the past
two years, including preparing for the Plenary Council and considering
how the People of God in Australia can walk together into the future,
especially now in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. “The
Church’s implementation of policies and protocols that prioritise child
safety and offer a just and compassionate response to victims and
survivors of abuse has also been a crucial focus. “Much has been done and the bishops will consider further steps during our plenary meeting over the next few days.” Archbishop
Fisher also cited the benefit of continuity at a pivotal time in the
Church’s history, saying “when we have medium- and long-term initiatives
to carry out, it’s good to have settled leaders supported by a group of
bishops with shared aspirations”. Four
members of the Permanent Committee of the Bishops Conference were also
elected today: Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB; Toowoomba Bishop
Robert McGuckin; Adelaide Archbishop-Designate Patrick O’Regan; and
Maronite Bishop of Australia Antoine-Charbel Tarabay. Archbishop
Peter A. Comensoli of Melbourne and Port Pirie Bishop Greg O’Kelly SJ,
elected in May 2019, are continuing members of the Permanent
Committee. The almost 40 members of the Australian Catholic Bishops
Conference today opened their biannual plenary meeting using
videoconferencing technology....(more). Photo: ABp Mark Coleridge President ACBC Catholic Outlook 20200508 ACBC
Some Coronavirus reflections: Above: humour, Below: The Great Realisation
(with thanks to St Kevin's Parish, Templestowe)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________-
Bishops adapt to life under COVID-19
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference will enter uncharted territory this week as it holds its biannual plenary meeting, using video technology to allow its work to continue during the COVID-19 crisis
Extract from CathNews, 6 May 2020
Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge said the bishops are having to adapt to the current realities just like all Australians. “This is the first time one of our twice-yearly gatherings hasn’t happened in person since the Conference was formed in 1966, but we are living in an era of ‘firsts’,” Archbishop Coleridge said. “The Conference has important matters to consider, as always, so we have found ways to adjust our practices and protocols to do what needs to be done over the coming days.” The meeting begins tomorrow and will run to May 14, with the bishops free on Sunday. Archbishop Coleridge said the COVID-19 pandemic will be high on the bishops’ agenda. “There is a great desire in all parts of the Church to resume public worship, and we will consider how and when that might happen – always with due consideration of the health implications,” he said. “But COVID-19 has crippled many individuals, families and communities not only economically, but in other ways as well. How can the Church best support those people through our educational, social service and pastoral care networks? Much of that work has commenced, but the recovery will be long.” Archbishop Coleridge said the bishops have begun discussions with leaders of religious institutes and other Catholic ministries about a more collaborative approach to safeguarding and the handling of complaints of sexual abuse and other misconduct. “We’ve made good progress in devising even more robust structures and practices to respond to allegations and to create and maintain Church environments that are safe for children and vulnerable adults,” he said. “This is a whole-of-Church approach, and it’s one that has been developed with input from a wide range of people, including survivors and their supporters.” The bishops will also consider the final report of a national review of the governance of dioceses and parishes. Archbishop Coleridge said that while the tyranny of distance and the vagaries of technology will be a challenge, the bond of faith and mission that unites the bishops will remain strong, especially through the Church’s liturgical life. A summary of the meeting will be posted online as soon as possible after its completion.....(more). Photo: Catholic Voice. CathNews 20200506
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference will enter uncharted territory this week as it holds its biannual plenary meeting, using video technology to allow its work to continue during the COVID-19 crisis
Extract from CathNews, 6 May 2020
Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge said the bishops are having to adapt to the current realities just like all Australians. “This is the first time one of our twice-yearly gatherings hasn’t happened in person since the Conference was formed in 1966, but we are living in an era of ‘firsts’,” Archbishop Coleridge said. “The Conference has important matters to consider, as always, so we have found ways to adjust our practices and protocols to do what needs to be done over the coming days.” The meeting begins tomorrow and will run to May 14, with the bishops free on Sunday. Archbishop Coleridge said the COVID-19 pandemic will be high on the bishops’ agenda. “There is a great desire in all parts of the Church to resume public worship, and we will consider how and when that might happen – always with due consideration of the health implications,” he said. “But COVID-19 has crippled many individuals, families and communities not only economically, but in other ways as well. How can the Church best support those people through our educational, social service and pastoral care networks? Much of that work has commenced, but the recovery will be long.” Archbishop Coleridge said the bishops have begun discussions with leaders of religious institutes and other Catholic ministries about a more collaborative approach to safeguarding and the handling of complaints of sexual abuse and other misconduct. “We’ve made good progress in devising even more robust structures and practices to respond to allegations and to create and maintain Church environments that are safe for children and vulnerable adults,” he said. “This is a whole-of-Church approach, and it’s one that has been developed with input from a wide range of people, including survivors and their supporters.” The bishops will also consider the final report of a national review of the governance of dioceses and parishes. Archbishop Coleridge said that while the tyranny of distance and the vagaries of technology will be a challenge, the bond of faith and mission that unites the bishops will remain strong, especially through the Church’s liturgical life. A summary of the meeting will be posted online as soon as possible after its completion.....(more). Photo: Catholic Voice. CathNews 20200506
When will Catholics be able to gather for Mass again?
Limited extract from Isabelle de Gaulmyn, subscription journal La Croix International, 2 May 2020
France: When will Catholics be able to gather for Mass again? The opening up process will undoubtedly be slow, gradual and different from place to place. In France the bishops are trying to present the government with a reasonable exit plan. Some are worried about the fact that they will not be able to resume Mass on May 11 when many other activities and businesses are allowed to open. A hundred priests have already protested with a petition in the Paris-based daily Le Figaro. Social networking, No gatherings, no sacraments, no Eucharist. In fact, Catholics are living through an astonishing period. But it has led to great creativity on social networks, with Masses on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Zoom. Some priests have gone overboard in trying to fill the void that the coronavirus lockdown has created, even at the risk of sending a very clerical and male-dominated image of Catholicism. It is like a trick of history, happening at the very moment when Pope Francis has undertaken a reflection on the ills of clericalism......(source). Image: Eucharist Lockdown early La Croix Int 20200502
Limited extract from Isabelle de Gaulmyn, subscription journal La Croix International, 2 May 2020
France: When will Catholics be able to gather for Mass again? The opening up process will undoubtedly be slow, gradual and different from place to place. In France the bishops are trying to present the government with a reasonable exit plan. Some are worried about the fact that they will not be able to resume Mass on May 11 when many other activities and businesses are allowed to open. A hundred priests have already protested with a petition in the Paris-based daily Le Figaro. Social networking, No gatherings, no sacraments, no Eucharist. In fact, Catholics are living through an astonishing period. But it has led to great creativity on social networks, with Masses on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Zoom. Some priests have gone overboard in trying to fill the void that the coronavirus lockdown has created, even at the risk of sending a very clerical and male-dominated image of Catholicism. It is like a trick of history, happening at the very moment when Pope Francis has undertaken a reflection on the ills of clericalism......(source). Image: Eucharist Lockdown early La Croix Int 20200502
Bishop Long calls for ‘solidarity in time of distancing’
The chairman of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service has used the annual message for the feast of St Joseph the Worker to call for “social solidarity in a time of social distancing”.
Extract from Melbourne Catholic, ACBC Media Blog, 30 April 2020
Bishop Vincent Long van Nguyen OFM Conv. said the May 1 feast day has taken on additional meaning as millions of Australians face job insecurity and financial stress. “Like you, I have found it deeply distressing to see so many thousands of people queuing to apply for government assistance,” Bishop Long writes in the pastoral message. “Our hearts go out to everyone who is out of work; to those whose businesses have been forced to close; and to those whose regular income has plummeted while their bills remain.” In acknowledging that experiences like approaching Centrelink for assistance have been new for tens or hundreds of thousands of people, Bishop Long said some common financial realities have remained. “In any crisis, it is usually the poorest, the most vulnerable and the least powerful who suffer the worst,” he wrote. “Casual employees, many contract employees and gig workers are not entitled to sick leave or carer’s leave. They are often unable to save from their earnings in order to cover periods of illness or inability to work. “Surviving on the JobSeeker payment, or any other form of government assistance, is difficult. However, there are also many people who are unable to access this support and are at risk of falling through the cracks.” Bishop Long highlighted the precarious situation facing asylum-seekers, international students and those on temporary protection visas, saying excluding them from government assistance is “inhumane and unworthy of a decent society”. He made special mention of those who are working on “the front line” and cannot self-isolate because of their responsibilities. “All of this prompts us to think about what are really the most important things in life,” Bishop Long wrote.....(more) Image:St Joseph the Worker feast celebrated 1 May ACBC CathNews 20200430
The chairman of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service has used the annual message for the feast of St Joseph the Worker to call for “social solidarity in a time of social distancing”.
Extract from Melbourne Catholic, ACBC Media Blog, 30 April 2020
Bishop Vincent Long van Nguyen OFM Conv. said the May 1 feast day has taken on additional meaning as millions of Australians face job insecurity and financial stress. “Like you, I have found it deeply distressing to see so many thousands of people queuing to apply for government assistance,” Bishop Long writes in the pastoral message. “Our hearts go out to everyone who is out of work; to those whose businesses have been forced to close; and to those whose regular income has plummeted while their bills remain.” In acknowledging that experiences like approaching Centrelink for assistance have been new for tens or hundreds of thousands of people, Bishop Long said some common financial realities have remained. “In any crisis, it is usually the poorest, the most vulnerable and the least powerful who suffer the worst,” he wrote. “Casual employees, many contract employees and gig workers are not entitled to sick leave or carer’s leave. They are often unable to save from their earnings in order to cover periods of illness or inability to work. “Surviving on the JobSeeker payment, or any other form of government assistance, is difficult. However, there are also many people who are unable to access this support and are at risk of falling through the cracks.” Bishop Long highlighted the precarious situation facing asylum-seekers, international students and those on temporary protection visas, saying excluding them from government assistance is “inhumane and unworthy of a decent society”. He made special mention of those who are working on “the front line” and cannot self-isolate because of their responsibilities. “All of this prompts us to think about what are really the most important things in life,” Bishop Long wrote.....(more) Image:St Joseph the Worker feast celebrated 1 May ACBC CathNews 20200430
China resumes cross removals as virus subsides
Under less pressure from Covid-19, officials are eliminating religious symbols from public places
Extract from UCA News reporter, 28 April 2020
The cross of Lingkun St. Michael Church of Yongqiang Parish in Wenzhou is taken off its steeple in October 2018 on the orders of communist authorities. (Photo supplied)
The communist administration in China has started another wave of cross removals as the coronavirus pandemic reportedly subsides on the mainland. In the past two weeks, authorities have removed crosses from the top of two church buildings, sources told UCA News on April 27. They fear more such actions. The removals began as the administration reported the discharge of the last Covid-19 patient in Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the coronavirus was first reported last December. China's National Health Commission said the entire country reported only three cases of Covid-19 on April 26. Two were Chinese people returning from abroad, while one contracted it through local transmission. The cross removals began as government officials became relatively free from the pressure of fighting the pandemic, Christian leaders said....(more) Photo: China resumes cross removals as virus subsides UCA News 28 April 2020
Under less pressure from Covid-19, officials are eliminating religious symbols from public places
Extract from UCA News reporter, 28 April 2020
The cross of Lingkun St. Michael Church of Yongqiang Parish in Wenzhou is taken off its steeple in October 2018 on the orders of communist authorities. (Photo supplied)
The communist administration in China has started another wave of cross removals as the coronavirus pandemic reportedly subsides on the mainland. In the past two weeks, authorities have removed crosses from the top of two church buildings, sources told UCA News on April 27. They fear more such actions. The removals began as the administration reported the discharge of the last Covid-19 patient in Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the coronavirus was first reported last December. China's National Health Commission said the entire country reported only three cases of Covid-19 on April 26. Two were Chinese people returning from abroad, while one contracted it through local transmission. The cross removals began as government officials became relatively free from the pressure of fighting the pandemic, Christian leaders said....(more) Photo: China resumes cross removals as virus subsides UCA News 28 April 2020
Porter seeks 'final advice' on release of commission's Pell findings
Extract from Chip Le Grand, The Age, 27 April 2020
Federal
Attorney-General Christian Porter has sought "final advice" about
releasing unpublished royal commission findings into the conduct of
Australia's most senior Catholic, Cardinal George Pell. Mr Porter
said he sought the advice after being told by his Victorian counterpart,
Jill Hennessy, that there were no legal barriers to making public the
previously redacted findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional
Responses to Child Sexual Abuse....(MORE)
What will happen when the shutdown ends?
The post-pandemic parish will be the "report card" of the pre-pandemic parish
Limited Extracts from Father Bill Grimm MM, Tokyo, Suvscription journl La Croix International, 23 April 2020
Efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 have included halting liturgical gatherings in many parts of the world. What will happen when Catholics once again can gather to share the Eucharist and do all the other things that mark them as Christians? I do not have a crystal ball that enables me to see the future, but I have been speculating upon what our communities may look like after months of being closed. In 1995, Professor Jonathan Mann of the Harvard University School of Public Health in the United States predicted, "The history of our time will be marked by recurrent eruptions of newly discovered diseases." A quarter-century ago, Mann was speaking in the midst of the new AIDS epidemic, and since then the world has seen several other epidemics, with the coronavirus pandemic we are living through now as the latest and possibly most extensive (though not yet the most deadly) so far. Are we in the early stages of this pandemic, or is it coming under control? Will a cure or a preventive vaccine be developed soon, or will it take a year or more? What will the mortality ultimately be? In the meantime, will the virus evolve beyond the power of our medical interventions? What effect will it have on the world economy? How long will it last? Will it touch me or those I love? We do not, and cannot, know the answer to any of those questions. Mann was obviously correct, and this pandemic shall not be the last we must face and deal with. The economic, social, and religious upheaval we are experiencing today may be part of an ongoing pattern of new viral and bacterial epidemics girdling the globe, especially as climate change causes varying degrees of ecological, social, agricultural, demographic, political, and epidemiological chaos. What we are facing now may become a new normal. An immediate impact of the coronavirus on Catholics has been the cancellation of Masses with a congregation. A measure intended for a few weeks has now been in place for months............What might we expect when after a quarter of the year or longer we are once again able to gather in our churches? The first thing will be...............(source). Photo: church lockdown Murcia Spain EPA Marcial Guillen MaxPPP La Croix Int 20200423
The post-pandemic parish will be the "report card" of the pre-pandemic parish
Limited Extracts from Father Bill Grimm MM, Tokyo, Suvscription journl La Croix International, 23 April 2020
Efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 have included halting liturgical gatherings in many parts of the world. What will happen when Catholics once again can gather to share the Eucharist and do all the other things that mark them as Christians? I do not have a crystal ball that enables me to see the future, but I have been speculating upon what our communities may look like after months of being closed. In 1995, Professor Jonathan Mann of the Harvard University School of Public Health in the United States predicted, "The history of our time will be marked by recurrent eruptions of newly discovered diseases." A quarter-century ago, Mann was speaking in the midst of the new AIDS epidemic, and since then the world has seen several other epidemics, with the coronavirus pandemic we are living through now as the latest and possibly most extensive (though not yet the most deadly) so far. Are we in the early stages of this pandemic, or is it coming under control? Will a cure or a preventive vaccine be developed soon, or will it take a year or more? What will the mortality ultimately be? In the meantime, will the virus evolve beyond the power of our medical interventions? What effect will it have on the world economy? How long will it last? Will it touch me or those I love? We do not, and cannot, know the answer to any of those questions. Mann was obviously correct, and this pandemic shall not be the last we must face and deal with. The economic, social, and religious upheaval we are experiencing today may be part of an ongoing pattern of new viral and bacterial epidemics girdling the globe, especially as climate change causes varying degrees of ecological, social, agricultural, demographic, political, and epidemiological chaos. What we are facing now may become a new normal. An immediate impact of the coronavirus on Catholics has been the cancellation of Masses with a congregation. A measure intended for a few weeks has now been in place for months............What might we expect when after a quarter of the year or longer we are once again able to gather in our churches? The first thing will be...............(source). Photo: church lockdown Murcia Spain EPA Marcial Guillen MaxPPP La Croix Int 20200423
Seminaries must hire, involve more women, Cardinal Ouellet says
Extract from Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service, National Catholic Reporter, 24 April 2020
Vatican City — For some priests and seminarians, "women represent danger, but in reality, the true danger are those men who do not have a balanced relationship with women," said Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. The cardinal was interviewed about the role of women in seminaries and seminary formation for the May issue of the women's supplement to the Vatican newspaper; the interview was published April 24 by Vatican News. Asked if a lack of women involved in priestly formation programs is to blame for the discomfort women and priests can experience in each other's company, the cardinal said, "the problem is probably deeper" than that and begins with how women are treated in one's family. "There is awkwardness because there is fear — more on the part of the man toward the woman than the woman toward the man," he said. "We must radically change" how priests interact with women, the cardinal said, which is why "during formation it is important that there is contact, discussion, exchanges" with women. Having women on seminary formation teams as professors and counselors, he said, also "would help a candidate interact with women in a natural way, including in facing the challenge represented by the presence of women, attraction to a woman." Isolating future priests from women is never a good idea, he said, and is no preparation for them entering ministry. Asked whether he agreed with the notion that if women had been involved in seminary formation long ago, it could have helped prevent the sexual abuse scandal, the cardinal said, "there certainly is some truth in that because man is an affective being. If interaction between the sexes is missing, there is a risk of developing compensations," which can "express themselves the exercise of power or in closed relationships, a closure that becomes manipulation and control ... and which can give rise to the abuse of conscience and sexual abuse." "I think that for a priest, learning to relate to women in the environment of formation is a humanizing factor that promotes equilibrium in the man's personality and affectivity," the cardinal said....(more). Photo:Cardinal Marc Ouellet prefect of the Congregation for Bishops Vatican News NS Presence Philippe Vaillancourt NCR 20200424
Extract from Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service, National Catholic Reporter, 24 April 2020
Vatican City — For some priests and seminarians, "women represent danger, but in reality, the true danger are those men who do not have a balanced relationship with women," said Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. The cardinal was interviewed about the role of women in seminaries and seminary formation for the May issue of the women's supplement to the Vatican newspaper; the interview was published April 24 by Vatican News. Asked if a lack of women involved in priestly formation programs is to blame for the discomfort women and priests can experience in each other's company, the cardinal said, "the problem is probably deeper" than that and begins with how women are treated in one's family. "There is awkwardness because there is fear — more on the part of the man toward the woman than the woman toward the man," he said. "We must radically change" how priests interact with women, the cardinal said, which is why "during formation it is important that there is contact, discussion, exchanges" with women. Having women on seminary formation teams as professors and counselors, he said, also "would help a candidate interact with women in a natural way, including in facing the challenge represented by the presence of women, attraction to a woman." Isolating future priests from women is never a good idea, he said, and is no preparation for them entering ministry. Asked whether he agreed with the notion that if women had been involved in seminary formation long ago, it could have helped prevent the sexual abuse scandal, the cardinal said, "there certainly is some truth in that because man is an affective being. If interaction between the sexes is missing, there is a risk of developing compensations," which can "express themselves the exercise of power or in closed relationships, a closure that becomes manipulation and control ... and which can give rise to the abuse of conscience and sexual abuse." "I think that for a priest, learning to relate to women in the environment of formation is a humanizing factor that promotes equilibrium in the man's personality and affectivity," the cardinal said....(more). Photo:Cardinal Marc Ouellet prefect of the Congregation for Bishops Vatican News NS Presence Philippe Vaillancourt NCR 20200424
Easter @Home - Parish Survey responses: many thanks to respondents
94% say parish Easter @Home arrangements "Exceptional or Very Acceptable"
98% say Information provided "Exceptional or Very Adequate"
John Costa, Thursday 23 April 2020
Having no idea how long the COVID-19 situation will remain or for how long our churches will be closed, our Parish, like many others, has made comprehensive special arrangements, particularly for the Holy Week and Easter period. Special arrangements and information flow are continuing, via personal emails, streaming video, and this website. In order to both assess and review special arrangements provided so far, and what arrangements we might make ahead, we conducted an online survey to seek parishioner feedback on these to assist us in reviewing and developing how we pray and gather together in very different ways. While we continue to analyse and respond to Survey responses they are already especially interesting, most helpful, and highly encouraging! The survey was responded to by 51 parish households. Each year after Easter we invite feedback via the Newsletter on the Holy Week Easter liturgies. This year's feedback via online survey greatly exceeds the level of feedback in previous years, and provides particularly interesting insights. Despite appropriately enforced lock-down and disruption the results this year have been highly consistent, positive and encouraging. The survey closed on 23 April and results are now summarised on a new website page (under the 'People' menu button) HERE.
94% say parish Easter @Home arrangements "Exceptional or Very Acceptable"
98% say Information provided "Exceptional or Very Adequate"
John Costa, Thursday 23 April 2020
Having no idea how long the COVID-19 situation will remain or for how long our churches will be closed, our Parish, like many others, has made comprehensive special arrangements, particularly for the Holy Week and Easter period. Special arrangements and information flow are continuing, via personal emails, streaming video, and this website. In order to both assess and review special arrangements provided so far, and what arrangements we might make ahead, we conducted an online survey to seek parishioner feedback on these to assist us in reviewing and developing how we pray and gather together in very different ways. While we continue to analyse and respond to Survey responses they are already especially interesting, most helpful, and highly encouraging! The survey was responded to by 51 parish households. Each year after Easter we invite feedback via the Newsletter on the Holy Week Easter liturgies. This year's feedback via online survey greatly exceeds the level of feedback in previous years, and provides particularly interesting insights. Despite appropriately enforced lock-down and disruption the results this year have been highly consistent, positive and encouraging. The survey closed on 23 April and results are now summarised on a new website page (under the 'People' menu button) HERE.
Trump's assault on the environment tramples years of progress
Extract from Editorial Staff, National Catholic Reporter, 23 April 2020
While the world struggles against a microbial and deadly menace, nature itself is under assault from threats coming in the other direction — the deliberate and steady overthrow by the Trump administration of environmental regulations, some in place for decades. President Donald Trump's relentless attack on sane and enlightened environmental policy tramples years of intense work among environmental groups, U.S. industry and politicians of every stripe to achieve broad consensus on pressing issues. The attack also shreds the plea of Pope Francis' "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home," the encyclical that gathers into one document Catholic thinking, accumulated over years, about the faith community's relationship to creation. NCR staff writer Brian Roewe's exhaustive report on Catholic observation of the first Earth Day, on the 50th anniversary of that celebration, shows that concern for the environment has long been a constituent part of the Catholic understanding of right to life. All other life issues become meaningless if, in pursuit of economic convenience and dominance, Earth is destroyed.....(more) Photo: Smoke from coal fired Duke Energy's Marshall Steam Station 2018 NCR CNS Reuters Chris Keane
Extract from Editorial Staff, National Catholic Reporter, 23 April 2020
While the world struggles against a microbial and deadly menace, nature itself is under assault from threats coming in the other direction — the deliberate and steady overthrow by the Trump administration of environmental regulations, some in place for decades. President Donald Trump's relentless attack on sane and enlightened environmental policy tramples years of intense work among environmental groups, U.S. industry and politicians of every stripe to achieve broad consensus on pressing issues. The attack also shreds the plea of Pope Francis' "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home," the encyclical that gathers into one document Catholic thinking, accumulated over years, about the faith community's relationship to creation. NCR staff writer Brian Roewe's exhaustive report on Catholic observation of the first Earth Day, on the 50th anniversary of that celebration, shows that concern for the environment has long been a constituent part of the Catholic understanding of right to life. All other life issues become meaningless if, in pursuit of economic convenience and dominance, Earth is destroyed.....(more) Photo: Smoke from coal fired Duke Energy's Marshall Steam Station 2018 NCR CNS Reuters Chris Keane
How social distancing may change the way we do church
Extract from Opinion Piece, Thomas Reese, Religion News Service, National Catholic Reporter, 22 April 2020
When you think about the mechanics of Sunday Eucharist, it's difficult to imagine a system better designed to spread contagion. Parishioners of all ages are crowded into a confined space, they hug or shake hands, they receive bread on the tongue or in the hand from a minister whose hands are not gloved, they share a cup of wine and they crowd together at the church entrance before and after Mass. But just as everyone wants to get America back to work, pastors want to reopen churches to their congregations as soon as possible. But public health experts tell us that the country is not ready. Before people can safely congregate in churches, movie theaters, bars, sports events and other crowded places, Americans will need to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Even the most optimistic guesses put a vaccine 12 to 18 months away. Some believe that the country could be gradually reopened if it had a rigorous program of testing, contact tracing followed by isolating those who are sick and quarantining those who have been in contact with the sick. Again, we are nowhere near having that in place. Even if we were, meeting in large crowds would still be discouraged until a vaccine is available. Opening churches before a vaccine is available will be very risky, especially for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Risky, but possible? Could churches reopen while practicing social distancing during the time prior to a vaccine? It is possible, but it would be a logistical nightmare with rules that would have to be enforced with absolute rigor.....(more) Photo: St Peters Church empty Pope Francis AP Andreas Solaro Pool Photo NCR 20200423
Extract from Opinion Piece, Thomas Reese, Religion News Service, National Catholic Reporter, 22 April 2020
When you think about the mechanics of Sunday Eucharist, it's difficult to imagine a system better designed to spread contagion. Parishioners of all ages are crowded into a confined space, they hug or shake hands, they receive bread on the tongue or in the hand from a minister whose hands are not gloved, they share a cup of wine and they crowd together at the church entrance before and after Mass. But just as everyone wants to get America back to work, pastors want to reopen churches to their congregations as soon as possible. But public health experts tell us that the country is not ready. Before people can safely congregate in churches, movie theaters, bars, sports events and other crowded places, Americans will need to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Even the most optimistic guesses put a vaccine 12 to 18 months away. Some believe that the country could be gradually reopened if it had a rigorous program of testing, contact tracing followed by isolating those who are sick and quarantining those who have been in contact with the sick. Again, we are nowhere near having that in place. Even if we were, meeting in large crowds would still be discouraged until a vaccine is available. Opening churches before a vaccine is available will be very risky, especially for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Risky, but possible? Could churches reopen while practicing social distancing during the time prior to a vaccine? It is possible, but it would be a logistical nightmare with rules that would have to be enforced with absolute rigor.....(more) Photo: St Peters Church empty Pope Francis AP Andreas Solaro Pool Photo NCR 20200423
Clericalism and the Pandemic
Extract frim Fr. Jim Sabak, OFM, Pray Tell (U.S.), 18 April 2020
As any diocesan director of worship knows, there has been much to navigate during this distorting period in human history. At the center of concerns lay the issue of how to deal with the celebration and administration of the sacraments. Yet, in my experience, the greatest difficulties lay not in the necessity of adapting to new norms and restrictions, but rather in the unanticipated reactions from clergy to the suggested adaptations. Little did I realize what sort of maelstrom would erupt as we put into place ideas and recommendations precipitated by the need for social distancing and stay-at-home orders. The three sacramental areas most in need of attention were, of course, the celebration of the Eucharist, and the sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick. If the virus had not materialized during Lent, Penance might have been less a point of controversy. So with the approval of the bishop, I prepared a memo offering some guidance on how to approach these sacraments given the seriousness of this world-wide pandemic..........(more)
Extract frim Fr. Jim Sabak, OFM, Pray Tell (U.S.), 18 April 2020
As any diocesan director of worship knows, there has been much to navigate during this distorting period in human history. At the center of concerns lay the issue of how to deal with the celebration and administration of the sacraments. Yet, in my experience, the greatest difficulties lay not in the necessity of adapting to new norms and restrictions, but rather in the unanticipated reactions from clergy to the suggested adaptations. Little did I realize what sort of maelstrom would erupt as we put into place ideas and recommendations precipitated by the need for social distancing and stay-at-home orders. The three sacramental areas most in need of attention were, of course, the celebration of the Eucharist, and the sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick. If the virus had not materialized during Lent, Penance might have been less a point of controversy. So with the approval of the bishop, I prepared a memo offering some guidance on how to approach these sacraments given the seriousness of this world-wide pandemic..........(more)
"Inaccurate And Unfair Media Commentary On The High Court Decision On The Pell Case.
Extract of Statement from News & Media, Judicial Conference of Australia, 16 April 2020
The President of the Australian association of judges and magistrates, Justice Judith Kelly, has responded to, what she called, “the flood of emotion and tsunami of articles following the High Court decision in the Pell case”. Justice Kelly said that “Some of the commentary directed at the Victorian Court of Appeal has been inaccurate and grossly unfair”. Justice Kelly, the President of the Judicial Conference of Australia, has issued the following statement, which was published in the online edition of The Australian. “There will be those who want to take comfort from the fact that the cathedral allegations passed through three courts. But the manner in which they were excoriated by the High Court suggests that this was a function of a triumph of luck – and maybe even prejudice – rather than necessarily evidence of any weight of facts.” Wrong on all counts. The High Court did not excoriate anyone: neither the jury who found Pell guilty, nor the judges on the Victorian Court of Appeal who dismissed his appeal against that conviction. The High Court analysed the evidence and the applicable legal principles, found that on the whole of the evidence a jury, acting rationally, ought to have entertained a reasonable doubt as to Cardinal Pell’s guilt and, with appropriate courtesy, allowed the appeal. The remark “and maybe even prejudice” is grossly unfair, especially in the context in which it appears. There is nothing, anywhere, in the High Court’s decision which could ground an apprehension that the Court of Appeal acted out of prejudice or did anything other than conscientiously apply the law to the facts in accordance with their oath of office. The High Court found that analysis to be mistaken. It did not hint, even obliquely, that the majority judges on the court may have been motivated by prejudice or any other improper motive or cast any doubt whatsoever on the honesty or integrity of the Appeal Court judges.....(full statement HERE)
Extract of Statement from News & Media, Judicial Conference of Australia, 16 April 2020
The President of the Australian association of judges and magistrates, Justice Judith Kelly, has responded to, what she called, “the flood of emotion and tsunami of articles following the High Court decision in the Pell case”. Justice Kelly said that “Some of the commentary directed at the Victorian Court of Appeal has been inaccurate and grossly unfair”. Justice Kelly, the President of the Judicial Conference of Australia, has issued the following statement, which was published in the online edition of The Australian. “There will be those who want to take comfort from the fact that the cathedral allegations passed through three courts. But the manner in which they were excoriated by the High Court suggests that this was a function of a triumph of luck – and maybe even prejudice – rather than necessarily evidence of any weight of facts.” Wrong on all counts. The High Court did not excoriate anyone: neither the jury who found Pell guilty, nor the judges on the Victorian Court of Appeal who dismissed his appeal against that conviction. The High Court analysed the evidence and the applicable legal principles, found that on the whole of the evidence a jury, acting rationally, ought to have entertained a reasonable doubt as to Cardinal Pell’s guilt and, with appropriate courtesy, allowed the appeal. The remark “and maybe even prejudice” is grossly unfair, especially in the context in which it appears. There is nothing, anywhere, in the High Court’s decision which could ground an apprehension that the Court of Appeal acted out of prejudice or did anything other than conscientiously apply the law to the facts in accordance with their oath of office. The High Court found that analysis to be mistaken. It did not hint, even obliquely, that the majority judges on the court may have been motivated by prejudice or any other improper motive or cast any doubt whatsoever on the honesty or integrity of the Appeal Court judges.....(full statement HERE)
Coronavirus Holy Week in Ivanhoe - How was it?
Edited Extract from Fr Bills Easter Monday Update, 16 April 2020
Edited Extract from Fr Bills Easter Monday Update, 16 April 2020
We have no idea how long the COVID-19 situation will remain or
for how long our churches will be closed. So that we can both
assess and review what we have provided so far, and what
arrangements we might make for the weeks ahead, you are urged
again to complete the short survey that has been designed to
assist us in reviewing and developing how we pray and gather
together in very different ways. Helpful Survey responses are
starting to come in, and while the COVID-19 circumstances have
been forced upon everyone, there have been some encouraging signs
about adapting, with some perhaps surprising positive personal
experiences. While we routinely seek feedback after annual Easter
Liturgies, this year in particular we urge everyone to share their
experiences, good or otherwise, via the survey - either privately or for sharing - so that the Parish community working together can continue to do our utmost under the circumstances to support
each other, as the Risen Christ calls us all to do - together.
To complete the quick survey please click HERE
With US collection plates drying up, parishes race to loans to avert layoffs
Extract from Brian Roewe, National Catholic Reporter. 15 April 2020
Extract from Brian Roewe, National Catholic Reporter. 15 April 2020
Days before Easter Sunday, the worries for Fr. James Olson ranged from the momentous to the mundane. At one end, he grappled with the spiritual loss of a Holy Week in isolation, with empty pews in the four churches he pastors in northeast Philadelphia. At the other, he regretted not getting his hair cut before barbershops and other businesses shut down in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But just behind the spiritual loss was the state of the parish finances. Like many churches, the Easter collection is a major source of funding for St. John Paul II Parish, a cluster of four churches in the working-class neighborhood of Olde Richmond. The Easter collection from Sunday was down 75% from last year. Collections overall have declined to just a fraction of typical giving in the weeks since stay-at-home orders have prohibited public liturgies, and many parents have been laid off or furloughed. The tight financial situation led Olson the day before Holy Thursday to file a loan application for the parish to tap into the $349 billion program Congress established to help small businesses survive a period of unprecedented economic uncertainty. "Pretty much as important as oxygen," the priest said of the federal financial assistance. "We absolutely, positively need it," Olson said. "Our collections right now are at about 10% of normal. And normally we just scrape by." Parishes and Catholic organizations have been among the hundreds of thousands of small businesses and nonprofits that have rushed to the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program. The emergency fund is one of the centerpieces of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security or CARES Act, the $2 trillion relief package passed by Congress last month to help the country withstand the economic fallout of the novel coronavirus outbreak, as millions of Americans have filed for unemployment in less than a month.....(more). Photo: Empty Church National Catholic Reporter Catholic Extension, CNS 20200415
Cartoon: Reddit
What will we do when we finally get back to our parishes?
Extract from Fr Noel Connolly SSC, Columban e-Bulletin Vol 13. No.3. April 15 2020
I don’t think anyone really knows, but I suspect it will not be business as usual. For many it will be a joy to return to the Masses they have missed so much, for others it may be a little more complicated. Our lives have been turned upside down and we will have had months to think with only streamed Masses to accompany us. There is much to rethink and rebuild. There will be questions that we will only slowly come to appreciate. That is why I believe that it is fortunate that the first session of the Plenary Council has been delayed. We will need time to come to grips with our new reality.
Two issues which we will need to consider are the role of priests and the practice of liturgy. One thing this period of isolation has taught us is that historically we have been a too priest-centred church and this has left us unprepared for our present reality. Even our solutions are priest-centred. We stream Masses. These can be beautiful, encouraging and nourishing but they highlight a number of weaknesses in our Catholic practice. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian lives but for many, it is their only way to encounter God. We have no second or third strings to our bows and lay people feel a little lost. They were not trained to lead worship either in their parishes or at home with their families. In a Church where, for most people, liturgy is not really liturgy unless they receive the Eucharist; it will require a lot of patience and catechesis to train people to share the scriptures, to appreciate the Divine Office, to practice Lectio Divina and to develop family celebrations of the Word of God that will sustain them in times like these. Perhaps even today, besides streaming Masses we should also trust our people’s sensus fidei [instinct for God] and encourage them to find creative ways to pray.......(read the full article HERE)
Extract from Fr Noel Connolly SSC, Columban e-Bulletin Vol 13. No.3. April 15 2020
I don’t think anyone really knows, but I suspect it will not be business as usual. For many it will be a joy to return to the Masses they have missed so much, for others it may be a little more complicated. Our lives have been turned upside down and we will have had months to think with only streamed Masses to accompany us. There is much to rethink and rebuild. There will be questions that we will only slowly come to appreciate. That is why I believe that it is fortunate that the first session of the Plenary Council has been delayed. We will need time to come to grips with our new reality.
Two issues which we will need to consider are the role of priests and the practice of liturgy. One thing this period of isolation has taught us is that historically we have been a too priest-centred church and this has left us unprepared for our present reality. Even our solutions are priest-centred. We stream Masses. These can be beautiful, encouraging and nourishing but they highlight a number of weaknesses in our Catholic practice. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian lives but for many, it is their only way to encounter God. We have no second or third strings to our bows and lay people feel a little lost. They were not trained to lead worship either in their parishes or at home with their families. In a Church where, for most people, liturgy is not really liturgy unless they receive the Eucharist; it will require a lot of patience and catechesis to train people to share the scriptures, to appreciate the Divine Office, to practice Lectio Divina and to develop family celebrations of the Word of God that will sustain them in times like these. Perhaps even today, besides streaming Masses we should also trust our people’s sensus fidei [instinct for God] and encourage them to find creative ways to pray.......(read the full article HERE)
Extracts from Pope Francis Urbi et Orbi ('to the city [of Rome] and to
the world' - a papal address and apostolic blessing given by the
pope on certain solemn occasions), 15 April 2020
Dear Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter...............In these weeks, the lives of millions of people have suddenly changed. For many, remaining at home has been an opportunity to reflect, to withdraw from the frenetic pace of life, stay with loved ones and enjoy their company. For many, though, this is also a time of worry about an uncertain future, about jobs that are at risk and about other consequences of the current crisis. I encourage political leaders to work actively for the common good, to provide the means and resources needed to enable everyone to lead a dignified life and, when circumstances allow, to assist them in resuming their normal daily activities. This is not a time for indifference, because the whole world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the pandemic. May the risen Jesus grant hope to all the poor, to those living on the peripheries, to refugees and the homeless. May these, the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters living in the cities and peripheries of every part of the world, not be abandoned. Let us ensure that they do not lack basic necessities (all the more difficult to find now that many businesses are closed) such as medicine and especially the possibility of adequate health care. In light of the present circumstances, may international sanctions be relaxed, since these make it difficult for countries on which they have been imposed to provide adequate support to their citizens, and may all nations be put in a position to meet the greatest needs of the moment through the reduction, if not the forgiveness, of the debt burdening the balance sheets of the poorest nations. This is not a time for self-centredness, because the challenge we are facing is shared by all, without distinguishing between persons. Among the many areas of the world affected by the coronavirus, I think in a special way of Europe. After the Second World War, this continent was able to rise again, thanks to a concrete spirit of solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the past. It is more urgent than ever, especially in the present circumstances, that these rivalries do not regain force, but that all recognize themselves as part of a single family and support one another. The European Union is presently facing an epochal challenge, on which will depend not only its future but that of the whole world. Let us not lose the opportunity to give further proof of solidarity, also by turning to innovative solutions. The only alternative is the selfishness of particular interests and the temptation of a return to the past, at the risk of severely damaging the peaceful coexistence and development of future generations. This is not a time for division................(full version here)
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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)