Fr Darryl Mackie, 16 February 2023 In liturgical ministry, says Fr Darryl Mackie, “we need to speak in a language that all may understand.” And so his liturgies are a result of relationships, listening and making choices that have meaning for the people he serves. Life began for Darryl in Branxton/Greta (Hunter Valley), NSW, andContinue reading “Finding Meaning, Extending Hope”
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Interview with Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ
Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ, 9 February 2023 Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ, described as the most senior woman in the Vatican, recently made a whirlwind tour of Australia. She gave talks and interviews with many people, and truly represented the synodal Church preparing for the Synod of Bishops gathering in 2023/2024. I was extremely privileged toContinue reading “Interview with Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ”
Our Greatest Wounds Are Our Greatest Gifts
Debra Zanella, 2 February 2023 As Debra Zanella ages, her understanding of ministry and liturgy have broadened, reaching across many aspects of her life in both the personal and work realms. She describes ministry as “my response and acceptance of God’s call for who I am, that gets embodied in the work that I do.”Continue reading “Our Greatest Wounds Are Our Greatest Gifts”
Like Pregnant Air
Several years ago in December, I was marveling at all the Christmas decorations of snow and snowflakes, holly and ivy. And I wondered if we could find meaning in our own Advent reality in the middle section of the Southern Hemisphere. So I wrote The Advent Time: Grass crackling dry like tinsel and mozzies singingContinue reading “Like Pregnant Air”
Diaconal Formation from the Past, for the Future
Sr Patricia Fox RSM, 15 December 2022 Sr Patricia Fox RSM has had a lifetime of education, formation and church leadership. Lately she went digging back into her history, to several years running the Adelaide Archdiocese Ministry Formation Program. It was not a long time, she recalls, but very significant both for her personally andContinue reading “Diaconal Formation from the Past, for the Future”
St Phoebe 2023 and Elizabeth Visits the Abbey
Two items today. Firstly, our Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate group is planning a special event for the Feast of St Phoebe 2023. It will take the form of a retreat for those interested in the permanent diaconate, and will be a chance to get together in person. We are planning to have times ofContinue reading “St Phoebe 2023 and Elizabeth Visits the Abbey”
Mission to the Margins, in Service
Sr Bernadette Wallis MSS, 1 December 2022 Today Sr Bernadette Wallis MSS reflects on liturgy on the margins in her own words. Thanks, Bernadette! The margins, of course, are the centre of the universe for those who live in places or lifestyles that are considered ‘margins’ by others! However, when we are in those margins,Continue reading “Mission to the Margins, in Service”
Serving the Community brings Happiness
Deacon John Cinya, 25 November 2022 Deacon John Cinya has been with people experiencing material poverty and material wealth. Yet he has found that what really brings happiness is connected instead to our spiritual needs. It is grasped by individuals, “but also exercised in the community”. No matter what you have, when you know thatContinue reading “Serving the Community brings Happiness”
Ministry of the Words
Deacon Mick O’Donnell, 17 November 2022 Deacon Mick O’Donnell is a novelist, but his life makes a compelling and inspiring story of its own. Ordained in 1991, he has had 31 years as a permanent deacon and “is still in love with the ministry.” Back in the 80’s, there were few such deacons in AustraliaContinue reading “Ministry of the Words”
A Vision from God
Vanessa Comninos, 10 November 2022 Vanessa Comninos was an optometrist, helping people with their physical vision. But one day, her sister reminded her of Jesus’ call to Simon Peter, “drop your nets and follow me”. So Vanessa set out into the deep to help people with their spiritual vision: to see God and for GodContinue reading “A Vision from God”
Liturgy on the Margins 