Sr Margaret Finlay IBVM, 6 January 2022 The man who sat in front of her was a large, energetic footy player. The woman next to him was small, gently bobbing an infant of 8 months. “Why do you want to have your child baptised?” Sr Marg asked. To her surprise and delight, the man answeredContinue reading “5 Years, 82 Baptisms”
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Deacons and the Plenary Council Proposals
Australia’s Plenary Council First Assembly Proposals from Small Groups and Individuals Members have recently been released. There were a number of proposals that specifically named, promoted and sought to extend the role of deacons in the Australian Church. These were: Question 3 (Small group report): Culturally prepare deacons for ministry in partnership with Aboriginal andContinue reading “Deacons and the Plenary Council Proposals”
The Blood of the Street
Deacon Peter Presdee, 9 December 2021 Tom’s* Mum was dying, thousands of kilometers away, and he didn’t know what to do. Tom was not religious but he did know someone who was. Peter Presdee, a Catholic Deacon and Chaplain, had passed him in the prison where he worked as an officer. Peter would say helloContinue reading “The Blood of the Street”
Celebrating Angels
Marg Hayes, 25 November 2021 Hugh was in trouble. He was HIV positive, estranged from his family, barely surviving in terrible accommodation, and had stopped taking his medication. One day, the district nurse suggested he join the Monday lunch of Melbourne’s Catholic HIV/AIDS ministry. And there he met Marg Hayes and the team behind theContinue reading “Celebrating Angels”
The value of liturgy on the margins
Sr Elizabeth Young RSM, 18 November 2021 A few years ago, a representative from the Bedgerabong Union Church (shared across several Christian denominations) wrote to the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes with the following message: “Many Catholic residents of the Bedgerabong-Corinella area are requesting that Catholic services be held in the Bedgerabong Church, depending on the priestsContinue reading “The value of liturgy on the margins”
Deacon Gary Stokes – Just Amazing
Deacon Gary Stokes, 10 November 2022 Deacon Gary Stokes was called to the hospital one day to visit a man on the point of death. He had experienced it before; people ask what is ahead and it frightens the heck out of them. But this time was significant. He had very recently baptised the man’sContinue reading “Deacon Gary Stokes – Just Amazing”
A refuge in grief – Sr Meredith Evans RSM
Sr Meredith Evans RSM, 4 November 2021 Several weeks ago, Sr Meredith Evans rsm got a phone call. It was the 19-year-old son of her friend, to tell her that ‘Frances’ * mother had died. Frances was distraught. Could Sister Meredith come to see her? The two women had met eight years ago, when FrancesContinue reading “A refuge in grief – Sr Meredith Evans RSM”
A priestless town – Anakie not anarchy
Anne Hatte, 28 October 2022 “If I don’t go to them, they will never know who Jesus is, or that they are loved by God.” So Anne Hatte witnesses in her tiny, struggling community, as she hopes to leave a legacy for the next generations. Anne lives with her husband on a farm in Anakie,Continue reading “A priestless town – Anakie not anarchy”
Faith Margins, Even in the City
Fr Erick Niyiragira CP, 21 October 2021 I met Erick, now a Passionist priest, while we were studying theology together in Adelaide. He is a truly inspiring person and spiritual leader. While Fr Erick has been ordained as a priest, he was first ordained as a deacon. Even though this ‘transitional’ role often appears differentContinue reading “Faith Margins, Even in the City”
Patricia Smith – Voices to be Heard
Patricia Smith, 14 October 2021 Patricia Smith, who lives in Sydney on Darug and Guringai country, describes herself simply as a Catholic from birth with a deep love of the Eucharist. She sees herself primarily as a homemaker, a writer and a musician. Liturgical music is her way of serving her community, as a choirContinue reading “Patricia Smith – Voices to be Heard”
Liturgy on the Margins 