Vicky Gonzalez Burrows, 19 June 2025 There is so much to the ministry journey of Vicky Gonzalez Burrows, even as a young woman, that it is hard to do it justice. Suffice to say that she has been an outstanding person of faith, gifted and called as a Catholic faith leader. However, her uncommon journeyContinue reading “Empowered to Minister”
Category Archives: All posts
Being Polyglots
Cecilia Tan, 29 May 2025 Cecilia, who has shared her story on this blog before, has offered this powerful poem and its explanation to continue the conversation after the death of one Pope and the naming of another. It was written for Good Shepherd Sunday. Thank you, Cecilia! These are extraordinary times. The world mournedContinue reading “Being Polyglots”
A Eulogy for a Dear Departed Deacon
Peter and Robyn Presdee, 15 May 2025 On Good Friday this year, we lost a dear inspiration, member and friend to us in Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate. Deacon Peter Presdee previously open up his story for us, as did his wife, Robyn Presdee, on this blog. They have also been most generous in ourContinue reading “A Eulogy for a Dear Departed Deacon”
Being a Boundary-Rider
Deacon Peter de Haas, 8 May 2025 The Gulf Savannah Parish, in Far North Queensland, was in the grip of a severe drought. Deacon Peter de Haas, together with his wife Angela and adult daughter Alicia, delivered care packages to people on the cattle stations. These care packages were made possible through the concern andContinue reading “Being a Boundary-Rider”
A Deacon’s Story from Spain
Deacon Francisco José García-Roca López, 1 May 2025 Today I am privileged to share the story of a deacon from Spain, who kindly offered to write about his experience of call and ministry. He original words were in Spanish, and Google Translate has helped to make this translation to English possible. ¡Muchas gracias, Francis! MinistryContinue reading “A Deacon’s Story from Spain”
Pope of the Peripheries
Elizabeth Young rsm, 26 April 2025 We are mourning the death of Pope Francis, our inspired leader of the Catholic Church, the Bishop of Rome. I had a couple of retreat days after Easter and had the space to write this memorial for him. What first came to mind was his approach – as firstContinue reading “Pope of the Peripheries”
On the Margins… Where Deacons Come Into Their Own
Deacon Shane Hyland, 3 April 2025 Deacon Shane Hyland is one of the brand-newest in the country! He was ordained for the Diocese of Lismore on the 23rd of February, 2025. So he has a wonderful perspective on the value of the diaconate, following a journey of call and discernment, ministry and life. As aContinue reading “On the Margins… Where Deacons Come Into Their Own”
Exploring the Modern Diaconate: Insights from the Parramatta Seminar
Deacon Roderick Pirotta, 20 March 2025 On Saturday 15th March 2025, the Diocese of Parramatta Diaconate community, hosted a significant seminar focusing on the role and evolution of the Diaconate within the Catholic Church. The event, led by Deacon William T. Ditewig, Ph.D., provided a profound exploration of historical foundations, contemporary challenges, and the futureContinue reading “Exploring the Modern Diaconate: Insights from the Parramatta Seminar”
A whirlwind 6 days in Rome!
Deacon Tony Hoban *, 13 March 2025 I present here a reflection on my experience of travelling recently to Rome for the International Diaconate Centre (IDC) Study Conference and then the Jubilee for Deacons. I want to express my thanks my Bishop Vincent Long, Bishop of Parramatta, for supporting a great deal of my costContinue reading “A whirlwind 6 days in Rome!”
National (Australian) Deacons Conference 2025
Adelaide Hills Convention Centre, Hahndorf Discovery Parks Deborah Robertson and Elizabeth Young rsm, 6 March 2025 Firstly, from Deborah: On Thursday 27th February around 80 participants gathered for the biennial conference for Catholic deacons in Australia, their wives and other friends and associates. Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Balvo attended for the whole conference along withContinue reading “National (Australian) Deacons Conference 2025”
Liturgy on the Margins 