Reflections – Liturgy on the Margins

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”

Going into the Deep – National Deacons’ Conference

I have just come back from the National Deacons’ Conference at Baulkham Hills, NSW, with the theme song still ringing in my ears: “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” The song, as well as the display and so many of the conference talks and materials were specially created for the days of the 13-16th ofContinue reading “Going into the Deep – National Deacons’ Conference”

Acts 6:1-7 the story of Deacons?

By Rev. Assoc. Prof. Anthony Gooley, 18 August 2022 I have had the privilege of sometimes meeting with a small network of Catholics exploring ministry and the ministry of deacon in our Australian context. One of the suggestions from that network is that I might consider contributing a few short pieces to this blog toContinue reading “Acts 6:1-7 the story of Deacons?“

Picking up the Peaces of the Plenary

My first instinct was to write ‘picking up the pieces’ of last week’s Australian Plenary Council. It certainly would have a ring of truth. I have received many emails and phone calls expressing pain, disillusionment, anger and even trauma. There was a midweek crisis in which the motions relating to “Witnessing to the Equal DignityContinue reading “Picking up the Peaces of the Plenary”

Preaching to the Converted

Sr Elizabeth Young RSM, 31 March 2022 I was 21 years old, a university student, and attending multiple different churches and spiritual groups at the time. Because of my work in the interfaith movement, I was invited to attend the World Conference of Religions for Peace in Kyoto, Japan. And when I returned – young,Continue reading “Preaching to the Converted”

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”

Margins

“I go to the heart,” he said. “Where could that be?” they said. “Is it to the temple, where our souls are fed? Or is it the zealots, whose passion is red? Or is it the king, our temporal head?” “No, that isn’t the heart,” he said. “I go to my love,” he said. “WhoContinue reading “Margins”