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”
Category Archives: Stories
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”
Gail Gill – Still on the Journey
Gail Gill, 3 November 2022 This week we are privileged to hear from Gail Gill in her own words – thanks so much for sharing your story, Gail! And STOP PRESS – the Working Document for the Continental Stage of the 2023-2024 Synod of Bishops has just come out. It mentions permanent deacons a fewContinue reading “Gail Gill – Still on the Journey”
Free to Help those in Need
Sr Helen Stannard RSM, 13 October 2022 Three “pivotal moments” stand out for Sr Helen Stannard RSM as she was discerning to join the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta 25 years ago. While on an overseas holiday, the promptings from God became virtually unmistakable. Helen ended up in Notre Dame de Misericordia (Our Lady of Mercy)Continue reading “Free to Help those in Need”
Building Up the Faith of Others
Sr Liz Morris RSJ, 23 September 2022 Sr Liz Morris RSJ was very keen to be interviewed for this blog. As she told me clearly, “Women are already doing diaconate ministry. It is just not called that.” Liz is part of our quest to shine a light on what already has been, and is, occurringContinue reading “Building Up the Faith of Others”
Finding God in All Things
Sue Martin, 25 August 2022 In a reflection she gave for International Women’s Day 2021,1 our blog subject describes herself as “Sue Martin – Jesuit”. Sue has found her calling and identity as a Jesuit woman living on Darug land, as well as a “daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, colleague, peer, chair,Continue reading “Finding God in All Things“
The People Know That We Care
Sr Kerry Keenan RSJ, 11 August 2022 Sr Kerry Keenan RSJ is a country girl at heart, practical and ready to do whatever is asked of her. A dyed-in-the-wool Crows supporter in the AFL, she finds that footy is a great way to connect with people. And she has been asked to take on someContinue reading “The People Know That We Care“
Amens and Alleluias
Fr Don Gunn, 28 July 2022 Fr Don Gunn loves to share stories about life on the margins. Nothing seems to bring more joy than when relating his copious tales of liturgies and pastoral care of people in remote towns and communities. So I sat down with him to learn how this love evolved. AtContinue reading “Amens and Alleluias”
Nourishing My People
Erica Bernard, 21 July 2022 Erica Bernard is at home in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, where she has ancestral roots as a Yawuru (Broome) and Kidja (Halls Creek) woman. She has been working in Catholic Education for over 20 years, and is currently the Community Liaison Officer for the Catholic Education Office ofContinue reading “Nourishing My People”
Liturgy on the Margins 