Angela Gorman, 23 February 2023 Angela Gorman strikes me as someone switched on to the movement of the Spirit. Her ready refrain in our interview was, “God is doing something new in me at the moment.” How could I help but be excited by this inspiring channel of hope? Angela grew up as a CatholicContinue reading “Liturgy – God’s Gift and Call”
Category Archives: Stories
Finding Meaning, Extending Hope
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
Liturgy on the Margins 