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Your Diocese

Statement from Bishop Bill Wright: Cardinal Pell appeal outcome

In December 2018 Cardinal George Pell was convicted for the sexual abuse of two choirboys at St Patrick’s Cathedral in 1996 and 1997. It was the second trial, after the first trial’s jury failed to reach a verdict.

Liturgy Matters

LITURGY MATTERS: There’s nothing better than a good liturgical book!

I don’t know about you, but I love to read. It is one of the ways I nurture my faith and my spirit. Reading is also important in my ongoing formation for ministry. Today, we start a new ‘series’ in which, from time to time, we will recommend some good books in the fields of liturgy and RCIA. This week, enjoy Fr. Andrew Doohan's review of a wonderful book about RCIA. Hopefully it will encourage you to get a copy and immerse yourself in it. So grab a cup of tea or coffee, pull up a comfy chair and a copy of Paul Turner’s book… and enjoy!   

Doohan Discourse

DOOHAN DISCOURSE: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

My homily for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) as preached during the 9.30am Mass in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton, and featuring the musical skills of Dr Anne Millard, the Cathedral's Director of Music.

Opinion & Comment

TUESDAYS WITH TERESA: Reflecting on the Plenary Council Report

I don’t know about you but so much can happen in a week and this past week has been no different. On this Sunday night of writing this week’s message, Allen and I have just arrived home from Canberra where we visited our son, his wife and our grandson for the weekend. It was a chilly but homely weekend, where we enjoyed the comforts of their new home and just hanging out with each other.

Catholic Schools

Diocesan Athletics Carnival 2019

Talented athletes from schools in the Upper Hunter, Lakes, Manning, All Saints, North and Central regions competed recently in the Diocesan Athletics Carnival. 

Early Education

Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle continues to expand its education network

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is expanding its education network, with the official launch today of St Nicholas Pathways.

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, CEO, Sean Scanlon, said the initiative was established to create meaningful pathways to employment and in particular, support the growing demand for early childhood educators.  

Social Services

Restoration projects benefit from research

A compelling documentary explicitly exposing the angst and aspirations of birth parents whose children are in foster care debunks the stereotypes attached to such situations. But it also implicitly begs questions around the pressure of those taking on the responsibility.  

DARA

Creative afternoons encourage conversation

The gentle hum of voices and the clicking of knitting needles fill Thursday afternoons at DARA’s Refugee Hub.

MN Youth

Bishop’s Award winner feels blessed

Edward Dolstra is 13 years old and attends Hunter River High School. He was a recipient last year of a Bishop’s Award after being nominated for his commitment to the life of his parish.

Aurora

And then there’s the Pope

Last month I wrote from Rome but before the Australian Bishops’ Ad Limina visit had begun. I think it will not be too boring if I also set today’s column in that ancient city, but this time with views inside the Vatican and, indeed, the Apostolic Palace itself.

Church

Pope Francis condemns prostitution as the torture of defenceless women

Pope Francis has labelled prostitution a ‘disgusting vice’ that reduces vulnerable women to tortured slaves who are at the mercy of their clients.

Year in Review

Lochinvar’s award-winning architecture

SHAC, the Newcastle architecture design studio based in Islington, NSW, has won the Prestigious Blacket Prize and the NSW Education Award at this year’s NSW Institute of Architecture Awards for Stage One of St Patrick’s Primary School, Lochinvar.