Remembering the days of the St Kevin’s schoolyard

The strong bond between Julie and Marie Lerch began when Julie married Marie’s son, John, twenty years ago.

There is an appointed time for everything: closure of Mercy Spirituality Centre

While there is sadness at the closure of the Mercy Spirituality Centre, Toronto, there is also deep gratitude for the encounters and insights that have occurred there.

It’s the end of the liturgical year – let’s party!

The inaugural end of liturgical year party took place at the diocesan offices on Friday evening, 24 November.

Ecumenical identity: a real possibility?

In introducing Dr John D’Arcy May, the chair of the diocese’s Ecumenical and Interfaith Council, Rev Christine Sheppard, said, “Isn’t it wonderful we can be together?”

She was, I’m sure, echoing the thoughts of many who had gathered to hear John explore the possibility of an “ecumenical identity”.

“God forgives, not with a decree, but with a caress” (Pope Francis)

As the Missionary of Mercy for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, Fr Richard Shortall sj has traversed the diocese in his motor home, bringing a quiet presence, a listening ear and most of all, God’s overflowing mercy, to all who wished to encounter it.

“A lady of significance” shares her insights

When an accomplished woman speaks about ‘women in leadership’, it’s hard to know who needs to hear the message most – men or women? Fortunately, both were present at the final lunch of the Assembly of Catholic Professionals on Thursday 2 November.