TUESDAYS WITH TERESA: Servant Leadership
The target of 80% of people vaccinated in NSW, marks the beginning of greater freedoms for us, while still needing to take precautions. I note that today, Sunday, is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, commencing Anti-poverty week, with its associated theme, Building Together: Ending Persistent Poverty, Respecting All People on our Planet. We know that there is a divide between those in the developed world who have access to COVID vaccination, and those who are on society’s margins who do not have the benefit of protection from, or treatment of, COVID. We are reminded daily of the disadvantage that many face around our globe, and we can become overwhelmed by their plight.
TUESDAYS WITH TERESA: Canticle of the Turning
What an amazing week it has been for the Catholic Church in Australia. The first session of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia was closed today (Sunday) after many words, both written and spoken. Now begins the nine-month journey to the second session which will be held in July. For many women, the image of nine months won’t be lost on them.
TUESDAYS WITH TERESA: A missionary and evangelising Church
The Fifth Plenary Council of Australia has begun with Mass on Sunday, live-streamed from Perth and then with Mass each day this week.
TUESDAYS WITH TERESA: Towards an ever wider “we”
Once again it is Sunday night, and I have just experienced a Zoom Candlelight prayer with 240 people from across Australia, who gathered for Migrant and Refugee Sunday, and also the end of the 150-day initiative.
TUESDAYS WITH TERESA: Lead Kindly Light
What a week it has been, for Bishop Bill, and for us in our diocese! I trust the words Bishop Bill used to begin his Pastoral Letter are the words that bring hope and comfort to him and to us – Lead Kindly Light.
TUESDAYS WITH TERESA: Penitential memory
I note that on this Sunday of my writing this message, the diocese has been asked by Bishop Bill to hold a special Perpetual Day of Remembrance Sunday, which is held on the Sunday on or prior to the 15 September.
TUESDAYS WITH TERESA: Deep Listening
The message from this week’s Gospel (Mark 7:31-37), Ephphatha (Be Opened), is an invitation for us to listen – to ourselves, each other, creation and God.
It is Jesus who can open our ears to hear the other, and we are being invited into these moments of grace.
TUESDAYS WITH TERESA: Season of Creation
For those of you who open this message on a Tuesday, you will be reading and reflecting on it on the last day of winter, while still being in lockdown in different parts of Australia. My regular readers are aware that my week begins with writing this message on a Sunday evening, usually after celebrating Mass at the Cathedral.