The artists get there first
The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
(William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, spoken by Portia, IV, i, 184-187).
These words suggest that true mercy flows and is given freely. It is characterised by gentleness and availability. Contemplating art is one way of observing mercy and being receptive to the quality of mercy in one’s own life and community.
Rising from the ashes - life after death in Cambodia
Diocesan Director for Catholic Mission, Mark Toohey, visited Cambodia recently. Mark witnessed projects which will soon be the focus of Catholic Mission’s fundraising across Australian parishes. Catholic Mission has supported the Church for over 175 years and operates in 160 countries. Here is Mark’s account of his visit.
Is it time for a difficult but necessary conversation?
Dust you are and to dust you shall return. Genesis (3:19)
“Do you want to be buried or cremated?” is not usually a question you ask around the dinner table, and for many years, cremation wasn’t even an option available to Catholics.
Enjoy a cuppa for a friend
Had life’s pathway been slightly more circuitous and led a teenage girl into matrimony with her favourite matinee idol of the time, then today, she might be known as Mrs Ada Gable or perhaps, Mrs Ada Bogart. As it turned out, Ada at age 21 met and married Max, the love of her life, and she became Mrs Ada Staader. Not an unmemorable name you would have to agree. Till Max’s recent passing, the couple enjoyed a happy marriage, celebrating their Diamond Jubilee.
English: Offering something more than Kardashian culture
In New South Wales, English is still the only compulsory subject in the HSC. Why has it this status? What do students actually study, and perhaps more importantly, learn? Teacher Jane Mack responds.
Just because change is normal, doesn’t mean it’s easy
I began working at St Peter’s Campus, All Saints College, Maitland as a clerical assistant in 1994. In 2008 I undertook a new direction and became a Pastoral Care Worker for the College, under the National Schools Chaplaincy Program. One of my first challenges in this role came when I undertook training to be a Companion in the Seasons for Growth Program.
Is there room for a child in your home?
CatholicCare believes that every child deserves a loving, caring home and is currently seeking carers who can help ensure that children in the Hunter-Manning get just that. The organisation has been providing social services for over 50 years. Aurora spoke with CatholicCare’s Foster Care Recruitment and Support Manager, Kim Creigh, to find out more about Out Of Home Care (OOHC), including the support and options available to foster carers.
The five shilling donation
It all began with John Edmonds’ donation to St John’s Building Fund in 1843, and it ends (hopefully not literally!), with his great, great granddaughter, currently a volunteer member of the working group planning celebrations around the 150th anniversary of Bishop Murray claiming St John’s Church as his cathedral, and the restoration of St John’s.
