November 16, 2021
It is difficult to know how to begin this week’s message, with the news of the death of Bishop Bill Wright. Like me, many of you may have been thinking of him and holding him in prayer over the past few months, but nothing prepares you for the finality of someone not being there anymore. I have been struck lately by his empty chair in our Cathedral, and now it is really empty as we await a new Bishop.
November 09, 2021
According to St Ambrose, ‘God does not consider what one gives but what one keeps.’ Could it be that we give too little and keep too much?
November 02, 2021
By the time you read this message it will be the 2nd of November, towards the end of All Souls Day and we will also have celebrated All Saints Day (1 November).
October 26, 2021
The return to Mass this weekend brought with it a sense of joy, of being back in the Cathedral and once again seeing the light streaming in through the stained glass windows.
October 19, 2021
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.
October 12, 2021
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.