All of us, at least to some extent, shape our identity and measure ourselves in response to the comments and ideas of others. From an early age we are taught how to speak, dress and act in order to be ‘acceptable’ to others. Usually this is a good thing, but sometimes it can go horribly wrong.
This Sunday’s Gospel teaches us how to find our true identity. Read more
Celebrating At Home 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time [PDF]
Celebrating At Home 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time [ePub]
Today is traditionally the day on which we celebrate Our Lady's Birthday. No one knows, of course, when Mary of Nazareth was born, but like all families we celebrate important events in the lives of those close to us. The birth of her son, Jesus, was the hope and dawning of salvation for the whole world.
Mary has long been considered the model of the Christian person: one who puts their faith and trust in God and who allows the Word of God to take root in their hearts and who gives that Word human shape and form in loving words and actions.
This Sunday is Fathers’ Day. Due to COVID many of us will not have the opportunity to gather with our fathers and other family members to celebrate. We will, of course, find ways of being in contact with them or to spend some time quietly remembering those who are no longer with us. We are very conscious of those fathers who have died because of COVID-19. We hold them and their families in our prayer.
Whatever your circumstances, you might like to pray this prayer for all the fathers you know.
Who is leading new projects to protect and sustain the environment? Young people, beyond a doubt. They know well that social and environmental progress are very connected. Older people can learn a great deal from the young. “Let us take advantage of their example,” as the Pope says, “and reflect on our lifestyle, especially during these moments of health, social and environmental crisis.” Share this message of Francis with your family and friends. Watch here
Because of COVID lockdowns and travel restrictions many experience a sense of isolation. Even with the benefits of modern technology and social media we can still feel cut off from those dear to us, unable to leave our homes, go to work, meet up with friends. We share something of the experience of the man in this Sunday’s Gospel. He cannot hear, and cannot speak properly. Living in the ancient world that must have been a profoundly isolating, frightening and frustrating experience for him. Read more
Celebrating At Home 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time [PDF]
Celebrating At Home 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time [ePub]
In this issue of our JPIC newsletter Peter Clark reflects on the latest IPCC report and the recent Bishop's statement, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. The Statement draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations. Peter is passionate about saving our planet from destruction and he shares his wisdom from a lifetime working as a geologist.
Join Lay Carmelites from Australia and New Zealand in prayer, reflection and celebration online on Saturday 4 September from 2-3.30pm (AEST) via Zoom. The prayer gathering will include presentations from Lay Carmelites working in various areas of environmental concern. It will mark the launch of the Australian Catholic Bishop's 2021-2022 Social Justice Statement, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor and the beginning of Seasons of Creation for the month of September. Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5847203845?pwd=K2lMVVZtcFFzM1RhZ1dsbFZTeDE3QT09
Meeting ID:584 720 3845 Passcode 080244gf
In October 2021, the Catholic Church in Australia will gather for the first Assembly of the Plenary Council to be held since the second Vatican Council. In 2018, when the decision to hold a Plenary Council was announced, the entire People of God in Australia began preparing for this historic moment by listening to God and by listening to one another’s stories of faith.
Join Fr Paul Cahill, a member of the Plenary Council, for Looking to the Plenary Council: A Carmelite Response on Wednesday 1 September 10.30-12.00 midday via Zoom. Book here | Read pdf Fr Paul's article here | More Plenary Resources here.
The Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, affirms that “we human beings need a change of heart, mind, and behaviour”. It draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations.
Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor helps to ground and inspire efforts to care for creation while responding to the needs of the disadvantaged and excluded. The Statement also reflects on the need for conversion and change of life. Read pdf Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor | Watch the launch video
In these pandemic times we have all got the message about the need to wash our hands to prevent infection. In the time of Jesus, the ritual practice of washing hands had little to do with the transmission of disease. In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus reminds his listeners that evil does not come from the outside, but from within. According to Jesus, being at rights with God is not achieved through ritual practice but through inner conversion to the mind and heart of God. It’s our hearts, not our hands, which need washing. Read more
Celebrating At Home 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time [PDF]
Celebrating At Home 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time [ePub]
