As we contemplate the face of Christ, wherever it is we find it, we allow our gaze to meet his. We allow his gaze to rest on us. We see the face of God and live, assured that “If you make my word your home, you will learn the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 7:31-32).

THE great sculptor, Michelangelo, was at work on a slab of marble.  A figure was gradually emerging.
“What are you doing, maestro?” asked his wealthy patron, after observing him for a while.
“I am freeing the angel in this block of stone,” replied Michelangelo.

Leading Australian journalist and broadcaster, Caroline Jones remarks in her autobiographical study, An Authentic Life, “I have learnt most of the important things I know about life not from textbooks, but from gracious people.”

The Year of Grace – a nation-wide initiative of the Australian Catholic Bishops – will run from Pentecost this year (May 27) to Pentecost 2013.
It is  not a program; it is actually a push to do less, but to do what we do with more depth!

Let’s commit to making the Year of Grace a special time – for ourselves, our families, parishes and communities.
How to begin?

THE Year of Grace was officially launched in the Sandhurst  Diocese at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo, on Pentecost Sunday, May 27.   Download the Year of Grace Brochure here

The following multimedia entitled 'Knowing Jesus' invites us to reflect on the person of Jesus by responding to the question 'Who do you say that I am ?'

Welcome to the Year of Grace:  an invitation to join the Australian Catholic Bishops in a year of prayerful spiritual renewal.

Not another thing to do, but another way to be.

Together, we are invited to refocus our hearts, lives and actions on the person and presence of Jesus Christ.

Composed by the National Planning Team and endorsed by the Bishop's Working Party, the following is the official prayer for A Year of Grace.

Feastday: 24th May Memorial
Patronage: Australia, Australian Military Chaplains