Doxa School Bendigo prides itself on being a welcoming place, so it comes as no surprise that they have chosen to feature an artwork in their foyer which provides a cultural welcome to all who enter the space. The original design by indigenous artist Troy Firebrace features an Acknowledgement of Country with the heading Wominjeka, meaning welcome; writes Jenni Kennedy. 

By Lyn Breen 

The Feast of Christ the King marks the end of the liturgical year. It’s a time for us to reflect and pray about the values that shape our lives and the ways we have travelled over the last year.

Catholic Health Australia has awarded leading Catholic bioethicist Reverend Dr Joseph Parkinson its highest honour for his contribution to health and education. Dr Parkinson was awarded the CHA 2021 Sr Maria Cunningham Lifetime Contribution Award at the organisation’s national awards ceremony on 11 November 2021.

Leaders of faith communities in Victoria have written an open letter to the Attorney-General regarding the Equal Opportunity (Religious Exceptions) Amendment Bill 2021. The letter, printed in The Age on 16 November, expresses their grave concerns about the proposed amendments which it calls a ‘gross overreach’ by a Government ‘seeking to dictate how faith communities should run their organisations.’

Pope Francis has appointed Fr Tim Norton, a priest of the Society of the Divine Word, as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. Fr Norton, born and raised in Australia, has spent much of his priestly ministry overseas, including the past several years in Italy. He has served as head of the Australian Province of his order and spent time as vice-president of Catholic Religious Australia.

A collection of sermons and pastoral messages from Australian Catholic Bishops during Easter 2020 has been published by St Pauls Publications.  These messages have an enduring value as they capture a time of strangeness, deprivation and isolation, pierced by the joyful good news of Christ’s resurrection.

A complete restoration of the roof above the aisles of Sacred Heart Cathedral was completed last week.  The Diocese is committed to the continual conservation of its most iconic and spiritually significant building. 

The Sandhurst Diocese ‘Pathways for Families 2022’ online resource contains a wide variety of live links to information, networks and resources to enrich, interest and support families in their continuing journeys in Faith, Prayer, Spirituality, Connections to the wider community, and much more.

We hope you enjoy exploring Pathways for Seniors 2022 online via computer, smart ‘phone or tablet!

"For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission"
Sixteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops

On the same day that Archbishop Coleridge celebrated the closing Mass in Brisbane for the First Assembly of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, Pope Francis launched the first phase of the Sixteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops during Mass in Rome.