Sale Cathedral

Dear Friends in Christ,
It was in 2010 that the Catholic Diocese of Sale began considering a pastoral plan for the diocese in the years ahead. This valuable time has enabled us to reflect on the past 125 years of Catholic life in the diocese with gratitude to God whilst beginning to plan ahead for the future in the hope of the Holy Spirit who always leads and animates the Church.

Our reflections together have been in response to the guiding principle of Blessed John Paul II that all such pastoral efforts are based on “knowing, loving and imitating” Jesus Christ but specific pastoral priorities are to arise from local communities (Novo Millennio Ineunte, John Paul II, 2001, 29).

I have published two Pastoral Letters to set parameters and encourage our reflections (Finding Home in Jesus, 2010, and Everything for the Gospel, 2011)

After considerable opportunities for prayerful diocesan discussions, organised via the Diocesan Pastoral Council, two general areas of pastoral priority have arisen. Continue reading →

15 May 2013
Media Release

The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office applaud the government’s commitment to provide refuge for 20,000 of the world’s most vulnerable people through the humanitarian program.

Over the last 15 years Australia has resettled around 13,500 refugees and humanitarian entrants each year. Following the recommendations from the expert panel report released in August 2012 the current Labor government increased that number to 20,000.

“Of the over 15 million refugees worldwide, only 80,000 will be resettled each year” said Bishop Gerard Hanna, Australian Catholic Bishops Delegate for Migrants and Refugees. Continue reading →

Media Release, 15 May, 2013

Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) says that for the 800,000 Australians on income support this Federal Budget provides very little comfort.

“CSSA welcomes the modest increase to the income free threshold of $19 per week for Newstart recipients,” said Executive Director of CSSA, Mr Paul O’Callaghan. “However the large majority of unemployed Australians will be unable to take advantage of this initiative. Given the acute financial stress experienced by households dependent on the Newstart Allowance, this is hardly a fair go.”

“Australia needs to have an independent mechanism for determining allowances such as Newstart,” he said. “The Government continues to reject the adoption of an objective mechanism to determine the adequacy of Newstart and other Allowances and Pensions. But the salaries of politicians, judges and senior public servants are based on an objective mechanism, called the Remuneration Tribunal. We now need a similar mechanism for recommending Allowance and Pension levels so that they are not subject to political whim.” Continue reading →

Fr. Antoine Tarabay OLM

His Excellency Bishop Ad ABIKARAM, Maronite Bishop of Australia, extends a warm invitation to you to attend
THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY of His Excellency Bishop Antoine TARABAY as the 4th Maronite Bishop of Australia
To be held on MONDAY 3 JUNE 2013 AT 6:30PM
at St Maroun’s Cathedral 627 Elizabeth Street, Redfern followed by a Cocktail reception at Le Montage Bayside Events Centre Frazer Street, Leichhardt

RSVP by Wednesday 15 May 2013 to marounia@maronite.org.au Continue reading →

Survey on experiences of the Year of Grace

Pentecost Sunday, 19 June, marks the official end of the Year of Grace, an initiative of the Australian Catholic Bishops. In some places this was to be celebrated with a closing ritual. In other places it was decided simply to merge with the Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict for the universal Church, and to carry forward the momentum of both of these until the end of the year.

The National Planning Team for the Year of Grace is keen to identify, nurture and harvest the fruits of the Year of Grace. In the words of the Book of Revelation, (chs. 2-3) they want to “listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches”.

They have prepared a simple on-line survey, and invite you to spend a few minutes sharing your experiences. The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/yearofgrace

Your responses will be collated and key messages sent to the Bishops of Australia for their discernment.