Drought conditions worsen in NSW, southwest Queensland

Dust storms are a common sight in parts of Queensland and New South Wales

While monsoon conditions brought flooding rains to North Queensland, inland farming communities in New South Wales and southwest Queensland are looking skywards, still praying for an end to the long-running drought.

Patchy storms prior to Christmas bolstered the spirit of some districts, but farmers have since returned to handfeeding and working through options to keep breeding stock with no reprieve in sight, according to Bathurst Centacare drought assistance project coordinator Louise Hennessy. Continue reading →

Townsville battling once-in-a-century weather event

An aerial photo of flood-ravaged areas around Townsville (Photo: Neil Helmore)

by Neil Helmore, Communications Coordinator, Diocese of Townsville

After many years of failed wet seasons and living under the mythical rain-free “dome”, Townsville has experienced the most catastrophic rain event ever over the past eight days.

Rainfall totals between 1000mm to 1800mm have been recorded in areas between Paulma and Giru with suburbs like Bluewater receiving 500 to 600mm within a two-hour period causing disastrous flash flooding events. Continue reading →

Medal winners share honour with others in their community

Bathurst’s Jim Couper was awarded an Order of Australia Medal last week

Two men recognised in the 2019 Australia Day Honours for their work to support the Church and their local community see their awards as reflecting the efforts of many, not just themselves.

Bathurst’s Jim Couper and Melbourne’s Salem Haddad, a member of the Melkite Catholic Community, were awarded Order of Australian Medals last week. Continue reading →

Organist says music helps ‘bring everyone together’

Mary Brosnan was recognised in the 2019 Australia Day honours

An Ipswich musician who has played the organ for her southeast Queensland parish for 55 years was recognised earlier this week with an Australia Day honour.

Parishioners at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish in Leichhardt (part of the Ipswich Catholic community) are celebrating the recognition of their long-time organist Mary Brosnan, who was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to the community. Continue reading →

Five weeks left for Listening and Dialogue phase Plenary Council 2020

Plenary Council president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB says he’s expecting another flood of responses from people across the country during the final five weeks of the “Listening and Dialogue” phase of the Council.

In the eight months since the Listening and Dialogue period commenced at Pentecost, more than 40,000 people have either made a submission or participated in a group discussion that culminated in a submission. Continue reading →

Service to Church, community recognised with honours

Sr Rita Fitt SGS, who received an Australia Day honour (Photo/Diocese of Wollongong)

Dozens of people have been honoured with Australia Day Awards for their outstanding contribution to the country through their work in the Church’s various ministries.

Among the many recognised for their dedication to community were Catholic teachers, priests, religious women, health care workers and social service workers. Continue reading →

Aussie pilgrims told to focus on Jesus, imitate the Apostles

Dallas Bishop Edward Burns delivers catechesis at World Youth Day for English-speaking pilgrims.

The Australian contingent of World Youth Day Panama pilgrims has been urged to follow the example of the Apostles, to not leave the Church because of Judas and to keep their focus on Jesus.

The hundreds of young Australians have been participating in catechesis sessions along with other English speakers, with similar sessions held in more than two dozen languages. From the Greek word meaning to “echo” or “resound”, catechesis is an act of echoing the Church’s teachings to the world. Continue reading →

Australian pilgrims descend on Panama for World Youth Day

Music was one of the features of the Australian gathering in Panama. (Photo: Diocese of Parramatta)

Australian pilgrims had a busy first official day at World Youth Day Panama, with 700 gathering for an Australian event before joining tens of thousands of others for the opening Mass.

Australian pilgrims have descended on Panama after spending time visiting holy sites in nearby countries, including Mexico and the United States. Continue reading →

Catholic women are responding to the Spirit

Members of the Council for Australian Catholic Women at a recent meeting

Women from across Australia will meet in Adelaide next month to be part of shaping the Church of the future.

Council for Australian Catholic Women chair Dr Trish Madigan OP said she was delighted with the early response to the Stirring the Waters: Catholic Women Responding to the Spirit
colloquium, with registrations very strong and spaces limited. Continue reading →

Symposium to focus on preserving Church art and architecture

Experts in Church architecture will address a symposium in Melbourne in February (Photo/Dion Seminara)

Preserving Australia’s beautiful heritage Catholic churches for future generations will be a major focus of a National Church Architecture Symposium in Melbourne next month.

Jointly organised by the National Liturgical Art and Architecture Council (NLAAC) and the ACU Centre for Liturgy, Where Your Treasure Is, There Will Your Heart Be Also will be held at the Australian Catholic University’s St Patrick’s campus from February 6 to 8. Continue reading →