A plan to force aged care providers to report a broader range of alleged abuse or neglect incidents to the sector’s watchdog has been criticised by Labor for excluding vulnerable Australians receiving home care services. Source: The Age.
While the pandemic silenced many concert halls and restricted the use of congregational singing in many churches, Pope Francis prayed that musicians were using this time to listen. Source: Crux.
Victoria bans gay conversion therapy
05-Feb-2021
Gay conversion therapy has been banned in Victoria after a late-night parliamentary debate and despite concerns about the legislation from psychiatrists, religious organisations and lawyers. Source: The Australian.
Archbishop writes letter to encourage community
05-Feb-2021
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB this week issued a pastoral letter encouraging the Perth Catholic community in light of the COVID-19 lockdown and bushfires. Source: The Record.
In instituting the Word of God Sunday, Pope Francis has offered a wonderful invitation for people to set their hearts on the Word, writes Rosemary Canavan. Source: The Bridge.
Vatican stamps highlight interfaith dialogue
05-Feb-2021
Pope Francis’ ongoing efforts to promote interreligious dialogue will be highlighted in a new series of Vatican stamps. Source: Crux.
Backers of a proposed New South Wales law to affirm parents as the primary educators of their children say it will increase transparency in teaching and resist the undermining of families wishing to pass on values. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
Outback western tackles racial violence
05-Feb-2021
High Ground is an ambitious film that takes up the challenge of honestly examining the life of Australia’s First Nations peoples after 1788 – acknowledging the oppression, massacres and exploitation. Source: Jesuit Media.
Missionaries in Papua New Guinea are promoting eco-sustainable development projects and activities in the spirit of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’. Source: Vatican News.
Carmelite Sister heals body and soul
04-Feb-2021
From being a missionary doctor who helped the poor and vulnerable to becoming a missionary doctor of souls, Sr Thérèse-Marie én of the Eucharist followed God’s desire to consecrate herself entirely to him. Source: Hobart Archdiocese.
Archbishop Wilson laid to rest
04-Feb-2021
Archbishop Philip Wilson has been remembered as a man who lived his faith daily, worked tirelessly for the protection of children and the vulnerable, and who embraced the cross he was given. Source: The Southern Cross.
The liturgy is not a spectacle to be observed but a prayerful event where Christians encounter Christ’s presence in their lives, Pope Francis said yesterday. Source: NCR Online.
Cardinal calls for release of Aung San Suu Kyi
04-Feb-2021
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo has urged Myanmar’s military to release Aung San Suu Kyi after its “shocking” coup on Monday. Source: CNA.
Townsville Bishop Tim Harris says what the community and government are doing to combat youth crime is not working. Source: Townsville Bulletin.
Fighting hunger will require humility, protecting the environment and promoting social justice, Pope Francis said. Source: Crux.
The Australian Federal Police says it has finished its investigation into payments made from the Vatican to Australia and has not found any criminal misconduct. Source: ABC News.
Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe wants a permanent rise in the JobSeeker payment, declaring it an issue of fairness. Source: The Age.
Reading the Bible a ‘conversation with Jesus’
04-Feb-2021
Brisbane Deacon Ivan Ortiz says the feast of Word of God Sunday, set to be celebrated for the first time in Australia this weekend, is a fantastic opportunity to elevate Scripture in people’s daily lives. Source: The Catholic Leader.
From Parish of Our Lady of The Way, North Sydney & Lavender Bay. The first Mass of the day on YouTube. 
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