Catholic Identity and Mission 

International Women’s Day

On Wednesday, March 8th we recognised International Women’s Day.  Gabrielle Perry and Grace Burns made some posters that they put up around the school of inspirational women leaders.  Some of these are below. Grace also read a prayer over the speaker at homeroom.  The Year 10 Youth Ministry class handwrote letters to influential women in their lives. As Scott Blencowe said when he introduced the lesson, “…we want tears with what you write!”  We will post these letters this week.

Pope Francis applauds women on International Women's Day

"On International Women's Day, I think of all women: I thank them for their commitment to building a more humane society, through their ability to grasp reality with a creative eye and a tender heart."

Pope Francis said this during his Wednesday General Audience in the Vatican, recalling that the international Day is being commemorated on 8 March, stressing, “This is a privilege of women alone!”

"In these days of Lent," he said, "walk even more courageously in the footsteps of Christ, seeking to imitate His humility and faithfulness to the divine will."

Congratulations to Bishop Greg on his further appointment by Pope Francis.

Bishop Greg Bennet receives appointment by Pope Francis            

On 23rd March Bishop Greg Bennet, Bishop of Sale, received a further appointment as a Member of the Dicastery for the Clergy from His Holiness, Pope Francis.

Bishop Greg said that, in the days prior to the announcement, he had received a telephone call from His Eminence Lazarus You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery, advising him of the Holy Father’s appointment. “It was a very encouraging and warm fraternal conversation” said Bishop Greg.

The Dicastery for Clergy is responsible for overseeing matters regarding diocesan priests and deacons (those not belonging to religious orders) and seminaries. The Dicastery focuses its efforts on the ongoing formation of clergy by providing guidance to Bishops in their ongoing care, formation and education of clergy. The Dicastery provides the oversight by the Holy See in the training of candidates for Holy Orders in seminaries throughout the world by norms which establish seminaries and guide seminary formation to ensure seminarians receive a solid human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation in preparation for ordination. As important is connection between seminary formation and life-long formation.

Bishop Greg said he was both surprised and humbled by the appointment: “It is a great honour to be appointed by Pope Francis as a Member of the Dicastery. I look forward to making my contribution to those important discussions and directions regarding seminary formation and the ongoing formation of clergy. The Church needs seminarians and clergy who can truly embrace the call of Jesus Christ, and who are well formed for their mission of service to proclaim the Good News to our sisters and brothers. At the heart of this is the capacity to be formed after the heart of the Good Shepherd himself and to allow our personal relationship with him to shape us in every way – this is a life-long call. The mission of the Dicastery is pivotal to the Church and exciting in many ways. Much of my previous study and priesthood have been directed to the care of clergy and their ongoing formation; I shall bring this experience to this appointment. ”

When asked about the time commitment beyond his current responsibility as Bishop of Sale, he replied: “I understand my engagement as a Member of the Dicastery will be undertaken remotely, however on some occasions, I may be required to attend in person. My poor Personal Assistant will need to manage my diary and me even more!”

Master’s Graduation

Last Friday John Ryan, Nicole Dudman and Cate Kavanagh graduated from their master’s study that was completed at the end of 2022.

Master of Education and Theology – John Ryan & Nicole Dudman

Master of Theology – Cate Kavanagh

A wonderful achievement by our staff.

Easter Liturgy

This year’s Easter Liturgy will take place at 12.00 pm on Thursday 30th March in Pioneer Hall.

Jonathon Bowman and the Youth Ministry Students have been busy organising the service.

Easter Church Services

Please see the Parish News attached to this newsletter for Mass times in particular Easter Services coming up.

Walking Together: Catholics and Jews in the Australian Context

I came across this interesting article from the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference this week. The link is above for those interested.

My Easter Message for you

Amid the darkness of war, hostility, devastation caused by natural disasters, ill health and struggles of daily life, we believe in the light of the Resurrection. 

We people of hope. Easter people.

The story of that first Easter morning when the tomb was found empty, we know that Jesus rose from the dead.  His tears of anguish on Good Friday were transformed into incomparable joy as he joined his Father in heaven.

In a world that desperately needs hope, we are called to be bearers of that Good News. 

Let us rejoice and be glad when Christ rises this Easter Sunday.

With the candle of hope alive in our own hearts, let us light our world with the candles of peace, faith and love.

I wish you every blessing in this wonderful Easter season.