Who is leading new projects to protect and sustain the environment? Young people, beyond a doubt. They know well that social and environmental progress are very connected. Older people can learn a great deal from the young. “Let us take advantage of their example,” as the Pope says, “and reflect on our lifestyle, especially during these moments of health, social and environmental crisis.” Share this message of Francis with your family and friends. Watch here
Because of COVID lockdowns and travel restrictions many experience a sense of isolation. Even with the benefits of modern technology and social media we can still feel cut off from those dear to us, unable to leave our homes, go to work, meet up with friends. We share something of the experience of the man in this Sunday’s Gospel. He cannot hear, and cannot speak properly. Living in the ancient world that must have been a profoundly isolating, frightening and frustrating experience for him. Read more
Celebrating At Home 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time [PDF]
Celebrating At Home 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time [ePub]
In this issue of our JPIC newsletter Peter Clark reflects on the latest IPCC report and the recent Bishop's statement, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. The Statement draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations. Peter is passionate about saving our planet from destruction and he shares his wisdom from a lifetime working as a geologist.
Join Lay Carmelites from Australia and New Zealand in prayer, reflection and celebration online on Saturday 4 September from 2-3.30pm (AEST) via Zoom. The prayer gathering will include presentations from Lay Carmelites working in various areas of environmental concern. It will mark the launch of the Australian Catholic Bishop's 2021-2022 Social Justice Statement, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor and the beginning of Seasons of Creation for the month of September. Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5847203845?pwd=K2lMVVZtcFFzM1RhZ1dsbFZTeDE3QT09
Meeting ID:584 720 3845 Passcode 080244gf
In October 2021, the Catholic Church in Australia will gather for the first Assembly of the Plenary Council to be held since the second Vatican Council. In 2018, when the decision to hold a Plenary Council was announced, the entire People of God in Australia began preparing for this historic moment by listening to God and by listening to one another’s stories of faith.
Join Fr Paul Cahill, a member of the Plenary Council, for Looking to the Plenary Council: A Carmelite Response on Wednesday 1 September 10.30-12.00 midday via Zoom. Book here | Read pdf Fr Paul's article here | More Plenary Resources here.
The Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, affirms that “we human beings need a change of heart, mind, and behaviour”. It draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations.
Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor helps to ground and inspire efforts to care for creation while responding to the needs of the disadvantaged and excluded. The Statement also reflects on the need for conversion and change of life. Read pdf Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor | Watch the launch video
In these pandemic times we have all got the message about the need to wash our hands to prevent infection. In the time of Jesus, the ritual practice of washing hands had little to do with the transmission of disease. In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus reminds his listeners that evil does not come from the outside, but from within. According to Jesus, being at rights with God is not achieved through ritual practice but through inner conversion to the mind and heart of God. It’s our hearts, not our hands, which need washing. Read more
Celebrating At Home 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time [PDF]
Celebrating At Home 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time [ePub]
Over the last four Sundays, St John has taken us on a journey of discovering Jesus as the living Word of God who nourishes and strengthens us on our journey; as the living bread who gives his very self (flesh and blood) for the life of the world; and, today, as the bread of faith. Those who share the bread of faith are those who have chosen to believe in Jesus and follow him. Only by drawing life from Jesus can one be drawn into the life of God. Read more
Celebrating At Home 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time [PDF]
Celebrating At Home 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time [ePub]
This weekend, the Carmelites are not only celebrating the Feast of the Assumption, but also the 20th anniversary of the Australian Carmelites taking responsibility for the East Timor Mission and the Timorese Carmelites. The Indonesian Carmelites who founded the mission in 1999 and In January 2001, asked the Australian Carmelites to take responsibility for the Timor-Leste mission and the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Zumalai. Their request was made in the light of the changing political circumstances in Timor-Leste and the struggle for independence from Indonesia. The Australian Carmelites voted unanimously to accept this responsibility and on 15 August 2001 formally took responsibility for the Timor-Leste Mission and the Timorese Carmelites. More story
In difficult situations we look for hope. Who or what will deliver us? Where is the light at the end of the tunnel? In the pandemic we have looked to health authorities and governments, to lockdowns, mask-wearing and social distancing. More recently, we have looked to vaccines. The Assumption of Mary is a great feast of hope! In the scripture and related writings for this feast, we learn that God’s plan is that we, like Mary, are destined to share the same glory of heaven, through Christ’s resurrection. Read more
Celebrating At Home Assumption of BVM [PDF]
Celebrating At Home Assumption of BVM [ePub]
