In the new year I moved parishes. I left the Western District of Victoria and the Parish of Terang to move further north to the country parishes of Donald and Birchip. Once again, my experience of a transfer carries with it mixed emotions. There is a tinge of sadness as friendships, relationships and a church community are left behind.
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Editorial
During January I had the luxury of a peaceful retreat and three weeks of reading, swimming, walking (not running any more), good company and time to reflect on life and Church and world.
Editorial
International travel unearths unending fascinating experiences. On a recent trip to Kuala Lumpur I visited the Islamic Arts Museum, Malaysia, to find that the special exhibit was Australia’s Muslim Cameleers – Pioneers of the Inland, 1860s – 1930s. Originally mounted by the South Australian Museum, this exhibition was on loan.
Priestly / Episcopal Obedience
The last few copies of The Swag, have given a lot of attention to Bishop Morris. It reminded me, that as priests, we are all greatly influenced by the discussions of others.
Tell the good news please
I was reading The Messenger of Saint Anthony recently and was impressed by an interview with Peter Stanford, an English Catholic Reporter, and a frequent contributor to The Tablet. He was asked what he concentrated on when reporting about the Church. His answer was – “give the facts about the Church and note the “Good News” stories about what is happening in the Church”.
The New Translation
There is no doubt that priests and people will soon become accustomed to the new translation of the Mass. This is not to deny the many infelicitous phrases and cumbersome constructions in a work that was obviously designed by a committee.
The Curate’s Egg
When I’m asked what I think of the new translation of the missal, I say, “It’s like the curate’s egg.”
Shortage of Priests Requires a Rethink
Some time ago a parishioner in Kingsgrove parish, where I was serving, said to me that with the growing shortage of priests why don’t the bishops of the church conceive of a new way of ministering other than in a territorial parish. The Swag editors are keen to hear from you. Letters and articles should be submitted by email (Word document) to [...]
Bishops eating their own
The most chilling line in Eric Hodgens’ article (The Swag, Summer, 2011) is his observation about the Morris affair that shows “the bishops eat(ing) their own”: Heaps, Heather, Robinson and now Morris.
Support After Suicide
Support After Suicide, a Jesuit Social Services’ program, has launched a helpful online service.
