In 1988, the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger published “The Structure and Tasks of the Synod of Bishops,” in Church, Ecumenism and Politics: New Essays in Ecclesiology (Crossroad, 1988). The essay analyzes the Synod of Bishops from theological and canonical perspectives.
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Editorial
Thanks, firstly, for the positive feedback regarding the spring edition of The Swag which showcased the July Parramatta Convention and a second word of thanks to all who have contributed material for this summer edition.
Editorial
Recently I visited Theology on Tap (TOT), a regular forum run at a few pubs in Sydney for young people. I was the host to the speaker for the evening, Theresa Burke, founder of Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Retreats for those suffering post abortion trauma. She was visiting from America.
A Bishop looks back – Michael Malone
“The job has taken an emotional toll, it’s worn me down,” he says, and admits that the “complexities of the role have become more acute. There’s no training to be bishop, as there is for priesthood.”
The National School Chaplaincy Program
The Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Website notes the program “aims to support school communities that wish to access the services of a school chaplain or secular pastoral care worker.
Youth Congress – Beginning a dialogue
Crowds gathered for the National Youth Ministry Convention on Friday 1st October. John Miller, a youth minister supporting gay and lesbian young people in Sydney’s Newtown parish went to the Convention.
Catholic Bishops welcome High Court ruling on Offshore Detention
The Catholic bishops of Australia welcomed the High Court Judgement that Australian legal procedures must be thoroughly considered and applied by those who make decisions about asylum seekers held in immigration detention.
Old dogs with new tricks
Australia’s Religious Sisters, Brothers and clerical Priests are older and fewer but they are doing many new things, a recent survey has found.

