Greg Barker, Parish Priest of the Huon Valley and Diocesan Co-ordinator for the Archdiocese of Hobart’s participation in the Year of Grace, offers a personal perspective on the Year of Grace, Pentecost 2012 – Pentecost 2013.

It is 50 years since Vatican Council II was opened by Pope John XXIII on October 11, 1962. To celebrate The Swag will publish reflections from priests who were students in Rome at that time in our 2012 editions. Peter Brock offers the first in this series.

Peter Christie reflects on the recent preaching seminar held in Adelaide where Fr Gregory Heille OP offered principles and practical hints for good preaching practice.

Hal Ranger reflects on finding Christ during the busy time with Christmas Masses, parties, family gatherings and shopping.

Michael Kelly SJ, Executive Director of UCA NEWS, explores the way Bishop Morris was removed and the implications for people who disagree with Vatican officials.

Peter Day reflects on meeting those often excluded from our sight in society and the church. He finds a rather unsettling familiar face – the face of Christ in the poor and homeless.

I first met Sharon at a Mass in 1991, and over the ensuing four years came to know her as a disarmingly honest and challenging friend.

Greg Burke, OCD led the Toowoomba priests’ retreat recently and offered Saint Teresa’s challenge to them: “Can you allow yourselves to be loved by God?”

Denis Dennehy, priest of the Diocese of Ballarat, tells the story of the church bell gone missing. Can you help the people of Yackamul get a new bell for their new church?

Kevin Hegarty reflects on the meaning of priesthood in these challenging times. This is an extract of a talk given at the Association of Catholic Priests Ireland, Annual General Meeting on 4 October 2011.