End-of-conference group shot from the Archdiocese of Sydney’s annual Clergy Conference, held in Terrigal in early September. Photo by Kerry Myers.

Over 700 people witnessed the ordination to the priesthood of Peter Hendriks MSC by Bishop David Walker, in September with around 40 concelebrating priests at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Willoughby NSW

Fr Loorthusamy Irudeyasamy, born in Tamil Nadu, India, was ordained in Canberra as a priest. In his new vestments, Fr Samy greets his mother and father while Fr Salvanathan and Fr Ken Barker MGL watch on.

Past and present clergy gathered at St Paul’s, Cambden NSW, to honour the 150-year anniversary of the parish. Standing (from left) Fr Mark O’ Keefe (past priest), Fr David Catterall (past priest), Fr Leo Duck (past priest), Fr Sean Cullen (past priest), Fr Mark De Battista (current assistant parish priest) and Fr Michael Williams (current parish priest). Seated is Fr John Whitty (pastor emeritus).

Deng Chour, an Adelaide seminarian in his early twenties, is studying at Corpus Christi College, Melbourne and is originally a refugee from Sudan. With the help of Cabra College, where he completed his secondary education, he has visited the school he founded in Sudan.

The Irish singing group, The Priests, Frs Martin & Eugene O’Hagan (brothers) and Fr David Delargy, played to packed houses in Sydney during their visit in May this year.

In his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Good Shepherd Sunday, 3 May 2009, Pope Benedict XVI listed four human qualities for those discerning a priestly vocation.

Varcha Sidwell, producer of the ABC reality TV series, The Abbey which followed the experience of five women who spent a number of weeks at the Benedictine Sisters Abbey at Jamberoo NSW, is currently working on another TV presentation.

Retired priest of the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese, Fr Alistair McLean of Deniliquin, has taken on the role of acting PP of Kununurra in the Diocese of Broome for three months.