University of Notre Dame Australia Professor Tracey Rowland is the first Australian to receive a prestigious Ratzinger Prize for 2020, which is described as the “Nobel Prize” in Theology. She received her award from Pope Francis in October 2021.

A vivid performance from Will Smith as the father of future tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams energises this intriguing fact-based sports drama. By turns determined and, as the nickname of the title suggests, domineering, with the help of his dedicated wife, he overcomes long odds to fulfil his dream of making his daughters world-renowned champions.

Divine Word priest Fr Tim Norton will become an Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Brisbane. Fr Norton, who is currently in ministry in Italy, will early next year join Auxiliary Bishop Ken Howell in supporting Archbishop Mark Coleridge in serving the Catholics of Brisbane Archdiocese.

Blessed Charles de Foucauld will finally be canonised 15 May 2022, the Vatican announced on 9 November. Along with Blessed de Foucauld, the spring ceremony will see the canonisation of the Indian martyr Devasahayam Pillai and five founders of religious orders.

A new book produced by the Australian Catholic Bishops titled Streams of Light: Easter Messages from Australian Bishops During Lockdown 2020 is a collection of sermons and pastoral letters of the bishops of Australia during the height of the pandemic.

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President Archbishop Mark Coleridge said bishops and leaders of religious congregations have worked with Catholic Church Insurance for more than 100 years, last year reporting that recent and projected compensation claims for historical abuse had necessitated an increase in the company’s capital levels.

Parish Pastoral Council members from across the Archdiocese have recently gathered for the second of a four-part Parish Renewal program, focussing on prayer, discernment and developing parish pastoral plans.

A group of primary school students from Harvey have been recognised with a Catholic Identity award for primary schools, which is part of the Quality Catholic Education Awards – for bringing the school community together.

St John of God Murdoch Hospital has won the 2021 HESTA Compassion in Action Social Justice Award. The award, run by Catholic Health Australia and sponsored by HESTA, recognises an individual or team who has shown creativity, commitment, and accomplishment in effecting positive social change.

The announcement that four-year-old Cleo Smith was found alive and safe may have prompted many practitioners to imagine how they would respond when faced with a similar situation.