Editorial: Why do priests matter so much? Why has so much time and energy been spent in the last 25 years trying to reinvigorate an institution that is viewed in some circles, with great suspicion? Record editor, Peter Rosengren gives his thoughts.   Andrew Espar, an altar server at Queen of All Saints Parish in Michigan City, lights candles before the start of a Mass for A...

Fr Erasto Fernandez SSS continues his series of meditations on the Mass. This week: intercession. By Fr Erasto Fernandez SSS A lively faith is extremely important for the effectiveness of our Eucharist, especially for the liturgy of the Bread. Through the Word, God reminds his people of what he has done for them throughout their human history. Their reflection enables them to s...

Q & A with Fr John Flader. This week: St John Vianney.   St John Vianney, the Cure of Ars. Photo: CNS.   Question: Pope Benedict declared a Year for Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of St John Vianney. Talking with my friends, I have discovered that none of us knew much about him. Who was he and why is he so important...

The search to discover one's vocation begins in families.

Primary school teacher, Helen Coombs speaks with The Record's Debbie Warrier.   Helen Coombs. Photo: Debbie Warrier.   I was baptised into the Methodist Church (later the Uniting Church) and grew up in a Christian family in Victoria. The church was a big part of our family life in terms of worship, sport and social events. In my 20’s I still believ...

Seeing beyond depression by Jean Vanier. Available from The Record Bookshop $13.95 plus P/H. Reviewed by Mark Reidy Jean Vanier describes depression as a dark and painful force that invades the deepest part of one’s being and believes that it is an illness that cannot be sufficiently managed by the sufferer alone. In this simple and concise book, he provides, as the title...

Religious believers of all faiths are perfectly justified in their suspicion of the media. By Peter Rosengren   The media has an almost unlimited potential for the common good of the world. Instead, it has probably done more damage to social progress than any other institution in human history. Episode 1: I still recall with something approaching astonishment the ...

Blesseds who started great works at a young age inspire Perth conference, named as Catholic Youth Ministry Perth's new patrons.   Fr Timothy Deeter in front of images of CYM Perth's new spiritual patrons, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Blessed Mary MacKillop. Photo: Robert Hiini   Two inspiring individuals who overcame adversity to discern  their...

Cardinal reports global positive response. VATICAN CITY (Zenit.org) - The Congregation for Clergy has successfully launched a new website for the Year for Priests, which began on June 19. The enthusiasm surrounding this occasion has echoed in initiatives across the globe. A letter from Cardinal Cláudio Hummes, prefect of the congregation, expressed the hope that "this...

Malaysia Day Celebrations to become large-scale World Youth Day fundraiser. By Robert Hiini FATHER Roy Periera, a priest who has spent the last ten years ministering in country WA - has never forgotten about his first-love of youth ministry. He is spearheading an upcoming event at the Perth Convention Centre where he hopes to raise tens-of-thousands of dollars to send 300 ...