The Australian synthesis, which emerged from a nine-month process that began in October 2021, draws from the diocesan consultation phase for the Synod of Bishops. Image: ACBC. Catholics in Australia have expressed a strong need for a Church that is missionary and a Eucharistic community that is inclusive, the national synthesis for the global Synod on Synodality reveals. The Australia...

The Hobart Cathedral closed on 4 July 2022 to allow much-needed restoration to commence. Hobart Archbishop Julian Porteous announced this week that the Cathedral will remain closed until early December, two months later than originally thought, to further advance restoration work.

In releasing the 2022 Social Justice Statement, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has said the teaching of Christ urges us to promote relationships marked by respect and freedom rather than coercion and control.

Caritas Australia CEO Kirsty Robertson has said that the famine in Ethopia, Kenya and Somalia are some of the worst in this lifetime.

The international humanitarian organisation is taking its Make Hunger History campaign to parishes and schools across Australia to raise funds for its Africa Food Crisis Appeal.

In a Pastoral Letter released this week Wednesday 27 July, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB highlighted that in the two formal Assemblies of the Plenary Council, and in the many years of preparation, there has been a recognition that, in spite of the many failures and limitations of individual Catholics and of Catholic communities, the Church remains a powerful force for good in our society.

A study by Alpha Australia which surveyed 1000 people has found that Australians are most likely to go to friends and family (52 per cent) or online (48 per cent) to find answers to the questions they have about faith, beliefs, and spirituality.

Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb delivered a public lecture entitled The Outsider Pope: Where is Francis leading our Church, hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta on Tuesday 5 July.

Speakers for the upcoming National Deacons Conference in October this year include New South Wales Ageing and Disability Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald M speaking on “Deacons Missioning in a Church Without Walls”, Plenary Council Facilitator Lana Turvey-Collins on listening and service and Dr Anne Benjamin covering how deacons can nurture a synodal Church.

Plenary Council Members applaud the closing of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, Saturday 9 July 2022. Photo: Fiona Basile/ACBC. The nine-month celebration phase of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia ended on Saturday, with Council Members standing and applauding as President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB formally declared the Council closed. Almost four-and-a-half years aft...

Archbishop Costelloe encouraged Members to believe that what the Archangel Gabriel said to the Blessed Virgin Mary is true for them today: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow.”