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.”

Plenary Council Members have celebrated the passage of almost all motions contained in the Motions and Amendments document that formed the second assembly’s agenda on Friday 8 July.

Plenary Council Members have on Thursday said ecological conversion is “both personal and communal”, and that there was “urgent need for action” from Catholic entities through the development of, or alignment with, Laudato Si’ Action Plans inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical letter of the same name. Photo: Fiona Basile/ACBC Plenary Council Members have passed all six motions they consid...

In his homily for the votive Mass Friday 8 July at the Second Assembly of the Fifth Plenary Council, Ballarat Bishop Paul Bird said the mother of Jesus is with us, as she was with those first disciples. Photo: Fiona Basile/ACBC. Members of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia should persevere in their prayers to the Mother of God, Bishop Paul Bird CSsR said on Friday morning. The Bisho...

Archbishop of Wellington, New Zealand, Cardinal John Dew gave the homily at the Mass on Thursday 7 July, for the Second Assembly of the Fifth Plenary Council at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral. Photo: Fiona Basile/ACBC. Those gathered for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia are following in the footsteps of the early Christians, Cardinal John Dew said at Mass on Thursday evening. The Arc...