In a bid to bolster sustainability and social impact, a group of Catholic sisters recently graduated from a specialised social entrepreneurship training programme. The initiative, a part of the Sisters Branded Value Project (SBVP), aims to equip sisters with business skills and resources to ensure the sustainability of their ministries across East Africa. Sr Celestine Read more
The Synod working document is failing to address adequately the needs of people on the margins of society, according to Bishop Erwin Kräutler. Kräutler, a prominent voice for social justice, is disappointed with the Catholic Church’s preparations for the second session of the Synod on Synodality. “The Synod cannot retreat ‘from the evil world’ into Read more
In early September Pope Francis has scheduled two busy weeks of travel. He will visit Indonesia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. No doubt some Australians will grumble that he passed so close without dropping in to visit us. For the 87 year-old Pope such travel will be arduous. His determination to continue visiting Read more
“We humbly acknowledge our shortcomings, especially with regards to particular groups in society such as the LGBT community who have felt a very real sense of rejection through the Church,” says Cardinal John Dew. And he says the church has also probably fallen short in fully meeting the needs of recent migrant communities. Dew said Read more
The Marist Brothers in Australia, Melanesia and the Pacific are heeding a call for their ministry to spread to people on the margins of society. The Brothers’ Melanesia district covers Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Bougainville, and the Pacific district includes New Zealand, Samoa and Kiribati. Almost 50 Brothers attended a gathering at Read more
The unholy noises of the city surround Burnside Park where the Rev. Edmund Harris delivers his Saturday afternoon service. He plants himself behind a makeshift altar, light-blue stole draped over his peacoat, and asks the people milling about to “gather ’round.” Some settle into folding chairs; others stand. A regular known as “Mama Kelley” passes Read more
Dozens of faith leaders from around the Pacific offered an interfaith, island-style challenge to APEC at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Waikiki. Hundreds of community leaders were expected to attend this event, representing a dozen denominations and Pacific Island nations. Rev. Kekapa Lee says “Our island culture requires that we welcome all visitors with Aloha, Read more