An unbreakable love
Better together

The community of God is bound together by the love of Christ—a love so strong that it cannot be broken or overcome, even by death.

In this week’s news, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli reflects on the ancient practice of praying for the faithful departed, reminding us that our prayers for the dead are an act of hope and a sign of our enduring communion with them.

During an eventful week in Rome, Pope Francis—in Dilexit nos, his new encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus—encouraged the Church to put its trust in the saving love of Christ, and the Synod of Bishops concluded with the approval and release of its final document, as Pope Francis called the people of God to journey together with Christ, ‘behind him and alongside him’.

And we hear how the Catechism of the Good Shepherd, a beautiful, gentle ministry for children, is making space for small people across Melbourne to discover the love of Jesus and to have living encounters with the Living God.

Two heads are better than one, the old saying goes. The Holy Spirit is constantly drawing us together into life-giving relationships, showing us that friendship and community not only lighten our burdens but multiply our creativity and joy.

This week, we launch a new series—‘Better together’—exploring inspiring and sometimes unexpected friendships and collaborations, starting with that of Catholic psychotherapists Matthew MacDonald and Stephanie de Niese, who tell us how their professional friendship and shared interest in St John Paul II’s Theology of the Body are opening up exciting new ministry opportunities.

As we prepare for Prison Sunday, we hear from Sr Mary O’Shannassy SGS about the friendship and vital support prison chaplains offer to people going through the ‘worst time in their lives’.

And Fra’ John Dunlap, Grand Master of the Order of Malta, was recently in Melbourne as part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the order’s Australian Association—an opportunity to highlight and give thanks for all the ways the order’s members work together to ‘witness the faith and help the poor’.

Archbishop Comensoli: praying for the faithful departed
As we approach November, the month of remembrance, and continue journeying through this Year of Prayer, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli offers some thoughts on the profound consolation and experience of communion to be found in the practice of praying for the faithful departed.
Pope warns against becoming a ‘sedentary’ Church after synod’s close
Three years after he asked the world’s Catholics to walk together in faith on a synodal journey, Pope Francis said in his homily during the closing Mass for the Synod of Bishops in St Peter’s Basilica on 27 October that the Church cannot risk becoming ‘static’ but must continue as a ‘missionary Church that walks with her Lord through the streets of the world’.
‘Something new is growing’: final synod document calls for greater participation and transparency
In a milestone moment for the Catholic Church, the Synod on Synodality concluded its 2024 assembly with a call for renewal and inclusivity across the global Catholic community. The final document, approved on 26 October, said parishes and dioceses must move quickly to give life to the consultative bodies and broad participation in mission and ministry already foreseen by Church law if the Catholic Church is to have any hope of becoming a more ‘synodal’ Church.
Only love will save humanity, Pope says in encyclical on Sacred Heart
A world that has become ‘heartless’ and indifferent to greed and war, and a Catholic Church in need of revitalising its missionary joy need to open themselves up to Christ’s infinite love, Pope Francis writes in his new encyclical, Dilexit nos (He loved us): on the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ.
Shepherd’s delight: making space for children to encounter the Living God
Have you ever visited a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium? There are currently five across Melbourne. You will see shelves at child height filled with trays and wooden chests, baskets of small, rolled-up mats, little chairs and tables. Your nose will fill with the smell of sharpened pencils, of fresh garden flowers, of candlewax and clean tea towels. You may see hand-painted wooden figures; a shepherd and a sheepfold; a set of miniature chasubles in purple, green, red and white. And, if you pay attention, you will feel the peace of this place where children come to have a living encounter with the Living God.
ACU honours Joe de Bruyn with honorary doctorate
Australian Catholic University (ACU) has awarded an honorary doctorate to prominent trade unionist Mr Joe de Bruyn AO, who received the the honour for his outstanding contributions to the Catholic Church in Australia, his promotion of liberal arts education and ‘a lifetime of serving and representing the interests of Australian workers’. In his speech at the graduation ceremony, Mr de Bruyn acknowledged the challenges of maintaining one’s faith in an increasingly secular society, but encouraged Catholics to view these challenges as opportunities for witness and dialogue.
‘Where Christ plays’: on what it means to be a Catholic school
Following the response to last week’s story about Sr Mary Sarah Galbraith’s presentation on what it means to be a Catholic school, delivered at the final MCP luncheon for 2024, we are pleased to share with you an abridged version of Sr Mary Sarah’s inspiring speech.
Bridging faith and therapy: Dr Greg Bottaro’s vision for Catholic psychology
Last month, at Melbourne’s Cardinal Knox Centre, Catholic psychologist and founder of the CatholicPsych Institute Dr Greg Bottaro delivered a compelling talk that explored the intersection of faith, science, psychology and human dignity, highlighting the importance of an integrated approach to faith and science. ‘The Catholic faith gives us the foundation for understanding the human person,’ Dr Bottaro said, ‘and then we bring in the science.’
Pope Francis bids farewell to Fr Gustavo Gutiérrez: ‘a great man, a man of the Church’
Pope Francis sent a video message to the Archdioceses of Lima for the funeral of Fr Gustavo Gutiérrez, known as the ‘father of liberation theology’, on 24 October. ‘Today I am thinking of Gustavo,’ the Pope said, calling him ‘a great man, a man of the Church’.
Vatican statistics show decline in baptisms, clergy, religious, worldwide
The number of Catholics and permanent deacons in the world rose in 2022, while the number of seminarians, priests, men and women in religious orders, and baptisms declined, according to Vatican statistics.
New Catholic Mission Director for Victoria and Tasmania appointed
Archbishop Peter A Comensoli has announced the appointment of Mr Cruz Ignatius as the new Catholic Mission Director in Victoria and Tasmania, following Mr Kevin Meece's announcement that he will be retiring at the end of the year. Mr Cruz Ignatius comes to Catholic Mission with a commitment to implementing culturally sensitive and faith-driven initiatives.
‘In a diverse, pluralistic society like Australia, it is important that we are able to engage respectfully in dialogue with those with whom we disagree. It is in this dialogue that trust, harmony and peace are built.’
Archbishop Peter A Comensoli
defending the role of the Catholic university as a forum for civil engagement on questions of the most vulnerable among us
Come work with us

Applications are currently open for the following positions:

Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

  • Communications Officer, East Melbourne
  • Human Resources Partner, East Melbourne
  • Human Resources Partner, Bendigo
  • Care Coordinator—Clergy Life and Ministry, Fitzroy North
  • Aboriginal Catholic Ministry of Victoria (ACMV) Coordinator, Thornbury
  • Administration Officer—Property and Infrastructure, East Melbourne
  • Discipleship Internship, East Melbourne
  • Accounts Clerk, Newman College, Parkville
  • Senior Finance Officer, Newman College, Parkville
  • Reception and Administration Assistant—Newman College, Parkville

Parish position

  • Parish Secretary, Mary Help of Christians Parish, Altona

If you are interested in applying for any of the above positions, further details can be found here.

Upcoming events
Holiness for All: St Thérèse of Lisieux exhibition
Tuesday 1 October 2024
– Thursday 31 October 2024
Hosted at St Patrick's Cathedral, the Discalced Carmelites warmly invite you to an exhibition on the life of St Thérèse of Lisieux, a remarkable young women who, despite passing at the age of 24, left us with her 'little way’ to holiness. All are welcome! Learn more about this great ...
Another Mannix Library book sale
Monday 7 October 2024
– Friday 15 November 2024
Calling all bookworms! The Mannix Library Book Sale is back with plenty of books waiting to find new homes. All books are now $2. Come in and grab a bargain!
Ordinations to the diaconate
Sunday 20 October 2024, 11.00am
– Saturday 16 November 2024, 5.00pm
Please join us in celebrating four new ordinations to the diaconate. Over four separate days, in different parishes, four seminarians will be giving their 'life back to God' as they are ordained to the transitional diaconate. Ian Vergel ‘Whenever there’s an opportunity to serve, say yes as much as you ...
Six30 Holy Hour at St Patrick’s Cathedral
Thursday 7 November 2024 6.30pm –7.30pm
Join with young Catholics from across the city for a time of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, music and an opportunity for confession. For more information, email udisciple@cam.org.au or call 9926 5677.
Vocation discernment day for women
Saturday 2 November 2024
9.30am–4.00pm
The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia are hosting a one-day free vocation discernment retreat for women ages 18–35. Join us for a day of reflection and prayer at the beautiful Carmelite Monastery in Kew. Book your spot today!
2024 Knox Public Lecture: ‘Connecting with hope, reconnecting with the Christian vision of the human person’
Thursday 7 November 2024
7.30pm–9.30pm
Catholic Theological College and the University of Divinity warmly invite you to the annual Knox Lecture, a free event. Presented by Rev Assoc Prof Jamie Calder SJ MAPS of the Australian Catholic University, the lecture will focus on the Christian understanding of the human person and how this helps interpret ...
Alpha National Catholic Conference
Friday 8 November 2024, 9.00am
– Saturday 9 November 2024, 5.00pm
Alpha Australia invites you to ‘Every Generation’, a two-day national Catholic Conference that seeks to equip and empower Church leaders to explore Alpha as a catalyst for intergenerational renewal. All Alpha leaders, Alpha teams, parish and diocesan leaders, educators and youth leaders are invited to experience a time of inspiration ...
Grand organ recital featuring Dion Henman
Friday 8 November 2024
6.00pm–7.00pm
Join cathedral organist Mr Dion Henman as he presents an exquisite program of French-influenced organ solos based on traditional chants of the Church. He will be joined by a male Schola, led by precentor Dr Leighton Triplow, to sing chants in alternatum with the organ. Dion Henman is a classically ...
Chorus Ecclesiae presents Isaac’s Missa Presulem Ephebeatum, Ascot Vale
Saturday 9 November 2024
7.30pm–8.30pm
The Chorus Ecclesiae is pleased to have received special permission from the National Library of the Czech Republic to perform the Australian premiere of their published transcription of Heinrich Isaac’s recently discovered Missa Presulem Ephebeatum. They will also be performing other motets for St Martin and the Blessed Virgin Mary ...
‘Poets and the Faith: John Donne,’ presented by Kathryn Bellhouse
Tuesday 12 November 2024
6.00pm–7.30pm
St Peter's Eastern Hill is hosting a series of talks about significant poets who have inhabited—or skirted the fringes—of the Anglican and Catholic traditions of Christianity.From Gerard Manley Hopkins to RS Thomas, from Emily Brontë to WH Auden, how did their poetry enrich and challenge their understanding of the faith ...
Benedetto Creatives: Evening for Catholic Artists
Wednesday 13 November 2024
7.00pm–9.00pm
The Benedetto Creatives are back for another ‘Evening for Catholic Artists’ at St Peter’s Parish, Toorak. The evening will include a presentation from Scottish artist Tommy Canning, who has spent a lifetime creating beautiful, sacred art that directs people heavenward. His art seeks to create a bridge between the old ...
God and Beer West: ‘Building positive relationships’, with John Hendry OAM
Thursday 14 November 2024
6.30pm–9.00pm
The Knights of the Southern Cross warmly invite you to their next God and Beer event with special guest John Hendry OAM, who will be speaking about building positive relationships, which are at the heart of a good life and essential for healthy societies. John will talk about how you ...
menALIVE parish weekend—Rosanna
Saturday 16 November 2024, 8.00am
– Sunday 17 November 2024, 1.30pm
The Catholic parish of Rosanna is hosting a menALIVE Men’s Weekend. This two-day event will take place between 16 and 17 November and will provide an opportunity for men in Rosanna and neighbouring parishes to explore what makes them feel fully alive. The men of Rosanna Parish, with the encouragement ...
Pray and paint: St Thérèse of Lisieux’s ‘Little Way of Love’
Saturday 16 November 2024
9.30am–12.00pm
Join the Catholic Women’s League of Victoria and Wagga Wagga (CWLVWW) as they host a ‘pray and paint’ session with special guest Fr Thomas McFadden OFM Cap. The day will begin with Mass at 9.30am, which will be followed by morning tea. Fr Thomas McFadden will lead a short talk ...
Fields of Gold: Newman College Choir concert
Saturday 23 November 2024
5.00pm–6.30pm
Join the Newman College Choir at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit for Fields of Gold, the second concert in their colour in music series. From gilded dawns to Venetian sunsets and from the golden light of Christmas to the gifts of the Wise Men, this concert will explore the ...
Social @ the Malvern
Friday 29 November 2024 7.00pm –10.00pm
Join Social @ the Malvern on the last Friday of the month for a relaxed evening where you will have the opportunity to meet and chat with fellow Catholics from across Melbourne. Dinner and drinks will also be available at bar prices. Organised by St Roch’s, Glen Iris, this event ...
The Truth Goodness Beauty Project presents ‘The Advent Ball’
Thursday 12 December 2024
7.00pm–11.59pm
The Truth Goodness Beauty Project warmly invites the young Catholics of Melbourne (aged 18–35) to an Advent Ball. Join with like-minded young people from across Melbourne for this inaugural event—a night of food, drink, dancing and celebration not to be missed! Book a table with your friends, or enter your ...
Jubilee of Families Pilgrimage 2025
Tuesday 20 May 2025
– Wednesday 4 June 2025
Bookings are now open for the Archdiocese of Melbourne's 2025 Jubilee of Families pilgrimage. The pilgrimage, which coincides with the Jubilee of Families, Grandparents and the Elderly, is open to all parishioners. This graced and hope-filled journey will take in the towns and cities of Italy, the homes of great ...
Jubilee of Youth Pilgrimage 2025
Monday 21 July 2025
– Tuesday 5 August 2025
We are pleased to announce that bookings are now open for the Archdiocese of Melbourne’s Jubilee of Youth Pilgrimage 2025. This pilgrimage is open to Catholics aged between 18 and 30 years. Harvest Journeys is the pilgrimage provider, and Fr Jude Johnson will accompany the pilgrims as their chaplain. This ...

To learn more about upcoming events and opportunities, visit the Melbourne Catholic events page.

This newsletter is published by the Communications Office
of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

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