A bright star

As another year winds down, we find ourselves at an intersection, glancing back thankfully (or maybe with relief) at all that now lies behind us and looking forward with anticipation to the year that lies ahead. Like the wise men before us, we are called to follow the bright star of hope.

This week, we look ahead to the Jubilee Year 2025 with great excitement as we announce 13 local ‘Pilgrim Places’ throughout our Archdiocese.

We also hear from Vicar General Fr Tony Kerin as he looks back on his journey so far and speaks about his hopes for his new role ‘coaching’ priests and deacons to thrive in their vocations.

And writer and lifelong walker Jennifer Andrewes shares the moving story of her pilgrimage along the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome—a journey of profound hope and spiritual discovery in the face of significant challenges.

The Melbourne Catholic e-newsletter will be taking a break over Christmas and January, returning in the first week of February. Thank you for reading! Please join us again in February as we set out together as pilgrims of hope in the 2025 Jubilee Year.
 
 
Coaching the team: Fr Tony Kerin on mission, service and the role of Vicar General
Appointed this year as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Fr Tony Kerin approaches his new role with the insight of a seasoned priest and the focus of a footy coach, observing, guiding, and supporting clergy in their vocations and in pursuit of the Archdiocese’s mission. He speaks to us about his experience in parishes and at the Marriage Tribunal, some of the challenges and opportunities for parishes in our Archdiocese, and how he hopes to help priests and deacons thrive in their roles.
 
 
Hope does not disappoint: Archdiocese of Melbourne announces local pilgrim places for Jubilee 2025
We have great news for locals wanting to participate in next year’s Jubilee and unable to travel to Rome. In anticipation of the official opening of Jubilee 2025, the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne has announced the 13 churches and shrines within the Archdiocese that will be designated Pilgrim Places for the purposes of the 2025 Jubilee, with the majestic St Patrick’s Cathedral serving as the principal Pilgrim Place.
 
 
Pilgrims of hope
All the light within: a pilgrim’s journey on the Via Francigena
New Zealander Jennifer Andrewes recently walked 2,500 kilometres from Canterbury in the United Kingdom to Rome on the Via Francigena. An avid walker and Francophile, Jennifer first joined a local walking group to meet people and explore the countryside while working as a language teaching assistant in Dunkirk. Thirty years later, she’s hooked on walking, and a convert to the power of walking to change your thinking—and your life. She tells the story of this profound pilgrimage of hope.
 
 
Archbishop welcomes new Victorian measures to tackle antisemitism, promote social cohesion
The Victorian Government has announced a range of new measures aimed at confronting antisemitism, addressing dangerous demonstrations and strengthening social cohesion across the state. Welcoming the measures, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli said, 'All Victorians should feel safe to attend places of worship, whatever their religion', and looked forward ‘to working constructively with the Government on implementation’ of the measures.
 
 
The Hon Kevin James Andrews (1955–2024)
In a statement responding to the recent death of the Hon Kevin James Andrews (1955–2024), Archbishop Peter A Comensoli pays tribute to of a man ‘of deep and remarkable faith’ who was ‘committed wholeheartedly to marriage and family’ and dedicated to public service.
 
 
Honouring Neale Fraser: a legacy of excellence and leadership
The life and legacy of Australian tennis legend Neale Fraser AO MBE, a man who exemplified excellence both on and off the court, will be celebrated with a state funeral at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne on Wednesday 18 December. Fraser, who passed away at the age of 91, will be remembered by tennis enthusiasts and by the Australian community not only for his remarkable sporting achievements but for his reputation as an inspiring and generous leader.
 
 
‘An amazing spiritual journey’: 18 students confirmed in Melton South
There were lots of smiles and a few tears of joy on Thursday 14 November as a group of 18 secondary students from St Francis Catholic College received the sacrament of Confirmation at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Melton South— the largest number of secondary students to receive the sacrament in the parish in recent years.
 
 
Tarrawarra Abbey celebrates 70th anniversary of foundation
Nestled in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Tarrawarra Abbey is home to a small community of Cistercian monks. The men belong to the worldwide Cistercian Order of Strict Observance, leading a monastic life centred on prayer and contemplation. Tarrawarra Abbey recently celebrated its 70-year anniversary, with Archbishop of Melbourne Peter A Comensoli leading those gathered in a Mass of Thanksgiving.
 
 
Joyful and triumphant: the stories of four beloved Christmas carols
At this time of year, Christmas carols float through the air and through our lives, blending sacred themes with rich melodies and connecting us to centuries of tradition. So as the countdown to the Christmas feast continues, we take a moment to share the inspiring stories behind four of our most cherished carols: ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’, ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’, ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ and ‘What Child Is This?’
 
 
Catholic Social Services Australia announces new Executive Director
Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) has announced the appointment of Dr Jerry Nockles as its new Executive Director, effective 13 January 2025, following an extensive search process that attracted a high-quality field of candidates. Dr Nockles brings a wealth of experience to the role, having led policy and advocacy efforts at World Vision Australia and UNICEF Australia.
 
 
Three conferences join forces to revise Lectionary
The bishops’ conferences of Australia, Ireland and New Zealand are pooling their expertise and resources in a joint Lectionary project, taking advantage of a revised translation of the readings, which is both accessible and faithful to the evolving nuances of the English language and contemporary biblical scholarship.
 
 
‘In those first days and weeks of walking, I felt like an ant on the face of the earth. Over time, though, I began to shed the weight, physically and emotionally. The things I carried, in my pack and in my heart, seemed less important with each step. There was a lightness that came from letting go.’
 
 
Writer and walker Jennifer Andrewes
on embracing the life of a pilgrim as she walked from Canterbury to Rome
 
Come work with us

Applications are currently open for the following positions:

Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

  • Learning Support Officer, Catholic Theological College, East Melbourne
  • Houseperson/cleaner—Newman Residential College, Parkville

Parish positions

  • Parish Secretary, St Macartan’s Catholic Church—Mornington
  • Parish Secretary, Catholic Parishes of Yarraville and Kingsville, Kingsville/Yarraville

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

 
Upcoming events
Cathedral Christmas Celebration 2024
Sunday 22 December 2024
3.00pm–4.00pm
The Cathedral parish warmly invites you to a family concert of traditional and modern Christmas carols in the beautiful and inspiring space of St Patrick’s Cathedral. Featuring the Cathedral Choir Schola, Cathedral Brass, grand organ and soloists. Directed by Dr Philip Matthias. This is a free event. Walk-ins on the ...
 
More info
Register now
Christmas Masses at St Patrick’s Cathedral
Tuesday 24 December 2024, 5.30pm
– Wednesday 25 December 2024, 12.00pm
The Cathedral parish invites you to celebrate the birth of Christ at St Patrick’s Cathedral this Christmas with three Masses, preceded by half-hour carol services, on Christmas Eve, and three on Christmas Day. 2024 Christmas services Tuesday 24 December 6pm—Christmas Vigil, with carols from 5.30pm 8pm—Christmas Vigil, with carols from ...
 
More info
‘Lifted Up’: Melbourne Summer School of Evangelisation
Monday 6 January 2025
– Sunday 12 January 2025
The Melbourne Summer School of Evangelisation is a week-long Catholic retreat for 17 to 35-year-olds hosted by the Disciples of Jesus Community. The Summer School is a place to encounter the living God, who desires a personal relationship with you. It’s a journey of opening up to God’s love, mercy ...
 
More info
Register now
22nd Annual Celebration of the Feast of the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague
Sunday 19 January 2025
1.40pm–5.00pm
Join the Good Shepherd Parish Novena Group and the Disciples of the Infant Jesus of Prague as they host their 22nd annual celebration of the feast of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague. Details 1.40pm—Rosary, novena prayers and chaplet 2.40pm—Holy Mass, followed by a procession, and exposition and benediction of ...
 
More info
The Red Mass
Tuesday 28 January 2025
9.00am–10.00am
The Red Mass is a traditional gathering of the legal profession to invoke God’s guidance and blessing for the year ahead. The Mass will commence with a procession led by the Hon Justice Simon Steward of the High Court of Australia. Following Mass, the judiciary, members of the legal profession ...
 
More info
‘Marriage’ with Matt and Cameron Fradd
Thursday 6 February 2025
6.00pm–9.30pm
Join internationally renowned speakers Matt and Cameron Fradd for an evening filled with inspiration, joy and practical wisdom on marriage. Whether you’re single, engaged, newly married or have been together for decades, this event will provide insights, encouragement and laughs for everyone. Matt Fradd is the host of the popular ...
 
More info
Book now
Jubilee of Youth Pilgrimage 2025
Monday 21 July 2025
– Tuesday 5 August 2025
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 graced and hope-filled journey will take ...
 
More info
Book now

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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