The God who renews

As we begin to shift our focus to the year ahead, Advent reminds us that we are accompanied on our journey into an unknown future by a God who never abandons us and who delights in making all things new.

Last weekend was a huge week for the Church. As 21 new cardinals were elevated at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome—among them Melbourne’s own Bishop Mykola Bychok, who becomes the Church’s youngest cardinal—Pope Francis encouraged them to participate in God’s mission of renewal by being ‘witnesses of fraternity, artisans of communion and builders of unity’.

In another powerful sign of Advent hope, Paris celebrated over the weekend as the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral was reopened, rising from the ashes after a devastating fire in 2019.

And we hear from our Archdiocese’s four new transitional deacons—themselves a sign of hope and renewal—about the things that sustain them in their vocations as they take this significant new step.

Pope calls 21 new cardinals, including Melbourne’s Cardinal Mykola Bychok, to build church unity
Becoming a cardinal is an insistent call to put Jesus at the centre of one’s life, to love the poor as he did and to strengthen the bonds of unity within the Catholic Church, Pope Francis said as he created 21 new cardinals from 17 nations. Among them was Cardinal Mykola Bychok of the Ukrainian Eparchy of Sts Peter and Paul in Melbourne, who at 44 becomes the youngest serving cardinal and Australia’s highest ranking Catholic.
‘The Lord does not abandon his own’: jubilation as Notre Dame Cathedral reopens
On the evening of 7 December, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich struck the magnificent door of the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris with his pastoral staff, marking the moment of the iconic Catholic church’s rebirth. The remarkable five-year restoration of the cathedral has been a labour of love for the people of Paris and a powerful sign of God’s faithfulness. As Archbishop Ulrich said the next day at the restored cathedral’s inaugural Mass, ‘The Lord does not abandon his own.’
Called to serve: four new transitional deacons ordained in Melbourne parishes
In recent months, seminarians Ian Vergel, John Vespa, Tuong Nguyen and Joshua McDermid were all ordained as transitional deacons in parishes where they have served on pastoral placements. Looking back at their ordinations, they reflect on the significance of this important step in their vocational journey and their hopes as they follow their calling and continue to prepare for the priesthood.
The waiting game
‘There is something special about Advent,’ writes Kate Moriarty. ‘The waiting. The anticipation as the date comes slowly closer.’ As she reflects on her family’s sometimes haphazard approach to Advent traditions—from asymmetric tree decorations to unlit Advent wreaths—she realises that some things are worth the wait.
Continue reading: The waiting game
Statement from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
Last Friday, the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne released a statement utterly condemning the attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue that morning. Shortly afterwards, on his arrival in Rome, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli shared a video message expressing his horror at what had happened, assuring the Jewish community of his prayers and support, and promising to ‘reach out in whatever way I can to contend with this evil of antisemitism that is at play in our society at the moment’.
Pope Prayer Video
Pope asks the faithful to pray for God’s gift of hope
The world is in great need of hope, Pope Francis said. ‘Day by day, let us fill our lives with the gift of hope that God gives us, and through us, let us allow it to reach everyone who is looking for it,’ the Pope said in a video explaining the intention he would like Catholics to pray for during the month of December.
A new chapter for the Diocese of Broome as Bishop Tim Norton is installed
More than 400 people gathered at St Mary’s College in Broome on 4 December 2024 to witness the installation of the Most Rev Tim Norton SVD as the third Bishop of Broome. This significant event brought together clergy, community members and dignitaries from across the Kimberley and beyond to celebrate a new chapter in the life of the diocese.
‘Bishop Mykola has received this gift that we might share with him in Australia ... His voice will be important, and we give thanks to the Lord that his voice might be a part of our faith life in our country, in Ukraine and throughout the world.’
Archbishop Peter A Comensoli
giving thanks for the recent elevation of Bishop Mykola Bychok as as one of 21 new cardinals
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
Come Let Us Adore—Advent Eucharistic Adoration at St Michael’s, North Melbourne
Sunday 1 December 2024, 6.00pm
– Monday 30 December 2024, 9.00pm
St Michael’s Church invites you to join them for daily adoration as they watch in prayer this Advent season. All welcome! In this Advent Season, we shall be granted once again to experience the closeness of the One who created the world, who guides history and who cared for us ...
The Australian Nativity Scene at St Elizabeth’s Parish
Monday 9 December 2024
– Friday 10 January 2025
St Elizabeth’s Parish invites you to visit its Australian Nativity Scene on its 21st year of display. The Nativity scene was created by artist Wilson Fernandez, and is regarded as one of Australia’s most traditional Nativity scenes and the largest of its kind in the country. Each week, the Nativity ...
Advent Retreat at St Dominic’s Parish
Saturday 14 December 2024
9.00am–5.00pm
Join St Dominic’s Parish for their Advent retreat. This special event will feature a variety of activities, including Mass, spiritual talks, Confession and adoration/Benediction. Special guest speakers for the retreat include Sr Mary-Helen Hill OP, Clara Geoghegan and Fr Joseph Vnuk OP. Don’t miss out. Book your spot today. For ...
Advent Twilight Market and Holy Hour by Candlelight
Sunday 15 December 2024
6.00pm–9.00pm
The Truth Goodness Beauty Project is hosting a special twilight craft market outside St Peter’s Church, Toorak. Explore unique stalls by local Catholic shops and makers. Then, at 8pm, step inside the church for an evening of prayer, sacred music and candlelit adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, as we prepare ...
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 ...
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 ...
‘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 ...
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 ...
‘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 ...
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 ...

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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