The adventure of faith

Just like the disciples at Pentecost, each of us is equipped with the Holy Spirit who guides and inspires us to answer the call of faith. This week we hear how God speaks to people in different ways, through prayer, community and the sacraments.

In the lead up to the Jubilee of Seminarians, Priests and Bishops (23–27 June), we hear from one of Melbourne’s newest bishops, Auxiliary Bishop Thinh Nguyen, who shares the journey of his own vocation. His story is one of quiet resilience, deep prayer and enduring hope, shaped by migration, ministry and a love for the Church that has only grown stronger with time.

Registrations have now opened for the 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in Melbourne—so let the adventure begin! We also look at research collated by the National Centre for Evangelisation that suggests a mini resurgence is taking place in the Church locally and internationally, based on recent numbers of adult baptisms.

And we delve into the life-giving grace of the sacraments with visiting US priest Fr Chris Alar MIC, who reminds us that these sacred encounters are not mere symbols but channels of God’s transforming love. And in the story of artist Kristian Joy Tangso, we witness how creativity can be a response to the Spirit’s prompting.

‘Take courage. He’s calling you’: Bishop Thinh Nguyen on the gift of priesthood
In the lead-up to the Jubilee of Seminarians (23–24 June), the Jubilee of Bishops (25 June) and the Jubilee of Priests (25–27 June), one of Melbourne’s newest bishops, Auxiliary Bishop Thinh Nguyen, speaks with us about the journey of vocation—his own, and that of the many clergy he now accompanies. His story is one of quiet resilience, deep prayer and enduring hope, shaped by migration, ministry and a love for the Church that has only grown stronger with time.
Registrations open for Australian Catholic Youth Festival
Registrations for the 2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) have officially opened, with organisers also announcing the first line up of keynote speakers.
Art and faith guided by the Holy Spirit
For artist Kristian Joy Tangso, painting is her vocation and something inextricably connected to her prayer life. ‘I always ask the Holy Spirit to guide me, especially when I’m scared or stuck,’ she says.
More people searching for God, data suggests
A mini resurgence may just be taking place in the Church locally and internationally, based on recent numbers of adult baptisms. Every year the Church welcomes new adult members into the People of God at the Easter Vigil, and in 2025 the number of those new members has reached record heights in several parts of the world, suggesting more people are searching for God.
Melbourne priest takes on national liturgy role
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has appointed Fr Anthony (Tony) Doran as Executive Secretary for Liturgy. Bishops Commission for Liturgy chair Archbishop Patrick O’Regan welcomed the appointment, saying Fr Tony ‘has a unique set of qualities that qualify him for this role: a lived faith, a deep understanding and love for the liturgy, a knowledge of its history and theology, and his many years of experience as a pastor’.
‘Moments of God’s grace’: Fr Chris Alar on the essential, life-giving role of the sacraments
A celebration of Divine Mercy and the life-giving grace of the sacraments took place at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Saturday 25 May, as US priest and author Fr Chris Alar MIC launched his latest book, Understanding the Sacraments: God’s Grace Guaranteed, which explores the biblical and theological foundations of the Church’s seven sacraments and their essential role in the life of faith. The event drew faithful from across Melbourne for a morning of prayer, teaching and Eucharistic celebration.
Pope Prayer Video
Pope’s prayer intention for June: that the world grow in compassion
Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for June, a month devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is ‘that the world might grow in compassion’. ‘Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus and, from his heart, learn to have compassion on the world,’ the Pope prays in English in his first contribution to ‘The Pope Video’, a monthly reflection published by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.
‘Mission is to be available, to share our faith ... to allow the Holy Spirit to work within us’
Bishop Thinh Nguyen
on the mission of the Church today
Come work with us

Applications are currently open for the following positions:

Archdiocese of Melbourne

  • Aboriginal Catholic Ministry of Victoria (ACMV) Coordinator, Thornbury
  • Animation Consultant, East Melbourne

Parishes

  • Parish Bookkeeper—St Joseph’s Parish, Newport
  • Parish Coordinator, St Augustine's Catholic Church, Melbourne CBD

Other

  • Part-time Accounts Clerk, Newman College, Parkville

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

Upcoming events
Mary Glowrey Museum Open Day
Wednesday 11 June 2025
10.00am–3.00pm
Visit the Mary Glowrey Museum in Fitzroy to learn more about the life and legacy of Australian-born medical missionary in India and Servant of God Dr Sr Mary Glowrey JMJ. Mary Glowrey is one of two Australians currently being officially considered for sainthood. She was the first president of the ...
Six30 Holy Hour
Thursday 19 June 2025 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. Please note that various venues will be used for Six30 Holy Hour throughout 2025. Please check venue details each week on the Events page of Melbourne Catholic ...
God and Beer Presents ‘Signs of Hope and a New Pope’ with Rev Dr Dean Mathieson
Monday 16 June 2025
6.30pm–9.00pm
The media love to talk about the decline of Christianity and ‘dwindling congregations’, but around the world Christianity is growing rapidly, and within the Church there are many groups and movements that are winning souls for Christ. Join God and Beer at their next event with special guest Fr Dean ...
Catholic Theological College (CTC) Online Information Session
Monday 16 June 2025
7.00pm–9.00pm
Explore philosophy, theology, spirituality, and biblical and pastoral studies. Learn more about study options at Catholic Theological College (CTC) and gain insights into student life. Whether you want to further your career or your knowledge of the Catholic faith, CTC has the right path and options for you. Meet our ...
Lumen—A New Event for Catholic Young Adults in Melbourne
Friday 20 June 2025
6.30pm–9.30pm
Lumen is a place for Catholic young adults (ages 18–35) from across Melbourne to grow in faith and build authentic connections. Beginning with adoration, followed by food and relaxed conversation, the evening features a talk from a local speaker on faith and Catholic life. 6.30pm: adoration 7.15pm: pizza and socials ...
Melbourne Corpus Christi Procession
Sunday 22 June 2025
11.00am–3.00pm
On the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), all are invited to this special Corpus Christi Procession as the Archdiocese of Melbourne publicly and joyfully bears witness to Christ—the hope who does not disappoint—in this Year of Jubilee. Following the 11am Mass at St ...
Through Our Eyes: VMCH Photography Exhibition
Monday 23 June 2025, 10.00am
– Friday 4 July 2025, 3.00pm
A picture tells a thousand words. Come along to VMCH’s debut photography exhibition, Through Our Eyes, celebrating the talents of people with disability and giving an unfiltered glimpse into their everyday lives. While one in five Australians have a disability, many feel unseen and undervalued. This exhibition shifts the focus ...
CDF Catholic Connect: Setting the Foundations for an AI Enabled Future
Thursday 26 June 2025
12.30pm–3.30pm
In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, purpose-driven organisations face the challenge of integrating innovation while staying true to their core values. CDF invites you to a transformative Catholic Connect workshop that explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to enhance mission-driven work. This session will delve into ...
Encounter—St Benedict’s, Burwood
Friday 27 June 2025
6.30pm–9.30pm
Tailor-made for secondary school students, these evenings are an opportunity to encounter Jesus with prayer, fellowship, food, testimonies and a whole lot of fun. The evening will include adoration and Reconciliation. Dinner is provided. Registrations close Thursday 26 June, so book your tickets today! Please note: Parents/guardians will be required ...
Vibrant Parish Series—Fellowship: Hospitality that Transforms Hosts and Guests
Tuesday 1 July 2025
6.30pm–9.30pm
What does it mean to welcome others? In this instalment of the Vibrant Parish Series, Fr Chris Monaghan CP, President of Yarra Theological Union at the University of Divinity, will reflect on moments of hospitality in Sacred Scripture. Jesus often receives the hospitality of others, inviting us to consider how ...
Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2025
Sunday 30 November 2025
– Tuesday 2 December 2025
ACYF returns to Melbourne at the end of 2025! Capping off a rich program of Jubilee events in our Archdiocese this 2025 Jubilee Year, the Australian Catholic Youth Festival is a fun and faith-filled national festival. It provides young people from Year 9 to 25 years old with the opportunity ...

To learn more about upcoming events and opportunities, visit the Melbourne Catholic events page and follow our social media accounts.

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

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