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Better together

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’.

Better Together

Stephanie de Niese and Matthew MacDonald

Stephanie de Niese and Matthew MacDonald met during a talk at Melbourne’s Theology at the Pub, where their shared interest in integrating faith and mental health sparked an instant connection. Both are Catholic psychotherapists passionate about the transformative power of St John Paul II’s teachings on the Theology of the Body. Although they have different backgrounds and life experiences, their friendship and collaboration bring a unique blend of perspectives to their new ministry as part of the Truth Goodness Beauty Project.

Continue reading: Stephanie de Niese and Matthew MacDonald

A helping hand in darkness: Catholic Prison Ministry

On Sunday 10 November, the Catholic Church in Australia marks Prison Sunday, bringing attention to the plight of prisoners and highlighting the important work of prison chaplains. CatholicCare Victoria’s (CCV) Prison Ministry supports thousands of vulnerable, isolated and marginalised people in all 15 prisons and correctional centres in Victoria Under the leadership of Sr Mary O’Shannassy SGS, the prison chaplaincy team listens, prays and brings hope and courage each day to more than 5,000 people across 10 prisons within the region. Sr Mary says it is ‘a privilege’ to serve in prison ministry, and urges all to support CCV’s upcoming Pastoral Care Appeal.

Continue reading: A helping hand in darkness: Catholic Prison Ministry

Order of Malta’s Grand Master: ‘be a living, vibrant force for good’

On Monday 28 October, His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ John Dunlap, Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, was in Melbourne to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the order’s Australian Association, encouraging the members of the order's Melbourne branch to ‘continue to live out the mission of the order and continue to be a living, vibrant force for good in the world’.

Continue reading: Order of Malta’s Grand Master: ‘be a living, vibrant force for good’

Jubilee 2025 plans unveiled, including Holy Door at Rome prison and mascot, ‘Luce’

Two days after opening the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica to inaugurate the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis will travel to a Rome prison to open a Holy Door as a ‘tangible sign of the message of hope’ for people in prisons around the world, the Vatican announced last week at press conference. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation’s section for new evangelisation, also revealed the official mascot of the Holy Year 2025: ‘Luce’, a cartoon pilgrim inspired by the Church’s desire ‘to live even within the pop culture so beloved by our youth’.

Continue reading: Jubilee 2025 plans unveiled, including Holy Door at Rome prison and mascot, ‘Luce’

Pope urges prayers for parents who have lost a child

When a child dies, there is not much anyone can say to the mother or father, Pope Francis said, but Catholics must pray for them and be close to them. ‘It is not natural to outlive your child,’ the Pope said in a video explaining the intention he would like Catholics to pray for during the month of November. Pope Francis himself prayed at the graves of children and of miscarried babies on the feast of All Souls on 2 November before concelebrating Mass with several hundred mourners.

Continue reading: Pope urges prayers for parents who have lost a child

Doctrine, truth and change: insights from the 2024 Newman Lecture

As our society increasingly embraces relativism, a steadfast commitment to the integrity of Christian doctrine is the only way to achieve true human flourishing, according to distinguished St John Henry Newman scholar Rev Prof Stephen Morgan, who delivered this year’s Newman Lecture at the Australian Catholic University’s St Patrick’s Campus in Melbourne.

Continue reading: Doctrine, truth and change: insights from the 2024 Newman Lecture

‘The majority of the people in our prisons are young and are caught up in the drug culture and/or family violence. Others are professional people who have made a one-off wrong choice and got caught or have been involved in an accident where someone has died. Career criminals are a minority. For many, it is the worst time in their life, and so prison chaplains reach out to them, and show that they care.’

Sr Mary O’Shannassy SGS

on the vital work of our prison chaplains

Come work with us

Applications are currently open for the following positions:

Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

Human Resources Partner, East Melbourne
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 (temporary 12-month maternity leave cover), Catholic Parish of Melton
Evangelisation Coordinator—Discipleship, Caroline Springs
Parish Administration Coordinator, Sacred Heart and Emmaus Paris, St Albans

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

Upcoming events

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!