Central to the Church's teaching is the idea that each of us is created and loved by God, and that this love pervades every aspect of our humanity and every moment of our life's journey. Trusting in God, we are invited to grow into the fullness of life that our creator intends for us, and to recognise the beauty and dignity of every person, including ourselves.

In a world in which young people are bombarded by often conflicting and confusing ideas around human purpose and identity, this message has a particular significance for our schools. This week, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference released Created and Loved: A guide for Catholic schools on identity and gender, outlining a pastoral approach shaped by the theological, medical and legislative context in which Catholic schools operate.

Work is another central and significant aspect of our human experience. It is a thing of dignity, something that provides purpose and meaning, allowing us to contribute in a positive way to our world.

The Jobs and Skills Summit that recently took place at Parliament House in Canberra was an opportunity to bring people together from across Australia to discuss the economic challenges we face. Recognising the complexity of these challenges, and the ambitious goals of the summit, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli shared three key practices that might help to protect and foster the dignity of work.

Speaking of contributing creatively and positively to our world: Pope Francis recently addressed the first-ever Vitae Summit at the Vatican, an opportunity for world-renowned artists to gather and inspire one another in the way of beauty—and perhaps also an opportunity for us to think about how we might foster the arts in our own time and place.

One of the most enduring of the arts is music, the beauty of which enriches and enchants. From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 September, St Patrick’s Cathedral is hosting a Music Festival Weekend, featuring international conductor and singer Christopher Watson. This festival promises to bring together some of the best of Melbourne’s talent with Watson’s love of the world’s finest choral works.

Continuing our celebration and exploration of the rich history of the Melbourne Diocese in its 175th year, this week we recall the St Patrick’s Day Parade of 1920, spearheaded by Archbishop Daniel Mannix in support of the Irish. The event was saturated in symbolism, so with the help of Archdiocesan Archivist Rachel Naughton, we explore an under-examined aspect of this symbolism: the white horses themselves, a sign of defiance and dignity.

Bishops support Catholic schools with guide on gender, identity
Written by: Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC)
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has released a Created and Loved: A guide for Catholic schools on identity and gender to support Catholic schools in responding to the individual social and pastoral needs of students. The guide outlines a pastoral approach shaped by the theological, medical and legislative context in which Catholic schools operate.
Work is dignifying—but its dignity must be protected
Written by: Archbishop Peter A Comensoli
Work is dignifying, and a fundamental aspect of our human existence, but work’s dignity also needs to be fostered and protected. In light of the recent national Jobs and Skills Summit, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli suggests that the unifying idea that work is dignifying for people might offer a guiding motivation for the deliberations and ongoing work of the Summit, and identifies three key practices to help ensure the dignity of work.
Pope Francis’ call to artists: Beauty can be a ‘thorn in the heart’
At the first-ever Vitae Summit at the Vatican, artists gathered to inspire one another and discuss how they could ‘elevate the culture’. Given the consistent emphasis on the importance of art and artists in the life of the Church in recent times, we ask the question: how might we take up the call of art today, here in Melbourne?
All the white horses: Archbishop Mannix’s 1920 St Patrick’s Day Parade
Archbishop Mannix’s 1920 St Patrick’s Day Parade went down as one of Australia’s most memorable and powerful protests. Heavy with symbolism, it was a potent expression of the Irish desire for independence at a time when such protests were not allowed in Ireland. Here we consider the meaning of the marching white horses and their connection to Irish mythology, history and sense of self.
First-time collaboration for Melbourne church musicians
Written by:
Music lovers will be treated to a three-concert series at St Patrick's Cathedral over the weekend of Friday 16 September to Sunday 18 September, including ‘French Choral Classics’, a unique collaboration between professional church singers from across Melbourne, and a performance of ‘This Land’—an acclaimed musical collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The weekend of music will conclude with a free organ recital on Sunday afternoon, featuring Oscar Herrick playing a selection of grand organ masterpieces.
‘Beauty is good for us; beauty heals; beauty helps us go forward on our journey.’
Pope Francis
on the capacity of art to inspire people on their quest for God
Upcoming Events
Mannix Library Book Sale!
Monday 8 August 2022, 9.00am
– Monday 12 September 2022, 5.00pm
Come along to the Mannix Library Book Sale, and bring your bags and boxes! The second book sale for the year will kick off in week three this semester. Prices $5 Books, Free holy cards and bookmarks. For any queries, email mannixlibrary@ctc.edu.au or call (9412 3350).
The Biblical Foundations of Sin – Discussion Evening with Fr Frank O'Loughlin
Wednesday 14 September 2022
7.00pm–8.00pm
After many years of ministry—including 24 years as parish priest of Sacred Heart Parish in Sandringham and 50 years of teaching theology and liturgy—retired Melbourne priest, author and theologian, Fr Frank O'Loughlin has continued to keep busy, authoring two books in recent years.His latest book ‘Does Sin Matter? Separation, Reconciliation ...
Music Festival: French Choral Classics by Christopher Watson
Friday 16 September 2022
8.00pm–9.00pm
An exploration of some of the most exquisite French choral classics from the 19th and 20th centuries, performed by a choir of many fine professional church musicians from Melbourne. Program includes Duruflé’s Requiem as well as works by Dupré, Messiaen, and Fauré. Tickets $50, concession $35, children under 1 ...
Music Festival: This Land Concert
Saturday 17 September 2022
8.00pm–9.00pm
A program that seeks to find ‘the threads that bind us together’, through music, culture, spirituality, Christianity and community. Performers include David Leha, Troy Kuhl, ensemble Mia Sorella, and St Patrick’s Cathedral Schola and Gregorian Schola. Tickets $25, children under 15 years admitted free. For any queries, email music@cam.org.au ...
Music Festival Mass
Sunday 18 September 2022
11.00am–12.00pm
The Cathedral Choir sings the evocative and commanding Messe Solennelle, Op.36, by French master Charles–Marie Widor (1844–1937) in the grand space of St Patrick’s Cathedral. For any queries, email music@cam.org.au.
Music Festival: Grand Organ Recital by Oscar Herrick
Sunday 18 September 2022
3.30pm–4.00pm
We welcome one of Melbourne’s rising stars of the organ, Oscar Herrick, in this recital of grand organ masterpieces: Bach’s Fugue in G minor, BWV 578, Widor’s ‘Toccata’ from Symphony for Organ No.5, ‘Introduction–Choral’ from Boëllmann’sSuite Gothique,and others. Free admission. For any queries, email music@cam.org.au. ...
‘Call to Prayer’ with Flame Ministries
Sunday 18 September 2022
2.30pm–4.30pm
Join Flame Ministries International in prayer for the world. The event will be live–streamed on YouTube. For any queries, contact fmi@flameministries.org.
Migrant and Refugee Sunday Mass
Sunday 25 September 2022
3.00pm–4.00pm
Join with migrant communities from all over Melbourne at St Patrick’s Cathedral to celebrate World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Mass celebrated by Archbishop Peter A Comensoli and migrant chaplains of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Rosary in various languages at 2pm.
The Future of Sin! – Discussion Evening with Fr Frank O'Loughlin
Wednesday 21 September 2022
7.00pm–8.00pm
After many years of ministry—including 24 years as parish priest of Sacred Heart Parish in Sandringham and 50 years of teaching theology and liturgy—retired Melbourne priest, author and theologian, Fr Frank O'Loughlin has continued to keep busy, authoring two books in recent years.His latest book ‘Does Sin Matter? Separation, Reconciliation ...
Doxa's 50th Jubilee Celebration
Sunday 2 October 2022
Join Doxa in its 50th Jubilee celebration! Activities include a giant swing, a climbing wall, pony rides and a roving magician. The Melbourne Cup will also be on display at the event, and sporting personalities will attend the celebration. Buses to the event will depart from Southern Cross Station—bus terminal— ...
‘Following the Way of St Mary MacKillop’ pilgrimage
Monday 17 October 2022, 9.00am
– Wednesday 26 October 2022, 5.00pm
In collaboration with Harvest Journeys, Fr Jacob Raju and the parish team at Holy Trinity Parish Bentleigh are coordinating a parish pilgrimage, Following the Way of St Mary MacKillop, our first Australian saint. You are invited to join Fr Jacob and others as they travel from Melbourne to Adelaide on ...
‘In the Footsteps of St Mary MacKillop’ pilgrimage
Tuesday 17 October 2023
– Saturday 28 October 2023
Led by the Sisters of St Joseph, this pilgrimage is an invitation for prayer and reflection. Today, the Sisters of St Joseph recognise that each of us is on a daily journey of faith but there is a time in life when we feel called to join with others; seeking ...

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

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