Sacrificial love

The call to follow Christ is a call to sacrificial love.

This week, we give thanks for the news that two of our beloved priests—Fr Thinh Nguyen and Fr Rene Ramirez RCJ—have generously heeded that call with their appointment as auxiliary bishops for our Archdiocese.

On Monday, we observed both Remembrance Day and the feast day of St Martin of Tours, an opportunity to reflect on the example of those who—like St Martin and AIF chaplain Fr Michael Bergin SJ—have given wholeheartedly and sacrificially to bring comfort and hope to those in distress.

And Caritas Australia’s new Archdiocesan director, Michael McGirr, reflects on the work and spirituality of Caritas, which ‘like so much of the Catholic story, starts at the foot of the cross’.
 
 
Two new Auxiliary Bishops appointed for Melbourne
As we prepare to enter a year of Jubilee for the Church, it is with great joy that the Archdiocese shares the news of Pope Francis’ appointment of two new Auxiliary Bishops for Melbourne—Rev Fr Thinh Nguyen and Rev Fr Rene Ramirez RCJ. Welcoming the news, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli said, 'I am deeply grateful to the Holy Father for this gift and blessing to our Archdiocese.'
 
 
One of our own: remembering the sacrificial love of WWI chaplain Fr Michael Bergin SJ
Far from his own homeland in Ireland, AIF chaplain Fr Michael Bergin SJ walked closely beside young men from Australia as they prepared themselves for the possibility of death on battlefields in the Middle East and Europe, far from Australian shores. He was beside them in the final, fearful hours before they gave their lives, and before he gave his own. Though he never set foot in Australia, Fr Bergin was one of our own.
 
 
Sunday tutoring: building bridges in learning and friendship
Sunday afternoons at St Mary’s Newman Academic Centre in Parkville have been a vibrant meeting point of shared learning, mentorship and friendship in 2024, as university students from Melbourne University’s Newman and St Mary’s Catholic residential colleges tutored high school students from migrant and refugee backgrounds, guiding them through a range of subjects and instilling confidence.
 
 
Clothing the poor with kindness: following the example of St Martin of Tours
When he was still a young man, St Martin of Tours (317–397) came to see that when he cared for others, he was serving Christ, and for hundreds of years, he was a prominent saint for the poor in Europe. Joe Doolan reflects on his legacy and that of other saints through the ages, highlighting the ways they have encouraged us to remember the destitute in our midst and to clothe them with kindness.
 
 
A faith for the hunger of the world
Michael McGirr, the new Archdiocesan Director of Caritas Australia, introduces himself and the vision of Caritas, writing, ‘The spirituality of Caritas Australia, like so much of the Catholic story, starts at the foot of the cross. It is born of sacrifice ... As God feeds us with his very self, we try to feed God’s people wherever they may be.’
 
 
Betting on change: faith leaders unite against gambling ads
The Victorian Council of Churches, supported by a number of Catholic agencies, has called on the federal government to give parliamentarians a conscience vote on a complete ban on gambling advertising in Australia. Episcopal Vicar for Justice and Social Services Fr John Petrulis joined other faith leaders at a launch facilitated by federal independent Tasmania MP Mr Andrew Wilkie on Friday.
 
 
‘From Australia and for Australia’: Cardinal-Designate Bychok addresses bishops meeting
Cardinal-Designate Bishop Mykola Bychok gave a humble and uplifting address to the November plenary meeting of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in Sydney, expressing his deep gratitude to his brother bishops for their personal support and friendship and saying, ‘Australia is now my home, which I love. I am a cardinal from Australia, and I will be a cardinal for Australia.’
 
 
New website a one-stop hub to educate and safeguard children
A new website led by Australian Catholic University (ACU) will provide evidence-based information and resources for educators and families to help teach and protect children in today’s digital world.
 
 
Mercy health O’Connell Family Centre celebrates 75 years of supporting parents
Last week, Mercy Health proudly celebrated 75 years since the O’Connell Family Centre in Canterbury first opened its doors to the community, providing essential support to parents navigating the challenges of raising children.
 
 
‘Both Fr Nguyen and Fr Ramirez are men who have a heart for the Gospel and a missionary energy for God’s people ... I know that each will continue to share their distinctive gifts and passionate commitment to our faith communities in the years to come.’
 
 
Archbishop Peter A Comensoli
on the appointment of Fr Thinh Nguyen and Fr Rene Ramirez as auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Melbourne
 
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
  • Discipleship Internship, East Melbourne
  • Accounts Clerk, Newman College, Parkville
  • Senior Finance Officer, Newman College, Parkville

Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst

  • Youth Ministry Team Leader, Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst, Bendigo
  • Assistant Director, Mission and Pastoral Life, Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst, Bendigo

Parish positions

  • Parish Secretary (temporary 12-month maternity leave cover), Catholic Parish of Melton
  • Parish Secretary, Mary Help of Christians Parish , Altona
  • Evangelisation Coordinator—Discipleship, Caroline Springs
  • Parish Administration Coordinator, Sacred Heart and Emmaus Paris, St Albans
  • Parish Secretary, St Macartan's Catholic Church—Mornington

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!
 
More info
Ordinations to the diaconate
Sunday 20 October 2024, 11.00am
– Saturday 16 November 2024, 5.00pm
Please join us in celebrating four new ordinations to the diaconate. Over four separate days, in different parishes, four seminarians will be giving their 'life back to God' as they are ordained to the transitional diaconate. Ian Vergel ‘Whenever there’s an opportunity to serve, say yes as much as you ...
 
More info
Watch the livestreams here
Six30 Holy Hour at St Patrick’s Cathedral
Thursday 5 December 2024 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. For more information, email udisciple@cam.org.au or call 9926 5677.
 
More info
Benedetto Creatives: Evening for Catholic Artists
Wednesday 13 November 2024
7.00pm–9.00pm
The Benedetto Creatives are back for another ‘Evening for Catholic Artists’ at St Peter’s Parish, Toorak. The evening will include a presentation from Scottish artist Tommy Canning, who has spent a lifetime creating beautiful, sacred art that directs people heavenward. His art seeks to create a bridge between the old ...
 
More info
RSVP here
God and Beer West: ‘Building positive relationships’, with John Hendry OAM
Thursday 14 November 2024
6.30pm–9.00pm
The Knights of the Southern Cross warmly invite you to their next God and Beer event with special guest John Hendry OAM, who will be speaking about building positive relationships, which are at the heart of a good life and essential for healthy societies. John will talk about how you ...
 
More info
Register now
menALIVE parish weekend—Rosanna
Saturday 16 November 2024, 8.00am
– Sunday 17 November 2024, 1.30pm
The Catholic parish of Rosanna is hosting a menALIVE Men’s Weekend. This two-day event will take place between 16 and 17 November and will provide an opportunity for men in Rosanna and neighbouring parishes to explore what makes them feel fully alive. The men of Rosanna Parish, with the encouragement ...
 
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Register now
Pray and paint: St Thérèse of Lisieux’s ‘Little Way of Love’
Saturday 16 November 2024
9.30am–12.00pm
Join the Catholic Women’s League of Victoria and Wagga Wagga (CWLVWW) as they host a ‘pray and paint’ session with special guest Fr Thomas McFadden OFM Cap. The day will begin with Mass at 9.30am, which will be followed by morning tea. Fr Thomas McFadden will lead a short talk ...
 
More info
Register now
Fields of Gold: Newman College Choir concert
Saturday 23 November 2024
5.00pm–6.30pm
Join the Newman College Choir at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit for Fields of Gold, the second concert in their colour in music series. From gilded dawns to Venetian sunsets and from the golden light of Christmas to the gifts of the Wise Men, this concert will explore the ...
 
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Register now
Archdiocesan Celebration
Sunday 24 November 2024
11.00am–2.00pm
Let's come together and celebrate all that God is doing in our Archdiocese as we begin our journey towards the Year of Jubilee 2025 and the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) to be held in Melbourne in December 2025. Join us at St Patrick's Cathedral on the feast of Christ ...
 
More info
The Truth Goodness Beauty Project presents ‘Life and Love’: a Theology of the Body retreat
Saturday 30 November 2024
9.00am–5.00pm
Join the Truth Goodness Beauty Project for a full-day retreat exploring St John Paul II's Theology of the Body and discovering how faith shapes our understanding of relationships, sexuality and our sense of self. Open to both singles and those in relationships, this day will provide insights into building healthier ...
 
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Register now
Social @ the Malvern
Friday 6 December 2024
7.00pm–10.00pm
For those aged 30–45 years Join us for Christmas drinks with the opportunity to meet fellow Catholics from across Melbourne. Dinner and drinks available at bar prices. For more information, please contact Penny on 0423 267 276 or Steph on 0423 668 471. All parishes welcome.
 
More info
Jubilee of Families Pilgrimage 2025
Tuesday 20 May 2025
– Wednesday 4 June 2025
Bookings are now open for the Archdiocese of Melbourne's 2025 Jubilee of Families pilgrimage. The pilgrimage, which coincides with the Jubilee of Families, Grandparents and the Elderly, is open to all parishioners. This graced and hope-filled journey will take in the towns and cities of Italy, the homes of great ...
 
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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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