Holy Week is the culmination of Lent; the dramatic conclusion to a penitential season that, hopefully, has been a fruitful one for all of us. As we approach Palm Sunday and Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, it's worth stopping for a moment to consider how we ourselves might prepare to enter into this most sacred of times.

One idea might be to spend some time listening to either of Bach’s Passion pieces: both St Matthew’s Passion and St John’s Passion have been deeply influential in the history of the Church and wider culture. They might prove helpful for setting the mood! And, if you’re looking to simplify your life, we take a look at one of the great thinkers in the Catholic tradition, Dietrich von Hildebrand, and the vision he sets out to find true, spiritual simplicity.

This week we share the story of Sr Patricia Fox NDS, a religious sister and human rights activist who was controversially deported from the Philippines in 2018 and now continues her important work from Melbourne.

Catholic Theological College is once again offering a series of online faith formation sessions, Engaging your Faith, from 3 to 28 May. There are up to 16 different sessions for you to choose from on topics of contemporary concern. Learn about prayer in the Gospel of Luke with Dr Rosemary Canavan; revisit Vatican II with Rev. Dr Max Vodola; explore Pope St John Paul II’s theology of the body with Professor Adam Cooper and delve into the question of whether a scientist can believe in God with Rev. Dr Christopher Mulherin.

The next stage of the Synod process is underway, with dioceses around Australia preparing their local reports which will shape the development of a national synthesis sent to the Holy See.

Finally, the Holy Week and Easter liturgies at St Patrick's Cathedral will once again be televised this year, for those who will not be able to attend in person. Feel free to spread the word!