God is with us

Just a few thoughts

• "The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." -- Lucille Ball

• In our parish may we value the contribution of each person, and rejoice in the many gifts which the Spirit gives for a common purpose.

• We pray for students preparing for end-of-year exams, that they will succeed in progressing to the next stage of their life’s journey

Reflections

• Mammon, wealth – God’s main rival

• It’s good to thank people

• You are the temple of God -- next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Pope Leo meets Palestinian leader amid concerns over Gaza ceasefire

• ‘Reality for families’ worsening, -- Foodbank

Musical Reflection

• I Have Loved You

Goodness bubbling to the surface

Just a few thoughts

• "The better you feel about yourself, the less you feel the need to show off." -- Robert Hand

• May the Holy Spirit enrich all of us with wisdom so that we can take our place in the world with integrity.

• We pray for health workers tending the new-born or those approaching the end of life, that they will care for them with skill and love

Reflections

• A clear-sighted preparation for his future.

• We are in a position of trust

• Temples of Love -- next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Vinnies highlights reforms to reduce poverty

• Space must be safeguarded for the common good

Musical Reflection

• I Want to Walk as a Child

God never gives up on anyone.

Just a few thoughts

• "Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner." -- Lao Tzu

• We pray that we may resist the temptation to treat anyone else with contempt or pass judgement on them.

• We pray in this Jubilee Year of Hope for all who work in the world of education, that they will be wise companions for the young at every stage of their learning.

Reflections

• Is religion a kind of elevated boredom???

• A society based on mutual love and sharing and support

• All Souls Day -- last Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• What Israel's genocide has laid bare

• More than 6000 to attend Catholic Youth Festival

Musical Reflection

• In the Lord I'll be ever thankful

Making us pay attention!

 Just a few thoughts

• “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ”. -- Mahatma Gandhi

• For those who carry the cross of sickness and pain, of war and violence, of homelessness and poverty, that we may stand alongside them in prayer and concern.

• We pray for all who wield influence through social media platforms, that they will promote a culture of life, love and hope

Reflections

• Give up everything!

• Focusing on costs or benefits

• The Solemnity Of All Saints -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• A worldwide anti-Israel movement

• In this age of communication, nobody can say ‘I did not know’ – Pope Leo

Musical Reflection

• Let us go rejoicing

Does our faith influence the way we live?

Just a few thoughts

• “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” -- Nelson Mandela

• May we make our parishes and ethnic communities across the Archdiocese places where people experience a genuine welcome.

• We pray for an end to the global arms trade, that nations will invest in resources for life, not the merchandise of death

Reflections

• This story is about us too

• There’s always room at the table

• Against An Eternal Horizon -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Vinnies Christmas Appeal comes with a special plea

• Love conquers death: Pope Leo

Musical Reflection

• Christ is Our Cornerstone

Humility

Just a few thoughts

• "One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is Love." – Socrates

• May there be in our parish a genuine spirit of hospitality in which we warmly welcome new parishioners and visitors.

• We pray for the human family, that everyone will wonder at the web of life that binds all God’s creatures together.

Reflections

• Today, you can still see the odd cardinal or bishop strutting like a prince

• A gift that we can never repay

• Death, where is your sting? -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Most enter the Church ‘through the gate of beauty’

• Making Peace with the Earth

Musical Reflection

• Age to Age

The quiet holiness that has lived in countless lives

Just a few thoughts

• "Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." -- Martin Luther King Jr

• May those who were close to us in their earthly lives rest from their labours, since their good deeds go with them.

• We pray for church communities around the world, that they will be places where love abounds and life will flourish

Reflections

• Two-minute Homilies

• Respecting our departed dear ones

• How Blessed Are You? -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• The Beatitudes: The path to sainthood

• Of social cohesion, belonging and the Australian flag

Musical Reflection

• The Beatitudes

Lord, may I learn to live your beatitudes

Just a few thoughts

• "Talent alone won't make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. The most important question is: 'Are you ready?'" -- Johnny Carson

• May the Saints who had a passion for justice move people of goodwill to work together for the common good, so as to alleviate poverty, suffering and despair.

Reflections

• The Beatitudes are the best portrait we have of Jesus himself

• Letting Love take root in everything we do

• All Saints -- next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Use technology but don’t let technology use you -- Pope Leo

• When peace walks with a limp

Musical Reflection

• The Beatitudes

Getting us back on the road

Just a few thoughts

• "Deliberately seek opportunities for kindness, sympathy, and patience." -- Evelyn Underhill

• We pray for the people of our parish community, that a genuine spirit of love may draw people together in respect.

Reflections

• The eyes have it.

• The untidy work of love

• With Friends Like This -- next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Parliament House summit brings together Church, providers and government

• Hutt Street Centre fears it will be forced to turn people away

Musical Reflection

• There Is a Longing

The freedom to choose.

Just a few thoughts

• "If you always color inside the lines the picture never changes." -- Rick Sutter

• We pray for the wisdom to discern when people need our help, and the strength to act generously on their behalf.

• We pray for the organisers of next month’s Australian Catholic Youth Festival, that they will lay the foundation for a joyful and spirit-filled event

Reflections

• A motherly image

• All things work for good for those who love God

• The Pharisee and the tax collector -- last Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Apostle of nonviolence

• Church reflects on 60 years since Nostra Aetate

Musical Reflection

• I Have Loved You

Martyrs of Douai College

Just a few thoughts

• "Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does". -- William James

• We pray that the Church will always be a gathering of peoples from East and West, North and South.

• We pray for teachers in every place of learning, that this week’s Teachers Day will honour them and encourage them in their invaluable mission of education

Reflections

• To go in the “narrow door” is to be actively committed to living the gospel in one’s daily life.

• The last will be first

• The Word of God today provides a wake-up call to our social conscience -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• The Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions

• Contemplation and Nonviolence

Musical Reflection

• I Want to Walk as a Child

The saint of last resort

Just a few thoughts

• "Successful people keep their eye on the goal. If they encounter obstacles, instead of focusing on the obstacle, they find a way around it by keeping their goal in mind. It is a mindset of courage which makes it easier to pursue success." -- Dr. Anil Kumar Sinha

• We pray for or all Christians, making up God’s household, and built upon the foundation of the apostles, that all will work together to strengthen inter-faith dialogue.

• We pray for Indigenous leaders, young and old, that they will enrich the whole nation with their age-old culture and love of country

Reflections

• Healthy faith life

• The Overflowing Power of Prayer

• The Cry of the Poor -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• The key to social cohesion

• Who gets to be called Aussie?

Musical Reflection

• Living Lord

The holy is found in our daily acts of kindness, justice, and mercy

Just a few thoughts

• “It is love that asks, that seeks, that knocks, that finds, and that is faithful to what it finds.” -- St Augustine“

• May people not be critical of the good actions of others, but see in them the Spirit of God at work in human lives.

• We pray for all stewards of creation, that they will continue to fight the good fight for healthy seas, lands and skies

Reflections

• They were for law, he was for mercy.

• The Radical Love of Jesus

• The audacity of prayer -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• All nations with ties to Israel ‘responsible in some measure’ for Gaza genocide

Musical Reflection

• I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Sin - a failure to work for the well-being of others.

Just a few thoughts

• Friends can help each other. A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself --Jim Morrison

• We pray for a spirit of honesty, repentance and humility in prayer as seen in the example on the tax collector in Jesus’ parable today.

• We pray for the mediators engaged in securing agreements to end wars around the world, that the fragile shoots of peace they plant will take root and flourish

Reflections

• The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth

• Two Minute Homily

• The Worst Kind of Pride -- next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• The Perfect Posture for Prayer

Musical Reflection

• A New Heart

Transformation -we have to start today

Just a few thoughts

• "As human beings we must do things to help each other. Disequity diminishes us all". -- Fred Hollows

• May our hearts be temples of the Spirit, and our words and actions be led by the Spirit, so that we always live for Christ.

• We pray for our war-torn world, that this week’s United Nations Day will strengthen our resolve to be peace-makers in every sphere of our lives.

Reflections

• There is always hope of transformation

• Let’s do it together !!

• Pharisaism -- next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• The poor at the centre: Pope Leo’s radical beginning

• Living sustainably as a tenant in God’s creation

Musical Reflection

• There Is A Longing

Do not delay making peace

Just a few thoughts

• "Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence." -- Hal Borland

• We pray for each other, that we may be sensitive to this present moment, and in our families and neighbourhoods, show the love of Christ by the way we speak and act.

• We pray for the sick, the frail and the housebound, that they will draw strength from the prayerful support of the community.

Reflections

• Looking at the present

• Our approach must constantly move according to the signs of the times

• The Impartial Judge -- next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Peacemaking Is Not Niceness

• The Pope, the media and the 'normalisation' of Trump

Musical Reflection

• Come To Me

A flame that purifies, enlightens, and renews

Just a few thoughts

• "I have a daughter and she's the greatest thing that ever happened to me. She gives me a good excuse to watch cartoons." -- Mike Dirnt

• We pray for a right attitude to religious faith, so that we do not condemn others or discriminate against them because their faith is different from ours.

• We pray for the victims of crime, that they will recover from their trauma, be granted justice, and be able to rebuild their lives

Reflections

• Jesus says he has come not to bring peace, but division on the earth.

• Following Him often leads to difficult choices

• What lies at the core of our every desire? -- last Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Can We Love All?

• ‘Walk with, don’t talk at’: Evangelising the synodal way

Musical Reflection

• Be With Me, Lord

Facing evil, injustice, and suffering with faith, courage, and love.

Just a few thoughts

• “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -- Winston Churchill
• That those who are gifted with riches and security may realize that they have a serious obligation to come to the aid of the poor.
• We pray for community leaders who promote harmony and respect across all sectors of Australian society, that their work will defuse the danger of hate speech and division

Reflections

• Absolute power corrupts absolutely

• Faithful Readiness

• A Particularly Joyous Wedding -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Vatican diplomat calls for action on poverty, conflict and climate change

• Religion in the age of algorithms

Musical Reflection

• God of Mercy

In a culture that prizes personal freedom and instant gratification above long-term fidelity, our call as Christians is countercultural.

Just a few thoughts

• "We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion." -- Max de Pree

• May the Holy Spirit penetrate the hearts of terrorists and leaders within military forces and convert them from violence to cooperation, from hatred to love, from war to peace.

• We pray for the children of Australia, that this National Children’s Week will help everyone know and uphold children’s rights

Reflections

• Restoring our relationship with God

• Being Ready

• The Everlasting Arms -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Life-saving infant formula delivered to Gaza

• The World Will be Saved by Beauty

Musical Reflection

• Reconciliation Song

 

Real security comes from living by Gospel values

Just a few thoughts

• “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” — Dalai Lama

• May the rich realize that they have a responsibility, through justice, to come to the aid of the poor.

• We pray for advocates of nature, that their tireless efforts to care for the earth will bear fruit for the wellbeing of the world.

Reflections

• All you are unable to give away possesses you.

• What is the Centre of my world?

• The magic of persistence -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Dilexi Te - care for the poor is essential to holiness

• Canberra summit to focus on homelessness and mental health

Musical Reflection

• God, We Gather as Your People

The strength of faith we all need

Just a few thoughts

• "My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far I've finished two bags of M&Ms and a chocolate cake. I feel better already." -- Dave Barry

• We pray for the fragile peace process unfolding across the Holy Land, that with new hope in God, Palestinian and Jewish people will find in their hearts the way of reconciliation and respect.

• We pray for judges, lawyers, police and all who work in the justice system, that they will fulfil their duty with unfailing integrity, impartiality and wisdom.

Reflections

• Two Minute Homily

• Why do we have to persevere?

• All Scripture is Inspired by God -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• World Hunger Is A Collective Failure

• Hospitality Can Lead to Healing

Musical Reflection

• Benedictus

The universality of Christ’s message

Just a few thoughts

• “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” -- Maya Angelou

• May the writings of St Luke, with its focus on God’s love for the poor and his mercy toward sinners and the energy of spreading the Gospel in the first century, constantly inspire all Christians.

• We pray for young people downcast by the spectre of climate change, that they will support and encourage one another in the hard work of caring for the earth, our only home

Reflections

• Luke was a Gentile

• Focus on peace, healing and reconciliation

• Not Losing Heart -- next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Cynical voices risk damaging Australia’s hard-won social cohesion

• A Friendship for Peace

Musical Reflection

• Nunc Dimittis

Proclaim the Good News with openness and integrity and fear not the consequences.

Just a few thoughts

• “Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.” -- Mallory Hopkins

• We pray for Christians facing great difficulties across the globe, that at all times they may take to heart the word of Jesus: do not be afraid.

• We pray in thanks for everyday blessings, that the myriad small things that bring us delight will move us to share the joy of life with all around us.

Reflections

• Every one of us has two egos!

• Living in the sight of God.

• Prayer for Grown-Ups -- next Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Anti-Poverty Week, 12-18 October 2025

• One in seven Australians lives below the poverty line

Musical Reflection

• The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor

Gaining true knowledge

Just a few thoughts

• "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." -- Lao Tzu

• We pray that this World Food Day will animate nations and individuals to alleviate hunger with greater commitment, for in a world of plenty no one should ever live in hunger.

• We pray for all who have been elected to service in local, state or federal government, that they will stay true to their oaths of office and work with courage, wisdom and transparency for the common good

Reflections

• God is there for everyone

• Be True to Yourself, God and Others

• Why gratitude is indispensable – and ingratitude cuts so deep -- last Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• What is the ‘Word of God’?

• Championing compassion and education

Musical Reflection

• Be Merciful

The spiritual life - a pilgrimage inward

Just a few thoughts

• "I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't know the answer." -- Douglas Adams

• We pray that St Teresa of Jesus from Avila, in her holiness and wisdom, will show us how to live for Jesus in the simple actions of our day.

• International Day of Rural Women – we pray for the women, who play a critical role on the land, in community building and in handing on the faith, that they will be joyful and full of hope.

Reflections

• Anyone can be a tennis player when there is no net, and no rules.

• Being an Authentic Witness of the Gospel

• Seeing more will change us-- last Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• Love as the Source of Nonviolence

• In a world saturated with information, no one today can say, ‘I did not know’

Musical Reflection

• St Teresa's Prayer

• Christ Has No Body Now but Yours

Be open to change

Just a few thoughts

• "Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.” -- Mother Teresa

• May there be love in all our actions, lest we become hypocrites who are intent on outward show with no sincerity of heart.

• We pray for world leaders, that they will work together to formulate and implement a global migration policy based on respect for human dignity.

Reflections

• Insides and outsides

• Interior freedom

• Who are the outsiders? -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• A Tradition of the Heart – Roman Catholic Devotions

• Gaza challenges us all

Musical Reflection

• Lord of Creation, to You be all praise

Growing in awareness

Just a few thoughts

• "Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back." -- Oscar Wilde

• May those engaged in the peace process between Palestine and Israel be filled with goodwill, determination, and total commitment to peace and justice.

Reflections

• There is always a danger that we take our faith for granted

• God whose love is for all, not just for the chosen (or choosey) few.

• Praying When We Don’t Feel Like It -- Sunday reflection

The Signs Of The Times

• The fragile work of peace begins

• Can Christians Be Makers of Peace?

Musical Reflection

• Song Of The Pilgrim