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
With Friends Like This -- next Sunday reflection
Parliament House summit brings together Church, providers and government
Hutt Street Centre fears it will be forced to turn people away
Musical Reflection
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
The Pharisee and the tax collector -- last Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
The Word of God today provides a wake-up call to our social conscience -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
The Cry of the Poor -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
The audacity of prayer -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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 Worst Kind of Pride -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
Pharisaism -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
Our approach must constantly move according to the signs of the times
The Impartial Judge -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
What lies at the core of our every desire? -- last Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
Reflections
A Particularly Joyous Wedding -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
The Everlasting Arms -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
The magic of persistence -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
All Scripture is Inspired by God -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
Not Losing Heart -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
Prayer for Grown-Ups -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
Why gratitude is indispensable – and ingratitude cuts so deep -- last Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
Seeing more will change us-- last Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
Who are the outsiders? -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
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
God whose love is for all, not just for the chosen (or choosey) few.
Praying When We Don’t Feel Like It -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
May all who live with chronic illnesses or disfigurement of the body, appreciate their human dignity, receive the support which they need, and growing with hope in Jesus Christ.
May the preparation for next year’s Diocesan Synod begin to arouse interest and enthusiasm across our parishes, communities and schools.
Reflections
Gratitude -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." -- Martin Luther King Jr.
We pray that Christians will follow the example of Mary: hear the word of God, ponder it in their hearts, and keep it.
Reflections
Our People -- next Sunday reflection
Poverty, violence still 'persistent issues' affecting women, girls – UN report
Grace on the journey - a meditation on Christian imperfection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
“There can be no life without change, and to be afraid of what is different or unfamiliar is to be afraid of life.” -- Theodore Roosevelt
We pray that this World Mental Health Day will strengthen government commitment to this issue and ensure that reliable services are available, especially in remote areas.
Reflections
“Marginal” People -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"People will try to tell you that all the great opportunities have been snapped up. In reality, the world changes every second, blowing new opportunities in all directions, including yours." -- Ken Hakuta
We pray for a right spirit of prayer in which we place our trust in God, and not see prayer as a way to selfishly and childishly bargaining with God.
We pray for one another as members of our consumer society, that we will support each other in the challenge of shopping and living sustainably
Reflections
Transformation and Thanksgiving -- next Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"When in doubt as to what you should do, err on the side of giving." -- Tony Cleaver
We pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit that we will be forgiving towards others, for God has graciously forgiven us in Jesus, his Son.
We pray for the artists and authors who create children’s literature, that they will fire the imaginations of the young with hope for a world of beauty, goodness and truth.
Reflections
Lord, increase our faith -- last Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
The Lord's Prayer --Andrea Bocelli
The Lord’s Prayer --Matt Maher
Just a few thoughts
“A smart man makes a mistake, learns from it, and never makes that mistake again. But a wise man finds a smart man and learns from him how to avoid the mistake altogether.” -- Roy H. Williams
May each of us, according to our situation in life, may serve God joyfully and prayerfully and through our charity build up the unity of the Church.
We pray for a new spirit of public dialogue, that issues of social concern may be discussed and debated openly, safely and respectfully
Reflections
Lord, increase our faith -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people's ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life." -- Amy Poehler
May we, in times of need, graciously accept the help of others.
Reflections
Two-Minute Homily -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"To create more positive results in your life, replace 'if only' with 'next time'." – Anon
We pray for all whose distress at human suffering is a stumbling block to faith, that the witness of everyday Christians will pave the way for the gift of belief.
World Teachers Day - may they recommit themselves to their noble profession of helping children, adolescents and adults to grow in knowledge, maturity, sound judgement and high values.
Reflections
Believe it -- Sunday reflection
Musical Reflection
Just a few thoughts
"As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people's ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life." -- Amy Poehler
May this closing day of the Season of Creation on this Memorial of St Francis, bring special blessings upon ecologists and the works associated with the ecology, so that God’s creation can flourish once again.
Reflections
A Little is a Lot -- next Sunday reflection
Caring for the poor is not enough — they need advocacy too --- Vinnies USA
Musical Reflection
