033 :
31 Jul 2007

“More than a Game” The ability to make correct moral choice is more than a game. In this commentary Dr Kania examines virtue — the ability to discern moral correctness from expediency: "nothing the world can offer is ever worth bartering personal virtue in order to obtain". [more]

024 :
30 Jul 2007

Do we dream like this anymore? Over the weekend one of our readers sent Brian Coyne a copy of a parish submission to a 1993 Melbourne survey looking at Tomorrow's Church. Surely 2007 is now "tomorrow". There are a heck of a lot less people in Church than in 1993 and it makes interesting reading reflecting back on this document. What sort of mood would we find in the Church if a survey were to be undertaken today? [more]

012 :
29 Jul 2007

A new Spirituality for today's needs… In this provocative commentary, Fr Kevin Murphy asks if we can develop a pristine Christian Spirituality in accord with the original spirituality in the Church and which is sympathetic to today’s needs? [more]

048 :
28 Jul 2007

Jesus' attitude towards women Ian Elmer begins a new series this Saturday examining the ways in which Jesus differed from other religious leaders and rabbis. In this first part he examines the counter-cultural attitude Jesus took towards women and how this was later reversed by later followers in the late-first and early-second centuries. [more]

004 :
27 Jul 2007

The crisis facing the Church... In this detailed commentary Fr Daniel Donovan endeavours to break apart the nature of the crisis in participation and morale being experienced by the Church, both locally and internationally, at the moment. It is a potentially explosive analysis with his revelations of a recent Open Letter to the Priests of the Archdiocese of Sydney from Dr Dennis Dubro, the former Bursar at the Opus Dei-managed Warrane College whose letter "warns of the dangers of Opus Dei and its unbridled activity and power in the structures (and worship) of the Local Church". Fr Donovan is concerned at the appeasement that seems to be underway at a high level in the Church for dissident elements who at every turn have endeavoured to undo the work of the Second Vatican Council. Fr Donovan charts how at a number of significant levels there has been a decisive shift away from the spirit and intent of what the collective Church Fathers charted as the future for the Church at the Second Vatican Council. He concludes by arguing that the responsibility of the Church's bishops is "to uphold with courage and imagination the work of Vatican II so that God's Spirit might continue to renew the whole earth" and not be engaged in this constant "appeasment of the disaffected". [more]

007 :
26 Jul 2007

Sex, Love and Dogma! In this commentary, Daniel Gullotta, writing from the perspective of a young single man, explores his perceptions on sex and human sexuality synthesised through Christian insight and biblical references… [more]

051 :
25 Jul 2007

On the death of an infant… In this moving reflection written for the grieving parents of a dead infant, Peregrinus reflects on his own experience of losing a son. [more]

032 :
24 Jul 2007

“All in the Family” This commentary by Dr Kania opens up a myriad of possibilities for discussion. Here's just a couple: is this a boy's own tale — how is this stuff viewed from the female perspective? How do communities protect themselves against nepotism and corruption? [more]

023 :
23 Jul 2007

Three reasons to be inspired today! Brian provides links to two inspiring addresses and one radio interview that ought give all who are sympathetic to the objectives of Catholica a deep sense of hope. The trouble is finding the time you'll need to take it all in today. [more]

011 :
22 Jul 2007

Bringing brutal honesty into our relationships, and into our conversations! This is a double-barrelled reflection. In introducing George Bouchey's commentary — which is all about sex, relationships, relationship breakdown, marriage and divorce — Brian Coyne suggests we need to find ways to be far more honest in the conversations we conduct in the Church. [more]

047 :
21 Jul 2007

What is sin? Ian Elmer's commentary today is an exploration of our changing perceptions on the nature of sin but he adds the twist of endeavouring to look at "sin" from the perspective of what we can learn from modern biblical scholarship. [more]

010 :
20 Jul 2007

Report on Sr Joan Chittister's public lecture in Australia Brian Coyne presents a report on the provocative public lecture given by Sr Joan Chittister on 20 July 2007 at Mount St Benedict College, Pennant Hills, to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict. [more]

008 :
20 Jul 2007

Divorce II: what St Paul had to say on the subject… Today we re-publish the second installment of a magnificent four-part series prepared and written by Peregrinus on the subject of divorce. Today's take examines what St Paul had to say about it. [more]

006 :
19 Jul 2007

Why can't women be priests? In this commentary, Daniel explains his difficulties with the Catholic Church's attitude to women which, in part, caused him to convert to the Anglican Church. [more]

050 :
18 Jul 2007

What's the practical effect of the Pope's Motu Proprio likely to be? Peregrinus provides an accessible analysis of Pope Benedict's recently released Motu Proprio which provides for wider access to the Pre-Vatican II Latin Mass. Pere argues there'll not be much change in practical effect on the ground. [more]

031 :
17 Jul 2007

The meaning of the word ‘catholic’… In this provocative commentary Dr Kania explodes a few myths about the meaning in the word ‘catholic’. He mounts a passionate case for members of the Latin Church or Roman Rite to embrace the true meaning in this word which we recite each time we say the Creed. He argues that for anyone to continue to call themselves "Roman Catholics" is to use a derogatory term that was imposed on them by Protestants in the age of sectarianism. It is a term that has helped obscure the true meaning of the word ‘catholic’. [more]

022 :
16 Jul 2007

The WYD Cross and Icon in Parramatta Diocese! Today's commentary takes the form of a visual essay endeavouring to give a balanced overview of the welcoming ceremony for the World Youth Day Cross and Icon in the Diocese of Parramatta yesterday, Sunday, 15th July 2007. Brian Coyne's accompanying commentary poses questions we might need to be asking concerning the meaning of these icons to the community today. [more]

012 :
15 Jul 2007

Reflecting on the challenges we face in the Church… Milly's reflection today explores the changing nature of our understanding of what being a Christian community is. She presents an optimistic perspective of this time of continuing upheaval we seem to be in… [more]

046 :
14 Jul 2007

Paul In the interests of exploring further the subject of the cult of personality, which Ian Elmer raised in his commentary last week, this week he invites us to study Paul's first letter to Corinth and, in particular, the conflict between Paul and the Cephas (Peter) Party. [more]

007 :
13 Jul 2007

Divorce I: what Jesus had to say on the subject… Today we re-publish the first installment of a magnificent four-part series prepared and written by Peregrinus on the subject of divorce. Today's take examines what Jesus had to say about it. We are republishing this series as there has been a significant increase in the readership of Catholica since it was first published on 24 August last year. [more]

005 :
12 Jul 2007

Was Jesus Married? Our lead commentary today is the fifth contribution by Daniel Gullotta, a young theology student at ACU National in Brisbane. Today Daniel examines the evidence on the recent controversies in the secular media pertaining to whether Jesus was married. This is a powerful essay from such a young writer. I think we might be witnessing here the emergence of a powerful communicator. Congratulations Daniel. I should also point out that Daniel is also responsible for choosing most of the graphics that accompany his essays. [more]

049 :
11 Jul 2007

Further info from the Census Peregrinus has been doing some further research into the recently released Census figures. In his commentary today he shares a few further conclusions that might be drawn and also outlines some places where we need to be cautious in what we read into the figures. [more]

030 :
10 Jul 2007

A fable and commentary on moral consequence… In this essay, which he entitles "The End Game", Andrew Kania is exploring both the issue of consequence that flows from each action in our lives, and also the wider and more contentious issue that has caused plenty of invigorating discussion in our forum in the past – the final accountability of our actions, and life. [more]

361 :
09 Jul 2007

What is required for evangelisation or re-evangelisation? The announcement in the news today of the initiative by the Australian bishops to take the re-evangelisation effort a bit more seriously provides an opportunity to take the discussion a little deeper. Do you believe it is possible to re-vangelise the Church simply by "pumping up the volume" on the agenda that has been offered by the Church for the past forty or fifty years? [more]

011 :
08 Jul 2007

Our behaviour does matter! Catholica Australia largely came into existence because of the difficulties in conducting conversations in other places on the internet. In this commentary, Milly, shares some thoughts on internet ettiquette and responsibility… [more]

045 :
07 Jul 2007

Cult of Celebrity… Ian Elmer returns to further examine the picture we have of the first Apostle, Peter. His commentary has been partly sparked by John Carroll's recent book "The Existential Jesus". [more]

358 :
06 Jul 2007

Two commentaries on "priests" and "sex"… We have two commentaries today. In a sense they come from opposite ends of the spectrum though they are both related to "priests" and "sex" within the same media headlines. Cliff Baxter examines a sleezy story about sordid sex in the Philippines and the efforts of an Irish priest to clean it up. Across the other side of the Pacific, Tom McMahon shares with us a sensitive story about the needs of priests for relationship. For links to the commentaries see the introduction to each commentary in the panels immediately following…

040 :
06 Jul 2007

Fr Shay Cullen… Cliff Baxter shares some personal knowledge of his involvement in the exposing the activities of sexual predators in the Philippines. His commentary links to a recent documentary on ABC television concerning Fr Shay Cullen and an article in this week's Irish Echo in which Fr Cullen criticises the way the ABC covered the story about pedophiles and sex predators in the Philippines. [more]

003 :
06 Jul 2007

Relationships … just plain old relationships: some thoughts from a not-so-inoocent bystander… Tom McMahon sent us this sensitively written commentary exploring the importance of relationship in our lives. Tom was laicised many years ago over differences of opinion he had with the institution on the matter of celibacy but it could be said that throughout his life he has brought to his work a very "priestly" view. It still comes through in what he is writing from the comfort of his retirement in San Jose, California. [more]

004 :
05 Jul 2007

An overview of The Book of Revelation In his fourth essay for Catholica, Daniel Gullotta is examining the Book of Revelation — the Apocalyptic last book of the New Testament. [more]

007 :
04 Jul 2007

Congratulating Benny? Farmer Jack's back in conversation with Benny congratulating him on how things were resolved in the Toowomba Diocese. [Click here to view the Farmer Jack animation]

029 :
03 Jul 2007

A Christian moral perspective on the nature of friendship… In this essay, which he originally entitled "The Conspiracy of Blindness", Dr Kania is exploring the nature of "true friendship" from a moral and Christian perspective. [more]

021 :
02 Jul 2007

The challenge our leaders face is theological, not liturgical! Brian Coyne ended up at a Tridentine Mass on Sunday evening more by accident than design. In his commentary today he has a few observations but the commentary is more a discussion about the challenge our ecclesial leaders face in ministering to the needs of the community today. [more]

002 :
01 JuL 2007

Can you assist this family? Last year Cliff Baxter introduced readers of Catholica to Dr Armen Gakavian, a still youngish graduate based here in Sydney, who has made it his life's work to assist the people of Armenia. He writes, researches and undertakes practical social justice endeavours in support of the long struggle the people of Armenia have been involved in to carve a better place for themselves and their nation in the world. One of the practical endeavours which Cliff and Armen brought to our attention was the situation of one particular family in Armenia, the Nersisyan's, whom Armen has made it his business to assist financially. Today Dr Gakavian puts before you a further request for financial assistance for the Nersisyan family. [more]

044 :
30 Jun 2007

Journal Writing… A very different and far more personal commentary from Ian this week which explores the value in journal writing. [more]

039 :
27 Jun 2007

Testing the pollies? Cliff Baxter takes up Senator Bill Heffernan's suggestion (now there's an unlikely duo for you – LOL) and asks if our politicians ought be subject to random drug testing as well? [more]

028 :
26 Jun 2007

The positives and negatives of anger… Most of us are challenged by anger at some point or other in our lives. Dr Kania explores the subject through the lens of a contemporary movie and through a homily penned by St Basil the Great. Like everything else in life anger has both negative and positive aspects. [more]

020 :
25 Jun 2007

It's time for these rumours to stop … and quickly! The rumours concerning Bishop Bill Morris being under investigation by the Vatican continue to circulate. Brian Coyne argue they need to be quashed one way or the other, and quickly. [more]

038 :
24 Jun 2007

Analysing the National Emergency? Cliff Baxter questions the reasoning behind the Australian Federal Government's declaration of a national emergency in the matter of child abuse. [more]

043 :
23 Jun 2007

How important is the question of who wrote the Gospels? The authorship of the Gospel's has been a long-disputed question. In this commentary Ian Elmer seeks to examine the evidence and explains his personal motivations as a biblical scholar why he thinks examining the question is important. [more]

003 :
22 Jun 2007

Further thoughts... Fr Daniel Donovan takes a further critical look at the draft pastoral plan for the Archdiocese of Sydney. In the interests of encouraging intelligent discussion within the Church community that is to the overall enhancement of the Church, Catholica would welcome informed responses or rebutals from those who drafted the plan, or writers with expertise who disagree with Fr Donovan's criticisms. [more]

000 :
21 Jun 2007

Series Introduction… Catholica Editor and Publisher, Brian Coyne, explains what this special series of interviews is seeking to achieve. [more]

001 :
21 Jun 2007

Dr Peter Tannock… Dr Peter Tannock is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Notre Dame. He is a former chairman of the National Catholic Education Commission and earlier than that could arguably be described as one of the chief architects of the model of modern Catholic Education that was set up by the Bishops of this nation beginning in about 1971. In some respects he could also be described as being influential in framing aspects of national education policy in this country. Despite the enormous influence he has had in the Church and in educational policy he is also a very private man not given to blowing his own trumpet. Brian Coyne set out to gain some insight into what makes Peter Tannock "tick" as an educational entrepreneur and as a lay Catholic facing the struggles we all face. [more]

002 :
21 Jun 2007

Fr Diarmuid O'Murchu… As the second interview in this series we have pleasure in presenting an extended conversation with Fr Diarmuid O'Murchu recorded during his visit to Australia In January 2007. Fr O'Murchu is in conversation with the publisher of Catholica Australia, Brian Coyne, and Brian's business, creative and life partner, Amanda McKenna. [more]

009 :
20 Jun 2007

Leaked letter discloses priest disquiet over remuneration levels in Sydney Archdiocese The rumblings of disquiet in the Archdiocese of Sydney look set to continue. Catholica has been sent a copy of a letter addressed to "fellow priests" in the Archdiocese which seeks to apply pressure on the Archdiocesan authorities for a salary and superannuation increase for priests. [more]

004 :
19 Jun 2007

The mystical value of a hug... Here's a fabulous little reflection from Vince Exley who's hit the wagon at the moment and consequently found God in a hug. Seriously, our mate is in hospital in Brisbane at the moment recovering from a potentially fatal infection he picked up and he sent us this delightful little reflection that I am sure will warm many hearts as much as Vince's regular afternoon Scotch on the Rocks, normally warms his little heart. Enjoy your day and give someone you meet today a really good hug! [more]

027 :
19 Jun 2007

A challenging commentary on hypocrisy Whatever your political persuasion I think you will find this commentary by Dr Kania most provocative and challenging. He's looking at the difficult issue of hypocrisy. At times we have to speak up about injustices in society but it is not always easy to do so without being hypocritical ourselves. There is fuel for a rich discussion flowing out of this commentary. …Ed [more]

010 :
18 Jun 2007

Building a parish in cyberspace? In many ways the internet is turning into the revolution for our post-WWII generations that the birth of the motor car, the aeroplane and radio communications was for our parents' and grandparents' generations. Amanda McKenna almost lives in cyerbspace these days, as does her husband, the editor of Catholica, Brian Coyne. In separate ways a large part of their work today is focused on finding ways in which the net might be used in service of communicating the gospel message of Jesus and building mutually supportive communities. In this commentary, Milly relates two recent experiences that she has found uplifting… [more]

002 :
18 Jun 2007

Our changing perceptions of belief and practice... Fr Daniel Donovan was recently interviewed on The Religion Report on ABC Radio National concerning the comments he first aired on Catholica over the Draft Pastoral Plan for the Archdiocese of Sydney. We invited him to provide us with a debrief following the interview. In overview his commentary ends up essentially being a critique of how and why our views on religious belief and how we practice them have changed in the last half century. [more]

037 :
17 Jun 2007

This is OUTRAGEOUS! Cliff Baxter provides the facts on this disturbing case in Ireland that has been reported in The Irish Echo in Australia. It's about a gay priest who has been "outed" by one of Rupert Murdoch's sensationalist tabloids. In a separate editorial, Brian Coyne, puts the case for the real moral issues that this case brings to the surface for investigation. [more]

042 :
16 Jun 2007

Early symbols of our faith… Ian Elmer's commentary today explores the origins of some of the early symbols used to depict Christianity. It's a commentary filled with insightful reflections about what these symbols mean today. [more]

003 :
14 Jun 2007

What do we know of Judas Iscariot? Daniel Gullotta's last essay seemed to attract a lot of interest from readers of Catholica if the web logs provide a good indication of which pages are read on our website. It attracted a very good response up in the ranks of the best responses of our regular commentators who've been doing this for a long time. Daniel's essay today will probably attract similar interest as its focus is on one of the most controversial and provocative characters in all of the Gospel stories aside from Jesus himself… [more]

048 :
13 Jun 2007

The debate over who should receive communion – Continued… As mentioned last week, it was coincidental that Peregrinus' commentary last week was concerned with the withholding of the Eucharist from politicians when on the same day Cardinal Pell was making headlines by issuing such a threat in Australia. This week Peregrinus examines both the politics and the theology that was played out in the various statements and media comments made by the Cardinal and the NSW bishops over the past week. [more]

026 :
12 Jun 2007

Why do people lose the will to live? Andrew's commentary today examines the challenging problem of rising suicide rates in affluent societies and how it might be countered. [more]

019 :
11 Jun 2007

Exploring Ian Elmer's "New Vision of Church" further... In this commentary for today Brian Coyne takes up Ian Elmer's challenge from Saturday of exploring what "A New Vision of Church" might look like. He has points of agreement with Ian but also points of disagreement. We're interested also in eliciting responses from our readers as to how you believe the Church needs to re-envisage itself if it is to again become relevant to the world and not just to a dwindling few. [more]

009 :
10 Jun 2007

The Spirituality of Thomas Merton VI In this sixth and final extract from Patrick Collins' essay on the Spirituality of Thomas Merton, we find Thomas Merton grappling with a fear that monastic life and contemplation was becoming downgraded in the Church, and in the world. He saw a continual challenge in the tension or balance required for a contemplative to be both in the world and to be withdraw from the world. [more]

331 :
09 Jun 2007

What's happening in the Toowoomba Diocese? Last night we were contacted by a journalist colleague in Brisbane about rumours circulating in Queensland that Bishop Bill Morris of the Toowoomba Diocese has been called to Rome in mysterious cricumstances for a "please explain". We have been able to ascertain that there is some substance to the story but not the detail. It's been a difficult decision overnight deciding how to treat this significant news story. In the end we decided to handle it with a Farmer Jack animation. Veteran journalist, Cliff Baxter, describes Bishop Morris as one of the most "popular and pastoral bishops in Australia" and Toowoomba Diocese has long had a reputation for producing an abundance of priests. We will endeavour to bring you further news on these matters as they become available. Brian Coyne (editor). [Click here to view the Farmer Jack animation]

041 :
09 Jun 2007

A New Vision of Church? In what is possibly his single most gripping commentary yet for Catholica, Ian Elmer writes on a broad canvas exploring the ultimate meaning of our spiritual and religious quest. He ends by posing a series of questions and suggestions that we need to take on board as a Church if we are to forge new vitality into the institution and again make it relevant to the needs of the individual and civilisation at large. [more]

002 :
08 Jun 2007

The Historicity of Jesus In his second contribution to Catholica, ACU National theology student, Daniel Gullotta, examines the arguments scholars are engaged in in their attempts to better understand the historical person of Jesus. [more]

329 :
07 Jun 2007

Can I? Exclusive for Catholica readers we release a copy of Amanda McKenna's new song, "Can I?", which is being used to promote the Vinnies Winter Sleep-Out in support of homeless people on 21st June. Also in the email today: due to the massive number of new subscriptions, and visitors to our website in recent days, Brian Coyne provides an overview of what the Catholica endeavour is all about. [more]

047 :
06 Jun 2007

The debate over who should receive communion… The Good Lord must be on our side. Overnight Cardinal Pell projected the debate over politicians being denied communion if they vote to approve stem-cell research legislation in NSW. Peregrinus didn't write this commentary with the Cardinal's comments in mind but they are likely to be one of the more measured arguments you are going to find anywhere on the net of the issues both for and against the position being advocated by the Cardinal. [more]

001 :
05 Jun 2007

Catholic Religious Education in Australia — why and how it has changed... Catholic Education in Australia faced a major crisis in the 1960s to the point where the bishops of the time seriously considered having to close the entire system down because they simply did not have the resources to sustain it any longer. The new system that was established in the 1970s, thanks largely to government funding, is fundamentally different to the system of religious education that had existed in the past. In today's commentary, Dr Graham English, Senior Lecturer in Religious Education at ACU National, explores some of the other social and cultural factors that make Catholic Religious Education today so much different to what it was in the past. [more]

025 :
05 Jun 2007

What lessons from Thomas Becket today? Andrew today re-visits the story of 12th Century English Saint and Martyr, St Thomas Becket. Even today the site of his murder in Canterbury Cathedral is a much venerated spot. Why does this meddlesome priest continue to inspire? [more]

018 :
04 Jun 2007

Let us be tongues of fire, criticizing and energizing... The SMH this morning has a front page story giving one dimension to the crisis afflicting the Catholic Church. Over the weekend, Associated Press, carried an even bigger story about the crisis afflicting Voice of The Faithful in the United States. Brian Coyne examines the dimensions of this crisis from a different perspective. [more]

008 :
03 Jun 2007

The Spirituality of Thomas Merton V This is possibly the longest of the extracts from Patrick Collins' essay on the Spirituality of Thomas Merton that we will be publishing. It is long because in this section Fr Patrick goes off scouring the correspondence of Merton in search of his views on different aspects of prayer and we thought it best to keep all these thoughts together in one commentary. [more]

040 :
02 Jun 2007

Spelling it out! Ian Elmer coined the term "Law-Free Christianity" to explain a concept in his doctoral theses regarding the factions in the early Christian church. Some have tried to deliberately misconstrue what is meant by the term. In this commentary Ian spells out precisely what is meant. [more]

001 :
01 Jun 2007

The Problem of Evil Apart from the university lecturers amongst us whose job it is to be regularly marking student assignments, I expect this essay from one of Ian Elmer's theology students at ACU National, Daniel Gullotta, will be of interest to other readers of Catholica from two principal points of view. Firstly it enables us to see how a young person tackles one of the big questions for the first time. Daniel certainly has tackled a huge canvas for his first essay for Catholica and I think his condensation of the arguments into less than 1400 words is commendable. Secondly, and this is one of our main aims in encouraging the submission of these commentaries from younger writers, is it provides some insight into the broader perspectives of young people _Ed. [more]