A Christmas thought and prayer… Editor, Brian Coyne, reviews his year, takes up a few thoughts he read in The Tablet overnight, and attempts to come up with a unifying thought and prayer as his Christmas wish. <more>

Should the Church change tactics if it is serious about reducing Abortion? We have a double-barrelled lead commentary today. Firstly there's a lengthy submission by Antony O'Brien to the Victorian Law Reform Commission which is looking at Abortion Law Reform. Secondly in our email commentary editor of Catholica, Brian Coyne, asks some hard-nosed questions about whether Catholics and the Church ought not to change tactics if we are to be really serious abour reducing the incidence of abortion in Western society. <more>

Castles in the Air! Rounding out last week's commentary, Dr Kania takes a look at that passage from St Luke's Gospel where Jesus provides some advice on the sort of foundation we ought build our lives upon. <more>

Creating a "Constitution" for your Parish? Don't be put off by the title. In many ways you'll find this one of the most interesting of all Professor Swidler's essays. It'll causes one of those pleasant feelings you have when you read something and end up exclaiming "well, I never know that before". Much of this is written from an American perspective but it's valuable history to know. <more>

Aus Bishops "open up" in report to their people… The Australian Bishops have released a most comprehensive report of their recent plenary meeting outlining a range of interesting initiatives that indicate a new seriousness about addressing the underlying reasons why people have become disenchanted with the institution. <more>

Reclaiming the Spirit of Jesus XI… In Chapter Eleven Bishop Robinson tackles the painful issue of sexual abuse. His reflection might be seen as having a triple focus: the largest part is devoted to what needs to be done to heal the victims; he also discusses the healing the Church needs to take on board; running through the reflection is the question of the spiritual damage done by abuse and the need for spiritual healing. We present this series of meditations in cooperation with Bishop Robinson and his publisher, John Garratt Publishing. <Read Bishop Robinson's reflection>