1. Kerry Gonzales: "The Extremists Within" Today we bring you two perspectives from women that are strangely complementary. In the first Kerry Gonzales relates how some words read casually in a journal she came across had a powerful impact on her causing her to lament the lack of questioning in the faith she had been brought up in. She asks if this might be a major cause of why so many have become so disengaged from Catholicism? [more]
2. Milly reviews Michael B Kelly's book: "Seduced by Grace" The second is a review of a book by a man "on the edge" who isn't afraid to question, Michael B Kelly. Many of the original members of Catholica know Michael as a friend. He was a frequent participant with many of us back in the days when there was a vibrant and friendly community centred on the CathNews discussion board. Milly relates some of our experience knowing Michael in that context in her review of his thought-provoking new book "Seduced by Grace" which explores the place of gays in society and in the life of the Christian and Catholic churches. [more]

Michael Morwood — ten years on! This is the first part of an extended interview with Adult Faith Educator, Michael Morwood, conducted on the eve of the tenth anniversary of his explusion from the priesthood. Today Michael possibly reaches a larger international audience than he ever did in the past through his lectures and books. In this extended interview we will be exploring his personal journey, the ideas in his new book "From Sand to Solid Ground", and general issues about his perspectives on spirituality and institutional religion today. This interview is part of ongoing series of interviews with Catholic leaders and thinkers. We will publish this interview with Michael in convenient 10 minute segments over coming Thursdays. Each segment is intended to provide good reflection material for members of Catholica on the days they are published. <more>

A reminder of how we must live… This is another of those "must read" commentaries from Peregrinus. You might have thought you've heard every commentary and homily there is to be heard about the meaning of Ash Wednesday but do yourself a favour and read this one! <more>

Why we choose to support various causes and not others? The title "Elective Affinities" is taken from the title of a book by Goethe. Dr Kania uses it as the genesis for a reflection looking at the process by which we choose to support various causes, and not others — or various individuals and not others. In the conclusion he links all this in to the religious and spiritual choices we make in our lives. [more]

An introduction to a very special series… It is with great pleasure that that we introduce a special series written by Tom Lee exploring the First 500 Years of Christianity. This series will run on Mondays for the forseeable future. We predict it will lead to a "great wailing of the Banshees" from those sectors of the Church who believe they have all the answers and who self-rightesouly believe they're the only ones who are going to be saved. Within the Catholica community, and the circles our endeavour is seeking to reach and encourage, we expect it will lead to much fascinating discussion and self-critical analysis of what we believe and how we have come to believe it. This is adult faith education at its very best. [more]

A bishop's suggestions for addressing the shortage of priests… The discussion is hotting up around the world on different ideas that might address the shortage of Catholic priests. Today we review a book written by a bishop in South Africa, Fritz Lobinger, who has put forward suggestions whereby the crisis might be addressed by working within the system. He is taking up and seeking to extend discussion of issues that were raised at the last international Synod of Bishops. The review has been written by PeterR who has been one of the more vigorous contributors to the Catholica Australia forums in this general subject area. [more]