Published: 21 November 2010
By: Paul Dobbyn
http://www.catholicleader.com.au/news.php/top-stories/survey-shows-changing-trends-in-religious-life_70458
THERE is little point in the Church dwelling on the past or longing for former days, one of the authors of a report on a 2009 survey of Australia’s Catholic religious institutes has said.
Last Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany. The dictionary informs us that an epiphany is “a sudden intuitive leap of understanding” eg. “it came to her in an epiphany what her life work was to be”.
Recently, one of you wrote to me and among mostly positive comments, added, “I don’t always agree with everything you say”.
HAPPINESS
How happy are the poor in spirit
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Happy the gentle
They have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn
They shall be comforted
………
Happy the peacemakers
They are called children of God
This Gospel reading is a blueprint for our happiness, not only to be looked forward to later in this life or in some future existence, but to be experienced and enjoyed here and now.
It has now been a week since the tragic events of the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley flash flooding and the following flooding of Brisbane. We thank the numerous efforts of those who have given tireless assistance to others in such great need during this time of heartbreak and upheaval. Should you know of anyone who may be in further need of assistance, please contact us via this website or by phoning 3029 7000 (St Mary’s/ Micah Projects)
For almost a year now, I have been riding with a group of cyclists in Maleny who call themselves ”The Lycra Lizards”. I suppose the “lycra”makes it clear we’re not the leather-clad variety – but why ever did they choose “lizards”?
The book Peter Kennedy; The Man who Threatened Rome is available.
Should you wish to purchase a copy of Peter Kennedy; The Man who Threatened Rome, you can do so by depositing a payment of $30 (this price includes postage) into the St Mary’s Account at your local bank branch or by using internet banking.
Bank Payment Details
Account for depositing of payment is:
St Mary’s Community Ltd,
BSB: 064-131 Account no 10339414.
Please include the word book and your last name into the description and send an email to margdoc@gmail.com to let us know your description to look for.
Alternatively, post a cheque payable to
St Mary’s Community Ltd
St Mary’s Community,
PO Box 3449, South Brisbane 4101
For any further information or assistance, including international postage fees, please email Doc at margdoc@gmail.com
This wonderful story which we get to hear every year about this time is not unique to Christianity. These three wise men, three kings, the Magi coming to pay homage to a child who is to be a Saviour is a motif not exclusive to Christianity. In this part of the world many Avatars, Saviours, God men and women are visited at their birth by the three wise men following a star which helps locate them.
Into the Deep Issue 100 Newsletter of orthodox Catholics of Gippsland January 2011
A Queensland Creed
~ A Satire ~