Liturgies

The focus of this homily is that loss which we all experience in many ways always contains possibilities for healing, compassion and wholeness. Narelle opens up the perspective of American Jewish Medical Practitioner Dr Rachel Naomi Remen who approaches the teaching of medical students with the strong message that medicine is not just about curing, but healing. She reminds us that right here right now we all have the potential to heal the world “one heart at a time.”

This weekend we will hear the story of one of the refugees supported by “Pushing Boundaries” and how the relationships developed through ‘Pushing Boundaries’ have become so influential in all of their lives.

Influenced by practical strategies to reduce waste in our society, Architect Mark Thomson, shares some developing thinking about a regenerative future. Homily by Mark Thomson.

World Environment Day on June 5th takes on a fresh appearance in Australia this year in the wake of our recent elections, with many demanding greater action on Climate Change. Our liturgies will remind us that we do that best from a deep love for the earth.

Friendships end. Life ends. Wars, asylum seekers and tragedies like drought, fires, floods and COVID happen. This creates suffering. What do we do with suffering as we experience it ourselves and in the world around us?

Terry will be speaking about the human attribute to need other people . Other people to encourage, support and inspire us. For we are not going to solve the huge problems facing us alone

Political choices - how to base our choices on our values, actions not words? What does political engagement in keeping with gospel values look like? And how we can stay engaged and participate - faith, hope, love, action - no matter who is in government.

We are replaying the homily that Heather first gave in 2018 in which she gives a little of the history of the day and links it to contemporary themes.

As we have just celebrated 13 years as St Mary's In Exile on the 19th April Terry will be reflecting on the past 13 years. Many of us have belonged to the community for many years in various degrees of familiarity. The need for places where people can be encouraged, inspired, and recharged is ever more needed. Spaces where hope is fostered, based on the reality of situations. St Mary's In Exile aspires to be one such place, Terry hopes we can continue to be this.

The story of the Lord's Supper illustrates how Jesus empowered the disciples to take over the ministry. He inspired them to challenge structural and institutional control and take responsibility for creating a better world. This Easter we are invited to hear in the midst of our traumatised and chaotic world the words of Jesus "I am with you" "Peace be with you" Be not afraid".