A Day in the Life of an Eco-Hero
May 24, 2023
Meet Bridgette Barrett
Bridgette lives in Adelaide, South Australia and has been a committed Eco-Hero for many years. Bridgette’s first encounter with the Sisters of Saint Joseph was when her daughter attended Mary MacKillop Primary School in Wallaroo. In the 1980s, the hole over the Antarctic was in the media and Bridgette made sure that the school knew about this issue and the impact of CFC gases.
Bridgette’s connection with the Sisters of Saint Joseph has grown over the years and Bridgette is now a very active Josephite Companion, as well as being a regular volunteer in a Meals on Wheels kitchen, Treasure Boxes (a South Australian children’s not-for-profit which provides vital essentials to babies, children and teens living in disadvantage); in her local parish and at the Mary MacKillop Precinct in Adelaide.
Julian Tenison Woods and his Early Days in Bathurst Diocese of NSW
May 23, 2023
In a little book entitled Memoirs of Our Founder Rev Julian Edmond Tenison Woods [1] written by one of the first members of the Josephites, we find:
The foundation in Bathurst was a source of great joy and consolation to him. He hoped that there the Institute could be established according to the original Rule. However, he was obliged to make some alterations to suit the Bishop’s (Dr Quinn’s) views, which were to form the Bathurst Sisters into a Diocesan Community. In the early days of the Institute, when it may be said to have had no existence except in his mind, his prayer to God was that while it might accomplish all the good he desired, none of the credit of it might be given to him.
Due to illness Julian experienced after four years of superhuman exertion [2] in Adelaide and a serious fall from his buggy, he was sent to New South Wales (NSW) by the Bishop to rest. It appears that Julian interpreted ‘resting’ as an opportunity to facilitate missions and retreats in the Bathurst and Sydney Dioceses! Perusing a list of dates where Julian visited the Bathurst Diocese between 1871-1883, it is obvious that he took a great interest in what might provide an avenue for his priestly ministry. Arriving in Bathurst it is noted that he preached on 19-20 August 1871. [3] It appears that this began his sojourn within the Bathurst Diocese, as well as other places.
May Prayer Intention: Ecclesial movements and groups
Pope Francis has named his prayer intention in May for the ecclesial movements and groups in the Church. He states that they are a “gift” and “treasure” to the Church, and, I believe, to the wider world. These ecclesial movements and lay associations spread the Gospel message of love, in many and various ways, and are a sign of renewal within the Church.
Pope John Paul II stated that:
Pentecost 2023
The feast of Pentecost (28 May) invites us to be attentive to the movement of the Spirit acting in and through our lives.
Be A Voice For Generations – National Reconciliation Week 2023
What a great theme, what a great challenge: Be A Voice For Generations.
In the Reconciliation Victoria May 2023 eNews, CEO Nicole Findlay writes “this year’s theme gives us a chance to reflect on reconciliation leaders who have championed change and put truth-telling at the heart of our healing and cultural learning journeys”.
Laudato Si’ Week 2023
May 22, 2023
Hope for the Earth, Hope for Humanity has been adopted as the theme for Laudato Si’ Week this year, celebrated globally from 21-28 May.
Pope Francis addressed the Laudato Si’ encyclical to “every person living on Planet Earth”. (#3). He frequently returns to the themes that humanity and creation are intimately woven together, just as one’s religious faith carries the responsibility and duties toward nature and the Creator. “Human life is grounded”, Pope Francis writes, “in three fundamental and closely intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbor, and with … [E]arth itself.” (#66)
Josephite Justice Network Update
May 8, 2023
This year has been a significant one for many of us as Josephites.
The polarisation of debate around the Voice referendum has challenged us in many different ways, and the crises in the housing market, low wages, inadequate welfare payments and the devastation facing Earth have both tested and galvanised us. We’ve been really conscious of the efforts right across the entire Josephite community to respond.
Irene McCormack Catholic College: Continuation of the Legacies of Sister Irene
To commemorate the anniversary of the death of Sister Irene McCormack (21 May 1991), we feature a reflection by Irene McCormack Catholic College.
Irene McCormack Catholic College is a co-educational Year 7 to 12 secondary school which was established in 2000 by the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia in response to an increased demand for Catholic education in the rapidly growing north-western corridor of Perth. The College was named in honour of Sister Irene McCormack and to continue her legacy of prayer, service and justice.