St Joseph Feast Day 2025
March 14, 2025Joseph, the Pilgrim of Hope
Greetings on the feast of Saint Joseph.
This Jubilee year provides each one of us with the opportunity to reflect on the role of pilgrimage in our lives and in the life of Joseph. The Gospel accounts in which reference to Joseph are shared speak of Joseph setting out on a journey to unknown and unfamiliar places – Bethlehem, Egypt and Nazareth. He steps out with courage, trusting that God would walk with him in these difficult moments.
Farewell to St Joseph’s in Tasmania
March 11, 2025
During the last week in February, the Sisters of Saint Joseph farewelled their large community house in New Town, Tasmania.
Known as St Joseph’s and situated in Thirza St, this building was blessed and opened by Archbishop Guilford Young on 19 August 1968 and operated initially as a nursing home and hostel for Sisters of Saint Joseph. As time went on, hospitality was also offered to members of other religious congregations and relatives and friends of the Sisters during times of illness.
Create the Biggest Hour for Earth
March 10, 2025
Earth Hour: Saturday 22 March, 8:30pm to 9:30pm
It’s that time of the year when we turn off our lights for one hour. Individuals, schools and large global businesses flick their switches off in an act of solidarity with all those who are committed to caring for our common home.
JJAMM 2025
March 9, 2025
Pope Francis’ words capture the spirit of JJAMM (Joseph, Julian And Mary MacKillop) 2025, a transformative gathering of Josephite school leaders from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
In February, nearly 100 students and teachers – the largest JJAMM gathering ever – came together to deepen their leadership, enrich their charism, and ignite action for social justice. This experience not only strengthened our connection to the Josephite tradition but also inspired students towards action for justice in their communities.
Easter: What’s all the fuss about?
March 7, 2025
Easter is the most significant celebration in the Catholic liturgical calendar. Jesus Christ, God’s only beloved Son, was crucified for our sins.
It is a powerful reminder of the agony and suffering Jesus endured on our behalf, and understanding his suffering caused by our human shortcomings, fills many hearts with a deep sense of shame and sorrow during this time.
Ash Wednesday Reflection
March 3, 2025
Eight years ago, I was caught in a bushfire in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. The fire began at the conference centre where we were staying. We prepared to evacuate, but authorities told us it was too late. Next followed an anxious wait of more than 60 minutes, all the while watching the black smoke that grew larger as it came closer. Eventually firefighters began watering our place of refuge. After what felt like an interminable vigil, the authorities decided it was safe for us to leave the property, and we drove quickly away from the still smouldering embers.
For those of us who live in southern Australia, this can be a common story. Summer means preparing for bushfires. The Church celebrates Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season towards the end of this anxious time.
Jubilee 2025: Year of Prayer, Full of Hope
February 28, 2025
On Christmas Eve 2024, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican marking the beginning of the Jubilee Year. The theme for 2025 is Pilgrims of Hope for a world suffering.
The Jubilee invites us all to embark on a journey of faith and transformation. A special year of prayer, full of HOPE. Hope that the people of the world will have a listening ear to the Holy Spirit. Hope that we will love each other as God loves us.
Jubilee 2025: Artists and the World of Culture
February 25, 2025
God’s love has been
Poured into our hearts
Through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
From 15-18 February, as part of the Jubilee year celebration, we were invited to celebrate Artists, those who nurture them and see the beauty of our world’s different cultures.