The Gift of Fr Julian Tenison Woods
October 6, 2024
As we celebrate Father Julian Tenison Woods’ day (7 October) in our Josephite story, we give thanks for his gift to us, our Church and our world. Julian was a noted pastor, missionary, scientist, musician and writer.
Julian had a deep love for nature and often encountered experiences of the Divine in his contemplation of nature. In a letter he wrote to Mary MacKillop, he said:
St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre in Kincumber
September 26, 2024
St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre in Kincumber on the NSW Central Coast, nestled in a natural bushland setting and a sacred place visited by Mary MacKillop, is embracing a renewed focus on providing accessible and enriching spiritual experiences through a range of shorter reflection days, workshops, events and retreats. This shift is designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals seeking moments of peace and contemplation in today’s fast-paced world.
Fr Julian and the forests of Tasmania – his own words
Father Julian Tenison Woods was born on 15 November 1832 in England and entered eternal life on 7 October 1889 in Sydney. A young Julian arrived in Tasmania (from England) on 30 January 1855 and was a priest there from 25 February 1874 until 15 November 1876.
Let us celebrate, in his own words, Fr Julian in Tasmania, as he experienced the forests on this beautiful island…
Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools Executive Meeting
Planning for a 2025 Conference was the main agenda item of the AJASS Executive when they met at Mary MacKillop Place on 12 September.
AJASS is the Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools – and their charter commits them to continuing the educational mission of the Josephite order, informed explicitly by the specific charism and witness of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Launch of Laudato Si’ URGENT HOPE series of Conversation Packages
September 10, 2024
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, in collaboration with the Sisters of St Joseph Lochinvar, are pleased to share their series of URGENT HOPE Conversation Packages supporting Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum.
URGENT HOPE was the first in a five-part series drawn from Laudate Deum, Pope Francis’ document on the climate crisis.
The Conversation Packages provide prompts for discussion and reflection with a focus on the urgency of the climate crisis and the Christian virtue of hope.
View the series of URGENT HOPE Conversation Packages currently available:
BLINDED BY OUR MIGHT (November 2024)
CLIMATE CASUALTIES (March 2025)
WELLBEING ECONOMY FOR A FLOURISHING PEOPLE AND PLANET (July 2025)
You are also welcome to visit the Sisters of Saint Joseph website for more Laudato Si’ updates, tips and inspiration here.
Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross
September 9, 2024
You may have noticed recent media references to “childless cat-ladies”. By and large, these have been politically spiked, positive neither to women or cats. For a start, the woman of whom I write today was definitely not ‘childless’, for she, Saint Helena as the Church honours her, was the mother of Constantine the Great, the Emperor who converted to Christianity. [Now, do trust me dear reader. I will eventually reveal how Helena did have an apostolic connection with cats!]
Helena [c.248 CE – c.330 CE] gave birth to Constantine on 27 February, c.272 CE. Before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE, where several contenders sought to establish themselves as sole Emperor, Constantine claims he saw a vision of a fiery Cross in the night sky together with the words “In this sign, you will conquer”. Constantine won the battles and was proclaimed Emperor.
Young Adults and Professionals Pilgrimage to Mary MacKillop Place
September 6, 2024
The above quote by Mary MacKillop is a reminder that this life is temporary and a journey. As we journey through life, we encounter ups and downs which can shape our lives and contribute to who we are.
On Sunday 18 August (and in the month of Mary MacKillop’s feast), The Forest and Set Alight communities of young adults and professionals from Ryde-Gladesville Parish in Sydney, joined together to embark on a pilgrimage to learn more about the life and legacy of Mary MacKillop, a woman who understood the journey of life.
Celebrating St Mary MacKillop’s Feast at Mary MacKillop Place
St Mary MacKillop’s feast day is a momentous occasion, and to those of us blessed to call Mary MacKillop Place our workplace, we prepare to ensure everything runs smoothly for the large number of pilgrims who celebrate the feast each year.
Every team at Mary MacKillop Place has a crucial role, from organising liturgies to managing the facilities on site, conference services, catering, the café, and the many hours of behind-the-scenes administration, cooking, cleaning and stocking up etc.