National Briefs
Vax mandated for Brisbane
ALL Archdiocese of Brisbane employees, priests and deacons are required to comply with public health orders and to have received two COVID-19 vaccinations by 15 December. Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge has sent a letter to all priests and deacons to comply or stand aside. A similar policy has been provided to all Church employees across the archdiocese, including those employed by Brisbane Catholic Education, Centacare and in parishes. “Clergy not doubly vaccinated are failing in their duty to care for the faithful,” Archbishop Coleridge wrote.
- The Catholic Leader
Renovated church lets the light in
St Agnes War Memorial Church, Matraville. Picture: Giovanni Portelli
WHILE many churches were closed and in darkness during lockdown, Sydney’s Matraville St Agnes War Memorial Church was full of light and activity, undergoing renovations to return it to its former glory. Parish Priest Fr John Knight adopted the Sydney Archdiocesan Mission Plan, Go Make Disciples, by celebrating the glory of God and beautifying his church. Externally, it was painted and basic repairs carried out. But the true beauty is found inside where heavy curtains were removed allowing natural light to flood in and showcase the new poppy-red colour scheme symbolising both the blood of St Agnes the martyr as well as the sacrifice of those who served in conflicts in which Australia has been involved.
- The Catholic Weekly
New shrine honours St Joseph
The Shrine was received with great joy by Somascan Fathers Mathew Velliyamkandathil CRS and Chris de Sousa CRS from Mr Trippis.
IN the Pope’s apostolic letter, ‘Patris Corde‘ (‘With a father’s heart’), Pope Francis said Christians can discover in St Joseph, “an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble.” When parishioners at St Joseph’s Moorebank in Sydney returned to Mass after months of church closures and restrictions, they were welcomed by a shrine dedicated to the parish’s patron. The shrine was built by parishioner Stephen Trippis, a property valuer by profession. His passion for carpentry and woodworking has not only carved a path for his career but has brought him closer to God through his works around the church.
- The Catholic Weekly
‘Brave’ filmmaker honoured
Members of Brisbane’s Timorese community honour Max Stahl.
JOURNALIST and filmmaker Max Stahl has been honoured at a funeral Mass in St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane – 30 years after he filmed a massacre in East Timor – an action that helped the tiny nation on its path to independence. The funeral was held on 12 November, the 30th anniversary of a massacre at Santa Cruz cemetery in the capital, Dili, in which 271 youths died. Mr Stahl risked his life as he filmed Indonesian troops firing on young protesters. His brave action brought global attention to the killing and highlighted the brutality of Indonesian military actions in East Timor.
- The Catholic Leader
600 sign up to aid Afghanis
ABOUT 600 leaders from Catholic communities across Australia have signed letters urging the Australian Government to step up protecting people from Afghanistan, as the country’s humanitarian and human rights crisis worsens. The letters call on the Government to provide permanent protection to refugees on temporary visas in Australia, speed up family reunions for families of people from Afghanistan in Australia, and offer 20,000 extra resettlement places. The letters, addressed to the Prime Minister and key government MPs, are signed by nuns, congregational leaders, priests, school principals, teachers, parish pastoral council members and social justice members, diocesan representatives, CEOs and prominent business people.
- The Catholic Leader
Medical response turned on its head
CONCUSSED athletes should begin moderate intensity exercise within two days of injury according to new Australian Catholic University research that challenges traditional approaches recommending rest. A new study from researchers at ACU’s School of Allied Health and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found better results could be achieved by beginning moderate intensity exercise soon after concussion as long as it didn’t exacerbate symptoms. “They should commence a well-designed exercise program straight away,” lead researcher Sue Reid said.
- Australian Catholic University
Kudos to Archbishop Coleridge on his strong stance on vaccinations across the Archdiocese of Brisbane. Strong leadership and heartfelt concern for the health and well-being of all the faithful is exactly what Australians need to witness from all church leaders during this time.