My father’s family came to Australia as dairy farmers and settled in the Taree district. Many of my relatives still live in that region, with some still on the land as farmers. They are the patient and practical side of the Stevens family . . . . . . an... read more
one of the highlights of my time spent in Rome as part of my studies was the anticipation of seeing the various Nativity scenes unveiled around the city this time of the year. Coming from Sydney, I was amazed at the accepted public display of faith throug... read more
The key to a successful Christmas lies in the patient waiting and making useful preparations. Easier said than done!! The placement of Christmas Day, being on 25 December, is of course based on a northern hemisphere timeframe. The notion of Advent, a quie... read more
The Solemnity of Christ the King is a relatively new formal liturgical celebration in our Church, initiated in 1925 by Pope Pius XI in response to the rise of secularism and a denial of Christ throughout much of Europe, including: in 1917 the seizu... read more
This Sunday, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, is really the last of our Liturgical Year. Next Sunday is the feast of Christ the King and the week after we commence the Advent period in the run up to Christmas. Advent marks the start of the Church�... read more
Today’s Gospel speaks of the Resurrection – the core of our Christian faith. The Resurrection ushers in a completely new kind of existence. When we say someone has died or “Gone”, the obvious next question has to be “Where to?” Below is... read more
I recently came across the below quote from the former Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit, Bishop Gumbleton. With the Gospel reading today being the story of Zacchaeus, the senior tax collector who realises after meeting Jesus the importance of living a l... read more
Halloween falls on the eve of the Solemnity of All Saints Day (1 November). Another term for All Saints is “All Hallows”, and we of course know that our neighbouring parish at Five Dock is named “All Hallows”- All Saints. The term ‘Hallow... read more