Danny Meagher and John Warhurst Reflect on Unity in the Church
Bishop Danny Meagher and Emeritus Professor John Warhurst spoke to an appreciative audience about “The Future of the Catholic Church: Creating Unity through Diversity” at a Q&A in the Crypt on Sunday 27th August 2023. Bishop Danny, by starting his talk with some solid theology, laid a good foundation for the rest of his talkContinue reading →Read MoreTheologian Richard Lennan speaks on God and the Church
On Sunday June 25, Fr Richard Lennan strolled around the stage in the Crypt at St Patrick’s, Church Hill explaining the Theology of Church and how it relates to contemporary changes in society, with the ease of one who had thought long and deeply on the subject. Our understanding of “God”, of “Church”, our anxieties,Continue reading →Read MoreCatalyst Congratulates Sr Mary Shanahan rscj on Papal Award
Congratulations to Sr Mary Shanahan RSCJ OAM , a patron of Catalyst for Renewal, on her recent award, presented by the Archbishop of Sydney, His Grace Anthony Fisher OP, of the Papal honour of Croce Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, at Sancta Sophia College on Friday, 26 May 2023. The award is in recognition of herContinue reading →Read MoreLarge Turnout Hears Frank Brennan on the Voice
Over 200 people packed the Crypt of St Patrick’s Church on a wet Sydney afternoon on Sunday, 2 April to hear Fr Frank Brennan sj speak on the subject of his latest book, An Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Frank’s prepared address was followed by a vigorous and searching conversation, with a wide range of questionsContinue reading →Read More2023 New Year Newsletter
The Catalyst President has issued the following message to all Catalyst supporters, previewing our programs for 2023: From Catalyst for Renewal, we send greetings and best wishes for the new year and an outline of our 2023 program. Our schedule for 2023 begins already this Wednesday 1 February.Read MoreReflections on Pope Benedict on his Funeral, 6 January 2023 – Geraldine Doogue
Benedict the 16th was not one of my favourite Catholic churchmen. But like his predecessor John Paul II, I always cut them some slack, given their personal encounters with chaos and depravity within their European cultures.Read More2022 End of Year Newsletter
The Catalyst President has issued the following message to all Catalyst supporters, summarizing the year and offering best wishes for the new year: With 2022 rapidly drawing to a close, we are writing to provide a brief update and to offer our best wishes for the Christmas season and the New Year to come. DespiteContinue reading →Read MoreSynod on Synodality: Catalyst Submission to the Continental Phase
Catalyst for Renewal has made a submission to the Continental Phase of the Synod on Synodality. We thank those who contributed and in particular Patricia Gemmel who expertly facilitated our discussions and Julie Thorpe, our coordinator and lead author.Read More1 Oct 2022 Reflection morning review – Fr Paul Durkin
Fr Paul who was ordained in 2011 after a career in Catholic education shared with us his vision of what a parish priest should be and his experience in this role. Read MoreHugh Mackay at Q & A in the Crypt – 9 October 2022
Social researcher and author Hugh MacKay AO spoke today on his new book, The Kindness Revolution, reminding us our capacity for kindness is fundamental to our humanity.Read MoreThe Plenary Council – Second Assembly
The second (and final) assembly of the Australian Plenary Council has commenced. This assembly will run from Sunday 3 July 2022 to Saturday 9 July and is being held in Sydney. News and reports from the assembly will be added to this page as they become available. Some items may be behind a paywall.Read MorePlenary Matters
Plenary Matters covers The Plenary Council first assembly, an important gathering of the Catholic Church in Australia which will influence the future of the institution. Join esteemed Australian broadcaster and prominent Catholic Geraldine Doogue as she speaks to other Catholics who are interested in shaping a new, modern Church.Read MoreJoan Chittister OSB delivers inspiring address to large audience in Sydney
On 31 May 2022 Catalyst for Renewal hosted a forum in Sydney with Joan Chittister osb. For over 30 years Sister Joan has been a passionate advocate for social justice and an outspoken proponent of personal faith and fulfilment. Author of dozens of books on spirituality, this beloved Benedictine nun visited Sydney as part of a speaking tour of Australia.Read MoreReport on Reflection Morning 4/6/2022
This is what an attendee wrote about Sr Patty Andrew’s thoughts on Teilhard de Chardin.Read MoreMarea Donovan Receives Papal Honour
Marea has been recognised by Pope Francis through admission as a Dame to the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great.Read More
