"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.

My brothers and sisters, this should not be."  James 3:9-10

I am intrigued by the way that James writes about the difficulties of the ‘taming of the tongue’.

Peace with Justice

O Lord, you will hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that those from earth may strike terror no more.   Psalm 10:17– 18

It is with prayerful gratitude that we received the news that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas had been reached, and that arrangements had begun for the exchange of hostages.

Appeal updates from Act for Peace

• Gaza - following the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas last week, now is a crucial time to give to the Middle East Appeal.
• Vanuatu - recovery efforts continue in Vanuatu in the aftermath of the 7.3 magnitude quake. Giving to the Emergency Appeal will help support our Pacific neighbours impacted by the disaster.

Listening deeply 

Just released: Australia Day 2025 Reflection and Discernment Guide  from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC)

NATSICC urges the nation to engage in deep reflection and prayer as Australia Day 2025 approaches. 

Prayers, reflections, statements   

Church and Christian community resources for Australia Day, Aboriginal Sunday & Day of Mourning.

An opportunity to walk together with open hearts on January 26.

WCC News

Northern Hemisphere Christians celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 

The Week of Prayer will be celebrated in Australia in the week between Ascension and Pentecost, 1 - 8 June 2025. 

WCCM Academy

Applications are now open for a new cohort of students to study at the The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) Academy.

What: A two-year study program of interdisciplinary religious study rooted in contemplative practice.

When: begins in late March 2025.

Where: study online with three residential study and practice periods per year.

Reflections on governance from Synod on Synodality 

Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd (ACSL) invite registrations for this learning opportunity.

When: Wednesday 29 January 2025,  3.00pm - 4.00pm (AEDT)

Where: Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd online learning platform.

The International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking

World Day of Prayer - Online Marathon of Prayer

Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) invite you to join this global prayer to help end human trafficking and slavery.

When: Friday 7 February 2025

Time: (from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm CET) [8:00pm NSW/VIC/TAS, 7:30 pm SA, 7:00pm QLD, 5:00pm WA]

11 February 2024

Safer Internet Day! 

Join the millions of people around the world who come together for a better internet. Celebrate all the ways the internet brings us together to work, learn and share. 

Heads, Hearts and Hands: What can dialogue do for us?

In a world torn by violence, dissension, othering and hatred, is there a role for dialogue?

When: Sunday, 2 February to Tuesday, 4 February 2025.

Where: Trinity College Theological School, Parkville and Temple Beth Israel, St Kilda, MELBOURNE, VIC 

Virtual Lecture

Topic: Acknowledging Respect & Inclusion of Indigenous Nations Spirituality: In a Nation that Embraces Many Diverse Cultures and Faiths

Guest Speaker: Prof Ann Pattel Gray. 

When: Wednesday 5th February 

Time: 5:30pm AEDT. (5:00pm SA, 4:30pm QLD, 4:00pm NT, 2:30pm WA)