Advent

 In this Youth sermon, Cheryl Anthony from Liverpool, invites us to reflect on the two different perspectives in the story of the Epiphany – that of King Herod and that of the Three Magi (or Three Wise Men).   REFLECT Who do I relate to more? King Herod – wanting complete control over our […]

  Your browser does not support the audio element. If the audio player above is not working on your browser, download the mp3. This is an excerpt from the Pre-WYD19 Catechesis by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP on 7th December 2018. REFLECT Are there any areas in my life where I’m moving ‘too fast’? (Fast food, […]

 Portrait artist, Paul Newton, shares his thoughts on being an artist for the Church and advice for artists wanting to make a contribution to the Church through their art. This interview was filmed at the Catholic Creatives meetup in Sydney on November 22, 2018. REFLECT How can I make a contribution to the Church […]

Jesus our Saviour and coffee orders: the importance of names A simple joy in my life is when cafes don’t ask for my name when grabbing my coffee order. I know what you’re probably thinking – what a silly, downright petty thing to find joy over. But for someone with a unique name like mine, […]

 Today is the feast day of Saint Basil the Great, who was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the heresies of the early Christian church, such as Arianism – the belief that Jesus, as the Son of God, was created by God, and therefore neither coeternal nor consubstantial with the Father. […]

 Sketch of Fulton Sheen by Beth Larkin Meditate upon the profound words of Venerable Fulton Sheen, best known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. In this episode, we reflect upon his words on devotion to Mary. Quiet your heart and begin this video in a state of prayer. Afterwards, […]

Who am I? What am I called to be? These are big questions we might find us asking ourselves. In this short video, Simone from Mortdale unpacks what we can learn from John the Baptist in today’s Gospel about purpose and mission.   REFLECT What is my primary purpose on earth? What gifts do I […]

  Your browser does not support the audio element. If the audio player above is not working on your browser, download the mp3. In this podcast we listen to a meditation written by Mother Angelica, spoken by Laura Bradley. She takes us through the journey of the holy family, contemplating the lived experience of Joseph […]

 As the Church addresses the reality of sexual abuse scandals, we interviewed young people about their thoughts on how the Church can move forward towards healing and compassion. We as young Catholics have a choice in this critical time in the history of our Church – to help or simply do nothing. Listen to […]

 Today is the feast day of Saint John the Evangelist. Also known as St John the Apostle, he is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Here are three Fast Facts about this great Saint. Want to learn more about Saint John? Click here.   REFLECT St John became the “beloved disciple” and the only […]

Imagine this for a second. You’re sitting with a dear friend over dinner, you may not have seen them in a long time but it’s one of those friendships where time and distances doesn’t affect your friendship. Think of that person, and a special place you would like to meet. You’re very excited to see […]

 Prefer to read? Read the transcript below. The birth of a child is always a time for rejoicing. The great joy of the Christmas season is born of our celebration of the arrival of the Christ Child, the one who came to set us free. Around our beautiful city of Sydney, we see lights […]

PRAYER: Lord Our God, You are the source of all.  Accompany us this Advent as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Guide us and lead us Lord as we use our gifts of goodness to work as one to create the world you want. Awake in my heart hope, peace, love and joy this Advent. […]

 Matt Frijo from Lurnea shares his thoughts on today’s Gospel about the Visitation, when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth and the infant in her womb leaps with joy, and at this she exclaims the well-known line, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”   REFLECT What is […]

 Have you thought about your connection to the Mass? We asked the youth of St John Bosco Parish in Engadine, Australia, what their first impression of the Mass was and what their experience is now. They also give advice to those thinking about returning to Mass. REFLECT What was your first impression of the […]

 Today is the feast day of Saint Peter Canisius. Here are three Fast Facts about this great Saint. Want to learn more about Saint Peter? Click here.   REFLECT  In a famous saying, Saint Peter Canisius revealed the secret behind the accomplishments of his energetic and fruitful life: “If you have too much to […]

 Sketch of Fulton Sheen by Beth Larkin Meditate upon the profound words of Venerable Fulton Sheen, best known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. In this episode, we reflect upon his words on hope. Quiet your heart and begin this video in a state of prayer. Afterwards, reflect upon […]

When it comes to reflecting on Advent, I often think about the incredible journey that Mary went through. I think about how God chose Mary to carry his only son. What an incredible honour that must have been for Mary but at the same time, how incredibly scary it must have been for a simple […]

“Perhaps the Lord does not see all this?” (Lamentations 3:36) As Pope Francis reminds us, in various parts of the world, many people, especially children, feel the daily pangs of hunger. In this context, let us not forget the 85, 000 children of Yemen, under 5 years of age, who died during the past three […]

PRAYER: Lord Our God, You are the source of all.  Accompany us this Advent as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Guide us and lead us Lord as we use our gifts of goodness to work as one to create the world you want. Awake in my heart hope, peace, love and joy this Advent. […]

 Christine Hill from Revesby shares with us her reflection on today’s Gospel, the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. How do we experience the joy of Christmas? How can we actively wait for the coming of Our Savior, Jesus? Christine shares her personal experience of these things.   REFLECT How can […]

 Xt3 and Sydney Catholic Youth asked our local young people how much they know about Eileen O’Connor, whose cause is being put forward for Sainthood. Eileen may well be Australia’s next Saint! How well do you know this young inspiring girl from Coogee, Australia?   HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW? Which religious order did […]

 Today is the feast day of Saint John of the Cross. Here are three Fast Facts about this great Saint. Want to learn more about Saint John of the Cross? Click here.   REFLECT In his writing ‘Dark Night of the Soul’, St John helps people understand his profound mystical doctrine on the purification of the […]

I looked at my calendar for December and instantly felt overwhelmed. When I opened my budget spreadsheet and the projected costs of birthdays, anniversaries, as well as Christmas, I was done. I could feel the dread settle in the pit of my tummy and could foresee all the eye rolling at my boring rants about consumerism […]

I cannot wait to share with you one of my favourite stories, the beautiful story of Our Lady of Guadalupe! This beautiful feast day is celebrated every December 12 in the Catholic Church as it marks the day when, in 1531, Mexico, our Blessed Mother appeared to a 57-year old layman with a special mission. […]

When I am not in Youth Ministry mode, I love to relax and one of my hobbies is watching my favourite TV shows. One of the TV shows I love to watch is “The Walking Dead.” I’m a dedicated fan who has sat down to watch each episode since its origins in 2010. This year, I was […]

PRAYER: Lord Our God, You are the source of all.  Accompany us this Advent as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Guide us and lead us Lord as we use our gifts of goodness to work as one to create the world you want. Awake in my heart hope, peace, love and joy this Advent. […]

 Aldreane Cruz from Wolli Creek shares his thoughts on today’s Gospel reading on the Second Sunday of Advent. He talks about straightening our paths to make way for Jesus, by making sure every action we do is for God and to better ourselves through the simple small or big things we do every day.   […]

  Your browser does not support the audio element. If the audio player above is not working on your browser, try this link. REFLECT How can I be a good example to my friends who may be a little wayward and ‘off track’? Do I believe I can be a Saint one day? Prefer to […]

 Xt3 and Sydney Catholic Youth asked young people what they know about the ‘Immaculate Conception’. Their answers might surprise you!   REFLECT 1. What was your understanding of the Immaculate Conception? Have you ever confused it with Jesus’ conception? 2. Mary used her freedom to say yes wholeheartedly to God’s plan for her life. […]

 Scroll down for Reflection Questions The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in modern day Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to […]

 Bishop Richard Umbers, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney, talks about Christ present in the Eucharist and the powerful effects of silent adoration of the Eucharist.   REFLECT What do I receive when I spend time in silence with the Eucharist? Do I recognise Jesus in the Eucharist?   This feature is a part of the […]

 Sketch of Fulton Sheen by Beth Larkin Meditate upon the profound words of Venerable Fulton Sheen, best known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. In this episode, we reflect upon his words on prayer. Quiet your heart and begin this video in a state of prayer. Afterwards, reflect upon […]

PRAYER: Lord Our God, You are the source of all.  Accompany us this Advent as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Guide us and lead us Lord as we use our gifts of goodness to work as one to create the world you want. Awake in my heart hope, peace, love and joy this Advent. […]

 “Silence is God’s first language,” wrote the 16th-century mystic John of the Cross, because silence is the normal context in which contemplative prayer takes place. And although God in His power can meet us anywhere, He calls us to meet Him in the silence. How do we do that? How do we create more silence […]