Christmas Mass times in the diocese.

Men of all ages are invited to a Catholic Man Breakfast to be held on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Craig’s Royal Hotel in Ballarat. The Breakfast will be hosted by Bishop Paul Bird CSsR and will feature former leading Radio Executive, Shane Healy, as guest speaker.  Shane has walked a fascinating path to the top of the highly competitive radio industry in Australia and has connected with high profile performers such as Brian Taylor, Neil Mitchell and Rex Hunt.  Further information from Chris Liston, ph. 0437 318 251 or email or Vincent Sully, ph. 0407 310 115 or email.

Take the time to read and reflect on Sunday’s Gospel.

Pope Francis’ World Day of Peace is on 1 January 2019

The Pope’s Message: Politics must serve peace

The Plenary Council 2020 received more than 2000 submissions during November, matching the number of responses the landmark process had received in the previous five months combined.

Welcome to everyone gathering to celebrate the joy of Christmas.  The Catholic Church is currently asking people to share their thoughts about future directions. Everyone is invited to reflect on and respond to the question “What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?” as part of preparing the agenda for the Plenary Council 2020.  You can respond as individuals or in families or groups. Information and details of how to submit your response are on bookmarks or flyers in churches and also on the Ballarat diocese website. 
Every voice is welcome!

The next World Youth Day is January 22-27, 2019 in Panama City.

John van de Laar has written a book on monasticism in the early Church and the importance of women monastics in the fourth century. 

At a meeting in September, the National Liturgical Council discussed the results of the National Centre for Pastoral Research document Mass Attender’s Attitudes to the English Translation of the Mass.