Author Archives: Church Mouse

One rule for the community, another for the Neocats.

The pews were filled for last Sunday’s 10am Mass with people who had come for the launch of poet Noel Davis’ latest work, "The Heart Waking – and breaking into dance". Back in October 2003, gathered here to launch an earlier publication, "From the Wilds of the Heart…Comes the Singing of the Quiet".

They came to share the 10am Eucharist with us before hearing Marist Br Charles Howard launch the book, and then be treated to the poet’s own words as part of the community’s "Sharing the Journey" … Continue reading →

Just in case you were succumbing to the Cardinal’s line that the St Vincent’s Community is a ratbag group of ageing, stick-in-the-mud Vatican IIers, the Mouse would like to boast about a couple of our younger members.

Sophia Thibaudeau was one of 21 high school students awarded a Certificate of Commendation and an inscribed medallion for Community Service from the New South Wales branch of the Order of Australia on the 22nd of November 2006. The award was created in 1992 by Dr John Lincoln AM, on behalf of the NSW Branch to reward youth from secondary schools … Continue reading →

2006 Margaret Dooley Young Writers Award-winning long essay

Visiting Arnhem Land changes a person’s life. The land is rich with spirit, the rivers tell stories from centuries past, the birds fly with unrestrained grace, and the sunsets powerfully whisper the promise of peace. Earlier this year I had the privilege of spending a week in Ngukurr—a remote Aboriginal community in southeast Arnhem Land situated beside the spectacular Roper River. My friend had been appointed acting principal of the local school, and I decided to visit him as well as get a brief insight into community life.

… Continue reading →

2006 Margaret Dooley Young Writers Award-winning short essay

Without doubt, the most important issue facing contemporary Australian society is the continued oppression of our Indigenous peoples. The divide between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians is shamefully expanding at an unacceptable rate. As our economy goes from strength to strength, Aboriginal communities nationwide sink further into the soul-shattering cycle of poverty and despair.

Reconciliation is the cornerstone of our existence. We must move past the systems of assimilation and have the humility and wisdom to learn from these different cultures, so that we can integrate their perception of the world into … Continue reading →

The annual Christmas lunch was shared with several hundred of the local poor, marginalized and kindred spirits. They came for a feed and for a chat, a little compassion, a little friendship.

In attendance were a number of priests and religious from all over the place, to lend a hand, side by side with the usual Meal helpers.

Missing, sadly as usual, were the parish priest, his assistant, and their little gang of seminarians. Rather than accept repeated invitations to join in, they continue to set themselves apart (above?) and ridicule the community’s efforts.

Fr John Ford said Grace. … Continue reading →

The Christmas Sharing of the Meal will be held on Tuesday.

Just because the Church Mouse hasn’t been reporting lately on the day-to-day behaviour of the Neocats at Redfern doesn’t mean things have improved.

When the organisers, trying to do the right thing, first asked Gerry Prindiville some time ago to say Grace on this special occasion, he responded with characteristic gruffness that he would have to think about it. Since there had been no further word from him on the matter, Kate tried him again today, and the response?

He’s still thinking about it.

May … Continue reading →

Don’t forget Peter Kearney’s farewell concert on Sunday, November 12:

I n addition , after Mass at St. Vincent’s on Sunday 12 November as part of the community’s Sharing the Journey programme, Peter and Madge will speak about their connection with Ted over many years.

Who knows, Peter might even sing a song or two.

All are welcome.