Category Archives: Fr Ted Kennedy

I knew of Fr Ted Kennedy from the early 1970’s, but did not become a participant at Redfern until the early 1980’s.

Lindsay and I were part of the loose Christian Community living in shared houses around the Uni of NSW. We were also early members of the St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol and often ventured into Redfern on our fortnightly rounds to talk to those sleeping out, to offer a cuppa and sandwich and conversation, and a bed if desired, and we’d called into de Porres house … Continue reading →

As I was gathering my thoughts to compose an introduction to my reflection on Fr Ted and St Vincent‘s Redfern, two things struck me in regard to the simple title of this piece that I had just written.

1. "Fr Ted Kennedy" – How often do we mention Ted’s surname, or even his title "Father"? Our traditional way of addressing him is "Ted" or "Fr Ted". I would think that this is a very natural instinct and indication of the intimacy of our relationship with him, of his attitude for a “fair go” for … Continue reading →

When I was at school, the Mercy nuns and the Christian Brothers used to make much of how Jesus came to save us by suffering and dying on the Cross and, in this way, repaying to a seemingly insatiable God the Father, the debt of Original sin. I wondered even then about this, after all I had nothing to do with Adam and Eve disobeying God in the Garden of Eden and I certainly didn’t ask Jesus to die a horrible death for me to somehow make it all okay.

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The gift I received at Redfern is Understanding.

The thing about St Vincent‘s Parish is that it is not a “parish” which can be understood as an area within which Catholics living there are served. Perhaps Redfern is more adequately described as “community’, for a community is a group of people bonded together with a certain focus. Members are not necessarily connected geographically.

The Man and the Philosophy

As is often the case, the philosophy comes before the philosopher. If the thoughts and words and actions of the person are such that they touch the very essence of our conscience and spirit, then we are led to seek the source of the wisdom. If we see around us people living the philosophy and sharing the great gifts of God’s presence in their lives, then we are drawn closer by their example to the source of the inspiration.

The gospel message that was lived in the community of Redfern was shared with the world beyond. I first met Ted Kennedy in 1970 when he came to Queensland to give a pre-ordination retreat. That encounter changed my life.

By living in Redfern Ted had begun to view the world from the perspective of the excluded. When he shared the gospel from that perspective old beliefs were destroyed and new ones were born. After seven years of study, during those few days, the gospel lived in a way I had … Continue reading →

I have been connected to St Vincent‘s Redfern since the late 70’s.

It was through St Vincent‘s that I have become friends with many Aboriginal people over the years including “Mum Shirl’

It was at St Vincent‘s that my marriage to Peter Griffin was publicly declared with friends, family and strangers.

I was in Redfern from about late eighties until 1993. People from about 167 Parishes in Sydney were attracted to the Redfern church Community headed by Father Ted Kennedy. His preaching of the Gospel, reading and sharing theology was refreshing. It challenged us to practical works of peace and justice. Mum Shirl Smith was a powerful model for us all. I recall wonderful celebrations of Easter where Parishioners were involved in creating touching authentic ways of celebrating; Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The Gospel imperative called us to join peace ventures, attend court … Continue reading →

The death of an Aboriginal man, Ocky, at the back of the Church.

Ocky’s Camp: the dim back corner of the Church. A little row of medicine bottles for his chest complaint, a little carrier bag, a few papers, the plate of his last meal, and some tattered blankets on the floor. Beside his head, a pair of thick-lensed glasses.