Category Archives: The Community

Sydney Morning Herald Letters, November 11, 2004

I have shared in the St Vincent’s parish community since 1971 when Father Ted Kennedy was appointed parish priest ("City’s poor ask for whom Pell tolls", Herald, November 10), and totally reject being labelled a newcomer to the parish by the Sydney Catholic archdiocese spokesman.

The unfortunate incidents outlined in my open letter published by Online Catholics actually happened, and in most cases occurred in front of witnesses. These have been properly documented and can be fully substantiated.

John Hill, Turramurra, November 10.

Sydney Morning Herald, November 10, 2004

Multi-faith services and meals for the poor have gone from Redfern’s Catholic Church, writes Linda Morris.

Under the organ loft of St Vincent de Paul Church, latecomers fork through the remains of chicken stew and the crumbs of jam rolls while cheerful helpers chorus happy birthday for one of their own.

But the picture of good works at the twice-weekly meal for the poor belies simmering tensions between Catholic conservatives leading the Redfern parish and a diverse congregation with a reputation for social justice.

The new leaders … Continue reading →

An article from the South Sydney Herald, October 2004 by Jeremy Hartcher

A year and a half ago two women gathered in St Vincent’s church, in Redfern, to feed the hungry. They bought a chicken and a loaf of bread on their first morning and had one guest. Now they feed more than 200 people each week, free of charge. However, this service is under threat because funding from the Catholic Church was cut last month, forcing money to be raised on a week to week basis. Brother Michael Gravener helped establish what he calls ‘Sharing … Continue reading →