The Plenary Council 2020 has moved into its next phase of preparation with the announcement of the National Themes for Discernment that emerged from a historic process of listening to the voices of more than 222,000 people.

Diversity, inclusivity and joy were the standout themes of the ‘Mission: one heart many voices’ conference in Sydney last week, as delegates were challenged to imagine what the Church beyond 2020 would like and go forth to help bring the vision to fruition.

Why is the issue of women’s participation in leadership and decision making roles within the Catholic Church such a blind spot? asks Stephanie Lorenzo from ‘Voices of Faith’.

Holy God, at the dawn of time you fashioned the world and set it on its course. In the fullness of time your Son took flesh and sowed the seeds of a new order, and day by day your Spirit works to bring to birth your realm of mercy, justice and peace.

Australian Story recently featured the famous and very popular folk/pop quartet “The Seekers”. Listening to their story and particularly the story of their breakup and ongoing relationships, gave me some insight into what might be involved in creatively living into or engaging with this year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week – Grounded in Truth Walk Together With Courage, writes Sr Marianne Zeinstra rsj.