A Polish congregation which was formed secretly under Communism and is dedicated to serving Polish migrants abroad has celebrated 25 years in Tasmania.

Christmas and similar significant festivals are a fraught time for many people. Who do you spend the day with? What food should you bring to share, and does it have to be gluten-free, paleo, vegan, or keto-friendly? What do you do if Uncle Clive starts talking about politics, or Aunty Edith wants to debate the science behind immunisations? And then there is the issue of gifts, writes Cristy Clark in Eureka Street.

The Sisters of Mercy and the Sacred Heart College community in Geelong have this month celebrated the 160th anniversary of the arrival of the first Mercy Sisters from Dublin to the Victorian town.

The Brigidine Sisters have provided a short prayer on their website to help us as we keep in our thoughts and prayers all who’ve lost their lives, those suffering horrific burns and injuries, the missing and the rescuers working in extremely difficult circumstances following the volcano tragedy on New Zealand’s White Island.

The Redemptorists have tapped into current events over the past year, such as the bushfires, the Christchurch shootings, and youth-led climate change rallies in a video Christmas card which prompts us to reflect on our ongoing need for the coming of Emmanuel in our world.