ADULT FAITH EDUCATION
Upcoming
Events
Tues. July 12, 7.15pm for 7.30. The evening with Fr. Richard Leonard SJ, who will be speaking on his sell out book “Where the Hell is God?”will be one of those occasions not to be misse- See the event poster
Born in Warwick and growing up in Toowoomba, he was just 25 when his sister became a quadriplegic from a simple car accident which was no one’s fault. His reflections since that time about how God relates to us in times of suffering, tragedy and death has evolved into a theology which is well worth discussing. Aspects of it will challenge some long held ideas.
Among other things ( such as Jesuit theologian and gifted speaker on religious themes around the world) people may be aware of him as the Director of the Australian Catholic Office for film and broadcasting for the Bishops’ Conference.
He has undergraduate degrees in Arts, education and theology as well as a Masters degree in Systematic Theology.
Set the date aside – it is not often that the AFE team is able to get someone of Richard’s calibre to speak at Grovely.
The interest in Fr John Thornhill’s DVD on the Sacrament of Forgiveness knows no bounds – its content is so balanced and fresh. You can borrow it by ringing Rosaleen 3351 6601 or Pat 3351 1163.
July 21 - Fr. Frank will lead a gathering of our parishioners on the procedures used to discern a new Archbishop as Archbishop John prepares to retire.
Daley Centre, 7.15pm for 7.30.
Just note the date at this stage – in July newsletters there will be more specific information, e.g. the title for the night etc.
AFE News 11/12 JUNE 2011
“Where the Hell is God?” – what a title.
Many of us believe in a God who intervenes constantly in our lives, in big and small matters. Others take the view that God intervenes in certain ways, true, but not in the little daily things, more in the longer term aspects of life. What do you think?
A lot of the type of prayer we do is a reflection of our image of God and how we see God relating to us. We know for instance that prayer does not change God but instead God uses it to change us and bring us closer to Him. He certainly does not need our prayers.
The talk by Fr. Richard Leonard will be a challenge to us in some of our thinking about why we suffer at times, why terrible things happen in the world, to us and to our loved ones. How is all this to be reconciled with an all loving, all powerful and all knowing God? Why does He let it happen? Why does He not intervene? Or does He?
Most people struggle with such questions.
Fr. Leonard’s talk at Grovely on Tuesday July 12, 7.30pm sharp, is not to be missed.
Check out the coloured posters on the church noticeboards for a lot of information about Richard himself and the topic.
This will draw quite a large number of people as the talk is by a noted theologian and speaker, on a subject which is relevant to us all, and will be promoted in the Deanery and in the Catholic Leader.
Can you help?
"If you are attending on the night and are able to bring a small plate of food for supper please ring Rosaleen 3351 6601 or Sue 3851 2010 so that we can manage the supper situation more easily."
In July we would like to hear from some parishioners who have been on an actual pilgrimage in recent years.
Tues. August 9, 16 – The noted Archdiocesan church historian, Fr Chris Hanlon, will speak on the topic of pilgrimages - a fascinating topic and one of interest to all of us who are on our own pilgrimage in life.
Sr. Monica Cavanagh ( a Josephite nun and an authority on the topic ) will talk on the special spirituality of St. Mary MacKillop.
The date for this will be early August.
Parish event Thurs 21 July. This will be conducted by Fr. Frank. More on this later.
___________________________
“Where the Hell is God?” – this short book was written by Fr. Richard Leonard SJ as he and his family struggled with the aftermath of his sister, Tracey, becoming a quadriplegic about 20 years ago. His sister had been heavily involved with caring for the disadvantaged in both India and Australia when the tragedy struck. It is about how we view pain, suffering, tragedy, death and God’s place in it all.
How Tracey has coped with all this ( total dependence on others ) has been an inspiration for the community in general. She herself wrote a book about her life, before and after -
“The full catastrophe”.
2011 AFE
Future Meeting Dates |
usually 2nd Thursday of
each month |
|
Past Events 2010
10th August - How the Irish saved civilisation. Fr Chris Hanlon
Between the fall of the ancient world and the rise of the medieval world there was a period of time when civilisation went into decline and had to rise again. It was the Irish moreso than the Moslems who via their travels preserved and developed civilisation through art and books
3rd August - The History of Spirituality. Fr Chris Hanlon
Spirituality and religion are different. Our spiritual and discerning approach to Scripture links back to the Monastic traditions of the Middle Ages. Fr Chris touched on the steps in discerning the message of Scripture originally handed down to us by St Bernard.
8th and 15th June - Br Ray Mulvogue will present two talks on ageing
1. Spirituality and Ageing; 2. Understanding Dementia
Tuesday evenings from Tuesday 20th April Tuesday 1st June 2010
Fr Stephen Byrnes presented a series of seven sessions on the Book of Revelation also called Apocalypse.
Fr Stephen investigated what Scripture says and implies, and brought a historical perspective to the investigation.
20 April - Session 1.....A Tale of Two Kingdoms (God V Caesar)
27 April - Session 2.... Awesome! (God, Christ, Spirit)
4 May - Session 3.... Where's yer Swags, Cobbers? (Church: The travelling People of God)
11 May - Session 4.....Old Nick and His Mates (The Satan, Devils/Demons/Evil Spirits and whatever goes "bump" in the night)
18 May - Session 5.....As Dead as a Dodo (Death and Judgement)
25 May - Session 6.....You Beauty!.... but watch out for the Rubbish Dump (Heaven..... but what about the other place?)
1 June - Session 7.....COMING READY OR NOT! - Jesus (A New Beginning: Time & Eternity)
18th May - An e-Conference on Mary.
Fr Frank Maloney SDB, the key presenter, explored Mary as disciple, woman, and mother. We reflected on the image of Mary as presented in art through the ages.
Past
Events 2009
2009 - Year of Priests
On the eve of the Year for Priests, Pope Benedict wrote to his brother priests:
"'The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus', the saintly Curé of Ars would often say. This touching expression makes us reflect, first of all, with heartfelt gratitude on the immense gift which priests represent, not only for the Church, but also for humanity itself. I think of all those priests who quietly present Christ’s words and actions each day to the faithful and to the whole world, striving to be one with the Lord in their thoughts and their will, their sentiments and their style of life. How can I not pay tribute to their apostolic labours, their tireless and hidden service, their universal charity? And how can I not praise the courageous fidelity of so many priests who, even amid difficulties and incomprehension, remain faithful to their vocation as 'friends of Christ', whom he has called by name, chosen and sent?"
"Why going to Mass Matters" Wed 13 May 09. Sr. Ursula presented this event entitled "Why going to Mass Matters" on Wednesday 13th May at 7.15pm in the Daley Centre.
Lenten Program 2009 ...Daley Centre Tuesday 24 Feb and Tuesdays 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31March.
Parishioners attended the Lenten program presented mostly this year in small home groups. Some found it more convenient to attend the morning and evening sessions in the Daley Centre.
At least 100 parishioners used the program to prepare for the Easter season. Most parishioners found the prayer, reflection and Faith-sharing was very enjoyable and helpful, especially in the small groups.
Reformation in the Church. In August Fr Chris Hanlon spoke on the Reformation in the Church in two sessions on 6th and 13th August.
Psalms. On 2nd September Fr Stephen Byrnes was our guest speaker on the Psalms - "Put a Spring in Your Step with the Psalms".
Jesus, Communion, Mission … Archbishop Bathersby visiedt the Deanery on Thu 12 March at St. Therese and St.Anthony's Kedron.
Past
Events 2008
5 Feb - 11 March - Gathered for Giving Lenten Program.
27 Feb - Expert Panel Forum Number One - This was the first of two open discussion evenings dealing with questions from Parishioners about our Faith. Thanks to Sr Ursula, Fr Frank, & Fr Stephen.
16 Apr - Expert Panel Forum Number Two – The 2nd of our open discussion evenings; this time on the Sacrament of Marriage with particular emphasis on the Catholic Marriage Tribunal. Our thanks to the Very Rev Dr Adrian Farrelly, KCHS JCD who is the Judicial Vicar of the Qld Regional Marriage Tribunal. An audio of the night can be downloaded from the section below:
22nd May - Fr Fleming; "A True and Practical Faith; Worth Pursuing."
A conversion story by Fr John Fleming. With an incredible CV and international reputation, it is no wonder that Fr John held us captivated with a courageous and inspiring story of his conversion from Agnosticism to Anglican Priesthood and then finally to his spiritual home within Roman Catholicism - as a married priest. If you missed this riveting night, you can download the 2 part audio from the resources section below. Fr will also have his next book (referred to in the audio) available by November 2008 and the pre-order form can also be downloaded. Fr John, as President of Campion college also told us something of the culture and excellence in learning available at Campion College. The website link is also below.
Fr John Flemings Talk:
June
16th and 23rd – Fr Stephen “There Be Dragons”
An expose on the Book of Revelations by Fr Stephen. A stimulating
introductory 2 night course on the book of the Apocalypse
- also called the Book of Revelations. Are the fundamentalists
correct when they use the Book of Revelations to claim
that the Holy Roman Catholic Church is the “whore
of Babylon” or the Anti Christ? Next year we
anticipate that Fr Stephen will run a longer more in
depth course into the Book of Revelations.
Download Fr Stephen's talk:
Thursday 24 July - Expert Panel Forum Number Three
Questions & Answers on our Roman Catholic Faith with Sr Ursula, Frs Frank and Stephen. Another forum called to deal with remaining questions from our previous Expert Panel nights. Discussion invited from the floor.
August 5, 12, 19, 26 & September 2, 9, and 16th [seven sessions]. History of the Church by Fr Chris Hanlon.
Thanks to Fr Chris for a herculean effort. Several DVDs with both audio recordings and videos are available via the St Vincent de Paul shop or via our feedback facility above.
Monday 20th Oct - Pam Faro: Internationally renowned Biblical story teller
Pam is a student of Hebrew and Greek and is famous for her wonderful gift of storytelling. “ … Pam mades the stories of God unforgettable.”
Sunday 23 Nov 08r
Movie Paul Contending for Faith. Many enjoyed the DVD documentary on St. Paul. Stephen Ray tiook the group along on his travels around the Holy Land, tracing the journeys of St. Paul. A closer investigation using this resource is scheduled for Feb 2009.
Past
Events 2007
Lenten 2007 program: Thursdays Feb 22nd
- 29th Mar (6 weeks)
Movie Night Sun 4th Mar - Movie night Daley Centre.
Molokai PG (True story.)
Movie Night Sun 18th Mar - Movie night Daley Centre.
Mother Teresa PG (True story.)
Pentecost program (Little Rock) continues Thursdays
til about 24th May 2007
"Resurrection" by Anglican Bishop Tom Wright: May
24. A DVD from the “Serious Answers to Hard Questions" Protestant
series. (The Bishop was brought out by Archbishop Bathersby
in 2006)
"Vatican II: The Evangelisation Council" by Fr John Thornhill
PhD: June 14th. A DVD presentation from the widely acclaimed
Emmaus Series, allowing for small group discussion.
"Do We Need the Church in the Modern World?" Fr John
Thornhill. July 12. The second part of the Emmaus series
will also provide a look at the Second Vatican Council before
a closer look at today's Church.
"Acts of the Apostles". Enjoyed
by too few, the 9 week program ran till 14th August.
People still can borrow the DVD/ video/ booklet; see the Parish
Office or the AFE team.
"The Shroud of Turin": by world expert &
ex agnostic Ian Wilson - August 23rd.
Did God leave us a momento of the most important event in
the history of the cosmos - Christ's Resurrection?"
Please note it takes approximately 20 minutes to download 30mb on 256kbps ADSL Broadband. Download would be very slow for Dial-up conection and is therefore not recommended. If you wish a CD copy of the files please use the Feedback Form above to request a copy from the AFE contact.
"Mary's Place in Our Faith" - 27th &
30th Oct … Emmaus DVD by Fr John Thornhill.
Finding God through Our Mother Mary". The DVD can be
purchased/ borrowed.
The Case for the Real Presence - 19th Nov 07. "The Eucharist is not cream-buns for religious layabouts
but battle rations for God's warriors" (Unknown). Our
new Associate Pastor, Fr Stephen Byrnes introduced himself
to the AFE with this critical expose of a foundational Truth
necessary to our Faith. Why and how is the Eucharist the source and summit of our Catholic Life?" Please listen to Pope Bendict XVI - Sacramenta Caritatis Size 3mb, Duration 29 minutes.
The Nativity Story- Movie (DVD) - 25th Nov 07
The first live-action Bible film from a major studio in decades
is an instant Christmas classic-and thanks to Oscar Isaac's
performance as Joseph, a compelling portrait of goodness and
self-giving love. A movie for all the family. Rated PG
"…the Catholic Church has taught (CCC #499) for
over 2000 years that the referenced Scripture showed that
Mary would not only conceive the child miraculously, but would
give birth to the child miraculously - keeping her physical
virginity intact during the birth…" Fr. Angelo
Geiger
Top
Past
Events 2006
Lenten program continued til 11th April
2006
Pentecost program continued til 30th May 2006
Sun April 2nd - Movie night Daley Centre 7pm "The
Exorcism of Emily Rose" Rated M & based on a true story.
Wed April 5th - Christianity and Islam. Dr Nasir
Butrous and Margaret Naylon (Archdiocesan Commission for Ecumenism
& Interfaith Relations)
Wed May 10th - Parishoner Peter Webb talks on Pope
Benedicts first encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est". The
encyclical has been widely praised and surprised some with
its inclusive tone.
May 31st - Talk on Eucharistic Ministry by Anthony
Gooley.
June 13th - The Eucharistic Liturgy with Fr Frank.
July 18th to Aug 8th - The Little Rock Scripture
Course.
Sep 20th Palliative Care – "When death draws near".
- “The more we develop the virtues during our whole life
… the more we’ll, as it were, be making the right decisions
in these complex situations…” Ray Campbell, Director
of Qld Bioethics Centre (20th Sep 2006)
- “Death should simply become a discrete but dignified
exit of a peaceful person from a helpful society without
pain or suffering and ultimately without fear...” Phillipe
Aires (care of Dr Patricia Treston, Clinical Dir. Palliative
Care, Mt Olivet Hosp.)
Resources from this talk can be found on the Palliative
Care Resources page. An edited CD is available.
November 1st to 18th - Scripture Course: "The Infancy
Narratives".
Nov 23rd - Stem Cell Research.
- Why Catholic Morality says “No” to ‘embryonic’ stem
cell research but “yes” to ‘adult’ stem cell research.
By Ray Campbell, Director of Qld Bioethics Centre.
Download the presentation from the night (pdf 2.2mb)
