Connection: Faith & Life

Deacon Josh and Fr Karl chat about what's been happening, including baptisms at Mass and ordinations. Plus, we have an extended chat about music ministry, mostly from the place of ignorance! Lastly, we are joined by Gabrielle Sinclair, who shares her journey, her experience serving in youth ministry, and, in the wake of mother's day, how she tried to instill her faith in her children by leading them to encounter Jesus themselves. Listen to Gabrielle on Women Preach from a few weeks ago. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Cover Art by Emily Bennett

We are back once again breaking down our experience of Easter liturgies! We discuss the centrality of music in these celebrations and have a great discussion on RCIA and preparing to receive sacraments. We also speak more generally about evangelisation and how people hear and receive the Gospel. We also speak with Deacon Nam Le, recently ordained, about his journey to ordination and the experience of his ordination. Finally, we preview Good Shepherd Sunday and Mother's Day. You can give to the Good Shepherd Appeal here. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett  

We bring you Bishop Michael McKenna's Easter MEssage for 2022

Fr Karl and Deacon Josh take you through the Easter Triduum, sharing some ideas about these holy days, as well as some experiences they have had celebrating this incredible festival! Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Cover Art by Emily Bennett

In today's episode we discuss throughcare and the way we walk beside those who have been in prison. We discuss the new Vatican document "The identity of the Catholic school for a culture of dialogue" and reflect on the constant need to reflect on our identity in the Church and how it informs what we do. We discuss the new online training programs from ACU for formation of liturgical ministers, for which Bathurst Diocese were part of the pilot program. Due to a production delay, we preview the now past Chrism Mass and Clergy Gathering! Finally, we are joined by Mary Clancy to discuss her journey of faith, teaching as a Catholic in a government school, the Marriage Tribunal and Iconography, including the icon for Our Lady of the Central West. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

We're back! Life has been happening but we're here once more to discuss the recent news in the Church! We discuss the Consecration of Russia, Ukraine and the Whole World to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Why is it necessary? What is the point? We discuss our experience of Risen, including the pot (for a plant) painted by Bishop Michael that was recently auctioned for Project Compassion. Continuing our discussion of building a culture of invitatation, we talk about the invitation prayer cards that have been produced to invite people to Rise in July! Our new diocesan website has been launched! Check it out here! Finally, we interview our new Youth Ministers Claire Joshua and Dale Pangilinan about their decision to become youth ministers for a year, their experiences at the CSYMI Equipping School and being Youth Ministers at Risen! Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Our youth ministers were in Canberra for equipping school, but Deacon Josh missed out as he went into isolation. We discuss experiencing Ash WEdnesday in isolation as a family. We break open what Lent is about, and why we pray, fast and give alms. We talk about parish renewal and what Josh learnt from a recent trip to Sydney. Finally we remember Monsignor Jim Gehl who passed away recently and invite you to re-listen to our interview with this great priest. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

A few production delays have meant that this episode is being released two weeks after we recorded it! Deacon Josh and Fr Karl are celebrating their Anniversaries again (can you believe 12 months have passed). Risen is coming up once again in 2022. We preview it. We discuss a culture of invitation that is often missing in our parishes, including how you can invite someone to Mass. Pope Francis has encouraged us all to fall in love with the Church. Finally we welcome back Jacinta Thatcher to discuss all things Catechists and the Synod on Synodality. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

We are back for another year! We begin by recapping our time off, including the business of Christmas, a quiet January and the effects of the Omicron outbreak. We discuss how Lenten groups might provide an opportunity to overcome the barriers we have put up because of COVID and slowly get back to meeting in person. We recap the Ordination of Frs Diep and Thao to the Priesthood this January. We discuss past guest Fr Michel Remery's new book that has a mention of his time visiting Bathurst Diocese. Finally we chat with past guest Steve Buckley to discuss his work in foreign aid. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

We're back for our last podcast of the year! We talk about what we're doing to prepare for Christmas. Archbishop O'Regan has been chosen to be a delegate for the upcoming Synod of Bishops. We congratulate him and discuss this development. The International Day of Peoples with Disabilities is coming up. We discuss the statement from the Bishops' Conference about this. Finally, we are joined by Geoff Mann who talks to us about his experiences in ministry through the years, particularly back in the 1970s when he was a youth minister in the diocese. Finally, we are joined by Deacon Thao Nguyen who shares how the witness of two family members (one who died before he was born) have helped his faith and vocation. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

As we approach the end of the liturgical year we have been hearing from the Bible's apocalyptic literature which can at times be challenging. The book of Maccabees provides challenges to us all: how can we emulate their Zeal without all the violence! Maddy Forde from the Archdiocese of Adelaide has been appointed to the International Advisory Board for the Vatican's Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. Finally, we are joined by Deacon Thao Nguyen who shares how the witness of two family members (one who died before he was born) have helped his faith and vocation. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

As we head towards the end of the year we note that life is getting busier! We ask the question "how do we not just let the Seasons of the Church wash over us?" This year the feast of Christ the King doubles as World Youth Day. We talk about what is happening for World Youth Day in our diocese. This time of year there is always a lot of discussion about Christmas decorations going up too early. We chat about when it is the right time and whether or not others doing differently should annoy us or not. Finally, we chat with Michael Gibbons our 3rd lay delegate from Bathurst to the Plenary Council. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

As the health orders shift and the rules ease, we discuss the complications of interpretation, whereby two people can read the same text and come to different conclusions. We discuss this in the light of the recent anniversary of Luther's 99 Theses and indeed how that event is being interpreted in new ways even now (such as by Eamonn Duffy in Stripping of the Altars). Further to this, we discuss the general process of change in our lives and in our Church, and how we deal with and respond to change. The Bishops have there regular plenary meetings. We ask that people pray for the Bishops. Finally, we are joined once again by Matthew Brown, the youngest delegate to the Plenary Council, who shares his journey to the council. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

The Clergy have gathered to celebrate with our four Jubilarians (Fr Jim Wilkins (50), Fr Owen Gibbons (40), Fr Augustine Mathew (40) and Fr Pius Khaoya (30)). The next day we were joined by the Parish Secretaries for some professional development and a dinner at which we celebrated the many years of service for people across our parishes and the Chancery and thanked Kimbalee Clewes and Mike Deasey for there service. Confirmation Masses have become a priority for many as the year comes to a close. The Year 12 students involved in RISE events gathered on Zoom for a blessing. We discuss life post COVID and the importance of living in the moment. Finally, we have a great interview with David McGovern, who is the new Diocesan Director replacing Mike Deasey. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

A special episode while Deacon Josh is on leave. I sat down with Sr Grace Roclawska to talk about her journey of faith, her roles in leadership and the importance of formation. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

With NSW at 80% of people double vaccinated, Mass resumes across the diocese. The priests are gathering next week to celebrate Jubliarians and for professional development. Broken Bay Diocese has ordained three new priests. The Diocesan World Youth Day plans for Lisbon 2023 will soon be announced. The Pope delivered a video message to the 4th World Meeting of Popular Movements, and it addresses many of the social problems in our world. We discuss how we are to respond to such a bold vision. Finally, we are joined by Hayley Farrugia, a Bathurst Diocese delegate to the Plenary council who shared her story in episode 3, to hear about her experience of the Plenary Council and her hopes for the Church. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Fr Karl is still at the beach! Speaking of which, the aRise Beach Retreat is on in January! We talk about the rationale behind our latest youth event. The first session of the Plenary Council has been and gone. We discuss what we saw from the outside. Pope Francis has launched the Synod on Synodality with an opening Mass and a great homily. Read it here. Finally we are joined by returning guest Bishop Michael McKenna to hear about his experience of the plenary council! You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

When Orange's restrictions were lifted, Fr Karl went on holidays and immediately walked into another lockdown! We discuss what life might be life after lockdown. Pope Francis has written a forward to a new book "Siblings All, Sign of the Times: The Social Teaching of Pope Francis" by Cardinal Michael Czerny and Fr. Christian Barone which will be released soon in Italian and next year in English. You can read it here. The plenary council has begun! We discuss the process of discernment our delegates have been on and chat with Fr Greg Kennedy about his own journey of the council. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

As Orange comes out of lockdown and Cowra goes back in we discuss how difficult it is to make any plans in COVID given the unpredictability of even the next day. Bishop Michael has written to the people of the diocese as we prepare for the Plenary Council, commencing on October 1. Pope Francis recently called out some of his critics. We discuss the attitude we should have towards the pope, and whether its ever okay to criticise him. Finally, we are joined by Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green from Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese, who shares the story of his vocation, life as a Bishop in the outback, and his recent time in Wilcannia as the Aboriginal community fight COVID. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

As lockdown continues, we try to discern some fruits of lockdown this time around. Pope Francis has been in Hungary and Slovakia and gave a notable speech to the Clergy, Religious and Seminarians of Slovakia. We discuss what he had to say. Finally, we chat with Sam Sterland from NCLS about the upcoming 2021 National Church Life Survey. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

As lockdown roles on, so do the Zoom Meetings! We discuss how we're dealing with all the time on Zoom. The Plenary Council is approaching and it will be held online. This week, there was an article about Matthew Brown, a delegate from the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst and past guest of the show. Finally, Mary Wright joins us to discuss how her faith deepened as she went to work at a Catholic School and during World Youth Day pilgrimages. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

COVID comes close to the Orange Parish, with a parish employee testing positive! We discuss Fr Karl's week dealing with this event. Vaccinations are very much a topic of discussion and so we talk about the need to get vaccinate and what the Church, including Bishop Michael has to say. We also discuss an article by former guest Daniel Ang. Finally, we are joined by guest Steve Buckley, to discuss his life as a teacher in Rural communities and his work in prison chaplaincy. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Lockdown continues and so we discuss ways of dealing with lockdown. Later, we are joined by Julian Carson to discuss his work with Indigenous communities and recent changes in government policy to Close the Gap. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

As the COVID situation worsens, the whole diocese, and indeed the whole state are now under stay-at-home orders. This means public liturgies and gatherings are cancelled around the diocese. We discuss the first days of lockdown. Centrecare have created some resources for parishes to help people deal with lockdown. We discuss them. Pope Francis' Wednesday audience brings up some interesting points about the role of the law in the life of a Christian. Finally, we are joined by Peter Woods from CSYMI to discuss youth ministry in schools. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

We discuss the COVID19 Situation, including an addendum to update the situation with the latest statewide lockdown. Bread Come Down from Heaven is coming to its conclusion. We talk about the success it has been across the diocese. We discuss the culture of invitation and the perceived business of priests, which sometimes keeps them from their people. In this discussion we also discuss the importance of table fellowship generally, and how nice it is as a priest or deacon to be invited to somebody's house for a meal. Finally, we interview Max Norden from Journey Catholic Radio, as we discuss his journey as a Catholic and his involvement with both RCIA and Catholic Media. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

With a recent lockdown affecting the Orange and Blayney areas, we discuss our experience of lockdown and the effect that COVID is currently having in NSW and throughout Australia. With the Census coming up and the National Church Life Survey around the corner, we discuss the importance of good data. Pope Francis recently released a video discussing his prayer intention for August. We discuss this and evangelisation more generally. Finally, we are joined by Melinda Dwight to discuss her journey of faith and Alpha. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Orange District has been in lockdown and so have both of the hosts. We discuss our experience of lockdown and the extension of the Sydney Lockdown. This week is Vocations Awareness Week. We discuss vocations and the need to not live an aimless life. We discuss some of the liturgical changes that have been made during Pope Francis' pontificate and talk about why he has made them. Finally we interview Deacon Diep Nguyen, newly ordained Deacon for the Diocese of Bathurst, as he shares the story of his faith and path to ordination. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

With Sydney still in lockdown and restrictions all across NSW we discuss the effect this is having on normal life. We discuss the Diaconate Ordination of Diep Nguyen and Thao Nguyen, which was effected by these restrictions. The Pope is out of hospital. We talk about what he got up to while there, and his message for the world. The inaugural Grandparent's Day is coming up this weekend. We discuss the centrality of grandparents in our lives, particularly in the lives of Christians. "Bread Come Down From Heaven" begins. We discuss the first session and encourage people to participate. You can watch the first video here. Finally, Fr Reynold Jabonetta joins us to discuss his journey from the Philippines to Australia, and tells us about life in the Filipino church. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Lockdown has extended - we discuss what this means for life in our diocese and across NSW. Pope Francis has recently been in hospital for a routine operation. We chat about this and what it means for the running of the Church when the Pope is out of action. Last Sunday was Sea Sunday (Stella Maris). We discuss the hidden importance of seafarers in our lives. Finally, we are joined by James Arblaster, seminarian of the Diocese of Woolongong, who shares the story of his faith (albeit in a shorter interview - the original attempt to record was effected by an internet drop-out!) You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

As Sydney is under a stay-at-home order and regional NSW has increased restrictions, we deal with the fallout. We discuss what these restrictions meant to our plans, and discuss Rise: Reset a placeholder for the Rise Youth Festival which has been postponed due to restrictions. We also discuss what this means for Diep and Thao's ordination to the Diaconate coming up. Finally, we speak to Stephen Read from the National Centre for Pastoral Research about his work and what it tells us about the makeup of our parishes. You can read about the Building Stronger Parishes report here. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Pope Francis had some interesting things to say in his latest audience. We discuss what he has to say about the mission of St Paul. Josh gave a song recommendation that pairs with the need to trust the path of God. We are unrolling the "Bread Come Down from Heaven" faith series across the diocese. We discuss this opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Eucharist through the scriptures. This leads us to discuss the scriptures and the many ways we can experience the Word of God, including through Connect@Home Finally, we are joined by Bishop Mark Calder, Anglican Bishop of Bathurst who shares his journey in the Anglican Communion as he has learnt to trust God and love the scriptures. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Fr Karl and Deacon Josh share their excitement about Rise, which gets closer. Mass will be offered in the extraordinary form at St Lawrence O'Toole in Mandurama on Sunday 27th June at 11AM. We discuss what it means to celebrate mass in the "extraordinary form", the history of this and where it stands in relation to the Ordinary Form of the Mass usually in our parishes. The Extraordinary Form is notable for its use of servers, which leads us to discuss liturgical ministries in general, and what they have to do with the notion that the faithful should have "full, conscious and active participation" in the liturgy. We put out a last call for Volunteers at Rise. Finally, we are joined by Dizzy May who shares the story of her faith, how faith brought her to Australia, Harp Therapy, Supervision and working on people's wills as a solicitor. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Its snowing! Well at least it was at time of recording. As they brave the cold, Karl and Josh bravely offer a series of corrections offered by listener Dale about Christianity in the Philippines. There is a call for volunteers for the Rise Youth Festival. We discuss the importance of making sure Youth Ministry doesn't become something over on the side, but is instead something that is the work of all Catholics. Pope Francis' address to a forum discussing Amoris Laetitia caught Karl's eye. We discuss what he had to say and its implications for our own ministry. Finally, we are joined by Lindsay Luck, Head of College at St Stanislaus' College, who shares his journey of faith and what it is like to be the head of college at an all-boys Catholic School. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

As we head into winter, we're braving the cold and are back for another episode. The School Principals and Priests are meeting together in Dubbo this week. We discuss why these gatherings are important and the special relationship between our schools and parishes. The Philippines are celebrating 500 years of Christianity this year, and we are marking the occasion on 13 June at the Cathedral with a special celebration. Finally, we are joined by Sarkis Achmar, who joins us to discuss growing up in Sydney as a Maronite and how his faith sustains his work with disadvantaged young people. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

As we begin another episode, it suddenly occurs to us that our podcast's first anniversary has been and gone without us noticing. We celebrate our first year and look forward to more in the future. Diep Nguyen and Thao Nguyen will be ordained to the Diaconate on 9th July in Bathurst. We celebrate this announcement. Pope Francis continues his weekly audiences on prayer and his most recent audience has some choice quotes. We discuss how these effect the way we understand prayer, not as magic but rather an encounter of grace, and what it means when we call grace a "mystery". Josh has been visiting the northern region of the diocese to discuss the Sacrament of Confirmation, and he speaks about that visit, which leads to a discussion about the importance of momentum in making things happen in parishes. Finally, Gen Bryant, Melbourne-based musician and youth minister joins us to discuss her faith, her ministry and her upcoming visit to the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett  

Bishop Bosco Puthur, Eparch of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Melbourne, recently visited the diocese, which prompts Josh and Karl to discuss Eastern Churches. Pentecost has just been, and we discuss what this great solemnity means for our Church. The Vatican recently released guidelines for local celebrations of World Youth Day in 2021, to be held on the Solemnity of Christ the King. We discuss the phenonemon of the online conference, with a few notable ones coming up. The Alive in the Spirit runs from 8-10 July. The Catholic Men's Gathering is on July 31st. Finally, we are joined by Josh's wife, Anna, who shares with us the story of her faith and her experiences with ecumenism, as she takes up her position as she takes up her position as chair for the Diocesan Council for Christian Unity and Interreligious Dialogue. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

A huge episode this week. We begin by discussing the songs that help us to pray. We discuss the upcoming Rise Youth Festival featuring Genevieve Bryant. The Cathedral Restoration Project won a National Trust Heritage Award and we encourage people to come and visit the renewed building and precinct. Pope Francis released "Antiquum Ministerium", by which he institutes the permanent ministry of Catechist. We discuss the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the importance of ecumenism. Finally, we are joined by Father Michel Remery, author of Tweeting with God, all the way from Luxembourg, to discuss his journey of faith and his unique outreach to young people all across the word. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

We're back after missing a week! Pope Francis has announced a new ministry of catechist. We discuss this development and talk about the formal recognition of lay ministries in the Church. The Australian Catholic Men's Gathering is coming up. We preview the event. Amy Sullivan, previous guest of the show, was awarded a scholarship recently. We congratulate her. Finally, Malcolm Hart from the National Centre for Evangelisation joins us to discuss his faith journey and life in ministry. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

We bring you a special interview this week with Monsignor Jim Gehl from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Monsignor Jim speaks to us about the life of his parish, his battle with cancer and the difficulties of worship during a pandemic in a country that has been hit much worse than Australia. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

We're recording later in the week but earlier in the day - something not to Father Karl's liking. We discuss different sleep patterns and how we perhaps need to be more charitable to different people at different times of the day. Cardinal Cassidy died recently. We discuss his contribution to the Global Church and his connection with our diocese. Fr Mick Lowcock from Mount Isa parish joins us to discuss his ministry to youth in an isolated town where he has served for 29 years. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

As we recover from the busyness of Easter, Deacon Josh and Fr Karl reflect on their respective Easters. Karl shares about his experience of being asked to bless a Ukranian Easter Basket. We discuss what it means to live as Easter people. Belinda Lee, REC Mission at James Sheehan Catholic School Orange, joins Fr Karl to discuss her faith journey, her vocation as a teacher and the importance of accompanying young people. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

During a busy Holy Week, it was hard to find time to record a full episode. In its place, Father Karl and Deacon Josh sat down to discuss all things Easter. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

After a long year closed, the Cathedral of St Michael and St John, our diocesan Cathedral, has been reopened! There has been a week of liturgies to mark the occassion, and Fr Karl and Deacon Josh discuss these liturgies and why it is something that we should all care about, no matter where in the diocese we come from. With the announcenement that COVID restrictions are easing, singing is now allowed once again in our churches just in time for Easter! We share our joy at this announcement and discuss what it means for our parishes going forward. Finally, Winston Neville, Youth Minister at La Salle Academy, Lithgow, joins us to discuss his year so far and his love of sports! You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Risen has been and gone and it was a smashing success! We talk about the experience, including the things that didn't go according to plan! The Vatican has announced the Amoris Laetitia year of the family. We discuss this development, with the year ending next year at the World Meeting of Families. Josh shares his past attendance at this gathering. Finally, we have a bumper interview with Lorraine McCarthy, team leader of animation for the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. We discuss parish renewal and the need to build a culture of invitation in our parishes. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Deacon Josh has been visiting the sick and the elderly. We discuss this ministry and the importance of helping those limited by their frailty to fully participate in the life of the Church. Pope Francis' prayer intention for March concerns the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We discuss how negative experiences of this sacrament limit people's capacity to experience God's mercy. The working document for the Australian Plenary Council has been released. We outline its contents and encourage people to read it. Finally, we are joined by Camille Da Silva Tavares, who joins us to discuss her journey of faith and her experience of Connect Groups. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Its Catholic Schools Week! We discuss our upcoming Risen event and the culture of invitation that seems to being fostered among the young people of the diocese. Our youth ministers are going to CSYMI Equipping School and Deacon Josh is joining them. We preview that event. Bishop Michael celebrated Mass for the 200th anniversary of Catholic Schools in Australia. We discuss this Mass and Bishop Michael's homily from the event. Finally, Christina Trimble, Executive Director of Schools in the Catholic Dicoese of Bathurst, joins us to share her story and lay out her vision for Catholic Schools in the diocese. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Our general discussion sparks a discussion of Pope Francis' letter for the year of St Joseph and discuss the concept of creative courage. Fr Karl and Deacon Josh are celebrating their anniversary. We discuss the importance of anniversaries in our lives and the role they play. We discuss the beginning of Lent. How will this Lent be different? We sprinkled ashes this year rather than making the sign of the cross, which brought about some amusing observations. Risen is approaching. We discuss it and youth ministry in general. Finally, we speak to Tina Van Rheede, youth minister at St Raphael's Cowra in 2021. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

We are back for another year of podcasts! Fr Karl and Deacon Josh share how they spent their breaks before diving in to the significance of Pope Francis' announcement that women can now be instituted as lectors and acolytes (you can read his letter on the change here). In Australia we celebrated our first Sunday of the Word of God. We discuss the opportunity that presents. Following Sunday of the Word of God is Catechists Sunday. We discuss the need for people to discern their gifts and ask if they are called to be a catechist. Lucile Randon, an almost 117 nun and Europe's oldest person recently caught and recovered from COVID-19. We discuss this feel good news story. Paul Devitt joins us to talk about three priests of the Bathurst Diocese who died over the holiday period: Fathers Pat McKenna, Joe Dooley and Tim Cahill. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

Our final episode for the year! We discuss the new Diocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at Carcoar and the mass to celebrate its beginnings. Pope Francis has declared a Year of St Joseph. The Pope is planning to visit Iraq next year. We discuss our experiences of the Chaldean Church. Christmas is just around the corner, and we discuss the flexibility necessary to celebrate Mass due to COVID19 restrictions. At Christmas Masses, we will be taking a collection for the Bishop's Christmas Mission Appeal, which this year will go towards funding the further development of a school in the Archdiocese of Calcutta. We discuss Bishop Michael's new pastoral letter "Who longs to see God's face". Our final interview guest for the year is our podcast editor Emily Bennett! She speaks to us about what it takes to edit the podcast and shares some of her listening highlights for the year. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

We are back for our penultimate episode for 2020. The NSW Government has doubled the capacity of our gathering spaces! We celebrate this fact! St Mary's has reopened. Check out the photos of the event here. The Vatican has started a website to encourage engagement with Fratelli Tutti. We discuss the website and Church websites more generally. The Plenary Council has moved to a multi-modular council. We discuss what this will mean. Archbishop Pat O'Regan received his pallium. We do a deep dive into Wikipedia to learn what a pallium actually is. Carmel Hanrahan sits down with Fr Karl to discuss how COVID19 has changed her life and helped her to grow closer to God. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett

A new episode on a new release day. New episodes will be released on Monday going forward. We discuss the reopening of St Mary's Orange, which at time of recording was a couple of days out. You can see some photos here. There was a recent break-in at St Edward's Catholic Church in Canowindra. We discuss this distressing event. You can watch the news report here. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference met last week. We outline what they had planned for the meeting and ask that you pray for our bishops. Josh is travelling the diocese with former guest Jacinta to discuss the diocesan Confirmation policy. His preparation has him thinking that point 6 is a great outline for the life of a disciple more generally. We discuss this. Matthew Brown, 2020 James Sheehan Youth Minister and Plenary Council Delegate, joins us to discuss his experiences of this year. You can contact us at podcast@bathurst.catholic.org.au or hit like on our Facebook page. Opening Theme Music: Derek Clegg - A Strong Will is Needed - Used under Creative Commons. Editing & Cover Art by Emily Bennett