And in brief ...

 

 

 

Prolific author and highly regarded speaker on religious life Michael Crosby OFM Cap. will present a seminar, Prophetic witness in our world today, in Sydney on Monday, March 31.

 

Fr Crosby is a member of the Midwest Province of the Capuchin Franciscans. He lives fraternally with others who serve the poor in Milwaukee's downtown area.

 

Holding a Masters in Economics and a PhD in Theology, his ministry is twofold. Most of his time is spent writing and speaking about biblical spirituality geared to the "First World" society and the future of religious life. The remainder of his time is spent in the corporate responsibility movement, advising investors concerned about using their monies to promote social change.

 

Fr Crosby has written 16 books. Among them are Spirituality of the Beatitudes: Matthew's Challenge for First World Christians; House of Disciples: Church, Economics and Justice In Matthew; Celibacy: Means of Control or Mandate of the Heart?

 

His effort to promote justice in institutional Catholicism is expressed in The Dysfunctional Church: Addiction and Codependency in the Family of Catholicism and Rethinking Celibacy, Reclaiming the Church. His latest book has special relevance for religious: Can Religious Life Be Prophetic (Crosswood, 2005). He has also authored Catholic Church Investments for Corporate Social Responsibility.

 

He has given retreats, workshops and talks in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. He also served his Province in leadership (two terms) and presently sits on various provincial committees.

 

Fr Crosby has been brought to Australia by the Ursuline Sisters.

 

The seminar, Prophetic witness in our world today, will be given at the Bankstown Trotting Recreation Club, Bankstown, from 10am-3pm on March 31; cost, $60, with morning tea and lunch provided.  Registration is required by Monday, March 17 (further information:  02 9663 2199 or email: clrinsw@ozemail.com.au
(see dates for for Fr Crosby's Canberra engagements)

 

 

 

According to the Chairman of Catholic Earthcare, Bishop Christopher Toohey (Wilcannia-Forbes),  Mrs Remond - the mother of a young child and a committed woman of faith who has an impressive professional background - will give a richness to the perspective of Catholic Earthcare, which is about bringing integrity to people's involvement with the natural world.

 

In 1997 Mrs Remond graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Education in Science. She then lectured in Environmental Science at Notre Dame University, Broome campus, before moving to Sydney to work as a secondary school and TAFE teacher, teaching the new syllabus of Earth and Environmental Science. In 2003, she first began working for Catholic Earthcare Australia developing and producing environmental education resources for distribution to Catholic schools.

 

Mrs Remond also has been Coordinator of the Northern Australia Environment Alliance in Broome. She worked with 10 environment groups to advocate for the protection of Northern Australia and to promote best-practice environmental management of Cape York Peninsula, the Gulf region, the Top End and the Kimberley. In 2006, she undertook training with Al Gore to become a 'Climate Change Leader'.

 

"I am confident that Catholic Earthcare can play a critical role in empowering Catholics and others to connect fully with God's creation, to honour and respect it, and to consciously care for the gift of creation as active stewards," Mrs Remond said.

 

"I envisage parishes and schools across the nation fully responding to Pope John Paul II's call for 'ecological conversion' through their actions to strive for ecologically sustainable practices and preparing their local environment for future generations."

 

 

 

His Excellency arrived in Sydney on Tuesday, March 4, and was met at the airport by the Chargé d'Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, Msgr. Jude Thaddeus Okolo, by Br Laurie Needham CFC, Executive Director of Catholic Religious Australia, and by Rev. Fr Liem Duong of the Archdiocese of Sydney.

 

The Papal Representative also met the Members of the Permanent Committee of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC). Prior to this meeting, Archbishop Lazzarotto paid a courtesy visit to Cardinal Edward Clancy. The same morning, he also met Cardinal Edward Cassidy, torenewed acquaintances.

 

He was also received by an eight-man delegation of the Bishops of the Oriental Rite in Australia, including the four Catholic Oriental Rite Bishops.

 

Archbishop Lazzarotto then flew to Canberra and was met by the Deputy Chief of Protocol of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Mr Colin Hill.

 

Shortly after, following customary diplomatic procedures, and in preparation for the presentation of his Credential Letters, Archbishop Lazzarotto met Ms Lyndall McLean, Chief of Protocol, and other DFAT  officials.  It was expected that within the next few days the Apostolic Nuncio would present his Letters of Credence to the Governor-General of Australia, Major General Michael Jeffery.

Catholic Health Australia (CHA) has announced the appointment of lawyer and policy advocate, Mr Martin Laverty, as its new executive officer. 

 

Replacing long-term, high profile Francis Sullivan as CEO, Mr Laverty will commence work as CEO on May 5.

 

further details CathNews