This National Refugee Week, 19 to 25 June, we give thanks for our generous supporters who have helped changed the lives of refugees and asylum seekers like Agnes, for the better. After fleeing war-torn South Sudan with her young children in 2002, Agnes says Australia has given her a second chance at life.

Earlier this year, the Diocese of Parramatta welcomed James Atanasious as our Peace, Justice and Ecology Facilitator. James, originally from South Sudan, spent 14 years in an Ugandan refugee camp before being accepted into Australia in 2004. For Refugee Week, James has written this message of hope for people who are seeking a place of safety where they can rebuild their lives.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, we asked seminarian David Sebastian about his mother Sophia, and the role that his spiritual mother, Mary has played in his life.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, we asked some members of our clergy about their mothers and the role that their spiritual mother, Mary has played in their lives.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, we asked seminarian at Holy Spirit Seminary, Victor Atuhura (Araali), about his mother Sally, and the role his spiritual mother, Mary has played in his life.

Vince Sibbald and his late wife, Margaret, have lived on the same block of land in Winmalee, in the Blue Mountains, for 50 years. In October 2013, their house of 42 years was destroyed alongside hundreds of others during bushfires that ravaged parts of the Blue Mountains including Springwood, Mount Victoria and Yellow Rock. During…