CHERMSIDE parish priest Fr Gerard McMorrow is beaming brighter than his church Christmas lights display after his community took the top prize in a popular festive competition. St Gerard Majella Church won the title of Brisbane’s Best Display in the 4KQ Christmas Lights competition for the first time since their first bulb lit up 15 years ago. This was despite ... Read More »
Tag Archives: Christmas
Vinnies leader warns stress levels at Christmas will leave many people homeless
THE Christmas season is shaping up as one of extreme financial hardship for many families, while an increasing number of people are being forced into homelessness. As the St Vincent de Paul Society launches its annual Christmas Appeal, the organisation is predicting the next few weeks will be tougher than ever before for people in need. “Certainly (there is) going ... Read More »
St Stephen’s Cathedral is wrapped up in art
LOCAL artists have turned a busy construction site around St Stephen’s Cathedral into a mural on the Catholic social teaching theme of solidarity. Along the left side of the cathedral, local artists helped paint a mural of Brisbane residents welcoming the pregnant Blessed Virgin Mary and her faithful husband in time for Christmas Masses. The art project, co-ordinated by the ... Read More »
We asked city shoppers what they thought about Christmas. Their answers might surprise you
THEIR tiny eyes lit up as the string of reindeer tipped upside down in the navy blue sky above the crowd of carollers. Hands glued to the glass, the children laughed playfully as they walked through the scenes of an Australian Christmas, complete with a ride on the Hills Hoist. In Brisbane city, thousands of people catch the joy of ... Read More »
Parish ministry Aspleycare brings joy to Brisbane’s poorest
HUNGRY little mouths in Brisbane will be feasting for weeks after Christmas, thanks to a delivery of 110 hampers from parish ministry Aspleycare. Laundry baskets filled with delicious festive and staple foods were delivered to Brisbane families assisted by Aspleycare, a ministry of Our Lady and St Dympna’s Parish in Aspley on the city’s northside. More than 100 disadvantaged families ... Read More »
Domestic violence in the holidays: For some families, Christmas is a time of fear, not cheer
DOMESTIC violence services are bracing for a high number of calls for support this Christmas holiday break. It follows a year in which there was a surge in women reporting domestic violence and calling on support services; media saturation coverage of violent deaths; and a government and corporate push to reduce the domestic violence scourge. “This year has seen ... Read More »
Christmas is united with our own redemption
“Since ancient times, Christians have called the period since the birth of Our Lord by a beautiful name: anni salutis reparatae ñ the years of restored salvation.” AS we once again gather alongside the Magi to adore the Christ-child, to hear the message of the angel with the shepherds in the field and to praise God in song together with ... Read More »
Brisbane’s newest churches are ready to open by Christmas and Easter
WORK on a new, redeveloped Stella Maris Church at Maroochydore is due to be completed ahead of schedule this week, with a first Mass to be held before Christmas. It is one of four multi-million-dollar church building projects across the Archdiocese of Brisbane. Standing atop Marymount in the Gold Coast parish of Burleigh Heads the new Mary, Mother of Mercy ... Read More »
Singing carols is growing in Brisbane (even if it’s stinking hot)
SINGING traditional carols in churches has become a growing trend in Brisbane’s blistering summer heat. With only weeks until Catholics welcome the Christ child on Christmas day, traditional carols will be a major focus in several Brisbane parishes. Sydney-based arts association Artes Christi will team up with musicians from the Brisbane Oratory choirs at Mary Immaculate, Annerley, for a traditional ... Read More »