Bishop Mark Calder profile — Sight magazine

“Anglican Bishop Mark Calder has long enjoyed driving. Whether it’s travelling to a conference or visiting a parish, he’d much rather make it a road trip than arrive via airplane. So when he was invited to lead the Diocese of Bathurst, the amount of travel it would require didn’t bother him. He started his role three and half years ago with a new car and has since clocked 135,000 kilometres. Just since January of this year, he’s done 15,000 kilometres for church-related trips, each one giving him more of vision for leadership and for the issues the people across the rural diocese face.

Sight caught up with him when he was actually in his office for our inaugural Q&A…”

– Sight magazine, “an editorially independent, Australian-based website covering local and global news and issues from a Christian perspective”, has published this Q & A with Bishop Mark Calder.

Catholic Archbishop ‘shocked and stunned’ at ACT’s proposed takeover of Calvary Hospital

“After serving Canberra for more than 44 years, Calvary Public Hospital Bruce has been blindsided by the ACT Government, who yesterday announced it had begun an acquisition process to take control and ownership of the hospital, reports Catholic Voice.

If the proposed legislation is passed at the end of the month, the hospital will cease to operate under the governance of the Little Company of Mary. …

Canberra Health Services will run the hospital from July 3. …”

– Story from CathNews.

“Established in 1885 by the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, Calvary is a not-for-profit Catholic health care organisation. Our mission is to provide quality, compassionate healthcare to the most vulnerable, including those reaching the end of their life.” “Calvary is a Values based organisation” – Calvary Care.

Petition to Save Calvary Hospital Bruce – Catholic Voice.

‘Soviet Style’ Acquisition Of Canberra Hospital A Dangerous Precedent – Australian Christian Lobby –

“So unprecedented is the move, that the Labor-Greens ACT Government will introduce new legislation to execute its decision. The Catholic owned hospital has been a strong advocate for the sanctity of human life by conscientiously objecting to the provision of elective abortions and opposing the introduction of assisted suicide in the ACT.”

And in a letter from Archbishop Christopher Prowse Catholic Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn:

“My prayers and thoughts are immediately directed to the 1,800 workers of the hospital and their families. They must be worried about the ramifications of this decision for their future employment.

I am also concerned that this action, based on obsessive government control, would deprive future generations in Canberra of the choice of hospital care based on the ethos of our cherished Catholic faith.

There is a rising fear, also, that this extraordinary and completely unnecessary government intervention could set the scene for future “acquisitions” of any faith-based health facility or, indeed, any faith-based enterprise, including education or social welfare. …”

Photo: Calvary Hospital, Bruce, in Canberra’s north via Calvary Hospital website.

Has there ever been a month like this for BCA? Five Field Staff commissioned in six weeks!

BCA’s NSW/ACT Regional Officer Paul Sampson writes,

“Our good God has heard and answered your prayers. What a joy to attend the commissioning of not one but five Field Staff in five different locations in just six Saturdays during late January, February and March 2023. Each of these ministries is a testament to the graciousness of our God and the faithfulness of BCA supporters who have prayed diligently for many years and generously provided financial support for these ministries. …”

In his The Narrow Road newsletter for May 2023, Paul shares news of commissionings at

Cowra,
Broken Hill,
West Wyalong,
Cobar and
Bathurst,

as well as other encouragements.

Download the PDF file here. (Link via the Bush Church Aid Society Facebook page.)

New life to rural church communities

This report from the ABC highlights various ministries, including Anglican, in central and western NSW.

“The town of Cobar in western NSW now has a minister for the first time in two decades, after getting support from the Bush Church Aid Society.”

Photo: Diocese of Bathurst.

Southern Cross, May – June 2023 now available

The May – June 2023 issue of Southern Cross, the magazine of the Diocese of Sydney, is now available.

Copies can be picked up at local churches, and you can also download it here.

From Russell Powell:

“Southern Cross this month has all anyone needs to know about GAFCON IV, including the Archbishop writing on Why GAFCON matters, as well as

We sing Getty hymns – now the foremost contemporary hymnwriter is visiting Sydney
A Mother’s Day special – How my mother shaped my faith by Rachel Chin and Dave Jensen.
An analysis of clergy stress and burnout.”

Sydney Anglicans celebrate the coronation with scones, DIY crowns, bowler hats and a sermon about tax

“At Sydney’s main Anglican cathedral on Sunday morning, the signs of celebration for the King’s coronation were everywhere.

Men mingled outside in bowler hats and Union Jack clothing, children decorated crowns with stickers in the kids’ activity packs, and ushers served scones with jam and cream after the service. …”

– Report from The Sydney Morning Herald.

May 2023 edition of the North West Network

The May 2023 edition of the North West Network is now available for you to download.

It’s a great way to be encouraged to pray for the people and churches of North West Australia.

Trekking through Tanzania

“On a trip to honour veteran CMS Missionary Helen Hoskins and to visit Sydney’s Anglican Aid projects, Archbishop Raffel is travelling through Tanzania.

Soon after the final session of GAFCON IV in nearby Rwanda, the Archbishop was on his way to a series of engagements in the Diocese of Mara. …”

– Story from Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net.

Top Centre magazine 23.1 from the Diocese of the Northern Territory

The latest issue of Top Centre magazine (23.1) from the Diocese of the Northern Territory is available on their website.

A great reminder to continue to pray for the ministry of the gospel in the Top End and Centre.

Family, Being and Home

“Many people have expressed much care and concern for Elizabeth and myself knowing we have left many close family and friends on the other side of the country to come and live and serve in the North West. …”

– Recently-installed Bishop of North West Australia Darrell Parker writes of being ‘home’.

Michael Calder commissioned at St John’s Wishart

The Rev Michael Calder was yesterday commissioned as priest-in-charge at St John’s Wishart in the Diocese of Brisbane.

Michael had been serving as Assistant at St Bart’s Toowoomba.

Do pray for Michael and his wife Rachel and the St John’s congregation, as well as for Peter Judge-Mears and his family and others who formed Southside Anglican in Brisbane late last year. Pray that both churches might be used by the Lord to bring eternal blessing to the people of Brisbane.

Photos on the Bathurst Diocese Facebook page.

Canowindra partnership opportunity

From the Diocese of Bathurst Facebook page.

“To minister full-time, some of our ministers rely on the generosity of others.

At the moment, Jono Williams in Canowindra, would so appreciate your support. The parish can only afford 3 days a week stipend. Jono is working full time.

Click this link (not the photo), hit ‘Give’ and then find Jono from the drop down menu to give regularly (or a one-off).”

A matter for prayer – and perhaps for action.

Click the image for a larger version.

The Resurrection is Real — The Archbishop’s Easter message 2023

“Have you experienced the true meaning of Easter? … Jesus’ resurrection changes everything!”

– Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has released this 90 second Easter message.

Great to share / show in church / put on your church website.

Download the text from SydneyAnglicans.net (PDF).

Report by Russell Powell –

“Sydney Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has used his Easter message, to appeal for people to consider the true message of Easter and the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. …”