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| Upcoming LMF Centre Events |
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Respect Life Sunday
4 October Marriage
and Family Sunday
11 October
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Dear friends,
Hello once again, and welcome to our new subscribers since the last edition of LMF News. We picked up a few new friends during the recent SCENE congress in Sydney which went really well. Our Centre was one of 50 stalls in Martin Place showcasing all things to do with Vocations and Catholic life. It was great to be in the midst of the city and to have that opportunity to witness to so many people on the anniversary of World Youth Day 2008.
As for this newsletter you will find the contents in the bar to the left. There are a couple of videos, one amusing (especially if you have an iphone) and one very inspirational. There is a link to a catholic podcast site with enough material to keep you going for the month and beyond. There is a downloadable book from the Australian Bishops on divorce for all those who have been touched by that situation. Also an article on the Pope's new encyclical, the debate over the definition of marriage and a piece on courtship vs dating.
There are a whole stack of new items in the upcoming events section at the end, as well as information about the Youth Leaders Formation Course in November, and our Mass for Pregnant Women on Sunday 9 August. Plus our Archdiocesan Family Life Network meeting is on 25 August.
Please have a look through, hopefully you will find a few articles of interest. If you would like to forward this newsletter to a friend you will find that button at the top.
Well have a great day and until next time, may God bless you and your family.
The Life, Marriage and Family Centre Team |
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Mass for Pregnant Women |
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Supporting Mothers, Fathers and Families
Are you expecting a baby or know someone who is?
Would you like to express your congratulations, prayers and support for pregnant women and their families?
The Life, Marriage and Family Centre is again hosting the annual Mass for Pregnant Women on Sunday 9th August at St Mary's Cathedral. His Eminence George Cardinal Pell will be the main celebrant.
Please join us...and spread the word among your family and friends - you should just send them this whole newsletter...use the 'forward to a friend' button at the top ;)
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The Struggle Over "Marriage" |
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The Debate over Same-Sex Unions...
 Recently, the editor of the online publication, Public Discourse: Ethics, Law and the Common Good, sat down with philosopher Robert P. George to discuss the state of the marriage debate.
While supporters of same-sex "marriage" claim that history is on their side, it turns out that supporters of traditional marriage have more reasons for hope than they may realise.
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Pope's New Economic Encyclical |
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Holy Father Calls For a Rediscovery of Ethics
Vatican City, Jul 8, 2009 (CNA) - This morning in Rome, the Pope interrupted his series of teachings on the saints to explain the  essential thoughts contained in his new social encyclical, Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth), published yesterday.
In the face of the world's "vast and profound" problems, Benedict XVI stated that the world economy must recover ethical principles.
The encyclical, explained the Holy Father, highlights the fact that "charity in truth is the principal driving force behind the authentic development of every person and of all humanity. ... Only with charity, illuminated by reason and by faith, is it possible to pursue development goals that possess a more humane and humanizing value." Read the encyclical summary here.
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Dealing with Divorce |
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Frequently Asked Questions
The desire for a life long union is built into us as human persons which is why marriage breakdown and divorce can bring about  more hurt and disillusionment than almost any other situation we have to deal with. Hardly any family in modern society would be completely untouched by this experience.
The Church is called by Christ to respond to all situations where her children find themselves. In that spirit, Australia's Bishops have issued an easy to read booklet which outlines the Church's teaching in this difficult area and offers pastoral care and support.
Commenting on the booklet, Bishop Eugene Hurley said, "It is hoped that it provides encouragment and guidance to all who are grappling with the pain of divorce and, in particular, with its implications for their life as members as the body of Christ, the Church."
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The Catholic iphone |
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So Many Apps...
If you have an iphone you should have a look at this little video...bet you didn't know how many Catholic-related applications there were!
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In-Law Dilemmas |
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Working through Difficulties
Kathy Beirne - The Dilemma - Karen and Bill have been married for two years. They get along well, except for the visits from Bill's parents. His dad is a fine person and easy to have around. Bill's mother, Helen, is the problem.
Helen is a super housekeeper. At Helen's house there is never a scrap of paper where it shouldn't be or a dust ball anywhere. Her windows shine, her appliances shine - the house and everything in it could be brand new.
Karen and Bill share the housekeeping in their apartment, but they both work full time and enjoy having a chance to kick back when they are not working. Mail does pile up, and sometimes there are dirty dishes in the sink. So when Bill's folks are coming, they go into high gear cleaning up. But no matter how much they clean, Helen always finds something that needs her attention when she arrives.
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Courtship vs Dating |
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What is Your Relationship About?
Carmen Marcoux - For some people, the image of arranged marriages is what first comes to mind when they hear the word courtship. This is a sure indication of how far our culture has  regressed in its understanding of relationships.
Unfortunately the twentieth century phenomenon of dating has so entrenched our thinking that we often see dating as the norm. This couldn't be further from the truth. Dating was a practice that only came into play after the introduction of the automobile. Until then, the cultural standard for young couples interested in marriage was courtship.
Courtship can take a variety of forms but there are essential elements that need to be considered in establishing guidelines for a young couple.
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The Wrong Cure for Infertility |
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Thinking About Artificial Baby-Making
Bill Muehlenberg - For some men and women, IVF can seem like a godsend. Inability is always felt as a grievous loss for loving couples. But the clinics which offer IVF and other "assisted reproductive  technology" techniques are businesses, and offer services, not love. They make mistakes which devastate lives.
The latest blunder comes from the UK. The Daily Mail's headlines speak for themselves: "'In ten seconds our world was shattered': Distraught IVF couple discover their last embryo was given to the wrong woman -- and then aborted".
A number of ethical issues are raised here. It is clear, for example, that these technologies are often running at cross purposes. The same hospital that performs fertility treatment in one room, may well be dealing with contraception, sterilization and abortion in another. On the one hand we want to be fertile, even where it is socially, morally or biologically impossible or undesirable. On the other hand we want the ability to cut off the possibility of new life. This schizophrenic mentality is all part of a society that has lost its moorings and is confused about the nature of sexuality and reproduction. Read the complete article here.
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A Little Laugh from the Far Side |
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Time With Your Children |
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The Importance of Giving Time
A survey of almost 10,000 New Zealand students at 96  secondary schools shows that more than half of them want to spend more time with their parents.
Some 54 per cent "sometimes" or "hardly ever" get enough time with their mothers and 61 per cent sometimes or hardly ever get enough time with their dads.
This is "big stuff", says Auckland University researcher Simon Denny. "Having a close relationship with a parent is one of the most important predictors of good health and wellbeing for young people." Read article here.
What are you doing with your family this weekend?
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Improve Your Life - Try the Virtues |
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Ancient Wisdom For a New Era
Edward P. Sri - A number of years ago, my wife and I went kayaking on the Arkansas River in the Colorado Rockies. We had never been kayaking before, so we went with a group led by a guide who gave us lessons -- lessons that included the warning about not standing up in the river. "The river is not that deep," he said. "But it is very powerful. If you fall into it, don't stand up because the river will knock you right down. Just hold on to your life jacket and wade to the side."
We began our adventure on smooth, peaceful waters, with me in the front of the kayak and my wife in back. Things were off to a great start as we enjoyed the clear blue skies, the beautiful scenery around us, and the snowcapped mountains above. But we knew the rapids eventually would come, and that would be our first test as new kayakers.
Suddenly, we heard them: the roar of the rapids. Our adrenaline started pumping and we got ready. Into the rapids we went. kayak tilted to the left and the waves poured in. We jumped back to the right and were soaked again. We jerked left again and then straightened up just in time to push through successfully. We made it to the other side of the rapids and returned to safe, smooth waters. We passed the first test!
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Podcasts |
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Audio Sancto: Sermons on dogma, doctrine and devotion
I was told about this podcast site recently and it really is worth bringing to your attention.
If you are one of the millions of people who own an ipod then this is a site you should have a look at. Basically the site is full of sermons given by Catholic priests on topics including Christ,  Mary, the Ten Commandments, Purity, Prayer, Marriage and Family and the Holiness.
There is nothing like a good sermon to move the hearts and the will...and now you can be inspired every day! The site has over 370 sermons so I guarentee there will be at least one sermon of interest to you. Even the Holy Father has an iPod...this may be where he goes!
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The Love of a Father for his Son |
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Dick and Rick Hoyt
This is one of those videos that inspires all of us to be thankful for our lives and be thankful for the goodness in the world.
Known as 'Team Hoyt', Dick and son Rick compete together in marathons, triathlons, and other athletic endeavors. The difference is that Rick has cerebral palsy, caused by loss of oxygen to his brain at birth because his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck.
Dick pulls his son Rick in a special boat as they swim, carries him in a special seat up front as they bike, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run.
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Youth Leaders Formation Course 2009 |
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Want to be Transformed...Read On
Since 2007 the Archdiocese of Sydney has conducted an annual Youth Leaders Formation Course (YLFC). This unique period of formation is held at the Benedict XVI Retreat Centre in Grose Vale. In 2008, 22 young adults aged between 18-32 years completed the course.
The YLFC is an opportunity for participants to immerse  themselves in spiritual, pastoral, intellectual and human formation for one month. The YLFC seeks to build leaders who are transformed by Christ and will serve the mission of the Church in Australia.
It is an amazing week and all who have participated speak of being changed completely. This is one way to build on the rich graces that were expereinced during WYD08.
If you are a young Catholic with a passion to be formed by Christ, or if you know of a young person like this, then be sure to have a look at this webpage where you can also download the flyer.
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More Events For You... |
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 There are a lot of different events coming up and here are a few that you should know about. If you are hosting an event that you think we should be promoting let us know!
Mustard Seed Bookshop Annual Mid Year Sale. Up to 75% off! 13-15 August. make sure you're there. See their website here.
Twilight Encounter for Young Adults.The topic of the evening is 'God is Love'; the location is Mt Schoenstatt, Mulgoa, and the date is Sat 15 August. See the flyer here.
Convivio 2009 is a congress for Catholic Youth in years 10 to 12 at school. It is an opportunity to reflect, share, play and pray. It offers to all who attend a chance to be renewed in faith. See the website here.
Dinners for Married Couples. This is a chance to meet with other couples, share a meal and grow together. Next dinner Saturday 12 September. Find the details here.
Retreat for Women. 12-13 September. These popular weekends are held at the Mt Schoenstatt Shrine and Retreat Centre in Mulgoa. Come away for a couple of days to be refreshed. All the information is here.
FertilityCare Training Program. If you have an interest in education and in women's reproductive health, then consider this training program starting in January 2010. Help women and help couples. Find further information here.
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The Life, Marriage and Family Centre is an agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and has been established to extend the research, policy, educational and pastoral activities the Church undertakes with respect to life, marriage and family issues. Our website is http://lifemarriagefamily.org.au.
Thank you for taking time to read our newsletter, we hope it has been of interest. We welcome your comments and feedback at lmfnews@sydneycatholic.org. We hope we will be able to serve you in some capacity in 2009.
Yours in Christ,
The Life, Marriage and Family Centre Team
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