Parish Bulletin Sunday 26 April 2026
Not from the Pulpit: Fr Richard Leonard SJ PP
Given the ANZAC Day long weekend gives us pause to think of all wars. All Christians, of course, have mixed feelings about every war. Wars are a failure within the human community to deal with our conflicts in a more civilised, constructive and non-violent way. We never ‘celebrate’ ANZAC day, we commemorate it, holding the memories of the 103,004 Australian and 30,101 New Zealand women and men who have died in the service of our nations. It is always right to remember with gratitude people who gave their lives to fight unjust aggression.
And we also pray for those hundreds and hundreds of thousands who came back wounded in mind, body and spirit.
We have heard a lot lately about Catholic Just War Theory. Sts Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas sought to work out if war can ever be morally justified and how it must be conducted. Our tradition has two main parts:
1. Jus ad bellum (justice of going to war): War is only justified if there is a just cause (e.g. self-defense), declared by a legitimate authority, with right intention (to restore peace, not seek revenge), as a last resort, with a reasonable chance of success, and where the harm caused is proportionate to the good expected.
2. Jus in bello (justice in war): Even in a just war, conduct must be moral. This includes discrimination (protecting civilians and non-combatants) and proportionality (using only the force necessary). In short, the tradition doesn’t glorify war—it sets strict limits to restrain violence and uphold human dignity, aiming always toward a just and lasting peace.
While war is ugly, the vast majority of the people who fight them are good. Whether professional soldier or volunteer, these women and men deserve to know that they may be laying down their lives for a just cause and a higher goal. They deserve our prayers and our respect. That’s the only reason to cherish ANZAC Day – remembering good people who paid the ultimate price in a cause worth dying for: freedom, justice and the peace God wants to see for all his children everywhere.
Parish Notices
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Faith Bytes: Listening to the Heart of God. Richard Leonard SJ
Faith Bytes is inspired by the author's YouTube videos ("North Sydney Catholics") of his homilies taken from his book Preaching to the Converted (Paulist Press).
Each Sunday reflection offers a brief "faith byte" for readers to ponder for the week. They have been adapted from the larger book for a younger audience and those who have a busy schedule. Books available from Paulist Press.
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Frank Brennan’s new book, Pope Francis: The Disruptive Pilgrim’s Guide will be launched on Mon 27 April @ 6.00pm at the Ron Dyer Centre.
MC: Dr Richard Leonard SJ PP
Guest Speaker: Geraldine Doogue AO
Author and Presenter: Frank Brennan SJ AO
Books available on the night for sale
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Tues 28 April, 10.00-12.00pm, St Michael’s Parish Hall, Lane Cove
More information: 0422 099 576 tony.maricic@sydneycatholic.org.
Registration: www.trybooking.com/DJUQI
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19–21 June at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW
A unique getaway for married couples to reconnect and strengthen their relationship. Book online at www.wwme.org.au or contact Christine & Terry Mahony on 0490 774 419 or nswbookings@wwme.org.au.
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25 July - 8 Aug Cost: approx. $850 (excl. flights) Age: 18 - 30yr olds Contact: Fr Ramesh Richards SJ
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel Immersive Exhibition is coming to Sydney and runs from 16 May to 19 July 2026 on the St Mary’s Cathedral forecourt. This is a rare and unique opportunity to enter further into the story of salvation through sacred art and the use of immersive technology. This is also a great opportunity to make a parish outing. All are welcome to attend. You can make early-bird ticket purchases by clicking on these links for either May, June or July and entering the Access Code “earlybird”.