Catholic Outlook Magazine | Lent & Easter | 2024 Issue

Outlook Looks
Tomáš Halík on searching for God
in a secular age
If you missed seeing the Czech theologian when he was
in Australia in February, you can still catch up on what
he had to say. Halík is known for being a leading voice
against Soviet communism in the 1980s and was
co-responsible for the revival of the Czech Catholic
Church after the fall of communism. He held a series
of talks in Parramatta and Melbourne on the topic of
searching for God in a secular age.
Turn to pages 14-15 for more from Monsignor Halík’s visit.
(L-R) Monsignor Tomáš Halík, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of
Parramatta, and moderator Fr Frank Brennan SJ during a public lecture at
St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, in February 2024. Image: Diocese
of Parramatta.
Mass times over Holy Week
Is your Easter calendar filling up fast? Are you unsure
what times the Masses are on at your local Parish church
during Holy Week?
Turn to pages 58-61 for a full list of parish Mass and Liturgy
times across the Diocese.
Parish Priest Fr Christopher Shorrock OFM Conv (right) with
parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville, with the
2024 Paschal candle. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Lunar New Year celebrations
On 10 February, members of our faith communities of East
and Southeast Asian heritage rang in the Year of the Dragon in
the celebrations of Lunar New Year. Also known as the Spring
Festival, the New Year celebrations are a time spent with family,
eating lots of food and sharing well-wishes for the coming year.
Go to Catholic Outlook online – catholicoutlook.org – for
stories about the event.
04
Lion dancers during the Lunar New Year celebrations of the Chinese
Catholic Chaplaincy of St Monica's Parish, North Parramatta.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.