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TWO SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN AUSTRALIA

Over the past two weeks or so we have seen two events in Australia that has challenged us as Catholics. The first was in Melbourne where the first person accessed the ‘Voluntary Assisted Dying’ legislation to end their life. The action was taken after a long battle with cancer, and obtaining a permit from the Government via this legislation.

The second event was the passing of the new abortion laws in the Lower House of Parliament. An Upper House committee has to report next Tuesday of their findings into this legislation and then vote. The lack of publicity and consultation until the last minute has caused great distress in many sections of the community. Whilst in other areas and for other reasons many also support the bill.

Below is a request from Bishop Anthony Fischer.

FROM ARCHBISHOP ANTHONY FISHER

As you would know, the bill to legalise abortion up until birth, with very few safeguards for mothers or children, passed the Legislative Assembly last night.  It now moves to an inquiry before a vote in the Upper House. 

To that end, a petition is being organised to ask Upper House members to vote against the bill. 

I have asked that the petition be available for parishioners to sign at Masses and returned promptly to the Archdiocese and in any event, by no later than Tuesday, 20 August 2019 so that petitions can be collated, counted and presented to the Legislative Council. 

Submission to the NSW Upper House Committee

The NSW Standing Committee on Social Issues have announced that they will is holding public hearings next and is due to report by Tuesday, 20 August 2019.

I ask you also to continue to pray that the bill will be defeated, and that a civilisation of life and love will prevail.

Yours fraternally in Christ,

+Anthony

WHAT IS FOMO?

Have you ever been with your child and seen the look of absolute terror on their face when they have realized that they haven’t got their phone with them? It is sort of scary and funny at the same time. Why is this the case? Why are kids so attached to this device?

FOMO is a relatively new entry in the Oxford English Dictionary – it is the fear of missing out. So when the medium for keeping up with the ‘latest’ has been removed from them a feeling of panic sets in, as they may suddenly be behind the rest of their friends in knowing what is happening in their world. FOMO is an addictive state of mind that creates an internal pressure to have the latest fads, gadgets, popular opinion and information. In its extreme form it can create exhaustion, ultra competitiveness and sometimes compulsive behaviours.

Does any of this sound familiar? Increasing volumes of research indicate that FOMO victims can lose a sense of self, of what a right relationship is and of getting lost in an unreal way of living their life. These things are the opposite of what a well-balanced young person should be experiencing in their formative years.

As a parent that wants the best for our children we should be discussing topics like this with them. They may not like this and we need to avoid ‘lecturing’ them. In this way we explore the questions and move the kids to a better understanding of the pressures upon them that could lead them to behaviours that are negative. We need to ask our children, and walk with them, as they look deep into their heart and see the real essence of themselves, their original beauty and blessings that have been bestowed upon them.

Original source: article by Daniel O’Leary