Letters & Messages
The Bondi Massacre
Last night the Jewish festival of Hanukkah began. At Bondi, many Jews gathered to celebrate Hanukkah, as we gather at midnight to celebrate Christmas. The terrible massacre was appalling and un-Australian. That two people should randomly shoot so many people gathered to enjoy a God-given festival is heinous.
I have been in touch with three rabbis and a Jewish family. They are traumatised by this event and filled. with fear.
The important question for every Australian is this; how should we respond to this event?
It seems to me, that amongst the many ways in which we can react and respond, the most important is that we should reach out to any Jewish person that we know. Friendship, inclusion, and support is what is needed by the Jewish community at this time. I therefore, encourage you to speak with the Jewish people that you know, to give your support and love, and of course to pray for their communities.
I pray that this horrible event might be a cause for strengthening relationships between ourselves and the Jewish communities. Perhaps the result of evil, might be love and friendship.
Bishop Greg Homeming OCD
Bishop Greg’s Christmas Message 2025
I am quite relieved that 2025 is coming to an end. So much has happened this year, much of which held our attention both emotionally and intellectually. As Australians we have been on the periphery of significant world events. Wars and conflicts which caused so much suffering and loss of life seemed to be without reason. Natural disasters have abounded. In our own diocese Kempsey, Laurieton and Port Macquarie were flooded twice. At a time when so many have nowhere to live and are without food, the economics of greed and power are growing.
On 21 April Pope Francis died and Pope Leo XIV was elected pope on 8 May. A massive change in the Church but a move from one impressive pope, to an equally impressive, but different pope. Pope Leo is an Augustinian who comes from an ancient spiritual tradition of interiority, community and pastoral care. I think that he will bring this gift to the Church.
As 2025 draws to a close we have much to pray for and much to be thankful for. I pray that the Christmas Child will bring peace to our troubled world, and inspire us through the goodness of people who work tirelessly for the good of others. May He soften our hearts to see with gratitude the goodness around us, and to love with generosity.
Happy Christmas.
Bishop Greg Homeming OCD
Christmas Message 2025
‘The Christmas Season brings news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people’.
Only with the JOY filled HOPE offered by Jesus Christ, is there truly Christmas!
Yet, as we experience the world with all its extraordinary-beauty, its challenges and opportunities, Joy-filled-Hope may not be so soon recognised in our hearts.
Christmas reassures us that even in the midst of personal and many other destabilising aspects of social and economic affairs, His peace and His harmony can be heartfelt in our communities. May that Joy-filled-Hope remain with you forever,
And may the New Year 2026 bring many exciting opportunities to serve one another.
Happy birthday Jesus, you show us your Light!
Fr David Gilbey, Pastor
Holy Spirit Catholic Parish
St Finbarr’s-Byron Bay / St Kevin’s Bangalow.
Diocesan Pastoral Council
The following have been appointed as members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council:
James Baby (Kyogle)
Judy Brady (Macleay Valley)
Adam Gallagher (Kingscliff)
Gerry Lewis (Nambucca Valley)
Emma McDonald (Casino)
Maxine Miller (Bellingen)
Peter Murphy (Wauchope)
John O’Brien (Casino)
Br Bill Sullivan
Christine Wightley (Murwillumbah)
Rev Paul McDonald (ex-officio – Vicar General)
Rev James Foster (ex-officio – Chair Council of Priests)
Adam Spencer (ex-officio – Chair DLCSL)
Madeline Beveridge (Executive Officer)
Members have been appointed for a term of 3 years commencing on 1 January 2026.
I wish to thank everyone who nominated and the parishes that supported this process. The quality of nominees was outstanding, which speaks volumes about the faith, commitment, and generosity of our people. We are blessed with extraordinary individuals who bring wisdom and experience, and I am deeply grateful to those who have accepted this call to serve.
Please join me in praying for the Council as it embarks on its mission; to listen, discern, and encourage participation so that the life of the Church reflects the gifts and needs of all its people.
Bishop Greg Homeming OCD
Dear Brothers and Sisters
At the news of Pope Francis’ death, we are left with an inner emptiness. The death is not unexpected. In fact, there is a sadness and a joy. After much suffering he has gone to God. What remains for us is a memory of a great man, a wonderful shepherd. Emptiness invites us to ponder Francis the man and what he has done.
Pope Francis impressed us with his simple humility, openness to God and the people of our world. Listening deeply, he was able to hear with his heart and see Jesus in others. He did not judge, rather he loved by touching hearts.
He did much for world peace and the care of the abandoned and suffering. He reached out to people regardless of their religious belief. In particular, he worked for Christian unity. He also led the way in dialogue with Jews and Muslims.
Finally, he was a man of prayer. It is our turn to pray for him.
Eternal rest grant unto him and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Bishop Greg Homeming OCD
