Reflections on Redfern

When I go to the Redfern Church I feel that I am surrounded by many people of immense spiritual strength and independence. People of like mind and persuasion who follow the true intent of Jesus’ teaching – and lead their lives guided by their conscience rather than a doctrine. I feel at ease in the church and even though there is a city outside it is pretty peaceful.

The Good Friday Service, although I haven’t been able to go for a few years, is my favourite and I especially like the songs/hymns sung. The connection with the Aboriginal people is also important and the fact that they, and the other marginalised groups such as the gays etc, are welcomed in the church. This is very important to me as I believe that that is what a true Australian Catholic Church is.

Sometimes I feel that the Redfern community is forging a new branch of the Catholic Church, ­an Australian Catholic Church rather than belonging to the Roman Catholic Church and that the Australian Catholic Church has no real leader but is peopled by strong independent minds.

I feel immensely proud to be part, albeit a small part, of the Redfern community and I am exceedingly happy to know Ted Kennedy and other parishioners and I hope that Redfern can move on in strength with the new Parish Priest