At the end of a long second term and on the eve of WYD excitement is high. It is now or never to participate in the activities of the Days in the Diocese. When you come down to earth after either the holidays or your visit to Sydney you might like to check out the new unit on Baptism in the Worship section. 

Interfaith Peace Ceremony Thursday 10th July from 10 am. Federation Square. Peace by Piece: people of all faiths invited to celebrate inter-faith unity and respect. Special guest Natalie Gauci. More info 97955077 or email: peacebypiece@oblates.com.au  

Lots of WYD Days in the Diocese activities: visit the home page for details  

Faith & Reason One Day Teachers' Conferences are taking place across Australia and New Zealand with Dr Peter Vardy and Julie Arliss, educators in Philosophy and Religious Studies.  De La Salle College Malvern on July 30th. Cost: $150. Ring De La Salle on 95093011 to register. 

Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez  President of Caritas Internationalis: Becoming a Good Global Citizen Saturday July 12 10am ACU Central Hall Brunswick St Fitzroy.

While Busted Halo is directed at Catholics in their 20s and 30s, it is also very accessible to senior students, well written and dealing with up to the moment issues and topics. Well worth a look.

A clearly set out Australian University Ethics site could be a great help to those teaching Ethics as part of Religion and Society. Don't forget to explore the fine US Markkula site as well, and the ethics module of RESource.

Terrible moral and ethical quandaries underlie the The Counterfeiters now drawing towards the end of its season in Melbourne cinemas. The film presents but does not resolve them. Worthwhile also for Year 10 History students.

The Faith and Spirituality section of the Brisbane Archdiocesan website contains a brief, well-presented summary of Catholic faith and belief.  Twelve colourful buttons provide access to an introduction to the richness of Catholic faith and life.

Whispers in the Loggia provides an introduction to the newly inaugurated Year of Paul.

Despite the new Government's assurances refugees are still facing very significant difficulties in having their stories and cases for remaining in Australia heard.

Soaring food and petrol prices plus the increase in house prices and a very competitive rental market mean more people are forced to the margins even in Australia

An extraordinary story of young girls who banded together and decided to become pregnant raises many questions about the meaning of human sexuality. Real life is not a soap opera.

An article from the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry points out some of the pitfalls associated with providing work references. Workplace ethics are often difficult. Balancing the need for honesty with other  concerns is never easy.