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Welcome to BBHighlights, the new monthly newsletter from the Diocese of Broken Bay.
In this newsletter, you’ll find everything you need to keep up with what’s going on in the Diocese and the wider Church.
As many of you will know, in late June, the Very Rev David Ranson was elected Diocesan Administrator and will look after the Diocese until Pope Leo XIV appoints our fifth Bishop.
This isn’t an unfamiliar role for Fr David. He served as Diocesan Administrator between Archbishop Peter A Comensoli’s appointment to Melbourne and the eventual appointment of Archbishop Anthony Randazzo.
It’s fitting then, that Fr David Ranson was the first guest on our new podcast Around the Bay, where he talks about his appointment and what the new role means for him, while also reflecting on the long journey that led him from Tasmania to Broken Bay.
Around the Bay will feature more stories from in and around the Diocese, celebrating the richness of the People of God across Broken Bay. We encourage everyone to listen and subscribe.
In the coming weeks, we will also celebrate the 30th Episcopal Anniversary of Bishop David Walker, the second Bishop of Broken Bay. There will be a Mass at 7:00pm at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Chatswood on Thursday, 3 September to celebrate this milestone.
In the meantime, as a Diocese, we join in praying for a new Bishop, hopeful the Holy Father will make the appointment soon and that the new Bishop will be a strong shepherd for his people.
We hope you enjoy this first edition of BBHighlights and please check out all the content we have below.
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Read all the latest news from across the Diocese of Broken Bay
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The Diocese of Broken Bay has launched its own podcast, Around the Bay, as it strives to bring the Good News to all through a variety of digital and print mediums.
Very Rev David Ranson will be the guest on the first episode of Around the Bay, discussing his role as Diocesan Administrator, his journey from Tasmania to the Diocese of Broken Bay, including his time as a Cistercian monk at Tarrawarra Abbey.
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The Australian Catholic Bishops say the current social division in society represents an opportunity to witness to the Gospel, in order to build a more cohesive society.
Each year since 1940, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has issued a statement for reflection and discussion in the lead-up to Social Justice Sunday (August 30) on a key issue in society. The latest statement, Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division, was released in Brisbane on Friday.
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Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) continues to outperform most State and National schools in the latest NAPLAN results.
Results from Years 3,7 and 9 have all shown strong performances from students in the 2026 NAPLAN assessments released this week which places CSBB among the best performing education systems.
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The Very Rev Dr David Ranson has been elected the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Broken Bay by the Diocese’s College of Consultors.
The Diocese Administrator maintains continuity by keeping the Diocese functioning smoothly, ensuring continuity of pastoral care, administration, and existing ministries. However the Diocesan Administrator cannot make decisions that bind the incoming Bishop.
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Read all the latest news from across the Diocese of Broken Bay
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In late July, Very Rev David Ranson, Diocesan Administrator, wrote a Pastoral Letter to the People of God in Broken Bay, with a number of events presently unfolding in the life of the Church.
In the letter, he says the events to unfold over the coming weeks touch different dimensions of ecclesial life. Some concern questions of personal conduct and accountability; others concern governance and stewardship; still others remind us of the changing face of Religious Life in Australia and the responsibility that must be carried for those who have been wounded by the crime of sexual abuse. Together they may prompt anxiety and confusion, disappointment, sadness, or uncertainty among us.
You can read the Pastoral Letter in full here.
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On the first episode of Around the Bay:
GUEST: Very Rev Dr David Ranson, Diocesan Administrator, Diocese of Broken Bay
Fr David talks about his role as Diocesan Administrator and how he went from a boy growing up on a racetrack in Tasmania, to administering the Diocese of Broken Bay.
He reflects on life as a parish priest, looking after the largest parish in the Diocese of Broken Bay, Chatswood, and provides an insight into parish life and what is drawing people to the Church in the 21st century.
He will also discuss some of his greatest influences and what motivates him as a priest.
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Read all the latest news from Rome, from Pope Leo XIV to Archbishop Anthony Randazzo
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Archbishop Anthony Randazzo has been working at the Vatican for almost two months now. He recently gave an interview to The Catholic Leader reflecting on life in Rome, working closely with the Holy Father, canon law, and how prayer remains the foundation of his ministry. He also shares a heartfelt message for the Catholics of Australia whose faith helped shape his priesthood and episcopal ministry. You can read both parts of the interview below.
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Mass for Bishop David Walker’s 30th Episcopal Anniversary | 3 September
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Bishop David Walker, the second Bishop of the Diocese of Broken Bay, will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination on Thursday, 3 September at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Chatswood.
Bishop Walker was consecrated as Bishop of Broken Bay on 3 September 1996 at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Chatswood by Edward Bede Cardinal Clancy.
The evening will begin with Solemn Vespers, as the major relic of St Carlo Acutis will be welcomed into the Church.
Bishop Walker will then celebrate Mass at 7:00pm.
All are welcome. No registration is required.
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St Carlo Acutis Major Relic Pilgrimage | 3 September to 8 September
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A major relic of St Carlos Acutis will be welcomed to the Diocese of Broken Bay on 3 September, as part of a nationwide tour.
The relic will arrive in Chatswood at 6:00pm on Thursday, 3 September before being taken to East Gosford and then Wanervale over the next few days.
Several events are planned at each stop, with major events for young adults planned at both Chatswood and Gosford.
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World Youth Day 2027: Seoul
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World Youth Day 2027 is less than a year away now!
We are so excited to announce that Expressions of Interest are now open for our WYD27 Broken Bay Pilgrimage:
26 July – 12 August 2027
Japan – Seoul – Incheon
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Broken Bay will be officially launching its pilgrimage with SeoulFest, on the Feast of Saint Andrew Kim Taegŏn, Patron of World Youth Day,
Come and experience a taste of South Korea with Korean food, music, culture, games and activities, while meeting other young people, young adults and families from across the Diocese.
Whether you’re already dreaming about joining us for WYD 2027 or you’re simply curious about what it’s all about, SeoulFest is the place to start!
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Date: Sunday 20 September 2026
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Location: The Light of Christ Centre, 29 Yardley Avenue, Waitara
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Cathedral Precinct Project
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The Diocese of Broken Bay will host two fundraising events in the coming month for the Cathedral Precinct Project.
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The Cathedral Precinct Charity Golf Classic: Teeing off for the Future
Date: Friday 16 October 2026 – morning start
Venue: Newgreens Chatswood Golf Club
Enjoy 12 holes of golf followed by a seated lunch, while supporting the Cathedral Precinct Project. The Cathedral Precinct will be a home for faith, a place for community, and a commitment to the common good now and for future generations.
Tickets will be released shortly and numbers are limited.
To receive further information or to pre-book a team of four, please email Yvette:
cathedralprecinctappeal@bbcatholic.org.au
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Women of Broken Bay Lunch
Date: Wednesday 28 October (11:30am for a 12pm start – 2pm)
Venue: Northbridge Golf Club
Save the date for what will be an inspiring afternoon of connection, generosity, and exceptional hospitality at the inaugural Women of Broken Bay Lunch in support of the Cathedral Precinct Project. Enjoy a delightful culinary experience in the company of remarkable women and be inspired by a keynote address from Mrs Kelly Paget, presenting
Called to Lead: A Journey of Faith, Family and Community a moving reflection on leadership, faith, family, and the power of community.
More details and ticket information will be released shortly. Places are limited.
To receive further information or to pre-book your place, please email, vette:
cathedralprecinctappeal@bbcatholic.org.au
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INSIDE THIS EDITION
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Broken Bay farewells Archbishop Anthony Randazzo
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Three priests ordained for the Diocese of Broken Bay
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Broken Bay celebrates 40th Anniversary
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SPECIAL INSERT: Seven years with Archbishop Anthony Randazzo
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TO STAY CONNECTED
with the Diocese, follow us on social media
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