God And Beer- Edition 31- John Hendry OAM (Parents Victoria)

An event from the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together Catholic men and women of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, several times a year. The aim is to inspire and strengthen Catholics by providing ideas and inspiration for renewal by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic faith.

The thirtieth face-to-face event (held at the Hoppers Club on Thursday November 14, 2024) featured John Hendry OAM, currently a Consultant for Parents Victoria. John spoke on 'Building Positive Relationships'.

Positive relationships are at the heart of a good life and essential for healthy societies. Come along and hear from John Hendry OAM on how you can build more positive relationships with your friends and family. Learn how to build connections centred on trust, communication and empathy.

John has been an educator for more than 50 years and has presented to the United Nations. He was a member of the Lara Lake School council for 13 years, 9 of which he was President. He taught at Donald High School, Melbourne High School, Mordialloc-Chelsea High School, Monash University and Geelong Grammar School where he spent 36 years.

An initiative of the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together people of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne each month. Our aim is to inspire and strengthen Christians by providing ideas and inspiration for renewing the Church by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic tradition.

Many thanks to those who made this possible, and those in attendance.

God And Beer- Edition 30- Kathy Clubb (40 Days For Life Melbourne)

An event from the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together Catholic men and women of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, several times a year. The aim is to inspire and strengthen Catholics by providing ideas and inspiration for renewal by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic faith.

The twenty-ninth face-to-face event (held at the Notting Hill Hotel on Monday November 11, 2024) featured Kathy Clubb, Director of 40 Days For Life Melbourne. Kathy spoke on 'Pro-Life Witness And Spiritual Warfare'.

Kathy Clubb speaks on the powerful witness of the pro-life witness against abortion. Kathy will share her experiences and the impact that peaceful presence and prayer can have in defending the unborn. She will also discuss the spiritual warfare involved in the pro-life movement, a battle that calls for faith, resilience, and unwavering courage.

Kathy Clubb is a well-known leader in the pro-life movement, recognized for her tireless work in advocating for the unborn. She courageously challenged the Victorian government's draconian ban on peaceful pro-life witness outside abortion mills. Her dedication has inspired many to stand up for life, even in the face of legal and social challenges.

An initiative of the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together people of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne each month. Our aim is to inspire and strengthen Christians by providing ideas and inspiration for renewing the Church by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic tradition.

Many thanks to those who made this possible, and those in attendance.

God And Beer- Edition 29- Tommy Canning (Artist from Scotland)

An event from the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together Catholic men and women of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, several times a year. The aim is to inspire and strengthen Catholics by providing ideas and inspiration for renewal by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic faith.

The twenty-eighth face-to-face event (held at the Notting Hill Hotel on Monday September 9, 2024) featured Tommy Canning, an artist from Scotland, spoke on Sacred Art in the Catholic Church.

It has been said that 'beauty will save the world'.

Tommy Canning is artist from Scotland who has spent a lifetime creating beautiful, sacred art that directs people heavenward.

Thanks to John Canavan and the Divine Mercy apostolate he is visiting Australia for a short time to spread the message of Divine Mercy.

Tommy Canning’s art is inspired by the great masters such as Michaelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio. He draws on their legacy to create a bridge between the old and the new. Taking to heart the words of Pope John Paul II: “It is up to you, men and women who have given your lives to art, to declare with all the wealth of your ingenuity that in Christ the world is redeemed…” (Letter to Artists, 1999)

An initiative of the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together people of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne each month. Our aim is to inspire and strengthen Christians by providing ideas and inspiration for renewing the Church by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic tradition.

Many thanks to those who made this possible, and those in attendance.

God And Beer- Edition 28- Fr Collin Nunis (Melkite Catholic Priest, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne)

An event from the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together Catholic men and women of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, several times a year. The aim is to inspire and strengthen Catholics by providing ideas and inspiration for renewal by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic faith.

The twenty-seventh face-to-face event (held at the Notting Hill Hotel on Monday September 9, 2024) featured Fr Collin Nunis. Fr Nunis, a Melkite Catholic Priest, spoke on the Eastern Catholic Churches.

Many Catholics are unaware that the Catholic Church contains many 'churches' or rites. These are often referred to as the Eastern Catholic Churches. Some of the more famous of these are the Byzantine, Maronite, Melkite and Syro-Malabar. United in faith and in unity with the Pope, these Eastern Catholic Churches often have different forms of the Mass, some married priests and a strong Marian ethos, all while maintaining full communion with the Catholic Church and possessing the fullness of the Catholic faith. Due to recent waves of immigration from Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East, these Catholics have become a significant an integral part of the Catholic Church in Australia.

Fr Collin Nunis is currently the Assistant Parish Priest of St Joseph's Melkite Catholic Parish in Fairfield and also works at the Catholic Development Fund. Malaysian-born, Fr Collin began discerning a vocation with the Eastern Catholic Churches upon relocating to Australia in 2008. He completed his studies for the priesthood at CTC in 2020 and was ordained to the priesthood in the Melkite Catholic Church in 2022.

An initiative of the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together people of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne each month. Our aim is to inspire and strengthen Christians by providing ideas and inspiration for renewing the Church by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic tradition.

Many thanks to those who made this possible, and those in attendance.

God And Beer- Edition 27- The Honourable Tony Abbott AC (28th Prime Minister of Australia, 2013-2015)

An event from the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together Catholic men and women of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, several times a year. The aim is to inspire and strengthen Catholics by providing ideas and inspiration for renewal by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic faith.

The twenty-sixth face-to-face event (held in the Parish Hall at St Gerard's Parish Dandenong North on Monday August 12, 2024) featured The Honourable Tony Abbott AC, 28th Prime Minister of Australia (2013-2015).

Mr Abbott spoke on the topic 'God and Caesar', which included his thoughts on the effects of faith and politics in the wider society, and how his personal convictions and Catholic Faith guided him throughout his political career, including his time as Prime Minister. Tony Abbott is among the most consequential politicians in Australian political history. Come along to hear his thoughts on a range of current events and topics including:

The Future of the West

Government response to Covid

Education

The Life of Cardinal Pell

How Christians can respond to the challenges of the times.

The Honourable Tony Abbott AC served as the 28th Prime Minister of Australia from 2013-2015. After studying at Oxford University and working as a journalist he was elected to the Australian House of Representatives in the seat of Warringah. He was known as a politician of integrity and conviction, his dedication to the cause of Indigenous Australians and for serving as a volunteer fire-fighter. He remains active in public life and continues to make important contributions to public debates.

An initiative of the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together people of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne each month. Our aim is to inspire and strengthen Christians by providing ideas and inspiration for renewing the Church by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic tradition.

Many thanks to those who made this possible, and those in attendance.

God And Beer - Edition 26- Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers

An event from the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together Catholic men and women of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, several times a year. The aim is to inspire and strengthen Catholics by providing ideas and inspiration for renewal by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic faith.

The twenty-fifth face-to-face event (held at the Notting Hill Hotel on Monday July 15, 2024) featured Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers (Dynamic Deacon). Deacon Harold spoke on the topic 'The Armor of God: Prayer and Spiritual Combat. Deacon Harold was accompanied by Fr John Amsberry, priest of the Archdiocese of San Diego, USA, who is Deacon Harold's spiritual advisor, and spoke for the first half of the talk.

The Dynamic Deacon is coming back to Australia!

Join us for an inspiring event with Deacon Harold. Prayer is the foundation of the spiritual life but for many people it is a struggle. In this presentation, Catholic speaker and evangelist Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers will explore the various challenges that undermine a man's relationship with God. He will outline a comprehensive strategy to counteract the negative impact of sin on the hearts and lives of men and their families. By providing practical guidance and essential tools, he will empower men to take on the role of spiritual leaders within their families and communities, fostering a stronger, faith-based foundation for all.

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, known around the world as the Dynamic Deacon, is a sought-after speaker in the Church. He is a powerful and passionate evangelist and preacher, whose no-nonsense approach to living and proclaiming the Catholic faith will challenge and inspire those who hear him.

An initiative of the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together people of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne each month. Our aim is to inspire and strengthen Christians by providing ideas and inspiration for renewing the Church by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic tradition.

Many thanks to those who made this possible, and those in attendance.

God And Beer - Edition 25- Daniel Simon (Human Rights Law Alliance)

An event from the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together Catholic men and women of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, several times a year. The aim is to inspire and strengthen Catholics by providing ideas and inspiration for renewal by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic faith.

The twenty-fourth face-to-face event (held at the Notting Hill Hotel on Monday June 17, 2024) featured Daniel Simon, lawyer at the Human Rights Law Alliance. Daniel spoke on the topic "Back in the Lion's Den: Religious Freedom in Australia".

As Australia becomes increasingly secular, Christians and people of other faiths have found themselves increasingly marginalised. Being a practicing Christian can lead to loss of employment and legal threats. A famous example was the case of Israel Folau, a rugby superstar sacked for offending the new secular religion through his public statements about his faith. The government is currently considering legislation to remove religious freedom protections from schools, forcing them to hire people who oppose their values. The Human Rights Law Alliance was created to support and defend people of all faiths from these attacks. Come and find out more about this terrific organisation and the amazing work they are doing to protect religious freedom in Australia.

Daniel Simon has been a lawyer at the Human Rights Law Alliance since 2023. Previously, he has worked at the Anglican Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn, the House of Representatives Committee Office, and the Australian Christian Lobby as a research officer. He has lived in Canberra since 2011 with his wife Rebecca and three children. The Simon family attend St Matthew's Anglican Church. He loves God and beer, especially a good stout.

An initiative of the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together people of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne each month. Our aim is to inspire and strengthen Christians by providing ideas and inspiration for renewing the Church by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic tradition.

Many thanks to those who made this possible, and those in attendance.

God And Beer - Edition 24- Fr Geoff McIlroy (Parish Priest St Macartan's Parish Mornington)

An event from the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together Catholic men and women of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, several times a year. The aim is to inspire and strengthen Catholics by providing ideas and inspiration for renewal by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic faith.

The twenty-third face-to-face event (held at the Notting Hill Hotel on Monday May 13, 2024) featured Fr Geoff McIlroy, Parish Priest of St Macartan's Parish Mornington. Fr McIlroy spoke on his life as "The Bikie Priest".

There’s a lot more to the Reverend Father Geoff McIlroy than a life of prayer and preaching. Sure, as the Parish Priest at Saint Macartan’s in Mornington, Father Geoff spends a lot of his time doing God’s work, but when he does get some spare time, he often swaps his priestly vestments for a bikie jacket and heads for the wide-open roads of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula on his Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic motorbike.

Come along and hear the unlikely story of the Bikie priest and how he came to faith through stubbornness and anger at God.

An initiative of the Knights of the Southern Cross Victoria to bring together people of all ages from across the south-east suburbs of Melbourne each month. Our aim is to inspire and strengthen Christians by providing ideas and inspiration for renewing the Church by drawing on the truth, beauty and goodness of the Catholic tradition.

Many thanks to those who made this possible, and those in attendance.