Catholic Institute of Sydney

CIS President, Professor Hayden Ramsay was one of the keynote speakers at this week’s conference for clergy across the Archdiocese of Sydney.

He shared insights with the priests and deacons on the beauty of the Catholic intellectual life and the value of imagination in preaching and pastoral activity.

Professor Ramsay also spoke on the importance of clergy wellbeing and taking time for relaxation away from their busy parish ministries.

May God bless all our clergy who commit their lives to serving Christ through serving the faithful.

What are you looking for in your life?

CIS President and internationally recognised philosopher Professor Hayden Ramsay will speak on this critical question for all Catholics at an upcoming “Grace and Truth” evening at St Mary’s Cathedral Crypt on Friday 4 September.

The evening will feature time for prayer, a light supper, fellowship and a Q and A discussion. Register online:

https://www.trybooking.com/DOIVM

FR EUGENE STOCKTON
(30 November 1934 - 5 August 2026)

CIS pays tribute to Fr Eugene Stockton, who died on 5 August 2026. His role in the flourishing of CIS from the early days of the faculty deserves to be noted. After the ecclesiastical faculty was established in 1954, he was among its first graduates. After the authority to grant the Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) was granted to CIS by the Holy See, Fr Eugene Stockton was the first to graduate STD. His thesis was on the Holy Spirit in the writings of St John. The theme of the Holy Spirit was not only the focus of his biblical scholarship but also shaped his life more broadly. Over two decades, he taught Sacred Scripture and Biblical languages, first at the campus at St Columba’s College Springwood from 1962 to 1964 and then at St Patrick’s College Manly from 1968 to 1984.

Biblical Studies led him into archaeology, and he went on to earn a doctorate in Archaeology and Semitic Studies from the University of Sydney. He had previously gained the Licentiate in Sacred Scripture (LSS) from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and a Diploma from the Ecole Biblique in Jerusalem. There were regular trips to the Holy Land for archaeological work. This led to a series of publications on the typology of Middle Eastern prehistory and culture.

His archaeological work was not confined to the Middle East; he also did important work in the Blue Mountains of NSW, tapping into the ancient culture of the first peoples of this land. This led to publications on the chronology and character of cultural change in Australia. Like most things Eugene did, this was never simply an academic exercise. In 1968 he was appointed the first chaplain to the Aboriginal community in Sydney.

In 1967 CIS had established the Mater Dei Institute for religious women and men, which gave them the opportunity to undertake a year of theological studies. Not long after its beginning, Fr Eugene Stockton became its director. During these years he was also chaplain at the University of Sydney. It was during this time that his engagement with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal began.

In his retirement years, he lived as a hermit in Lawson in the Blue Mountains. He continued to write across the areas that had shaped his life. Among the works from this period were The Aboriginal Gift: Spirituality for a Nation and Blue Mountains Dreaming: The Aboriginal Heritage. Other publications tapped into the mystical, such as Wonder: A Way to God and The Wisdom of Age: Reflection on growing old in the Blue Mountains. In 2023, his story was told in Eugene Stockton: Blue Mountains Hermit, eds William W. Emilsen and Peter J. Smith.

May he rest in peace.

On 30 June, at the Catholic Institute of Sydney, a full house turned out for the latest instalment of the Didaskō formation short course series, as Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP led a rich and often surprising exploration of the Eucharist.

Read the story https://sydcath.au/4eTw5GB

Last week, our very own Fr Gerard Kelly delivered a thoughtful and enriching talk on the Biblical Roots of the Eucharist at St Patrick's Cathedral Parish, Parramatta Hall

It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect more deeply on the scriptural foundations of the Eucharist and to share in the rich theological tradition of the Church. We are grateful to Fr Gerard for offering his insight and scholarship, and to St Patrick’s for hosting the evening.

Limited spots left available, get in quickly and register via the eventbrite link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1988879117981?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ever wondered about Eucharistic Miracles? How do Catholics explain these incredible events? Do they still happen?

Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP will speak on this fascinating topic at the Catholic Institute of Sydney campus in Strathfield, in partnership with the Parish Renewal Team of the Archdiocese of Sydney.

📅 Tuesday 30 June 2026
🕢️ 7:00 - 8:45 PM
📍 In-person at Catholic Institute of Sydney or online via Zoom
🎟️ Free

To attend in person, register at https://sydcath.au/4uS72ZW. Please note that seats are limited.

To attend online, register at https://sydcath.au/3PVMZus.