INFORM

INFORM is a series of concise, readable articles about faith and life matters.

In 1996 the INFORM issue, 'Suicide - a challenge for hope' was awarded two awards for excellence - the Best Piece of Educational Coverage and Highly Recommended Best Feature Story. In 1997 the INFORM issue, 'Jubilee 2000 - Agenda for the New Millennium' was awarded Best Devotional Article Applying Faith to Life. In 2003, INFORM issue 87, 'The Wisdom of Mother Teresa' received a Highly Commended award in the category Best Devotional Article Applying Faith to Life. The awards were given by the Australasian Catholic Press Association.

Pricing & Subscription

INFORM costs 50c (Australian) per issue with a minimum order of 10 copies per issue (volume discounts apply).

INFORM PACKAGE: A pack containing all past copies of INFORM that are still in print can be purchased for $40.00 (Australian).

Single subscription is $10.00 (Australian) per year within Australia (six issues annually).

Please contact the Centre for more information or to order (click here to download the latest order form).

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Here is a full list of INFORMs still in print and available for purchase.

INFORM NO.	Cover	TITLE	AUTHOR	SUBJECT
122		Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth)	Pope Benedict XVI	Summary and highlights of the encyclical Caritas in Veritate, On Integral Human Develop.
121		Australia’s Mary Mackillop	Sr Monica Cavanagh RSJ	On the occasion of the centenary of the death of Blessed Mary MacKillop, Sr Monica Cavanagh RSJ writes about the life and message of one of Australia’s most treasured icons.
120		The Priesthood	Fr Peter Joseph	Pope Benedict XVI has proclaimed a Year for Priests, beginning on 19 June 2009. In this article Fr Peter Joseph explains the origin and meaning of the priesthood.
119		A Woman’s Choice?	Dr Brigid McKenna	Is abortion a woman’s choice? How can we help women who have an unwanted pregnancy or who have had an abortion? Dr Brigid McKenna answers these and many other questions.
118		The Message of St Paul	Fr John Flader	In this Year of St Paul, Fr John Flader reflects on some key ideas in the life and message of the Apostle to the Gentiles.
117		God and the Young Child	Anthony Cleary & Sue Moffat	Recent research has shown that children have an innate awareness of the spiritual. In this article Anthony Cleary and Sue Moffat show how parents and teachers can tap into children’s natural spirituality to help them learn about God.
116		The Seven Deadly Sins	Paul Morrissey	Everyone has head of the “Seven Deadly Sins”. But what are they and why are they so deadly? Paul Morrissey answers these and many more questions.
115		Days to Remember WYD08	Fr John Flader	As a memento of World Youth Day 2008, Fr John Flader recalls some of the highlights of this unforgettable week.
114		The Pope: Who is he?	Fr Anthony Robbie	Everyone knows that the Pope is the visible head of the Church. But what is the origin of the papacy, what powers does the Pope have, and who have been some of the great Popes of history? Fr Anthony Robbie answers these and many more questions.
113		World Youth Day: What can we expect?	Carmel Taffa	The Sydney World Youth Day is just around the corner. In this article Carmel Taffa fills us in on how World Youth Days came into existence, what will happen during those days and what benefits we might expect to reap.
112		Christian Hope	Pope Benedict XVI	Summary and highlights of the encyclical Spe Salvi.
111		Advent Year A: Preparing For Christmas	David Schutz	To help prepare for Christmas, David Schutz provides thoughtful reflections on the readings of the four Sundays of Advent, Year A.
110		Catholic Family Traditions	Monica Guy	The faith is passed on from generation to generation, among other ways, through the family. In this article, Monica Guy describes how parents can hand on to their children some Catholic family traditions.
109		The Feminine Genius	Anna Krohn	Women have distinctive qualities with which to enrich society, qualities Pope John Paul II called the “feminine genius”. In this article Anna Krohn explores what makes up the “feminine genius” and how it can contribute to a better world.
108		The Eucharist: Sacrament of Love	Pope Benedict XVI	Summary and highlights of the Apostolic Exhortation on the Eucharist The Sacrament of Love by Pope Benedict XVI.
107		One Day at a time: The Church Year	Fr Timothy Deeter	Many Catholics have only a general understanding of such seasons as Advent and Lent, Christmas and Easter. In this article, Fr Timothy Deeter explains the meaning of the different seasons and feast days, and how the Church calendar developed over time.
106		Christian Sexuality	James D & Evelyn Eaton Whitehead	For too long the Christian view of sexuality has been perceived as negative and repressive. By using the images of feasting , James D. and Evelyn Eaton Whitehead present a more holistic, good news approach. Their perspective is faithful to the Christian tradition and to the best insights of adult psychology.
105		The Liturgy of the Word	David Schutz	It is easy in the first part of the Mass to hear what is being read without actually listening and paying attention. David Schutz explains what the Liturgy of the Word is in order to enhance understanding and appreciation for this “Table of the Word”.
104		The Importance of Prayer	Peter Kreeft	One of the most important aspects of our relationship with God is prayer. In this article Peter Kreeft explains how necessary and easy prayer is.
103		Suffering: Does it have meaning?	Fr John Flader	The mystery of suffering is one that has troubled humankind since time immemorial. In this article Fr John Flader shows how, in the light of Christian faith, suffering has meaning and in the end will lead to our greater good, even though it will always remain a mystery.
102		Debunking The Da Vinci Code	Dr Frank Mobbs	The Da Vinci Code has taken the world by storm. Dr Frank Mobbs shows how it is anything but history.
101		What Is The Bible?	Fr Mark O’Brien	What is this book that we base so much of our faith on? In this issue Fr Mark O’Brien tackles the Bible’s intriguing history and how it came to its role within the Church.
100		Getting More From The Mass	Dr Scott Hahn	Many people attend Mass without really understanding it. In this article Dr Scott Hahn writes about the parts of the Mass, their significance and meaning and the development of the Liturgy from the early history of the Church.
99		The “Brave New World” of Cloning	Dr Amin Abboud	In 1997 it was Dolly the sheep. Now scientists are talking about cloning humans. What is cloning and is it ethically acceptable? Dr Amin Abboud analyses the issues surrounding this vital topic.
98		Communion with Jesus	Fr Max Polak	In this article Fr Max Polak explains the great treasure that is Holy Communion and how we should prepare for it and give thanks after receiving it.
97		Christians and Islam	Paul Gray	At a time when some Christians have an irrational fear of Muslims, especially as a result of terrorist attacks, Paul Gray shows how terrorists do not exclusively represent Islam and how Christians should be open to dialogue with Muslims.
96		Embraced by the Father: The Sacrament of Reconciliation	Fr John Flader	On the very day of his Resurrection, Christ gave the Church the sacrament of Reconciliation. In this article Fr John Flader explains the sacrament and how it renews and strengthens our relationship with God our Father.
95		The Early Church	Fr Anthony Robbie	In our concern for the present-day situation in the life of the Church, we tend to forget that the Church has been in existence for almost 2000 years. In this article Fr Anthony Robbie opens our eyes to the life of the early Christians.
94		Born Again: The Meaning of Baptism	Fr John Flader	Our Baptism is one of the most important moments in our life. In this article Fr John Flader reflects on the meaning and importance of Christian Baptism, taking us through each of the ceremonies of the rite.
93		Keeping Holy The Lord’s Day	Fr Max Polak	In a secularised society the importance of Sunday as the Lord’s Day tends to be diminished. In this article Fr Max Polak draws on Pope John Paul II’s letter Dies Domini to reaffirm the importance of this special day.
92		When does human life begin?	Dr Brigid Vout	Today there is a lot of confusion over when human life begins, and how we ought to treat human life at its earliest stages. In this article Dr Brigid Vout discusses the scientific answer to this question, and the implications for bio-ethics.
91		Strengthened by the Spirit: The Sacrament of Confirmation	Fr Peter Joseph	Confirmation, like all the sacraments, works a profound change in us. In this article Fr Peter Joseph seeks to deepen our understanding of it reflecting on what we learn from the Scriptures, early Christian writings and theology.
90		Father-Hungry	Paul Gray	Our society is characterised by a growing problem of children who don’t know their fathers. In this article well-known Melbourne journalist and broadcaster Paul Gray reflects on this cultural phenomenon in the light of Christian images of fatherhood.
89		The Beauty of Christian Marriage	Mgr Peter Elliott	Christian marriage is much more than just a way of living together and raising children. In this article, Mgr Peter Elliott explains why.
87		The Wisdom of Mother Teresa	Fr John Flader	Pope John Paul II called Mother Teresa of Calcutta “one of the most important figures of our time”. In this article Fr John Flader offers a glimpse of the mind and heart of this saintly nun who brought the love of Christ to “the poorest of the poor.”
86		The Pain of Being Unemployed and how we can support one another	Anthony Neylan	To be unemployed is to live in pain. It can be a devastating experience! There are many aspects to unemployment. This article deals with the story of an unemployed person and suggests how parish communities can support such people.
84		A Just War?	Fr John Flader	Few issues have aroused as much attention in the media and as much commentary as the recent war in Iraq. Was it a just war? In this article Fr John Flader presents the arguments for and against the morality of the war.
83		Strong Women	Susan Reibel Moore	Courageous, strong-willed women of the Bible have lives worth pondering as role models for today. Susan Moore takes us into their stories and delves into the true meaning of the virtues displayed by these women.
82		The Population Question	Eamonn Keane	Most people think the world faces a mounting problem of over-population, which will lead inevitably to a shortage of food and resources as well as to environmental disaster. Eamonn Keane explains in this article that the real problem is quite different.
81		The Stem Cell debate	Dr Amin Abboud	The cloning of Dolly in 1997 opened up the “cloning debate”. Since then we have moved on to the “stem cell debate”. Most people are mystified by the claims and the confusing terminology. But you don’t need a biology degree to understand all the terms, writes Dr Amin Abboud. The fundamental ethical issues are easy enough to understand.
80		We do what Jesus did	Fr Dan Donovan	In this article Fr Dan Donovan invites us to reflect on the full meaning of Eucharist in the light of this comment.
79		Boys will be Boys! But is that all there is?	Dennis Foster	In this article Dennis Foster explores some of the myths and realities about boys that seem to be causing concern among parents, teachers and the wider community. The article offers an understanding of some of the issues and ideas about how each of us can do our bit to make things better.
78		Praying The Psalms	Campion Murray OFM	Life presents us with many mysteries. At times we cannot put words on our response to life’s challenges. It is so difficult at times to make any prayerful response to these challenges. In this article Campion Murray OFM explores ways in which the Psalms from the Old Testament can be used as our own prayerful response to God. The Psalms were written by real people with real human experiences.
77		Order of Christian Funerals	Margaret Smith SGS	A Catholic funeral is not a reward for a person who has lived a good life. Rather, it is an expression of the love of Christ and the Church for a member whose earthly life is now completed. It is an expression of our faith in the Lord’s mercy and kindness and about the hope and consolation we offer to the bereaved. In this context, Margaret Smith SGS explores the meaning of the Vigil for the Deceased found in the Order of Christian Funerals, highlighting its important place in the overall sequence of rites.
76		Health Matters: holistic approaches for the modern age	Dennis Foster	Health and wellbeing are gifts to our lives which we can so often take for granted or even ignore. In this article, Dennis Foster explains the ways in which we can simply take part in and accept responsibility for healing and maintaining our bodies, minds and spirits.
75		Being a young adult today… frustration or opportunity?	Graham Neist FMS	Young adults are one of the Church’s greatest gifts and treasures, “a special gift of the Spirit of God” (John Paul II, Novo Millennio, Ineunte, #9). In this article, Graham Neist FMS explores the social and pastoral priorities, vision and spirit of young adults and the Church’s response to their pastoral needs.
74		Catholic Social Teaching	Patricia Bolster RSM	Catholic Social Teaching must be understood, valued and clearly articulated in order for us as Christians to respond to the social order of the day with integrity and justice. It enables us to be conscious of what goes into making a good society and a just world where all persons can live lives befitting their human dignity. In this article Patricia Bolster RSM explores the nature of Catholic Social Teaching and its indispensable role in promoting the dignity of the human person throughout all ages, and supporting those who responsibly address the social, economic, political and cultural inequalities which arise in any historical situation.
73		Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults	Carmel Fitzgerald and Fr Elia Capra SDB	The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) names the process by which individuals desiring to become members of the Catholic Church, embrace a journey of spiritual and personal formation. The Rite explained in the content of this article is for those who have never been baptised. Carmel Fitzgerald and Fr Elia Capra explain the steps in this process and the roles played by pastors, sponsors and parish team members.
72		Refugees in Australia: A Christian Response	Melissa Phillips	We generally find in our society an ambivalence towards refugees, asylum seekers, victims of war and violence and those forced from their homeland. Our basic Christian response should be one of mutual respect, acceptance and hospitality. Yet, we so often lack real understanding of the nature of the refugee situation. In this article Melissa Phillips gives us such insights, helping us to explore the position of refugees in Australia.
71		The Evangelising Parish: Believing we can make a difference	Martin Teulan	In as much as parishes are communities of formation and collaboration they have the potential for becoming strong centres of evangelisation. In this article Martin Teulan explores what is means to be an evangelising parish and the ways in which it can realise its mission.
70		My God and My All: Franciscan Spirituality	Patrick Colbourne, OFM Cap	Following Christ St. Francis admitted his total dependence on God, a lesson he saw in the crib, the cross and the tabernacle. Competitiveness vanishes as God provides for all. Peace reigns where all are fellow creatures of the same Father. This is the message of Franciscan Spirituality. In This article Patrick Colbourne OFM Cap. explores the meaning of Franciscan spirituality and its relevance for our Christian lives today.
69		Responding to Holy Mystery	Marie Farrell RSM	God must be accepted as Mystery. Revelation does not give us complete understanding of God. Our response to mystery is faith, not understanding. Marie Farrell RSM invites us into an experience of allowing the holiness of divine mystery to take possession of us.
66		Tradition: Jesus for every generation	Chris Toohey	Pope John XXIII named the Church’s purpose at the beginning of the Second Vatican Council. Chris Toohey explores the Tradition of the Catholic Church as a dynamic reality shaped by every generation, as living witnesses respond to the presence of Jesus Christ among them.
67		A Time of Promise: Spirituality & Ageing	Mary d’Apice	Today’s world is marked by two related trends. More people are living longer into old age and concerns are being raised about the quality of extended life. Spiritual, religious and philosophical questions need to be asked. It is within this context that Mary d’Apice explores the spiritual dimension of human existence and its role in the ageing process.
65		Her Story: Women and the Bible	Elizabeth Fletcher	Elizabeth Fletcher explores the role of women within the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel. Their stories can enrich our lives today.
64		Responding to a Changing Church…It’s the journey that matters	Michael Whelan sm	At the end of the 20th century, the Church has taken on a remarkably different form than it had, say, in the 1950’s. Michael Whelan sm explores the nature of this change and suggests ways we can respond in faith and trust.
62		A Consistent Ethic of Life	Elizabeth Hepburn IBVM	Numerous ethical issues confront us on a daily basis. Elizabeth Hepburn IBVM explains how “a consistent ethic of life” helps to give Catholics a sure footing in a complex world.
60		Stress and the Family: How to develop ‘stress-resistant’ families	Moira Eastman	Stress is the epidemic of the late 1990’s – even for children. Moira Eastman demonstrates how the family is in the best position to combat the pressures of modern life. She gives practical advice on how families can develop their “stress-resistant potential”
59		Five Ways Australian Catholics use the Bible	Michael Trainor	Is the Bible book for our times? Certainly. But how are Catholics to read it so that they avoid the pitfalls of fundamentalism and a mindless individualism? Michael Trainor explores five different ways of approaching the Bible and assesses how well they serve the contemporary Christian.
58		First and Most Perfect Disciple	Raymond E. Brown SS	Mary In the New Testament. She’s the most famous woman who ever lived, and yet there is surprisingly little in the New Testament about her. Raymond E Brown SS examines the varying accounts of Mary in the Gospels. Despite their spareness, when arranged in a chronological order, they present Mary as the perfect model of discipleship.
57		Crisis and Opportunity: The Scandal of Sexual Abuse	Bishop Geoffrey Robinson	Sexual abuse by Catholic priests and religious is presenting the Church with an agonising scandal. With honesty, humility and compassion, Bishop Geoffrey Robinson explores how this time of crisis is one of both danger and opportunity for the entire Church community.
56		Why Relationships Succeed…or Fail!	Dr Peter Cantwell OFM	In a disposable, marriage-failing society, can contemporary men and women sustain life-giving relationships? Dr Peter Cantwell believes they can. He offers wise and practical advice on how to make relationships work.
55		Welcoming the Stranger: Multicultural myths and opportunities	Kerry Murphy	Welcoming the stranger is both an Australian and Christian tradition. Kerry Murphy offers a positive contribution to the ‘immigration debate’ by presenting some simple facts on Australia’s immigration history, and by debunking some ‘multicultural myths’.
52		Mass Media: Messiah or Manipulator?	Julie Fewster	Australians know more about the characters in Home and Away and Melrose Place than the lives of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. More about the powers of Superman than the miracles of Christ. The media, in all its forms, plays a huge part in our lives and is a major source of information and entertainment. It also shapes our values. Julie Fewster offers ideas on how to bring Gospel values to a media dominant culture.
51		The Mourning After: Understanding your own and others’ grief	Dianne & Mal McKissock	Grief, that most painful human experience, affects every aspect of our being – our body, our relationships, our faith. Dianne & Mal McKissock explore the phenomenon of grief and the questions it raises. They offer practical advice for those who mourn, and those who care for them.
48		Suicide: A Challenge for Hope	Patty Fawkner sgs	Simon was 18 when he shot himself. It was 10 days before he was due to sit for his Year 12 exams, and six days after he broke up with his girlfriend. On a Saturday afternoon, while his parents were attending a wedding in Brisbane, Simon took the rifle that his father kept on their Darling Downs homestead and went to an outlying property. He never came back.
45		Just As Well Dead	Greg Cooney CM	Simple slogans are sabotaging the euthanasia debate. Greg Cooney CM explains how euthanasia is anything but a private matter.
44		Makers of Australian Catholicism	Edmund Campion	The first Australian Catholics were lay people who brought their faith with them on the early ships. Before there was a regular priestly ministry in Australia, the faith was nurtured and passed on by mothers and fathers in their families. No one claims hothouse levels of piety in this earliest Catholicism, but to ignore or deny the existence of this priestless church is bad history. It is a denial of our forefathers and foremothers.
43		What Matters In the End?	Michael Whelan, SM	Spirituality for our Time
38		Justice Begins At Home	Trish Hindmarsh	Families for Justice, Peace and Creation
27		Good Guilt Bad Guilt	James & Eveyln Whitehead	Are Guilt Feelings a Gift or a Curse?
18		The Bible: A Guide Through the Library	Sr. Gretchen Kelly rscJ	We are accustomed to speaking of the Bible in the singular, just as we are used to hearing it quoted, quite often, in the rich and sonorous language of 17th Century English. But it is at once older than Christianity, and as young as yesterday, with a beauty and coherence deeper and more sustaining than any one passage. Walk with us through this fascinating library. We have made a few suggestions – for you to experience the uniqueness of this timeless source of wisdom and insight.