BackGarratt Publishing warmly invites you to
an evening of conversation and the national launch of
FOR GOD’S SAKE, LISTEN!
Theology From the Margins:
Why the Church Must Listen to Those Who Leave
by JACINTA BRIGHT
Monday 30 November 2026
7:00 pm (AEDT)
Jacinta Bright has ‘listened’: listened with empathy, respect, feeling and concern, and then through insightful reflection, written a powerful book, incredibly well researched … As you read For God’s Sake, Listen!, you will experience many and varied feelings … but you will certainly be left with a strong sense of wonder … For God’s Sake, Listen! calls us all to deeply listen, but even more importantly – to take action.
—Helen Anderson
Former Principal in Catholic Primary Schools
For God’s Sake, Listen! stems from a series of interviews conducted by Jacinta Bright with people who no longer attend Mass or have walked away from the Church.
Their stories reveal not indifference, but often deep hurt, disappointment, and a painful sense of betrayal. For many, faith and the story of Jesus remain deeply woven into who they are. Their decision to leave was not made lightly, but as a matter of conscience.
These voices are easily overlooked, misunderstood or simply unheard. For God’s Sake, Listen! gives voice to these people.
For God’s Sake, Listen! invites the family of the Church to listen with humility, compassion, and courage, and to ask what can be learned from their stories. It offers a synodal path to honest listening, deeper understanding and, ultimately, healing.
Joining Jacinta Bright will be guest speakers, Dr Bob Dixon and Fr Steven Rigo.
We hope you can join us as we celebrate For God’s Sake. Listen!
EVENT DETAILS
TIME: 7.00 pm AEDT*
WHERE: Via Zoom
COST: Free
REGISTRATION:
Click on the REGISTER HERE button below.
Online registration is essential. Zoom meeting details will be forwarded upon registration.
AUTHOR
Jacinta Bright
Jacinta is a retired pastoral associate based in Melbourne, Australia, with a rich background in pastoral leadership, counselling and spiritual accompaniment. Jacinta holds a Bachelor of Theology and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and is a graduate of the Arrupé Program for the training of spiritual directors in the Ignatian tradition. As a practising spiritual director, Jacinta accompanies individuals and groups, including through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Jacinta is a member of the Association of Pastoral Ministry Leaders, Melbourne, and Companions in the Ministry of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Dr Bob Dixon
Bob is the Foundation Director (retired) of the Pastoral Research Office of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and was an Honorary Professor at Australian Catholic University from 2010 to 2020. He is also an Honorary Research Fellow of the University of Divinity, a Life Member of the Christian Research Association, and a Life Member of the Association of Practical Theology in Oceania. Bob has co-authored numerous publications exploring the demography of the Australian Catholic community, Catholic belief and practice, and the make-up of Catholic parishes.
Fr Steven Rigo
Steven was ordained in 1983 as a Diocesan priest for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. He has gained a Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology at the Gregorian University in Rome; and has taught in a wide range of theology at Australian Catholic University and Catholic Theological College over several years. Steven is currently Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Diamond Valley, which encompasses the faith communities of Sacred Heart Diamond Creek, St Peters’ Hurstbridge, St Marys’ Greensborough and St Thomas the Apostle, Greensborough North.
*Starting times around Australia and New Zealand
ACT, NSW, QLD, TAS, VIC: 7:00 pm
NT: 5:30 pm
QLD: 6:00 pm
SA: 6:30 pm
WA: 4:00 pm
NZ: 9:00 pm
For other international times see: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meeting.html
