Free
Catholic Life Publication of the Diocese of Sale
June 2018
ISSUE 205
Charities urged to apply CHARITIES seeking funds from Trinity Families this year have until August 31 to apply. They will be able to share in about $107,000 to run programs aiding families within the area of Sale Diocese.
Under Australian Tax Office rules, only charities with deductible gift recipient status can apply and no money is available for individuals. The funds are made available each year from the earnings of Trinity Families investments. Since its inception the
charitable fund has allocated more than $1.4 million. Charities wishing to apply should carefully read all the details on the website www. trinityfamilies.org.au and send in their application on the form which can be downloaded. Queries about eligibility
or other matters should be directed to executive officer Colin Coomber 5622 6688 or trinity@sale.catholic.org.au. Trinity Families is the trading name of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sale Charitable Fund.
Jack takes on challenge of school life
This issue highlights Next stage of Plenary planning - Page 3
By Colin Coomber
Donate now for tax deduction - Page 3
BEING confined to a wheelchair might be seen as a major hurdle to a child in his first year at primary school, but 5-year-old Jack Radford is demonstrating that disabilities can be managed. Jack is in Foundation (Prep) at St Mary’s Primary, Newborough, and is tackling schooling with a zest for life and maturity which amazes everyone. He has cerebral palsy and is classed as a quadraplegic because of limited arm movement. But with the aid of his motorised wheelchair Jack is able to join in all the fun and games of the schoolyard. In fact, he openly admits that playtime is his favorite time of the school day when he can get out and interact with other students. The school has just installed an all-abilities playground which was able to be used for the first time last week. Jack is able to commando crawl up the tunnel and then slide down again. Jack’s mother, Natalie Radford said he had not looked back since getting the motorised wheelchair when he was four. It gave him the mobility and independence he had been craving. She was full of praise for the way St Mary’s had taken on the challenge of caring and nurturing Jack. All the teachers, aides and office staff were magnificent with him and he was loving school. • Continued Page 4
Diocese Liturgy Commission - Page 5 New manager of CatholicCare - Page 7 Aust. Bishops at Oceania gathering - Page 8 Our newest Indian priest - Page 9 New principals are appointed - Page 11
JACK Radford, 5, shows that having a disability does not hold him back at school.
Trinity FAMILIES
Photos from around diocese - Page 13
Donate before end of financial year If you donate by June 30 you will be able to claim the donation as a deduction in your next tax return. Trinity Families needs your support to help families in our diocese to receive welfare and charitable services.
To donate visit www.trinityfamilies.org.au or phone (03) 5622 6688 for a credit card deduction form.
Page 2 - Catholic Life, June 2018
Cultivation towards the Plenary Council A
mong the many joys of the Diocese of Sale is the continual opportunity to travel around it. On many occasions I see tractors busily at work not just in the more rural areas of the diocese but down and around Clyde among the many market gardens there. It takes a lot of careful work to prepare a paddock for the planting of seeds. The initial ploughing often doesn’t seem to be getting the paddock anywhere near ready for planting, but with good patient and skilful work it slowly becomes ready. This image comes to mind when I reflect on our journey as a diocese toward and Plenary Council in 2020 and beyond. I have now had the chance to visit 25 of our 27 parishes for an open meeting and will attend the final two in Trafalgar and Sale next week. The Plenary Council has now been officially launched on Pentecost Sunday. It is as if we have begun the process of ploughing up our paddocks ready to receive God’s good Word, and the dewfall of the Holy Spirit. It is a process that demands patience, cooperation and trust that in God’s good time the rains will come, to allow the crops to grow. The overall impression of all of these meetings is one of hope.
Although each of our parishes is very different, each parish expresses that same hope, albeit in its own way. The challenge I have offered to each parish is to bring this process alive locally. And while it is a journey we take together, strengthened by our diocesan Gaudium et Spes working group, the lasting fruit will be best seen and born in each of our parishes. For this we pray. While the first period of consultation is only now about to begin, much ploughing and careful preparation is still needed. I was saddened by one comment I heard over one of the cups of tea after one of our meetings. It went like this, “Thank God the Royal Commission is over we can now get back to normal”. I say saddened because it fails to realise that we have a new ‘normal’, and cannot go back to the ‘old’ normal. Yes it is true that the Royal Commission has handed down its final report and our Diocesan Professional Standards group, the Conference of Bishops and many other groups in Australia are combing through the report seeing what we still need to do. Yes we have willingly decided to join the National Redress scheme. Yet there remains much to be done in the care of victims and their families
Catholic Life PO Box 1410, Warragul Vic. 3820 Phone: (03) 5622 6688
catholiclife@sale.catholic.org.au www.sale.catholic.org.au Editor: Colin Coomber
The Diocese and
by Bishop Pat O’Regan as well as continuing to ensure that our parishes and all aspects of our Church remain places that are safe and life-giving. Complacency is an attitude we cannot allow to grow. It is one of those weeds that can grow in any crop, it is one we do not wish to cultivate.
FCBCO
FCBCO is probably not one of those acronyms that readily comes to mind. It stands for the Federation of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Oceania. It meets every four years, and comprises around 85 Bishops from Oceania. The most recent assembly was in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and it was held from April 11-17. FCBCO comprises the four bishops conferences of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The theme of the assembly was, “Care of our Common Home of Oceania: A sea of possibilities”. In his keynote address at the opening of the Assembly, Cardinal
Latrobe alley Vunera FServicesl
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Parolin shared his reflections on Laudato Si, the second encyclical of Pope Francis, which addressed the obligations of “people” to each other and the environment. He noted that “ideology has a great impact on our approach to questions of ecology and the environment.” He pointed out that the “mental ideology that can lead us to these damaging consequences that the Pope mentioned in Laudato Si is the ideology of individualism.” This ideology encourages separation from one another and from the community and brings us towards other means of individual and independent living. Among the many fruits of the gathering was the chance to “look outward”. Due to many factors some would say that the Australian Church has been a little too focused “inward”. It was also a chance to enter into solidarity with our neighbous who make up this part of our Common Home.
New Feast Day POPE Francis has given us another Marian feast day to celebrate. The Day after Pentecost each year is now to be celebrated as Mary, the Mother of the Church. The decree that established this feast observes that the veneration of Mary as Mother of the Church has ancient roots in Catholic tradition, reaching back to St Augustine and St Leo the Great. The title, the document says, is grounded in New Testament accounts about Mary. “She became the tender Mother of the Church which Christ begot on the cross, handing on the
Spirit,” the decree said. “Christ, in turn, in the beloved disciple, chose all disciples as ministers of his love towards his Mother, entrusting her to them so that they might welcome her with filial affection.” In 1964, at the close of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), Blessed Pope Paul VI formally declared Mary as the “Mother of the Church,” and invited Catholics to invoke Mary’s help under that title. During the Jubilee year of 1975, the Vatican produced a special Mass, called a “votive Mass,” for Mary under the title of De Beata Maria Ecclesiæ Matre, or “Blessed Mary Mother of the Church,” and also approved inserting the title into various prayers in honor of Mary. With the new decree, devotion to Mary as Mother of the Church now becomes an approved feast for the universal Church. “Having attentively considered how greatly the promotion of this devotion might encourage the growth of the maternal sense of the Church in the pastors, religious and faithful, as well as a growth of genuine Marian piety, Pope Francis has decreed that the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, should be inscribed in the Roman Calendar on the Monday after Pentecost and be now celebrated every year,” the document said. “This celebration will help us to remember that growth in the Christian life must be anchored to the Mystery of the Cross, to the oblation of Christ in the Eucharistic Banquet and to the Mother of the Redeemer and Mother of the Redeemed, the Virgin who makes her offering to God,” it said. Along with Abraham our Father in faith, we invoke Mary, under this title to be patron of our Plenary Council journey within our diocese, and I encourage each of our parishes to do the same. God is Good. +Bishop Pat O’Regan Bishop of Sale
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Catholic Life, June 2018 - Page 3
Plenary preparation moving to next stage PENTECOST Sunday 2018 marked the official launch of the Plenary Council 2020 process in Catholic dioceses and parishes across Australia. Here in the Diocese of Sale, we have been busy with the series of open parish meetings, which commenced in February this year and will end with the last meeting to be held in the Cathedral Parish of Sale on June 20. At each meeting, Bishop Pat O’Regan has provided parishioners with an outline of the Plenary process, what it is, what it involves and the importance of parishes communities gathering together and pondering on the question “What do we as the Church need to hear now?” The launch of the Plenary Council 2020 preparation phase begins with Listening and Dialogue Sessions, which continue from now until the end of March 2019. Parishes, schools, Catholic groups and organisations are invited and encouraged to gather to listen and dialogue and then to share their responses with the Plenary Council via the website http://plenarycouncil.catholic. org.au/resources/have-yoursay/ A particular challenge for parishes, but also an opportunity, will be to reach out to and engage with Catholic people whom they may not see at Mass. It’s important to hear the views of as many of our Catholics as possible, whether they be active, disaffected or estranged,
or occasional visitors. Each parish is asked to have a plenary group which will assist in animating the many plenary conversations and gatherings over the coming months. The plenary group may be the parish pastoral council or could be another group that may be especially formed for the plenary process. Our diocesan plenary working group, the Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope) team came together in January this year and continues to meet on a regular basis. The team comprises: Bishop O’Regan, Vicar General Fr Peter Slater, Fr Brendan Hogan, Deacon Mark Kelly, diocesan convenor Sophy Morley, Jennifer Fitzgerald, Michelle Grimsted, Jenifer Hanratty, Michael Hansen, Dominic Ryan and Anne Taylor. The Gaudium et Spes team is committed to assisting everyone in our diocese to engage with the plenary process. It hopes that you will take the opportunity to participate in some of the many gatherings that will be taking place across the diocese. Your voice is needed! The Bishops of Australia are inviting us on a journey “Together, we are on a journey of listening to God by listening to one another. We invite all Australians to engage in an open and inclusive process of listening, dialogue and discernment about the future of the Catholic Church in Australia. “Your voice is needed – join
BISHOP Pat O’Regan addresses parishioners at St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Clyde North. in! Speak boldly and with passion, listen with an open and humble heart. With faith and guided by God’s Holy Spirit, we journey together, toward the future.” Please visit the Plenary Council website for promotional videos, prayer cards and resources and how to run a listening and dialogue session for your group. http:// plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au Sign up to receive the free Plenary Post in your email. http://plenarycouncil.catholic. org.au/news/ Please contact the diocesan Gaudium et Spes team for more information or to explore how you and your parish can become more involved: Convenor Sophy Morley can be contacted on 5622 6677, email smorley@sale.catholic. org.au
Donate now for tax benefit AS the end of the financial year approaches people across the Diocese of Sale are urged to donate generously to our diocesan charity Trinity Families. Donations made by June 30 can be claimed on this year’s tax returns. To ensure claims are valid the money must be received by Trinity Families and so people are urged to post donations well before the end of the month. Executive officer Colin Coomber said that the best way people could ensure that money was received in time was to use internet banking facilities or make a direct deposit by going into the bank. Money needed to be paid into Trinity Family’s account, details which are BSB 083-879 account number 84343 9687.
The reference should be their first initial and surname. He said it was important that after making a direct debit donation that donors followed up by sending an email or a note so a receipt could be either emailed back or posted. If donors wished to use a credit card they were urged to use one of the special appeal envelopes which should be found in the foyer of all churches in the diocese or download the form found on the website www. trinityfamilies.org.au. Mr Coomber said the appeal in parishes during May had been successful but Trinity
Families was still waiting for some parishes to bank money and return details on those wishing receipts for the current financial year. Parish secretaries who had not yet made payments should do so as soon as possible. He thanked donors for their generosity and for helping to ensure that charities operating within the diocese had funds to do their vital works., Trinity Families has undergone some behind the scenes changes over the past six months and this includes registration with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission, new Australian Business Number and a change of trustees. Trinity Families is the trading name of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sale Charitable Fund which operates as a philanthropic body within the Diocese of Sale to fund programs run by other charities which support families in the region. Over the past 14 years it has distributed more than $1.4 million for charitable works in the area covered by the municipalities of Casey, Cardinia, Baw Baw, Latrobe, Wellington, East Gippsland, South Gippsland and Bass Coast.
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Plenary Council Prayer Come, Holy Spirit of Pentecost. Come, Holy Spirit of the great South Land. O God, bless and unite all your people in Australia and guide us on the pilgrim way of the Plenary Council. Give us the grace to see your face in one another and to recognise Jesus, our companion on the road. Give us the courage to tell our stories and to speak boldly of your truth. Give us ears to listen humbly to each other and a discerning heart to hear what you are saying. Lead your Church into a hope-filled future, that we may live the joy of the Gospel. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, bread for the journey from age to age. Amen. Our Lady Help of Christians, pray for us. St Mary MacKillop, pray for us.
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Page 4 - Catholic Life, June 2018
Holy Smoke Second life SIGN of the times where the State Government is reported to be negotiating to lease closed Catholic schools in Melbourne suburbs. The Age reports that the government wants to lease the recently closed Mother of God Primary in Ivanhoe East. A couple of years ago it leased the former Our Lady of Victories school site in Camberwell to cater for an overflow of students from nearby Camberwell Primary. Changed demographics means some inner suburban schools, both government and private, are forced to close when student numbers fall. Meanwhile, in the booming outer eastern and northern suburbs schools are being built at a rapid rate to cater for the younger families.
Parish meetings
THE open parish meetings being conducted by Bishop Pat have been a great success.
By the end of next week he will have had meetings with every parish in the diocese. By the time he finishes up at the cathedral parish in Sale, more than 1000 people will have attended and shared thoughts with the bishop. It is interesting to note that our diocese is well ahead of most in preparing for the Plenary Council in 2020. We are about to enter the second stage of preparation while some are just forming diocesan planning committees.
Panama beckons
MORE than 800 young Australians have indicated interest in attending World Youth Day in Panama in January. In addition to diocesan pilgrimages to the Central American event, it is expected there will be a national gathering for those unable to travel. Panama is regarded as a safe country to visit.
Shrugging off disabilities • From Page 1 Mrs Radford said that Jack was hesitant about starting school because he had just had hip surgery but once he was there and saw how well the opther students accepted him, he loved it. She said the school had a couple of year’s lead-time to prepare for Jack’s arrival and so it had been able to ensure that during the last development that ramps could be put in and other minor changes to cope with a child with disabilities. Occupational therapists were able to work with Jack at the school and that was a bonus because it meant he did not have to be taken out of school for weekly sessions. Principal Kerry Wadey said Jack had come into the school system with disabilities but the way he had settled in was a great credit to him. The other children, at all year levels, responded well to his personality and treated him the same as everyone else. She said that after initial interest in the wheelchair and a Rabbit vertical mobility aid
JACK Radford with mum Natalie (left) and teacher Carrie Schembri. he also used to move around, with everyone. Jack and his equipment was no There were issues is dealing longer seen as a novelty. with a child with disabilities but His teacher Carrie Schembri Jack had made it easy for the said Jack had a great personality staff to adjust to his needs. and a sense of humor which was what made him so popular
Bishop changes on the cards THE Catholic Church in Australia is facing a flood of new
Of all the decisions we make in our lifetime, making a valid will is among the most important.
This final testament speaks loudly of the values, causes and possessions we hold most dear. We bequest personal treasures and mementos to special friends and loved ones and ask them to care for them after our passing. If you hold the Church dear, you may consider leaving a percentage of your estate or a specific amount to the Diocese of Sale. The Diocese is grateful for the support of its benefactors, who have enabled the Church to grow in its service of its people, and invite you to share in this rich heritage.
bishops over the next couple of years with one current vacancy and another eight bishops being over or nearing the age of 75, at which time they must tender their resignation to the Holy See. The oldest currently is Archbishop of Darwin, Eugene Hurley, who is 78. Close behind is former Anglican archbishop, now head of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Southern Cross Mgr Harry Entwhistle, who is also 78. Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart turned 77 last month and Bishop of Port Pirie, Greg O’Kelly SJ, turns 77 in August. Turning 75 this year are Bishop of the Ukrainian Eparchy, Peter Stasiuk CSsR, Bishop of Sandhurst, Les Tomlinson, and Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop, Peter Elliott. Bishop of Toowoomba, Bob McGuckin reaches the
milestone next January. Bishop of Wagga Wagga, Gerard Hanna has been retired for more than 12 months, with former Bishop of Sale, now Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn, Christopher Prowse acting as administrator as well as looking after his own archdiocese. In recent years there has been a trend for the Vatican to keep bishops on for a few years after age 75 if they are physically and mentally able to perform their roles. There have already been several changes with 10 of Australia’s 28 dioceses having new bishops or auxiliaries appointed in the past four years. Last year alone there were new bishops for Lismore, Townsville, Brisbane and Geraldton and in February this year Bishop Brian Mascord was ordained as Bishop of Wollongong.
Church marriage proposal IN view of significant changes to the Australian Government’s Certificate of Marriage following legislation enabling same-sex marriage, the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference is considering providing its own Testimonial of Holy Matrimony to document a marriage according to the Church’s Order of Celebrating
Matrimony. Such a document would be pastoral in purpose, serving to affirm Catholic marriages and, as applicable, its sacramental nature. The proposal has been referred to the Bishops’ Commission for Liturgy for investigation and development.
Away for a weekend and need to check local Mass times? Use the QR scanning app on your smart phone and it will take you directly to the Diocese of Sale website
Catholic Life, June 2018 - Page 5
Diocesan Liturgy Commission holds inaugural meeting THE newly formed Diocesan Liturgy Commission held its inaugural meeting on Saturday May 26. The desirability of establishing Diocesan Liturgy Commissions was first mentioned in the second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy in 1963. This landmark document on the liturgy encourages the formation of Diocesan Liturgy Commissions which, under the direction of the bishop, promote the liturgy, sacred music and sacred art. The first diocesan liturgy committee in the Sale Diocese was established by the late Bishop Jeremiah Coffey in 1999. Bishop Chris Prowse reestablished the committee when he became the 7th Bishop of Sale. As is customary when a diocesan see is vacant, diocesan committees such as the Liturgy Commission and Pastoral Council also go into recess. The new bishop establishes these bodies at his discretion. Diocesan Liturgy Commission convenor Sophy Morley said “The function of our newly appointed commission, under the direction of Bishop Pat O’Regan, is to advise him on liturgical matters, keep up to date with liturgical developments. “We also need to be aware of the liturgical needs of the parishes and schools within our diocese and liaise with them to provide appropriate support and resourcing. “The commission will work to foster good liturgical practice, liturgical music and sacred art, encourage and facilitate formation of liturgical ministries. “The commission also hopes to assist in offering formation for clergy, parishes and schools and to develop of resources and guidelines to promote the liturgical life within the diocese.” The commission will meet once a term and its activities will be organised by Mrs Morley. The commission is fortunate in having direct links with the national liturgical bodies in
Refugee film in Bairnsdale BAIRNSDALE - To recognise 2018 Refugee Week next week East Gippsland Asylum Seekers Support Group will present The Staging Post, a documentary on real life refugees. The screening at the Sun Cinema in Bairnsdale is Sunday June 24 at 7pm. The group is privileged to have the director Jolyon Hoff together with subjects of the film, June and Khadim present. Tickets are $16 from EGASS members, Schoolworks in Macleod Street, Bairnsdale or online. More details on the film is available at www. thestagingpost.com.au
Australia. The bishop is chair of the Australian Catholic Bishops Commission for Liturgy and the chair of the National Liturgical Council. Mrs Morley has been a member of the National Liturgical Council for some years. As a Diocesan Liturgy Commission, members come from various parishes and schools across the diocese and have diverse liturgical experience. They look forward to being of service to the Catholic community of the Diocese of Sale.
DIOCESAN Liturgy Commission members (from left) convenor Sophy Morley, David Daly, Drouin, Fr Anthony Phillips, Lakes Entrance, Isobelle Morgan, Berwick, Elly Lawlor, Clyde North, Tes Halili, Narre Warren, Jane Mitchell, Traralgon, Robyn Rebbecchi, Marist-Sion College, Fr Bernie Krotwaar, Trafalgar, and Bishop Pat O’Regan.
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Page 6 - Catholic Life, June 2018
OUR FAMILIES NEED YOUR HELP
Made in God’s image and likeness
Reflections
Times are tough for many families in our region with many suffering uncertain employment prospects. Government assistance only goes part-way to easing their burden. What happens when a family member has special needs, requires drug, alcohol, family or relationship counselling, needs bereavement support, suicide prevention, emergency accommodation, or assistance with an at-risk adolescent? Trinity Families has invested more than $1.4 million in funding other charities who run such projects and we could have given three times that amount if we had access to the funds. We are appealing to all families and businesses to donate generously to boost our trust fund so that we can assist even more families. Trinity Families only allocates funds for projects run by charities in this region, so you can be sure that your donation is giving great value to our families. Your donation goes on earning funds to distribute year after year – a gift that goes on giving! Make a donation by visiting www.trinityfamilies.org.au Or send your cheque or credit card donations on the form below to: Trinity Families, PO Box 1410 FAMILIES WARRAGUL 3820
Trinity
You can also visit us on Facebook or Phone 5622 6688 All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sale Charitable Fund ABN 85 334 135 693
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by Jim Quillinan
T
HE Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. (Psalm 145:8) Psalm 145 is the last song attributed to David, a very heartfelt summary of all David had come to know about the Lord God during his long lifetime. David was not always as faithful as he might have been, yet this final prayer is an outburst of praise to the Lord It is such an important prayer that in Jewish liturgy it is recited twice in the morning and once in the evening. Is this how we see God, is this what we think being made in God’s image and likeness means? Do we show the world what God is like by being merciful? God’s mercy is, according to Pope Francis, “a gift that is so overabundant it may even seem unfair in our eyes.” If there is a word to describe God’s mercy, it is excess; it does not weigh up things, it is not deserved according to the Pope. How generous are we in forgiving others, in reaching out to others without weighing up the pros and cons? Are we spontaneous and generous in our dealings with others, even those who may have offended or hurt us? Compassion is such a rich word – in Hebrew it also means ‘womb’. Hence Isaiah writes about the Lord: Can a mother forget her baby, or the child within her womb. Yet even if these forget, I will never forget you. Jeremiah writes: Yahweh says this; Is Ephraim my dear son? My darling child? For the more I speak of him, the more I remember him. Therefore my womb trembles for him, I will truly show motherly compassion upon him. (Jeremiah 31:20) Is this how we see God? Firstly as a mother, but with such deep and intimate feeling for us, as one who shows motherly compassion. How do we show that image to others? Are we slow to anger? Are we as individuals and as a Christian community known for
our compassion and patience, our acceptance of others, our welcoming hospitality? Do we choose to exclude anyone? Is our love unfailing or is it conditional? Do we have rules around it? Is this unfailing love seen in practical ways in our own lives, in the life of our Christian community? In somewhat exasperated tone Jesus responds to Phillip’s request, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus replied, “Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. The Father and I are one, if you see me you see the Father.” (Jn 14:8-10) God is like Jesus, Pope Benedict wrote. So being made in God’s image and likeness surely means acting in ways like Jesus. We are not being asked to do anything we are not capable of doing or being, in fact it ought to be in our very nature, our DNA so to speak, to act in such a way. Pope Francis offered this useful checklist elaborates when reflecting on the very familiar text in Matthew where the king separates out those who have done the smallest thing for the least person, answering their query, ‘In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ We will be asked if we have helped others to escape the doubt that causes them to fall into despair and which is often a source of loneliness; if we have helped to overcome the ignorance in which millions of people live, especially children deprived of the necessary means to free them from the bonds of poverty; if we have been close to the lonely and afflicted; if we have forgiven those who have offended us and have rejected all forms of anger and hate that lead to violence; if we have had the kind of patience God shows, who is so patient with us; and if we have commended our brothers and sisters to the Lord in prayer. (Pope Francis, April 11, 2015)
Catholic Life, June 2018 - Page 7
New CatholicCare manager aims to strengthen ties
A SISTER of Our Lady of Sion at the centre of a deportation wrangle in the Philippines did her novitiate at the historic convent in Sale. Sr Patricia Fox, 71, was born in Box Hill and after schooling entered the novitiate in 1969. In those days all novitiate training for Australia was conducted at Sale. Sr Patricia taught for several years but then returned to studies, obtaining a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Jurispudence. This led her into social justice issues and she spent some years working as a lawyer with the Victorian Legal Aid Office and Broadmeadows Community Legal Centre. In 1990 she was one of two
sisters to go to the Philippines to establish a mission there. Her deportation was ordered in April by Philippines President Rodigo Duterte for her being allegedly involved in human rights protests. Sr Patricia was part of an international group investigating extra-judicial killings in Southern Philippines where President Duterte was previously a long-serving mayor. Her missionary visa was downgraded to a tourist visa and she was given 30 days to leave the country. An appeal against the process involved resulted in her deportation date being extended to June 18.
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Denise Lacey counselling and for separating families and couples who need assistance to provide the best outcomes for their children.” She said there were challenges providing services across such a vast region and she was keen to explore how CatholicCare might grow in future to better meet the needs of families living in the eastern borders as well as the high-need Latrobe Valley. It currently had offices in Sale, Traralgon, Warragul and Pakenham. CatholicCare chief executive officer Netty Horton said that as the organisation entered into a new phase in its partnership with the Diocese of Sale, she was pleased Denise Lacey had agreed to take the new position. She said Denise was the ideal person to lead the Gippsland team and to foster relationships with the diocese, parishes, community organisations and government to enhance the services available in the region.
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STRENGTHENING collaborations within the region is one of the primary aims of newly appointed Gippsland regional manager of CatholicCare Denise Lacey. She has worked with CatholicCare for 22 years and was previously manager of marriage and relationship education. Her link with our diocese goes back almost 20 years as she was one of the developers of the marriage education program The Honeymoon and Beyond, now known as The 2ofUS. For the past four years Denise and her husband Damien have been living near Poowong, after escaping the rigors of city living for a dose of rural serenity. In her new role, based at the Warragul office, she will be seeking to grow the programs offered to support locals in need. “The purpose of my new role here in Gippsland is to strengthen and build upon the professional and caring services we offer here at CatholicCare. “We have been in the region for a long time: in prison chaplaincy, schools, retired priests’ chaplaincy, counselling for individuals and couples, supporting separated families, and marriage and relationship education. “I aim to strengthen our relationship with Sale Diocese, individual parishes and other agencies including government departments to provide the best possible opportunities for our clients and for a stronger, healthier and happy community.” Denise said that she believed CatholicCare had many creative staff, full of great ideas for the future, but the first priority was to build on the counselling and post-separation parenting programs. These were areas where CatholicCare had an excellent reputation and there was a need to expand the services to meet a growing demand. “I would like to see CatholicCare become known as the place to go for couple, individual and children’s
Sion sister Sale trained
Page 8 - Catholic Life, June 2018
Bishops hear regional issues at Oceania assembly HUMAN rights, climate change and environmental protection were discussed by more than 70 Catholic bishops from across Oceania for meetings in Port Moresby from April 11-18. Bishop of Sale, Bishop Pat O’Regan was among the delegates to the Federation of the Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania assembly which is held every four years. Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin challenged the Church to identify and promote true alternatives to harmful ways of life that prevailed in society. Cardinal Parolin shared his reflection on Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si and called on bishops to fight the ideology of individualism that harmed people and the environment. “Individualism of course has very deep roots coming from the times of the enlightenment and which encouraged a separation from each other,” he said. “A separation from community brings us towards other means of individual and independent living.” The assembly is a meeting of
four bishops’ conferences of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Under the theme, “Care of our Common Home of Oceania: A sea of possibilities”, the bishops studied the environmental and social challenges they were facing and tried find concrete solutions to the needs across the Pacific region. Concerns included the care of the ocean ecosystem, the protection of human rights and the environment, threatened by an economy of intense exploitation of this vast geographical area. An assembly work session discussed the plight of more than 600 asylum seekers stranded on PNG’s Manus Island. Although the centre closed eight months ago, hundreds of would-be refugees remain, living in a legal limbo. They were moved to “transitional structures” on the island following a ruling by PNG’s Supreme Court. During the conference,
environmental scientist Prof. Chalapan Kaluwin, from the University of PNG, delivered a presentation on the science on deep seabed mining and outlined the known risks associated with this experimental form of resource extraction. He urged the PNG government to reconsider a controversial project for mining firms to extract gold and copper deposits from 1.6km below the surface of the Bismarck Sea, using a seabed mining technique never before used in commercial operations. Prof. Kaluwin told the bishops the project was based on flawed research, an absence of proper health and economic analysis, and a lack of protection of traditional landowners. Cardinal Parolin was the main celebrant at a Mass for laity and youth attended by a congregation of 1500 at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Boroko. Cardinal Parolin blessed a large painting of PNG martyr Blessed Peter To Rot.
Photos by Bishop Pat O’Regan
A WARM welcome was awaiting the bishops.
BISHOPS join in the welcoming dance, including former Sale Diocese priest, now Bishop of Bathurst, Michael McKenna (right).
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Catholic Life, June 2018 - Page 9
Our newest Indian priest THE latest Indian priest to begin service in the Diocese of Sale is Fr Xavier Pinto CSsR, who was posted to Bairnsdale last week. The Redemptorist priest hails from Goa which has a rich Portuguese heritage dating back almost 500 years before the colony formally become part of India in 1961. Fr Pinto was ordained in 1974 and also has an elder brother who is a priest. He is no stranger to Australia as he had holidayed here every two years since 1998, assisting with Masses in parishes where he has been staying. In 2014 he assisted in St Agatha’s, Cranbourne, where he has a niece and family, and in 2016 he assisted at St Michael’s, Traralgon, when one of the priests was on leave. Fr Pinto has a two year agreement to serve in our diocese.
Fr Xavier Pinto CSsR
Invitation to join in a Mary MacKillop tour THE Sisters of St Joseph are inviting people to join the National Mary MacKillop Pilgrimage later this year. The pilgrimage gives the opportunity to journey to significant places in Australia made holy by St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. The pilgrimage will commence in Melbourne on October 23, travel through Victoria and South Australia, before concluding at the tomb of the saint in Sydney on November 3. Cost of the 12 day tour from Melbourne is $3230 which includes airfares,
accommodation, coach travel, admission fees and meals. Single supplement is $700. Contact details for further information are national. pilgrimage@mmp.org.au or Sr Therese Leydon 0417 683 123 or Sr Annie Bond (02) 8912 4818.
Bairnsdale parishioner reflects on suffering By Mark Owen
the hospital filling in the waiting time, I experienced spiritual encounters with people of other faiths. A kind smile exchange and a thank you from an elderly Muslim lady with a very Ozzy accent as I held a door for her. A thank you from a young Muslim family when I went to explain the lift operation. My wife, Norrie assisted a Vietnamese elderly couple on how to order from the cafe and after explaining to them that I was there for an operation they said they would pray for me and bowed with hands together in the traditional Buddhist way. Undoubtedly empathising from their own pain and cares. So much spirituality, unity and love drawing people together in the face of suffering. And I had had a special experience of the Spirit! Prior to my six weeks radio therapy away from home and in unfamiliar surroundings in Melbourne, I was very anxious and distressed at what I was about to face! Mouth ulcers, radiation burns, inability to eat and feeding tubes, not to mention crowded public transport, the desire to
be home when you are not well. One of my functions in the AS I wore through the weeks church has been as a special of bearing the pains of my post minister of the Eucharist an cancer operation and another activity that meant a lot to me six weeks of pain, discomfort through sense of the presence and psychological stress of of Jesus however I had decided radiation therapy, my thoughts that since I was very shaky I were once more drawn to think should decline to do it until I about why Jesus needed to was recovered and had a steady suffer on his cross at Calvary. hand once more. Pain is not new to me, the On the last Sunday before I bereavement of a dearly loved was to leave, the commentator one, a life time of struggle with asked me if I would stand in if depression and anxiety, it’s just John (not his real name) didn’t that when you think you’ve show up. I was going to decline experienced it all, something but found myself saying a new comes along. cautious yes - after all John This was a little different always comes, albeit often late. because this pain was more When the time came I looked intense and clearly visible to around and no John! So off I those I was being treated by went to the altar. At this moment and who responded with visibly I had that sense that God wills genuine empathy. this! And the message was “Do I imagine this is what Mother not be afraid I am with you Mary and the other women at through all of this!” the crucifixion must have felt Jesus had shown us that he for Jesus as he suffered on the loves us so much that he was cross. willing to demonstrate the As well as the love and prayers greatest sacrifice for love of from the Catholic community all that he himself quoted. “No I cannot speak highly enough greater love has a person than for the care and kindness of to lay down their life for their the doctors, nurses and staff of friends.” But there was more Peter MacCallum cancer clinic. than that! To add to this as I wandered He also demonstrated his willingness to experience pain as we must. Like a great general going into battle sharing the risks with his soldiers, he would not hide while we bore pain and death, he was willing to suffer and die with us and ultimately raise us up to new life in perfected love. The Eastern Orthodox call this recapitulation theory and more clearly in Latin Catholic by J. D. Scotus it is “Love not atonement!” For 2000 years people have felt empathy and have been encouraged by this display of oneness. His words having great depth of meaning in “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except by me.” However, he did promise that our burdens would not be too great for our strength and with prayer things can be changed if it suits the divine purpose. For Jesus followers that don’t suffer, people would ask how MARK Owen immediately after his operation at Peter MacCallum can you give us empathy you who have no idea of what pain Cancer Centre.
is? But those of us who have experienced pain and suffering are better able to empathise and say “I know how you feel because I’ve been there, experienced that!” And so ... whenever I am in pain I offer it up in oneness with Christ Jesus as he endured his cross and to those throughout the world who are suffering. From the stations of the cross
- The crucifixion. I look at you and think, is my soul worth this much? How much you must love me! How may I show my love in return? I must accept whatever sickness, torment or agony that is yet to come, to every cross I touch my lips that lets me be with you a co-redeemer of humanity.
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Page 10 - Catholic Life, June 2018
Melbourne dinner aids our seminarians too THE 2018 Archbishop’s Dinner for the Knights of the Southern Cross Priests Support and Education Fund will be held on August 24 at Moonee Valley Racecourse The Knights of the Southern Cross Priests Support and Education Fund has raised over $1 million for the education of Victoria’s seminarians and the further education of its
Priests since 1999, which it has done by hosting the annual Archbishop’s Dinner, with the full support and patronage of the Archbishop of Melbourne and the Bishops of Victoria. The funds raised are split equally five ways between the four Victorian dioceses Melbourne, Sale, Sandhurst and Ballarat, and the Military Ordinariate of Australia, which
is training chaplains for the Australian Defence Force. This fundraising is highly appreciated by the seminarians of Corpus Christi College Carlton, as it provides much needed assistance in their studies. The organising committee of the Archbishop’s Dinner would like to extend an invitation to parishioners of the Diocese
of Sale to attend this year’s dinner, which will be held in the Celebrity Room at Moonee Valley Racecourse on Friday August 24, from 7pm onwards. This year’s guest speaker is Herald Sun columnist and Sky News presenter Andrew Bolt. It is a great opportunity for the people to support the Sale seminarians currently studying at Corpus Christi College.
Your Guide to What’s On & When JUNE 14 – Confirmation 4, St Michael’s Church, Berwick, 7.30pm 15 – Confirmation 5, St Michael’s Church, Berwick, 7.30pm 16 – Confirmation 6, St Michael’s Church, Berwick, 11am 16 – Confirmation 7, St Michael’s Church, Berwick, 2pm 17 – Confirmation, Sacred Heart Church, Morwell, 10.30am 19 – Grade 5 Pilgrimage Mass 2, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 11am 19 – Open parish meeting 26, St John’s Church, Trafalgar, 7.30pm 20 – World Refugee Day 20 – Clergy and parish administration staff day, Sion House, Warragul, 10am 20 – Open parish meeting 27, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 7.30pm 21 – Valley region meeting, Morwell, noon 21 – Confirmation 1, St Agatha’s Church, Cranbourne 22-23 – Special collection at all Masses for St Vincent de Paul Appeal 22 – Bishop’s Mass at Shanagolden aged care facility, Pakenham, 11am 22 – Confirmation 2, St Agatha’s Church, Cranbourne, 6pm 23 – Confirmation 3, St Agatha’s Church, Cranbourne, 11am 23 - Confirmation 1, St Thomas the Apostle, Clyde North, 2pm 23 – Confirmation 2, St Thomas the Apostle, Clyde North, 6pm 24 – Nativity of John the Baptist 24 – Confirmation 4, St Agatha’s Church, Cranbourne, 10.45am Marist School’s Association netball tournament open Mass with bishop, Marist-Sion College hall, Warragul, 5pm 26 – Grade 5 Pilgrimage Mass 3, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 11am 29 – Sts Peter and Paul 29 – Chancery staff meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 11am 29 – Second term holidays begin
JULY 1 – Parish feast day and launch of church building appeal, St Thomas the Apostle parish, Clyde North, 10.45am 1 – Special collection at all Masses for Peter’s Pence 3 – St Thomas 10 – Consultors meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 1pm 10 – Diocesan Finance Council meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 5.30pm 12-15 – Bishop at Proclaim conference, Brisbane 16 – Term three begins 18 – Chancery staff meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 11am 19-31 – Bishop on leave 21 – The 2ofUS marriage education
course, Warragul
AUGUST CatholicCare appeal month 1 - Gathering of diocesan clergy for St John Vianney Day, 10am 4 – Confirmation, St Kieran’s Church, Moe, 6.30pm 5 – Confirmation, St Mary’s Church, Newborough, 9am 6 – The Transfiguration 6 – Catholic Life deadline 7 – Council of Priests’ meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 9.30am 7 – Consultors meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 1pm 7 – Roman Catholic Trusts Corporation for the Diocese of Sale meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 4pm 8 – St Mary of the Cross MacKillop 8 – Bishop at Newman College meeting, Melbourne University, 4.30pm 10 – Confirmation, St Brendan’s, Lakes Entrance, 6pm 11 – Confirmation, St Mary’s Bairnsdale, 6pm 12 – International Youth Day 12 – Bishop saying Mass at St Coleman’s, Orbost (confirmation if any candidates) 14 – East Region meeting, Bairnsdale, 10am 14 – International Clergy Day gathering, venue TBA, 10am 15 – Assumption of the BVM 15 – Bishop saying Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale 15 – Catholic Life published 16 – Valley region meeting, Yarram, noon 16 – Confirmation 1, Our Lady Help of Christian’s parish, Narre Warren, 7.30pm 17 – Chancery staff meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 11am 17 – Confirmation 1, St Patrick’s Church, Pakenham, 7pm 18 – Confirmation 2, Our Lady Help of Christians, Narre Warren, 10am 18 – Confirmation 3, Our Lady Help of Christians, Narre Warren, 2pm 18 - Confirmation 2, St Patrick’s Church, Pakenham, 6pm 19 – Confirmation 4, Our Lady Help of Christians, Narre Warren 2pm 22 – Queenship of the BVM 22 – West Region meeting, Nar Nar Goon, 10.30am 25 – Pakenham Horse Show 26 – World Day of Migrants and Refugees 26 – Migrant Sunday Mass with bishop, St Thomas the Apostle parish, Clyde North, 2pm
SEPTEMBER 2 – Father’s Day 2 – Special collection for Priests’ Welfare Foundation
Cost per head is $140. Donations are also accepted. For further details, contact: Val Sumner 0412 029 389, valsumner@bigpond.com; Carmine Miranda 0412 817 995, c.miranda@ampfp.com. au; Norm McArthur 0407 229 941, norman.mcarthur@ bigpond.com; Andrew Vaccaro 0404 390 824, avaccaro@ internode.on.net.
Email your events to catholiclife@sale.catholic.org.au or phone 5622 6688
4 – Priests’ Welfare Foundation meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 11am 4 - Consultors meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 1pm 4 – Diocesan Finance Council meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 5.30pm 5-7 Australian Catholic Communications Congress, Brisbane 6 – Recently ordained clergy gathering, 10am 9 – The 2ofUS marriage education course, Warragul 10-14 – Bishop at National Council of Priests’ conference, Canberra 15 – Ordination to diaconate of Stanley Devasia, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale 16 – Pilgrimage to shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 1pm 20 – Senior clergy day, 10am 21 – International Day of Peace 21 - Chancery staff meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 11am 21 – Third term holidays begin 22-Oct 2 – Royal Melbourne Show 24-27 – Clergy in-service at Corpus Christi College, Melbourne 27 – St Vincent de Paul 28 – AFL Grand Final Eve Public Holiday 29 – AFL Grand Final
and Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 9am 12 – Diocese of Sale Secondary Principals’ Association meeting, Metung 13 – East Region meeting, Orbost, 10am 13 – Council of Priests meeting, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 9.30am 13 – Consultors meeting, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 1pm 14 – Newman College meeting, Melbourne University 14 – West Region meeting, Pakenham, 10.30am 15 – Diocesan fest day 20 – Diocesan Finance Council meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 5.30pm 21 – Presentation of the BVM 21 – Clergy reflection day for Advent, Sion House, Warragul, 10am 22 – Meeting of newly elected school leaders, Sion House, Warragul24 – Victorian State elections 23-Dec 2 – Bishop at Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference plenary meeting, Sydney 25 – End of the Year of Youth 25 – Christ the King
OCTOBER
2 – 1st Sunday of Advent 3 – St Francis Xavier 3 – Catholic Life deadline 4 – Consultors meeting, Sion House, Warragul 1pm 4 – Roman Catholic Trusts Corporation for the Diocese of Sale meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 4pm 6 – St Nicholas 6 – Valley Region Christmas lunch 8 – Immaculate Conception 12 – Catholic Life published 12 – Chancery staff meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 11am 21 – Christmas holidays begin for primary schools (tbc) 21 – Sion House closes for ChristmasNew Year break 24 – Christmas Eve 25 – Christmas Day 26 – Boxing Day Public Holiday 30 – The Holy Family 31 – New Year’s Eve
Ordinary General Assembly of Bishops, Vatican City 1 – International Day of Older Persons 1 – Catholic Life deadline 4-6 – Bishop at ICEL meeting, Washington DC, USA 8 – Term four begins 10 – World Mental Health Day 10 – Catholic Life published 16 – World Food Day 18 – Valley Region meeting, St Mary’s, Newborough, noon 20 – Caulfield Cup 21 – Mission Sunday 21 – Special collection at all Masses for Catholic Mission 23 – Consultors meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 1pm 23 – Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for the Diocese of Sale meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 4pm 24 – United Nations Day 26-28 – Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Phillip Island
NOVEMBER 1 – All Saints 2 – All Souls 6 – Melbourne Cup Public Holiday 9 – Chancery staff meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 11am 10 – Catholic Charismatic Renewal Day, Warragul 10 – The 2ofUS marriage education course, Warragul 11 – Annual Friends of Sion gathering
DECEMBER
NOTE: Dates, times and venues may change without notice being given to Catholic Life to make amendments. School holiday dates can vary from school to school depending on inservice days etc. Major sporting events, local agricultural shows and festivals are included so clashes can be avoided when planning parish or school events.
Catholic Life, June 2018 - Page 11
College's big investment after seeing the light CRANBOURNE - St Peter’s College has this year invested $500,000 to ensure it reduces its carbon footprint. It also makes great economic sense. All lighting at the West campus was replaced early in the year with LED. East campus had undertaken installation of LED lighting in each of the building stages over the last few years as part of its Sustainable School Building Program. As well in the first quarter of this year, solar panels have been installed at both campuses and these were connected to the grid last month. Principal Chris Black said this was such an easy decision
to make as the LED lighting and solar panels installation project was part of the college sustainability objectives. “Not only does it reduce the college’s carbon footprint but also saves energy costs across both campuses”. “St Peter’s College undertook this work in partnership with Verdia. The business case prepared by Verdia calculates that the proposed project is cash-flow positive from day one; that is. the electricity energy costs saved covers the project funding costs on a year to year basis”. This work was able to be carried out with a Catholic Development Fund loan to the
college. Mr Black said the third benefit from this project was the educational benefits. “Investment in solar panels will allow students to learn through modelling how energy works and how renewable energy can become an everyday experience for students. The panels will be highly visible to parents, students and staff and will model the lessons taught in science around renewable energy sources. The income generated will be available to support the learning needs of students in other areas of the curriculum”. He said solar energy produced electricity without burning
Superannuation - The best interest is your interest THE Productivity Commission recently released a report into superannuation, which generated a fair amount of press cover for at least a day. To someone who has an interest in superannuation it makes interesting reading; to someone who hasn’t much interest in superannuation, it should be compulsory reading. Too many people in Australia regard their superannuation as something that’s “just there” and that it will look after itself. If you hold this laissez faire attitude, it could end up costing you tens and tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars by the time you retire. I encourage young people to take a real interest in their superannuation from the time they start work, especially by contributing an extra 2 percent of their income from day one – they won’t notice the absence of what they’ve never had, and 9.5 percent of income as a contribution isn’t sufficient to generate what they’ll need when they retire, anyway. The Productivity Commission looked at more than that, though. It looked at what choices people made and how the industry looked after those choices. It came up with three main causes of problems with default superannuation that it believes need to be fixed. The first is that there are too many duplicate super accounts. These are created when members change jobs and their new employer has a different default fund. The second is that too many default funds are chronic underperformers and the third is that too many awards do not give a choice at all. The third one is something that the employee can’t change, but the first two are, and every employee needs to be empowered to do so. There is a staggering number of duplicate accounts and the Commission estimates the cost of these to members is in the order of $2.6 billion per year. Default funds charge fees and expenses for compulsory life
Dollars
and $ense by David Wells insurance and administration. Obviously this impacts on returns. In many cases members don’t even know the level of insurance, or even if they’re covered. In a static fund, with no contributions, the insurance premiums will eventually use up all the member’s balance. And the level of poor performance by fund trustees and managers costs members across the spectrum another $1.3 billion, when compared to the 10th best performing fund. Even the low cost My Super regime hasn’t helped as many employees and members as hoped as many of the My Super funds are serially poor performers, too. Unfortunately, with our current political situation, I can’t see all the suggested remedies being implemented – there isn’t the political will and nor will unions and employers be likely to give up control and see superannuation move right away from the industrial relations system, which is what is needed. Currently there is far too much self interest exhibited by manager, trustees, unions and employers for this too happen. And the ultimate cause of this is member apathy. So what can you do to ensure that you get your money’s worth from super? The first thing is to find all your super funds (the ATO has a website that will help here) and roll them into your current fund for a start. That will save you big costs over the rest of your working life. Then simply take an interest in what your fund is doing. Find
out where your contributions go and each six months actually read the super report you’ll be sent. See what your fund is achieving. Given that all funds report each six months, it’s not hard to get comparative figures across a number of funds. And funds should give performance over a range of times – six months, one year, three years, five years and more. It’s the performance over longer time frames that’s important. If yours isn’t up to scratch, change the fund or change your investment option. When you’re young you should invest in growth and high growth options, not balanced and never conservative. They won’t work for you at all. While growth funds may be more volatile, over the longer term they will grow your balance better. As you get older (50?) move your choice to balanced and then when retirement looms you can use the more conservative options to limit the volatility. You’ll generally do much better this way. Remember, the Productivity Commission says that someone starting work can lose up to $407,000 and someone aged 55 could be better off by $61,000. That’s money you’ll need someday. The best interest is your interest. • This report is intended to provide general advice. In preparing this advice, David Wells and Shaw and Partners did not take into account the investment objective, the financial situation and particular needs of any particular person. Before making an investment decision on the basis of this advice, you need to consider, with or without the assistance of an adviser, whether the advice is appropriate in light of your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.
THE array of solar panels on the roof of the east campus. Both campuses have similar set-ups. fossil fuels. By using electricity environment groups within the generated from solar panels, the college were promoting. college could assist in reducing “Installation of these panels greenhouse gases. sends a strong message that This was in line with the the college not only talks the messages that students are talk, but also invests in what we currently taught in social justice teach our students”. programs and the message that
Two new principals are appointed TWO new principals have been appointed to schools in Sale Diocese. Michelle Bruitzman will become principal of St Therese’s Primary School, Cranbourne North, from the start of next term. She is currently deputy principal at St Brendan’s Primary School, Somerville, and brings a broad range of experience as a deputy principal, religious education leader, and learning and teaching leader. Paul Cowan has been acting principal during term one and two. Nicholas Hall was been appointed principal at St Patrick’s Primary School, Stratford, from the start of term four. He was previously principal there from 2008-2013 and is currently principal of St Joseph’s Primary School,
Kerang. Rose Lee has been appointed acting principal for term three. Principal Damian Hogan has stepped down from his position. Director of Catholic education Maria Kirkwood thanked him for his contribution to St Patrick’s over the last four years and wished him well in his future endeavors. The principal position at Mary MacKillop Primary, Narre Warren North, will be readvertised shortly with a view to having a new principal in place from the start of next year. The position was advertised in the hope of filling the position from next term but no appointment was made. Peter Fearnley-Sander will continue in the role of acting principal for the remainder of the year.
Investments made simple. Personal advice Unrivalled experience Buy and sell shares, portfolio managememt Investment research and daily market information Investment advice for self managed super funds For all your investment needs please contact: David Wells W , Senior Investment Adviser on 03 9268 1157 or toll free 1800 150 009 or dwells@shawandpartners.com.au
Page 12 - Catholic Life, June 2018
The Church in the World Mary MacKillop dream alive in Timor-Leste AUSTRALIA may seem a long way from Dili in Timor-Leste, but Sr Kathy Jennings, a Sister of St Joseph, has been working in Timor nearly two years and has learnt life, in a way, is much the same. “People the world over want a safe place to raise their kids, a good education and healthy food,” she said. “There is always more that unites us than divides us.” Sr Kathy is working with staff of Mary MacKillop International to help parents and their children to learn the skills they need to engage in their children’s learning. Regularly, they meet women like Angelina, who grew up in a poor local village, where she was not able to go to school. Angelina told MMI’s TimorLeste team how excited she was to send her children to school – giving them an opportunity she never had. But part of her felt
she was still letting them down. In Timor-Leste, many parents like Angelina are illiterate due to lack of access to schooling. In response to these challenges, MMI’s Parent Program gives the poorest the opportunity to access learning programs, encouraging parents to help their children to improve their learning outcomes. Angelina signed up to MMI’s 10-week course to learn basic reading and writing, and later told MMI’s team: “When I attend this training … I have confidence to write even not much but at least can help my little girl with something… It’s help me to teach my daughter.” Sr Kathy said “It is inspiring to see young women being empowered to be leaders in the home. “They are proof that Mary MacKillop’s dream of an education for all is possible.” Help Mary MacKillop International raise $26,000 by
SR Kathy Jennings and her team with children they are teaching literacy skills. June 30 to give more parents learning programs, by giving issue of Catholic Life or online in poor communities access to in the envelope included in this www.mmi.org.au/donate
$70 million payout to Don’t talk to the devil, he’s Manus Is. refugees a great liar, warns Pope THE $70 million in compensation awarded under Australia’s largest human rights class action settlement last year has been paid to former Manus Island detainees according to SBS News. Most of the 1700 people sharing in the settlement have already received their money. The final payments are being sent to the remaining 340 former detainees, with that process expected to be completed soon. The Victorian Supreme Court is expected to issue the final orders to officially end the three-and-a-half-year legal action before June 30. The court heard a representative for two class action group members raised concerns, although at this stage the complaints were
not expected to delay the finalisation of the case. The Australian Government and operators of the now-closed offshore immigration detention centre settled the class action a year ago without any admission of liability. The full $70m amount plus all interest earned in the settlement account is expected to be paid to the 1693 group members who registered to participate in the scheme. The payments, made across 39 countries, will have been completed in under six months. The individuals received between a few thousand dollars and almost $100,000 each, mainly for false imprisonment after a Papua New Guinea court ruled their detention on Manus was illegal.
Pope stalls German Communion plans POPE Francis has stalled the German bishops’ plan to loosen restrictions on giving Communion to Protestants, telling them their document on the topic is “not ready” for publication. A two-thirds majority of the German hierarchy had voted to make it easier for non-Catholic Christians married to Catholics to receive the sacraments. Seven bishops against the move appealed to Rome. In a letter addressed to president of the German Episcopal Conference, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal-designate Luis
Ladaria, says the Pope had ruled against publishing the document on the grounds of preserving the integrity of Catholic doctrine and Church unity. He wrote “The question of admission to Communion for evangelical Christians in interconfessional marriages is an issue that touches on the faith of the Church and has significance for the universal Church.” He added that publication should also be stopped as the matter concerned the law of the Church and ecumenical relations with other Christians. Copies of the letter were sent to other German bishops.
THE devil is a great liar. Don’t talk to him or even get close. He tries to seduce and like a chained rabid dog, if you caress him, he bites. According to Vatican News, Pope Francis stressed this during his daily morning Mass at Casa Santa Marta as he reflected on the figure of the devil who is not dead, but “has already been condemned” (John 16:5-11). Fighting and overcoming temptations, the Pope reminded, requires being on guard, praying and fasting. We must be attentive to the devil, the Pontiff underscored, as he “seduces us, knows how to touch our vanity, curiosity and we buy everything,” that is “we fall into temptation” and suffer “a dangerous defeat.” Beware, the Pope warned, of the devil’s seduction. “The devil is a seducer,” Francis reminded, saying, he “knows what words to tell us” and this is dangerous as “we like to be seduced.” “He has this ability; this ability to seduce. This is why it is so difficult to understand that he is a loser, because he presents himself with great power, promises you many things, brings you gifts – beautiful, well wrapped – -‘Oh, how nice!’ – but you do not know what’s inside – ‘But, the card outside is beautiful.’ The package seduces us without letting us see what’s inside. He can present his proposals to our vanity, to our curiosity.” His light, Francis said, is dazzling, but it vanishes. The devil who ‘is very dangerous,’ the Pope admitted,
presents himself with all his power, yet “his proposals are all lies.” “We, fools,” he said, “believe.” Stressing the devil “is the great liar, the father of lies,” the Pope noted, “He can speak well,” “is able to sing to deceive.” “He is a loser but moves like a winner,” whose light is dazzling, “like a firework” but does not last and fades, whereas the Lord’s is “mild but permanent.” “If I know that spiritually if I approach that thought, if I approach that desire, if I go that way or the other, I am approaching the angry and chained dog. Please do not do it. ‘I have a big wound …’ – ‘Who did it?’ – ‘The dog’ – ‘But he was chained?’ – ‘Oh yes, I went to give him a caress’ – ‘But you are sought. ‘It’s like this: never approach …. Let him chained there.” Do not converse with the devil Finally, we must be careful not to dialogue with the devil as Eve did. Jesus does not dialogue in the desert, but rather responds with the Word of God. He hunts the demons, sometimes he asks for his name but does not make a dialogue with them. The Pope’s exhortation is therefore very clear: “With the devil he does not dialogue, because he wins us, he is smarter than us”. Noting the devil disguises himself, the Pope said: “He is a convict, he is a loser, he is chained and about to die, but he is capable of making massacres. And we must pray, do penance, do not approach, do not talk to him. And in the end, go to the mother, like children. When
the children are afraid, they go to the mother: ‘Mom, mom … I’m scared!’ When they have dreams … they go to their mothers. “Go to the Madonna; she guards us. And the Fathers of the Church, especially the Russian mystics, say: in the time of spiritual turmoil, take refuge under the mantle of the great Mother of God. Go to the Mother. May she help us in this fight against the defeated, against the chained dog to win it.” Pope Francis concluded, urging us always to seek refuge in the Mother of God.
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Catholic Life, June 2018 - Page 13
Photos from around the diocese
ST Mary’s Primary School Sale school captains Bailey Telfer and Sienna Wynd laying a wreath at the Sale Anzac Day ceremony outside Sale Memorial Hall.
ST Mary's, Sale student Cara Hesky won a prestigious RSL leadership award which was presented at the Anzac Day ceremony.
A GROUP of students and teachers from St Peter's College, Cranbourne EnviroClub took part in a tree planting day to restore habitat for the threatened helmeted honeyeater at Yellingbo Conservation Reserve.
MEMBERS of the East Gippsland Asylum Seekers Support Group promoting the screening of a forthcoming film. (see P5)
ST Michael's Traralgon Grade 6 netball Team of Rohini, Gabriella, Asha, Nina, Sienna, Makayla, Monique, Sophie and Hannah were all smiles after winning the winter round robin and progressing to the divisional level.
ST Michael's Traralgon mixed netball team Cassie, Harry, Jonti, Alana, Lily, Abbey, Charlie and Lola won through to divisional level at the local winter round robin tournament.
NAGLE College Year 9 students Tia Davis-Rijs and Xavier House captain Tara Preston hand out promotional bags for their college at the East Gippsland Field Days.
NAGLE College students Cooper Young and Lindsay Hamilton prepare a remote controlled robot for display at the East Gippsland Field Days at Bairnsdale last month.
WHO wants to be in a photo? The photo booth at the LAMP youth event at St Patrick's Pakenham was very popular.
ST Mary's Newborough students in their new sporting outfits donated by the schools Parents and Friends Group making them look like Olympic champions.
Page 14 - Catholic Life, June 2018
For the Young and Young at Heart AN engineer dies and reports to the Pearly Gates. St Peter checks his dossier and not seeing his name there, accidentally sends him to Hell. It doesn’t take long before the engineer becomes rather dissatisfied with the level of comfort in Hell. He soon begins to design and build improvements. Shortly thereafter, Hell has air conditioning, flush toilets and escalators. Needless to say, the engineer is a pretty popular guy. One day, God calls Satan and says: “So, how are things in Hell?” Satan replies: “Hey, things are going great. We’ve got air conditioning, flush toilets, and escalators. And there’s no telling what this engineer is going to come up with next.” “What!” God exclaims: “You’ve got an engineer? That’s a mistake - he should never have been sent to Hell. Send him to me.” “Not a chance,” Satan replies: “I like having an engineer on the staff, and I’m keeping him!” God insists: “Send him back or I’ll sue.” Satan laughs uproariously and answers: “Yeah, right. And where are you going to get a lawyer?” A MAN went to a job interview and muffed the answers to many of the questions put to him by his prospective employer. He sat nervously as the employer looked through his
application. The employer said “We have an opening for people like you.” “Fantastic,” the applicant said. “What is it?” “It’s called the door.”
Wise owls for you to colour
DID you hear about the 100-year-old opal miner who died at Coober Pedy. He had been asked on his last birthday earlier in the year what was his secret to living a long life. He had replied that his secret was to sprinkle a little gunpowder on his breakfast cereal each morning, something he had been doing for more than 20 years. He left behind eight children, 21 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and a five metre hole where the crematorium used to be. WHAT sits at the bottom of the sea and twitches? A nervous wreck AN unmarried woman in her early 30s got annoyed when she was asked by her aunts and uncles at every family wedding whether she was going to be the next to get married. They stopped asking her when she started asking them at family funerals whether they thought they would be next. WHAT do you call a dog with no legs? It doesn’t really matter what you call him. He won’t come anyway.
THIS picture may be a bit beyond our youngest readers but it is a while since we gave a more challenging picture which might even prompt some adults to sharpen their pencils.
The tale of the four-legged chickens
GET in touch with your feelings by finding the ones below in this wordfind puzzle. BORED CONFIDENT COURAGEOUS DEVOTED ELATED ENVIGORATED
FEARFUL HAPPY INDIGNANT KIND LOVING MODEST
PUZZLED ROMANTIC SAD SLEEPY SURPRISED TRUSTING
A SALESMAN was driving along the road when he was surprised to see some fourlegged chickens running around the paddock. He immediately stopped the car and took some photos. On the way back to town he realised that if he could find the secret of breeding such birds that he would be able to make millions of dollars by selling them to large take-away chicken chains. He phoned the major companies who expressed doubt but they also said that if could bring them a sample of a four-legged chicken they would be willing to negotiate a deal. The salesman confidentally drove back out to the farm where he previously saw the chickens and went up to the farmhouse. The farmer was friendly and agreed to show him the chickens. They went down the paddock where the chickens were feeding and then the salesman noticed that not only did they have four legs, they also had four wings. He was elated because this revelation
meant that not only would he be able to provide double the amount of drumsticks from each bird, he would also be able to double the number of chicken wings. Rubbing his hands together in anticipation of being an instant millionaire he asked the farmer if he would be willing to share his secret breeding technique or sell him six hens and a rooster. The farmer said that what caused the mutation was a mystery but he would sell the chickens for $100 each. He said that he first he was going to get rid of them but when he realised that he, his wife and two children all liked drumsticks and wings the best, he had decided that having to roast only one chicken at a time made sense. As the salesman handed over the $700 he asked “What do they taste like?” “Dunno,” replied the farmer. “They run so fast on four legs and fly so high that I have never been able to catch one, or even shoot one. “I will leave you to catch the ones you want!”
Catholic Life, June 2018 - Page 15
Premier's award
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HOLY SPIRIT You who St Jude makes me see everything and NOVENA. May the Sacred shows me the way to reach Heart of Jesus be loved, adored, my ideals, you who gives me a glorified and made renowned divine gift to forgive and forget throughout the world now and the wrong that is done to me; forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus in this short dialogue I want to have mercy on us, Sorrowful thank you for everything and and Immaculate Heart of Mary Are you considering a affirm once more that I never pray for us. Thanks St Jude for want to be separated from you, prayers answered. vocation as a priest or no matter how great the material Say this prayer nine times a day deacon for the desire may be. I want to be with for nine days. By the eighth day Diocese of Sale? you and my loved ones in Your your prayers will be answered. perpetual Glory. (Mention your It has never been known to fail. request). Thank you Holy Spirit Publication must be promised. If so please contact for your love towards me and Fr Michael my loved one. Amen This prayer should be said IN thanksgiving to St Jude and Willemsen for 3 consecutive days. After the Infant Jesus of Prague for 5152 3106 the 3rd day the request will be favours granted. granted, no matter how difficult vocations@sale.catholic.org.au it may be. While making the request one must either promise to publish on granting the favour or promise to circulate copies of it to as many people as possible. This is to spread the wonder of the Holy Spirit. Trinity Families asks you to consider assisting our work in funding charitable projects across the diocese. Remembering Trinity Families in your will by making READERS please note that a bequest is an effective way of ensuring that you do published prayers reflect the something to help those struggling families in our midst. beliefs of those who place the If you need more information on bequests contact: advertisements. We ask readers PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820 to judge for themselves, espePh: 56 22 6688 cially in regards to suggested fulfilment of requests made in ABN 51 486 581 500 these prayers.
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ZANE Hyde (centre) with St Peter’s College science coach Tania Brown and principal Chris Black. CRANBOURNE – The dux best of his ability. His Year 9 of St Peter’s College last year teachers commented on the has been awarded a prestigious need for extension, and loved Premier’s VCE Award in that Zane challenged and asked recognition of his outstanding questions of them”. achievement last year. He said Zane epitomised Zane Hyde got a perfect 50 the college vision for active in Biology and had an ATAR learning. He was selfscore of 99.4 motivated, always worked well The awards recognise with his teachers, compelling students who have demonstrated them to read up and study outstanding achievement in harder as to be able to answer the Victorian Certificate of his questions. Education. “Despite his natural talent and The prestigious awards extreme work ethic, Zane has ceremony, attended by remained an extremely humble 1100 guests last month, saw and modest young man.On Education Minister James behalf of everyone at St Peter’s Merlino present 320 awards College, I congratulate Zane on to 287 students who were this award.” recognised for their academic results. Zane was awarded one of the seven Biology study awards. Principal Chris Black said “Zane was an exemplary student at St Peter’s College, who from his early years always ensured he applied himself to the very
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CRANBOURNE - St Peter’s College West campus student Mikayla Van Der Velden has been awarded the prestigious Fr James Wall Bursary. It is awarded to a Year 10 Catholic secondary school student who demonstrates leadership potential in a range of areas, including science, arts, public speaking, sporting activities, community service and social justice activities. One student within the Diocese of Sale is awarded a $4000 bursary through the generous support of the Catholic Development Fund in conjunction with the Catholic Education Office Sale. Key selection criteria includes, leadership in school and community, they should be inclusive, cooperative and committed to making a difference, have demonstrated leadership potential with a willingness to coordinate and organise activities and with a strong emphasis on helping others and providing service to others.
Page 16 - Catholic Life, June 2018
Western region youth show they have talent By Siji Dominic THE date was set for the LAMP Music Festival at St Patrick’s Parish, Pakenham and many expected the youth to produce a great event, rising to meet expectations. If it was a competition it might have been dubbed the Battle of Bands but when youth gather to sing about how great is Our Lord then we will call it “praise”. And praise it was with music moving youth to sing and pray. Old songs, modern music and everything in between. Matt Maher’s Australian Catholic Youth Festival performance has made his songs popular, “All the People Said Amen” and “Lord I Need You” being played. The popular gospel song “Put Your Hand in the Hand” was played along with some Alicia Keys and Hillsong choices.
Youth group bands from Our Lady Help of Christians Narre Warren (L), St Agatha’s Cranbourne (A), St Michael’s Berwick (M) and St Patrick’s Pakenham (P) joined in. St Patrick’s youth band had only recently formed, they did a fantastic job being ready for the day. Guidance was provided by St Patrick’s musical parishioners, including Andrew, Ray and Denver who set a high standard, playing for Sunday Masses over a variety of parishes. God-given talents abide quietly in many of our youth and their contribution to parish life can rise when given their chance. It is now hoped that the St Patrick Youth Group band will start to play at weekend Masses. Dave Dominic co-hosted the LAMP event with Francis Fanchette setting the right mix of games, talk and praise.
WEST region youth joining in the fun at the LAMP music festival at St Patrick’s, Pakenham. Rapper and American story year to live in community and form their own ongoing parish teller Josh Angrisano was the work in parishes and schools. group. guest presenter. He had recently He told of his story of growing The Holy Spirit moved in, finished serving Australian up in the United States and his and through, varied ways and youth, and Jesus, as a member love of music. many people on that Saturday. of the Youth Mission Team. He performed his Christian The day ended with a candle A team of five youth give a rap which struck the right note light procession to church and with the youth and out came the then Mass, celebrated by Fr ‘gangsta’ dance moves to the Mark Godridge, coordinated thrill of the audience. It must by Angharad Dorian, and be said that many of the adult where young spirited musicians helpers were a little stumped by lead the youth in a lively and what went on in that time slot! crowded Mass. There was great The standard of the music joy. was incredibly high and over A big thanks goes to parish 100 youth enjoyed both the priest Fr Bernard Buckley for community of friends and the his support and The LAMP team presence of Jesus in our prayer. (the young and the “dinosaurs”) Lunch was provided by an consisting of representatives active group of supportive St of all the five Western region Pat’s parishioners. Noticeable parishes who met several times also in their fluoro vests were to make the event happen. a group of young adults who Next time we hope the youth formed a team to work out the from other parishes will join in details of the event. the fun. They set up activities around If you want to know more the hall like a photo booth, about the LAMP Festival, and creative corner, face painting, see some photos: Check out bracelet making, Hack Stack Facebook (theLAMPsale) or and so on and also provided twitter for photos of the event. physical support and security. And watch out for the next ALEXANDRA, Chloe and Layla build their hut. They came to together to fulfil event in September. The Year a need and it seems they might of Youth is looking good. playing board games, eating flying. popcorn and watching a movie Grade4, Sam - I liked the Everyone arose early to a flying fox and the giant swing crisp, sunny morning. Activities because I liked it when it went commenced after breakfast high. and room clean ups. Students Grade 3, Rachel - I liked the enjoyed an outdoor barbecue giant swing because it goes lunch before boarding the bus really high. back to Traralgon. School principal, Jodie Ware Students were asked about said, “Coonawarra Farm Resort ARCHBISHOP of Brisbane, “As a bishop I have been a their camp experiences. These was definitely a very exciting Mark Coleridge has been elected rolling stone for quite a long are there responses; and busy overnight camp. Our president of the Australian time; I’ve seen the Church in Grade 3 Archer - I liked the grade 3/4 students came away Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Australia from south to north, Giant Swing and how fast it from the camp with lots of new replacing Archbishop of from city to country.” went. skills, friends, experiences and Melbourne, Denis Hart. He said other factors may Grade 4, Scarlett - I liked the stories to share. Melbourne-born Archbishop have been his ability to put flying fox, it felt like you were Coleridge was ordained a priest words together in a public in Melbourne in 1974 and was forum and a certain vision for made an auxiliary bishop in the Church here, focusing of 2002. the Plenary Council in 2020. He was installed as The greatest challenge would in the Chapter House for a meal of priests, deacons, seminarians Archbishop of Canberra and be to move the whole Church together, a meeting at which and retired priests and to say a interesting information can be daily prayer of support for their Goulburn in 2006, and then from the Royal Commission to Brisbane in 20012. the Plenary Council and all that learned from guest speakers, tireless work for us. He was replaced in Canberra lay beyond it. and members encourage each Those in other parishes are and Goulburn by Archbishop Archbishop Coleridge said other in prayer. also encouraged to support the The 9.30am Mass in the role of Serra by participating in Christopher Prowse, who was this would mean helping the cathedral on Saturdays is also a the 31 Club, saying prayers for a fellow auxiliary bishop with Church find a distinctively Mass for vocations. priests and a daily prayer for Archbishop Coleridge when Gospel voice in the great social they were in Melbourne, and debates – not fighting ideology The 31 Club is an extension vocations. of Serra whereby parishioners If you are interested in any later served four years as with ideology, but engaging issues with the power of the are encouraged to choose a date aspect of Serra please feel free Bishop of Sale. In an interview with the Gospel. every month to attend an extra to speak to members after one ACBC communications offi ce, “That will mean working to Mass and pray for vocations. of the regular Masses or attend Prayers for priests in a meeting where you will Archbishop Coleridge said make sure Jesus is at the heart our diocese is another way be welcomed. Phone Claire he believed that his range of of everything. In the end, He’s parishioners can be involved. Everard 5144 4905 for more experience was a factor in him all we’ve got. And He’s the only being elected leader by his one who’ll enable us to meet all Members are encouraged to information. fellow bishops. the challenges.” choose one or more from the list
Fun time at Coonawarra camp TRARALGON - Sounds of laughter and excitement echoed through the valley as students from St Michael’s School, Traralgon, sailed over the water on the flying fox at Coonawarra Farm Resort at Glenaladale. The grade 3/4s had once again travelled by bus for their annual camp experience. The overnight stay is grade 3 students’ first taste of school camp. Action packed activities kept the children engaged with a strong emphasis on team work. Hut building was the first challenge where activity teams were required to construct a hut using timber provided. The first task was to clear the designated area before construction began. Students were encouraged to ensure their huts were waterproof in case of rain (large buckets of water!). After lunch everyone gathered in activity groups to go off and participate in a variety of activities which included giant swing, climbing wall, high ropes, flying fox and orienteering. For many of the grade fours it was a chance to better their achievements of last year. Grade 3’s will get to do the same next year. Following dinner children enjoyed some relaxing time
Serra a devotion to vocation THE Serra club is a group of lay people devoted to daily prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and supporting our priests and seminarians. The Serra club in our diocese operates at the Cathedral parish in Sale. The club is named after St Junipero Serra, a Franciscan missionary, whose motto is “Always forward, never back.” The club meets on the first Thursday each month, beginning in the St Mary’s Cathedral at 4.45pm for the Rosary and then Mass at 5pm. Afterwards the club gathers
Bishop Coleridge new ACBC head