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9 March 2017
Edition #122
2017 LENTEN MESSAGE FROM THE MOST REV TIMOTHY COSTELLOE SDB, ARCHBISHOP OF PERTH
Dear sisters and brothers, As we enter into the season of Lent this year, we do so immediately after the conclusion of the final hearing into the Catholic Church of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual abuse. I recently issued a Pastoral Letter to our Catholic community in relation to this matter, and I would encourage you to read it if you can. Among the many urgent questions raised by this shocking reality of sexual abuse in our Church is the "how" question. How could this possibly have happened in a Church which is supposed to be the "salt of the earth and the light of the world"? How could clergy and religious, who were supposed to be living signs of the presence of the Lord among his people, betray this trust so cruelly and so comprehensively? How could people to whom we entrusted our children in schools and other Church settings cause so much pain? There are many complex answers to these confronting questions. I will not rehearse them here. The Royal Commission has brought them out into the open and they must now be dealt with. One that perhaps has not yet been fully considered is the spiritual cause of this tragedy. It is this that I would invite you to reflect on as we enter our Lenten journey together in 2017. When I became Archbishop of Perth five years ago, I
said in the homily at the Mass of Installation, that the greatest challenge facing the Church today, and facing our Archdiocese as part of that Church, is to return Christ to the Church and to return the Church to Christ. As an institution, the Catholic Church in Australia has contributed a great deal to our society. Our network of schools and universities, of hospitals and health and aged care facilities, and of social justice and social outreach agencies, is remarkable. Many thousands of committed, compassionate and competent people who work in
Church agencies bring the spirit of the Gospel alive. Hundreds of thousands of people benefit from their commitment and generosity. By some measures at least, we are a successful enterprise. But more than an institution, or an enterprise, or a NonGovernment Organisation, we are a Church. We have been called into existence by God to be the bearers of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Good News of salvation, to our world. We do not measure our success by the grandeur of our buildings, or the political clout we might have, or the influence of our
world-wide community, but by our fidelity to the Gospel and by the sincerity of our faith. And, as Pope Francis reminds us, just as Pope Benedict and Pope Saint John Paul 11 did before him, our faith is not in an abstract idea, or a system, or a set of rules. Our faith is in a person. Our faith is in Jesus Christ. The history of the Church teaches us that whenever we lose sight of Christ as the only foundation of our Church, and begin to put our trust in something else, we quickly lose our way. When we forget that all the good things we want to do as a Church make no sense at all, and will be built on foundations of shifting sand, if they are not centred firmly and consciously on Christ, then everything will begin to unravel. For a while the structures might stand. Outwardly they might appear solid and unshakeable. But if they have no soul, or some kind of cancer is eating away from within, they will eventually begin to crumble. Surely this, at least in part, helps us to understand the terrible reality of sexual abuse in our Church. So many pushed the one they were supposed to be following out of their lives and out of their consciousness.
Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB DD ARCHBISHOP OF PERTH Full Text available at
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New App a first for services according to time and location The Archdiocese of Perth has taken a step forward in the communications technology field with release of new mobile app By Josh Low The Archdiocese of Perth has this week launched a new mobile app. Available on iOS and Android, the app enables users to find Mass and Reconciliation times across the Archdiocese. The release of the app is part of the second phase of the 2015 launch of the Archdiocesan website, which aimed to increase its user friendly capabilities. Archdiocesan CEO-Administration, Greg Russo, said the app is one of the first of its kind because it provides information based on the next available service according to time and location. Mr Russo continued by saying that he hopes the new app will better support Catholics across the Archdiocese, as well as those who are visiting, who may be in search of a Church service. “We have sought to move forward from a communications perspective to meet the needs of our Archdiocese, in line with the message of Archbishop Costelloe, of ‘providing practical, concrete steps’ into the future,” Mr Russo said.
The Archdiocese of Perth has this week launched a new mobile app. Holding their phones are Vicar General and Vicar for Effective Communications Fr Peter Whitely, centre, with Archdiocesan CEO-Administration Greg Russo (second from right) and Archdiocesan IT Manager Loc Ha, (second from left), with IT Admin Support Officer, Jae Cabagyo (far left) and IT Web Support Officer, Vahdet Mert (far right). PHOTO: JOSH LOW
“The development and release of the app can most certainly aid in enabling users from all around the Archdiocese, in encountering the Good News,” he said. Using the geolocation on their smartphone, users can locate the next available and/or nearest Mass or Reconciliation service by distance and then receive, directions to the nearest Church from their current location. Archdiocesan IT Manager Loc Ha said the aim was to provide users with an app which was user friendly and efficient. “We hope that the app will assist both
parishioners and visitors to our city of Perth, to find the next available Mass quickly, so that they can attend based on time and distance from their current location, or to plan their attendance at Mass at difference locations during their travels within Perth,” he said. To download the app, simply search for ‘Catholic Archdiocese of Perth’ on the app store on your iOS or Android device. Full Text available at
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A FAITH LEADER’S PERSPECTIVE:
FR PHILIP FLEAY, NEW RECTOR FOR ST CHARLES SEMINARY By Natashya Fernandez IT’S ONLY BEEN A MONTH Since Father Philip Fleay took on the role of Rector on 1 February at St Charles Seminary in Guildford, but he’s already proving to be a natural at it. Having been a Parish priest at a number of parishes across Perth, Fr Fleay is now in his 20th year of priesthood.
Recently appointed St Charles Seminary Rector Fr Phillip Fleay, with the new seminarians for 2017, enjoying PHOTO: NATASHYA FERNANDEZ a brief catch up before lectures and prayer time.
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Continued from page 2 “I hope this will be a place of discernment, peace, happiness and most of all a place where we come to understand that we are becoming part of a fraternity of men serving God’s people,” said Fr Fleay as he takes on the role. A vast and varied role, Fr Fleay says that while his role is three-fold, the most important is the first one as faith leader. “I have to show the example of prayer and life as a disciple of Jesus Christ.” “Th i s te ac h i ng i s done through our celebration of the Mass which I share with the Vice-Rector, Fr Jean Noel, and our breaking open of the word of God to give them [the seminarians] a perspective for the day – simply put, it is to teach, to nurture and to show them God’s love. “It’s just like being t he ‘Parish Priest’ of our Seminary community,” said Fr Fleay. “It’s a challenging, yet spiritual role because I am dealing with their lives, in the sense that they believe that they have a vocation which they are testing here. And that is what it is, a place of testing – am I really called or is it just my want.” “I have to be very careful how I engage, what I say, how I do it, I don’t want to turn them away if they truly have God calling them. “In this particular role, I can’t come with any perceptions of a person because they are different to me and the way I see God. I have to be aware to treat them as that unique person who has a sense of God calling them. That’s a huge responsibility and I take it very seriously,” he said. “While the second role is just as important as the first, being mentor and director, understanding their needs, guiding them on the path toward their priesthood, helping them discern if this is the role for them or not and just being there on the journey, are just some of the things that his role entails.
Recently appointed St Charles Seminary Rector Fr Phillip Fleay, with the new seminarians for 2017, enjoying a brief catch up before lectures and prayer time. PHOTO: NATASHYA FERNANDEZ
“The third is the on-going administration side of things and ensuring the seminary runs smoothly. Speaking with sincerity, Fr Fleay says that taking on this role and being responsible for the three new seminarians and the 11 others at St Charles, is to get them to start reflecting [on our lives] in this modern world. “We live in a society where it’s a catch-grab – we do one thing and move on quickly to the next. “ We never t h i n k ab out wh at we h ave done. A nd, it’s exceedingly important, particularly as leaders in faith communities to be reflective about what’s happening. You can call it living in the now, and being an understanding person. When you get to that position in life, you begin to listen to people and you listen with a compassionate ear.” “The challenge always with a new place is first to get the feel of the place and make it your home.
“The students came back on 22 February, so it’s been quite new for all of us. “As with all new things, the challenge for me will be to try to understand each of the seminarians and their hopes and to accompany them on their journey toward priesthood. It’s essential that you’re there as a positive human experience for them,” said Fr Fleay. Setting an example through his own life of prayer and the way he treats people, Fr Fleay said that sometimes a little bit of admonition is required. “I am a great believer in self-formation in which we provide structure and each of the seminarians will have to build their own discipline to work within those structures. And, the admonition comes when they don’t do it.” “The structure can come in the form of prayer and study, to bring academic work back and to take it from that head thing into a heart thing so that they can begin to live what they learn
about – the mission and work of Jesus,” he said. The day at the seminary starts with Morning Prayer and Mass sometimes early in the morning before the seminarians head off for their lectures at Notre Dame. This is followed by meditation and quiet prayer, Mass in the evenings and a community meal where all seminarians share their day and reflect on what they have learned, Fr Fleay said. As a disciple of Jesus, Fr Fleay is very conscious of getting people to be inclusive, to not just serve people who follow the thinking of Christ but to serve all people, the children of God. “Sometimes this means going out of our comfort zone into difficult places, help those who are at the fringe of society, people who don’t care about God. We still have to deal with them,” he said. Full Text available at
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CONVERSION STORY
Calling to the Church a special moment for Matthew By Natashya Fernandez IN HIS FINAL STEP of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), Catechumen Matthew Fry cannot wait to become a Catholic. Hav ing g row n up in a Christian household, it was never something he thought about much till now, when he finally questioned what if there’s more out there. Since getting married and promising to bring up his five children in the Catholic faith, Matthew said that he didn’t know what it really meant to be a Catholic. In an interview with The eRecord, Matthew explained that moving to Ellenbrook Parish and listening to the Gospels and the homilies of Parish Priest Fr Bonaventure, which he related back to Matthew’s life, was a little more enjoyable than Matthew imagined. It has been these significant moments that made him start the RCIA process last year. “It’s a big change for me and I’m sure for everyone who knows me,” he laughs. “I enquired about the RCIA and that’s when I met Claire Merry, the coordinator at our church. “Initially thinking that I’d be the odd one out, it was comforting to see that we had a great group of people who were just like me on this journey,” Matthew said. “The process itself is easy and as a Catechumen, I will be receiving the first four sacraments – Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Matthew Fry with his wife Anna Katarzyna Fry and their two youngest daughters, Olivia Katarzyna Fry and Izabella May Fry. PHOTO: NATASHYA FERNANDEZ
“I have had a lot of support from Fr Bonaventure and Fr Alexis, from Claire who’s been a great mentor, as well our sponsors, who help us on this faith journey. “The more I got into, the more I listened and wanted to know.” “It’s also extra special for me because I get to do this with my son, who’s receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation as well. We have both embraced it and I’ve really found where I want to be,” Matthew said. Always under the notion that if you lived by your values of being a good person and treating ever yone the way you want to be treated, it was only when Matthew started reading scripture and really understanding the readings, that he knew what it meant to embrace the Catholic way of life. “You experience different
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emotions and feelings; you have your ups and downs and start reflecting on what you did and how you have lived your life and how you want to live it now. “You realise there’s more to it and it’s only by going through the RCIA that I embraced and listened [to the Catholic faith] and didn’t question it anymore,” he said. “I realised that this is the right thing for me.” “Without the support of Claire and the priests, people in the church, and most importantly my wife, I wouldn’t have been able to do this [the RCIA]. “Once you open your heart and look past your own prejudices, you see a lot more,” he said. Since starting the RCIA, a tragedy in the family made the process significant for Matthew. His dedication and commitment to the process surprised him
and how much he had grown as a person through the RCIA. “Everyone’s faith journey is different and one of the things we discussed with the group at the start is - why are we going down this path? “The passing of a family member was a life changing factor for me. The group was open and discussed feelings and emotions,” he said. “What was more special about the RCIA is that we have met some nice people and it’s become much more than just being at church; we have become part of community. “Everything that comes out of the RCIA is positive. If you are ready in your life to take that journey, do it,” Matthew said. Full Text available at
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JAMIE O’BRIEN Communications Manager/Editor editor@therecord.com.au NATASHYA FERNANDEZ Assistant Editor natashya.fernandez@perthcatholic.org.au FEBY PLANDO Production Officer feby.plando@perthcatholic.org.au CAROLINE SMITH Journalist caroline.smith@perthcatholic.org.au
communications@perthcatholic.org.au 21 Victoria Square, Perth WA 6000 | Ph: 9220 5900
JOSH LOW Journalist joshua.low@perthcatholic.org.au DANIELE FOTI-CUZZOLA Video Journalist daniele.foticuzzola@perthcatholic.org.au BIBIANA KWARAMBA Administration Officer bibiana.kwaramba@perthcatholic.org.au
PANORAMA What's happening around the Archdiocese THU, 9 MAR RITE OF ELECTION OF CATECHUMENS AND FORMAL RECOGNITION OF CANDIDATES The Rite of Election of C ate c hum ens an d f o r mal recognition of candidates will be held on Thursday 9 March at St Mary's Cathedral, Perth 7.30pm. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB will preside. All welcome as parishes throughout the Archdiocese gather to celebrate and witness God's election of those seeking to be received into the Church at Easter and their election to become one with the Catholic community of faith as they are presented to the Archbishop and his delegates: Bishop Don Sproxton, Fr Peter Whitely, Vicar General and Monsignor Michael Keating, Dean of the Cathedral. Further info: Karen Hart, rcia@perthcatholic. org.au or 08 6104 3696. FRI, 10 - SUN, 12 MAR BENEDICTINE EXPERIENCE WEEKENDS Benedic tine spiritualit y is more readily experienced than defined. With other weekends available in May, July, September, Oc tober and November at the New Norica Monastery Guesthouse, beginning with Vespers at 6.30pm, Friday 10 March, concluding Sunday, 12 March after lunch. The weekend provides the opportunity to enter fully into the monastic rhythm and balance of prayer, work, lectio divina, hospitality and the community life. There will be opportunities to ponder the riches of the scriptures and 1
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monastic literature, both in group discussions and personal silence and solitude, bringing from the ‘storeroom, things both new and old’. Participants are also invited to join the community for silent meals in the refectory, one of many invitations to listen with the ‘ear of the heart'. Suggested donations $250 for those who can afford, this includes accommodation, meals and entry into the Museum and Art Gallery. Further info: Guesthouse Manager 08 9654 8002 or guesthouse@newnorcia. wa.edu.au. SAT, 11 MAR OPEN DAY – JOHN XXIII COLLEGE Come and see for yourself what these young people already know about John XXIII College, on Saturday 11 March, 9-12pm. Students will proudly tell you about the facilities, programs and opportunities that exist at this very successful Catholic, co-educational college.Tours every half hour, with the final tour departing at 11am. To register visit www.johnxxiii. edu.au Further info: 08 9383 0400. SAT, 11 MAR BREAKFAST IN THE GARDEN The Mary MacKillop Foundation invites you to “Breakfast in the Garden”. Come and join the fun, meet old friends and make new ones. Garden Venue; Saturday 11 March at 8am, Mary MacKillop Centre, 16 York Street, South Perth (St Joseph’s Convent). Bring $15 for brekkie, byo chairs, tables, blankets, umbrellas, sun screen, smiles! RSVP before 7 March to
Laurie Mayne 08 9271 5649, or ljmayne@optusnet.com.au TUE, 14 - SAT, 18 MAR THREE TUESDAY MORNINGS IN LENT Three Sessions, every Tuesday, 10-12.30pm, Newman Siena Centre, 33 Williamstown Road, Doubleview. The Liturgical Readings of the following Sunday will be the focus of a Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading) experience. “Indeed the word of God is alive and active … penetrating the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb 4.12). What word is God speaking in our hearts and in our world during this sacred Season of Lent? Presented by Sister Shelley Barlow RNDM. Cost: $22.50. Further info or to register, visit www.cfe.org.au, email cfe@perthcatholic.org. au, or call 9241 5221. WED, 15 MAR OBSERVING FAITH THROUGH FRIENDSHIP OVER A CUPPA Personal Advocac y is a unique ministry mandated by Archbishop Timothy that provides a way for people with intellectual disabilities to be included in the life and liturgy of their parish and local community, a place where their faith will be nurtured. This is achieved through small faith based friendship groups, and one to one friendships with a person with a disability and a volunteer. You are invited to attend an observation of a group in the Morley PAS Resource centre and experience the unique way faith is bought to people with intellectual disabilities, as this form of spirituality is
more readily experienced than defined. Wednesday 15 March 9.45-12noon. RSVP essential to robyn@paswa.org.au. AUTUMN PRAYER DAY Come join us and experience a gentle, prayerful day at tranquil, on the theme, "Finding Healing and Hope in the Miracles of Jesus.” Wednesday 15 March 10-1pm. Tea and light lunch provided. Kilmolee at Safety Bay, 182 Arcadia Drive, Safety Bay. Cost by donation. RSVP essential for catering purposes. Further info: Sr Dianne 08 9527 3240 or dianne.colborne@sosj.org.au. FRI, 17 MAR ST PATRICK’S DAY MASS St Patrick’s Day Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 17 March, 10am at St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, Perth. Principal celebrant and homilist is Rev Fr Vincent Conroy. Please note that there is limited parking at the Cathedral. Other parking is available at PCC Parking Stations in the vicinity. The Red Cat free bus service runs past the Cathedral regularly and stops at other convenient locations, particularly Perth Train Station. Further info: 08 9446 3784 or paultanham@tpg.com.au. FRI, 17 - SUN, 19 MAR LAUDATO SI’ WEEKEND RETREAT 1 Brother Terry Casey and Sr Shelly Barlow RNDM, are offering a series of four Laudato Si Weekend Retreats across March to July. The first of the Weekend Retreats will be on Friday 17 March, 4pm to Sunday 19 March, 2pm, at Kilmolee, Safety Bay, Ministry of
the Josephite Sisters, 182 Arcadia Drive, Safety Bay. Further info: flyer and registration contact Sr Shelley Barlow RNDM 08 9271 3873, 0499 352 899 or smbarlowrndm@gmail.com; or Br Terry Casey CFC, 0422 966 453, tmcasey@edmundrice.org. SAT, 18 MAR FAMILY MATTERS In occasion of the 9th Anniversary of the departure of Chiara Lubich, foundress of Focolare Movement, a public event, designated family matters, will be held on Saturday, March 18 from 3.30-5.30pm at St Mary’s Cathedral Hall, Victoria Square. This will be followed by the Anniversary Vigil Mass at 6pm celebrated by Bishop Don Sproxton. It is an open program for all ages, exploring Chiara’s original and pertinent contribution to family life, through her charism of unity. The program includes the streaming of parts of an international seminar in Loppiano, Italy as well as the possibility for people to discuss and share their own thoughts on the topic by participating in different workshops. A simultaneous creative children’s program will be available too. Come and join in with your family and friends! Further info: Focolare Movement 08 9349 4052 or ffperth@iprimus.com.au; or www.focolare.org/en.
God need to “be qualified and carefully prepared”. A workshop will be held at Notre Dame Parish, Cloverdale on Tuesday, 21 March, 7.30-9.30pm. Further info: cfl@ perthcatholic.org.au or 08 9207 3350. TUES, 21 MAR - 4 APR THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW – ONLINE COURSE Every Tuesday, 7:30pm – 8:15pm, (3 sessions) In this short, user friendly online course we hear the Beatitudes and come to grasp the meaning of Jesus’ invitation, “come to me all you who labour and are overburdened…” (Mt 11: 28-30) Suggested donation: $15. Presenter: Rev. Dr Charles Waddell. Further info or to register, visit cfe.org.au/courses-and-events, email cfe@perthcatholic.org. au, or call 9241 5221.
THU, 23 MAR LET’S LEARN ABOUT SACRIFICE Many of you will remember that we refer to the Mass as “the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.” We need to understand sacrifice. For the Jewish people of Jesus’ time, sacrifices could only be carried out in the temple. We will have a time of discovering sacrifice and its connection to who we are on Thursday 23 March, 6pm at the Emmanuel Centre. Please bring a plate of finger food to share with others and to have the opportunity PARISH ALTAR SERVER to spend time making connections COORDINATOR TRAINING relating to our Mass. RSVP as WORKSHOP numbers are limited. Children are A workshop for those training welcome. Further info: Emmanuel parish altar servers based on the Centre 08 9328 8113, Fax: 08 9227 GIRM and the Archdiocese of Perth 9720; or emmanuelcentre@ guidelines. Will be held at The westnet.com.au. Centre for Liturgy, Nollamara on FRI. 24 - SUN, 26 MAR Saturday 18 March 10.30-12.30pm. FOOTWASHING AWAITING Further info: cfl@perthcatholic. DISCOVERY org.au or 08 9207 3350 For most Christians washing each other’s feet is simply a curiosity of TUE, 21 MAR the liturgy. Many have never seen it PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD done, much less done it. However it A workshop for those proclaiming is a well-founded action, one that the word. The Constitution on the goes back to the practice of Jesus Sacred Liturgy requires that those and is one of the signs used by John who are to proclaim the Word of the evangelist in his preaching of 2
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the Gospel. During this weekend we will ask what we are doing and what does it mean when we wash each other’s feet. We will discuss who might do it, what is needed and how to get started. We will consider times other than Holy Thursday when we might do foot washing. The text book for this reading weekend will be Washing Feet: Imitating the Example of Jesus in the Liturgy Today, by Thomas O’Loughlin available at www.bookdepository. com or through the Institute for $20. Cost: $300. Further info: Sr Jill O’Brien sgs jill.obrien@newnorcia. wa.edu.au or Sr Carmel Posa sgs carmel.posa@newnorcia.wa.edu. au or 08 9654 8371. SAT, 25 MAR OUR RELATIONSHIP TOGETHER: ABORIGINAL CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING Co-facilitated by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Catholics, this workshop is an important foundation in understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their experiences past, present and future. It begins a journey of reconciliation so that our communities can be beacons of light for justice and understanding. Saturday 25 March, 10-4pm Newman Siena Centre, Doubleview. For registration; www. cfe.org.au. Further info: Aboriginal Catholic Ministry 08 93287529 or acm@perthcatholic.org.au. TUE, 28 MAR EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION TRAINING Training session for the Ministry assists the priest in giving Holy Communion to the assembly. A workshop will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Rockingham on Tuesday 28 March, 7-9pm. Further info: cfl@perthcatholic.org.au or 08 9207 3350. SUN, 2 APR GET FIT & RAISE FUNDS FOR PERTH'S FRIENDS OF L'ARCHE & DISABILITY L'Arche WalkAbility is taking place on April 2 at Burswood Park to raise vital
funds for Friends of L'Arche Perth and to raise awareness of the importance of building inclusive communities for those living with disability. The first L'Arche Community was founded in 1964 in Trosly, France by acclaimed Catholic philosopher, theologian and Templeton Prize winner, Jean Vanier. Today there are 147 L'Arche communities worldwide. Further info: visit www.folperth.org/ walkability. WED, 5 APR DISCOVERING RESTORATIVE JUSTICE TOGETHER Restorative Justice is a way of building relationships in any setting - families, parishes, organisations, communities, workplaces etc. Course facilitators Barbara Harris and Fr Paul Pitzen from Emmanuel Centre. It is free and open to anyone, including but not limited to agency staff and volunteers, priests, chaplains, lay people, parish councillors, organisations etc. Other sessions available in May and June at the Catholic Pastoral Centre 40A Mary Street, Highgate 9-12.30 pm, morning tea and lunch provided. Participants encouraged to commit to all four sessions as they are connected. Please indicate any dietary requirements or accessibility needs to Imelda. Registration essential. Further info and registration, contact Imelda reception.capac@perthcatholic. org.au or 08 6104 3600. SUBSCRIBE TO THE eRECORD Local news from across our parishes, agencies, schools and organisations can be delivered weekly directly to your inbox via The eRecord. It contains the latest news, events and photos from the Archdiocese. Parishes receive a PDF copy of the e-newsletter to print off and distribute for those who don’t have or don’t use email. Subscribe to the e-newsletter by sending details to communications@ perthcatholic.org.au.