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15 December 2016
Edition #112
C H R I S T M A S 2 016
Archbishop Costelloe's Christmas Message "When I see the heavens, the work of your hands, and the moon and the stars which you arranged, who are we that you should keep us in mind - mere human beings that you care for us?" THE QUESTION which these beautiful words from Psalm 8 pose, find an extraordinary answer in the mystery of Christmas. As Saint John expresses it in his Gospel, “God loved the world so much that he sent his only Son that all who believe in him might not be lost but might have eternal life" (John 3:16). We live in an age where the unimaginable power, beauty, wonder and vastness of creation, are known in ways that our ancestors could never have believed. For us as Christians, this extraordinary universe is not an obstacle to belief in God: rather it is a stimulus to a deeper, almost overpowering understanding of the greatness of the creator, who gives existence to all that exists and who keeps everything in existence, through endless ages. How can we do anything other than stand in awe at the creation, and even more in the presence of our creator? The psalmist is right to say,
"who are we, O Mighty God, that you should keep us in mind?" In Jesus, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, God responds by saying to us, "in the extraordinary vastness and complexity of my creation, you are the ones whom I have created and chosen to enter into a relationship of profound and intimate love with me. So much do I love you, and want to be one with you, that I have, in my Son Jesus, become one of you and one with you. In a world in which it is so easy to lose sight of me, misunderstand me, or even forget me, I have given you my Son, so that in him you might hear me speak, see me reach out with compassion, recognise me as the one who heals and forgives, and see me, in his suffering and death, as the one who will go to any lengths to save you. because I love you." Th i s ext raordin ar y encounter between God
and his people begins with the conception and birth of Jesus. This tiny, fragile baby, is the presence of the mighty creator, God among us. He will grow and develop as we all do, and his life, free from sin and totally given to his Father and to us, will reveal to us what real, fully human living, is meant to be. As we celebrate Christmas this year, I invite you to gaze with wonder on this helpless baby, lying in his manger. Recognise in him, the extraordinary love God has
for you. Allow that love to be the foundation of your lives, a source of strength and hope in times of struggle and sorrow, and an inspiration for that reaching out to others with compassion and care, which is the defining characteristic of life lived to the full, of life lived as a disciple of Jesus. I wish you and all your loved ones a very happy, holy and joy-filled Christmas. Full Text available at
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BISHOP DON SPROXTON’S 2016 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE:
The continuation of becoming the Father’s mercy ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS mark the beginning of the new year in the Church's calendar. This means that we embark on the next phase of our journey of faith in life. Another new year always raises questions as we look forward to what the year will bring. One hope I have, is that what the recently closed Year of Mercy has done for us will bear lots more fruit in our Christian lives. The grace of God has been at work in many special ways. It has been obvious to me, that so many of the people of the Archdiocese have heard the call of the merciful Father to adopt His ways of looking at our brothers and sisters. Our consciousness of the plight of the poor and disadvantaged has been raised. I have heard of some great initiatives by
parish communities and our agencies which have been inspired by their reflection on me rc y. The s e a re going to continue because people have committed to becoming the reflection of the Father's mercy. The Ye ar of Merc y enabled us to experience the grace of mercy. The most
powerful has been through the reconciliation of the Sacrament of Penance. I am told that there has been a great increase in the number of penitents over the year. The personal experience of the mercy and love of the Father through this Sacrament of Healing has f lowed out into our
relationships with family and the others in our lives. The fruits of the Year of Mercy will continue to be seen. A new year is the opening of a new time. Our journey of faith in life continues. The beautiful account of the birth of Jesus, especially at midnight Mass, refers to his journey. St Luke points out that the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, was imposed on them because of the census called by the powerful Roman emperor. Regardless of the cost or inconvenience, Joseph and the heavily pregnant Mary had to go to the town of David to register.No sophisticated computers and surveys to ease census taking! Full Text available at
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God Is With Us:
BISHOP JUSTIN BIANCHINI’S 2016 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE WE COME once again to our heartwarming Feast and celebration of Christmas. It is both a celebration of an event as well as a reminder of something that is always with us - the Incarnation. We have an Incarnate God. Our God of the universe is not only transcendent, i.e. above and beyond us, but is also intimately connected with us. “The Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us” (Jn1:14). Because the Word, the Son of God, is among us it is also true that He is within us. In our Church we are so blessed. We are certain that through Baptism and the Sacraments Jesus comes to live within us through His Holy Spirit. The regular celebration of the Eucharist nourishes, strengthens and grows that ‘Life’ of Jesus within. Wherever and in whomsoever the Spirit of Jesus and the Father is, there
also is Jesus our Incarnate God. In other words, Jesus the Son of God is part of our world and the lives of people - and very much so with ‘People of Goodwill’. Where there is suffering, there is Jesus, giving courage and drawing good out of it. Jesus also provides help and healing through those working to relieve and heal suffering.
Where there is violence, there is Jesus offering another way and providing people who work for peace and justice. Jesus is with all who work and toil, reminding them of the dignity of work and drawing forth much fruit from that work. Where there is joy, there is Jesus, sharing and enhancing it. Where there is love, there Jesus also is, perfecting and deepening it. Where there are fears, Jesus is there giving courage and hope. Where there is sorrow and grief, Jesus is there bringing comfort. Jesus is in our homes, building up relationships and family life. Jesus is with those working for the poor and for justice, inspiring them both by His example as well as His strong presence. Full Text available at
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BISHOP GER ARD HOLOHAN’S 2016 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE:
Christ making a difference
IN TODAY’S troubled world, Christmas celebrates the first coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who, through the Holy Spirit is making such a difference to the lives of those who relate personally with him. As they pray, worship and strive to live as he taught, they experience his power in their lives. We celebrate how so many are experiencing Christ’s guidance. He is helping them with their challenges, problems and moments of confusion. He is helping too those who are wondering
about the direction of their lives, be they young or old; stricken by serious illness or grieving the loss of a loved one or a marriage; whether they have lost their job or their financial security. There are spouses Christ is drawing closer through the Sacrament of Marriage; sinners finding forgiveness; people with life hurts experiencing healing. Many experiencing sicknesses and the frailty of the senior years are being confronted and strengthened. People who are poor or experiencing a range of other needs are being helped by those Christ inspires to join organisations that try to support and provide for them. Christ inspires others to teach, to care for the elderly, to serve as pastoral workers in a range of settings. Christ inspires commitment to social justice and the promotion of reconciliation. He calls believers to make a difference in the world. Christ supports his followers through the ministry of priests. In rural areas, often the priest is the only one free of self interest whom struggling farmers can confide in.
Christ is empowering people to love too in ways which are beyond human effort alone. He is empowering them to forgive, to be merciful, to be just as he is. Christ’s power gradually is freeing those with sufficient faith in him from all in their lives that is not of God. He has shared with them God’s own life through Baptism. As they nurture this life within them, and nourish it with the Eucharist, their increasing likeness to Christ is revealed in their thoughts, words and actions. This strengthens relationships and they become people who promote the positive and happiness in others. These are but a few examples of the many ways the Christ born at Bethlehem is making a difference to the lives of believers today across the world. They are practical examples of how Christ brings peace on earth, as the angels sang, ‘to those enjoying God’s favour’ - that is, to those who convert and believe. Full Text available at
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CHRISTMAS: THE TENDER MERCY OF OUR GOD: BISHOP CHRISTOPHER SAUNDERS’ 2016 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
A VISIT TO BETHLEHEM is naturally an essential part of any Pilgrimage to Israel, to “Jesus’ country”. And the Kimberley Pilgrims who visited The Holy Land in October this year duly paid homage to the memory of the Infant Jesus as they enthusiastically attended the scene honoured as the place where he was born. The exact location of the place of the manger was at a lower level quite some metres down from the floor of the church we first entered. When you arrive there, after the people in the queue have eventually descended into the dimly lit space, you see the decorations and constructs
laid down over the ages - the silverware, the icons, the embroidered cloths and finely woven carpets, the marble. As you view what is before you, it is most difficult to imagine that first Christmas night when the boy child was born upon the filthy floor of the stable complete with its animals and feed and dung. In the midst of all these ‘improvements’ in the Bethlehem Shrine, it becomes a staunch effort to recall that our Blessed Lord was born into real poverty, in appalling surroundings, devoid of any of the trappings of opulence. Most of us enjoy the glitter of Christmas with its festive lights, the neat crib scenes,
the presents and the brightly attractive decorations that go with the celebrations of the season. But for all this, it would be shameful if we forgot our origins in faith. Our faith life began with the birth of a child who was to be Christ our King, who was born into poverty in an isolated part of the Roman Empire and whose very life changed the world like no other in history. Despite his undisputable kingship, he wore not a crown as his symbol of leadership but a Cross. Upon that tree hung the hopes of the world and upon that symbol all of our hopes have been held on high ever since.
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2016 ARCHBISHOP ’S CHRISTMA S APPE AL FOR LIFELINK:
More than 380 people attended the Identitywa and Personal Advocacy Service annual Mass, which was held within Santa Maria College, Attadale and celebrated PHOTO: SUPPLIED by Father Nino Vinciguerra.
IDENTITYWA AND PERSONAL ADVOCACY SERVICE PREPARE FOR THE BIRTH OF JESUS WITH A MASS AND CHRISTMAS PARTY By Caroline Smith
LIFELINK supported agency Identitywa joined Personal Advoc ac y S er v ice on Saturday, 10 December for the annual Mass celebrating both the season of Advent and the commitment of the two agencies’ dedicated staff and supporters. Held on the Santa Maria College grounds in Attadale, the Mass was attended by more than 380 people and was celebrated by Catholic Education WA and Saint Vincent De Paul Society WA Chaplain, Father Nino Vinciguerra. Members of the congregation were welcomed by former Chair of the PAS Board, James Malone, and actively participated in all aspects of the liturgy, from the Entrance Procession to leading the Responsorial Psalm and the Offertory Procession. As in previous years, the
Fr Nino Vinciguerra speaks at the Identitywa and Personal Advocacy Service annual Mass. He is assisted by Danny Wilkie, who has significantly benefited PHOTO: SUPPLIED from Identitywa’s services.
Mass featured the lighting of the Advent Candle within the Advent Wreath - a particularly significant moment within the liturgy which symbolises Jesus as the light that is to come into the world. Tradit ionally, Advent Wreaths are constructed in churches and homes during the Advent season. The wreaths are made of evergreen branches into which four candles, three purple and one rose, are
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inserted, representing the four weeks of the season. The purple candles in particular symbolise prayer, penance and preparatory sacrifices undertaken during Advent. The rose candle, however, is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday (from the Latin, ‘rejoice’), when the priest also wears rose vestments at Mass. Commenting on the event, Identitywa CEO Marina
Re said she was delighted with the number of people who attended and attributed the great turnout to the dedication and commitment of those who work and support Identitywa and PAS. “It was once again a very successful occasion which reflected the commitment which goes into making the annual Mass and Christmas Party so enjoyable for everyone,” Ms Re said. “We are indebted to PAS who strive for an inclusive and meaningful celebration which they most certainly delivered. It is a great collaboration between PAS and Identitywa and we are keen to continue with this.” Following the Mass, guests were invited to take part in an abundant lunch organised by the two agencies. Full Text available at
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JAMIE O’BRIEN Communications Manager/Editor editor@therecord.com.au FEBY PLANDO Production Officer feby.plando@perthcatholic.org.au MARCO CECCARELLI Journalist marco.ceccarelli@perthcatholic.org.au CAROLINE SMITH Journalist caroline.smith@perthcatholic.org.au
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PANORAMA What's happening around the Archdiocese THU, 15 DEC FINDING A PLACE: A CHRISTMAS REFELCTION IN WORD AND MUSIC Join us, Thursday 15 December, 7pm at The Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle for a captivating and beautiful evening of sacred music, readings and congregational carols to highlight the meaning of the Christmas gospel in our world today. Music from EvaMarie Middleton (soprano), Christopher Waddell (bass), Paul Wright (violin), Tracey Harris (trumpet), Dominic Perissinotto (organ) and The Basilica Choir. Proceeds go to Catholic Mission projects supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Tickets: $30, concession $20, 12 and under free. For booking visit www. trybooking.com/NRVQ, 08 9422 7933 or relations.cm@ perthcatholic.org.au. WED, 16 - THU, 18 DEC BENEDICTINE EXPERIENCE WEEKEND Benedictine Spirituality is more readily experienced than defined. 16-18 December at the New Norcia Monastery Guesthouse, beginning with Vespers at 6.30pm on Friday, concluding after lunch on Sunday, the weekend will provide the opportunity to enter fully into the monastic rhythm and balance of prayer, work, Lectio Divina, hospitality, and community life. There will be opportunities to ponder the riches of the scriptures and monastic literature, both in group discussions and personal silence and solitude, bringing from the ‘storeroom, things both new and old’. Suggested donation: $250 1
EDITION #112 | 15 December 2016
(for those who can afford it), includes accommodation, meals and entry into the Museum and Art Gallery. Further info: and bookings: Guesthouse Manager, 08 9654 8018 or guesthouse@ newnorcia.wa.edu.au. TUE, 17 - FRI, 20 JAN CATHOLICSUPER PRERETIREMENT SEMINAR CatholicSuper will be running three Pre-retirement seminars as follows, Tuesday 17 January, 9-1pm, Corpus Christi College, Bateman; Wednesday 18 January, 9-1pm Sacread Heart College, Sorrento and Thursday 19 January 9-1pm CEWA Office, Room G7, Leederville. Nonmembers, friends and family all welcome. THU, 19 JAN HOLY MASS AND HEALING - TALK BY ALAN AMES Allan Ames will give a talk at St Denis Catholic Church, 60 Osborne St, Joondanna, Thursday 19 January. Holy Mass 6.30pm followed by talk and prayers. Alan has been speaking and praying for healing around the world since 1994 and has spoken in more than 40 countries. Alan will speak after the Holy Mass and share his unique conversion experiences. Alan has the permission and support of Archbishop T Costelloe for these talks. Further info: Keith 041 1108525. FRI, 20 - SUN, 22 JAN 27TH ANNUAL CONGRESS - FLAME MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL You are invited to the Flame Ministries International 27th Annual Congress on the theme; The Light of the
World: A Call to Shine, at John XXIII College Lecture Hall, Mt Claremont, Friday 20 January to Sunday 22 January. Guest Speakers Fr. Roy Pereira, Fr. Mark Baumgarten, Eddie Russell, Kaye Rollings, and Cyrus D’Souza. Mass, Sunday 11.30am. Free Evening Rallies Friday to Sunday 7.30pm. Registered day sessions Saturday and Sunday. You can expect great teachings and prayers for healing. Further info: Kaye Rollings kdr@ aapt.net.au or 0421 605 502. WED, 25 JAN MARIST REUNION Former students of all Marist schools are warmly invited to the Annual Reunion, Wednesday 25 January, Newman College, Empire Avenue, Churchlands. Mass 4.30pm in the College Chapel followed by Barbecue in the college grounds. RSVPs not necessary. BYO everything. Further info: Kevin Wringe 0407 511 104 or Ambrose Depiazzi 0419 912 187. SAINT RAPHAEL KALINOWSKI (APPRENTICED TO SAINTHOOD IN SIBERIA) The inspiring and dramatic story of St. Raphael Kalinowski, by Fr. Timothy (Tadgh) Tierney, OCD. St. Raphael Kalinowski is only the second male Carmelite after St. John of the Cross to be canonised. This is 25th year of his canonisation by Pope St. John Paul II. The book can be ordered from Infant Jesus Parish Office on 08 9276 8500 or 0407 910 785, price $19.95, (collected) or $29.95 (for postage)”.
EVERY SATURDAY EVENING A touch of the East in the West! “Mass” in the Eastern Catholic Churches is known as the “Divine Liturgy”. There is a Divine Liturgy celebrated in English every Saturday evening (Vigil for Sunday) 6pm at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St John the Baptist, 20 Ferguson St, Maylands. All are most welcome! Further info: anzac25@iinet.net.au. HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE 2-22 January 2017, five nights Jordan, 14 nights Israel; 4 & 5 star hotels, all meals, admissions, guides, tipping and Emirates flights incl. $7820; three day Dubai/Abu Dhabi extension $1050. Chaplain: Fr Tim Deeter. Further info: 08 9271 5253 or casapgf@iinet.net.au. PRAISE HEALING AND BIBLE TEACHING Every Wednesday, 7.30– 9.30pm. Flame Ministries, Lion of Judah Catholic Charismatic Prayer Fellowship. Holy Rosary Parish Hall, 46 Thomas Street, Nedlands. Further info: fmi@ flameministries.org or www.flameministries.org/ praise.htm. 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.