www.therecord.com.au
12 January 2017
Edition #114
Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral Monsignor Michael Keating reads to young worshippers during the Children’s Mass on Christmas Day.
PHOTO: RON TAN
CHRISTMA S 2016
GOD OFFERS HIMSELF TO US THROUGH THE BIRTH OF JESUS, ARCHBISHOP COSTELLOE SAYS By Rachel Curry
THE CHOICE of our mighty creator to appear to us as a vulnerable baby reveals God’s loving nature, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe has told thousands of worshippers who recently attended Christmas Masses at St Mary’s Cathedral. Speaking during his homily at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, the Archbishop explained that the arrival of the Infant Jesus into the world was a birth like no other. “And this is true not just because of the extraordinary events which the Gospels record around the birth of this child - the songs of angels, the appearance of a star, the journeying of wise men from distant lands, and of course the unheard of accounts of a virginal conception, strange dreams, and other mysterious happenings,” he said.
St Mary’s Cathedral Assistant Priest Father Conor Steadman and Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe cradle a doll representing the Infant PHOTO: RON TAN Jesus during Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
“Beyond all this, strange and mysterious though it all is, the birth of the child in Bethlehem tells of something even stranger: the appearance of the mighty creator God, without whom nothing can exist, now coming among us as a fragile, helpless, vulnerable baby.” There are many ways to understand the significance of the birth of Jesus,
A r c h b i shop C o s t e l lo e continued. Jesus is known as the Messiah, our Saviour, and the Son of God; to some a great prophet and to others a social reformer. However, the Archbishop said that for him, Jesus is “the face of the one true God”. “And what does God show us in Jesus? One way
to answer that question, at least in part, is to spend time, either literally tonight in the cathedral or more generally within our own minds and hearts, gazing carefully and thoughtfully upon the scene in the stable at Bethlehem where God lies in a manger helple ss, v ulnerable, unprotected apart from his mother and Joseph, totally available to us,” he said. “This is the challenge of Christmas. Dare I believe that God, to whom I owe all that I am and all that I have, has chosen to become weak among the strong, helpless among the powerful, simple among the sophisticated, and needy among the selfsufficient, in order to help me understand where true greatness, genuine humanity, and the fullness of life are really to be found?” Full Text available at
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One of the more enduring traditions of the Christmas season is the setting up of cribs, or nativity scenes, in the home or local church as a way of reflecting on PHOTO: SUPPLIED the story of Jesus’ birth.
CRIBS
- a creative way to tell the Christmas story
By Caroline Smith
ONE OF THE MORE enduring traditions of the Christmas season which helps people reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth is the setting up of cribs, or nativity scenes, in the home or local Church. Saint Francis of Assisi was believed to have started the tradition in 13th century Italy, after visiting the Holy Land and seeing the cave, or grotto, where Jesus was born. On his return, he set up a ‘living’ nativity scene in the town of Greccio, in 1223, with real animals and people playing the parts of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and three wise men. This received the blessing of Pope Honorius III, and encouraged the practice of placing nativity scenes – or in Italian: ‘presepi’ – in most Italian towns and parishes. The tradition has since spread to many other countries, including Australia, with many parishioners in the Archdiocese of Perth setting up their own nativity scenes, and visiting those at their local church. Kelmscott resident Jiby Joy – along with wife Kavitha and children - has been building cribs in his home for several years, and this year constructed one which included several different locations connected to Jesus’ birth.
TOP: Kelmscott resident Jiby Joy designed an award-winning nativity scene which included the grotto where Jesus was born, Mary’s house, the home of her relative Elizabeth and King Herod’s palace. LEFT: Nativity scenes, also known as cribs, can come in many different designs, often with figurines made from clay, porcelain or plastic, and add to the traditional Christmas decorations, reminding us of the nativity story. RIGHT: In Italy, nativity scenes are known as ‘presepi’ and often include images of whole villages, their buildings and local people.
“We make them every year, and they are sometimes very simple. This time I was inspired by Bible readings about the nativity, and evidence from the Holy Land about where Jesus was born,” he said. “I included scenes from the Bible story, including Mary’s house where she received the visitation from an angel, and Elizabeth’s house. “This was to show the great
devotion of Mother Mary, who travelled many kilometres to see her relative, and then travelled with Joseph to take the census in Bethlehem.” Mr Joy added that including these aspects of the story had helped him tell neighbours and friends – including those of other faiths – about the nativity. “I have some friends who are not Christian but Hindu, and they called me up and
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
asked me to show and explain the nativity scene to their children,” he said. This year, Mr Joy also won a crib competition organised by the Indian Catholic community in Perth’s southeast, and judged by Kelmscott Assistant Parish Priest, Father Crispin Witika. Full Text available at
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Christmas bears show the
spirit of giving
Corpus Christi College students demonstrated their altruism and attentiveness to the meaning of Christmas by giving the gift of their hand made and decorated teddy bears to unwell children at St John of God Murdoch Hospital. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE students recently demonstrated their altruism and attentiveness to the meaning of Christmas by giving the gift of their handmade and decorated teddy bears to unwell children at St John of God Murdoch Hospital. Paediatric Ward Manager Wendy Singleton said the bears were a welcome gift for many children who find being in hospital a daunting experience. “Children coming into hospital are often nervous and need assurance that everything will be fine, or some distractions from their treatment,” Ms Singleton said. “It is a lovely thought that children are giving to other children in their time of vulnerability and need.” Corpus Christi’s Head of Religious Education, Silvana Vicoli, said the school endeavors to undertake Christian Community service with meaningful and helpful projects for the community.
“The Year Seven students explored the idea of Christian Service and how through showing the love of charity, we could make a real difference in the life of others,” Ms Vicoli said. “They were then given the time and tools to create their bear and write a heartfelt prayer for the person who received their bear.” The school has been giving the bears to members of the community throughout the year. “As the year comes to an end and the sight of advent arrives, we felt it would be a nice gesture to donate the remaining bears to another Catholic care agency within our community – St John of God Murdoch Hospital.” The Year Seven choir from Corpus Christi also sang Christmas Carols in a number of different areas around the hospital. Full Text available at
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THE SHOPFRONT CELEBRATES JOY OF GIVING AND RECEIVING AT 2016 CHRISTMAS PARTY THE FEELING OF JOY that comes from helping those in need and being helped by volunteers throughout the year 2016 could be sensed at this year’s The Shopfront Christmas Party. Attended by more than 300 people on 10 December, the event offered volunteers, staff, benefactors and anyone who has sought assistance from The Shopfront an opportunity to come together, share a meal and enjoy a variety of Christmas carols. As per tradition, the lunch was followed by the arrival of Santa Claus who handed out bags of gifts to all those present, giving guests - particularly children - the opportunity to
As per tradition, The Shopfront Christmas Party featured the arrival of Santa Claus, who handed out bags of gifts to all those present, giving guests particularly children - the opportunity to sit on his lap, take photos and for PHOTO: SUPPLIED those who wished to do so, exchange a few words.
exchange a few words. Individuals from the local community, businesses and schools donated gifts and food, as well as their time, to help on this day. The role and function
of The Shopfront, one of the Archdiocese of Perth’s LifeLink agencies, is to relieve poverty and suffering in an environment that offers practical assistance, fellowship and hospitality.
First established in late 2001 and officially opened in 2002 in recognition of the growing needs of the most vulnerable living in the inner city, The Shopfront has since helped thousands of people with issues such as homelessness, mental health issues, emergency housing as well as budgeting, addiction, violence and loneliness. To find out more about The Shopfront, please visit www. shopfrontwa.org.au To support The Shopfront and other LifeLink agencies, please visit www.lfelink.com. au Full Text available at
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MIGRATION LAWYER HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF
Church’s role on refugee issues By Marco Ceccarelli and Jamie O’Brien
In October 2016, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Denis Hart, called for an end to the offshore detention of refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island. In what he described as “one of the greatest crises of our day,” Archbishop Hart lamented the current situation faced by people forced from their own countries by war, persecution or poverty and forced to live without a home and safety and often separated from their families. In light of his comments, Archdiocesan Communications Manager Jamie O’Brien and The eRecord journalist Marco Ceccarelli spoke to migration lawyer and co-founder of Estrin Saul Lawyers, Reuben Saul, about offshore detention, the Catholic Church’s role in influencing government and public opinion on refugee issues and Australia’s tradition of welcoming refugees. “WE WELCOME Archbishop Hart’s comments,” Mr Saul said, reflecting on the potential impact of such pronounced comments from a Church leader on one of the more pressing issues of our time. “They are important because the Catholic Church holds a prominent place in Australian society as a social justice movement. It has for many years,” he added. Mr Saul co-founded and works at Estrin Saul Lawyers, one of the few law firms in Western Australia specialising in immigration and refugee law. With years of work experience in detention centres on Christmas Island and in the Kimberley, he has represented people from all different backgrounds and has witnessed the impact of detention on people’s health and spirits. His work in ensuring that people are represented legally was made no less
Migration lawyer and co-founder of Estrin Saul Lawyers, Reuben Saul, spoke about offshore detention, the Catholic Church’s role in influencing government and public opinion on refugee issues and Australia’s tradition of helping those in need. Photo:
easy by the significant cuts in funding for legal aid to asylum seekers introduced by the new Australian government in late 2013. “There were quite drastic cuts to that program. While there are some legal services still available to clients that are deemed to be vulnerable, a large majority of the people who arrived by boat are in a position where they need to find their own legal representation or find a community group that will assist them through that process. “This means there are hundreds and thousands of people falling through the cracks and representing themselves. With the system getting harder and less people being represented, it’s a dangerous cocktail with people not getting hopedfor outcomes.” This decline in government assistance, Mr Saul said, has meant that institutions such as the Catholic Church have played a more significant role in helping with resettlements through education,
THE eRECORD is produced by the
PHOTO: MARCO CECCARELLI
healthcare and social services. The Church has also been instrumental in educating the public about refugee related issues. “We need to educate people. Concerns with issues like refugees come from people’s fears. Those fears are eased when people understand the system. It takes leadership and organisations like the Church in getting the message out there so people know that helping someone is not something to be scared of. Giving someone refuge is not something to be scared of. “Australia has a tradition of helping people and the Church has played a large role in that. Pushing the government to do more in this area is something people should feel proud of.” To know more about Estrin Saul Migration Lawyers, follow this link www. estrinsaul.com.au 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 RACHEL CURRY Assistant Editor (Acting) rachel.curry@perthcatholic.org.au CAROLINE SMITH Journalist caroline.smith@perthcatholic.org.au JOSH LOW Journalist josh.low@perthcatholic.org.au
communications@perthcatholic.org.au 21 Victoria Square, Perth WA 6000 | Ph: 9220 5900
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 TUE, 17 - FRI, 20 JAN CATHOLICSUPER PRERETIREMENT SEMINAR CatholicSuper will be running three Pre-retirement Seminars as follows, Tuesday, 17 January, 9am-1pm, Corpus Christi College, Bateman; Wednesday, 18 January, 9am-1pm Sacred Heart College, Sorrento and Thursday, 19 January 9am-1pm CEWA Office, Room G7, Leederville. Non-members, friends and family all welcome. THU, 19 JAN HOLY MASS AND HEALING - TALK BY ALAN AMES Alan 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 Costelloe for these talks. Further info: Keith 0411 108 525. 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. 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. There will be inspiring teachings and prayers for healing. Further info: Kaye Rollings kdr@aapt. net.au or 0421 605 502 1
EDITION #114 | 12 January 2017
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 a barbecue in the college grounds. RSVPs not necessary. BYO everything. Further info: Kevin Wringe 0407 511 104 or Ambrose Depiazzi 0419 912 187. FRI, 27 JAN REFLECTION, SHARING AND PRAYER EVENING You are invited to “Come and See”, come and enjoy an evening of reflection, sharing and prayer followed by a light meal. Theme: A time of Considering Contemplation … a way of life ..., Friday, 27 January, 4-8pm, Mary MacKillop Centre, 16 York St, South Perth. RSVP Alma Cabassi RSJ, cabassi.alma@ gmail.com, 0419 044 136. EVERY SATURDAY EVENING: DIVINE LITURGY IN ENGLISH 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. EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING: 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.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – EMMANUEL CENTRE The Emmanuel Centre, an Archdiocesan agency, selfhelp centre for people with a disability, are looking for a person to live-in and share their life with people in their community in East Perth. The successful person can have a day job or be studying. For more information, please send a short Résumé with references to Barbara Harris, Emmanuel Centre, 25 Windsor St., Perth 6000 or email emmanuelcentre@westnet. com.au. ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH - ASSISTANT EDITOR The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth is seeking to employ a full-time Assistant Editor at the Archdiocesan Communications Office, to support the Archdiocesan Communications Manager in co-ordinating publication of content for nominated communications assets, including The eRecord, The Record Magazine, the Archdiocesan website and The Record website. Tertiary qualifications in Journalism or Communications and/or relevant work experience of at least three (3) years is required, with work experience in the communications industry and sound knowledge of Microsoft Office and the Adobe Suite being highly regarded. Expressions of interest should be received by Julie Fuge, Archdiocese of Perth, GPO Box M962, PERTH WA 6843 or by email at julie. fuge@perthcatholic.org.au by no later than close of business, Friday 13 January, 2017. For more information contact Communications Manager, Jamie O’Brien on 08 9220 5900 or on 45 09 652 or via email at jamie.obrien@perthcatholic. org.au.
ACBC - CATHNEWS EDITOR The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) is seeking to employ an Editor of CathNews, a publication of the ACBC. The role primarily involves researching, sourcing, crediting and republishing local, national and international news stories about or with reference to the Catholic Church, published during the previous 24 to 48 hours. The ideal candidate will have good editorial judgement in selecting news stories, excellent attention to detail when editing and publishing with the ability to work to deadlines. The Editor will report to the Media and Communications Director at the ACBC. The location of the role is negotiable, however given the need to work in the evenings and early mornings, working from home is an advantage. A copy of the position description is available from, catholic.org.au/ positions-vacant. Applications close on Friday, 20 January 2017 at 5pm. Formal applications are to be addressed to the Media and Communications Director and emailed to admin@ catholic.org.au. For further information please contact Carolina Ross on (02) 6201 9845 or email, admin@ catholic.org.au. 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.