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2 March 2017
Edition #121
A PA STOR A L L ET T ER TO T H E
Catholic Community of the Archdiocese of Perth FROM THE MOST REV TIMOTHY COSTELLOE SDB, ARCHBISHOP OF PERTH
Dear sisters and brothers, The final hearing of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in relation to the Catholic Church was held in Sydney over three weeks from February 6 to February 24, 2017. It concluded last Friday after a day and a half dedicated to the witness given under oath by the five metropolitan Archbishops of Australia, of whom I am one as Archbishop of Perth. For the victims and survivors of sexual abuse by clergy, religious and other Catholic Church personnel this was an opportunity to hear from the current senior leadership of the Church our understanding of the causes of this terrible scourge, and what we, with our brother bishops and other leaders in the Church, intend to do in response. Some of the survivors were present at the hearing. Their presence was a powerful reminder that sexual abuse is not an abstract concept or a phenomenon to be studied objectively. It is rather something that touches real people whose lives have been marked in profound and destructive ways by the abuse to which they were subjected. The survivors present at the hearing, and all those who in a sense were represented by them, now expect the Church, through its many institutions, to live up to the commitments made at the Commission.
As Archbishop of Perth I have apologised publicly, but also in private meetings, to those in our archdiocese who have suffered so much through this terrible experience of abuse. I would like if I may to do so again now. You have been betrayed in the most terrible way by people whom you should have been able to trust. Many of you have carried this burden all through your lives. I am truly sorry for the suffering you have endured and offer you my sincere apology. The recently concluded public hearing into the Church's response to this appalling situation has revealed the shocking extent of this abuse over so many years. A penetrating light has been shone into the dark places of the Church's life and many people, both inside and outside the Church, have been left shocked, disillusioned and angry. Everyone realises that change is needed. While we must wait for the recommendations of the Royal Commission, we also must continue to implement the changes we have already initiated, especially in relation to making every Catholic parish, school, agency and institution a place of absolute safety for our children and young people. All the survivors I have met have pleaded with me to do everything I can to make sure that no more children suffer as they did. I am absolutely committed to this.
Indeed this is one of the foundational pillars of the Archdiocesan Plan we are now beginning to implement across the archdiocese. At the centre of our efforts is our Safeguarding Project. Planted firmly in the parish setting this programme is designed to be a local and immediate response to the need to create child-safe institutions. This cannot just happen centrally. It has to happen locally. This is what the Safeguarding Project seeks to do. At the same time, through its formation and training activities, this programme has the potential to develop a culture of awareness in relation to child safety which must permeate every aspect of
the life of the Church in our archdiocese. I hope you will all support this programme, recognise its potential to embed a culture of safeguarding in our Church, and make full use of the various initiatives which will come from our Safeguarding Office. Yours sincerely in Christ
Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB DD ARCHBISHOP OF PERTH
27 February 2017
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‘LOVING OUR NEIGHBOUR’
THE FOCUS AT LAUNCH OF PROJECT COMPASSION 2017 By Josh Low LOVING OUR NEIGHBOUR and supporting the less fortunate was the key message at the launch of Project Compassion for 2017 by Caritas Australia’s Manager of Community Engagement, Father George Sigamony. Project Compassion was officially launched for the year at St Mary’s Cathedral, with Mass celebrated by Monsignor Michael Keating and con-celebrated by Fr Sigamony and assisted by newly appointed Director of Caritas Australia’s Perth Office Deacon Paul Reid. Fr Sigamony discussed Caritas’ work in empowering communities both here in Australia and abroad, drawing from stories which will be featured in the coming weeks by The eRecord. He spoke of the importance of helping those in need, emphasising that our neighbours are not just those we encounter daily in our lives.
Fr George Sigamony hopes that through the generosity of the Catholic community in Australia, a difference can be made to the lives of those in need. PHOTO: JOSH LOW
“During the Lenten season, it’s important for us to think about ourselves as well as our neighbours who aren’t as fortunate as we are. “Caritas is really focusing on the theme of ‘Love your Neighbour’, with neighbours being those not just in our immediate
surroundings but others spread throughout the world who are in need of assistance. “We know that there are people who are suffering, and we now have the opportunity to really help and support them,” he said. St Paul himself, in the Acts of the Apostles, calls for works
of mercy in supporting the less fortunate, referencing the words of Jesus on the act of giving. “We must exert ourselves in this way to support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving’.” (Acts 20:35) Wit h last year’s Project Compassion raising $11 million overall towards those in need, Fr Sigamony is hopeful that this year’s effort will raise more. “We look forward to getting the support of the Catholic community in Australia in a sort of ‘joining together’ in the sufferings of others. “Our hope is that through the generosity of our Australian communities, we will be able to raise more this year for those who need support. “The donations that go to Project Compassion can really make a difference and bring hope to people’s lives,” he concluded.
Caritas Australia continues Shrove Tuesday tradition with fundraising initiative By Josh Low
Caritas Australia’s newly appointed Director of the Perth Office, Deacon Paul Reid with Justice Educator PHOTO: JOSH LOW for Western Australia, Anita Finneran at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Lunch.
CARITAS AUSTRALIA continued its Shrove Tuesday tradition this week with the first of their fundraising initiatives, a few days after the official launch of this year’s Project Compassion at St Mary’s Cathedral. Shrove Tuesday – a pancake-based lunch held before Ash Wednesday and in preparation for the Season of Lent – gave the Caritas team an opportunity to share the stories of Project Compassion 2017 with directors and coordinators from across the Archdiocese. Held on 28 February at the Catholic Pastoral Centre of Our Lady of the Mission in Highgate, the event was facilitated by Caritas Australia’s newly appointed Director of the Perth Office, Deacon Paul Reid, and Justice Educator for Western Australia, Anita Finneran.
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Continued from page 2 Pope Francis past comments on poverty being a scandal in the world, were raised. “In a world where there is so much wealth, so many resources to feed everyone, it is unfathomable that there are so many hungry children, that there are so many children without an education, so many poor persons,” the Holy Father said. With this year’s theme of ‘Loving your neighbour’, there was an emphasis on the need to work together collaboratively for those in need. Anita Finneran, has previously encouraged support for Project Compassion, to provide help to impoverished communities become self-sufficient and in the process, create a ‘better future for our world’. “Caritas Australia has worked with partner agencies overseas and in First Australian communities to assist those communities lift themselves out of poverty. "Your donations make a big difference to our capacity to help impoverished communities become stronger and more resilient,” Ms Finneran said.
Three Year 12 students (Jackson, Lucy & Peter) shared their experience of their immersion trip to PHOTO: JOSH LOW the Philippines, and assisted with making pancakes on the day.
Students from Newman College were also present, and assisted in the making of the pancakes, with three Year 12 students sharing their experience of the college’s immersion trip to the Philippines. Jackson, Lucy and Peter all discussed the impact their experiences, and showcased a video from their trip.
To donate to Project Compassion or for fundraising ideas visit www.caritas.org.au/ projectcompassion or phone 1800 024 413. Full Text available at
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East Cannington
CELEBR ATES CLOSURE AFTER 60 YEARS By Daniele Foti-Cuzzola A COMMUNITY OF CATHOLICS created a spiritual home at the St Francis of Assisi Church, where they had their faith nourished, said Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, at a recent closing Mass of the Church building, celebrated on Sunday 19 February. “That wonderful faith was their cornerstone and foundation for their journey through life,” Bishop Sproxton said. Bishop Sproxton celebrated the Mass in the adjoining demountable hall, with the Rev Dr Joseph Parkinson as concelebrant, with the St Francis of Assisi Church community also marking the occasion by celebrating 60 years of baptisms, marriages, funerals and weekly Masses. The Mass, which was followed by an afternoon tea, was attended by more than 150 parishioners and their families, with Bishop
Members of the Choir at St Francis of Assisi Church East Cannington, with PHOTO: JAMIE O'BRIEN Auxiliary Bishop of Perth, Don Sproxton.
Sproxton reminding them that their dedication, commitment and hard work to build the church and establish the (now former) Parish community, would continue to live on in their memories. “The church building will always represent the Catholic community that gathered here to celebrate the very significant stages in the lives of ourselves
and our loved ones,” he said. Bishop Sproxton explained that the St Francis of Assisi Church has weathered after so many years of use, and requires attention if it is to be ever used again. “For this reason,” he said, “we are celebrating the Mass in the hall.” In a commemorative booklet to mark the occasion, several parishioners shared their stories
of how the St Francis of Assisi Church and parish community impacted their lives. Mariannina shared how her family were parishioners at the now former East Cannington Parish (St Francis Church) from the time the family moved from Beckenham in 1978. “My family was very involved in the parish life and we have many happy memories,” she said. Fellow parishioner Amalia shared how the parish played a pivotal part in her and her late husband, Nicola’s lives. “The St Francis Church and parish has been a very special and important part of our lives.” Former organist Rosa spoke about what she learned and how her faith grew during a decade of former Parish Priest Fr DeGiorgio’s spirituality and example at St Francis Church. Full Text available at
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LECTIO DIVINA
Read, Meditate, Pray, Contemplate for Lent By Natashya Fernandez SISTER SHELLEY Barlow RNDM has this week talked about an upcoming course at the Centre for Faith Enrichment, entitled ‘Three Tuesday Mornings in Lent’, and what it means to take home the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, or divine reading. Open to everyone in the Archdiocese of Perth, the course starts on 14 March, continuing until the 28 March from 10am to 12.30pm. “Look at it like a good spring clean,” she said. “Lent helps us to focus and get our lives in order. [It is] A very special time in the Christian calendar, starting with Ash Wednesday and till Easter, Lent is a gift and not a burden,” Sr Shelley said. Aiming to enrich people’s faith in God, in Jesus in a Catholic Christian way, ‘Three Tuesday Mornings in Lent’ will look at the Sunday readings – the first reading, the Psalm, the second reading and the Gospel of Lectio Divina, a Latin term which means “divine reading”. Simply put, it means, what is God saying to us in these readings? Sr Shelley says the readings taken for Lent helps us reflect on our lives. “During Lent, we fast and pray to purify our hearts before God. Most people want to see God and enjoy the peace of God, so at this time we have to discipline ourselves. “These readings are like nuggets of gold and through
Sr Shelley Barlow talked to The eRecord about the Lectio Divina and what the Centre for Faith Enrichment course, PHOTO: NATASHYA FERNANDEZ entitled Three Tuesday Mornings in Lent means to her and for everyone who joins.
this course, I want to teach this fact to the people,” she said. Going more into the details of the Lectio Divina style, Sr Shelley says that it is a very traditional and ancient practice of Church through the Benedictine order. As Sr Shelley explained, there are four movements – Lectio, where you read the passage, Meditatio, where you think about the passage, Oratio, the time to speak your longings and desires evoked by the Spirit in you and to talk to God, and Contemplatio, where you rest in the presence of God. “Taking them through these movements, we will go through each reading slowly and deeply, and reflect on what it means to everyone,” said Sr Shelley. So moved by this ancient style
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of reading and understanding the Gospels, Sr Shelley hopes that people who attend these classes will take home the true meaning of this style, and live a more fruitful and happy life. Being a very important time in the Catholic faith, teaching this course is extra special for Sr Shelley as she says it is a time and a chance to be healthy and wholesome again. “When I went through the readings, I thought I couldn’t really do better. The first reading from the book of Exodus, it’s the most wonderful story about Moses praying and talking directly with God. “That’s how we should be before God, whatever our issues; we should put our masks aside and share with God as our true
and most trusted friend that is Oratio. And, that’s the method of the Lectio Divina style. It can nourish us in Lent,” she said joyously. Listening to Sr Shelley quote passages from St Augustine’s Confessions, Psalm 94, the Samaritan women at the well and Moses in the desert will surely have you moved, for it did exactly that to her. “We are on a journey of life and Lent helps us to focus, get our lives in order, like a good spring clean,” she retorts. To Register for the course, visit: cfe.org.au/courses-and-events/ three-tuesday-mornings-lent 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
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PANORAMA What's happening around the Archdiocese THU, 2 MAR OBSERVING FAITH THROUGH FRIENDSHIP OVER A CUPPA Personal Advocacy is a unique ministry mandated by Archbishop Costelloe 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 brought to people with intellectual disabilities, as this form of spirituality is more readily experienced than defined. Thursday 2 March 6.45-9pm. RSVP essential to robyn@ paswa.org.au. THU, 2 MAR OBSERVING FAITH THROUGH FRIENDSHIP OVER A CUPPA Personal Advocacy is a unique ministry mandated by Archbishop Costelloe 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 brought to people 1
EDITION #121 | 2 March 2017
with intellectual disabilities, as this form of spirituality is more readily experienced than defined. Thursday 2 March 6.45-9pm. RSVP essential to robyn@ paswa.org.au. THUS, 2 - 16 MAR THE BOOK OF EXODUS FOR LENT – ONLINE COURSE Every Thursday, 7.30-8.15pm, (3 sessions). Enter into the season of Lent with a short, user friendly, online course that will explore the meaning of the Book of Exodus for our own journey to the Promised Land. Simply register, be in front of your computer at the designated time, click on the link which the presenter will send you and enjoy! Suggested donation: $15. Presenter: Rev. Dr Charles Waddell. Further info or to register; cfl@perthcatholic. org.au or 08 9207 3350. WED, 8 MAR PARENT INFORMATION EVENING - UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME The transition from secondary school to university is not only a challenge for students as they seek the right pathway to a successful and rewarding career. Parents have oncerns too, often focused on the nature of the admissions process and how the learning Environment supports the individual needs of students to ensure they maximise their potential. Paving the way for a successful transition, Notre Dame University’s Parent Information Evening, Wednesday 8 March will provide first-hand insights and tips, and the opportunity to ask questions about the
University and the courses on offer. Catered to parents with children in Years 10, 11 or 12, it will explore Notre Dame’s unique admissions process, alternative pathways, fees and scholarships, university life in Fremantle’s West End and recommended ATAR subjects aligned with career aspirations. Further info and to register visit; www.nd.edu. au/events/2017/parent-infoevening 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 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 WED, 15 MAR OBSERVING FAITH THROUGH FRIENDSHIP OVER A CUPPA Personal Advocacy 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.
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EDITION #121 | 2 March 2017
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.
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.
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 to spend time making connections relating to our Mass. RSVP as numbers are limited. Children are welcome. Further info: Emmanuel Centre 08 9328 8113, Fax: 08 9227 9720; or emmanuelcentre@ westnet.com.au.
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.
FRI. 24 - SUN, 26 MAR FOOTWASHING AWAITING DISCOVERY For most Christians washing each other’s feet is simply a curiosity of the liturgy. Many have never seen it done, much less done it. However it is a well-founded action, one that goes back to the practice of Jesus and is one of the signs used by John the evangelist in his preaching of 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
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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.