29 January 2015
Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth
Edition #16
St Mary’s celebrates 150 years By James Parker ONE OF PERTH’S favourite visitor attractions, St Mary’s Cathedral in Victoria Square, the mother church of Perth’s Catholic community, this week Thursday 29 January, celebrated the 150th anniversary of its original opening and consecration. Archbishop Tim Costelloe SDB, the ninth Catholic Archbishop of Perth, celebrated Mass at 12.10pm on the anniversary, giving thanks to God for the past, present and future life of the cathedral. In his sermon for the occasion, Archbishop Costelloe reminded those who gather at the Cathedral that they are “called together into a community of faith… to proclaim the goodness of God to all people”. This, he said, is to be done “in the way we behave which will speak more powerfully of the love of God alive in us than our words, or even than the magnificence of the churches and cathedrals we build”. The Archbishop shared how the Christian scriptures encourage followers of Christ “not to stay away from the meetings of the community” prompting them to gather regularly as one around the altar. “For 150 years, faithful Catholics have been making the journey to this hill on the outskirts of the city,” said Archbishop Costelloe, “to share their faith, to open EDITION #16 | 29 JANUARY 2015
A historical photo of St Mary’s Cathedral (left) and the Archbishop’s Palace (Right) at Victoria Square in 1865. PHOTO: FILE
themselves to God’s word, to be drawn into a deep communion of love with him, and to respond to his call to take what they have received within these walls out into the world of their family,
cathedral church in Victoria Square. “How grateful we must be to those who over so many years have continued to build and develop this cathedral. And how grateful we must be
“How grateful we must be to those who over so many years have continued to build and develop this cathedral. “ their neighbourhood, their job, their community.” He stated that it is “this fidelity and faith we are really celebrating today”. Finally, the Archbishop expressed his gratitude to the early pioneers who courageously built the first
to those who are responsible for the magnificent building in which we find ourselves today and which we are so proud to call our Cathedral,” the Archbishop ended. The opening of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, known today simply as St Mary’s Cathedral, was seen as one of Colonial Perth’s finest new buildings and its opening was a major event that drew large crowds from all denominations. Today’s cathedral has been through three key stages of development – 1865 to 1930 under the instruction of Fr Martin Griver, who later became the second bishop of Perth; 1930 to 2006 when St Mary’s was re-designed to resemble a Gothic style cathedral; and finally 20062009 when the cathedral was completed to accommodate a rising population. Additions included a new north-western tower and a new west entrance.
Sinulog – A dance celebrating Catholic Faith! A FILIPINO traditional prayer dance was the highlight of the procession of the Feast of Santo Nino, or Feast of the Infant Child Jesus, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church, Rockingham recently. The dance, called Sinulog, is a dance ritual in honour of the Santo Nino and aims to resemble movement of the current in the river in Cebu, Philippines, where the dance originates. The dancers move two steps forward and one step backward to the sound of the drums while chanting words of gratitude to the Holy Infant Jesus. The celebration began with Mass, followed by the procession, refreshments and the Sinulog program at the hall. Parishioner German Panopio reported to the Communications and Media Office that those who attended the event were happy the celebration was well attended. “The procession of the Holy Infant Jesus was the first to happen at Rockingham Parish,” Mr Panopio said. Parish priest, Father Pierluigi Vajra CRS, said the parish has the grace of a good number of Filipino parishioners. “Their testimony of faith-
“Sinulog”, the Filipino traditional prayer dance, was the highlight of the procession of the Feast of Santo Nino (Holy Infant Jesus) at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Rockingham. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
fulness to their Catholic faith is evident to all parishioners,” Fr Vajra said. “Some of them are a precious resource in some of the various ministries of the parish, especially the catechesis to hand over the
faith to our younger brethren,” he said. Fr Vajra went on to say that he hopes this celebration will be the first step towards a greater involvement of all backgrounds and traditions for a more active
and participating Church. “There is such a wealth of talent and potential among our Catholics. May it all emerge, for the good of all and the progress of the Kingdom of God among us,” he said.W
ACBC plea for clemency for Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran THE AUSTRALIAN Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ACBC) has written to Indonesian President Joko Widodo expressing concern for the circumstances of Australians Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, who are facing the death penalty. The letter, signed by Archbishop of Melbourne and President of the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference, Archbishop Denis Hart on 21 EDITION #16 | 29 JANUARY 2015
January, recognised the seriousness of the offences committed in Indonesia, as well as the devastating effect of
for the common good of our societies when such crimes are committed,” the letter stated. “However, we believe
“... we believe, that jail sentences, not execution, are the more appropriate means of punishing offenders.” drugs on communities both in Indonesia and Australia. “Justice must prevail and appropriate punishment used
that jail sentences, not execution, are the more appropriate means of punishing offenders and deterring those who
would consider committing such crimes.” Archbishop Hart, on behalf of the ACBC, went on to express his concern for the sacredness of life which, he said, motivates the plea for clemency by the ACBC. “I am aware that Andrew and Myuran are remorseful and have been reformed. Full Text available at
www.therecord.com.au
Emmanuel Centre to explain Synod Survey THE RECENT invitation to participate in the survey by the Archdiocese of Perth in response to the Synod of the Family in 2014 is gaining much interest, according to Emmanuel Centre Co-ordinator, Barbara Harris. The survey looks at how the family is supported by both the Church and society, asking questions on marriage, divorce, same-sex attraction, parenting and other challenges that affect contemporary
family life. Mrs Harris has said that interest is also very much alive and well among those who engage in the services of the Emmanuel Centre, who
To help people across Perth and rural areas to take part in the survey, the Emmanuel Centre is organising a meeting at the Emmanuel Centre,
Interest is very much alive and well among those who engage in the services of the Emmanuel Centre are extremely keen to ensure they can share their thoughts and ideas about the issues at hand.
25 Windsor Street, Perth, on Thursday, 5 February at 10am. Derek Boylen, Director of Marriage and
Fertility Services, will give an overview of the first report from the Synod and assist participants to discuss questions and issues relating to major questions of the new survey. PowerPoint presentations and Auslan interpreters will be available. If you would like to attend, please contact Barbara Harris on 08 9328 8113 or email emmanuelcentre@westnet.com.au. Attendance is free and lunch will be served at 12pm.
Philosophy essential for legal minds PHILOSOPHY, in the sense of critical thinking and structured reasoning, is an essential ingredient for the practice and study of law, according to a graduate of The University of Notre Dame Australia’s School of Law Fremantle, Justin Keogh. Mr Keogh, an articled clerk at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Western Australia, says the disciplines of philosophy and ethics, taught to all undergraduate students at Notre Dame as part of the university’s core curriculum, encourage abstract thinking and academic rigour, as well as challenging a person’s understanding of morality. “While the content of philosophy has some crossover, particularly in jurisprudence, the skills acquired from its study are critical for identifying the heart of an argument, structuring a coherent response and exploring a viable solution. It goes without saying that these skills are not just relevant to law,” Mr Keogh, also a former Sessional Tutor in the University’s School of
Notre Dame Law graduate, Justin Keogh, says Philosophy is an essential ingredient for the practice of law. PHOTO: UNDA
Philosophy & Theology, said. “Ethics (moral philosophy) is even more applicable. An appreciation of ethics is essential for understanding concepts relating to justice, fairness and equality; concepts central to most systems of law. Further, it is
this appreciation, sometimes innate, that draws many people to seek out a career in law in the first place.” Established on the principle of growing each individual personally, professionally and spiritually through its Objects, Notre Dame students
have the ability to actively participate in the developing culture of campus life, in the classroom, through volunteering initiatives, religious pursuits and formation, and in a number of student clubs and societies. “By participating in the campus life you associate with like-minded people; many of whom will become close friends,” Mr Keogh said. “You enter a space where you can practise the skills you are taught in class in a safe and supportive environment and have the opportunity to create a legacy that will exist on campus long after you leave.” Dean of the School of Law Fremantle, Professor Doug Hodgson, says Notre Dame’s law students take practical courses such as advocacy, alternative dispute resolution and ethics, where they are taught how to act in the courtroom and ways to deal with ethical challenges that may arise throughout their careers. Full Text available at
www.therecord.com.au EDITION #16 | 29 JANUARY 2015
Seeing the great need in Bali and doing something about it By Marco Ceccarelli IF THERE is a sight that must fill the orphans of Yappenantin Orphanage in Bali with joy, it is that of St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s Rosalie Nodwell. The hospital’s Learning and Development Coordinator has been travelling to this extremely poor orphanage for the last four years, engaging in voluntary work and offering orphaned children better living conditions and learning opportunities. Ms Nodwell has a number of tasks to carry out in her current nursing post at SJG Hospital Subiaco. These include training approximately 1,500 students each year from local universities and institutes of technology and coordinating their practical education with a team of clinical facilitators. She also aids the Instep program, aimed at giving work experience to students still in school. However, Ms Nodwell has invested a significant amount of her time and energy towards improving living conditions in some of the world’s poorest areas. She recently spoke to Archdiocese of Perth Communications and Media Office journalist Marco Ceccarelli about what she believes have been humbling and life-changing experiences. Ms Nodwell initially became involved with helping remote overseas communities on a trip to the island of Tanna, Vanuatu, with her adult children. On the island, she shared 39 years of experience as a registered nurse to provide medical care to the inhabitants of three villages.
Rosalie Nodwell with orphans from Yappenantin Orphanage in Bali
The trip had such a profound effect on Ms Nodwell that, not long after, she found herself speaking to her children about their trips to Bali, and of their visit to the Yappenantin Orphanage, and making the decision to visit
“This orphanage has 150 children - so it is a very big orphanage. “There were 10 to 15 girls per room - rooms so small they stacked their sleeping mats in the morning and spread them out at night. The
There is a need to go beyond what we see in Bali, not only as a beautiful holiday destination but a place in need. the orphanage herself. “When I first went there, the conditions of the orphanage were very poor,” Ms Nodwell said. “None of the children had towels or many toiletry items; they were sharing plates and cutlery,” she said. “The bathrooms were awash with muddy water and the nearby river was often used for personal washing.
room was lit by a single, dangling, precarious light,” Ms Nodwell said. It did not take long for her to become personally involved in providing essential food and sanitary items, as well as purchasing soft toys for the children. “Food is very basic at the orphanage: children eat rice and noodles flavoured with stock. Meat is a rare treat and
The e-Record is produced by the Archdiocese of Perth Communication and Media Office 21 Victoria Square, Perth WA 6000 | Ph: 9220 5900 | Email: office@therecord.com.au
PHOTO: SJGSH
they receive one egg per child per week. “On my trips to the local markets, I would buy food items, including fruit, along with cutlery and crockery, washing powders, toothbrushes and toothpaste, cleaning brushes and antiseptic materials,” Ms Nodwell added. With the help of SJG Hospital Subiaco volunteers, who have raised and donated money towards several projects, Ms Nodwell was also able to make structural improvements to living space. Bathrooms for the boys were built, along with two new bedrooms for the girls and the renovation of the girls’ bathrooms. New mats and pillows for the boys were also purchased. Full Text available at
www.therecord.com.au
PANORAMA
What’s happening around the Archdiocese FRIDAY 30 - SATURDAY 31 JANUARY Master Class in Youth Leader’s Training 2015 Catholic Youth Ministry Perth is conducting Master Class Youth Leaders’ Training from Friday 30 to Saturday, 31 January at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary Street Highgate. (30 Jan: 6.30 - 9pm, 31 Jan: 9am - 5pm.) Cost is $30, which includes lunch. Further info: 9422 7912, admin@cym.com.au or www. cym.com.au.
at the latest.) Further info: Leila on 9422 7904, rndmsecaus@olm.org.au.
info: Edita 9418 3728, Susan 9434 3969 or Aileen 0423 578059.
TUESDAY, 3 FEBRUARY CCR Opening Year Mass The Opening Year Mass of Perth’s Catholic Charismatic Renewal takes place on Tuesday, 3 February at 7.30pm at Holy Family Church, Como, beginning with Prayer & Praise. Prayer to receive the touch of the Holy Spirit will be available after the Mass for those who request it. Further info: Dan Hewitt 9398 4973.
SATURDAY 31 JANUARY Love Healing Ministry This ministry, which offers healing prayer from past and present issues plus the opportunity to intercede for a loved one who may be ill or facing problems at this time, will be conducted after the 6pm Vigil Mass at St Lawrence & Mary Immaculate Parish, Balcatta on Saturday, 31 January. Further info: Gilbert 0431 570322 or Fr David Watt 9376 1734.
THURSDAY, 5 FEBRUARY Deaf/Hearing Engagement with Vatican Surevy The Emmanuel Centre, a volunteerrun self-help centre for people with disabilities, invites you to a meeting on Thursday, 5 February from 10am12 noon at 25 Windsor St, Perth to discuss responding to the present Vatican Survey. Derek Boylen, Director of Catholic Marriage and Fertility Services, will give on overview of the report from the recent Extraordinary Synod on Marriage and the Family. He will then help those present to discuss issues connected to the major questions of the present Vatican Survey. Everyone is welcome. PowerPoint and AusLan interpreters available. A light lunch will be served at 12 noon. Further info and RSVP to: Barbara Harris 9328 8113, emmanuelcentre@westnet.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, 11 FEBRUARY Touch of Heaven International speaker, Alan Ames, who is renowned for bringing Jesus’ healing touch to people, will speak and offer healing prayer after the celebration of Mass on Wednesday, 11 February at 7.00pm at St Bernadette’s Church, Jugan St, Mt Hawthorn. Hear the dramatic story of how a violent alcoholic man’s was turned around through the Sacraments and prayer. Further info: George 9275 6608.
SUNDAY, 1 FEBRUARY Divine Mercy first Sunday devotions An afternoon with Jesus and Mary will be held at St Frances Xavier church, 25 Windsor street , East Perth, on Sunday 1st February, 2015 with Fr. Johnson Malayil doing the homily on St Jerome Emilani at 1.30 p.m with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy and concluding with Benediction and Veneration of St Faustina Kowalska relic. Reconciliation will be available. Refreshments will follow afterwards Enquiries Julia and June Murphy 94577771 or Charles Donovan 93420653. MONDAY 2 FEBRUARY Year of Consecrated Life Pope Francis announced that 2015 is a year dedicated to the promotion of consecrated life, asking the Church’s religious sisters, brothers and priests to “wake up the world” with their testimony of faith, holiness and hope. Archbishop Tim Costelloe and the Catholic Religious of WA invite you to attend a special archdiocesan celebration to launch the Year of Consecrated Life in the Archdiocese of Perth on Monday 2nd February in St Mary’s Cathedral at 7.00pm. The celebration will be followed by a simple supper in the cathedral grounds. This is the first of several public events that are being scheduled throughout the Year of Consecrated Life. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. (Should any priest wish to concelebrate at the Mass, please let Sr Kerry Willison know by contacting the Centre for Liturgy on 9207 3350 by 27th January EDITION #16 | 29 JANUARY 2015
SUNDAY, 8 FEBRUARY World Day Against Human Trafficking As part of the Year of Consecrated Life, Pope Francis made modern day slavery the theme of his recent Message for the World Day of Peace 2015. He has designated the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita, Sunday, 8 February, as the World Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action Against Human Trafficking. Parishes are encouraged to better alert and inform their communities to this modern-day criminality wherever possible. Many resources (prayers, liturgies, stories) are available at http://acrath.org.au Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH). Further info: Sr Lucy Kessel PBVM (WA Coordinator for ACRATH) 9384 5433, lucy@preswa.com.au. Celebration of Santo Niño A Mass organised by the Filipino community in honour of Santo Niño, will be celebrated on Sunday, 8 February at 6.00pm at St Jerome’s Church, 36 Troode Street, Munster. A Procession and Benediction will follow the Mass. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please bring your Santo Niño statues for a special blessing. Dinner will follow in the parish hall. Please bring a plate to share. Further
SATURDAY, 21 FEBRUARY With Burning Hearts The 2015 Liturgy Conference of the Archdiocese of Perth takes place on Saturday, 21 February from 9am-4.15pm at John XXIII College, Mooro Dr, Mt Claremont. Cost is $15 per person. BYO lunch, with morning and afternoon tea/coffee provided. Keynote Addresses will be given by Sr Margaret Scharf OP (Full, Conscious and Active: the Church Participates in the Sacred Liturgy) and Dr Angela McCarthy (Liturgy and the Arts). Further info and to register: Centre for Liturgy registrations.cfl@ perthcatholic.org.au. Children’s Liturgy of the Word Workshop This workshop on Saturday, 21 February from 9.30-11.30am at the Centre for Liturgy, 28 Marda Way, Nollamara prepares and supports those involved in presenting the Good News to children in a way that they can best get to know Jesus. Cost is $10 per person. Registrations are essential. Further info and to register: Centre for Liturgy registrations.cfl@ perthcatholic.org.au. TUESDAY, 24 FEBRUARY Dawson Society for Philosophy & Culture Dr Matthew Tan, lecturer in Theology and Philosophy at Campion College in NSW, will speak to the theme of Take me with you: a theology of running away? on Tuesday, 24 February at Rosie O’Grady’s, 205 James St, Northbridge. Arrive at 6.30pm for 7pm dinner followed by speaker’s forum. Online booking $30 (+ booking fee), at door $35. Further info: Thomas Gourlay 0434 402884 or Thomas@dawsonsociety.com.au. FRIDAY, 27 FEBRUARY Ignite Youth-Perth Catholic Youth Ministry Perth and Ignite Youth have come together to create a new series of Youth Rallies in Perth during 2015. The rallies will include music, inspirational talks and opportunities for reconciliation and prayer. Each event is targeted
mostly for teens but young adults are welcome to also attend. The dates for Ignite Live Night are 27 February, 17 April, 19 June and 27 November. More information on venue and times to follow. Further info: 9422 7912 or admin@cym.com.au. THURSDAY, 5 MARCH Catholic Man Breakfast Series The Hon Tim Fischer AC will be the keynote speaker at the first Catholic Man Breakfast Series event for 2015 on Thursday, 5 March between 7-9am at the Duxton Hotel, Perth. Tim was Deputy Prime Minister in the Howard Government from 1996–99, and served as the first Rome-resident Australian Ambassador to the Holy See from 2009–12, an experience he describes in his book Holy See, Unholy me: 1000 Days in Rome released in 2013. SATURDAY, 7 MARCH Sand Sculpture Competition Catholic Youth Ministry Perth will be holding a Sand Sculpting competition for youth and young adults, on Saturday, 7 March from 8.30am to 1pm at Scarborough Beach. Participants can be in a team of two to 10 people, and there are great prizes to be won. Cost is $20 per team, and participants must register by 20 February. Further info: 9422 7912, admin@cym.com.au or www. cym.com.au. Christian Meditation Community Day WA Christian Meditation Committee which hosts its first Community Day for 2015 on Saturday, 7 March, from 10am to 3.30pm at St Cecilia’s Parish Centre, cnr Grantham St/Kenmore Ave, Floreat. This day will include periods of Christian Meditation and there will be opportunities for discussion. Mr. John Coleman will lead the theme on ‘The Wisdom of Thomas Merton’. All Welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch. Tea and coffee provided. Suggested donation is $ 10. Further info: CMC WA – 0429 117242, christianmeditation@iinet.net.au, www.christianmeditationaustralia. org. TUESDAY, 10 MARCH Parish Altar Server Co-ordinator Training This training on Tuesday, 10 March from 9.30-11.30am at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre, 50 Ovens Rd, Thornlie prepares and supports those involved in presenting the Good News to children in a way that they can best get to know Jesus. Cost is $10 per person. Registrations are essential. Further info and to register: Centre for Liturgy registrations.cfl@ perthcatholic.org.au.
TUESDAY, 17 MARCH St Patrick’s Day Celebration Mass St Patrick’s Day Annual Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, 17 March at 10.00am in St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, Perth with Archbishop Tim Costelloe as principal celebrant and homilist. There will be the usual Entrance Procession of Banners and all Irish groups are invited to take part. Everyone is welcome to attend the Mass which is being organised by the Irish Community in WA working in collaboration with the Amaranarchdiocese of Perth. Clergy are invited to attend and concelebrate with the Archbishop. Further info: Paul, 56 Lombardy Street, Woodlands, 9446 3784, pltanham@tpg.com.au. MONDAY, 23 THURSDAY, 26 MARCH 2015 Catholic Earthcare Catholic Earthcare Australia’s sustainability initiative ASSISI (A Strategic Systems-based Integrated Sustainability Initiative) will host an intensive formation program to deepen understanding and experience of ‘ecological conversion’ through creative engagement with contemporary social technologies and processes for transformation. The purpose is to help leaders within organisations to attain the understanding and resources to form learning communities for sustainability in their own context. The program is from 3pm on 23 March until 2pm on 26 March at the Maryknoll Centre, Blackmans Bay (Hobart), Tasmania. Cost is $880 (or $792 GST exempt when sponsored by a Catholic organisation), which includes accommodation, catering, participation in all workshops and support materials. Further info and registration: admin@ catholicearthcare.org.au before 5 February. FRIDAY, 1 - TUESDAY, 5 MAY 2015 Teresa 2015: A woman for our times A conference to celebrate the 500th birthday of St Teresa of Avila and to seek her spiritual wisdom for today. 1-3 May 2015 at Infant Jesus Parish, Morley. Keynote speakers Bishop David Walker and Fr Greg Burke OCD. Further info: Infant Jesus Parish: 08 9276 8500, ijparish@carmelite. com or Maranatha Centre for Adult Faith Formation: 08 9241 5221, maranatha@ceo.wa.edu.au. MONDAY, 18 – WEDNESDAY, 20 MAY 2015 2nd National Catholic Mission Conference Mission: one heart many voices 2015 is the theme of the second national conference run and sponsored by Catholic Mission and Catholic Religious of Australia with the full endorsement of the ACBC. Keynote speaker will be Fr Stephen Bevans SVD from Chicago. It will be held EDITION #16 | 29 JANUARY 2015
at the SMC Conference Centre, 66 Goulbourn St, Sydney from 18-20 May 2015. Its purpose is to empower, affirm, enable, encourage and inspire agencies, parishes, congregations and all aspects of the Church with a scriptural and theological vision of mission while offering a platform to hear the many and varied voices that exist among us. Further info: www. mohmv.com.au/2015conference. FRIDAY, 22 - SATURDAY, 23 MAY International Symposium opposing Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide The Rydges South Park Hotel in Adelaide is to host the first international symposium in the southern hemisphere by the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition International. (Previous symposia were held in New York, Vancouver, Edinburgh and Toronto.) Presentations will be given by international speakers and experts opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide, and testimonials by those affected by euthanasia. Also covered will be mechanisms for fighting legalisation and how to ‘do media.’ Further content includes ethics, research, networking and a symposium dinner. Further info: www.conf.noeuthanasia.org.au. MONDAY, 7 - WEDNESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 17-Day Pilgrimage Discover the jewels of Spain, Portugal and France visiting Barcelona, Monserrat, Zaragoza, Avila, Fatima and coming alongside the incorruptible bodies of St Bernadette of Lourdes, St John Vianney of Ars, St Thérèse of Lisieux, St Vincent de Paul and St Catherine Labouré. 17 days away, consisting of 15 nights between 7 and 23 September. Pilgrimage spiritual director is Fr Michael Quynh Do. Further info: Sheila 0433 771979, Sue 0421 835408. SATURDAY, 31 OCTOBER SUNDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 23-Day Pilgrimage Join a 23-day pilgrimage through Central and Eastern Europe departing Perth Saturday, 31 October and returning to Perth Sunday, 22 November. The program includes visits to Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and many sacred destinations in Italy. Deposit required by Sunday, 1 February with final payment due by Sunday, 3 May. Pilgrimage spiritual director is Fr John Piumatti. Cost is $6,200.00 per person. Further info: Francis Williams, Tour Coordinator 9459 3873, 0404 893877, perthfamily888@gmail.com. THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Auslan Cafe 9.30am at the Emmanuel Centre, 25 Windsor St, Perth. Mass next door at St Francis Xavier Parish with PowerPoint and Auslan Interpreter. Followed by classes at 10.30am; classes and lunch
are free. You will learn the language to help communicate with profoundly deaf people. Enq: Barbara 08 9328 8113 or emmanuelcentre@westnet. com.au.
GENERAL NEW NORCIA 2015 17-19 Apr Into Deep Silence - Dr Carmel Posa sgs will lead a retreat looking at how our world today has forgotten the benefit and joy of silence and solitude which is necessary for living a truly human life. This retreat will enter into the deep silence where God lies hidden within each of us. (Except for brief input sessions, silence will be kept at all times during this retreat including meals.) Recommended cost for this retreat is $260. 1-3 May Reading Weekend: Towards God - Retreat guide, Sr Margaret Malone sgs, will share how most of us at some stage realize we need help in our prayer life. The study of the book Towards God uses some of the teaching of important writers in the tradition such as Augustine, John Cassian, St Bernard. St Gregory, St Benedict, Julian of Norwich, Fr Michael Casey, an Australian Cistercian monk which may help to provide ways of developing and sustaining your own prayer life. The book is based on personal experience making it extraordinarily helpful and easily accessible. The text for our reading for this weekend is: Towards God: The Ancient Wisdom of Western Prayer, by Michael Casey ocso. Recommended Cost for the weekend: $300. Further info: Dr Carmel Posa sgs, 9654 8371, carmel.posa@newnorcia.wa.edu.au. GLOBAL CATHOLIC CLIMATE MOVEMENT LAUNCHED The Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM), an international coalition of Catholic organisations and leaders committed to a sustainable climate future, was launched earlier this week. The group released a statement underpinned by Catholic teachings and calling for prayer and action among the world’s Catholic population to work together on climate issues. This is the first time such a diverse global movement of Catholics have joined forces to work together on climate issues. All are united by their Catholic faith, commitment to climate change issues and a shared sense of responsibility to care for God’s Creation. Australia is represented by Catholic Earthcare Australia, the ecological agency of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. Jacqui Rémond, Director of Catholic Earthcare Australia, said: “Over 25 per cent of the Australian population are Catholic, which means our faith-group has the power and the heart to make a real impact on climate change issues. We invite all Australian Catholics to explore the issues of climate change and take action
today. Further info: http:// catholicclimatemovement.global/. TRUTH, JUSTICE AND HEALING COUNCIL Members of the Truth Justice and Healing Council will meet next week with parishioners and the broader community in Griffith to talk about the Royal Commission into child sexual abuse and the Catholic Church’s reform agenda. “Everyone in the Catholic Church has some responsibility for ensuring the Church leadership takes a very different approach to dealing with child sexual abuse than it has in the past,” said CEO Frank Sullivan. ADULT FAITH ENRICHMENT Want to enrich your understanding of your faith? Enrolments are now open for Term One 2015 courses at the Maranatha Centre for Adult Faith Formation, the Archdiocesan agency for adult faith education. Courses range in length from two to eight sessions, and are offered at a variety of venues during the day, during evenings and on weekends. And, for the first time ever, an ONLINE course is on offer! Further info: 08 9241 5221 or visit www.maranathacentre.org. au. SPECIAL PILGRIMAGE Departing Perth on Emirates Airlines, 4 May 2015, returning Perth 27 May (early hours). Visiting Lourdes, Fatima (for 13) May. San Sebastian de Garabandal. Santiago de Capostela. Rome. (Optional Castelpetroso) Medjugorje and Split. Spiritual Director Rev Fr T. Bogoni. Cost $6,999 which includes all flights, Air France, Air Portugal and Croatian Airlines. All airport taxes which may be subject to change). Transfers, luxury coach travel, excellent accommodation, all with ensuite facilities. Bed/breakfast/ evening meals. Guide 24/7. Visiting five countries for this unbelievable price of $6,999. Bookings now open. Enq: Eileen 0407 471 256 or medjugorje1947@gmail.com. ACCESSING MASS VIRTUALLY For those unable to access the Mass in person, there are presently five different ways to daily access the Mass online. These are via: • Mass-on-Demand https://www. youtube.com/user/cathnews – from St Mary’s, North Sydney: morning Mass daily, anytime during the day • Mass Online www.dbb.org. au/parishes/dsp-default. cfm?loadref=354 – from Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara, every day at 9.30am (AEST) • Mass for You at Home Channel 10, Sunday, 6am (AEST) • Mass for You at Home Channel 11, Sunday, 5.30am (AEST)