Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth www.therecord.com.au
10 December 2015
Edition #61
Archbishop Costelloe opens Jubilee Year of Mercy [in Perth] on the gift of the Immaculate Conception
The Jubilee Year of Mercy was this week inaugurated in the Archdiocese of Perth on the feast of the Immaculate Conception at a special Mass celebrated at St Mary’s Cathedral by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe. PHOTO: JAMIE O’BRIEN
By Jamie O’Brien
THE YEAR OF MERCY was this week inaugurated in the Archdiocese of Perth on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at a special Mass celebrated at St Mary’s Cathedral, by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe. “This Year of Mercy, which we inaugurate in our Archdiocese in this Mass, is the year in which we will be invited, as we were some years ago during the Year of Grace, to fix our eyes firmly on Jesus,” the Archbishop said. “But, this year, we are being invited to look into the eyes of Jesus and discover there the look of mercy: to see in the eyes of Jesus the compassion, the forgiveness and the love
which the Father has for each one of us,” he said. Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Vicar General Fr Peter Whitely, St Mary’s Cathedral Dean Mgr Michael Keating and some 50 priests from across the Archdiocese, joined the Archbishop to concelebrate the occasion. More than 500 people from across the Archdiocese were present for the 12.10pm Mass. At the conclusion of the Mass, the Archbishop also lit a specially decorated Year of Mercy candle to commemorate the inauguration of the Jubilee Year, while also extinguishing a similar candle to symbolise the end of the Year of Consecrated Life. The Year of Mercy candle
also formed part of the procession at the commencement and conclusion of the Mass. A statue of the Virgin Mary, which was located on the sanctuary and adorned with flowers and symbolic decorations, was also a special focus for the occasion. In his homily for the occasion, the Archbishop encouraged the congregation – focusing on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady - to reflect, for just a moment, on the way in which Mary was brought up in the mystery of the Mercy of God. “Even though we freely rejected God, God was determined to give us a chance to freely accept Him again and, therefore, He chose and called
Mary, and He prepared her for the challenge that she would encounter when the angel visited her, as we have just heard in today’s Gospel. “In choosing Mary, and in calling her, God gave her a particular gift: the gift we call the Immaculate Conception. “Mary, through the power of the grace of God, was protected from the distorting and disabling effects of sin which we all carry with us. And why? Because, when God came to offer the gift of His mercy in his Son - to offer the gift of salvation - we needed someone who could in perfect freedom, say ‘yes’ to the gift that our first parents rejected. Full Text available at
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Archbishop Costelloe speaks to Perth Catholics on the Jubilee Year of Mercy “GOD is like the Good Shepherd in the Gospels, who never tires of going in search of us, ready to place us on His shoulders and bring us back.” These are the words of Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which was officially launched this week on 8 December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The full text of the Archbishop’s statement is available on www.perthcatholic.org. au. Announced by Pope Francis on 13 March, the Jubilee Year of Mercy will be an opportunity for the whole Church to find the joy of rediscovering and rendering fruitful God’s mercy. “With which we are all called to give comfort to every man and every woman of our time,” the Pope said. “Do not forget that God forgives all, and God forgives always. Let us never tire of asking forgiveness. “Let us henceforth entrust this Year to the Mother of Mercy, that she turn her gaze upon us and watch over our journey: our penitential journey, our year-long journey with an open heart, to receive the indulgence of God, to receive the mercy of God,” Pope Francis said. The Archdiocese of Perth has launched a dedicated page on its website to the Jubilee Year of Mercy. A rc hbi shop Ti mot hy Costelloe will celebrate the commencement of the Jubilee Year of Mercy with the opening of the Holy Door at St Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday, 12 December at the 6.00pm Mass. All members of the Perth Catholic community are invited to come together for the occasion.
INAUGURATION OF THE JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY The Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of Perth “Blessed are the merciful: they shall have mercy shown to them” (Matt 5:7) On 8 December, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis will inaugurate, in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Jubilee Year of Mercy by opening the Holy Door. Here, in our Archdiocese on that same
day, the feast of our Cathedral and of our Archdiocese, we will mark the commencement of this special year at the Mass in the Cathedral at 12.10pm. And then, in accordance with the wishes of the Holy Father, our own Holy Door will be solemnly opened in the Cathedral at the Vigil Mass on Saturday, 12 December. On the same weekend, a number of churches which have been designated as special places of pilgrimage for the Holy Year will also open their Holy Doors. The names
of those parishes will be communicated to you all soon. These ceremonies will mark the beginning of our journey, as an Archdiocese, along the pathway set out by Pope Francis in the letter he wrote to announce this wonderful initiative, Misericordiae Vultus (MV). In that letter, he calls on the Church and on each of us who, together, constitute the Church, to “echo the word of God that resounds strong and clear as a message and a sign of pardon, strength, help and love” (MV25).
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe lights the Year of Mercy Candle at St Mary’s Cathedral at the conclusion of Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. PHOTO: MARCO CECCARELLI
Ever since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has placed the theme of mercy at the heart of his ministry. He would tell us, I am sure, that he has done so because he has experienced the joy of God’s mercy in his own life. In accepting his election to the papacy, we are told that he said quite simply, “I am a sinner but I trust in the infinite mercy and patience of
Our Lord Jesus Christ”. In this Jubilee Year, we are all invited to recognise that what is true for Pope Francis is also true for us. If it is true that our sins distance us from God – that this is our doing and never God’s doing – it is also true that God is like the Good Shepherd in the Gospels, who never tires of going in search of us, ready to place us on His shoulders
and bring us back – to our true selves, to each other, and to God. It is God’s mercy which, for Pope Francis, is intimately connected with God’s compassion, God’s patience and God’s loving kindness, which is at the heart of the Gospel. “Jesus Christ,” he says, “is the face of the Father’s mercy” (MV1). Full Text available at
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By Jamie O’Brien
PERT H A RC H BI SHOP Timothy Costelloe last week echoed the words of Pope Francis in calling young people to be bearers of hope, builders of the future, encouraging them to make a world of goodness, beauty and truth. The Archbishop was addressing his words to more than 3,000 young people as part of his catechesis at the opening of the 2015 Australian Catholic Youth Festival, held in Adelaide. “This is who you are, this is why God gave you the gift of life, this is why God has called you into His Church,” the Archbishop said. The 2015 ACYF took place from Thursday, 3 December to Saturday, 5 December 2015 at the Adelaide Convention Centre and was hosted by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in partnership
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe with representatives from Perth at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Adelaide, which was held from 3 to 5 December. The Archbishop echoed the words of Pope Francis in calling young people to be bearers of hope, builders of the future, encouraging them to make a world of goodness, beauty and truth. PHOTO: DANIEL HOPPER/ACBC
with the Archdiocese of Adelaide. In giving the opening catechesis, Archbishop Costelloe referred to a recent trip to Florence by Pope Francis, who challenged
those with him, saying that the Beatitudes are a way for the Church to judge whether it is following its true mission or only thinking of protecting its own interests. “If this question can be put
to the whole Church, and it can and must be, then it can equally be put to each one of us for we, every single one of us and all of us together, are the Church,” the Archbishop continued.
Archbishop Costelloe echoes Pope Francis -
Youth called to bearers of hope The Archbishop went on to speak about an experience of Pope Francis, who was asked by a young person at a meeting with a Catholic Youth Movement, if the Pope saw any signs of hope and joy in the Church. The Pope, quoted the Archbishop, replied that ‘Seeing young people [like you] who believe in Jesus present in the Eucharist, who believe that love is stronger than hatred and that peace is stronger than war – this is a sure sign of hope and something that gives me joy. It was here that the Archbishop said that, “Belief in Jesus, belief in love, belief in peace – and I would add, belief in the Church: these are things which I hope and believe we will all find together over the next few days.” “In the workshops and discussions, in the liturgies,
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe addresses some 3,000 youth at the 2015 Australian Catholic Youth Festival. PHOTO: DANIEL HOPPER/ACBC
in the meals, in the times of quiet prayer and reflection and, in the moments when we just get the chance to waste time together: in all of these experiences, and especially in what happens deep within each one of us, I personally am hoping, and expecting, that we will all catch a
glimpse, and maybe more than just a glimpse, of what the Church is really all about. “I’m hoping that we will all see, maybe more clearly than we do at the moment, that the Church is about life rather than death, about energy and excitement rather than about listlessness, about
freedom and hope rather than about restriction and emptiness, about vitality rather than about boredom, about exploding outwards rather than closing in, and about love – passionate, committed, respectful, selfless and freeing love,” the Archbishop said. Archdiocese of Perth Catholic Youth Ministry Officer Vincent Haber said the ACY Festival encouraged and inspired him to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God. “Living a holy life can be very difficult but ACYF reminded me of the beautiful sacraments that are available to me and to everyone at all times,” Mr Haber said. The highlight of the event for him was a workshop/session by popular American speaker Jason Evert from Chastity Project. Full Text available at
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The chance to drive V8 Super cars ultimate goal for Callan
Time to finally hit the road: A newbie L plater, Callan is refining his driving skills with the help of Identitywa Family Support worker, Andrea. Callan hopes to one day drive V8 Super cars. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
THE FEELING of being safe and secure has provided the confidence 18-year-old Callan needed to take on new life challenges, including his dream of racing a V8 Super car! Supported by Identitywa Family Support worker Andrea, Callan travels on the bus or train to his weekly commitments which include classes at Tafe, his sessions playing guitar in a music group and his regular gym workouts. Callan’s parents believe that Andrea has been central to their son’s positive development over the past 12 months since he left secondary school. “The difference in Callan
since Andrea and Identitywa came into our lives has been life changing for our family,” said Callan’s Mum, Lisa. “In the past, Callan was often concerned about what he felt he could do. Andrea has been fantastic in understanding his needs and identifying the best way to manage situations when they may not go as planned.” Callan agrees that having Andrea’s support has been very important in assisting him to develop greater confidence. “Andrea makes me feel safe and this helps me to be more independent,” said Callan. The opportunity to be part of the family (including the dog!) has also been a
very positive experience for Andrea. “I am so happy to be able to assist them in making the most of all opportunities for Callan,” said Andrea. “He is such a delight. He really lifts my spirits whenever I am with him.” Callan is passionate about cars, so the whole family was thrilled when he recently passed his written driving test with flying colours. Now on his ‘Ls’, he is taking advantage of the new opportunity to get behind the wheel and is driving as much as he can. “I want to drive V8 Super cars one day,” said Callan. “It’s my ultimate goal.” “Identitywa has really been wonderful. I had tried to find
people to support Callan in the past but without success. Identitywa took this pressure away from us to find the right person,” explains Lisa. “We are so glad they found Andrea. She is absolutely the best person for Callan and our family.” Identitywa is one of Western Australia’s leading agencies supporting people with a disability and their families. The organisation provides a number of different services to children and adults throughout the Perth metropolitan area. LifeLink agencies collectively touch the lives of more than 31,000 people in need each year through the provision of accommodation, food, clothing, financial assistance with electricity and gas accounts, and the protection of women and children escaping domestic violence and abuse. In this year’s Christmas LifeLink Ap peal , the Archbishop is setting a target of $700,000 so as to help fund agencies in being able to meet the needs of those who knock on the doors of Archdiocesan agencies. T h e 2 015 LifeLink Christmas Appeal will be officially launched in parishes on 14 and 15 November. To donate to LifeLink, go to www.lifelink.com.au. Full Text available at
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PANORAMA
What’s happening around the Archdiocese FRIDAY, 11 - SUNDAY, 13 DECEMBER THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS RETREAT
The Monks of New Norcia will be presenting a spirituality retreat titled The Season of Christmas. Time will be spent reflecting on Christmas as a feast of light, when ‘we are filled with new light by the coming of the Word’ that shines not only on us but in us. Further info and bookings: Bernadette 08 9654 8002 , guesthouse@newnorcia.wa.edu. au.
SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER SPECIAL EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION TO OPEN HOLY DOOR FOR COMMENCEMENT OF THE YEAR OF MERCY
A rchbishop T imothy Costelloe will this month celebrate the commencement of the Jubilee Year of Mercy with the opening of the Holy Door at St Mary’s Cathedral. The landmark event will take place on Saturday, 12 December at the 6.00pm Mass, with all members of the Perth Catholic community invited to come together for the occasion. SUNDAY, 13 DECEMBER OUR LADY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS, 80TH ANNIVERSARY
The parish of Our Lady Help of Christians, East Victoria Park invites past community members, together with those who served in the parish and school for a special 80th Anniversary celebration Mass and morning tea, held on Sunday, 13 December, 9.30am, at 43 Camberwell St, East Victoria Park. (Parking
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EDITION #61 | 10 December 2015
near Fraser Park, Balmoral St, East Vic Park). Main celebrant: Most Rev Donald Sproxton, Auxiliary Bishop of Perth. Further info and RSVP by 20 Nov: Dennis 08 9361 5135, denniskelly@live.com.au; Jaya, j.earnest@curtin.edu.au. LOCAL CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
ALIVE Youth Ministry of Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, Lockridge, will be hosting neighbourhood Carols by Candlelight on Sunday, 13 December, 215 Morley Dr, Kiara, from 6.30pm. This free family-friendly event is a fundraiser for the youth of the parish to attend World Youth Day 2016. There will be food, drinks, electronic candles, and raffles tickets for sale with a special visit from Santa. Bring your own picnic blankets and deck chairs. Further info: 08 9279 8119, alive.gsl@live.com.au A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS
An interfaith Christmas service will be held on Sunday, 13 December at St Paul’s Catholic Church, 106 Rookwood St (near Alexander Dr), Menora (Mt Lawley) from 7-8.15pm. WAAPA and UWA will lead the singing and scriptures read by members of the local media, political, sport and church communities. Fr Chris Ross OSM will be the Presider and homilist. Event sponsored by Michael Sutherland MLA. Refreshments afterwards. Further info: 0 8 9271 5253 or stpaulsmtl@iinet.net.au.
SUNDAY, 20 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS AT THE QUARRY
An original Christmas production ‘Kings’ presented by the Blessed Elisabeth of the Trinity Choir, featuring Paul Wright as Concertmaster and Mezzosoprano, Bianca Hurley, followed by Christmas carols. Held at the Quarry Amphitheatre, 1 Waldron Drv, City Beach, on Sunday, 20 December, at 7.30pm. BYO picnic. Tickets available through Ticketmaster – ‘Christmas at the Quarry’, or click here. Further info: Bernadette 0439 098 658. SUNDAY, 10 - MONDAY, 18 JANUARY SUMMER SCHOOL OF EVANGELISATION YOUTH RETREAT 2016
The Summer School of Evangelisation provides a chance to retreat for a week into the powerful experience of the Holy Spirit of God. This Spirit opens up the possibilities for conversion, deepening faith, peace, healing, joy, freedom and passion for the Gospel of Jesus. One of Perth’s largest Catholic youth retreats – be quick as places are strictly limited. Register at www. SummerSchool.org.au.
SATURDAY, 6 FEBRUARY MUSIC FOR THE SEASONS OF LENT AND EASTER
This workshop will explore music for the seasons of Lent and Easter. Held on Saturday, 6 February at the Centre for Liturgy, 28 Marda Way, Nollamara, 10.30am-12.30pm. Registrations are essential. Further info: Centre for Liturgy, www.liturgy. perthcatholic.org.au.
SATURDAY, 13 FEBRUARY CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
This workshop prepares and supports those involved in presenting the Good News to children in the best way that they can come to know Jesus. Held on Saturday, 13 February, at the Centre for Liturgy, 28 Marda Way, Nollamara from 10.30am-12.30pm. Registrations essential. Further info and to register: www.liturgy.perthcatholic.org. au. SONGS FOR THE JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY
This workshop will present music appropriate for celebrations during the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Quotations from the Pope’s encyclical Misericordiae Vultus will be discussed and new songs relating to each quote will be taught. Held in two locations: Centre for Liturgy, 28 Marda Way, Nollamara on Saturday, 13 February from 10.30am-12.30pm; or the Holy Family Catholic Church, 45 Thelma St, Como on Saturday, 20 February from 10.30am-12.30pm. Registrations essential. Further info and to register: www.liturgy.perthcatholic.org. au.
GENERAL POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR DECEMBER
Universal prayer intention: “That all may experience the mercy of God, who never tires of forgiving”. Evangelisation prayer intention: “That families, especially those who suffer,
may find in the birth of Jesus a sign of certain hope”. NEW CHRISTMAS CD RELEASE FROM ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL
New Christmas CD titled ‘Christmas Sounds from St Mary’s Cathedral’ is a compilation of favourite carols and Christmas music featuring the golden voice of the Cathedral’s Principal Cantor, Carly Power, and the beautiful sounds of Cathedral’s Dodd organ. Recorded live at St Mary’s Cathedral. Also features Schubert’s ever-popular ‘Ave Maria’ in a newly recorded duet version sung by Carly and young baritone Joshua Adams. Cost: $15 (Ideal Christmas gift). Available at the Cathedral Piety Stall or phone Jacinta on 08 9223 1377. NEW CHRISTMAS CD RELEASE FROM ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL
New Christmas CD titled Christmas Sounds from St Mary’s Cathedral is a compilation of favourite carols and Christmas music featuring the golden voice of the Cathedral’s Principal Cantor, Carly Power, and the beautiful sounds of the Cathedral’s Dodd organ. Recorded live at St Mary’s Cathedral. Also features Schubert’s ever-popular Ave Maria in a newly recorded duet version sung by Carly and young baritone Joshua Adams. Cost: $15 (ideal Christmas gift). Available at the Cathedral Piety Stall or phone Jacinta on 08 9223 1377. COME TO THE WATERS OF MERCY PROGRAM FOR 2016
A Lenten Small Groups Program, Come to the Waters of Mercy, will be available in January 2016. The program will include: reflections on the Sunday Readings, discussion notes, art and environment suggestions, music for the Lent and Easter seasons, 2
EDITION #61 | 10 December 2015
children’s Lent activities, second rite of reconciliation, and universal prayer. Program is offered free to parishes and schools. Download from the Centre for Liturgy website at www.liturgy.perthcatholic. org.au. ST
MARY’S
SCHOOL
CELEBRATES 100 YEARS
St Mary’s Primary School in Donnybrook is celebrating 100 years on Sunday, 1 May 2016. Save the date in your calendars now. More information will follow in the next few months. REVISED ORDERS FOR CELEBRATING CONFIRMATION AND MATRIMONY
The Permanent Committee of the ACBC has approved that the Revised Orders for Celebrating Confirmation and Matrimony “can be used” from the First Sunday of Advent, 29 November 2015, and “must be used” by the First Sunday of Lent, 14 February 2016. Copies can be purchased from St Pauls Publications, Strathfield NSW and Catholic retailers. Digital versions have been integrated into a CD-Rom Resource ‘Labora Worship’ from Liturgy Brisbane and the website www.liturgyhelp. com maintained by Creative Ministry Resources, Hobart. Liturgical and pastoral ministers, religious education teachers, catechists and couples preparing for marriage are encouraged to utilise liturgical formation resources about the revised orders such as: When We Marry. These resources will be available in early 2016 from Liturgy Brisbane and Catholic retailers across Australia. Further info: Dr Paul Taylor, Executive Secretary, Bishops Commission for Liturgy on 03 9926 5753, Paul.Taylor@cam. org.au.
TRUTH JUSTICE HEALING
‘paedophiles’ who sexually
COUNCIL
abuse children, whether
Commission hearing into Melbourne Archdiocese starts this week - The first week of the Royal Commission’s public hearing into the Archdiocese of Melbourne finishes today. This is the 35th public hearing and the 12th into a Catholic institution since the Commission started public hearings in September 2013. Again, it is incumbent on all Church witnesses appearing before the hearing to be fully cooperative and to speak the truth without defensiveness or anger.
most child sex offenders
Church guidelines for responding to civil claims for child sexual abuse Guidelines for how Church authorities should respond when claims of child sexual abuse are made against them have been released this week. The guidelines, which have been endorsed by the Church leadership, will come into effect from 1 January 2016 and are designed to promote justice and consistency in the way the Church handles child sexual abuse claims and conduct litigation when taken to court. They also include a requirement for Church dioceses or religious orders to assist a claimant to identify the correct defendant to respond to legal proceedings.
of the Royal Commission
Misperceptions about child sex offenders - Sexual offending against children is a highly emotive issue so it is important public policy initiatives to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse are based on the available evidence. This 2011 paper by researcher, Kelly Richards, addresses five common misperceptions about the perpetrators of sexual offences against children, including whether all child sex offenders are
were victims of sexual abuse themselves, rates of recidivism among child sex offenders and the number of children sex offenders typically abuse before they are detected by police. TJHC in consultation with Churches - The TJHC met with chancellors, vicars general and child protection professionals from NSW dioceses last week to map what lies ahead for the Catholic Church as the work continues. At a separate meeting, the Council met with other Churches in Sydney last week to talk about shared concerns such as response to victims, the need for a national redress scheme, data collection and policy developments. Truth, Justice Healing Council www.tjhcouncil.org.au.
The Royal Commission – www. childabuseroyalcommission.gov. au. E-RECORD NEWSLETTER UPDATE
Local news from across our parishes, agencies, schools and organisations can be delivered weekly directly to your inbox via the e-Record e-newsletter. 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.
media@per thcatholic .org. au .
Further info: Jamie O’Brien 08 9220 5900.