Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth www.therecord.com.au
17 December 2015
Edition #62
YEAR OF MERCY: Archbishop Costelloe opens Holy Door for Jubilee Year at St Mary’s Cathedral By Jamie O’Brien
IT IS GOD’S mercy which saves us, lifts us up, and enables us to grow more and more into the people He is calling us to be, said Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe last weekend, in celebrating the opening of the Holy Door at St Mary’s Cathedral to mark the start of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. “God looks on us with love, not condemnation; with compassion, not with harsh judgement; with mercy, not with exacting legalism,” the Archbishop continued. The historic celebration was attended by more than 300 people from the Archdiocese and concelebrated by Vicar General Father Peter Whitely, Cathedral Dean Monsignor Michael Keating, Redemptoris Mater Seminary Rector Fr Michael Moore, Fr Greg Donovan, Deacon Matthew Hodgson, MC Fr Brennan Sia and several other priests from across Perth. The Mass commenced with the reading of the Gospel by Deacon Matthew Hodgson, followed by the proclamation of the Bull of Indiction of the Misericordiae Vultus by Archdiocesan Liturgy Centre Director, Sister Kerry Willison. The Archbishop then proceeded to the back of the church and opened the Holy Door, accompanied by MC Fr Brennan Sia, Deacon Matthew Hodgson, Mgr Michael Keating and acolytes.
In his homily for the occasion, the Archbishop paid particular attention to the prayer prayed by the Church during the season of Advent. “The prayer to which I am referring is prayed over the gifts during one of the weekday Advent Masses: ‘Be pleased, O Lord,’ it asks, ‘with our humble prayers and offerings, and, since we have no merits to plead our cause, come, we pray, to our rescue with the protection of your mercy’.” The prayer reminds us, first of all, the Archbishop proclaimed, that we need rescuing, that we need saving. “For many of us, this is easy to believe. We are, or at least often can be, painfully aware of our weaknesses, our failures, and our sins. “Every time we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we begin by recognising this: we pause to acknowledge our sins, seek God’s forgiveness, and in this way prepare ourselves to enter into a celebration that we know we are never really worthy to share in.” The prayer, continued the Archbishop, deepens our sense of humility by expressing the truth, difficult for many to accept, that in and of ourselves we have no merits to plead our cause. “In the end, all we can do is come to the Lord in honesty, sorrow and hope, throwing ourselves on His mercy. We cannot demand that we be forgiven, or rewarded, or exalted or restored: we can only come, as the poor man
Archbishop Costelloe opens the Holy Door at St Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday, 12 December to mark the commencement of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. PHOTO: JAMIE O’BRIEN
did who sat at the back of the Temple, praying ‘Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner’.” In his General Audience of 18 November, Pope Francis dedicated his catechesis to the meaning of the Holy Door. “This great door is that of God’s mercy, which welcomes our repentance and offers us the grace of forgiveness; a door which is opened generously but whose threshold must be crossed with cour-
age,” the Pope said. Pope Francis referred to the recent Synod of Bishops, which, he said, gave all families and all the Church a strong impetus to meet at the threshold of this open door. Visit www.perthcatholic.org.au to access the Archbishop’s full homily; and www.zenit.org for Pope Francis homily. Full Text available at
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Gift of inclusion for people with disabilities prioritised at Emmanuel Centre this Christmas
Guests were surprised by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe and Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey, who remained after the Christmas Carols to socialise. Pictured here: Maria Hill (centre) and Sr Dolores Coffee (right) were delighted to spend time with Perth’s Archbishop and Emeritus Archbishop. PHOTO: MARCO CECCARELLI
By Marco Ceccarelli
IT WAS NOT surprising to see curious passers-by lured to the entrance of the Cathedral’s St Francis Xavier Church on 7 December, as Christmas melodies coming from the building resounded throughout East Perth’s Windsor Street. Inside the beautiful church, more than 150 members, staff and friends of the Archdiocese of Perth’s LifeLink-funded Emmanuel Centre joined a band of volunteers in singing Christmas carols dedicated to one of Christianity’s most important and significant feasts. As the band caught its breath, a number of brief speeches were given, two of which were delivered by special guests Archbishop Timothy Costelloe and Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey. The Archbishop and Emeritus Archbishop pleasantly surprised the attendees before warmly wishing everyone a merry Christmas. In very few words, they
also drew attention to the rem ark able le adership shown by Emmanuel Centre Coordinator Barbara Harris and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Chaplain Father Paul Pitzen. Long-standing member of the Emmanuel Centre and Chairperson of the Advisory Committee, Mary Ballantine, also addressed those present, highlighting Emmanuel Centre’s progress in helping people with disabilities and their families over the past year. Aside from praising the general day-to-day support that Emmanuel Centre gives to individuals, Mrs Ballantine focused on the Centre’s unique self-help model and its ability to help parishes, agencies and communities build inclusive environments for people with disabilities. Her speech also drew attention to the challenges faced by the organisation. “While we’ve seen amazing improvements, there are still many parents with children who have mental health issues who struggle. We must remain focused on
helping them and advocating on their behalf,” she said. Coordinator Barbara Harris also reviewed some the year’s achievements, paying particular attention to the Emmanuel Centre’s involvement in the Synod on the Family, its hosting of diocesan seminarians and visitors from Japan, as well as its ability to offer scholarships for mental health First Aid for parishioners. Referring to these scholarships, Mrs Harris emphatically
thanked the beneficiary who has thus far made the initiative possible. 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. The 2015 LifeLink Christmas Appeal will be officially launched in parishes on 14 and 15 November. To donate to LifeLink, go to www.lifelink.com.au. For more information on the Emmanuel Centre, contact Barbara Harris on 08 9328 8113, email emmanuelcentre@westnet.com.au, write to 25 Windsor Street, Perth WA 6000, or check out its website www.emmanuelcentre.com au. Full Text available at
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Emmanuel Centre Coordinator Barbara Harris (centre) prepares to cut the Emmanuel Centre Birthday Cake surrounded by members, friends and family of a remarkable organisation that supports people with disabilities. PHOTO: MARCO CECCARELLI
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Graduates celebrate their successes at Notre Dame PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Notre Dame graduates called to transform communities where they live and work MORE THAN 1,000 graduates of The University of Notre Dame Australia were last week called to display mercy, large-heartedness, generosity and faith as they farewelled the Fremantle Campus and commenced their journey as instruments of change in their communities. Benefactors, donors, academic and departmental staff, friends, family and other members of the Notre Dame community joined to celebrate the achievements of 1,062 graduates from the Fremantle Campus at the Graduation Mass and Ceremonies from 8 to 10 December. The highest achieving graduates delivered the Farewell Addresses at each of the four ceremonies: Robin Coopes-Williams (Bachelor of Counselling); Shimona Driver (Bachelor of Education (P r i m a r y)/ B achelor of Behavioural Science); Tracey Sanders (Bachelor of Nursing); and Hannah Elliott (Bachelor of Biomedical Science). It was also a momentous occasion for five graduates who were conferred higher degrees by research: Dr Jo Connaughton (Doctor of Physiotherapy Research);
Dr Judith Wilson (Doctor of Philosophy, Physiotherapy); Dr Amanda McCubbin (Doctor of Education); Dr Lawrence Pang (Doctor of Philosophy, Philosophy & Theology); and Dr Jane Power (Doctor of Philosophy, Law). Celebrations commenced with the annual Graduation Mass on Tuesday, 8 December
at St Mary’s Cathedral. More than 1,100 guests attended the special ceremony, where graduates were presented with their graduation crosses, a traditional icon of the University, and a commemorative symbol of a student’s time at Notre Dame. During his homily for the occasion, Perth Archbishop
Hannah Elliott delivers the Farewell Address to the graduates from the Schools of Business, Health Sciences, Law and Philosophy & Theology. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Timothy Costelloe SDB said the event was a significant one, as graduation celebrations coincided with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, after whom the University is named. The Archbishop said the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and the
beginning of the Holy Year of Mercy spoke to graduates about what life and human flourishing are all about. “As you move from university life to a different and, in many respects, a fuller engagement with the society in which we live, this question of human flourishing,
both for you and for all those whose lives will be impacted, and hopefully enriched, by you is vitally important,” the Archbishop said. “What kind of mark will you make on others? What impact will you make on our society? “What kind of person will you turn out to be? What kind of person do you want to be? “Mercy, large-heartedness, generosity and faith: these are the themes which run through tonight’s celebration here in our Cathedral. My prayer for you all is that your lives and your futures are deeply marked by these qualities.” The university will have held a total of eight graduation ceremonies and farewell more than 1,200 students nationally before the end of 2015 – four in December and one in July on the Fremantle Campus; one in Broome; and two ceremonies in Sydney later this month. Please visit nd.edu.au/news/ media-releases/2015/graduation for photo galleries, videos and links to presentations delivered at Notre Dame’s Graduation Ceremonies nationally. Full Text available at
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End of Year Eucharist and Christmas Party hosted by Identitywa and Personal Advocacy Services
The true spirit of Christmas and the importance of sharing as a community was last week celebrated by more than 400 people who attended the Identitywa and Personal Advocacy Services (PAS) End of Year Eucharist and Christmas Party. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
THE TRUE SPIRIT of Christmas and the importance of sharing as a community was last week celebrated by more than 400 people who attended the Identitywa and Personal Advocacy Services (PAS) End of Year Eucharist and Christmas Party. Hosted at St Luke’s Parish, Woodvale on Sunday, 13 December, the Mass was testament to the commitment of the staff and supporters of the two outreach agencies in the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth. Chair of the PAS Board
James Malone, officially welcomed the congregation which included those supported by PAS and Identitywa, their families, special guests, staff and volunteer advocates. The Mass was celebrated by St Luke’s Woodvale Parish Priest Father Francisco Mascarenhas, and concelebrated by Fr Stan Bendowski from Our Lady of Lourdes Nollamara Parish. Representatives from both agencies actively participated in aspects of the liturgy, from the entrance proces-
sion and the lighting of the Advent Candle, to leading the Responsorial Psalm and the Offertory procession. During the proclamation of the first reading and the Gospel, a small team from PAS enacted the meaning of the words through gestures on the sanctuary. Retiring PAS Executive Director Anabelle May said the occasion was a wonderful way to celebrate the year’s end and her time at the helm of PAS. “It was also special to hold the Mass and Christmas party
at a parish known in Perth for its spirit of inclusion and participation of people of all abilities,” said Anabelle. Afternoon tea was served in the parish hall by Identitywa staff at the conclusion of Mass. Chair of the Identitywa Board, Graeme Mander, also welcomed families and staff to the special celebration which featured Christmas carols with some ‘good ole’ Christmas cheer! Full Text available at
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PANORAMA
What’s happening around the Archdiocese 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 Mezzo-soprano, 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. THURSDAY, 31 DECEMBER THE HOUR OF GRACES ON NEW YEAR’S EVE - THE YEAR OF MERCY
All are invited to the Hour of Graces at St Francis of Assisi Parish, Maida Vale, on Thursday, 31 December at 6pm. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy devotion, Special reflection of the Jubilee Year of Mercy and prayer. Novena and Benediction – Te Deum. Come to thank God and Mother Mary for graces and blessings received in 2015 and pray for God’s protection under the intercessions of Mary Our Mother and St Francis of Assisi, our patron for the year of 2016. Further info: Monica, Parish Secretary, 08 9454 6385. SUNDAY, 10 - MONDAY, 18 JANUARY
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EDITION #62 | 17 December 2015
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.
THURSDAYS, 3 AND 10 MARCH MORAL ISSUES WORKSHOPS ON MARRIAGE; DIVORCE; RE-MARRIAGE & ANNULMENT; SEXUALITY
Two evenings: Thursday, 3 and 10 March, 7pm-9.30pm. Facilitator: Rev Dr Joe Parkinson STL PhD, Director of LJ Goody Bioethics Centre, 39 Jugan St, Glendalough. The two evenings provide opportunities for personal faith formation as it explores moral issues and current Church teaching. All Catholics would benefit from attending this course. The moral issues presented are of particular interest to those involved in the ministry of
RCIA. Cost: $20. Further info or to register: Centre for Liturgy 08 9207 3350; rcia.cfl@perthcatholic.org. au. SATURDAY, 12 MARCH BREAKFAST IN THE GARDEN
Save the date for the 2016 “Breakfast in the Garden”. Come and join in the fun, meet old friends and make new ones on Saturday, 12 March at 8am. To be held at the Garden Venue, Mary MacKillop Centre, 16 York St, South Perth (St Joseph’s Convent). Cost; $15. All proceeds go to the Mary MacKillop Foundation. BYO chairs, tables, blankets, umbrellas, sun screen and smiles. Further info and to RSVP by 9 March: Laurie Mayne 08 9271 5649, ljmayne@optusnet.com.au; or John McCormack 08 9383 2615, johnmccormack@ westnet.com.au.
GENERAL REFLECTIONS ON YEAR OF MERCY
THE
The new Archdiocesan Centre of Liturgy website is now available at http:// lit u r g y. p e r t h c at h o lic .o r g . a u .
As part of our initiation process to familiarise you with our new website, we have produced a series of prayer sheets based on the Year of Mercy. These can used for parish and RCIA meetings, reflections before Mass, bulletin inserts for prayer. A new prayer sheet will be available each month.
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.
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, 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.
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EDITION #62 | 17 December 2015
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 COUNCIL
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. 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. 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 ‘paedophiles’ who sexually abuse children, whether most child sex offenders 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 of the Royal Commission 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.