Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth www.therecord.com.au
21 January 2016
Edition #65
Sisters of Mercy and friends
celebrate 170 years in Australia By Sr Beverley Stott RSM and Sr Caroline Ryan RSM
ON FRIDAY, 9 January 1846, the first Sisters of Mercy came to Australia. Ursula Frayne and her six companions sailed up the Swan River from Fremantle to the young, struggling township which, in time, would become the modern, vibrant, multicultural city of Perth. Recounting this day in her letter to the sisters back in Dublin, Ursula wrote, “We had a most delightful sail. The weather was glorious; a strong breeze tempered the heat of the burning sun, and filling our sails, propelled us along so smoothly that we hardly felt the motion. The scenery was charming, the river broad and winding. Nature here had an undivided empire; human industry had literally done nothing”. Exactly 170 years later, on Saturday, 9 January 2016, a large number of Sisters of Mercy, ‘descendants’ of the pioneer group, along with ‘Mercy’ colleagues and friends, remembered that significant event by retracing the river journey. As with Ursula’s historic trip, theirs, too, was delightful: glorious weather, a strong breeze tempering the heat, smooth sailing all the way. And, while the river banks declared that the days of nature’s “undivided empire” are long past and that “human industry”
The Sisters of Mercy board the boat at Fremantle which retraced the voyage of first Sisters arrival in Western Australia on 9 January 2016. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
has indeed prevailed, the river itself remains as beautiful and dynamic as ever. The commemoration was really a celebration of all that the arrival of Ursula and the other six has come to mean, not only for the Sisters of Mercy, but for everyone associated with them and their various Gospel Works of Mercy which have flourished throughout Australia since 1846. In telling again the story of the pioneer sisters, we, who participated in the celebration on 9 January, thanked God for their faith, vision, courage and generosity. We also prayed with heartfelt gratitude for the generations
of Sisters and lay women and men who have followed them. Like Ursula, such people have been fired by the enduring inspiration of Catherine McAuley who founded the Order of Mercy in Dublin in 1831.They know both the call and the privilege of being agents of God’s mercy as they serve others, preferentially the most vulnerable, through education, health and aged care, pastoral support of diverse groups, prayer and worship, scholarship, and so on.
that one of the richest chapters in the Australian “Mercy” story concerns the foundation of the Sisters of Mercy in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 1956. It could be said that, in its own way, the first mission of Australian Sisters of Mercy to PNG (Goroka) was as brave and risky an adventure of faith as was the first mission of the Irish sisters to Australia (Perth). Yet, it, too, has grown and continues to mature through the grace of our God and the collaboration of many “mercy-minded” women and men.
Sixty Years in Papua New Guinea
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By Jamie O’Brien
PERTH ORGAN-BUILDER John Larner has this week spoken to The eRecord following the tragic loss of his home and livelihood in the Yarloop and Waroona fires that took place earlier this month. Having lived in Yarloop for some 16 years following
his retirement in 2000, Mr Larner has been in the business of Pipe organ building for many decades and can be credited with introducing the ‘neo-classical’ style of organ building to Perth. Mr Larner commenced training in Pipe organ building with then organ builder Paul Huffner at the age of 14
in Perth. “I was originally going to be a printer,” he says. “I was interested in the organ and started to learn it and one thing lead to another.” In 1969, at the age of 25, Mr Larner travelled to England and Holland where he received further training in organ building and maintenance, returning to Perth
18 months later to set up his own Pipe organ building firm. Throughout his 56 year career, Mr Larner has built numerous pipe organs across Perth and the surrounding region including organs at Guildford Grammar Chapel; Christchurch Grammar Chapel, Claremont; Perth
Organ builder John Larner has this week spoken to The eRecord following the tragic loss of his home and livelihood in the Yarloop and Waroona fires. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
EXCLUSIVE: Perth Organ builder suffers loss from south-west fires Baptist Church and St Francis Xavier Cathedral Geraldton. This is in addition to the re-building and maintenance of other organs including Winthrop Hall at the University of WA; Wesley Church, Perth; St Andrews Church (now dismantled) and Trinity Church, Perth. Mr Larner, who tuned and maintained the organ at St Mary’s Cathedral for 33 years from 1973 until 2006, is also well known for having founded an Organ scholarship bearing his name for the Archdiocese of Perth. Director of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral, Jacinta
Jakovcevic, said Mr Larner is to be commended for his dedication and hopes the entire Perth music community can support both him and those affected by the Yarloop fires. Ms Jakovcevic explained that Mr Larner’s dedication has been so remarkable that he has broken out of the mould of the typical organ builder by preserving St Mary’s Cathedral Pipe organ’s symphonic style despite his own style of organ building being of a neoclassical nature. In recent times, Mr Larner has been working on re-building the 100 year old organ – which was originally housed
at Guildford Grammar – at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Willagee Parish. Parts needed to finish this organ have also been destroyed in the fire. Dwelling on these recent events that have changed his life forever, Mr Larner re-counted the circumstances that took place on the evening of 7 January to The eRecord Editor-in-Chief Jamie O’Brien. Having been out of town at the time, it was initially not possible to get back to his house, and when he did there was no electricity or water. Upon finally reaching his home later that afternoon, Mr
Larner recalled he was not originally convinced the fire would affect him or his home. “We received no warning, and unfortunately it was only because the winds picked up and the fire changed direction that our circumstances changed drastically,” Mr Larner said. A Concert for Yarloop will be held this month featuring some of the best organists across WA in support of the Yarloop community.
Full Text available at
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Catholic agencies come together for memorable social gathering
Representatives of Catholic agencies within the Archdiocese of Perth gathered at the Emmaus Community in Queens Park on 4 December 2015 for a memorable day of social interaction. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
By Marco Ceccarelli
THERE COULD NOT have been a better setting for the social gathering of the Perth Archdiocese Catholic agencies on 4 December 2015 than the picturesque gardens of the Emmaus community in Queens Park. Aside from a range of feature gardens adorned with charming flowers and beautiful Australian plants, the invitees were greeted by a large sign placed on one of the buildings which read “Coexist” – a very fitting feature for an event held in the name of cohesion and respect. Managers, coordinators, directors and staff members were welcomed by the founder of the Emmaus Community, Brother Alan Archer, who was more than pleased to host fellow colleagues and show them the premises he and others have taken 20 years to establish. Emmaus is a registered char it able organisation
which provides long-term, independent, communitybased living for adults with mental illness. Present at the gathering were members of the A rchd ioce s a n Fi n a nce Office, including Manager of Corporate Services, Julie Fuge; Manager of Catholic Ser v ice s Development, Renay Grech; Project s Officer, Claire Chew and Admin Assistant, Sara Pavered. Justice, Ecolog y and Development Office Director
Carol Mitchell was also present, along with Personal Advocacy Services coordinators Jocelyn Versace and Robyn Hoffmann and staff member Andrea Carlos. RCIA Coordinator Karen Hart and Catholic Outreach Director Peter McMinn also joined the gathering. The guests were treated to an abundant lunch and took advantage of the occasion to talk about the accomplishments of the year 2015 as well as the goals for the upcoming year.
Con scious of the a p p r o a c h i n g E m m au s Christmas party, both individual members and agencies showed their generosity and appreciation to Br Alan and the Emmaus community by bringing a significant number of gifts to be opened at the upcoming festive day. “It was a very beautiful gathering of goodwill in which we were able to get to know others who work in Catholic agencies. I am conscious of the fact that we all work for the Archdiocese in some way, yet it was nice to gather together, it really made me feel part of a larger organisation,” Br Alan said. “In fact, the event has made me want to visit other agencies, see their work and perhaps learn from how others run their organisations. I was incredibly grateful to everyone for having attended and for having brought gifts for the members of Emmaus,” he added. Full Text available at
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Our Lady’s College class of 1956 celebrates 60th reunion By Marco Ceccarelli
MORE THAN 20 classmates from the oldest girls’ secondary school in Australia - formerly known as Our Lady’s College, today Mercedes College, Perth - celebrated their 60th reunion on 17 January 2016. What made the event even more special were the celebrations, held only a week earlier, of the 170th anniversary of the foundation of a religious order which played a key role in the establishment of Our Lady’s College - the Sisters of Mercy in Australia. In attendance at the event was 92-year-old Sister Anna Maria O’Shea, a former teacher at Our Lady’s College and a reminder to the women present of the many lessons they learnt from her remarkable teaching throughout their younger years. Held at the Willetton residence of former student Irene Batini, and her husband Frank, the event was a testament to the enduring friendship of the former classmates as well as the successful legacy which the school has left behind. In an interview with The eRecord journalist Marco Ceccarelli, Ms Batini spoke of her time at Our Lady’s College as one of fun, growth and development and emphasised the remarkable work
Ex-students of Our Lady’s College, now Mercedes College, celebrated their 60th reunion on 17 January 2016. From left to right, Geraldine Rees, Mary Hawthorne, Barbara Zuegg, Jill Sharp, Lynette Sullivan, Jacqueline Clift, Ann Egan, Sister Anna Maria O’Shea, Beth Dallimore (at back), Josephine Smith, Wendy Rutkauskas, Gayna Donovan, Irene Batini, Jennifer Stewart and Toni Rampant. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
carried out by the Sisters of Mercy at the school. “We were part of the junior class of 1956,” Ms Blatini said. “At the time, there was only one teacher who would teach all the subjects. That is why Sr Anna Maria is so special and important to us. She taught us everything except languages. Having her celebrate this 60-year reunion with us was something truly special,” she added. Following a toast for the 170th anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy to Australia, Sr Anna Maria briefly spoke to those gath-
ered about the history of the sisters coming to Perth and the traditions of service and education they initiated in the 1850s. The event concluded with a prayer and a blessing read by everyone present, as well as a special mention of those mentors who have since passed away. The history of Our Lady’s College goes back to just before the 1850s. In 1849, the Sisters of Mercy began what was known as the School House - the first secondary school in Western Australia, situated in Victoria Square, Perth.
The House opened in 1853 with 279 students and comprised four schools Our Lady of Mercy School (Pension School), St Mary’s (Middle School), St Joseph’s (Free or Assisted School) and Holy Angels (Infants’ School). In 1896, as the college flourished, St Joseph’s School day school and Our Lady’s College boarding school opened their doors. The School House thus became the boarding house for St Joseph’s. Full Text available at
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PANORAMA
What’s happening around the Archdiocese FRI, 22 - SUN, 24 JAN FLAME MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL 26TH ANNUAL FLAME CONGRESS Theme: Way, Truth, and Life is intended to make Jesus known in an experiential way in order that healing, the knowledge of God, and salvation are secured for each participant. Jesus said, Salvation is to know God and the one he sent, Jesus Christ. Venue John XXIII College, Mt Claremont, Fri-Sun 22-24 Jan. With guest speakers: His Grace Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, Emeritus Archbishop Barry J. Hickey, Fr. Varghese Packakaral. Other presenters include Eddie Russell, Kaye Rollings and Cyrus D’Sousa of FMI. Mass: Sun 11.30am. Rallies: Fri, Sat & Sun 7.30pm are free. Registered day sessions: Sat & Sun. Further info: Kaye kdr@aapt.net.au or 0421 605 502.
SAT, 30 - SUN, 31 JAN
Perth from 4pm-8pm. For catering purposes please RSVP to Sr Alma Cabassi: cabassi.alma@gmail.com or 0419 044 136 Ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart
WED, 3 FEB LENTEN PRAYER DAY From 10am-1pm (9.30am morning cuppa.1pm lunch included) at Mary MacKillop Centre, 16 York Street, South Perth. (Cost by donation). RSVP essential for catering purposes by Friday 29th January 2016 to Laura. McCarthy@sosj.org.au, (08) 9334 0999 Ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
FRI, 5 FEB SR VERONICA SYMPOSIUM
BRADY
A symposium to honour the work of the late Sister Veronica Brady IBVM will be held at UWA on 5 February 2016. Further info: Tony Hughes-d’Aeth tony.hda@ uwa.edu.au
PEOPLE’S RETREAT
FRI, 5 - SUN, 11 FEB
A daytime people’s retreat will be held on Saturday 30th and Sundayd 31st January 2016 from 10am to 4pm, at 59 Newton Street, Spearwood, with Fr Doug Harris on ‘Praying and living in the depth the Lord’s Prayer’. Further info: 08 9494 2604 or 0458 153 184; or jtroy@ iinet.net.au
A WEEK WITH THE ANCIENT DESERT FATHERS AND MOTHERS
SUNDAY, 24 JANUARY “COME AND SEE” Theme: Love leaves a mark. Come and enjoy an evening of reflection, sharing and prayer, followed by a light meal. Where: Mary MacKillop Centre, 16 York Street, South 1
EDITION #65 | 21 January 2016
The New Norcia Institute for Benedictine Studies invites you to spend a week immersed in the wisdom of Ancient Monasticism and ponder its significance for our lives in the world today in the context of the praying monastic community. The first Christian monastics emerged from the deserts of Egypt in the fourth century. The literature left provides us with a wealth of wisdom for a spiritual life of prayer and love of God. Participants will join in with the undergraduate and
graduate students of Pilgrim Theological College from the University of Divinity, Melbourne, in exploring the wisdom of ancient writers such as Antony the Great, who insisted that “our life is with our neighbour”. The text book will be Desert Christians: An Introduction to the Literature of Early Monasticism, by William Harmless SJ available at www.amazon.com or through the Benedictine Institute for ~$30. Held at New Norcia. Recommended cost: $800. Further info: Dr Carmel Posa SGS, 08 9654 8371, carmel. posa@newnorcia.wa.edu.au.
SAT, 6 FEB 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 . 3 0 a m -12 . 3 0 p m . Registrations are essential. Further info: Centre for Liturg y, w w w.liturg y. perthcatholic.org.au.
SUN, 7 FEB
relic of St Faustina Kowalska. Fellowship will follow in the hall. Further info: Julia or June Murphy on 08 9457 7771.
TUE, 9 FEB - 15 MAR HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS Every Tuesday from 9 February to 15 March, 10am-12.30pm, Newman Siena Centre, Doubleview. In 2016 Dominicans are celebrating the 800th anniversary of the formal acceptance of the Order of Preachers. This Centre for Faith Enrichment course, presented by Dr Margaret Scharf, OP, explores the following questions and more: Who was Dominic? What is the Dominican spirituality? What do some of the key characters in the Dominican Family – such as Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, Meister Eckhart and Catherine of Siena – have to offer Christians of the 21st century? Cost: $45. Further info or to register: www.cfe. org.au, cfe@perthcatholic. org.au, or 08 9241 5221.
THU, 11 - 25 FEB
DIVINE MERCY
MERCY, NOT SACRIFICE: A LENTEN REFLECTION
There will be no Divine Mercy devotions in January. The devotions will continue as usual on the first Sunday in February with Fr Johnson speaking on St Jerome Emiliani. The afternoon will be held at St Francis Xavier Church, 25 Windsor St, East Perth from 1.30-3pm. The afternoon includes Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Confession, Holy Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Benediction and veneration of a first class
Thursdays, 11 - 25 February, 7pm-9pm, Holy Rosary Parish, 46 Thomas Street, Nedlands. Inspired by Pope Francis’ announcement of the Year of Mercy, Misericordiae Vultus, this short Centre for Faith Enrichment course, presented by Dr Margaret Scharf, OP, will contemplate God’s message of mercy revealed to us in the Lenten Gospels. Cost: $20. Further info or to register: www.cfe. org.au; cfe@perthcatholic. org.au, or call 08 9241 5221.
FRI, 12 FEB THE 16TH ANNUAL ROSARY PROCESSION FOR OUR LADY OF LOURDES This procession will take place at Lake Monger on Friday, 12 February. Please gather at the Dodd St carpark for 7pm. As no naked flame is permitted, pen candles will be available for sale. Further info: Mignonne 0478 598 860 or Rosemary 0421 580 783.
SAT, 13 FEB 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 r e g i s t e r : h t t p : // l i t u r g y . perthcatholic.org.au. VALENTINE’S DAY DINNERDANCE Good Shepherd Lockridge will be hosting its annual Valentine’s Day DinnerDance, on Saturday, 13 February, 7.30pm at the Good Shepherd Primary School Hall. This event is being co-ordinated by the parish youth ministry A.L.I.V.E. to raise funds for the World Youth Day pilgrimage to Poland later this year. This event includes buffet dinner, live music and plenty of games and raffle prizes. Tickets are: $30 Adults, $15 for 16 years and under, children up to 6 years old, free. As for catering and planning purposes, there will be no door sales on the night. Table bookings are available for $240 (8 adult tickets). 2
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While we will endeavour to accommodate requested seating arrangements, we cannot guarantee this apart from the full table reservations as described. For tickets, please call Fr Aloysius Leong on 08 9279 8119. Further info: alive.gsl@ live.com.au.
THU, 18 FEB HOLY MASS AND HEALING: TALK BY ALAN AMES The evening will start 7pm with Mass and healing at St Bernadette’s Catholic Church, Jugan St, Glendalough followed by talk and prayers. Alan has been speaking and praying for healing around the world since 1994 and has spoken in more than 40 countries. Alan will speak after the Holy Mass and share his unique conversion experiences. Alan has the permission and support of Archbishop Costelloe for these talks. Further info: Keith 0411 108 525
SAT, 20 FEB 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, 20 February, at the Centre for Liturgy, 28 Marda Way, Nollamara from 10.30am-12.30pm. Registrations essential. Further info and to register: http://liturgy.perthcatholic. org.au
FRI, 26 - SUN, 28 FEB BENEDICTINE EXPERIENCE WEEKENDS Benedictine spirituality is more readily experienced than defined. Beginning in February, with other weekends available in April, June, August, October and December at the New Norcia Monastery Guesthouse. Beginning with Vespers at 6.30pm on Friday, concluding after lunch on Sunday, the weekend will provide the
opportunity to enter fully into the monastic rhythm and balance of prayer, work, Lectio Divina, hospitality, and 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, one of many invitations to listen with the ‘ear of the heart.’ Suggested donation: $250 (for those who can afford it), includes accommodation, meals and entry into the Museum and Art Gallery. Further info and bookings; Guesthouse Manager: 08 9654 8018 or guesthouse@newnorcia. wa.edu.au
FRI, 26 - SUN, 28 FEB MASTER CLASS: YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2016 Are you an official and endorsed youth leader in a Parish, group or community? You are invited for weekend away to enjoy some time out on the beach and connect with other youth leaders. Be inspired and better equipped in your ministry. Master Class 2016 will take place in Busselton from evening Friday 26 Feb to afternoon Sunday 28 Feb. Cost: $80 incl. accommodation & meals. Further info or to register: Catholic Youth Ministry 08 9422 7912; admin@cym.com. au; or www.cym.com.au
THU, 3 AND 10 MAR 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.
SAT, 12 MAR
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. FREE ROSARY BEADS Free Rosary beads for mission overseas or in Australia; for baptism and school’s first Holy Communion. Further info: Felicia 0429 173 541 or Hiep 0409 128 638 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@perthcatholic.org.au. Further info: Jamie O’Brien 08 9220 5900.