The Record Newspaper November 2005 - Discovery

SPEEDING BULLET

Asafa Powell makes 100 metres in 9.77 seconds - and thanks God.

4

SUMMER IS HERE

Check out our guide to what to do, see and where to go.

6-9

LINUX THE MIGHTY

Here’s your introduction to a really cool programming tool - for Mac or PC

10

REDISCOVERING DADS

This little book, available from our office, offers inspiration to dads - and mums.

13

ASLAN COMES

Meet CS Lewis, the writer behind the coming Narnia movie

14

hat am I doing next year?’ This is the question a number of students who have attended the Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation, run by the Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community, asked themselves before deciding to undertake a year learning more about the Church, Scriptures and practical ways of living a life with Christ and how to spread the Gospel.

For Michael Sandrini, undertaking a year of study at the college was like taking the steps towards finally becoming a man.

Michael is living proof that, at the age of 37, coming back to the richness and magisterium of the Catholic Church through studying at a place known by staff and students by its shorthand title - Acts2COME - can be a reality.

Michael believes he has been able to study at Acts 2 only through the grace of God and 20 years of perseverance and love from a close friend.

“What a truly amazing year it has been, having my eyes, ears and

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through parishes and schools of the dioceses of Western Australia.

heart opened to the truth revealed in the living Word, Jesus Christ,” he says.

“It hasn’t been just an intellectual journey about the Catholic faith but a true opening and preparing of my heart to become fertile soil for receiving and nurturing the miracle of faith, the mustard seed which over time will grow into a tree.”

“This past year at Acts 2 has enabled me to realise the necessity of putting on the full armour of God in my daily life, but even more so when I step forward and serve according to His will.”

“It’s about growing in your relationship with God...”

“Looking back, I was in a completely different place in my life last year, compared to where I am now.”

However, the College’s main specialisation is catering for students after finishing Year 12 who are looking for a different challenge to that of the usual University or TAFE course.

Anouska Firth is a prime example - a freshly graduated student who was looking for the challenge being offered by Acts2.

“Having finished Year 12 last year and completing my TEE, I assumed that I would go straight to University in March 2005,” Miss Firth said.

“But God had a different idea.”

After attending the January

Summer School which is also run by the Disciples of Jesus, the idea of a year at Acts 2 arose.

She readily acknowledges that at first she wasn’t so open-minded about attending Acts 2, but soon everything just seemed to “click”.

“I realised that this is what God was calling me to do,” she says.

Anouska believes that words

can’t describe the countless ways in which she has matured - mentally, emotionally and spiritually – since commencing studies earlier this year.

Studies have ranged from Historical Biblical studies and Spiritual Gifts, to Apologetics, the rational foundation of Christianity, and Evangelisation.

“Acts2COME has endowed me with the ability not only to open my heart and mind up to such crucial and fascinating matters, but also to apply them to my life,” she says.

Each semester includes practical units where students are able to actively practise what they preach.

“By running youth groups, activities, outreaches, helping the sick and less fortunate, I have been able to bring what I am studying to life,” she says.

“It’s not just about essays and lectures, it’s about growing in your relationship with God, and gives you all the necessary means to do so.”

For Bernadette Forrester, the question of how many people say there is no God stood out before she made the decision to study at Acts 2.

Through the college, Bernadette believes God has given her the tools to live everyday life peacefully and joyfully without the kinds of anxieties others who don’t believe can experience - “to be able to look things straight in the eye, and face them,” she says.

“God has given me the peace I’ve needed to endure when the times have been tough during the year.”

Bernadette believes that coming to Acts 2 has changed her life.

There have been many obstacles that

Bernadette said she wouldn’t have had the strength to face had she made a different choice this year.

“It may sound like a cliché, but I can honestly say I don’t know where my life or faith would be without this year.”

“The college breaks down God, Jesus and Scripture in a real way that makes it relevant to the world that we live in.”

“Being a Christian is difficult and it’s been awesome to have been taught,

supported, strengthened and encouraged in my faith.”

Acts2COME helps graduates make a difference too. Bernadette Forrester is an Antioch leader in the Midland parish, while Michael Sandrini and Anouska Firth are heavily involved in the 24:7 Youth Ministry based in Osborne Park.

Further info: Jane Borg on (08) 9202 6859, 0401 692 690 or check out the College at www.acts2come.disciplesofjesus.org

Anouska Firth, right, wasn’t so keen on the idea of Acts 2 COME, but regards it as one of the best things she could have done after completing Year 12.

Fastest man ever knows who to thank

■ By Mark Reidy

Asafa Powell became the fastest man on the planet when he broke the world record for the 100m in June. The 22-year-old Jamaican clocked 9.77 seconds at the Athens Olympic Stadium to slice 0.01 seconds off the mark set three years ago.

But the surprise for reporters came when he said he attributes his strength and motivation to Jesus.

Powell said that it was Christianity that helped him to remain humble and focused.

“I have a verse I say each time I’m going to run”, he shared.

“‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength’. He just gives me the strength and to tell you the truth, it touches me a lot. Every time I say it, it motivates me.”

The media, that is more accustomed to dealing with the over

as lightning:

the top antics of other successful athletes, often comment on Powell’s humility.

In the World Championships in Paris in 2003, when he was disqualified for a false start along

with American Jon Drummond, it was his faith that sustained him. Despite his disappointment he quietly left the arena, an exit that went largely unnoticed amid the hysteria that surrounded

Drummond’s refusal to leave the track. “That is the way I grew up”, he later told an interviewer.

“It was the way I was raised – ‘Turneth away from wrath.’”

Powell attributes these qualities

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to his embrace of the Christian faith and to his parents who are both Pastors in a non-denominational church in Linstead, Jamaica.

In an interview last year Powell said that he and his five brothers had grown up learning the truth of the Bible and he had resolved always to remain in the Christian faith.

“I don’t have anywhere else to go”, he said.

“There is no better alternative.”

He said that it was his faith that sustained him through the deaths of two of his brothers.

One was shot in 2002 and the other died from natural causes in 2003.

It also helps him with the temptations of drugs and women that are often associated with elite athletes.

“I know how to tell them ‘no’”, he said.

Powell states that he is excited by his Christian faith and when the opportunity presents itself he shares this excitement with others.

Asafa is an African word for ‘rising to the occasion’ and it appears that he lives up to his name, both on and off the track.

For over 155 years the Sisters of Mercy have provided wonderful aged care and community services from the Wembley site.

Now, as part of a program to expand and develop these important services, a substantial area of this historic site is being transformed into an over 55s village of world-class.

Mercy Village–Wembley will offer luxury apartments, villas and terraced villas in a safe, involving and superbly planned community, with its very own chapel.

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To find out more about the limited opportunities available to become a part of this incomparably well located, premium–quality village, simply telephone Karen Bailey or Chris Gaggin now on 1800 144 313.

Or visit the Sales and Information Centre located at the Catherine McAuley Family Centre, at 18 Barrett Street, inWembley.

You’ll soon discover that we’ve taken care of absolutely everything.

Quick

Asafa Powell, centre, clocked 9.77 seconds over 100 metres to become the fastest man in the world earlier this year. But he also surprises reporters with his humility and quiet but clear faith in God.

“Help fan the flames of Faith”

From Archbishop Barry Hickey

A Special Message

Ihope by now that most of you would have seen at least one or more of my appearances on television on Sunday evenings.

This media initiative has been a part of my continuing efforts to communicate with all Catholics and to reach out to the community as a whole. The idea of using television was enthusiastically endorsed at the two consultation sessions Bishop Sproxton and I held with young people during May 2005.

There is no doubt that television has the greatest capacity to reach people with messages that are important not only for the Church, but also for the wellbeing of our society.

I don’t expect my one-minute messages to have a dramatic impact immediately, but they have the potential to make a difference over time. We need to be out there in the market place of ideas which is too often dominated by transient appeals to emotional excitement.

I believe that God’s love burns deep inside all of us. For those who choose not to invite God into their lives, the flames may flicker - but they still exist.

These messages may be just “the spark that ignites the flames of Faith for someone” and the catalyst for drawing people back to God and to His Church. Thousands of people have visited our website and many have been kind enough to send messages of support, urging me to continue. I can only do so with your generous help!

I ask that you make a gift in support of this media initiative and help me continue with our evangelical mission. PLEASE... complete the donation form at the foot of this page and mail your gift today or telephone 9223 1300 and donate by credit card.

Every gift will be gratefully received. Donations are not tax deductible.

However receipts will be provided in recognition of your support.

Thank you and God bless,

Yours sincerely in Jesus Christ,

The Most Rev Barry J Hickey Catholic Archbishop of Perth

holidays

Give the kids something to see

School holidays are fast approaching and before you have time to hear the dread ‘b’ word – take the opportunity to arrange some outings for the family.

Even the laziest of teenagers can only lie in bed until 11.30am for about the first week or two of school holidays, before they start feeling their first pangs of boredom set in.

But there is some good news out there for parents because activities that the whole family can enjoy are not too hard to come by. More importantly, doing something together as a family is an opportunity many of us don’t get very often, so make some time for each other when you can.

We set out to find some adventures for families that would satisfy children of all ages - and that Mum and Dad could get something out of as well. Here is what we came up with:

Perth Zoo

When was the last time you went to the Zoo? Often we only make it there with interstate or overseas guests, but it exists essentially for us Sandgropers to enjoy.

Parents and older children who haven’t visited the Zoo for a while may be surprised at the facelift it has undergone in the last few years.

The orang-utans, who have long been a stellar attraction, are now housed in a much bigger display and you can view them from an elevated platform. There is also the added bonus of catching a glimpse of the new three-month-old baby orang-utan called Semeru these holidays.

On the other side of the foodchain the other big hit with children is the Estuarine Crocodile Exhibit which features Simmo, a 5 metre

male croc who weighs in at 600 kilograms. The exhibit is set up so that visitors can see the crocodile crouched in the water most of the time – depending of course on what Simmo feels like doing and he is not known for being accommodating. In fact he has eaten a few of his fellow crocs in the past. Surrounding Simmo are also a number of very nervous looking fish.

Little children will enjoy the reptile enclosure with a number of crazy looking lizards in a glass enclosure that you can walk around, giving a very close-up experience for the smaller ones.

The African Safari is also a real credit to Perth Zoo, with everything from baboons to meerkats set out in a safari trail filled with all sorts of African plant species and rock formations. The rhinos are also usually pretty fun to watch if you catch them at play.

Perth Zoo is open from 9am to 5.00 pm every day of the year, including Christmas Day and Good Friday. The Zoo also opens for special evening events as advertised. January is Awesome Aussie month!

(see page 9)

AQWA

Where will you find Australia’s largest aquarium and underwater tunnel? AQWA’s catch-cry is to keep people captive – not the animals. It is one of those family outings that you can do every year and still get lots out of. See our guide to AQWA on page 8.

West Australian Ocean Park

Those venturing up North these holidays, may not be aware of this unique eco-tourism experience which provides a very close encounter with sharks.

Ocean Park faces the Western Gulf of Shark Bay looking out to Dirk Hartog Island at the western

most point of Australia. It is a small family run business with big ambitions that will soon be home to a massive oceanarium, due for completion soon.

The proprietors take pride in giving guided tours to visitors to explain the wonders of the marine life at the park. Their interests in conservation and natural power and how they utilise it are also a great example for us living in Perth.

Shark feeding is just one of their exciting exhibitions. The magestic tiger shark, bronze whaler and hammerhead are stealthy and opportunistic predators. To catch a glimpse of the awesome power of these animals feeding is breathtaking to say the least and an experience not likely to be had anywhere else.

Wooden bridges reach out to a shady island in a man-made lagoon and this rare basic feeding instinct

can be experienced up close from the safety and comfort of secure walkways. Think ‘Jaws’, only these sharks are real.

This exciting tourist park also offers a rarely captured insight into

the natural habitat of stingrays, turtles, adult pink snapper and a variety of other sea creatures.

There’s plenty to see, all within

Continued on Page 8

The dingos are part of Perth Zoo’s exciting Australian Walkabout, where your children can also see a number of other animals.

Take on an oceanic experience

Busselton Jetty Experience

Extending almost 2km out over the protected waters of Geographe Bay, the heritage listed BUSSELTON JETTY is the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Only two and a half hours drive south of Perth, it is situated at the northern gateway to the Margaret River Wine Region in the seaside resort town of Busselton (three times judged Western Australia’s “Top Tourist Town”). Attracting up to 400,000 visitors per year, the landmark Busselton Jetty is the most popular tourist attraction in the South West

region and is an ideal starting point for any visit to the South West Capes.

Closed as a port in 1974, the 140-year-old jetty has since been ravaged by both fire and cyclone. It survives today thanks to the tremendous support of the local community and the hundreds of thousands of visitors annually who choose to stroll its length and go on Underwater Observatory tours.

So why not partake in the ‘jetty experience’ and take in the tangy salt air and delight in the exploits of locals, young and old, as they

snare their “catch of the day”. You can also enjoy the majestic beauty of dolphins, and even seals and whales, as they play in the bay.

Underwater Observatory

Each year, during autumn and winter, the Leeuwin Current brings a narrow band of warm water down the Western Australian coastline. This warm southerly current brings diverse species of tropical and sub-tropical life into Geographe Bay, resulting in coral growth at a latitude of 33 degrees South.

This is a remarkable phenomenon when compared to the west coast of other Southern Hemisphere continents, Africa and South America, which have no coral growth below 5 degrees South. The Leeuwin Current is responsible for the introduction of a diverse array of marine life into the Bay, with over 300 individual marine species having been recorded under the Busselton jetty.

Described as Australia’s greatest artificial reef, the Busselton jetty is host to an awe inspiring “forest” of vividly-coloured tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates under its

12m wide seaward end. The Underwater Observatory is being quickly established as one of Western Australia’s major ecotourism attractions. Designed to accommodate 40 people at a time, visitors access the Observatory by walking 1.7km from the shore along the Jetty before descending 8m below sea level. Provision of a lift within the Observatory ensures that wheelchair bound people of all ages have access to one of Western

Australia’s unique natural wonders.

A small admission fee to the jetty is charged to maintain funding for on-going maintenance and development.

Already attracting significant local, national and overseas interest, the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory (UWO) enchanted 86,000 visitors in its first year of operation. The Underwater Observatory tour is $20 for adults and $11.50 for children.

Holiday fun for all the family

Continued from Page

6

a convenient day trip from Denham — Shark Bay’s town site and accommodation facility.

Ocean Park is open 10am to 4pm everyday.

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

East of Walpole, only 10 minutes from Nornalup, Bow Bridge and Peaceful Bay, in the WalpoleNornalup National Park you will find the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. The park is nearly 20,000 hectares of towering karri and tingle forests along a rugged coastline with peaceful inlets and rivers.

It has long been one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations, which can now be appreciated with a different perspective with the Tree Top Walk, which rises up to

in wheelchairs (assisted), and the carpark, with picnic facilities and toilets, is conveniently located nearby.

Open 9am to 5pm every day of the year except Christmas Day or during extreme weather (lightning or very windy conditions).

Bibbulmun Track

38m above the forest. All ages can view the canopy of the magnificent tingle forest from the safety of the walkway. Below, a boardwalk winds though a grove of veteran tingle trees known as the Ancient Empire. The first part is suitable for people

Opened on September 13, 1998, the award-winning Bibbulmun Track is one of the world’s great long distance walk trails, stretching nearly 1000kms from Kalamunda (Perth Hills) to Albany (South Coast) through the heart of the scenic South West of Western Australia.

The Bibbulmun Track caters for everyone and every experience from a gentle stroll to an eightweek adventure. You can make it more of a wilderness experience by camping out in the 3-sided timber

shelters, you can join a guided group, or you can do it in comfort using the varied accommodation in the towns.

Want to get out on the Bibbulmun Track, but don’t know where to start? The Bibbulmun Track Foundation’s NEW Day Walk Map packs are the perfect solution. Each map pack comprises a see-through map carrier, Bibbulmun Track map, walk suggestions and full notes, contact details for local transport operators, walking tips, and includes an ‘On the Trail of the Red Tail Black Cockatoo Sighting kit’ which contains a brochure about the RedTail, colour postcard and prepaid sighting report card.

The Packs are available for 6 locations along the Bibbulmun Track - The Darling Range, Dwellingup, Balingup, Pemberton, Walpole, Denmark. There are a variety of

walk options in each area differing in length and difficulty with a choice of ‘one way’ or ‘out and back’ walks. The packs cost $20 and can be purchased by following the links at http://www.bibbulmuntrack.org. au/daywalks.asp.

RAC Awesome Aussie Month at Perth Zoo

1-31 January 2006

Did you know that echidna’s spines are each formed from a single hair or that penguins are waterproof?

Would you be surprised to learn that crocodiles can stay underwater for 40 minutes or that 17 species of mammals in Australia have become extinct since European settlement?

Sadly, many Australians are unaware of the amazing richness and diversity of the animals that live in their own backyard.

Celebrating Australia’s unique wildlife, the RAC Awesome Aussie Month at Perth Zoo features a host of special holiday activities and entertainment throughout January.

Marvel at our awesome Aussie animals and catch the special animal enrichment activities featuring feeds and special talks on how the Zoo looks after its muchloved residents.

AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia

The Western Australian coastline is 12,000km in length and to explore it properly could take weeks.

Luckily visitors to AQWA can explore all 12,000km in just one day! From the rich kelp beds of the Great Southern to the tropical wonderland of coral reefs in the Far North, AQWA takes you on an underwater journey to discover the remarkable and unique marine life of our magnificent state.

At AQWA, you can also snorkel or dive with Sharks in the beautiful world of AQWA’s Shipwreck Coast aquarium all year round.

During the school holidays, kids can experience the excitement of sleeping under the sea surrounded by sharks, giant stingrays, turtles and hundreds of fish at an AQWA Nap! Children aged between 7 and 12 can sleepover in AQWA’s main aquarium and then wake up to breakfast with the seals. Games, a light supper, breakfast and a beach walk are all included. (Bookings essential)

AQWA is located at Hillarys Boat Harbour and is open 10am to 5pm daily.

Phone 9447 7500 or visit www.aqwa.com.au

The popular Make Your Mark kids’ painting and take-home craft activities will feature an Aussie theme and provide parents with the opportunity to enjoy a rest in the shade.

EDITORIAL: THE TWO MYSTERIES OF CHRISTMAS

T

here are two mysteries of Christmas.One is the mystery of the Incarnation when God Himself took on human form in Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary in a stable in Bethlehem.

The importance of this event was reinforced in his unique teachings and miracles recorded in the Gospels and passed on the by the Church, in his death and resurrection, and in the way he has inspired millions

upon millions of people to lives of profound goodness over the last 2000 years. The second mystery is that so many people ignore the first mystery, especially those who have knowledge and experience of the beauty and joy of knowing Jesus.

If you know how to deal with the second mystery, please do something about it over Christmas. Too many people are missing out on too much of the goodness of life.

A fun Aussie Outback Adventure Passport will take visitors on a fascinating journey through the Zoo’s Australian Bushwalk and Wetlands, unveiling interesting facts about the national treasures that live there.

special 15% discount on admission to Perth Zoo during RAC Awesome Aussie Month in January. See Attractions for further details. For further information visit www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au or call the Zoo’s 24-hr Recorded Infoline on 9474 3551.

send five lucky families to Perth Zoo during the ‘Awesome Aussie’ month of January. All you have to do is give our somewhat pale and bare Saltwater Crocodile a little colour in his life. There is no age limit to entries, and originality will be taken into account when judging takes place. So break out those crayons and textas and send your ‘Croc’ entries to:

Awesome Aussie Competition P O Box 75

Leederville WA 6902

Closing date for entries is 28th December.

Good luck

Zoo Movies

Supporting Project Sun Bear

27 December 2005 – 29 January 2006

A fantastic range of family friendly films with some sensational season premieres.

Peters Trumpet Happy Zoo Year

Saturday 31 December 2005

Celebrate a fun-filled New Year’s Eve with Perth Zoo’s animals, family entertainment with Slim Jim & the PHATTS, plus a countdown at the special kids’ time of 9pm. Come dressed as your favourite party animal!

RAC Awesome Aussie Month

1 – 31 January 2006

Celebrate Australia’s unique wildlife throughout January with a host of exciting holiday activities and entertainment.

Presented by Commonwealth Bank

From Saturday 18 February to

Saturday 11 March 2006

Book your tickets now for Perth’s best Tribute concert season, featuring Australia’s premier tributes to Kylie Minogue, Bee Gees, ABBA and Queen

ZooFever events regularly sell out. To avoid disappointment, pre-purchase tickets at Perth Zoo's entrance or at BOCS Ticketing* (ph 9484 1133 or visit www.bocsticketing.com.au).

*Booking fees may apply.

full ZooFever Summer Events details visit www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au or call Perth Zoo’s 24-hr

Infoline on 9474 3551.

www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au

Beauty, mystery and grandeur: the Valley of the Giants.

holidays

Turbocharge your PC with Linux

■ By Terence Boylen

Sick of system freezes and virus problems with Microsoft Windows why not try Linux. Here’s some good reasons why:

• It’s free!

• It’s 100% customizable.

• It works even on very old

hardware (386 with 4mb of Ram).

• It comes with free software (office, graphics, web).

• It’s virus and spyware resistant.

• It supports the latest NVIDIA and ATI graphics cards.

• Linux even runs on ipods.

For years, many people have been scared off using Linux for the difficult to use command line interfaces and tricky installation process; no longer.

Live distributions allow you to take your operating system with you so you have a familiar environment wherever you go.

A live distribution is one which doesn’t need to be installed on the computer. Boot it off a CD wherever you choose to go. Some will even run on a USB Drive. There are many reasons for introducing yourself to Linux. With 10% of

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servers in Australia now using Linux, and increasing representation in households, Linux skills are a valuable asset. Or, perhaps you just don’t like the idea of spending hundreds of dollars on an operating system and office suite. There are now alternatives on the market for using Linux in the home.

software than can be imagined (www.knoppix.org).

Try Ubuntu for something smaller. Ubuntu forgoes the wide range of software, choosing what they consider the best tools. Ubuntu will even run on Apple computers (http://www.ubuntulinux.org).

Applications close 21 Nov 2005

Applications close 31 Nov 2005

Live distributions allow you to take your operating system with you so you have a familiar environment wherever you go.

Recent years have seen an increasing usability on Linux. The excellent interfaces and simple installs are the hallmarks of Linux nowadays.

If you prefer a live distribution, there are many options. Knoppix is very mature, and comes with more

There are hundreds of other Linux offerings to choose from (distrowatch.com), or you could simply build your own distribution (www.linuxfromscratch.org).

Linux is available free on the internet, but can also be picked up cheaply in newsagents, often with magazines or books introducing the software – much cheaper than Microsoft Windows with Office 2003.

If you want to increase your skill set, save money, or just enjoy the idea of a completely customisable operating system, this is the best time to get started.

Linux operating systems like Knoppix, above, are competely customisable and the best thing is they are free!

With a Linux live distribution you can take your operating system with you anywhere on CD or thumbdrive.

The woman who’s beating AIDS in Africa

The Ugandan situation is unique in the world – it is one of the only countries to reject condoms as a frontline measure in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Why? When the outbreak first occurred in 1987, prevalence was 24 per cent. After four years of condom programs from the UN, UNICEF and USAIDS, prevalence rose to 30 per cent. Today it stands at 6 per cent. One woman has played a key role in the reversal which has world health authorities reluctantly sitting up and taking notice.

■ by Dr Kerrie Allen

One of Uganda’s leading HIV/ AIDS prevention doctors, Sr Dr Miriam Duggan of the Franciscan Missionaries for Africa, spoke throughout Australia, including here in Perth, recently about how abstinence and faithfulness have been the key to turning the tide in AIDS prevention.

Dr Duggan, a gynaecologist, realised HIV/AIDS was winning and the people and children of Uganda needed something more than condoms, which seemed to be fuelling promiscuous behaviours and spreading the disease.

So, with the backing of the Ugandan government, she began developing abstinence and fidelity programs, which focussed on changing attitudes and behaviours and a return to cultural practices of fidelity.

Dr Duggan was confident people were capable of change if shown how.

She said the condom ‘solution’ failed to recognise the power in people to exercise change and restraint. Instead, it inferred that ‘you can’t change.’

People are taught through Dr Duggan’s program that values, attitudes and behaviours are all dependent upon one another.

Schoolchildren have reported that it is the media that promotes promiscuity and negative values.

In Sr Duggan’s program children learn skills to challenge and negotiate these negative values and how to retain their virginity until marriage. Workshops include the following questions:

• What pressures are put on you and by whom?

• What do you understand as freedom and are you really free?

• What are the falsehoods and contradictions in your life?

• What are your values?

• Can a girl say “no” to sex? What will it cost her?

• Why do you have sex before marriage?

• What do you understand as ‘safe sex?’

• Where do you stand with your religion?

• What will your friends say if you change your lifestyle or choose to be a virgin until marriage? What will it cost you?

The underlying causes of promiscuity and prostitution are also addressed through providing education, emotional and financial support for AIDS orphans.

Former prostitutes are taught new skills and set up in profitable trades which uphold their dignity as women.

Since the implementation of the program HIV/AIDS rates have declined dramatically – from 30 per cent of the population in 1990, 15 per cent in 1997, 7 per cent in 2000 and 6 per cent in 2005.

In 1989, 25 per cent of Ugandan men aged 15-49 reported engaging in commercial sex. In 2000, only 1.6 per cent of men in this age group paid for sex. The number of partners people have had also dramatically declined.

Implementation of the Ugandan program was not without battle – much UN and UNICEF funding is tied up with condom companies which stand to make money if they can convince international aid agencies that condomonly measures should be the frontline weapon in Africa’s life and death battle against HIV/AIDS.

Last year, there were 3,900,000 newly infected people worldwide.

Increased HIV/AIDS prevalence and life expectancy below 40 years characterises many African countries who for many years saw condoms as the sole answer to the problem

(the graph below shows the increase in incident rates despite 15 years of condom distribution).

These countries are now increasingly turning to Dr Duggan’s Ugandan program, seeing it as the only sustainable way to help their people. Dr Duggan and the Ugandan president hope the

Continued on Page 15

Bono of the Irish rock group U2 dances with a young woman, orphaned because of AIDS.

the family is the future

family

As of now, dad has three resolutions...

■ With Derek Boylen

Iam writing this on the eighth of November. It is a very special day to me because at approximately 8am, 33 years ago, after a painful episode, I gazed upon the world for the very first time. It is my birthday.

People often make a new year resolution on New Year’s day but it occurred to me this morning that today is my New Year’s Day. On the eighth of November each year I begin a new year in the chapter of my life so I have decided to make three new year resolutions.

Firstly, I am going to try to be a better person. I will be a better

In Brief

Dz txting stp writng?

Fears that text messaging may have ruined the ability of teenagers to write properly are unfounded, according to a British study comparing exam papers of the past 25 years. Although teens are 10 times more likely to use nonstandard English (including text “shorthand”) in written exams than in 1980, they are using far more complex sentence structures, a wider

husband, a better father and a better man than I was last year. Secondly, I am going to make writing a more regular habit.

Thirdly, I will try not to be like Jesus in one particular way. In my thirty-third year of life I will try not to get myself crucified. Fulfilling the first two resolutions may be more challenging but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

Celebrations are an important part of family life. Families develop and change through time. Each of these changes presents possibilities for growth, for reconciliation and for celebration. Catholic families understand that this is the way God made the world and that something good can always be discovered about these changes. The way that we acknowledge those changes is by celebrating them.

I have fond memories of my birthday parties as a child. Mum took pride in her ability to throw a good children’s party and she could. When Catholic families celebrate birthdays it is more than an opportunity to get presents. It is a chance to reflect on a family

vocabulary and are more accurate in punctuation and spelling, says Alf Massey of Cambridge University.

-Times Online Oct. 31

Deductible covens?

A Dutch student witch has won a legal battle to make the cost of her witchcraft lessons tax-deductible. Her 13 weekend lessons at a witchcraft school in the province of Frisia cost 2067 euros - higher than the fees for a master’s degree. For that she learned how to make spells,

member’s life and to celebrate their presence in our lives. We recognise that they are older and wiser, they have greater responsibilities and share in more privileges. We look forward to the person they are becoming. Our birthday celebrations are one of the ways we express the joy of knowing that God is active in the lives of our family members. Birthdays aren’t the only occasions for celebration in our lives, especially in the early years. There are many important milestones and rites of passage that Christian

prepare magic potions and heal with stones.

A court in the Frisian capital of Leeuwarden ruled that such courses are tax deductible on condition they are part of professional training for people who need it to earn their living. However, the student witch was not allowed to deduct travel expenses for reaching the faraway school - “perhaps the judge thought that she should have used her broom”, suggests reporter Paul Belien. -Brussels Journal, Oct 24

families should celebrate; baptism, our first steps, starting school; first communion and confirmation; becoming a teenager, turning 18 and 21; getting a driver’s licence and buying a first car; getting our first job, completing TEE and university; getting engaged and married; a pregnancy and the birth of a new child; wedding anniversaries, eightieths and even funerals.

As domestic church, Catholic families celebrate these occasions as family. We want our children to know that the loving community

they were born into walks with them, carrying their sorrows and celebrating their joys. We want our families to know that what we are really celebrating, what makes us truly happy on these occasions (as always), is not just another year or what they get as gifts but who they are as people.

It’s part of our mission as parents to fill our children’s minds and memories with a lifetime of special occasions.

Derek Boylen writes on family issues for The Record.

Advent and Christmas

Celebrating Family

■ With Derek Boylen

Advent and Christmas are of special significance to the family. By coming into the world as part of a family Jesus made all families holy.

Celebrating Christ’s coming into the world at Christmas time is an opportunity to celebrate the family as domestic church. Advent is a time when we prepare to celebrate the wonderful significance of this season for the family.

The theme of the first week in advent is to be prepared. The Sunday Gospel reading reminds us of the importance of being ready.

Rather than letting Christmas just come and go as another holiday we can respond to the challenge by preparing our families. We can make advent a time to get ready to celebrate Christmas as a special family occasion.

Over the next four weeks of Advent I have several suggestions on ways that your family can really get into the spirit of Advent and Christmas. These will be published in the next three editions of The Record.

This week, one of the first things you can do is make an advent wreath. While we contemplate putting up the Christmas tree once again why not also make an advent wreath. Advent wreaths have been a part of the Christian Christmas

tradition since the Middle Ages and originated in Germany (home town of Pope Benedict XVI).

An advent wreath is very easy to make. Get four candles one for each week of Christmas; three purple and one pink. Some people like to have a white candle too for Christmas day. Place them in a circle with the white one in the middle. The wreath part can be made from cuttings taken from the garden.

In the first week a purple candle is lit; in the second week, two purple candles; in the third week, two purple candles and the pink candle and in the fourth week all four candles.

We keep our advent wreath on the kitchen table and light the candles when we say grace with a simple prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, for loving us.

As we get ready to celebrate your birth on Christmas day, help us share our love even more with each other. Amen!

Try to set a time aside each day when the candles can be lit and a short prayer can be said as a family.

It’s not somebody else’s job

Successful Fathers

The subtle but powerful ways fathers mould their children’s characters

By James Stenson

Published

$7 plus postage

■

Reviewed by Mark Reidy

“They are so gorgeous when they’re babies that you just want to eat them”, a stranger once commented while admiring my daughter.

After a pause she then added “And then they grow up and you wish you had!”

Such seems to be the attitude of an increasing number of today’s parents, but US educator and author James Stenson believes that the adolescent/parent relationship does not have to be a traumatic experience for families.

In his book, Successful Fathers, Stenson outlines how fathers can powerfully mould their children’s characters to ensure they are given the best opportunity to develop into confident and responsible adults.

In a concise 71-page format, Stenson begins by acknowledging the lack of parenting information specifically for fathers, despite research indicating that they are a key link to the increasingly troubled behaviours of young people today.

He points out that not only was the phenomenon of this generational breakdown relatively

unheard of prior to WWII but that it is western cultures that are most predominantly affected. Stenson believes that the development of the virtues of faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance are not being instilled into young children as they once were; consequently adults of weak character are emerging in our societies.

It is Stenson’s belief that it is primarily the father’s responsibility to teach such attributes, but he observes that over the past few generations this role has been increasingly ignored, often unwittingly. According to the author the reasons for the lapse stem from western society’s preoccupation with materialism and comfort and an unhealthy exposure to television and other electronic

sources of information. In contrast to past centuries little is expected of children today other than the pursuit of all things recreational.

This unprecedented materialism has served to discourage self-reliant responsibility and has increased the likelihood that they will remain consumers often into their 20’s.

The rise in mass electronic communications has not only contributed to diminished family interaction but it has introduced powerful images, ideas, values and authority figures into the lives of children and adolescents.

With fathers spending less time with their children, Stenson warns of the danger of characters becoming moulded by “celebrities” and peers rather than the practical example of the father. Stenson encourages minimal television time and more

father/child interaction where family history, viewpoints, opinions and the formation of virtues can be relayed to the next generation.

James Stenson’s message is one of hope. He believes that fathers can draw closer to their children as they approach adulthood, rather than expect the relationship to be one of constant conflict.

In his “12 commandments” for successful fathering, he presents the reader with suggestions on how to form and guide children in their character development as well as providing fathers with an opportunity for self-analysis.

He is adamant that a child’s earthly and eternal happiness depends significantly on their father’s influence and that most fathers only have one chance to get it right.

“I Believe”–ALittle Catholic Catechism

TThis beautifully illustrated book is an introduction to the basics of the Catholic Faith and is addressed above all to families, but could also serve as a basic text for laity, priests and religious involved in religious education. The publication of this book is a response to the 'growing demand' for a compact introduction to the full Catechism of the Catholic Church. The book has met with 'great interest' among the faithful and is aimed at young people and adults. Inspiring illustrations give this catechism an added dimension to help convey the spirit of the Gospel along

with its message. The catechism is 208 pp and measures 210mm by 148mm. The first part of the book is based upon the Apostles Creed. Each article of the Creed is explained in a separate chapter and illustrated with examples from the Bible. The second part is devoted to the Sacraments, the life of Jesus, prayer in the Christian life and an explanation of the Lord's Prayer. The book is based on the universal Catechism and has been approved by the Catholic Church. A lovely gift idea and every copy you buy enables us to send more copies overseas to those who are hungry for the Word of God.

Mark Reidy

Movies

Through the wardrobe door

the man behind the enchanted world of Narnia

The movie will be here on Boxing Day, and the indications are that it will be as big as The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, but who is the man behind Narnia? asks JOHN BALLANTYNE

C.S. Lewis’s book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, first published in 1950, has long been regarded as a children’s classic. The release of the film version of this adventure, on Boxing Day this year, is bound to stimulate renewed interest in Lewis’s writings.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is set in World War II England. It describes the adventures of the Pevensie children — Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy — who are sent to a large country house owned by a mysterious professor.

During a game of hide-and-seek, they stumble into the land of Narnia through a magical wardrobe. There they encounter talking beasts, fauns, centaurs and giants.

But Narnia is not a free country; it is enslaved by the powerful White Witch, Jadis, who has cast an evil spell on it, making it “always winter and never Christmas”.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the first book in Lewis’s seven-part The Chronicles of Narnia series which he wrote during 195056. It is only in recent years, thanks to the great advances in movie special effects technology, that filmmakers

have been able to contemplate tackling these imaginative works and depicting them authentically on the big screen.

C.S. Lewis (1889-1963) is justly acclaimed as one of the greatest Christian authors of the 20th century. Among the popular Christian books that he wrote were Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters and The Problem of Pain.

Even in his imaginative fiction, such as The Chronicles of Narnia and his earlier Dr Ransom sciencefiction trilogy, C.S. Lewis’s Christian thinking is clearly evident.

It has struck some people as strange that Lewis is probably best known today for his children’s books. For most of his adult life, he was single. He married late in life and had no children of his own. Nevertheless, from earliest childhood he was blessed with a vivid imagination.

While an academic at Oxford, he became part of a literary circle known as The Inklings. This group included another famous writer of imaginative fiction — none other that J.R.R. Tolkien, creator of Middle Earth and author of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Tolkien, a devout Catholic, was an important early influence on Lewis, helping to convert him to Christianity (Lewis thereupon became an Anglican).

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is suffused with vivid Christian imagery. The secondyoungest Pevensie sibling, Edmund, represents a sort of Judas figure in the adventure. At the beginning of the story, he is a thoroughly disagreeable boy — a bit of a knowall and a bully. In Narnia, he falls

under the power of the White Witch after gorging himself on some of her enchanted Turkish Delight. At one point, he is prepared to betray his brother and sisters to the witch who ultimately wants to kill them all.

But goodness overcomes evil when Aslan, the great Lion-King and Redeemer of Narnia, appears and offers his own life as a sacrifice to the witch so that the undeserving Edmund may go free.

The witch, exultant at the prospect of being able to destroy her enemy, prepares to slaughter Aslan on a Stone Table.

Flocking to this climactic event come legions of the witch’s evil and hideous accomplices — goblins, hags and wraiths.

They seize the mighty Aslan, who offers no resistance. They bind him to the Stone Table, shave off his mane to humiliate him and start jeering at him. Then the witch raises her dagger and kills Aslan.

"C.S. Lewis did a great deal more than write tales for children; for he had an almost unique gift of being able to stir up or re-awaken in his readers, from the youngest to the oldest, a longing for heavenly things."

The witch, however, does not have the last say in this drama; for the following dawn Aslan triumphantly comes back to life.

He leads the Pevensie children and an army of loyal Narnian creatures in a mighty battle to overthrow the witch and free Narnia from her evil spell.

The four children (the rescued Edmund now having become a much nicer character) are crowned kings and queens of Narnia amidst much rejoicing.

Strange to say, in writing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis did not originally set out to write it with an overt Christian theme. “That element,” he later recalled “pushed itself in of its own accord.”

He said:

“At first I had very little idea how the story would go. But then suddenly Aslan came bounding into it … I don’t know where the Lion

came from or why he came. But once He was there He pulled the whole story together, and soon He pulled the six other Narnian stories in after him.”

In writing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Lewis created some unforgettable characters, such as Tumnus the faun, Mr and Mrs Beever, and the giant Rumblebuffin. Like the characters of Mole, Ratty, Mr Badger and Mr Toad in Kenneth Graham’s Wind in the Willows, C.S. Lewis’s creations will be remembered and loved for as long as people read good books.

Lewis, however, did a great deal more than write tales for children; for he had an almost unique gift of being able to stir up or re-awaken in his readers, from the youngest to the oldest, a longing for heavenly things.

In his autobiography he called this emotion “Joy”, and described it as “an unsatisfied desire which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction ... anyone who has experienced it will want it again”.

In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, he comes close to capturing its power. He wrote:

“Perhaps it has sometimes happened to you in a dream that someone says something which you don’t understand but in the dream it feels as if it had some enormous meaning … a lovely meaning, too lovely to put into words, which makes the dream so beautiful that you remember it all your life and are always wishing you could get into that dream again.”

HOT TIP: check out the great movie website: www.narnia.com

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (Warner Bros.)

Fourth film in the series based on J.K. Rowling’s fantasy novels, in which Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) competes against students from two rival schools in a perilous wizard’s tournament that ends up being sabotaged by the evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), who uses it to ensnare Potter. Director Mike Newell continues the darker tone set by 2004’s “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” and though this go-round feels a tad long, it still conjures enough movie magic to cast a satisfying spell over audiences. Frightening images, scenes of intense menace and some sexual innuendo. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II - adults and adolescents.

The woman winning the war against AIDS

Continued from page 11

Western world will also listen to their experience. Thankfully some westerners are waking up.

“20 years into the pandemic there is no evidence that more condoms lead to less AIDS...”

“20 years into the pandemic there is no evidence that more condoms lead to less AIDS,” says Dr Edward Green of Harvard’s Centre for Population and Development Studies.

of the Health and Evaluation Unit at Cambridge University claiming that “the clearest example of declines in HIV prevalence and changes in sexual behaviour comes from Uganda…”

In light of these comments, one may reason that Australia, and indeed all countries could learn some lessons from the Ugandan experience.

Dr Duggan’s recommendations for education in all countries includes:

• Delayed onset of sexual activity until marriage

• Marital faithfulness instead of adultery and multiple partnering

• Sound values-based sex education

“Zathura: A Space Adventure” (Columbia)

Fancifully entertaining adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s children’s book about two bickering brothers (Jonah Bobo and Josh Hutcherson) who play a magical board game that transports their house into outer space with the only way back being to finish out their turns, with each round bringing new dangers in the form of rampaging robots, meteor storms and ravenous reptilian aliens.

Director Jon Favreau combines dazzling visuals and disarming emotion to evoke childlike wonder, while imparting a sentimental message about the importance of family and forgiveness. Recurring fantasy action violence, child peril, some scary images and minimal crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II - adults and adolescents

“We are not seeing what we expected: that higher levels of availability result in lower HIV prevalence,” adds Dr Green. Other studies add strength to this argument, with Dr Daniel Low-Beer

• Leadership that promotes sound values

• Role models that promote life

• Fuller participation in the life of one’s community. - courtesy, Kairos Dr Miriam

Duggan

Jonah Bobo stars in a scene from the movie “Zathura: A Space Adventure.” Photo: CNS

Daniel Radcliffe stars in a scene from the adventure movie “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

It is not too late to apply to Notre Dame?

Applications for undergraduate programs are being received until the 20 January 2006. If you haven’t already done so, send us your application now for entry into Semester One, 2006.

Notre Dame has NO APPLICATION FEE and has fee levels equivalent to HECS?

Everyone can afford Notre Dame. Send your FREE application and defer your fees with FEE-HELP to start the study experience of a lifetime!

process that goes beyond the use of a single

From a student’s point of view

“The University of Notre Dame’s flexiable course structure allows me to combine both Education and Biomedical Science. This combination provides me with a wealth of future options. When I decided to take on this degree I felt quite anxious, however it was not long before I realised the lecturers are there when students need support and treat you as a real person.

Over the past two years I have had contact with most of the lecturers associated with Biomedical Science. In that time I have never been refused help, and appreciate the depth and breadth of knowledge they teach from.

Notre Dame is one of the few places where you can learn 21st Century science in a historical 19th Century building, making it a very different experience. So far the Biomedical Science Degree has been challenging and rewarding; giving me a sound base in all aspects of the human body. The Teaching degree has provided me with extensive practicum experience. I feel well prepared to enter the workforce, where ever the future may take me!”

Jason Peacock

Bachelor of Education (Primary) / Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Enrol in a double degree: Keep your options open

It is a well-known fact that employers value graduates who have a broad education encompassing more than one specific area of study. A feature of the courses at The University of Notre Dame Australia is the availability of double degree programs. By extending their course, students are given the opportunity of completing a double degree, gaining two qualifications in a much shorter time and at

considerably lower cost than separate completion would allow. By making use of our Winter and/or Summer Terms the double degree can be completed using this “fast-track” option in an extra twelve months. The completion of double degrees enhances employment prospects and allows graduates to choose a career from a wider field of opportunities.

Focus on the College of Business: Variety of options at all levels

The College of Business at Notre Dame offers a wide variety of specialist areas including Accounting, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Management and Public Relations. These areas can be studied at Bachelor, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters and Doctorate degree levels.

For students looking to study at a higher academic level, Notre Dame offers its popular Master of Business Administration (MBA) and MBA (Executive) programs. Students wishing to specialize in Management or Marketing at a higher degree level are able to do so through the prestigious Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs.

PhD programs are traditionally designed to train future academics as

they are entirely research based and comprised of three years of investigation related to an area of scholarly interest. A DBA, often referred to as a Professional Doctorate, is highly regarded in the industry as its inbuilt coursework component combines high level analytical and research skills, together with an expanding knowledge in an identified managerial problem related area. Business executives holding a Masters qualification with significant managerial experience should consider the DBA program if they wish to research a particular problem area in their businesses or industry. Make the first step and contact us for more information on any of these exciting courses and take your education to a new level!!

Jason Peacock Bachelor of Education (Primary) / Bachelor of Biomedical Science