Discovery - October 2003

The Pope of the young

When history is written about Pope John Paul II he will no doubt be remembered for many things, but most of all he is likely to be remembered as “the Pope of the young”.

His remarkable rapport with the young was evident from the beginning of his papacy, and it has flourished and become ever more spectacularly obvious as the years have rolled by.

It is based on a mutual recognition of the heartfelt desire for real goodness in human life. The Pope sees the heart of young people and acknowledges their intuitive longing for love and justice. The young see the heart of the Pope and recognise one who has lived these ideals thoroughly and with great fidelity.

It is like meeting like at the deepest point of their reality.

In this profound meeting in all cultures of the world, Pope John Paul has continually challenged and encouraged the young to live up to the highest ideals of their hearts, and they have continually responded with faith and courage.

“Be not afraid,” he says, “In you there is hope, for you belong to the future just as the future belongs to you.”

“Young people, do not be afraid to be holy. Fly high, be among those whose goals are worthy of sons and daughters of God. Glorify God in your lives!”

“Do not be afraid to seek the interior freedom that belongs to the children

of God, who are capable of choosing what is truly good: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

“Do not be afraid of the love that places clear demands on people. These demands – as you find them in the constant teaching of the Church –are precisely capable of making your love a true love. The Church and humanity entrust to you the great reality of that love which is the basis of marriage, family and future.”

“Over and over... he has touched the truth that is written deep in their hearts and has called them to bring it forth...”

Over and over in his meetings with young people, he has touched the truth that is written deep in their hearts and has called on them to bring it forth as the foundation of their own happiness and the peace of the world.

The young have responded to him with remarkable generosity. It is not merely that they have turned out in their millions to listen to him and to pray with him at World Youth Days.

It is even more so that they have shaped their lives to live out the challenge he has offered them, the challenge of Jesus to be prophets of joy in a world made unselfish by their love. The fruits of this can be seen on every continent as the young deliver to the church and society new pathways of service, whether at home or in missionary activity.

Many years from now when historians seek to understand how the world was rescued from its greed, selfishness, infidelity and its culture of death, they will see that the Pope of the young appealed to their goodness and strength, and they responded.

INSIDE:

Working with Mother Teresa’s nuns:

Pages 8&9

CHOOSING UNI COURSES: options: can I change my choices, can I change my courses?

Page 11

ADOPTION:why has it fallen to 55 per cent of its 1970s level in Australia?

KIDS PAGE

Pages 14 & 15

Page 7

COMPETITIONS - win prizes!

LOOKING FOR A JOB?

Page 12

Page 16

A note from the editor

One could look around the world today and everywhere find what appears to be the triumph of the anti-human: things like avoidable starvation, half the world living in poverty, fratricidal wars that take millions of lives in places like Africa and a pervasive unhappiness that is fast becoming the most prominent characteristic of affluent First World societies such as ours which have lost their way: drugs, family breakdown, alienation, the killing of the young and the likely killing of the sick and

the elderly - not to mention a certain unconsciousness and indifference to the significance of these issues, a kind of a make-believe that as long as they don’t touch us individually then we don’t have to think about them. On the other hand, one could accept that while these are so there are also everywhere in the world signs that hope springs eternal and that we do not have to accept either the mediocrity of life as it is in this country or the way it is internationally. discovery does not offer you fashionable things. If you want to end up like the burnt-out stub of a Cosmo girl, then you know where to look. Instead, we focus on a hope and a certainty that finds its expression in individuals like Mother Teresa, the work she started and its continuation in our own time. And she was just one person. You can be another.

Sandover winner also has sights set on different goals

By Bronwyn Clune and Debbie Warrier

Shane Beros may have won this year’s Sandover medal, but to his team mates he will always be ‘’Squid.’ There’s nothing like your footy mates to make sure you don’t get a big head.

Beros has played for Swan Districts after a late start to his footy career at the age of 24. Now he’s one of their most valued players.

However at the beginning of this year Beros thought this season could be his last. He decided to give it his best shot, leading to his awardand the decision to play on for least another season.

At 29, Beros admits he’s probably too old to be picked up for the AFL. However, he is more than happy where he is. In the meantime, he told discovery his success had a lot to do with his Catholic faith. Beros was your average, happy go-lucky, guy. He bounced along, without much direction. Then he lost a close friend in a car accident, eight days before his 21st birthday. The loss raised some ques-

tions for him about where his life was headed. He had been brought up Catholic and had always attended Mass out of habit. After his friend’s death he went looking for something more.

It was then that he thought of becoming a priest.

Over the following weeks, he discerned that this was what God wanted of him.

Telling his friends was a bit of a daunting experience, Beros told discovery .

“I had made up my mind and didn’t want anyone telling me not to do it,” he said.

So he left it till the night before he entered the Seminary in 1996. He trawled for prawns, and shared a few beers with some mates that night. When they returned home to cook their catch, Beros finally broke the news.

“There was this silence and then I had to explain to some of them what a seminary is.”

“My mates knew I loved sports and loved going out, so they were pretty shocked,” he said. But, when they realised he was serious, his family was very supportive, as were his friends.

In the end Beros was at the Seminary for a year, which he describes as “the best year of my life.” But he also came to

realise that this was not what God was asking of him.

Instead, it lead to a new vocation – teaching. These days he’s a physical education teacher for all years and a Year 7 teacher at St Michael’s Primary School, Bassendean. Together with the encouragement of his amateur football coach, the experience also left him with the determination to give his football a serious go. Speaking of a missed opportunity to play AFL with Fremantle Dockers which came through an informal offer, Beros said he has no regrets.

He has close ties to his local community, is still very passionate about his WAFL career, and adds “I would [still] have my teaching, and once footy’s over I’d like to travel around Australia for a few years.”

For now, ‘Father Beros’ (another nickname from his footy mates) has to juggle the macho world of football, with a more conventional career in teaching and an active faith life. For someone so comfortable in his own skin, you get the feeling he’s up to the challenge.

Sandover Medallist Shane Beros, right, who also teaches at St Michael’s Primary in Bassendean.

Photo:Carole McMillen

FERTILITYCARE

Bono and George in ‘good old row’

Rock star Bono teamed up with bishops from three Christian denominations in the US to ask that President Bush and Congress live up to their pledge to commit US$3 billion in the year ahead to combat AIDS in Africa. Calling on America to “keep its promise to Africa” during a Septembe 16 press conference at St John Episcopal Church near the White House, Bono was joined by,

among others, Catholic Bishop John Ricard of Floida., chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on International Policy.

“The United States is the richest nation on earth,” Bishop Ricard said. “And it is a scandal that we are the last among industrialized nations in terms of per capita spending on development assistance for the poorest countries in the world.”

Bono, lead singer of the rock group U2, met with Bush at the White House before joining the press conference. “We had a good old row,” he said, adding that Bush was “very passionate about the problems. I believe him when he says he’s committed to the long term on AIDS. ...

We just can’t agree on the numbers.”

According to Bono, Bush is willing to commit only US$2 billion for the coming fiscal year, contending that it would be impossible for aid organizations to absorb a full $3 billion.

“We want to build the infrastructure” that can distribute drugs and conduct education programs in up to a dozen African countries ravaged by AIDS,” the singer said.

Bono praised the work of Catholic Relief Services, the US bishops’ overseas relief and development agency. “They treat 4 million people in Africa — not all HIV patients, but orphans, the problem as it breaks out,” he said.

A new child is orphaned every 14 seconds in Africa because of AIDS — more than 2.25 million a year — with a current total of 14 million orphans.

“That would be like the total populations of New York City and Washington, D.C., consisting of nothing but parentless children,” he said.

Around the wold one quarter of all people sufferring fom HIV-AIDS are cared for by Catholic institutions and organisations.

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Stuttering Congress

Every three years somewhere around the globe a conference occurs with the primary aim of helping to expose new treatments for those children and adults in our world who stutter and support this minority group who are often discriminated against in the workplace or schoolyard.

‘The 2004 World Congress for people who Stutter’ is being held for the first time in Western Australia, at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle from Sunday 15th to Friday 20th of February 2004. The Conference will provide valuable information and support for children who Stutter and their Parents, as well as School Teachers, Psychologists and Speech Pathologists. The invited speakers to the Conference are among the best in the world in the field of

stuttering research and treatment. Of particular interest are workshops and session topics including ‘Fluency for Fun – A workshop for Children who Stutter’, ‘Stuttering Innovations – A workshop for Teenagers’, ‘Teasing and Bullying: Unacceptable Behaviour’ and ‘Supporting the Child who Stutters – A workshop for Parents and School Teachers’, just to name a few. For more information on the conference and pre-conference workshops please visit the conference website at www 2004worldcongress speakeasy org au or for a registration form and information program please contact Pippa McCreery from the Speak Easy Association of W.A. on (08) 9225 4111 or email to seawa@bigpond.net.au

Caritas says “thank you”

Caritas Perth says thanks for a new record amount via Project Compassion for overseas aid work enabling continued support in places like East Timor, The Solomon Islands and Iraq. The Catholic community in Perrth has once again shown it’s commitment to Caritas Australia, the Catholic agency for overseas aid and development by donating $688,000 to the Project Compassion appeal - up slightly from 2002.

“He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.” (Luke 4:18)

The Freedom from Slavery stories and theme inspired us to fill our hearts with compassion and stand in solidarity with the oppressed in

today’s world. News from Iraq: “We have also had contact via email with Caritas Iraq and are happy to report that the staff from the Baghdad office (seen in the picture on our website) are all safe and well. As you can imagine the situation in the country remains chaotic and the staff of Caritas Iraq ask you to keep them and the Iraqi people in your thoughts and prayers.”

News from Perth: “Staff and many volunteers are preparing for Project Compassion 2004 with Building Peace Bring Hope as the theme. Director Ann Fairhead will visit programs in Bangladesh in November and Global Education Adviser Janeen Murphy with Think Globally Act Locally participants are planning a visit to Uganda in January.”

Bono answers a question duing the press conference where he joined Catholic and other Christian leaders to call for a promised increase to $3billion in US aid to Africa to combat AIDS.

Photo:CNS/Reuters

Not your average day job

especially when you have to give up work, school and relationships for 12 months...

By Debbie Warrier

Full time Disciples’ Youth Mission Team Manager Martin Pannell has a vision he wants to share with local Catholic youth, a vision that Disciples of Jesus member Colin Sutton had in 1986.

Colin believed God had inspired him when he announced to an audience of 450 other DJ’s that he thought youth should give up a year of their lives to become involved solely with youth work. That meant no relationships, no school and no full time paid work.

Group members would run retreats for young people and evangelise in schools. Any money earned through part time

work was put back into the team to be shared communally (excluding the manager which is a paid position). The group would live together to foster fellowship. Considering his target population was between 18 and 30 years, skeptics could be forgiven.

However, since its inception, young people have been stepping up to do just that. There are now teams in the Disciples of Jesus branches in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Martin explained there is a clear structure to the DYMT that is based on the Catholic faith.

“I tell people interested in going on team that they are actually joining a lifestyle for a year,” said Martin. There’s a common curfew time at the two houses shared by three women and three men respectively. Plus Martin, the team makes seven.

Martin identified one of the team’s strengths as being that all members pray together. That means morning and night Office, daily Rosary and Mass every weekday.

Martin saw another team strength as being the unity and friendship that exists between them. Despite being strangers when they first met, the DYMT’s communal living arrangements have been amiable.

The unbroken history of a DYMT being in existence for 13 years (18 years in Sydney) is another indicator of its appeal to young people, Martin said.

Parents and school children have been known to write ‘Thank you’ letters to DYMT, and the current team is no excep-

tion. The DYMT experience is a step removed from his former teaching and child psychology background, but Martin wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s the opportunity of a life time,” he said. Current team member Christy Swire agrees. She’s welcomed the opportunity to share with young people her own faith experience.

“I had realised the impact that my relationship with Jesus had on my life and I wanted young people to experience that in a radical way,” she said.

She values the friendships she’s made on team; the school visits and helping to run the youth group 24: 7.

The Youth Group Leader of 24:7 is Megan Belcher, another Disciples of Jesus member.

Christy spoke enthusiastically of the active faith life she enjoys with other team members.

She has been witness to life changing conversions too. “Some are called to be part of DYMT. All are capable of offering support in some way, like prayers,” she said.

Martin believes DYMT meets a vital need in the community. He encourages young people to discern if it’s for them.

For DYMT to continue to meet the needs of youth, financial support is needed. For example, there is the Partners Program (a monetary contribution scheme). Martin said at present there is no sole person dedicated to fundraising and this is an avenue he wishes to explore.

Spirituality - Meditation

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Norma Woodcock Meditation CD*

Martin Pannell, at left, with fellow members of the DYMT: focussing on a radically different approach. Photographs:Carole McMillen

Attitude is everything. The DYMT are all about changing the world.

Why the world loves Mother

Mother Teresa was beatified by one of her greatest admirers, Pope John Paul II, on October 19, the day before discovery went to press. Fr BRIAN KOLODIEJCHUK, cofounder of the Missionary of Charity priests and official promoter of Mother’s cause to be officially given the title of ‘Saint’, reveals how a frail little woman became one of the most radical figures of the 20th century.

Many people called her “a living saint." This was the general opinion not only of Catholics, but also people of different religions and even agnostics. She reminds the world that “God is." She stands as a testimony to a firm faith in God and the happiness and fulfillment that come from a life centred on God. That same faith in God was the basis of her love for every human being, whom she regarded as "my brother, my sister." For Christians, Mother Teresa is a reminder that only by being united with Christ can we bear fruit. Her attractiveness is the attractive-

ness of the Gospel itself. What was most visible and attractive in Mother Teresa was a radical living of the Gospel message.

What made her so admired and sought after was not so much her eloquence, since in fact her words were rather simple, but her “putting love into living action" as Jesus taught.

A deep understanding and belief of the Gospel message had taken root in her, penetrating her being, and this was reflected in her living. Even in a society that is so secular, radical Gospel living is still attractive.

In a time when the rejection of life is so common and people are abandoned because of indifference, Mother Teresa came as a messenger to every person she met: “God loves and wants you, he longs for you, he thirsts for you."

She lived this message by embracing the poorest, the most abandoned, the most unloved, those whom no one else wanted and for whom no one else had time.

That Mother Teresa engendered the admiration she did indicates that people still seek the spiritual. Often without knowing it, people are thirsting for God. At the deepest level, it was Mother Teresa's holiness that attracted people to her, and it was Jesus’ face they admired in her.

Mother Teresa's service was directed to all people regardless of caste and creed, race or nationality. In this way she witnessed to the truth that she herself proclaimed: “Every per-

son is a child of God, made to love and be loved."

She insisted on the fact that we are all children of the same “loving Father" and hoped that all would come to knowledge of this truth.

Mother Teresa had great respect for all religions, but she never compromised her own faith. Wherever she went, she went as a “missionary," as a Catholic nun, a messenger of the Gospel and she was accepted and respected as such.

Her very presence was a proclamation of her faith and a witness to the true face of the Church, a friend of the least and the last as was her Lord and Master.

Now, in the years after her death, people of all faiths, drawn by her life and message, come to pray at her tomb. c o n t i n u e d - P a g e 1 5

● How one TEE student decided

go and

Enquiries

Photo:CNS/Reuters

First Holy Communion

Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ’s Body and Blood, we are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

J e s u s i s r e a l l y p r e s e n t i n t h e E u c h a r i s t

The Lord gave us the Eucharist at the Last Supper because he wanted us to share in the life of the Blessed Trinity, the loving communion of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We become united to God at our Baptism, and receive a further outpouring of the Holy Spirit at our Confirmation. In the Eucharist we are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God, again and again. As Jesus says in St John’s Gospel:

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him” (Jn 6:56). This has been the belief of the Church from its earliest days. This is reinforced for us when we talk to Jesus after receiving him in Communion every Sunday or every day.

Colour it in ....

Competition WINWIN WIN

P U Z Z L E:

Match the words from the list with their correct definitions and send it to us here at discovery. The first three correct answers drawn will receive a FUNSAVERSbook filled with heaps of fun for you and your family.

1. Baptisma. a student or follower

2. Eucharistb. belief in what God has told us

3. Faithc. weeks of reverence before Easter

4. Lent d. sacrament of cleansing

5. Pentecoste. the body and blood of Christ at Mass

6. Proverbf. a wise saying

7. Disciple g. the day the Holy Spirit came down Return to: Discovery POBox 75,Leederville WA 6902 with your name address and phone number.GOODLUCK.

Bible accent

During biblical times, people were not able to go to a department store to buy their clothes. All garments were made by hand out of materials that were affordable or available. Leather was made from the hides of animals. The most common fabric for clothing was sheep's wool, but a rougher-textured fabric, called sackcloth, was made from goat's hair. It was called sackcloth because it was often used for making sacks in which to store harvested grain. Linen, a very fine fabric was made from the flax plant in textures ranging from delicate to very smooth. Silk was available in a variety of bright, shiny colours, but only the rich could afford it. The wool or other fibres were wound on a device called a distaff, after which the women would spin thread and then weave the threads into cloth on a loom. The women also learned how to use plants and other ingredients to make coloured dyes.

Peter Matthys takes his First Communion from Father Lyons.

Martha O’Hagan and Peter Matthys look at a First Holy Communion certificate presented by Father Lyons at their Willagee Parish.

Peter trusted Jesus when he got out of the boat, but as he walked on the water he got frightened. Jesus wants us to trust Him all the time. If we do He will never let us down.

Where love is ALL THAT MATTERS

Straight out of her TEE exams, SALLYROBERTStook off for India to work with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.

*By

Sally Roberts

The first time I went to Kolkata (previously known in the West as ‘Calcutta’), it was more out of curiosity than anything else. It was just after I had finished my TEE and I was desperate to get away and have some new life

experiences. I had always been intrigued by Mother Teresa and her work in Kolkata, so armed with all the information I could get hold of on the internet and my Lonely Planet guide I set off to volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity. When I look back on it now, I really did not have a clue what I was in for. What I saw, felt and touched on this journey was unlike anything I could have ever imagined. Over the seven weeks that I was there everything I knew and loved was challenged, but I would be back on that same flight nine months later.

On that first trip I was completely lost, I didn’t know what political system India had, or even the languages that were spoken. I stayed in a

very cheap youth hostel with other travellers and volunteers who were an important emotional support in this bustling and foreign city.

My first work there was in a centre for disabled and malnourished children called Shishu Bhavan. Most of the children there were not orphans but came from very desperate situations. It was there that I met a little boy who is very special to me. His name is Ahmid and he arrived in the home the same day that I did. From the moment I picked him up, I knew we had a special bond. In those seven weeks we spent together, I watched him grow from his skeletal frame attached to an IV drip to a boy with the most beautiful smile, despite all the suffering and the chaos around him. For seven

“I came to realise India was so diverse and intricate and I could spend years there and would still be learning every day.”

weeks I spent every spare moment I could with Ahmid, but I had to leave him in the care of the Sisters and other volunteers so I could return to Perth to start university. But I promised myself that I would return to India to see him again, and I was able to nine months later where I found a chubby little boy running around and playing with the other children.

Returning shocked me in many ways, because I realised that everything I had learnt about the country and its people on my first trip was so little. I came to realise India was so diverse and intricate and I could spend years there and would still be learning every day. Some one once told me that they considered their relationship with Kolkata to be something like a lettuce. It has many layers to it and every time you pull one layer off there is another one right underneath. I thought this was a rather accurate analogy.

This time I worked with a small group of people walking around the major railway stations helping the particularly desperate cases get to a hospital or to one of Mother Teresa’s homes. Sometimes it was only to let them die with dignity. My role was doing a bit of hands on first aid, such as wrapping and disinfecting open wounds. The people I met along the railway lines on these mornings were in many ways just ordinary people trying to make their

way through life like everyone of us. But on another level I realised that every single one of these individuals was so admirable and it was an honour for me to be able to help them even in such a tiny way. It’s strange how time has the ability to change the way in which we see what is around us. On those first mornings of walking the stations I could only see desperation, but this soon changed and I came to love a collection of amazing people who needed a bit of a hand. At the end of the day though I think I took much more away with me than I could ever have given them. It was not uncommon for the street children to follow you for hours asking for money and food. We would try to make light of the situation by turning around and putting our hands out and asking them for food and money. Usually the kids would laugh and run off to find something else to do. One morning the other volunteer I was working with was approached by a little girl who had only a pair of worn shorts on and asked him for money and food. We were in the middle of trying to help someone else, so my friend held out his hand asking her for some money, thinking she would run off laughing. But instead she reached inside her shorts and put one rupee in the palm of his hand, and disappeared. We both stood there in silence.

To anyone who has ever thought of being a part of something like this, I would always say to them to go ahead and definitely do it. There will be times that are hard and challenging, times when all you want is to be at home. But what you’ll get out of it will be worth so much more. I was lucky enough to have experienced a little taste of the work of Mother Teresa, a woman who was not scared of anything and was filled with love. It was an honour to be a part of the craziness, the hustle the bustle, the fight, the chaos, and the beautiful faces smiling up out of it all.

T hink you could be interested?

The Missionaries of Charity in Perth have this advice to offer: For those interested in volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity (MC) in Kolkata, India, first write to the Mother House. Once you have made written contact, the recommended times to present are Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 3pm. The Sister in Charge is Sr Nirmala Maria who will talk you through the procedure. Possible places of work may be at a home for abandoned children until they go for adoption, the school or the House of the Dying.

Headquarters: Missionaries of Charity

Mother House

54 A. A. J. C. Bose Rd

Calcutta West Bengal India 700016

Tel: (0011 91) 33 22 49715

Missionaries of Charity in Perth Headquarters:

98 Thomas St, East

Cannington WA 6107

Telephone (08) 9451 6122

Contact: Sr M Eliezer MC

Sally Roberts is currently studying Law at the University of Western Australia and plans to return to India in February.

Locals on Mission

Wor ld Mission Week (19th – 25th October) provides a timely opportunity to bring to mind the many West Australians involved in mission work both locally and overseas.Helping to establish the Kingdom ofGod in our world both through their actions and by witnessing to the conversion taking place in their own lives,these ‘everyday people’are inspirational reminders that we are all called to participate in the life-giving mission ofJesus.Here are the stories offour ofour ‘locals on mission.’

GOING IN SEARCH

F r S t e v e

M c G u c k i n M C –C a l c u t t a , I n d i a M ission for me is “going in search.”

It’s about having a desire to go out and find the needs and desires of the people and to bring God’s love to them.’ So explains recently ordained Missionary of Charity priest, Fr Steve McGuckin. After growing up in Kalamunda and Chidlow, and spending several years working as an electrician, Fr Steve finally yielded to a ‘suspicion’ that he was called to the priesthood and commenced his formation with the MCs. While a seminarian, Fr Steve spent time on mission in Mexico and Guatemala, and has now begun a placement in Calcutta – where he was a volunteer before

joining the Fathers. Referring to the beatification of Mother Teresa, Fr Steve says that ’it is a cause of great joy and celebration that our Mother in the charism will be held up for all the world as an example to follow.’

READY FOR RUBYA

A n n e t t e J o y c e –R u b y a , T a n z a n i a

Agreat missionary once said that mission is all about waiting. Kalgoorlie woman Annette Joyce can vouch for this. She is primed to begin a 2 year placement with the lay missionary organisation, PALMS in the small village of Rubya, Tanzania, and is patiently awaiting the processing of the necessary documentation. When in Tanzania, Annette’s key responsibility will be teaching

nurses in a mission hospital. Annette knows that the radically different living conditions ahead of her – such as the lack of electricity and running water – won’t be easy. However her deeper apprehensions centre on the process of being integrated into the local community. She is deeply aware, however, of the peace that comes with the assurance of a divine call and is confident that God’s grace will sustain her throughout her time in Africa.

TOWARDS HEALING THROUGH HOPE

J o h n R i o r d a n –P e r t h , W A I n 1997 John Riordan established the ‘Giveit-a-Go’ program to provide social and recreational

activities for people living with mental illness. John explains that the program is about ‘bringing hope into lives that are despairing.’ He seeks to facilitate this process through simple everyday activities such as canoeing and bushwalking. John has found that in the gentleness and beauty of nature, people experiencing the darkness, loneliness and isolation of mental illness can begin to see that healing is possible. While initially launching ‘Give-it-a-Go’ with the intention of helping others, John has found that he has been the person most transformed through this life-giving program.

Ahmid, as he was when Sally came to Shishu Bavan, Mother Teresa’s house for malnourished and disabled children....

... and 9 months later after she had completed her first year at Uni. In this picture Ahmid is sleeping after mealtime.

D a d i r r i - t h e s p r i n g w i t h i n pub Terry Knights and Assoc. (08) 8985 4078 www.digifilm.com.au

R R P $ 3 2 9 5

Now here’s something really special which has been so successful, the publishers told discovery, that the book has almost sold out of its first print run. Dadirri is a collection of aboriginal påintings, people, stories, dreamings, customs and healings from the Daly River in the Northern Territory. Most of the artists are women. and some of the older ones tell how they lived at the Daly River Mission, learnt about Jesus, Mary and Joseph, were baptised, received communion and were confirmed: “When we went back to the camps our elders listened .. it did not seem so very strange to them.” This is true enculturation. It is a new expression of traditional Aboriginal relationships by artists who have brought out the beauty of their people after long talks with their elders and among themselves. It is an inspiring introduction to Aboriginal culture and Aboriginal Christianity.

the spring within DADIRRI

A Special Child

Monica Mushivun (Mushiwun 2000)

I think of Jesus at Christmas time, lying in a paperbark basket, brining new life into the world because He was the one sent to save us. The six figures represent Mary and Joseph in the middle with the Three Wise Men and an Angel.

Eucharist

Anne Carmel Mulvein (Newi 1992)

Perhaps this is the way many Australians see the Eucharist – the priest holding the host aloft at Mass.

T he Joyful Mysteries ofthe Rosary

Marita Sambono (Diyini 1997)

A clockwise study of the symbols clearly defines the decades of the Rosary. Circles represent people. 1. Beginning at lower left, the angel announces to Mary that she is to become the Mother of God. The inner circle is the Child in the womb. 2. Following the beads clockwise: Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth. Both are pregnant. 3. At the top: Christ is born to Mary and Joseph. 4. Next: The Child is presented in the Temple and meets Simeon.. 5. Finally: as a twelve year old, Jesus is found talking with and listening to the elders in the temple.

T he Miracle ofthe Loaves and Fishes

Marita Sambono (Diyini 1992)

At the centre is Christ. In black and white around Him are people listening to His words. The yams, which for aboriginal people take the place of bread, form the next circle. Then I have put in the fish. Going back to the centre around Jesus are the twelve baskets of food left after the feast. The rays reaching out to the edge represent the news, which was carried away by those who had witnessed the miracle. Perhaps the real miracle was that people shared the food they had with them just as we aboriginal people do with our families and friends.

International Stuttering Conference comes to Perth

International Stuttering Conference comes to Perth

The Speak Easy Association of Western Australia is holding the ‘2004 World Congress for People who Stutter’ here in Perth in February 2004. This is the first time the congress has been held in Australia, so is an opportunity not to miss. Through the theme “F luency and Beyond: A Holistic Look at Stuttering” the Congress will provide an opportunity to learn practical information, skills and the latest findings in stuttering self help, treatment and research.

The congress will benefit children and teenagers who stutter and their parents, adults who stutter, teachers and speech pa thologists.

Some of the workshop and sessions topics include:

‘Supporting the child who stutters - a workshop for parents’ ‘Teasing and bullying in schools: unacceptable behaviour’ ‘Fluency for Fun: a workshop for children’ ‘Neuro Linguistic Programming Workshop’

15th-20th

February 2004

Esplanade Hotel

Fremantle

More information on the congress can be found on the website at www.2004worldcongress. speakeasy.org.au or for an information brochure please contact Pippa on 9225 4111 or seawa@bigpond.net.au

School’s finished - now what?

By John Nelson

As the end of year 12 approaches, students typically become increasingly nervous about their results.

Decisions so far

Many students will have clear career destinations in mind and will have explored the education and training required. Others will be undecided and that’s not necessarily a problem at this stage. There are TAFE and university handbooks as well as various web sites on careers. By 4 January 2004 for university, preferences need to be finalised. For TAFE courses students can add, delete and re-order their four preferences for most courses up to 28 November 2003. After that date, and up to 9 January 2004, they can change the order of their preferences and delete preferences but no new preferences can be added. Study preferences need to be firmed up by January 2004.

The process of changing preferences is outlined in various TISC and TAFE Handbooks or in a publication titled Surviving the Selection Process (produced by the Catholic Education Office of WA). It is important to fully understand the implications of changing preferences as well as recognising that the processes for TAFE and university are different.

Missing out on preferred choices

officer of the particular university beforehand.

I n t e r s t a t e e n r o l m e n t s –minimum entry TERs at WA universities are often much higher than universities in other states. This is caused by a shortage of funded places in Western Australia. Students can use the TER derived in WA to seek admission to any Australian public university. TISC can provide contact details. This can be expensive due to relocation and living expenses.

platform to enrol later in a Diploma course.

M i d y e a r T A F E e n r o l m e n t s –Offered in a range of courses, students should consult with the TAFE Admissions Centre. It’s an opportunity to work for 6 months before enrolling, and clarify their directions.

pin them. Students / parents should consult John Nelson at the Catholic Education Office on 9212 9366 or email:

nelson.john@cathednet.wa.edu.au

Limited copies of Surviving the Selection Process available.

John Nelson is a post-compulsory education consultant with the CEO.

F e b r u a r y T A F E o f f e r s – After their selection process, any unfilled courses are advertised in the newspaper and students can enrol in these courses at the specific TAFE centre. This may involve a lower level course which can be used as a

T he University of Notre Dame Australia

Entrance and selection procedures for this private Catholic university are different from those for public universities. Students who have not previously considered enrolling in this university may do well to obtain a prospectus. While applications would typically have been submitted by 26 September 2003, students may enrol anytime up to around the first week in February 2004 as a late enrolment. Very late enrolments may not have access to competitive courses unless there are unfilled places. Selection criteria are not decided solely on academic merit. Students should also be aware that the University of Note Dame offers an excellent Gateway Program for students who may not meet the standard entrance criteria. This may include those who have studied Wholly School-Assessed subjects.

In this situation, there are a number of alternate opportunities; Students can repeat all or some of their year 12 studies and build up the Tertiary Entrance Rank. Most schools provide such opportunities and there are some dedicated Senior Colleges which specialise in repeat students e.g. Canning and Tuart Colleges. It is not necessary to repeat all subjects. Students can ‘top up’ their results for subjects in which they have achieved poor marks. Repeating part time while working is an option.

T A F E e n r o l m e n t – students missing out on a university course could enrol at TAFE. If the course is a Certificate IV level and higher (especially Diploma courses) there is an opportunity to transfer to a similar/related university course on completion. A TAFEDiploma course at is typically two years full time. Fees are often less than university HECS.

P a r t - t i m e s t u d y / p a r t - t i m e w o r k –A chance to earn an income perhaps in a related area, and an option for those not ready for full-time study. Others may take an entire year off before electing to study. Some University offers may be deferred for a year, all TAFE offers cannot. Not entering a preferred course should be seen as an opportunity to explore a range of post secondary pathways. Be aware of the implications and procedures which under-

THE PERTH COLLEGE OF BEAUTY THERAPY

Award Winning college

GOVERNMENT ACCREDITED TRAINING

NATIONALLY RECOGNISED

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED BEAUTY QUALIFICATIONS

BEAUTY THERAPY DIPLOMA LEVEL IV & V BEAUTY CERTIFICATE LEVEL III

MAKE UP ARTISTRY

BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED

ACRYLIC NAILS/ PERMANENT FRENCH/ GEL NAILS

SWEDISH MASSAGE

POST GRADUATE TRAINING

ELECTROLYSIS,EYELASH PERMING,ADVANCED WAXING

FULL TIME/ PART TIME AND EVENING CLASSES

Changing Preferences

After receiving their results on 23 December 2003, students may realise they are short of the required cut off score for one or more of their preferences and that it would be prudent to delete those courses which are well beyond their reach.

E n r o l l i n g w i t h a p r i v a t e p r o v i d e r –A number of private colleges enrol students in the equivalent of the first year of a university program. Such Colleges usually have a ‘twinning’ arrangement with a range of universities whereby successful completion of the first year can result in a direct transfer to the second year of the equivalent course at a university. The fees tend to be around $7000. Some universities offer bridging or preparation type programs. Alternatively, with some university courses it is possible to enrol in a related course at that university and then seek transfer to the desired course in second or third year. Such transfers are usually restricted to courses within a university and not often between universities. Students contemplating such a strategy should consult with the admissions

Graduate School of Education

Fee Exempt Postgraduate Courses in 2004

The Graduate School of Education (GSE) is recognized internationally for excellence in Education and research. In 2004 the GSE has Research Training Scheme (fee exempt) places available in the following doctoral and master’s by thesis and coursework degrees:

• Doctor of Education (EdD)

• Master of Education (MEd)

• Master of Educational Management (MEdMan)

• Master of Special Education (MSpEd)

• Master of Education in Applied Linguistics (MEdAppLing)

• Master of Educational Studies (MEdSt)

Places are also available in MEd, MEdMan, MEdAppLing and MEdSt degrees by coursework and major paper. These degrees attract fees but are eligible for funding through the Postgraduate Education Loan Scheme (PELS).

The GSE also invites enquiries about PhD study in Education.

The Graduate School of Education offers:

• Courses to suit individual professional needs

• Flexible delivery (EdD and Master’s research units are offered in compressed mode over weekends and holiday periods, Master’s optional units are available from 4.00p.m. weekdays)

• Excellent supervision and support throughout the course

• The choice of full time or part time study

• The flexibility to commence a Graduate Diploma (24 points) and transfer to Master’s by coursework if you wish to proceed

See Website: www.admissions.uwa.edu.au/postgraduate

Handbook: http://www.publishing.uwa.edu.au

Contact and General InformationEnrolment information

Graduate School of EducationMrs Zan Blair

The University of Western AustraliaFaculty Administrative Officer

35 Stirling HighwayTelephone: 9380 2397

CRAWLEY WA 6009Email: Zan.Blair@uwa.edu.au

Telephone:9380 2388

Facsimile:9380 1052

November will see Perth in an explosion of dreamlike festivities, which will evoke childlike intrigue in everyone with the Awesome Arts Festival for 2003.

Awesome Arts is a non-profit Arts Organisation, which encourages youth to express their individuality through creativity and the Arts. The Awesome Festival’s Artistic Director, Gary Chard, said that the concept behind Awesome Arts was to inspire people to be creative, even if they weren’t artists.

“We have year round programs that work across the state in different communities to encourage young people to explore their unique qualities but also the different community qualities that exist where they live,” he said. Gary said this year’s Festival is a celebration of childhood with International events, which range from contemporary dance performances, to interactive audiovisual exhibitions, a

Catcher in the Rye-inspired gulf packed with coloured beach balls, as well as an inflatable kaleidoscopic architectural creation from England. The Festival’s themes go beyond merely childhood; an exhibit made up of 150 Chinese lanterns, along with a dance piece by a Hong Kong choreographer, pay tribute to the themes of migration, tradition and multiculturalism.

“To me a real Festival is about the community coming together and celebrating on a cyclical basis, something that is of fundamental importance to them,” Gary said.

A contemporary dance piece by Canadian performance group CAS PUBLIC, If You Go Down to the Woods Today, explores the world of childhood fears and was inspired by discussions the choreographer had with her young daughter.

“This show is particularly beautiful because it gives the children the opportunity to understand that they’re not the only one who has these fears [and helps] resolve them through the show,” he said. Teacher’s discussion notes

City

are available to the public upon request. All the events hope to not only delight the children but also remind adults what it was like to be young.

“We love to encourage adults to re-experience the qualities of childhood that they’ve relinquished ... like innocent fun, the ability to let go of seriousness and to do something silly for a moment,” Gary said.

“Parents will love it as much as the kids.”

The Awesome Festival opens on Friday 21 November and runs until 30 November. For further information please contact Awesome Arts on (08) 9485 0560 for a Festival Program or check out their website at www.awesomearts.com

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY – FREE TICKET OFFER.

José Carreras

One Unforgettable evening

Conductor David Giménez

West Australian Symphony Orchestra

Soprano Ra chelle Durkin direct from New York

We st Australian Ballet performing their hit “Rites of Spring” "Café del Mar sunset" with Luke Neville from 4.30pm

ST ST OPS OPS the boredom

Tired of hearing “MUM, I'M BORED” ,“WHAT CAN WE DO?” or “WE NEVER DO ANYTHING!”? Then grab a FunSavers booklet, say goodbye to bored kids and hello to school holidays and weekends full of family fun.

FunSavers offers over 110 discounts to local family oriented businesses and will be sure to save you money while keeping you and your family entertained. Maybe you fancy water activities, visiting a wildlife park, relaxing in a movie theatre or a weekend away, with your FunSavers coupons you can do all this and much, much more.

Unlike other discount booklets, FunSavers includes over $120 of totally free activities including passes to Qzar and free Timezone games. Priced at only $19.95, FunSavers offers over $2000 worth of savings and is valid until July 2004.

One parent commented: "THIS IS GREAT! With other books you need a baby sitter – with this one you don't.” Don’t miss out on this wonderful booklet designed for both single and two parent families.

Stocks are limited so don’t delay – get your FunSavers booklet today.

Phone 9248 2690 (credit cards only) or send your cheque/ money order (made payable to Community Concepts) to PO Box 3128 Malaga WA 6945 Please include $4 00 per booklet for postage and handling For a complete list of coupons or to order online, please visit www funsavers com au

have 7 books to give away to the first 7

drawn with correct answers.We also have ten books to donate to your school for the first correct entry drawn.

your entry don’t forget to put

Breast Cancer Day - October 27

Being breast aware....

It is estimated, one in 11 Australian women will develop breast cancer.

Each year Australia wide there are approximately 10,000 new cases and 2,500 deaths from breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in Australian women.

Breast cancer commonly occurs in women aged 50 and over, however it is important for all women, young and old, to be ‘breast aware’ and take control of their health.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in breast tissue.

These abnormal cells can spread via the blood or lymphatic system and invade other body tissues.

What causes breast cancer?

The cause of breast cancer is not known therefore early detection of the disease is currently the best protection.

Research has identified a number of risk factors, which may contribute to the development of this disease.

These include:

● G e n d e r a n d a g e

Being a woman and getting older are the two main risk factors for developing breast cancer. Seventy per cent of all breast cancers occur in women aged 50+. Breast cancer is rare in the 20-30 year age group.

● F a m i l y h i s t o r y

One in five of all breast cancers are believed to be related to inherited genes associated with cancer.

Balya

Optimum Health and Wellness Retreat Centre

Belinda Emmett was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 24. She had surgery to remove a malignant lump in her left breast.

● P r e v i o u s h i s t o r y o f b r e a s t c a n c e r

If you have had breast cancer, you are three to four times more likely to develop breast cancer in the future.

● L i f e s t y l e f a c t o r s

Evidence of a relationship between breast cancer and lifestyle factors is inconclusive. However, exercising regularly, being a non smoker and eating a well balanced diet, low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates and fibre, will go a long way in maintaining a healthy body.

● R e p r o d u c t i v e a n d h o r m o n a l f a c t o r s

The risk of breast cancer appears to be influenced by a woman's total accumulated exposure to oestrogen

Bridie Carter - 30 years old (Tess McLeod - McLeod’s Daughters) plays a character her own age who finds a lump in her breast whilst showering.

and other hormones. There are several aspects to be considered for example:

- M e n a r c h e (onset of menstruation) Studies have shown that starting menstruation before the age of 12 may be associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.

- M e n o p a u s e (cessation of menstruation)

Women who are 55 or older when they reach menopause have twice the risk of breast cancer compared to women who experience menopause at the age of 44 or younger.

- H o r m o n e R e p l a c e m e n t T h e r a p y (HRT)

It has been suggested that current and recent users of HRT are at

Daneechi Swimwear Magic: Is dedicated to making women who have had a mastectomy feel confident and secure in their appearance. Daneechi’s provide a comprehensive range of mastectomy bathers, even adding pockets to existing styles. Take comfort in knowing that the staff at Daneechi have many years experience and know how to cater to your needs with discretion and confidentiality.

Daneechi, can be found at 30 Rockeby Rd, Subiaco, Ph: 9388 1767.

Balya (aboriginal for “healing”) is a non-profit charitable organisation. It provides the necessary psychological, medical and spiritual support to enable patients to fulfill personal goals and meet the significant lifestyle changes they will face. The Balya team conduct unique 5 day retreats covering: education, medicine, nutrition, psychology, fun and laughter and treatment. For more information on the next retreat contact: Balya on (08) 9244 2909.

Look Good...Feel Better is a free community service program dedicated to helping women undergoing treatment for cancer. The purpose of the program is to help women manage the appearance related side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, thereby helping to restore their appearance and self image.

Look Good... Feel Better can be contacted on 1800 650 960 or visit the website www.lgfb.org.au

increased risk of breast cancer, particularly when used for a long period of time. HRT should therefore be used as a short-term treatment (no more than three years) for the symptoms of menopause. Women should not stop taking HRT without consulting their doctor. Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop breast cancer.

How to be ‘Breast Aware’

You can be ‘Breast Aware’ by knowing what is normal for you. This includes looking at your breasts in the mirror for any changes and feeling your breasts from time to time. You should see your doctor about the following important changes:

● A lump, lumpiness or thickening

● Changes in the skin, such as puckering or dimpling, unusual redness or other colour change

● Persistent or unusual pain

● A change in the shape or size of a breast

● Discharge from, or changes to, a nipple.

If you still have periods, remember that your breasts may change with your monthly cycle. The use of HRT may also cause changes in your breasts.

Screening for Breast Cancer

Breast Self Examination (BSE) is a systematic method that some women prefer to use to get to know the normal look and feel of their own breasts. However, it is not recommended as a reliable method of early detection or as a screening test. For more information on BSE contact the Cancer Helpline 13 11 20 for a “Be Breast Aware” brochure. You can also ask your doctor to perform a Clinical Breast Examination

John Hughes’ Big Walk, to raise funds for breast cancer research. 18 kms from the Perth Esplanade to the Fremantle Esplanade on Sunday, October 26. Registration forms from Cancer Foundation shops in Subiaco and Perth and John Hughes’ service centres, or call the Cancer Foundation on 9212 4333.

(CBE), perhaps the next time you have your Pap smear.

Mammography is the most effective evidence based method of screening for the early detection of breast cancer.

- W o m e n a g e d 5 0 - 6 9 y e a r s are invited every two years to participate in the free breast screening program.

- W o m e n 4 0 - 4 9, without breast symptoms, can attend for a free screening mammogram, although current research does not support regular screening for this age group.

- W o m e n u n d e r t h e a g e o f 4 0 are not eligible for a free screening mammogram.

The incidence of the disease is very low in this age group and there are technical difficulties involved in using mammography to detect breast cancer in young women.

- W o m e n 7 0 + y e a r s may have other health priorities and should consult with their doctor before having a mammogram.

If at any age you detect a lump or change in your breasts, consult your doctor. Remember most breast changes will be harmless.

You can contact BreastScreen WA on 13 20 50 to arrange an appointment for a mammogram at any of the 6 metropolitan sites or to find out when one of the mobile vans will next be in your regional area.

Remember, take control of your health and be ‘Breast Aware’. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chance of effective treatment. F

Article provided by Women’s Cancer Team, Cancer Foundation of Western Australia

Olivia Newton John was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 at the age of 43, she has been cancer free for 5 years.

Adoption: time

A l e x a n d e r t h e G r e a t w a s o n e . S o w e r e M a r i l y n M o n r o e , A r i s t o t l e , E l e a n o r R o o s e v e l t , I n g r i d B e r g m a n , L e o T o l s t o y , a n d M o s e s . C l e a r l y , b e i n g a n a d o p t e e i s n o b a r r i e r t o a c h i e v em e n t a n d f a m e Y e t t o d a y ’ s a d o p t i o n f i g u r e s i n

A u s t r a l i a a r e a t 5 % o f t h e i r 1 9 7 0 s l e v e l . W h y i s

A u s t r a l i a , a l o n g w i t h m a n y o t h e r m o d e r n i n d u s t r i a l i s e d n a t i o n s , s o n e g a t i v e a b o u t a d o p t i o n ?

B I L L J A M E S i n v e s t i g a t e s .

By Bill James

If you are one of those who thought plummeting adoption rates were simply a consequence of a dramatic fall in “unwanted pregnancies”, you might need to think again. In reality, anyone who promotes adoption these days is treated like a pariah due to a whole range of factors, most of them highly emotional.

For a start, many movies, books and even songs have highlighted the painful consequences of “young love” and forced adoption. We are told that young mothers whose parents forced them to give up their child carry the scar for life.

Then there is the publicity given to the so called “primal wound” that many adoptees are said to experience. There is also the issue of the terrible experiences of many kids who passed though orphanages and other institutions. And in Australia, there is the scandal of the “stolen generation”. The emotions engendered by all these images also tend to add heat to debates about abortion and IVF.

As the Sydney Morning Herald columnist Miranda Devine has pointed out, “adoption remains disreputable, tainted by a Darwinian fascination with genes, hysteria over ‘stolen children’, exaggeration of biological bonding, a growing and possibly incorrect belief that nature is stronger than nurture, and romantic stories of ‘primal wounds’ that supposedly occur when baby is relinquished. Taboo are stories of women grieving for their aborted babies

Whatever the reasons for the negative image that adoption now has, the fact is that the incidence of adoption has certainly plummeted over the past few decades.

After a peak of nearly 10,000 adoptions in the financial year 1971-72, the level has dropped relentlessly with only 514 adoptions in Australia in 2000-01, 521 less than in 19992000.

A report published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) also points out that in 2000-01, while the adoption of children from overseas countries was growing, the level of local adoptions fell to a mere 88 children, compared with 106 only a year before (major countries of origin for adoptees were South Korea (75), India (40), Ethiopia (37) and Thailand (35). The report attributes the downward trend in adoption to a range of factors, including changing atti-

tudes to single parenthood, changing practices to discourage adoptions by relatives, and policies that encourage the permanent placement of children rather than adoption. It could well have added that adoption has also declined due to the growth in IVF births and abortions.

“There are ways to help adopted children to deal with the pain of separation from their ‘birth mother’ and the feelings of abandonment that can go with it.”

If you had to choose among the reasons for society’s negative attitudes to adoption, you would probably have to say that apparent damage to both mother and child remains high in the public mind. There are few sadder things in life than the forced separation of a mother from her own child. Many books have been written by mothers who were put through this pain, the best known being The Other Mother: A Woman’s Love for the Child She Gave Up for Adoption , by Carol Schaefer.

In addition to all of the books, there are many Internet sites. Sites like adoptees.com, where they will find first-hand accounts under headings such as: “An adoptee’s healing journey from relinquishment through reunion”, “Journey of the adopted self: a quest for wholeness” or “Adoption healing .a path to recovery”.

In the past adoptees were often discouraged from acknowledging their feelings. Sometimes the truth was even concealed from them, a practice which continues amongst parents of IVF children. One adoptee who has written on this issue is American writer Marcy Wineman Axness. She says in the past there were few opportunities in the lives of adoptees to resolve their emotional issues. “All eyes in our adoptive families were on the blessings, so ours had nowhere else to look,” Ms Axness says. “‘You’re a precious part of our family’ didn’t allow for ‘I wonder if those blue eyes come from your birthmother or birthfather.”’ Despite her acute awareness of the unique suffering that is often experienced by adoptees, Ms Axness, who now has two children of her own, relates the issue to the painful experiences of children who were not adopted. “Instead of sympathy - which will foster victim status - what a hurting child needs from a parent is empathy,” she says, recommending that adopting parents speak to their adoptive children in terms like: “I can see that you’re hurting - I bet you’re missing your other mother.” “...I’m here for you and I’m going to stay here with you.”

Ms Axness adds: “These may be difficult words to say, but I can think of no greater gift that any parent can give a child than the freedom to be exactly who she is throughout her lifetime, without the leaden emotional baggage of banished feelings.”

For society it means problems that sometimes go with adoption are not necessarily insurmountable. There are ways to help adopted children to deal with the pain of separa-

tion from their “birth mother” and the feelings of abandonment. On the other hand, there are many who are very positive about their experience.

One woman who was adopted as a baby wrote: “I knew I was adopted for as long as I can remember. Mum used to tell me the story of how I came to live with her. It was a beautiful, I loved hearing it. When I was four or five years old I would beg her to tell me how I came to be adopted. She would tell me that the woman who carried me in her tummy wasn’t able to give me all the things that I would need in life. She told me this woman who gave birth to me loved me so much she gave me to a family who couldn’t have their own children and could give me the things that I would need.”

This woman goes on to tell how she eventually made contact with her birth mother, but that she always felt a closeness to her adoptive mother that she never felt with her biological mother.

“Instead of sympathywhich will foster victim status - what a hurting child needs from a parent is empathy,”

The bottom line in all of this discussion of the pros and cons of adoption appears to be that there are difficulties involved in adoption, just as there are difficulties involved in bringing up one’s own biological children. But the difficulties can be overcome.

At the same time, questions are being raised about the widespread use of IVF. Despite media reports showing smiling mothers with their miracle babies, experience has shown that IVF is often far from a happy experience. Many women who have entered IVF programs have found the whole process so intrusive and debilitating that they say they would never do it again. There is also the huge cost of IVF. It has been estimated that IVF programs are costing Australian tax-payers more than $65 million per year.

Miranda Devine said “What kind of warped morality has us pour millions of dollars into the pockets of drug companies and fertility clinics whose boom industry depends on the shortage of babies, while pouring scorn on those people with the fortitude to donate such a precious resource to others? Maybe if there was money in it, adoption would be a boom industry, too.”

Where adoption is concerned, perhaps it is time for both individuals and the nation as a whole to think again.

- Perspective, Winter 2003

for a rethink?

All you need is love

By Nikki Bayley - adopted at birth

Ihave always regarded having children as a blessing rather than my due. However, turning that blessing into a right, as the government seems keen to do with its new "free IVF for all" policy, to me seems wrong.

When I was just two months old I was adopted, and I can't help but feel dumbstruck when people argue that they "need" IVF treatment because "having someone else's child just wouldn't be the same as having your own".

Well, hang on a moment. The day I split my chin going over the handlebars of my bike and mum rushed me to casualty and sat for hours at my bedside, was that not being a proper family? Or the day mum and dad drove me to university in Leeds and on the way home had to pull into the nearest lay-by because they were both crying so much?

My parents adopted two children - Peter, my brother, is three years older than me. Both my parents are retired now but dad used to be a Post Office engineer and mum was a secretary.

We grew up in Stafford, just a few miles from where they had both been born.

After six miscarriages between 1963 and 1966,

W h y w e l o v e M o t h e r

c o n t i n u e d f r o m P a g e 6

Likewise, throughout India people from different religious backgrounds gather to honour her life and work. Her witness and message are cherished by those of every religion as a sign that God still loves the world today.

Mother Teresa's relationship with God was at the root of all of her activity. Her example reminds us once again that every missionary endeavour has to start and end in prayer. There is always a temptation to reduce mission to social service. But for Mother Teresa, a missionary is to be “a carrier of God's love." Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick and every other apostolate she undertook, was her way of channelling God's love to the person.

Mother Teresa was seeking the face of Christ in prayer and in apostolate.

It was Jesus she was with in prayer, it was Jesus she was touching in the poor, it was Jesus she was meeting in every person.

Mother Teresa loved the poor. She also loved prayer. To keep the balance between

mum was advised to stop trying for a baby - or risk dying in the process.

She couldn't carry a child full-term and most didn't even make it past three months. She says that she became almost religious about the whole experience - it seemed that no matter how much she wanted a child and how much she suffered trying to get one, it wasn't to be.

Dad just wanted to do whatever would make her happy and so they tried to come to terms with the idea that theirs would be a childless marriage.

Attitudes were very different in the 1960s and it was understood that some people were not physically able to have children; so, instead of chasing cripplingly expensive dreams, couples got on with their lives and basically made the best of what they had together.

Luckily for me, my parents' neighbours had already adopted a child and suggested my parents look into it, and that is when they started on the long road to becoming my mum and dad. Admittedly, adoption was easier in the 1960s than it is now - single mothers were frowned on and there were far more babies available - but there were still endless questions, forms to fill in, social-worker visits and court appearances before you gained legal custody.

It took them nine months until they held my brother, then two months old, in their arms for the first time. Mum says it was an incredible feeling - after 24 hours the bond between them was as strong as with any mother and her child. After Peter turned two my parents decided that they wanted a little girl, too. I was

prayer and action, the life of the Missionaries of Charity calls for about four hours a day of prayer. Mother Teresa remained exceptionally faithful to the times of prayer. Prayer, meditation and holy Mass, were the most important moments of her day. After receiving Jesus in the Eucharist she went to serve him in the poorest of the poor. Prayer was her time to be united to Jesus, to listen to him, to surrender to him, to find his will in all that she did.

The second most important part of her day was an hour of eucharistic adoration. She would not miss it except for a most serious reason.

The rosary was one of the most important and simple methods of Mother Teresa's prayer. Mary was her inseparable companion. She prayed it in the chapel, on the streets, on the bus or plane.

For her it was an essential means to ponder the mysteries of the life of Jesus and Mary and to keep praying all the time. She was often seen holding the rosary in her hand, which was for her a reminder of Our Lady's presence and the intimate connection that she nurtured with the Mother of God.

- Zenit

born at a Church Society Unmarried Mother and Baby home to a 16-year-old girl who very bravely decided to give me up for adoption so that I would have the chance of being brought up in a loving home with a family who desperately wanted a child.

“In my family, adoption has always been something that has been celebrated rather than hidden; children at school would envy my Adoption Day presents and cards...”

I have seen the reports from the social workers that describe visits to my home when I was just a few months old; they talk of my mother's pride in the room that she had decorated for me, my dad's excitement at seeing me try to sit up and my older brother's adoration of his baby sister.

They opened their home and hearts to two children and have been the best parents that anyone could ever wish for. My brother and I always knew that we were adopted, but we have never for a moment felt second-class, or unloved.

My mum said if IVF had been available in the 1960s, she wouldn’t have put herself through it. She understood all too well the biological urge to have a baby. She was desperate to be a mother and felt she had already faced too

much heartache to embark on something so traumatic and likely to end in disappointment. Also, she says that she and my father regard couples who are desperate, at any cost, to have a biological child as rather self-obsessed; she was happy to be able to give a disadvantaged child a loving home.

In my family, adoption has always been something that has been celebrated rather than hidden; children at school would envy my Adoption Day presents and cards, and I was made to feel very important and cherished because I had two birthdays (just like the Queen).

My parents brought me up to be proud of who I am and encouraged me to contact my real mum if I wanted to. Once, in the playground, someone shouted, “You're adopted!" at me, to which I retorted, “Yeah - well my parents chose me; yours probably had you by mistake!"

I met my birth mother about four years ago, with full support from my parents. However, although I feel that she had missed my presence in her life, I genuinely didn't feel any bond or connection with her at all. She was a stranger to me.

She was a lovely lady, it was great to thank her and reassure her I'd had a good life - thanks to her - but she wasn't my mum.

People always used to tell my mum how alike we looked when I was a baby in my pram and I know that she loved that. The most important thing you can give a child is unconditional love - something that I received and still go on receiving in endless amounts from my family. We didn’t need medical science to create a bond of love between us. - The Scotsman

A Missionaries of Charity sister serves food to the poor

skills in retail. Duties involve stock control, dispensary, assisting pharmacist & customer service. Full training will be provided. Must be flexible to work on a roster betw 8am-8pm. Phone Yara on 9351 1100.

Salesperson/ Delivery Driver

CANNINGTON

Apprentice Glazier

Req 17-19yr old to learn all aspects of glazing trade; bathrooms, shower screens & coffee tables. Must have strong desire to develop skills and gain qualifications as tradesperson. Pre-apprenticeship advantage. F/time, perm. Position in O’Connor. Phone Yara on 9351 1100.

Assistant Manager

Junior 16-21yrs req in hosp. industry in Willetton. Duties include, staff rostering, cash handling & till balancing, customer service, cooking, food prep & cleaning. Must have outgoing personality & a strong desire to learn. Must have own t/sport & be prepared to work day or night shifts. F/time, perm. position. Phone Yara on 9351 1100.

Pharmacy Assistant

Jun 16-18yr old req for f/time position in busy pharmacy in Myaree. Exc career opportunity for those who have a passion to develop

Jnr 17-19yr old with exc comm skills & passion for developing career in retail sales req for f/time position in Maddington. Inc customer service, delivery & assembly of products. D/L is essential. Outgoing personality, immaculate presentation & physically strong, Full sales training & product knowledge provided. Phone Yara on 9351 1100.

Trainee Candy Maker

Bright, energetic & responsible juniors (17-19) that love the magic of making lollies & watching kids smile. Applicants will be undertaking a traineeship focusing in all areas of candy making. The successful applicant will be working rotating shifts between 8-2 and 210. F/time, perm position in Cannington area. Phone Yara on 9351 1100.

Warehouse Assistant (Full time, permanent position)

Motivated & reliable 16-17yr old req for giftware wholesaler in Canning Vale. Duties include unloading trucks, picking & packing orders & general cleaning. Training will be provided. Must have a strong work

ethic & able to communicate with team members. F/time, perm position with opportunity to develop career path. Phone Yara on 9351 1100.

INNALOO

Casual Sales Assistant

Junior casual sales assistant up to 17years, will be stacking shelves, pricing, putting stock out, general duties in store. Training provided, must be keen & willing to learn, motivated & reliable. Min 6hrs p/w varied. Available for relief on call. Contact Snez 9445 4108 for details.

Apprentice Baker

Prominent Bakery needs junior for Apprentice Baker position. Bakery located in Yokine/Woodlands area. Person must be very keen to learn new skills in becoming a baker. 3.00am starts for first 3 months. Must be available to work w/ends. Please contact Michael on 9445 4127.

Junior (17-19)

Communications Consultant

Busy office located on St Georges

Terrace req. front desk person in a customer service role. Initial duties inc answering telephone, photocopying, laminating, making coffees for customers, cleaning, deliveries, data entry etc. Training will be provided to enable the applicant to create computerised quotations & job tickets. Initially the role involves order taking moving on to selling

once an understanding of the product is achieved. Prev. office exp essential. Phone Alex on 9445 4100.

Junior Factory Hand

Jnr Factoryhand required for steel fabrication factory. Position involves all aspects of steel fabrication including cutting, welding tube bending, shop fitting & powder coating. Excellent opportunity to learn trade. To apply please contact Alex on 94454100.

Junior Telemarketer

Jnr Telemarketer/Sales/Office Allrounder required for airconditioning company. Position involves various roles from telemarketing aspect to some office work. The successful applicant will be given training. Must be fit & healthy, as some heavy lifting involved. Phone Alex on 94454100.

Warehouse (17-21) Trainee

Junior Warehouse Trainee required for photocopier company. Duties involve wrapping products, processing invoices filling out paperwork & gen cleaning. Must be fit & healthy. Own transport & D/L preferred. Phone Alex on 9445 4100.

MERRIWA

Deli Assistant

Req 17-18 yr old with recent deli exp in small goods & display. 20hrs pw, various days till 8pm. Must be available over 7 days in Merriwa area. Phone Terry on 9304 5700.

RoofInstaller

Req 15-17yr old to install roof tiling. Must be fit & healthy & able to work heights. Early starts involved for Mon-Sat work. No exp necessary. Phone Terry on 9304 5700.

MORLEY

Kitchenhand 16 - 19 yo is req to carry out

kitchenhand work (washing dishes, cleaning). The ideal applicant must be confident & have cash handling exp. To apply e-mail your application to peterdonnellyaep.salvationarmy.org or phone 9376 0100.

Office Worker

Jnr. Office Allrounder (17-19yo) required for photocopying, filing, reception work, customer service, & answering phones. Must have exp with MYOB, Word, & Excel, as well as good customer service & interpersonal skills. To apply e-mail your application to peterdonnelly aep.salvationarmy.org or phone 9376 0100.

Tr ainee Baker's Assistant (16 - 19yo)

This position involves assisting the baker in bread manufacturing, general cleaning of equip as well as other duties as required. Must live in Morley area or have their own transport as the hours are from 10:00pm to 5:00am over a five day roster. Must be reliable, punctual & keen to learn. If the right applicant is found this position may lead onto an apprenticeship within this industry. Please e-mail applications to peterdonnellya ep.salvationarmy.org or phone 9376 0100.

WARWICK

Nursery Hand

Req nursery hand 15-18 yrs to work on potting/seeding machines in a nursery environment. Duties inc taking plants from machine, loading trailer, driving & unloading plants. Must live locally in Landsdale area. No heavy work involved. Phone Jasmina on 9246 6214.

Counterhand

Junior counterhand required in Warwick area. Duties inc food preparation & customer service. Training is provided, 20-25hrs per week inc Thurs pm & Sat. Phone Jasmina on 9246 6214.