The Record Newspaper 17 October 2007

discovery

The healing hands

Suffering from pain or darkness in your life? Here’s how you can allow God to begin the healing process

Pages 9-12

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters

10 secrets every Father should know ● Page 12

Closer all the time

World Youth Day is just 8 months away - will you be there? ● Page 2-3

John XXIII student wins logo prize

John XXIII College student produces logo to welcome the world’s pilgrims.

■

By Anthony Barich

The logo that encompasses all that the Days in the Diocese means for World Youth Day pilgrims both of Perth and those who will sweep through our city on the way to the big event in Sydney has been revealed.

The three lines represent pilgrims coming from all over the world to congregate in Perth - one line comes from the Americas in the East; one from Asia in the North and one from Europe and Africa in the West. The three lines are in the liturgical colours, which add vivacity and vibrancy to the logo.

The Blue represents the water and coastline that surrounds WA through the outlining of the Swan.

Swan is depicted with open wings in a welcoming gesture, whilst keeping in a position that portrays the map of the state.

The cross is placed over the heart of the Swan image, in the place where Perth lies on the Western Australian map.

The Blue that circles around the logo represents the world, and Our Lady’s mantle that surrounds us.

A modern text has also been used to represent the youthfulness of Perth and World Youth Day 2008. Matt started scribbling the design and some notes on what the symbols in it mean in Caroline Watson’s religion class one day when they were asked to

What he produced was something that looks like it could be worthy of a professional advertising agency.

Caroline suggested the liturgical colours and the Marian theme, but the rest was all his own work.

Anita Parker, Perth’s World Youth Day coordinator, said that despite the phenomenal design, judging was hard. Luckily she had Auxiliary

Bishop Donald Sproxton, new Catholic Youth Ministry officer Olivia Lavis and others to help her out choosing the winner.

“It’s a very well thought out design that captured the main themes of Days in the Diocese – the welcoming gesture and the WA youthful presence with the symbolism from our faith,” Anita said.

Days in the Diocese, from July 8-12 next year, is a week of human, spiritual and pastoral formation for international pilgrims hosted by WA Catholics before they all head off to Sydney for WYD.

Registrations are already encouraging. Of the 300,000 that are expected from all over the world, 3000 of them are coming via Perth.

So far, 204,000 registrations have been received, with Australia leading the way with 63,398, followed by the United States (37,650), Italy (18,908), Germany (9567) and New Zealand (8002). Anita reported at the most recent meeting with parishes that plenty of seats are available, priced around $395 oneway for Virgin and $435 one-way for Qantas, direct to Sydney.

Failing that, there is also an excess inventory for flights via Melbourne once the 5000 flights allocated from Perth direct to Sydney have been sold.

What’s in a symbol?

MATT BONSER’S winning design cleverly incorporates several different symbols into one for Western Australia’s participation in World Youth Day next year.

WA BIRD

The Black Swan is a symbol of the State of Western Australia. Matt designed it so that its outline is recognisable as the State itself.

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

The three lines represent the inflow of pilgrims from all over the world who will be stopping off in Perth before travelling on to Sydney to meet the Pope and more than half a million other young pepole.

COLOUR

The colour of the lines converging on WA have their own meanings, while blue represents not only the oceans of the world and the water along our coastline but also Mary, the Mother of God.

CRUCIFIX SYMBOLISES FAITH

The cross in the logo is placed over the heart of the Swan, but is also situated where Western Australia’s main city - Perth - is located on the coast. This is where almost all international pilgrims coming via WA will arrive first.

Calling all musicians

Australia’s best entertainers are wanted for our biggest event in Sydney next year

A major component of WYD is the Youth Festival, where organisers are calling all Australian entertainers and artists to apply before the deadline of October 26.

Applications can be made online at www.wyd2008.org, where the latest DVD about the Youth Festival is featured.

The music in the DVD is from a youth festival applicant, comedy act “Popple” from the USA. “We have received some great entries so far, but want to make sure that all of that rare Australian talent is showcased at World Youth Day,” said Claire Atkins, Youth Festival Manager.

“We are looking for all unique Australian artists, especially in the categories of short film, music and theatre,” she said.

The three-day Youth Festival takes place on July 16, 17 and 18 and will feature music, performing arts, visual art exhibitions, debate, film, forums, conversations,

community gatherings, street performers, workshops and a vocations expo.

WYD08 will bring more people to Sydney than the 2000 Olympics, in a celebration of Catholic community and Christian values. WYD08 is organised by the Catholic Church, but open to all. Some of the acts expected to appear at World Youth Day include Bronx-based rapper/preacher Father Stan Fortuna and Australian band Portico 77 – both of whom performed at a special one-off show outside St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney in early 2007.

● Surpassing expectations, 204,000 pilgrims have already registered for World Youth Day. WYD chief operating officer Danny Casey said he was thrilled with the response from prospective pilgrims in Australia and from around the world for the event that is still 11 months away.

Casey said: “We appear to have exceeded our target for international visitors and are confident that the numbers of Australian pilgrims will grow even further.”

Matt Bonser

WORLD YOUTH DAY - SYDNEY JULY 2008

WYD Cross and Icon will change hearts

The World Youth Day Cross and Iconcenturies-old symbols of Christianity handed to the world's youth by Pope John Paul II, is coming to Perth's parishes.

■ By Anthony Barich

The symbol for which hundreds of martyrs have died and which has changed lives is coming to Perth’s parishes – and it’s set to change your life too.

The World Youth Day Cross and Icon of Mary, the Mother of God are set to unite the Catholic Church communities in Perth.

St Thomas the Apostle parish in Claremont, among others, was successful in applying for the Cross and Icon, originally an idea of Pope John Paul II.

Claremont parish priest Fr Charles Waddell can’t wait because it will bring the local parish communities together.

As the symbols that have inspired conversions of heart and brought people of all ages to tears the world over are only reaching a limited number of Perth parishes, communities and schools, those who will host the symbols are using

Unborn protects mum

Last month was breast cancer awareness month and the good news is that motherhood reduces the risk of cancer.

A study from the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre confirms that and also helps explain why: cells from the unborn child are transplanted to the mother before birth and stay in her system for good.

Fetal microchimerism has been linked with autoimmune disease, but it may also benefit mothers by putting their immune system on alert for malignant cells to destroy.

“This experiment of nature is all the more fascinating because for years doctors treated a number of different cancers by transplanting cells from one person to another,” said researcher Vijayakrishna Gadi.

the opportunity to unite with other communities in faith.

Fr Waddell will bring in City Beach, Nedlands, CottesloeSwanbourne-Mosman Park, Doubleview, Floreat-Wembley, Innaloo, Subiaco, St Thomas More College and Shenton Park for a day of faith nourishment and, in some

cases, transformation in May 2008.

“Australians have really embraced and been open to the World Youth Day Cross and Icon, and Perth will be the same,” Fr Waddell said.

“It’ll be a great chance to bring people of all ages together in faith.”

Though World Youth Day is primarily for youth up to 35, the

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Cross and Icon are open to all ages, as faith is often nurtured when shared by community – especially in the family.

The arrival of the WYD Cross and Icon is merely the start of a full day of faith formation for young and old alike at Claremont, with guest speakers, bands, choirs and a youth

rally and Mass to round out the day. Other parishes are also taking the opportunity to ensure that the arrival of the WYD Cross and Icon is not just a flash in the pan, but the start of something big that will spark a renewal of parish life, missionary zeal and faith formation. Other parishes and schools that have at this stage been accepted to host it include John XXIII College, CBC Fremantle, the Fremantle Basilica, Thornlie, Balcatta, Applecross and Lockridge, to name but a few.

All this, coupled with the Holy Hour of Power which some parishes are starting up that includes adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, will produce a powerhouse of witness to the faith at a grassroots level.

Since 1984 the WYD Cross has made its way around the world, throughout Europe, behind the Iron Curtain, and to parts of the Americas, Asia, Africa and to Australia. The media have often called the Cross the “Olympic Torch” of the WYD. Young people take charge of it, spend time in prayer with it, and encourage their peers to do the same.

Parishes who need ideas of how to make the most of their WYD Cross and Icon visitation can contact the Perth World Youth Day Office on 9422 7944 or email wydperth@highgate-perthcatholic. org.au.

local church

The World Youth Day cross is passed from German to Australian youth during a ceremony after Palm Sunday Mass at the Vatican on April 9 last year. World Youth Day was held in the German city of Cologne in the summer of 2005, and the next one is to be held in Sydney, Australia, in 2008.

Photo: CNS/Chris Helgren, Reuters

Winners everywhere for compition...

Congratulations to our winners of the Discovery colouring-in competition from the last edition of Discovery when we invited you to colour in this beautiful picture from one of the most famous art works in the whole world.

Competitors were asked to try their hand at colouring in Michelangelo’s painting from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican in Rome. It tells the story of how God made the world, Adam and Eve and everything in it.

Want to enter a new competition? If you do, we have a special project on Page 11 which will challenge your talents. Get your entries in to Discovery, PO Box 75, Leederville WA 6902 by Monday November 19.

Amanda Abraham, Gosnells

Amber Lee St Joseph’s School, Northam

LeSharne Williams Sacred Heart School, Beagle Bay

Jezebel Tchooga Luurnpa Catholic School, Balgo Hills.

Lina Maciejak Mater Dei College, Edgewater

Letisha Nowee Reid Luurnpa Catholic School, Balgo Hills.

And heaps of highly commended, too!

Not everyone could win, but with so many wonderful entries the judges decided to award Highly Commended to many more entries - and here they are. And special congratulations to everyone who entered - the standard was extremely high and, as you can see, entries came from everywhere.

Anthony Edgar, Sacred Heart School, Beagle Bay

Amber Diggins St Josephs’ Secondary Campus, Northam

Lauren Broadhurst St Joseph’s Secondary Campus, Northam

Roisin Kehoe Mater Dei College, Edgewater

Judy Coelho, Ballajura

Helen Carman, Nedlands

Jonathon Meneguz St Joseph’s School, Northam

Jack Ford Sacred Heart School, Beagle Bay

Just what is the Charismatic Movement? It has infused many Catholics with a sense of renewal, an enthusiasm for their faith and a hope in His healing

Calling on the

■ By Thomas A. Szyszkiewicz

What is it?

The Holy Spirit gives gifts to the Church in many ways. The charismatic gifts are given to the faithful so they can build up the Church. The Holy Spirit gives them freely to those with a right disposition. The hierarchical gifts are given to deacons, priests and bishops to help them exercise their ministry and to

Spirit

The Church, from her earliest days, has been noted for healing. Most of the miracles Jesus worked in His earthly ministry were healing – giving sight to the man born blind; raising Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter and the widow of Naim’s son from the dead; restoring the health of the 10 lepers and the centurion’s servant; and many more.

Jesus called the apostles to himself “and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases” (Lk 9:1). This power and authority were demonstrated in the Acts of the Apostles, when Peter and John cured the paralytic at the Temple gate, when Peter raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead and when the people hoped for Peter’s shadow to fall on them to

heal them. But what of today? Are the “power and authority” gone? Are they only to be found in the charismatic renewal or the intercession of the saints or at Lourdes? Or does the healing ministry only take place now through modern medicine?

When you look at the various healing ministries in the Church today, the answer to these questions is clearly “no.”

At the Water’s Edge (www.atwe.org) is a case in point. The healing ministry, led by US Deacon Frank O’Connell, began 11 years ago when his brother-in-law, Deacon Ken Schneider, was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer.

O’Connell spent two-and-a-half hours one day praying with Schneider. He helped Schneider imagine himself in the boat with Jesus’ disciples during the storm, getting out to walk on the water and going with Jesus to the shore. His brother-in-law was deeply moved by what happened during that prayer.

There was healing – of the spiritual and emotional kind. Schneider died shortly after that, O’Connell said, but from a medical mistake, not the cancer.

That experience led O’Connell to bring this type of prayer to thousands of people across the US and around the world. And through it, many people have been healed of cancers, Crohn’s disease, drug, alcohol and sex addictions, and other illnesses.

of teaching, pastoral care and administering the sacraments. It is the role of priests and bishops to make sure the charismatic gifts serve the common good. Conversely, those with charismatic gifts must respect the hierarchy and humbly put their gifts at the service of the entire Church. The hierarchical gifts and the charismatic gifts are complementary.

Charismata

Charismata are special gifts that manifest the work of God through the Holy Spirit for the common good of the body of believers, the Church. Their authentic use in the Church is a fulfilment of God’s work initiated in the Old Testament.

Catholic Charismatic Renewal

A movement within the Church emphasizing an experience that had been termed “baptism of the Holy Spirit,” often accompanied by such gifts as healing and glossolalia. Although the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to the Christian at the time of baptism and Confirmation, those involved in the Catholic charismatic renewal seek to develop and use those gifts, often meeting in small groups to pray, sing and give testimony about the activity of the Holy Spirit. This movement has the support of the Pope and the bishops.

Glossolalia

Speaking in tongues: the practice of ecstatic speech among Pentecostal or charismatic Christians.

Youth pray at a charismatic gathering. For many, prayer - especially in charismatic settings - provides answers to the deepest questions, or some of life’s hurts or darkness in their journey. PHOTO: CNS

A healthy soul

But the spiritual healings have perhaps been even more dramatic than the physical ones.

One nun told O’Connell as he was praying with her that Jesus would not come near her. O’Connell told her to tell Jesus that she loved him. But she had spent many years in the convent without doing so, and she was afraid. When she did, however, she suddenly saw her longdead father. He had never forgiven her for entering the convent. In her mind, she saw her father say he now accepted her decision.

O’Connell’s ministry has

Sanders is that many in the charismatic renewal and other spiritual movements do not have a solid grasp of Church teaching.

“It has been on my heart to bring good, solid teaching,” he said.

To that end, he authored a book, “Healing in the Spirit of Jesus: A Practical Guide to the Ministry” (WinePress Publishing, $15.95).

The first of a three-volume series, the book offers concrete spiritual wisdom to anyone interested in the healing ministry or already involved in it.

Failure without faith

In the end, however, what is

must have faith, too.

“Jesus always ministered in an atmosphere of faith,” he said. When Jesus went to Nazareth, “He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief” (Mark 6:5-6).

Many in the Church fail to realise that ordained ministers still have the power and authority the apostles had, D’Ambrosio said.

“Ordination is a charism,” he said, one that enables the ordained to work with the same “power and authority” over sickness the apostles had.

been approved by his bishop, Anthony Pilla of Cleveland, and by Archbishop Thomas Kelly of Louisville, Kentucky, where he now lives. It also has been scrutinised by many priests with healing ministries, and they note that it is focused on the Lord.

The deacon’s ministry is an example of the charismatic and hierarchical gifts in the Church working together in harmony.

“Any charism is subject to the pastors,” said Father Peter Sanders, the provost of the Oratory of St Philip Neri in Monterey, California “Where there’s good order and a mature exercise of the spiritual gifts, the Spirit flows.”

There has been a tension in the Church for centuries between the exercise of the charismatic gifts, including those of healing, and the hierarchical gifts, said Father Sanders, who has a healing ministry called New Pentecost Catholic Ministry (www.newpentecost.org).

The Second Vatican Council noted this tension and made it clear that both gifts are necessary in the Church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church acknowledges this as well, saying, “The Holy Spirit gives to some a special charism of healing so as to make manifest the power of the grace of the risen Lord” (No. 1508).

One thing that concerns Father

needed for the charismatic gift of healing to operate is faith – both on the part of the one seeking the healing and the one with the gift, Father Sanders said.

That was echoed by lay theologian Marcellino D’Ambrosio.

“The recipient’s faith level is fundamental,” he said. For example, in Mark 5:25-34, “a lot of people touched [Jesus], but weren’t healed. It was only the woman with the flow of blood who was healed.”

Father Sanders added that the

Priests who do not have faith in this charism they are given are “handicapped,” Father Sanders said. “It’s like trying to paint the inside of a house from outside the door. You’re going to get something on there, but not much.”

And when laity who have charismatic gifts mix with pastors “who have no faith [in the charisms], that’s a recipe for disaster,” he added. Unfortunately, many priests are not taught about healing in seminary, he said. “The formation of priests on this is problematic, very uneven.”

To know the charisms and to understand how the Holy Spirit works in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, he said, “you need a good sacramental theology class.” In many cases, though, seminarians are taught how to anoint without further explanation of the sacrament or the charism, he said.

But clearly, Father Sanders said, the charisms and the hierarchical gifts “are meant to flow together. We need each other.”

While some may see a tension, Deacon O’Connell simply says there is more than one way to meet Jesus. “Don’t throw your rosary away,” he said.

Ultimately, he said, healing ministry is “simply sharing the Gospel message.”

Thomas

A. Szyszkiewicz writes from Minnesota.

Calling on Healing can take unexpected form

The hospital room had become sacred by Sheila’s presence. As I entered, her family introduced themselves in a reverent hush. I had driven an hour-and-a-half that New Year’s Sunday afternoon to be with them in what could have been the final moments of her life, after a battle with cancer.

Ifelt connected with her family; there was not only peace, but a saturation of the spiritual atmosphere with the presence of God. At the end of the last rites, I asked for Sheila’s blessing and put my head in her hand. Not only did she pray for me and my ministry, but gave me a word in prayer that has sustained me in many long hours of spiritual battles.

More than two years earlier, Sheila had been in a spiritual life-anddeath crisis of faith, after the sudden tragic death of her 9-year-old daughter and major family problems had left her with almost nothing regarding a relationship with God.

She was full of bitterness, anger, alienation … and cancer! The physicians said this was the last stage. Long since, she had stopped going to church. But she was willing to try prayer as a last resort. Two sisters in Christ from the same place Sheila lived were determined to get her to someone who would pray for healing. They got her to me. As we entered into relationship and prayer, we not only prayed for the issues involving terminal cancer, but also for the wounds that alienated her from God and her family.

Two months later, she drove to see me and declared, “Father, I’m in remission and feel great!”

That’s when the real healing started to take place: reconciliation in the family, a return to receive and be nourished by the body and blood of Christ in a church and an inner peace and joy that she had never known in her whole life.

Sheila now enjoyed a dynamic prayer life that God used mightily.

Beyond that, Sheila became an “evangelist” in her own way, bringing people the good news of Jesus; love for them and the promise of wholeness.

After a year, the cancer manifested itself again. This time she conquered all the temptations to despair.

She continued to serve God to the end and died a very happy woman.

“That’s when the real healing started to take place: reconciliation in the family, a return to receive and be nourished by the body and blood of Christ in a church and an inner peace and joy that she had never known in her whole life.”

God had healed her in the ultimate way by the Resurrection, but not before she had been healed to fulfil His purpose to serve the kingdom of God.

Someone questioned, “Why didn’t God heal Sheila?” He did! She was healed both in this life and in her coming home to Him. The best anyone dealing with brokenness this side of heaven can do is to “go into remission” until God calls him or her to that final healing. When God intervenes for wholeness in our lives He gives us a new or renewed mission to serve Him. Healing is about coming into God’s purpose for our lives.

A woman prays during a charismatic gathering. Charismatic prayer and the experience of real spiritual renewal that often occurs in charismatic settings have brought millions back to faith in Christ. PHOTO: CNS

Spirit Movements of Spirit here in WA

■ By Mark Reidy

What is the Catholic Charismatic Renewal?

For several centuries after Jesus the association of Christians and supernatural powers seemed commonplace.

One of the earliest apologists, Justin Martyr (100-165AD), in his “Dialogue with Trypho”, wrote, “For the prophetic gifts remain with us even to the present time”.

Irenaeus (125-200), when Bishop of Lyons, wrote of Christians having visions, uttering prophetic messages, casting out demons and healing the sick by the laying on of hands.

Early church fathers, Tertullian (160-240) and Origen (185-284) both refer to spiritual and prophetic gifts such as the interpretation of tongues and miraculous cures, as do later Christian writers Athanasius (295-373), Hilarion (305-385) and Ambrose (340-397).

Augustine (354-430) wrote that miracles were being wrought in Jesus’ name in his time and stated that he didn’t have the time to record all those that he knew.

The gifts listed by St Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians; the utterance of wisdom, the utterance of knowledge, faith, healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, the ability to distinguish between spirits, speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues (12:810) were accepted and entrenched facets of Christianity in these early days.

Recorded instances of the

gifts of the Holy Spirit, however, became less common in the ensuing centuries, although they were still evidenced in the lives of saints such as Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), Catherine of Siena (1330-1380), Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) and John Vianney (1786-1859).

There was then an upsurge in reported incidents of these gifts in

Gifts of the Holy Spirit have their source in Scripture

Corinthian gifts (1 cor 12:7-10, 28): Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, mighty deeds, prophecy, discernment of spirits, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, assistance, administration.

Roman gifts (Rom 12:6-8): Prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, acts of mercy.

Isaiah gifts (IS 11:2): Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.

Fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23): Charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity.

the US throughout the twentieth century.

This movement gathered momentum within Catholic circles in 1967 radiating from a prayer meeting at the Duquesne University in Pennsylvania.

This has since become known as the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) and it now incorporates

more than 100 million Catholics across the world.

In 1975, Pope Paul VI addressed the Renewal’s International Conference and encouraged participants to remain anchored to the Church as they spiritually witnessed to an increasingly secular world.

Pope John Paul II also met with

CCR leaders on several occasions and in 1979 told them, “I am convinced that this movement is a very important component of the entire renewal of the Church…”

Pope Benedict XVI, as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, in the foreword to a book on the Renewal wrote, “What the New Testament tells us about the Charisms – which were seen as visible signs of the coming of the Spirit – is not just ancient history, over and done with, for it is once again becoming extremely topical.”

The State Service Committee represents the CCR in Western Australia. Their Website lists 23 parish-based prayer meetings and various Covenant Communities, Communities and Organisations.

Some of these include: Bethel Covenant Community Bethel was established in 1979, and comprises two major organisations: Bethel Community and Bethel Services.

Bethel Community is an ecumenical body, which at present is predominantly Catholic. Members meet weekly for worship, teaching and fellowship and are encouraged to be involved with their local church.

The mission of Bethel Services is to help anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or creed, to relieve poverty, sickness, helplessness, distress or misfortune of any kind and to help people help themselves.

For more information see: www. bethelservices.com.au or phone (08) 9388 1333. Continued over

In Western Australia there are many charismatic movements - 23 are listed in the Catholic Church alone. Many, if not all, focus on the inspiration and healing of the third person of the Trinity: the Holy Spirit.

PHOTO: CNS

Calling on the Spirit Sceptical youth experience it themselves

The youth of the Texas Archdiocese of San Antonio in the US are confirmed in a new ‘Life in the Spirit.’ Their example might point the way for countries like Australia

■ By Joanne Schmidt

Aunique program has revitalised the South Texas archdiocese, “fired up” its Catholic youth and served as a model for parishes across the country.

Confirmation students from almost half of San Antonio’s 140 parishes participate in both sacramental preparation and in an introduction to the Catholic charismatic renewal known as the “Life in the Spirit Seminar.”

While Catholics already receive the Holy Spirit through the sacraments, notably baptism and confirmation, the LSS invites them to “fan this spark of life into flames.”

Developed after the charismatic renewal in the Catholic Church began in 1967, LSS has evolved with it.

The New Life in the Spirit Seminars Team Manual: Catholic Edition 2000, the current guide, removed Protestant terminology and put more emphasis on the Creed, the sacraments, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Church Fathers while retaining the overall topics outlined in the 1979 “ecumenical” edition (see sidebar).

Teens touched

Usually held over seven or eight weeks, the LSS in San Antonio is concentrated into an all-day Saturday event to accommodate confirmation students.

Whatever adolescent lack of enthusiasm the students might exhibit early in the morning, an “amazing transformation” usually occurs by the end of the day.

“When the students first show up, they seem to be asking, ‘What am I doing here?’” Rosbel Hernandez

Continued from Page 9

Flame Ministries International

told Our Sunday Visitor. “By the second hour, they are standing up and clapping, full of joy,” said Hernandez, one of ten members of the US National Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and the archdiocese’s local contact.

Observing 12- or 13-year-olds speaking in tongues and prophesying may strike some as odd, but these charisms are among the same 27 gifts of the Holy Spirit visited on Jesus’ disciples during Pentecost (See Acts 2) and described in the Old and New Testaments.

The students are given their charisms, they are reminded, not only for their own growth in holiness, but also for service to the Church and for evangelisation.

The results: In this southern US diocese more Catholic youth are emboldened to proclaim the Good News, and many have joined Bible studies and formed their own prayer groups.

“I know if a parish has a Life in the Spirit Seminar without anyone telling me,” local Auxiliary Bishop Patrick Zurek has said. “I can see the difference. There is a joy, a sense of the Spirit among them.”

Spirit spreads

The unique program came into being more than a decade ago when Auxiliary Bishop Tom Flanagan, then pastor at St Brigid Parish, asked Hernandez to help him form a core team to incorporate the LSS into confirmation preparation.

Knowing that many adults were

FMI is a Canonical Lay Preaching Organisation of the Catholic Church whose mission is to evangelise both believers and unbelievers. It does this through Scriptural based teaching, preaching, seminars, video and audio productions, books, magazines, music composition, conferences, rallies, retreats, leadership training and youth programs.

FMI also form, develop and conduct Prayer (Praise) meetings and missionary outreaches both in the Catholic Church and to the wider Body of Christ throughout the world.

unfamiliar with the charismatic renewal and might question what their children were learning, parents and sponsors were expected to become involved.

“We didn’t want to have a disconnect with the kids,” Hernandez said. “If your son or daughter came home and told you they ‘rested in the spirit’ and you didn’t know what they were talking about, what would you say?”

With the blessing of Archbishop Patrick Flores, the program spread rapidly. “Too good to keep in one parish,” the program initially spread to four other parishes, then 20, then 31, then 44, Hernandez said.

“Last year, a record 65 parishes participated, and we expect to have at least that many this year,” Hernandez said.

While parents and sponsors are present during the talks, the students participate in the smallgroup sharing that follows. The students also put on their own skits; some even become involved in conducting the seminars.

“Initially, we get the 12- and 13-year-olds to help the adults,” Hernandez said.

“They train for two years and then assist the mature team. Following a talk by an adult on, say ‘God’s Love,’ a student might do a short testimony. After two or three such experiences, he or she might do the whole talk.”

Hernandez admits that some of the students are initially sceptical of

Since its formation in 1990 FMI has ministered in Australia, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, England, Mexico, USA, Uganda and Portugal.

For more information see; www. flameministries.org or phone (08) 9382 3668

Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community

Disciples of Jesus Community commenced in Perth in 1988 and is a body of Catholic families, singles, Priests, Brothers and Sisters who come together to live a common life of prayer, sharing and service.

They are called to live a Christian lifestyle through openness to the charismatic gifts, worship and prayer, sharing and teaching and

the “baptism in the Holy Spirit” that is the focal event of the seminar, but that he allays their fears by relating his own initial scepticism and experience.

Working in Mississippi in the 1970s, Hernandez became involved in the charismatic renewal at the same time his wife, unbeknown to him, also was becoming involved back home in Texas. Still, his analytic mind caused him to question what he was seeing.

“I went to three Life in the Spirit Seminars before I concluded, ‘This is from God.’ It took me eight months. I didn’t want to trust. Finally, I rested in the Spirit, and when I woke up, it was then that I began speaking in tongues.”

Almost 30 years later Hernandez has long since surrendered his aspirations for a life in politics to be a full-time volunteer at San Antonio’s Charismatic Centre, working with the Catholic Church to expand the charismatic renewal locally.

“We used to fill up the cathedral and have had as many as 20,000 people at our conferences in the Spurs Arena,” he told OSV, “but we don’t want to rob the parishes for our own services. We want to be parish-based, so we train teams and send them back to evangelise there.”

Youth rallies are held in one parish in the archdiocese every quarter, but Hernandez admitted getting the parishes to engage the students once CCD is over has become a challenge.

supporting one another. This involves weekly small group discussions, communal prayer, social activities, evangelising missions as well as personal daily prayer.

The Community seeks to foster a missionary outlook in its members with particular focus on evangelisation, service and works of mercy.

For more information see; www.perth. disciplesofjesus.org or phone (08) 9202 6859

Holy Spirit of Freedom Community

HSOF is a Catholic Community that reaches out to the poor, especially young people living on the streets, those caught up in prostitution or drugs and any others in

Another concern is training more adult teams to address the growing interest of mature Catholics.

As a member of the US National Service Committee, Hernandez is actively involved in adapting LSS programs for Koreans, Filipinos and other minorities.

“Hispanics and other ethnic groups are turning to Evangelical Protestantism by the hundreds of thousands because they love the Holy Spirit,” he said. “It hurts me as a charismatic to see that – because we have the Holy Spirit right here in the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church.”

In the archdiocese of San Antonio, that message is getting out loud and clear.

Seminar structure

While the Life in the Spirit Seminar can be condensed into one day or a weekend, it is often spread out over seven or eight weeks to correspond to an introduction and one of the seven topics. The sessions include prayer, a presentation from a group leader and small-group discussions on the topic presented and corresponding Scriptures. Participants are assigned Scripture readings and encouraged to spend time every day in prayer and meditation. Topics include:

God’s Love Salvation

New life

Receiving God’s gift

Baptism in the Holy Spirit Growth

Transformation

need of support. Some members actively go out onto the streets or are involved in jail and hospital visitations, while others commit themselves to pray for those being ministered to.

There are members of HSOF who live a daily community life together, while others live in their own homes and meet regularly for prayer.

The Community, which began in Melbourne in 1986, also conducts Retreats, Seminars and holds an annual Conference in Pemberton.

For further information see www.hsof.net or phone (08) 9475 0155

Pope Benedict XVI arrives to lead the Pentecost vigil in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican in 2006. The vigil, which lasted more than six hours, brought together members of Catholic charismatic groups and lay movements. Photo:CNS

Competition: Word Sleuth

YOU COULD WIN! Advent and Christmas are almost here... and you could win a copy of the Advent and Christmas Activity Book. The first five correct entries will win a copy. Send your entries to: discovery, PO Box 75, Leederville WA 6902 - by Monday November 19!

No shotgun needed, Meg’s book will do Being a hero to your daughter

book review

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters

By Meg Meeker

■ Reviewed by Mark

Reidy

It’s a relief to know that rather than having to possess a shotgun to protect my daughters during their teenage years, I can keep a copy of Meg Meeker’s book, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by my bedside.

Meeker, with over 20 years experience in the US as a paediatrician/adolescent counsellor, as well as being a mother of four, offers a beacon of hope to those fathers who nervously anticipate their daughter’s inevitable encounter with the sex, drug and dangerfilled society that has emerged in the last few decades.

Meeker combines personal experience, extremely thorough data and analysis, commentary and relevant anecdotes, to convince fathers that they should, and can be, the most important and influential person in their daughter’s life.

With a tone that is well balanced by her roles of professional and parent, Meeker provides a number of disturbing sexual and drug related statistics, but is persuasive in her conviction that fathers can equip their daughters with the character and skills to cope with exposure to such influences.

As I read through this book I was taken on a rollercoaster ride of trepidation and excitement.

To fathers: “Be the man you want her to marry; You are her first love; She needs a hero...”

At times I was overwhelmed by confronting the pressures and temptations that my daughters will encounter as they grow older.

But ultimately I was left with great hope, and the conviction that I could guide them into adulthood without living in a state of constant fear.

With chapter headings such as “She needs a hero”, “You are her first love” and “Be the man you want her to marry”, Meeker is convincing in her argument that a father’s influence will always be greater than that of society, peers and media - but only if he is prepared to make the necessary choices and sacrifices.

Preparation of character, she writes, should ideally begin from birth, when a child will enter the world with the innate desire to respond to their feelings.

It is vital that a father places boundaries in her life and errs on being overprotective, even throughout her teenage years, as her ability to reason will often not have fully matured until she is into her twenties.

I was impressed by Meeker’s utilisation of inspiring real life examples of fathers who had chosen to actively invest their time

and influence into kneading and nurturing their daughter’s character, and of the positive results that such commitment can achieve.

Such girls, she claims, were less likely to become involved in drug use, premarital sex, suicidal behaviour, mental health issues and eating disorders and were more likely to achieve higher education levels, be more assertive, have higher self esteem and even live longer.

Other examples indicated that it is never too late to begin influencing your daughter’s life, because no matter how negative a relationship may appear on the surface, within every daughter lies an innate yearning for a father’s love. While the majority of Meeker’s presentation is based on social and biological evidence she makes no secret of her Christian foundations.

God, she says, needs to be the anchor a daughter embraces as she begins to explore the world more independently. There is no greater gift she says, than to provide her with the knowledge of a presence that is even more perfect, powerful and loving than you. It is essential therefore for fathers to be models of humility, integrity and honesty as their daughters’ relationship with God will be determined by the perception of their own father.

Despite Meeker’s Christian stance, however, some of her comments regarding contraception suggest that she does not fully embrace a Catholic understanding, but this should not detract from the powerful message of hope that she delivers. Her claim that my daughters will measure every future man in her life against me, did not leave me feeling daunted or burdened, but rather inspired me to want to become a better father.

Bookshop

The Gift of Confession: A Positive Approach to the Sacrament of Reconciliation

By Fr Michael de Stoop

Fr Michael helps readers understand the effects of the sacrament of Confession on those who partake in it. He also explains the role of God the Holy Spirit in helping us confess and bringing God’s mercy, healing and transforming power.

$19.95+postage

The Action of the Holy Spirit: The Lord and Giver of Life

By Frank J. Sheed

A remarkable book which explains Who God, the Holy Spirit is. Sheed then traces the action of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, the Gospels and the beginning of the Church, how He works in Christians today and what it means to be in the hands of the Holy Spirit.

$24.95+postage

Catechism of the Catholic Church Pocket Edition

Contains the official teachings of the Church on the efficacious role of the Holy Spirit, “the Lord and Giver of Life” in the Incarnation, the Holy Trinity, the Church, and in our salvation, prayer life, vocation and actions.

$26.95+postage

Becoming Fire: A Spiritual Journey of Faith

By Fr Ken Barker

Transformation to become like Christ is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. Fr Ken Barker helps readers open to the real presence of God the Holy Spirit, Who is alive in us through the Sacraments, making us “fire” also and bringing us to deeper relationship with God.

A remarkable book that is not to be missed.

$22+postage

Life In the Spirit: Unleashing the New Pentecost (3CD set)

By Michael Cumbie

Be amazed as you begin to comprehend the very real love between God the Father and the Son made manifest in the Person of the Holy Spirit. This series also explains the work of God, the Holy Spirit, the supernatural unseen power of God that is here for us now, in transforming our lives.

$25+postage

Students enjoy sights, sounds of exchange

Visit brings arts to the fore after Notre Dame and Singapore college agree on partnership

Four Theatre Studies students from the University of Notre Dame Australia are currently experiencing the sights and sounds of Singapore, that’s full of culture, history and art.

An agreement between Notre Dame Australia and La Salle SIA College of the Arts allows exchange between the two institutions.

This year UNDA students Caitlin McGinnis, Elle Young, Walter Maguire and Gemma Willing are taking advantage of this amazing opportunity to study abroad.

The program allows them to

UNDA wins for international touch

Notre Dame’s attention to detail for its students from overseas has been recognised by a major WA universities award

An award for outstanding international staff is confirmation that international students at the University of Notre Dame Australia are receiving the support they need.

Nicolas Castagnette, International Student Liaison Officer at Notre Dame, received the Most Outstanding International Student Services & Support Staff Award at the launch of the WA Universities Multicultural Week on Friday 21 September.

This award was judged on the level of support and enthusiasm demonstrated in supporting the

of international students. UNDA students come from more than 60 countries all over the world including Zimbabwe, the United States and India.

International students are also coming to Notre Dame from our local schools.

Natasja Pollemans (pictured) is from the Netherlands and completed high school at Prendiville Catholic College.

Oliver Leeb (also pictured) is from Austria but completed year 12 at Christchurch Grammar School.

International students are attracted to UNDA by the personalised service they receive not only through the admissions process, but also once they are students.

They have many opportunities to socialise with other students and enjoy university life; many involve themselves with groups such as the International Student Association.

UNDA is introducing a PreMedicine Certificate of four units which is taken in addition to the student’s primary degree.

Students will be enrolled in the School of Medicine and a Medical School mentor will support their development as future health professionals and assist them in choosing the components of the certificate best suited to their interests.

“The Certificate is designed to

provide a pathway for Western Australian School Leavers to our graduate entry medicine course,” said Professor Mark McKenna of the School of Medicine at UNDA.

There is no prescribed primary degree for entering into Notre Dame’s Medicine course.

Current students come from backgrounds as diverse as biomedical science, law, physiotherapy, counselling and english literature just to name a few.

be involved in the Singapore arts scene.

Caitlin will be taking part in ARTSingapore, Asia’s biggest art fair and the Singapore Sun Festival which showcases all of Singapore’s upcoming artists in dance, theatre, fashion design, visual arts and interior design.

Caitlin noted: “I had been warned that the work will be hard and the hours long, but so far the experience I have gained has been priceless.”

Notre Dame encourages students to make a study abroad experience an integral part of their degree.

The study abroad experience enables students to understand and appreciate another culture, develop friendships with people from around the world, and gain independence and confidence.

Notre Dame students Elle Young (back left), Gemma Willing (second from left), Walter Maguire (right) and Cailtin McGinnis (second in from right) with study abroad students in front of La Salle SIA College of the Arts.

International students Alvin Dube, left, Natasja Pollemans, and Oliver Leeb at the launch of the 2007 WA Universities Multicultural Week.

Professor Mark McKenna

School

Organising to make time for school and faith

Better resources for families are appearing all the time - why not the faithful old school diary?

■ By Anthony Barich

It’s rare that a school student diary actually supports parents and teachers in advancing the faith life of students and families - and does it extremely well.

But, thanks to Sydney-based couple Byron and Francine Pirola, founders of the marriage enrichment program Celebrate Love, here’s one well worth a look.

Francine Pirola got the idea when her daughter, who was in year two, came home with a ‘secular’ diary, that had things like the anniversary of the first IVF baby born, Heath Ledger’s birthday… “mostly useless rubbish”, as Mrs Pirola said.

“So we thought ‘wouldn’t it be great if we could engage the parent of the student to enrich their faith’,” Mrs Pirola said.

Her daughter’s school principal was massively supportive and even worked with them in the consultative process, developing a format that “really worked in the school setting” that helps the parent, teacher and student”.

Already it has been a huge success – 20,000 orders have been placed, with more coming in every week.

The diary is split into four sections.

The first is General Information like public holidays and a year planner.

The second is Student Pages that include a “Safe Surf’n” internet awareness page; “Hello God”, a kid-friendly page of Catholic prayers; “Friends are Special” page that covers being a good friend, bullying, disability and ethnic awareness; “The Rosary Rocks” with a link to the Rosary Key Chain activity; “Superheroes”, with saints as heroes of the Church; Times Tables up to 13; BOTH verses of Advance Australia Fair; and a personal address book for students. Part three is the Weekly diary,

with space for recording homework, a daily reading record, an excerpt from the Sunday Gospel with a short explanation and an activity relating to it; Church feasts, saints’ days and national holidays and space for communications between parents and teachers with a teacher/parent signature area.

Each page is colour coded according to the Church calendar.

Part four, Parent Pages, has sections like “Sacraments – Our Life in the Church”, tips for preparing Children for the sacraments; “Once in a lifetime! WYD08”, outlining key aspects of World Youth Day and how families can participate; “Vocations Start at Home”, encouraging vocations in the home; “Sunday – The Soul of the Week”, ideas to keep Sunday the centre of our faith and life; and a directory of Catholic resources and support services for parents and families.

Diaries can be customised with a full colour design using the front cover, inside front cover or inside back cover or back cover.

Where do I get it?

My School Diary is available from The Record Bookshop for $8.95 + postage. Contact Natalie at The Record on (08) 9227 7080 or via bookshop@therecord.com.au to place an order. For customised covers please call: (02) 9662 7272.

in brief

You cohabit, you lose

Men and women who start to live together too early in their relationship risk wasting years and ending up single, a family researcher says.

Ruth Weston, the principal research fellow at the Australian Institute of Family Studies, said many young people thought moving in together was “a fun thing to do” They believed they would take “each day as it comes”, Ms Weston said. But often they lingered for years in an unsuitable relationship. When they eventually split, it might take them a long time to find a new partner, and for the woman, the chance of having children might be lost. “In the old days people might go ‘steady’ but there was still opportunity to meet others,” she said. “Now once you are living with someone you are cheating if you see someone else. When you cohabit it adds a sense of commitment to a relationship that might be going nowhere.” Ms Weston and Lixia Qu have published a new analysis of 2006 census data that shows 35 per cent of women aged 30 to 34 are single - neither married nor living with a partner. For men the proportion is 41 per cent.

- Sydney Morning Herald

Francine Pirola with her daughter, whose standard non-religious school diary inspired her to create one that would help students and parents. Photos: courtesy Francine Pirola

The Knights Templar make an historical comeback

Vatican publishes collector’s edition of documents on Knights Templar

■ By John Thavis

The Vatican is publishing a collector’s edition of documents on the Knights Templar, the medieval

crusading order that became the focus of legends and mysteries.

The book, published by the Vatican Secret Archives, will reproduce original parchment texts preserved in the Vatican, including a large folio discovered six years ago that details a papal investigation of the order.

Titled Processus Contra Templarios (“The Trial Against the Templars”), the elaborate volume will cost

around US$8,400. Only 799 copies will be put on sale, according to the Scrinium publishing house, which publishes Vatican Archives’ material. An 800th copy will be presented to Pope Benedict XVI on October 25 by a panel of Vatican officials, church historians and researchers. According to Scrinium, the volume contains the complete acts of the original hearing against the Templar order. The Knights

Santa Maria fashion shines

Santa Maria College is celebrating its annual Art Exhibition and Fashion Parade with all things “Ooh La La”.

A French inspired evening will showcase students’ work through several different artistic mediums including sculpture, digital graphics, textiles and wearable art.

Santa Maria Visual Arts Coordinator, Lisa Bowden, said the exhibition’s Ooh La La theme was selected to capture the sophisticated quality of students’ work.

The official launch will take place on Saturday night, October 20, at the McDonald Hall and Mercy Gallery, Santa Maria College.

Guests will be treated to French food and wine; a fashion parade, music, mime and puppets.

2007 Melbourne Fashion Festival exhibitor and Santa Maria ex-student, Elizabeth Delfs, will officially open the exhibition.

Students’ work will continue to be exhibited until October 25.

Last year four students from the College competed in the Australian Masters of Fashion Awards in Melbourne and two of these students were chosen as finalists.

“Students’ garments made a big impression at the Australian Masters last year,” said Ms Bowden, adding that she was very keen to see the audience’s reaction to this year’s selection of unique designs.

For tickets to the official launch, contact the visual arts department on: 6330 0200 or via email at: batc@santamaria.wa.edu.au.

Templar were founded in Jerusalem in 1118 and during the Crusades grew in influence and power.

In the early 1300s, after an investigation ordered by Pope Clement V, the knights were charged with heresy and their assets seized.

The pope eventually dissolved the order. Earlier many members were burned at the stake by order of King Philip IV in France.

The centerpiece of the new volume is a large document discovered in 2001 by a Vatican Archives’ researcher. Called the “Parchment of Chinon,” it is a report on the early phase of Pope Clement’s investigation, when the

pope had apparently absolved the knights of heretical charges and hoped to resolve their situation by reforming the order.

Through the centuries, the story of the Knights Templar has been connected with the legend of the Holy Grail, the cup said to have been used by Jesus at the Last Supper and which was believed to hold miraculous powers.

Some believed the Knights Templar had discovered the grail and were holding it in Jerusalem- a legend that was elaborated upon in the popular novel

Code

Catholic magazine for families

Editor Peter Rosengren Letters to: cathrec@iinet.net.au

Journalists Anthony Barich abarich@therecord.com.au

Sylvia Defendi sdefendi@iinet.net.au

Mark Reidy reidyrec@iinet.net.au

Paul Gray paulgray@sprint.net.au

Accounts Cathy Baguley recaccounts@therecord.com.au

Medically and scientifically accurate As effective as the oral contraceptive pill

For more information call 9223 1396

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e-mail: admin.nfs@aanet.com.au or visit www.acnfp.com.au Achieving, avoiding, spacing pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, coming off the pill

Administration Caroline Radelic administration@therecord.com.au

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587 Newcastle St, Leederville Post: PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902 Tel: (08) 9227 7080 Fax: (08) 9227 7087

Talented: Santa Maria College year 12 student, Katherine Van Kampen stands next to her dress, which is woven out of palm leaves. Next to her, year 12 student Genevieve Orton showcases her golden dress creation.

The Da Vinci

- CNS

A detail is shown on a replica document in which Pope Clement V absolved the Knights Templar of charges of heresy. Photo: CNS/Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters

Learning is for Life

2008 Postgraduate applications are due Friday 30th November 2007

For more information contact the Prospective Students Office on 9433 0533 or future@nd.edu.au

Postgraduate course areas:

�� Business

�� Counselling

�� Education – Pre-service

�� Education – Qualified Teachers

�� Religious Education

�� Environmental Management

�� Exercise Science

�� Law

�� Nursing

�� Outdoor Education

�� Theology & Pastoral Studies

Coming in 2008!

One of the most pressing issues facing communities in Australia today is attracting high quality teachers and doctors. In response to this demand Notre Dame proposes the following courses:

Pre-Medicine Certificate

Graduate Medicine at Notre Dame is designed to be entered from many academic backgrounds. This four unit certificate is designed to provide a pathway to the graduate entry medicine course for enrolled Notre Dame undergraduates (see inside for more details).

The demand for teachers in secondary schools with strong content knowledge in their teaching areas is increasing.Notre Dame now offers a four year degree program which allows students to focus on areas in arts and science while simultaneously studying for a teaching qualification.Students graduate with a degree that has currency and relevance as well as depth and rigor.

Bachelor of Arts / Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)

This double degree allows students to select two major study areas from a diverse range of disciplines including Behavioural Science, Communications, English Literature, Environmental Science, Geography, Greek, History, Italian, Legal Studies, Philosophy, Politics, Social Justice, Sociology, Theatre Studies and Theology.

Bachelor of Science / Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)

This double degree allows students to select a major study area from a diverse selection including Behavioural Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Human Biology and Information Technology, as well as an additional specialisation in a second Science area, including Mathematics.

More new courses for 2008…

�� Bachelor of Philosophy

�� Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation

Providing support for a diverse student population

I am originally from the Netherlands, but moved to Australia in 1998. What attracted me to Notre Dame was the fantastic atmosphere, and the emphasis on the unique small class environment.

The fact that classes are small at Notre Dame really gives you the opportunity to participate in lectures and tutorials, and is a chance to build up a relationship with your teachers. As an International Student it also makes it easy to network with your classmates, which is great for enhancing your career opportunities, broadening your friendship circle, and generally getting involved in student life!

Since I started my studies at Notre Dame I have become involved with the International Student Association, of which I am now a committee member. I have also become a Student Ambassador. Notre Dame has given me the opportunity to participate in sporting events such as the annual Perth City to Surf and the annual Australia-wide Uni Games and competitions such as the Negotiation competition and the Trial Advocacy competition. Becoming involved in extra curricular activities really adds to the uni experience as well as to your Curriculum Vitae in terms of the invaluable skills that you pick up along the way!

I enjoy the structure of Law at Notre Dame, which places a special emphasis on ethics and aims to teach students more than just 'the law' by encouraging students to take classes in moot, legal philosophy and contemporary legal issues.

“Becoming involved in extra curricular activities really adds to the uni experience…“