The Record Newspaper 01 September 2005

EAST TIMOR: Mothers death highlights needs. Page 4

The Parish. The Nation. The World.

COSTA RICA: Claire Stacey’s mission experience. Page 5

Hospital expands

Health Minister Jim McGinty officially opened the $31 million redevelopment and extension of St John of God Hospital in Murdoch on August 24. With 334 beds and 10 operating theatres, the Hospital is now the seventh largest freestanding private hospital in Australia.

Mr McGinty said the Hospital’s expansion was a significant commitment by St John of God Health Care to improving access to private health care services in Perth’s southern corridor. “This expansion will enhance Murdoch Hospital’s ability to provide high quality private hospital services, and it complements the government’s commitment to the construction of the new Fiona Stanley Hospital on land adjacent to St John of God,” he said.

St John of God Hospital Murdoch Chief Executive Officer, Peter Mott said that this latest expansion, the third in the Hospital’s 11 -year history, was constructed in a way that allows for even further growth in the future.

“Our vision is to see this private health campus grow to around 400 beds which, combined with the Government’s plans to build the Fiona Stanley Hospital by 2011, will provide people in Perth’s southern suburbs with access to world class tertiary level public and private health care facilities.” Mr Mott said.

“Apart from our additional beds and operating theatres, we have made a significant commitment in this expansion program to the inclusion of a purpose built education centre incorporating a 90-seat auditorium, tutorial, meeting rooms, large function room and library. This will assist the Hospital in its aim of becoming a key provider of medical and nursing undergraduate and postgraduate education.

“Furthermore, St John of God Hospital Murdoch is the only private hospital in Perth with a fully equipped and staffed Emergency Department, and it has an outstanding reputation.”

The redevelopment and expansion includes the Emergency Department, two new operating rooms, 70 more beds, a new sterilising department, expansion of medical imaging, expansion and relocation of the pathology laboratory, a training facility and 165 more parking bays.

LIFE AND DEATH

Highgate parish celebrates hundred years

Television talks will continue

Archbishop Barry Hickey has decided to continue his weekly talks on Channel 9 at least until Christmas.

The trial of four talks under the title “Today’s Comment” ended last Sunday, but the new series will continue from this Sunday.

Bishop Don Sproxton will deliver this weekend’s talk because Archbishop Hickey has been on retreat this week.

The one-minute talks will continue in their slot during the first advertising break in the six o’clock

Who decides? Fr Joe Parkinson a bioethicist and director of the LJ Goody Bioethics Centre in Glendalough explains, in the last of this three part series.

Vista 1

news and will be repeated on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 6.30am and 7am during the Today program.

They will also be screened three times each week during the Late Show.

This schedule will provide a potential audience of 900,000 people.

Archbishop Hickey said the response to the talks had been most encouraging. In addition to the huge audiences on Channel 9, nearly 1200 people viewed the films

on the archdiocesan website www. perthcatholic.org.au during the first three weeks.

He said the next big challenge was to secure funding for the program.

It was important to have a presence in the commercial media, but he did not want to reduce the Archdiocese’s commitment to its many social welfare activities or other Church projects.

“There are always things we could do with money, but we also need to put our ideas before the

Editorial/Letters - Page 6

general community,” he said. It cost about $8000 to produce and air each talk.

There had already been some pledges of support, but he was appealing to Catholics to consider giving significant support to this campaign to present important spiritual and social values to the community.

“Television has the greatest reach and the greatest impact across the community, so it is important to have a presence there,” he said.

WORLD YOUTH DAY

More recollections as Record reporter Jamie O’Brien concludes a journal of his World Youth Day experience with Perth pilgrims in Cologne. Vista

Sacred Heart Parish in Highgate celebrated its 100 years, 1905-2005, on Sunday August 21 to the obvious approval of young parishioners. Parish priest Fr Peter Bianchini blessed the original foundation stone and launched a restoration appeal with support from Stephen Smith MP for Perth, the Mayor of Vincent Nic Catania and Mr Enzo Sirna from the National Trust. The first stage of restoration will involve the front leadlight windows, chapel lighting and the foyer. Photo: Billie Fairclough

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A new light shines on Reconciliation

■ By Fr Richard Smith

Ioccasionally hear from the lay faithful and priests, “not many come to Reconciliation/ Confession now”. This is said as though there is nothing that can be done to improve the situation. I offer the following as a re-visioning for the journey, from the experience of one parish in Western Australia. Our Lady of Grace (OLG), North Beach, Western Australia now has participation rates in the sacrament running between 80% – 90%. It was not always the case and anecdotal evidence from the mid 1990’s suggest that OLG participation rates in reconciliation were between 8% and 15% of the parishioners. What brought about the change?

After prayer, soul searching and speaking with others the Parish Priest, Fr Ken Keating made the decision to move confession out of the confessional and back into the body of the church and to make reconciliation a communal experience. The sacrament is now celebrated three or four times a year

in brief

Free Lecture

in this format, including during the lead up to Christmas and Easter and during the month of August. It is celebrated at the normal Sunday Mass time, but prior to the start of Mass.

The mechanics of the process are as follows.

• At the advertised start time for each of the Sunday Masses four priests find a private space across the front of the Church.

• Those wishing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation line up as they would to receive Holy Communion and walk down to the priest of their choice.

• The format is that of the First Rite for Reconciliation.

• They are encouraged to bring with them a piece of paper that says “Jesus I need to be reconciled with you because…” They then read out their written confession.

• At the conclusion of their confession the penitent says: “Jesus I am sorry for these sins because they offend you and others and I promise to pray ‘………’ to make up for my sins and to ask the Holy Spirit to help and guide me to ………”

• Each person decides for them-

Cardinal Wilfrid Napier of Durban in South Africa will give a free public lecture on Thursday September 15 at Notre Dame University.

He will be looking at the contribution of African Christianity to global Catholicism.

The talk will take place in the university’s Drill Hall at 7pm.

Cardinal Napier was part of the conclave which elected Pope Benedict XVI. Cardinal Napier was President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) from 1987-1994, and began another term of office

selves their prayer of penance and the future action they will make to amend for their sins. The priest then confirms this if it is suitable.

• The priest may seek clarification or offer advice about matters confessed, their penance or future action and proposed amendment.

• The priest then gives each person Absolution.

• If a person chooses they can burn their sheet of paper in one of two urns that are provided for the purpose

• The whole experience takes 25 – 30 minutes.

• Quiet music is played during the Reconciliation time.

• Mass follows.

Over the past ten years the process has been refined and this format is the result. The preparation is most important and begins several weeks before the actual Reconciliation Weekend. The Parish Magazine ‘Reflections’ is distributed, by parishioners, to every home within the geographical boundaries of the parish. This both advertises the Reconciliation Weekend and welcomes inquiries

as President of the SACBC in August 2002. He was appointed Archbishop of Durban in 1992. In July 1998 Pope John Paul II appointed him as Consultor to the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and in the same year he was appointed a member of the Synod for Asia, representing Africa. Cardinal Napier is a member of the Franciscan order.

15 weeks of Flame

A 15-week seminar for youth presented by Flame Ministries International and the Flame Youth Ministry will start at 7.30pm on Sunday (September 4) at the Catholic Pastoral Centre Seminar Room, 40A Mary

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about the process. The weekends are advertised at all Sunday Masses during the lead up period. People attending these Masses are encouraged to take a Reconciliation sheet with them so that they can prepare their confession prayerfully prior to the weekend. They are also asked to pray for the success of the weekend before the event and to pray for each other during the actual time of reconciliation.

It needs to be said that reconciliation is offered in the usual way on Saturday afternoons, including the Saturdays of the Reconciliation Weekends, and at other times by appointment with the parish priest. It is interesting to note that the participation rate has increased in the normal Saturday reconciliations.

The communal aspect is important to reflect on here because it is this that enables the process at OLG to succeed. Simply stated, the penitent has companions on the journey and knows that he or she is not alone. It is important to know that we are all sinners together. Each one feels supported and there is a recognisable joy and lightness in the air on these Reconciliation Weekends

Street, Highgate. Aptly named “Set My Youth on Fire” the seminar was created at the invitation of Fr Don Kettle, Director of Catholic Youth Ministry.

The youth in each parish and their friends are invited, including the young people returning from the World Youth Day in Germany who may see it as a follow on from their great experience over there.

“Set My Youth on Fire” is exclusively for youth and it is expected that new friendships and life changing experiences will occur.

Music will be part of the seminar and the young people in the Flame Music Ministry known as FMM will be playing. This Music Ministry has been out there in the parishes for quite a while now and have developed a cool reputation. Further information about

during Mass. Quite a number of people have been enabled by this process to return to the Sacrament after a long break away from it.

Fr Ken uses the phrase Adult Spirituality to describe this process since it enables people to use Reconciliation as a means to monitor their journey through life and to make life-enhancing changes to the way they operate in their day to day living. It encourages individuals to be responsible for their actions, their prayerfulness and their growth into the fullness that Jesus promises to each one of us.

It has been a wonderful experience to be involved in the sacrament in this way and I have personally had the joy of sharing in a few individual’s moments of growth and development as they experience God’s insight, generosity and love.

I was asked to write this article so that the experience at OLG might be shared and that it might be an encouragement to both priests and people. Reconciliation is a wonderful sacrament that offers healing and new beginnings and it needs to be shared as widely as possible among the people of God.

the seminar is available from Lucas Hurley or Fr Don Kettle on (08) 94227912 or Email: cym@highgate-perthcatholic.org.au or Flame Ministries International on (08) 9382 3668 or Email: fmi@flameministries.org

Manjimup celebrates

St Joseph’s parish in Manjimup will conduct jubilee celebrations at Kearnan College and the church on the weekend September 16-18.

Events will include a reunion on Saturday evening and a special Mass and lunch on Sunday. Photos and memorabillia will be on display over the weekend.

New facilities for Newman College

The blessing and official opening of Newman College buildings by the Most Reverend Barry Hickey, Archbishop of Perth and Br Paul Gilchrist, Provincial, Marist Brothers (Southern Province) took place on August 17.

Planning and consultation for this project started in November 2001 – 3½ years later and the plans to consolidate the Secondary School onto one campus will hopefully be completed with a successful $10M building project.

This, along with the amalgamation of Newman College and Newman Junior College to create a K-12 school, has proven to be a very exciting and challenging time.

The project was funded by $3m in State Government low interest loans, $4.6m in a CBA loan and $2m from accumulated reserves.

The new works, to accommodate the amalgamation of two secondary campuses, include a large Resource

Centre, Music and Performing Arts and Staff and Administration facilities all housed in a new building on the old Brothers’ House site next to the Chapel, a new Technology building comprising Home Economics, Fabric and Design, Computing and a large materials workshop on the ground floor, plus five general purpose classrooms and staff areas on the first floor.

There were several areas that were converted to enhance our learning facilities and environment. Among those were the Special Education Centre, Student Services, new Cafeteria and further IT classrooms.

The Sports Centre, which is used extensively by the community, has had extensive renovations completed, including staff facilities, increased change rooms, a weights room, and improved oval viewing facilities.

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Archbishop Barry Hickey officiated at the offical opening of new facilities at Newman College.

David scores 10 goals for Newman

A special game of football recently took place on the Newman College Oval.

■ By Gar Carroll of Newman College

Newman College student David Heaney recently celebrated his 16th birthday.

David is part of our Special Education unit at the College and is a mad keen football fan.

When he watches his peers playing for their Marist Football team on the weekends he does not understand fully why he is not able to be part of the game.

So to give David that opportunity the boys and parents arranged a birthday surprise for David and planned a football game where he would be the star player.

The boys, Marist 15’s, played a modified game to include David where he played in the full forward position with the opportunity to score a goal (10 in fact).

They treated the game as the real thing so David was able to experience all the

aspects of the game including warm-up exercises, coaching, and team-huddles. The original plan was for a backyard game of football but once the idea was formed there were so many members of the Newman community wanting to be part of it that we had parents, current and past students involved.

The Carmody family, whose original idea it was, were delighted.

Most of the boys in the football team have known David since they started school and we think this gesture to celebrate David’s birthday was a very special one.

At the game presentation, Coach Rory Mitchell named David as Fairest and Best player on the day and congratulated him on scoring a ‘lazy’ 10 goals.

David was then presented with a Marist Football jumper and an Eagles football jumper which had been signed by the Captain, Ben Cousins.

Margaret Heaney, David’s mother, said “It was a dream of David’s and he was just thrilled to be out there playing with the boys”.

Marist Football Club President Mark George said he was delighted that the spirit of the club reflected the passion and joy for playing and sharing the game, and not just for winning.

East Timor Caritas participant dies during childbirth

Caritas Australia has received news that Maria de Costa Soares, one of the East Timorese women featured in the 2004 Project Compassion campaign has tragically died whilst giving birth to her third child on July 31, 2005.

Maria was only 36 years old and leaves behind her husband Joaquim and two young children, 3 year old Antonio and 2 year old Amelia. Sadly, Maria’s baby daughter died a week after her.

“Maria was a very active community member and an enthusiastic participant in Caritas Australia’s Oecussi program. Its is very sad to hear of her death in such preventable circumstances, but this is still a relatively common occurrence in East Timor, “ said Ingvar Anda, Caritas Australia’s Program Coordinator based in East Timor.

Through Caritas Australia’s Agricultural program, Maria held the role of garden coordinator for the women’s group in her village of Nefobai, in Oecussi, one of the most remote districts of East Timor.

When interviewed last year for

the Project Compassion material about her hopes for the women, Maria had a clear vision of what she wanted the women in her community to achieve.

“I want the women to show that they have the ability to do something good for their families. I want to involve them in different activities so they can learn many things to improve their lives,” she said.

Maria’s untimely death is representative of the devastating statistic that 1 in 30 East Timorese women have a lifetime risk of maternal mortality, revealed through the Save the Children report, State of the World’s Mothers, 2005. East Timor’s birth rate is amongst the highest in the world, according to the Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey, 2003, with a rate of 7.77 children per woman.

The situation in East Timor is not uncommon. Due to the lack of access to women’s health facilities and education in rural areas, many countries in developing world are facing the same crisis.

Prak Sokhany, who is a

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Cambodian-based Program Officer for ACR/Caritas Australia, acknowledges that Cambodian women face the same risk as the East Timorese women.

“There are many women giving birth at home who ask for traditional birth attendants, but that is very high risk and not a safe way to deliver the baby,” said Sokhany.

Jack de Groot, CEO of Caritas Australia said that supporters, volunteers and staff of Caritas Australia would be very sad to hear of Maria’s death.

“We felt that we knew Maria because we all got to know her story so well, when we told it during Project Compassion last year,” said Mr de Groot.

Maria’s premature death shows how urgently the issue of maternal mortality and its link to poverty needs to be addressed. Maternal mortality is caused by poverty because women who cannot afford to have procedures performed in safe environments are at risk of blood loss, infection and life threatening injury.

Jennacubbine Mass & Family Picnic Day

When: Sunday, 25th September

Where: St Isidore’s Church Jennacubbine, Followed by a picnic on the river.

Times: Arrival 10.30am Mass – 11.00am Picnic to follow.

■ BYO picnic basket & chairs

■ BBQ’s, hot water and lots of extras provided.

“This is a major focus of the Make Poverty History campaign. Achieving a reduction of maternal mortality by three-quarters of current trends is goal number five of the UN Millennium Development

Goals, and it is imperative that we act to reach this goal soon,” said Mr de Groot.

For more information please contact Margaret Rice on (0417) 284 831.

On a winning streak: David Heaney gestures triumphantly as he runs back from scoring a goal past Danielle Orlando and Eugene Carmody who have been friends with David since he started school at Newman College.

Maria de Costa’s death shows that how urgent the work is of Caritas in countries such as East Timor.

Photo: Caritas

Voluntary work gave meaning to life

■ By Claire Stacey

In December of 2004, after months and months of preparations, I left Australia and everything I know to go and live in a foreign country for 10 weeks to work on an undefined community project with a group of people I had never met before. I was headed to Costa Rica, a small country in Central America, with an organisation called Youth Challenge International, which organises young volunteers from Australia and Canada to work on small scale community development projects in Costa Rica, Guyana and Vanuatu.

I arrived in Costa Rica a little apprehensive and a little scared about what the next 10 weeks would hold for me, but as soon as I met the 13 other volunteers who were in my group I realised that I wasn’t the only one who was feeling nervous. As we got to know each other, their friendship gave me the security to get excited about embarking on this big adventure, and it wasn’t long before we were on our fourth bus about to arrive in Zapaton, a very remote indigenous community close to the west coast of Costa Rica.

We would be living in Zapaton for three weeks working on their aqueduct system before we moved to the nearby community of Mastatal for the remainder of the time. Zapaton is a stunning place, with rolling mountains providing amazing views even from our kitchen window. The community of 100 people, most of whom were indigenous subsistence farmers, were slightly reserved at first but it didn’t take long before we had made friends with many people. We were working all around the community, digging trenches so that the aqueduct system could be re-laid under the ground to prevent breakages in the pipes and to provide cooler water for people’s homes. We also helped to paint the school and even managed to run holiday activities for the school children. Because we were there for Christmas, we were able to see the true generosity of the community as they invited us to watch them make the traditional Christmas food “tomales” (cornmeal, vegetables and pork wrapped in banana

leaves), invited us to their homes for parties and gave us presents.

During these first few weeks we all realised how difficult it can be to live day in, day out with 14 very different people.

Although we had had our fair share of group dynamic difficulties during the first few weeks, most people had become wiser and more understanding of everyone’s needs and when we moved to our second community, Mastatal, we really started coming together.

Most of us had realised by this stage, that the challenge of living in a big group of people in a very confined living space would be a very big part of our experience and would teach us many valuable things about communicating, understanding and cooperating with different people.

A two and 1/2 hours walk away,

Year of the Eucharist

The Body and Blood of Christ will be life for each one who receives, but under this condition: what is consumed visibly in the Sacrament must be spiritually consumed in truth itself.

– St Augustine

How little I do, and how short is the time I give, to prepare myself for Holy Communion! Indeed, it is not an angel that I am receiving, but the Lord of the angels Himself!

– Thomas à Kempis

Mastatal is the closest community to Zapaton, but the differences were very noticeable. Mastatal is also a very small community, of only 150 people, most of whom are farmers. It is also situated right next to the newest National Park in Costa Rica, “La Cangreja.” Mastatal is closer than Zapaton to the nearest main town of Pudscal, and we didn’t feel as remote or disconnected from the world here. The people were very friendly and we made good friends straight away. Although we had planned to work on a large aqueduct project, there were organisational problems, as is the nature of many community development projects, so we went to work in the beautiful La Cangraja National Park where we helped the park rangers to build new trails and to maintain the old trails.

Whilst we were in Mastatal we got

to experience many things including community soccer matches, visits to waterfalls and rivers, community parties, hiking up to the top of Mount La Cangreja, and working on local farms.

I think that after spending 10 weeks working and living in these small communities I had a greater appreciation of all the luxuries I take for granted in my day to day life like hot showers, telephones and cars, and also a clearer perspective on what really is important to me in my life.

I hope to live my life from now on with a better understanding of what really makes you happy.

Upon arriving back in Perth, the challenge is to realise how to use what I have learned about the ways of life in a completely different culture to our own and to synthesise this into my everyday living here.

Join Pope Benedict XVI in prayer - September

Relationships between people have surfaced as a very special and critical part of living for me. My experience in Costa Rica has taught me that if I want to achieve things, then I need to be protective and positive about them and they will happen. I feel I have arrived back in Australia with a renewed energy that will help me to be more active in my local community and hopefully inspire others to follow their dreams.

I strongly recommend this program to anyone who is willing to challenge themselves and in return discover many things about themselves and the life they lead. I am very grateful to the Catenian Association Bursary Fund for the very generous sponsorship in support of my volunteer placement in Costa Rica.

- This article first appeared in the Catenians’ magazine. Claire is available for talks.

“For governors and governments: may they always respect the fundamental right to religious freedom of every person.”

Mission intention: “For young Churches: may they proclaim the Christian message so it may penetrate and enrich all local cultures.”

Claire Stacey, bottom row on the right, together with volunteers and friends who she met and worked with her while she was in Costa Rica. Claire volunteered 10 weeks of her life to work on community projects.

Photo: courtesy Claire Stacey

A lot of meaning in Fathers’ Day H

appy Fathers’ Day to all you Dads out there, or, as C.J.Dennis would have called you, all you “fellers of Australier, blokes an’ coves an’ coots”. Fathers come in all shapes and sizes, physically and in personality, but they share equally the potential to live out the gift and responsibility of fatherhood.

Unfortunately, there has been something of a crisis in fatherhood in this country in the last 30 years or so. There is the crisis of fathers not carrying out their relationship with their children and with the mother of their children, and the equally tragic crisis of fathers being deprived of the opportunity to grow and mature in that remarkable role.

As with all human failings, this one was not invented in the modern era, but what characterizes the current situation is that most of the institutions of our society have tacitly agreed to seriously undervalue fatherhood and to pretend that the large-scale suffering from the collapse of families is not to be compared in importance with the freedom of fathers and mothers to shatter their families. We almost universally agreed it was better to justify the breaking of families than to stand firm as a community and encourage, guide, inspire men and women to learn to honour their chosen unity.

This collapse followed a pattern that characterized most of the significant changes in the social mores of Australia in the last 40 years. Immediately after World War Two, there was a sustained community effort (under the banner of Legacy) by the men of that dreadful war to do something both material and personal to minimize the loss of the fatherhood of their mates who did not return.

More info

Readers of your front page story ‘Eucharistic Miracles’ (The Record August 11) who found it as edifying to our faith as I did might like to know there is an excellent paper back book ‘Eucharistic Miracles’, by Joan Caroll Cruz, and published by TAN - available from at least two local Catholic retail shops.

Peter Leahy Wembley Downs

Respect Sunday

Strength in unity

Although it received very little media coverage, last Sunday’s (August 21) history- making coalition of black and white people coming together to take a stand against this State Government’s alliance with developers who are about to destroy our precious West Australian coastline, was a very important event.

The rally, held just north of Coogee Beach, amongst the highest remaining sand dunes left along this part of our coastline, was attended by approximately 120 people from ten different groups, some coastal and some from the hills, wetlands and groups seeking to protect their properties from Government takeover as well. But all united in the battle to preserve our environment from this internal threat for future generations. It is ironic that our soldiers went to war to save our country from external attack and now we are being devoured by greed and power.

If only we had people in authority who would listen to what our people and our land are crying out for. Whatever happened to honesty and integrity? Save our country before it is too late!

Marie Slyth West Perth

Shopping on Sunday also robs shop-workers of their freedom to enjoy those things.

PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902

Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax: (08) 9227 7087 cathrec@iinet.net.au

Within 30 years of the end of that war, the passing of Lionel Murphy’s Family Law Act signaled a stampede towards family breakdown that has caused immeasurable suffering to millions of men, women and children. It was not merely that the law allowed men and women to dishonour at will the most solemn undertaking they would ever give to another human being. The bigger problem was that almost all leadership in our society imposed a blanket of silence over discussion of the merits of the choices that were being made within that freedom. Within a very short time of 1975, it became socially unacceptable to speak against divorce, to urge men and women to do their utmost to overcome problems and to learn how to live out their lifelong commitment to being husbands, wives, fathers and mothers more effectively. Freedom was the thing, it was their choice (or of just one of them, often) and nobody else should say a word about it.

For years, the media propagated myths that everybody was happier that way, even though grandparents in particular could see the pain and confusion in the children’s eyes, and teachers could measure it in the changes in their behaviour and intellectual performance.

It was odd that a people who had earned immense admiration on the world’s battlefields and sporting fields for their capacity to practise true mateship – genuine commitment to the well-being of your mates in good times and in bad – could no longer even discuss the importance of commitment to the most important relationships of all, with spouse and children.

Freedom is the pursuit of excellence, including and particularly, moral excellence. It is not the pursuit of decadence.

In recent years, there has been a slight change in this attitude of denial, but there is a long way to go. Sustained research (such as that referred to in “21 Reasons why Marriage Matters”) has put beyond dispute the reality of the harm we have been doing to individuals and to society, but we are still a long way from admitting that we have got the wrong understanding about freedom.

Freedom is essential for the full expression of humanity, but if it is not accompanied by the full expression of humanity, freedom is a savage master. Or, as St Thomas Aquinas would put it, freedom is the pursuit of excellence, including and particularly, moral excellence. It is not the pursuit of decadence.

We adopted the same misguided approach to freedom when we insisted that adults have the right to read and watch whatever they choose, but put none of our communal excellence into trying to influence the outcome. Eventually, the arrival of personal computers and a plethora of child pornography forced us to decide that adults don’t really have the right to watch whatever they choose. We have extensive laws and considerable jail sentences for people who possess or look at such images, but this turnaround has not yet persuaded us to examine our shallow understanding of freedom.

Our faulty view of the fullness of humanity is still the foundation of the State education system’s teaching about human relationships, and no amount of suffering among our teenagers in the shape of confusion, disease and abortion is being allowed to influence our educators. It is truly a case of “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Fatherhood - strong, firm fatherhood based on the father’s commitment to goodness – is the foundation for all of us to learn to value freedom and to use it in the pursuit of excellence.

Make it a happy fathers’ day by doing your bit to promote this reality.

Bishop Olmsted of Phoenix, Arizona recently criticised Christians who treat Sunday as “an extension of Saturday”.

“Keep Sunday holy,” he said, “No shopping. Use it to enjoy rest and Worship.”

The number of adult Australians working on Sundays increased between 1974 and 1997 from 9 percent to 17 percent – which means less family time together. Most people working Sundays do not or cannot make up those lost opportu-

nities on weekdays. By working on Sundays, you reduce your chances to spend some time in silence.

Saint John of the Cross wrote that union with God can only be achieved “passively, secretly and in silence.”

Arnold Jago Mildura, Vic.

The power of Our Lady’s rosary

Paul Smith is an 84-year-old former Stipendiary Magistrate who has been a member of the Legion of Mary since 1965. With Our Lady’s birthday approaching (September 8) he offers this story from his Legion experience to illustrate the power of the Rosary.

Tom Atkinson, a qualified mechanic, came to Western Australia from Scotland eager to make a good living by hard work in the motor industry. He met and married a pretty young woman Cheryl and they soon had a nice home and started a family. Together they worked towards starting their own business and soon they were able to purchase a five-star bus and set up the family firm of Atkinson Coach lines. With Tom driving the bus and Cheryl as hostess they soon became well known and the business prospered.

About this time the local Legion of Mary decided to go on bus pilgrimages to country towns - to New Norcia in the north, Northam in the east and Gelorup Carmel Monastery in the south, and many other towns - in fact anywhere where the Parish Priest agreed to say Mass for them. While on their way the travellers always said many Rosaries. And always they hired Atkinson Coachlines.

One year, about seven years ago, Cheryl rang me with the terrible news that Tom had cancer. It had progressed so far that nothing could be done. The hospital sent Tom home to die in the peace of his own family. Cheryl said, “Paul, Tom asked me to ring you. Would you visit him. He wants to be buried from, as he put it, the Legion of Mary Church”. I picked up another Legionary, Tom O’Rourke, - we always visit in pairs - and we went to the Atkinson home in Padbury. We could see he was close to death. He told us he was a Catholic but had not been to Mass since coming to Australia. He knew he was close to death and asked us to help him. We told him we would arrange for a Priest to call as soon as possible. Straight away we went to see Father Corcoran, the Parish Priest. We explained

the situation to him and stressed that we thought it was urgent. He was working in the garden, it was a Monday, the Priests’ day off. However, Father had a shower and went to the address we gave him. Later he laughingly told us what went on when he got there. Cheryl took him into the sick room and left them. Father said, “Well Tom, what can I do for you?” Tom replied, “Paul Smith says I have to go to Confession and receive Holy Communion”. Father helped him with his confession; the first for seventeen years and gave him Holy Communion. Luckily, Father had also brought the Holy Oils and gave him the great sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Tom died the next day. Father Corcoran presided at the grave side in Pinaroo Valley Cemetery assisted by members of the Legion of Mary. After the crowd of relatives and friends had dispersed, the Legion members remained to say a last Rosary for Tom. As on the Bus trips, Tom was listening – only this time from Heaven.!!

Gift of Prayer

The gift of prayer for Mary on her birthday is being offered to her to use as she desires.

The Rosary Bouquet will be presented at Our Lady’s Birthday Mass celebrated by Archbishop Barry Hickey in St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday, September 8 at 12.10pm.

It will be preceded by an hour of Eucharistic Adoration. A meditative Rosary commencing at 11am will be led by Fr Paul Carey.

Further information: Margaret Bowen Ph: 9446 1935, Fax: 9446 1933 Email: bowen@iinet.net.au OR Janis Mackin, Ph: 9255 1382, Fax: 9255 4182

Would you let someone else decide the fate of your life?

Who should decide?

O fficial

Relative Patient

Doc tor

■ By Fr Joseph Parkinson

In the first of these articles we noted that everyone has the right to refuse a medical treatment which promises no reasonable hope of benefit or which, if it were accepted, would impose an unreasonable burden.

In the second article we looked at a situation in which these conditions overlap, the question of withholding or withdrawing nutrition and hydration.

In 2004, Pope John Paul II explained that, in principle, nutrition and hydration should be continued whenever they are successfully sustaining life.

The Catholic moral tradition also acknowledges the possibility of extreme cases in which, even where nutrition and hydration are achieving that end, they may be legitimately withheld or withdrawn if the competent patient judges that every mode of delivery would be excessively burdensome.

The right to make personal choices in these matters is even protected in civil law, which allows me to bring a charge of battery if I receive a medical treatment against my reasonable will.

Now the WA Attorney-General is proposing new laws on medical treatment for the dying to cover the more complex question of how to make appropriate moral decisions when a patient is unable to make them in person.

One approach would allow us to make an ‘advance medical directive’ which would be binding on everyone else, including medical staff, unless it was subsequently altered or withdrawn.

Advance directives list particular medical treatments which the individual considers to be unacceptable on the grounds of excessive burden.

These might be radical treatments such as invasive surgery, but may also include relatively simple procedures such as blood transfusions.

The suggestion is that a binding advance directive would not only protect every person’s right to make their own choices, but everyone would have the security of knowing that their preferences would

be respected if they became unable to make a decision in person - for example, if they were rendered unconscious.

This attractive proposition claims to promote personal autonomy, but there are several major flaws in this proposal.

Advance directives have the power to impose moral duties on others only to the extent that they accurately reflect a patient’s intentions with regard to their actual medical condition and the actual treatment options available to them at the time of incapacity.

But given the almost infinite permutations possible, it is not reasonable to expect anyone to be able to form clear preferences regarding every possible future illness or every possible future treatment.

After all, an advance directive may have been made years before any particular medical condition manifests itself.

Over time I may conceivably change my mind, or my general outlook on life may change, or I may rearrange my life priorities - all without necessarily communicating these changes to anyone else.

But the actual experience of pain itself may be the strongest argument against binding advance directives.

When I am fit and healthy, I might decide against receiving a particular treatment - but quickly change my mind when pain sets in.

Consider the young mother to wants to give birth without any form of anaesthesia - until the first few hours of labour prove more difficult than she had expected.

But if I am unconscious, I may be bound by an advance directive made years before which no longer accurately reflects my current personal preferences.

This is not the exercise of personal autonomy which the proposed law seeks to guarantee.

‘Making a medical decision’ really requires the simultaneous interplay of three realities: accurate information about one’s current medical condition, a realistic assessment of all treatments which are actually available (including the likely benefits and burdens of each) and, in light of these, a decision which accurately reflects one’s preferences at that time.

Binding advance directives may fail on all three

counts: there may have been substantial changes in one’s medical condition and in possible treatments, and in one’s preferences.

But the Attorney-General’s paper suggests another strategy which, while not perfect, might better account for all three aspects of decision-making: the appointment of a substitute authority or ‘medical power of attorney’.

Current WA law allows me to grant power of attorney to another person, but this does not extend to making medical decisions.

The ability to grant medical power of attorney to a person of my choice might be a better way of preserving personal autonomy while also accounting for all three aspects of medical decision-making.

In the first place, I would be able to choose for myself the person who will make medical decisions in the event of my incapacity.

This would be someone I believe would make the best decision at the time, someone I know personally and whose judgment I trust.

If I fail to appoint anyone myself, my family or others could ask for a suitable person to be appointed, perhaps by the State Administrative Tribunal.

The appointee would be charged with gathering the most accurate information available about my medical condition and its likely development, assessing all potentially useful medical treatments including their likely benefits and burdens, and reaching the best decision in light of my personal preferences as far as these are known.

The appointee would not be strictly bound by my preferences but would be expected, as far as possible, to choose as I would have been likely to choose myself.

This is far from a perfect solution, of course, but it could strike a reasonable balance between two inescapable facts: my right to make my own medical decisions, and my incapacity to do so at this particular time.

If the Parliament of Western Australia can find a suitable legislative balance between these two realities, it will go a long way toward protecting the inherent dignity of every person at a time when they are most vulnerable.

Jamie’s Diary cont’d...

Sunday August 14

This morning we woke up ready to go to Mass – at the Adoration Church, together with Bishop Don Sproxton, Fr John O’Reiley, Fr Don Kettle, Fr Vinh Dong and Fr Joseph Tran.

Some of us took a little extra time getting ready as the Pathways group went to explore the Church beforehand.

The homily by Bishop Sproxton appealed to me quite profoundly. He spoke about believing.

“We need to make the effort to understand.”

“This place (the Adoration Church at Schoenstatt) reminds me why the world is what it is today. During WW1, there was a desire to see if they could change the world in which they lived.”

During this time, said Bishop Sproxton, there were two types of people - the scientific man and the political man. The

scientific man was interested in eradicating disease and hunger, while the political man wanted to change the institutions.

None of these have brought solutions to society today, and in fact have probably made things worse.

“These two people created a world where you have to work for change to have a whole nation operating like a machine,” the Bishop said.

“The rights of people become insignificant.”

“This is not the solution.”

What we need, said the Bishop, is a community where people can show signs of love and unity.

Only then are we able to be true Catholics, Christians and witnesses of our faith.

Monday August 15

Feast of the Assumption.

The Australian youth pilgrims gathered early (7.30am) for Mass with Bishop Sproxton, along with the other priests.

In his homily, Bishop Sproxton explained how we are all called to bring Christ with us wherever we go.

“In this way we become another Christ,” he said.

“This will help us to be faithful to that call and rely entirely on the spirit.”

“ When he calls he provides – in marriage, priesthood or as a role in the world.”

8am Onward to Cologne! Finally, the time is getting closer for the vigil and the concluding Mass with Pope Benedict XVI! Arrived in Cologne and after a very tiring and difficult experience of carrying

our luggage across the city, we arrived in the hotel. The name of the local parish was St Theodor’s and we received our blue bags with food.

It was a rather humbling experience and again in front of all this I could see how arrogant and selfish I was. I felt like a refugee and I hated it!

After arriving at the hotel and having dinner, Phil Bayne and I decided to go into the Press Office in Köln-Messe Duetz (the City Centre) to pick up our press passes. After much confusion with where the actual place was - being given the run around by volunteers we found out that we could only get our passes during normal hours and not 24 hours like we were originally told. The life of a journalist!

That night we all enjoyed a magnificent meal at the Hotel Ibis.

Tuesday August 16

7.30am

On our way to the Australian Gathering in Bonn.

Prior to this Phil Bayne and I made our way back to the Press Office in the city (Messe-Duetz) to pick up our press passes, and I needed to check my email and report back to the office. We caught up with the rest of the group at the Neumarkt tram station bound for Bonn.

It was a totally new experience as we had to learn how to catch the trams in Germany – and we had no idea of where we were going!

After what seemed like ages and a very tedious journey, we arrived in Bonn only to find out the event had been transferred to Cologne.

It was then that I realised why I had seen Bonn.

There was a very strong feeling there of disgust at the poverty – people with drug and alcohol problems galore.

This used to be the capital city of West Germany!

It was here that I realised the great need of the World Youth Day here – to show the people that it is possible for Christ to be alive.

To bring back a sense of reality in their lives. Is this not what we are called to do by Christ?

After making our way back to Köln -Messe (Cologne city), the group decided to explore the Cathedral. It was an awesome sight. Very gothic I thought. I took a few minutes out to pray in front of the relics of the Three Magi and also in front of the Blessed Sacrament. We sat on the stairs just outside of Cologne Cathedral for a couple of hours, observing the crowds, joining in the chanting of ‘Benedetto’ ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie’ and the most popular ‘Italiano batti le mani’; which means Italian clap your hands. (There were 40,000 Italians in Cologne for WYD!)

Wednesday August 17

Made out way today to catechesis at one of the local parishes only to find that this had been cancelled for that day. Not impressed!

I made a quick decision to go to St Theodor’s in Vingst, and listen to the catechesis of Bishop Leonard Blair, on discovering a deeper faith. Met with the two representatives of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference – Nathan Galea and Sarah Taylor.

Nathan and Sarah would both be going on the boat with Pope

Benedict XVI as he arrived in Cologne. Nathan and Sarah also shared some of their experience with me so far; where they come from, why they believe WYD is important and what they hope to take home with them. It was at this point that I think I fully began to understand how different each one of us is in following Christ, yet we are all the same. Now I realise what it means when the Church says Christ does not love us any different!

Thursday August 18

Made my way quite early to the accommodation of the Perth pilgrims for Mass with Bishop Don Sproxton.

The responsorial psalm appealed to me, with the words, ‘Here I am Lord,’ I come to do your will.

For me this meant that I need to be ready to say yes to God, in the same way that Mary did, when she said yes to become the mother of God.

The Bishop spoke about the death of Taize leader Roger Schultz.

Bishop Sproxton encouraged the pilgrims to consider the awesome gift of the Eucharist.

“The Mass is a precious gift of God, in which we receive Christ,” he said.

Bishop Sproxton continued by talking about the Year of the Eucharist, and that when we approach communion, we are becoming Christ himself, Lord, God and brother.

“He is calling us,” Bishop Sproxton said.

“He has said ‘I know what’s ahead and I will provide, don’t be afraid. “We need to fit in with him.

“By receiving communion we receive Christ and with his strength are able to continue the journey he has given us.”

The words of Bishop Sproxton helped me to remember that I need the Eucharist as the source of my life. I see that many times I have come to the Eucharist not realising how much Christ has given me, and that often I don’t deserve to be there.

It is only because Christ loves me so much that he has called me there so that I can try to love him in the same way and therefore spread his word.

Benedict XVI has much support!

I also took the opportunity to explore the surrounding area of the Cathedral by myself.

There were Brazilians dancing to the beat of bongo drums and Chileans walking through the streets with their guitars. By 8pm, we made our way back to Frechen (Carlo, Monica took a look around the town) and went to dinner at an Italian Restaurant, Hotel Fontana.

Friday August 19

I went to the Press Office and worked on stories and photos to email back to the office.

Met with John Thavis from Catholic News Service Rome Bureau.

Started to make my way back to the hotel at about 9pm, only to find that the entrance to the tram station had been blocked by Police, because of the heavy crowds.

The stairs leading up were crammed with people however their spirit was not dampened, obvious by the chants and singing similar to Wednesday. Arrived back at the hotel late after finishing quite a bit of work.

“Christ is this elder brother who has gone ahead of us,” the Bishop said.

“He has lived life, faced death and gone to eternal life,

Took the opportunity after Mass to speak to some of the young people and get their opinions and impressions of their experience so far.

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Cologne today, and Caroline Watson and Rob Hiini were chosen to go on the boat as representatives from Oceania.

Its a family affair: Jamie O’Brien caught up with his sister, Christina O’Brien, 16, of St Gerard’s Parish Mirrabooka during his WYD experience in Cologne, Germany. Christina, Year 11 at Mercy College, accompanied 250 youth from the Neocatechumenal Way through Prague, Cologne and Vienna as part of her WYD experience. Photo: courtesy Jamie O’Brien

Australians show off their flag upon their arrival in Cologne: Leon Oriti, Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Caroline Watson and Niel Bastien. Photo: Phil Bayne

Onward to WYD Sydney 2008: From left, Leigh Cleary, Liam Ryan,Tommaso Trentin, Max Ryan, of St Gerards Mirrabooka Parish, with Thomas Georgiades, of St Mary’s Cathedral, with Arpard Nyers from the diocese of Wollongong, New South Wales. Photo: Jamie O’Brien

Pope Benedict XVI made a huge impression on the youth during the WYD 2005 celebrations.

Photo: CNS

Together for the sake of Christ

Saturday August 20

Had to wake early to prepare work for the day’s events, and sorted through all the photos!

We left the hotel at about 12.10. I had no intention of staying overnight at WYD. The weather looked horrible and I wanted to be able to start downloading photos that night.

After a very tiring two hour walk – most of it uphill - we arrived at the Marienfield, and found the CYM crew. The bay had been overcrowded by Italians.

The scene was typical of what I had experienced at other World Youth Days – Toronto in particular.

CYM group were celebrating Mass in the midst of it all. It was really something you had to see to believe.

I set out to see if I could find some of my friends from the Neocatechumenal Way as soon as possible. I was missing them quite a bit.

They were meant to be in bay A2 but this was also taken by the Italians and so they were forced to find a place at the back of the Marienfield, which, in my opinion,

was much better as there was heaps more space. After aquainting myself with everyone – including my youngest sister Christina – we caught up on all our experiences.

Was also able to see a number of my friends from Italy – Felicita, Sara and Francesco.

It was great to see that everyone was very happy despite all the difficulties. Everyone was obviously very tired. I know for myself my legs were exhausted.

After making my way back to the CYM crowd to pick up my bags to move to the Neocatechumenate group, I set about going to find some food, and ended up walking across the other side of the field to buy something sustaining – a hotdog and Coke!

It wasn’t long after I got back that Pope Benedict XVI arrived and delivered his homily for the evening prayer.

He was met with much chanting and clapping.

“They had stopped at Jerusalem specifically in order to ask the King who lived there for news of the

promised King who had been born. They knew that the world was in disorder, and for that reason their hearts were troubled. They were sure that God existed and that he was a just and gentle God.”

It is with these words that my heart rejoiced!

It was as if the Pope was speaking directly to me!

It was obvious he knew the minds and hearts of the young people who had gathered.

These words described almost exactly the journey that many of the young people had made.

I know for myself I see who I am and realise that I need Christ’s intervention in my daily situations, thus my reason for arriving at Cologne.

I have seen the love and mercy of God many times before – most notably in the lives of the people from the Neocatechumenal Way – and thus could not deny that it was possible to allow him to work his magnificence in my life again!

The service finished at 11.30pm.

By that time it was time to try and get some sleep, however for some the celebrations continued.

Sunday August 21

The night was restless and harsh.

The essence of WYD!

Shared breakfast with my sister and then made my way to the CYM crowd to get a few references and speak to them before the Mass started with Pope Benedict XVI.

“I like to illustrate this new step urged upon us by the Last Supper by drawing out the different nuances of the word “adoration” in Greek and in Latin. The Greek word is “proskynesis.” It refers to the gesture of submission, the recognition of God as our true measure, supplying the norm that we choose to follow. It means that freedom is not simply

about enjoying life in total autonomy, but rather about living by the measure of truth and goodness, so that we ourselves can become true and good.

This gesture is necessary even if initially our yearning for freedom makes us inclined to resist it. We can only fully accept it when we take the second step that the Last Supper proposes to us.”

I understood from this that the Pope was calling us to follow God’s will and not our own. This is often difficult for young people, particularly when faced with choosing between their friends and God.

Alive with the WYD spirit: Emanuela Sala, 22, Felicita Sala, 23 and Leigh Cleary, 23 of St Gerard’s Parish Mirrabooka in Cologne for the WYD vigil and concluding Mass.

Photo: Jamie O’Brien

David Ercegovich, 28, Leanne Ochlers, 22, Anita Parker and David O’Connor, 22 of St Thomas More Parish Bateman, listen to the homily of Pope Benedict XVI. Photo: Jamie O’Brien

Teacher Kylie Czabotar, of Rockingham reflects in Cologne Cathedral

Legacy of Brother Roger remembered

Pope shocked at slaying of Brother Roger, ecumenical leader

■ By John Thavis, CNS Rome

Pope Benedict XVI said he was shocked and saddened at the slaying of Brother Roger Schutz, founder of the Taize community and one of the world’s leading ecumenical figures.

Brother Roger, 90, was stabbed three times in the neck by a Romanian woman during an evening prayer service at the Taize community’s headquarters in eastern France on August 16. He died soon afterward. Authorities arrested the woman, 36, who was said to show signs of mental instability.

A visibly moved Pope Benedict, in impromptu remarks during his weekly general audience on August 17 at the papal summer villa in Castel Gandolfo, said he had been given the sad and “terrifying” news that morning.

It was all the more shocking, the Pope said, because he had received a “very moving and very friendly” letter from Brother Roger the previous day.

The Pope said Brother Roger had written to explain that for health reasons he could not join the Pope for World Youth Day celebrations in Cologne, Germany, but would be there spiritually.

“He writes that from the bottom of his heart he wants to tell me: ‘We are in communion with you and with those gathered in Cologne,’” the Pope said, quoting from the letter in French.

“In his own hand, he writes that ‘our community of Taize wants to walk in communion with the Holy Father,’” the Pope said.

In a telegram sent on August 18 to the current head of the community, Brother Alois, the Pope prayed that God would give community members the strength to continue the work begun by their founder - fostering peace and reconcilia-

papal nuncio in Paris, Archbishop Angelo Roncalli, later Pope John XXIII. The archbishop gave his consent and later became a friend of the fledgling community.

Some 20 years later, with tens of thousands of young people coming to Taize annually, the community built the much bigger Church of the Reconciliation. That was the church where Brother Roger was slain as he prayed with about 2,500 people.

Brother Roger wrote numerous books and journals. He won a number of prestigious international prizes and awards, including the 1974 Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion.

He was thought to be one of the most fervent advocates of reconciliation among the Christian churches since their division during the Reformation. His work and dedication helped earn him the respect and admiration of church leaders around the world.

Pope John Paul first met Brother Roger at the Second Vatican Council, where Brother Roger was invited as a non-Catholic expert. As a Polish archbishop, the future Pope visited Taize twice.

During his 1986 stop in Taize, Pope John Paul said: “Like you, pilgrims and friends of the community, the Pope is only passing through. But one passes through Taize as one passes close to a spring of water.”

tion. Brother Alois, a 51-year-old German, returned from World Youth Day in Cologne to take up his new duties.

The papal telegram said Brother Roger was a “man of faith passionately in love with the Church” whose community helped “numerous generations of Christians” deepen their own faith and meet Christ through prayer and friendship.

Brother Roger had met several times with Pope John Paul II, who briefly visited Taize in 1986. Pope Benedict personally greeted Brother Roger when, as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, he celebrated Pope John Paul’s funeral Mass in

Rome in April. For many of the pilgrims attending the August 17 papal audience, the news also came as a shock. Hundreds of thousands of people, especially youths, have visited the ecumenical monastic community of Taize or participated in its activities.

“In this moment of sadness, we can only entrust to the Lord’s goodness the soul of his faithful servant. We know that from sadness ... will be reborn joy,” the Pope said.

“Brother Roger is in the hands of eternal goodness and eternal love and has arrived at eternal joy,” he said. Roger Schutz was born

on May 12, 1915, the son of a Swiss Calvinist pastor and a French Protestant mother, in Provence, a small town in Switzerland. He was a minister of the Swiss Reformed Church.

He founded the Taize community in 1940 with three companions. It grew to eventually include more than 100 Anglicans, Lutherans, evangelicals and Catholics from more than 20 countries. After first arriving in Taize, the group asked the local Catholic bishop for permission to use the village church.

It was such an unusual request that the bishop referred it to the

Evoking a ‘limpid reflection of love’

The legacy left by Brother Roger Schutz, founder of the Community of Taizé, is illustrated in this testimony sent to ZENIT by Brother Emile, a spokesman for the ecumenical group.

It all began in great solitude, when in August of 1940, at 25 years of age, Brother Roger left Switzerland, the country of his birth, and went to live in France, his mother’s country. For years, he felt the call to create a community in which reconciliation between Christians would be concretised every day, “in which the benevolence of heart would be lived very concretely, and where love would be in everyone’s heart.” He wanted to realise that creation in the anguish of that moment, and in this way, at the height of the World War, he established himself in the small village of Taizé in Burgundy, a few kilometres from the line of demarcation that divided France in two parts. He then hid refugees (in particular Jews), who, when fleeing from the occupied zone, knew that they could find refuge in his home.

Later, other Brothers joined him and on Easter Sunday of 1949 the first Brothers committed themselves for life to celibacy, life in

common, and great simplicity of life.

In the silence of a long retreat, in the winter of 1952-1953, the founder of the Community of Taizé wrote the Rule of Taizé, in which he pointed out to his Brothers “the essential that would allow for life in common.”

Beginning in the ‘50s, some Brothers went to live in underprivileged areas to be near to people who suffer.

Since the end of the ‘50s, the number of young people who come to Taizé has increased markedly. Beginning in 1962, Brothers and youths sent by Taizé did not cease to come and go to countries of Eastern Europe, with great discretion, so as not to compromise those they were supporting.

Between 1962 and 1989 Brother Roger himself visited the majority of the countries of Eastern Europe, at times on the occasion of meetings with youths, permitted but watched, or of simple visits, without the possibility of speaking in public. “I will be silent with you,” he would say to Christians of those countries. In 1966, the Saint Andrew Sisters, an international Catholic community founded more than seven centuries ago, came to live in the neighbouring village and began to help with some of the welcome endeavour. More recently, some Polish Ursuline nuns have also come to offer their collaboration. Today

the Community of Taizé includes some 100 Brothers, Catholics and of different evangelical origins, from more than 25 countries. Because of their own experience, they are a concrete sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and separated peoples.

In one of his last books, entitled “God Can Only Love” (“Dieu Ne Peut Qu’Aimer,” Taizé Press), Brother Roger described his ecumenical itinerary thus: “I can remember that my maternal grandmother discovered intuitively a sort of key of the ecumenical vocation and opened the way for me to its concretisation. Marked by the testimony of her life, while I was still very young, I later found my own Christian identity when reconciling within me the faith of my origins with the mystery of the Catholic faith, without any rupture of communion.”

The Brothers don’t accept any gifts or presents. They do not even accept personal inheritances, but give them to the poorest. They sustain community life with their work and share it with others.

Now there are small fraternities in the underprivileged neighbourhoods of Asia, Africa, South and North America. The Brothers try to share the conditions of life of those around them, making efforts to be a presence of love among the poorest, street

Many of Taize’s visitors are young people, who for a few days or weeks experience a spiritual community life that is far removed from the materialism of many Western societies.

As Brother Roger once wrote: “We know that they have not come here as tourists. If so, they would have come to the wrong address. Most of them have come with one and the same question: ‘How can I understand God? How can I know what God wants for me?’”

Since 1978 the Taize community has sponsored a series of large international gatherings of young people. Called a “Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth,” the encounter features ecumenical discussion and prayer.

children, prisoners, the dying, those who are wounded in their deepest being by emotional ruptures and human abandonment.

Coming from all over the world, young people meet in Taizé every week of the year to attend meetings that can gather between two Sundays up to 6,000 people, representing more than 70 nations. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of young people have come to Taizé to reflect on the topic “interior life and human solidarities.” In the sources of faith, they try to give their life meaning and they prepare to take on responsibilities in the areas where they live.

To support the young generations, the Community of Taizé animates a “pilgrimage of confidence on earth.” This pilgrimage does not organise youths in a movement that is centred on the Community, but stimulates them to take peace, reconciliation and confidence to their cities, their universities, their workplaces and their parishes, in communion with all generations.

Today, throughout the world, the name Taizé evokes peace, reconciliation, communion and the expectation of a springtime in the Church. “When the Church listens, heals, reconciles she realises what is most luminous in herself, limpid reflection of a love” (Brother Roger).

Archbishop Barry Hickey was among a large number of Catholics who helped to fill St George’s Cathedral last Wednesday evening, August 24, for a memorial service for Br Roger Schutz, the founder of the Taize community, who was murdered on August 16 at the age of 90.

The Archbishop is pictured above with Br Roger and Fr Tim Foster. They led a group of 30 pilgrims and young people from Perth who spent five days at Taize, in France, before moving on to World Youth Day in Montreal, Canada, in 2002. St George’s Cathedral was full for last week’s service which recreated the atmosphere of Taize with musical chants, prayers, and silence, with candles burning in the darkened building.

The World

Fears for Iraqi Christians under Shariah

Church official says Christians will flee Iraq if it imposes Shariah

■ By Simon Caldwell

A Chaldean Catholic leader said Christianity may begin to disappear from Iraq if the country’s new constitution is based on Shariah, or Islamic law.

“If there is nothing that assures Christians of their rights, they will leave for other countries,” said Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk, Iraq.

“We are asking people to stay in this country, but the problem is that we cannot give them a vision for the future. No one knows what the future will hold,” he told Aid to the Church in Need on August 23. His remarks were published on the Web site of the international charity’s British offices.

The role of Islam in the constitution is one of several areas of disagreement that prevented the constitution from being ratified on August 15. The deadline was extended until August 22 and then for a further three days when politicians failed to reach consensus on time.

Iraqi Christian leaders are united in their opposition to the adoption of Shariah because they fear it will

mean that Christians may become second-class citizens.

Under Shariah, non-Muslims and women would not share equal rights with Muslim men. Non-Muslims would be given “dhimmi” status, which could require them to pay special taxes, prevent them from testifying against Muslims in court

and restrict their rights to buy and hold property - including churches, schools and hospitals. They also would be excluded from the highest offices in the government, judiciary and military, and human rights groups claim that Christian women would be pressured to wear the veil or hijab.

A senior US military official told the British news agency Reuters on August 24 that his forces were bracing for an insurgent onslaught as the Shiite and Kurdish-dominated parliament prepared to adopt the constitution.

Archbishop Sako said it would be a tragedy for Iraq’s 650,000

Christians if the Shiite Muslims, who make up 63 percent of the population and who are already enforcing Shariah in the South, were granted control of Christian areas and Baghdad.

“Many Christians are leaving Baghdad for the North or to other countries. We just do not know what the future will be for Iraqi Christians. All we can do is hope and pray that things will improve,” he said.

“The Christians were here long before the coming of Islam and the Arabs,” he added. “We are an indigenous population.

We are not foreign or strange. Where is the democracy that we all longed for?”

More than 90 percent of the Iraqi population is Muslim. Catholics form 1 percent of the 25.3 million population, most of them belonging to the Chaldean or Assyrian rites.

Although Iraq’s Christians have been excluded from writing the constitution, they have made their views clear that they want a constitutional separation of religion from politics.

In July, a group of Chaldean, Orthodox, Syriac, Armenian and evangelical leaders sent a letter to Iraqi interim President Jalal Talabani, Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan saying they feared discrimination if Shariah were enshrined in the constitution. CNS

Church leads way in land reform Pope hopes for unity

Vatican says Pope-schismatic bishop meeting based on wish for unity

■ By Carol Glatz

The desire to take concrete steps toward reconciliation and unity underlined a closed-door meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and the head of a schismatic priestly society, said the Vatican’s chief papal spokesman.

Joaquin Navarro-Valls, head of the Vatican press office, confirmed in a written press release that the Pope met on August 29 with Bishop Bernard Fellay, superior general of the Society of St Pius X, at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

The meeting, held at Bishop Fellay’s request, took place “in a climate of love for the Church” and was marked by “the desire to reach perfect communion,” Navarro-Valls wrote.

Although both sides were “aware of the difficulties, the will to proceed forward step by step and in (a) reasonable time frame was demonstrated,” the Vatican spokesman said in a text released by the Vatican.

Bishop Fellay is one of four bishops ordained against papal orders by the late French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1988.

The bishop is the current head

of the Switzerland-based Society of St Pius X, which was founded by Archbishop Lefebvre after he broke with Rome.

Archbishop Lefebvre, who died in 1991, rejected the liturgical reforms and concepts of religious freedom and ecumenism as formulated by the Second Vatican Council.

Pope John Paul II set up a Vatican commission, “Ecclesia Dei,” in 1988 to offer pastoral care to Archbishop Lefebvre’s former followers.

The commission’s head, Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, is in charge of keeping a channel of communication open with current leaders of the Lefebvrite group. The cardinal was present at the August 29 meeting, Navarro-Valls said.

In a July interview with DICI, the press agency of the Society of St Pius X, Bishop Fellay said he would ask the Pope to lift the excommunication against himself, the other three bishops and Archbishop Lefebvre and to authorise, without restrictions, all Catholic priests to celebrate the Tridentine Mass, the rite replaced in 1969 with publication of the new Roman Missal.

“These are two preconditions which we cannot dissociate from any further doctrinal discussion,” he said.

Though Bishop Fellay said “the issue of the Mass is not all” the group is concerned with, he added, “we must begin with something concrete.”

Official says South Africa could follow church example on land reform

South Africa’s Catholic Church is giving away its land in a way the state could copy, a church official said, noting increasing agitation among the poor at the country’s slow pace of land reform.

The Church targets the poor in its land redistribution program and focuses on “ensuring that people are able to use the land profitably,” Philani Mkize, coordinator of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference land desk, said in an August 19 telephone interview from Pretoria.

Eleven years after apartheid officially ended in South Africa, about 80 percent of agricultural land is still white-owned.

The government has said it wants 30 percent of this land to be owned by blacks by 2014, but delegates at a late-July national land conference in Johannesburg said this was unlikely unless the government scraps its willingbuyer-willing-seller approach to redistribution of land.

There have been widespread warnings that South Africa must step up the pace of land reform to avoid neighbouring Zimbabwe’s situation, in which governmentsponsored seizures of white farms were followed by agricultural decay

and food shortages. “We are very concerned about the land reform program of the state,” Mkize said, noting that it “hasn’t put much land in the hands of the people.”

Department of Land Affairs

Director-General Glen Thomas said at the Johannesburg conference that, since South Africa’s first all-race election in 1994, about 7.7 million acres of land have been redistributed, benefiting 1.2 million people.

Churches and civil society “need to lobby for an overhaul” of the state’s program so that it targets the poorest South Africans, not only those who already have the 5,000 rands (US $775) that the program currently requires individuals to contribute before they qualify for help in obtaining land, he said. In the way it is donating much diocesan-owned land to people living and working on it, the Church is providing case studies that can be used by the state and others wanting to give away land, Mkize said. “We facilitate the transfer of land to communities,” he said, noting that the Church wants the land used to “feed people, not just the export market.” The system used in South Africa’s agricultural sector is based on producing goods for export, he said.

Although South Africa needs to “change the face of the landowner” by ensuring that more land is black-owned, simply giving land

to people “is not helpful,” Mkize said. The state’s redistribution program should aim at agricultural development “within a system of feeding the local market,” he said.

Critics of the Zimbabwean government’s sudden land seizures that began in 2000 say they led to chronic food shortages because the new owners lacked farming experience.

The South African government seems reluctant to adopt a policy of expropriation of white-owned farm land, although this is allowed under the country’s constitution, Mkize said, noting that the state “does not want to destabilise agricultural capital.”

Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka told Parliament on August 24 that the government regards the willing-buyer-willingseller approach as “a contributor to the slow pace (of land reform), but we are not going to be reckless in the manner in which we will be reviewing it,” reported Reuters, the British news agency. As well as redistribution, the state’s land reform program also addresses restitution of land and the tenure system, Mkize said.

Both these aspects also need improvement, he said, noting that the restitution program, which aims to restore land to those whose families were removed from it under apartheid, is moving too slowly.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari presents his credentials to Pope Benedict XVI during a meeting at Castel Gandolfo,. The Pope and the foreign minister discussed the current situation in Iraq, including how the draft constitution would guarantee freedom of religion. PHOTO: CNS

The World

Hope for faith from WYD

German bishops work to turn WYD commitment into youth involvement

■ By Michael Lawton

Germany’s bishops have taken steps to try to turn young people’s commitment to World Youth Day into long-term church involvement.

“It can’t just be a one-time event: The Pope’s gone, and everything goes back to normal,” Cologne Cardinal Joachim Meisner said on August 21, at the end of the events. “No, this is where it all begins.”

Mainz Cardinal Karl Lehmann, head of the German bishops’ conference, said the conference was setting up a working group to see “where there are impulses in World Youth Day for normal pastoral work with young people, which we can perhaps make fruitful in a different way.”

Father Georg Austen, secretary of World Youth Day for the German bishops, will be in charge of the working group. He told Catholic News Service that he would work with dioceses and church youth organisations to ensure the “lasting effect” of the August 16-21 events.

Father Austen said four universities were working on studies of the long-term effects of the events. He said he would visit dioceses and associations to find out what young people think and what issues they think it would be fruitful to consider.

The working group also will work on spiritual preparation for Palm Sunday 2006, when the World Youth Day cross will be handed over in Rome to representatives of the Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia, where the next international World Youth Day will be held in 2008.

Father Austen said he had noticed the

importance of the time before World Youth Day when young people from all over the world stayed for a few days in parishes all over Germany. Especially significant, he said, was the Day of Social Action on August 12, when 120,000 young people - both Germans and their guests - worked on 4,000 social projects under the slogan “Under Construction - Help Build a More Just World.”

“Besides the importance of liturgy and preaching, there’s also work in society,” Father Austen said.

Practical and spiritual preparation in parishes hosting the pilgrims “led to an increased motivation to take part,” said Father Austen. “The more young people could bring themselves in with their spiritual component, the more they identified with the event.”

But the German bishops’ head of youth affairs, Bishop Franz-Josef Bode of Osnabruck, warned in a newspaper interview, “We must prevent a great discrepancy between what the young people have experienced in Cologne and what they experience back home.”

Churches should let the young people bring the songs they learned at World Youth Day into the parishes liturgies, he said.

“There are parishes which are closed and give the young people little space, but there are also many opportunities for young people to get involved in many parishes,” he said.

Before he left Germany on August 21, Pope Benedict XVI said he wanted World Youth Day to motivate Catholics to new spiritual outreach.

Faith, not just dogma: Pope

Faith is not just compliance with dogma, but entails an incessant search for the authentic face of God, Pope Benedict XVI said in his August 28 Angelus talk.

“Looking for Christ must be a constant yearning of believers, of young people and adults, of the faithful and their pastors,” the Pope told pilgrims gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

“Faith is not simply compliance with a complete set of dogmas, which would drown out” humanity’s thirst for God, he said.

Rather, faith propels human beings on a path toward God, who is “always new in his infinity,” he said.

The Christian, then, “is someone who both seeks and finds at the same time,” said the Pope.

This cycle of longing, searching and discovering is what makes the Church “young, open to the future, and rich in hope for all of humanity,” he said.

Pope Benedict recalled his presence at World Youth Day celebrations in Cologne, Germany, calling it “a providential event of grace for the whole church.”

He said young people were sending the Church this message and appeal: “Help us be disciples and witnesses of Christ.”

Today’s world poses numerous obstacles and difficulties in “the authentic search for Christ and the faithful adhesion to his Gospel,” he said.

Evangelisation is even more urgent considering that “wherever God is not in first place, wherever he is not acknowledged and adored as the supreme good, human dignity is jeopardised,” he said.

“Adoration,” he added, “is not a luxury, but a priority.”

US pro-lifers have some victory over morning-after pill

The US Food and Drug Administration’s decision on August 26 to keep Plan B, an emergency contraceptive also known as the morning-after pill, as a prescription-only drug was called “welcome news” by a US bishops’ pro-life official.

Barr Laboratories, the maker of Plan B, had petitioned the FDA to let the drug be sold over the counter, often referred to by its initials, OTC.

“It is welcome news that the FDA

the world in brief

Case ‘closed’ on tension

seems to be taking seriously concerns about the impact on adolescents of making Plan B - ‘emergency contraceptives’ - available over the counter,” said an August 29 statement from Gail Quinn, executive director of the US bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities.

“It seems clearer by the minute that the only ones who would benefit from OTC sales of this drug are Barr Laboratories and others who may profit from its large-scale marketing,” Quinn said.

The recent diplomatic storm between the Vatican and Israel appears to have blown over, aided by an explanatory letter from Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, sources in Rome said. “The situation has returned to the point where we can sit down and discuss common issues.

It was in everyone’s interest that things calm down,” a senior Vatican official said on August 29. Israeli Ambassador Oded Ben-Hur - who delivered Sharon’s letter to Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, in late August - told Catholic News Service that explanations on both sides had smoothed things over.

“Cardinal Sodano told me himself that

“Recent studies in California and Scotland had clear results; pregnancy and abortion rates were no different among women with immediate access to ECs (emergency contraceptives) and a control group who had to request a prescription from a doctor,” she added.

“Clearly claims of ECs’ benefits to women are overstated at best, while their potentially lethal risk to human life at its earliest stages remains a grave concern,” Quinn said. In announcing the deci-

the case was closed,” the Israeli ambassador said. “We are quite satisfied with the situation now and look forward to talks in the future.”

The Vatican-Israeli controversy erupted in July when, speaking at a Sunday Angelus blessing, Pope Benedict XVI denounced a series of recent terrorist actions around the world without mentioning similar attacks in Israel.

Rights must be defended

Governments have a duty to safeguard and implement the basic human rights to life, nutrition, shelter, work and medical care, despite economic or other difficulties, Pope Benedict XVI said in an address to Paraguay’s new ambassador to the Vatican. While the Church “incessantly proclaims

sion, FDA Commissioner Lester M. Crawford said the FDA had to wrestle with, among other things, whether the prescription and OTC versions of the same drug could be marketed in a single package, whether age could be used as the only criterion to sell a drug over the counter, and how an age restriction would be enforced.

“These are profound regulatory decisions that cut to the heart of our work,” Crawford said.

He said that until the 1980s, the

and defends fundamental human rights,” government leaders have “the duty to incessantly protect and apply these same rights no matter how great the difficulties could be,” the Pope said. The Pope made his comments on August 26 in his address welcoming the new diplomat, Geronimo Narvaez Torres, as he presented the Pope with his credentials. Pope Benedict said governments must be “persistent in putting into practice” such rights as the right to life, “food, a home, employment, health care, protection of the family and promotion of social development, which respects the God-given dignity of men and women.”

Nigerian attacks increase

A Nigerian church official has reported an increase in attacks on churches and

FDA made all medications either prescription-only or OTC-only.

The change in the 1980s, he added, came when “there was a meaningful difference in the way the two products are used.”

The Plan B issue, Crawford said, is “whether we can have the same molecule exist as both a prescription and over-the-counter product for the same indication,” or use. Crawford announced the start of a 60-day comment period on the matter. CNS

church workers in the coastal state of Lagos and in southeastern Nigeria’s Cross River state. On August 22, thieves held Massgoers hostage at St Augustine Catholic Church in suburban Lagos, then stole two cars as well as money and other valuables. In southeastern Nigeria, Father Emmanuel Odey, parish priest at St Charles Catholic Church in Obudu, said that during an August 16 robbery of the parish convent, attackers “descended on the sisters, who were beaten to a pulp and their habits torn into shreds.”

He said it was the 15th attack on a convent in five years. The attackers took the church’s safe and items such as cameras, wristwatches and radios. Father Odey said the robbers were armed with tear gas, guns and machetes. “It is surprising that armed robbers now have access to tear gas,” he added.

World Youth Day pilgrims hug during the sign of peace at Mass in the courtyard of St. Maria Himmelfahrt Church in Cologne, Germany, August 19

PHOTO: CNS

Catholic Church TV Australia

program guide: 1 - 30 September

Aurora Community Television is available on Foxtel Digital and Austar Digital.

Channel 183

Thursday 1st September

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am

Friday 2nd

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am

Saturday 3rd

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am 2pm All God’s Beggars

Sunday 4th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am

Monday 5th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am 8am NY City Politics

Tuesday 6th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am 1.30am NY City Politics

Wednesday 7th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am

Thursday 8th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

Sunday September 4

DIVINE MERCY

5am & 10am

Friday 9th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies 5am & 10am

Saturday 10th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies 5am & 10am 2pm NY City Politics

Sunday 11th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies 5am & 10am

Monday 12th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies 5am & 10am

8am El Salvador – Seeds of Liberty

Tuesday 13th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies 5am & 10am 1.30pm El Salvador - Seeds of Liberty

Wednesday 14th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies 5am & 10am

Thursday 15th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies 5am & 10am

Friday 16th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies 5am & 10am

Saturday 17th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies 5am, 10am

2pm El Salvador - Seeds of Liberty

Sunday 18th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am

Monday 19th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am

2.30pm The Vanishing Garden

Tuesday 20th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am

2.30pm The Vanishing Garden

Wednesday 21st

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am

Thursday 22nd

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am

Friday 23rd

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am

Saturday 24th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies 5am & 10am 1.30pm The Vanishing Garden

Sunday 25th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am

Monday 26th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies

5am & 10am 8am Secret Priests

Program Notes

Octava Dies (Eight Days)

Made by Vatican Television, Octava Dies (Eight Days) is a weekly half hour round up of the activities of the Pope and the Vatican.

God’s Beggars

This week as Church focuses on migrants and refuges, “God’s Beggars” looks at what a number of Catholic agencies are doing to support refugees, and reflects on the effects of government policy on asylum seekers.

NY City Politics

This week we remember all those who lost their lives in New York and beyond on 11th September. NY City Politics looks at how the Irish came to the United States without money or skills, and have moved up the ladder, many finding their talents fitted them for the rough and tumble of city politics.

El Salvador - Seeds of Liberty

This week El Salvador celebrates

Tuesday 27th Mass for You At Home Octava Dies 5am & 10am 1.30pm Secret Priests

Wednesday 28th Mass for You At Home Octava Dies 5am & 10am

their national independence day. In El Salvador - Seeds of Liberty we recall 1980 when El Salvadorian soldiers murdered four American women: two Maryknoll Sisters, an Ursuline nun and a volunteer from Cleveland.

The Vanishing Garden

This week as Australia focuses on World Clean Day, it’s timely for us or us to look at the spiritual and moral dimensions to our Vanishing Garden. This film challenges us to take seriously the ecological responsibility to which the Bible and recent Popes call us.

Secret Priests

This week the Church celebrates the feast of St Wenceslas, the patron of the Czech Republic. During the communist rule, the Catholic Church in Czechoslovakia had to become an underground church. Secret Priests looks at the religious context from which many people fled as they made their way to Australia.

Thursday 29th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies 5am & 10am

Friday 30th

Mass for You At Home

Octava Dies 5am & 10am

PANORAMA a roundup of events in the archdiocese

An afternoon with Jesus and Mary at St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square commencing at 1.30pm, Holy Rosary, Reconciliation and Sermon with Fr Michael Rowe on St Peter Claver followed by Divine Mercy Prayers and Benediction. Enq Kohn 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.

Sunday September 4

ETERNAL WORD TELEVISION NETWORK

1  2 PM ON ACCESS 31

Coverage of the closing Mass of World Youth Day in Cologne, including Pope Benedict’s homily. Please send donations to keep EWTN on Access 31 to The Rosary Christian Tutorial Association, PO Box 1270, Booragoon 6954. Enquiries and requests for tapes or DVDs: 9330 1170.

Monday to Wednesday September 5-7

48 HOUR PERPETUAL ROSARY BOUQUET FOR OUR LADY’S BIRTHDAY

To be part of the Rosary bouquet please contact Margaret on 9446 1935, bowen@iinet.net.au, Jan 9255 1382 or post scroll with recorded names to 2 Suso St, Woodlands 6018.

Thursday September 8

REMEMBRANCE MASS

Hello-Goodbye, a remembrance Mass for families and friends of babies lost before, during or soon after birth will be held at the Good Shepherd church cnr of Altone Rd and Morley Dve, Lockridge at 7.30pm. For more details please contact Shirley on 9279 9165.

Thursday September 8

CELEBRATING BLESSED MARY MACKILLOP

6pm, Sisters of St. Joseph’s Chapel, 16 York Street, South Perth. Everyone welcome. Come and pray at Mary MacKillop’s Shrine: Enq Sister Maree 9457 3371.

Thursday September 8

OUR LADY’S BIRTHDAY

The Legion of Mary Bassendean invites all to join them at St Joseph’s, Hamilton Street, Bassendean for a continuous Rosary between 9.30am and 11.30am.

Thursday September 8

BULLSBROOK PILGRIMAGE FOR OUR LADYS BIRTHDAY

The birthday of Our Lady will be celebrated at the

Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Rd Bullsbrook at 11am with a Rosary procession, Holy Mass and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Reconciliation is available in Italian and English. Fremantle bus Enq Lucia 9331 3078 and SACRI 9447 3292.

Friday September 9

LA SALLE COLLEGE QUIZ NIGHT

La Salle College will be holding its first annual Quiz Night at 7pm at the Laurence Murphy Hall, La Salle College, Muriel Street, Viveash. Past, present and future families and friends of the College will have the opportunity to reunite and get together for a fun filled evening. Tickets are $5.00 each. 8 per table. Contact the College on 9274 6266 for the purchase of tickets.

Saturday September 10

LAUNCH OF THE NEW ARCHDIOCESAN LITURGY RESOURCE

CHOOSING MUSIC FOR A FUNERAL

Invitation to the official presentation of the new Archdiocesan Liturgy Resource, Choosing Music for a Funeral, launched by Archbishop Hickey, 2pm to 4pm. Venue: Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary Street, Highgate [Parking at the rear of the building]. RSVP: Thursday 8 September. Includes a copy of the New Archdiocesan Liturgy Resource “Choosing Music for a Funeral.” Includes afternoon tea. For further details Phone: 9422 7900, Fax: 9328 2833, Email: litrcia@highgate-perthcatholic.org.au.

Sunday September 11

FATIMA HOLY HOUR

Holy Hour in St Joseph’s Church, Attadale commencing 3pm. Let us spend an hour in the company of Mary to make Eucharistic reparation to her divine Son. Enq 9339 2614.

Monday September 12 and 14

REFLECTION DAY’S FOR WOMEN

At the Schoenstatt Shrine from 9.15am to 2pm, 9 Talus Dve, Armadale. Conducted by Fr I Allies. Theme “ Mary Our Queen, that all your ways and conduct in me each one can see.” BYO Shared lunch, cost by donation.

Wednesday September 14

REFLECTION EVENING FOR WOMEN

Commencing 7.30pm at the Schoenstatt Shrine. Talk by Fr I Allies on the above theme. Supper at 9pm cost by donation. Enq 9399 2349.

Saturday September 17

DAY OF RETREAT

The Holy Spirit of Freedom Community is having a Charismatic Day Retreat from 9.30am to 9.30pm at St. Anne’s parish hall, 11 Hehir St, Belmont. This will include times for prayer, praise and worship, sharing and talks. There will be a Charismatic Mass at 4.30pm and the Retreat will conclude with an evening rally at 7.30pm. All welcome. Tea, coffee and evening sausage sizzle provided. Please BYO sandwich lunch to share. Enquiries: Glenn 9228 1800.

Friday September 16-18

ANNUAL RETREAT  SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

All those interested in learning more of St Francis and the spirituality of his followers are welcome to attend. The annual Retreat will be held at the Redemptorist Retreat House. The retreat will be given by Fr Pat Collbourne OFM Cap. Registrations will be held on Friday evening from 6.30pm. Enq and bookings Mary 9377 7925 or Michael on 9275 2066.

Sunday September 18

FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS

Volunteers are required to participate in carrying the cross from Midland to Gingin with 14 stations (or change of teams) along the way. The total distance is 69 km. The pilgrimage will begin in Midland 7.30 pm and arrive at Gingin 11am on Sunday. 12 noon lunch and refreshments at Gingin. For more details telephone Sheila 9575 4023 or Lucas at Catholic Youth Ministry on 9422 7914.

Thursday September 22

ONE DAY CONFERENCE ON EVANGELISATION IN MODERN AUSTRALIA

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the publication of Evangelii Nuntiandi.

Key note speaker is Fr Stephen Bevans SVD, a world renowned speaker and writer on the theology of evangelisation and missiology. The conference is to be held at the Willetton Parish Centre and will conclude with Archbishop Barry Hickey concelebrating the Eucharist with bishops and priests from around the state. To register as a participant, contact Francis Leong at the Catholic Mission Office on 9422 7933 during office hours.

Thursday September 29

CATHOLIC POLICE OFFICERS MASS

Serving and former members of Police are advised that Mass will be celebrated at the Trinity College

Chapel, Trinity Avenue, East Perth, at 7pm. This coincides with the feast day of St Michael the Archangel, Patron Saint of Police and is also National Police Remembrance Day, a day set aside to remember colleagues who died whilst performing their duties. A supper will follow the Mass. For catering purposes those wishing to attend are requested to contact Peter Browne (9321 2155), Inspector Paul Newman (9222 1474) or Des Noonan (9291 8641).

Friday September 30

BROTHER ANDREW RETREAT

An encouraging springtime weekend retreat for Br Andrew’s fifth anniversary will be held at God’s Farm, Gracewood, 40k’s south Busselton. Brother Andrew along with Mother Theresa are the founders of the Missionary of Charity Brothers. Speakers include Christian Br Kevin Paull and Fr Brian Morgan. The retreat will include Holy Mass and will commence at 7pm Friday and conclude Sunday at 2pm. Enq Betty Peaker s.f.o Ph/Fax 9755 6212. Young People most welcome.

Saturday October 29

YOUTH WITH A MISSION OPEN DAY

Check out training and ministry opportunities... enjoy music, fun and games... feast on a free sausage sizzle... Youth With A Mission has existed in Perth for over 20 years equipping young and old alike with the knowledge and methods to impact this city and nations abroad with the Gospel. Please join and learn more about opportunities for you to become involved. This is a great event for a youth group. date: 29th October 2005... time: 10am - 4pm... location: 150 Claisebrook Road, Perth... contact: (08) 9328 5321... hope to see you there.

DEVOTIONS TO THE SACRED HEART

ON THE FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

All Saints Chapel St Georges Tce, commencing at 9pm followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosaries, prayers and hymns on the hour, concluding Saturday morning with Mass at 7am. Enq 9409 4543

CROSS ROADS COMMUNITY TERM 3

JULY 19  SEPTEMBER 23

Family & Friends Support Groups of Substance

Abusers are on Wednesdays 7-9pm, Substance Abusers Support Groups are on Tuesdays 5.307.30pm & Fridays All day Group for Substance

Abusers is from 9.30am to 2pm including Healing Mass on Fridays at 12.30pm during term. Rosary is from Tuesday to Thursday at 12.30-1pm.

BOOK KEEPING

■ SMALL BUSINESS BOOKKEEPING MYOB

Bulk rates negotiable. Ph: Margaret 9459 5866/0403 778 426

BUILDING TRADES

■ BRICK REPOINTING

Phone Nigel 9242 2952.

■ GUTTERS/DOWNPIPES

Need renewing, best work and cheapest prices. Free quote. Ph: Ad 9447 7475 or 0408 955 991 5008.

■ PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD

For all your residential, commercial painting requirements. Phone Tom Perrott 9444 1200.

■ PICASSO PAINTING

Top service. Phone 9345 0557, fax 9345 0505.

CATHOLICS CORNER

■ RETAILER OF CATHOLIC PRODUCTS Specialising in gifts, cards and apparel for baptism, communion and confirmation. Ph: 9456 1777. Shop 12, 64-66 Bannister Road, Canning Vale. Open Mon-Sat.

CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER

■ WORK FROM HOME

Around your children & family commitments. My business is expanding and I need people to open new areas all over Australia. Training given. Highly lucrative. www.cyber-success-4u.org

FRIENDSHIP 200

■ MEMBERSHIP ESTABLISHED FOR 5YRS

Supporting Orphans and Life Link. Become a member today and enjoy a quiet alfresco style smorgasbord (by donation) at Friendship Townhouse Maylands overlooking beautiful Swan river walkways. Enq Maggie 9272 8263.

1 & 2 Confirmation, Dianella - Fr Brian O’Loughlin VG

FURNITURE REMOVAL

■ AAA SLIPSTREAM

Piano removal, sales and hire. Special discount for schools. Contact Tony 0418 923 414

■ ALL AREAS

Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

■ BUSSELTON

Geog Bay, Park Home sleeps UP TO 6 winter rates apply. Ph Elizabeth 0408 959 671.

■ DENMARK

Holiday House 3bdr x 2bth, sleeps up to 8. BOOK NOW. Ph: Maria 0412 083 377.

LEARN GREGORIAN CHANT

■ FOR BEGINNERS

Notation, vocal techniques, English modal chants, Latin Chants. 6 week course on Mondays starting 10 October. The only prerequisite is a willingness to sing. Jubilus Song School Australia. Making sacred music simple. Phone 1300 725 138.

OFFICIAL DIARY

2 Blessing and opening of College of Medicine, Notre Dame University - Mgr Michael Keating

2-4 Parish Visitation and Confirmation, Mundaring - Archbishop Hickey Parish Visitation and Confirmation, Rockingham - Bishop Sproxton

4 Confirmation, Northam - Fr Greg Carroll

4-8 Clergy Retreat - Bishop Sproxton

5 Mass and Blessing of Missionaries of Charity House, Kalgoorlie - Archbishop Hickey

8

6-8

Commission, Canberra - Archbishop Hickey

the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary,

St Mary’s CathedralArchbishop Hickey

South Perth - Bishop Sproxton

Chisholm College - Fr Brian O’Loughlin VG Priestly Ordination of Fra Oscar M Aguilera Acosta OSM, Joondanna - Bishop Quinn

9 Gathering of LifeLink Supported Agencies, Catholic Pastoral Centre - Archbishop Hickey

9 & 10

10

Every Sunday

Confirmation, Lesmurdie - Bishop Quinn

Launch of “Music for Funerals”, Catholic Pastoral Centre - Archbishop Hickey

BULLSBROOK SHRINE MASS PROGRAM

Shrine of Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Rd. Bullsbrook. 2pm Holy Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary. Reconciliation is available in Italian and English before every celebration. A Monthly Pilgrimage is held on the last Sunday of the month in honour of the Virgin of the Revelation. Anointing of the sick is administered for spiritual and physical healing during Holy Mass every second Sunday of the month. The side entrance to the Church is open daily between 9am and 5pm for private prayer. For all enq SACRI 9447 3292.

ALL SAINTS CHAPEL

CONFESSIONS: 10.30 to 11.45am and two lunchtime

MASSES: 12.10 and 1.10pm Monday through Friday. Easy to find in the heart of Perth , 77 ALLENDALE

SQUARE, St. George’s Terrace, Perth, WA. Let the peace of the Chapel surround you; let the hurry and worry of your many cares be left with the Lord. Visit with Him. Talk with Him. Give yourself time for Him! Exposition: 8am - 4pm. Morning Prayer: 8am (Liturgical hours). The Holy Rosary daily: 12.40pm. Divine Mercy Prayers and Benediction: Mondays and Fridays 1.35pm. St Pio of Pietrelcina Novena to the Sacred Heart and Benediction: Wednesdays 1.35pm. To help you know and appreciate your Faith, a Lending Library of a thousand books, videos, cassettes at your service. Tel: 9325 2009. The Chapel is closed weekends and public holidays. www.allsaintschapel.com

INDONESIAN MASS

Every Sunday at 11.30am at St Benedict’s church Alness St, Applecross. Further info www.waicc.org. au.

PERPETUAL ADORATION

Of the Blessed Sacrament Christ the King, Lefroy Rd, Beaconsfield. Enq Joe Migro 9430 7937, A/H 0419 403 100. Adoration also at Sacred Heart, 64 Mary St Highgate, St Anne’s, 77 Hehir St Belmont. Bassendean, 19 Hamilton St and Mirrabooka, 37 Changton Wy. “Jesus is there for you 24/7.”

THE PILGRIM CROSS

This wooden cross (2m length) will be carried by the group of 16 pilgrims to the Shrines at Medjugorje, Lisieux (St Therese Relic), Nevers (St Bernadette Relic), Lourdes, Fatima. Those who would like to have their name inscribed on the cross, can do so for a donation which will go towards Maddington Parish Fundraising. South Indian Breakfast Sunday 11 September 2005. This is another fund-raising event which will be held at the Church Hall from 10am. October Ball Saturday 1 October 2005. This is a fund-raising event. All donations are tax deductible. Donation forms can be obtained from Francis Williams, Enq 9459 3873, Mob. 0404 893 877.

PERPETUAL ADORATION AT ST BERNADET TE’S

GLENDALOUGH

Chapel open all day and all night. All welcome, 49 Jugan St, just north of the city. The easiest perpetual adoration chapel to get to in Perth. Just off the Mitchell Fwy by car, near the Glendalough train station and on bus routes 15,278 and 400.

EVENING MASSES AT ST BERNADETTE’S GLENDALOUGH

Every night at St Bernadette’s Glendalough, 49 Jugan St. 5.45pm Monday to Friday, 6.30pm, Saturday and the last Sunday Mass in Perth is at 7pm.

BLESSED SACRAMENT ADORATION

Holy Family Church, Alcock Street, Maddington.

Every Friday 8.30 am Holy Mass followed by Blessed

REAL ESTATE

■ SHEILA SHANNON

Thinking of changing your address? Selling or buying, please think of me! Sheila Shannon, First Western Realty, ...hoping for your call 040 88 66 593.

RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

■ RICH HARVEST  YOUR CHRISTIAN SHOP

Looking for Bibles, CDs, books, cards, gifts, statues, baptism/communion apparel, religious vestments, etc? Visit us at, 39 Hulme Court (off McCoy St), Myaree, 9329 9889 (after 10.30am, Mon-Sat). We are here to serve.

■ VESTMENTS

The Sister’s of the Carmelite Monastery have a few sets of vestments for SALE. If interested please ring 9795 7807.

■ BOARD

Full board available in lovely Maylands, Opp. Park and near bus. Suit female student, backpacker or working person. Ph Kath 0400 227 118.

WANTED

■ CLEANER

Looking for a trustworthy,committed cleaner to do two houses in the Stirling + Duncraig areas. Day-Saturday, but can be negotiated. Please call Joan during the day on 9444 9366 or after 7pm 9344 3380.

10 & 11 Confirmation, Whitford - Mgr Thomas McDonald

11 10th Anniversary Mass and Procession for Feast of Madonna of Tindari Procession, Fremantle - Archbishop Hickey

Confirmation, Bayswater - Mgr Peter McCrann

12 Silver Jubilee Mass of Religious Profession of Sr Josefina Maria LSP, Glendalough - Bishop Sproxton

Final Concert of the Performing Arts Festival, Perth Concert Hall - Bishop Sproxton

13 Presentation of Youth Book to Year 12s at Clontarf Aboriginal College - Archbishop Hickey

Presentation for Priests and Coordinators of Catechist Service - Bishop Sproxton

14 Confirmation, Willagee - Fr Brian O’Loughlin VG

15-19 Visitation of Goomalling Parish and Centres including Confirmation - Archbishop Hickey

16-18

Parish Visitation and Confirmation, Greenmount - Bishop Sproxton

17 Confirmation, Midland - Fr Brian O’Loughlin VG

17 & 18

18

Confirmation, Balcatta - Mgr Tim Corcoran

Confirmation, Bateman - Mgr Michael Keating

Mass and Procession for Feast of Maria SS Addolorata, Dianella - Fr Anthony Paganoni CS

Confirmation, Ballajura - Bishop Quinn

Confirmation, Lynwood/Langford - Fr Greg Carroll

Sacrament Adoration till 12 noon. Every first Friday of the month, anointing of the sick during Mass. Enq. 9398 6350.

SUNDAY CHINESE MASS

The Perth Chinese Catholic Community invite you to join in at St Brigid’s Church, 211 Aberdeen St (Cnr of Aberdeen and Fitzgerald) Northbridge. Celebrant Rev Fr Dominic Su SDS. Mass starts 4.30pm every Sunday. Enq Augustine 9310 4532, Mr Lee 9310 9197, Peter 9310 1789.

LITURGY OFFICE OFFERING EXCELLENT WORKSHOPS

Cantors for the Country: To give people confidence and practical skills to lead the singing in country parishes 22 October. Phone: 9422 7902.

CONFRATERNITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Confraternity of the Holy Spirit has been sanctioned in the Perth Archdiocese, our aim is to make the Holy Spirit known and loved, and to develop awareness of His presence in our lives. If you would like more information please call WA Coordinator Frank Pimm on 9304 5190.

CATHOLICS EXPERIENCING THE BIBLE PUBLIC LECTURES

An exciting opportunity to learn more about your faith. Public lectures Tues 4 - 5pm. Sept 6: Praying with Mary (Fr Chris M Ross, OSM); Sept 13: Praying with Scripture (Fr Anthony Van Dyke, OP); and Sept 20: Praying through the heart of Jesus (Fr Jim Shelton). Cost $5 per lecture. Enquiries to Jane on 9202 6859 or 0401 692 690.

First Sunday of each month

DEVOTIONS IN HONOUR OF THE DIVINE MERCY

Fr Douglas Hoare and the Santa Clara Parish Community welcome anyone from surrounding

Parishes and beyond to the Santa Clara Church cnr of Coolgardie and Pollock Streets, Bentley. The afternoon commences with the 3 o’clock prayer, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Reflection, and concludes with Benediction.

THE DIVINE MERCY APOSTOLATE

St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, Perth – each first Sunday of the month from 1.30pm to 3.15pm with a different priest each month. All Saints Chapel, Allendale Square, 77 St George’s Tce, Perth - each Monday and Friday at 1.35pm. Main Celebrant Fr James Shelton. St Francis Xavier Church, 25 Windsor Street, East Perth - each Saturday from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, main celebrant Fr Marcellinus Meilak, OFM. Saints John and Paul Church, Pinetree Gully Drive, Willeton - each Wednesday from 4pm to 5pm. All Enq John 9457 7771.

The Last Word

A life of faith

Bernard Prindiville was honoured many times in his life for his involvement in sport, business and the Catholic community. But for his family his greatest achievement was the love he brought to his vocation as father and husband.

An Archbishop, a Bishop, an Abbot, and eight priests were present at St Mary’s Cathedral last Thursday morning to concelebrate the Requiem Mass for Bernard Francis Prindiville AO, CMG, KCSG who died in St John of God Hospital, Murdoch, on Saturday August 20 at the age of 94.

Archbishop Barry Hickey told the large congregation of family and friends that they were there to honour a life of goodness, faith, and immense energy.

“He was a man of great faith who loved the Mass and attended every day if possible, so this Requiem Mass is a most appropriate service in which to farewell him,” the Archbishop said.

“There is an inexhaustible list of his contributions in many areas of his life, in the community and in the Church.

“He received civic honours for his contribution to the economy and to society through his economic and business gifts and his administrative expertise.

“In 1973, on the recommendation of the late Archbishop Goody, he received a Papal Knighthood in the Order of St Gregory the Great for his devotion to the Faith and the life of the Church.

“He was an early and long-time member of the Knights of the Southern Cross, being invited to join in 1931, and was both State and National President (1975-76) of that organisation. He was the instigator of the committee that led to the formation of Southern Cross Homes, and the first of these, opened in North Perth in 1969, was named Prindiville Village.

“He worked hard for the establishment of Notre Dame Univesity in Fremantle and made two grants of $1 million each to fund the Chair of Theology in the name of his wife Mary and the Chair of Education in his own name. In 1995 the university bestowed on him an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

“In recent times he assisted the St John of God Sisters in re-arranging the structures and operations of their health care and other activities.

“He was on the archdiocesan finance committee for many years and advised at least four Archbishops during the ups and downs of diocesan finances. We owe him a great debt of gratitude.

“When he was President of the WA Cricket Association he regularly invited the Archbishop to sit with him, and Archbishop Goody in particular loved to attend the Tests with him.

“He knew that every lay person has a vocation in the world, and he lived his fully. He was a good husband and father, an example to his family in all things.

“He knew how to be a Christian in the world, an influence for good in business and in other fields, an ethical example, and a great witness to his faith.

“He was a humble man, but proud to be a Catholic, proud to accept Jesus as his Saviour and to look forward to the reward of eternal life promised to him.”

Bernie Prindiville was born in North Perth on June 4, 1911, the young-

est of 10 children of John and Alicia Prindiville. All of his sisters and three brothers died before him.

He was educated at Sacred Heart Convent, Christian Brothers’ College and St Ildephonsus’ College, New Norcia.

He began his working life as a clerk in the Public Service and later joined the firm of W.J.Lucas. He studied accountancy by night and rose to be a partner in the business.

In his eulogy at the Requiem Mass, Terry Prindiville said that his father was a keen sportsman, involved in football, cricket, tennis and golf. It was through tennis that he met Mary O’Mahony and they married on April 18, 1938 and had five children – Joan Carney, Rae Neill, Terry, Kevin and Peter.

It was the first of two important influences tennis had on his life. As a young accountant he applied for a job and everything seemed to be going well at the interview until he cheerfully revealed his interests in sport and his involvement as treasurer of the Catholic Tennis Association. It was the end of the interview.

It was the first time he had encountered that sort of prejudice, which was far from uncommon at the time, and he resolved that if ever he had the opportunity he would help young Catholics. It was a resolution he honoured over many years by helping many young men starting out in the business world, speaking for them, guaranteeing their overdrafts and subsiding their income until they could establish a client base.

He said it never cost him a penny because they all made good.

In 1955 he established his own accountancy business and within 15 years he was associated with about 80 companies, half of them subsidiaries of Prindiville Holdings. In later years, the business passed to his sons Kevin and Terry, but he always took an interest in their continued success.

His community contributions were numerous, but he was best known for his contribution to cricket. From 1980 to 1990 he was Chairman of the WA Cricket Association and persuaded the Burke Government to contribute $9 million to the redevelopment of the WACA Ground, turning it into a modern Test arena which has also hosted other sports such as rugby league and union, soccer, and the first AFL matches played under lights in Perth.

Terry Prindiville said his father would be remembered by many people for many things, but his greatest legacies would the Mary and Bernie Prindiville Chairs at Notre Dame, and his most widely-known memorial would be the Bernie Prindiville stand at the WACA.

But most of all he would be remembered with pride by his extensive family.

When he died, he left Mary, his wife of 67 years, five children, 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

“His family is extremely proud of his dedication to the family, his devotion to his Faith, his contribution to the community, and his remarkable business achievements,” he said.

Reason Eight8.

Parental divorce (or failure to marry) appears to increase children’s risk of school failure.

Parental divorce or no marriage has a significant, longterm negative impact on children’s educational attainment. Children of divorced or unwed parents have lower grades and other measures of academic achievement, are more likely to be held back, and are more likely to drop out of high school. The effects of parental divorce or nonmarriage on children’s educational attainment remain significant even after controlling for race and family background. Children whose parents divorce end up with significantly lower levels of education than do children in single-mother families created by the death of the father.” Children whose parents remarry do no better, on average, than do children who live with single mothers. An Australian survey of 512 children found that children of cohabiting couples were assessed by their teachers to be performing at lower levels in language, mathematics, social studies and sport than children of wedded parents.

‘The Western Australian Child Health Survey in 1997 found that 30 per cent of children from sole-parent families were low academic performers, compared with 17 per cent from couple families. Australian research has also found that children from two-parent families have a better chance of getting a job than those from sole-parent families.

A study of Australian primary school children from three family types (married heterosexual couples, cohabiting heterosexual couples and homosexual couples) found that in every area of educational endeavour (language; mathematics; social studies; sport; class work, sociability and popularity; and attitudes to learning), children from married heterosexual couples performed better than the other two groups. The study concludes with these words: “Married couples seem to offer the best environment for a child’s social and educational development”.

A Melbourne University study of 212 children found that fathers, even more than mothers, had a major beneficial influence on children in their first year of school. The study found that kids with regular father involvement were more cooperative and self-reliant in school than kids who did not have father involvement. The more regular involvement the father has with the child, the study’s author said, the better the child does in his or her first year of school.

Bernie and Mary Prindiville who enjoyed 67 years of marriage.