VOWS: Young Perth women take vows before beginning Polish year Pages 8-9
IT’S HERE! Thousands welcome WYD Cross landing in Sydney Pages 4-5
GOOMALLING’S 100! Parish celebrates history - and a milestone Page 6
Record journalist Anthony Barich was present when Fr Kaz Styglik, Archbishop Barry Hickey, Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton and hundreds of people turned out for the official opening and dedication of the new St Francis Xavier Church in Armadale on Sunday June 24
When Archbishop Launcelot Goody opened and dedicated St Francis Xavier Church in Armadale in August 1976, parish priest Fr Geoff Beyers knew it would be temporary. Armadale, a satellite township of Perth, was expanding, and it would only be a matter of time before a new, bigger church would need to be built to accommodate the township and the inevitably bigger school community. The church that Archbishop Goody opened in
1976 was the second after the original, smaller 1912 church that is now heritage-listed.
But even that second church proved inadequate to the needs of the local community, especially a growing one.
As Fr James Corcoran - who served in the parish for 10 years until 1994 – recalls, there was no space, parking was terrible and the church was run down.
So it was that on June 24 this year, Archbishop Barry Hickey dedicated and blessed St Francis
Xavier Church - mark III.
The church itself is finished in an ingenious design that, as Archbishop Hickey observed, ensured the whole congregation is not too far from the action on the altar where the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Christ takes place.
The church hall can also be opened to allow for larger-thanusual numbers, while the site has two meeting rooms and several offices attached. The new St Francis Xavier Church was built on
the back of the land that Frs Beyer and Corcoran bought up around the school and presbytery of the old site and sold off for about $4 million.
The new church and facilities were also enabled by bequests from Elizabeth (Betty) Knight, Len Draper and many others.
But that doesn’t mean the parish is swimming in cash. The sale of the old school meant the
photos of a grand day for
The Prime Minister’s announcement of a national emergency over Aboriginal communities involves banning pornography. But why is it bad for them and ‘healthy’ for us?
An Australian Bishop at the centre of arguably the most far-reaching and strong-armed Federal Government initiative to crack down on pornography, alcohol and widespread child abuse in indigenous communities has criticised the Government for failing to consult the Catholic Church.
Declaring a “national emergency” in Aboriginal affairs, the Federal Government has started flooding 60 remote Aboriginal communities mainly in the Northern Territory with police, Australian Defence Force personnel and doctors to examine all children younger than 16 for signs of illness or sexual abuse.
The crackdown started last week with Mutitjulu, near Uluru (Ayers Rock). The Prime Minister also requested each State give 10 police officers to join the special Northern Territory “strike force”.
However, just days before Pope Benedict XVI accepted his retirement, Bishop Edmund J P Collins of Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, said the Catholic Church has been tackling these issues for 100 years, yet the Federal Government has “acted as if we haven’t been working on this for a very, very long time already”.
While supporting the Federal Government’s initiatives, he also said instilling a sense of Christian belief and education were the key to rebuilding Aboriginal communities. “We’re trying to fight it with Christian principles They’ve got to have some religion in them; give them a view of heaven and hell, to give them some perspective in life,”
he said. “That’s why we’ve gone in there to give them that respect of self and of one another. It’s not that easy. There are tribal customs and tribal ethics. I’m really pleased there has been action, I’m wondering why it’s only starting now, as it’s been going on for years.
“If you haven’t been trained in looking after them for years like our missionaries have been, you can do damage. Education of the young people is the way out.”
The Australian reported that sophisticated paedophile rings move in and out of remote communities, preying on the weak and vulnerable.
While porn does foster disrespect for women, he said that has been rife in Aboriginal communities well before white man introduced it to the indigenous population. In highlighting the Church’s knowledge of child abuse in Aboriginal communities and its active work to defeat it for over a century, Bishop Collins cited
the example of Fr Francis Xavier Gsell, the French missionary who arrived in Darwin as Apostolic Administrator in 1906.
French-born Fr Gsell, who would later become the first Bishop of Darwin, bought 150 young Aboriginal girls off much older Aboriginal men to whom they had been betrothed since birth as part of oppressive marriage customs among the Tiwi people of Bathurst Island, 80km north of Darwin.
Bishop Collins’ call for more education was backed by the man whose report inspired Prime Minister John Howard to initiate the crackdown.
Lawyer Rex Wild, QC told The Age newspaper in Melbourne that of the 97 recommendations he made in his report, titled “Little Children are Sacred”, the Federal Government have not utilised the one that proposed to get all children from pre-school age into schools by January 2008.
Bishop Collins also warned
against conducting widespread and highly invasive checks on children that could emotionally scar them.
“They’ve got to be careful not to rush in; to value the Aborigines as human beings and their traditions and not to be bully-boys,” said Bishop Collins, who was head of Catholic Mission in the NT before becoming Bishop of Darwin in 1986. He said 80 Confirmations he performed in one year at Wadeye, the Aboriginal community in the NT formerly notorious for rival gangs that kept woman and children off the streets in fear, was proof the Church is doing good.
He added that St John’s Catholic boarding college in Darwin has many Aboriginal students passing final year 12 exams, and that many remote communities have switched to light alcohol, which has “helped a lot”. “But this (Federal Government plan) might be drastic enough to turn the problem around a bit, so long as they don’t walk over the people,” he said.
The Church’s experience working with Aborigines makes it a necessary resource, says just-retired Darwin Bishop Ted Collins reports Anthony Barich
...areyoucalledtotheBenedictinelifeofdivine praiseandeucharisticprayerfortheChurch?
Contact the:
Rev Mother Cyril, OSB, Tyburn Priory, 325 Garfield Road, Riverstone, NSW 2765 www.tyburnconvent.org.uk
The release a week ago of “Little Children are Sacred”, the report of the Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse, and announcement of intervention by the Australian Government in Aboriginal communities, are real concerns for the Church in the Northern Territory and complex matters for the Church to respond to, says Darwin Catholic Bishop Ted Collins.
Bishop Collins, who is familiar with a number of Aboriginal communities in the NT, noted that the report of the recent NT Inquiry shows that Indigenous people want to and are committed to responding to this issue and that the participation of Indigenous people in shaping and implementing solutions is vital to achieving success.
ship with them, Indigenous people know that we recognise and respect that they take first place in dealing with the problems that affect their own lives and their families and communities.’
Bishop Collins went on to note how often this has been shown to be true, citing Indigenous school leadership and teaching, and the delivery by Indigenous people of programs in alcohol awareness and family recovery.
We have no right to be surprised at a problem which has been known about for decades, says the Bishop of the Kimberley. Anthony Barich reports.
The chairman of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, Bishop Christopher Saunders of Broome, welcomes and supports decisive action to protect children in indigenous communities in the Northern Territory and throughout the country.
Contact: 0418 650 661 or email: nsstorm@tpg.com.au
Though the recommendations of the report are not specifically addressed to the Church, Bishop Collins said that because of the Church’s involvement in providing education and social welfare programs in Aboriginal communities, as well as customary parish ministry, the Church would be involved in responding to the recommendations.
‘Our approach is to work in partnership with Indigenous people in their local communities. Without their involvement, without their voice, it can easily happen that Aboriginal people, many of whom already feel powerless, end up further disempowered. Yet when we work in partner-
While welcoming any increase in support and funding of initiatives that respond to the tragedy of child sexual abuse and other serious problems in Aboriginal communities, Bishop Collins is “concerned that any major intervention in Aboriginal communities happen in ways that promote the capacity of Indigenous people to respond to the problems they face, and build good relationships between Aboriginal Australians and the rest of the Australian people, especially those we elect to govern us.”
He said that right now it is important that all who are involved in responding to the crisis of child abuse in Aboriginal communities take heed of the advice of Rex Wild QC and Pat Anderson in their report, that the way to ‘help support communities to effectively prevent and tackle child sexual abuse, is for there to be consultation with, and ownership by the communities, of those solutions ... and the strength returned to Aboriginal people’.
“Child abuse in any Australian community needs to be addressed properly,” Bishop Saunders said. “This involves not only intervention but also prevention strategies.
“Throughout Australia there was shock expressed at media revelations regarding the recent report, ‘Little Children Are Sacred’. We have no right to be surprised. We should remember that this problem has been on the public agenda and known about for decades.
“Decisive action needs to be long-term, not merely shortterm. We must not only consider what is done but how it is done. More is needed than a law and order response.
“Importantly, where ever possible the communities themselves must be involved in the solutions which will necessarily include the supply of a whole range of social services and resources.
“The Church welcomes any increase in support to address this issue and emphasises that the way forward needs to be in partnership with indigenous communities.
“In this context, any legislation regarding the policy proposals that is forthcoming needs to be scrutinised closely in parliament.
“Despite any rhetoric to the contrary, the NT Government, recognised leaders in the Aboriginal community and Church and community organisations working with the communities have a key role to play in any effective process designed to deal with the issues outlined in this report.
“This is evidenced by their contribution to the report itself. They have on-the-ground knowledge and are the people who have established long-standing relationships with the communities.
“It is worth noting that sensationalised reporting of the abuse in these communities will not do nearly as much to address the issue as will determination, hard work and the application of adequate resources.”
Archbishop Hickey has welcomed the way the Government has overcome reluctance in Australia to acknowledge pornography’s destructive harm.
The Federal Government’s commitment to help Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory is long overdue but has been welcomed by Archbishop Barry Hickey.
“We hope it is a long term commitment to deal with all levels of the problems afflicting those communities, especially in the area of child abuse,” he said.
“We need to be aware that the damage already done to those children is likely to be a major obstacle in re-building healthy communities over a generation or two,” he said. “We are only too well aware of the long term consequences of child sexual abuse. The immediate removal of the crippling influences of alcohol, drugs and pornography is worthwhile, but they are only the removal of negatives, not the construction of positive values and influences in Aboriginal life.
“This is, I think, the first time that pornography has been acknowledged in public policy as a corrosive influence, demeaning individuals and destroying families by trivialising sex and exploiting women. The evidence has accumulated through countless psychological and sociological studies, but there has been a great reluctance to turn knowledge into policy.
“This is a mark of maturity
in the government’s approach and I hope it is a signal that the Commonwealth is committed to long term personal and community wellbeing for the people of the Northern Territory.
“Years of alcoholism, drug consumption, idleness and fragmentation of family life have seriously eroded the human potential in many communities. The government will need people of knowledge and character to manage the initial phases and to encourage the emergence of local leaders.
“It is not enough to declare that Aboriginal people must be responsible for what happens. They need strong support and protection from harmful influences so that local leaders may emerge.
“Work is an essential ingredient of people’s self-respect – whether it be hunting and gathering, learning to build and maintain settlements, or work that would be described as economically productive in the modern context. “This time the Commonwealth will need to devote great imagination and resources to developing local employment initiatives that acknowledge the desert environment and the interests and capabilities of the people.
“Jobs are essential if these communities are not to sink back into idleness and self-destruction.
“And while we are all watching the Commonwealth’s bold venture in the Northern Territory, let us not overlook the fact that all the negatives that have been exposed are occurring here in Perth and around the State. Homelessness, unemployment, alcoholism, substance abuse, despair and the sexual abuse of women and children are rife. Many finish up on the streets with broken lives and no future prospects.
“Let us also look at what is happening in the streets and alleyways of our own city.”
If your subscription is almost expired be sure to call Justine and beat the September subscription price increase. All who re-subscribe will receive a copy of The Da Vinci Deception ; new subscribers will receive a copy of What I Met Along the Way!
Is it true that most of my sales are not from direct advertising, but from personal recommendation, repeat business and reputation?
Is it true I have my own finance company to assist good people with poor credit to buy cars from me?.
Is it true I sell over 1,300 vehicles every month in Victoria Park, and that is the biggest number from any one location in Australia?
Is it true that I refuse to sell any vehicle that has had previous major accident damage?
Is it true that when people come to do business with me, I guarantee they will be treated with courtesy, sincerity, professionalism and efficiency?
Is it true “I want your business and I’m prepared to pay for it” and “I stand behind every car I sell”?
Is it true that every year for the last 20 consecutive years I have been Australia’s top selling Hyundai dealer?
World Youth Day expectations become reality for thousands of Catholic youth as the Cross and Icon arrive in Sydney writes Marilyn Rodrigues
Thousands of young Catholics braved the winter chill in Sydney to welcome the World Youth Day cross and Icon of Our Lady on the first day of the symbols’ nationwide pilgrimage in the lead up to World Youth Day 2008.
The countdown to the event and the first visit of Pope Benedict XVI now begins in earnest, as the holy symbols are taken by young people through each diocese in Australia over the coming year.
Bishop Anthony Fisher told a crowd of more than 6000 people, mostly youth and young adults, at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour that “the World Youth Day cross and icon are portents of an extraordinary grace which is promised to our country, when our Pope gathers with half a million young people in this city in one year from now it will be to encounter with Jesus Christ, his Spirit and his Church”.
Prime Minister John Howard and NSW Premier Morris Iemma joined hundreds of young people, laity and clergy to meet the cross and icon at the Qantas jet base before its first stop at the tomb of Blessed Mary MacKillop.
Mr Iemma said for one week next year the focus of international Catholicism will be Sydney, not Rome.
Mr Howard said the cross and the icon (are) a reminder that World Youth Day 2008 will be “a magnificent opportunity for the young in their thousands, not only from Australia, but around the world, to reaffirm
When Donald Jackson, first approached St John’s Abbey and University about his life-long dream, no one could have foreseen what would follow. The longtime scribe to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Crown Office spent the next seven years collaborating with a wide range of artists, theologians, calligraphers and illuminators to create the first handwritten and illuminated Bible since the invention of the printing press. It has been called “one of the extraordinary undertakings of our time.” (Smithsonian Magazine)
The Saint John’s Bible series is the stunning seven part full colour reproduction of the original St John’s Bible, which has now been made available to the world.
The Saint John’s Bible: Prophets
This fourth volume of the St John’s Bible features wonderful artistic depictions from Isaiah’s Temple vision and Suffering Servant, Ezekiel’s call and the Valley of the Dry Bones, Daniel’s Son of Man, Amos plea for justice and Zechariah’s Messianic Prediction.
$140+postage
The Saint John’s Bible: Gospels & Acts
This book is the first book of the series, which illuminates the Gospels of St Matthew, St Mark, St Luke and St John.
$120+postage
The Saint John’s Bible: Psalms
This book is the written, decorated and illuminated collection of all 150 Psalms of the Old Testament. $120+postage
The Saint John’s Bible: Pentateuch
This book features text and illuminations from the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). Prominent illuminations include the Creation account, Jacob’s Ladder, the Ten Commandments and the Death of Moses.
$140+postage
Also Available
Illuminating the Word: The Making of the Saint John’s Bible
By Christopher CalderheadGo on a behind the scenes tour of the making of the extraordinary St John’s Bible. This book also tells the story of the makers of the Bible and the Community at St John’s Abbey and University.
Special price (until Wednesday 11th July, 2007): $70+postage
their faith and to remind the world and to remind this nation of the enduring relevance and resonance about the Christian message”.
“It’s an occasion not only for Catholics, but for all who profess the Christian faith and the Christian belief, to celebrate the marvellous message of the Christian religion and its continuing importance to our country and the life of all of its citizens.”
The Pope had the “enormous respect, not only of Catholics, but the wider Christian community and the nation in general”, he said.
At Tumbalong Park, Bishop Fisher said that the first Christians saw the cross as a countersign in the world and a source of a new kind of power and wisdom, and that succeeding generations have found it a source of unity, hope and blessings.
Australia itself is a “natural cathedral” with the Great Southern Cross proclaiming the truths of the Gospel for millennia, he added.
“If you feel lost this day or any day in the future, turn to Christ and find in his cross life not death,” he told them.
At World Youth Day 2008, “it will be as he promised, that you might receive power, power of the Holy Spirit, who will make you into His witnesses.
“The Holy Spirit will make you, like the cross, witnesses to God’s undying love.”
Bishop Fisher also commended Our Lady as one who shows the possibility of ordinary people to be disciples, and invited them to take opportunities to deepen their faith in the lead-up to World Youth Day.
People from parishes, schools, cultural groups, movements and organisations all over Sydney and beyond brought banners, picnic rugs, their families and friends and their warmest jackets to witness the symbols’ arrival and their consignment into Australia’s care and enjoy a free concert.
The highlight was the debut performance of the World Youth Day 2008 song written by Guy Sebastian and Gary Pinto, ‘Receive the Power’ performed Guy Sebastian and Paulini.
The four-and-a-half hour celebration
“It will be as He promised, that you might receive power, power of the Holy Spirit, who will make you, like the Cross, into His witnesses to God’s undying love.”
ended with a liturgy and the opportunity to venerate the cross and approach priests offering to hear confessions.
The symbols have been travelling through Oceania on the latest leg of their world-wide journey, and a group of New Zealand young people with the Archbishop of Wellington, Archbishop John Dew, accompanied them for the hand-over to the Australian delegates.
The moving hand-over ceremony began with a traditional farewell sung by Maori youth and a welcome performance by Indigenous Australians.
The New Zealand delegation carried the 3.8m cross and 15kg icon of Our Lady and the Christ-child and passed them to the Australian group with best wishes and blessings for all who will encounter the symbols on their passage.
The Australian group receiving the cross and icon represented every diocese and various movements and groups. One of them, Jacinta Paulo, who represented the Augustinians, said that she was impressed by the symbolism of the cross itself.
“Just seeing it come down from the plane, it feels like Christ is here,” she said.
“The cross represents a long journey around the entire world and now we finally
get to become a part of it.” Jacquie Dynan, who represented the Marist Brothers said it was, “quite an honour to be a part of representing Australia this way’.
The presence of media from the press, television and radio throughout the day was warmly welcomed by the bishops.
Archbishop Philip Wilson told the Catholic Weekly that the great deal of media interest in the cross and icon’s arrival is “one of the great things about World Youth Day”.
“It creates a particular set of circumstances that makes people ask what is it about the Catholic faith that people to want to do all this?” he said.
“They can see the excitement of people and also the richness of the ceremonies and depth of meaning associated with these symbols.”
After the airport, the Mary MacKillop chapel and tomb in North Sydney was a fitting first stop on the cross and icon’s pilgrimage around the country.
The young people briefly laid the cross onto Blessed Mary MacKillop’s tomb before a short liturgy led by the Josephite family and Bishop Fisher to bless them and place the pilgrimage under her patronage and protection.
Sr Katrina Bill, congregational leader of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, welcomed the young people and the symbols to “this very sacred place, in that it has the tomb of the first saint of Australia”.
“Mary MacKillop, also known as Mother Mary of the Cross, identified deeply with the cross and she witnesses to us a way of living from the cross,” she said.
Mary MacKillop depended on the providence of God even when things seemed impossible, she added.
“We pray that all in this national pilgrimage will follow in her footsteps, and for her intercession as you set out across Australia.”
The young people then carried the cross and icon in procession over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and down to Darling Harbour were thousands waited to celebrate their arrival.
The first of the “Days of the Diocese” ended with a jam-packed Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral at which hundreds of young people happily squeezed into the spaces between rows of pews and along the walls.
Archbishop Philip Wilson, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, spoke in his homily about the consequences and responsibilities that Christians accept by embracing the cross in their lives, giving the example of St Edith Stein who in her life and death in Auschwitz, did much to “give glory to God by sharing her love of Christ”.
Trying to live faithfully as disciples of Jesus can mean facing hardships and difficult choices, but ultimately the path is one of joy, he told them.
“The consequences for all of us belonging to the Church of Australia of following the cross and this icon are the consequences that we will recognise within our lives as individual disciples of the Lord and as communities of faith, what it is that the Lord is asking of us that we may be converted to him, and love him more deeply in our lives and express that love to our neighbour.
“All of us who are disciples of Christ want to change the world. We can, but we have to accept the consequences of the cross so that we develop the ability to be able to change the world and reclaim the world for Christ by the way we live our lives.” A team of six young Australians are now accompanying the cross and icon for the first six months of a journey around 28 dioceses and more than 400 communities. A second team will take up the second six months and bring the precious symbols back to Sydney for the World Youth Day opening Mass on July 15.
Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Port Kennedy, is a double stream co-educational primary school from Kindergarten to Year 7, with an enrolment of 473 students. Port Kennedy is located 65 kilometres from Perth on the southern extent of Warnbro Sound, in the City of Rockingham.
The school offers a strong pastoral care focus through its committed and dedicated staff. Strong links between school and parish are a feature of St Bernadette’s, with a new Church currently being built adjacent to the school site. Curriculum priorities for St Bernadette’s include Computing, Learning Support and catering for Special Needs, along with the development of Literacy and Numeracy skills. Specialist programs operate in Physical Education, Music, Computing and LOTE (Japanese).
A strong feature of the school is the support received from the parent body with the Parents and Friends’ Association and School Board being very active and involved in the school.
The successful applicant will take up the position at the commencement of Term 4 2007.
Applicants need to be practising Catholics and experienced educators committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, educational, pastoral and administrative competencies, together with an appropriate four-year minimum tertiary qualification, and will have completed Accreditation to Teach Religious Education or its equivalent. A current WACOT registration number must also be included.
The official application form, referee assessment forms and instructions can be accessed on the Catholic Education Office website www.ceo.wa.edu.au
Enquiries regarding this position should be directed to Helen Brennan, Consultant, Leadership Team on 6380 5237 or email sch.personnel@ceo.wa.edu.au All applications, on the official form, should reach
The Director, Catholic Education Office of Western Australia, PO Box 198, Leederville WA 6903 no later than 18 July 2007.
New Bishop of Darwin
Bishop Eugene Hurley of Port Pirie will become the new Bishop of Darwin, replacing Bishop Ted Collins, 76, who had offered his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI upon reaching the age of retirement.
The appointment of Bishop Hurley is a break with tradition, as Darwin’s past three bishops have been members of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart order.
Bishop Hurley has been chairman of the Australian bishops’ Committee for the Family and for Life and has beenPort Pirie’s Bishop for the past eight years. His installation in Darwin will take place on August 29.
Catholics and atheists on the rise
Catholics, Muslims, Mormons, Pentecostals and members of the Brethren Church have grown in number in Australia in recent years, the latest Census revealed.
By contrast, Anglicans, Presbyterians and members of the Reformed, Salvation Army, Churches of Christ and Uniting Church declined in number at the same time.
Single-parent families, childless couples and people without religion are also growing in number, the Census revealed.
Though Catholics are up in number, the Church has not increased as a proportion of the population overall.
Catholics came from far and wide for the 100th anniversary of Goomalling Church - a testament to its place in the life of the West Australian Church
A century of country ministry was celebrated on the Feast of the Sacred Heart (June 15) when the people of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Goomalling gathered for the 100th anniversary of their church.
Archbishop Barry Hickey was the princpal celebrant with 10 priests concelebrating including parish priest Fr John Daly, Fr Placid
Spearitt (Abbot of New Norcia) and past parish priests Fr Jim Corcoran and Fr Lionel Henry.
Four of our newly ordained permanent deacons were also present to mark this significant milestone.
The church was filled with a diverse array of people. Other than the locals, many had come from the surrounding towns of Bolgart, Dowerin, Wyalkatchem, Wongan Hills, Toodyay and Northam.
Past parishioners had travelled up from Perth to pay tribute to the faith of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.
The Presentation Order was strongly represented as the Presentation Sisters built a Convent in Goomalling in 1914 and they were very much a part of the faith
Ellenbrook Catholic College, to be situated in the rapidly developing eastern suburb of Ellenbrook, will commence operation at the beginning of the 2009 academic year. An interim School Board has been appointed to oversee the school’s establishment.
It is planned that the school will open for students in Year 7 and 8 with an initial intake of approximately 150 students. When fully developed, Ellenbrook Catholic College will be a six stream college with an enrolment of approximately 1000 students.
A commitment to establishing a close working relationship with the parish and integrating the parish into the life of the college is essential as the parish and college will be located on the one site with the likelihood of some shared facilities. The position calls for a proven leader of learning and teaching who has the ability to adjust to changing circumstances. The person will be able to seize opportunities as they present in order to assist in the development of this new community.
The Foundation Principal will also have had experience in a leadership role within Catholic education and be able to demonstrate experience with contemporary curriculum practice. A special interest in capital planning and the use of technology in both school design and student learning would be highly regarded.
The successful applicant will be expected to take up the position at the commencement of Term 3, 2008.
Applicants need to be practising Catholics and experienced educators committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, educational, pastoral and administrative competencies, together with an appropriate four-year minimum tertiary qualification, and will have completed Accreditation to Teach Religious Education or its equivalent. A current WACOT registration number must also be included.
tradition of the town. They not only nurtured the faith of the people, but educated the children as well.
Fr Daly reported that the day was a great success, and he was stunned with the turnout.
“I didn’t expect to see so many people... what a wonderful surprise, he said.
“The people in the Wheatbelt are doing it really tough at the moment, so today gave us all a much needed lift... Praise the Lord!”
The town of Goomalling was originally part of the New Norcia Territory.
In 1906, Abbot Torres sent Fr Hoyne to minister to the people.
Thanks to the generosity of the people, Fr Hoyne was able to build a church in 1907.
Of the priests sent from New Norcia many were Benedictines, but there were also diocesan priests
who were based in New Norcia and even one Missionary of the Sacred Heart from New Zealand.
The parish became part of the Archdiocese of Perth on December 8, 1971.
By this time, the old church had been replaced by a larger church which was opened on February 24, 1963.
Since that time the Catholics of Goomalling have been ministered to by diocesan priests, Salvatorians, a Jesuit and a Salesian.
The Sacred Heart Catholic Church doesn’t get the same crowds it did in the mid-60s, but the light of faith is still burning brightly.
Proof of this is that after the celebrations for the momentus occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Goomalling church, Fr Daly was happy to report that its children are still being nourished by The Sacraments and The Word.
Even in his poetry, Hal Colebatch is fighting moral relativism in his latest collection, The Light River, said West Australian poet and Baptist Pastor Andrew Lansdowne at its launch at The Record Office last week.
And in ‘Dinghy Sailing,’ a 14-line poem about the simple pleasures and testing realities of the great Australian pastime, Mr Colebatch makes it clear that one can’t deceive the laws of nature or the laws of sailing, says Mr Lansdown.
“This age of moral relativism could not exist in this world of dinghy sailing described by Hal,” Mr Lansdown told 80 people at the launch. I commend the book to you.”
The book, Mr Colebatch’s seventh published collection of poetry, describes scenes both experienced and imagined, both overseas and at home in his beloved Western Australia, from Rottnest to Nedlands. The poems in this tome speak of other realms beyond the physical world described in the words themselves, and while the
poet himself admits it is a secular book in that it does not directly refer to belief in God, it is inextricably tied to religion as he was inspired by his own faith.
It is his reflections on the beauty of God’s creation, and the inexplicable and sometimes intangible yet always awe-inspiring intricacies.
“It has a religious background,” said Mr Colebatch, the son of a Premier of WA who has been writing poetry for over 30 years. “I’m trying to show moments of joy.”
Archbishop Barry Hickey, in launching the book at The Record Office, stated as much when he said that this is a book to read slowly, “with ears and hearts open to receive the pictures painted through the words of one who can bring the best out of the English language”.
“This is a different book. It is Hal in a more introspective mood, conscious of the beauty of ordinary things and aware of the little cameos of elegance and charm that he sees in nature or even in a cat (one of Hal’s loves).”
Archbishop’s comments - Page 17 Meet the Author - Page 18
Royal Perth Hospital Chapel
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12.l5pm - Friday 8am (unless otherwise stated)
- Sunday 10.15am
Everyone is welcome to attend these publicly celebrated Masses.
The Chapel is located on level 3 (Victoria Square Level) Walk left (Westward Direction) after the RPH Kiosk Shop and follow signs.
Fr Richard Smith - Catholic Chaplain RPH
WA Attorney General Jim McGinty will push ahead with decriminalising prostitution despite receiving “thousands” of petitions protesting the move.
A spokeswoman for the Attorney General’s office told The Record that he had received “thousands” of petitions with The Record ’s letterhead that were distributed in the May 31 special edition.
When asked whether Mr McGinty was surprised at the “thousands” of petitions he received protesting the decriminalising of prostitution, the spokeswoman said: “Not really.”
However, as a letter sent by Mr McGinty confirmed, he disregarded the “thousands” of petitions signed by readers of The Record
One such letter sent to The Record by a Gwelup reader had
Quality handmade and decorated vestments
- Chasubles
- Copes - Stoles
- Alter Clothes
Contact Vicki Veness (08) 9402 8356 0r 0409 114 093
Take advantage of The Record’s $40 Advertising Special - See page 18
the Attorney General’s letterhead but with a computer generated signature of Mr Mcginty’s at the bottom.
The spokeswoman said the letter was approved by the minister and confirmed that he did not sign it personally.
She added that he did personally sign letters to people who had taken the time to personally write him a letter rather than just put their signature on the bottom of a pre-prepared petition.
The letter sent to The Record thanked the reader for the petition but started out by saying:
“Unfortunately, prostitution is a fact of life. It is not called the world’s oldest profession for no reason.
“Over the years, the law has tried to prohibit prostitution by various means. However, prohibition has failed.”
However, the letter did not address the fact that over 12 months the number of unlicensed
Venue: The Italian Club, Fitzgerald St, North Perth
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: $55 per person
Dress: Cocktail
Music: Dizzy Miss Lizzy
Food: Finger food
Drinks: Beer, Wine, and Softdrinks (incl)
brothels in Melbourne trebled after decriminalisation was introduced in Victoria, which was mentioned in The Record’s petition.
Instead, the letter consisted of several paragraphs regarding the failed history of prostitution laws in WA, the offences to be included in proposed legislation and what powers WA police will have – all copied and pasted from the Prostitution Law Reform Working Group Report released in January.
“This is a difficult area of law – one which has beset both sides of politics for many years,” the letter finished off.
“Hopefully this legislation will provide some regulation and protection while ending the untenable situation of a law which is unenforceable.”
The Attorney General has announced his intention to proceed with the decriminalisation of prostitution in August.
Our Lady’s Assumption School Community invite past student and members of the OLA parish community to join us for a ‘ Cocktail Evening ’ on Friday 17 August in Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Our Lady of Assumption School.
Please phone Miss Dympna Mackie at the school on 9276 0600 to purchase your ticket. During school holidays (July 9 - 20) please leave name and contact details on the school answering service.
Our Lady of the Cape is a co-educational primary school catering for 240 students from Kindergarten to Year 7. The school is located in the beautiful coastal town of Dunsborough, which is approximately 280 kms south of Perth, and situated amidst some of the finest beaches and wineries in Australia.
Established in 1996, Our Lady of the Cape is situated in a tranquil rural setting near Meelup Beach. The single stream school is well resourced with extensive oval and playground facilities and enjoys a strong sense of community and parental support.
The school has a dynamic staff who are committed to the literacy and numeracy needs of all students. There is also a significant focus on the Performing Arts, Physical Education and Information and Communication Technology, with senior students in 2006 winning first place in an Australian-wide animation competition. The school enjoys a close working relationship with the parish.
St Anthony’s is a single stream, co-educational school with an enrolment of 270 students from Kindergarten to Year 7 and was established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1935.
The original school has been relocated off Wanneroo Road on Servite Terrace. The school commenced as double stream in 2007 and an ongoing building program is currently in place.
Staff work closely with the school community to provide for the spiritual, emotional, social, academic and physical needs of the students who are exposed to a variety of learning experiences within a safe and supportive Christian environment.
St Anthony’s is in its second year of the RAISe (Raising Achievement in Schools) program. The school also runs a Middle School, Talented and Gifted program, Upper and Lower Support programs, LOTE (Italian), a Boys’ Dance Group and a Rainbows program. There is an emphasis on Information and Communicaton Technology and there are specialist teachers in Physical Education and Library. St Anthony’s is a Waterwise and Wastewise school and also has a play group that operates out of the school.
The school and parish have a strong relationship and work well together with the Parents and Friends’ Association and School Board to create a positive and supportive school community.
The successful applicants for these positions will be required to commence on 1 January 2008. Applicants need to be practising Catholics and experienced educators committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, educational, pastoral and administrative competencies, together with an appropriate four year minimum tertiary qualification, and will have completed Accreditation to Teach Religious Education or its equivalent. A current WACOT registration number must also be included.
The official application form, referee assessment forms and instructions can be accessed on the Catholic Education Office website www.ceo.wa.edu.au Enquiries regarding this position should be directed to Helen Brennan, Consultant, Leadership Team on 6380 5237 or email sch.personnel@ceo.wa.edu.au All applications, on the official form, should reach The Director, Catholic Education Office of Western Australia, PO Box 198, Leederville 6903 no later than 13 July 2007.
■ By Anthony Barich
The Missionaries of the Gospel Association of Christ’s Faithful were sent out like lambs among wolves last week, but if Clare Pike and Beatrice Yong were scared, they didn’t show it.
The pair were sent out to continue the late Pope John Paul II’s work by Archbishop Barry Hickey last month when he declared them an Association of Christ’s Faithful at St Joachim’s Pro-Cathedral. Clare, 28 and Beatrice, 24 knelt before the Archbishop in front of a packed St Joachim’s to pledge a lifestyle of prayer, penance and service according to the will of God for 12 months as they study the charism of John Paul II in Poland, the late Pontiff’s homeland.
The pair will become postulants as they committed themselves for 12 months, after which they will return to Australia for World Youth Day in Sydney 2008 then may return to Poland, “depending on what God has in store for us”.
Their first year will be spent in postulancy during formation, then
Designed to not only promote health and fitness, Perth Integrated Health Clinic (PIHC) with Holy Family Parish in Como is establishing a Cycling Group with a difference - with the mission to support the youth of the parish in the development of their faith. Cyclists for Christ, as they will be aptly named, will
raise funds for those travelling to World Youth Day in Sydney next year and for the renovation of St Mary’s Cathedral.
The cycling group will be run by parishioners, Monique Blackwell, who is a practitioner at PIHC and Ian Wee, Director of PIHC, who will meet with a group of up to 20 people over the ages of 18 for group cycling.
The program, which will begin on July 10 and run for 10 weeks,
The 8-year-old’s anniversary of death brought many to Yangebup and closure to most
■ By Sylvia DefendiOver 350 people remembered 8year-old Sofia Rodriguez UrrutiaShu on the anniversary of her death, which was recalled at Mater Christi Church in Yangebup.
Sofia, who was a student at Mater Christi Primary School, was found murdered on Monday June 26, at the Livingstone Market Place shopping centre in suburban Canning Vale.
A remembrance Mass was celebrated by parish priest Fr Bryan Rosling at the Yangebup Church early on June 26 and was attended by students, families and staff of the primary school community.
Sofia’s immediate family was out of the country visiting fam-
ily on the anniversary day.
“Understandably, they did not wish to have all the memories flooding back,” principal at Mater Christi Primary School, Greg Stinton said.
However, an email sent to Fr Rosling, from the Rodriguez Urrutia-Shu family, was read to the congregation.
The anniversary recalled the young girl’s life amidst the steel works that had only recently been erected for the Chapel of the Innocents, which will house Sofia’s remains and stand in her memory.
The chapel, which is being built adjacent to the existing Church building, will be dedicated and officially opened on August 25.
“The entire day was very significant to all who attended and knew the family.
“It was very much needed within the community and has really helped those affected by this loss to move on,” Mr Stinton told The Record
will also include training in specific techniques as well as health workshops conducted by PIHC practitioners on aspects of health pertaining to cyclists.
“Until now, most people who indulge in cycling do so without any proper clinical advice, supervision or guided motivation,” Ms Blackwell said.
Having already received expressions of interest from neighbouring parish St Piux X in Manning,
Ms Blackwell said she hoped others across the diocese would also join Cyclists for Christ and extended an invitation to all parishes.
An hour of group cycling will be held twice a week, with the start and end point being the Holy Family Catholic Church on the corner of Thelma Street and Canning Highway, in Como.
All sessions will be held around the South Perth area with each session increasing in difficulty on a
two years as novices before taking temporary vows and receiving their full habit.
It has been a long build-up since March 2004 when, as Clare tells it, the Holy Spirit came up with the idea to start a community.
But it was as they were putting on their Association uniform – royal blue skirt symbolising devotion to Mary, white shirt symbolising purity and a black cardigan – that the gravity of the situation truly hit them.
“We looked at each other as we put these clothes on just before Mass and we realised that God has truly brought us together to do this. It was truly amazing,” Clare said.
“Words can’t describe the joy I feel at the prospect of what the community will do.
“As I went up I felt so humbled for the privilege of being able to be part of this amazing work in the Church.”
The outfit, she says, is an outward sign of the community being under the care of God and the work we do to serve Him.
The Archbishop said the central
graded basis as participants developed their health and increased in fitness.
Ms Blackwell said she hoped the established group would continue as a fitness-focused social club after the 10-week period and that many more groups would eventually be established throughout Perth city.
For further information or to join Cyclists for Christ, contact Monique Blackwell on: 9226 1239 or email: monique@pihc.com.au.
Him: Beatrice and Clare join other members of the congregation in prayer during the Mass at St Joachim’s pro-Cathedral. PHOTO: PETER ROSENGREN message of the Gospel used that day was for the Association to do what John the Baptist did – to proclaim to the world the kingdom has arrived in Jesus.
Archbishop Hickey also urged the congregation of almost 500 that packed out St Joachim’s ProCathedral to pray for the pair as they discerned their vocation overseas.
Clare was happy to take up the task as they enrolled as members of the Association and the Archbishop signed the Statutes that should see them become John
Paul II Sisters. The community called Missionaries of the Gospel established in June has had several expressions of interest.
A Formation House was started by the Archbishop and Dominican Father Anthony Van Dyke.
The Missionaries of the Gospel will revolve around the ethos of John Paul II – “The way he loved and affirmed every person and revealed Christ to them.”
Beatrice was senior project officer for the Respect Life Office from September 2006 to April this year.
Catholic Mission celebrates a generous financial year across the nation, but particularly in Perth
For the fifth consecutive year Catholic Mission raised more money than ever before.
Total gross donations from all dioceses were up 6.6 per cent to a record $12.44 million.
Catholic Mission is the Church’s global mission aid agency, with three major works:
Partnering local churches and communities (society for the propagation of the faith), raising over $7 million.
Fostering local church leadership (society of St Peter Apostle) raising $1.1 million.
Caring for children (children’s mission) raising over $4.2 million up 21.5 per cent.
“The people in the Perth diocese continually show their generosity with an increase year on year. This year was no exception, raising over $1 million for Catholic Mission,” said director of Catholic Mission in Perth, Francis Leong.
World Mission Day in October
2006 contributed about $1.94 million to partnering local churches and communities, which was a 6.5 per cent increase on the previous year. More than $1.9 million was received in bequests representing an increase of 161 per cent.
Catholic schoolchildren also gave up more than ever before raising $471,000 so children less fortunate than them could have a better chance at life through the children first! program.
Overall this represents an increase of 4.4 per cent on the previous year.
In Perth, the schools fundraising in 2006 increased by 131 per cent, raising more than $40,000.
For more than 185 years Catholic Mission has been working in 160 countries.
An important part of its role is also to educate and engage Australians in mission and justice.
For more information contact Catholic Mission in Perth on: 9422 7933.
Archbishop Barry Hickey must have been comforted by the dozens of devotees of the Sacred Heart of Jesus who joined him for a solemn Mass and procession at Our Lady’s Assumption Church in Dianella last month to pray for peace in the world and in Western Australian families.
in brief...
After an almost unanimous verdict from the parish, City Beach will change its Saturday evening Mass from 6.30pm to 6pm as of June 30.
While Saturday Confession is now from 5-6pm, all other Mass times will stay the same.
Holy Spirit parish priest Fr Don Kettle said that a recent parish census revealed that 94 per cent wanted to move it to 6pm as 6.30pm was deemed too late, especially in the winter months.
Find out about our July $40 advertising special - see page 18 for details
The Vicar for Migrants in Perth, Fr Antonio Paganoni, and Dianella parish priest Fr Benedict Qadros also took part in the reverent proceedings as many devotees brought banners to celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart on Sunday, June 24. The event was organised by the Sacred Heart Catholic Society.
Researchers at the University of Alberta, studied 700 teenagers and found that sexual activity makes adolescents feel older, and this effect is more pronounced as they move through the teen years. Smoking (in boys), higher alcohol use and higher drug use were also likely to make young people feel older than they are. People in their 20s feel about the age they are, but after age 30 and into old age, the average person feels younger then his chronological age.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE
The American Medical Association has called for more research into the public health risks of video and internet games, but will leave it up to the American Psychiatric Association to decide whether video game addiction should be designated a mental illness. The AMA also wants more study on the video game ratings system, because of the link between media violence and aggressive behaviour.
Birlirr Ngawiyiwu (Spirit of God) Catholic School, which was founded in 1986, is located 165 kilometres south east of Halls Creek and serves the Kundat Djaru Aboriginal Community children from Kindergarten to Year 7. The school, which originally began in a bough shed, is now housed in a modern and well equipped building and is a central place of learning for everyone. Jaru children and adults are involved in school activities during and after school time.
“Unite yourselves to My Rosary that brings you to My Immaculate Heart”
Pray and meditate on the same one decade of this Rosary each day.
Each person forms as it were, a ‘link’ in the long chain of participants who are praying for one another, reaping an abundance of grace.
All those who participate in this devotion will have their intentions remembered during Mass.
Endorsed by The Most Reverend Archbishop BJ Hickey
Birlirr Ngawiyiwu is a bilingual school that fosters the Two Way learning process and aims to assist its students to develop beliefs in the value of:
❚ keeping Jaru language and culture strong
❚ the local country and its tie to the Jaru language and culture
❚ speaking Jaru when in Yaruman
❚ understanding non-Aboriginal culture
❚ speaking and understanding Standard Australian English
❚ being committed to and involved in the life of the Catholic Church.
The successful applicant will take up the position on 1 January 2008. Applicants need to be practising Catholics and experienced educators committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, educational, pastoral and administrative competencies, together with an appropriate four year minimum tertiary qualification, and will have completed Accreditation for Leadership of the Religious Education Learning Area or its equivalent. A current WACOT registration number must also be included.
The official application form, referee assessment forms and instructions can be accessed on the Catholic Education Office website www.ceo.wa.edu.au
Enquiries regarding this position should be directed to Helen Brennan, Consultant, Leadership Team on (08) 6380 5237 or email sch.personnel@ceo.wa.edu.au All applications, on the official form, should reach The Director, Catholic Education Office of Western Australia, PO Box 198, Leederville 6903 no later
editorial
What may prove the most interesting and productive element in the Federal Government’s massive intervention in the life of Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory is the imposition of a ban on pornography.
It is not that pornography is the cause, or even the main one of a number of causes, of the collapse of family and community life – although it is destructive of marriage and family life.
What makes this ban so potentially important is that the Federal Government, in a declaration of public policy, has taken a blunt instrument to an evil that is consistently defended by academic, bureaucratic and media influences in our society.
If it is a genuine sign that the Commonwealth is prepared to steamroll the false philosophies that prevent the development of sound policy in relation to all families and communities, then it may be the beginning of the recovery of wisdom in Australia. Let us hope so.
Pornography undermines natural human relationships and in particular male responsibility for the cultivation and protection of marriage and family life. It does nothing positive for females, either, but the greater impact is on males.
This is also true of alcohol, drugs, unemployment, welfare dependence, and domestic violence, all of which are being targeted by the Commonwealth, and all of which are defended in various ways by the same academic, bureaucratic and media influences.
It is not always that these things are defended, but rather that they are used to prevent proper discussion and policy development around marriage, family and fatherhood.
It may seem a long way from the remote Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory to the Negro ghettos of the northern cities of the USA in the 1960s, but there is a remarkable parallel.
Reports are coming out of China which are a cause of grave concern for part of that nation’s religious and cultural heritage. A further disturbing element is that greed and cultural destruction seem to be combined.
Irecently attended the “No Clone Zone” rally with my daughter.
It was so encouraging to see the Catholic youth present and the wonderful way they stood as a testament to what we believe is God’s way.
I’m sure the manner in which they conducted themselves and the messages they conveyed sent a powerful message to all who witnessed them.
I was so proud of them!
However, it was most disappointing to see the conspicuous absence of representatives from our Catholic schools – especially since representatives from a Baptist College managed to be there (Well done Carey Baptist College).
Many people were horrified a few years ago when the Taliban in Afghanistan destroyed by dynamite the massive and historic statues of Bamayan. In so doing they wiped out part of the world’s religious and cultural heritage. Now in China new barbarians have arisen. In the province of Henan, the government is about to dynamite a religious site where each year on July 16, more than 40,000 people gather at the shrine of the Virgin Mary. Chinese Catholics have made pilgrimages to the site at Tianjiajing since at least 1903.
Fifty years later, Mao and his cohorts were responsible for the deaths of thousands of priests, pastors, religious women and men and many more lay Christians. They confiscated many churches, schools and hospitals. But through all that, the shrine of Our Lady was at least tolerated. Now, like the Taliban, the provincial government in Henan has decided on its destruction. Such a fate makes a mockery of the Chinese Constitution’s guarantee of the freedom of religion. I call upon the government of the Chinese Peoples Republic to intervene and spare this historic religious and cultural site.
Rev. Fr. Brian O’Loughlin, V.G. Catholic Church Office, Perth.
to Nature magazine the climate change the world is currently undergoing is driving up rates of malaria, malnutrition and diarrhoea in third world countries.
A lack of concern about climate change actually exacerbates the problems Mr Rosengren concerns himself with.
PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902
Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax: (08) 9227 7087 cathrec@iinet.net.au
In 1965, the Department of Labor, through its Assistant Secretary Daniel Patrick Moynihan, published a detailed analysis of the link between poverty and family entitled “The Negro Family: The Case for National Action”. For the best part of 40 years civil rights leaders, academics, politicians and pundits buried the truth of the report under a welter of propaganda about such seemingly legitimate topics as racism, blaming-the-victim, feminist tales of the value of matriarchal families or defence of the self-esteem of single mothers, men as the source of domestic violence, marriage as the main area of male privilege, etc, etc.
Moynihan, on the other hand knew what families do – “they shape their children’s character and ability” - and that “by and large, adult conduct is learned as a child”.
What children learned in the disorganised homes of the ghetto was that “adults do not finish school, get jobs, or, in the case of men, take care of their children or obey the law”. That sounds remarkably like the experience of children in the Northern Territory.
It was not until this century that the US began to reorient its welfare policies to put sustained emphasis on marriage and fatherhood because this emphasis is what is needed to orient men and women towards the future and the advancement of their children’s prospects.
Here in Australia, the Commonwealth’s intervention will have to be long-term and soundly based. The first step – to remove the alcohol, drugs and pornography which trigger so much of the violence – is only the first step, but a necessary one.
Only with a sense of safety and stability can Aboriginal families and communities begin the longer task of creating worthwhile life patterns for themselves and their children.
Along the way, the men and women of remote Aboriginal Australia will have to find new pathways for themselves. The old patterns, which filled their time and gave it purpose, are no longer operative, and the new patterns of grog, gambling, welfare, idleness and self-destruction are clearly pointless.
It is not easy for any people in any time or place to make such a transition to an as yet unrecognised future. It may be even more difficult in a place like the Northern Territory where much of the land offers little in the way of economic prospects of the kind that the modern world would call productive.
However, it needs to be done, and that means that Aboriginal people will need eventually to take the lead in defining a meaning and purpose in their lives. The Commonwealth must find people of wisdom and love who can help to develop such leadership.
But most of all, the Commonwealth must show strength in resisting the fake philosophies that prevent real development. The development of adults and children thrives best in good strong relationships, and clearly the best relationships are built on marriages in which fathers take their responsibilities seriously.
Who knows, if we learn this in the restructuring of Aboriginal communities, we might learn the truth of it in our own.
Perhaps our schools were not aware of this rally. Whatever the reason, there is another rally planned.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see the numbers swell with more Catholic youth! We need to encourage our youth to be more involved in these issues.
The politicians need to see and hear how future voters feel.
Congratulations to all involved in organising the rally.
I’ll see you at the next one! Name and address withheld on request
While I support the editor of The Record expressing his opinion in The Record , I find it grossly irresponsible that he would foist his misguided views on students without the critical faculties to combat his flawed rhetoric in Discovery
To think the deaths that are caused by climate change are so small as to pale in comparison to other problems is irresponsible.
I would think that if even one death could be avoided, the editor of Perth’s Catholic newspaper would be of suitable conscience to do all in his power to avoid that.
It is well and good to talk about the instances of malaria in third world countries - millions each year, with over a million dying because of it.
This does not change the fact that 5 million people are struck with illness every year caused by climate change. Every year there are 150,000 deaths caused by climate change.
Insignificant Mr Rosengren? Only to your mind.
Not only that, but according
This information is not new, it has been around since 2005, when it was commissioned by the World Health Organisation from the University of Wisconsin.
The statistics here are easily verifiable - I challenge Mr Rosengren to substantiate his claim that 3 billion are living on less than a dollar a day. The United Nations Development Programme estimates it to be roughly a third of that.
While widespread starvation
is a problem, it doesn’t eclipse climate change, an increasingly important global issue. Mr Rosengren suggests typing ‘global warming sceptic into google - I would suggest he try and compare it to simply global warming in google trends (www.google.com/trends). I would suggest that the next time Mr Rosengren feels like being officious on the irrelevance of climate change he considers the hurt suffered by the families of the 35, 000 dead in Europe’s 2003 heat wave, the 1836 dead from Hurricane Katrina, or the 5 million ill and 150,000 dead from climate change each year.
TravisKelly, Swan View
Next week: outrage at discovery column on global warming; dolls stuck with pins galore!
General intention: That all citizens, individually and in groups, may be enabled to participate actively in the life and management of the common good.
Mission intention: That, aware of their own missionary duty, all Christians may actively help all those engaged in the evangelization of peoples.
1660-1727
feast – July 9
Even as a child in her middle-class Italian family in Mercatello, Orsola Giuliani was moved by stories of Christ’s passion. She became a Capuchin, taking the name Veronica, at the convent of Citta di Castello in Umbria. Her service there, during 34 years as mistress of novices and 11 years as abbess, was marked by levelheadedness and efficiency. Her extraordinary inner life and personal experiences of the stigmata were well attested; she has been called the “most representative figure of baroque mysticism.” She died of apoplexy.
Sexual abuse is so rampant amongst Aborigines in remote communities that the Army has been sent in to clean up the mess. Mercatornet’s Michael Cook asks: whose fault is it?
In national emergencies, soldiers are sent to do all sorts of strange jobs, like shoring up levees against floods or cleaning up towns flattened by hurricanes. But what the Australian Army has been ordered to do must be a world first. Kitted out in camouflage gear, troops are fanning out across the vast Northern Territory to stop gross sexual abuse of Aboriginal children.
“We are dealing with children of the tenderest age who have been exposed to the most terrible abuse from the time of their birth, virtually,” said Prime Minister John Howard, as he stomped over the local government’s objections. “What matters more: the constitutional niceties or the care and protection of young children?”
Although the Northern Territory occupies a fifth of the Australian continent, it has only one per cent of its people. But it contains more than half of the country’s 1,139 remote indigenous communities and nearly 30 per cent of its population is Aboriginal. It ought to be a showcase of how Australia cares for the disadvantaged and vulnerable. It’s not.
“It is devastating for us to bury our young people; they should be burying us. But the tide has turned: we the Elders are singing and crying for our young ones.”
This was our Hurricane Katrina, said Howard – the humiliating exposure of government incompetence and neglect on a vast scale. Social breakdown in isolated Aboriginal communities was so serious that it warranted immediate action. “Freedoms and rights, especially for women and children, are little more than cruel fictions without the rule of law,” Mr Howard said. So troops, police, doctors, social workers and bureaucrats are flooding into about 60 townships in an effort to rebuild Aboriginal society from the ground up.
By any yardstick, the measures are Draconian. They include banning the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol in certain areas; restricting access to welfare payments to ensure that parents feed their children instead of their addiction to grog and gambling; and banning the possession of X-rated pornography. Non-Aborigines will no longer need permits to enter certain settlements and the Federal Government will acquire five-year leases over some townships. Disturbingly, for many Aboriginal parents, there will be compulsory examinations for their children to check for sexual abuse and to assess their health.
What sparked the federal government into action was a report commissioned by the local government into Aboriginal child sexual abuse, Little Children are Sacred. It was replete with sickening stories: a three-year old girl imitating sex acts, 12 to 15-year-old
Celebration: All children should enjoy life, as these Aboriginal children are doing. But who has been flooding Aboriginal communities with pornography that only the sex industry says is not harmful? In the meantime, WA is set to legalise the purchase and sale of women and girls. Will this state be delivering its own report on shocking abuses in a few years time?
Aboriginal girls trading sex with mine workers for alcohol and cash; increasing rates of incest; 15-year-olds raping five-year olds; mothers prostituting their children... Sad as they were, none of the stories was new. Even though the report offered few hard statistics on the scope of the abuse, it was universally believed. Year after year government reports have been tabled about dysfunctional Aboriginal communities. Successive governments have given them the vote, welfare, land rights and a huge bureaucracy to manage their affairs. What was beyond their power to give was happy home lives and successful marriages.
Aborigines have always been at risk. After more than 200 years of white contact, often tainted by violence, abuse, discrimination and neglect, links to traditional cultures and homelands have frayed or broken. Some have integrated successfully into mainstream Australian society. Many have not. Fringedwellers of de-tribalised Aborigines live in the outskirts of many country towns in ramshackle settlements. In more remote areas, so alien from white Australia that residents speak little English, tiny townships subsist on government welfare payments.
In many (though not all) of these, living conditions cannot be described as third world, or even fourth world. Journalists and government reports paint pictures of utterly demoralised communities, horrifying parallel universes of boredom, pornography, ill-health, drunkenness, petrol-sniffing, violence, and sexual abuse. Here are some details:
• One out of eight children is abused or neglected.
• The per capita rate of sexually transmitted infections amongst NT Aboriginal people is between seven and 30 times greater than for non-Aboriginals.
• Drunkenness is endemic. To give an idea of the problem, consider the town of Borroloola – population about 800. The locals were consuming about eight pallets of beer - 960 cartons - a day.
• Pornography is everywhere. Many children in Aboriginal communities are hypersexualised as a result of watching blue movies on DVDs and pay TV.
• The use of cannabis, kava is widespread. Petrol-sniffing has destroyed the lives of
many young men in remote communities.
There are fears that traditional Aboriginal culture will disappear with this generation. A woman elder from the Yolngu people in Arnhem Land said eloquently: “We can see that the young people are coming out of school and going straight into drinking – this is a very bad habit... It is devastating for us to bury our young people; they should be burying us. But the tide has turned: we the Elders are singing and crying for our young ones.”
Got the picture? Reading Little Children Are Sacred would make you weep with despair. But not just at the horrifying abuse of women and children and the near-extinction of an ancient culture. There should be despair, too, at the clueless bureaucrats.
The problem with Aboriginal society is not that it is too different from mainstream Western society, but that it is too much the same. Reeling under the onslaught of modern technology, media and bureaucracy, Aboriginal culture is fragile – immune-compromised and vulnerable to degrading moral infections. Our more robust culture, with its long Christian traditions, law and institutions can hardly cope. What chance does Aboriginal culture have? Essentially, how different is the world of Borroloola and the binge-drinking, sex-sodden world of many university students? Just read Tom Wolfe’s novel I Am Charlotte Simmons
In fact, as the report’s authors found, the problem was that many Aboriginal girls and boys are just copying what they see on their TV screens.
Pentecostal minister Djiniyini Gondarra, of the Galiwin’ku people in Arnhem Land, made a shrewd observation last year: Aboriginal youths believe they are “acting within ‘white fella’ law when being abusive, a thinking that began with the systemic undermining of our own law with the colonisation of Australia and the atrocities that followed. It is now reinforced by TV, movies, pornography and drugs brought into our community from wider Australia.”
What makes outback Aboriginal society so sick? The Howard government has highlighted the destructive influence of welfare payments – or “sit-down money” as it is often called. It is attempting to create a work ethic and a sense of personal responsibility. This
will help to curb the drunkenness, idleness and hopelessness which underlie much of the sex abuse.
But a crackpot welfare system is far from the whole story. The report’s authors heard from many sources that “as traditional Aboriginal and missionary-imposed norms regarding sex broke down, they were being replaced with rampant promiscuity among teenagers.” These tragically vulnerable people, in other words, are living in a moral vacuum.
How do the authors of the report propose to fill it? They offer 97 lukewarm recommendations that will require an army of social workers to implement. But what is their game plan for changing the hearts of Aboriginal youths, to help them treat others with the respect due to them as fellow human beings?
Safe sex. Yup, that’s right. Safe sex. “It is the Inquiry’s view that action must be taken to establish a new set of moral ‘norms’ within Aboriginal communities that do not fetter the freedom of choice but encourage the young to make appropriate and healthy choices in relation to sex and make certain behaviours socially unacceptable.”
How about fostering healthy marriages? How about strengthening the family unit? Divorce and separation is far more common amongst Aboriginal people - sometimes 300 per cent more common in remote areas. Study after study has shown that children are happiest and healthiest in intact families. But none of the report’s recommendations touch on the disastrous state of Aboriginal marriage.
Traditional Aboriginal laws on marriage were harsh and patriarchal, but they did not sanction promiscuity or sexual abuse. When Western moral relativism infected traditional culture, it killed the traditions and left little in its place.
In one community the Elders’ efforts to promote traditional marriage were being undermined by the local health centre which was distributing condoms and telling them they could have sex with anyone they want at any time as long as they wore a condom.
“For young people today having sex is like fishing, and they throw that fish back when they finished,” a Yolgnu Elder said.
This doesn’t inspire much confidence in the ability of bureaucrats from Canberra, the national capital, to teach Aboriginal youths why they shouldn’t sleep around and watch X-rated DVDs.
Canberra, coincidentally, is also the capital of Australia’s mail-order pornography industry.
Because Aborigines are socially and psychologically fragile, they suffer more when moral standards decay. But in a sense the disintegration of their communities should be a warning bell for us about the insanity of regarding substance abuse, pornography and promiscuity as mere lifestyle choices which are acceptable as long as no one gets hurt.
The tragic experience in the Northern Territory shows that a morally corrupt lifestyle will eventually lead to a dysfunctional society where kids are at risk.
The best the bureaucrats can do then is to surround broken families with a rickety scaffolding of social services and hope the kids will survive.
And if they don’t, send in the Army.
Michael Cook is editor of MercatorNet.
Continued from Page 1 parish had to give the Catholic Education Office over $1 million and $380,000 had to be spent on developing the land of the new site.
But the new site isn’t finished yet.
Current parish priest Fr Kazimierz Stuglik expects to move into the completed new presbytery by the end of this year.
Fr Kaz, along with Frs Corcoran and Beyers and a string of other priests based at the parish over the years including the recently
deceased Fr Gerard Beeson, have sacrificed much for the reality that over 400 parishioners enjoyed last month.
Fr Kaz even postponed his holidays two years ago till next year to facilitate the move.
The school actually beat the church to the punch, beginning classes in January 2005. Before this, the school used the 1912 church as a library and the land for more play areas.
The Archdiocese had already
June 24 this year was a special but somewhat surreal day for retired priest Fr John O’Reilly.
Fr John, who has served as parish priest in Perth’s inner suburbs like Applecross and as chaplain at Aquinas College, sat bemused but inspired as he concelebrated the dedication Mass of St Francis Xavier church in Armadale with Archbishop Barry Hickey, his Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton and 11 other priests.
Seeing the new church at its completion gave Fr John a sense of hope for the faith formation of a new generation of Catholics in the outer suburbs of Perth. He, of all people present, had reason to pray for the growth in faith of the community as he stood there as the only priestly vocation from the parish.
Fr John grew up in Armadale, and had a rigorous schedule serving as altar boy for Fr John McGillicuddy, the parish’s first resident parish priest from 194556. As a boy, Fr John would serve Masses at Kelmscott, Karrugullen, Pickering Brook, Byford, Jarrahdale and Serpentine.
And when considering he had to fast from midnight the previous night in readiness for receiving Holy Communion, it used to make him a hungry young teenager.
Fr John went to school in 1939 at St Francis Xavier at the site of the old 1912built church when there were only two class rooms of 33 kids in total and it was originally just an outpost of the Queen’s Park parish. When he was ordained a priest he celebrated his first Mass at the old church built in 1912.
But he stood inspired at what he saw when he returned to the Armadale parish, now based at Brookdale, last month to see a thriving community of faith.
”It’s evidence of a growth in faith,” he said, also expressing hope that more religious and priestly vocations would come from the new parish, “for that is the best way to witness one’s faith.”
purchased a large block in south Armadale, now Brookdale, for the site where the new church and school now stand, and by the mid’90s a small work group called Quo Vadis started planning the move. The parish endorsed the shift in 2000. The site was aquired in 2002 as a land swap with the support of the State Government and the original site was sold in September last year, including the school.
The dedication of the new church
had everything necessary to ensure its future success, right down to the congregation praying the Litany of the Saints, calling on all the heavy hitters in heaven to pray for the sustained growth in faith of the parish and school communities.
Archbishop Hickey blessed water with which to sprinkle the people as a sign of repentance and as a reminder of their baptism, and to purify the walls and the altar of the new church. He also poured chrism oil over
the altar “so it will become holy” –to consecrate it to the great sacrifice of the many Masses that will be celebrated there, starting with the one concelebrated by the Archbishop with 12 priests and Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton.
“It represents the table of the Last Supper, the altar on which Jesus offered His body on Calvary,” Archbishop Hickey told the packed church during his homily. The Church’s new walls were also anointed as “they are dedicated to worship also”, while the lighting of candles around the Church was designed to remind us of God revealing Himself to Moses in the Burning Bush; these represent, he said, the “fire of zeal, enlightenment and love”.
“As Christ is the Light of the World, we proclaim to a darkened world that Christ is peace and justice,” he said of the significance which the lighting of the candles is to have on parishioners’ lives.
In the first reading from the Old Testament Book of Nehemiah, the Archbishop noted that the priest Ezra preached on the laws of Moses and spoke of God’s love for Israel, which is manifested and reflected in the Law.
“We have in the Church accept-
ed the tradition of explaining the Word, emphasising the importance of listening ourselves. Whether we are praying personally or in this church, we listen with hearts and minds open, aware that the Word has revealed the power of the Holy Spirit that changes us.”
He also remarked on the “great band of men” – the acolytes who filled three rows at the front of the Church who would serve the parish, and the remarkable nature of the day.
“Some people only see the dedication of a new church once or twice in their lifetimes,” he said. The Archbishop also wore new vestments that he had just received from Poland – the home country of Fr Kaz – and left them for him to use in the parish. The day will live long in the memories of the local faithful, but the work of faith development for this part of WA has only just begun.
PHOTO: P. ROSENGREN
Sara Kane reported back to The Record’s Anthony Barich about the task facing the world’s young Catholic workers after attending the International Youth Forum in Rome
As globalisation grips the world, its youth face a tough task to embrace it while upholding their own dignity as humans, created in God’s image.
Perth’s Sara Kane and South Australia’s Adam Crouch attended the ninth
International Youth Forum sponsored by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Laity at Rocca di Papa in Rome, where hundreds of youth from around the globe learned and discussed how to actively live in the world as young Catholics.
Here, it became obvious to the Australian duo that Catholic Church’s social teaching is more relevant than ever with the global reality facing young workers, as Sara and Adam report for The Record. Young people face a world of work where globalisation has changed the organisation of labour.
Trade and economies no longer have geographic boundaries. Labour trends are following, with increasing numbers of people
Pakistan Delegate – Was a teacher back home and he had an interesting story because he teaches at a Christian school. Ninety per cent of teachers are Christians and 80 per cent of the students were Muslims.
Sudan Delegate – Studied at University to become an interior designer. Many African countries don’t have jobs available so students are left without jobs when they finish uni. Lucy was lucky to find work as a journalist and most of her income goes on providing for her parents and brothers. Lucy struggles to get Sundays off work to go to church, as most of her peers are Muslims.
Indian Delegate – Had to leave India as a young man to find work. He moved to Saudi Arabia and left behind family and friends. This was one of the situations mentioned as we discussed the impact of globalisation. It has big impacts as it breaks up the family.
Swiss Delegate – Works as teacher in a college in Switzerland. The students that she teachers come from wealthy families and all material wants are provided for. The issues that she was facing were that some of her students had taken their own lives due to neglect of time from the parent’s busy lives.
German Delegate – Works as a chemical engineer. Spoke about graduates not being able to apply the university studies practically when they entered the workforce.
Brazilian Delegate – As a young person was never given the opportunity to become properly educated. This led to unemployment and now struggles to support a family.
migrating both within their countries and around the globe. This change in the organisation of work is making access to work more difficult and more competitive.
The type of work is changing from industrial work to one of ‘intellectual capital’ in services, research and technology. On one hand, human resources are becoming obsolete as technology is replacing the work of humans. On the other hand, there are new types and methods of work being created every day, providing new opportunities for human work.
The way we work is changing with increased job flexibility, moving from full time employment to multiple part time jobs and temporary work.
The speed at which we work is becoming faster. The broader use of media and communication means the world is becoming smaller, turnover of information is quicker and as a result, we are developing homogenous cultures and identities.
The changes in the type and way we work are having an impact on life choices. Young people are delaying significant life choices
such as moving out of home, starting a family and having children.
The changes in the world of work are twofold. In some instances, young people are becoming passive, sterile and resigned. On the other hand young people are energised, motivated, competitive and adapt to change.
In light of this emerging global reality, the Catholic Social Teachings on Work are relevant more than ever. The message that we are presented with in the very beginning, when God created life, was that “We are made in the image and likeness of God;” Genesis 1: 27. This underpins everything we practise and promote when engaging in or looking for work. More specifically, this means we must respect the absolute dignity of human life. During the Forum, the Catholic Social Teachings on Work were explored. We gained greater insights to the fact that Work is a fundamental right and a good for mankind, a useful good, worthy of man because it is an appropriate way for him to
The model for work as a vocation
created
give expression to and enhance his human dignity. The Church teaches the value of work not only because it is always something that belongs to the person but also because of its nature as something necessary.
CF. LEO XIII, ENCYCLICAL LETTER RERUM NOVARUM: ACTA LEONIS XIII, 11
110.
And, that the Fundamental purpose of this productivity (work) must not be the mere multiplication of products. It must not be profit or domination. Rather, it must be the service of the human person, and indeed of the whole person, viewed in terms of one’s material needs and the demands of one’s intellectual, moral, spiritual and religious life. And when we say human person, we mean every person whatsoever and every group of people, of whatever race and from whatever part of the world.
“GAUDIUM ET SPES”
THE CHURCH IN THE MODERN WORLD” SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL, 1965
Wherefore, whatever the progress in technology and economic life, there can be neither justice nor peace in the world, so long as men fail to realise how great is their dignity; for they have been created by God and are His children. (#215)
Pope John XXIII, 1961, “Mater
Et Magistra” Mother And Teacher. Ensuring that human dignity is paramount in work, as Catholics we must make sure that:
• People have access to just and meaningful work,
• Rights of Workers are respected
• We have a Day of Rest
• Work is for human beings – not human beings for work
• Work is a means to support the development and growth of our family
• We work in Solidarity and Cooperation
• We work for the common good
• We have access to participating in a Union
• Work is a participation in Creation. We are co-workers with God.
The Church Teachings on Work provide us with wonderful guidelines on how to be a Catholic and Witness Christ in our work and everyday lives, but how can we actually achieve this?
It was emphasised by speakers
that work should never be the ultimate meaning. God is the final meaning.
We need to build time into our busy lives to have relief from our work. Time to reflect, contemplate, think, look towards our ultimate goals and find meaning in our life. Discover our moral and spiritual values of work, with the very height of our work being love.
An excellent model was presented by Professor Michael Naughton, Professor of Catholic Studies and Theology, University of St Thomas, Saint Paul, USA, highlighting work as a vocation (See graphic).
In summary, starting at the bottom of the table, we work simply to exist - subsistent living. Any leisure time we do have is used on amusement for escapism and instant gratification. Moving up the table, we focus on our work as a career. Our leisure time is simply used for recuperation, so that we have energy to face work each day. Leisure is functional in achieving
our career. Often, the bottom two are interchanged. Often, leisure is used as an amusement or function whether working to survive or working towards a career.
Vocation, being on the top tier of the table, is what we aim to achieve in our work. We can achieve this by contemplating and reflecting in our leisure time. This work and leisure balance ensures we are living out our vocation and a life of integrity. We learn that making time to reflect, coupled with the Eucharist, provides us with a way to identify where Christ is not present in our working lives and what we need to do to redeem the situation.
Again, what do we need to do to be Witnesses of Christ in the World of Work? We cannot wait on government, unions or employers to set the parameters of work.
We are called upon to act on the Gospels as individuals and as a community to bring about Christlike environments in our work and in every other aspect of our lives.
Sara Kane attended the ninth International Youth Forum, Witnessing Christ in the World of Work, on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s Commission for Pastoral Life.
What a life-changing experience. I am dedicated to ensuring young workers’ dignity is recognised and respected in every area of life.
Through my work with the Australian Young Christian Workers (YCW), I have the daily privilege of meeting with and listening to young people’s situations. The Rome Forum provided a wonderful formation experience for me in many ways.
I lapped up the lectures high-
either on a panel or during limited question time.
As a delegation, we only had two opportunities to meet in small groups to break down what we had learnt from the speakers and relate it to our own experiences. I cherished these times.
I feel that young peoples’ limited involvement in delivering the Forum was not an effective way to run a youth forum.
To add to this, I noticed a lack of representation from many countries and youth realities.
However, this has not discouraged me nor has it deterred my personal mission of ensuring that young people are listened to, have the opportunity to tell their own stories and are effectively represented.
No! In fact, it has absolutely fired me up! I am determined to continue my work in the YCW and provide recommendations on how we, as an Australian Church, can do it better.
lighting the global situation of young workers and gained a deeper insight of the Catholic Social Teachings on work.
Both of which re-affirm what the YCW is achieving for, by and with young people. I also appreciated the opportunities for community and individual prayer and/or daily Mass. This is something that I have not always made the time for and is an aspect that I have changed in my life since my return to Australia.
The personal relationships I developed with other delegates also had a profound impact on me. Listening to their experiences, their commitment, their passion and their prayerfulness in bringing about Christ-like changes to every day situations of young workers, these people re-confirmed my work and commitment with the YCW. Another experience during the Forum that contributed to my ever-extending fervour was the method used to deliver the Forum. Each day, as I sat listening to the academics speak of the global context of work and the Cardinals speak of the Church’s Teachings on work, I became increasingly disappointed that only a few young people had the opportunity to share their real life experiences
The questions that we need to begin to answer together are: -
• How can we be role models of Church?
• How do we work in a way that ensures we are consultative and that young people are listened to and involved?
• How do we create a Church that is open and accessible to young people?
I believe that the development of the Australian Youth Vision and the Australian Youth Council are excellent steps forward.
I also think WYD08 will pro-
vide a great chance to showcase to the world how an event can be run for, by and with young people. I am excited that the YCW will play an active role in developing these. The International Youth Forum has provided me with more energy in my work and life and has deepened my understanding of and engagement with my faith. I am fortunate that I have the opportunities to meet with young people and others in different areas of the Church, community, government, unions and employer groups through my work. My personal challenge now is to continue authentically witnessing Christ when working with these people and organisations.
A US priest reflects on the spirituality of Harry Potter reports Peggy Webber
assachusetts (CNS)
M- July will be a big month for Harry Potter fans and Fr Michael Bernier, parochial vicar at St Mary Parish in Westfield, proudly counts himself among the myriad of Potter devotees.
In fact, he described himself as a “Pottermaniac” at a talk he gave in May about God and Harry Potter.
And he, like millions more, is looking forward to July 21 when the seventh and final book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” is released and July 11 (in Australia) when the fifth movie, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” premieres.
“Pottermania” is once again expected to sweep through bookstores and movie theatres this summer, and Fr Bernier told those gathered for his talk at St Mary High School that Christians should not fear this devotion to stories about a boy wizard.
“On the surface level it does sound suspect and does raise red flags,” he said. However, he said the magic in Harry Potter is not sorcery. And he noted that the original title of the first book was “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
The title was changed to “Sorcerer’s Stone” for the book’s
release in the United States. “I happen to be one of the people who believes that there’s a great deal of Christian imagery and symbolism in the books,” he said.
“And I think it answers, at least in parts, a longing that we have for Christ.”
Throughout his talk, Fr Bernier quoted from “Looking for God in Harry Potter” by John Granger
which emphasises that the Harry Potter books focus on the triumph of love over death.
For example, Dumbledore says to the villain Voldemort: “Indeed, your failure to understand that there are things much worse than death has always been your greatest weakness.”
Fr Bernier also said that many people believe that Pope Benedict
XVI “came out against the Harry Potter books.”
“Pope Benedict has not said anything actually about the Harry Potter books themselves. I don’t know if he’s even read them,” he said. He told his audience of about 25 people that before he became Pope, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, responded
to a book written about the dangers of Harry Potter. He sent a note to the author thanking her for the book and said if the accusations were true then they would be of grave concern.
A majority of those attending the priest’s talk were Harry Potter fans. A few joked that they arrived by “floo powder” or “platform 9 3/4”-- referring to ways people travel in the wizard world. James Madigan, 14, said he planned to be at a local bookstore at midnight on July 21 to get his reserved copy of the latest Harry Potter book.
Lisa Miranda, 14, said she came away from the lecture realising for the first time that the Harry Potter books had “religious ties.”
Fr Bernier predicted that author JK Rowling would end the series not with Harry’s death but possibly Hagrid’s. He also predicted that Snape, who has always been portrayed in a dark light, would end up as a good character.
But above all the priest said he hopes readers embrace the goodness of the books and the enjoyment of reading.
“They’re wonderfully written books that appeal to kids and adults. They’re easy to read and they’re entertaining,” he said.
And he noted that Granger’s book praises the many good things in a series where “never has the Christian message been smuggled into hearts so effectively.”
Fr Bernier said that Harry Potter is “a symbol of all of us as sons and daughters of God - humanity pursuing its spiritual perfection in Christ.”
Fr Noel Connolly, regional director of the Columbans in Australia and New Zealand, spoke with reverence at the funeral in Subiaco of Fr Michael Cryan at the end of May.
At the risk of seeming a little irreverent I would like to begin my remarks with a statement that Cardinal Freeman often made when beginning a speech, “As Henry VIII said to Ann Boleyn, ‘I won’t keep you long’.” On this occasion it is especially appropriate because Michael was a man of few words.
But despite the admonition I feel that as the director I must make three brief points on behalf of the Columbans.
Firstly, I would like to thank the Sisters of St John of God for the care they have shown Michael not only in the last few years when he was sick and retired but also for the care and friendship they showed him over the almost forty years he has worked in Perth.
It was care marked with friendship and affection and way beyond the call of duty.
In a way you were his family. Your ministry of care was a powerful witness; so thank you.
Secondly, I would like to
thank Archbishop Barry Hickey, Bishops Donald Sproxton and Miles McKeon, the 30 priests present and Michael’s other Religious and lay friends for coming today.
Michael was a retiring man and he has been sick for some time, so it is a marvellous compliment to him and to the Columbans to see so many of you here today.
“ I learnt from Michael that words were important. Later, whenever I visited him here in Perth I learnt that it wasn’t just words but the Word that was important to him. “
We are especially grateful to Archbishop Hickey and the priests of the Archdiocese for the way they welcomed Michael into the local presbyterate.
We Columbans value our friendships with the local Church and clergy.
We see ourselves as the missionary arm of the local Church.
In Perth I think our relationship has been especially close.
Some of our most prominent Australian missionary priests
come from this Archdiocese. Thank you to the Archbishop and all the priests and people of the Archdiocese for the support you have given us over the years.
Finally I would like to pay a short tribute to Michael.
Since I heard the news of his death last Monday morning I have been wondering what I
learnt from him. How am I richer for having known him? In the seminary he taught me English Expression.
He taught me to be clear about what I wanted to say and to say it in as few words as possible.
I learnt from Michael that words are important.
Later whenever I visited him here in Perth I learnt that it wasn’t just words but the Word that was important to him.
His room was normally full of books on Scripture and the floor scattered with drafts of the commentary he always intended to publish.
He loved the Word of God and spent much of his life studying it.
In today’s gospel from Luke we heard the story of Jesus with the disciples on the way to Emmaus.
After Jesus had disappeared the disciples said to one another, “Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?” I find that comment both inspiring and challenging.
It is critical that we priests learn to preach the Word in such a way that our people’s hearts burn within them.
I am grateful to Michael for the good example he gave me.
Among others he taught me that it is important to constantly study and pray about the Scriptures if we are ever to make people’s hearts burn within them.
In a groundbreaking letter to Chinese Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI established new guidelines to favour cooperation between clandestine Catholic communities and those officially registered with the government.
John Thavis reports
The papal letter strongly criticised the limits placed by the Chinese government on the Church’s activities. But on several key issues, including the appointment of bishops, it invited civil authorities to a fresh and serious dialogue.
The 55-page letter, published by the Vatican on June 30, was accompanied by a Vatican Press Office commentary that reiterated the Vatican’s willingness to move its nunciature from Taiwan to Beijing, as soon as diplomatic relations are established with China.
The letter was posted on the Vatican’s Web site in several languages, including traditional and modern Chinese, and had been sent earlier to Chinese authorities as a courtesy. Throughout the text, the Pope expressed his appreciation for the suffering of Chinese Catholics under communism. He said their devotion to the faith and their loyalty to the Pope “will be rewarded, even if at times everything can seem a failure.”
Although the Church in China enjoys greater religious freedom today than in the past, the Pope said, “it cannot be denied that grave limitations remain that touch the heart of the faith and that, to a certain degree, suffocate pastoral activity.”
He asked for more direct contacts between church and state officials to resolve the problems and declared: “The Holy See always remains open to negotiations, so necessary if the difficulties of the present time are to be overcome.”
The letter contained important directives aimed at bridging the gap between Catholic communities that have registered with the Chinese authorities - and therefore operate under certain official limits - and Catholic communities that have practised the faith in a more clandestine fashion, professing full loyalty to the Pope.
Most specifically, the Pope formally revoked special faculties and pastoral directives that were established previously for the Church in China. Vatican sources said that move effectively rescinded a 1988 Vatican advisory that had rejected the government-sanctioned Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and regarded some of its members as non-Catholics.
The Pope criticised the Chinese government’s interference in several areas of church activity and said its insistence on registering church communities and declaring them “official” had divided the Church and given rise to suspicions, mutual accusations and recriminations.
But he effectively opened the door to registration
with the government by bishops and Catholic communities, saying this was acceptable as long as it does not compromise principles of the faith and Church communion.
On the other hand, the Pope said, such registration has required some church leaders to adopt attitudes and perform actions that are contrary to their consciences as Catholics. Because the correct decision is difficult to determine and depends on local circumstances, the choice should be made by the individual bishop, he said.
Whatever the Bishop decides, the Pope added, Catholic faithful should try to maintain unity with their pastor. Rebuilding internal church unity, he said, may require Catholics to put aside “personal positions or viewpoints born of painful or difficult experiences.”
Examining the specific problem of concelebrated Masses, the Pope said it was licit to concelebrate with bishops and priests who are registered with the Chinese government, as long as they are in communion with the Pope and as long as their relationship with the government does not entail a denial of essential principles of faith and Church communion.
The lay faithful in China must not hesitate to participate in these concelebrated Masses and in all the other sacraments carried out by such bishops or priests, he said.
Whenever possible, he said, Catholics in China should seek out ordained ministers who are in communion with the Pope for the sacraments. But when this cannot be done without grave inconvenience, Catholics may turn to those not in communion with the Pope, for the sake of their own spiritual welfare, he said.
While showing flexibility on a practical pastoral level, the Pope was firm on the principle of noninterference by the state in church affairs. The attempt by some statebacked agencies in China to place themselves above the bishop and
Pope said, in most cases the priests and faithful of the diocese have not been informed of the bishop’s reconciliation with the Vatican, giving rise to serious problems of conscience. “For this reason it is indispensable, for the spiritual good of the diocesan communities concerned, that legitimation, once it has occurred, is brought into the public domain at the earliest opportunity, and that the legitimised bishops provide unequivocal and increasing signs of full communion with the successor of Peter,” he said.
• Finally, there are a small number of bishops who were ordained without papal approval and have not asked for reconciliation. The Pope encouraged them to re-enter the communion of the Church and noted that they exercised their ministry validly, if illegitimately.
Because the China Catholic Bishops’ College includes illegitimate bishops and excludes some bishops who are in communion with the Pope, it cannot be recognised as a bishops’ conference by the Vatican, the Pope said.
guide the life of the Catholic community “does not correspond to Catholic doctrine,” he said.
Likewise, he said, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association’s idea of an autonomous Chinese church that self-manages itself democratically is “incompatible with Catholic doctrine,” which has always professed the Church to be “one, holy, Catholic and apostolic.”
The Pope said Catholics should remember that the preaching of the Gospel, catechesis and charitable activity, liturgical celebrations and pastoral decisions are the responsibility of a bishop and his priests acting in “unbroken continuity of the faith handed down by the apostles ... and therefore cannot be subject to any external interference.”
The Pope also addressed the thorny question of the selection and ordination of bishops. Disputing Chinese government arguments, he said that when a pope names bishops, it is an exercise of his “supreme spiritual authority” and not a political act. It is also a question of basic religious liberty, he said.
“The Holy See would like to be completely free to appoint bishops,” he said. He invited Chinese authorities to reach an agreement with the Church in order to resolve the current situation, in which some bishops continue to be selected and ordained without papal approval.
As for the standing of current bishops, the Pope outlined three situations:
• Some bishops, eager to maintain loyalty to the Pope, have chosen to be ordained clandestinely, without government approval. The Pope said that because the “clandestine condition” is not a normal feature of the Church’s life, the Vatican hopes these bishops will be recognised by the government.
• Other bishops have been ordained without papal approval, but have later sought and obtained communion with the Pope, who has granted it. Unfortunately, the
The letter, signed on May 27, Pentecost Sunday, was addressed to the bishops, priests, religious and lay Catholics of China. At the beginning of the text the Pope said the entire church in China was present in his heart and his daily prayers. Pope Benedict quoted Pope John Paul II’s stated hope for a “great harvest of faith” in Asia in the third millennium. Modern China, Pope Benedict said, seemed to be experiencing an increase in spiritual interest on the one hand, and a tendency toward materialism on the other. The Church seeks to encourage and awaken the spiritual energies, and its evangelisation in China will succeed to the extent that it puts love and unity into practice, he said.
The Vatican estimates there are currently between 8 million and 12 million Catholics in China, a number that continues to grow.
The Pope also noted the growth in vocations to the priesthood and religious life over the last 50 years, saying it was a sign of the Church’s vitality. At the same time, he called for more careful discernment of vocations and better formation of priests, particularly regarding celibacy. The Pope underlined that the Church is not identified with any political system. Nor is it the Church’s mission to “change the structure or administration of the state,” he said. It does not seek special privileges from China and its leaders, but “solely the resumption of dialogue,” he said.
At the end of his letter, the Pope established May 24 as a day of prayer for the Church in China, noting that it was the feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, who is particularly venerated at a Marian shrine near Shanghai.
The English translation of the papal letter may be found at: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/ benedict_xvi/letters/2007/documents/hf_benxvi_let_20070527_china_en.html.
Chinese translations of the papal letter may be found at: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/ special_features/chinese/index.htm.
There is reportedly “no evidence whatsoever” that interspecies research would lead to a single cure, yet the British Parliament is about to legalise the laboratory creation of human-animal hybrids.
Simon Caldwell reports.
In ancient mythology, the chimera was a fire-breathing creature made up of the parts of various animals. Typically, it was portrayed with the head of a lion, the body of a goat and the tail of a serpent.
It was hardly a surprise, therefore, that the announcement in May that the British Parliament is proposing a bill to legalise the laboratory creation of human-animal hybrids caused something of a stir.
The demand for legislation to create interspecies embryos is being driven with great enthusiasm by members of the scientific community.
Researchers claim that experimentation on animal-human embryos will offer insights into possible cures for certain cancers and such conditions as Alzheimer’s and motor neuron diseases.
At least two British teams have already applied for licences to create “cytoplasmic hybrids” or “cybrids,” in which human DNA is added to an empty animal egg to form an embryo that is 99.9 per cent human.
Besides allowing this technique, the draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill would also permit the creation of chimeras, formed when animal cells are added to human embryos, and transgenic human embryos, created by injecting animal DNA into a human embryo.
In all cases, the bill stipulates that the embryos must be destroyed within two weeks and cannot be implanted into a woman.
Only true hybrid embryos, formed when animal sperm fertilizes a human egg or vice versa, would be illegal.
But in mid-June Britain’s influential Academy of Medical Sciences concluded in a report that there was no compelling moral or ethical reason why such research should not be allowed.
Josephine Quintavalle of the public lobby group Comment on Reproductive Ethics told Catholic News Service on June 27 that the bill is very likely to pass through the houses of Parliament in the fall.
She said that it was also structured in such a way that the government could approve new advances without recourse to Parliament.
“I think that the overall nature of the bill is more important than the contents,” said Quintavalle, a Catholic.
“Anything that could happen in the future is not prohibited but can be permitted just by altering the definition,” she explained.
Part of the problem, she added, was that science had become a new “fundamentalism” in Britain.
“Politicians are increasing-
Strange new world: In 1997 Dr Jay Vacanti, transplant surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, grew a human ear from cartilage cells on the back of a mouse, causing outrage among animal rights and pro-life groups. PHOTO: CREIGHTONMAGAZINE.ORG
ly reluctant to engage in genuine scrutiny of the claims made by scientists, particularly in the field of embryonic stem cells,” said Quintavalle.
“The evidence base presented in this field has been particularly inadequate.
A colossal amount of time has been wasted justifying the creation of interspecies embryos without robust scientific counterarguments.
“The debate has been presented erroneously as simply a battle between pro-life or religious
absolutists and a united secular scientific community of the highest integrity,” she added.
In the eyes of the Church, however, the moral case against the creation and killing of such embryos is overwhelming.
Such a view was expounded in
LONDON (CNS) - Human embryos injected with animal cells, or chimeras, should be accorded human status under proposals to be considered by the British Parliament in the fall, said the Catholic bishops of England and Wales.
They also said politicians should reconsider a proposed ban on the implantation of chimeras into women. “In particular, it should not be a crime to transfer them, or other human embryos, to the body of the woman providing the ovum, in cases where a human ovum has been used to create them,” the bishops said.
“Such a woman is the genetic mother, or partial mother, of the embryo; should she have a change of heart and wish to carry her child to term, she should not be prevented from doing so,” they added. The bishops’ June 20 submission to a parliamentary committee set up to scrutinise the draft Human Tissue and Embryo Bill was prepared by a committee overseen by Archbishop Peter Smith of Cardiff, Wales, chairman of the English and Welsh bishops’ Department for Christian Responsibility and Citizenship.
At present it is illegal in Britain to create embryos using a mix of human and animal genetic material, but the government is proposing to allow scientists, for
the first time, to create humananimal embryos for research as long as they are destroyed within two weeks.
In their submission, the bishops said that most of the procedures covered by the bill “should not be licensed under any circumstances,” principally on the grounds that they violate human rights. However, they said, “at very least, embryos with a preponderance of human genes should be assumed to be embryonic human beings and should be treated accordingly,” they said.
The Bill has been designed as an overhaul of the laws on fertility treatment and would include sections on in vitro fertilisation and embryonic research. Britain’s 40-year-old abortion laws also would be open to amendment under the terms of the Bill.
The government initially proposed to ban the creation of chimeras but changed its mind earlier this year under pressure from the scientific community.
Under the terms of the Bill scientists would be allowed to create three different types of humananimal embryos. The first type - the chimeric embryo - is made by injecting cells from an animal into a human embryo.The second, the human transgenic embryo, involves injecting animal DNA into a human embryo and the third - a cytoplasmic hybrid - is created by transferring the nuclei of human cells, such
a June 20 joint submission by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales and the Linacre Centre for Healthcare Ethics to a parliamentary committee set up to scrutinise the bill.
The bishops and Linacre said that where there was a preponderance of human genetic material, for example, in cybrids, such creations should be considered human and should enjoy full human rights, including a right to life.
In a separate submission obtained on June 27 by CNS, the Linacre Centre further argued that it was morally wrong to even create interspecies embryos that could not be considered human.
“It is true that many chimera or hybrid embryos may not, in fact, be human embryos, even if human embryonic cells are used to create them,” said the submission.
“We believe that the production of hybrids and chimeras can still offend against human dignity.”
On top of all this are the claims from some scientists that the research is unlikely to bear any positive results.
Among the critics is Colin McGuckin, professor of regenerative medicine at the University of Newcastle, England, and an internationally respected researcher in the field of adult stem cells derived from umbilical cords.
as skin cells, into animal eggs from which almost all the genetic material has been removed.
The Bill does not allow the creation of “true hybrids” by fusing the egg and sperm of humans and animals and stipulates that human-animal embryos must be destroyed after two weeks.
The Bill would also extend the statutory storage period for embryos from five to 10 years.
It would allow the screening of embryos for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities that might lead to serious medical conditions or disabilities or miscarriages.
It also would allow doctors to check whether an embryo could provide a suitable tissue match for a sibling suffering from a lifethreatening illness.
Under provisions of the bill, fertility clinics would no longer be able to deny treatment to lesbians and single mothers. In certain circumstances, a gay male couple would be able to apply for a parental order in surrogacy cases.
Such provisions were opposed by the bishops in their submission. They said they found offensive the practice of creating an embryo especially to cannibalise its tissues and said that “deliberately to sanction the conception of children who will be deprived of both a genetic and social father is to place the wishes of adults above the human rights of the child.
He said that what had been vital to most of the breakthroughs in stem-cell technology was the ability to match tissue types, thereby radically reducing the risk of the body rejecting tissue it detects as foreign. “The best potential transplant you could have is from ‘you’ to ‘you,’” he explained.
He added that for this reason there was no advantage in developing interspecies embryos for such techniques.
“Even if you develop some nice tissue in the laboratory, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be transplantable,” he said.
McGuckin said there was “no evidence whatsoever” that interspecies research would lead to a single cure.
“Some DNA is in the mitochondria of the cell,” he said.
“If you transfer mitochondria and there are abnormalities, you give that person a disease; even if there is just a small amount of animal mitochondria in there, it will never go away. If there is tissue that is going to be rejected, it is never going to help the patient.
“If you look at the UK, there hasn’t really been any debate,” he said. “What is happening in Parliament doesn’t really represent the people on the ground.
“I think the bill will go through the House of Commons.
“They will probably pass a law saying limited animal-human hybrids will be allowed, then the Medical Research Council will give scientists public money for research and the results will be nil.”
He asked: “What is there to show for the millions of pounds that have gone into embryonic stemcell research in recent years compared to the small amount of funds for adult stem-cell research, which has been delivering the results?”
Pope Benedict XVI announces jubilee year named after St Paul the evangelist to give Christians a model of missionary energy and spirit
■ By John ThavisROME (CNS) - Pope Benedict XVI announced a special jubilee year dedicated to St Paul, saying the Church needs modern Christians who will imitate the apostle’s missionary energy and spirit of sacrifice.
The Pope said the Pauline year will run from June 28, 2008, to June 29, 2009, to mark the approximately 2000th anniversary of the saint’s birth.
He made the announcement while presiding over a vespers service at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls in Rome on June 28, the eve of the feast of Sts Peter and Paul, patron saints of Rome.
“Dear brothers and sisters, as in the (Church’s) beginning, today, too, Christ needs apostles ready to sacrifice themselves,” the Pope said.
“He needs witnesses and martyrs like St Paul.”
The Pauline year will feature numerous special liturgies and events in Rome, the Pope said.
However, Pope Benedict added that the Pauline year should also be celebrated in local churches and
in the sanctuaries, religious orders and other institutions that have a special link to St Paul.
In a special way, the Pauline year will be ecumenical, reflecting the saint’s commitment to the unity and harmony among all Christians,
he said. The Pope’s announcement was met with applause in the crowded basilica.
Seated near the altar were representatives of other Christian churches, in particular a delegation from the Orthodox Ecumenical
WASHINGTON (CNS) - A US bishop, who described the situation of Christians in Iraq as “particularly dire,” called for an end to the continuing violence against the country’s religious minorities.
“As an expression of solidarity with our brother bishops in Iraq, we urge US and Iraqi authorities and religious leaders within Iraq to do everything possible to help end the violence and the targeting of Christians and other religious minorities,” said Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Florida, chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on International Policy.
Those who remain in Iraq continue to be targeted with acts of violence, he said.
“These targeted actions against Christians and other religious minorities are not simply signs of general societal violence, but are also attacks on Christianity and religious freedom by the most extreme elements within Iraqi society.
“Christians continue to suffer a rash of killings, hostage takings for the purpose of extortion, destruction of churches and adjacent properties and specific threats against their communities,” he said.
Religious freedom also is disregarded as churches are told to remove crosses, non-Muslims are required to pay religious taxes and Christian women are ordered to
wear veils, he said. Bishop Wenski said that as a result of the violence and restrictions on religious freedom parishes, seminaries and convents have closed because many Christians no longer feel safe gathering in them.
“Forced to flee to neighbouring countries as refugees or to other areas of Iraq as internally displaced persons, Christians fear an existential threat to their ancient presence in Iraq,” said Bishop Wenski.
Since the US-led invasion in March 2003, the number of
Christians in Iraq has dropped. Figures from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees revealed last year that about 44 per cent of Iraqi refugees are Christian. Bishop Wenski noted the “particularly disturbing” killings in early June of a priest and three subdeacons in Mosul.
Quoting a recent prayer of Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop Wenski expressed hope that the killings would inspire a renewed resolve to reject hatred and violence and work toward reconciliation in Iraq.
Patriarchate of Constantinople.
The Pope made a point of greeting them warmly and reiterating their “common commitment to do everything possible to hasten the time of full communion between the Christian East and West.”
Beneath the basilica’s main altar, Vatican experts in recent years have unearthed what they say is evidence that a roughly cut marble sarcophagus was indeed the tomb of St Paul, who was believed martyred nearby.
Pope Benedict went even further, saying in his sermon that the sarcophagus “according to the common opinion of the experts and unopposed tradition holds the remains of the apostle Paul.”
He said that during the Pauline year particular care should be taken to welcome Catholics from various countries who may want to make penitential pilgrimages to the saint’s tomb.
St Paul was born in Tarsus, in what is now Turkey, at the start of the Christian era, sometime between AD 7 and 10, according to church historians.
After his conversion on the road to Damascus, he became one of the Church’s foremost evangelisers, first among Jews, then among Gentiles.
The Pope said the commemorative year would include symposiums and special publications devoted to the writings of St Paul.
The saint’s letters are a primary source of information about the life of the early Church and have
strongly influenced church thinking through the centuries. In his sermon, the Pope said St Paul’s success as an evangeliser was not credited to skills as a speaker or to a “refined strategy” of missionary argumentation.
His achievements had more to do with his extraordinary personal involvement in announcing the Gospel and his total dedication to Christ, despite problems and persecutions, he said.
St Paul’s life holds a lesson for modern Christians, the Pope said.
The action of the Church is credible and effective only to the extent that Christians are willing to “pay personally for their faith in Christ, in every situation,” he said. Where this commitment is lacking, the appeal of the Gospel will be weaker, he said.
The Pope also recalled that St Paul was once a violent persecutor of Christians who experienced a lasting personal conversion.
“He lived and worked for Christ; he suffered and died for him, how current is his example today,” he said.
The Pope also noted that, according to a long-standing tradition, Sts Peter and Paul met near the basilica before they were martyred, and they hugged and blessed each other. They were very different figures, with different roles in the Church, and there were sometimes tensions between them, the Pope said, but together they helped build the Church and showed the world a new way of being brothers.
St Cyril’s contribution to catechesis a gem: Pope
VATICAN CITY (CNS)Religious education programs should help people understand the doctrines of Christian faith, but also must help them integrate that teaching into every area of their lives, Pope Benedict XVI said.
After briefly greeting 6000 pilgrims in St Peter’s Basilica, the Pope moved into the Vatican audience hall, where he explained the treasure left by St Cyril in “Catecheses,” a series of lessons addressed to people preparing for baptism and to those who had just been baptised.
The Pope said St Cyril’s text is “a model of an introduction to being Christian,” one which addressed people’s intellects, their experience and their behaviour.
St Cyril’s catechesis was “profoundly biblical” and demonstrated the unity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, demonstrating how salvation history began with creation and moved progressively toward fulfillment in Christ, the Pope said.
In the early Church, he said, “catechesis was an important moment inserted in the broad
context of the entire life - particularly the liturgical life - of the Christian community in whose maternal womb, we can say, the gestation of the future faithful took place.”
“This was an important moment; it was not a catechesis that was only intellectual, but a journey of learning how to live the Christian life always accompanied by the community,” Pope Benedict told the general audience.
The communal nature of the candidates’ formation, he said, helped them understand “they were entering into a large company of travellers.”
St Cyril also explained to the candidates how the Church’s moral teaching was “anchored in deep unity” with its teaching about God and about Jesus Christ, he said.
“Doctrine and life are not two distinct things, but one journey of existence,” the Pope said.
As a person grows in understanding the faith, he is prompted to transform his behaviour to reflect his new life in Christ.
“We ask the Lord to help us learn a Christianity that really involves our entire lives.”
Without Roots: The West, Relativism, Christianity and Islam
By Pope Benedict XVIThis book pierces through the curtain of reticence and timidity which impedes a clear discussion of our future and the great issues of our time – the state of the West, Christianity, Islam, war and bioethical questions. Readers will see that the Church has something very valuable to offer the world and its future.
$44+postage
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI shares his personal journey in seeking the face of Christ. Accessible and illuminating, Jesus of Nazareth restores and renews ‘the interior friendship with Jesus’. This work is important and valuable to those seeking hope in troubled times and those who seek a personal relationship with God.
$39.95+postage
By Pope Benedict XVI
Rich in humour and culture, passion and love for the cause of God and man, Milestones is the autobiography of the early life of Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI. It tells the fascinating story of his family life, his growing up under Nazi oppression and compulsory participation in Hitler Youth, from which he fled at the risk of his own life. He then recounts his ordination to the priesthood, his role in the Second Vatican Council, his appointment as Archbishop of Munich and serving under John Paul II as the Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith.
$25.95+postage
Deus Caritas Est: On Christian Love
By Pope Benedict XVI
Deus Caritas Est on CD
Broadcaster Peter Byrne narrates the full encyclical Deus Caritas Est on this double CD.
Special Price (until Wednesday 18th July 2007): $9.95
Pope Benedict XVI explores the meaning of ‘caritas’ (love). He begins with a reflection on the relationship between Agape, the love of God, and Eros, erotic love. He then goes on to explore the nature of love that the Catholic Church is called to show in the world.
$5.95+postage
By Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI reflects on the state of modernday culture, which is pushing to eradicate God from public life and thus erode human dignity. In the face of this tragedy, Pope Benedict XVI offers wisdom and hope to resurrect western culture.
$29.90+postage
Is Truth knowable? If we know the truth, must we hide it in the name of tolerance? Pope Benedict XVI engages the problem of truth, tolerance, religion and culture in the modern world, embracing the difficult challenge of meeting diverse understandings of truth while defending the Catholic teaching of salvation through Jesus Christ. This book is ivaluable to those who struggle to hear the voice of truth in today’s world.
$33+postage
Pope Bendict Code
By Joanna BogleJoanna Bogle explores the life of Pope Benedict XVI and introduces readers to his writings on subjects which include Christian unity, the sacrament of confession, young people and the faith, the problems in the Church, marriage and family, the role of Bishops and the Pope, and why he chose the papal name of Benedict.
$19.95+postage
Archbishop Barry Hickey reflects on the introspective mood in Hal Colebatch’s new book, “A Light River”
This is a benign book, a gentle book, one to read slowly with ears and heart open to receive the pictures painted through the words of one who can bring the best out of the English language.
Anyone who knows Hal Colebatch will know that his words are not always benign. He more than occasionally lines up his targets and lets the words fly like penetrating arrows.
This is a different book.
It is Hal in a more introspective mood, conscious of the beauty of ordinary things and aware of the little cameos of elegance and charm that he sees in nature or even in a cat.
Hal writes about cats in this little book.
Perhaps he has a special interest in cats, an admiration for their qualities of apparent contemplation and aloof superiority.
Cats often look thoughtful, and wrap themselves in a deep meditative trance as they close their eyes before the winter fire.
It may be that thoughts are just too much for their small brain, but they fool us all with their show of philosophical profundity.
May I quote...
The black kitten, discarding her toys, Sits on the window-still
Round eyes so filled
With the wonder of the garden beyond. What has this tiny-brained predator retained
That we have so often lost: awe at the curve
Of a flower-stem in the sun, the jewelflash
Of light in drops from a sprinkler?
Or as in ‘To Winston’ where he writes of patrolling Winston and his small compass of whiskers and his purring buzz-saw that seeks to hold a mystery”
The Light River, called I presume after the shimmering Swan River, asks us to look again at familiar things and places, beautiful experiences in Kalgoorlie, Rottnest, Nedlands, along the river at Nedlands, and Augusta to name a few. He even takes us to the England he delights in, to Egypt and to Israel and to Lebanon.This book is full of phrases that take you by surprise, as poets do. On Augusta he writes:
“Arriving late at night, in rain and wind, just catching the last toasted sandwich in the bar, to sleep in a room wrapped in black wind,”
Who of us would ever think of calling the wind a “black wind”, yet the word is just right in describing the sensation/listening at night to the rain and howling wind outside.
Of course the book contains more than beautiful lyrical poems and also his own Haiku. This is a long epic poem about the fate of a cargo ship, the tanker called the San Demetrio. It is set in 1940, in the North Atlantic during the war, when it found itself caught up in a naval battle.
I launched out on the poem, thinking to read it in stages, but once I began I could not stop till I had finished it, so powerful was the language and the dramatic and relentless pace of the story.
There was no blame in this poem, no criticism of the actions of the hostile battle-
ships in firing their destructive artillery, no condemnation of war that caused such pain, destruction and death, only admiration for the courage of ordinary people faced with the slim challenges of survival.
They were not admirals or generals or trained fighters, these people were, in his words “mostly anonymous, dressed in dungarees, serge oil-stained tropic whites doing a fairly dirty job”.
There is “Mr Pollard, who has something to do with the engines,” also Mr McNeil, the Scottish seaman, and Boyle, a little man who mixes engine-grease and wipes machines.” And so on.
What the poem does is show the nobility under enormous pressure and the threat of death, and the great courage of ordinary people.
This book of poems will please ordinary people like us because the poet takes us to ordinary places and shows us ordinary things, revealing their beauty.
There is perhaps a hint that he is asking us to think about the origin of all these beautiful things, as he dwells on dove shells on a Rottnest Beach.
Their perfect beauty
On the white sand
Their intricate markings and design,
Are yet more evidence
This was no accident.
It reminds me of the insight of the Jesuit poet Gerard Manley Hopkins in “God’s Grandeur” when he said: “and for all this, nature is never spent; There lies the dearest freshness deep
down in things….
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent World broods with warm breast and with, ah! Bright wings”
I have great pleasure in launching this refreshing book “The Light River” and offer my personal congratulations.
Dr Colebatch will be autographing copies of The Light River - see page 18 for details
Come and meet the author of The Light River and get your copy of his latest book signed by the author! Hal will be available not only for signing copies of his book, but also to answer questions from readers.
Take this unique opportunity to meet and speak with a leading Australian writer about his latest work.
Don’t miss out- come to 587 Newcastle Street, West Perth. For more information contact The Record on (08) 9227 7080.
Tocelebrate the new, reduced advertising rates and kick off the new financial year The Record is offering a big incentive on small advertisements. This is a great advertising idea for businesses, events and public notices. During July, all you’ll pay for an advertisement 49mm x 65mm is $40*. This is a limited offer and will only be available during July, 2007.
During July all you’ll pay for a black and white ad this size is $40.
See page 14 for more details.
A range of designs are available and our friendly staff are available to answer any queries. For an information sheet email administration@therecord.com.au, or ring Justine on (08) 9227 7080.
- supporting small businesses - supporting our local community - supporting our Church * Subject to conditions. Call The Record for more details - (08) 9227 7080. Price includes GST.
on 6278 3425 or 9349 4052.
When aid money is sent to Sudan it may fall into the wrong hands, so it is better to send volunteers to help improve locals’ lives, a visiting Sudanese bishop said in Australia. Bishop Joseph Gasi, from southern Sudan, thanked Australians for supporting the poverty-stricken people of his homeland, but also said “you can do more.”
Speaking to the Southern Cross newspaper in South Australia, he appealed for more aid from countries like Australia.
Weekend July 14 and 15
“Your roads are all paved and there are lights everywhere and we have no electricity, no clean water, not to mention roads,” he said. “I also come to ask for volunteers to come to my diocese. When they send money, we worry it will fall into the wrong hands, so send people.
Create positive memories
“We need moral support to continue with the peace process and reconciliation,” Bishop Gasi said. Mass attendance and vocations to the priesthood remain high in Sudan, the bishop said, despite his country’s many problems.
Acting out of anger rarely solves many problems. Anger is like the tip of an iceberg, usually triggered by a range of other emotions (hurt, frustration, embarrassment, irritability, jealousy, annoyance, tiredness, etc.) that have been seething underneath. The best way to deal with anger in marriage is to ask yourself: “What’s led to this anger? What are the emotions below the surface?” If you are extremely angry then sometimes the best thing to do is have a little time out.
FINDING CHRIST IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
11am –3.30pm St Cecilia’s Parish Centre, Peebles Road, Floreat. A Conversation led by Fr Paul Fogarty (Parish
Wednesday July 18
TAIZE MEDITATIVE PRAYER
7.30–8.30pm at St Thomas More Catholic Church, 100 Dean Road, Bateman. All are welcome to come and spend an hour in Group Prayer and relax after a busy workday in a candlelight atmosphere of prayer, song and meditation. Enq: Daisy/Barney 9310 4781.
Friday to Sunday July 20 – 22
SEPARATED, DIVORCED, WIDOWED
Beginning Experience is running a weekend program designed to assist and support people in learning to close the door gently on a relationship that has ended, in order to get on with living. The next weekend program will be held at Epiphany Retreat Centre, 50 Fifth Avenue, Rossmoyne. Enq: Bev 9332 7971 or Margaret 9294 4892.
Saturday July 21
ULTREYA
2pm. Come and join us for a happy and interesting afternoon at St Thomas More Parish Centre, 100 Dean Road, Bateman. Afternoon tea provided. All welcome.
Friday July 27
MSGR PETER MCCRANN 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Holy Trinity Parish Embleton are celebrating 50 years of Priesthood for Monsignor Peter McCrann with Eucharist at 7pm followed by refreshments in the hall afterwards. Friends and former parishioners are invited to join us. RSVP: Sunday July 8 9370 4361.
Saturday July 28
COURSE ON THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit of Freedom Community is conducting a five week course on the different gifts of the Holy Spirit from 10.30am – 12.30pm at HsoF Prayer Meeting, St Anne’s Church Hall, 11 Hehir St, Belmont. For further details contact Peter or Bridget on 9475 0155, email HsoF Community at hsofperth@gmail.com.
Saturday and Sunday August 4 and 5
La Salle College - Year 11 Drama Production Much Ado The Year 11 Drama Production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado will be held in the Nicholas Barre Auditorium at La Salle College, 5 La Salle Avenue, Middle Swan. Bookings have opened and tickets can be purchased from the College Administration Office or contact 9274 6266 for ticket bookings. Tickets are: $9 adults, concessions $7, Family tickets are available.
Sunday August 5
DIVINE MERCY
An afternoon with Jesus and Mary will be held at St Joachim’s Church, cnr Shepperton Rd and Harper St Victoria Park at 1.30pm. Program: Holy Rosary and Reconciliation. Sermon: Fr Michael Rowe, followed by Divine Mercy Prayers and Benediction. Afterwards refreshments in Parish Hall then Video with Fr John Corapi. Enq: John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.
Tuesday August 21 – December 2
SET MY PEOPLE ON FIRE
7.45 pm St. Anthony’s Parish, 96 Innamincka Road, Greenmount, 15 weekly Bible sessions for Building a Faith Building Community - Living Life in the Word called “Set My People on Fire.” Presented by Perth Catholic organisation Flame Ministries International featuring international speakers and the Flame Music Ministry. Each Tuesday evening with a Friday to Sunday weekend every 5th week. Free admission - Information: (08) 9382 3668Email: smpof@flameministries.org - Program: flameministries.org/smpof.html.
First Sunday of Each Month DEVOTIONS IN HONOUR OF THE DIVINE MERCY
The Santa Clara Parish Community welcomes anyone from surrounding Parishes and beyond to the Santa Clara Church cnr of Coolgardie and Pollack Streets Bentley. The afternoon commences with the 3 o’clock prayer, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, reflection and concludes with Benediction.
YCS PAST MEMBERS
Have you ever been involved in YCS and are interested in what YCS is doing in 2007? Or would you like to regain contact with friends from your YCS days? If so please email Vicky Burrows at the YCS Office at perth@ycs.org.au or call 9422 7911 so that we can put you on our data base to receive updates about YCS and past members.
Every Saturday PERPETUAL HELP DEVOTIONS
4.30pm. The half hour Perpetual Novena Devotions to the Mother of Perpetual Help continue each Saturday at the Redemptorist Monastery Church, 190 Vincent Street, North Perth. Reconciliation available before and after the Devotions. All welcome.
Every Sunday BULLSBROOK SHRINE
Sunday Pilgrim Mass is celebrated with Holy Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 2pm at the Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Road, Bullsbrook. Reconciliation is available in Italian and English before every celebration. Enq: Sacri 9447 3292.
Every Sunday RADIO GATE OF HEAVEN
7.30-9pm, 107.9FM. 1. Council of Faith II w/Fr John Triglio “The Christian Faith and Demonology”. 2. The Web of Faith w/Fr Robert Levus & Fr John Triglio “Answering your questions as they come in”.
Every Fourth Monday SCRIPTURAL PRAYER PROGRAM
7.30-9pm Venue from July 23 St Mary’s Parish Centre, 40 Franklin St Leederville. The Council for Australian Catholic Women (CACW) is offering a Scriptural Prayer Program developed in the Jesuit tradition. This form of prayer can lead to more reflective living, greater spiritual depths and promotes lay spiritual leadership in the Church. Led by Kathleen Brennan (ibvm). Enq: Michelle Wood 9345 2555.
Every Tuesday WEEKLY PRAYER WITH MARY’S COMPANION WAYFARERS OF JESUS THE WAY
7pm St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Centre, 450 Hay Street, Perth. Personal healing in prayer, Rosary, Scripture, meditation, praise in song, friendship and refreshments. Appreciate the heritage of the Faith united with others asking Jesus and Mary to overcome burdens in life. Prayer is powerful. Come, join us!!
Every Wednesday ADORATION
Adoration followed by Evening Prayer and Benediction. 1pm-5.30pm St Thomas Church, 2 College Road, Claremont. Personal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is Adoration of Jesus’ gift of himself, of His love for you for your loved ones and for our world. Come and thank him.
Every Fourth Sunday
SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER
The Perth Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order no longer meets at the Pro-Cathedral but instead assembles every fourth Sunday at 2.30pm in the Chapel of RSL Care, 51 Alexander Dr, Menora. Enquiries John 9385 5649.
Every 4th Sunday of the Month HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE
“Watch and Pray” Holy Hour is held at Infant Jesus Parish, Morley from 2-3pm with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The hour consists of some prayers and Scripture but mostly the hour is silent prayer for Vocations. All are welcome. Next Holy Hour is July 22, 2007. Please encourage others to come and pray. Prayer - it works! Enq: 9276 8500.
Every Monday
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOR THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
The Emmanuel Centre are offering to help people who gain weight because they are using medication for their mental illness. The group helps participants to manage their weight safely and healthily. MindBody-Life meets at the Emmanuel Centre on Mondays from 12.302.30pm. Free. The group starts with a weigh-in, then a talk on nutrition and healthy eating tips, goal setting and then half an hour of exercise. Enq: AmandaEmmanuel Centre, 9328 8113.
EVERY SATURDAY
After an almost unanimous verdict from the parish, City Beach will change its Saturday evening Mass from 6.30pm to 6pm as of June 30. While Saturday Confession is now from 5-6pm, all other Mass times will stay the same. Holy Spirit parish priest Fr Don Kettle said that a recent parish census revealed that 94 per cent wanted to move it to 6pm as 6.30pm was deemed too late, especially in the winter months.
BOOK DONATIONS
We still seek donations of books and thank you and bless you for your kind, generous contributions of Bibles, Missals and Catholic books on the faith. We are now able to offer a selection of second-hand, pre-loved books to the community in return for a small donation. Enq: 9293 3092.
WINDOW FUND DONATIONS WELCOME
St Catherine’s Catholic Church, Gin Gin Parishioners are currently fundraising to restore the
■ ACCOMMODATION WANTED Retired Lecturer and Teacher desires care-taking duties and tuition in exchange rental house/flat. Space for books, piano, some furniture within 100kms Perth. Excellent References. Call 9317 2275.
■ DENMARK
Holiday House 3bdr x 2 bath, sleeps up to 8. BOOK NOW. Ph: Maria 0412 083 377.
■ FAMILY GROUP ACCOMMODATION Visit http://www.beachhouseperth.com Call 0400 292 100
■ BLINDS SPECIALIST Call AARON for FREE quotes 0402 979 889.
■ BRICK REPOINTING Phone Nigel 9242 2952.
■ PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD
For all your residential, commercial painting requirements. Phone Tom Perrott 9444 1200.
■ PICASSO PAINTING Top service. Phone 0419 915 836, fax 9345 0505.
■ BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Extra income from your own home-based business. Work part-time without disturbing what you are doing now. Call: 02 8230 0290 or 0412 518318 www.dreamlife1.com<http://www.dreamlife1.com>
■ CARETAKER
The Old Convent in Bridgetown is a short-term stay facility for those seeking a quiet and restful country break. The Bridgetown Parish seek a Caretaker (married couple or single person). Accommodation provided. Would suit a retired couple. For enquiries or further information, phone Fr Wayne Bendotti on (08) 9761 1241.
■ ORGANIST WANTED
St Joseph’s Bassendean. 7am & 9am Masses Sundays. Student acceptable, phone 9279 1549 (leave message).
■ RELIEF COOK
Lunchtime cook (up to 14) required for monastery. Aug 20 – Sept 28 (6 weeks) 10am – 2pm Mon-Fri Casual Rates. Enq: Bob 9328 6600.
■ ALL AREAS Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.
■ ACHES, PAINS, STRESS???
Indian mature male masseur offers Reflex Relax Massage at $30 for 60mins. Phone Jai 0438 520 993.
■ DEMENTIA REMISSION
Do you, or your loved one, suffer Dementia. Get into Dementia Remission like me! http://www. wgrey.com.au/dm/index.htm or (02) 9971 8093.
■ HEALTH AND WELLNESS
A FREE Sample Pack of wellness, weightloss, and energy products. DVD and product brochure also enclosed. (Only while stocks last - hurry!!) Call 02 8230 0290 or 0412 518318
■ MIGRATE TO AUSTRALIA
For guidance and visa processing, Skilled or Family Visas and Study visas. Call Michael Ring or Ajay Trehan Registered Migration Agent – (MARN # 0212024). Phone: (02) 8230 0290 or 0412 518 318 for a no-obligation assessment, please call or email: michael.ring@bigpond.com
■ APARACIDA’S EMPORIUM
Florist, retailer of Catholic Products (all occasions), giftware, wedding and special events planner. Just opened, Shop 11, Cinema Arcade Perth. 0434 390 363.
■ 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.
■ GOSNELLS/ARMADALE TAX RETURNS
Individual and Business Unit 1 (next to cafe) AGONIS building, Albany Hwy, Gosnells. Mobile to surrounding suburbs. Call 9490 6500 or 0434 906 578.
■ GEMMA LORI PHOTOGRAPHY
Fully qualified. Specialising in Weddings, Baptisms and other special events. Prices for Weddings start from $800. You can contact me on 0409 928 685 or email mlori@westnet.com.au
■ THANKSGIVING
Ask St Clare for three favours. One business, two impossible, say nine hail Marys for nine days with candle; publish on the ninth day. Powerful novena, your request will be granted.
Must be submitted by fax, email or post no later than 12pm Tuesday. For more information contact 9227 7778.
church windows. The cost of each window is $1500. If anyone is able to assist our fundraising efforts please telephone Fr Paul 9571 1839.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Ignatian Volunteers Australia calls for part-time volunteers to respond to the needs of people in the community who live in marginalised circumstances. At the heart of this program is a reflective process based on Gospel values, which supports the volunteers in their work. To
learn more: www.volunteers.jesuit.org.au Contact Kevin Wringe, Perth Coordinator (08) 9316 3469 kwringe@iinet.net.au .
REUNION
John and Marie Acland are planning to hold a reunion later this year of all past and present members of the Apostles of Christ Prayer Group Willetton and all other persons who took part in their Meetings, Fellowship Nights, Life in the Spirit, and supplementary Seminars, the Alpha Course and other group activities. Further details will be advised when full numbers are known. Enq: Marie Acland. Tel/fax 9537-3390. Email jmacland@bigpond.com or Dianne McLeod 9332-0829 Email danielmcleod@bigpond.com
Panorama entries must be in by 5pm Monday. Contributions may be faxed to 9227 7087, emailed to administration@therecord.com.au or mailed to PO box 75, Leederville, WA 6902. Submissions over 55 words will be edited or excluded. Inclusion is limited to 4 weeks. Events charging over $10 constitute a classified event, and will be charged accordingly. The Record reserves the right to decline or modify any advertisment. Please do not re-submit Panoramas once they are in print.
Ceremony and meaning:
Archbishop Barry Hickey, top, addresses those gathered for the dedication of the new church while, clockwise, staff and students from the adjacent St Francis Xavier School process with the Gospel; Fr Kaz lights a candle held by a student symbolising God’s revelation of himself to Moses in the burning bush; a bas-relief depicting the patron saint of the parish preaching to people in India; a child takes a moment’s break sitting on a windowsill behind the sanctuary; Fathers Jim Corcoran and Kaz Styglik return to the sanctuary after the annointing of the walls of the new building and, below, Archbishop Hickey places the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle in its side chapel. The tabernacle was brought to the the church from the old St Francis Xavier located at Third Road, Armadale
