The Record Newspaper 07 November 2007

THE R ECORD

On the ROAD

ANTHONY BARICH joins 300 other pilgrims to spend three days walking from Ballarat to Bendigo for the Christus Rex Pilgrimage VISTA 1-3

Youth dump Amnesty

Koondoola students take stand and launch a non-abortion, human rights group

■ By Sylvia Defendi

Following the Church’s withdrawal of support for Amnesty International, Mercy College in Koondoola has become the first school in WA to register with the newly-formed Benenson Society.

Established by Sydney-based Jesuit priest and school principal, Fr Chris Middleton SJ, the new group was established specifically to provide an alterna-

for Amnesty International’s founder Peter Benenson, above, who was also a convert to the Catholic Church.

tive social justice group for Catholics, who can no longer be affiliated with Amnesty, although its membership is also open to those of other faiths or no faith at all.

Earlier this year, Amnesty revealed its intention to incorporate a pro-abortion policy, much to the dismay of many Catholic members worldwide.

According to Fr Middleton the new Society was established to “provide students with the opportunity to be involved in the promotion of human rights through an awareness of the violation of these rights and by lobbying governments on behalf of the abused.”

“The Society is open to all those of Continued on Page 8

AIM HIGH

Archbishop Barry Hickey launched the Parish Appeal for this year’s LifeLink so that Church agencies can continue to help WA’s suffering and marginalised. Page 3

Five more step up to join priesthood and the diaconate next Friday

■ By Sylvia Defendi

Four deacons will be ordained to the priesthood and one seminarian to the diaconate at Infant Jesus Church in Morley on Friday evening November 16.

All are invited to attend the cer-

emony at 7pm when the seminarians, from St Charles’s Seminary in Guildford and Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary in Morley, are ordained.

The diverse ethnic backgrounds of those being ordained continues the theme of ordina-

tions in Perth in recent years.

The group is made up of George James from Kerala in India, Arnel Taracena from the Philippines, Ernesto Cerutti from Argentina and Manoel Borges from Brazil, all being ordained as priests.

Pavol Herda, from Slovakia, will be ordained a deacon. The deacons have been serving in parishes across the metro area in recent times.

“Parishioners from Lockridge may recognise George and those from Girrawheen may recogContinued on Page 2

STUDENT WINS RHODES

An ex-La Salle College student has won this year’s Rhodes Scholarship. What does it take to win one of the highest education awards in the State?

A NIGHT WITH THE KING

The biblical story of Esther has everything

Winning style: The Grand Final of the Youth on Health Festival (YOH Fest) extravaganza proved a massive hit, especially for Broome’s St Mary’s College, which won three of the five categories. Story - Page 8

PHOTO: COURTESY ST MARY’S COLLEGE

Pride justified as Jennacubbine hits the century

Little country church that’s a real stayer marks anniversary with style and enthusiasm.

Approximately 200 people from different parts of WA gathered on Sunday October 28 to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the Church of St Isidore at Jennacubbine.

The Mass was concelebrated by five priests lead by Archbishop Barry Hickey.

Many people contributed to the success of the day with the parishes of Northam, Toodyay and Goomalling assisting with donations, food, and the printing of the Mass booklet.

The Jennacubbine CWA provided their generous support. Despite all the clock changes due to daylight saving, people began arriving early until the Church was packed to standing room only; later arrivals spilled out into the yard outside.

The Master of Ceremonies for the day was Daisy Bowen, representing the sixth generation of the Bowen family of Jennacubbine.

Organist Dorothy Glass was supported by violinist Colin Brabazon. Soprano soloist Georgia Bowen’s voice echoed through the church while everyone joined in with the singing of old favourite hymns selected for the day.

People representing the families who had helped establish the origi-

nal church participated in the Mass and later gave short talks on the history associated with St Idiore’s.

These included Mrs Bernadette Cashmore (Clarke), Mr Ross Watson, Mr John Knowles, Mr Paul Leeson, Mr Kim Brockhurst and Mr Justin Bowen.

Artefacts symbolising the his-

Pre-purchasing is advised to secure a preferred location. Please contact Fremantle Cemetery on (08) 9319 0400 to schedule a private consultation.

display – with visitors able to browse and check photographs, or look for names listed on the display boards.

These included the priests, baptisms, weddings and other events held at the church over the years.

Church memorabilia was also on display such as vestments worn by the priests years ago. A repeating projection of photos ran all afternoon keeping many people engrossed in the old images of people and events of the district.

Outside, a marquee had been set up under the trees beside the church and seating included haybales from a nearby farm.

Visitors enjoyed a delightful spread and the best of country hospitality whilst catching up with people they hadn’t seen for years; many discovered family links they had previously been unaware of.

An anniversary cake was cut by the Archbishop and Mrs Betty Bowen, a stalwart of the little church for many years.

tory of the Church – a chain measure, some wool, a small sheaf of wheat, a windmill and a bouquet of wildflowers and gum leaves - was brought forward during the offertory procession.

Archbishop Hickey offered his congratulations to all involved for the time and effort put into the unique celebration. Very few small country Churches have managed to remain open and operating continuously for 100 years and it was the duty of everyone to keep the Church alive wherever people gathered.

Organisers Joe and Cathie Bowen, and Peter and Sandra Darragh thanked the many who had helped and acknowledged the financial assistance of the Northam Catholic Parish, the Archdiocesan Development Fund, Fr Kevin Long, the Jennacubbine Sports Council, the Shire of Goomalling and Bendigo Community Bank, Goomalling.

After Mass, the church was quickly reorganised into an open

Anyone with photos taken on the day that they would like to share, can contact Cathie Bowen on (08) 9623 2264.

A LIFE OF PRAYER

Seminarians near end of vocational journey

Continued from Page 1 -nise Arnel,” said St Charles’ Seminary rector Fr Don Hughes.

While it has not yet been decided where the new priests will be stationed, Ernesto and Manoel, who studied at Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary, could be stationed either locally or internationally. Many of the seminarians will relish the opportunity to see their families, who will be visiting Australia for the ordination.

“It has been a long journey for these seminarians, away from their homeland,” he said.

Tyburn Priory, 325 Garfield Road, Riverstone, NSW 2765 www.tyburnconvent.org.uk

Redemptoris Mater Seminary rector, Fr Michael Moore, said that while the two Neocatechumenal seminarians from the Morley seminary comes from very different backgrounds each has discovered a rich faith in their country of origin and has answered the call of Christ to be available wherever the Church needs them most.

Divine Mercy congress is first

The first world congress on Divine Mercy will have ecumenical and interreligious overtones, according to its secretary-general.

Father Patrice Chocholski announced that online registration for the 1st World Apostolic Congress on Mercy is now open on its Web page www.worldapostoliccongressonmercy.org.

The congress will be held from April 2-6 at the Vatican, coinciding with the third anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II.

Happy day: Georgia Bowen, left, Peter Darragh, Sandra Darragh, Archbishop Barry Hickey, Daisy Bowen, Cathie Bowen, Courtney Bowen, Fr Andrew Bowron, and Joe Bowen outside the Church of St Isidore after the Mass celebrating 100 years.

PHOTO: COURTESY CATHY BOWEN

Lifelink 2007 takes aim at record goal

The target for the Archbishop’s annual Christmas LifeLink appeal this year is a minimum of $500,000, which will be a record.

The figure was announced last Wednesday evening at the liturgical launch of the appeal attended by parish priests and parish representatives at Sacred Heart Church, Highgate.

The target is $6000 more than last year’s result, which was also a record.

LifeLink is the organisation through which the Archbishop funds 14 caring Catholic agencies, which help more than 40,000 West Australians each year, regardless of race, creed, colour or circumstance.

The agencies help the unemployed and disadvantaged; women and children escaping domestic violence, neglect and abuse; migrants and refugees; people with physical and intellectual disabilities; those affected by HIV and AIDS; people

battling drugs and other addictions; families and individuals in crisis; the homeless and those in urgent need of care.

The latest addition to the LifeLink family has been the Day Dawn Hope Advocacy Centre, one of three agencies dedicated to helping Aboriginal people to claim their rightful place in society.

The Archbishop’s themes for this year’s appeal are to love God and love one another, and through this love to accept the challenge to reach out to people in need.

This weekend (November 10-11) parishes will distribute envelopes containing a personal letter about the appeal and a small gift from Archbishop Hickey, and an appeal envelope in which donations can be posted to LifeLink or handed in at Mass on the following weekend.

Regular donors who are on the LifeLink mailing list will have already received their letters from the Archbishop.

The weekend November 17-18 will be the official appeal weekend when donations will be taken up at each Mass. Spare envelopes will be available for those who need them.

Moved by the desperate plight of Christians in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East, the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has been supporting the country’s beleaguered Christian population. Sadly, due to ongoing violence and oppression, the proportion of Christians in the Holy Land has plummeted from 20 percent to as little as 1.4 percent in the last 40 years.

ACN is helping to keep faith and hope alive throughout the region by providing urgent aid to priests, religious and lay people, offering subsistence help to refugees and building and repairing churches and convents. Please help us strengthen and rebuild the Church in the land of Christ’s birth.

A beautiful, handcrafted crib, made of olive wood in Bethlehem, will be sent to all those who give a donation of $20.00 or more to help this campaign.

I/We enclose $................ to help keep Christianity alive in the Holy Land and Middle East.

0Yes please send me the little olive wood crib*

Please tick the box below if you would like to receive the little olive wood crib*.

AID

Made of olive wood from the Holy Land, this delightful little crib scene is powerfully evocative of Christ’s birthplace.

The cribs are lovingly, handcrafted by poverty stricken families in Bethlehem and your donation helps them survive.

(Size:10.5 cm x 10.5 cm x 5.5 cm)

I’m John Hughes, WA’s most trusted car dealer

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?

EDITOR

Peter Rosengren cathrec@iinet.net.au

JOURNALISTS

Anthony Barich abarich@therecord. com.au Sylvia Defendi sdefendi@iinet.net.

au Paul Gray cathrec@iinet.net.au

Mark Reidy reidyrec@iinet.net.au

ADMINISTRATION

Caroline Radelic administration@therecord.com.au

ACCOUNTS

Cathy Baguley recaccounts@iinet. net.au

PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING

Justine Stevens production@therecord.com.au CONTRIBUTORS

In support: Monsignor Peter McCrann greets Archbishop Hickey at the launch.

Focus: Bishop Donald Sproxton assisted Archbishop Hickey in launching the appeal.

Openers: Highgate Parish Priest Fr Peter Bianchini opened the evening with a Gospel reading.

AFL heeds priest’s Good Friday protest

■ By Anthony Barich

The Australian Football League has resisted a push by at least three AFL clubs to play a match on Good Friday next year after a Perth priest wrote about 30 letters to officials outlining the day’s significance.

On October 12 the AFL Commission approved the AFL Executive’s recommendation for the 2008 premiership season to start a week earlier, over the Easter weekend, with the first match to be scheduled on Thursday March 20.

However, no match will be played the following day on Good Friday, despite Hawthorn, Richmond and Carlton all vying to play on that day.

The chaplain to Perth’s Latin Rite Catholics, Fr Michael Rowe, wrote up to 30 letters urging the league to resist pressure from AFL clubs to schedule a game on Good Friday.

Fr Rowe was supported by Cardinal George Pell, a selfdescribed “avid AFL supporter” and vice-patron of Richmond, who also wrote to the League, reminding its officials that Catholics make up the largest religious minority (just over a quarter of the population) in Australia.

Cardinal Pell also reminded the AFL that Good Friday is a day of penance and fasting, and is one day of the year “when it is not appropriate to play football”, and when the scheduling of games would inevitably conflict with the major Catholic ceremonies held on Good Friday at 3pm.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou responded to Fr Rowe

saying that ever since he joined the league as football operations manager the AFL’s policy has been not to schedule matches on Good Friday.

Mr Demetriou said that he “fully supported” the AFL’s original stance when in charge of the fixturing process but conceded that there has been considerable debate within the football community about playing on that date, “as occurs in most other sports”.

“The AFL’s intention at all times is to respect the wishes of all groups of society and the concerns you (Fr Rowe) have outlined in regard to Good Friday have been strongly noted as part of those deliberations, and it is not our intention to alter our view at this time that we should not play on this day,” said Mr Demetriou, a former North Melbourne footballer.

Fr Rowe, a former footballer when attending St Mark’s College (CBC Highgate), wrote 30 letters – three each addressed to the coach, president, chief executive and football director of West Coast, Fremantle, Richmond, Hawthorn and Carlton; every member of the AFL executive he could find the name for, every Archbishop in Australia including Cardinal George Pell and to the regional bishops of Victoria. All clubs except Carlton responded.

As Mr Demetriou indicated that his concerns were “strongly noted” in the AFL’s decision not to schedule a game on Good Friday, Fr Rowe said it just goes to show that “sometimes, with these little issues, you can have a win”, and that any individual can make a difference.

While not a holy day of obligation, Fr Rowe said Good Friday is

still a day where there is an obligation for Catholics, and Christians in general, to “reflect upon Our Lord’s death”.

This is not the first time the VFL/AFL has considered Good Friday football. Fr Rowe remembers a push in the 1970s that was quickly put down by massive public opposition.

Fr Rowe’s letter reminded AFL officials that according to last year’s census approximately 75 per cent of Australians still claim to be Christian, and while “you can argue that people can choose whether or not to go”, people will be forced to go if they work in catering, ticketing or ground maintenance.

“In the same way as you would not go to the football on the day of your father’s death, so too one should not go on Good Friday,” Fr Rowe said. He added that the clubs faced a curse, metaphorically, as he knew people in Victoria who would withdraw their memberships if their club supported Good Friday football. But Hawthorn president and former Victorian Liberal Premier Jeff Kennett and West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett both misinterpreted this as a threat.

“I do not mind you objecting, but advocating a curse on Hawthorn and then actively telling your parishioners not to renew their Hawthorn membership is not what the Good

Lord had in mind for you, I am sure, when you were ordained,” Mr Kennett said. “Is it any wonder the Church has lost its way, when it cannot win an argument through the debate or advocacy of its case, rather it threatens the curse of action you have on Hawthorn.”

Mr Nisbett said he was “astounded” at Fr Rowe’s “threat” of telling his parishioners not to renew memberships. However, this is not what Fr Rowe said.

Fremantle Football Club chief executive officer Cameron Schwab said the Dockers have never submitted any support or approval to the AFL regarding Good Friday football.

Our loved ones need our prayers no matter what: Arinze

Pray for the dead in case they’re in purgatory, says Vatican official.

■ By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - While Christians should hope that their deceased loved ones are in heaven, they must pray for them in case they are in purgatory, said Nigerian

Cardinal Francis Arinze. Vatican Radio asked the Cardinal, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, about a frequent comment at funerals that the deceased is now with God in heaven.

“The people present at a funeral have no authority to canonise anyone,” the Cardinal said in the interview broadcast on November 2, the feast of All Souls. “They can hope that the person has arrived in the house of the Father in heaven, but

it is just as possible that the person is in purgatory. Only God knows if that person is already in heaven; we cannot know and, therefore, we pray for that person because he could be in purgatory. However, if the person already is in heaven, God certainly will use all of those prayers for another person.”

The feast of All Souls differs from the November 1 feast of All Saints precisely because it offers prayers for the eternal peace and heavenly rest of “our brothers and sisters

The Liberal Government:

who died in a state of grace, but not totally purified,” he said. “They certainly will arrive in heaven,” the Cardinal said, “but for the moment they suffer in purgatory.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.”

The Church teaches that prayer,

particularly the Mass, and sacrifices may be offered on behalf of the souls in purgatory in the belief that believers can help one another, before and after death, he said.

“Our faith tells us this: The souls of the deceased pray for and help us. Exactly how they do this, we do not know,” Cardinal Arinze said.

“But we do know that in Christ the saviour there is a communion between those who have arrived in heaven, those in purgatory and those still on earth.”

Supporting Australian families

With its proven experience of growing our $1.1 trillion economy, a re-elected Liberal Government will continue to support families by:

� Maintaining education standards and committing to record funding for Catholic schools and the School Chaplaincy Programme; ��Delivering $30 billion in Family Tax Benefit assistance to low and middle income families; ��Combating illicit drug use by being tough on drugs.

“Now,

God on my side: Fr Michael Rowe showed the power of one when the AFL heeded his protests.

PHOTO: ANTHONY BARICH

La Salle produces Rhodes Scholar

La Salle College in Middle Swan had cause to celebrate late last month as one of their own was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship.

By Sylvia Defendi

Old boy Daniel Vujcich, who graduated from the College in 2000, was selected as Western Australia’s only Rhodes Scholar for 2008.

The Scholarship entitles the recipient to undertake post-graduate studies at Oxford University in England.

Among some of the more notable winners of Rhodes Scholarships over the years have been former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, former Federal Leader of the Opposition, Kim Beasley Jnr, former WA Labor Premier Geoff Gallop, Federal Minister for the

Environment Malcolm

Turnbull and former United States President Bill Clinton.

“For those who know Daniel, it comes as no surprise he was named the 2008 Rhodes scholar,” said Rino Randazzo, vice principal of La Salle College.

“As a student at La Salle College, it was evident that Daniel’s commitment to his studies, compassionate character and spirit of service would see him destined for great things.”

Daniel, who has been working in the fields of law and political science, will be leaving for Oxford University in September next year to undertake his Masters in either Development Studies or African Studies.

He credits La Salle with much of his sucess. “I owe La Salle College a great amount for instilling in me a love of learning and spirit of service - two qualities that I think have influenced my choices and life goals to date,” Daniel said.

Santa Maria girls conquer history challenge

For the second time, students from Santa Maria College have won the National History Challenge.

By Sylvia Defendi

The National History Challenge, a competition that encourages students to act as a historian and explore times gone by, has been a source of great success for Santa Maria Collegeagain.

A team of four Year 12 Santa Maria students won the Challenge, in the category of Women Shaping History, by submitting their examination of women’s liberation movements from 1901 to 1945.

This year’s competition theme asked students to highlight the ‘Lessons from the Past.’

Emma Hussein, Bethany McKernan, Ashleigh Prosser and Naomi Spurr produced an audio visual presentation for their competition entry.

They reached national judging after winning the West Australian

Year 11/12 category in the West Australian Women Shaping History category.

Santa Maria society and environment teacher David Sheehan said that the College encouraged students to enter the competition to further promote the importance of a strong and supportive culture of Australian history.

“The students become more aware as Australians, about their identity and citizenship, while also improving their skills in analysis, research, team work, technology and essay writing,” Mr Sheehan said.

Julie Bishop, federal Minister for Curtin and Minister for Education, Science and Training, will present the four successful Santa Maria students with their award at a national presentation ceremony to be held in Canberra on December 4.

More success for private girls’ school: The successful Santa Maria team who won the national history challenge: Naomi Spurr, Bethany McKernan, Ashleigh Prosser and Emma Hussein at the College in Attadale.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA MARIA COLLEGE

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As the future funding of United States abstinence education awaits Congress and Oval Office decisions, New York state has announced it will not apply for any more federal grants for abstinence-only programs. At least 10 other states have opted out of the Title V funding, begun under President Clinton, in recent years. State health commissioner Dr Richard Daines says on his department’s website that, “The Bush administration’s abstinence-only program is an example of a failed national healthcare policy directive ... based on ideology rather than on sound scientific-based evidence.

Dr Daines’ announcement came the same day that the New York Civil Liberties Union, which opposes abstinence-only education and advocates “reproductive rights”, released a report on the number of such programs in the state.

It said about half the groups teaching abstinence in the state were religious groups and that the state had done almost nothing to monitor them.

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Winners are grinners: La Salle head boy Matthew Palmieri, principal Wayne Bull, Rhodes Scholar Daniel Vujcich, vice principal Rino Randazzo and La Salle head girl Tara Franzinelli.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF LA SALLA COLLEGE

Trinity fun day raises $65,000 for college

By Sylvia Defendi

When committee members began planning the Trinity College springtime fair, they did not expect they would be able to raise $65,000.

Yet the college‘s day of family fun did just that.

With food, rides, craft, cakes and the odd bits-and-bobs, Trinity College opened its doors to almost 10,000 people on October 21.

Although the fair only occurs every three years, it is a well-known part of the school’s fundraising calendar and has assisted with many developments throughout the college.

The first springtime fair raised enough funds to purchase the college’s telescope, the second to install air conditioning and the third for restorations to the College chapel.

“The 2007 fair was a wonderful event that not only reinforced a sense of community at Trinity but also raised considerable funds which will be used to enhance our students’ learning environment,” principal at Trinity College, Ian Banks said.

This year, the record funds will go towards SMARTboards, for both the junior and upper schools.

These will allow teachers to connect their computers to the interactive whiteboards and project a digital image, write notes in digital ink and save the classes work to share later.

While a committee group began organising the springtime fair early this year, coordinator Lina Salamone said most of the stalls were manned by parents of the College, who also donated much of the sale items.

“Credit goes to them for raising such a large amount,“ she said.

“Six hundred cakes sold out by 2pm, as well as 300 gourmet baskets, among other things.“

People from all over the Perth metropolitan area attended, many of whom were not even part of the school community, but attended to join in the battle of the bands and peruse over 50 stalls.

“Trinity College does not have an open day, so for many this type of event is the only chance they get to see the College and its great community spirit,” Mrs Salamone said.

However the spring fair was also a chance for the College community to come together.

“Being a city school means that our students come from all over the metro area – from Armadale to Mindari.

“Many do not catch-up out of school unless the College actively fosters a strong community with events such as the fair,” she said.

the doughnut making stall.

PHOTOTS: SANDRA DOICK.

Pell warns against Aussie Bill of Rights

y Anthony Barich

Cardinal George Pell of Sydney has warned that an Australian “Bill of Rights” could sharpen antiCatholic sentiment and ostracise Christian communities who wish to uphold traditional values.

Western Australia’s Attorney General Jim McGinty is currently promoting the idea for one such Bill; he said in May this year that a Bill of Rights should be enshrined in West Australian State law.

He said many people are unaware that the basic human rights they take for granted are not protected by law.

Although not directly responding to Mr McGinty’s proposal, Cardinal Pell, the Archbishop of Sydney, said that the “secularist reading of religious freedom places Christians (at least) in the position of a barely tolerated minority - even when they are the majority - whose rights must always yield to the secular agenda”.

“Although, I don’t think other religious minorities will be treated the same way,” the Cardinal said on October 30 addressing the Sydney Institute, a current affairs think tank, on “Prospects for Peace and Rumours of War: Religion and Democracy in the Years Ahead”.

The event marked the launch of

his book “God and Caesar: Selected Essays on Religion, Politics and Society”, published by the Catholic University of America Press and Connor Court, a Victorian-based publisher.

“Reading freedom of religion as a limited right to democracy where many more than a majority belong to the great religious traditions

– even more so when it is claimed that this is ‘necessary for democracy’,” Cardinal Pell said.

“Democracy does not need to be secular.”

The Cardinal predicted a “large battle” is set to open up over human rights and anti-discrimination legislation in light of the British government refusing the grant Catholic

Different tactic: groups target State Labor via federal poll

By Anthony Barich

West Australian Christian groups are mobilising to stop the Prostitution Amendment Bill that decriminalises brothels to pass through State parliament by targeting four marginal federal seats.

It is understood that less than a four per cent swing could see the federal seats of Hasluck, Stirling, Swan and Cowan lost to Labor.

If a massive groundswell of Christians warn Attorney General McGinty and WA Greens leader Giz Watson before the November 24 federal election that they will put the ALP and the Greens last on the ballot in those areas, it is hoped that the pair may pull the prostitution Bill before it goes through the Legislative Council.

Polls have suggested that up to 20 per cent of voters in these seats are still undecided, so groups handing out How To Vote leaflets could have a profound effect.

“Only if Mr McGinty believes that there are enough people to do this, and that this in turn could have an impact on the federal election will there be sufficient leverage for him to withdraw the Bill,” said Legislative Council Liberal MP Helen Morton, who also stressed that this was not a “political partydriven action”, but a community initiative.

Hasluck is currently held by Liberal Stuart Henry, who was elected on preferences last time; ALP MP Kim Wilkie holds Swan; Cowan’s Graham Edwards will not contest the November 24 election and the ALP’s new candidate Liz Prime is a member of Emily’s List, a movement which supports abor-

tion until the last stage of pregnancy; and Stirling is held by Liberal Michael Keenan.

“Even though prostitution is a State issue, voters will still associate the values of the parties’ State and federal branches,” said Gerard Goiran, Christian Democratic Party state director and Senate candidate.

“There is a chance that this will work. If there is a huge outcry and Mr McGinty gets scared that he’ll lose the State election he may reconsider, but looking at how much support Labor has on a State level, it may not matter.”

He said that although Ms Watson was part of the Prostitution Law Reform Working Group that drew up the legislation, contacting the Greens leader and Mr McGinty and affecting the federal election is still worth doing because “it’s the right thing to do”.

Though the Bill has already passed through the Legislative Assembly, it will not be debated in

Church agencies in that country an exemption from Sexual Orientation Regulations, despite this meaning the country would lose one of its most successful adoption services.

Cardinal Pell said that while the concept of exemptions to anti-discrimination laws to allow Church agencies to do their work in a manner consistent with their beliefs survives in Australia, this came under attack when Catholic bishops petitioned Scotland’s government for such an exemption for church agencies.

He quoted English philosopher AC Grayling, who said: “We are trying to keep a pluralistic society, and elements of the Christian church and other religions are trying to destroy it.”

“At the heart of this attack on the concept of exemptions for faithbased agencies,” Cardinal Pell said, “lies a false analogy drawn between discrimination against homosexuals and racial discrimination, and this is already beginning to appear in Australia.”

He said the race analogy has been very effective in casting the Churches as persecutors.

“So, in the United Kingdom, and also in Massachusetts where a similar issue arose in 2006, warnings that the Catholic Church would be

forced to close its adoption services if exemptions were not granted were described as blackmail,” Cardinal Pell said.

The prelate said the case “shows what can happen when bills of rights are interpreted from the premises of a minority secularist mindset, especially when it is sharpened, as in Europe, by fear of home-grown Islam”.

Christian persecution in the name of human rights was highlighted last year when Australia’s Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott, a practising Catholic and former seminarian, came under attack when he proposed to increase spending on new counselling services.

When it was revealed that two Christian anti-abortion groups would play an integral role in Mr Abbott’s plan, the Australian Greens and Australian Democrats political parties and the Women’s Electoral Lobby called for him to be stripped of his portfolio.

As up to 100,000 abortions are carried out in Australia annually, Mr Abbott said at the time that women were usually only offered the narrow choice of terminating their pregnancy or keeping the baby.

Students dump Amnesty

Continued from Page 1 whatever religious faith, or none at all, who accept the fundamental rights of all human beings,” he said.

And while only new, the Society has already gained the support of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference and has already begun establishing cooperative links with human rights advocacy groups, such as Caritas Australia, Christians Against Torture, Human Rights First, Consistent Life and Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Named after Catholic layman, Peter Benenson, who founded Amnesty in the 1960s, the new Society uses the symbol of a stylised white rose.

The rose takes its inspiration from the White Rose Society, a group of Catholic and Protestant students and teachers at Munich University, who opposed Nazism with letters

the Legislative Council until after the federal election.

Also delaying the Bill’s passage through the Upper House is the withdrawal of Labor MP Louise Pratt MLC who is running for a federal Senate seat.

Her absence means the Bill cannot be debated in the Legislative Council unless Labor finds a replacement or the Liberals agree to withdraw one of their own MPs temporarily.

It is understood that Mr McGinty needs to get the prostitution Bill, and three other controversial bills regarding living wills, surrogacy and embryonic research through parliament for the Greens so he gets their support for his Constitution Amendment Bill that will give the Legislative Council president a deliberative vote on all questions that come before the House.

There will be another rally at Parliament House at 1pm on November 15.

Broome college wins

The Youth on Health Festival requires high school students to construct and perform a dance sequence, drama event, song performance, art piece or media production on a relevant youth art theme – this year’s theme was “Where’s Your Head At!” Competing against 100 high schools from across Western Australia, St Mary’s College practically cleaned up, returning to Broome having won three of the five YOH Fest categories and placed second in another. Biance McGaffin won the art section for her piece, “Where’s Your Head At”; Domatilla Piolli won the drama category for her solo monologue, “The Deception” and the college’s Year 8 band “Out of Darkness” won best Song Performance, with their music

and pamphlets. At Mercy College a small committed group of students have already begun to meet weekly for the active promotion of human rights.

Their first task was in support of those committed to democracy and who are suffering at the hands of recent military action in Burma.

“We only have a small group of girls to start with but it may encourage other Catholic schools in WA to realise that there is an alternative being formed and that they are encouraged to register,” curriculum support teacher at the College, Susan Russell said, adding that the more schools withdraw their support over Amnesty’s abortion policy the greater a voice each has.

The Benenson Society’s charter and membership registration is available at St Aloysius’s website: www.staloysius.com.au.

and lyrics written by Year 8 student Rquia Benterrak.

The college’s dance ensemble won second prize for their dance routine, “Reach Up For The Sunrise”.

St Mary’s Learning Area Coordinator for the Arts, Michael Lake, noted that winning or placing in every YOH Fest category the students entered reflected the effort that the students put into their preparation and rehearsals.

The college’s success came from a collaboration between the Arts and other curriculum areas, with the Physical Health Education Learning Area providing information for the students to work with and the English Learning Area facilitated the development of the scripts.

This whole-school approach also reinforced the message of the school’s “Mind Matters” program, and it supported the “Live Life Stay Solid” Initiative.

Warning: A Bill of Rights would not work for Australia, says Cardinal George Pell of Sydney.

Opposed: A speaker addresses the recent protest against the proposed decriminalisation of prostitution at Parliament House.

PHOTO: S YLVIA DEFENDI

Vista

PAIN SO CHRIST CAN REIGN

Once a year for the past 17 years, more and more Australians with a love for the traditional Latin Rite Mass, and others just seeking to deepen their faith, gather for a 100-odd kilometre pilgrimage from Ballarat to Bendigo through the picturesque goldfields of Victoria.

It’s tough, it’s gruelling. But it’s also addictive. By the end of it, most pilgrims were locking themselves in for next year, and many didn’t want to go home, back to their everyday lives.

Anthony Barich joined them this year. Barely two weeks later, he’s still hurting - physically - but he finds it hard to deny the spiritual boost he got from knowing the Church is alive and strong; and that children, teens and those in their 20s, 30s and 40s are willing to go to extraordinary lengths to publicly witness their faith - an unshakable belief that Christ is the King.

Out of a storm of controversy, a remarkable renewal of Catholic energy and formation emerged. In 1988, Pope John Paul II issued a decree excommunicating Archbishop Dakar Marcel Lefebvre for consecrating bishops despite being explicitly told not to.

The Archbishop, who started the Priestly Fraternity of St Pius X Society, and his followers had a special love of the Church and its traditional Tridentine, or CarolingianGregorian, Mass.

The problem was he was in the process of creating a schismatic church by consecrating his own bishops.

But in the same decree, JPII also gave Catholics who had a love for the Latin Mass a reprieve when he said that the faithful had a right to the Tridentine Mass.

In his decree Ecclesia Dei, John Paul II said in 1988: “Respect must everywhere be shown for the feelings of all those who are attached to the Latin liturgical tradition, by a wide and generous application of the directives already issued some time ago by the Apostolic See for the use of the Roman Missal according to the typical edition of 1962” (6c).

The reaction in Australia was swift.

Within a year the Australian Ecclesia Dei Society started to restore the traditional Mass; and by 1991 they had organised the first Christus Rex Pilgrimage – roughly 100km from Ballarat to Bendigo – based on the theme of promulgating the social reign of Christ the King.

Ecclesia Dei member Bill Rimmer mapped out the route. These pilgrims were – and still are – Catholics who have a spe-

cial affection for a form of worship and liturgy that was never meant to be ostracized after the Second Vatican Council.

From October 26-28, the 17th Christus Rex Pilgrimage smashed its 1995 record of 250 participants, with just over 270 registrations – not including the other 100 or so people who showed up for its climax – a Pontifical High Mass led by Bishop Peter Elliott, the newly consecrated Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne.

Canberran Tony Pead is the only person to have been on all 17. He was 35 when the first one was held.

He hadn’t seen the inside of a gym and the last time he walked more than 20km was 17 years prior, doing a walkathon to raise money for his school gym that he never used as it was built after he graduated. And he says the story for the other 25 participants from Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne was similar.

Regardless, it was a great success.

As tough as it was, it inspired Tony and his small band of devotees, and it grew exponentially by word of mouth. The next year they got about 45, 85 came in the third year and by 1994, 150 showed up, with pilgrims from around Australia and even New Zealand. This year a couple of women from France and Italy joined in.

“That first one was a killer,” Tony recalls with a grimace. “I was completely seized up by the end of the first day, though on the second day I got my second wind and walked till lunch time. It was pretty rugged.”

But through the pain there is the undeniable high of meet-

ing others who are seeking to strengthen their faith by finding the strength and growing the discipline to pray the Rosary, the Angelus and various litanies and sing hymns. And it wasn’t just ‘Latin Mass Catholics’ either; or even Catholics, for that matter.

“After going through the tiredness, the pain and the elation, you go back to the working world and you’re inspired by it,” Tony says. “And over the years you include new people and you know they’re affected by it.

“It’s knowing we’re not loners (as Catholics). People need people, and though there are the usual personality clashes in any social dynamic where some are quiet and some are extraverted, there is a strength and inspiration I find in this pilgrimage.

“In our day to day lives, the effects of it aren’t exactly happening 365 days a year, and I’d be lying to said my everyday struggles just go away because of the pilgrimage.

“Neither do you get a sense from the experience of “wow, I love Jesus”, in an ecstatic kind of way; it’s basically putting hundreds of people who have one thing in common - the traditional Mass - into a really stressful physical environment, and people rise to the event.”

The challenge, Tony says, is for the organising committee not to panic about the steadily rising numbers, but to think laterally. So far, they’re on the right track - this year’s innovation of setting up tents on the local football oval at Newstead was genius.

Fearless: A child carrying the Vatican flag leads the Christus Rex march through the Victorian countryside.

PHOTOS: ANTHONY BARICH

Listen, son: Franciscan Conventual Fr Terence Naughtin gives some spiritual guidance to a pilgrim beside a highway enroute to Bendigo.

Feeding the masses: Fr Leo Hines, from the diocese of Sandhurst, gives an inspired sermon on human identity and sexuality during a roadside stop-over.

Publicly witnessing Christ the King

Since the middle ages, kings, queens and saints have been walking the 72-mile pilgrimage from Notre Dame in Paris to the great gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres.

■ By Anthony Barich

From King Louis XIV and Mary Queen of Scots to Joan of Arc, the famous, the lowly, the noble and the commoner have been walking staggering distances and finding at the end of it a greater sense of God and themselves.

Fr Michael Rowe, the chaplain to Perth’s Latin Mass Catholics, said that in days of old, such pilgrimages were “given” to penitents by priests as penance.

Now held over the weekend of Pentecost, it draws up to 20,000 people.

In Australia, Pope John Paul II’s 1988 Apostolic Letter “Ecclesia Dei” - which told the world’s bishops that every Catholic had the right to celebrate the Latin Rite Mass from the 1962 Missal – was all it took to spark an Ecclesia Dei Society here that promoted the traditional Mass.

Three years later, the Christus Rex Pilgrimage was born – one of a similar distance (roughly 100km) It started with 25 pilgrims and exploded in 2007 to almost 300 (400 if you include all those who showed up for the climax Mass at Bendigo Cathedral).

It is a pilgrimage of pain, penance, and, for many, ecstatic joy.

It is the knowledge that, as a believing Catholic willing to do the extraordinary to publicly witness to my faith (though it took a fair bit of prodding from friends to do so), I am not alone.

It is the opportunity to share one’s faith with others, and the reassurance that comes like a warm blanket that so many young people, from eight-year-olds to teens

to those in their 20s and 30s, are willing to go the distance for their faith, for the Church, for the world and for each other.

Personally, it was tough to get past the pain barrier

I completely seized up after 35km on the first day – still with 2km to go – feeling like every tendon in my right ankle was being stretched to breaking point.

Thank goodness for the St John Ambulance men, who were there every step of the way

By the end of the three days they’d strapped up my left foot, right ankle and left knee, and the cartilage in my right knee didn’t feel too good either.

The second day I got my second wind and made it till lunch, after which the bottom of my left foot hurt more than I’ve ever felt, and had to be driven to the next checkpoint – the middle-of-nowhere

Catholic cemetery at Castlemaine where a priest performed a traditional blessing of the dead – before I soldiered on for the next five hours.

Even for Michael Harrington, a 32-year-old triathlete from Australind, it was no walk in the park – so much so that he described the experience as “penitential”: the denial of the everyday luxuries of life, and food not exactly at one’s beck and call.

“Anything that’s penitential is like a spiritual recharge,” said Michael, who served at the November 3 Latin Pontifical High Mass celebrated by Cardinal George Pell at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney.

“It heightens the senses, and makes you aware of where you’re at and of any weaknesses you have or of things you need to clear up in your life

And through all that, you draw closer to God.”

Had I steeled myself to participate more in the prayers, litanies, Rosaries and hymns chanted in both English and Latin, I may have felt the spiritual awakening earlier than I did, but the pain was a big obstacle to me achieving this.

I was told this was not unusual.

A bloke called Tom, a Canberran originally from Poland who was on

his fourth pilgrimage, told me he had experienced the same thing on his first go, but felt a great sense of joy and fulfillment in the fortnight following the epic trek.

Now as I write this a few days later, I know what he means

I can’t say it ever felt impossible at the time because one thing that must be done is to be open to the Holy Spirit working in your life.

If I went on it again (something that, despite the pain, I can’t bring myself to rule out), I would partake in the prayers more actively, because one thing I noticed was that whenever I did join in a Rosary, or even had a lengthy chat with a fellow pilgrim about faith or the Church, I’d forgot how long I’d been walking for.

The scenery – which is undeniably beautiful – drifts away, along with any thought of how long this journey is when I took part in what could be described as human formation.

And just walking through the streets and highways of country Victoria with Catholic banners is giving a strong witness that we believe that Christ is the King (Christus Rex), and that He is working in our lives.

With the walk being a debilitatingly long one, some pilgrims find themselves struggling – and helping them out is an important part of being Catholic.

In this context, it represents a deeper form of assistance we give our fellow believers

We’re letting them know that they’re not alone, while at the same time assuring ourselves in the very same thing; and we draw strength from that.

Then there is, of course, the added bonus of any graces that those we love (and others) receive by our sometimes brutal act of mortification.

These things were revealed to me in a particularly engaging chat with a bloke called Sam, a 26-yearold engineer from Melbourne who has taught True Love Waits in schools.

The talk was not only enlightening but actually gave me the fortitude and strength to continue.

At one point I was ready to

jump in one of the cars available to whisk away tired walkers, when I spotted Sam and thought to myself, “With his support, I can finish this”.

And sure enough, this revealing, grace-filled chat distracted me for about half an hour from my wors ening ankle problem.

One person who showed no signs of pain was Fr Rowe, the prayer machine who, when not leading the 300-strong group in prayer, was walking along read ing his daily Office that priests are required to say up to seven times a day (for the old format).

Fr Rowe started going when he was a deacon in 1993, and said it has been one thing that has strengthened his vocation over the years.

He has seen youth previously disinterested in their faith return from the pilgrimage and start taking their faith much more seri ously.

It has been a meeting place for Catholics on an intimate level

Last year Fr Rowe baptised the baby of a couple who had met on the pilgrimage; another couple hope to be married at next year’s after meeting at last year’s pilgrimage; yet another couple got married a week after last year’s pilgrimage after meeting at the 2005 one.

But relationships discovered are mere icing

Fr Rowe, who leads from the front each year, deserves the final word: “Where there is a loss of Catholic identity, people no longer know why they’re Catholic

This reminds them in the strongest way what it is they are here for – to promulgate the social reign of Christ the King.”

For more information log on to: crex.org.

Photos this page, clockwise from top left: Pilgrims march around Bendigo Cathedral; a girl receives first Communion from Bishop Elliott; a boy leads pilgrims through the countryside with the Cross; Fr John Rizzo hears the confession of a boy who asked for it as he was due to have his first Communion the next day; The Record’s scribe, quite the worse for wear.

In all things, keep eyes fixed on Him

Newly consecrated Auxiliary Bishop Peter Elliott of Melbourne gave a stirring sermon - on the feast of Christ the King and just what it means to promulgate the social reign of Christ - at the climax of the Christus Rex pilgrimage during a Pontifical High Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo.

My Lord Bishop (Joe Grech of Sandhurst, presiding over Mass), first let me express my gratitude for being invited to celebrate this Solemn Pontifical Mass in your beautiful cathedral of the Sacred Heart Bendigo, the symbolic goal of this annual Pilgrimage of Christ the King. I offer this Mass for the late Bishop Bernard Stewart and the late Bishop Noel Daly, in this their cathedral.

To offer the Divine Sacrifice for and with so many faithful Catholics is a great joy, especially at this time when we are giving thanks to God for the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, a pastoral provision which rests on the recognition of a canonical reality, responding to the just aspirations of Christ’s faithful.

Today we celebrate the Universal Kingship of Jesus Christ. At this altar of sacrifice, in a text common to both forms of the Roman Rite, the majestic tones of the preface will ring out once more. The inspiring rhythm of the timeless language of the Roman Rite will proclaim the eternal Kingdom of Jesus Christ: “….regnum veritatis et vitae, regnum sanctitatis et gratiae, regnum justitiae, amoris et pacis”: “A kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.”

However, in recent decades there has been a tendency to “spiritualise” the reign of Christ. I regret that this is even evident in the texts provided in the post-conciliar breviary. Certainly, the kingdom of heaven is “within us”, and Jesus should reign spiritually and morally in our lives. But once we reduce those words “truth”, “life”, “holiness”, “grace”, “justice”, “love” and “peace” to abstractions or nice sentiments then something is missing - and what is missing is precisely what motivated Pius XI of blessed memory to institute this feast. It is the social reign of Jesus Christ.

The social reign of Christ – the very expression is fraught with meaning, yet it may be threatening when we reflect on what it can mean. It challenges us. We may speculate, therefore, why Christ’s social reign has been played down, spiritualised or even set aside. Forty years ago, there was a nervous reaction against so-called “triumphalism”. Moreover, some feared that a literal interpretation of Christ’s reign on earth might herald establishing hieratic states or authoritarian systems. Some critics, on the one hand, and some imprudent partisans of Christ’s social reign, on the other, were equally ill-informed in matters of history. With different agendas they depicted the social reign of Christ the King in terms of the recovery of Christendom or the “ancien regime” and “integralism”. Then there were voices, and we still hear them, who say that the gilded image of a king is out of place in our grey world, awash with republics. Others contend that kingship does not accord well with the Church’s social teachings and her struggle for justice, human rights and her favour for democracy.

Yet, within this modern social context it seems strange to me that Christ’s social reign should be put aside or spiritualised. It is precisely when the Church is openly striving for truth, life, peace and justice in so many different social situ-

ations around the world that we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ the King. It is his Gospel which animates the social teachings of the Church. It is his reign that we seek to promote in struggling for truth, life and freedom. If we do not always look to our King in personal faith, we cannot hold securely to his moral principles in legislation, law and policy. What is worse, we risk being seduced by anti-life ideologies, old and new, with all their enticing moral compromises, and that has been the fate of some politicians who yet claim membership of our Church.

Yet, Jesus Christ will reign, no matter what secularists old or new attempt, no matter how grandiose their plans for social engineering may be, no matter what affluent forces they raise against human life, freedom, justice, married love and the family. He does reign, for he has conquered death by rising in his own body and ascending to glory. Thus we need to keep the vision of his Kingdom before us, for it is at the heart of the Gospels, the good news of his Resurrection.

In the Gospel we have just heard, jesting Pilate asks Our Lord, “Are you a king then?” In front of him stood the King of the ages. Here was truth, crowned with thorns, bejewelled in his own blood, clothed in a royal rag, a frail reed for his sceptre. Here was truth looking Pilate in the eye, the sad reproach of concrete reality that still confronts a world led astray by post-modern fantasy, fear and pride. “As you say, I am a king. For this I was born, for this I came into the world, that I might give witness to the truth and whoever is of the truth hears my voice”. He who is the Way, the Truth and the Life uttered those words, and so he speaks to us. “Yes, I am a king…”

In the past century of ideologies and exaggerated national isms, it was Christ’s truth, his higher order of Christian ethics

and social justice, that raised the hearts and minds of so many of our brothers and sisters. Christ the King fired the hearts of “los Cristeros” in Mexico when these poor folk rose against an atheistic regime, based on fascism and socialism and driven by Grand Orient freemasonry. It was this Lord of Life who led the Jesuit martyr, the Blessed Miguel Pro, to cry “Long live Christ the King!” as he threw out his arms to embrace the bullets of the firing squad. It was this Lord of truth who, in less dramatic ways, guided countless young people in Catholic Action and the social movements struggling for liberty against totalitarianism. It was this Lord, whose reign embraces all kingdoms, who brought hope and patience to Christians suffering under Nazi racism, Fascist oppression and Communist terror.

In hatred of this social reign of Christ Stalin asked sarcastically how many divisions the Pope had. How many indeed?

A familiar Christian hymn gives him a firm answer. There is “another country”, another kingdom, Christ’s reign breaking through in his Church, and while “we may not count her armies” and “we may not see her king”, we know that: “Her fortress in a faithful heart, her pride is suffering. And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase. And her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace.”

Today it is Christ’s reign of justice and mercy which can bring hope to the poor in the favellas of Brazil, crowded in the sprawling slums of great Asian cities, or struggling in the tattered tents of Darfur. The Kingdom can offer hope to the poor caught between the conflicts of the Middle East, hope to the desperate ones fleeing their lands and seeking refuge in our midst. His Kingdom and a dutiful service of his reign inspires so many Christians to expend their lives for these little ones of the earth. Men and women leave the security of our rich society and give and give, living the Eucharistic mystery in self-expenditure, “for the sake of the Kingdom”, all for the sake of those humble ones. These are the citizens of the Kingdom who stand with Mary the Mother of the King, hence the Queen of Peace. In her Magnificat she assures them that the thrones of the mighty and the abundance enjoyed by the rich count for nothing in His Kingdom. It is here that the meek inherit the earth.

But, if I emphasise today the social reign of the Lord Jesus, I need to place this in the spiritual or, let us say, the supernatural perspective. My call to you, and to myself, is a simple call to faith: “Let Jesus reign!”

Let him reign in your hearts as you welcome him once more in the Holy Eucharist. Let him reign in your families, in your houses and apartments, in your schools and universities, in workplaces, farms, factories, shops and offices. Let him reign among your circle of friends and family as you witness and strive to establish on earth the Kingdom of truth, life, holiness, grace, justice, love and peace.

Yet we know that while this kingdom of the risen Lord Jesus is here, it is still to come, still to be completed. Scripture attests to this mysterious tension between where we are now and where we shall be. In that light we try to understand the familiar petition he gave us, uttered many millions of times every day: “Adveniat regnum tuum…” “Thy kingdom come”. Yet his own words that follow immediately make it so clear, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heave..” This is the mandate for the royal People of God: we are called to do the will of God, here and now, to seek to know that will, to fulfil it and so extend the Kingdom. May the Eucharistic King we will offer and receive open our hearts to do his will and come at last into

Opinion

Clarification: just what is the Sabbath?

By Fr John Flader

Q: Can you tell me what is meant by the “Sabbath Day” and which day of the week it is?

The word “Sabbath” is familiar to all Christians in the Third Commandment: “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day”. The word comes from the Hebrew Shabbat, meaning to stop, or rest.

When God gave the Commandments to Moses after the Exodus in the 13th century BC, the Sabbath was the seventh day of the week, or Saturday. It was to

Do

be a day of rest after six days of working. We read in the book of Exodus: “Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work – you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns.

For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it.”

(Ex 20:8-11)

By giving his people the commandment to observe the Sabbath, God was telling them that they should set aside one day a week on which to rest from unnecessary work, and also to keep the day holy in gratitude for God’s goodness to them.

The Sabbath commemorates several important works of God. Firstly, as mentioned in the passage from the book of Exodus just quoted, it recalls the work of creation.

It also commemorates Israel’s liberation from slavery in Egypt: “Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.” (Deut 5:15) For Christians, the celebration of the Sabbath recalls our liberation from the slavery of sin, brought about by Christ’s death and resurrection.

Thirdly, the Sabbath recalls God’s covenant of love with Israel, of which the Ten Commandments were an important part: “Therefore the Israelites shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a perpetual covenant.” (Ex 31:16)

In addition to abstaining from work on the Sabbath, the Israelites were to keep the day holy by offering twice the usual number of lambs as a burnt offering in sacrifice. Instead of the usual one lamb in the morning and another in the evening, on the Sabbath they were to offer two lambs in the morning

and two more in the evening. (Cf. Num 28:9-10) In the later centuries before the birth of Christ, Jews also observed the Sabbath by attending the synagogue service, as they still do today.

The first Christians, who had been Jews and had observed the Sabbath faithfully all their lives, soon after the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ began to celebrate Sunday as their special day of worship. Some of them continued to attend the synagogue or the temple on Saturdays as well, but they gathered on Sundays, usually in larger homes, for the “breaking of the bread”, as the Eucharist was then called.

The reason for celebrating Sunday as the special day dedicated to the worship of God was primarily the fact that Christ rose from the dead on that day.

Also, the Holy Spirit came down on the Apostles on the Sunday of Pentecost.

Sunday was looked on as both the first day of the week, commemorating the first day of creation, and also the eighth day, commemorating the new creation, ushered in by Christ’s resurrection.

From the very beginning of the Church, then, Christians have celebrated Sunday as the Lord’s day, observing the precept of abstaining from unnecessary work and of attending the celebration of the Eucharist.

Thus the Christian “Sabbath” is now Sunday

(Cf Acts 2:42, 46) We read, for example, in the Acts of the Apostles: “On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread, Paul was holding a discussion with them…” (Acts 20:7)

we really need announcements like this?

■ By Guy Crouchback

Ithought the announcement, which rocked the Harry Potter world, that Professor Dumbledore was gay, verged on the unnecessary, and as one who has both enjoyed and defended the Harry Potter books I find it a somewhat disappointing lapse of taste.

There are times when there is definately something to be said for leaving well alone.

It was not, I would have thought, something which would have spontaneously occurred to many Harry Potter readers, or which in any way added to the plot.

Dumbledore is revealed in the final book to have had a troubled early life, but he is otherwise a type very well known in life and fiction: a wise, kindly bachelor who understands children, not unlike Uncle Jim in Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons stories.

Uncle Jim’s sexuality, if he had any, was simply not relevant to a children’s story: he was there to guide, instruct and initiate the children into life and adventure.

“Patrick Moore said in his autobiography that the only woman he ever loved was killed in the war”

After having appeared in the first book as an old grouch, resenting the children’s activities interfering with his writing, he later came to devote a great deal of time to helping them in their adventures, arranging for the repair of a damaged boat, etc.

Uncle Jim acquired a partner in a mining venture, Mr Timothy Steddings, late in the series, but there was no suggestion that their partnership was concerned with anything other than mining.

There are, of course, many peo-

ple not unlike this in real life, and to enquire into their private lives seems an irrelevance at best.

Possibly some of them are in a situation similar to that of Patrick Moore, a lifelong bachelor and the teacher of astronomy to millions, who said in his autobiography (so I am not breaking any confidence by mentioning it) that the only woman he loved was killed in the war.

Some people, strange as the idea may seem in the modern age, get on quite happily without sexual incli-

nations of any kind. One hopes J K Rowling’s revelation about Dumbledore’s sexuality will not cast a cloud of suspicion over many a real-life celibate uncle or jolly and enthusiastic scout-master.

I think the most … er … tasteful, interpretation of this revelation is that what it is really saying is that Dumbledore may have had homosexual inclinations early in life, but chose to remain celibate, and that this has been expressed rather badly. Once again, there are

many such people in real life. My own instincts, taste and ethics tell me that the sexualisation of literary characters is something we could do with rather less of at the moment, most of all in children’s writing.

Further, there is a long-standing convention, which has come over from folk-lore into modern fantasies, that at least the truly great wizards are celibate, and that this is a kind of necessary condition.

Merlin (and Dumbledore has the Order of Merlin), in many versions

of the Arthurian story, lost his magical powers when he allowed himself to be seduced by the enchantress Nimue or Vivian, who reduced him to foolishness and finally sealed him up in a cave.

The idea of a gay Gandalf in The Lord of The Rings doesn’t wash, even though Gandalf, like Bilbo and Frodo, for that matter, is a batchelor.

Stories of this kind work better when a great wizard’s sexuality is simply not an issue.

Out of the closet: Professor Dumbledore - a wise, kindly bachelor who understands children... and is gay. Sexualisation of fictional characters, however, is something we could do with rather less of, especially in children’s literature.

The World

Big step forward

Christian families must work to safeguard other families

■ By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

- Each Christian family has a vocation to reach out and support other families and to work for political policies that respect and safeguard the family, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“Before the many social and economic, cultural and religious challenges that contemporary society must face,” he said, strong families that reach out to others are “a sign of hope and an encouragement.”

The Pope met on November 3 with members of the Focolare movement’s New Families section, which was celebrating its 40th anniversary. Some 800,000 families in 182 countries follow the New Families program of spiritual growth, mutual support and outreach to others.

Pope Benedict said their commitment helps Christian

in brief Families

make vocations

The quality of family life can either make or break a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, say bishops in Asia.

About 150 bishops, priests and religious met from October 22-27 in Thailand, for the 1st Asian Vocation Symposium.

In their final statement, the bishops said that it was in families that the mystery of a vocation is born, encouraged

families live their vocation “to be a privileged space where the beauty of placing Jesus Christ at the centre and faithfully following the Gospel is proclaimed through daily life.”

New Families, he said, reflects on the Gospel and daily experience to find ways to assist people in difficult family situations, including young people uncertain about their future, separated and divorced couples, those who have been widowed and children who have been abandoned.

Pope Benedict said the “many threats” families are facing are obvious.

“Divine help is needed to avoid becoming discouraged,” he told the couples. “Your constant recourse to prayer, to listening to the word of God and an intensely sacramental life are indispensable,” as is a renewed effort each day “to live Christ’s commandment to love and forgive.” - CNS

and guided, and “the quality of family life either nourishes and fosters vocation or weakens and destroys” it.

Vocation directors should regularly visit the families of candidates to the priesthood or religious life, they said, to know the family and to explain the mystery of the vocation and the necessity of encouragement and support.

The bishops said that family-related laity groups, such as Couples for Christ and the Marriage Encounter Movement, could have a positive influence on parish vocation ministry. - ZENIT

■ By Patrick Downes

The sainthood cause of Blessed Damien de Veuster took a significant step forward when the medical commission of the Vatican Congregation for Saints’ Causes ruled that the healing of an Hawaiian woman of lung cancer more than 10 years ago was “unexplainable according to available medical knowledge.”

“According to Father Bruno Benati, the postulator of Blessed Damien’s cause, the five-physician commission’s October 18 ruling was unanimous.”

the cardinals and bishops, who read it and present it to the Pope,” he said.

According to Sister of St Francis Mary Laurence Hanley, director of the cause of Blessed Marianne Cope, the rest of the process could take a year or longer.

The woman prayed to Blessed Damien and made pilgrimages to Kalaupapa, where he ministered and where in 1994 a portion of his remains were brought from his final resting place in Belgium.

According to Sacred Hearts Father Bruno Benati, the postulator of Blessed Damien’s cause, the five-physician commission’s October 18 ruling was unanimous.

Father Benati made the announcement on the Web site of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts on October 19, the day after he received a phone call from the secretary of the congregation informing him of the commission’s judgment.

The woman’s healing still has to be approved as a miracle by a commission of theologians, a commission of bishops and cardinals, and ultimately by the pope. The theologians will judge whether or not the cure was because of Blessed Damien’s intercession. The congregation’s bishops and cardinals give the final approval and recommendation of canonisation to the Pope.

The path to sainthood requires two confirmed miracles. The first qualifies the candidate for beatification; the second is needed for canonisation.

Blessed Damien was a Belgian-born missionary priest who served Hansen’s disease patients on Molokai in Hawaii more than a century ago.

Through his heroic and saintly efforts, he transformed the settlement from a place of despair to a place of dignity. He died on April 15, 1889, of leprosy.

Pope John Paul II beatified the priest on June 4, 1995, in Brussels, Belgium.

For the beatification, the Pope in 1992 approved the 1895 cure of a Sacred Hearts sister as a miracle attributed to the priest’s intercession.

Father Edward Popish, a Hawaiian Sacred Hearts priest who works as treasurer in his congregation’s general house in Rome, said the most immediate step is for the doctors to write up their report.

“The medical commission will have to publish an official document to be added to the official dossier of the cause,” he told the Hawaii Catholic Herald, Honolulu’s diocesan newspaper. “Then they will send the entire document to the commission of theologians for study.”

Father Popish said on October 21 that the theological commission had not yet scheduled a meeting to discuss the Blessed Damien case.

If the second commission ultimately determines it is a miracle that can be attributed to Blessed Damien, the priest said, its decision will also be written up and added to the dossier on him.

“This dossier of documents is then handed over to

The cure in question was the disappearance of cancer, without treatment, from the lungs of a Honolulu woman. The case was first documented by Dr Walter YM Chang, the woman’s physician, in an article he wrote in the October 2000 issue of the Hawaii Medical Journal

The doctor, who is not a Catholic, wrote that the “lung

metastases disappeared with no therapy at all” over several months following prayers to Blessed Damien and pilgrimages to Kalaupapa by the patient.

Chang presented his findings to then-Honolulu Bishop Francis DiLorenzo, who established a tribunal to examine the claim.

The tribunal, which included doctors and canon lawyers among its members, completed its study on April 16, 2003. It agreed that the healing was dramatic and defied medical explanation.

The tribunal’s report and evidence were sealed and hand-delivered later that month to the Congregation for Saints’ Causes by then-postulator Sacred Hearts Father Emilio Vega Garcia. The Vatican congregation had the case opened for more than a year before sending it back to the diocese for further documentation and clarification. The diocesan tribunal reconvened in early 2005 to address the Vatican’s concerns.

The Vatican accepted the resubmitted work of the diocesan tribunal on December 2, 2005.

Hawaii’s other candidate for sainthood is Blessed Marianne Cope, Father Damien’s successor in Kalaupapa, who was beatified in 2005.

According to Sister Mary Laurence, there have been several claims of miracles credited to Blessed Marianne’s intercession. She said the stories are “very touching” and show that Blessed Marianne is “most active.”

But until they have an “airtight” case extraordinary enough to pass the rigors of a medical and theological examination, she said, the Sisters of St

any case public.

Francis won’t make

- CNS

Love in action: Father Damien de Veuster poses for a photograph in 1889 with boys of the Kalaupapa leper colony on Molokai in the Hawaiian Islands. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995. His sainthood cause took a significant step forward with the recognition by the medical commission of the Vatican’s Congregation for Saints’Causes of a miracle attributed to his intercession. The Belgian missionary in 1873 went to the Hawaiian islands to care for the permanently quarantined victims of Hansen’s disease.

PHOTO: CNS/DAMIEN MUSEUM

On the way: Blessed Damien de Veuster (left) in 1873 at age 33 and at the Kalaupapa leper colony on Molokai in the Hawaiian Islands weeks before his death in 1889. Mother Marianne Cope, centre, is pictured in an undated file photo.

PHOTOS: BLESSED DAMIEN: COURTESY OF DAMIEN MUSEUM; MOTHER COPE, COURTESY OF HAWAII CATHOLIC HERALD.

Liberals streets ahead in family policy

The Coalition parties have defeated Labor in a test of marriage and family policies.

■ Analysis

By Paul Gray National Affairs Editor

Two offices from the Sydney archdiocese – the Marriage and Family Office and the Life Office – examined the voting records and policies of all parties on central issues relating to human life, marriage and the family.

The results have been published with an invitation to voters to consider the parties’ records before entering the polling booth on November 24.

The 2007 federal poll has seen a large number of Christian or pro-Christian groups, including the Australian Christian Lobby, Saltshakers and the Catholic action network NetAct, publishing their own “election guides” or advice on how Christians should vote.

These guides highlight issues as diverse as the stamping out of pornography and the protection of asylum-seekers.

But the Sydney archdiocese voting guide is unique in that it accords an unequivocal first place

to abortion and the protection of the unborn as the paramount matters of concern.

The most obvious message to emerge from the guide is that of all Australian political parties with representation in the current parliament, the Greens Party stands in the clearest opposition to Catholic teaching on human life and the family.

Family First, which has only one MP, receives the strongest tick of endorsement from the guide.

As far as the major parties are concerned, the Sydney guide challenges the widespread perception that there is little difference between the Liberal and Labor parties on substantial policy issues.

Both the Liberal and Labor parties propose a conscience vote on abortion.

However, the Liberal Party declares no party policy on the matter, while Labor “supports the rights of women to determine their own reproductive lives, particularly the right to choose appropriate fertility control and abortion.”

The voting record – based on votes by federal MPs on the RU486 (abortion drug) bill in federal parliament in February 2006 – shows Labor parliamentarians voting 74:11 in favour of abortion.

Liberal MPs voted against it by a margin of 52:47. In the National Party, 11 voted against RU486 while four voted in favour.

The Sydney voting guide also spotlights the voting record on the 1997 euthanasia laws bill and the 2006 human cloning and research bill.

These votes show a clear majority of Labor MPs in favour of legal euthanasia and in favour of human cloning.

Meanwhile a majority of Liberal MPs and of National MPs voted against both.

The election guide’s emphasis on the life issues as the central matters of importance follows the Australian bishops’ pre-election statement, issued in July.

This statement highlighted eight issues of importance in the election, with the sanctity of human life and the protection of the family listed as items one and two.

Indigenous Australia, education, health, the environment, immigration and refugee policy and peace were other issues canvassed by the bishops.

While MPs can be found on both sides of all these questions in both main parties, Labor consistently appears to have a larger number of MPs adopting positions that are at odds with Australia’s Catholic bishops when it comes to actual voting in parliament.

The message is slightly more mixed in relation to marriage. On this issue, voting results from the 2004 marriage amendment bill, and from a 2006 Senate motion on equat-

ing same-sex unions with marriage in the ACT, are documented in the Sydney election guide.

These show that a clear majority of Labor Senators voted to support a 2006 ACT law which would have given same-sex unions the same status as marriage.

Meanwhile, a clear majority of Liberal Senators voted to overturn the ACT law.

However, two years earlier, Labor and the Coalition parties all voted in favour of retaining the traditional definition of marriage in the House of Representatives in 2004, with no division being called.

In the Senate, 15 Labor Senators voted in favour of the same bill while 14 were absent.

The numbers were roughly similar for Liberal Senators on this occasion, with 19 voting in favour of the bill and 12 absent.

The Sydney voting guide stands in stark contrast to a voting guide kit called Voting for our Values, issued by the Catholic action network NetAct.

The main issues in the NetAct kit are asylum-seekers and refugees, Australia as a global citizen, climate change and sustainable development, democracy and dissent, education, health care, homelessness, housing, indigenous Australians, living with mental illness, rural Australia, trade justice, workplace relations and employment and young people.

The various approaches to the election devised by different Christian groups is a sign of the diverse philosophical outlooks which co-exist under the “Christian” umbrella in Australia today.

A different approach to the election is voiced by one contributor at the Zadok Institute for Christianity and Society, who says it is “idolatrous” to believe that any political party holds the answer to society’s problems.

“Our decision at the ballot box certainly has its consequences,” writes Sydney University academic Armen Gakavian.

“However in most cases neither the fate of the church nor that of society is dependant on this choice.

“To hold to the view that the solution to society’s problems lies in this or that political party is not only misguided; it is idolatrous.”

However the large number of guides being published also indicates a growing concern among Catholic and other Christian groups that it is imperative to influence the secular political process, since the condition of humanity itself is at stake, to some degree.

This is certainly the view behind the Sydney election guide, which opens with words from Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, describing human life and the family not as “truths of faith,” but as principles which are “inscribed in human nature itself.”

Adelaide Archbishop pushes Novena into schools

■ By Anthony Barich

The president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has called on all South Australian Catholic schools and parishes to pray a novena this month for the protection of unborn children.

Responding to Pope Benedict XVI’s call in January for all Christians to be “committed to tireless peacemaking and strenuous defence of the dignity of the human person”, Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adelaide has instructed all parishes, schools and families in his Archdiocese to undertake the Novena for November.

“There is unfortunately much in our world today that acts against human dignity,” said Archbishop Wilson.

“There is also much that devalues human life. The destruction of human life in any instance, including when it has barely begun, is a great evil that we must never accept.”

He said his prayers during the Novena would be made under the patronage of Our Lady of

Guadalupe, an icon often associated with the pro-life cause – a copy of which will be on display in St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide city.

Our Lady of Guadalupe made world headlines in April this year when the president of the Mexico’s Catholic Association of Doctors, Nurses and Professionals reported what appeared to be an unusual luminosity in the famed image in Mexico City immediately after that city controversially legalised abortion.

It happened at the end of a Mass that was offered for aborted children.

Archbishop Wilson has asked each parish and all Catholic primary school students to light a candle on each of the nine days.

Secondary school students have been encouraged to take some time in November to reflect on the “human tragedy” of stillbirth, miscarriage and abortion. “In this age that is characterised so much by individualism, let us make a special effort to join us together as a faith community, as one prayer before our loving God,” he said.

The Novena is an ancient form of prayer based on the nine days of prayer made by the Apostles

ACU’s Islam Chair

and Mary before the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost.

To promote the Novena to the young, Archbishop Wilson is also sponsoring an essay competition, with $50 prizes under the topic of John Paul II’s 1995 Encyclical Letter The Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae).

The Archbishop has sent a notice to SA Catholic schools and parishes stating, “Young people should be invited to take part in the com petitions” and said “families should be invited to take home the Novena Prayer pamphlet.”

The pamphlet is based on the design used by Women for Faith and Family in the United States and designed to give a range of options for focused prayer around a simple structure.

The Archbishop wants families to pray the prayers at home.

Archbishop Wilson said that parishes “should commit to praying the novena prayers at the end of each parish Mass over the nine days and should choose a representative family to bring the parish Life Candle to the concluding Mass at St Francis Xavier Cathedral.”

Manning affirms celibacy for Catholic priests

Parramatta Bishop Kevin Manning expressed his support for the celibacy of priests, after a lay group promoting a married clergy tried to win his public endorsement of their cause.

“Although the concept of priestly celibacy has been increasingly and sometimes stridently questioned, the Church has been constant in reaffirming the importance of priestly celibacy,” he said.

On the Parramatta diocese’s website, Bishop Manning was asked by a reader about his view of a recently circulated petition which called for the ordination of married men and the ordination of women.

The Bishop said he did not authorise the circulation of the petition in parishes because of “the tone of dissent it contains.”

Bishop Manning said priestly celibacy is a “path of love (which) is esteemed because of its connection with charity.”

Australian Catholic University announced it has filled its new Chair in the Study of Islam and Muslim-Catholic Relations. The Chair’s first appointee will be Dr Ismail Albayrak, an associate professor of divinity at Sakarya University in Turkey, a Muslim university.

He holds a doctorate in the Koran from the University of Leeds in England. ACU vice-chancellor Professor Peter Sheehan said the university’s new chair of Islamic studies, which is named after a Turkish Muslim scholar, Fethullah Gulen, would create “greater interfaith dialogue through focused teaching, research and community engagement.”

He also said the post would play a key role in tackling unrest and tension between faiths in Australia.

Vietnamese are shaping our Eurasian future

Vietnamese priests are playing an historic role in leading Australia towards its “Eurasian” future, a leading secular academic said last week. Des Cahill, professor of intercultural

studies at Melbourne’s RMIT University, said the Catholic Church, with its large number of Vietnamese priests, is at the forefront of the major ethnic change in the makeup of the Australian population. Speaking at a migrants’ chaplains conference sponsored by the Australian bishops in Sydney last week, Professor Cahill said Census data for parishes shows the future for Catholicism in Australia lies more with immigrants and their children than with the Anglo-Celtic population.

Caritas attacks ALP, Libs

The Catholic Church’s main national aid agency, Caritas Australia, has attacked the Coalition and Labor parties for betraying the poor by failing to sign on to the United Nations’ “Millennium Development Goals.”

Caritas chief executive Jack de Groot described the Millennium Goals, to which the Australian government has given nominal assent, as a “vow to the world’s poor” which obliges the nation to donate 0.7 per cent of national output to foreign aid. “In this election campaign, neither of the major parties has committed to this promise,” Mr de Groot said.

Archbishop Wilson

The Marriage and Family Office and the Life Office of the Archdiocese of Sydney combed the Federal Parliament’s Hansard and other sources to determine voting patterns of the political parties on key issues. The information has been provided to The Record by Sydney’s Catholic Weekly, and is re-presented here as a resource for all voters.

ELECTION SPECIAL FEDERAL ELECTION 2007:

The Marriage and Family Office and the Life Office invite you to carefully consider the following issues prior to exercising your vote on 24 November 2007.

...proclaiming, celebrating and serving the Gospel of Life

VOTING

RECORDS AND POLICIES

RELATING TO SOME LIFE, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY ISSUES

Three non-negotiables common to all humanity LIFE ● MARRIAGE ● FAMILY

“As far as the Catholic Church is concerned, the principal focus of her intervention in the public arena is the protection and promotion of the dignity of the person, and she is thereby consciously drawing particular attention to principles which are non-negotiable:

● Protection of life at all its stages, from the first moment of conception until natural death;

● Recognition and promotion of the natural structure of the fam-

ily – as a union between a man and a woman based on marriage – and its defence from attempts to make it juridically equivalent to radically different forms of union;

● The protection of the right of parents to educate their children.

These principles are not truths of faith, even though they receive further light and confirmation from faith; they are inscribed in human nature itself and therefore they are common to all humanity.”

Pope Benedict XVI, 30 March 2006.

The Euthanasia Laws Act 1997 (Commonwealth) originated as a private member’s bill sponsored by Kevin Andrews MP (Liberal, VIC). This Act prohibited the ACT and Northern Territory from legalising euthanasia and rescinded the Northern Territory’s pro-euthanasia law.

A statement from the Australian Catholic Bishops on human embryo cloning and destructive embryo experimentation, ACBC, Canberra, October 11, 2006.

The Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction and the Regulation of Human Embryo Research Amendment Bill 2006, sponsored by Senator Kay Patterson (Liberal, VIC), was passed into law in November 2006. It rescinded the previous ban on human cloning and authorised the creation and destruction of cloned human embryos for research purposes.

The Marriage Amendment Act 2004 provides that “marriage means the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life” and that same sex unions solemnised in foreign countries will not be recognised as marriages in Australia. Hansard, June 15, 2006.

Full text of bill available at http://parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au/piweb/Repository/Legis/Bills/Linked/01030707.pdf.

Make It Count, National Press Club, August 9, 2007 (transcript provided by Media Monitors). Ibid.

Meet the Press, September 30, 2007.

This motion on June 15, 2006, sponsored by Senator Kerry Nettle (Greens, NSW), Senator Natasha Stott Despoja (Democrats, SA) and Senator Joe Ludwig (Labor, QLD) attempted to overturn the Federal Government’s disallowance of the ACT’s civil unions law, which gave same-sex unions the same status as marriage.

Labor “support[s] the rights of women to determine their own reproductive lives, particularly the right to choose appropriate fertility control and abortion.” Conscience vote.

The Greens will “ensure all women have access to legal, free and safe pregnancy termination services, including unbiased counselling.”

“Family First is opposed to the medical procedure of abortion. [We] call for a greater commitment to support women in their time of pregnancy and as mothers so that their life choices and fi nancial and educational prospects are not jeopardised by the decision to keep their unborn child.”

The party “support[s] a woman’s fundamental right to safe, affordable and legal abortion.” The party will “fast track and subsidise importation of RU486, so that women can access an alternative to surgical abortion.”

policy. Conscience vote “All human life is to be respected, particularly the most vulnerable, including the unborn…In Australia we welcome the growing consensus that the level of abortion is deeply disturbing.”

Liberal MPs voted in favour of human cloning, and 51 voted against it. 1 National Party MP voted in favour of human cloning, and 14 voted against it.

Labor MPs voted in favour of human cloning, and 26 voted against it.

In the House of Representatives, the Labor party joined the Coalition in voting in favour of the traditional defi nition of marriage. No division was called

A Labor-sponsored amendment to give the same status to same-sex relationships as de facto heterosexual relationships was defeated on party lines.

Three Greens senators voted in favour of human cloning. One voted against it.

able.”

In the Senate,

In the Senate,

19 Liberal senators voted in favour of the bill; 12 were absent. The Prime Minister stated that “marriage [is] a voluntary union for life of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others... that is our view of marriage” 13

15 Labor senators voted in favour of the bill; 14 were absent. Whilst not supporting same sex marriage and civil unions , the Opposition Leader stated that “marriage is between a man and a woman...We are, however, prepared to embrace the possibility of relationships registers as they exist at the state level.” 12

The Greens voted unanimously against the traditional defi nition of marriage. In February 2007, the Greens introduced the Marriage (Relationships Equality) Amendment Bill into the Senate. This bill defi nes marriage as “the union of two persons, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, voluntarily entered into for life.” 11

4 Democrats senators voted against the traditional defi nition of marriage; 1 was absent from the vote. In June 2006, the Democrats introduced a Same Sex Marriages Bill into the Senate. Senator Bartlett stated that this bill “seeks to ...ensur[e] that same sex unions are given equal status to heterosexual marriage.” 10 Family First had no sitting member in Federal Parliament when this vote took place. Family First will “affi rm and defend the institution of marriage as being a union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

In the Senate, 2 National Party senators voted in favour of the bill; 1 senator was absent. The Deputy Prime Minister stated that ‘we have a clearly defi ned position on the issue of samesex marriage and we stick to the traditional description of marriage as being between a man and a woman.” 14 *Pie

ISP level fi ltering option available following a trial and feasibility study.

3

must be legal recognition of the unique nature of marriage between a man and a woman, and proper protection for the rights of children.” –ACBC, August

1

22

The Labor party

The Greens will “introduce a nationally consistent approach to the regulated sale of X-rated material.” (Points of sale are currently limited to the Northern Territory and the ACT.

Mandatory Filtering Scheme at the Internet Service Provider [ISP] Server Level in this country.”

The Coalition’s National Illicit Drugs Strategy focuses on reducing supply through law enforcement, reducing demand through education and healthcare, and strengthening and supporting families.

The Coalition’s National Illicit Drugs Strategy focuses on reducing supply through law enforcement, reducing demand through education and healthcare, and strengthening and supporting families.

“At a time when family life is subject to unprecedented pressure, families must be supported in every possible way.”

Labor will focus on prevention, early intervention and reducing harm through a comprehensive strategy of education, health and support services and law enforcement.

The Greens will “increase the availability of harm reduction programs, including needle and syringe exchanges and medically supervised injecting rooms, and implement a rigorous scientifi c trial of prescribed heroin to registered users, in line with the proposed 1996 ACT Government heroin trial.”

“Family First rejects harm minimisation as the primary strategy for combating substance abuse. The party favours prevention, rehabilitation and avoidance as more acceptable primary strategies.”

“The Australian Democrats do not endorse illegal drug use, but recognise that drug use is an undeniable part of many people’s lives.” Action Plan to include “continu[ing] investment in needle and syringe exchange programmes and support medically supervised injection centres where needed.”

“The diversity of the Australian system of co-extensive schooling –public, Catholic and private –is a great strength and should be supported in every way… assist[ing] parents in choosing the education that they want for their children, refl ecting their own circumstances, values and beliefs.” –ACBC, August 2007

AMENDMENT BILL 2004 9 ( to defi ne marriage as a union of a man and a woman for life

John Paul II to watch over our WYD

The patrons of World Youth Day in Sydney next year have been announced. Young Australians who have an affection for the late Pope John Paul II will be happy with the decisions.

■ Comment By Fr Brian O’Loughlin Vicar General of Perth

It will come as no surprise that the initiater of World Youth Day and Servant of God Pope John Paul II has been announced as one of 10 patrons for WYD ‘08 to be held in Sydney from July 1520 next year.

It was the genius of the late Pope John Paul II which brought about the celebration of World Youth Day which has attracted millions of young people and some not so young, to deepen their faith and to rejoice in sharing their faith.

Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in Manilla for an estimated five million people, the largest peace-time gathering ever recorded.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta is also a patron, her concern for the poor, her defence of human life from natural conception to natural death are part of her legacy.

Other patrons are Blessed Mary McKillop who pioneered Australia’s first religious order, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

St Peter Chanel, the first martyr of Oceania and a pioneer Marist order missionary priest martyred for his faith, was also chosen, along with the Polish woman religious who inspired the future John Paul II, Saint

On All Saints’ Day, Pope says all are meant to answer call to be holy

■ By Cindy Wooden

HFaustina Kowalska (1905-1938). The youthful Carmelite, St Therese of Lisieux, who was outstanding for her prayer amidst great physical and emotional suffering.

Appropriately, a number of lay patrons are included.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a student and athlete who worked with Catholic Action in Italy and died aged only 24 years in 1925.

Other lay patrons are Blessed Peter To Rot, a native of Papua New Guinea who was beatified in his native country by the late Pope John Paul, just before the beatification of BIessed Mary MacKillop in Sydney in January 1995.

Blessed Peter To Rot was a married man and father of three children. He was the son of a Papuan village chief on what is now New Britain near Rabaul.

Peter To Rot was deeply devoted to his faith and became a catechist.

He was arrested by the Japanese in the closing days of the World War II he was martyred for his faith by the occupying Japanese.

The other lay patron is St Maria Goretti who was murdered for defending her virginity.

Perhaps the most interesting inclusion is Our Lady of the Southern Cross.

While this has been an official title of Our Lady since a Decree of Pope John Paul II which placed the Queensland diocese of Toowoomba under Mary’s patronage using that title on November 14, 1998. This seems to be the first time the title will be used at a national and indeed, international gathering.

The Pope had given permission for the feast of Our Lady of the Southern Cross to be celebrated in Toowoomba diocese on September 1.

In Western Australia, the church at Dunsborough is dedicated to Our Lady of the Southern Cross.

The World Youth Day title in this case is Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians.

oliness is not a privilege reserved to a few people, but is a call that all men and women are meant to answer, Pope Benedict XVI said. “All human beings are called to holiness which, in

the final analysis, consists in living as children of God, (living) in that ‘likeness’ to him in which they were created,” the Pope said on November 1, the feast of All Saints.

“God invites everyone to be part of his holy people,” said Pope Benedict, reciting the Angelus at midday as several thousand people gathered in the rain in St Peter’s Square.

The saints “radiate the splendor of God’s kingdom of love and truth,” he said, telling English-speaking visitors in the square that Christians should look to the saints as real examples to follow.

The Pope said that the Church “wisely” placed the feasts of All Souls and All Saints next to each other on the calendar, encouraging Catholics to unite their prayers of thanks to God

for the multitude of saints who have lived on the earth with prayers for all those who have died.

While the November 2 feast of All Souls is a time for special prayers for those who have died, he said, “the church invites us to pray for them every day, also offering up our sufferings and daily trials so that, completely purified, they would be allowed to enjoy the light and peace of the Lord for eternity.” Addressing French-speakers, the Pope said the beatitudes are “a road map for discovering the path to holiness.”

The saints, he told Polish-speaking pilgrims, “give us the example of love for God and for others, of fruitful collaboration with divine grace, and they sustain us in our journey toward holiness.” - CNS

Film is a good old-fashioned tale about Esther

■

By David DiCerto

Based on Tommy Tenney’s novel “Hadassah,” One Night With the King (Gener8Xion Entertainment) tepidly recounts the Old Testament story of Esther (Tiffany DuPont), a devout Jewish maiden who becomes a queen when she is chosen as the bride of the powerful Persian King Xerxes (Luke Goss).

Though hiding her Hebrew identity out of fear for her life, she uses her elevated station to save her people from extermination by dissuading her husband from ordering the slaughter urged by a vengeful court adviser, Haman, the Amelekite (James Callis).

Haman is driven by a genocidal hatred of the Jewish people stemming from an ancient enmity. The deliverance won by Esther’s trusting in God is celebrated to this day in the Jewish festival of Purim.

The biblical drama has impressive production value and cameos by Oscar-pedigreed actors such as Omar Sharif and Peter O’Toole, but it’s handicapped by an inferior screenplay by Stephan Blinn - which makes some changes to the story - and awkward, if earnest, direction by Michael Sajbel.

Still, the power of the tale’s enduring theme of faithful witness in the face of persecution isn’t completely diminished by the filmmaker’s uninspired telling.

The film contains some discreet violence and sensuality and mature thematic elements. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II - adults and adolescents It screens at Hoyts Fremantle from November 8.

Dramatic: Omar Sharif stars in a scene from the movie “One Night With the King.”

Positive image: The Australian-produced painting of Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians, painted by Jan Williamson and commissioned by the Diocese of Toowoomba.

Saturday-Friday November 10 - 16

PANORAMA a roundup of events in the archdiocese

THE 2007 BUNBURY CATHOLIC COMMUNITY RENEWAL

Success Full: Relationships will be the subject for Fr Justin Belitz OFM during the week-long Renewal at St. Mary’s Church beginning with the Parish Masses November 10 and 11, followed by sessions on November 11 to November 15, beginning at 9.45 to10.45am each morning and 7.30pm to 8.30pm each evening. All welcome. Enq: Dick 9721 4651.

Sunday November 11

ETERNAL WORD TELEVISION NETWORK

Every Sunday, 1 - 2 pm on Access 31

November 11: The coming pro-life film Bella / Leo Severino, co-producer, with Fr Francis Mary Stone [Life on the Rock]. Preceded by discussion of Comunita Cenacolo, drug rehabilitation service, by Most Rev Robert Baker, Bishop of Birmingham, Alabama. Please send donations to keep EWTN on Access 31 to The Rosary Christian Tutorial Association, P.O. Box 1270, Booragoon 6954. Enq about EWTN, including information of availability free-to-air 24/7 by a small rooftop dish, ring 93302467

November 12 – 15

MISSION AND HEALING MASS

St Bernadette’s Parish invites you to a Mission and Healing Mass. The theme of the Mission is “Peace at any Cost” and the main presenter is Norma Woodcock. Come and join us on this exciting spiritual journey at the Parish Centre, Grand Ocean Boulevard, Port Kennedy, 7pm. The Mission will conclude with a Healing Mass. Enq: Val Hilton 9537 1038.

Tuesday November 13

PARENT TALK

‘Understanding and Dealing with your Teenager’. Presenters: Debbie Bushell (Parent-Teen Communicator) and Hasser Graham (Psychologist) Cost $10 (Donation Unwaged) The MacKillop Room (Multi-purpose) John XXIII College, 7.30pm-9.30pm Details and Registration, Murray 9383 0444.

Tuesday November 13

CONVERSATIONS ON TAP

An event hosted by the University of Notre Dame Australia, Guest speaker Duncan MacLaren past Secretary-General of Caritas Internationalis 19992007, accompanied by Liz Stone (Caritas Australia Community Engagement Manager) Venue: Fremantle Hotel (cnr Cliff & High Streets), 7pm9pm. Cost $10. Light snacks & beverages included, RSVP on 9433 0611. Unable to make it? Duncan will also be guest speaker at Caritas Australia’s Annual Get Together on Monday November 19.

Wednesday November 14

CHAPLETS OF THE DIVINE MERCY

A beautiful, prayerful, sung devotion to be held at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Dean Road Bateman on the second Wednesday of each month commencing at 7.30 pm. The next devotion is to be held on Wednesday 14 November 2007. All are welcome. Enq: George Lopez 9310 9493

Wednesday November 14

CARITAS AUSTRALIA BUNBURY PUBLIC FORUM

Guest Speaker Duncan MacLaren past SecretaryGeneral of Caritas Internationalis 1999-2007, accompanied by Liz Stone (Caritas Australia Community Engagement Manager), Hear Duncan’s thoughts on “Social Justice and the Millennium Development Goals”, 7.30pm - 9pm at Our Lady of the Bay Community Centre, College Avenue, West Busselton. Enq: Caritas 9721 0500.

Wednesday November 14

FREE PUBLIC LECTURE

“Archaeology of Biblical Texts” by archaeologist & historian Dr Jennifer Carroll 7:30pm – 9pm. Lecture (45 min) followed by Q & A session and tea/coffee.

Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation, 67 Howe Street, Osborne Park Enq: Jane 0401 692 690.

November 15 – 22

BROTHER ELIA VISITS PERTH

Founder of The Apostles of God, this 44-year-old mystic/stigmatist of our times, whose gifts are to bring the presence of God and His Mercy, through his Healing and profound deep spiritualities visits Perth. November 15, St Jerome’s church, Spearwood, 5.30-8pm. November 16, St Joseph’s church Bassendean, 5.30-8pm and Indonesian Community, Corpus Christi Church, Willagee 9.30am-12.30pm. November 17, Holy Spirit church, City Beach, 9am12noon. November 18, St Brigid’s church, West Perth, (Italian only) 4pm-7pm. November 19, St Lawrence’s church, Balcatta, 9.30am-12 noon. November 20, St Bernadette’s church, Glendalough, 9.30am-12 noon. November 21, St Mary’s church,

Leederville, 9.30am-12noon and St Simon Peter church, Ocean Reef, 6pm-8.30pm. November 22, Legion of Mary, East Perth, (priests only), 9.30amnoon (lunch included) – RSVP: Joan: 9447 3711. Please contact: Kathe: 9356 3722 or George: 9440 3371 for more information.

Friday November 16 and Sunday November 18

WEEKEND RETREAT: DANCING THE PSALMS

Friday November 16 starting at 7.30pm and Sunday November 18 starting at 2pm. St Joseph’s Retreat Safety Bay Enq: Evelyn Tierney 9370 2541 or 043 245 1171.

Saturday November 17

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS CELEBRATES 60TH

ANNIVERSARY IN WA

Perth Town Hall starts at 7.30pm. Public awareness meeting. All welcome. Enq: AA Central Service Office 9325 3566.

Sunday November 18

OPENING AND BLESSING OF THE NEW HOLY SPIRIT

PARISH CENTRE

By Bishop Don Sproxton, with Holy Mass at 9.30am, blessing at 10.30am. Address: 2 Keaney Place, City Beach. Old and new parishioners all welcome.

Sunday November 18

PARENTS ARE INVITED TO DEDICATE THEIR CHILDREN TO OUR LADY OF SCHOENSTATT

To all parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts a special invitation to dedicate those God has entrusted to you, to Our Lady. (No age limit!). Starting at 3pm at the Schoenstatt Shrine 9 Talus Drive, Armadale. This day marks the 16th Anniversary of the Blessing of the Shrine! Enq: 9399 2349 email shrine@elink,net. au.

Monday November 19

CARITAS AUSTRALIA PERTH ANNUAL GET TOGETHER

Guest speakers Duncan MacLaren past SecretaryGeneral of Caritas Internationalis (CI) 1999-2007 and Jack de Groot (CEO Caritas Australia), 5.15pm (Registration) – 7.30pm, Catholic Pastoral Centre Seminar Room, 40A Mary Street Highgate (Entry off Harold St), No charge, Refreshments provided, Hear up-to-date information on Caritas Australia’s work and its role as a member of CI, RSVP: Essential by Thursday 15 November Tel 9422 7925.

Friday November 23

WYD FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR ROCKINGHAM PILGRIMS

TECHNOLOGY NIGHT

Do you need help with your: Mobile, iPod/MP3 Player, Camera, Computer? YOU DO? Then come along to our Technology Night where you will be shown everything you need to know. WHERE: Parish Hall, Lady of Lourdes Rockingham, TIME: 6.30pm - 9pm, COST: $5 Enq: 041 20 88 269 or 043 32 44 973.

November 23 - 24

CHRIST THE KING: RETREAT & HEALING RALLY

A Retreat & Healing Rally presented by the Holy Spirit of Freedom Community will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Pemberton. Bookings and Information: Marcelle 9776 1542.

Sunday November 25

ST PAUL’S PARISH GOLDEN JUBILEE - MT LAWLEY

Parish of St Paul’s Mt Lawley will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary with a Jubilee Mass starting at 9.30am. Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Hickey. The Mass will be followed by a light lunch at St Paul’s Primary School. All current and former parishioners are invited to attend. Enq: 9271 5253.

Sunday November 25

CHRIST THE KING - PILGRIMAGE

St Anne’s, Bindoon. Program: 12pm - 1pm lunch. 1pm-1.30pm Eucharistic Procession, 1.45 pm Holy Mass concluding with Adoration, Chaplet of Divine Mercy. 3pm prayers, Consecration and Benediction. 3.30pm - 4.30pm afternoon tea provided. Depart for Perth 4.30pm. Coach transport $15 per person (return). Bookings: Francis Williams 0404 893 877. Enq: Fr Paul 9571 1839 or Paul & Vicky 9576 0975.

Sunday November 25

LATIN MASS KELMSCOTT

The Latin Mass according to the 1962 missal will be offered every Sunday, beginning on November 25, at the Good Shepherd Parish, 40-42 Streich Avenue, Kelmscott at noon. All welcome.

Sunday November 25

CHRIST THE KING: EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION

The Sacred Heart Parish Pemberton, in conjunction with the Holy Spirit of Freedom Community, invite you to join the 10.30am Parish Mass followed by a Eucharistic Procession to Karriholm-God’s Sanctuary, Benediction and a light lunch.

Saturday December 1

“DAY WITH MARY”

Our Lady, Queen of Apostles Church, 57 Tudor Avenue South, Riverton 9am – 5pm. A video on Fatima will be shown at 9am. A day of prayer and instruction based upon the messages of Fatima. Includes Sacrament of Penance, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross. Please BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286.

Sunday December 2

DIVINE MERCY

An afternoon with Jesus and Mary will be held at St Joachim’s Church, on the corner of Shepperton Road and Harper Street in Victoria Park, at- 1.30pm. Program: Holy Rosary and Reconciliation, Sermon on Holy Family with Fr Tizani Bogoni followed by Divine Mercy prayers and Benediction. Afterwards frefreshments in the parish hall, followed by a video/DVD: Holy Eucharist and The Family with Fr John Corapi. Enq: John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.

First Friday December 7

ALLIANCE AND TRIUMPH OF THE TWO HEARTS

HOLY MASS AND EUCHARISTIC VIGIL at St Bernadette’s Church Glendalough. Confessions at 5.15 pm. Parish Mass at 5.45 pm (Celebrant: Fr Doug Harris) followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, hourly rosaries, hymns and reflections etc. Vigil concludes with midnight Mass in honour of the BVM (Celebrant: Fr Doug Harris). Enq: Fr Doug Harris 9444 6131 or Dorothy 9342 5845.

Friday December 7

SILVER JUBILEE OF PRIESTLY ORDINATION: FR PETER

STIGLICH O PRAEM

The Norbertine Canons and the Parishioners of East Cannington/ Queens Park invite past parishioners, friends and supporters to celebrate with them, Fr Peter Joseph’s Ordination Anniversary at 7.30 pm, with Solemn Mass in St Joseph’s Church, 135 Treasure Rd, Queens Park, followed by Supper at St Norbert College. RSVP 9458 2729 ext 238 by November 30.

Saturday December 8

SINGLES CHRISTMAS PARTY

Three course meal. Inc wine, tea and coffee. $25/ head $20 conc. Venue: Integrity House, 67 Howe Street, Osborne Park. Run by Disciples of Jesus Catholic Community Reach Out Ministry. Come along & meet new friends. RSVP Barbara 9341 5346 by 18 November.

Sunday December 9

GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS - OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP, WILSON

The Catholic Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (formerly Castledare Boys’ Chapel), 14 Castledare Place, Wilson, will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee with a Mass at 9.30am, officiated at by Archbishop Hickey, followed by a morning tea in the Community Centre of Castledare Retirement Village. All past and present parishioners, and anyone with any association with our community over the years, would be most welcome at attend our celebrations.

JOSEPHITE 2008 CALENDARS

Calendars available with Blessed Mary MacKillop’s inspirational sayings $5 each plus postage or can be collected at the Mary MacKillop Centre South Perth Enq: Sister Maree Riddler 0414 683 926.

Every First Friday and First Saturday of Each Month

COMMUNION OF REPARATION - ALL NIGHT VIGIL

Corpus Christi Church, Mosman Park 7pm-1am. 46 Lochee Rd, Mosman Park. Mass, Rosary, Prayers, Confessions and silent adoration. Contact: Catalina 0439 931 151.

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 Santa Clara Church, cnr of Coolgardie and Pollack Sts, Bentley. The afternoon commences with the 3 o’clock prayers, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, reflection and concludes with Benediction.

Last Sunday each month

HEALING FIRE - BURNING LOVE

Charismatic Mass celebrated at the Holy Spirit Chapel, 85 Boas Avenue, Joondalup at 5.45pm. Worshipping the Father in Spirit and in truth John 4:23-24. St Bernadette’s, 6.30pm – 8.00pm. Cnr Leeder and Jugan St Glendalough.

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 St, in 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: 9447 3292.

Every Sunday LATIN MASS

The Latin Mass according to the 1962 missal is offered every Sunday at Our Lady of Fatima, 10 Foss St, Palmyra at noon. All welcome.

Every fourth Monday SCRIPTURAL PRAYER PROGRAM

7.30-9pm. Venue: 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 depth and promotes lay spiritual leadership in the Church. Led by Kathleen Brennan (ibvm). Enq: Michelle Wood 9345 2555.

Second Wednesday of Each Month

CHAPLETS OF THE DIVINE MERCY

A beautiful, prayerful, sung devotion to be held at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Dean Road Bateman commencing at 7.30 pm. The next devotion is to be held on Wednesday 14 November 2007. All welcome. Enq: George Lopez 9310 9493. Every second Wednesday

FORTNIGHTLY BIBLE REFLECTIONS

Workers in the Garden of the Holy Family are conducting Bible Reflections at St Mary’s Church, Parish Centre, 40 Franklin Street, Leederville. Commencing 7pm with Rosary, refreshments provided afterward. Dates: November 14, 28, December 5. Enq: 9201 0337.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Holy Trinity Church, 8 Burnett Street, Embleton. Every Monday to Thursday after the 8.30am Mass untill 10am. Every Thursday night from 11pm to midnight. Every Friday Eucharistic Adoration after the 8.30 Mass untill 6pm. Enquiries: Mgr McCrann on: 9271 5528 or George Jacob on: 9272 1379.

Every First Friday

HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND THE RELIGIOUS LIFE

At Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins Street, Glendalough. 7pm Mass with celebrant Fr Albert Saminedi. 7.30pm Holy Hour Adoration with Fr Don Kettle. Refreshments to follow in the hall. All welcome.

Second Friday of each Month

GENERAL PRAYER ASSEMBLY

The Couples for Christ and its Family Ministries welcome all members who now reside or are visiting Perth to join the community in our monthly general prayer assembly 7.30pm, St Joachim Parish Hall, Shepperton Road, Victoria Park. Enquiries: Tony & Dolly Haber (08) 9440 4540.

Every Fourth Sunday

SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

The Perth Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order assembles every fourth Sunday at 2.30pm in the Chapel of RSL Care, 51 Alexander Dr, Menora. Enquiries John 9385 5649.

Every Fourth Sunday

WATCH AND PRAY

A 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. 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. Mind-Body-Life meets at the Emmanuel Centre on Mondays from 12.30-2.30pm. 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: Amanda - Emmanuel Centre, 9328 8113.

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 pro-

PANORAMA continued

cess 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 .

OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE HOUSE OF PRAYER

Archbishop Hickey, at the end of 2006, approved a House of Prayer in the Archdiocese of Perth. The house must be fully purchased or donated and operational by the end of November 2007. All donations may be deposited at the CDF (Catholic Development Fund), 61 Fitzgerald Street, Northbridge. Ph: 9427 0333 Fax: 9427 0379 Email: cdf@archdiocese-perth. org.au. All donations will be fully refunded in the first half of December 2007 should a suitable house not be found and purchased. Please enquire about Tax Deductibility and General Enquiries: 9444 1940.

DONATION WANTED: THE CHAIN OF MARY

From 2004 up until now the Chain Of Mary has had a positive response throughout Australia and

is now making its way overseas. We are looking for anyone who can help with donations towards the continued printing and distribution of these Booklets. If you can assist lease call Rose on 0437 700 247.

BOOK DONATIONS WANTED

We are seeking donations of Catholic books, Bibles, Missals and Divine Office books any age, any condition. If you can help, please tel: 9293 3092

Every Wednesday HOLY HOUR, BENEDICTION

Holy Hour 4pm to 5pm. Held at St Thomas, 2 College Road, Claremont. Followed by Evening Prayer and Benediction. 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.

Panorama

Panorama entries must be in by 12pm Monday. Contributions may be faxed to 9227 7087, emailed to administration@therecord.com.au or mailed to PO box 75, Leederville, WA 6902.

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.

NOVEMBER ENGAGEMENTS

9-11 Parish Visitation, Moora - Archbishop Hickey Parish Visitation, Ballajura - Bishop Sproxton

12 Archbishop Emeritus Faulkner’s 40th Anniversary of Episcopal Ordination, Adelaide - Archbishop Hickey

13 Blessing of Archdiocesan Finance Office - Archbishop Hickey

16 Ordinations to the Priesthood and Diaconate, Infant Jesus Church, Morley - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton

17 First Profession of Sr Vidette, Good Shepherd Church, Lockridge - Archbishop Hickey

Ukrainian Migrants “Then & Now” ExhibitionRev Fr Anthony Paganoni CS

18 Adult Confirmation, St Joachim’s Pro-CathedralArchbishop Hickey

Mass and Blessing of Multi-Purpose Centre, City Beach Parish - Bishop Sproxton

Dedication of the Chapel of the Innocents - Bishop Sproxton

20 Opening of Extensions, Clontarf Aboriginal CollegeArchbishop Hickey

Blessing of Building Project, Irene McCormack Catholic College - Bishop Sproxton

Classifieds

Classifieds: $3.30/line

DENMARK

ACCOMMODATION

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

FAMILY/ GROUP ACCOMMODATION www.beachhouseperth.com Call 0400 292 100

BLINDS

BLINDS SPECIALIST Call AARON for FREE quotes 0402 979 889.

BUILDING TRADES

BRICK RE-POINTING 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 OFFER

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 518 318

EMPLOYMENT

SALES PERSON

AUTOMOTIVE

sell Auto Parts – Second hand. Recycled from insurance damaged motor vehicles. An experienced Auto Tradesperson would be ideal. We deal with the Trade and DIY customers. We welcome any enquiries. Phone Kevin McAuliffe 9459 4111

FURNITURE REMOVAL

ALL AREAS Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

THE CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY Volunteers required for Polling Day. Paul Connelly 0414 247 286 or pmjconnelly@hotmail.com

IMMIGRATION

MIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA Guidance and visa processing for Skilled, Family or Study Visas . Call Michael Ring or Ajay Trehan Registered Migration Agent (MARN # 0212024) - Phone: 02 8230 0290 email: michael.ring@bigpond.com

RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

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.

TO LET

Mogʼs Place, Guilderton. Self contained cottage available for holiday rental. Sleeps 6. Contact Mog 0419 926 280.

BOOK REPAIRS

REPAIR YOUR LITURGICAL BOOKS Book repairs; leather restorations; secondhand Catholic books @ Tydewi Bindery ph.9293 3092.

PREMISES REQUIRED

We are looking for premises either North or South of Perth where we can hold daytime clinics for our clients. We require premises for a period of three to four hours during one day of the week; where we can see the clients privately and also have a waiting room. A Doctors surgery would be ideal. Similar offers would be appreciated. Our teachers are highly qualified in the field of Fertility education and management in the Billings Ovulation Method. Please contact Billings WA 0409 119 532 Marilena Scarfe.

THANKSGIVING

O Holy St Jude Apostle and Martyr great in virtue rich in miracles. Near Kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your patronage in time of need. I have cause from the depths of my heart to humbly beg you to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me now in my urgent need and grant my earnest petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked.

HEALTH

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

A Free Sample pack of Wellness, Weight loss and energy products. Natural products – not a medicine Call 02 9807 5337

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.

LITURGICAL SINGING TEACHER

To commence Feb 2008. 2-2 1/2 hrs/pwk, times, days flexible. Knowledge & understanding of Liturgies. Able to teach Liturgical songs to Primary Sch chn; play keyboard/organ or guitar for school Masses & lead chn in singing. Must be fully supportive Of the objectives & ethos of Catholic Education. Send CV to the Principal, include names & contact noʼs of 2 Referees, including current employer & police & WWC clearance or WACOT by 23 November 2007. St Lawrence PS 386 Albert St, BALCATTA 6021 9344 4944

Fontanini Nativity Range

For one hundred years the House of Fontanini has brought the Italian Nativity tradition to families around the world. Each figure of the Fontanini Nativity Range is handcrafted in Italy, and is made of virtually unbreakable child-friendly polymer. Story cards accompany the range, giving readers a deeper insight into life in biblical times. Beginning with the Holy Family & Stable set, the Fontanini Range is designed for your family to add new characters to the scene during the course of the Advent and Christmas season, or to add a new character to the scene each year as part of your family tradition.

Holy Family (12.7cm tall) & Stable set $169.40

Gloria Angel (12.7cm tall) $37.50

Three Wise Men set (12.7cm tall)$108.90

Shepherd Boy (12.7cm tall) $39.95 5pce sheep set (12.7cm tall) $48.50