The Record Newspaper 09 September 2004

Personalities join forces

Political, media and sporting identities unite for a cause

O ur political leaders are usually known for being on opposite sides on most issues but next weekend political opponents will unite to support community radio station 98.5 Sonshine FM. Personalities from a number of local television stations will also be putting differences aside to help out during 98.5 Sonshine FM’s annual 3 day Radiothon. Radiothon 2004 will be launched on Friday morning the 10th of September with a live broadcast from the Oyster Bar in South Perth.

The following 3 days will turn 98.5 Sonshine FM’s Morley studio into the stage for Perth’s biggest annual radio party.

Political, Media and sporting personalities will join the station’s regular on-air line up to seek the support of listeners for 98.5 Sonshine FM’s on-going work of broadcasting a positive message to thousands of people across Perth and beyond.

Sonshine FM’s General Manager Barry Grosser says, “As a community radio station Sonshine FM relies solely on donations and business subscriptions from listeners, members of the community and

business sponsorship. This just covers our daily running costs.”

“Radiothon funds help us continue the work of the Sonshine Careline, our off-air telephone counselling service which has received around 60,000 calls in its sixteen year history. Funds also help us upgrade

our on-air equipment and other capital works”. Listeners will be invited to donate across the three days by calling 9484 1985. They will also have the opportunity to visit the Morley studios and meet local personalities and the

team from 98.5 Sonshine FM during their annual open days. The studios will be open for tours from 10:00am to 4:00pm both Saturday and Sunday, the 11th and 12th of September.

98.5 Sonshine FM is located at 9 Boag Road, Morley.

Australian Bishops post statement on patients

Bishops issue pamphlet following John Paul II's statement on patients in a coma

Following Pope John Paul II's statement in March on the treatment of patients in a vegetative state, the Australian Bishops last week published a pamphlet containing a "Briefing Note" on the "Obligation to Provide Nutrition and Hydration".

The leaflet, which is available for download on the Australian Catholic

Bishops Conference website, is the result of a cooperative effort between the Bishops Committee for Health Care, the Bishops Committee for Doctrine and Morals, and Catholic Health Australia.

The Holy Father's statement occurred in an address to doctors, palliative care specialists, lawyers and ethicists in Rome for a conference titled "Life Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State: Scientific advances and ethical dilemmas."

In his address, the Pope spoke of the obligation to provide nutrition and hydration to patients who are commonly said to be “in a persistent vegetative state (PVS)”.

This meant that many Catholic health care institutions and workers had to modify their policies and practices.

The leaflet comments that the Pope’s statement is an "application of traditional Catholic teaching". The teaching in question says neither that nutrition and hydration must always be given, nor that they

are never to be given, to unresponsive and/or incompetent patients.

"Rather, the Pope affirms the presumption in favour of giving nutrition and hydration to all patients, even by artificial means, while recognising that in particular cases this presumption gives way to the recognition that the provision of nutrition and hydration would be futile or unduly burdensome.

The leaflet can be found on the Web at http://www.acbc.catholic. org.au/whatsnew/index.htm

The team at Sonshine: Arthur Muhl, John Donoghue, Rosalind Schmitz, Rodney Olsen, Barry Grosser and Samantha Willans in front.

Photo: Courtesy Sonshine FM

Foundation for choir’s future

“Sometimes, music can open the hearts of people to God’s love in a way that other means can’t,” Fr Timothy Deeter told Mass-goers at St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth last Sunday morning.

Fr Deeter was explaining why a new fundraising foundation has been launched to underwrite the future of the Choir. The foundation was launched at all Masses in the Cathedral last weekend.

The foundation aims to raise $50,000 to ensure that the choir is able to continue developing as one of the leading choral groups in WA.

During Fr Deeter’s time with the Choir, choristers have sung for Pope John Paul II, toured abroad, ensured that major feastdays of the Church’s year and events such as ordinations of priests and consecrations of bishops are celebrated with the best liturgical music, and travelled to New Zealand for participation in Royal school of Church Music intensive study programs.

But all of these activities, together with the day to day business of ensuring that an organization like this continues to develop its skill and capacity to perform to the highest standards, can be expensive business.

The Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral Monsignor Thomas MacDonald told The Record that apart from the male adult volunteers, the boys of the choir, aged eight to 16, rise with the birds five mornings a week and are taken to Trinity College in East Perth by their parents for early morning practice.

Among the continuing expenses that need to be met are the scholarships which each boy admitted to the Choir receives for the school at which he is a student. Scholarships are worth two-thirds of each chorister’s annual school fees.

The director of the choir and both cathedral organists also receive compensation for their services and there are the costs of office supplies, choir robes and the purchase of music licences, all of which mount up, said the Monsignor.

After the 10.00am Mass, invited dignitaries, parishioners, choristers and their families gathered for a brief recital over morning tea at Mercedes College. Among those present were Perth Lord Mayor Peter Nattrass and Senator Julie Bishop.

Between performances choir members and parents spoke about the hard work and the rewards of being part and parcel of a choir that has sung for John Paul II and travelled overseas on tour.

Master of the Choristers Fr Timothy Deeter also explained to the two hundred or so people present what is entailed in being a member of the choir, from the study of Renaissance music to early morning-rising five days a week.

“I’m always half-dead, but they (the boys) are always full of beans!” he told those present.

Monsignor MacDonald said the Choir had been successful in having itself listed on the Register of Cultural Organisations by the Australian government.

This means that donations to the public foundation are fully full tax-deductible.

Some donations had already been received but it was too early to say whether the target would be reached.

“More work has to be done,” he said.

Anyone interested in supporting the new foundation can contact St Mary’s Cathedral office on (08) 9223 1350.

Father Peter turns 30

There were mixed emotions in the Bianchini’s East Victoria Park household when 15 yearold Peter Bianchini told his parents he was thinking of training for the priesthood. His mother burst into tears, while his father sought to check what all the fuss was about before rejoining his workmates, relaxing at home over a few drinks.

Peter Bianchini recounted the incident last weekend to a big congregation - including his mother, Lena, now 80 - at Sacred Heart Church, Highgate when he celebrated Mass to mark the 30th anniversary of his ordination.

Father Peter told how he had been impressed by the glossy brochures promoting the priesthood, when he was a student at the Christian Brothers’ St Francis Xavier School at East Victoria Park.

He trained at St Charles Seminary at Guildford, and also at St Francis Xavier in Adelaide, before his ordination at St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth on August 31, 1974.

In one of the biggest ceremonies at the time, those ordained by Archbishop Launcelot

Fr Peter Bianchini

Goody included not only Father Peter but also John Jegorow – now at Ballajura – Brian O’Loughlin (Claremont) and Brian McKenna (Cloverdale).

After a period in the Rockingham parish, Father Peter

K-7 CURRICULUM CONSULTANTS CURRICULUM SUPPORT SECTION

The Director of Catholic Education in Western Australia invites applications for the above positions in the Primary Curriculum and Teaching Team. All relevant information and documentation are to be found on the website www.ceo.wa.edu.au under employment.

took up several country appointments, including at Moora and Bencubbin, as well as Osborne Park and North Beach in the metropolitan area. He was the opening parish priest at South Lake (now Yangebup), and more recently had a long stint at Shenton Park, before taking up his appointment at Highgate earlier this year.

But he hasn’t been confined just to parish work. He’s also been school chaplain at both Trinity College and Sacred Heart, Sorrento, director of the Missions Appeal, and is currently co-director of Clergy, Life and Ministry, which concentrates on the ongoing development of the clergy. Then there’s his role as director of the Permanent Married Deacons’ Program the first organised course to train married men to be deacons.

As well, Father Peter is a former chairman of the National Council of Priests. The day after celebrating his 30th anniversary he left for the National Council’s convention in Brisbane. Coincidentally another delegate from Perth was his ordination colleague from 1974, Father John Jegorow.

Enquiries regarding the position should be directed to Geri O’Keefe, Coordinator, Primary Curriculum and Teaching Team on telephone (08) 9212 9323 or email: okeefe.geri@cathednet.wa.edu.au

Allapplications, on the official form, should reach The Director, Catholic Education Office of Western Australia, PO Box 198, Leederville 6903 no later than 5 October 2004.

PRINCIPALSHIP

ST JOSEPHʼS SCHOOL, KUNUNURRA

St Joseph’s School is a single stream multi-cultural school with an enrolment of 240 students from K–7. Situated in the East Kimberley Region of Western Australia, the school was established by the Sisters of St Joseph in 1967. St Joseph’s has a whole school approach to Learning Outcomes with an emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy. Specialist programs include Physical Education, Library and Health. The school is well resourced and receives significant support from all groups associated with the school, including the parish. The successful applicant will commence on 1 January 2005.

The choir performs at the 10am Mass last Sunday in St Mary's Cathedral. Launched in 1937 and 1938 by the legendary Fr Albert Lynch, the Cathedral choir is one of WA's cultural assets.

Nola Pickersgill tells of the benefits and obligations of being a Choir Parent.

Feminine touch

Military Bishop appoints special advisor on the needs of women

The Catholic Military Bishop, Bishop Max Davis has announced the appointment of Lieutenant Commander Carmel Barnes as Episcopal Deputy and Advisor with regard to the special needs of the women of the Military Ordinariate.

Bishop Davis said the appointment was the first of its kind in the Military Ordinariate of Australia and was integral to creating a Church in which all members contribute to its growth and promote a strong spiritual life which will be healthy and energetic in its visible love of God.

“Today I wish to formally advise of our affirmation of the role of women in our Church and acknowledge the rich experiences and variety of talents which women have that can only enhance our spiritual journey,” he said.

“To assist me to bring about a fuller participation of women in the life of our Church I asked Lt Cmdr Carmel Barnes to assist me in harnessing the many skills of the women of our diocese.”

Lt Cmdr Barnes has been associated with Defence, mostly Navy, as a serving member and a partner for more than 30 years. She is based in Canberra and is

married to Steve. They have a daughter and four sons. She said her initial reaction when asked to take on the appointment was to be overwhelmed at the enormity of the task.

“Then I became excited at what we could achieve if we worked together taking a step at a time,” she said.

That first step will be to set up a network of Catholic women across the Military Diocese.

“We are a mobile population and while there are organisations within Defence which assist us when we move with the physical aspects of transition, I believe we have a need to support each other in transition and in location on a spiritual basis as well,” she said.

“Working together, we can become a fuller, richer Church. It is an exciting vision.”

New world war touches all

Cardinal says terrorism has unleashed 'fourth world war'

By Cindy Wooden

Defining the Cold War as the "third world war," Cardinal Renato Martino said terrorism appears to have unleashed the "fourth world war" in a way that touches almost everyone in every part of the globe.

The Cardinal, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, spoke on Sept. 6 at an interreligious meeting for peace sponsored by the Rome-based Community of Sant'Egidio.

Terrorism on the scale seen since Sept. 11, 2001, has become a type of war outside the bounds of "all of the political and juridical canons consolidated by a very

long tradition" for defining war and regulating combat, he said.

The reaction, the cardinal said, particularly in the "preventative war" on Iraq proclaimed by the United States and its coalition partners, is also outside the bounds of traditionally accepted definitions of national selfdefence.

Cardinal Martino previously has said that the war on Iraq was not justified, but that once the coalition forces invaded they had an obligation to stay and to provide security while the new Iraqi government is formed and consolidated.

The cardinal said two aspects of "the war of terrorism and the war on terrorism" are completely new.

The first regards the ability of terrorists to strike in one place,

yet make an "interruption" into the daily lives of people around the globe, he said.

The immediacy of news coverage brings images of the attacks into everyone's homes, the Cardinal said, and the unexpected and horrifying acts make people feel that they may not be safe anywhere, including their offices or their schools.

"With terrorism, war is no longer a far-off event, but is terribly close," Cardinal Martino said.

The Cardinal also said that, while war always has been horrible and has "sinisterly shone light on the abyss" of human hearts, "the war we are living through at this moment is particularly disturbing because these acts sometimes are committed in the name of God." - CNS

Archbishop thanks Buckeridge

Archbishop Barry Hickey has thanked Perth business figure Len Buckeridge for withdrawing an advertisement from a community newspaper which caused concern to some Catholics and for apologising in The Record.

Mr Buckeridge had extended a courtesy to Catholic sensitivities that many other business leaders might not have done, the Archbishop wrote to the leading businessman in late August.

The advertisement placed by Envirotechnics, a pest control company owned by Mr

Buckeridge’s business, appeared in the Stirling Times newspaper in June.

It showed a rat trembling in fear and clutching rosary beads as it presumably faced imminent exit from this life at the hands of a company pest exterminator.

It appeared that some Catholics had been upset not so much by the concept of the advertisement as at the use of the rosary beads in its illustration.

In his letter to Mr Buckeridge

Archbishop Hickey wrote: “Your

Tardun school invites all to open day

NOT only is it the biggestsized school in the world, but Christian Brothers Agricultural School at Tardun is also big on many things.

Like christianity - and caring and sharing and turning your sons into mature men.

But the school - which is located on 13,000 hectares, 140km east of Geraldton on the Mullewa-Morawa Road - wants you to experience this for yourself.

That's why they are inviting everybody, and they mean everybody, to come to Tardun on Sunday, September 26 for its annual open day.

CBAS, who celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, educates boys between years eight and 10. The good news is that from next year, it will be taking in year 11 lads.

And there is plenty of talk that one day not far away, girls will be educated at Tardun.

Open day starts at 10am with the first of three tours of the school and the farm at 10.30am. Open day will conclude with a barbecue lunch - which is free to everybody.

"See our young men in action on the farm and in the classroom,'' is how open day is being promoted.

And it won't be all serious stuff - with much of the day being just like a fair. There will be pony rides, a squash tournament, raffles and lucky numbers, guess the weight (of animals) competitions, cart rides, trampolining and devonshire teas.

Make it a date. Ring the school on 9961 5212 for further information. You may owe it to your son to make the effort. He deserves the chance of a quality education.

Perth players are best in nation

Perth’s St. Charles’ Seminary have emerged victors in the recent inter- seminary soccer competition held in Sydney.

prompt action and your letter to The Record were truly appreciated. Many have commented favourably on your action knowing that others in your position might not have been so generous.”

The Archbishop wrote that he had been interested to see in Mr Buckeridge’s letter to The Record that the businessman is a nephew of a former Catholic Archbishop of Perth, Launcelot Goody.

“I knew him well, of course, and hold him in high esteem.”

Archbishop Hickey wrote.

Staff and students from St. Charles’ Seminary, Guildford, and three students from Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Morley, travelled to Sydney on the weekend of 5-8 August to battle it out against the likes of Corpus Christi Melbourne, and the previous holders of the trophy, Good Shepherd Sydney.

After several elimination round matches, the final between St. Charles and Wagga resulted in a 2 to 1 victory to St. Charles Seminary. Best and fairest was awarded to the ‘Pele of Perth,’ Vincent Rosero, assisted mag-

nificently by a well knit team and boosted by the chants of ‘Go Perth Go’ from the sidelines.

The main aim of the competition is to meet seminarians from around the nation to share ideas about formation, assist in mutual up building, and develop friendships that will continue long after ordination.

A big thank you must go out to the many people who so generously supported us financially to enable us to be a part of the competition, and to Good Shepherd Sydney, who accommodated us during our stay. We, God willing, hope to be able to raise enough funds to travel to Wagga next year to defend our title.

Lieutenant Commander Barnes with Military Bishop Max Davis

Students from St Charles Seminary in Guildford proved too brilliant tactically, too superior in fitness, too perfect as a team for their interstate rivals.

Fr Phelan turns 80

By Jamie O’Brien

Father Thomas Phelan, Parish Priest of Holy Spirit City Beach recently celebrated his 80th birthday feeling great.

Evidence of appreciation for Fr Phelan was shown when more than 150 parishioners and friends turned up for his birthday Mass on a weekday.

Originally from Kilkenny, Ireland, Fr Phelan came to Australia in May 1949 after spending six months on mission in England.

“It was just after the war and I had never worked in England before and my bishop was anxious for me to do a temporary mission, but Australia always had the highest appeal for me,” Fr Phelan said.

After studying at St Kieran’s Seminary just outside of Kilkenny, Fr Phelan was ordained in 1948 - only a year prior to coming to Australia.

Fr Phelan says his time of growing up as a Catholic in Ireland was very different to what it would be today.

“Everyone was committed.”

“Church was every part of our life”

“It was after the great depression and there was a fair amount of unemployment, but there was a great spirit in Ireland and that’s what has touched me over the years,” Fr Phelan said.

“However, it has been very rewarding working in Australia.”

Coming from a strong Catholic family, he believes his vocation was influenced by a priest he met from America who told him as a child he was going to preach the gospel later in life.

“That was the seed sown,” he said.

“So many people have turned away from their faith because of money,”

“But there are still some wonderful people left.”

Governor to launch project

Western Australia’s Governor Lieutenant General John Sanderson will officially launch the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Project in Geraldton on October 16.

The launch will come as further recognition of the architectural heritage of Monsignor Hawes.

Project Co-ordinator Fr Robert Cross said it is a great honour to have the Governor launch

the project. “Having originated from the Geraldton region, His Excellency has a personal interest in the heritage of Monsignor Hawes,”

“I know he is delighted to see the church and the local communities of the Mid West and Gascoyne area working together to conserve and promote it,” he said.

Fr Cross added that while in its

infancy, the project has already gained support from Federal, State and Local Government agencies in the Mid West and Gascoyne region.

The launch will take place in Geraldton’s internationally famous Cathedral of St Francis Xavier at 4pm. The cathedral was designed and built by Monsignor Hawes. Fr Robert Cross can be contacted on 08 9221 3221.

Kalamunda calling ex-parishioners

Parishioners from Holy Family Kalamunda are being asked to help celebrate its 50th Anniversary.

The parish is hoping to create a collage of photos, video footage and stories. Parishioners past and present can do this by sending in photos of

past parish activities, weddings, baptisms, and important family occasions with the details on the back.

These will be returned as soon as possible.

For more information please contact Lou or Sue Conti on 9291 7078.

Nuncio to go to Switzerland

Archbishop Franceso Canalini, the Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, will leave Australia to become Apostolic Nuncio to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Fr Phelan says his love for his ministry has come from his dedication to celebrating the Eucharist. “I love the Sacraments,” he said “I have a great appreciation for the Eucharist.”

One person who knows Fr Phelan very well is Holy Spirit Parish Secretary Carolyn Bartel, who has been working with Fr Phelan for the past 12 years.

“All that matters to him is his vocation and the people,” Mrs Bartel said.

“His whole world is centred around the Eucharist.”

Fr Phelan said that it has been the immense generosity of the people that has kept him at City Beach.

“They are just nice people.”

According to parishioner Phil Ryan, Fr Phelan is unique in being the only Parish Priest at City Beach since its formation in 1960.

“That is more than half of his life,” said Mr Ryan.

Having also celebrated 50 years of priesthood in 1998, Fr Phelan named the Disciples of Jesus and the Covenant Community as being the biggest influences in his priesthood recently.

“There are some very good fruits coming out of it,” Fr Phelan said.

“They are so committed to their faith – living the Christian values and sharing their faith with everyone,”

“When you see some of them giving their life for a whole year,”

“They are just on fire for God,”

“They make a huge contribution to the country and to the church.”

Fr Phelan also mentioned how thrilled he was to see so many old friends and former parishioners join the Parish community in celebrations after his birthday Mass.

The change in his appointment was announced in Rome on Wednesday evening, Perth time.

Archbishop Canalini is due to

take up his new appointment by mid-October, but it is not known when he will leave Australia.

In a personal note to the Australian bishops, he said: “I wish to express to you my sincere gratitude for the reception and hospitality you have afforded me during my stay in the Land of the Holy Spirit.

“I consider it an honour to serve the Catholic Church in Australia and I will keep fond memories of my stay in this Continent.”

The Apostolic Nuncio is the Pope’s personal representative in Australia and has the status of Ambassador in his dealings with the Government.

Pf Phelan with the Blessed Sacrament at Holy Spirit Church in City Beach.

Iwas privileged recently to hear an address to a largely Catholic organisation by a very distinguished visiting British Catholic layman, an eminent lawyer, on recent medico-legal developments in British and European law, and how they affect such matters as the legality of euthanasia and assisted suicide. These are very important matters and what he had to say I found enlightening. His wife, a notable author, was also present. Meeting them both was an Occasion. I had attended a meeting of largely non-Catholic religious media the previous night and had not been favourably impressed. This, I thought was an evening with some intellectual meat in it. Came question time. And up

popped our inevitable hero from the audience: "Who won the footy?" So the evening ended. The crass rudeness to the distinguished visitor and his wife was perhaps less significant than something else displayed - the frenzied loathing for, and terror, of the intellect which is a feature of many aspects of contemporary life.

Now, writing in The Australian recently, anti-British and antiAmerican polemicist David Day claimed as part of his ongoing attach on Australia's traditions that: "The origins of this peculiarly Australian anxiety can be traced to our relatively brief and tenuous occupation of the continent, combined with the feeling of isolation and the sense of being surrounded by hostile forces that

with Guy Crouchback

come from our geographic position.

"Historically we have dealt with that anxiety by developing an image of ourselves as a martial race, with the supposed superiority of our physical prowess being able to repel any potential invaders. Hence also the undue emphasis on sport in our national life."

This is an example of what Marx called nonsense walking on stilts. No evidence is produced to support any of this complex of statements. There is no evidence that Australia is more sports-obsessed than many other countries. In 1969 El Salvador and Honduras went to war over a soccer game, involving artillery and air as well as infantry combat, with thousands of people killed.

In the British Daily Telegraph of 6 June, 1998, sports commentator Paul Hayward wrote that for Britain: "Soccer provides the perfect synthesis between pop, sport and the cat-walk. Britain's gleaming all-seater stadiums are the new cathedrals. To turn one's back on the country's national obsession in to make a cultural outcast of oneself." In the British Spectator of 17 April, 2004, media correspondent Stephen Glover wrote of Britain: "In no other country in the world would the allegedly seedy sex life of a footballer with reedy voice and a ridiculous ponytail be treated as a national event."

The point is not football, or the role of sport in our national life, which if it doesn't waste too much public money is probably really

quite a Good Thing. Last time I played football, the other players consisting of my 10-year-old Goddaughter, her grandfather, and a dog, I enjoyed it. I love sailing, though not competitively, and was once a bit of a basket-baller. The point is that there is a time and place for everything, and that includes thought, reason and discussion of important issues, quite apart from questions of common courtesy.

Regarding issues like euthanasia and assisted suicide, our opponents' arguments come ultimately from the second-best intellect in the universe. Shouts of "Who won the footy?" will not overcome them. Intelligent discussion might. Stupidity may be a temporary comfort but it is not a permanent defence.

This woman’s act is a lesson to us all

Gift from God: Sudanese refugee adopts baby abandoned in camp

By Stephen Steele

The faint cries of a newborn baby in the stillness of an August night woke Khadidja Mahamat Ahmat, a Sudanese refugee residing in the Farchana refugee camp in northeastern Chad.

The cries of children are normal for the camp, especially at night. But what concerned Ahmat, who lives in a small tent on the camp's periphery, was that the cries seemed to be coming from an area where no one resided, she said.

She left her tent to investigate and under a tree about 150 yards from the nearest tent, she and a neighbour found a newborn baby lying naked on a small swatch of white cloth.

Ahmat, a Muslim, told the neighbour that she considered the baby a gift from God and that she would adopt it as one of her own. She then sought out a village chief to seek his help in registering the baby.

Another neighbour, Kaltouna Harbab Abdallah, agreed to nurse the baby, since she already

was producing milk for her 2month-old daughter.

The village chief took the women to the tent headquarters of Caritas, known in Chad by its French acronym, Secadev. Among those who greeted the women was Alan Isaac, a techni-

cal adviser for US-based Catholic Relief Services, which has been offering logistical and technical assistance to Secadev.

"I was amazed that this woman was so willing to adopt this baby. It was amazing how both women teamed up to provide the baby

with what it needed to survive," he said.

Ahmat named the baby Abderazik Abdallah Adam. The name Abderazik loosely translates from Arabic to English as "God gave me baby," she said.

As Ahmat cradled the child, she explained that in her culture all children are regarded as gifts from God and that it is the responsibility of all to ensure the child's well-being.

"I have no bad feelings toward the mother. For me, the baby is given by God alone. I am not concerned about the circumstances," she said.

Ahmat said she is 45 years old, but she does not know how old she really is. Darfuris -- Sudanese from the country's western region -- do not operate on any calendar.

"Time means nothing to us; life goes on and that is enough," explained Bashir Adam Daoud, a Sudanese refugee whose advanced English skills earned him a job as a community services officer for Secadev. "No one knows how old they really are."

Ages are symbols for something else, so 45 means beyond childbirth years. A young mother always is 25; an old man is 60,

while a really old man is 98.

As she cradled the infant in her arms, Ahmat said she has been visited by a steady stream of neighbours who have shared her joy and wished her God's blessings.

"Life in this camp is very hard," Daoud said. "The people visit her, but they bring no gifts."

Secadev helped Abdallah receive some extra food since she is now breastfeeding two children. As a one-time gift, she received an extra kilogram (2.2 pounds) of rice and beans and some extra sugar and oil.

"It is true that there is not enough food, but I am trying to do my best to feed them," she said.

Once the baby stops nursing, Ahmat will have another person with whom to divide her family's rations. She already is caring for four children ranging in age from about 8 to 18. Increasing her food rations for the new child means navigating around the UN labyrinth of red tape, but she said she will worry about that when the day comes.

"God will provide," she said.

CNS

19

Khadidja Mahamat Ahmat, a Sudanese refugee, cares for an abandoned newborn baby she found under a tree and later adopted in the Farchana refugee camp in Chad. She named the baby Abderazik, which translates from Arabic as “God gave me baby.” Photo: CNS

Scripture teachers

Thank you to David Heales for drawing the attention of readers of the Record to the need for teachers of Scripture in Government Schools (The Record 19 August). Catholics may not be aware of this important ministry and that it is something that, with some training, most people can do.

At a time when we are more used to hearing how Christianity is marginalised and rejected, few people may realise that there is a far greater demand from Government Schools (coming both from teachers and parents) to teach children about Christianity than there are people to fill that role. There are approximately 460 volunteers currently teaching Scripture in Government schools, but it is estimated that approximately 2000 are needed to fill the demand. Agreements between the Christian Churches and the Education Department of Western Australia for teaching religious education in Government Schools date back to the end of the Nineteenth Century These agreements have been formalised in recent decades with the Churches’ Commission on Education (now known as YouthCARE) representing the Heads of Churches in this matter. The most recent negotiations (2004) continue to provide for volunteers who are suitably trained and registered to enter schools to teach Scripture. The final say for this in any particular school rests with the principal. The program used to teach the children is Scripturally based, has been endorsed by mainline Christian Churches and is user friendly, In order to be accredited for this work, volunteers need to attend training modules offered by YouthCARE. Alternatively, Catholics may qualify by completing a Formation Course for Catechists offered annually by the Catechist Service at the Catholic Education Office. This enables them to teach religious education in parish programs as well as providing provisional accreditation for Government Schools. While we most often think of missionary work taking us far from home and only for the select few, this mission is on our own doorstep and it will ensure that a whole generation of children will not go into adulthood without knowing about Jesus.

For further information contact Brady Williams at YouthCARE on 9286 0280 or the Catechist Service on 9212 9257.

Dr Pina Ford, Coordinator, Catechist

Service Board Member,

YouthCARE

Congratulations to The Record on the excellent article about Father Groeschel. He is a very holy priest, highly gifted speaker, and a shining example for his courage and dedication.

The EWTN international Catholic television network is a blessing to Catholics, Christians and all who seek a deeper meaning in life and look for wholesome family fare in the media.

Countless conversions have been attributed to this powerful means of evangelisation. Many converts find their way right home to the Catholic Church; many oth-

ers are drawn closer to God and to Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The EWTN Live program in which Fr Groeschel is interviewed by Fr Mitch Pacwa will be broadcast on Access 31 on Sunday, September 12, from 1 - 2 pm.

There is a regular EWTN program at this time every Sunday, which is advertised weekly in Panorama in The Record. It is hoped that readers will consult this column regularly.

The Rosary Christian Tutorial Association also supplies videos on request from a huge range of EWTN programs. Tapes are supplied for video libraries free of charge at parishes or other locations. For those who would like information about any aspect of EWTN, or about having a satellite dish installed for 24-hour free-toair reception, see Panorama for contact details.

Anne Kirkwood Attadale

Remembering O’Brien

Your columnist, Guy Crouchback struck a note of accord with me when he said that most modern hymns are dirgelike, have at best indifferent lyrics and are not worthy of being used to celebrate the splendour and glory and worship of God.

Later in his excellent column he says: “For me there is one popular hymn that does really touch the numinous – Hail Queen of Heaven”. He described it as what hymns should be “like vaultings of a great cathedral built with verticals that direct Mankind’s vision towards heaven.”

It reminded me of a dear departed friend and political scholar, the late Professor Patrick O’Brien. He was also a friend to many. And often in convivial select company and enjoying God’s gifts Paddy would sing Hail Queen of Heaven with gusto in his booming voice, followed by an also great hymn, Faith of our Fathers.

These were the two hymns sung at his requiem.

Brian A Peachey Woodlands

Thanks Brothers

The Christian Brothers are bringing their time in their schools and colleges in Australia to an end, and devoting their energies elsewhere. Since coming to Australia in the 1800’s over 2000 of these men have generously given their talents and their lives to improve the quality of life

peace with your brother first. And then come to the altar with your offering.'

The handshake was one of the folksy additions to the Mass at the high tide of ecumenism and the liturgical reconstruction in the 1970s. You had to be chummy.

My wife and I went along for a while, till we were exhorted from the pulpit that we should put more vigour in the procedure and start kissing each other. We discussed it over breakfast that Sunday and decided to drop out altogether. I haven't been involved in 'Peace' handshaking since, except on special family occasions, and I don't intend to start again until it is put back in its proper place, before the offering. I have been told that it is still in that spot in at least some Masses associated with the ordination of priests.

often heard is that the timetable is too overloaded to permit much space for a non-exam subject.

However, our society is no better off for taking a soft approach to teaching Christianity in our schools; and neither are the lives of the general population.

In fact, the cynicism of our politicians and the low value placed on human life are directly related to the fact that agnosticism is regarded as the only safe way for a teacher to take. There is no foundation for any law or community bond in Australian society if Christianity is not held as true by the majority of the population.

It is not enough simply to keep Christianity alive as an academic study, like the classics, and treat it as `useful knowledge’.

of the students who benefited from their endeavours.

Thousands of students have gone through their hundreds of schools. The Australian community has benefited in practically every sphere of life from the contribution of these men and their students and owes them a debt of gratitude.

In their recent troubles it is regrettable that so few correspondents have acknowledged and defended the good name of the vast majority of these good men. It is true that there have been two convictions in this state for sexual abuse.

It is also true that being men of their time some of them were strict disciplinarians. But where are the politicians, lawyers, judges, educationalists, doctors, philanthropists, scientists, leading sportsmen and hosts of many, many decent tradespeople and family men who owe to the Brothers their start in life and quality education.

The Brothers gave their lives so that children from all walks of life and especially the socially disadvantaged minority, the Catholic Irish, could have an opportunity to better themselves and maximise their opportunities in life.

Now that sectarianism is to a large extent a spent force, and Catholics are no longer a socially disadvantaged minority, why is it that so many of those who benefited most from the Brothers, and who privately acknowledge the debt they owe the Brothers, have failed to acknowledge it publicly in the media when justice would seem to demand that they do so?

Fr Desmond Murphy

Sister Patrice Cooke North Perth

Not me

Idisagree with Peter Golding's criticism (Record 26 August) about Bishop Holohan's suggestion that the use of the sign of peace should be restricted; as far as I am concerned it should be done away with altogether. I find that whole charade before Communion unnecessary and a distraction. But I am not against it 'per se'; it belongs to the liturgical tradition and was already part of the High Mass in the old Latin Rite.

But in the old rite it made sense, as it took place before the offering and was firmly based on Scripture: 'If you bring your offering to the altar and you remember that you have a disagreement with your brother, leave your offering before the altar and go and make

Matt Bruekers

Lesmurdie

What standards?

Irecently noted (in The Record, 8 July) the disdain that the Advertising Standards Board has towards complaints made by people such as myself, about offensive ads on TV.

Andrew Bolt of the Herald Sun has revealed that the ASB’s 12 members are chosen from the Australian Association of National Advertisers, who, being advertisers themselves, tend to ensure that they define and legitimize their own standards and interests.

In addition, the members of the ASB represent the most liberal segments of society. The current board members include: former federal Labor Party (of "sex on the desk" fame) minister John Brown; writer for Penthouse and Lesbians on the Loose, Emma Tom; author of Why Feminists need Porn, Catherine Lumby; rock band manager, Joanna Cohen; artist, John Bokor; author, Tom Keneally; community radio host, Liz Wise; and some ad agency bosses and famous sporting identities.

This explains why the ASB upheld only 162 of the 2,558 complaints made in 2000, and 11 of the 1,572 complaints made in 2002. They are simply a selfserving body with only their own interests at heart.

I therefore implore people to raise this issue with MPs and anyone else who may be able to make a difference.

Carol Phillips

Queens Park

Put RE first

Iwould like to make a plea for more Religious Education in our schools. Historically, Catholic schools stood for Christianity. They taught it to their children, and they said that they should go to Mass on Sundays. Religious teaching was not to be treated as an ordinary subject. It was to predominate over other subjects. There was no other subject so important for their future life.

It is easy to have recourse to excuses when some teachers may be agnostic, or even if Catholics are reluctant to take a leading role for fear that they may be seen as `indoctrinating the children’. They may be afraid of exposing themselves to contempt or hostility from their colleagues or from other parents. An excuse I have

George Russo MA

Iluka

Book criticised

Your correspondent (the Da Vinci Code 12 August) correctly notes that Fr Richard McBrien has never been excommunicated. He, however, neglects to mention that McBrien's book Catholicism (1985) drew serious criticism from both the Australian and US Bishops.

McBrien then produced a third corrected edition. Having rectified certain doctrinal points criticised by the US Committee on Doctrine in 1985, the third edition nevertheless contains instances of questionable exposition of Catholic teaching.

To mention a few, in the interest of space: In McBrien's view the Gospels are not eyewitness accounts but the products of the later Christian Communities who concocted miraculous events as a way of conveying certain "theological meanings" and for communicating their faith in Christ as divine (pp. 341-343).

The moral theory of proportionalism (as developed by Fr. Richard McCormick), is defended despite its rejection by John Paul II in Veritatis Splendour (pp 966-967)

Gillian Gonzalez

Willetton

Optimistic Bob

The Greens’ Bob Brown must be the ultimate optimist or is suffering a bad case of hubris. He claims to have the support of the young and the over-50 voters (West Australian, 6 September). They must be the young who were not aborted prebirth, and the old he hopes will vote for him before he plays his euthanasia card.

Next, he will want us to believe that Catholics will also vote for him so that he can get all reference to God removed from the Parliament, and redefine marriage and the family. Fred Nile rightly referred to the Greens as the “watermelon party” - green on the outside, pink to the core, and very seedy.

On October 9, use your Catholic vote to get more Christian representation back into our Federal Parliament.

Pat Shea Mullaloo

Dedicated Priest

By Jamie O’Brien

APallotine priest from Germany has recently completed more than 40 years of dedicated work in the Kimberley region.

75-year-old Father Wendelin Lorenz first came out to Australia in 1959 as a Chaplain on a migrant ship to Melbourne, when Bishop Jobst, also from the Pallotine Order, was Bishop of Broome.

Fr Lorenz is known in the Broome Diocese for his hard work and perseverance.

Daven O’Brien, a close friend of Fr Lorenz said he [Lorenz] was very well known throughout the Kimberley.

“You could mention his name in Kalumburu, Halls Creek they would all know who he is,” Mr O’Brien said.

Mr O’Brien also spoke of Fr Lorenz’s caring nature.

“Particularly for people in hospital,” he said.

Prior to his ordination in 1958, Fr Lorenz studied in Germany and upon arrival in Western Australia in 1961, worked at the Wandering Mission (133km south of Perth) for three years.

He had read about the missions in the Kimberley prior to arriving in Balgo in 1964, his first appointment in the Kimberley.

During that time, Fr Lorenz was involved in caring for up to 50 students at a time.

“Mainly the bedwetters,” Fr Lorenz said, laughing. In 1966 he was transferred to Derby, where he carried out most of his work.

Fr Lorenz recalled that in those days, Derby was the main town of the Kimberley.

Serving as Parish Priest, Fr Lorenz was only able to take his first holiday back to Germany after seven years in the Kimberley.

Upon his return, he was transferred to Kununnura for three years until 1969, but returned to Derby a short time later, as the Parish priest was not well.

Fr Lorenz also served as Vicar General to Bishop Jobst for 25 years.

He says in 1964 there were 12 priests and 8 brothers, and no diocesan clergy in the Broome diocese.

Derby was the main town for

administration.

He also remembers when Lord McAlpine, arranged for palms trees to be planted throughout the Broome area.

“He developed the Cable Beach Resort and put Broome on the map,” Fr Lorenz said.

Having come from a small town in Germany himself, Fr Lorenz said this is what he liked about the missions.

Fr Lorenz said his most memorable moments in the Kimberley relate to his helping to bring people back to the Church.

“Especially when you visit the hospital and there’s people that have been away from God and helped them to see the opportunity to come back,” he said.

At present Fr Lorenz has taken a short holiday to Germany to see family and friends.

He will be staying in Rossmoyne Pallotine Centre, Perth, when he returns.

Billiluna celebrates 25 years

By Jamie O’Brien

Centre in Billiluna recently celebrated its 25th Birthday.

To commemorate the event, the school, which caters for about 57 students, celebrated with a community party.

Director of Catholic Education Ron Dullard was present for the event, together with his wife Helen, and Broome Regional CEO Officer Eileen Lawrance.

During the celebrations, regional priest for the Diocese of Broome Fr Matt Digges blessed the people present at the event with the help of community leaders Dianne Sambo and Mary Darkie.

Following this, Fr Matt also blessed the 15 mosaic works that cover the paved path and the seven that decorate the bench

The physical contribution of two young men, one from Melbourne the other from Canberra, is making a difference to the community of Balgo-Kutjungka, approximately 1000km from Broome.

22-year-old Joshua first arrived at the Balgo community in 1999 (when he was 17) and stayed for three months before returning home to Glen Waverley, Melbourne.

Although Joshua didn’t know anything about Balgo prior to his arrival, he said he didn’t feel out of place when he began working there.

“I didn’t know there were places in Australia where they still practised the aboriginal culture,” Joshua said.

seat and boomerang seat. The day was completed with a sausage sizzle and cutting

of a cake by community elder John Gordon and teachers Justin Gordon and Margaret Kungah.

One of the mosaics made by students from Kururrungku Learning Centre that cover the school grounds, Photo:Carole McMillen

The Kimberley All fired up

Dreams become reality for Edwina

By Jamie O’Brien

Edwina O’Connell, from St Mary’s College in Broome has followed her dreams to Canada.

The 16-year-old has recently travelled to Montreal, Canada, where she will live for a year as part of an American Field Scholarship.

While in Canada, Edwina will study the equivalent of Year 11 here in Australia.

Jamie O’Brien from The Record met with Edwina, and her parents Nick and Suzanne O’Connell the day before she left for her journey.

“Edwina has always suc-

ceeded in everything she takes on and this is a beautiful reward for all the hard work,” her father Nick O’Connell said. Upon her return, Edwina will complete the final semester of Year 12 at St Mary’s College.

“It’s going to be great to go to another country and learn another language,” said Edwina. AFS organised the journey, and Edwina was lucky enough to receive a scholarship from the Broome Port Authority to help her along the way.

Having never travelled out of Australia, Edwina and her family are originally from New South Wales.

She heard about the program in early 2003 from a friend of her sister who had been on exchange to Denmark and loved the experience.

I applied because I want to see the world. The opportunity was there, to do what I always dreamed of, so grabbed it,” she said.

With aspirations to work in the fashion industry, Edwina has already laid the foundation for a future career by placing first in the state 2003 casual wear fashion design awards.

She was also been involved in the School Representative Council.

In a recent email from Canada, Edwina said that staying with her host family is very interesting because of the differences in their every day life, in comparison to hers in Broome.

“I have also had the chance to see and go places I would never have dreamed of and I am only going to see and do more,” she said.

Upon arriving in Canada, Edwina said she attended a camp with 90 other exchange students and presented a speech on Australia.

“I think the biggest lesson this camp taught me was just how similar teenagers from across the world can be.”

“We all have the same hopes, dreams and often very similar

O'Connell has aimed high and fulfilled her dreams.

views.” During her experience, Edwina said her foremost goal is to achieve a cultural understanding of the Canadian lifestyle.

“Their culture is so different to our own.”

His brother Luke had been working at the community before him and had recommended he volunteer his time there.

He returned to the BalgoKutjungka community last year and has continued working there as a labourer and landscaper.

Joshua said the people of Balgo’s acceptance of him is what made him return.

“They are so great to spend time with,” he said.

“It’s been a real experience to spend time and learn about the true culture of Australia,” Joshua said.

“People know more about American culture than Australian [culture] these days,”

Upon his arrival in the BalgoKutjungka community in 1999, the local Aboriginal people gave Joshua a ‘skin’ name Tjangala, which determines who he is, where he comes from, who his parents are and who he can marry.

He says he most memorable moment in Balgo has been when the local community gave him an Aboriginal dot painting for his 22nd birthday.

Parish Priest Fr Matt Digges said the services of Joshua and Greg have been very valuable in the Balgo-Kutjungka Community.

“The Church in the Kimberley has relied on vibrant and generous young Catholic people who come to share their life, gifts and faith with the Aboriginal people.”

“Both Joshua and Greg have been prepared to step out of their comfort zone,” Fr Matt said.

18-year-old Greg Strangman, from Canberra came to volunteer his time at the Balgo-Kutjungka community through the recommendation of his Aunt, who had also been working there prior

to his arrival. His aunt told him about a volunteer project operated by the De La Salle Brothers helping young adults and mature age couples volunteer their time in various districts across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

He has been there since February this year, whilst deciding what he would like to study at University.

His most memorable moment since being in Balgo has been at the celebration of Easter.

“It was something new in comparison to how I usually celebrate Easter in Canberra,”

Greg said.

“Everyone got involved,”

“I hadn’t experienced anything like that before,” he said.

While Greg admits he had little or no understanding of what Aboriginal culture was about before arriving in Balgo he says the people of Balgo have been very helpful in his efforts to understand more.

“I’m always learning,” he said.

“I’m receiving a lot, but I’m not too sure what I’m giving back,” he said.

He says the most important piece of information he can say to someone who is thinking to volunteer their time in a place like Balgo, would be to be prepared to experience the desert.

“Having an open mind and being willing to learn and take on every experience positively is really important too,” he said.

“Joshua and Greg have found themselves at a time in their life where they can give,” Fr Matt said.

“It’s a matter of walking together, of coming together to share the journey.”

German Priest Fr Wendelin Lorenz, pictured here with Bishop Christopher Saunders, has completed 40 years in the Kimberley. Photo: Courtesy Kimberley Profile

Edwina

Joshua Camberlain (22) carries local youngster Howard Pye. Together with fellow volunteer, Greg Strangman, Josh is making a huge impression on the local community at Balgo.

Photo: Carole McMillen

When a normal family appeals

Part of the appeal of the TV series Seventh Heaven is that it portrays a functioning family that's not going to break up. Although societies such as Australia and the US are wreaking enormous damage upon themselves - and their children -through the wasteland of divorce, it speaks volumes that a television show about a functioning family is so popular. Maybe TV audiences are yearning for something deeper.

Actress Catherine Hicks reflects on the show and her career.

Divorce the heartbreak of nation, says '7th Heaven' star

By Mark Pattison

It's good that Americans can see a solid, functioning family on the WB series "7th Heaven," said Catherine Hicks, the Catholic actress who plays Annie Camden, the mother of seven on the series.

It plays in sharp contrast to the prevalence of divorce in the United States. "It's breaking the heart of the nation," she told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview from the "7th Heaven" set in Hollywood.

"Divorce, divorce, divorce," she added. "It's broken the hearts of thousands of families. '7th Heaven' is sort of an image of a functioning family that's not going to break up."

Hicks, herself married with a daughter, said she uses some of Annie Camden's backbone off the set. "I apply Annie's environment at home," she said. "She's helped me bark out some commands I really would shrink from."

"7th Heaven" is entering its ninth season on the WB network. It's been the network's top-rated series in five of the past six years. To refresh fans on how it all began, a DVD set of the series' first season has just been issued.

Since its inception, some of the child characters have adopted the character qualities of their older siblings. David Gallagher, who played earnest preteen Simon Camden, emerged as a teen heartthrob in his own right, following in the footsteps of Barry Watson, who plays elder brother Matt. (Both actors return to the show this fall after hiatuses of one and two seasons, respectively.)

ting pretty," Hicks noted, and now experiences some of the teen angst originally assigned by

scriptwriters to Beverley Mitchell, who plays elder sister Lucy. Inheriting Ruthie's wide-eyed innocence, in turn, are Lorenzo and Nikolas Brito, who play twins Sam and David Camden; the twins were born during the show's fourth season.

"7th Heaven" doesn't exactly mirror present-day family life, according to Hicks. "I think married couples argue more than the Camdens," she said. On a personal level, she added, "I'm a working mum and I love my one child," as opposed to stay-at-home Annie, who's raised seven kids.

A member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in the Westwood section of Los Angeles, Hicks majored in both theology and English literature at St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana She then won an acting fellowship and earned a master's degree in fine arts at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.

Originally in TV soap operas as a professional actress, Hicks parlayed playing Marilyn Monroe in a made-for-TV movie into a lead role in the short-lived series, "Tucker's Witch."

For much of the decade before her daughter, Catie, was born in 1992, she had featured roles in several TV series and movies. She took two years off after Catie's birth before returning to the screen.

Two years after her return, Hicks landed the role of Annie Camden, wife of minister Eric, on "7th Heaven."

Hicks said fans tend not to confuse her with her character on the series. "They'll say, 'There's the mum on "7th Heaven."' People come up to me and say, 'Thank you. We love your show. It's helped our family so much,'" she said.

- CNS

Layman puts fortune to work for children

US layman and cosmetics leader pledges money for street kids in Brazil

By Joseph Pronechen

Anti-aging expert Dr. Nicholas V. Perricone made a New Year's resolution last Dec. 31 to help the impoverished street children of Brazil. It didn't end up forgotten the way most resolutions do. In mid-September, ground was to be broken in the poorest area of Sao Paulo, Brazil, for a 1,700-student Catholic school, launching the first phase of the $11.1 million Dr. Nicholas V. Perricone Project for the Children of Brazil. The groundbreaking marks the start of 10 Perricone Projects being planned for Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian cities. The project has a fourpronged approach aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty among street children. Perricone has developed a beginning fund of $130 million for the projects.

"Each project has the potential of changing the lives of 1 million children," said Father Philip Cascia, pastor of St. Anthony's

Church in Prospect and Perricone's longtime friend, who will help with administration.

"Many years ago I read an article on the plight of the street children in Brazil," Perricone said, "and I thought someday if I had the financial means I'd like to do something about that."

Local schools are of very poor quality and often on double and triple sessions, she said, and the pregnancy rate of approximately 30 percent for girls 14 and under means children are having children.

That day has come for Perricone, whose business headquarters are in Meriden. A leading clinical and research dermatologist and former clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine, the author of three No. 1 best sellers, including "The Perricone

Prescription," has developed a line of his own natural "cosmeceuticals" for skin care and body health. A percentage of the profits will help run the Perricone projects.

With help from Father Cascia, he chose the Legionaries of Christ, based in Cheshire and already working in Brazil, to implement the project. He calls the Legionaries "an amazing group" of highly prayerful, dedicated and well-educated priests and brothers.

Perricone's daily liaison to oversee all the details with the Legionaries is Father Cascia, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee in 2000 for his international efforts to bring peace and understanding to countries with Intersport USA, which President Ronald Reagan commissioned him to found.

As the order's director of evangelization and strategic planning in Brazil, Father Ernesto Escobar, also of the Legionaries of Christ, will watch over the Sao Paulo project. He believes the Perricone project "is really going to break the poverty circle."

Four key parts, each with its

own building, will make up each Perricone community:

n A maternity shelter where pregnant teenagers can have their babies and stay up to two years to learn job skills to support their infants.

n A safe house that will have 100 street children at a time living in a family atmosphere, beginning with the youngest boys and girls.

n A school for 1,700 children from preschool to 12th grade, which will also offer after-school programs to keep younger children off the streets, job training for older students and literacy classes for adults.

n A community centre providing sports, recreational and cultural programs for children and classes in child-rearing and job training for the neighbourhood.

Luanne Zurlo, head of the nonprofit World Education & Development Fund in New York, finds this approach tackles critical areas in the most effective ways.

Local schools are of very poor quality and often on double and triple sessions, she said, and the

pregnancy rate of approximately 30 percent for girls 14 and under means children are having children.

"The solution takes years to achieve," Zurlo said, "as it requires a long-term, broad-based treatment and formation of entire families."

Father Juan Sabadell, the Legionaries of Christ's director of development in the United States, said that if the project succeeds "you can fit this project in any major metropolis at the rate of one school or project per every million inhabitants or residents of the city."

In the long term it will devise a middle class in these neighbourhoods, "for it's a middle class with stable family structure that prevents children from going to the streets," he added.

In March, Perricone took an immediate step. "My priorities were to start with the youngest and most at risk, get them off the street first and go from there," he said. Today, five street children, 6 and 7 years old, are already living in a family atmosphere in a cooperating Catholic group home.

Mackenzie Rosman in the first season was impish kindergartner Ruthie. "Mackenzie, she's get-

Actress Catherine Hicks, a lifelong Catholic, plays the wife of a Protestant minister on the WB television series “7th Heaven.” In an interview with Catholic New Service, Hicks said “divorce is breaking the heart of the nation.”

LIFE ISSUES and the BALLOT BOX

Richard Egan takes a look at who is worth voting for on life issues in the coming federal election. Very few candidates are fully worth our vote, is his conclusion, but some deserve our support.

There are many issues to consider in deciding how to vote in the forthcoming election. However, for those who believe in moral absolutes, issues dealing with the fundamental right to life, and with the unique status of marriage as the foundation of the family will be of paramount importance.

It is a tragic reflection on the parlous moral state of Australia that no major political party has a commitment to ensure that the right to life of every Australian is protected.

In December 2002 a majority of federal parliamentarians, in both houses and from all parties, voted for the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 which permits destructive research on human embryos. Licences permitting the destruction of up to 1256 human embryos have since been issued. In April 2005 a temporary limit on the pool of embryos available for research will be lifted with even freshly created human embryos being made ‘fair game’ if the woman or couple for whom an embryo was created can be persuaded to declare it ‘excess’.

This Act is subject to a three year review due to be initiated in December 2004 and completed by December 2005. The review will also deal with the Prohibition of Human Cloning Act 2002 which was passed unanimously by both houses of Federal Parliament. This Act comprehensively bans human cloning for any purpose, including research.

The Federal Parliament continues to leave untouched the existing Medicare arrangements under which $10,544,761 of taxpayers’ money was paid to abortionists to perform 73,191 abortions, including 637 second trimester abortions, in the 2003/04 financial year.

The outcome on euthanasia has been more positive. In 1996 a bipartisan majority in both houses passed the Euthanasia Laws Act 1996 which overturned the Northern Territory’s Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 1995 under which Dr Nitschke had killed four patients. As the Senate rose for the

election it was poised to pass the Criminal Code Amendment (Suicide Related Material Offences) Bill 2004 which would have made it an offence to promote or instruct in methods of suicide using the Internet. Labor has expressed support for this Government bill, with only the Greens opposing it in the House of Representatives on the grounds of an alleged right to know how to most effectively kill oneself!

All parties allow a conscience vote on the life issues of abortion, euthanasia and human embryo research. It is therefore essential for the conscientious voter to seek to establish where the individual candidates for their electorate and for the Senate stand on these issues. Voting records on the Euthanasia Laws Act 1996 and the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002 are available.

For non-sitting candidates, and on the issue of abortion, the only way to be sure is to ask candidates for a written commitment.

The present Minister for Health, Tony Abbott has made a series of public comments on the issue of abortion which have indicated his strong desire to do something effective to curtail Medicare funding of abortion and to limit the availability of the ‘abortifacient morning after pill’.

If he were to be Minister for Health in a re-elected Howard Government, there is some possibility that a private member’s bill to stop Medicare funding of late term

abortions may at least be given time for debate.

(Howard’s position on abortion can best be described as personal opposition combined with an unwillingness to force the issue.) This possibility is most unlikely under a Latham Government. Latham has been a strong supporter of Emily’s List which funds pro-abortion female politicians in the Labor Party. He announced that he would not be viewing the recently aired documentary My Foetus as he had ‘no interest in the subject’.

As Minister for Health, Tony Abbott would also be in a good position to ensure that the review of the embryo research and cloning legislation is conducted responsibly.

The passage, with Labor support, of the Marriage Amendment Act 2004 was a major victory for those who believe that marriage as “the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life” is fundamental to the family, to the well-being of children, and to the future of the nation.

However, the unique status of marriage can also be undermined by treating other relationships as equivalent in legal and social status.

Many State Labor Governments have laboriously combed through every piece of State legislation that mentions married couples amending these to give de facto couples, including same sex couples,

equivalent status, including, in three jurisdictions, access to adoption. The Federal Labor Party has re-iterated its firm commitment to apply the same procedure to federal legislation. This will mean that same sex couples would gain equivalent status to married couples in relation to veterans’ affairs, social security, superannuation, etc.

Despite Mr Latham’s comments about the need for fathers, Labor has also refused to support legislation to prevent adoption of overseas children by same sex couples and to stop forcing the States to permit recourse to IVF for single women.

Nicola Roxon, Labor’s Shadow Attorney General, has also committed Federal Labor to investigating the possibility of registered civil unions for same sex couples. This system, established in Vermont, Tasmania, some European countries and under consideration by the British Parliament, gives same sex couples formal legal and public recognition as a kind of parallel to marriage.

While pro-family Labor members may object to these measures in caucus debates ultimately they are bound by party discipline to vote in the Parliament with the caucus majority. No Catholic Labor MP, Federal or State, has yet defied the party on same sex issues, including access to adoption and IVF.

The Howard Government has been consistent in its opposition to giving any legal recognition to same sex couples. Even in extending the eligibility for concessional tax rates on superannuation death benefits, the Government was careful not to base such eligibility on a same sex relationship as such although same sex couples may qualify as “financially and emotionally interdependent”.

Overall on these vital issues the Coalition has a better track record and better prospects for improvement than Labor, although voters should not underestimate the importance of supporting individual Labor candidates with a clear pro-life voting record or firm pro-life commitments. Without such pro-life Labor MPs the Labor Party would be more like the US Democrats and we would still have legalised euthanasia in the Northern Territory.

Consideration should also be given to placing first on the ballot paper an independent or minor party candidate (e.g. Christian Democratic) who endorses absolute moral principles. As long as careful selection of the candidate given second preference is also made the vote is not wasted and the successful major party candidate is made aware (and can subsequently be reminded) that he or she was elected on the preferences of those who voted this way.

Denouncing all that is not God

The first Mexican National Meeting of Exorcists and Assistants of Liberation, an initiative of the Archdiocese of Mexico, had an attendance of 500 participants.

The meeting took place from August September 31 2 and was held at the headquarters of the Mexican episcopal conference. Participants included Bishops, exorcist priests (appointed or authorised), as well as a number of other priests, women religious, lay assistants to exorcists, persons with experience in prayer of liberation, doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists interested in being part of liberation teams.

At the opening Mass, Cardinal Norberto Rivera, archbishop of Mexico, said "we are in a crucial time for the Church. We must use the Word to denounce all that is not of God: witchcraft, spiritualism, magic, folk medicine, religion of African origin, horoscopes, fortune-telling, tarot cards, alleged occult sciences, Gnosticism, freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, materialist and animist philosophies, etc.

“However, something even more relevant is that, in certain cities of the world, there are practices of Satan worship," he said.

"We are also faced with satanic actions such as New Age, which tries to attract people to false ways of thinking and living, and to believe not in the personal God who has revealed himself to us, but in an impersonal god that is identified with this material world of which we are a part and, for the same reason, wish to make us believe that we ourselves are God."

"There are those who wish to solve their problems, illnesses, pains, and sufferings by following an apparent and superficial path without establishing a personal relationship with God," he indicated.

The Cardinal invited the participants to put Christ at the centre of their lives, "who with his passion, death, and resurrection, through the cross, defeated Satan."

The meeting was organized in particular by the General Coordination of Exorcists of the Archdiocese of Mexico.

Father Pedro Mendoza Pantoja coordinates the work of eight exorcists, one for each territorial vicariate of the archdiocese. - ZENIT

International News

Catholic news from around the world

In northeastern Chad's heat and rain, refugees are not getting enough food

By Stephen Steele

About 100 graves of Sudanese refugees line the cemetery of the Farchana refugee camp in northeastern Chad.

New bodies are added every day, with most of the deceased being young children or the elderly who have succumbed to the harsh conditions of the African desert.

Bodies of young men who were killed are buried or rotting throughout the Darfur region of neighbouring Sudan, where government-backed Arab militias have waged a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the black Africans who inhabit the region.

"This cemetery is the symbol of our suffering," said Abdullah Abdulaye.

In northeastern Chad, temperatures reach 130 F degrees. Dirt roads washed away by unrelenting rains prevent food and other supplies from reaching the refugees.

In the Bredjing refugee camp near Farchana, a team of about a dozen men worked to dig out a truck stuck in sand on August 29. The truck was delivering several tons of sorghum to the camp when its wheels sank into the sand, dampened by days of heavy rains.

In Farchana and Bredjing, the refugees say they do not receive enough food and that their children suffer from chronic diarrhoea and other illnesses. Their tents are no more than 8-feet-by-10-feet, with new arrivals -- families as large as 11 -- placed in 4-foot-by-6-foot tents.

One Doctors Without Borders official said 30 percent of the 1,200 patients the agency sees each week in Bredjing suffer from chronic diarrhoea. The official said those numbers were "alarming" and could indicate a potential for more serious illnesses, such as dysentery or cholera.

"I don't believe we give them enough food," said Couldjim Madibe, camp director of Farchana and an employee of the local Caritas office, known by its French acronym, Secadev.

"We want to give them more food, but we can't. We have to work within the (UN) guidelines," he said.

Those guidelines include perperson-per-day servings of 425 grams of cereal, usually sorghum; 50 grams of beans; 25 grams of a corn-soy mix; 25 grams of oil; 15 grams of sugar; and 5 grams of salt.

More than 12,000 refugees are in Farchana. In Bredjing, the numbers have swelled to more than 40,000, with new refugees arriving every day. About 200,000 Sudanese refugees are

Not enough food

in Chad, with a million more displaced within Sudan. The UN estimates that about 30,00050,000 people have been killed since early 2003.

More than 12,000 refugees are in Farchana. In Bredjing, the numbers have swelled to more than 40,000, with new refugees arriving every day. About 200,000 Sudanese refugees are in Chad, with a million more displaced within Sudan. The United Nations estimates that about 30,000-50,000 people have been killed since early 2003.

The World Health Organization said on August 31 that in Darfur hepatitis cases have increased due to insufficient clean water and poor sanitary conditions, with more than 2,400 cases and more than 40 deaths reported since late May. In Chad, about 30 deaths have been linked to hepatitis, the UN agency reported.

Sudan is under intense international pressure to control the Arab militias, known as the Janjaweed. A UN deadline to

improve the situation in Darfur expired on August 30, leaving Sudan facing international sanctions.

The UN says Darfur is the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Farchana was the first refugee camp for Sudanese in Chad. Now 11 camps are under the direction of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and other unofficial camps have been established along the Chad-Sudan border.

Abdulaye said he arrived at Farchana in late May. He fled his village of Guerendi in February during a late-night ambush by the Janjaweed and government forces.

He drew lines in the sand to describe how Sudanese soldiers in vehicles surrounded his village while the Janjaweed on camels attacked. Government aircraft shot at fleeing villagers.

"If you succeed in escaping, the planes follow and shoot at you," he said.

His story is similar to the stories other refugees and the displaced have told humanitarian aid workers for months.

Sometimes the government aircraft dropped bombs on villages, followed by a militia raid. Others say the Janjaweed arrived first, with government aircraft finishing the job.

Haoua Ahmat was sleeping when the Janjaweed attacked her village in December. She awakened to a bullet ripping through her right leg. She said

a militia member began firing indiscriminately through a window of her home.

"It was dark; he didn't know what he was shooting at. When the Janjaweed arrive, they shoot at all that is moving," she said.

Eventually she crawled out of the house, and her elderly father dragged her to safety. The two wandered across the desert for 20 days before reaching the Chad border. Ahmat was taken to a UN clinic in Adre, Chad; her right leg was amputated below the knee.

Many of the refugees interviewed at Farchana said they wanted to return home, but they realised it might be a long time before peace is restored to Darfur.

Reining in the Janjaweed is not enough, they said: Those who committed crimes against them must be punished, and displaced Sudanese should be repaid for possessions lost.

"Where are our animals?

Where are our possessions?"

Abdulaye asked.

"How do we forget what we witnessed? People killed by planes, women and children shot. How do we forgive such a thing? It is clear in my mind, I want revenge," he said.

"Every day we are dying as a people," Abdu Gammar said on August 28 as he pointed to the grave of a young mother buried earlier that morning in Farchana.

Sudanese refugees wait for aid near the Kounoungo camp in Chad Aug 30. About 200,000 refugees have fled from western Sudan into Chad to escape Arab militias that have killed more than 30,000 non-Arab Africans. An Aug. 30 U.N. deadline for Sudan to control the militias has passed, leaving the country facing international sanctions.

Photo: CNS

Bishop says no to gambling

Guam Archbishop to ask Pope for prayers in antigambling campaign

By Tony C. Diaz

Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron said he planned to ask Pope John Paul II for his blessings and prayers as the Catholic community on Guam fights new efforts to introduce casino gambling on the island.

The Archbishop of Agana was to leave for Rome on Sept. 7 to take part in his "ad limina" visit, required every five years to report on the status of the archdiocese.

Archbishop Apuron said he would bring along thousands of signatures from Guam Catholics united against gambling when he meets with the Pope sometime in mid-September.

"In presenting this to the Holy Father I ask for his blessing for the good of the people of Guam and the archdiocese," the Archbishop said.

The US island of Guam is predominantly Catholic and the faith community has been instrumental in defeating previous moves to establish organised gambling on the island within the past three decades.

The latest move comes in the form of an initiative called Proposal A, which island residents will vote on during Guam's general election on November 2. If it passes, Proposal A will allow for as many as 10 hotels on Guam to operate casino gambling on their premises.

Archbishop Apuron reiterated the archdiocese's strong stance against casino gambling in a pastoral message distributed throughout the island on August 25.

"I ask you, my dear people, once again, to make your voices heard

loud and your choice known clear that we do not need nor do we want casino gambling on Guam," the Archbishop said.

He repeated his call for a stronger outcry against gambling during a meeting with more than 100 Catholic leaders on August 31.

"It's not good for Guam," Archbishop Apuron told the group of clergy, religious, school principals and lay leaders. "Our experience has been that it has never been good for Guam.”

The Archbishop noted that the

community had rallied three times to defeat organized gambling- in 1970, 1980 and 1990. Citing a time in the mid-1980s when poker machines had become prevalent on Guam, Archbishop Apuron said the island has seen how such gambling hurts individuals and families.

The Archbishop and others spoke about seeing firsthand children being left alone in cars at night while their parents gambled inside poker parlours. People in the audience shared stories of themselves or others whose families and lives were devastated because of addictions to gambling.

"I think as a church we need to stand in defence - of the poor, perhaps the powerless," said Archbishop Apuron. "People are being sucked into thinking that this is the great dream, that they really want to win big. You know, try your luck."

At the meeting, Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo, a Democrat who represents Guam in the U.S. Congress, pledged her support of the archdiocese's anti-casino efforts and asked the group to have faith that things will improve on the island.

"We have been hit with more disasters than any other territory

or state in the union and we've always been able to survive," she said, referring to the recent spate of supertyphoons that devastated the island. "So this is just one other incident and I think we're going to come out ahead on this."

Archbishop Apuron called for Guam to remember lessons of the past.

"We have been saying no ... and the reason we are saying no to casino gambling is because of the evil effects that (it) will bring to our island community," he said. Representatives of an anti-gambling group called Life Without Casinos received permission to circulate within the archdiocese a petition titled "Statement of Support by Catholic Lay Leaders in the Archdiocese of Agana Against Proposal A."

Those are the signatures Archbishop Apuron planned to present to the Pope.

"These signatures are meant to ask people to stand in solidarity with the position of the church that has been the position all along, that we will say no to casinos because of what it may do to our community, to our people and to individuals in our community," the Archbishop said.

- CNS

Priest closer to Sainthood US Nuns want more power for women

Harrisburg Diocese investigating miracle attributed to Dachau priest

By Jen Reed

Nearly six decades after Mariannhill Father Engelmar Unzeitig died in a Nazi concentration camp, the Harrisburg Diocese is investigating an alleged miracle that could move him closer to eventual canonization.

Although the name of the person who experienced the alleged miracle has not been revealed, the claimant lives in the Harrisburg Diocese and became acquainted with Father Unzeitig's story while helping to liberate the concentration camp in Dachau, Germany, in the spring of 1945.

A native of the present-day Czech Republic, the priest was imprisoned by the Nazi regime in 1941 for preaching the Gospel and teaching Catholic doctrine in Austria. He spent four of his five years as a priest tending to the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of those imprisoned with him.

When a typhoid epidemic plagued the Dachau camp in February 1945, Father Unzeitig volunteered to serve in the infirmary -- knowing that he too would die from the epidemic -so that other prisoners might live and possibly be reunited with their families.

The priest died less than two

months before the prisoners were freed.

The Harrisburg diocesan tribunal officially began an investigation of the alleged miracle attributed to Father Unzeitig on August 20. The claimant says he was cured of cancer in the mid1990s after praying for the priest's intercession.

Father William King, diocesan judicial vicar, said in an interview with The Catholic Witness , Harrisburg diocesan newspaper, that because the Vatican Congregation for Saints' Causes will ultimately determine the legitimacy of the miracle certain details of the trial -- such as the name of the claimant -- cannot be revealed.

The road toward beatification and canonization is long and complex, Father King said.

To begin the process, the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill, the community to which Father Unzeitig belonged, petitioned the Vatican congregation for approval. The Vatican office then reviewed a compilation of a summary of the priest's life, writings and virtues, and statements from those who knew him.

At the completion of the review, the Vatican declared that Father Unzeitig exhibited heroic virtue in his life.

Father Unzeitig's story is known across North America, according to Mariannhill Father Thomas Heier. During a special Mass

held in Harrisburg to open the investigation, Father Heier said his congregation printed a small novena booklet to Father Unzeitig in 1997, and more than 100,000 people in the United States and Canada have requested copies.

In Harrisburg, a tribunalappointed medical expert is currently reviewing the medical records relating to the claimant's health history, and two physicians will examine the individual. The tribunal will then hear the testimony of 10-12 witnesses who will attest to the claimant's medical condition, spiritual life and devotion to Father Unzeitig.

Father King said the tribunal will review all the information with three questions in mind: Is the person currently cured of cancer? Is the recovery consistent with the medical treatment extended during the person's care? Is the recovery, which is beyond the explanation of medical science, attributable to the intercession of Father Unzeitig?

"At least three physicians will be involved in reviewing records. We will also call as witnesses the physicians and surgeons who treated this person at the time of illness," he said. "When this goes to the Vatican, another team of three physicians will review all of the records. By the time it's finished, more than a dozen physicians will have reviewed this to determine if the recovery was beyond medical explanation." - CNS

US nuns' group says Cardinal Ratzinger should resign

German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger should resign as head of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and be replaced by a "feminist woman," said an organisation representing 500 U.S. women religious.

The National Coalition of American Nuns (NCAN) added that the Vatican should grant greater decision-making power to women, including participation in the election of popes.

The positions were taken in a resolution passed by the coalition's board of directors at its August 18-21 meeting in Denver. It was founded in 1969 and specializes in human rights and social justice issues.

In another resolution, the board said the church should also allow same-sex marriages. The resolution also opposed federal or state laws that would prohibit gay or lesbian unions.

"NCAN wants to see Catholic bishops and cardinals out on the streets telling lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people that they are good and holy and encourage them to lead loving, non-violent lives as single, celibate or married persons," said the resolution.

"It is an unjust church law to

Cardinal Ratzinger

require lifelong celibacy of all gay and lesbian persons," it said.

NCAN's executive director is Loretto Sister Jeannine Gramick, who was permanently barred by the doctrinal congregation in 1999 from any pastoral work involving homosexuals because of her "doctrinally unacceptable" views. She was a School Sister of Notre Dame at that time.

Sister Gramick told Catholic News Service that NCAN realises its positions will not be considered practical by Vatican officials.

"But we think they are practical as do many nuns," she said.

Sister Gramick said NCAN hopes that people having influence with the Vatican will present its views to church officials.The church needs "feminists" of both genders "who work for the equality of men and women in all forms of life," she said. - CNS

THE GIFT OF THE ROSARY: HOW TO MAKE AND HOW AND WHY TO PRAY

Published by: Brian Peachey

Reviewed by Barry Morgan

Available from: The Record $3.00 plus 50c postage. 9227 7080

Of all the religious books written, those on our Blessed Mother and the Rosary would have to be among the most numerous. Secular critics would no doubt query what else there is to say about her?

Throughout history, the mysterious reality of the Blessed Virgin whose submission to the demands of incarnate love brought the God man into the world has captured the imagination and loyalty of legions of Catholics and other Christians.

A central expression of this affection has been the recitation of the simple string of prayers called the Rosary. Numerous tracts have been produced to help people focus on the central events in Christ’s life as they “tell the beads”.

The Gift of the Rosary, while also containing excellent guides to help us meditate on each of the mysteries, has a number of additional features that greatly increase its appeal.

It not only has a brief history of the Rosary itself but also provides step-by-step instructions with accompanying photographs how, with a few basic tools, to make your own Rosary. The author readily solves the problem of where to get the beads by using olive seeds, and in Chapter 5, under the sub-heading, “His branches shall spread, and his glory shall be as the olive tree” (Hosea 14-16), he not only elaborates on this but also provides a recipe for preserving olives.

Throughout the centuries Mary has continuously displayed maternal care for her vain and rebellious children. In recent times, such as at Fatima, she has urged prayer and penance to avert suffering and regain the peace that can only come from God. The Popes have consistently repeated this message, particularly John Paul II, who says it was her intervention that saved him from assassination in 1981. As much as any other pope, he

has promoted devotion to Our Blessed Mother.

This little booklet, which was given an imprimatur by Archbishop Hickey of Perth on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, continues the tradition of fostering our love for the mother of our Saviour.

It has a beguiling Chestertonian ring about it, with many of the elements of the balance and harmony of Christian life. The ancient biblical fruit of the olive; its links with wine and the bonhomie of fellowship; the simple pleasure of working and creating something with one’s own hands; and balancing it all the constant reminder of the need for prayer and mortification.

There are chapters on why we should carry the Rosary, why we should pray it and how we should pray it. Also included is some delightfully appropriate poetry, including “The Trimmin’s on the Rosary” from John O’Brien’s Around the Boree Log.

It would make an ideal gift for any number of occasions or just simply for the joy of spreading the love of Christ and his mother - something the world today needs more than ever.

Movie Briefs

Around the Bend

Offbeat but appealing story of intergenerational bonding as ex-con grandfather (Christopher Walken), single dad (Josh Lucas), and young son (Jonah Bobo) travel to Albuquerque spreading the ashes of great-grandfather Henry (Michael Caine). Though writer-director Jordan Roberts’s film -- which, at its core, is all about reconciliation and forgiveness -- is not without

Movie

RED LIGHTS

Reviewed by: Harry Forbes - CNS

Asuperbly crafted suspense film from France that adds a creepily paranoid dimension to the genre of road movie, "Red Lights" (Wellspring) is a model thriller that generates its chills without gratuitous violence and makes the character study as important as the mystery elements.

Based on a novel (actually set in America) by Georges Simenon, this is the story of Antoine (JeanPierre Darroussin), an insurance salesman who is looking forward to the drive to Bordeaux to pick up his children.

He believes the journey will be kind of a second honeymoon for himself and his wife, Helene (Carole Bouquet).

But to his increasing annoyance, the wife seems far too casual about the trip, and when she doesn't meet him at the appointed time, citing work demands and last-minute preparations for the trip, he begins drinking, which ultimately puts him in a pugnacious and even spiteful frame of mind.

Once they do hit the road, he begins to drive recklessly, and makes a pit stop along the way, where he drinks even more while Helene sits in the car.

He and Helene bicker, with underlying resentment about her superior career surfacing, and Antoine accuses her of showing too much attention to a male colleague.

When he announces he is going to stop the car again, Helene threatens to leave. Antoine stops anyway, and takes the keys with him. When Antoine emerges- after having yet another drink -- the wife is indeed gone.

He frantically drives to the nearby railroad station, where the train on which she is presumably riding has just pulled out. He tries chasing the train to the next stop, but to no avail.

All along, there have been news reports on the radio about a wanted fugitive on the loose. Undeterred, Antoine picks up a bearded stranger (Vincent Deniard), who by all appearances is benign, though the hitchhiker shows understandable concern

its flaws, he has fashioned a winning film with excellent performances, touching sentiment, considerable humor, an eclectic soundtrack, and pretty scenery to counterbalance what could otherwise have been a downbeat story. Some rough and crude language, brief bloody images, and an irreligious dispersal of ashes. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults.

Bad Education

Triangular drama set in Spain about a young, gay filmmaker (Fele Martinez)

and annoyance about Antoine's continued swigging of Scotch and erratic driving.

Eventually, they scuffle, and the stranger throws Antoine roughly onto the back seat -- though whether this is out of necessity because of Antoine's drunken state and inability to drive or for more dastardly reasons, we don't at this point know. When Antoine realizes his helpless position, he declares to the stranger, "If there were real men like you, we wouldn't need courts and cops, and red lights at every intersection."

Whether he's flattering a man of whom he's afraid, or really admires the man's decisiveness, it's hard to say, but it's a good example of the film's tantalizing ambiguity. And it's the quote from whence the film derives its title.

Suffice it to say, with Antoine's cloudy inebriated state, his mounting concern for his wife and the stranger in the passenger seat, the situation comes to an explosive climax.

Darroussin is absolutely superb in the lead role. Hardly a matinee idol, he gives a highly nuanced and absolutely real performance.

Director Cedric Kahn, working from his own tight screenplay (written with Laurence FerreiraBarbosa and Gilles Marchand), maintains an impressively bleak and barren mood, as Antoine appears to be heading on the road to nowhere. The omnipresent road almost becomes a character itself. Patrick Blossier's

who, after encountering a former classmate (Gael Garcia Bernal) -- now a struggling actor -- whom he had once been enamoured with, decides to make a movie about their youthful experiences as students at a strict, all-boys Catholic boarding school, in particular the pederast predations by their headmaster, a priest (Daniel Gimenez-Cacho). Stylishly directed by Pedro Almodovar, the movie’s plot takes classic film-noir conventions and gives them a homoerotic twist. In touching on the hot-button issue of sexual abuse by the clergy, Almodovar paints an unflattering -- and unbalanced -- picture

photography is superb in contributing to that mood. There's hardly any music on the soundtrack, which adds to the sense of desolation, but what's there (by Claude Debussy) is used most effectively.

Much is indicated simply by the power of suggestion. At one point, a bartender remarks to Antoine about a tattoo on the wrist of the man to whom he's about to give a lift. Antoine ignores the warning, and we never see that tattoo, but the remark lingers scarily.

The film begins with subtle but ominous forebodings about congestion on the road, traffic fatalities and stolen cars, while roadblocks, detours and other signposts all point to the fact that the road about to be travelled will be treacherous indeed.

Once on the journey, a threatening character in a bar warns him, "The devil's on vacation with you" and "Buddy, you're going in the wrong direction." For all of this, the ending is sombre but redemptive in tone.

"When we're happy, we don't pay attention," says Antoine near the end of the film. After going through this nightmare trip with the insecure and self-loathing husband, you'll also want to count your blessings when things are going well!

Subtitles.

Because of a smattering of crude language and two violent episodes, the USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults.

of Catholic priests; however, his primary motive seems to have been to use the crimes as a catalyst for the story rather than as a weapon to target the church in general for condemnation. Subtitles. Several intense homosexual encounters, implied paedophilia, murder without consequence, recurring drug content, transvestism, a scene of two boys masturbating, brief nudity, fleeting violence, instances of irreverent humour and frequent rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is O -- morally offensive

Jean-Pierre Darroussin in a scene from the movie Red Lights

eye Catcher

BUILDING TRADES

BRICK re-pointing. Phone Nigel 9242 2952

ELECTRICIAN, Power/ light points from $50 each.

Rewiring our speciality. 0418 941 286, 9279 5008.

PERROTT PAINTING Pty

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

PICASSO Painting. Top service. Phone 9345 0557, fax 9345 0505.

FURNITURE REMOVAL

panorama a roundup of events in the archdiocese

Sunday September 12

Eternal Word Television Network 1 - 2 pm on Access 31: Father Benedict Groeschel’s accident and recovery with Fr Mitch Pacwa (EWTN Live series)

Next week we plan to present Father John Corapi, speaking about the Power of the Cross.

Volunteers urgently needed for help with tapes for video libraries and website updates. Please contact Leigh Marvin with details by emailing leigh@geegle.com

RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

WORK from Home around your children & family commitments. My business

THE HUMBLE MESSENGER 9225 7199. Shop 16/80 Barrack St (inside Bon Marche arcade), Perth.

Other enquiries: 9330 1170. Postal address: The Rosary Christian Tutorial Association, PO Box 1270, Booragoon 6954.

Sunday September 12

GATE OF HEAVEN

Please join us this Sunday at 7:30pm on 107.9 FM, Radio Fremantle, for more Global Catholic Radio. This week we will feature: (1) Hail Holy Queen: The Early Christians reading about our First Parents with Dr Scott Hahn & Mike Aquilina.(2)

GK Chesterton: Heretics with Dale Alquist. (3) Defending Life: Strategic Overview(A) with Fr Frank Pavone. Donations toward the program may be sent to Gate of Heaven, PO Box 845, Claremont, WA 6910. Programs subject to change without notice.

Sunday September 12

FATIMA HOLY HOUR

The World Apostolate of Fatima will hold a Holy Hour of Reparation at St Mary’s Church, Franklin St, Leederville at 3pm. Come and make Eucharistic reparation to our Blessed Lord for the many sins committed against Him. All welcome.

Monday September 13

AN EUCUMENICAL ELECTION FORUM

Good Shepherd Parish Hall, 44 Streich Ave Kelmscott from 6-8pm. The forum has been organised by the social justice bodies of the Anglican, Uniting and Catholic churches and the WA Council of Churches. Four topics will be discussed: All welcome. Enq: Kerry 9397 5988.

Monday September 13

NORTHERN SUBURBS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP

Catholic Mental Health Support Group Carers meeting is held on the second Monday of each month commencing at 7.30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Marda Way, Nollamara. These meetings provide the opportunity to share information and offer mutual support. Enq: Pat Mahoney 9275 2809.

Tuesday September 14

PROGRAM – DAYS OF REFLECTION

With Fr Giovanni D’Ercole. 10.30am – 2pm: St Bernadette’s Church Jugan St, Glendalough. Rosary, Holy Mass, talks. BYO shared lunch. Thursday September 16: 7.30pm: St Bernadette’s: Rosary, Holy Mass, talk.

Wednesday September 15

DAY OF REFLECTION

With Fr Giovanni D’Ercole. For Priests only. 10am at the Bio-ethics centre, Jugan St Glendalough: talk and lunch. RSVP: Joan 9447 3711 by September 10 for catering purposes.

Friday October 15/17

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

Is a meaningful and fulfilling ministry. One of our growing needs for NFP teachers is as guest speakers in schools, as well as clinically with couples who wish to manage their fertility naturally and effectively. Training is in 4 parts over 4 weekends, and includes assignments and supervision. The first weekend will be 15-17 October 2004. If anyone is interested in training as an NFP teacher, please contact either Felicity Roux or Ann O’Donnell (Director) at: Natural Family Planning, 29 Victoria Square, Perth Tel 9223 1396.

Friday September 17 VISIT OF MONSIGNOR G D’ERCOLE

Boyup Brook St Mary’s 6.30pm Rosary, 7pm Holy Mass. Saturday September 18: St Patrick’s Cathedral Bunbury 4pm Rosary, 4.45pm Holy Mass.

Friday September 17

FEAST OF THE STIGMATA OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

The Secular Franciscan Order is celebrating the feast at 6.30pm in St Brigid’s Church, Midland. There will be a paraliturgy (no Mass) based on the Franciscan readings followed by supper. All welcome. Enq: Michael 9276 3139.

Thursday September 23

FEAST OF ST PADRE PIO OF PIETRELCINA

Honour the great saint of our times, Padre Pio, who suffered for 50 years the five wounds of the crucifixion as a true victim with Christ! Come and join in the celebration: 4pm Holy Hour; 5pm Procession and Holy Mass; bringing a plate is greatly appreciated. All Saints Chapel, 77 St Georges Tce, Allendale Square, Perth.

Thursday September 23

SPECIAL HEALING MASS

To be celebrated at St Vincent’s new Church, 138 Parmelia Ave, Parmelia. 7pm praise and worship. 7.30pm Mass. Celebrant: Fr Hugh Thomas, Fr Paul Raj and Fr Michael

Merrifield. 5 lay prayer teams, plus priests. Prayer group members, wear your name tags. Enq: Hugh 9419 1814.

Friday October 1-3

INNALOO ANTIOCH YOUTH WEEKEND

Run by and for young people aged 15-23 years, it is a chance to grow spiritually through prayer, music, talks and activities, but also a great place to meet new people in a fun, friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere. Enq: George on 0422 041 374 or gstevens_99@hotmail. com.

Friday October 1-3 ANCHOR WEEKEND

The Disciples Youth Mission Team invite you to this fun, dynamic weekend for high school students. Packed with games, music, prayer, Mass, Reconciliation and food! Jarrahdale Scout Camp, cost is minimal, and covers all food, accommodation and transport for the weekend. Contact Dave Haydon – 9204 2142 for details and transport, bring your friends.

Friday October 1-3

GOD’S FARM RETREATS

Fr Paul Glynn s.m., is taking Brother Andrew’s 4th Anniversary Retreat at God’s Farm 40k’s south of Busselton. A chance to lose the world and find God in the stillness and amazing beauty of Spring. Fr Paul’s last retreat here October 15-17. Enq: Betty Peaker, PO Box 24 Cowaramup 6284. Tel/Fax: 9755 6212.

Sunday October 3 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Immaculate Heart of Mary Prayer Group invites all to our eighth anniversary at Sts John & Paul Church, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton at 2.30pm. The celebration concludes with a meal. Please bring a plate. Main Celebrant: Bishop Don Sproxton. Enq: Anna 9310 1789.

Sunday October 3 TRANSITUS OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

The Secular Franciscan order is celebrating the Transitus at 6.30pm in St John’s Pro-Cathedral, Victoria Ave Perth. The Mass of St Francis will be celebrated together with the readings from Franciscan writings, followed by supper. All welcome. Enq: Michael 9276 3139.

Friday October 8 – 10 WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CHRIST

A spirituality weekend with Fr Paul Glynn; author of The Wayside Stream. Come and share his thoughts on: Is the universe friendly? (Einstein’s question).

Venue: Advent Park 6pm Friday – 5pm Sunday. Cost includes all meals and accommodation Enq: Rita 9272 1765, Gertrude 9455 6576, Bessie 0421 498 302 or Rose 0403 300 720.

Saturday October 23/24

Flame Mission at Southern Cross Parish Flame Ministries International are conducting a Parish Renewal Mission at Our Lady of Montserrat Parish Southern Cross. The mission will begin at 7.30pm on Saturday 23rd at The Community Complex, Spica Street, with an evangelization rally. The Parish Day of Renewal called ‘Flame’ begins at 9.45am and concludes at 8.30pm on Sunday October 24th. (at The Community Complex). The subjects for the day are, Faith, Love, Adoption, Maturity and Evangelisation. The mission is open to all people and churches in the area and will have Songs of Praise led by the Flame Music Ministry as well as Prayers for Healing and Conversion. Baby-sitting is available and bookings for children need to be placed by October 19th. Tea, Lunch and Dinner breaks are part of the program with a BBQ. There is no charge for attending the mission but donations will be received to cover costs. Enq: Eleanor on 9049 1018 or Email: fmi@flameministries.org.

Sunday November 21

SCHOOL REUNIONS

Yidarra Catholic Primary School in Bateman will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with a BYO everything Sundowner, between 2 and 6 pm. All ex students, staff, families and community members are invited to attend this gathering. Enq: please phone the school 9332 3011 or email office@yidarra.wa.edu.au

CROSS ROADS COMMUNITY

Healing Masses: 1st Monday of month 7pm Church of East Fremantle, 2nd Monday of month 10am St Jerome’s Munster. Term 3: 26th July to 1st October for: Family & Friends Support Groups of Substance Abusers on Wednesdays 7– 9pm, Substance Abusers Support Groups on Tuesdays 5.30 - 7.30pm & Friday’s All day Group for Substance Abusers on Fridays 9.30am – 2pm, Bible Night: Tuesdays 7-9pm & Healing Mass: Fridays 12.15pm.

VIGIL MASS

4.15pm Mon – Fri. 15-30 mins on the Mt Lawley campus of Edith Cowan University room 15.602 –top floor old gym building, east side. Enq: Fr David Watt, 45 Wellington Rd, Morley 6062. Tel: 9376 1734

What it means to be a real man

Our culture has a twisted view of the role of the man, so prayerful Catholic men are needed to be witnesses of a genuine, healthy masculinity

By Carl E Olson

It's tough being a man. It's even tougher being a Catholic man who is serious about his love for God, the Church and his family.

That’s not a complaint, but the observation of many Catholic men who struggle to live holy lives in a culture that is often unfriendly to both Christianity and authentic masculinity. It also echoes the observation of Pope John Paul II, whose 1992 “Letter to Families” contrasts the Christian civilization of love with the godless culture of death.

The latter, the Holy Father explained, is marked by untilitariansim and a “culture of use”, in which “woman can become an object for man, children a hindrance to parents, the family an institution obstructing the freedom of its members”.

The culture of abortion, abuse and pornography continually attacks boys and men, seeking to destroy authentic masculinity and fatherhood.

Popular culture is saturated with skewed and false notions of fatherhood.

Consider how many movies and television shows portray fathers as harsh, distant, detached and abusive - as if that were the norm.

It is also becoming increasingly common to see the father portrayed as weak, even emasculated, men who try to win over their children through manipulation and by giving them whatever they wantregardless of the consequences.

These two portrayals of fatherhood have something in common: the fathers fail to take responsibility for who they are as men.

Recently, a priest was asked what he thought was the most serious problem among Catholic men today.

“Many men are failing to be spiritual leaders”, he replied. “They need to ask themselves if they are really doing enough and if they are

doing the right things”.

A significant and related problem, he added, is that some men see themselves primarily as breadwinners, not as spiritual leaders of their families.

“They often disappear when it comes to spiritual growth, whether being attentive to their own spiritual growth or to that of their wife and children”, he said.

Long, hard look

Danny Abramowicz, former star of the New Orleans Saints and author of “Spiritual Workout of a Former Saint” concurs. “Guys want to change their lives”, he said “but don’t know how to go about it”.

That’s because “we’re ignorant of our faith. Secularism has taken over and changes the role of men in the family”, he said.

Abramowicz stressed that spiritual growth for men comes from taking a long, hard look at their priorities and their view of God.

“One problem is that quite a few men aren’t in awe of God,” he told OurSundayVisitor

“They think that spirituality is something that their wives will take care of. The devil has sold men the lie that admitting their need for God and spiritual growth is a sign of weakness. But it is only when we see God for who He is that we can start to become the men He wants us to be”, he said.

In Familiaris Consortio (“On the Christian Family in the Modern World”), John Paul II writes that men are called to reveal and to relive “on earth the very fatherhood of God”.

This is true of all men, whether they are priests, married, single or widowed. All men are meant to be fathers in a vital way.

The Pope goes on to emphasise the father’s need to be responsible and to take a central role in the education of his children. He states that a father is to give witness to “an adult Christian life which effectively introduces the children into

the living experience of Christ and the Church”.

Deacon Harold Burke Sivers, husband and father of four, is founder of the apostolate Aurem Cordis whose name comes from the opening line of the “Rule of St Benedict”: Obsculata, O fili, praecepta magistri, et inclina aurem cordis tui (“Listen, O my son, to the precepts of the Master, and incline the ear of your heart”).

Aurem Cordis focuses on male spirituality, lay vocations and family life.

“Both men and women look to Christ for spiritual growth” Deacon Burke Sivers said, “but they are uniquely different. They have a complementary and different gifts”.

The deacon believes that it is Christ the servant who should be at the heart of a man’s spirituality.

“Men are called to serve (as the heads of their families)”, he explained, “not because men are better than women, but because they are called to lead and serve their families”.

The paradox, he said, is that it is through leadership that service is shown.

“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom?” He asked rhetorically - alluding to Jesus’ question to his disciples.

The answer: “Those who serve”.

Pope John Paul mentions this service often in Familiaris Consortio and quotes from Pope Paul VI, who exhorted men in this manner: “And you, fathers, do you pray with your children, with the whole domestic community, at least sometimes? Your example of honesty in thought and action, joined to some common prayer, is a lesson for life, an act of worship of singular value, In this way you bring peace to your homes... Remember, it is thus that you build up the church”.

This reference to prayer is notable because some men admit how difficult it is for them to lead their family in prayer and to share

Walk the Talk A father's four tips for faith growth

1. Pray

Each day should begin and end with prayer. Men should spend a few minutes each day in private prayer and then spend time in prayer with their families. Pray with your spouse and children at family meals and before going to bed.

Pope John Paul II encourages a family Rosary as a devotion and time of prayer that will bring the family together and establish a spirituality nourishing habit.

2. Fellowship

openly their thoughts and feelings about their spiritual life with others - even with their spouse.

Bottom line

“Men need to make time for prayer”, Abramowicz insisted. “Men must make a commitment to prayer. They need to make and keep an appointment with the Lord every day. Prayer is conversation with God, and it is through that conversation that we get to really know who God is and how much we need Him”.

In RedemptorisCustos (“Guardian of the Redeemer”), Pope John Paul states that, “Joseph’s fatherhooda relationship that places him as close as possible to Christ, to whom every election and redestination is ordered (see Rom 8:28-29) - comes to pass through marriage to Mary, that is, through the family.”

In considering the birth of Jesus and His early childhood, it is easy sometimes to forget the prominent place of St Joseph, who was not a father in name only but was given “fatherly authority over Jesus”.

St Joseph’s fatherhood, the Pope explains, is exercised by His dedicated service to “the person and mission of Jesus.”

In a similar way, fatherhood for Catholic men is exercised through dedicated and loving service to their Saviour. Fatherhood means embracing the cross of Christ and dying to selfishness, impatience and pride. It involves listening to God with attentive hearts - “incline the ear of your heart” - and not shrinking from obedience of faith, which is the true path to spiritual growth.

Nobody said being a man is easy - and being a man of God is a tremendous challenge. But the civilization of love requires men who love, sacrifice and serve, men who daily “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”, the Son who became a servant, and daily seek to do the Father’s will.

Get together on a regular basis with other men to talk openly abut your relationship with God, your love for Jesus and your growth in the Catholic faith. Perhaps have a bible study or a series of informal classes and discussions about Catholic teaching., Begin with prayer, be accountable to one another and encourage and support each other.

3. Learn and educate

Find ways to learn more about the Catholic faith and then pass it on to your family and to those around you. There are many excellent Catholic books and tapes available that are geared toward various levels of knowledge. Make time to study Church doctrine and to understand more deeply what Catholics believe and why they believe it.

4. Lead and serve

Prayerfully examine your priorities, your weaknesses and your strengths. Then ask God for help in discerning what changes you might need to make in order to be a better spiritual leader and servant of your family. Emulate Jesus by seeking God's will and orienting your priorities around it.