The Record Newspaper 11 March 2009

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Windows to make or break cathedral

Bunbury prelate makes big call, appointing leading artist to paint stained glass windows.

Page 3

Penitent idea

The Personal Advocacy Service, which assists the intellectually disabled, finds new way to usher in penitential season.

Page 5

100 years of Faith

Brunswick Junction will mark a century of its Church’s existence.

Page 4

Key health choice

New Professor to direct health and rehab research at UNDA.

Page 4

Think Caritas

Now is the ideal time of the year to reflect on how our lives compare to the difficulties of others around the globe.

An abbatial blessing

Page 19

ARTISTS OF THE

Two readers, Annalise Moniz, 7 and Molly Daynes, 5 share their artistic talent! Page 9

“Be indefatigable in your purpose and with undaunted spirit resist iniquity and try to conquer evil with good, having before your eyes the reward of those who combat for Christ.”

1874

-Bishop Matthew Gibney

All Lenten disciplines are designed to help us conquer our impulses and habits. An Italian Archbishop has given a modern twist to the new impulsive habits of texting and sucking on water bottles. Can you handle it?

■ By Cindy Wooden

ROME (CNS) - The stereotypical Italian communicates with his hands and sips Chianti, but text messaging and drinking bottled water have become even more common and some dioceses are trying to put a stop to the practices - at least for Lent.

Archbishop Benito Cocchi of Modena-Nonantola has asked people “to fast” from sending texts on their mobiles, at least on the Fridays of Lent. The Archdiocese of Venice’s office for Christian lifestyles has asked the faithful there “to turn on the tap” and give up bottled water.

Bishops and priests in neighbouring dioceses have urged their members to do the same. As Lent began on February 25, he told the faithful that Lent was a time to use fewer words and less food, drinks and games in order to concentrate on strengthening a real relationship with God and with others.

The archdiocesan office for missionary awareness, he said, had a good idea: Give up sending text messages.

Studies have shown that only in Great Britain and Spain do people send more text messages per capita than in Italy. In February a study of teenagers in Italy’s Lombard region concluded that every Italian ages 13-16 sends an average of 47 text messages a day.

But for Archbishop Cocchi the Continued - Page 2

Archbishop Barry Hickey congratulates Abbot John Herbert, the new Abbot of New Norcia, following the official blessing of Abbot John in a packed Abbey church on March 7. A link to the illustrious heritage of New Norcia can be seen with Abbot John wearing the pectoral cross of Abbot Fulgentius Torres and holding the crosier that belonged to New Norcia founder Bishop Salvado. Abbot Herbert is the seventh Abbot of the well-known Benedictine monastery. More photos - Page 10

PHOTO: FR ROBERT CROSS

Bottled water: suggestions for Lenten practices for Catholics include drinking water from a tap.

THE PARISH

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died.” From the First Letter to the Thessalonians, 4: 13-15

Bishops reduce marriage red tape

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS

March 2009

15 Mass to celebrate 150th Anniversary of Church, and Book Launch, YorkArchbishop Hickey Focolare Mass - Bishop Sproxton

17 UWA Catholic Society MassArchbishop Hickey St Patrick’s Day Mass for Irish Club, Leederville - Bishop Sproxton

19 Annual Mercycare Board DinnerFr Brian O’Loughlin VG 22 Festival of St Joseph, Hamilton HillArchbishop Hickey

CLERGY CHANGES

Fr Ken Keating is now available for supply on 9448 0608.

Mgr Tim Corcoran has returned to Thornlie after an illness.

Fr Richard Dun has been transferred to Northam from Thornlie.

Fr Demetri Roh has accepted Paramatta Bishop, Kevin Manning’s invitation to be Chaplain to the Korean Community in that Diocese, vacating his former post as assistant priest at Northam.

Fr M C Arulraj, former parish priest of Midland, has been released by his bishop for a further term in Perth after being recalled last year. At present he is chaplain to Lumen Christi College in Martin.

WESTERN Australia’s bishops have acted to minimise red tape and uncertainty when it comes to marriage, issuing a new interdiocesan document earlier this month.

Marriage Matters: Interdiocesan Decree and clarification of certain issues regarding the Sacrament of Marriage details the bishops' agreement to recognise the Church's delegation to celebrate marriages conferred on priests in any West Australian diocese, suplanting a prior requirement that priests seek approval when celebrating a marriage outside their home jurisdiction.

The document, written by Vicar General for Clergy, Fr Brian O'Loughlin and signed by the titular bishops of Perth, Geraldton, Bunbury and Broome also clarifies when permission to marry in a non-Catholic ceremony or in a place other than a Catholic church would be permissable.

According to the decree, a Catholic person may seek permission to marry in a non-Catholic ceremony;

1. When a party to the marriage is a close relative by blood or marriage with a Minister of another Church;

2. When in the informed judgement of the Bishop, the refusal of the dispensation [to marry in a non-Catholic ceremony] could consititute either a grave danger to the faith of the Catholic person or to the peace and harmony of the couple.

The document goes on to state that "the custom in the Archdiocese is to interpret the second criterion broadly" while noting that a dispensation "is not to be presumed."

Applications to marry in a building other than a parish church - the place where a Catholic marriage would normally occur - have increased recently.

Marriages may be celebrated in a chapel attached to a school, hospital or any other institution approved by the local Catholic

Unity in Holy Orders

AN annual event which brings together every bishop, priest and deacon in the diocese is fast approaching.

The Mass of the Oils, involving the consecration of Chrism oil and the blessing of the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the sick used in the administration of sacraments, will be held at Sacred Heart Parish, Thornlie on Tuesday April 7 at 7.30pm.

The oils will be used throughout the diocese in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders as well as the blessing of objects used in the Eucharistic Liturgy.

authority and the chapel's administrators. Citing the Archdiocesan Guidelines for Marriage issued in 1996, the bishops reiterate the directive that Catholic churches and chapels are not to be used for marriages performed by a non-Catholic celebrant without first receiving episcopal permission.

The bishops state that where such marriages take place without permission, they "would not be regarded as valid by the Catholic Church," asking school chaplains to "be particularly cognisant" of that stipulation and to bring it to the attention of staff overseeing chapel bookings.

In its final paragraphs, the decree provides clarity on what process should be undertaken in marriages involving a divorced person and in non-Catholic

marriages where retroactive validation is sought.

It reaffirms the requirement that divorced persons be declared free from prior bonds by the local Marriage Tribunal.

"Some Catholics mistakenly think that because a proposed non-Catholic divorced party was only civilly married, that they are free to marry in the Church," the document states, while adding where one party has demonstrated defection from the faith "before a competent ecclesiastical authority" the couple are not bound to marry in a Catholic ceremony.

Intended primarily for priests in their role as marriage celebrants, the interdiocesan decree has been sent to every priest in the Archdiocese of Perth.

Italian bishop recommends the sacrifice of giving up texts for Lent

Continued from page 1 no-text Lent was not just a matter of giving one’s thumbs a rest from hitting those tiny keys; rather, it was a way to remember that “our style of life has an impact on geographical locations far away.”

In fact, he said, the mineral ore columbite-tantalite is used to manufacture cellular phones. Some 80 percent of the world’s supply comes from Congo and many human rights organisations believe that the sale of the mineral has helped finance civil violence in the country.

sumption of bottled water, even though their tap water is clean and pure; a 2008 study said that each Italian drinks 190 litres - more than 50 gallons - of bottled water each year.

The lay faithful are encouraged to attend and priests and deacons have been “urged to be there to express their unity in Holy Orders with their bishops” by the Church Office. Priests from around the State traditionally attend the Mass.

Peter Rosengren cathrec@iinet.net.au

JOURNALISTS

Anthony Barich abarich@therecord.com.au Mark Reidy reidyrec@iinet.net.au Robert Hiini cathrec@iinet.net.au

“This year we want to remember that the use of our fingers on our cellular phones has contributed to writing the story of millions of lives in Congo,” Archbishop Cocchi said.

The proposal from the Archdiocese of Venice to give up bottled water was just the first idea on a list offered by the office for Christian lifestyles, but it was the suggestion cited most in newspapers and supported most by other dioceses.

Italians lead the world in the con-

Father Gianni Fazzini, director of the lifestyles office, said the Lenten process of conversion means Catholics should “review our consumption and choose products that respect creation and the workers who make those products.” Italian initiatives to reduce the consumption of bottled water have focused on the fact that it is unnecessary, expensive and creates garbage - bobbing water bottles frequently are a sight on Italian beaches and waterways, including the famous canals of Venice.

Former Record journalist Sylvia Defendi walks down the aisle with her father at her Nuptial Mass. WA’s bishops have acted to minimise red tape and uncertainty surrounding marriage. PHOTO: JUSTINE STEVENS

Windows will ‘make or break’ cathedral: prelate

Renowned artist to design Bunbury Cathedral windows, artwork will ‘make or break’ cathedral says bishop.

INTERNATIONALLY

acclaimed artist Dr Robert Juniper will design the fourteen enormous windows of the new Catholic Cathedral in Bunbury as well as the two 2.5 metre diameter rose windows.

Announcing the appointment of Dr Juniper last week, Bishop Gerard Holohan of Bunbury said the decision about the artist was of “huge importance” to the future cathedral.

“The fourteen Cathedral windows are enormous, as are the rose windows above the sanctuary and at the back of the building. The quality of artwork will make or break the Cathedral” Bishop Holohan said. “We are very for-

tunate to have such an internationally and nationally recognised artist undertaking this project” he added

Bishop Holohan said the windows will be contemporary in style to the age in which the Cathedral is being built, and represent contemporary religious art to future generations.

They will not be abstract but simple to understand, he said, even for children.

“The theme of the windows will be the History of Salvation, the story of God’s love for the human race as outlined in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible” said Bishop Holohan.

“The windows will be rich in colour so that, when illuminated at night, the Cathedral will be like a jewel on the hill overlooking Bunbury” he said.

Dr Juniper said he was honoured to accept such a commissioning as the new cathedral for Bunbury.

“It’s not every day you get asked

to design the windows to a new Cathedral.

“A commission like this comes around once in a lifetime and it’s an honour to be asked” Dr Juniper said.

Dr Juniper’s works or art have been displayed around the world and can be found in most major Australian public collections.

He has been the recipient of a number of artistic awards and honours, including the Wynne Prize which he won twice in 1976 and 1980, and the Mona McCaughey Prize in 1980.

Bishop Gerard Holohan of Bunbury has named Australian artist Robert Juniper, right, to paint the stained glass windows of the new Bunbury Cathedral. The art which adorns the cathedral will not be abstract but will be easy to understand for worshippers and visitors alike.

PHOTO: DAMIENSMITHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU

Record readers can win complete audio of Jesus of Nazareth

Here’s a great way to absorb illuminating reflections - at home or in the car.

SIX lucky readers of The Record each have a chance to win a complete and unabridged set of compact discs of Pope Benedict’s book Jesus of Nazareth (see competition at right).

Each of the audio book sets contains 10 CDs amounting to more than 12 hours of recording.

The book, released in Australia by Bolinda Audio, is read by Australian film and television actor Nicholas Bell.

Audio books are an increasingly popular method of reading whilst doing other things, such as driving, gardening, walking or relaxing.

Many people choose to listen to audio books whilst commuting to work, or on a driving holiday. Referred to as a ‘movie of the mind’, audio books allow you to let your ears do the reading and your imagination run free.

In this bold, momentous work,

the Pope – in his first book written as Benedict XVI – seeks to salvage the person of Jesus from recent ‘popular’ depictions and to restore Jesus’ true identity as discovered in the Gospels. Through his brilliance as a theologian and his personal conviction as a believer, the Pope shares a rich, compelling, flesh-and-blood portrait of Jesus and incites us to encounter, face-to-face, the central figure of the Christian faith.

The book represented something of an arrival for its papal

author when it was completed.

“This book about Jesus is the endpoint of a long interior journey for me," Pope Benedict said when it was published.

The influential trade publication Publishers Weekly said of Jesus of Nazareth: “In this rich, sophisticated introduction to the life of Jesus, the Pope argues that Jesus brought to the world neither universal prosperity nor peace, but God. Indeed, Jesus cannot be understood outside of his relationship with God the Father, "which is the true centre of his personality."

“Ratzinger explores the meaning of key moments in the Gospels, such as the temptations of Jesus, the Transfiguration, and the Sermon on the Mount.

“This learned book cannot be read casually - Ratzinger draws on a vast array of scholarship, and he assumes familiarity with some theological categories... But for those who are willing to work through Ratzinger’s text slowly, virtually every page will yield fruitful insights.”

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Jesus of Nazareth

Author: Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger)

Read by: Nicholas Bell

12hrs 10mins No. CDS: 10

Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI was recently published in audio book format by Bolinda audio. This work is as tender as it is erudite and brilliant. In this bold, momentous work, The Pope – in his first book written as Benedict XVI – seeks to salvage the person of Jesus from recent ‘popular’ depictions and to restore Jesus’ true identity as discovered in the Gospels.

Every week for seven weeks (beginning Wednesday 11th March 2009) The Record Newspaper will be placing one audio CD set token in the paper. To enter, simply cut out and collect all seven tokens, over the seven weeks. Place all seven tokens in an envelope with your name, address and contact telephone number on the back and mail your envelope to:

Jesus of Nazareth CD Competition

The Record PO Box 75 LEEDERVILLE WA 6902

Entries must be received by close of business on Friday, 8th May 2009. All entries received by this date containing all seven tokens (tokens must be originals cut out from the paper and not copies) will be placed in the Friday, 8th May 2009 draw.

The winners will be notified by telephone and announced in the paper. Happy token collecting!

Pope Benedict XVI meets priests from the Diocese of Rome during an audience at the Vatican on February 26. PHOTO: CNS/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO VIA REUTERS

Inaugural director to drive key UNDA rehab research

Director of Notre Dame’s new Institute for Health and Rehabilitation Research to unite various fields of study in one area.

VICE Chancellor Professor Celia Hammond has announced the appointment of Associate Professor Beth Hands as the Director of the University of Notre Dame Australia’s Institute for Health and Rehabilitation Research.

Associate Professor Hands is currently an Associate Dean in the School of Health Sciences. She was the Project Director for the WA Child and Adolescent Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey 2003 in partnership with the Premier’s Physical Activity Taskforce and is currently the Chief Investigator of several significant research projects.

Her research interests focus on physical activity, fitness and motor development in typically developing young children and those with disabilities.

Professor Hammond said the Institute will unite various elements of study.

“The Institute will bring together staff from medicine, health sciences, the professions of nursing, physiotherapy and some of the disciplines within the Arts and Social and Behavioural Sciences, particularly counselling,” Professor Hammond said.

“Whilst physically located in the School of Health Sciences on the University’s Fremantle Campus, its sphere of activ-

ity is university-wide.” Associate Professor Hands explained that the Institute’s purpose is to promote learning, scholarship, research and professional development in health and rehabilitation by drawing together scholars with different but complementary professional and disciplinary backgrounds.

“Our key objectives are to foster interdisciplinary and interprofessional scholarship, research and learning experiences in health and rehabilitation,” Associate Professor Hand said in a statement.

“It is our intention to undertake scholarship and research which will enhance the learning opportunities for students enrolled in health related disciplines at the university.

“My role as Director initially will be to develop a strategic plan which will particularise and prioritise the goals of the Institute and identify how they will be met.”

The projects that will initially be associated with the Institute will be chosen from those that concentrate on the areas of:

• Healthy Children and Youth – relating to physical activity and fitness and to the prevention of chronic health disorders such as obesity and diabetes and exercise rehabilitation in neuro-developmental disorders and neurotrauma and evaluating preventive health strategies.

• Healthy Ageing – relating to falls and injury prevention, skeletal health, obesity and diabetes prevention and their control through exercise interventions; social isolation, mental disorders (depression and anxiety) and spiritual health in palliative care.

• Rehabilitation Studies –using the University’s investment in rehabilitation science for the community’s benefit across the areas of primary and preventive health care, medical and surgical management, and the sciences and application of rehabilitation management, aimed at improving long-term health.

• Indigenous Health – partnerships with Aboriginal communities in health evaluation research such as long-term physical, social and mental health disorders and the impact of sport and recreation as health interventions.

Research in the Kimberley will be delivered in partnership with the Nulungu Centre for Indigenous Studies at the Broome Campus.

Brunswick pioneers revered

Happy 100TH Brunswick.

■ By Margret Carbone

IT all began in the small town of Roelands, where the arrival of a few Catholic families in 1896 saw the eventual building in 1901 of a small timber and iron church.

A priest travelled from Bunbury only once every four months, and Roelands later became part of Collie parish. It all culminated in Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic parish in Brunswick Junction preparing to celebrate its centenary as 2009 marks the 100th year since the parish’s first Mass.

In 1914 fundraising began for a new church, and the following year saw Brunswick become part of Yarloop parish. Fr McCabe would drive from Yarloop by horse and sulky once a month to say Mass.

When some of the Catholic families moved to Brunswick, the church was dismantled and reconstructed on the land where Brunswick Catholic Church stands today. This was made possible due to the efforts of the late Mr James Devlin and friends, who, with the help of some families, had collected the money to buy the block. The original building was replaced by the present church in 1922, during Fr Doddy’s time in Brunswick. The church was blessed and officially opened on 12 February 1922 by His Grace Archbishop Clune.

The first Mass in Brunswick was celebrated in September 1909, and the parish has since grown to over 150 families of different ethnic backgrounds, with the annual “Festa” in honour of Our Lady of The Assumption having been held for more than 50 years.

St Michaels’ Catholic School, having been opened by the Presentation Sisters in 1952 in a building originally erected as a cheese factory, now has around 80 students benefiting from a Christian education in a nurturing and supportive environment, and having the opportunity to receive the Sacraments. Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Parish extends a cordial invitation to everyone to the Centennial Thanksgiving Mass, 1909 – 2009, to be celebrated by

Bishop Gerald Holohan. Mass will be held on Sunday 3rd May 2009 at 2 pm in the church grounds on South-West Highway, followed by afternoon tea. Past and present parishioners and friends are invited to join this memorable occasion to celebrate, give thanks, reminisce and renew friendships.

If anyone has memorabilia which can be borrowed for the day, please phone Shirley Carbone on 9726 9201 or work 9726 1178, or Rose Tognela on 9726 1358.

Unborn victims deserve attention too...

COMING off the back of a bad year in Victoria and the United States, prolifers are set to come out in force for the fourth annual Day of the Unborn Child to be held on March 28.

The election of Barack Obama, the most aggressively pro-choice President of the United States who has already overturned a ban on taxpayer money to fund overseas abortion clinics and programs; and the passing of a Bill in Victorian Parliament that effectively removes medical practicioners’ right to refuse to partake in evil such as abortion, has proved 2008 to be a tough year for the pro-life cause.

March 28 will provide an opportunity for groups involved in various aspects of the Pro-Life apostolate and for Catholics from every parish, to unite in prayer.

Celebrated in many countries and Australian cities each year - as close as possible to the Feast of the Annunciation - the event commemorates the day that Christ was conceived in the womb of His Mother. At St Joachim’s Church in Victoria Park, the organisers are

inviting Christians to join in prayer with Archbishop Barry Hickey, remembering those whose lives have been taken by abortion and entreating God’s protection on the countless unborn children whose lives are endangered.

Helen Sawyer, of the group the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, hopes that Catholics everywhere make a stand “against this modern-day holocaust with the weapons of prayer and action” by attending the event, hoping for a similar outpouring of grief and goodwill that followed the recent Victorian bush fires disaster.

The Day of the Unborn Child at St Joachim’s ProCathedral on Shepperton Road will begin with 10am Mass celebrated by Archbishop Barry Hickey followed by a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration at 11am, led by Pro-Life chaplain, Columban Father Paul Carey.

A procession with flowers in memory of a child whose life has been taken by the tragedy of abortion will also take place.

See advert right page.

Corpus Christi College is a co-educational Catholic College located in the southern Perth suburb of Bateman in Western Australia. The College was founded in 1983 with 128 students. The current student enrolment is 1165, with over 140 staff members. This year the College enrolled Year Seven students for the first time.

Driven by its Strategic Plan, the College has introduced a number of initiatives: the development of a Middle and Senior school structure, a commitment to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and the adoption of a parent funded one-on-one laptop program for middle schooling. Corpus Christi continues to pursue progressive Student Ministry, ICT and Capital Development Plans.

The College Board has reviewed and extended its Strategic Plan to guide the school through the years 2010–2012. Accordingly, the Principal will be a visionary leader who is committed to drive and achieve the outcomes stated in this plan. The continuing development of the College as a Catholic community is seen as a priority.

The successful applicant will take up the position at the commencement of Term 3 2009.

Applicants need to be practising Catholics and experienced educators committed to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education. They will have the requisite theological, educational, pastoral and administrative competencies, together with an appropriate four year minimum tertiary qualification, and will have completed Accreditation for Leadership of the Religious Education Area or its equivalent.

Associate Professor Beth Hands

Our Lady of the Assumption parish church in Brunswich Junction... a place of memories and a hard slog for the early pioneers, whose work will be celebrated in the parish’s 100th anniversary.

Personal Advocates centre on God’s light

Personal Advocacy Missioning Service: Lent with a difference.

SEVENTY-FIVE volunteers gathered with six staff members on a mild Sunday afternoon late in February to celebrate their missioning for the start of their 2009 program of faith development with adults with intellectual disabilities. Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton led the celebration.

The focal point for the celebration was the group of clay figures, representing the members of an advocacy group centred around the light of God, reminding those present of God’s covenant with his People.

These figures had been moulded ten years earlier by Sr Eileen Casey, who brought this program to Perth from Chicago, USA where it had developed in the 1960s. The experience of people with intellectual disabilities and their families at that time was one of exclusion simply because no one knew how to meet their needs.

The program is now being used in 10 different countries around the world to make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

Personal Advocacy Service is one of only two centres in Australia where this program is offered by the Catholic Church. Its capacity to offer participation in its 16 different groups in parishes scattered around the metropolitan area is made possible by the generous commitment of approximately 140 volunteers who started their work again last month.

Bishop Sproxton presented the Archbishop’s Award for Outstanding Service to six of the program’s volunteers in recognition of 10 years involvement in this program by Jean McGiffin, Marie Mosca, Theresa Pizzuto, Mary Purshouse, Anna Colonico and Sr Veronica Martin RNDM.

True Love Waits expands in schools

area of sexuality, and indeed it did seem like a confusing set of laws to rule my life. Some time ago a friend invited me along to a special pledge ceremony held by TLW, I wasn’t sure about what to expect, but I went anyway and there I finally realised the truth and beauty of chastity.

UNDER new leadership, Perth group True Love Waits (TLW) can expect exciting things in the year ahead as it continues to build on a great foundation.

On top of existing open sessions and the ongoing success of the Created and Redeemed seminar series at St Thomas the Apostle parish in Claremont, TLW plans to be more involved with schools and parishes with new resources for both parents and teachers.

In addition, TLW will be broadening how it engages the wider community of young people through new media.

True Love Waits is a group of young people, part of a movement across the world, that is responding to the growing decline in sexual morality. TLW aims to promote the virtue of chastity and saving sex for marriage, in order for young people to experience the peace and happiness God desires for all our lives before marriage and within it too. It does this through ongoing monthly seminars relating to chastity, where a loose community of young people enjoys the fellowship and support of each other.

We have had many open sessions in the past, including both informative and practical topics. These include Theology of the Body, Chastity and the Bible, Masculinity, Femininity, A Question of Modesty, The Problem of Pornography, mock debates on The Morality of Flirting, The One and many more.

Personally, True Love Waits has changed my life. There was a time where I didn’t understand what the Church taught in the

It was a defining moment in my life. When I signed that pledge card, making the promise that I would save sex for marriage, it has changed my life for the better.

I am so happy, excited, content and at peace to live out God’s will and plan for me. I am now so eager to see what God has in store for me and for my future spouse. Chastity is God’s plan for everyone, single, married and Religious. It is a life lived with no regrets.

This year sees a shift in leadership with long-term leader Stephen Gorddard beginning seminary studies. I am absolutely thrilled to be leading this group. The idea of being able to give others the experience of what I encountered is a great gift and grace from God.

Our next open session is about Natural Family Planning and Maria Antoniazzi from Natural Fertility Services is going to present the talk about NFP, a natural way of recognising a couples fertility by learning to identify the fertile phase of a woman’s body.

With much experience speaking to couples, Maria will enlighten us that this is not just a dependable, clinical tool for achieving or avoiding a pregnancy, but a lifestyle and approach which better expresses the authentic love of Christ. Why not join us and see for yourself on Monday March 30 at 7.30pm at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Highgate.

For further details contact Julie Anne on 0438 447 708 or truelovewaitswa@yahoo.com.

DAY OF THE UNBORN CHILD

Tuesday 7 April 2009, tours at 9:30am or 2: 00pm Wednesday 2 September 2009, tours at 9:30am or 2: 00pm

Bishop Donald Sproxton with clay figures representing the members of an advocacy group centred around the light of God.

Bishop Donald Sproxton commissions Personal Advocacy volunteers.

A life changed now helps change others.

■ Julie Anne Domingo

Julie Anne Domingo (right) with outgoing leader Stephen Gorddard (to her right) at a TLW open session with team members Oliver Brandis and Marianne Deliu. PHOTO: COURTESY TLW

Seminarians start year with consecration to Mary

Sydney seminary opens 2009 with consecration to Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians.

■ By Dominic Nguyen

CARDINAL UNDER George Pell opened the new year with a special Mass for Sydney’s Seminary of the Good Shepherd that includes seven new seminarians under the guidance of new rector Fr Anthony Percy and vice rector Fr John Greig. This Mass served as a means for the existing seminarians to renew their commitment to God for the coming year, and to welcome our new seminarians.

Of the first year novitiates, five entered for the Archdiocese of Sydney, along with one for the Diocese of Wollongong and another for the Archdiocese of Perth.

This has raised the total number of seminarians in the college to 44. In addition, a further five seminarians who are

in various stages of their formation are expected to join the seminary community later in the year.

The highlight of the first week was the seminarians’ Pilgrimage to St Mary’s Cathedral on February 11, marking an anniversary of Our Lady’s appearance at Lourdes.

In honouring this special occasion, a Mass was celebrated at Our Lady’s Chapel by Cardinal Pell, which included a consecration to Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians, to encourage a deep connection and reliance upon the maternal love and protection of our spiritual Mother.

The seminary opening week culminated in the seminarians’ visit to the Cathedral for Vespers and Mass with Cardinal Pell on February 15.

The evening was given added significance with the presentation of the Catholic Youth Services team for 2009, who themselves provide “wonderful support for the Catholic community in their pastoral work within the Archdiocese of Sydney”, Fr Percy said.

Threat to religious freedom

■ By Anthony Barich

THE religious freedom of Catholic institutions, especially educational ones, is under threat in Victoria, says Melbourne Archdiocesan Human Resources manager Tom Carr.

Mr Carr and 50 religious leaders met on February 10 responding to a call by the Australian Christian Lobby and the Church and Nation Committee of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria to discuss the Review of the Exceptions and Exemptions under the Equal Opportunity Act by the Parliamentary Scrutiny Committee.

Mr Carr told The Record that all Christian and Jewish representatives at the gathering, chaired by Catholic Bishop Christopher Prowse, were concerned about religious freedoms under the existing Act, which will not be given a conscience vote when it is read into Victoria’s Parliament.

The biggest concern, Mr Carr says, is for Catholic education.

Catholic schools are currently able to insist that its employees uphold the Church’s teachings on marriage and the family, but “there are moves to remove or diminish this freedom, limited as it might be”, he said, after three previous reviews of the Act proved fruitless.

“We wanted to ensure that all religious leaders were aware of the need to focus in on this parliamentary review, that it required their attention, and sooner rather than later,” Mr Carr said.

“As legislation to come into parliament will not be a conscience vote but determined in the party room, so the argument needs to be done before it gets into parliament.

“We’re concerned because the abortion law reform bill of last year in fact denies medical practitioners a freedom of conscience to act in accordance with their religious principles in that they are not prepared to conduct an abortion. They must give an effective referral, so the fact that the Bill got through is a watering down of religious freedoms.

“If it can happen in that act, is that thinking going to flow over into the equal opportunity act?”

Asked what his realistic expectations are of the outcome, he said: “You’d have your concerns, but whether those concerns will be

realised or not we don’t know.”

There are similar concerns for a Bill that the South Australian Government introduced into parliament in November 26 to update the 1984 Equal Opportunity Act.

The proposed Equal Opportunity (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2008 proposes a number of changes to the State’s antidiscrimination laws.

The Bill was first introduced to Parliament in 2006, but was scrapped as it soon became clear that the Liberals and the minor parties would not support it.

Some clauses from the first draft that were seen as overly restrictive have been removed after significant opposition, including an incitement to hatred act, which could have made priests who preach against practicing homosexuality subject to legal action.

A requirement in the first draft of the Bill for schools lodge their policy on refusing to hire people on sexual grounds with the Equal Opportunity Commissioner for approval has also been scrapped.

Schools now will retain the legal right to refuse employment on the basis of sexuality but will need to state their policy on their website.

A major concern, however, remains with three clauses that give the Equal Opportunity Commissioner power to initiate investigations and complaints, “even when no complaint has been lodged”.

The Bill now adds some new grounds of discrimination, including caring responsibilities, mental illness and identity of spouse. It also brings sexual harassment laws into line with Commonwealth law and their coverage is expanded.

The former exemption that allowed healthcare providers to discriminate on sexuality or marital-status grounds in hiring staff and in providing services will be removed. It will no longer be lawful, for example, for a Church-run hospital to refuse to employ a homosexual doctor or nurse.

In another blow for the pro-life movement in South Australia, it looks certain that the Statutes Amendment (Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction and Regulation of Research Involving Human Embryos) Bill should pass by the end of March despite significant efforts from the pro-life community and churches in a protracted debate since being introduced into parliament in 2007.

Vatican stops NSW joint Confirmation service

■ By Anthony Barich

THE Vatican has stopped a proposed joint Catholic-Anglican celebration of the sacrament of confirmation from going ahead in New South Wales as it would “send confusing messages”.

The service, to be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral in Hamilton, Maitland on May 31, stemmed from a ‘covenant’ signed jointly in April 2008 by Catholic Bishops Michael Malone of Maitland-Newcastle and David Walker of Broken Bay with Anglican Bishop Brian Farran of Newcastle.

The event, to be celebrated at Pentecost, was cancelled at the request of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

Under the April covenant, the dioceses committed to a series of joint initiatives ranging from the sharing of church resources to an annual Bishops’ Dialogue.

The Newcastle-based Herald newspaper reported that parishes in the region had been encouraging church members to consider being confirmed on the day, though it is understood the Catholic diocese of Maitland had not yet begun publicizing the event to its parishes.

In a joint statement released Feb. 12, Bishop Malone, whose diocese is home to 150,000 Catholics and Bishop Farran said that the Congregation for the Divine Worship and the Sacraments had “expressed concern about a simultaneous celebration and the possibility of confusing messages being given to the people”.

Bishop Malone, who represents the NSW/

Australian Capital Territory Catholic bishops on the NSW Ecumenical Council, also said in the statement that he believed that as a similar celebration had been held in England in 1989, a precedent had been established, and he apologized to those who would have been involved.

Bishop Farran said in the statement: “I am disappointed that this simple expression of a liturgical aspect of the Tri-Diocesan Covenant cannot be celebrated.

“I appreciate the difficulties faced by Bishop Malone and fully understand his situation.”

An official at the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments told Catholic News Service March 5, “It is absolutely true that we asked that this not take place because it could send confusing messages.”

Because Catholics and Anglicans are committed to increasing cooperation and occasions of joint prayer, “this is one of those things that seemed like a good idea” but probably should have been thought out more carefully because it directly involves a sacrament, he said.

“Such a practice is not foreseen in our liturgical books,” he said.

“The (Catholic) Church works according to the principles of Roman law and one of the consequences is that if a thing is not allowed, it is banned,” while in most other Western legal traditions, “if something is not banned, it is allowed.”

The fact that the Vatican does not explicitly allow such joint services effectively means it is not permitted, he said.

From left to right: Stephen Varney, Lewi Barakat, Mark Aarts, Christian Stephens, Matthew Hodgson, Nathan Lunardi and Daniel Davila. Of these seminarians, Matthew Hodgson is on for Perth, Stephen Varney for Wollongong, and the rest are for Sydney.

Youth flock to Maronites

Record writers lead women’s national effort

Maronite youth draw hundreds defending Catholic Truth.

■ By Anthony Barich

A MARONITE parish youth initiative in Sydney has turned into a state-wide movement providing catechesis and fraternity for hundreds of Catholic youth.

The initiative was started by Paul Challita, who was a lapsed Maronite Catholic until he witnessed apologetics run by Lumen Verum (‘true light’) Apologetics at St Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic parish, Belfield. Inspired by Lumen Verum - a movement that provides adults catechesis every Friday of the school year – Paul, now a seminarian soon to be sub-deacon, started a parish youth initiative called Guardians at St Charbel’s parish in Punchbowl, Sydney in 2001.

St Charbel’s parish is part of the Lebanese Maronite Order, the same order which gave the world St Charbel and more recently, St Rafqa and St Nimatullah during the reign of the late Pope John Paul II. Guardians has always had successive superiors and priests of St Charbel’s, including the current superior Fr Antoine Tarabay and youth Chaplain, Fr Joseph Sleiman.

Guardians aims to strengthen young adults in the faith so they can win the “battle to save our souls in order to live eternally in Heaven with our Creator”, as the statement on their page on facebook, the global social networking website, states.

Paul started Guardians and was assisted by his friend Charbel Raish, who studied to become a Maronite priest with him.

During their absence, the Guardians tradition was maintained by a fellow youth member Gabriel Haddad.

Charbel Raish found his vocation within the domestic Church and is now married with children, a full time teacher, the owner of Parousia Media, a company which makes available educational Catholic DVDs and CDs, as well as finding the time to coordinate Guardians.

Paul is now based at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Parish at Harris Park, Sydney, after spending his seminary years at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd in Sydney, having also studied in Lebanon and Rome.

While Guardians has 500 members on facebook, there are up to 1200 young people on its mailing list, and up to 600 attend the weekly youth Mass in the traditional Maronite Rite at St Charbel’s in Punchbowl, which Guardians assistant coordinator Charbel Labban says “does not change just to get with the times”.

Guardians is about nurturing the spiritual side of their lives, Charbel Labban says, so the talks are geared around theology – “how to learn it, live it and love it”. Nurturing us along the way since the beginning has been Fr Chris, a former Benedictine monk who has offered to hear confessions and give spiritual advice during the talks.

“Many go to Catholic schools their whole lives and are brought up but never really know much about their faith or how to defend it, so we’re about delivering the true Catholic faith in its entirety,” Charbel Raish says.

St Charbel’s parish is one of the most active in the Maronite community, but is far from an aberration, Charbel Raish says. “Maronite youth have always been passionate about their faith, as the Catholic tradition has been passed on by their parents and grandparents, who were persecuted back in Lebanon but persevered through it all,” he said.

The parish has a group dedicated to activities for Arabic-speaking members and

English-speaking members. Guardians is for its English-speaking members; and while it started oringinally for Maronite Catholics, it has now expanded to include Roman Catholics and other ethnic groups, including Filipinos and Vietnamese.

They also have joint promotions with the Melkite Catholic community, as the Melkite Eparchy is located near their Punchbowl centre. The Maronite youth also use networking pages on facebook such as Maronites in Australia, which is used to promote spiritual and social events across the parishes the Eastern states. St Charbel’s also has groups specifically dedicated to various formation –spiritual, human, theological and pastoral.

St Charbel’s has a daily youth Rosary inside the Church, which attracts up to 30 people, plus monthly adoration and the Guardians event every two weeks, which consists of a guest speaker teaching catechesis in the parish centre to young adults and youth.

The participants of the nightly Rosary vary, but Charbel Labban says “it (the Rosary) - alongside the Mass - constitute sthe foundation of the youth’s spiritual life, as parishioners always know it is on even if they have not been for a while. He says that St Charbel’s youth are heeding well the advice given to their patron by his teacher St Nimatullah: “the wise man is the one who can save his soul”.

● The next talk hosted by Guardians is on March 18, titled: Addiction. Father Mark De Battista, a dynamic speaker who worked in university chaplaincy in the United States, will look at common addictions in today’s world such as pornography, gambling and drugs and many more. He will look at habits versus addictions, the question of whether there are good addictions and how to break free of an addiction. A talk not to be missed.

To join the mailing list, send an email to guardians@scya.org.au.

Catholics, Anglicans unite to manage child protection

■ By Anthony Barich

THE Anglican Diocese of Newcastle has joined forces with the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle to manage professional standards, child protection and healing for those who have been hurt by the Church in the Hunter region.

The joint initiative saw Michael Elliott start work with the Anglican Diocese as director of Professional Standards on January 19, while continuing in his role at the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Mr Elliott’s dual role ensures a comprehensive approach to the issues of professional conduct, child protection and healing for those who have been hurt by the churches.

The initiative is the fruit of a ‘covenant’ signed by Anglican Bishop Brian Farran of Newcastle and Catholic Bishops Michael Malone of Maitland-Newcastle and David Walker of Broken Bay in April 2008.

Under the covenant, the dioceses committed to a series of joint initiatives ranging from the sharing of church resources to an annual Bishops’ Dialogue.

The covenant is a consolidation of previous ecumenism between the denominations that saw the creation of the Two Bishops Trust in 1998 by the local Anglican and Catholic dioceses and their respective welfare agencies to tackle unemployment in the Hunter region of NSW. Anglican Diocesan Business Manager John Cleary said the appointment of Mr Elliott ”reinforces the unity of our churches in the Hunter region as well as our shared commitment to professional standard protocols”.

Helen Keevers, manager of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Child Protection and Professional Conduct Unit, Zimmerman House, where Mr Elliott is now based in both roles, said the appointment is historic.

She said that she is not aware of many other examples of the denominations combining their approach to professional standards “in such a concrete way”, and could be a model for other dioceses.

“I am not aware of any other example of our churches combining. We hope this arrangement will be of great benefit to both our churches and most importantly to the people of the Hunter region,” Ms Keevers

said. Ms Keevers, who is currently studying theology at Queensland Catholic University, said the joint initiative ensures the highest of standards when anyone involved with the Catholic or Anglican churches “interfaces” with the most vulnerable in the community, many of whom approach the Church in their time of need.

She said the initiative is not so much the result of fireproofing the churches against the recent scandal of a minority of clerics involved in sexual abuse, but a need to conform to secular laws regarding professional standards which Church employees are not immune to. “It’s now enshrined in legislation, and bishops have to ensure compliance,” she told The Record

Zimmerman House was Bishop Malone’s response to professional conduct, ensuring a ‘whole-of-agency’ approach in encompassing things like child protection so it is maintained in more than just schools.

Zimmerman House was named after Josephite Sister Beverley Zimmerman, the patron of the Diocesan Child Protection and Professional Conduct Unit, which was its previous name.

Landmark national conference for young Catholic women.

RESPONDING to a strong need for deeper formation and pastoral support for Australian Catholic women, a new and rapidly growing women’s movement, Sisterhood, is preparing to host its first national conference at Collaroy Beach in Sydney in May.

The inaugural event lists speakers such as author and director of Choicez Media Karen Doyle whose recent books on The Theology of the Body and The Genius of Womanhood have secured major US distribution; Francine Pirola, co-director of Living Well Media and co-author of numerous Catholic relationship training programs, Anna Krohn from Melbourne’s John Paul II Institute and Bernadette Black, author and professional speaker.

Conference co-convenor Lidia Galea says that the vision of Sisterhood is to support, equip and inspire young Catholic women so they can return and continue to make a valuable contribution to their existing places of service.

“The national Conference is simply a chance to hear some of the most dynamic Catholic women in the country share their passion and enthusiasm for the faith and the action of God in their lives. It is a chance to be educated, empowered and encouraged in one of Australia’s best conference venues,” she said.

Sisterhood emerged from within the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn but is based upon a simple model applicable to any location. Women meet in single or married groupings weekly basis and work through provided content with time for discussion.

The regular meetings allow a chance to explore Catholic teaching in more depth including John Paul II’s philosophical anthropology of what he termed, “the feminine genius.” Then on the first Wednesday of each month all of the groups come together for a social evening.

A particular focus is helping young Catholic women engage with the riches of their faith and to help them stay connected to other women who can support and mentor them in the crucial transition years after High School.

Father Terrence Mary, OFM Conventual, addresses over 400 youth, mostly Maronites, on March 4 in the highly-anticipated talk on Exorcisms at St Charbel’s parish centre in Punchbowl, Sydney.

PHOTOS: GIOVANNI PORTELLI

Top left: Karen Doyle, right: Melinda Tankard Reist. Bottom left: Anna Krohn, right: Bernadette Black

EDITORIAL

Times eight

The Record occasionally samples current commentary from around the Catholic press. Here is an unsigned editorial titled "Times eight," which appeared in the February 15 issue of Our Sunday Visitor, a weekly national Catholic newspaper based in the US.

Human train wreck, or pro-life emblem? The convoluted story of Nadya Suleman, the 33-year-old unmarried mother who recently gave birth to octuplets in California, is a mixed bag of messages.

Good thing that we as Catholics have a multimillennia tradition on human dignity and family to help sort it out. Because judging by some of the news stories and Internet discussions we've seen, most Americans are flummoxed.

At one extreme of the spectrum are reports like those from the hospital where Suleman was recovering that strangers were leaving messages with the switchboard that they hoped the babies would not survive infancy. How could any sane person actually desire a baby's death?

At the other end were those who tried to paint Suleman, who already has six children under 7, as some sort of pro-life supermom. Please.

True, her love of children is commendable, as is her refusal of her doctor's suggestion to "selectively reduce" the number of babies in her uterus. And it may well be that many of her critics have an anti-life attitude that would like to see an end to any big families.

But given the circumstances - not least of which include no husband and no income - it seems clear that her desire for children was amplified to a grotesque perversion of what is otherwise natural and healthy.

What we found most encouraging about the story was it shocked fertility doctors around the country into reflecting on their own ethical responsibilities - something many doctors in recent years explicitly have excluded from consideration. We may not endorse their conclusions on this recent case, but we welcome the healthy reminder to doctors that ethics matter.

What is unfortunate, though, is that the extremeness of this case is unlikely to make any seriously rethink the ethics of in vitro fertilization, which is how Suleman had all 14 of her children.

The Church teaches that in vitro fertilisation - which produces what used to be called test-tube babies - is wrong and an injustice to the child because it separates conception from the conjugal act. Infertility is a great suffering to many couples who desire children, but obtaining them through techniques that don't respect the dignity of the human person is no solution.

Ethics becomes even more important today because of our society's stunning technological advances. These advances have benefited all of us, but the Church plays a crucial role in reminding society that being able to do something doesn't mean that we should do something. Technology must always respect human dignity and serve truly human development, not the other way around.

The great risk stories like Suleman's hold is that they steadily shift society's boundary of what is shocking to even greater extremes. In the past year, we've also seen a "man" get pregnant twice, and we have popular reality television shows like "Jon and Kate Plus 8" (about a family with sextuplets conceived through artificial insemination) making such events imaginable and even "normal."

Oblate leaves seminarians in good shape to follow Christ

The vow of obedience and trust in Divine Providence belonging to the outgoing rector of St Charles Seminary will leave an indelible mark on the priests who have graduated and are still to graduate from it. Anthony Barich spoke to the man, Fr Don Hughes, days before he parted ways with the institution on March 8, once his three-year term was up.

As a priest of over 51 years, Fr Don Hughes OMI says he carries himself with the dignity of one consecrated to a life of service to Christ and His people, and he expects the same of the young men in his charge.

When he entered the minor seminary before being ordained in 1957 in the Oblate of Mary Immaculate Seminary in Ireland, he did so as a young teenager. He and others of his ilk often did so with a great respect for priests and what they did. Often the admiration was directed at a particular priest prominent in their youth who was a clear witness to Christ in their lives.

He may have had a similar impact on the hundreds of students he educated as the founding principal of Mazenod College while a priest, and his decades as parish priest in Lesmurdie, Fremantle, Auckland, Victoria and South Australia.

But the men whom he has formed for the past three years have entered St Charles’ of their own free will. This gives the challenge a new twist. Though Vincentians ran St Charles’ for over 20 years earlier last century, it is unusual for a Religious to be asked to be Rector of a diocesan seminary.

But Fr Don has taken a vow of obedience, and after consultation with his Superior, he took on the role, and has come to be described by seminarians at St Charles – many of whom are from overseas and need a friendly face – as compassionate and easily approach-

Joseph Trigo Ngoma, 27

able, while being a strict keeper of schedules and a “great witness to Christ and the priesthood”.

Being a rector has great responsibility – he is forming men who will touch countless lives through the ministry of the Church in the ensuing decades. It is a great responsibility, he says, not just overseeing the academic studies (though St Charles does have a Dean of Studies), but because of the pastoral role. Students come to him with their personal concerns, worries, hopes and dreams, and he must be accessible to them, while maintaining the master-apprentice relationship.

“I’m conscious that I don’t stand off from them,” he says. “I am given – and I expect – respect as leader. I wouldn’t go out (to functions or pastoral responsibilities) wearing tennis shorts and I expect to see them dressed for the occasion.

He doesn’t demand respect by just asking for it, his actions do the talking. Such is the role of the priest, he says, and he hopes the students realise this.

“Due to my age and experience I don’t have to preach about my position; by my conduct I get that respect,” he says. But boys will be boys, and the young men in his care are not expected to change their personality, but mature into men of stature in the role of pastor.

All of these issues impact Catholics, many of whom avail themselves of these same technological procedures. There is a pressing need for a greater understanding on the part of Catholics of what the church teaches in these frontier areas of technology, sexuality and morality.

“He’s very understanding and approachable, which is especially good for someone like me from another country.”

“There’s always some who will not change greatly, but living in formation for seven years, they receive much from the experience of not only the priests and Brothers working here but those they come across outside the seminary. They need to realise the dignity they have been given and they should carry themselves as such.”

- Seminarian

Daniel Boyd, 43

“He’s a wonderful witness to Christ as a priest. He’s always there, even for the optional things like Rosary.”

- Seminarian

Roshan Fernando, 35

“I’ve never seen him moody or angry. He’s always available to talk to, and he’s a very prayerful priest.”

- Seminarian

Brennan Sia, 27

“He always has his eyes fixed on the task at hand. Very focused on the general direction of the seminary.”

- Seminarian

The students living in formation at a seminary share much camaraderie, and he likens their unity to that of a sports team. But he encourages them to rise and accept the great responsibility of the role they are in training for – the royal priesthood.

“The important thing is not to let the side down. People respect and look up to them and the way they act should reflect that dignity as well,” he says.

As the seminary is at all times a period of discernment – not guaranteed priesthood – Fr Don is a firm believer that whether a young man decides to stay the path or that the priesthood is not for him, or even if the decision is made for him, he will come out of it a better man.

“They’ll never be sorry for the years they spent in seminary life,” he says, “they’re better people for it, and we need those better people as lay in our Church.”

If students do leave, “it’s so important they leave with a good vibe about the community, and keep in contact”. Peter Geers discerned that the priesthood was not for him and they farewelled him with a Mass.

Fr Don admits he was saddened – as he is with any student leaving - as Peter was a “great leader of men, compassionate, kind and popular”; “but you accept that it is God’s will”.

“If there’s not people joining and leaving seminaries, then there’s something wrong,” he says. Better such discernment of God’s will is realised before ordination than after. A similar tinge of sadness impinges on Fr Don as he leaves St Charles – as it does whenever he leaves an institution, be it a parish, or as Rector of the Oblate Seminary in Melbourne, the place where he will return in due course to guide a new group of novices. “It always happens when you leave a community where you get to know the guys well,” he says. “Probably in four or five years I might return here and there won’t be anyone here I know.”

Though aged 76, he shows no signs of tiring. Bypass surgery 20 years ago did not slow him down, and, only last week, one seminarian told The Record that he can’t see Fr Don slowing down any time soon.

“I know I can’t do the things I used to, but that’s part of maturity,” Fr Don says. “I hope I don’t hang around just to wear out. I hope to be active for as long as possible.”

For Fr Don, the finish line is nowhere in sight. “But tell me a person who can see it,” he says. “They think they can…”

Fr Don Hughes OMI, a much-loved character around the Archdiocese of Perth, left St Charles’ Seminary last week once his three-year stint was up.

PHOTO: ANTHONY BARICH

Screenshot of Nadia’s website.

Perth Writers Festival

Bridget Curran

VISTA THE RECORD

Writers’ panel a tough gig

Debating the faith with people who doubt, in front of a largely hostile audience at UWA, turned out to be a microcosm of life as a Christian for Perth author Bridget Curran.

■ By Anthony Barich

Being a headline panelist at a Perth Writer’s Festival event at the University of WA taught local Catholic author Bridget Curran lessons on how to be a Christian and how to discern God’s gifts.

Miss Curran, 28, last year had a book published called The Miracles of Mary: Everyday Encounters of Beauty and Grace, a comprehensive account of sites where Our Lady has appeared.

It was rated the second highest selling religious book in Australia behind Roy Williams’ God, Actually, which was a response to atheist books from the likes of Richard Dawkins.

She was one of four recentlypublished authors of books on religious topics who spoke on March 2 about their own books and faith experiences then answered questions from the floor of over 200 people in the UWA Festival Tent.

In a panel consisting of one woman who said she has no belief as such, though raised a Catholic, a former Missionary of Charity

Sister who The West Australian has reported no longer believes in God, two Christians and a Catholic nun publicly critical of Church teachings, Miss Curran found herself humbled yet edified by God revealing her strengths in an unusual setting.

Loreto academic Sr Veronica Brady, who has spoken out against the Catholic Church’s stance on abortion, contraception and homosexuality, chaired the session.

The panelists included Tracy Ryan, a “non-believing” Catholic who wrote Sweet, a fiction novel about three women who become involved with an overly paternalistic and controlling Reverend; and Colette Livermore, the author of Hope Endures, which tells of her difficult 11 years with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.

The other panelist was Mr Williams, a litigator formerly deeply skeptical of religion, who found God through intellectual rigor.

Miss Curran was confident after the previous day’s session where she discussed the research into her book, which involved her first being skeptical about Mary but got to know her through her research.

“People are being drawn to Mary out of genuine interest, which is how it should be,” she said.

“Sometimes the Holy Spirit wants you to be humble... but you can’t sell yourself short.”

But the second session was “humbling”, as the two women on the panel dominated discussion

and received the biggest applause when suggesting that the Catholic Church was repressive of women, that people don’t need God in their lives to make good decisions, that notions of God as male only served the purposes of men in the Church and that religion is dangerous as it has been used to justify evil.

Amidst discussion about the very nature of God, how people come to belief, proof of God, rules in religion and human nature itself, Miss Curran - in stressing the need for discernment and rational thinking in all aspects of life, especially one’s faith - said she sometimes felt she wasn’t heard.

Having prayed before and after the session, she was scared and excited going in, as “I knew where the panelists were coming from (in their beliefs), so I felt a responsibility to present my own views clearly and without judgement or criticism.”

Working in the secular industry, Miss Curran says she deals with such skepticism daily, but on a smaller scale.

She was not prepared to deal with a whole room full of skeptics, especially when it was podcast on the internet and broadcast on ABC Radio.

“I was praying that the Holy Spirit would inspire me,” she said.

“Sometimes the Holy Spirit wants you to be humble. You need that jolt every now and then.

“The whole thing taught me that you can’t sell yourself short. All you can do is pray, put your trust in God and do the best you can.

“It was a positive experience, just difficult,” she said, adding that it’s not unlike living as a Christian in the world.

Lent is a traditional time for entering more deeply into the mystery of our faith through

of the

THE WAY CROSS

In the Year of St Paul, why not turn to this greatest of missionaries to help us?

A guide, a friend...

The First Station Jesus is Condemned to Death

Gal 3:13-14

The Stations of the Cross according to St Paul offers passages from Paul’s letters for devotional reflection accompanying this timeless prayer.

Because

Because of Paul’s intense understanding of the cross, the reflections aim to lead those who open themselves up to the Holy Spirit to attain greater spiritual depth.

Each station is accompanied by beautiful imagery, a reading, a reflection, and a prayer in the context of Paul’s writings.

Available from The Record Bookshop RRP $9.95 + postage Contact Caroline (08) 9227 7080 or via: bookshop@therecord.com.au

for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

The Eighth Station Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

Romans 6:12-13

Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness.

1 Corinthians 14:12

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us-for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree", in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

1 Corinthians 2:7-8

But we speak Gods wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have cruci ed the Lord of glory.

The Second Station Jesus Carries His Cross

Galatians 6:14

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been cruci ed to me, and I to the world.

1 Corinthians 1:17-18

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

The Third Station Jesus Falls the First Time

1 Corinthians 1:21-25

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ cruci ed, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

The Fourth Station

Jesus Meets His Mother

Galatians 4:4-5

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.

1 Thessalonians 2:5-8

As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of attery or with a pretest for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care

The Fifth Station Simon of Cyrene Helps Bear the Cross

Romans 6:5-11

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was cruci ed with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 6:2

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will ful ll the law of Christ.

The Sixth Station Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

1 Corinthians 12:31-13:4

But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind.

1 Corinthians 16:14

Let all that you do be done in love.

The Seventh Station Jesus Falls the Second Time

2 Corinthians 4:7-11

So with yourselves; since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the Church.

The Ninth Station Jesus Falls a Third Time

Galatians 2:19-20

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been cruci ed with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the esh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

2 Corinthians 11:23-30

Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman—I am a better one: with far greater labours, far more imprisonments, with countless oggings, and often near death. Five times I have received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked; for a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from bandits, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers and sisters; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, hungry and thirsty, often without food, cold and naked. And, besides other things, I am under daily pressure because of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

The Tenth Station

Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments

1 Corinthians 4:9-13

always con dent; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight.

The Eleventh Station Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross

1 Corinthians 5:6-8

Your boasting is not a good thing. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?

Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacri ced. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Colossians 2:13-14

And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your esh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.

2 Corinthians 5:17

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

The Twelfth Station

Jesus Dies on the Cross

Philippians 2:5-8

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.

Romans 5:8

But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

Galatians 3:1

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as cruci ed!

The Thirteenth Station Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross

in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

1 Corinthians 12:26-27

If one member su ers, all su er together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

The Fourteenth Station Jesus Is Placed in the Tomb

1 Corinthians 15:1-4a

Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold rmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of rst importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried.

Romans 6:4

Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

The Fifteenth Station: The Resurrection!

Romans 6:8-9

But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testi ed of God that he raised Christ—whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the rst fruits of those who have died.

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are a icted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal esh.

1 Corinthians 2:1-2

When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him cruci ed.

For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to mortals. We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honour, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this very day.

2 Corinthians 5:1-7

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling— if indeed, when we have taken it o we will not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are

Colossians 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the rstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers— all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the rstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have rst place

1 Corinthians 15:53-55

For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be ful lled: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’

Closing

Philippians 2: 5-11

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore God also

Servite students find nourishment in founders

The global missionary focus of the Servite Order continues as local Servite College students reconnected with their spiritual roots, and with it found a deeper connection to their faith, writes school principal Dr Philip Cox.

WHEN St Philip’s regional boys high school was opened in 1958, a group of young Servite Friars had travelled from Chicago and prepared the groundwork for a new boys’ school in the northern suburbs of Perth, at the request of the bishop of the day.

Fifty years later that same school had developed into a major college serving both young men and women in the Tuart Hill area under the name Servite College.

The young Servite Friars who had originally left their home in the US to teach in Perth were part of a global order of men whose origins date back to 1233 and who have a world-wide reputation of service to the poor, parishes and the young through education.

Today, Servite College is the only school in Australia run by the Servite Friars.

The international Servite mission continues as, in recent years, principals of Servite schools throughout the world have established the International Servite Schools Network to boost links between the Servite schools around the world.

I have helped establish links with two Servite Schools in the USA – Servite High in Anaheim, California and Marian High in Omaha, Nebraska.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the College and to more strongly forge the links with the International Servite Schools Network, the concept of a World Pilgrimage was conceived and planned. Four students and two staff began their Pilgrimage on December 26, 2008.

The pilgrimage incorporated three core aspects of the Servite Order: Service to oth-

ers (Servite Missions in India), the Servite spiritual centres (Servite Priories in Florence, Rome, Sienna, London and Chicaqo) and education (schools in London, Omaha and Anaheim).

The pilgrimage was not just a tour of special Servite places. Each student was required to complete a series of reflection papers focusing on the journey the Seven Holy Founders began in Florence in 1233 and ending with the foundation of Servite College in Perth 725 years later.

The Servite Order traces its birth place to Annunziata in Florence. At this important church the Pilgrim students experienced a personal guided tour through the Priory and the Church itself. The students marvelled at the expansive works of art that adorned the walls.

Traditional Anglicans say they would prefer Catholic status as a Rite

TAC head clarifies church’s thinking.

■ By Anthony Barich

THE Traditional Anglican Communion’s ideal structure to be received into the Catholic Church is a rite rather than a personal prelature, its leader has declared.

Internal speculation on how a group of over 400,000 Anglicans could join the Catholic Church has forced Adelaide-based TAC Primate Archbishop John Hepworth to issue a clarification in the organisation’s Messenger Journal on February 25.

Archbishop Hepworth told Traditional Anglican readers it is possible for a church to come into union with the Bishop of Rome as a Rite, in which case it is known usually as “a ritual church sui iuris - that is, a church with its own rite and canonical regulation.”

There are some 28 of these churches, who appoint their own bishops by synodical processes, and seek confirmation of the election from the Bishop of Rome, the Pope.

The Record reported on January 28 that it was understood that the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith had decided to recommend the TAC be accorded the status of a personal prelature if talks between the group’s leaders and the Vatican aimed at unity succeed.

However, Archbishop Hepworth said that much of the TAC’s Concordat - the agreement made 20 years ago that binds all its bishops operating as a college of bishops - was designed to mirror the processes of a ritual church, “a point noted by some Vatican officials”.

“We have not anticipated that our present application would lead to this sort of structure (a Rite) - most of these rites are descended from ancient churches that have never been part of the Roman or Western

rite,” he said. “Of modern origin, however, are the Personal Prelatures and Apostolic Administrations that are essentially vehicles for specific groups to coalesce around their own episcopate for a particular pastoral reason.”

“We have simply asked, in the words of our letter (to the Holy See requesting unification), to ‘seek a communal and ecclesial way of being Anglican Catholics in communion with the Holy See, at once treasuring the full expression of Catholic faith and treasuring our tradition within which we have come to this moment.”

“We have not sought to design something for ourselves. We have asked for the guidance of the Holy See, given the reality of our position and the mind of our episcopate.”

Since The Record broke the news on January 28 that the Holy See could receive the TAC as a Personal Prelature, Catholic, Anglican and secular news websites and blogs have been awash with speculation.

“Since the publication of a report on TAC and unity in the semi-official Vatican publication La Civilta Catholica, published in Italian in October last year and in English in December, there has been speculation about precisely what structure might be considered appropriate for the TAC,” Archbishop Hepworth said. “This speculation reached new heights in early February with a major feature in The Catholic Record.”

Bishop Harry Entwistle, TAC’s prelate in charge of its West Australian diocese, told The Record that TAC had made no demands or set any preconditions when asking for full corporate and sacramental union with Rome.

“When we asked we didn’t make any suggestions; we just asked for advice from the Holy See what the next stage ought to be in our move and desire for unity, and everyone else seems to have filled in the gaps. We sit and wait,” Bishop Entwistle said.

The art traces a 700 year history as significant arts were attracted to this holy place to create a piece that glorified God, Mary or significant saints.

The pilgrim students then visited the spiritual centre of the Servite Order – Monte Senario. This mountain top monastery houses many of the Servite relics including the relics of the Seven Holy Founders. After a personal tour of the monastery the Pilgrims enjoyed lunch with the Friars.

The hospitality of the Servites was repeated time and again at each of the priories and convents visited. The days, meals and evenings spent staying with the Frairs in Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica was one of the highlights of the Pilgrimage.

Our Lady of Sorrows is the Mother House of the Australian Servites and so holds a

special place in the hearts of those at Tuart Hill.

One of the students wrote in her journal that she hoped to better understand the history and charisms of the Servite Order and share that understanding with others at school. She said the pilgrimage would give her an appreciation of the world wide nature of the Servite order and better appreciate the varying cultures and lives of young Servites throughout the world.

After visiting the Servite holy places the students attended Servite schools for two weeks in Omaha, Nebraska and Anaheim, California.

The friendships formed during these visits will last a lifetime and will form the basis of future return visits to Australia by our new friends from London and America.

Visiting expert on Ratzinger will open year for Murdoch chaplains

Melbourne’s Dr Tracey Rowland, above, a world expert on Pope Benedict XVI, will speak at Murdoch University on March 24.

ONE of the world’s leading experts on the thinking and theology of Pope Benedict XVI will speak at Murdoch University on March 24.

Dr Tracey Rowland, whose book Ratzinger’s Faith has become something of a best seller in academic circles, will kick off the academic year for Murdoch University’s chaplains.

Dr Rowland is also the Dean of the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family in Melbourne.

She was invited to speak by the university’s Catholic Students Society and its chaplain Fr Joseph Cardoso OCD.

Fr Cardoso said that he had picked up a copy of Dr Rowland’s book on Pope

Benedict’s thought and the first chapter alone had inspired him to invite her to speak to Murdoch’s community and his fellow chaplains.

Published in 2008 by Oxford University Press, Ratzinger’s Faith has won widespread critical acclaim for its summary of the intellectual influences which have shaped the world’s best-known theologian.

In the process Dr Rowland has cemented a reputation as a razor-sharp and highly perceptive analyst of contemporary cultural and theological trends, and as a thinker in relation to the Church in the modern world, including the Second Vatican Council. Her lunchtime talk will be open to the public. For further information, contact Fr Joseph Cardoso on 0403 303 667, Nicole on 0432 093 662 or Joel on 0450 903 606.

Two popular Perth priests retire

Two much loved priests have retired from active service due to poor health. Fr Maurice Toop of Maylands and Dominican Fr Joss Breen OP of Gosnells have advised Archbishop Hickey that they wish to stand down. In his regular ad clerum letter to the clergy of the archdiocese the Archbishop said both men “will be sorely missed,” and has calling for expressions of interest in both parishes from priests throughout the Archdiocese.

Left, Tina Buri, Kiara Agate, lara Mirco, Steph Richards outside Annunziata Church in Florence, the first church built by the new Servite Order in the 13th century. Right, Steph Richards, Tina Buri, Kiara Agate, Lara Mirco outside San Clemente Church in Sienna, one of the early Priories the new Servite Order was asked to manage. One of the Servite Blesseds, Joachim, is buried there.

Kids bitz & puzzles

ARTIST WEEK

Annalise Moniz, 7 years, from Ursula Frayne Catholic College is one of our Artists of the Week with this fantastic drawing. Congratulations!

Our other artist of the week is Molly Daynes, 5 years, of Hillarys. Molly also hand addressed her envelope, with amazing writing for her age. Congratulations! Annalise and Molly will receive Our Lady medallion necklaces.

colour

FAMOUS IMAGES OF O UR L ADY

MOTHER OF GOD COLOURING BOOK

Written and illustrated by

Beautifully drawn classic images of Our Lady and the Christ Child from famous shrines and miraculous images. Children and adults will love this collection of 35 famous images of Our Lady to colour in. Printed on good quality paper, each image has an accompanying brief history of each painting, statue or icon. 72 pages (8½” x 11”).

Adam and Eve were forbidden to do regarding the fruit of a certain tree.

to the non-ordained of

Paris, France A.D. 1629

“Victory!” cried Don Juan of Austria as he led Christian ships to defeat the Turks who were a menace to countries along the Mediterranean Sea. His fleet of two hundred ships came from Spain, Genoa, Venice, and from the Pope, and arrived at Lepanto for the battle.

But the experienced Turks had more than two hundred of their own naval ships ready. The Pope asked all the people of Rome to pray the Rosary on the day of the battle, October 7, 1571.

As the fighting took place, ships sank on both sides, but most of the Turkish ships were captured, and thousands of Christian slaves on those ships were freed.

The Christian crusaders won. In thanksgiving for this victory Pope Saint Pius V set aside October 7th as the feast of Our Lady of Victory, which Pope Gregory XIII (15721585) later changed to the feast of the Most Holy Rosary.

Sixty years later in France, King Louis XIII built the Basilica of the Sacred Heart to honour Our Lady of Victories. A white marble statue, of Our Lady standing besides her Son, was carved and placed above the Lady Altar. Saints we know and love, such as Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and Saint John Bosco, have visited the shrine to thank Our Lady of Victories for miracles or to pray for the conversion of sinners.

From Mother of God Colouring book Famous images of Our Lady

Written and illustrated by Katherine Sotnik

Life without God saps people of hope to face the difficulties of life, Benedict tells Rome’s councillors

Pontiff also encourages sisters, saying communities of prayer act like lungs for cities

■ By Carol Glatz

ROME (CNS) - Eradicating God and his moral guidance from their lives has not brought people greater happiness and freedom, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Rather it has deprived people of the strength and hope needed to overcome pressing difficulties, he said to Rome’s city officials.

A moral code is incomplete “if it does not hinge upon the inspiration of and submission to God, who is the source and judge of all good,” he said.

The Pope’s remarks came during a visit on March 9 to Rome’s City Hall where he addressed a special session of the city council.

In his address to the city’s leaders, Pope Benedict deplored a recent spate of violence in the city, saying it revealed a deeper social ill that exists within society.

While he did not mention specific events, public attention recently has focused on a number of rapes, including the rape of a 14-year-old girl.

These dreadful acts of violence are a sign “of a true spiritual poverty that afflicts the heart of modern man,” the Pope said.

“The elimination of God and his law, as a condition for the realisation of human happiness, has not reached its goal at all,” he said.

“Rather, it has deprived people of the spiritual grounding and

hope that are needed to face everyday difficulties and challenges,” the Pope said.

The Pope said the city could count on the cooperation and help of the Church and the city’s faithful

in promoting the necessary “perennial values.”

Seated in front of a towering sculpture of Julius Caesar that stood beneath a portrait of Mary, the Pope said, “In this postmodern age, Rome must reclaim its deep soul and its civil and Christian roots if it wants to promote a new humanism” that recognises humanity’s transcendent and spiritual dimension.

“Christianity is the bearer of a shining message about the truth of humankind” and the Church recognises its responsibility in bringing that message to society and modern culture, he said.

The Pope told the city council that as the bishop of Rome he was concerned about the effects the current economic crisis would have on unemployment, homelessness and financial insecurity for families.

However, he said he was optimistic these difficulties could be overcome. He emphasised that the values of solidarity and generosity were firmly rooted in the heart of the Roman people and that these gifts “could be supported by the light of the Gospel.”

Pope Benedict also spoke to the city’s residents from the City Hall balcony overlooking a 16th-century square designed by Michelangelo.

After living in Rome for so many years, he said he feels like a fellow Roman.

“But more than Roman, I feel

like your bishop,” he said to great applause.

With the great social and economic challenges the city is facing, the Pope underlined how much it needed men and women of Christ.

Because “when a person encounters Christ, he does not become self-centered, but opens up to the needs of others” and puts the wellbeing of other people before his own, he said.

The Pope then visited the nearby monastery of the Oblates of St Francesca Romana. The Pope’s visit coincided with the feast day of its 15th-century founder, St Frances of Rome.

The Pope told the nuns how important it was in the middle of a city to have church communities dedicated to contemplation, prayer and social works.

He said they act as a sort of “spiritual lung” so that a busy metropolis does not run out of “spiritual breath” and always has a point of reference in God.

Just one day after International Women’s Day, the Pope told the religious that Rome needs women and their gifts of generous and discreet service.

“Women who know how to obey priests, but also support them and stimulate them with their suggestions, are mature in their dialogue with Christ, and have hands-on experience in charity, caring for the sick, the marginalised and youths in difficulty” are greatly needed, he said.

A blessing for New Norcia’s seventh Abbot

New Norcia scenes

Archbishop Barry Hickey prays the Prayer of Blessing over the new Abbot, top, left. Archbishop Hickey, above, presents Abbot John with his crosier, which was also used by New Norcia’s foundational Abbot Bishop Salvado. Fellow monks, bishops and visiting clergy gather with Abbot John outside the church after the blessing, at left.

Pope Benedict XVI, flanked by Rome’s Mayor Gianni Alemanno, waves from the Campidoglio balcony during his visit to Rome’s City Hall on March 9. PHOTO: CNS/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO VIA REUTERS

Pope asks young to be witnesses

■ By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Even as the global economic crisis makes it more difficult to find a job and start a family, young Catholics are called to hold firmly to their faith in Jesus and be witnesses of hope to their peers, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“True Christians are never sad, even if they have to face trials of various kinds, because the presence of Jesus is the secret of their joy and peace,” the Pope told the world’s young Catholics.

In his message for World Youth Day 2009, which will be celebrated in most dioceses on Palm Sunday, April 5, the Pope asked young people to anchor the enthusiasm of their age in the firm hope that comes from a relationship with Christ.

The theme the Pope chose for the 2009 celebration was from St. Paul’s First Letter to Timothy: “We have set our hope on the living God.”

Everyone is looking for hope, “especially in these times,” the Pope said in the message, released on March 4 at the Vatican.

Christians, who know that true and lasting hope can come only from God, have an obligation to live as beacons of hope for others, he said.

“Experience shows that personal qualities and material goods are not enough to guarantee the hope which the human spirit is constantly seeking,” the Pope said.

Societies where God is denied or ignored are societies full of people who are violent, lonely and paralyzed by fear for the future, he said.

Being young is supposed to be a special time of hope, a time of enthusiastic planning and preparing for the future, he said, but

Church sizes up new ways of using the new media

New document may have implications for Church’s own use of media.

■ By John Thavis

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Vatican is considering the preparation of a major document on new media and their implications for the Church’s communications strategy.

Bishops from 82 countries began a five-day meeting in Rome on March 9 to discuss modern media and the new culture of communications that has arisen in recent years. The seminar was sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

Archbishop Claudio Celli, president of the pontifical council, said the purpose of the seminar was to review with bishops the chang-

Life’s

in cultures where there are “few certainties, values or firm points of reference,” young people can feel overwhelmed and too many of them seek escape through drugs and alcohol.

But even those who have gone astray continue to long for “true love and authentic happiness,” which can only be found in God, who is love, he said.

“The living God is the risen Christ present in our world. He is the true hope: the Christ who lives with us and in us and who calls us to share in his eternal life,” the Pope told young people.

“If we are not alone, if he is with us, even more, if he is our present and our future, why be afraid?” the Pope asked.

Pope Benedict told young people that the way to encounter Jesus and deepen a relationship with him is to pray alone, with other young people and with the Catholic community gathered for the Eucharist.

Those who find their sustenance in Christ and live a close relationship with him cannot resist speaking about him and making him known to others, the Pope said.

The Pope told young people, “Be his faithful disciples and in this way you will be able to help form Christian communities that are filled with love.”

Pope Benedict also urged young people to be patient as they spread the Gospel and not to be discouraged when they are faced with trials.

“Make choices that demonstrate your faith. Show that you understand the risk of idolising money, material goods, career and success, and do not allow yourselves to be attracted by these false illusions,” he said.

The Pope also urged them to “cultivate love of neighbour” by placing their time and talents at the service of the common good.

ing communications scene and see how the Church should respond to the challenges and opportunities.

The pontifical council, in a plenary meeting in late October, will then decide whether to go ahead with a new document on the subject, he said.

The modern Church’s communications strategy has been based primarily on the Second Vatican Council’s 1963 decree “Inter Mirifica” on the instruments of social communications, and on the pontifical council’s 1991 pastoral instruction, “Aetatis Novae” (“At the Dawn of a New Era”).

Archbishop Celli said that since 1991 “a lot of water has gone under the bridge. New media are posing new questions, new interests and new pastoral necessities.”

He said it was important for the Church to understand that it’s not just new technological tools that have arisen, but a whole new attitude toward communication

based largely on interactivity and dialogue.

“The Church today cannot only give information - which is certainly useful, but we cannot limit ourselves to that,” Archbishop Celli said.

“I think the Church needs to enter into a dialogue that is increasingly rich and proactive, a dialogue of life with people who are seeking, who are distant and who would like to find a message that is closer and more suitable to their path,” he said.

For that reason, he said, his council has been pushing bishops around the world not only to have their own Web sites, but also to make sure these sites are interactive. Unfortunately, Archbishop Celli added, it’s been impractical for the Vatican to make its own Web presence interactive because it would be flooded by questions and comments from all over the world. It’s something more easily done on the local level, he said.

search leads married Anglican bishop to become Catholic priest

By Cindy Wooden

■

ROME (CNS) - If using dolls to practice the baptismal ritual is a humbling experience for seminarians, one can imagine what it was like for someone who already had baptised hundreds of babies.

Father Jeffrey Steenson, the former Episcopal (Anglican) bishop of the Rio Grande, prepared for his ordination to the Catholic priesthood with seminarians from Rome’s Pontifical North American College.

The 56-year-old, who spent 24 years as an Episcopal priest and three years as a bishop in New Mexico, laughs about the humbling experience of the doll practice and has nothing but praise for the “graciousness and good humour” of the NAC seminarians and staff with whom he’s been working for the past year.

Welcomed into the Catholic Church in 2007 and ordained a deacon in December 2008 by Cardinal Bernard F. Law, the archpriest of the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, he was ordained to the priesthood on February 21.

Father Steenson and his wife have been living in a cottage on the grounds of the Pontifical Irish College.

The Steensons’ three children - a daughter and two sons - are grown.

Educated at Harvard Divinity School and at Oxford, Father Steenson is an expert in patristics, the study of the early church fathers. He spoke to CNS in Rome on March 6 before making one of his frequent visits to the library at the Augustinianum Patristical Institute.

“I’ve been attracted to Catholicism all of my life,” Father Steenson said.

When Pope John Paul II was elected in 1978, he said, “I felt this tug,” but he continued his preparations for his 1980 ordination in the Anglican Communion.

For Father Steenson, the role of the Pope as the successor of St Peter, the servant of church unity and the guarantor of the Church’s fidelity to tradition was key to his decision.

“It is not negative things that

Former Episcopal Bishop Jeffrey Steenson, right, blesses Archbishop Michael Sheehan of Santa Fe, New Mexico, during Steenson’s ordination to the Catholic priesthood at St Thomas Aquinas Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, on February 21.

PHOTO: CNS/CELINE BACA RADIGAN, ARCHDIOCESE OF SANTA FE

turned me to the Catholic Church,” he said. “I just felt God saying, ‘It’s time.’”

The time came, he said, in 2007 when he felt the bishops of the Episcopal Church had decided to give priority to their autonomy rather than to unity with the larger Anglican Communion.

Father Steenson said that for him same-sex attracted people were not the issue.

“It was the way the decisions were made and the way they were defended,” placing the local church and modern cultural sensitivities ahead of the universal church and fidelity to tradition, he said.

The priest said that while the Episcopal Church spoke of the importance of Christian unity, it continued to approve practicesordaining women priests and bishops, ordaining homosexuals and blessing same-sex unions - that everyone knew would be an obstacle to Christian unity.

“The frustration with being a Protestant is that every morning you get up and have to reinvent the church all over again,” Father Steenson said. He said he strug-

gled with the idea of backing out of his pastoral responsibility to the people of the Episcopal diocese. But Archbishop Sheehan helped him see that “if you can’t lead with a clear conscience, you really owe it to everyone to get out of the way. And that’s pretty much where I was in the Episcopal Church,” he said. Father Steenson said that while Catholic and Anglican liturgies are very similar externally, “there are profound differences, too.”

For example, he said, “even the high, high Anglicans would have a hard time understanding how absolutely central the Eucharist is to the Christian life” for Catholics.

“Anglicans have a hard time defining what exactly is happening with this. Catholics don’t have that problem at all,” he said.

“This is a silly way to put it, but it just feels more real. I told someone once: the air feels thicker around the Catholic Eucharist” and it’s not the incense, “because we use more incense in Anglicanism,” he said.

While Father Steenson was a member of the conservative, traditional wing of the Anglican Communion, he said he would not define himself that way in the Catholic Church.

“For instance,” he said, “I don’t have any interest at all in the extraordinary rite,” the Latin liturgy often referred to as the Tridentine rite, “or in any move of retrenchment against the Second Vatican Council. Vatican II is the reason I was able to become a Catholic.”

“I am extremely happy with the Church as I find it,” he said.

Father Steenson said he fully supports the Catholic Church’s effort to promote Christian unity, particularly its conviction that “ecumenism must be based on the truth.”

While it is up to Archbishop Sheehan to decide what activities he will be involved in, Father Steenson said he hopes to be able to place his relationships with Episcopalians at the service of Christian unity efforts.

“If this is not about ecumenism, then it would seem to be awfully self-indulgent. I really feel that ecumenism has to be a huge part” of his life as a Catholic priest, he said.

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives for a youth rally in New York in April 2008.

PHOTO: CNS/BOB ROLLER

Amidst knife threats, God called me to Him A useful time for chocaholics

Ibecame a Catholic because God called me. I grew up in a strong Christian family. My parents are Anglicans. My grandparents are part of the Methodist and Uniting Church traditions. There is a bit of Baptist thrown in too. From birth I have been surrounded by the love of God, the understanding of what Jesus has done for us and my family’s prayers.

For me a commitment to Christ has never been an issue. I have gained an understanding of God’s whispers to me through prayer. Catholicism gives me a sense of security and contentment. The more people challenge me about my choice to be Catholic, the more I think, “This is awesome. I am so glad that I am heading down this road.” Through discussion the biases that exist between denominations can disappear.

Why I became Catholic

We are blessed to have the Eucharist every day. I really support the unity that Catholicism brings, too. I want to seek out God’s will. I will approach this with care and diligence to bring Him glory and honour. He’s set out clear guidelines of His moral will for us. If I am willing to search and listen I will learn His will for me.

I was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). I suffered from pretty severe learning difficulties. That was very tough for me. I had low self esteem. The ADHD affected my behaviour and I even threatened my sisters with knives at one point. My mother is a trained psychologist so she picked up there was something wrong with me. We tried different strategies to help me with my school work unsuccessfully and in the end I took six months off to be home schooled.

Trinity College created a study program for me. My principal and school psychologist were very supportive. I sought the professional support of Dr Trevor Parry. He understood the spiritual aspects of coping with my illness and his follow-up was Christian based. I have been taking medication ever since.

After school I did a software engineering degree and accounting degree at Edith Cowan University. I worked in these areas for a while and then I took a year off to concentrate on singing. I sing with a Catholic group called Quartessence and I’ve started working on some solo stuff.

I recently became the Parish Youth Coordinator at St Joseph’s Church, Subiaco. We want to give the parish youth a sense of community and belonging to the Church. Our focus is on prayer, study and action. There will be a prayer group made up of older and younger people, retreats and social events. We’re exploring what groups like YCW have to offer.

A lot of my work involves talking to people and building relationships. We need to be supporting youth workers in other parishes to develop unity. For example, the Baptist Church has a “Sport-fest”.

Thousands of young people from around the diocese come together and play sport for the whole weekend. We would like to be involved in that further down the track. Other Christian Churches have been willing to share their resources for youth and their response has been fantastic.

I want to do youth work like it has never been done before.

Each day confirms this is God’s will for me. Faith and my relationship with God come first.

If you have a story to tell please contact Debbie via debwarrier@hotmail.com

with Karen & Derek Boylen Family is the Future

Lent 1 – Fasting

It was on Derek’s way out for an early morning jog that he noticed a bowl of chocolates - previously full - now mysteriously empty. Further investigation revealed that most of the treats in the pantry were gone too.

We soon discovered the culprit. In the dead of night, while everyone was asleep, Isaiah (our second) enjoyed a secret midnight feast. He couldn’t help himself. He got up for a drink and there they were... waiting... luring him in with their chocolaty brown sweetness... wanting to be eaten.

Isaiah is learning the same difficult lesson that we all need to learn... self control.

Lent is here. Lent is a time when the Church invites us to change our lifestyle in preparation for Easter. There are three principle ways in which the Church invites us to change: fasting, prayer and almsgiving. In this piece we will focus on fasting but our next two columns will explore almsgiving and prayer too.

Fasting has a long history in the Church. In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus says: “When you are fasting, do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do. They go about looking unsightly to let people know they are fasting.”

Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert and the book of Acts (13:2-3) records the early Christians fasting and praying. St Paul refers to fasting in Romans 14:6.

Pope Leo I spoke of the benefits of Fasting in the fifth century saying that

fasting fosters pure, holy and spiritual activity. He tells us that it has special significance in Lent as an act of solidarity that joins us to Christ, an act of self donation in imitation of Christ’s total sacrifice. Pope Benedict echoes that the ultimate goal of fasting is to help us to make the complete gift of self to God.

This year Pope Benedict’s Lenten message places particular emphasis on fasting and its value in Christian life.

We read the Pope’s message together and encourage anyone who wants to deepen their appreciation of this tradition to access it from the Vatican website www.vatican.va. If possible read it as a couple. You’ll get a lot more from it.

Pope Benedict specifically encourages families to enter into the Lenten mystery. Here are some suggestions for ways that you can make fasting a part of your family experience of Lent in 2009.

• The traditional giving up of lollies.

• No dessert after dinner during Lent.

• Giving up tea and coffee.

• Tape your favourite show for seven weeks and watch it after Lent.

• No television at certain times of the day.

Be warned though, there are some things that don’t count:

• Giving up homework.

• Giving up not hitting your siblings.

In our home we are giving up lollies as a family for Lent. Something we all love to eat and a regular temptation for the boys. To remind us, and make it a little more challenging, we have a container of lollies on the kitchen table which we’ve agreed to save until Easter Sunday.

Knowing our children, they are likely to succumb to temptation when Mum and Dad aren’t watching. In fact we kind of hope they will. It will be an opportunity to discuss with them God’s grace and forgiveness... a chance to start again. It’s the kind of chance God graces each of us with every day. Aside from the spiritual benefits of fasting during Lent there are some corporal benefits too. It’s the opportunity to learn self-control and self denial. In our permissive society it is a lesson that we can all learn better and it’s a great preparation for children growing into adulthood.

A lesson that’s especially useful for little boys who love chocolate too much.

It’s Christian to hope: drink it in

Being Heard

By John Heard

Totality

“To imagine ourselves outside the temporality that imprisons us and in some way to sense that eternity is not an unending succession of days in the calendar, but something more like the supreme moment of satisfaction, in which totality embraces us and we embrace totality - this we can only attempt.”

- Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi

I’ve had cause to think about death lately: much death, and death that is close. This is, of course, because of the Victorian bushfires, the worst natural disaster in Australia’s recorded history.

The catastrophic fires that visited places such as Marysville, Narbethong, Kinglake and Beechworth took more than 200 lives. Each one of the victims was precious, each life unique, and now, every one of them is mourned. Also, however, a member of my family just died, and anyone can tell you how that feels.

Like the mucky green that sprouts after even the most furious fire, however, signs of life are everywhere. Walking out of the intensive care facility, dabbing my eyes, I saw a new mother carrying her baby in a basket. Praying, just hours after

we received “the call” (in the massive silence of St Patrick’s Cathedral at 7am) I heard the happy clamour of a tenacious, disabled man in an electronic chair.

Wallowing, as we are wont to do, in my bed at home, I was informed that a major British magazine had just published my latest article.

Life and death, all at once, yesterday smashed up against today leaning forward toward tomorrow – this is how a Christian experiences the mystery.

“The supreme moment of satisfaction”, the Holy Father teaches, is a bit like this. It is when “totality embraces us, and we embrace totality”. No wonder we cannot describe it straight, and we cannot know it like we know other things.

No wonder the ash will not settle just yet, and that my personal sorrows seem so unreal.

In many ways, I am still caught unawares, in what Joan Didion has called that state of “magical thinking” peculiar to those who grieve.

There is the queer sensation that nothing has changed, that I am re-living yesterday, and that no one is dead.

But they are, and he is, and I am not.

And so I make an attempt. Perhaps this is hope.

Certainly, the Holy Father’s Encyclical, which I had excerpted and saved in an obscure folder on my computer, makes new sense now.

At first, when I happened across it accidentally while looking for something else, I couldn’t place the quotations. I had to Google it, and the search revealed the source: Spe Salvi (“On Christian Hope”).

It is full of meaning, of course. I knew that when I first read it, but now its meaning touches me.

It is changing my life.

For the moments of darkest sorrow, the Holy Father warns against nihilism: “In nihil ab nihilo quam cito recidimus (How quickly we fall back from nothing to nothing): so says an epitaph of that period.”

For moments of more tranquil reflection, he urges authenticity:

“Philosophy at that time was not generally seen as a difficult academic discipline, as it is today. Rather, the philosopher was someone who knew how to teach the essential art: the art of being authentically human—the art of living and dying.”

And for the future, he writes of renewal:

“The dark door of time, of the future, has been thrown open. The one who has hope lives differently; the one who hopes has been granted the gift of a new life.”

What a boon; what comfort I have taken from these words of Pope Benedict.

What a remarkable thing it is, indeed, that an otherwise scholarly, measured, precise text might take on – in the light of painful experience – the character of friendliness, honesty, and compassion.

That a man, a Pope, so far away from the fires and the hospital and the death, might be so closely united with suffering families in Australia: it is something very much like a miracle.

It is, we pray, a foretaste of the “embrace” we long for at the end, and a sign of the satisfaction our dead loved ones might enjoy now.

It is, of course, Christian to hope. I will drink it in, abundantly, over the weeks and months, and I will hope it visits the hearts of all those who mourn: especially the families touched by calamity. -johnnyheard@gmail.com

with Debbie Warrier

Greg LeCoultre

Lent: a time for holy intoxication

Body Language

By Christopher West

Of feasting and fasting

The season of Lent is upon us and Catholics around the world are embracing various forms of fasting and abstinence in preparation for the holiest week of the year. But why do we fast? How does saying no to food or other bodily pleasures actually increase our love for God?

Christian fasting is not rooted in suspicion towards or rejection of the physical world, the human body, or the pleasures of food. Precisely the opposite. Only those who know how to fast properly know how to feast.

We fast, first of all, the Catechism says, to “prepare us for the liturgical feasts” (CCC 2043).

Fasting allows us to feel our hunger. And feeling our physical hunger can, if we allow it, lead us to feel our spiritual hunger, that is, our hunger for God.

Think of the woman at the well: she came there physically thirsty and left with the promise of living water flowing from the well of salvation.

If feeling our hunger can awaken our spiritual senses, never feeling hunger can dull them. Furthermore, when we always satisfy our hunger, we can become enslaved by the pleasures of this world. Fasting and abstinence “help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart” (CCC 2043). And this kind of freedom is especially important for people like me who love to eat.

Oh, do I ever. In fact, at the end of a meal I often feel a pointed (and even poignant) sadness.

I sometimes find myself picking the minutest of crumbs off my plate in an attempt to stretch the enjoyment until every last morsel is gone. But I’m only putting off the inevitable.

This meal is going to end. It’s going to end... One more crumb and its over. Done. Finished. Something in me screams: No. I want this to last forever...

And there it is – my yearning for the infinite... my yearning for God.

The sadness I feel at the end of a meal can either lead to gluttony (the idolatry of food) or I can accept the “pain” of my desire and allow it to open me to the living hope of the eternal banquet.

Fasting, properly practised, is a wide open door precisely to this hope.

God desires to feed us – and not just from any po’ boys menu, but with “juicy, rich food, and pure, choice wines” (Is 25:6), with “bread come down from heaven” (Jn 6:41). Scripture describes heaven itself as a feast – a wedding feast (see Rev 19:9). And let us not forget Christ’s first miracle: at the end of the party when the wedding guests had already finished the wine, Christ provides gallons and gallons of the finest wine imaginable.

As the glory of Pentecost indicates, we are all called to get “drunk” on this new wine (see Acts 2:13).

This kind of “holy intoxication” is a favourite theme of the mystics. For in the Song of Songs, the King invites his bride into the “wine cellar” (1:4). Teresa of Avila offers this commentary: “The King seems to refuse nothing to the Bride! Well, then, let her drink as much as she desires and get drunk on all these wines in the cellar of God. Let her enjoy these joys, wonder at these great things, and not fear to lose her life through drinking much more than her weak nature enables her to do. Let her die at last in this paradise of delights; blessed death that makes one live in such a way.”

Wow. If authentic Christian fasting is meant to prepare me for this kind of feasting, bring it on. But what, we might

ask, is the difference between this kind of “holy indulgence” and the frat-party beer bong? It’s this: we become gluttons and drunkards when we seek satisfaction of our desire for Infinity in the earth’s wine, but we become saints when we seek satisfaction of our desire for Infinity in heaven’s wine.

Should we, then, reject the earth’s wine? No. That is the essential error of puritanism and Manichaeism – the idea that the physical world and its pleasures are evil. No, they aren’t evil. Properly embraced, they are little sacraments, little foretastes of heaven.

In fact, how does God communicate heaven’s wine to us? Precisely through earth’s wine: “Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.” But in order to enter the infinite delights of this liturgical feast, we will need to learn to fast.

Sin varies, but God’s love remains

Q&A

By Fr John Flader

Mortal sin, serious sin and venial sin

“I recently heard someone say that there are three categories of sin: mortal, serious and venial. I thought there were only two: mortal and venial. Can you enlighten me?”

You are right. When sins are classified by reason of their gravity and their effects, there are only two categories: mortal and venial.

Pope John Paul II dealt with the issue in section 17 of his Apostolic Exhortation Reconciliatio et paenitentia in 1984. He points out that already in the Old Testament there were certain sins – various forms of impurity (cf. Lv 18:26-30), idolatry (cf. Lv 19:4), the worship of false gods (cf. Lv 20:1-7), etc – that were punished by the person being “taken away from the people”, which could also mean condemned to death (cf. Ex 21:17). In other words, they were mortal sins. As regards the New Testament, the Pope comments especially on two passages. One of them is in the first letter of St John, where the distinction is made between sin which is “deadly”, or mortal sin, and sin which is “not deadly”, venial sin.

The Pope comments: “St John speaks of a sin which leads to death (pros thanaton), as opposed to a sin which does not lead to death (me pros thanaton; cf. 1 Jn 5:16f.). Obviously, the concept of death here is a spiritual death. It is a question of the loss of the true life or ‘eternal life,’ which for John is knowledge of the Father and the Son (cf. 1 Jn 17:3) and communion and intimacy with them.”

In the other passage, Jesus himself speaks of a “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” that “will not be forgiven” (cf. Mt 12:31f.), since it consists in an obstinate refusal to be converted to the love of the Father of mercies.

Even though the sinner in this case seems to reject the very source of forgiveness, the Pope sounds a note of hope as regards their eternal salvation: “It is to be hoped that very few persist to the end in this attitude of rebellion or even defiance of God. Moreover, God in his merciful love is greater than our hearts, as St John further teaches us (cf. 1 Jn 3:20), and can overcome all our psychological and spiritual resistance. So that, as St Thomas writes, ‘considering the omnipotence and mercy of God, no one should despair of the salvation of anyone in this life’” (Summa Theologiae, II-II, q. 14, a. 3, ad primum).

Pope John Paul goes on to say that in the light of these and other passages of sacred Scripture, doctors and theologians, spiritual teachers and pastors, as well as the Magisterium of the Church, have divided sins into mortal and venial.

As regards their effects, mortal sin deprives the sinner of sanctifying grace –that is, friendship with God, charity and therefore eternal happiness – whereas venial sin does not.

Revealed: key research findings

Fr Anthony Paganoni, Scalabrinian, continues this week with the fifth of a series of articles on a fascinating story, a long-running successful initiative in youth ministry in the province of Lombardy, Italy.

The ItalianWay

In studying the data from the sample of 117 groupings the researchers identified a good deal of common ground, which surprisingly indicated that there was very little difference between the official terminology and spoken jargon. Terms such as fraternity, daily living, relation with the group, community evenings, prayers and group experiences or convivenza had emerged during the informal conversations with the participants, signalling that a deeper sense of cohesion was indeed possible. Equally surprising and encouraging was to discover that the participants’ goals and objectives were fairly uniform and highlighted three common concerns felt by the young people:

1. Their willingness to face the various phases of growth from adolescence to adult life within a new social context which, unlike their family system, they had become fully responsible for. Though facilitated by a team of supervisors, the group experience was decidedly organised and conducted with the full co-operation of all participants.

And with respect to the punishment it merits, mortal sin, if unforgiven, leads to eternal punishment, whereas venial sin merits only temporal punishment, which can be made up on earth or in purgatory.

What are we to make, then, of the concept of “serious sin”? Is it a separate category, distinct from venial sin and mortal sin?

Pope John Paul says no. He acknowledges that in the Synod of Bishops that preceded his Apostolic Exhortation, some bishops suggested this third category of sin, but he rejects it: “This threefold distinction might illustrate the fact that there is a scale of seriousness among grave sins. But it still remains true that the essential and decisive distinction is between sin which destroys charity and sin which does not kill the supernatural life. There is no middle way between life and death.”

Undoubtedly, the reason for introducing the third category was to limit mortal sins to the few truly serious sins which constituted a direct rejection of God. Then all other sins, including, presumably sins like adultery, masturbation or fornication, although serious, would not kill the life of grace in the soul.

But this is a false distinction, with no basis in Scripture or the traditional teaching of the Church. Sins like adultery, masturbation and fornication have always been regarded as mortal (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2352, 2353, 2380).

In summary, sins are either mortal or venial. They kill the life of grace in the soul or they do not. As Pope John Paul says, there is no third category: there can be no middle ground between life and death.

2. A new way of living out one’s own faith. This meant a greater degree of autonomy in actually deciding one’s own religious stance and, at the same time, being able to express one’s own views face to face with other young people. The flexibility and heightened sense of adaptability within the group setting were very much appreciated by all participants.

3. A new way of living out their sense of belonging to the local parish community. Despite the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by such young people in an advanced society, there was nevertheless a sense that their lives needed to be grounded somewhere. The consensus, corroborated by a series of in-depth interviews conducted by the research team, was the need to belong to a community. This could find meaning by linkage either with local or religious institutions.

This re-appropriation of the value of community and community living, of pleasure in dialogue - all too often lost in the anonymity of the home environment because too preoccupied, even when family members are together, with safeguarding one’s own egotistical tendencies - is one of the most striking and beneficial outcomes. The search for meaningful and expressive ways to be with and to form communities stands in sharp contrast with the overstated tendency to independence and autonomy reflected in the lives of young people today.

Through the experience of communal living with their peers (in age and educational process), comes the discovery of the enjoyment of being able to hold discussions which, at the level of family life, were almost non-existent.

The adolescents pointed out critically that too much ‘passive time’ was being wasted in front of the television.

Even if the all too brief experience was not meant to radically transform existing patterns, it was seen by the participants as an eye-opener, an option that could be further developed with friends made during the actual convivenza or with the Oratorio representatives. One participant confided, Now I know that I have grown up and that, if I wanted to go and live in another society, I would be able to cope with it.

Tony Paganoni, Scalabrinian

Intriguing developments in Youth Ministry

PANORAMA

Panorama entries must be in by 12pm Monday. Contributions may be emailed to administration@therecord.com.au, faxed to 9227 7087, or mailed to PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902. Submissions over 55 words will be edited. Inclusion is limited to 4 weeks. Events charging over $10 will be a put into classifieds and charged accordingly. The Record reserves the right to decline or modify any advertisment.

Sunday March 15

FOCOLARE MOVEMENT

4pm at Sisters of the Poor Chapel, Glendalough First Anniversary Mass for Chiara Lubich. Celebrant Bishop Don Sproxton. All welcome. Enq: 9349 4052.

Sunday March 15

150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

ST PATRICK YORK – ORIGINAL CHURCH

10.30am Mass concelebrated by Archbishop Barry Hickey followed by launch of the Parish history - Glorious Apostle - and a luncheon picnic, bring lunch and a chair. Please join in the solemnities and festivities. Drinks provided and Parish history book will be on sale. Enq: 9641 1477.

Sunday March 15

TAIZE STYLE PRAYER

7pm to 8pm at Sisters of St Joseph Chapel, 16 York Street, South Perth. All welcome to join in the Taize style prayer singing chants, listen to scripture, and time for silent and intercessory prayer in a beautiful candlelight chapel in an atmosphere of silence and prayer. Bring a friend and a torch. Enq: Sr Maree Riddler 0414 683 926.

Tuesday March 17

MASS - ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION

10am at St Joseph’s Church, 3 Salvado Road, Subiaco. All welcome.

Wednesday March 18

TAIZE MEDITATION PRAYER

7.30pm to 8.30pm at St Thomas More Catholic Church, 100 Dean Road, Bateman, all welcome to come and spend an hour in Group prayer and relax after a busy workday in a candlelight atmosphere of prayer, song and meditation. Enq: Daisy/Barney 9310 4781.

Wednesday March 18

HEALING FIRE BURNING LOVE MINISTRY

CHARISMATIC STATIONS OF THE CROSS

7pm at St Brigid, Aberdeen Street, Northbridge. Praise and worship, 7.30pm Stations of the Cross. A time to praise and rejoice in what the Lord has done for you, reconciliation and healing Service. Enq: Jenni 9445 1028 or 0404 389 679.

Friday March 20

CATHOLIC FAITH RENEWAL

7.30pm at St John and Paul Parish, Willetton. Fr Greg Donovan will lead you through Scripture; Genesis to Apocalypse. All welcome. Enq: Maureen 9381 4498 or Rose 0403 300 720.

FRIDAY MARCH 20

MEDJUGORJE - EVENING OF PRAYER

7pm at All Saints Chapel, Allendale Square, 77 St.George’s Terrace, Perth. An evening of Prayer with Our Lady Queen of Peace, commencing with Adoration, Rosary and Benediction followed by Holy Mass. Evening concludes at 9pm. Free DVD’s on Fr Donald Calloway’s conversion available on night. Enq: Eileen 9402 2480.

Friday March 20 to Sunday March 22

SAINT PAUL’S RETREAT

7pm at God’s Farm. Fr Tony Chiera VG, weekend Retreat Master, on St Paul. Luxurious bus hired, direct from Perth and return, limited seats. God’s Farm is 40km south of Busselton. Bookings to PO Box 24, Cowaramup, WA 6284, or Betty 9755 6212, or Yvonne 9343 1897.

Saturday March 21

PRAYER VIGIL FOR PEACE

6pm-9.30pm at Redemptorist Monastery, 190 Vincent Street, North Perth. Spend some time with us in prayer for peace in war torn countries, peace in our local communities, peace in our home and peace within ourselves. Enq: Jeanette 9370 4690.

Saturday March 21 to Thursday March 26

EUCHARIST RETREAT AND THE WORD OF GOD FOR HEALING LIF E’S HURTS

Beginning with Saturday and Sunday Masses at Our Lady Of Assumption Parish, 356 Grand Promenade,

Dianella and then from 7.30pm to 9pm from Monday to Thursday. Presented by, Father Gilbert Carlo, Divine Word Missionary. Enq: Gail 9276 1008.

Monday March 23 to Friday March 27

FLAME MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

LENTEN RETREAT – FIVE NIGHTS OF FIRE

7.30pm to 9pm at St Jude’s Catholic Church, 20 Prendiville Way, Langford. Witness Nine Steps of ancient Hebrew covenant ritual and God’s blood covenant plan from Adam to Jesus. Final message Heaven and Earth Reconciled. 2nd Rite of Sacrament of Reconciliation available. Enq: fmi@ flameministries.org or Fr Terry Raj 9458 1946.

Friday March 27

HEALING FIRE BURNING LOVE MINISTRY

CHARISMATIC STATIONS OF THE CROSS

7pm at Santa Clara, Corner Coolgardie and Pollock Street, Bentley. Stations of the Cross. A time to praise and rejoice in what the Lord has done for you. Enq: Jenni 9445 1028 or 0404 389 679.

Saturday March 28

ST PADRE PIO DAY OF PRAYER

8.30am at St Brigid, Aberdeen Street, Northbridge. St Padre Pio DVD, 10am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, Silent adoration and Benediction. 11am Holy Mass, Padre Pio liturgy, celebrant Fr Tiziano Bogoni. Confessions available. 12noon shared lunch, bring a plate. Tea and coffee provided. Enq: Des 6278 1540.

Saturday March 28

A HALF DAY PRAYER RETREAT FOR INCREASE OF PERPETUAL ADORATION

9am to 12.30pm at St Gerard Majella, 37 Changton Way, Mirrabooka. Mass followed by communal prayers and opportunity for quiet reflection and reconciliation concluding with Benediction. Light lunch provided. All are invited. Enq: Joy 9344 2609 or Norma 9342 4136.

Saturday March 28

DAY OF THE UNBORN CHILD

10am at St Joachim’s Parish, Shepperton Road, Victoria Park. Holy Mass, Celebrant Most Rev BJ Hickey, followed by procession with flowers in memory of a child whose life has been taken away by the tragedy of abortion. 11am Holy Hour led by Pro-Life Chaplain, Columban priest Fr Paul Carey. Enq: Helen 9402 0349.

Sunday March 29

LENTEN RETREAT

8.45am to 4pm at 7 Warde Street, Midland. A quiet time with God attendance is mandatory from beginning to end. BYO lunch. Tea and coffee provided. No charge, love offering. Must book. Enq: 9250 5395.

Tuesday March 31

LA SALLE COLLEGE OPEN DAY

You are invited to come and tour the extensive facilities of our Catholic Co-educational College for Years 7 to 12 at 5 La Salle Avenue, Middle Swan. Tour times: 9.30am, 11.30am and 1.40pm. No bookings necessary. Enq: Sabrina 9449 0635.

Wednesday April 1

HEALING FIRE BURNING LOVE MINISTRY

CHARISMATIC STATIONS OF THE CROSS

7.30pm at St Brigid, Aberdeen Street, Northbridge. Praise and worship, 8pm Stations of the Cross, Reconciliation and Healing Service. A time to praise and rejoice in what the Lord has done for you. Enq: Jenni 9445 1028 or 0404 389 679.

Thursday April 2

PRAYER DAY

10am to 1pm at Mary MacKillop Centre 16 York Street, South Perth. Tea followed by reflecting on the Cross with Mary MacKillop. Come to a time of rest and reflection. Facilitator Dora Maguire RSJ. Cost: Donation. RSVP 30 March. Enq: marymackillopcentre@sosjwa.org.au or 9334 0940.

Friday April 3

PRO-LIFE WITNESS

9.30am, Mass at St Brigid’s Midland followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at abortion clinic, led by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. Enq: Helen 9402 0349.

Saturday April 4

WITNESS FOR LIFE

8.30am, Mass at St Augustine’s, Gladstone Road, Rivervale followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at abortion clinic, led by Columban Missionary, Fr Paul Carey. Enq: Helen 9402 0349.

Saturday April 4

DAY WITH MARY

9am to 5pm at Saint Bernadette Church, Leeder Street and Jugan Street, Glendalough, 9am Video on Fatima. Day of prayer and instruction based upon the Fatima message. Reconciliation, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons on Eucharist and Our Lady, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross. BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286.

Sunday April 5

DIVINE MERCY

1.30pm at St Joachim’s Church, Shepperton Road and Harper Street, Victoria Park, an afternoon with Jesus and Mary, Rosary and Reconciliation. Sermon with Fr Johnson Malagic, CRS on the Passion of Jesus and St Francis of Paolia followed by Divine Mercy prayers and Benediction. Refreshments followed by a Video/DVD Come Back Home Part 1 with Fr Corapi. Enq: John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.

Monday April 27

DIVINE MERCY PILGRIMAGE TO ST ANNE’S BINDOON

12noon BYO lunch, followed by 1.30 pm, Holy Rosary, Benediction and Way of the Cross. 2.30 pm Holy Mass followed by Divine Mercy Devotions and Benediction. 3.45pm tea. 4.30pm return to Perth. All Divine Mercy Prayer Groups are welcome. Transport, Francis 9459 3873 or 0404 893 877. Enq: Sheila 9575 4023 or Fr Paul 9571 1839.

La Salle College

SCHOLARSHIPS YEAR 7 AND 8 FOR 2010

Registration for Years 7 and 8, 2010 and Academic Scholarships are now being accepted. Closing date is 20 March 2009. Online registration only available via the College website, www.lasalle.wa.edu.au, under Parent Resources. Scholarship Tests will be held on 4 April 2009, 9am at La Salle College, 5 La Salle Avenue, Middle Swan. Enq: 9274 6266.

Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of Each Month

ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL SINGERS CHOIR

9.30am at St Joachim’s Pro Cathedral, Victoria Park. We are seeking new members to join us – be part of singing at the refurbished St Mary’s Cathedral. Full training provided. Enq: Michael 041 429 4338 or michael@ michaelpeters.id.au

Every Tuesday

THE GOSPEL OF ST MATTHEW - BIBLE COURSE

7.30pm St Joachim’s Parish Hall, Shepparton Road, Victoria Park. Exciting revelations with meaningful applications that will change your life. Meetings incorporate a Novena to God the Father. Light refreshments will follow. Bring along your Bible, a notebook and a friend. Enq: Jan 9284 1662.

Every Tuesday

THEOLOGY OF THE BODY FOR TEENS

6.30pm to 7.30pm at Holy Spirit, City Beach. DVD by Christopher West will be shown for 12 weeks, with breaks over Easter. Young and experienced facilitators will assist discussion in small groups following each DVD viewing. Cost, free. Intended age group, 16-18. Enq: 9341 3079, HolySpirit.Parish@perthcatholic.org.au

Every Wednesday THE JULIAN SINGERS

7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor Street, East Perth. Inviting any interested people for rehearsals to see if they may like to join the choir. We are a liturgical choir and also perform an annual charity concert. Enq: Chris 9276 2736 or Angela 9275 2066.

Every First Friday of the month ST PADRE PIO - LATIN MASS

7.30pm at St Joseph’s Church, 22 Hamilton Street, Bassendean. Latin Mass according to the 1962 missal will be offered in honour of St Padre Pio. The Latin Mass is also offered every Monday evening - except the third week of the month - at 7.30pm. All welcome.

Third Sunday of the Month OBLATES OF ST BENEDICT

2pm at St Joseph’s Convent, York Street, South Perth. Oblates affiliated with the Benedictine Abbey New Norcia welcome all who are interested in studying the rule of St Benedict and its relevance to the everyday life of today for lay people. Vespers and afternoon tea conclude meetings. Enq: 9457 5758.

Every Sunday DIVINE MERCY PRAYER AS NOVENA 3pm St Aloysius Church, 84 Keightley Road, West Shenton Park. An opportunity for all to gather once a week and say the powerful Divine Mercy, Eucharistic Adoration, healing prayers followed by Holy Mass at 4pm. Enq: 9381 5383.

Every 1st Thursday of the Month PRAYER AND MEDITATION SERVICE USING SONGS FROM TAIZE

7.30pm at Our Lady of Grace, 3 Kitchener Street, North Beach. The service is a prayerful meditation in which we sing beautiful chants from Taize together, spend time in prayerful, meditative silence, bathed in candlelight reflecting upon themed readings. Enq: Beth 9447 0061.

MEMORIES OF AFRICA CHOIR

Calling all to come and join this small but vibrant group. Come let us sing and praise God with the African melody and rhythm. Enq: Bibiana, 9451 6602 after 6pm.

Every First Friday and Saturday of month COMMUNION OF REPARATION – ALL NIGHT VIGIL 7pm Friday at Corpus Christi Church, Mosman Park, 47 Lochee Road. Mass with Fr Bogoni and concluding with midnight Mass. Confessions, Rosaries, prayers and silent hourly adoration. Please join us for reparation to Two Hearts according to the message of Our Lady of Fatima. Enq: Vicky 0400 282 357.

Every First Friday

HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE

7pm at Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins Street, Glendalough. Mass celebrated by Fr Saminedi. 7.30pm, Adoration with Fr Don Kettle. All welcome. Refreshments provided.

Every Monday and Tuesday

ADVENTURES IN EXODUS – 9 WEEK STUDY

Church of St Emilie, 174 Amherst Road, Canning Vale. New and exciting study into the heart of the Bible - ‘Called To Freedom’ is also our story of what God calls us to be. Free. Limited places. Enq: Dominic celestialorchids@gmail. com, 6253 8041 or 0447 053 347.

Every Sunday

LATIN MASS KELMSCOTT

The Latin Mass according to the 1962 missal will be offered every Sunday at 2pm at the Good Shepherd Parish, 40-42 Streich Avenue, Kelmscott, with Rosary preceding. All welcome.

Missionary reflections on this Sunday’s Gospel; ; John 2: 17

“…Zeal for your house will devour me…”

Iremember once being so incensed at the sight of paramilitary police beating a young vagrant in front of our makeshift Church in the refugee camp that I stormed right up to these heavily armed militiamen and demanded in a loud and angry voice that they stop their violent act and show some proper respect to God’s house.

I was as stunned at the ferocity of my words as they were. They did stop beating the man and surprisingly didn’t turn on me instead but simply asked me to calm down.

I said I would if they would show some mercy in God’s presence and release the man. They did so. I thanked them and we all parted amicably.

But I remained quite shocked at my own zeal and passion and in awe at how God works through those of us who are normally quite shy and meek.

Interested in overseas missionary experience, then call Francis at Catholic Mission on 9422 7933

Stewardship

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

In reflecting upon today’s Gospel you might ask yourself, “What would I allow Jesus to drive out of and turn over in the temple of my life?” During these 40 days of Lent we are challenged to ask Jesus to enter into our lives more deeply and cleanse us of things like pride, envy, anger, selfishness, and greed. And in this cleansing we pray that we may be filled with humility, charity, faith, hope, patience, surrender and gratitude. There are 28 days until Easter. How do you plan to be a good steward in these days? For further information on how stewardship can build your parish community, call Brian Stephens on 9422 7924.

Walking with Him Daily Mass Readings

15 S 3RD SUNDAY OF LENT

Vio Ex 20:1-17 God’s commandments Ps 18:8-11 Lord’s precepts right 1Cor 1:22-25 Crucified Christ Jn 2:13-25 Zeal for your house

16 M

Vio

2Kings 5:1-15

No other God but you

Ps 41:2-3; 42:3-4 When will I see God? Lk 4:24-30 Not to Jews only [Al.: Ex 17:1-7; Ps 94:1-2.6-9; Jn 4:5-42]

17 T ST PATRICK, BISHOP SOLEMNITY

Wh Jer 1:4-9 Appointed prophet

Ps 116 Praise the Lord Acts 13:46-49 Pagans happy Lk 10:1-12.17-20 Devils submit

18 W

Vio Deut 4:1.5-9 Laws and customs

Ps 147:12-13.15-16.19-20 Praise your God Mt 5:17-19 Not come to abolish 19TH ST JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, SOLEMNITY

Wh 2Sam 7:4-5.12-14.16 A father to him

Ps 88:2-5.27.29 Dynasty forever

Rom 4:13.16-18.22 Depends on faith

Mt 1:16.18-21.24 Informal divorce [Alt. Lk 2:41-51 See our concern]

20 F

Vio Hos 14:2-10 The Lord’s way straight Ps 80:6.8-11.14.17 Freed from the load Mk 12:28-34 You must love the Lord

21 S

Vio

Hos 5:15-6:6 Return to the Lord

Ps 50:3-4.18-21 No delight in sacrifice Lk 18:9-14 Be merciful to me

Classifieds: $3.30/line incl. GST Deadline: 12pm Monday

ACCOMMODATION

■ RIVERTON

Male to share house, rent $120 plus half expenses. Phone 0449 651 697.

■ AVAILABLE

Willetton single room for female student in family home, on bus to Curtin or Murdoch uni. $150.00 Ph: 0416 815 804.

■ ACCOMMODATION

Widow living in North Perth offers free rent to suitable lady in exchange for company at night. Reference required. Ph: 9418 5295.

■ DUNSBOROUGH

Beach cottage, 3 bedrooms, sleeps 7, 300m to Quindalup beach. Great price for Dunsborough! Tel: Sheila 9309 5071 / 0408 866 593 or email: shannons3s@optusnet.com.au.

■ SHEKINAH FOUNTAIN B&B & beachside homestay. Quiet area. Lovely garden. Opposite beach, 2 bedr, sleeps 5. Disabl bathr. Special rates F/T clergy, missionaries, pensioners & off peak. Richard & Ann Pether, Ph/Fax 08 9751 1126, Mob 0488 267 165, Email: richann@ westnet.com.au

■ GUADALUPE HILL-TRIGG www.beachhouseperth.com Ph: 0400 292 100.

BUILDING TRADES

■ BRICK RE-POINTING Phone Nigel 9242 2952.

■ PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD

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

■ BRICKLAYING

20 years exp. Quality work. Ph 9405 7333 or 0409 296 598.

■ PICASSO PAINTING Top service. Phone 0419 915 836, fax 9345 0505.

BOOK REPAIRS

■ REPAIR YOUR LITURGICAL BOOKS

General repairs to books, old bibles & missals. 2ndhand Catholic books avail. Tydewi Bindery 9293 3092.

SINGLES

■ CHRISTIAN SINGLES Widowed, divorced or never married. All age groups. Meet-for-Drinks, Dinner Seminars and Individual Dates. Phone 9472 8218. Tues-Fri 10am - 6pm. www.figtrees.com.au

TUITION

English/tutor, primary specialist, reading/writing, spelling and comprehension. Single/group, limit of four. Diagnostic placement test. Maggie 9272 8263 or 0438 946 621.

FURNITURE REMOVAL

■ ALL AREAS Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.

RELIGIOUS

PRODUCTS

■ CATHOLICS CORNER

Retailer of Catholic products specialising in gifts, cards and apparel for baptism, communion and confirmation. Ph: 9456 1777. Shop 12, 64-66 Bannister Road, Canning Vale. Open Mon-Sat.

■ RICH HARVEST – YOUR CHRISTIAN SHOP

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

■ OTTIMO Shop 108 TRINITY ARCADE (Terrace Level) Hay St, Perth Ph 9322 4520. Convenient city location for a good selection of Christian products/ gifts. We also have handbags, fashion accessories. Opening hours Monday-Friday 9am-6pm.

SETTLEMENTS

/ FINANCE

■ EFFECTIVE LEGAL

Family owned law firm focusing on property settlements and wills. If you are buying, selling or investing in property, protect your family and your investment, contact us on (08) 9218 9177.

■ FOR EVERYTHING FINANCE Ph. Declan 0422 487 563, www.goalfinancialservices.com.au Save yourself time, money and stress. FBL 4712

HEALTH

■ FREE Sample pack for Extra energy and Weight loss. Call - 02 98075337 or 0432 274 643.

■ COUNSELLING/PSYCHOTHERAPY www.christianpsychologist.info Tel: 9203 5278.

■ EDUCATION & COUNSELLING Invest in your relationships and happiness for the whole family. RCPD courses beginning in Fro also family counselling and Austudy Appr. ADV. Dip in Christian counselling. 0404 405 585.

Caritas turns gang member to organic farmer

Caritas teaching former ‘street boys’ to farm organically and become leaders.

JUNIOR Robinson Sorosu found himself out of school after completing Year 10, with few chances of employment and few reasons to hope for a better future.

He joined a gang of boys who roamed the streets of Port Moresby, drinking too much, committing small robberies and sometimes taking drugs.

But now the former ‘street boy’ has transformed his life through learning about organic farming in a Caritas Australia supported project.

Junior’s older brother was a ‘garden boy’ in the program run by the Archdiocese of Port Moresby’s Social Action Centre and Junior, who was curious himself, decided to join up.

“From the start I got interested in gardening and I began to ask lots of questions, especially about types of vegetables and medicinal plants,” he said.

As well as learning farming skills, the unemployed men are given the opportunity to take on leadership roles, community responsibility and to learn about health, hygiene and cooking.

“When I finished the nine month organic farming course the Program coordinator, Sr Alice, arranged for me to go and do a short course on mechanical engineering,” junior said.

“After that I did some job training but I was interested in agriculture so I went back to see Sister Alice.”

The program was such a success that it was expanded to five other dioceses and Junior was asked to be one of the trainers.

“Garden Boys don’t normally speak in public, and especially not to groups of women and girls, but I did,” Junior said.

The program has also proved popular for those being trained and boys like Junior who are now conducting the workshops.

Training communities in the mountain villages in Madang province about organic farming has allowed Junior to share his

stories about life in the city, gain leadership skills and give people a chance to grow their own vegetables and earn some money.

“By the time we left, the people had made a terrace garden, on the side of the mountain. We gave them seeds to plant and now they are growing enough vegetables to improve their health and even to

sell”.

Junior has helped train people in organic farming in Gerehu, Bereina and after the flooding in Popondetta and many more provinces have requested the training. His confidence has grown with his newfound role in the community and now feels comfortable speaking to all people –

whether they are villagers or Bishops. Other graduates of the program have found paid employment and are selling produce from their gardens.

Project Coordinator, Fr Rodrigo Campilan, believes that the course looks at developing the whole person. “You can’t ask people to pray if they have no food in their stomach,” he said.

The communities have supported the boys, buying their vegetables and providing them cool drinks while they work. The local police have also recognised that law and order has improved in the area since the start of the program.

Junior now wants to either join the PNG army or study agriculture. “This course really helped me a lot. Before this course I never thought of gardening and I had no direction,” Junior said.

He hopes to represent Papua New Guinea in soccer one day. But by joining the Caritas-supported program which provides organic farming skills to young unemployed men they have the opportunity to transform their lives, from ‘street boy’ to ‘Garden Boy’.

Junior Robinson Sorosu earns self-respect by turning to organic farming through Caritas-supported programs.

PHOTO:ANDREW MOLEN

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