NEED A STATUE OF MARY? Ukrainian Catholics have one on offer Page 2
JENNACUBBINE: They want YOU for a 100th birthday! Page 5
CATECHESIS: Catholic and non-Catholic alike - all are welcome Page 11
Answering an invitation from Benedict XVI, 3200 youth offer themselves for religious life, priesthood
When the leaders of a youth rally at Loreto in Italy made a vocations call on September 3, some 2000 men and 1200 women stood up to show their readiness to become priests or consecrated persons.
The rally gathered about 100,000 youth from the Neocatechumenal Way, among an estimated 500,000 in total, as a follow-up to the visit from Benedict XVI, who had been with the youth the two days before.
Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, presided over the meeting, accompanied by several other bishops.
The rally was animated by the founders of the Neocatechumenal Way, Kiko Argüello and Carmen Hernández, along with Father Mario Pezzi.
A Neocatechumenate communiqué explained that since Pope John Paul II’s 1984 meeting with youth in Rome, the movement has called together its young people for a vocation meeting, in order to harvest the fruits from the encounters with the Holy Father.
The meeting included a procession of about 1000 priests and a reading of the Gospel.
Greeted: Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd from a church in the Am Hof Square in Vienna, Austria, on September 7. At the start of his three-day visit, the Pope said Christianity was not just the legacy of Europe’s past but “the way to the future.”
PHOTO: CNS/CHURCH/ HANDOUT/REUTERS
Archbishop Rylko commented on the Gospel reading, saying: “The Holy Father wants to convey a message to all young people, that being a Christian is beautiful.”
After more commentaries, the leaders invited those youth who think they have a call to the priesthood or consecrated life to stand and receive a blessing from the bishops. That’s when 2000 young men came forward to show
Continued - Page 2
celebrate the Feast of the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin which had taken place the day before on September 8.
■ By Peter RosengrenTwo hundred people turned out at the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Kelmscott last Sunday to honour Mary and offer her a
birthday gift in a very public way. It was the day after September 8, the Feast of the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And to ensure success, Parish priest Fr Francis Sundararajan and many parishioners had stayed up late
the night before in order to prepare for a big day to honour Our Lady.
After the 9am Mass parish clergy, acolytes and parishioners carried the parish’s statue of Mary in procession from
the Church along the Albany Highway. Sunday morning shoppers paused to wonder what was going on as the flower-bedecked statue was carried past with Continued - Page 12
ALSO: Rosary Bouquet, Italians rejoice
Pressure from within the Labor Party has prompted Attorney General Jim McGinty to appoint a three-person panel to discuss alternate options to prostitution reform. Though they cannot vote against any prostitution reform bill read into Parliament by Mr McGinty, enough Labor MPs have expressed
concern for the Attorney General to investigate the Swedish model further. A three-woman panel consisting of Kate Doust, Louise Pratt and Dianne Guise will meet Health Department officials tomorrow (September 13) to discuss elements of the Swedish model, including education, support and exit strategies regarding prostitution. They will also meet with Magenta, a “Sex Worker Project”
providing health services for prostitutes funded by the WA Department of Health. “I have asked the Department of Health to consult with stakeholders and to provide me with ongoing advice on prostitution,” Mr McGinty told The Record. “I want more information on the issue.”
Next Tuesday (September 18), Labor MPs Ed Dermer and Dianne Guise will host Gunilla Ekberg,
Sweden’s former special adviser on prostitution and human trafficking who played a key role in the country’s 1999 anti-prostitution law, as she briefs Labor MPs on her Swedish model. Next Tuesday Ms Ekberg will also brief Greens MP Giz Watson, a member of the original
Continued - Page 4
Ekberg public meeting - Page 4
Movie: The Jammed - Vista 1-3
■ By Sylvia Defendi
When water damage threatened to ruin a main wall, parishioners of St John the Baptist Ukrainian Church in Maylands decided to offer the large statue in front to someone who would use it more often.
Is it true I have my own finance company to assist good people with poor credit to buy cars from me?
Is it true I sell over 1,300 vehicles every month in Victoria Park and that is the biggest number from any one location in Australia?
Is it true that I refuse to sell any vehicle that has had previous major accident damage?
Is it true that when people come to do business with me, I guarantee they will be treated with courtesy, sincerity, professionalism and efficiency?
Is it true that “I want your business and I’m prepared to pay for it” and “I stand behind every car I sell”.
Is it true that I have over 40 technicians who are dedicated to getting my used cars in first class condition before sale?
Is it true that if somebody buys a used car from me, I will pay for a prepurchase RAC or similar inspection?
Our Lady of Protection, as the statue is known, was made of solid concrete by Argentinian priest, Fr
Danylo Novak during the 90s and now stands at approximately 8ft tall and 4ft wide.
“Being a sculptor, Fr Novak wanted to do something for the Church, but statues have never been part of the Ukrainian rite of Catholicism,” parishioner Luba Valega said.
In the Eastern tradition, Fr Wally Kalinecki added, “our focus is on icons rather then statues, so we have really never made use of the statue of Our Lady – people have diverse ways of reminding themselves of God.”
Painted gold, the statue is situated in front of an external wall that has been soaking up water and is becoming structurally unsound.
Work cannot begin on the wall until the large statue has been moved.
“That is the problem,” Mrs Valega said, adding that the Ukrainian Church was willing to pay half the cost for the hire of a crane and would be providing the statue free of charge.
“We as a parish have decided to give it to someone who might make more use of it than we have,” Fr Kalinecki said.
Fr Kalinecki can be reached on (08) 9271 4711 if anyone wishes to view the statue.
Continued from Page 1 their interest in the priesthood. And 1200 women expressed a similar desire for a life consecrated to God.
If these youth continue this path, they will be joining others of the Neocatechumenal Way who have followed a vocation to follow Christ with the evangelical counsels. The movement says that some 4000 of its young women have entered various monasteries, mostly cloistered ones.
“The large number of the young participants - mostly Italian, but also many delegations from all the countries of Europe - is a sign that in many families, the faith is being taught to the young people,” the communiqué said.
To prepare themselves for the meeting with Benedict XVI, the youth made a pilgrimage, stopping in streets and plazas to witness to their faith and talk with other young people.
Cardinal George Pell of Sydney was inspired by the rally and invited the youth to engage in a similar preparation for World Youth Day, to be held in Sydney next July.
an “inner necessity”. About 40,000 people followed the Mass on large screens placed in St Stephen’s Square, since they couldn’t fit all the people inside.
In his homily centred on the mantra of the early Christian martyrs of Abitene: “Without Sunday we cannot live,” the Pontiff said: “Sunday has been transformed in our Western societies into the weekend, into leisure time.
“Leisure time is certainly something good and necessary, especially amid the mad rush of the modern world. Yet if leisure time lacks an inner focus, an overall sense of direction, then ultimately it becomes wasted time that neither strengthens nor builds us up.
After the Mass, the Pope recited the Angelus in St Stephen’s Square.
As he was leaving, the pilgrims waved yellow handkerchiefs and banners from countries such as Germany, Israel, Austria and even Iran, chanting the Pope’s name in Italian.
Caroline Radelic administration@therecord.com.au
Baguley recaccounts@iinet.net.au
Just days after the Loreto youth rally, Pope Benedict XVI also received a rousing reception in Austria, when he said during the Mass he celebrated at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna that going to Sunday Mass is not just a rule to follow, but rather
State MPs to receive briefing from Ekberg
Continued from page 1 Prostitution Law Reform Working Group that drafted a report that was expected to form the basis of new legislation. Ms Ekberg will brief Coalition MPs on Wednesday before interviews
with ABC Radio’s The Morning Show at 9am on Thursday followed by an interview on ABC Radio’s The Law Report at 9.30am, before the public meeting at Notre Dame at 7pm. She will also give a lecture at Edith Cowan University Joondalup at 2pm on Friday. The Working Group conceded it was New Zealand officials who told them that the Swedish model “drove
the industry underground”, and it is understood Ms Watson is seeking more specific information regarding the Swedish model. Ms Doust has raised concerns about solo and dual operators who, if the Working Group’s recommendations are followed, will continue to go under the radar without any regulation or monitoring. “I think they shouldn’t be
allowed to operate in amongst family homes in the suburbs,” Ms Doust said. The Prostitution Law Amendment Working Committee, consisting of Christian, women’s, family and social justice groups, hopes that if Liberal MPs take a strong position “there could be the possibility of pushing for a conscience vote” to decide whether prostitution should be acceptable or not. “It’s a long shot but that’s what we’re hoping for in the Lower House,” said PLWAC chairperson Michelle Pearse. The PLWAC supports the Swedish model banning the buying but not the selling of sex, but wants advertising to also be made illegal. “We’re trying to create as many barriers as possible for (the selling of sex) to actually occur,” Pearse said.
New laws are being proposed into Parliament this month to decriminalize the ownership of brothels and the purchase of men and women for sex. After attempts of legalizing the industry in the eastern states of Australia, Victoria’s illegal industry tripled, NSW brothels also tripled, half having no planning approval, and in Queensland, 90% of the brothels have criminal involvement. This is after attempted regulation.
There are better alternatives to legalizing prostitution that have proved far more successful in other nations, especially Sweden. Come to our public meeting featuring Ms Gunilla Ekberg to find out more.
Gunilla S. Ekberg is a Canadian-Swedish lawyer and international expert on human rights, gender equality and violence against women. Gunilla is now based in Brussells and formerly was the special advisor to the Swedish government on human trafficking.
St Isidore’s Church will be 100 years old on 17 November
One hundred years ago the tiny Catholic Church at Jennacubbine was blessed and officially opened by Bishop Matthew Gibney, of Perth. The official date was November 17, 1907.
Almost a century later, on Sunday October 28, the Church of St Isidore will celebrate 100 years of continuous service to the small rural community known as ‘Jenna’ by locals.
Bishop Gibney’s modern-day successor, Archbishop Barry Hickey, will celebrate Mass at 10.30am. A light luncheon will follow at the Church, photographs and memorabilia will be on display, and the locals are inviting one and all from Perth to travel to the country to join them for the occasion.
The name ‘St Isidore’ was taken from a nearby farm where, until the parish Church was built, the small Catholic community would meet for Mass.
Priests from Perth and New Norcia would visit the locality by horse and cart as they made their way around the isolated districts visiting farms and celebrating Mass in different homes.
The original section of the Church was also used as a school for the local children. Some of the desks, complete with ink wells and which convert to bench seats remain in the church.
St Isidore’s had an extension added to it in 1914, when Archbishop Clune blessed and dedicated the ‘chancel’. This section is unique to this day as it is one of the few churches in Australia with a fireplace.
Because the extension allowed Priests to stay overnight in the Church, the fireplace was included for warmth in the often below-zero temperatures experienced during winter in the region.
The Church still displays items contributed by parishoners over the years.
The large statues, pedestals, and framed icons make the Church a true reflection of the people of the district.
Isidore is a Spanish saint who may seem remote to an Australian wheat growing district, however, the links may be traced to New Norcia and the saint himself who is the patron saint of farmers.
Isidore lived in the 10th Century and was deeply spiritual, often getting himself into trouble by praying in the fields instead of ploughing.
It was reported a number of times that whilst Isidore was engrossed in prayer, two angels could be seen guiding the plough behind the horses.
The incorrupt body of St Isidore still lies in the Cathedral of St Isidore in Madrid, Spain.. Everyone is invited and most welcome to attend. Anyone who may have material that could be of interest are asked to contact Joe or Cathie Bowen, on (08) 9623 2264.
Padua (2) Venice Ravenna Florence (2) Siena Assisi (2) Loreto (1) Lanciano San Giovanni Rotondo (2) Monte Sant Angelo Pietrelcina
ROME & MEDJUGORJE
Rome (3) Medjugorje (7)
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Summary of speech given at the Christian Brothers’ celebration of 130 years in WA by Professor Greg Craven.
The history of the Christian Brothers in Australia is one of change and continuity. The Brothers always have been able to adapt their works of education and social justice to the times, but have never departed from the same spirit and sense of mission generated from the life of the Blessed Edmund Rice.
The fundamental contribution of the Brothers has been in educating and socially advancing millions of working class Australians, first from among the Irish Catholic community, and then from among succeeding waves of immigrants. At the same time, the Brothers cared for the spiritual needs of their charges, who in turn became a vital component of the wider Church.
The Brothers often were heroic, but always were human. Almost anyone who was taught by them or worked with them will have fond tales of their human side, and is tolerant of the occasional foible.
At the essence of the Brothers’ work in Western Australia and Australia generally has been their willingness to go to the margins. This follows the traditions of their great Founder, the Blessed Edmund Rice.
At the essence of the Brothers’ work in Western Australia and Australia generally has been their willingness to go to the margins.
The Brothers always have understood that there are many margins and that the notion of a margin always is relative. Just as Edmund taught the destitute, his successors taught and cared for the poor, the lonely and the working class, but also the middle class and even the children of the wealthy.
In the latter cases, they understood that someone may be materially rich, but at the margins spiritually. They also understood the value of forming the consciences of those in a position to improve society.
This tradition of life at the margins continues. In their social justice work both within Australia and overseas, Christian Brothers continue to live the message of Edmund.
One of the greatest features of the Brothers has been their great lack of pride. They have never seen themselves as central or indispensable in the manner of some sections of the Church or society.
This has enabled them to contemplate the notion of change with considerable humility and hope. The reality is that all religious orders go through great change if they are to survive, and many serve God’s purpose ably before disappearing, one or two centuries after their establishment.
The truth is that the Brothers now have been engaged in a process of change over many decades. This has been characterized by their capacity to form change-partnerships. In the sixties and the seventies, they partnered with lay teachers for the continuance of their schools. Later came further partnerships with the laity for the long-term governance of those schools, through Boards and now Edmund Rice Education Australia.
In reality, the Brothers now are in the process of accomplishing a remarkable thing. Voluntarily, and without reservation, they are sharing their most special gift – their own charism – with the laity they always have served. The outcome will be a community, bigger, stronger and more effective than the one that has produced it.
Some years ago, we in Western Australia talked of the Brothers and their work in the hushed tones reserved for the dying.
Today, that work is approached with a new confidence. Most of the workers also are new, but imbued with gratitude for the work of the Brothers, confidence in the partnership and the same spirit of Blessed Edmund.
The Brothers, their work and their partners have pride in a magnificent past, but look to the future. To a very real extent, we all are Christian Brothers now.
Greg Craven is Deputy Vice Chancellor of Curtin University and Vice Chancellor-elect of the Australian Catholic University
The head of the Christian Brothers’ Western Australian and South Australian Province has publicly apologised for the violence and sexual abuse perpetrated by some of his brethren on children in their care in the past.
Brother Kevin Ryan, leader of the Holy Spirit Province, made the apology in front of over 2000 peopleincluding WA Chief Justice Wayne Martin, Governor of the State Dr Ken Michael and chairman of the Business Council of Australia Michael Chaney - during a reflection at the celebration of 130 years of the Christian Brothers’ presence in Australia at Burswood on August 26.
He also outlined the direction of the Brothers in the immediate and longterm future, including initiatives in the Philippines.
Br Ryan later told The Record it was important to foster reconciliation with people afflicted by some Christian Brothers to reconnect them not only with the Brothers but the Catholic Church.
He told the Burswood audienceconsisting of teachers and students of past and present Christian Brothers’ institutions - that in the past 40 years the Brothers have formed a deeper commitment to “seeking out and walking alongside those who are most at the edge of our societies”.
Part of this, he said, was a developing “humility in the face of our failure to live up to our ideals”.
“We apologise again today for the hurts we have caused any individual and group,” Br Ryan said.
“We thank you who have been hurt, for it is you who have taught us about forgiveness, healing and reconciliation.”
He later told The Record that there were up to 40 former residents of Castledare, Clontarf, Bindoon and Tardun school communities at the 130th anniversary celebration at Burswood.
He said that between 1937 and the mid-1960s, the Australian Federal and State governments brought children out to institutions at these four loca-
tions as part of the Child Migration Program in a deal between Britain and Australia. The Anglican and Catholic Churches cooperated in the caring of these children, who were relocated from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Malta to WA.
Some of the boys in these institutions were not child migrants, but from struggling families in Australia, including Aboriginal children who were removed from families in what some have dubbed the “stolen generation”.
Br Ryan conceded that some children have reported they benefited from being relocated to Australia, but “I would think the scheme of moving people out of their cultures is fundamentally flawed, and if they’re removed from their families, in some cases, the children ought to have been treated much more justly than what they were”.
“There was some violence and sexual abuses that should not have taken place,” Br Ryan told The Record.
He told the Burswood audience that the greater “international focus” of finances and personnel was part of the evolution of the Brothers.
They opened a community project last year in Kabankalan on Negros Island in the Philippines, supporting teachers in Catholic schools and working with the local Bishop to “get more equity across all the Catholic schools”. Here the Brothers are working towards equal distribution of resources in schools, and to provide religious professional development for staff, and working with young Filipinos to explore further education and employment training for teenagers who have dropped out of or can’t attend school.
The Brothers are also set to start a community focusing on language studies in the Diocese of Maasin, the capital of Southern Leyte in the Philippines. Last week the Brothers’ planning group was meeting at St Paul’s Passionist Monastery in Adelaide to induct the new leadership team for the Oceania Province and the 12 cluster leaders.
At the Burswood event, Br Ryan also said the Brothers had become open to handing over the governance of their
schools to others “whom we deeply believe can carry on Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition.
“The young people of Australia more than ever need a story, the story of God’s love for us. This will strengthen and inspire them in their life journey. It is you, the young people here today, who are needed to change the face of this world for the better,” he said.
Relinquishing control of their schools to lay people has freed the Brothers up to build the Edmund Rice Network in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, the Cook Islands and the Philippines. There will also be new Edmund Rice reflection groups involving “the younger and older, where the stories of our attempts to serve others and to work for justice will be told and reflected on in the light of the Gospel”.
The Christian Brothers walking alongside their colleagues in the Edmund Rice Network in Western Australia have for over 30 years been involved with organisations that have reached to the very fabric of society, including:
- Wheelchairs for Kids,
- Eddy’s Carpentry Shop,
- Edmund Rice Centre Mirrabooka providing a service for refugees and indigenous people,
- Edmund Rice Centre for Social Justice in Fremantle,
- Edmund Rice Camps for Kids and its associated after-school activities in Koondoola,
- Christian Brothers ExResidents and Student Services for those who have suffered as a result of experiences in Christian Brothers schools and institutions, placement of long-term Edmund Rice volunteers locally and overseas,
- Edmund Rice Formation Team for the spiritual development of staff and volunteers, Edmund Rice prayer groups,
- Edmund Rice Community for Brothers and young adults.
Five Brothers from WA have lived and worked in Africa and three are currently involved in the opening of Christian Brothers communities in the Philippines.
Brothers have also been involved in educational and welfare work in organisations sponsored by other bodies.
On October 1 the current Holy Spirit Province of WA and South Australia will become part of a new Oceania Province that will incorporate the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and the Philippines.
This will see more services open to share resources and assist youth who are most at risk in these countries; and allow the development of work already started in justice and ecology centres.
It will also provide opportunities to walk alongside those on a spiritual journey but feel alienated from mainstream Church activities. New ways of living the life of a Christian Brother will emerge from the young men who are joining the Christian Brothers and the new structure and processes in Oceania will nurture them.
Five Brothers from WA have lived and worked in Africa and three are currently involved in the opening of Christian Brothers communities in the Philippines.
Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) will also start on October 1, which will take over governing the 36 schools currently conducted by the Congregation of Christian Brothers in Australia and will develop a mutually beneficial relationship with other Edmund Rice Associate schools.
Christian Brothers will continue to be involved in schools, on boards and on the governing council of Edmund Rice Education Australia. The Oceania Province of the Christian Brothers, EREA, schools and local projects will work closely in all parts of Australia, especially in regards to spiritual formation of staff and volunteers in the schools of EREA and the projects of the Oceania Province. EREA will always seek ways and locations for opening new schools.
The Christian Brothers’ first arrival on Australian shores was at Sydney in 1843. After some difficulties, the three Brothers who arrived returned to Ireland in 1847, but Brothers returned, landing in Melbourne in 1868.
Since 1894 the Congregation of Christian Brothers has been involved with the provision of Catholic education in WA. The Brothers and their colleagues have been in the past or are currently directly involved with many schools in WA:
1894
Christian Brothers’ College, Perth
1894 St Patrick’s Boys’ School, Perth
1898-1903 Christian Brothers’ College, Albany
1901-83 Clontarf Orphanage/Clontarf Boys Town
1901 Christian Brothers’ College, Fremantle
1906 Christian Brothers’ College, Kalgoorlie/John Paul College
1926 St Patrick’s College, Geraldton/Nagle Catholic College
1928-83 St Vincent’s School, Castledare
1928 St Mary’s Agricultural School Tardun/ Christian Brothers Agricultural School, Tardun
1936 Christian Brothers’ High School, Highgate/St Mark’s College, Highgate (Chisolm Catholic College)
1936 St Joseph’s Farm and Trade School, Bindoon/Keaney College/Catholic
1936 (cont) Agricultural College Bindoon
1938 Aquinas College
1942
1954
Marriage continues to decline in the United States, bringing with it numerous adverse consequences for individuals, and society in general. This is one of the main conclusions of a recent study. The National Marriage Report released its annual publication “The State of Our Unions: The Social Health of Marriage in America 2007” this summer. The authors found that from 1970 to 2005 there was a decline of nearly 50 per cent in the annual number of marriages per 1000 unmarried adult women. A significant proportion of this drop was simply due to delaying marriage until an older age. Nevertheless, more people simply don’t marry or are unmarried, due to cohabitation and a decrease in the numbers of divorced people to remarry. The report cites estimates that about a quarter of unmarried women 25-39 are currently living with a partner, and an additional quarter have lived with a partner at some time in the past. Over half of all first marriages are now preceded by living together, compared with virtually none 50 years ago.
Benedict XVI took up pen and paper to assure the children of Austria’s Pontifical Mission Societies that he sees them as true co-workers. The Pope paused to greet a group of children from “Missio,” who gave him letters and drawings to welcome him to Austria, and he wrote a letter of gratitude to the children, delivered to the institute’s national director, Fr Leo Maasburg, which said: “I see in you little co-workers in the service that the Pope gives to the Church and he world: You support me with your prayer and with your commitment to spread the Gospel.”
Christian Brothers’ College, Leederville/Aranmore Catholic College
St Francis Xavier College, East Victoria Park (Ursula Frayne College)
1955 St Pius X College, Albany (St Joseph’s College)
1955-77 St Edmund’s College, Collie
1959
St Mark’s College, Bedford/St Mark’s College, Highgate (Chisolm Catholic College)
1962 Trinity College
1971 Christian Brothers’ College, Broome/ Nulungu Catholic College (St Mary’s College, Broome)
1986 Clontarf Aboriginal College 1987 Kolbe Catholic College, Rockingham
St Luke’s College, Karratha
Pavarotti praised Luciano Pavarotti “honoured the divine gift of music,” said Benedict XVI in a message read at the funeral Mass of the Italian tenor in Modena’s cathedral. The telegram, signed in the Pope’s name by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of state, was read at the beginning of the funeral Mass celebrated Saturday by Archbishop Benito Cocchi of Modena. The message said: “Apprised of the sad news of the passing of the tenor Luciano Pavarotti the Pontiff expresses sentiments of grief over the death of the great artist who, with his extraordinary interpretive talent, honored the divine gift of music.
“In entrusting his soul to the mercy of God, the Holy Father asks, for his family and those who held him dear, the support of Christian hope which alone can relieve the sorrow for the grave loss and he gives to you and those participating in the funeral rites the comforting apostolic blessing.”
editorial
There are too many Christians in parliament and they don’t reflect the make-up of modern Australia, according to Democrats leader Lyn Allison. People with very strong religious views were “heavily over-represented”.
If it is correct (a big “if”) that there are proportionately more Christians in Parliament than in the general population, what does it mean? That many non-Christian voters trust Christians to represent them, perhaps? Many non-Christains entrust themselves and their families to Christian schools, hospitals, retirement villages etc.
The political record of non-Christian and anti-Christian ideologies as expressed in political action in the last couple of centuries, around the world from Austerlitz to Auschwitz, the Gulag and the World Trade Centre, has not inspired optimism.
One of the last politicians to try to implement a militantly antiChristian political agenda in Australia was the Whitlam Government’s Lionel Murphy, whose Family Law Act, aimed explicitly at destroying the Christian foundations of marriage and the family in this country led, for a time, to the enrichment of many lawyers but probably seriously damaged society in many other ways. He also wanted what he called “Genetic therapy,” advocating:
[T]he virtually complete international agreement on the means and pace by which human growth rates throughout the world will be brought to zero and in some cases made to become temporarily negative, ... [and] increased analysis of the genetics of modern and Aboriginal human populations and [the] development of both population and individual genetic therapy ....
Another active anti-Christian, or at least Gnostic, in politics at the same time was the late R. F. X. Connor, whose policies would have wrecked the mining industry if maintained, and who once expressed his philosophy in the following terms:
PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902
Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax: (08) 9227 7087 cathrec@iinet.net.au
“No man is complete who lacks a cosmogony, or who does not possess the knowledge that he is intermediate in stature between the atom and the star. Man is, in fact, the microcosm of the macrocosm, and is in a process of spiritual evolution, of which the present world doubts and fears are the outward symbols. I have the firm belief that man is a moral being, and that he is, in fact, emerging slowly but certainly from an age of darkness where materialism and its mechanistic expressions are the symptoms of a deep, but definitely not fatal, spiritual crisis, Man, in fact, has yet to realise the significance of the inscription on the portals of Eleusis: ‘Man, Know Thyself’.”
Yet another Gnostic, the late Dr Jim Cairns, stated:
“It is difficult to resist the conclusion that the history of man as seen through the eyes of Labor’s philosophers shows a purpose, a groping, a drive towards a better life. How else could all the evolutionary stages have been overcome? How else could the primeval swamps and jungles, the fires, storms, wars, the cruelties of man to man, the poverty, isolation and neglect have been overcome? This evolution is certainly not without direction. It moves logically as though it has a destination. And that destination is not of man divided into nations, races, parties or groups; it is man in one, men in unity. This is not a theistic or atheistic philosophy. It is hardly agnostic because a positive or negative theistic view is not relevant at all. It is positively concerned with people and has a positive assumption of their eventual unity.”
With this kind of occultist wisdom around, a preference by voters for Christian politicians looks pretty reasonable.
1821-1846
feast – September 20
Dear Mr McGinty, Thank you for answering my letter regarding “Prostitution Law Reform”.
Your answer however does not give me much hope for the men and women you condemn to a modern type of slavery and that is the subjection of themselves to the whims of another and it is slavery even if they do it for money or any other coin such as drugs.
We are much more important than this and should be protected if necessary from ourselves.
Two hundred thousand Australians live with permanent alcoholrelated brain damage.
Two million Australian “social” drinkers drink enough to risk such damage.
That’s one out of every 10 Australians.
Every year the average Australian adult drinks the equivalent of 9.8 litres of pure alcohol.
That’s the amount of alcohol in 10 bottles of metho.
Australian’s Alcohol Related Brain Injury Australian Services (ARBIAS) reports 70% of men and 60% of women unaware of the drinking level at which brain-damage sets in.
The right answer is six standard drinks per day for men. Only three for women.
Most brain-damaged drinkers lose their jobs, families and much of their ability to think logically before seeking help.
“A bottle of wine with dinner every night is potentially hazardous,” according to ARBIAS.
Arnold Jago Mildura, VIC
Iread with a mixture of sadness and anger, Frank Brennan’s brave attempt to clarify his position on matters regarding IVF in his letter: “You’re confusing the issues” in the September 5 issue of the The Record
We do this in the laws of drink driving, seat belts and drug abuse. We have not legalised any of these crimes because they are difficult to police, nor have we legalised murder, robbery or rape because we cannot stop them.
We protect the rights of everybody with the banning of smoking in enclosed places at a time when most people smoked and smoking was a fact of life and today we are still trying to educate people to stop smoking.
There are many things called facts of life and many things that were called facts of life that in our society no longer exist because people have persisted when things got hard.
By calling a failure of our humanity a fact of life and doing nothing about it does not give us that opportunity to allow the greatness of our humanity to come forward to overcome it.
We have the ability to change the lives of the people involved in prostitution for the better.
It would be hard and containment is not the answer nor is legalisation or licensing of those running it. I am not asking for the punishment of the victim but of the perpetrator if there needs to be laws. Education of people who do this is a way of slowing it down.
People like William Wilberforce in the 1800’s were told it would be too hard to stop slavery and if they did the economy would crash but he and others like him said: “ No! Enough is enough”. When good people take a stand things will change.
You could be the William Wilberforce of the twenty first century in Western Australia and give life to a great many people.
Please reconsider your position.
Could you please reply to this letter?
Geoff Lucey Bassendean
Ed – Have you written a letter to Mr McGinty? We will republish the best readers letter to the Attorney General every week.
In making this sweeping statement he has ignored one fundamental issue: that, in this process, a human being is conceived outside the conjugal act “through actions of third parties whose competence and technical activity determine the success of the procedure.”
person if it is less than 14 days old.
I wonder how he started life?
In the first section of Donum Vitae on ‘Respect for Human Embryos,’ it says that the “ The human being must be respected - as a person - from the very instant of his existence.”
I cannot claim to have his credentials, but I have read Donum Vitae (The Gift of Life) and wonder why he does not accept the teaching of the Magesterium fully in this matter.
Such fertilisation entrusts the life and identity of the embryo into the power of doctors and biologists and establishes the domination of technology over the origin and destiny of the human person.
Such a relationship of domination is in itself contrary to the dignity and equality that must be common to parents and children.
There are two main errors in his arguments:
Another part of Donum Vitae also emphasises: “From the time that the ovum is fertilised, a new life is begun which is neither that of the father nor of the mother; it is rather the life of a new human being with his own growth. It would never be made human if it were not human already.”
Andrew was among the 103 Korean Martyrs — 92 Koreans and 11 Europeans — killed during a persecution in 1839-66. Born to parents who were Catholic converts, Andrew completed seminary studies in Macao and in 1845 was the first native Korean to become a Catholic priest with his ordination in Shanghai. After returning to Korea, he tried to smuggle more missionaries into the country but was arrested in 1846. He spent three months in prison, then was beheaded. His father also was among the Korean Martyrs canonized in 1984.
1. In his first argument, he states that the practice of Homologous Artificial Fertilisation, where the couple use only their gametes, and where this process does not produce “embryos excess to IVF requirements”, and where the couple refuse “permission for experimentation of embryos remaining after successful implantion” could be morally permissable.
.... Such fertilisation is in itself illicit and in opposition to the dignity of procreation and of the conjugal union, even when everything is done to avoid the death of the human embryo.” (Donum Vitae no. 5)
2. In his third point he also seems to ignore the Church’s teaching on respect for human life.
Frank Brennan seems not to have found helful the possiblity that a human embryo could be described as a human
I am suprised that a person of Frank Brennan’s intellectual standing has failed to understand these basic concepts. I would encourage him to defend the Church’s teaching on these issues (as I believe is the Jesuit tradition and charism) rather than being an obstacle and a source of misunderstanding for those looking for guidance.
Eric O’Sullivan Mosman Park
A new Australian movie, The Jammed, is winning plaudits from critics across the country. Record journalist Anthony Barich spoke to actor Veronica Swyak about what she learned from her experiences researching for her role. It was, she says, scary - and it changed her.
It is estimated between 500 and 1000 girls are “imported” into Australia each year by individuals and trafficking syndicates. The girls land up in brothels – usually illegal – and find themselves in sexual servitude and debt bondage. Many of the girls are aware that they are coming over as prostitutes, but are generally not informed about the contractual conditions – and essentially become “modern slaves” within a cruel system.
Often when they have paid their debt back – an amount which can be nominated as high as $50,000 or the equivalent of 700 “jobs” they are then deemed “past their use by date” or are no longer “a fresh face”. Many have been dobbed into immigration and deported back to their home country – becoming victims a second time when they land up in the immigration system.
The number of women and children trafficked into sexual servitude (slavery) and debt bondage is impossible to quantify, however national and international sources agree that trade has increased substantially over the last decade.
The Jammed
89 minutes
Rated: MA.
Director: Dee McLachlan
Starring: Emma Lung, Veronica Sywak, Saskia Burmeister, Sun Park, Amanda Ma
■ By Anthony
BarichThe Jammed is an extremely uncomfortable movie to watch.
The low-budget thriller proves what can be done without the deep pockets of a Hollywood studio.
More importantly, The Jammed is a movie about a world we have always known existed but have failed to recognise or even acknowledge.
It is a story of human suffering –deep, emotional and physical.
It is about the degradation and humiliation that comes with prostitution and human trafficking, which are as interwoven with each other as rock and roll.
In the context of the current legislation before West Australian Parliament to decriminalise the industry; and the fact that Swedish human trafficking expert Gunilla Ekberg is meeting State Coalition, Labor and Green MPs in Perth to advise them how to possibly reconsider their approach to prostitution law reform, this movie could not have come out at a better time.
Inspired by actual events and Australian court transcripts, The Jammed is about a young Melbourne girl, Ashley Hudson (Veronica Sywak), whose social life is going nowhere.
Hooked on caffeine and bored with her job, she agrees to help a Chinese mother, Sunee (Amanda Ma), who she
A voice for victims of the sex trade. With the exception of Romulus, My Father, The Jammed may just be the best Australian movie in years.
meets by chance to find her missing daughter.
After a recent breakup, Ashley’s social life seems to consist of blind dates set up by her mates, but even her seemingly humdrum existence seems, at first, more important than helping the Chinese mother.
But we do not judge Ashley for her reluctance, for the viewer is forced to think “what would I do – put on my Christian cape and jump to the rescue?”
The answer is not as easy as we would like to think.
This very same thought process races to the fore when Ashley’s investigations draw her unwillingly into Melbourne’s dark underworld as she tries to rescue three girls – Vanya (Saskia Burmeister), Li Rong (Sun Park) and Crystal (Emma Lung) - from a human trafficking syndicate.
Her revulsion leveled at the people who enslave the women drives Ashley to confront them in a gung-ho and, in reality, frighteningly perilous way, without the help of her friends who would rather she “stay inside and have a cuppa”.
She risks her own life for these three young girls, who came to Australia thinking, in Crystal’s case, that she would be working as a dancer.
In reality, Crystal is imprisoned, raped, violated and terrified into agreeing to work in a brothel to pay back the money she was supposed to owe
the men who brought her to Australia. Ashley is just one person who has no idea what she’s getting herself into.
But her reluctance turns into action inflamed by a spirit of charity, pity and disgust at the world she is fast uncovering.
The most shocking thing, however, is not the violence, rape and humiliation that goes on, it’s the apathy of the inhabitants of the “regular” world when the protagonists confront them for help.
As Ashley door knocks a Melbourne suburb looking for Li Rong, the most startling thing is the fact that the disinterest of those she asks for help is familiar to us.
We simply don’t want to know. It’s always someone else’s daughter, someone else’s problem, even as we attempt to legislate to “reform” it.
Even when Ashley and Vanya confront the brothel owner’s wife, who is complicit in the crime, she does not react with anger, but apathy.
She just wants to get on with organising her art exhibition in a plush Melbourne apartment.
No one cares about these women.
To those who enslave them, and to the rest of the world, they are faceless commodities.
It’s so tragic it’s almost funny when Li Rong asks one of her “customers” to post a letter back home to her mother, because she can’t even get out of the building to do it herself.
The narrative technique that was favoured over a documentary style gives a devastating human face to the worldwide problem of human trafficking, as we see the violations take place with gut-wrenching realism.
But this is not a porn film. There are some pretty traumatic scenes, but the focus is on the effect on the women, and how they numb themselves to the emotional pain and spiritual degradation. Familiar sites like Melbourne’s Federation Square and Flinders Street Train Station give this an all-too-real feel that this really is happening not on our doorstep but under our very noses.
The movie also has a serious crack at the seemingly heartless bureaucrats who process these women like cattle and deport them when they manage to escape and bring their case to the police. Of course, they have entered the country without proper documentation, so they are only granted temporary visas if they are willing to testify, which, of course, they are often too petrified to do.
If our West Australian MPs watch this movie and actually continue their opinion that “it’s the world’s oldest trade, it will always be around, we may as well license it so we can contain it”, then there is a serious problem.
Watching this film, one finds it insulting to read the WA Prostitution Law Reform Working Group’s recommendation that legislation require brothel owners be of “good character” to obtain licenses to run these places. This is a movie we must see. It is a bucket of ice water thrown over our apathy about the plight of these poor women, for whom the movie is making a desperate but powerful plea.
The Jammed screens at Cinema Paradiso.
“Don’t victimise the victims”■ By Anthony Barich
In The Jammed director Dee McLachlan held a mirror up to the audience, then shattered it with a sledgehammer, to plead for the girls who are victims of human trafficking.
Aside from the violence, humiliation and degradation, public apathy towards the plight of these women stands out the most in the film.
“It was very intentional to hold up a mirror to society,”
McLachlan said,
“That was what I witnessed in my research - tiny articles that would appear in the big newspapers about ‘five Asian girls held captive behind bars in a brothel in Fitzroy as sex slaves’ – and they’re not getting much more than a paragraph.
In 1996 the then Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (DIEA) produced a Report stating there is “no evidence” of women being coerced against their will, yet acknowledged that during a compliance inspection, a 14-year-old Thai girl was discovered working in a brothel. She was promptly deported to Thailand.
Chris Payne, the ex-head of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation into sex trafficking, later that year estimated that up to 500 trafficked women were working illegally in Sydney at any given time.
Senator Ellison, then Minister for Justice and Customs, stated that there is no evidence of any large scale problem within Australia. This conflicted with a statement from the AttorneyGeneral Daryl Williams who told Parliament in 1998: “investigations show that organisers of the trade gross in the region of $1 million each week”.
The National Crime Authority reported a 13 year old brought to Australia as a sex worker to pay for her father’s debt.
Puangthong Simaplee, a victim of sexual trafficking, died in Villawood Detention Centre September 2001. She was brought to Australia when she was 12.
An investigation between 1997 and 1999 led to the prosecution of a man in Melbourne (Gary Glazner). It was to be the first prosecution for trafficking in the sex industry and DIMIA recorded that he forced 40 Thai women into prostitution - working 12 hour days, 7 days a week and holding them captive in a hotel in Kew. Glazner earned at least $1.2 million and was given an 18-month suspended sentence and fined $31,000.
June 2004: Five Thai women, allegedly kept as sex slaves in a Melbourne brothel (Club 417 in Fitzroy) feared their families would be killed if they escaped or told police.
Various trafficking organisations still estimate that it is most likely at least 1,000 women are held in sexual servitude and debt bondage in Australia.
Through the efforts of many hard working organisations – the laws have improved to assist prosecutions, but it is still hard to prosecute the finer points of slavery and extreme exploitation. Three types of visas are available for trafficked victims – but mostly these are only issued if the witness will prove “useful”.
There were five prosecutions underway in Australia; about 14 investigations; one conviction (overturned on appeal); one case of compensation.
The film recently won the Interfaith SIGNIS (World Catholic Association for Communication) Award for promoting Humanitarian Values – at the 16th Brisbane International Film Festival. SIGNIS stated: “The Jammed is a courageous film that grabs your heart, soul and consciousness.”
“Dee McLachlan reveals not only the horror of modern human trafficking and slavery but also peels back the complex moral layers involved for everyone – including governments.”
THE
“This was a reflection of the fact that people had put this on the backburner, which I found fascinating.
“In the public eye, these girls seem to be insignificant social ‘things.’
“Some footballer beats someone up at a hotel and it’s front page, but holding people as slaves, even though it was abolished 100 years ago, doesn’t seem to rate in people’s consciousness.”
In her personal observation, “it seems that because a lot of these girls are foreign and have landed as prostitutes they’re not deemed by society as a whole as that important, which is perhaps why it hasn’t been as high on the agenda as it should be”.
Seeing this, McLachlan felt the urge “to help change the life of these girls”.
She said the movie had a definitive purpose “of forcing the questioning of what kind of society we want to live in”.
“It’s really important that our leaders and governments don’t victimise the victims; that girls who are victims of abuse and trafficking don’t easily become victims a second time under government deportation, and support groups have been work-
ing really hard to change that,” McLachlan said.
“We’re not really living in a compassionate society that is on the watch for all kinds of human rights abuses.
“There’s a saying that you can sell drugs once, but you can sell a girl 500 times – you’re really trading in human beings.”
While the film makes the connection between prostitution and human trafficking through sexual slavery, McLachlan said she never wanted to focus on the prostitution side of things and the actual selling of sex.
Rather, she wanted to put human trafficking under the microscope, and the government bureaucrats who process and deport the girls like cattle, especially when they are too scared to testify against brothel owners.
But by depicting scenes where the girls “service” their “clients”, the film makes it very clear – though apparently unintentionally – that prostitution is also the selling of girls.
McLachlan said that by including a scene - where a “client” showed compassion towards one of the girls when he agreed to post a letter home for her – the director showed a complexity to the moral dilemmas that we face regarding prostitution itself.
In another scene a ‘client’ shows compassion of sorts, freaking out when the Li rung character passes out from drugs to numb her from the experience.
Whatever compassion the ‘client’ shows is soon overshadowed by the actions of the brothel owner, who, instead of confronting the ‘client’ for possibly harming his ‘worker’, says “I can give you a Russian (girl) instead”.
And it appears that this other client takes the Russian girl instead, because she is forced to leave the room rather than stay and look after her fellow slave.
But the bureaucratic bungles McLachlan represents are real. The director advocates
that more rights and protection should given to these girls when brothels are being prosecuted as a result of them coming forward.
“If there is a prosecution, girls are nervous to speak up, but right now they can get bridging visas to stay here temporarily if they are deemed ‘useful’ to a specific case, whereas overseas, I understand, they are given more rights – like given automatic citizenship,” McLachlan said.
“People say that if we did this, all and sundry girls would come here as prostitutes, but it’s such a traumatic route I don’t think that would happen.
“If they were given more support during prosecution, it would be more of a deterrent, but the frightening thing is they might get trafficked somewhere else.”
However, McLachlan concedes that it would be “hard for a government to swallow giving prostitutes citizenship”, but it’s worth trying for the girls’ sake.
Any objection to limiting their geographical
“Many
The State Director and Senate candidate of the Christian Democratic Party in Western Australia has handed in 5460 petitions opposing the decriminalisation of prostitution to the Western Australian Leader of the Opposition. The petition calls for the prohibition of advertising by escort agencies, brothels and prostitutes and opposes the licensing system suggested by the Attorney General Jim McGinty. Gerard Goiran of the CDP gave the petitions to the Leader of the Opposition, Paul Omodei, who has undertaken to table these petitions in Parliament at the appropriate time. Mr Goiran said that once prostitution becomes a recognised profession, the cost of operation of sexual services will increase in order to comply with the licensing requirements; brothel madams will increase the pressure on their staff to “service” more clients each day to make up for the increase in overheads and as a result, prostitutes will resign from brothels and set up their own one or two-person business. “These small two-person operations do not fall under the proposed licensing system and we can therefore expect a huge proliferation of small operators, spreading throughout our suburbs,” Mr Goiran said. “Once prostitution is established and accepted under its own Act of Parliament or some Human Bill of Rights or Equal Opportunity laws, it is going to be very hard to prevent prostitutes from setting up businesses next to churches, schools or your own home.
The intention of the Consent to Medical Treatment Bill being debated in WA’s Legislative Council is good but its execution is problematic, says LJ Goody Bioethics Centre director Fr Joseph Parkinson.
As Parliament resumed on August 14, the Bill currently before the Legislative Council claims to give some certainty that, in the event that a person becomes incapable of making medical decisions, their wishes will be respected.
By creating advance health directives and enduring powers of guardianship, Health Minister Jim McGinty says this will end any push to allow euthanasia. Amendments to the legislation were adopted in the lower house last November, and as it currently stands the Bill “realises the State Government’s commitment to reform the law relating to medical treatment for the dying”, according to WA Parliament’s website.
“While the Government does not support euthanasia, terminally ill people deserve the right to die with dignity and have their wishes about medical treatment respected.
“This Bill is necessary to give people certainty when dealing with end of life issues, enabling terminally ill people to govern their medical treatment and protecting medical professionals who adhere to their wishes.” However, Fr Parkinson told a gathering at Bateman parish that in the Christian view it is never acceptable to end a patient’s life deliberately, either as an end or a means, like in order to end suffering.
This means “no euthanasia”, he said.
He said the Catholic Church agrees people should be able to refuse life-sustaining treatments they consider unreasonably burdensome, but that people should not kill themselves, nor be able to ask someone to kill them nor refuse a “reasonable medical treatment”. He said that in the Christian view, “life is a gift, the basis of all other rights and gifts we possess”. “Therefore it is to be protected, promoted and respected, especially for the weakest. But life is eternal – mortal life is not absolute, and death is no defeat,” he said.
He said the Christian view allows for the dying process to continue unimpeded while providing palliative care. Euthanasia (or ‘good death’), is defined, he said, as “an action or omission which of itself and by intention causes death with the purpose of eliminating all suffering”.
By the same token, he said, it could be morally wrong to keep someone alive by artificial means.
However, if death is inevitable and there are no other ways to control pain, it can be acceptable, he said, to provide pain relief which also shortens lifespan. “This is not euthanasia if the intention is only to relieve pain and not kill, treatment relieves pain directly and no better alternative is available,” he said. The Christian Democratic Party went one step further, however, saying this Bill opens the way for euthanasia, as it can be abused. “The Greens have already publicly declared that they would like to see the Bill amended to allow full blown euthanasia legislation. The living will legislation will facilitate a comprehensive debate on euthanasia,” CDP WA state director Gerard Goiran, said. Mr Goiran said that Mr McGinty was contradicting himself by introducing a Bill on “living wills” and telling The West Australian that his Government does not “support the State sanctioning the taking of human life”.
“A living will is about death, not about life. It is about saying do not attempt to resuscitate me, do not admit me to ICU, do not ventilate me, there is little distance between that and giving somebody permission to take my life away”
Mr Goiran said that he has received a copy of an “Advance Health and Personal Care Directive” written by a medical practitioner.
“The form is four pages long and is extremely detailed, requesting people to make very precise decisions on palliative, limited, intensive and surgical care, and on basic, supplemental, intravenous and tube feeding.
“Most people would be unable to make this type of detailed decision.”
Former EU chaplain says future looks grim if Western world loses sight of Judeo-Christian image of humanity
■ By Anthony BarichArchbishop Roland Minnerath of Dijon, France has warned that the future of the Western world may be in jeopardy if the European Union continues to dismiss its Christian roots.
Despite urges from Pope John Paul II, the European Union adopted its Constitutional Treaty in 2004 excluding any reference to God.
Speaking at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle on September 5, Archbishop Minnerath, a member of the International Theological Commission and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences who also served in the Vatican diplomatic corps in Brazil and Germany, warned that as the Western world loses sight of the Judeo-Christian image of humanity, it will also lose any sense of truth.
His comments came just days before Pope Benedict XVI told Austrian political leaders and international diplomats in Vienna that Europe should not abandon its Christian values – especially regarding the rights of the unborn and the dying.
While Archbishop Minnerath said there is no ‘threat’ per se to Christianity in the EU, “what we observe today and everywhere in the Western world is a shift from this notion 40 years ago when the UN Convention of Human Rights was made, when the dignity of the human person was very clear”.
“Now we are in an overly individualistic society in which there is no ‘truth’, a society in which, just because you have a desire to have something, it becomes your right to have it,” said Archbishop Minnerath, who has been at the coalface of international diplomacy for the Vatican, working in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
“We no longer have any parameters or references to say ‘this is not rational’. “This evolution is very strong, and can be observed in the European Parliament,
The Diocese of San Diego and the Diocese of San Bernardino, which broke off from its southern neighbour in 1978, agreed on September 7 to pay $239.8 million to settle lawsuits with 144 victims of sexual abuse by priests between 1938 and 1993. The dioceses had originally offered $115 million to settle the claims.
The plaintiffs sought $242 million. Earlier in the year, the San Diego Diocese filed for bankruptcy protection hours before a trial was to begin in one of the first lawsuits alleging that the Church was responsible for sexual abuse by priests. The judge in the bankruptcy case had recently threatened to throw out the bankruptcy case if the Church didn’t reach an agreement with the plaintiffs. The settlement is one of the largest in the country. Under the agreement, the San Bernardino Diocese and its
Warning: Europe is in deep trouble if it continues to ignore its Christian inheritance, warned French Archbishop Roland Minnerath during a talk at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle on September 5.
PHOTO: ANTHONY BARICHwhere I was a chaplain for some years, where there has been an erosion of the Judeo-Christian image of man, of human beings.
“And I don’t know where this will lead us, because if we (Catholics) do not react, if we do not rationally argue that not just anything can be granted as good, then we will be living in another kind of society, and I’m not sure that it will be better.”
The Archbishop, who served as secretary-general to the 2005 Synod of the Eucharist, said that recognising Europe’s Christian roots in the EU’s Constitution is not imposing anything on the present day, but simply “recognising what history tells us”.
The preamble of the European Union’s Constitution recognised its “spiritual roots” as France did not want Christianity mentioned specifically, but the Archbishop said that the Constitution is denying the “obvious”.
“Even the Enlightenment, which is the source of our thinking, has grown out of the field of Christianity; and in Germany and Britain the Enlightenment was open to Christianity, and did not combat it,” he said. “So it would be reasonable to say
insurer, Catholic Mutual, will pay $18.2 million for 11 cases.
The San Diego Diocese will pay $93 million and Catholic Mutual will cover another $91.6 million for a total of 111 cases.
ZENIT.ORG
SIBIU, Romania - The orthodox patriarch of Constantinople appealed to Christians to be responsible stewards of creation at the 3rd European Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu.
“We are concerned for God’s creation,” Bartholomew I said Wednesday. He said that the planet “is continually the object of shameless exploitation,” and that “it waits for redemption and protection from us.”
The Orthodox patriarch added: “We are worried about the climate and other conditions -- literally, we are worried about the air and the oxygen that man breathes today, and that future generations, we fear, will search for in vain.
“In the end, we are wor-
we have common roots in Christianity – it is obvious. The idea of the dignity of persons, solidarity and so on, comes from the Judeo-Christian vision of mankind, society and of the world.”
Archbishop Minnerath also addressed the continuing issue in Australia regarding how far bishops can go in advising parliamentarians how to vote on specific issues.
In June, Cardinal George Pell of Sydney and Archbishop Barry Hickey of Perth both reminded Catholic parliamentarians in their respective States of how their vote on embryonic cloning bills could affect their life in the Church; they were widely criticized as meddling in political debate.
Archbishop Minnerath said the role of the Catholic Church is not to make laws but to make the Church’s position clear and “put it into the discussion on a rational level, according to natural law, because this is the only common level for all – believers and non-believers”.
He said the Church’s task is to convince through rational discussion, but concedes this can prove “extremely difficult” when the debate is highly emotional and when the media over-simplifies the issue.
“But if we have something good to say, we must say it,” he said.
Archbishop Minnerath also backed elements of the French government’s 2004 decision to ban all religious symbols in State schools – an issue which still deeply affects religious families in the country.
The decision covered not just Islamic hijabs (headscarves), but also large Christian crucifixes, Sikh turbans and Jewish skullcaps.
He said Muslim parents in France were not allowing their children to participate in swimming or other physical education classes because of dress codes, but this went against the basic human right that applied to all that they should be allowed to participate in such activities.
“If we want to defend the values which are for all, then if you go to school you must do as everybody (in relation to sports activities), otherwise we become an Islamic country, and that is not acceptable,” he said.
“If the veil (hijab) were only a sign of personal religious conviction then there would be no problem, but it is really an outward expression of a deeper dissent against Western values.”
ried about the simple survival of humanity on this continent and on the planet.”
The Orthodox patriarch is co-patron of the international symposium titled “The Arctic: Mirror of Life.” The conference, is under way in Greenland through Sept. 12.
-Zenit
China’s growing sex imbalance is in the news again after state media revealed that the worst affected city, Liangyungang in Jiangsu province, has a ratio of 165 boys to 100 girls among children aged one to four.
It is one of 99 cities with a ratio of more than 125 boys to 100 girls - far above the international average of 105:100.
Nationwide six males are born for every five females and the gap is increasing as a result of increased access to ultrasound scans in pregnancy leading to abortion of unborn girls.
Traditional boy preference,
common in rural societies, has been pushed to extremes by the strict one-child policy. Now state demographers are warning that 37 million men will be unable to find wives by 2020, and already there are 18 million more men than women of marriageable age.
According to media reports there are “bachelor villages” where most men of eligible age are unable to find a bride, thus earning themselves the designation “guangun”, or single sticks.
Although there are two laws banning doctors from telling pregnant women the sex of the baby, the practice is common. Officials are planning to tighten punishments for sexselective abortions.
In 2003 the government introduced a “care for girls” policy which provided tax breaks and other incentives for families raising girls. It is also running a propaganda campaign with pro-girl slogans daubed on walls through the countryside.
- FamilyEdge
A new kind of spy hero has emerged who avoids killing is the antithesis of the womanising James Bond - his is a story that says the ends do not justify the means.
Jason Bourne has surfaced again, this time in The Bourne Ultimatum , the third in the series starring Matt Damon. All three belong to the familiar genre of the male-oriented, paranoid Euro-thriller.
Typically these juxtapose the beauty of the cities of Europe with the anxiety of an agent attempting to carry out some mission but being double-crossed and hunted by the corrupt officials of the very Agency for which he works.
The Bourne films carry this obviously satisfying Kafka-like situation one step further by having the amnesiac Bourne searching to find out who he actually is, as well as who he was. The Bourne Identity, a TV film of 1988 starring Richard Chamberlin, followed the plot of the Robert Ludlum novel somewhat closely, but as this very lacklustre version demonstrated, Bourne’s missing identity, however relevant to our own cultural loss of bearing, does not in itself make a good film.
Yet in an era of debatable identities, distrust of governments and dysfunctional agencies, the faceless Jason Bourne may be just the right stuff to represent the times.
Of their type, these Bourne thrillers are first-rate, the result of better scripts, better acting, better camera work, better scores, and not least, better direction. Tony Gilroy, the screen writer for all three Bourne movies, abandons the complexities of Ludlum and streamlines Bourne’s basic quandary: “Who am I?” Paul Greengrass, the director of the last two Bournes, successfully brings out the inner Bourne, while he superbly choreographs the chases and fights through hand-
held cameras, fast cutting, and close-in shots that give one a “you are there” sensation. Previously he directed the Northern Ireland drama, Bloody Sunday (2002) and the 9/11 tragedy United 93 (2004).
John Powell has provided haunting scores to all three, in a style similar to John Barry’s Enigma (2001) and the great scores of Bernard Herrmann.
A major factor for their success results from their not depending on non-stop actions and explosions, the usual roller-coaster matter of such films.
But they also offer several other types of action. One consists of another contract killer’s botched attack on Bourne followed by a life and death karate contest in a claustrophobic room or apartment.
Another is Bourne’s elaborate escape from a building surrounded by opponents closing in on him.
These are then followed by foot chases through the labyrinth of the city. Best of all are the scenes in which Bourne has arranged some sort of rendezvous in a public space, in which by phone he attempts to lead another person, either friend or foe, to some designated destination. In The Bourne Identity (2002), this takes place in Paris on the Pont de Neuf; in The Bourne Supremacy (2004) in Berlin’s Alexander Platz; and in The Bourne Ultimatum in London’s Waterloo Station. This last is by far the most elaborate, a cinematic mise-en-scene which by itself justifies the price of admission. Such action scenes are punctuated by calmer intervals which allow the plot to thicken and Bourne to approach closer to his discovery. And all along, the films cut back and forth between Bourne’s whereabouts and Langley, Virginia, CIA headquarters, or some other CIA building where rows of monitors and electronic devices, connected to satellite cameras and data banks, provide a God-like awareness of Bourne’s every move. They demonstrate the omnipotence of the government: what can a lone individual, master survivalist though he be, do against such an array of
power and seeming competence? Yet survive he does, providing relief and satisfaction to the helplessness one feels living in the tangle of a massive bureaucracy. To these pleasures the Bourne films also provide a not-too-implicit moral, namely, that the ends do not justify the means.
Bourne is a professional assassin with a covert licence to kill. That, he discovers, is what he used to be. But in The Bourne Identity he cannot complete his mission and shoot an African leader troublesome to the US government.
Bond is a seductive womaniser; Bourne a monogamous novice. Bond takes pleasure in killing; Bourne feels only guilt and seeks redemption for his past.
The sight of the victim’s small children penetrates Bourne’s cold terminator heart. His hesitation causes him to become the victim, shot by the African or his security, and now an embarrassment to the CIA, whose leaders do not wish Congress and the world to know about Treadstone, and later, Blackbriar, its illegal and clandestine assassination units.
Bourne is too good a man to be cut out for this work, and he suffers from the guilt of what he has been. In Supremacy, the climax of the film takes place in Moscow, where he has gone to apologise to the daughter of two innocent victims he shot while on his first assignment. In all three films Bourne, unlike other action heroes, tries to avoid killing. In this he resembles good old Randolph Scott in the westerns, who spends most of the plot trying to avoid a showdown, but, “There are some things a man can’t ride around.” In another
sense, since those whom Bourne does kill, “assets” as the Agency calls them, derive from the same source as he does, his struggles against them amount to attempts to overcome his former self.
Unlike the Bourne in the TV film, who lost his memory due to a head wound, this Bourne of the movies was chemically created and brainwashed into being the robotlike killer whose actions conflict so severely with the man’s “natural” humanity. His handlers, Chris Collins and Brian Cox, have no such morals. Supposedly serving the interests of the country, their greed and corruption have left patriotism far behind. Their desire to eliminate Bourne results not so much from the threat he poses to the illegal operations of the Agency but from their fear that he will expose their personal crimes.
In Ultimatum, David Straithorn, the new head of covert operations, proves more ominous and frightening just because he’s an honest man who imagines that killing Bourne - he cares not whether Bourne is or is not innocent - will genuinely serve some imaginary moral purpose.
The ends do not justify the means, and “Necessity, the Tyrant’s plea” as Milton termed such Satanic policies, will not do in The Bourne Ultimatum any more than it did in Paradise Lost. Only God can bring good out of evil, when humans attempt it – and thus play God – they bring disaster on themselves and everyone about them. Throughout all three films, Bourne struggles against this philosophy, though of course the films avoid any religious terminology.
This moral outlook of the films serves to unite them. No doubt they will be called a “trilogy”, though in fact each film stands on its own, and their plots do not really follow one another. In Identity, Bourne reunites with Maria (Franca Potente), the woman who helped him escape from Zurich and became his lover, on a Greek isle. He has at least discovered his alleged name, how he came to be shot, and why, having
been trained as an assassin, he is such a resourceful lethal weapon.
In Supremacy, he seems to have reached détente with the Agency through the good offices of Joan Allen, the good supervisor, who in the course of this film converts from being a Bourne opponent to a defender; and as a mother figure, informs him that his real name is David Webb.
Ultimatum begins in Moscow, and Allen now serves in a subordinate capacity to Straithorn, suspecting, what she knew as fact in the previous film, that Bourne is not a threat to the CIA or anyone else. Only in the first film does Bourne engage in romance. His lover, Maria, is killed at the outset of the second. But the only actor besides Matt Damon in all three films is Julia Stiles. In the first she operates the Agency’s safe house in Paris; in the second she is sent to Berlin and is the one who agrees to meet him in Alexander Platz. In the third, she accompanies him to Tangiers, and in one of the film’s quiet interludes indicates that she knew him when he was David Webb.
Though James Bond and Bourne dwell in the same cloak-and-dagger genre, they are diametrically opposed. Bond is self-assured; Bourne doubtful and troubled. Bond is a seductive womaniser; Bourne a monogamous novice. Bond takes pleasure in killing; Bourne feels only guilt and seeks redemption for his past. Bond serves a moral authority: Bourne a corrupt establishment. Because Bond’s licence to kill is justified, his films avoid questioning means and ends. Because Bourne’s licence is phoney, in his films ends versus means becomes the central moral issue. Bond is a modern version of the hero with a thousand faces. Yet in an era of debatable identities, distrust of governments, and dysfunctional agencies, the faceless Jason Bourne may be just the right stuff to represent the times.
And possibly fooling others as well.
Attorney General Jim McGinty’s announcement that he will decriminalise the sexual exploitation of women and girls in WA is exactly the news that human traffickers everywhere want to hear.
Although Mr McGinty probably doesn’t realise it, human trafficking is growing, not receding. In 2001, it was estimated by the FBI that 700,000 women and children were trafficked around the globe. The same year, the UN estimated the figure was 1,000,000. Estimates vary because of the secretive nature of the trade and the fact that it is run by organised crime.
Australia is a nation of choice for human
traffickers preying on the vulnerable and operating from countries such as southeast Asia, the Philippines and China, especially since Victoria and New South Wales legalised the sexual exploitation of women and girls.
Of all those involved in prostitution - organised crime, the owners of women and girls caught in prostitution, the male clients who seek to buy and use them, or the women and girls themselves - who should we be putting first?
Why has Mr McGinty ignored serious and successful efforts to put women and girls first in countries such as Sweden, Finland and now Norway - and is pushing for the same old model that has failed everywhere else?
Can we expect an answer?
For further information,contact the Prostitution Law Amendment Working Committee PO Box 3557, Perth, Adelaide Tce WA 6832 plawc@yahoo.com.au tel: 0419 956 319
In a creative effort to help raise funds for the completion of St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth former residents of Bandra, a suburb of Mumbai in India, have organised a traditional festival filled with culinary delights, stalls and games.
The Bandra Feast, as it is com-
A series of talks offered by catechists of the Neocatechumenal Way began at St Catherine Labore Church at 55 Bedford Avenue in Subiaco on Monday September 10.
If you’ve missed the first talk, don’t be concerned - just turn up as soon as you can, is the message from organisers.
The talks, which start at 7.30pm, form an ongoing catechesis and are offered to people of all ages whether Catholic or not.
The theme of this catechesis is ‘Come, therefore, and find out where Jesus lives,’ based on the scene recorded in the Gospel of John when two disciples who met Jesus asked him where he lived.
His response, “Come and see,” is interpreted as an invitation to know and follow him.
All are welcome to attend and experience the distinctive approach that is offered by the Way, which was founded in the slums of Madrid in 1968 and has since spread around the world.
The talks will continue every Monday and Thursday evening of September and October.
The Neocatechumenal Way is one of numerous groups that have sprung up within the Church in recent decades, often following the Second Vatican Council.
Among other things, it offers people from all walks of life and backgrounds a renewed focus on understanding God’s word in Scripture, including the singing of the Psalms, and aims to assist them in living their Christian vocation. Parish-based communities are often formed following the catechesis process to enable those who wish to continue a way of furthering their faith development.
Oblate to mark 50 years of priesthood
A ministry spanning two countries will be celebrated when St Charles Seminary rector Fr Don Hughes OMI celebrates the 50th anniversary of his ordination at Fremantle’s St Patrick’s Basilica this Sunday. Fr Hughes, an Oblate of Mary Immaculate, has been stationed in every State in Australia and has worked in Tasmania and New Zealand.
His first appointment was as the first rector of Mazenod College in Lesmurdie from 1966-72. He then went east as rector of the Oblate seminary in Melbourne before being parish priest in Auckland and in Rosebud, Victoria. He was born and bred in Fremantle and his ministry will come full circle when his celebratory Mass starts at 11am.
monly known, has been celebrated in India for many years on the Sunday following the birthday of Our Lady on September 8.
While traditional festivities usually continue for a week, Perth will be invited to attend a day of fun on September 16 at the Victoria Park Recreation Centre, off Albany Highway in East Victoria Park, from 11.30am to 3.30 pm.
“During the preparatory Novena and in the week following Our Lady’s feast, thousands of people from all faiths and walks of life, throng to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra, to place their prayers of petitions and thanksgiving,” organiser Andre Sequeira said.
After visiting the Basilica, pilgrims enjoy the fair, which offers
a rich assortment of food, goods for sale and rides for children and adults alike.
Former residents of Bandra and Mumbai have been working together throughout the year to organise the day under the auspices of the Goan Overseas Association.
Mr Sequeira said preparations for the festivity had indicated that there would be a large attendance,
which he was confident, would result in a substantial amount of funds being donated to the restoration of the Cathedral.
“All of the funds raised on the day will go towards this worthy cause, so if you are a devotee of our Blessed Mother from Bandra, Perth or any part of the world, come and experience Perth’s first Bandra Feast,” Mr Sequeira said.
The coordinator of the annual Rosary Bouquet, Margaret Bowen, said she could only describe this year’s efforts as extraordinary.
The Rosary Bouquet, which began on September 5, saw a number of parishes, schools, centres and individuals committing themselves to at least one Rosary over a span of 48 hours.
This ‘chain of prayer,’ as Mrs Bowen likes to call it, spanned from far northern WA to the state’s most southern point.
“People went to extraordinary lengths to cover the entire 48 hours,” she said.
There were small centres that managed to pray the Rosary for 48 consecutive hours, with each person rotating a few times.
Mrs Bowen said many individuals would call her to ask if
there were any gaps within the 48 hours that were not filled with prayer, so that they could assist in completing the continuous ‘chain of prayer.’
“It’s surprising that after all these years the impact of this Marian devotion is still as strong, even though many people have become increasingly busy,” Mrs Bowen said.
A scroll containing all the names of those who participated in this year’s Rosary Bouquet was offered to Our Lady on her birthday, September 8 at Mass celebrated by Mgr Thomas McDonald and Fr Paul Carey.
Many came to the concluding celebration, which featured the Wanneroo choir, led by Lucy D’Olympio, at St Joachim’s ProCathedral. “All those who were involved in the Rosary Bouquet were genuinely keen and determined to do it for Our Lady’s birthday,” Mrs Bowen said.
Grateful: Gary Edmonds does a good job of holding rosaries and daughter Grace, 11 weeks, together with Elijah, who is soon to be three.
■ By Sylvia DefendiA few weeks ago The Record expressed an interest in receiving photos of people joining in the Rosary Bouquet, which ended on Our Lady’s birthday, September 8.
Pictured is the Edmonds family who prayed their Rosary in the family home with miracle children, Elijah, who is soon turning three and 11-week-old Grace Cecile Marie.
Continued from Page 1
an escort from local police. The whole crowd recited the Rosary as they walked past petrol stations and fast-food outlets while parish youth carrying guitars sang hymns between each of the decades. It was not only a beautiful Spring day for Mary but it was also a great day for the parish as well.
When the procession returned to the church by late morning a sausage sizzle and jumble sale to raise funds for St Mary’s Cathedral saw steady business.
A band of musicians from the parish provided entertainment, while the children of the parish were happy bouncing around inside an inflatable castle and hav-
ing their faces painted with their favourite symbols.
All in all it was a great start to Spring and an important community-building exercise as parishioners stayed for several hours to enjoy the food and the company while raising funds for the Cathedral completion.
- Story and some photos, Peter
Both children were consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary when baptised and join in saying the Rosary with their parents almost every day.
“Even little Grace was able to stay awake for most of the Rosary Bouquet we offered as a gift to Our Lady on her birthday,”
Mrs Edmonds said, adding that Elijah was only too glad to join in the Rosary using his treasured glow-in-the-dark beads.
Gary (pictured) and Melissa Edmonds, after being told they were infertile, were led to Dr Amanda Lamont at FertilityCare in Yokine and have since made welcome two children.
Let’s eat: Plenty of great home cooking ensured that the multitudes were fed throughout the day. Meanwhile local musicians provided plenty of entertainment and an inflatable bouncy castle meant that many children bounced to their hearts’ content, providing parents with a welcome respite and the opportunity to catch up with friends. Among the activities on offer for the young were face-painting, playground swings and catching up with friends - and eating, of course.
present a special gift, as only they know how
Over 500 people flocked to the city of Fremantle on September 9, for the 12th annual festival of Our Lady of Tindari.
Known to the Italian Catholic community as Maria Santissima del Tindari, the famous Madonna shares a rich tradition entrenched in a legend that dates back to the year 726 AD.
Secretary of the Association of Maria Santissima del Tindari, Joe Franchina, said that according to popular legend passed down through the ages, a Black Madonna statue arrived in the small Sicilian
town of Tindari through miraculous circumstances after a merchant ship sailing from the east sought shelter from a storm in the bay of Tindari. “But it was the
devotion and determination of the Association’s president – Andrea Pellegrino and the faith of our community that another statue of the Black Madonna was commis-
sioned and produced in Femantle in 1996,” he said.
The statue of Our Lady was placed in the Basilica of St Patrick, where religious celebrations have
been held each year during the second week in September, culminating with a Solemn Mass and procession.
Mr Franchina said there were many on-lookers who were surprised to see the Black Madonna followed by many devotees on the streets of Fremantle.
Once the procession reached the Esplanade, all paused for a daytime fireworks display before heading back to the Basilica.
“To the Italians living here in Australia, this feast day is just as important as it was in their home land. It is a tradition that is being kept alive through the faith of the community,” he told The Record
CHANGE OF VENUE SEPTEMBER
Catholic Faith Renewal
Please note change of venue with effect from September 2007 for every 3rd Friday of the month will now be at St John and Paul’s Church Hall, Pintree Gully Rd, Willetton. Fr Greg Donovan will lead you through Scriptures, Genesis Apocalypse. All are welcome. Enq: Rita 9272 1765 or Rose 0403 300 720.
Sunday September 16
BANDRA FEAST
11.30am-3.30pm. Fund raising event by GOA for St Mary’s Cathedral restoration appeal. Afternoon comprises authentic home made Goan and Indian cuisine, games of skill and variety family entertainment. Welcome to an enjoyable afternoon to remember. Venue: Vic Park Recreation Centre, off Albany Highway (Kent Street), East Victoria Park.
Tuesday September 18
NATIONAL CLOSE THE GAP DAY
Caritas Australia, following the initiative of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, is a supporter of the “Close the Gap” campaign to encourage the Federal Government to end the indigenous health care crisis. “Close the Gap” postcards to be sent to the Health Minister, Tony Abbott, are available from the Perth office (tel. 9422 7925). To mark National Close the Gap Day on Tuesday, September 18 an event, organised by Oxfam, will be held at Parliament House (Perth), 11.30 am to 1.30 pm.
Wednesday September 19
GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH LOCKRIDGE
Feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: Tridiuum. Rosary
6.30pm. Mass 7pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 8pm-9pm. Thursday 20 September, Rosary 6.30pm. Mass 7pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 8pm-9pm. Friday 21 September Rosary 6.30pm. Mass 7pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 8pm-9pm (In Father Dan Foley Centre)DVD and Video presentation of final Santo Pio Mass. Followed by refreshments and supper, please bring a plate. Saturday 22 September Rosary 6pm, Mass 6.30pm, 7.30pm Procession followed by refreshments (In the Father Dan Foley Centre- please bring a plate). Enq: Father Hong Pham 9279 8119 or Nick De Luca 9378 2684.
Wednesday September 19
TAIZE MEDITATIVE PRAYER
7.30pm to 8.30pm at St Thomas More Catholic Church. 100 Dean Road, Bateman. All are welcome to come and spend an hour in group prayer and relax after a busy work day in a candle light atmosphere of prayer, song and mediation. Enq: Daisy/Barney 9310 4781.
Friday September 21
MEDJUGORJE
Evening of Prayer with Our Lady Queen of Peace, St Joseph’s Church, Hamilton Street, Bassendean. Commencing 7.30pm with Adoration, Meditation and Rosary, followed by Holy Mass. Concluding 9.30pm. Celebrant Rev. Fr. Tiziano Bogoni. Enq: Tina 6278 1013.
Saturday September 22
ST PADRE PIO PILGRIMAGE TO TOODYAY
Program: 10.15am – DVD Presentation of St Pio’s Life. 11.30am – Solemn Holy Mass - St Padre Pio Liturgy. Lunch BYO. Tea & Coffee provided. Afternoon-Eucharistic Procession, Adoration, Rosary, Divine Mercy, Benediction, Confessions available. Finish 4.15pm. Buses departing St Joachim’s Vic Park, Mirrabooka, Girrawheen contact Nita 9367 1366. Glendalough, Leederville, Morley, Midland contact Des 6278 1540.
Saturday September 22
A MORNING RETREAT: ‘GROWING IN LOVE’
Presenter: Murray Graham (Inigo Centre) MultiPurpose Room (MacKillop) John XXIII College 9am to 12pm Cost:Donation for Inigo Centre. Details and Registration: Murray 9383 0444.
Sunday September 23
“IN WHOSE SHADOW DO WE STAND?”
The Council for Australian Catholic Women (CACW) Forum. 2 - 5 pm at Mary MacKillop Centre 16 York St South Perth. Sr Leonie Mayne RSJ will discuss the influence of women in the myth of family, our faith stories and in the choices we make in living our vocation. Sr Leonie co-ordinates the MacKillop Rural Network and is involved in Pastoral Administration and the Sisters’ Retreat Centre at Safety Bay. Cost-$5/ unwaged: gold coin. RSVP 19th September to 9345 2555 or michelleww@iinet.net.au.
Sunday September 30
GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH LOCKRIDGE
The Pauline Youth will be having a gathering starting at 5pm with the celebration of Mass followed by singing and Bible reading. After this there will be a gathering in the Father Dan Foley Centre with refreshments, fun and social activity. Enquiries to Father Hong Pham 9279 8119 or Nick De Luca 9378 2684.
Each Saturday, September 22 – November 10
BE RENEWED AND REFRESHED IN THE NEW LIFE IN GOD’S SPIRIT SEMINAR
The Holy Spirit of Freedom Community invites you to this eight week seminar, which provides an opportunity to deepen your relationship with God and seek a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The course will run from 10.30am - 12.30pm at St Anne’s Church Hall, 11 Hehir St Belmont. For further details contact Peter on 9475 0155 or email at hsofperth@gmail.com.
Saturday 22 September
AWAKENINGS
An Internationally accredited 5 Hour Retreat. Experienced by thousands in different countries, is guaranteed to bring new meaning to your life as Catholics. This Retreat beautifully developed by Fr Douglas Rowe S.F.P. and brilliantly conducted by him is an experience you will never forget. Seeing, is believing! Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40/A Mary Street, Highgate. 2pm sharp till approximately 7pm. Registration: 1.30pm onwards. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Contact: Jan 9323 8089 or Maureen 9247 4643 or Fr Douglas Rowe S.F.P 9325 2009
Sunday September 23
ST JEROMES SCHOOL/PARISH FETE
Stalls, rides, hot food, refreshments, raffles, auction at 12noon, and much more..... Corner Rockingham Road and Troode Street Munster.
Sunday September 23
40TH ANNIVERSARY OUR LADY OF LOURDES
Past parishioners and friends of Our Lady of Lourdes, Nollamara are warmly invited to attend the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of our Church and the Blessing of its extensions. Celebrations will begin with a concelebrated Mass at 2.30pm followed by light refreshments. For further enquiries please contact the Parish Centre on 9345 5541.
Sunday September 23
ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH TRAYNING CELEBRATES 81
YEARS
10.30am St Joseph’s Trayning will celebrate 81 years. Mass will be followed by a bring and share lunch. Contacts: Sandra Waters 9683 2048 email: rosalind@bbsat.com.au Val Enriquez 9683 1191, Fr Chien 9685 2399.
Tuesday September 25
FR FRED DELORME PROMOTING THE APOSTOLATE OF ST JOSEPH OF THE ETERNAL FAMILY
To encourage families to pray to St Joseph for people who might be undergoing difficulties. People are asked to bring photos these will be taken up during Mass. Program: Wed 26
St Jerome’s Church Spearwood, Thurs 27 St Patrick’s Church York, Frid 28 St Bernadette’s Church Glendalough. Start: 10.30am Rosary, Holy Mass and Talks. Benediction at 2pm (BYO lunch) Tea and Coffee supplied. Evening Mass: Wed 26, 7pm-9pm St Bernadette’s Glendalough. Enq: Margaret 9341 8082 or Jenny 9494 2604.
Thursday September 27
THE ANNUAL MASS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC POLICE OFFICERS OF WA INC
To be held at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, 43 Camberwell Street, East Victoria Park. Start 7pm. Light supper and refreshments will be served following Mass. It is an opportunity to remember those members who lost their lives in the service of the community and those who have gone to their final reward following many years of dedicated service. RSVP by 20 September. Enq: Peter Browne 9321 2155 or John Bouwman 0437 576 103.
Friday September 28
4TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Mass at 7pm for Perpetual Adoration at Christ the King Church Beaconsfield. Concelebrated by local priests and Vicar General Fr Brian O’Loughlin.
Saturday September 29
DISCOVER THE MYSTERY OF THE SCARLET THREAD IN THE BIBLE AND YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH.
Flame Ministries and St Anthony’s Greenmount offer a one day Bible retreat on Yahweh’s Blood Covenants. 10.30am, Blood Covenants in our culture. 1pm, The 9 Steps of a Hebrew Covenant Ritual. 2.45pm, Yahweh’s 9 Steps from Adam to Abram. 4.30pm, Yahweh’s 9 Steps from Abraham to Moses. 6pm, Mass. 8pm, Jesus’ 9 Steps to the Final Sacrifice. St. Anthony’s Church, 96 Innamincka Road, Greenmount. Speaker, Eddie Russell FMI. Bring a Bible and Shared Meals. Info: 08 9362 3668. fmi@flameministries.org.
Friday Sunday September 28–30
GOD’S FARM CHAPEL 20TH
“Rejoicing in God our Saviour” weekend retreat theme at God’s Farm, 40km south of Busselton.
Saturday September 29 a Concelebrated Mass of tremendous Thanksgiving will be offered at 11am in The Perfect Joy of Jesus and St Francis stone Chapel. Celebrant Fr Tony Chiera V.G. Finger lunch provided. Bookings call Betty Peaker 9755 6212 or write PO Box 24, Cowaramup, 6284. Farm address 94 Woodlands Road, Wilyabrup, map available.
Tuesday October 2
MOTHERS’ PRAYERS MASS
To be held at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church at 10am, cnr Tribute Street and Tudor Avenue, Riverton. For all Mothers and Grandmothers coming together to pray for their children. Fathers, Grandfathers welcome. Bring a plate and enjoy fellowship after Mass. Tea/coffee provided. Enq: Veronica Peake 9447 0671.
Wednesday October 3
TRANSITUS CELEBRATION OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI
All are welcome to join the Secular Franciscan Order in WA and the Franciscan Friars in celebrating the Transitus (the passing) of St Francis with Mass and readings at 6.30pm at Our Lady Queen of Poland Church, Polish Catholic Centre, 35 Eighth Ave, Maylands. Readings and Mass in English and Polish. Public transport is available. Contact Transperth for details. Enq: Mary 9377 7925.
Friday October 5
ALLIANCE AND TRIUMPH OF THE TWO HEARTS
Holy Mass and eucharistis vigil at St Bernadette’s Church Glendalough. Confessions at 5.15pm. Holy Mass at 5.45pm (Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Doug Harris) followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, hourly Rosaries, hymns and reflections etc. Vigil concludes with midnight Mass in honour of the BVM (Celebrant: Rev. Fr.Amando Carandang). Enq: Fr Doug Harris 9444 6131 or Dorothy 9342 5845.
Friday - Sunday October 5-7
THE CELEBRATE FAMILY WEEKEND
Discover new ways to enrich your family life at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish, Riverton. Adults: Talks and Workshops on nurturing faith in the family, communications, parenting ideas and more. Youth: bands, drama, dance, student art, youth expo. Children: Creche for little ones, age appropriate programs for those aged 3-12 and 13-17. Cost: $20 per family for the whole weekend. More details at: www. celebrate-families.com or call Barbara/ Su on 9328 8113 or email: familylife@perthcatholic.org.au.
Friday - Sunday October 5-7
BROTHER ANDREW’S SEVENTH
On the Feast of St Francis, 4 October 2000, Brother Andrew completed his tremendous work for God on earth. God’ Farm, 40km south of Busselton is holding Brother’s Seventh Thanksgiving Retreat. Led by Fr Brian Morgan. Brother’s books, tapes, etc still available here. Prompt bookings contact Betty Peaker 9755 6212 or write PO Box 24, Cowaramup, 6284. Farm address 94 Woodlands Road, Wilyabrup, map available.
Saturday October 6
DAY WITH MARY
St Anne Church, 6549 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon 9am–5pm. A video on Fatima will be shown at 9am. A day of prayer and instruction based upon the messages of Fatima. Includes Sacrament of
Penance, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross. Please BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286. Bus available – Contact Nita 9367 1366.
Sunday October 7
DIVINE MERCY
An afternoon with Jesus and Mary will be held at St Joachim’s Church, cnr Shepperton Road and Harper Street, Victoria Park at 1.30pm. Program: Holy Rosary and Reconciliation, Sermon: Saint Faustina Kowalska by Fr Andre Maria FFI, followed by Divine Mercy Prayers and Benediction. Afterwards refreshments in the Parish Hall, followed by a video with Fr Benedict Groeschel on Saint Faustina Kowalska. Enq: John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.
October 11, 12 and 13
TRIDUUM TO CELEBRATE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FATIMA APPARITIONS
Holy Trinity Church, Embleton. 7pm Holy Mass followed by Rosary, Litany, Marian Prayer and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Thursday and Friday respectively. Saturday 13th, Vigil Mass at 6pm followed by devotions as above, concluding with candle light procession and fellowship at the hall to thank and farewell Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate the Preacher Fr John Josep. Please bring a plate. Enq: Mons McCrann 9271 5528 or Judy David 9275 5827 or George Jacob 9272 1379.
Sunday October 14
DIVINE MERCY PILGRIMAGE
Bove Farm, Shrine to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. 2pm Holy Hour. 3pm Divine Mercy Holy Mass followed by Benediction. 4pm Divine Mercy Way of the Cross. 5pm BBQ and refreshments. Celebrant will be Fr Marcellinus Meilak, OFM. Bus available from Our Lady of Mercy Church, Girrawheen at 8am, St Joachim’s, Victoria Park at 8.30am and St John and Paul Church, Willetton at 9am. Return trip to Perth will depart at 6pm. Enq: Charles 9342 0653 (NOR) or John 9457 7771 (SOR).
Friday - Sunday 19-21 October MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
When You Care Enough. Looking for a new way to let your spouse know you love them in the midst of your jobs, the kids, sport and trying to keep up with your house, pool and garden? Tell him or her they’re still No. 1 in your life. To love the very best in your marriage, treat yourselves to a Marriage Encounter Weekend. Register now for the last weekend for the year 2007. Contact Joe and Margaret Cordina on 9417 8750 for further details and bookings.
Saturday October 20
ST JOSEPH’S YOUTH GROUP, QUEENS PARK, 30 YEAR REUNION
All past members of the St Joseph’s Youth Group are invited to attend a reunion. If you would like to attend or know of someone who was a member, please contact Wayne McGoorty on 9351 9563 or email dmcgoorty@upnaway.com or Carolyn Pen on 0411 133 465 or email penpc@optusnet.com.au for further details of this event.
Friday October 26
HEALING OF THE FAMILY TREE
Our Lady of the Missions Church, 270 Camberwarra Drive, Whitfords/Craigie. Change of Date. Don’t miss this opportunity to be set free from generational sins and sicknesses. Jesus says I have come to give you life in abundance. Presiding celebrant is Fr Hugh Thomas CSsR. Family Tree Booklets available from the Healing Fire Burning Love Ministry during their Services for $2. Or contact Jenni Young on 9445 1028 Friday - Sunday October 26-28
CATHOLIC FAITH RENEWAL: RETREAT BY FATHER GINO HENRIQUES
God and You Inner Self. Fr Gino Henriques CSsR is a Catholic priest of the Redemptorist congregation. Ordained in 1960 and studied Sacred Scripture and Theology in Rome and Mass Media in Canada and the USA. He is an international speaker who has preached to Bishops, Priests, Religious and laity. Enq: Rita 9272 1765, Rose 0403 300 720, Maureen 9381 4498.
Sunday October 28
JENNACUBINE
An invitation is extended to all persons who have any links to St Isidore’s Church, Jennacubbine to attend the 100th Anniversary Celebrations at 10am. Celebrant: Archbishop B J Hickey. We would appreciate the offer on-loan of any memorabilia or photos of interest. Contact: Joe and Cathie Bowen 9623 2264 cbowen@wn.com.au.
Sunday November 4
ST MATTHEW’S PARISH CENTENARY NARROGIN
A Mass will commence at 2.30pm in the church followed by afternoon tea in the Senior Citizens Centre. Everyone welcome. We would love to see any ex-parishioners. Please come and help us celebrate
October stmatthews.narrogin@bigpond.com or Jenny 9881 1496 or Evelyn 9881 1774.
Friday November 17
INTERCESSION FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008
All night prayer vigil. St Bernadette’s, Jugan St, Glendalough. 8pm-6am. Begins with Mass ends with Breakfast. All are welcome to come to pray and intercede for World Youth Day 2008. Come for an hour, stay the night.
Every First Friday and First Saturday of Each Month
COMMUNION OF REPARATION ALL NIGHT VIGIL
Corpus Christi Church Mosman Park 7pm-1am. 46 Lochee Rd, Mosman Park. Mass, Rosary, Prayers, Confessions and silent adoration. Contact: Catalina 0439 931 151.
First Sunday of each month
DEVOTIONS IN HONOUR OF THE DIVINE MERCY
The Santa Clara Parish community welcomes anyone from surrounding parishes and beyond to Santa Clara Church, cnr of Coolgardie and Pollack Sts, Bentley. The afternoon commences with the 3 o’clock prayers, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, reflection and concludes with Benediction.
Last Sunday each month
HEALING FIRE BURNING LOVE
Charismatic Mass celebrated at the Holy Spirit Chapel, 85 Boas Avenue, Joondalup at 5.45pm. Worshipping the Father in Spirit and in truth John 4:23-24. St Bernadette’s, 6.30pm – 8pm. Cnr Leeder and Jugan St Glendalough.
Every Saturday PERPETUAL HELP DEVOTIONS
4.30pm. The half hour perpetual novena devotions to the Mother of Perpetual Help continue each Saturday at the Redemptorist Monastery Church, 190 Vincent St, in North Perth. Reconciliation available before and after the devotions. All welcome.
Every Sunday
BULLSBROOK SHRINE
Sunday pilgrim Mass is celebrated with Holy Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament 2pm at the Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Road, Bullsbrook. Reconciliation is available in Italian and English before every celebration. Enq: 9447 3292.
Every Sunday RADIO GATE OF HEAVEN
7.30-9pm. 107.9FM. 1. Getting God’s Help w/Fr Benedict Groeschel - “The Gift of Fear of The Lord” Episode #8. Life on the rock w/Fr Francis Mary“Activists & Participants in the Walk for Life on the West Coast” Episode #156.
Every Sunday in September TAIZE MEDITATIVE PRAYER
7pm to 8pm at Sisters of St Joseph Chapel, 16 York Street, South Perth. Everyone welcome, bring a friend and a torch. Pray in a candle lit chapel in stillness and peace and song. Enq: Sister Maree Riddler 0414 683 926.
Every Sunday LATIN MASS
The Latin Mass according to the 1962 missal is offered every Sunday at Our Lady of Fatima, 10 Foss St, Palmyra at noon. All welcome.
Every fourth Monday
SCRIPTURAL PRAYER PROGRAM
7.30-9pm. Venue: St Mary’s Parish Centre, 40 Franklin St, Leederville. The Council for Australian Catholic Women (CACW) is offering a scriptural prayer program developed in the Jesuit tradition. This form of prayer can lead to more reflective living, greater spiritual depths and promotes lay spiritual leadership in the Church. Led by Kathleen Brennan (ibvm). Enq: Michelle Wood 9345 2555.
Every Wednesday
HOLY HOUR, BENEDICTION
Holy Hour 4.30–5.30pm, St Thomas Church, 2 College Road, Claremont each Wednesday, followed by Evening prayer and Benediction. Personal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is Adoration of Jesus’ gift of Himself, of His love for you, for your loved ones and for our world. Come and Thank Him.
Every second Wednesday
FORTNIGHTLY BIBLE REFLECTIONS
Workers in the Garden of the Holy Family are conducting Bible Reflections at St Mary’s Church, Parish Centre, 40 Franklin Street, Leederville. Commencing 7pm with Rosary, refreshments provided afterward. Dates: 19, October 3, 17, 31, November 14, 28, December 5. Enq: 9201 0337.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Holy Trinity Church, 8 Burnett Street, Embleton. Every Monday to Thursday after the 8.30am Mass untill 10am. Every Thursday night from 11pm to midnight. Every Friday Eucharistic Adoration after the 8.30 Mass
untill 6pm. Enquiries: Mgr McCrann on: 9271 5528 or George Jacob on: 9272 1379.
Every First Friday HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND THE RELIGIOUS LIFE
At Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins Street, Glendalough. 7pm Mass with celebrant Fr Albert Saminedi. 7.30pm Holy Hour Adoration with Fr Don Kettle. Refreshments to follow in the hall. All welcome.
Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month
CATHOLIC FAITH RENEWAL
Every 1st Friday - Praise and Worship evening held at St John and Paul’s Church, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton at 7.30pm. Every 3rd Friday Catholic Faith Education by Fr Greg Donovan, LJ Goody Bioethics Centre, 39 Jugan Street, Glendalough at 7.30pm. All are welcome. Enq: Rita 9272 1765 or Rose 0403 300 720.
Second Friday of each Month GENERAL PRAYER ASSEMBLY
The Couples for Christ and its Family Ministries welcome all members who now reside or are visiting Perth to join the community in our monthly general prayer assembly 7.30pm, St Joachim Parish Hall, Shepperton Road, Victoria Park. Enquiries: Tony and Dolly Haber (08) 9440 4540.
Every Fourth Sunday SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER
The Perth Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order assembles every fourth Sunday at 2.30pm in the Chapel of RSL Care, 51 Alexander Dr, Menora. Enquiries John 9385 5649.
Every Fourth Sunday WATCH AND PRAY
A Holy Hour is held at Infant Jesus Parish, Morley from 2-3pm with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The hour consists of some prayers and Scripture but mostly the hour is silent prayer for Vocations. All are welcome. Please encourage others to come and pray. Prayer - it works! Enq: 9276 8500.
Every Monday
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOR THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
The Emmanuel Centre are offering to help people who gain weight because they are using medication for their mental illness. The group helps participants to manage their weight safely and healthily. Mind-Body-Life meets at the Emmanuel Centre on Mondays from 12.30-2.30pm. Free. The group starts with a weigh-in, then a talk on nutrition and healthy eating tips, goal setting and then half an hour of exercise. Enq: Amanda - Emmanuel Centre, 9328 8113.
BOOK DONATIONS
We still seek donations of books and thank you and bless you for your kind, generous contributions of Bibles, Missals and Catholic books on the faith. We are now able to offer a selection of second-hand, preloved books to the community in return for a small donation. Enq: 9293 3092.
WINDOW FUND DONATIONS WELCOME
St Catherine’s Catholic Church, Gin Gin. Parishioners are currently fundraising to restore the church windows. The cost of each window is $1500. If anyone is able to assist our fundraising efforts please telephone Fr Paul 9571 1839.
CLUB AMICI
Club Amici aims to build community amongst Catholic singles, couples and families (aged 25 and up) by organising social events. If you would like a copy of our new calendar of events or would like to be on our mailout list please contact Therese 9437 5349 or email clubamiciwa@yahoo.com.au.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Ignatian Volunteers Australia calls for part-time volunteers to respond to the needs of people in the community who live in marginalised circumstances. At the heart of this program is a reflective process based on Gospel values, which supports the volunteers in their work. To learn more: www.volunteers.jesuit.org.au Contact Kevin Wringe, Perth Coordinator (08) 9316 3469 kwringe@iinet.net.au .
PERPEUAL ADORATION
Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at Christ the King Church, Lefroy Rd, Beaconsfield (cnr Livingstone St) is 24hrs per day except Mass times. Entrance is via side porch at front of church on Lefroy Rd side. Enq: Joe 9319 1169 (commenced 01/10/2003). All are welcome.
MARY MACKILLOP
JOSEPHITE CALENDERS 2008 Available at Mary MacKillop Centre. Orders taken. Enq: Sister Maree Riddler 0414 683 926.
■ DENMARK FAMILY/GROUP ACCOMMODATION www.beachhouseperth.com 0400 292 100.
■ FAMILY GROUP ACCOMMODATION Visit http://www.beachhouseperth.com Call 0400 292 100
■ BLINDS SPECIALIST Call AARON for FREE quotes 0402 979 889.
■ BRICK REPOINTING Phone Nigel 9242 2952.
■ PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD
For all your residential, commercial painting requirements. Phone Tom Perrott 9444 1200.
■ PICASSO PAINTING Top service. Phone 0419 915 836, fax 9345 0505.
■ BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Extra income from your own home-based business. Work part-time without disturbing what you are doing now. Call: 02 8230 0290 or 0412 518 318 Events
■ AUTO DISMANTLER
We require a person to dismantle parts from motorcars. An experienced person would be preferred, but not absolute necessity. 2. Auto Parts Sales Person. We require a person to sell Auto Parts. These are mainly off damaged vehicles to suit recycling. We sell to all trade and retail customers. All enquiries to Kevin McAuliffe 9459 4111 or 0408 940 599 or kevin@magnawreck.com.au.
■ ALL AREAS Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.
■ VOLUNTEERS WANTED
The Christian Democratic Party (CDP) is looking for volunteers who support Christian values and want to improve Australia to work at polling booths at the coming Federal election. If you can help, please contact Paul Connelly (CDP’s Perth Candidate) on 0414 247 286 or pmjconnelly@hotmail.com
Authorised by Gerard Goiran 4/294 Gt Eastern Hwy Midland
■ BUSINESS SUPPORT NEEDED. The Christian Democratic Party (CDP) is looking for businesses in all areas who support Christian and Family Values and who want to improve Australia to assist at the coming Federal election. Help is needed with printing, advertising, banners, postage, stationary, telephone surveys, transport, food and T-shirts for volunteers on polling day, prizes for fund raising events and many other activities. If you feel that you could help please contact Paul Connelly (CDP’s Perth Candidate ) on 0414 247 286 or pmjconnelly@hotmail .com. Authorised by Gerard Goiran 4/294 Gt Eastern Hwy Midland
■ HEALTH AND WELLNESS A FREE Sample Pack of wellness, weightloss, and energy products. DVD and product brochure also enclosed. (Only while stocks last - hurry!!) Call 02 8230 0290 or 0412 518 318.
■ ACHES, PAINS, STRESS??? Indian mature male masseur offers Reflex Relax Massage at $30 for 60mins. Phone Jai 0438 520 993.
■ DEMENTIA
Bannister Road, Canning Vale. Open Mon-Sat. SERVICES
■ BOOKS BOOKS 2ndhand quality Catholic reading at reasonable prices. Also Bibles and Missals. Ph: (08) 9293 3092.
REUNION
John and Marie Acland are planning to hold a reunion later this year of all past and present members of the Apostles of Christ Prayer Group Willetton and all other persons who took part in their Meetings, Fellowship Nights, Life in the Spirit, and supplementary Seminars, the Alpha Course and other group activities. Further details will be advised when full numbers are known. Enq: Marie Acland. Tel/fax 9537-3390. Email jmacland@bigpond.com or Dianne McLeod 9332-0829. Email danielmcleod@bigpond. com
OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE HOUSE OF PRAYER
Archbishop Hickey, at the end of 2006, approved a House of Prayer in the Archdiocese of Perth. The house must be fully purchased or donated and operational by the end of November 2007. All donations may be deposited at the CDF (Catholic Development Fund), 61 Fitzgerald Street, Northbridge. Ph: 9427 0333 Fax: 9427 0379 Email: cdf@archdiocese-perth. org.au. All donations will be fully refunded in the first half of December 2007 should a suitable house not be found and purchased. Please enquire about Tax Deductibility and General Enquiries: 9444 1940.
DONATION WANTED: THE CHAIN OF MARY From 2004 up until now the Chain Of Mary has had a positive response throughout Australia and is now making it’s way overseas. We are now looking for anyone who can help with donations towards the continued printing and distribution of these Booklets. If you can assist Please call Rose on 0437 700 247.
Panorama entries must be in by 5pm Monday. Contributions may be faxed to 9227 7087, emailed to administration@therecord. com.au or mailed to PO box 75, Leederville, WA 6902.
Submissions over 55 words will be edited.
Inclusion is limited to 4 weeks. Events charging over $10 constitute a classified event, and will be charged accordingly.
The Record reserves the right to decline or modify any advertisment. Please do not re-submit Panoramas once they are in print.
“Catholic schools contribute to the development of our young through education. They promote the formation of their students in Christian virtue and conscience.”
Mandate Letter –Bishops ofWestern Australia
FUN…ENGAGING…CHALLENGING …EXCITING…SPIRITUAL …STIMULATING
AND THAT’S JUST THIS WEEK
In 2007, the 158 schools that comprise the Catholic education system in Western Australia come together to celebrate Catholic Education Week.
With a myriad of learning adventures and opportunities available to them, Catholic school students are reaching their fullest potential and making a positive contribution to the society in which they live.
Lying at the heart of every Catholic school is the philosophy of a holistic education. In this way, the educational, spiritual, emotional, physical and social needs of each and every student are fostered in an environment of care and respect.
Meeting these needs is the comprehensive values based curriculum combined with a host of specialist programs that target development across the areas of literacy, numeracy, music, art, Aboriginal education, physical education and information technology...to name a few.
In 2007, the hopes and expectations of all involved in Catholic education across Western Australia continue to be manifested in the Living the Vision call to action that states:
We in Catholic Education seek to create environments that enhance learning, nurture young people and empower them to live the Catholic faith in the spirit of Jesus Christ by:
Developing a hunger for the learning adventure
Challenging each other to seek truth and justice for all, especially the most vulnerable
Capturing the joy in the mystery of the created Universe
Embracing the diversity of the Earth and all its people
Walking together in a spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness
CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOR ALL
Catholic education in Western Australia provides quality educational opportunities for all, no matter what their circumstance. In 2007, this continues to be supported by the Health Care Card Tuition Fee Discount Scheme.
Under the Scheme, families that hold a current means tested Health Care Card or Parenting Payment Single Pensioner Concession Card have access to significant tuition fee discounts at all Western Australian Catholic schools and colleges.
The Scheme is an Australian first for the non government education sector and another way in which families who choose to can access a Catholic education for their children.
To find out more about Catholic Education in Western Australia phone (08) 6380 5200, log on to the Office website www.ceo.wa.edu.au or refer to the White Pages (page 154).
