The Record Newspaper - 19 December 2012 by The Record

the the

CHRISTMAS

2012

Parish.

Record

the

N at i o n .

the

World.

WE ARE NEVER ALONE

EMBRACING THE GRACE

FORGET THE MAYAN CALENDAR

ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY COSTELLOE SDB Life’s difficulties may come but God is always with us in this we trust.

Young people flocked to the Benedictine town of New Norcia to hear a counter-cultural message – and to have heaps of fun.

Pseudo-scientific claims about the end of the world are just a few billion years too early, says Vatican astronomer.

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LOCAL

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December 19, 2012

Biblical scholarships awarded A PASTORAL care worker married to a Melkite priest, an artist who wants to explore the concept of pilgrimage and a wheatbelt resident who hopes to share a deeper experience of the Scriptures with her family, parish and school were the winners of the first BJ Hickey Biblical Foundation scholarships last week. Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey was on hand at the Faith Centre last Wednesday to announce the first scholarships to be awarded. Winner Roula Cummins said she was delighted; she will use her scholarship to attend the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem. “I’m thrilled, absolutely thrilled. I didn’t expect to get the scholarship but now I will go there, walk there, see the history and the culture,” Mrs Cummins, who is married to Graylands chaplain Fr Kevin Cummins, told The Record. “I’m terribly excited; I want to tell more people about [the Institute] so more people can go,” she said. Artist Angela King has also chosen to use her scholarship to visit Jerusalem. She will study a twoweek course Palestine of Jesus - An Eastertide Journey at St George’s College located in Jerusalem. Merredin resident Deirdre Farrell will complete a Higher Certificate in Biblical Studies, a course developed by the Lebone Catholic Bible College in Johannesburg and administered through Perth’s Faith Centre. Although she could not be present for the presentation, Ms Fardell said in her application for the scholarship that “being on the parish Board and the school board of St Mary’s Catholic School in Merredin allows me to collaborate with others in the local community to help foster a love of the Bible and to develop some skills in

The children and mother’s of the ‘Roses’ children’s prayer group.

understanding and interpreting biblical writings.” Archbishop Emeritus Hickey said that while there were plenty of ‘high

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Accounts accounts@therecord.com.au Journalists Mark Reidy m.reidy@therecord.com.au Robert Hiini r.hiini@therecord.com.au Sarah Motherwell s.motherwell@therecord.com.au Juanita Shepherd j.shepherd@therecord.com.au Advertising/Production production@therecord.com.au

Classifieds/Panoramas/Subscriptions Helen Crosby

academics’, the foundation named for him hoped to bringing a more widespread biblical knowledge to the level of the people. SAINT OF THE WEEK

READINGS OF THE WEEK

1118-1170 December 29

A London-born clerk to Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury, Thomas studied canon law abroad and was ordained a deacon. His support of Henry II’s claim to England’s throne led to his appointment as royal chancellor. He was the king’s great friend until 1162, when, as the new archbishop of Canterbury, he said he changed from being “a patron of play-actors and a follower of hounds, to being a shepherd of souls.” He and the king clashed over many issues, notably the jurisdiction of ecclesiastical courts. Thomas fled to France for six years; soon after his return, Henry’s wish to be rid of this troublesome prelate led to Thomas’ murder by four knights. This medieval martyr starred in two modern plays: Eliot’s “Murder in the Cathedral” and Anouilh’s “Becket.”

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The Record PO Box 3075 Adelaide Terrace PERTH WA 6832 21 Victoria Square, Perth 6000 Tel: (08) 9220 5900 Fax: (08) 9325 4580 Website: www.therecord.com.au The Record is a weekly publication distributed throughout the parishes of the dioceses of Western Australia and by subscription. The Record is printed by Rural Press Printing Mandurah and distributed via Australia Post and CTI Couriers.

OUR FRONT COVER: Be it unto me by Liz Lemon Swindle. Used with permission. www.lizlemonswindle.org

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CRUISING

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

ROSES PERFUMED AND CONSECRATED IN THE GARDEN OF MARY is a group with a long name but a simple method. Made up of children, aged eight and under, and their families, the group get together to pray a decade of The Rosary, to reflect on Scripture, and to participate in fun activities. The group celebrated the dawn of Advent on December 1 with a special Mass at St Mary’s in Leederville, celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey and Parish Priest, Fr Joseph Angelo. The group is part of the Chain of Mary association, which is itself part of the New Apostolate Consecrated in the Heart of the Holy Family formed around a local community of Religious Sisters. For more information about the prayer group, contact Rose on 0437 700 247.

Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey presents Mrs Roula Cummins with her scholarship while husband Fr Kevin Cummins looks on. PHOTO: PETER ROSENGREN

Crosiers

Mat De Sousa

ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL is inviting those interested in becoming part of its program of sacred music to apply for its FJ Larner Organ Scholarship. The scholarship will see the successful applicant practise on the Cathedral’s pipe organs, and play in some services according to the progress made. The scholarship focuses not only on development in the instrument but also seeks to emphasise the role of the organ in the liturgy and an appreciation of the organ’s power to enrich liturgical proceedings. Applicants need not have engaged in any prior studies on the organ but will be expected to have achieved proficiency on the piano of at least 6th Grade; it is open to applicants aged 14-21.The organ scholar will be expected to play for a Novena on Wednesday evenings once a month and play some simple pieces at particular services as directed by the Director of Music. Depending on the progress of the scholar, he or she may be asked to play for extra services and will be paid at the rate of $40 per hour. For an application brochure are available from Jacinta Jakovcevic via: cathedral.music@perthcatholic.org.au or on (08) 9223 1377.

Children happy to pray and wait for baby Jesus

Thomas Becket

Peter Rosengren

Applications open for Cathedral organ scholars

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Sunday 23rd - Violet 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C) 1st Reading: Mic 5:1-4 He will be peace Responsorial IPs 79:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 Psalm: Come to our help 2nd Reading: Heb 10:5-10 God, here I am! Gospel Reading: Lk 1:39-44 Mary greets Elizabeth Monday 24th - Violet 1st Reading: 2 Sam 7:1-5,8-12,14,16 The Lord is with you Responsorial Ps 88:2-5, 27, 29 Psalm: A dynasty for ever Gospel Reading: Lk 1:67-79 Preparing the way Tuesday 25th - White THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (SOLEMNITY) Vigil Mass 1st Reading: Isa 62:1-5 God will rejoice Responsorial Ps 88:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 Psalm: Covenant decreed 2nd Reading: Acts 13:16-17, 22-25 Jesus, our Saviour Gospel Reading: Mt 1:1-25 How Jesus came to be born Midnight Mass 1st Reading: Isa 9:1-7 A child born for us Responsorial Ps 95:1-3, 11-13 Psalm: The Lord’s coming 2nd Reading: Titus 2:11-14 God’s grace revealed Gospel Reading: Lk 2:1-14 Mary gives birth Dawn Mass 1st Reading: Isa 62:11-12 Your saviour comes Responsorial Ps 96:1, 6, 11-12 Psalm: Joy for the upright 2nd Reading: Titus 3:4-7 God’s compassion Gospel Reading: Lk 2:15-20

They saw the child Mass during the day 1st Reading: Isa 52:7-10 Herald of peace Responsorial Ps 97:1-6 Psalm: Acclaim the Lord! 2nd Reading: Heb 1:1-6 Light of God’s glory Gospel Reading: Jn 1:1-18 The true light Wednesday 26th - Red ST STEPHEN, FIRST MARTYR (FEAST) 1st Reading: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 Grace and power Responsorial Ps 30:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17 Psalm: Rock of refuge Gospel Reading: Mt 10:17-22 Stand firm to the end Thursday 27th - White ST JOHN, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST (FEAST) 1st Reading: 1 Jn 1:1-4 Writing for joy Responsorial Ps 96:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 Psalms: The Lord of all Gospel Reading: Jn 20:2-8 He saw and believed Friday 28th - Red THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS (FEAST) 1st Reading: 1 Jn 1:5-2:2 Live in the light Responsorial Ps 123:2-5, 7-8 Psalm: In the Lord’s name Gospel Reading: Mt 2:13-18 Escape into Egypt Saturday 29th - White ST THOMAS A BECKET, BISHOP, MARTYR (O) 1st Reading: 1 Jn 2:3-11 Sure we are in God Responsorial Ps 95:1-3, 5-6 Psalm: Sing a new song Gospel Reading: Lk 2:22-35 Presentation of the Lord

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therecord.com.au December 19, 2012

Believing that God is with

A Christmas message from Most Rev Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB

n the Christmas story, when the angels appear to the shepherds to tell them of the birth of Christ, the angel’s first words are “do not be afraid” (Luke 2:10). They are the same words with which the angel Gabriel greets Mary when he tells her of God’s plan that she should be the mother of the messiah (Luke 1:30). As Mary’s child grows up and begins his life’s work, he too will say these words many times. When his disciples are caught in a dangerous storm out on the lake he comes to them through the rag-

The promise of Christmas is that we do not face life alone. ing wind and waves, walking across the waters, and encouraging them not to be afraid (Matthew 14:27). When he realises how insecure and unimportant people feel, he reminds them that because God knows and loves them, they have no need to be afraid (Matthew 10:31). And when he encounters the women at the empty tomb after his rising from the dead he says also to them, “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:10). This invitation not to give in to fear is a constant refrain in the Bible. It is based on the conviction that God is with us, that we matter to him and that he holds us in the palm of his hand. In its essence, the Christmas celebration is all about this fundamental belief that God is indeed with us; in fact, God loved us so much that he became one of us in the helpless child of Bethlehem

so that we might see and know God as he really is and welcome him into our lives. Fear is a constant factor in many people’s lives. We worry about our families, we are concerned about our futures, we are fearful of the damage being caused to our natural environment. At a deeper level, perhaps we are fearful of loneliness, of emptiness, of meaninglessness. The coming of God among us in the person of Jesus is no guarantee that we will not have these struggles, difficulties and sufferings. After all, they were at the heart of Jesus’ own life. But the promise of Christmas is that, whatever we must face in the journey of our lives, we do not face it alone. And because God is with us we do not need to be afraid. God will help us to bear the burden of these difficulties and sufferings. God will help us to transform them into experiences of hope and of growth. All we have to do is let him work within us. In this Year of Grace, in which we are all invited to “contemplate the face of Christ”, may this Christmas season be a time when we all are given the grace of a deeper understanding of God’s love and God’s presence in our lives. As we celebrate the coming of Christ among us once again, may his coming be a transforming experience for us. And may we all, in the joy of our Christmas celebrations, be renewed in our determination to allow the face of Christ to shine through us as we reach out to others, especially those most in need, with generosity, with compassion and with love. I wish you all a very happy and holy Christmas. + Archbishop Timothy Costelloe Archbishop of Perth

We may may not be able to avoid facing life’s difficulties, but Christmas means that we do not face them alone. God is always with us and we do not need to be afraid, writes Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

LOCAL

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December 19, 2012

Gold, silver and bronze the reward for Brittanny AFTER MORE than 10 years of hard training, a first year Physiotherapy student from the University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle Campus has fulfilled a childhood dream of winning a gold medal at the Rescue 2012 Life Saving World Championships in Adelaide. Brittanny Brymer, representing the City of Perth Life Saving Club, was part of the Under 19 Women’s team that claimed first place in the Beach Relay as part of the World Interclub Championships – one of the five championship tournaments held at Rescue 2012. The Hillarys resident also picked up a silver medal in the Beach Flags competition and a bronze medal in the Beach Sprint. Competing against more than 4,000 of the world’s best life savers, Ms Brymer said she was delighted with her performance at the tournament. “The atmosphere and feeling you get when competing in a global competition is amazing,” Ms Brymer said. “The sportsmanship shown by all participants reflected the quality and prestige of Rescue 2012. It highlighted the hours of hard training and dedication put into a sport which has a very strong community focus at the same time.” Juggling sporting commitments with a tertiary degree is not without its challenges, but Ms Brymer says

Brittanny Brymer competes at the Rescue 2012 Life Saving World Championships in Adelaide.

Notre Dame has helped her find the perfect balance. “Physiotherapy has always interested me, and having a strong sporting background has convinced me that this would be an excellent career path. I like physiotherapy because it is a profession with a

strong focus on human interaction,” Ms Brymer said. “The School of Physiotherapy at Notre Dame is very understanding of my training commitments and they have definitely assisted me in achieving my goals while encouraging me to maintain high

academic standards.” Dean of the School of Physiotherapy, Professor Peter Hamer, described Ms Brymer as a great achiever. Surf life saving was always destined to be Ms Brymer’s sport of choice after being inspired by her grandfather who was a surf life saver

PHOTO: DOMINIQUE MENEGALDO

in Queensland during the 1960s. Ms Brymer has been perfecting her surf life saving skills in Queensland and Western Australia since the age of seven in order to compete at the highest levels. During the peak season, she has up to 10 training sessions per week.

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LOCAL

therecord.com.au December 19, 2012

Brady essay leads to award for historian

Catholic clergy, religious, baptised respond to shooting

By Robert Hiini A LOCAL Catholic historian has received national recognition for his elucidating research on Perth’s first Bishop, John Brady. The Australian Catholic Historical Society has awarded Perth man Odhran O’Brien the James MacGinley Award for arguing that the popular view of Brady as a quarrelsome administrator was less complex than it ought to be. In his award-winning essay, Mr O’Brien wrote that several sources suggested Bishop Brady had a sound knowledge of colonial and canon law, as well as theological concepts and administration. “There is a really lucid side to Brady that is not represented in the literature about Bishop Brady,” Mr O’Brien told The Record. “That is not to say that Brady was an innocent bystander in Western Australian Catholic history but that a lot of the assertions made about him by historians have been based on a particular set of documents. “No one has done a holistic study of all of the documents available, no one has looked at them thoroughly, so how can we properly analyse this man when no one has done that work?” Mr O’Brien said his only motivation in entering his essay was to get recognition for the complexity and richness of WA’s colonial Catholic history. In 2011, Mr O’Brien was a significant actor in the Archdiocese’s effort to bring Bishop Brady’s skeletal remains to Perth. Bishop Brady’s remains had been interred in Amélie-les-Bains, France, where he died in 1871. They were successfully exhumed in France and then reinterred in the crypt of St Mary’s Cathedral on August 2, 2011. Bishop Brady was

Historian Odhran O’Brien’s assessment of Bishop John Brady’s positive qualities has won him the Australian Catholic Historical Society’s James MacGinley Award. Brady’s portrait is in the background at left. PHOTO: PETER ROSENGREN

the resident bishop of the Perth Diocese from the time of its establishment in 1844 until 1852. He left Perth for Europe, having refused to accept the appointment

of an apostolic administrator by the Holy See but held onto the title of the Bishop of Perth until his death. Mr O’Brien was also involved in the exhumation of Perth Bishops

Martin Griver and Matthew Gibney from beneath the floor of St Mary’s Cathedral in 2006 and went on to write his Master’s thesis on Bishop Griver.

MONSIGNOR Robert Weiss, pastor of St Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, was at Sandy Hook Elementary School almost immediately after the horrific shooting on December 14. When the enormity of the tragedy began to unfold, other priests, chaplains and Catholic charities personnel “were on the ground”, Brian Wallace, diocesan director of communications, told Catholic News Service. In the days since, St Rose of Lima has taken centre stage as people gathered for a prayer vigil the night of the shootings and flocked to Sunday Masses seeking solace. Mgr Weiss and his staff and other Catholic leaders offered pastoral outreach in the aftermath of the violence, which left 20 children and seven adults dead. Eighteen children died at the school and two others died after they had been rushed to the hospital. All of the children were first-graders. The adults included the principal and five teachers, as well as the gunman. Police officials identified the shooter as Adam Lanza, 20, and said he killed himself as first responders arrived on the scene. “There are no words,” Mgr Weiss told a TV reporter on December 15 in an interview for NBC’s Today show after spending hours helping law enforcement officials inform parents that their children had died in the shooting. At least eight of the children belonged to the parish and will be buried from St Rose. Mgr Weis said many of the family members thanked him for his presence. “There was a lot of hugging, a lot of crying, a lot of praying, a lot of just being silent,” he said, adding that at the previous evening’s vigil, community members “came together to care and to support. ... People really care here and hopefully we can just keep the community together and they can console each other.” President Barack Obama at an interfaith ceremony on December 16 in Newton expressed the nation’s support for those grieving the loss of life. - CNS

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December 19, 2012

Attadale hits its half century with joy IT’S BEEN a big year for St Joseph Pignatelli Parish in Attadale which celebrated the 50th anniversary of its church earlier this month. On December 9, 1962 the church of St Joseph Pignatelli was blessed by Archbishop Redmond Prendiville. The parish had been founded eight years earlier with the Jesuits as the first parish priests. It was this connection which led to the church being dedicated to St Joseph Pignatelli SJ. It was the first church dedicated to the famous Jesuit saint. The parish was also blessed with the presence of the Sisters of Mercy over the years and two schools continue to play a significant role in its life: Mel Maria Catholic Primary School and Santa Maria College. The fiftieth anniversary of the church was commemorated by the parish with a Mass presided over by Bishop Don Sproxton. It was an occasion to give thanks for all those who have contributed to the life of the parish over fifty years and for those who make up the Attadale parish family. Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Sproxton were Fr Sean Fernandez, the parish priest, his immediate predecessor, Fr Geoff Beyer, and Fr Ted Miller who grew up in the parish. Mr Greg Stinton, the principal of Mel Maria, and Mr Ian Elder, the principal of Santa Maria, participated in the Mass. The Mass was lent an especially festive air by the choir of Mel Maria Primary School. In his homily, Bishop Sproxton drew on the image

Flanked by past parish clergy and current acolytes and servers, Bishop Donald Sproxton was on hand with St Joseph Pignatelli Parish Priest Fr Sean Fernandez, at left, to join in the 50th anniversary celebrations for the Attadale parish church. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

in the Gospel of John the Baptist as a voice in the wilderness, to talk about the beginnings of the parish of Attadale: the parish was planted

in the then wilderness of Attadale. After the Mass, Bishop Sproxton blessed the new-ish buildings of the Attadale campus of Mel Maria

Primary School. The congregation repaired to the parish hall for a cup of tea. Bishop Sproxton was also called upon to judge a children’s

art competition; it wasn’t an easy task given the talent on display. Everyone agreed that it was a splendid celebration.

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Watched by Fr Fernandez, Bishop Sproxton exercises the honour of cutting the celebratory cake. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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LOCAL

therecord.com.au December 19, 2012

Archbishop cooks up a storm at Mercedes

VATICAN

God’s love always reaches those willing to be found: Pope

By Peter Rosengren “I WAS AWARE I couldn’t cook and that after retirement I would need to,” Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey told The Record this week after completing a threemonth cooking class at Mercedes College. Archbishop Hickey would almost certainly have to be the oldest student ever to graduate from Mercedes, located just over the road in Victoria Square in Perth’s CBD from the Cathedral House offices he once inhabited. The Record’s photographer, Mat De Sousa, managed to catch up with Archbishop Hickey at his final class in December just as he finished decorating a Christmas cake Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey with fellow students and teacher Mrs Sonya Roberts at the final class for 2012. Archbishop Hickey told The Record he had thoroughly enjoyed his class. Pictured with the Archbishop and Mrs Roberts are, from left, Amber Williams, Jessica Acquarola, Mikala D’Andrilli, Mia Devilee, Victoria Coleman, Sophia Sajic and Mikaela Powell. PHOTO: MAT DE SOUSA

Archbishop Hickey displays the fruit of his efforts - a cake prepared by fellow students and decorated by him. PHOTO: MAT DE SOUSA

prepared by fellow students. The fact that he couldn’t cook became known - sometimes in jest but also seriously - at about the time he was retiring in March this year, he told The Record in a telephone interview last week. Some time later his cooking impairment came to the attention of staff at Mercedes College, “and then this offer came out of the blue”, he said. Archbishop Hickey joined several co-students taking a class for children with special needs known as Education Support Food and Nutrition. “I found myself with a

small class of young people and the teacher, Mrs Sonya Roberts, welcomed me among them.” If Archbishop Hickey was slightly apprehensive about going back

I think it was marvellous. I’m far more confident now. to school, so was his teacher, but everything turned out for the best. “I felt that the experience was going to be very daunting but I soon realised that he was just such a

lovely, humble man and it was lovely,” Mrs Roberts told The Record. Archbishop Emeritus Hickey said he enjoyed the experience, learning under Mrs Roberts’ guidance to cook a variety of dishes including soups, pasta dishes, full meals with vegetables and sweets. “I think it was marvellous. I’m far more confident now, especially in reading a recipe,” he told The Record, adding that he now cooks at home “a little bit more - but not for others yet. “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I’m very proud to be a past pupil of Mercedes College,” he said.

God’s love is unconditional yet demanding, asking all to choose how they will live their gift of life, Pope Benedict XVI said. “The love of God sometimes follows paths one could never have imagined, but it always reaches those who are willing to be found,” the Pope said in his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, to be observed on April 21, 2013. God’s “deep, demanding love ... gives us courage; it gives us hope in our life’s journey and in our future”, the Pope wrote. “It makes us trust in ourselves, in history and in other people,” the Pope wrote in the message released on December 15. The day’s theme for 2013 is “Vocations as a sign of hope founded in faith”. The Pope said that God never abandons his creation and remains true to his word. His faithfulness is his love, which, “fully manifested in Jesus Christ, engages with our existence and demands a response in terms of what each individual wants to do with his or her life and what he or she is prepared to offer in order to live to the full”. Accepting Jesus’ invitation to “Come, follow me” means no longer choosing one’s own path, but rather “immersing our own will in the will of Jesus, truly giving him priority, giving him pride of place in every area of our lives: in the family, at work, in our personal interests, in ourselves”, he said. Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life “are born out of the experience of a personal encounter with Christ, out of sincere and confident dialogue with him” through prayer and the Sacraments, the Pope said. A recent US survey showed around 14 per cent of Catholic boys and 12 per cent of girls had thought about priestly or religious life. - CNS

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therecord.com.au

December 19, 2012

Port Kennedy l St Bernadette’s Catholic Community’s Carol Service

St Bernadette’s Catholic Community joined together to welcome and awaken the coming Christmas Spirit at their annual Carol Service on December 10. The congregation enjoyed the talents and enthusiasm of over 130 bright-faced children from the St Bernadette’s junior and senior choirs, ranging from Pre-Primary through to Year 6 students. St Bernadette’s school choirs were supported by the community choir “Descant Get Enough”. All choirs were directed by Mrs Jacki Tucker and Mrs Helen Metcalf. PHOTOS: LEANNE JOYCE

Rockingham l Kolbe Catholic College’s Carols by Candlelight

Kolbe Catholic College, Rockingham, held its annual Carols by Candlelight on Friday, December 7. Billed as A Magical White Christmas, it focused on the innocence of child-like hopes for a happy Christmas. The event was organised and run by members of the Student Ministry Team. Leadership came from Year 9 students who were helped by other students, mostly from Years 7 and 8. College staff members assisted by preparing students for singing carols and acting out skits that complemented the Gospel story of Jesus’ birth. Students sold candles, handed out carol booklets, sang, acted, danced and organised games for young children. Some of the staff made a guest appearance as the Wiggles and one student’s father played the role of Santa Claus. PHOTOS: LEANNE JOYCE

therecord.com.au December 19, 2012

PERTH PREPARES THE WAY

Spearwood l St Jerome’s Carols in the Neighbourhood

Around 30 children from St Jerome’s Spearwood spread Christmas cheer throughout their local neighbourhood on Sunday, December 16. The children staged scenes from the Nativity story at three pre-designated houses in the area, inviting parishioners to come and see. Their sterling theatrics were punctuated by appropriate songs; amplifying the action and encouraging people to join in. The parish’s Somascan young adult group assisted by providing instumental accompaniment. The carol singing initiative was organised by the parish’s altar servers guild. The children are scheduled to visit local care facilities for the elderly this coming weekend. PHOTOS: MAT DE SOUSA

EMBRACE THE GRACE

therecord.com.au December 19, 2012

EMBRACE THE GRACE

therecord.com.au

December 19, 2012

Jonathon Doyle of Choicez Media, top, speaks about issues surrounding gender, sexuality and the Church. Mr Doyle and his wife, Karen, set up Choicez a decade ago to offer families and young people an alternative perspective on issues that they rarely hear in a society dominated by the dictatorship of moral relativism in relation to personal behaviour. Panelist Anna Krohn, a sessional lecturer at the John Paul II Institute in Melbourne, fields questions from the audience as Bronia Karniewicz and Fr Giles FI listen. ALL PHOTOS: MICHAEL CONNELLY

Young men pose for the camera between events at Embrace the Grace, at left. The major event offers a mix of the serious and the lighthearted to youthful participants such as these four students from Aquinas College, above. During his talk, Perth priest Fr Hong Pham, top, holds up an illustration of his own experience in a Vietnamese re-education camp where prisoners were routinely brutalised. ALL PHOTOS: MICHAEL CONNELLY

Not just your average Sunday school Held every year, Embrace the Grace offers answers from some of the Church's best thinkers, apologists and those active in ministry to probing questions from young people. Organiser Bronia Karniewicz reports on the main themes from this year's gathering.

ore than 90 young people congregated in New Norcia from December 5 to 9 for the annual Embrace the Grace Conference organised by the Archdiocesesan Respect Life Office. Our theme for this year’s conference, Life & Grace, was unpacked by some brilliant guest speakers travelling from all over Australia to be with us. National speakers, Jonathan Doyle of Choicez Media and Anna Krohn from the John Paul II Institute in Melbourne, came to impart their knowledge. Local speakers, including Fr Michael Leek OSB, Paul Kelly and Fr Hong Pham, also joined us, sharing their insights, engaging with the participants and challenging them to deepen their faith. A special thank you goes to the Knights of the Southern Cross; their generous support for this year’s Embrace the Grace meant that our many wonderful guest speakers could join us. Breaking off into community and sharing groups, participants had an

share in morning and evening prayer and daily Mass. A main feature of the week gave everyone the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and pray together in Adoration and Benediction. The Embrace the Grace Amazing Race saw teams travelling around New Norcia to different “countries”, joining in some fun games and activities to build up team spirit.

Embrace the Grace this year was full of opportunities for all ... Participants enjoy the spirit of Embrace the Grace 2012, at left and above. The gathering of Catholic youth each year offers a range of speakers who unpack the Catholic faith and answer the questions to which young people want answers. Plenty of opportunities such as adoration and Mass offer the chance to deepen spirituality.

opportunity to debrief from talks, enjoy some great games, learn about some inspiring saints and meet other young people from the diocese.

Conference chaplains, Fr Anthony Van Dyke OP and Fr Roman Wroblewski SDS, assisted in giving participants the opportunity to

Our Saturday night Dinner Dance, a great way to wrap up a wonderful week with many new friends, was one of the many highlights. Embrace the Grace 2012 was a great conference, not only an opportunity to meet other young people from the Archdiocese and join in some great activities but also a chance to learn more about our faith and be challenged to be witnesses to others in the community.

PERTH PREPARES THE WAY

therecord.com.au

December 19, 2012

Maylands l The Shopfront Christmas Party THE SOCIAL outreach agency Shopfront worked hard to invite the many visitiors it had seen throughout the year to its December 8 Christmas Party. It was an effort that paid off as some 300 people were welcomed and seated at The Rise function centre in Maylands, enjoying food and drink and the music of a band led by Keith Carton. The Shopfront Centre, also in Maylands, experienced extraordinary generosity from so many people, one Shopfront organiser told The Record. Shopfront volunteers served up a veritable feast and the children were delighted at the arrival of Santa Claus, looking suspiciously like Gus Irdi of Irdi Legal, who entered ringing a bell and dancing with the the children. Shopfront Director Brian Tierney acknowledged the support Shopfront receives from the Archbishop’s Lifelink Appeal and thanked all of those who gave to it. The celebratory gathering was also attended by Bayswater Mayor, Terry Kenyon and Deputy Mayor,

Santa bringing good cheer to children and adults alike at Shopfront’s Christmas Party. SUPPLIED

Barry McKinnon. Members of Parliament, Lisa Baker MLA and Alison Xamon MLC, also enjoyed the festivities. Mr Tierney congratulated Vicki Battistessa for organising the event.

Attadale l Mel Maria Catholic Primary School

The Mel Maria Catholic Primary School community turned out in force to celebrate Advent and prepare for the coming festivities of Christmas. The co-educational primary school has two campuses: Saint Joseph Pignatelli Campus in Attadale, and Pater Noster Campus in Myaree. The Saint Joseph Pignatelli Campus is adjacent to the Catholic Parish of the same name, which recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the blessing of its church with Bishop Donald Sproxton. See page 6 for the story. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Spearwood l St Jerome’s Advent Novena (Missa do Parto)

Portuguese Catholics at St Jerome’s Spearwood preparing for Christmas with a Novena of Masses, followed each day with folk songs, cake and aguardente.

therecord.com.au December 19, 2012

Grace

VISTA

beneath our feet

Fr Jean-Noel Marie led pilgrims through the Middle East recently at a time of violent upheaval but the encounters he and his pilgrim group had there will continue to outlive all conflicts, he writes.

UR pilgrimage began on November 9 against a backdrop of noise and violence between Israelis and Hamas. We had set out on a journey of a lifetime, eager to walk in the footsteps of the prophets and Our Lord, Jesus Christ. We were determined to cross into the land of the Prince of Peace - the land of the impossible. We, too, had an army of people, at home, praying for us. This was my third trip to the Holy Land but my first as a priest with a group of like-minded people. The very thought of the opportunity and privilege of celebrating Mass for our pilgrims in the Holy Land filled me with immense anticipation. Our first stop was in Amman, the capital of Jordan, also known as Philadelphia in Greco-Roman times, in the 3rd century BC. We saw Madaba, on the way to Mt Nebo, where Moses was shown the Holy Land from a distance but was not permitted to enter because of his earlier lack of faith. We stood right where Popes had stood as they too looked toward the Holy Land as the promise of a glorious future and I celebrated our first Mass in the little Franciscan chapel on the feast of St Leo the Great as we prepared, unlike Moses, to make our way down into Galilee. We experienced heavy security at the Allenby Bridge along the way. The war raged in Gaza and the atmosphere was tense but we were serene in prayer. We boarded our bus, prayed the Rosary and sang many hymns. We were greeted warmly by our Israeli tour guide, much like Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth. We made our way in great haste to the ancient city of Jericho. We paused at the Sycamore tree that Zacchaeus was believed to have climbed to catch a glimpse of the Messiah. Three very special couples in our group were able to renew their marriage vows at Cana in Galilee, the site of the marriage feast where Jesus performed his first miracle. I also had the privilege of celebrating Mass on a boat over the Sea of Galilee with Capernaum and Bethsaida in our sights. The high point of the pilgrimage for me would have to be that afternoon we made a relentless ascent to Jerusalem. The very glimpse of the Holy City, as the sun was setting, sent shivers down the spines of all of us. As everybody scrambled for their cameras to capture the moment, I couldn’t help reflecting on what had caused that city to capture the imagination of so many generations, peoples and nations; nations such as the Assyrians and the Babylonians who, in the course of history, have fought over it, besieged and conquered it, and even to this day, it is being claimed as the eternal capital of both the Israelis and Palestinians.

Above, Fr Jean-Noel Marie led Perth pilgrims to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Christ spent the night before his crucifixion. Top and bottom right, Perth pilgrims gaining new experiences in the most ancient of lands. PHOTOS: FR MARIE

As providence would have it, and unbeknownst to most everyone else on the coach, our bus driver began singing the beautiful and majestic hymn, Jerusalem, Jerusalem the Holy City. As the song reached its crescendo, “Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest”, the song with its rousing rhythm seemed to blend perfectly with the topography of the place itself. You would have had to have been made of stone to not be moved. It was almost like a mystical experience echoing the psalm (24): “who shall climb the mountain of the Lord … Who shall stand in his holy place” - a foreshadowing of our final destination, the Heavenly Jerusalem. We walked the Via Dolorosa (the Way of Sorrow) and prayed the

Stations of the Cross. We visited the dungeon where Jesus was held overnight after his arrest. It was there I was asked to read Psalm 88 - a cry of deep anguish, which concludes in utter darkness. We also paid visits to the garden of Gethsemane, the Church of all Nations, and the Church of Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. We visited Ein Kerem and the church of the Visitation, where Mary met her cousin, Elizabeth. There was no shortage of mountains and stones in the Holy Land. Apart from Mt Nebo, we also made it to the top of the awe-inspiring Mt Tabor, the mount of the Transfiguration. We climbed Mt Carmel where the prophet Elijah challenged the priests of Baal, and

Mount Sinai in Egypt, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. The relatively flat surface of Western Australia stands in sharp contrast to the geography of the Middle East. The many churches we visited were dedicated either to Our Lord or to Our Lady, among them the Church of the Nativity, the only church that was not destroyed during the Persian invasion. It is said that the church was spared destruction when the Persians saw the mosaic of three kings on the wall. Our visits to the many holy places were constant reminders of our frail humanity, our limitations. Long queues, and navigating through large crowds, tested our patience and our tolerance at times.

As we approach Christmas and the celebration of the Lord’s immersion into human history, we became conscious of the convergence of the secular with the sacred; humanity and the divine coming together so vividly in the effervescent atmosphere inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Climbing Mt Sinai was also an awesome experience. Our climb will be remembered, not only as a test of our physical endurance, but as a triumph of the human spirit in its ability to reconcile cultural differences, ease negotiations with camel owners and help us to be thankful for the support we received from one another. The bonds of friendship we forged are in themselves a summary of what the Ten Commandments are about; to love God, and to love our neighbour. The courtesy and gracious hospitality of the people we stayed with was legendary. Everywhere we went, we were treated with kindness and the utmost respect. On occasion, we came face-toface with poverty. The daily struggle to survive and the thirst for justice and peace could be seen in the eyes of children everywhere, especially in Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Territory. As we toured the ruins of the ancient Egyptian civilisation - the pyramids of the pharaohs and the treasures at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo - it became evident that only Christ endures. Sic transit gloria mundi “thus passes the glory of this world”. We are grateful to all those who prayed for our safety as we navigated our way through the tension surrounding the war in Gaza and the growing unrest in the Sinai Peninsula. Soon after leaving the Egyptian capital, violent protests resumed in Tahrir Square, the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution against former president Hosni Mubarak. Apart from the unique privilege of walking in the footsteps of Jesus and the prophets and immersing ourselves in the local cultures, we have returned to Perth energised, transformed and enriched. By this, I don’t mean we are now covered with gold or drenched in the perfume of Arabia but we are richer and stronger because of the fellowship that we shared and the bonds of friendship that were forged in such a unique environment and historical context. I believe it will take some time for us to make sense of this most moving journey. Whatever our calling, whatever the mission entrusted to us, I am convinced our pilgrimage will serve a great source of inspiration and strength to face the challenges ahead. It is now imperative that we share it with the rest of our community and not hesitate to tell the whole world what we have seen and what we have heard. Joyeux Noel!

FUN FAITH With

DECEMBER 23, 2012 • LK 1: 39-45 • 4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YR C)

CROSSWORD

Across 3. Mary set out as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah. She went into ____’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 5. ‘yes, blessed is she who believed that the ____ made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’ 6. Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the ____ leapt in her womb and Elizabeth

was filled with the Holy Spirit. Down 1. ‘why should I be honoured with a visit from the ____ of my Lord?’ 2. ‘look, the moment your ____ reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy.’ 4. ____ gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’

PROMISE GREETING ELIZABETH ZECHARIAH MOTHER CHILD

GOSPEL READING Lk 1: 39-45

Mary set out as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? Look, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’

WORD SEARCH

PROMISE GREETING ELIZABETH ZECHARAIAH MOTHER CHILD

WINNER

BRENDAN BOUDVILLE AGED 7 SEND YOUR COLOURED IN PICTURE TO THE RECORD AT PO BOX 3075, ADELAIDE TERRACE, PERTH WA 6832 TO BE IN THE RUNNNG TO WIN THIS WEEK’S PRIZE.

‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’ - Luke 1: 39-45

VISTA

therecord.com.au December 19, 2012

World’s end? Yes - but not yet Be wary of militant prophecies – don’t plan the end of the world according to the Mayan calendar, urges Vatican astronomer. A PAPAL astronomer gave his reassurances the world will not end on December 21, 2012. While the universe eventually will come to a “cold and dark” demise billions of years from now, Christians know that God is always with his creation and welcomes everyone to eternal life, said Jesuit Father Jose Funes, the head of the Vatican Observatory. The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, published the priest-astronomer’s article on December 12 under the headline, “The end that won’t come – at least for now”. He said claims that the end of the Mayan “Long Count” calendar on December 21 marks the end of the world were “irrational”; however, science offers more probable scenarios than pseudo prophesies do. Discoveries suggest the 14-billion-

year-old universe is in constant expansion. If that “inflation” model is correct, and it’s based on solid findings, he said, the universe will “rip apart” billions of years from now. The mysterious dark energy

The Mayan calendar isn’t the problem – it’s objects like mile-wide asteroids. driving the expansion may produce strange effects, such as “the universe even could have not one end but rather ‘multi-ends’; that is, some of its parts will come to an end at different moments,” Fr Funes

said. Fr Funes’ article was followed by a lengthier piece written by Piero Benvenuti, an Italian astronomer and the former head European scientist for the Hubble Space Telescope project. He said the sciences, not soothsayers, have “very precise data on the evolution of the cosmos, particularly until what point a planet like Earth can sustain biological and intelligent life”. The world’s end is linked to the evolution of the sun, which was formed about 5 billion years ago and will warm the Earth for another 3.5 billion years, he said. As the gas fuelling the sun starts to be depleted, the sun will slowly turn into a so-called “red giant”, expanding more than 250 times its present diameter, he said. That

means the planets closest to the sun, perhaps including the Earth, will be “swallowed up” by the swelling star, he said. Not even setting up a human colony on another planet will save the day – though it might delay the species’ extinction – because the sun’s next dying phase as a hot, dense “white dwarf ” will make the whole solar system uninhabitable, Benvenuti said. More immediate world-ending disasters could be so-called “Near Earth Objects” – chunks of ice or rock, some more than a mile wide – hurtling close to Earth’s orbit, he said. Despite the inevitable end of the world, both Benvenuti and Fr Funes underlined the hopeful message of Christ. “It would be a good opportunity, during the season of Advent, that an alternative message of reassuring

wisdom come from church pulpits” to counteract the “improbable predictions and other militant prophesies” that have been flooding the media, Benvenuti said. As the Gospel says, “the kingdom of God is at hand” and Jesus offers humanity “the opportunity to become immune to every upheaval, to every killer asteroid or gobbling sun, by seizing his saving word that doesn’t change,” he said. Fr Funes said human history has meaning as the world “was a gift of the God-with-us.” “The Word of God reminds us that we are heading toward a fundamentally good future, despite the crises of every kind in which we are immersed. That’s because we are assured that, in Christ, there is a future for humanity and for the universe,” he said. - CNS

Time-out signals new fire at St Emilie’s BEING ALONE with God was not the only goal for the youth of St Emilie’s parish in Canning Vale who began preparing for Christmas with a three-day retreat and camp at the beginning of Advent in Busselton. The aim of the retreat – held at the Catholic Youth Camp – was to re-ignite the flame of faith among young Catholics of the parish. Twenty eight youth, aged from 15 to 29, were led by assistant priest Father Emmanuel Dimobi and Sister Lilian Bong, a Sister of St Joseph of the Apparition. They had chosen the theme Ignite to usher in the Advent Season in both the Year of Grace and the Year of Faith. Aside from making the commitment to be alone with God over the retreat’s three days from November 30 to December 2, they were also hoping the event would help renew youth ministry in their parish. In order to do so, they chose to recommit themselves to the faithfilled life of the Church and its Sacraments.

Youth of St Emilie’s parish in Canning Vale chose the theme Ignite for their three day retreat – they want to re-fire youth ministry in the parish. Items on their agenda ranged from spiritual input sessions to fun-filled, team building activities focused on the Word of God and the Catholic Faith. Among the retreat’s highlights was Schoenstatt Sr Rebecca Sampang who spoke on the gift of the Church’s Sacraments and Faith. She also answered questions about living as young Catholics in a secular world often dominated by an absence of spiritual life; materialism and a culture of individualism are widespread. The session continued with “Praise and worship” followed by “Holy Hour of Grace”. Many participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation which lasted till midnight. Mass was celebrated daily; the Mass of the First Sunday of Advent was celebrated at the Camp’s seaside site. Participants re-committed them-

As participants listen, the Gospel is proclaimed by Fr Dimobi on the first Sunday of Advent during a Mass celebrated beside the sea. However, plenty of time was also set aside for leisure and fun. Participants seem suspended in mid-air by the camera as they leap during a break on their retreat. PHOTOS SUPPIED

selves to youth ministry in their parish by resolving to re-commence regular youth meetings once a month in the parish hall. Among those responsible for the success of the event were Parish Youth Leaders Adeline Bock and Nigel Avares; members of the Youth

Many participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, offered until midnight; Mass was celebrated daily. Core Group Jun Suarez, Lauren Thong, and Jose Macapagal; and parishioners and friends of youth including Aunty Anne, Maureen and Uncle Gary Woodford. Fr Dimobi encouraged participants, asserting that in the near future, St Emilie’s will produce the “best Youth Group” in the Archdiocese.

OPINION

therecord.com.au

December 19, 2012

APERTURE

EDITORIAL

Hope always springs forth from this birth

Moments of Faith in the trajectory of life

Visitors see Christmas in a new light

ragedy upon tragedy, evil of evils. The story which flashed around the globe last week of the killing of 20 primary school-age children and six adults at Sandy Hook School in Connecticut was all so sickening. The shock is universal and anyone who tries to contemplate what happened can only cry. There would be no shame in it. In this whole terrible episode, the silence of the children is the loudest, most eloquent voice and many would have been reminded of that famous verse from the Gospel of Matthew taken, in turn, from the prophet Jeremiah following Herod’s killing of the Innocents: “A voice was heard in Ramah, Wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.” That this event occurred as we approach Christmas must have struck some as eerily coincidental, serving in the most unexpected of ways to give us a glimpse of how Herod’s massacre must have been experienced at the time. Herod’s slaughter is eternally associated with the birth of Christ and, we imagine, in a small town in America Christmas will for a very long time be associated mainly with the painful memory of another massacre of children. Both those who committed their respective crimes were certainly deranged; one a madman drunk on lust and paranoia, the other a mass murderer but for reasons as yet unknown. There is nothing we can say to those who have lost the sweet, beautiful innocence and the unique, unrepeatable wonder of their children that could possibly help them in this moment. Time, it is sometimes said, heals all wounds. Perhaps, perhaps not. Certainly each of those beautiful little children will never be forgotten by their families and, one imagines, by the community of Newtown where they lived and died. Words of encouragement to pass through the darkness must be spoken, certainly, but first the grief must be allowed to work its slow, terrible healing. More important in the years to come will be the actions of those surrounding the grieving families for it will always be true: love is best expressed in actions. But, some may wonder, is it possible that the slaughter PO Box 3075 of the Innocents in Newtown Adelaide Terrace may, in turn, lead unexpectPERTH WA 6832 edly to something one day that makes not only their home town but their country office@therecord.com.au a better place - where weapTel: (08) 9220 5900 ons of war are not sold indisFax: (08) 9325 4580 criminately over the counter to anyone with sufficient proof of identification? It is already possible to contemplate the possibility that one day a safer nation may turn to these murdered children as the eloquent symbol of a defining moment of change in its history. Only time will tell. In the strangest of ways, we may yet learn some lesson from this tragedy. The story of Christmas is so often conveyed in syruppy, sentimental ways by the world of popular entertainment, or taken advantage of by the world of commerce, or simply not understood by so many of us, treating it – as we do – as simply a holiday and a shopping spree. Christians see the true meaning of Christmas because they see the true meaning of the figure who is born at this time. They don’t miss the entire point of the story. They don’t fail to see what it means. And then there are so many people in our society and our world, millions, who simply miss out on the chance to hear this story and to see what it means. Christians are meant to be the witnesses for them. At Christmas, in a world whose entire history had been held in the grip of sin and suffering – and often incomprehensible suffering at that – heaven enters into our midst and for the first time in human history we see the face of God. It can only be called stupendous, unparallelled, amazing. All of these things are true. But they cannot be called incomprehensible because God has revealed God to us. This fact alone dispels all uncertainty about the meaning of our lives. This child in a manger is not only a sweet picture for the sentimental but is also the decisive action of God. This child opens up to each of us the the true meaning of our own lives, the possibility of our own individual destinies, in this life and beyond. Why? Because God has become one of us. The story of the life of Jesus is one that begins with the dark, incomprehensible evil of the slaughter of the Innocents by Herod and ends with the apparently dark, incomprehensible defeat of the Cross. And yet, as Christians know and see, it does not end there at all. Christ’s victory over death emerges form the worst evil and gives us the only hope that can sustain our lives. Evil does not and will not finally win. And the hope that begins with Christ’s conception and birth is, ultimately, the only thing that can enable us not to be defeated in our own lives or as a society by the malignant evil which can carry out such terrible actions as those we know about. Christmas is meant to be a time of wonder and a time of joy. These things can sometimes seem hard to find, hard to hang on to. But perhaps it is because we do not spend enough time in our lives gazing upon the face of a child in a simple manger, a child who will one day defeat all the evil in the world and all the evil of human history. He beckons to us, as do his mother and his foster father. We can only say yes to his call.

Time, it is sometimes said, heals all wounds. Perhaps, perhaps not.

THE RECORD

Visitors look over the study “Mother and Child” by Henri Matisse at the Vatican Museums in this 2011 file photo. For the first time beginning this month, the museums will have a pair of priests serving as guides to visitors as they view the Vatican’s vast collection of artwork and artifacts. PHOTO: PAUL HARING, CNS

A feast to be celebrated not only for lessons but benefits Recently my five-year-old son asked me why Christmas is so important and while I think I gave him some good answers I suspect there may be more. How would you answer him?

CTUALLY, the Catechism of the Catholic Church answers your son’s question under the heading “Why did the Word become flesh?” It is a somewhat more sophisticated way of putting it but in the end it is the same question. Christmas is important because it celebrates the birth into the world of the Word of God, the second person of the Blessed Trinity, and his birth brought many blessings. Many centuries ago St Anselm (1033-1109) wrote a whole treatise on the question entitled Cur Deus Homo? – Why the God man? so it is a question that has been thought about down the ages. Before we look at the answers the Catechism gives, we should remind ourselves that the child Jesus lying in the manger is not just one more child – he is God the Word who has become man. As Pope Benedict says in his Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini, “‘The Lord made his word short, he abbreviated it’ (Is 10:23; Rom 9:28) ... The Son himself is the Word, the Logos: the eternal word became small – small enough to fit into a manger ... Now the word is not simply audible; not only does it have a voice, now the word has a face, one which we can see: that of Jesus of Nazareth” (n12). Returning to your son’s question about why Jesus’ birth is so important, we find the first and most important answer in the Creed we say in Mass on Sundays: “For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.” That is, Jesus came to us in that first Christmas for our salvation – to redeem us from original sin and from our personal sins. In the words of the Catechism, “The Word became flesh

Q&A FR JOHN FLADER

for us in order to save us by reconciling us with God, who ‘loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins’: ‘the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world’ and ‘he was revealed to take away sins’” (1 Jn 4:10; 4:14; 3:5; CCC 457). The second reason for the Word becoming flesh is “so that we might know God’s love” (CCC 458). We know that God loves us but it is especially in his becoming man and living among us that we see the love of God made visible. St John

The second reason for the Word becoming flesh was so that we might know God’s love. In him we see God’s love made visible. writes: “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 Jn 4:9). And Our Lord said to Nicodemus, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). Truly, Christmas is a great manifestation of God’s love for mankind. The infant lying in the manger is God in the flesh, God who so loved us that he became man and dwelt

amongst us in order to redeem us by his death on the cross. And, by coming into the world as a newborn infant, he is easy to love in return. Christmas is a good time to grow in love for Jesus. The third reason for the Word becoming flesh is “to be our model of holiness” (CCC 459). We are all called to holiness, to be saints in our own state in life, but how do we achieve this? What is the model we are to imitate? The model is Jesus Christ himself, “perfect God and perfect man”, as we say in the Athanasian Creed. Just as many people have heroes they try to imitate, studying their way of being and mannerisms in order to imitate them and be more like them, so our hero is Jesus Christ. We make the effort to get to know him better by reading the Scriptures and other books about him, so that we can become more like him, more Christ-like. He is the model of holiness. He himself said, “Learn from me” (Mt 11:29), and “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6). The fourth reason why the Word became flesh was “to make us ‘partakers of the divine nature’” (2 Pet 1:4; CCC 460). That is, by assuming our human nature, and making us members of his Mystical Body through Baptism, Jesus allows us to share in the divine nature. Many Fathers of the Church express this truth, each one in slightly different words. For example, St Athanasius says: “For the Son of God became man so that we might become God” (De inc. 54, 3; CCC 460). As we see in these four reasons, Christmas is very important. It is truly a feast to be celebrated for the many lessons it teaches us and the benefits it brings. frjflader@gmail.com

OPINION

therecord.com.au December 19, 2012

He saw our need and entered history To be given access to Christ’s power through his birth is a remarkable sign of God’s love, writes Bishop Donald Sproxton.

he birth of a baby is a time of promise. With the safe arrival of the child, there is a mix of relief and joy, as well as wonder. The mum and dad marvel at the little hands and feet, fingers and toes, and they whisper a quiet prayer of thanks for their healthy baby. Some time later, the parents begin to think and ponder on what will become of their new born child. The birth of the child is a new beginning. It is as though a tired old world is renewed and new possibilities begin to emerge. In one sense, the new life will make possible a new cycle of human growth and development. The wisdom and learning of countless previous generations will be passed on, and yet there will be room for new things, new insights and discoveries to enrich humanity through the life of this person. The wondrous celebration of Christmas signals the beginning of a new time. The old year is fast coming to an end and the new one

is beginning. To celebrate the birth of Christ at this point of transition is providential. As we leave behind the past time, we may look ahead with a sense of promise and hope because of the birth of Jesus, the Christ, the promised One. Pope Benedict, now an old and venerable man, has seen so many years come and go. Yet he retains so much hope as seen in his addresses and writings. The years have not become a burden of bitterness and regret, but they have served to buoy his hope simply because in his

Christian faith he has discovered the key to life and salvation. When he talks about faith, he always includes truth and love. He likes to say that God, Christ and Love form a harmonious circle. The key that Benedict has discovered ensures that he remains positive and open to new possibilities, because the great gift of God, his Son Jesus Christ, is inexhaustible, as long as we remain in his love. So with our celebration of Christmas, let us be filled with hopefulness for the new time ahead. We are opening ourselves once more to the mystery of the birth of our saviour, the God who has made Himself visible and comes close to us through His love for us. There is little doubt that we are in need of a saviour. It does not take us too long to see, when we begin to reflect on our lives, that we are fallible and that we can find at times how expedient it is to choose the lesser good, the easy way out of a tight situation or to protect our interests at all costs. A figure in the

story of Christmas who illustrates this, is the king – Herod. Lately, I have been reading about him and the huge number of historical figures associated with the story of Jerusalem. Herod was a real monster. For the sake of power and protecting his own interests, he was prepared to kill. He was responsible for the

We are living in a challenging time, as all times are. The power of Christ is as necessary today as ever. murders of his wife, most of his children and close relatives, the high priest and his son, and anyone whom he considered a rival. The Roman Emperor Augustus, a friend, once joked that he would rather be Herod’s pig than his son since Jews do not eat pigs. It was

into this world that Jesus was born. His impact and that of the Gospel was to change that world. We are living in a challenging time, as all times are. The power of Christ is as necessary today as it ever has been. To be given access to this power is a remarkable sign of God’s love. At Christmas let us reflect on this gift of God, that knowing our personal need to be strengthened and changed, he entered human history as a baby out of love for you and me to give us the capacity to be more than we are. In turn, may we be able to be agents of change in our time. I pray that with our celebration of Christmas we will be ready to acknowledge the place of God in our lives. May we find the strength to renew our faith and draw close to God, who provides us with the Sacraments and the Word for the encounter of love. Let me conclude with my best wishes and blessing for Christmas and the New Year. Bishop Donald Sproxton

Beauty of the feminine heart

At university Colleen Campbell Carroll faced a choice. The result is something exceptional, writes Fr Raymond J De Souza ...

NE of the joys of my life these past 10 years has been the spiritual direction of young women on campus. The soul of a young woman, searching for her own mission and vocation in life, and for a foundation upon which to build her life, has a certain aptitude for discovering the Lord’s love and offering a response to it. Working with the young women at Newman House on Queen’s University campus is to come to love the feminine soul, which brings a certain beauty to the life of a Catholic chaplaincy. The world looks upon young women rather superficially, noting the physical attractiveness which accompanies youth, but the feminine soul has a beauty from within that contributes something to the loveliness of the faith. Colleen Carroll Campbell is a lovely soul who has had something of a difficult road in discovering the love of God and the loveliness of faith. In her case, she is typical of young Catholic women, in their university years and afterward. The ambient culture doubts whether love is truly possible and whether the feminine heart can find an enduring answer to its deepest desires. Campbell’s book, My Sisters The Saints, tells the story of her soul and does so in a distinctively feminine way. Those who observe the praiseworthy custom of giving books as gifts should buy not one but several copies of Campbell’s book and give them to the Catholic women they know. Campbell’s spiritual memoir opens with a familiar campus scene. A night of partying has left her surprisingly empty. A Catholic girl not terribly serious about her faith — observant but not fervent — she has discovered that campus life, ranging from the superficial to the debauched, has left her wanting something more. It is the story of St Augustine told once more — the mind searching for enduring truth, the heart searching for deeper meaning, the soul searching for fulfilment. “Better to be labelled shallow, stuck-up, drunk or debauched — anything but devout,” writes Campbell about the campus scene

Colleen Carroll Campbell has produced a fascinating account of her own spiritual journey.

in telling words. She became reluctantly devout, which began a surprising adventure in faith. What follows after graduation is an astonishing series of events in

to marry; the challenge of caring for a father suffering dementia; the challenge of dealing with infertility in the light of the moral law; and the challenge of combining a deep-

PHOTO: PUBLIC SOURCE

because she finds, at various times in her life, profound guidance in great women saints. Teresa of Avila in moving from superficiality to spirituality; Therese of Lisieux on

Better to be labelled shallow, stuck-up, drunk or debauched – anything but devout, writes Campbell. So why did she become devout? which Campbell confronts almost all of the issues that Catholic women confront. She faces the challenge of reconciling her professional aspirations with the decision

er prayer life with the demands of successful career as a professional writer, author and television commentator. Campbell’s memoir stands out

dealing with her father’s descent into second childhood; Faustina on trusting in God when making career and family decisions; Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

on motherhood when suffering from infertility; Mother Teresa on darkness and suffering in the face of her father’s death; and the Blessed Virgin Mary as the model disciple. Sisters in Christ are speaking to each other across the centuries, and Campbell draws inspiration and illumination from the women who went before her. Not only a testament to the power of holy women to draw others close to the Lord Jesus, Campbell’s pilgrimage is one that brings alive the reality of the communion of the saints. It is a Catholic story as ancient as the Gospel and as new as the headlines. This book will resonate deeply with Catholic women, but men should not be dissuaded from reading it. Men who wish to understand the feminine soul but are not spiritual directors will learn something of how grace works in the lives of their mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and friends. For priests, it will assist them in the care of souls and give them a source of encouragement to offer young women who are seeking to be faithful disciples. Such contemporary testimonies are essential, for the transmission of the faith and the formation of Catholic culture has been from time immemorial something more accomplished by women than men. One example from Campbell’s book makes that point. She writes of learning the Memorare prayer — Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary — as a school girl and it became her favourite. It too is my favourite, and the one that most often comes to mind spontaneously. It is perhaps the most Catholic of all prayers, turning all matters over to the Mother of God in confidence that no child of Mary is ever left unaided. I love the prayer too because I remember my own mother teaching it to me. Every time I pray the Memorare I am thus inserted in a conversation between my own mother and the Blessed Mother. The whole history of the Church is shaped by the conversation between the mothers of every time and the Mother of God — a distinctively feminine conversation. Campbell’s book allows us to listen into that conversation, and it is lovely to do so.

PANORAMA

UPCOMING FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 Medjugorje Evening of Prayer Group 7pm at All Saints Chapel, 77 St Georges Tce (Allendale Sq), Perth. Since 1981 Our Lady has been reported to appear daily in Medjugorje with messages for us all. In thanksgiving, the Medjugorje evening of prayer group travels each month to a different parish to spread these messages. All welcome. Enq: Pilgrimages to Medjugorje 2013 or free dvds, 9402 2480 email medjugorje@y7mail.com mob 0407 471 256. MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas Latin Masses 11pm at St Anne’s Church, 11 Hehir St, Belmont, Rosary and Carols. 12 Midnight Mass. Dawn Mass at 8am and Day Mass at 10am. All Welcome. Enq: Fr Michael Rowe 9444 9604.

NEXT YEAR 2013 TUESDAY, JANUARY 1 New Year Latin Masses 8am at St Anne’s Church, 11 Hehir St, Belmont. Also at 10am and 6pm. Plenary Indulgence under usual conditions, on January 1, 2013, to faithful who publicly recite the hymn Veni Creator. All welcome. Enq: Fr Michael Rowe 9444 9604. FRIDAY, JANUARY 4 Healing Mass and Eucharistic Adoration 7.30-9.30pm at Holy Family Parish, Lot 375, Alcock St, Maddington. Led by Fr Michael Payyapilly VC and Fr Joseph Edattu VC from the Divine Retreat Centre – India. Enq: 94931703. SATURDAY, JANUARY 5 Day with Mary 9am-5pm St Pius X Parish, 23 Paterson St, Manning. Day of prayer and instruction based on the Fatima message. 9am Video; 10am holy Mass; Reconciliation, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic Adoration, sermons on Eucharist and Our Lady, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Stations of the Cross. BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286. One Day Healing Retreat 9am–4.30pm at Holy Family Parish, Lot 375, Alcock St, Maddington. Led by Fr Michael Payyapilly VC and Fr Joseph Edattu VC from the Divine Retreat Centre – India. Includes preaching sessions, healing prayers, praise and worship, holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and Reconciliation. Morning tea and lunch provided. Enq: 9493 1703. SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 One Day Healing Retreat 10.30am–4pm at Holy Family Parish, Lot 375, Alcock St, Maddington. Led by Fr Michael Payyapilly VC and Fr Joseph Edattu VC from the Divine Retreat Centre – India. Includes preaching sessions, healing prayers, praise and worship, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and Reconciliation. Morning tea and lunch provided. Enq: 9493 1703. SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 Disciples Summer School 3pm at Camp Wattle Grove, 59 Kelvin Rd, Wattle Grove. “Experience God’s Holy Spirit in new and profound ways.” In one week, you are opened up to the beauty of our faith, a deep encounter with Christ and a powerful experience of the love of God expressed through Catholic community. Enq: Nicole 0438 719 092 or www.summerschool. org.au. SATURDAY, JANUARY 12 St Padre Pio Prayer Day 8.30am St Jerome’s Church, cnr Rockingham Rd and Troode St, Munster. DVD in Parish Centre. 10am - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, silent Adoration, Benediction. 11am – holy Mass, St Padre Pio Liturgy, Confessions available. 12pm – lunch (bring a plate to share). Tea/coffee supplied. Enq: Des 6278 1540. SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 TO MONDAY, JANUARY 28 Youth Inner Healing Retreat (live-in) 7.30am at St Thomas More College, 48 Mounts Bay Rd, Crawley. Led by the Vincentian Fathers. Registration and Enq: Sonia 0410 596 520 or Sheldon 0415 841 737 or dmymau@gmail.com. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Our Lady of Lourdes 70th Anniversary Mass with Archbishop Costelloe 9.30am at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 207 Lesmurdie Rd, Lesmurdie. Enq: Fr Kenneth 9291 6282 or 9291 8952 or 0434 934 286. St Louis Parish, Boyanup – Mass Celebrating 100th Year Anniversary 10am at St Louis Parish, cnr Bridge and Thomas Sts, Boyanup. Begins with Mass followed by luncheon at Hugh Kilpatrick Hall. RSVP for catering purposes. RSVP and Enq: Frances 9731 5058. SUNDAY, MARCH 17 St Joseph’s School Waroona - 70th Anniversary Celebration Mass 10am-3pm at St Joseph’s School, Millar St, Waroona. Is inviting all past students, staff and families to help celebrate its 70th anniversary at the school. Begins with Mass celebrated by Fr

Chiera, Vicar General of Bunbury Diocese, and will be followed by a day of fun, food and festivities. Please pass on this information to anyone you know from the school in the last 70 years. Enq: Admin 9782 6500 or www.stjoeswaroona.wa.edu. au.

REGULAR EVENTS EVERY SUNDAY Gate of Heaven Catholic Radio Join the Franciscans of the Immaculate from 7.309pm on Radio Fremantle 107.9FM for Catholic radio broadcast of EWTN and our own live shows. Enq: radio@ausmaria.com.

therecord.com.au

December 19, 2012

EVERY WEDNESDAY Holy Spirit of Freedom Community 7.30pm at Church of Christ, 111 Stirling St, Perth. We welcome everyone to attend our praise meeting. Enq: 0423 907 869 or hsofperth@gmail.com. Bible Study at Cathedral 6.15pm at St Mary’s Cathedral, 17 Victoria Sq, Perth. Deepen your faith through reading and reflecting on holy Scripture by Fr Jean-Noel Marie. Meeting room beneath Cathedral. Enq: 9223 1372. Holy Hour - Catholic Youth Ministry Mass at 5.30pm and Holy Hour (Adoration) at 6.30pm at Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary St, Highgate. Enq: www.cym.com or 9422 7912. EVERY FIRST WEDNESDAY

Immaculate Cafe Immaculate Cafe is now open every Sunday 9.30am-1pm at St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Centre, downstairs after Mass. Coffee, tea, cakes, sweets, friendship with Cathedral parishioners. Further info: Tammy on smcperthwyd@yahoo.com.au or 0415 370 357.

Novena to St Mary of the Cross MacKillop 7-7.45pm at Blessed Mary MacKillop Parish, cnr Cassowary Dr and Pelican Pde, Ballajura. Begins with Mass, novena prayers and Benediction. Followed by healing prayers and anointing of the sick. Enq: Madi 9249 9093 or Gerry 0417 187 240.

Pilgrim Mass - Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation 2pm at Shrine, 36 Chittering Rd, Bullsbrook. Commencing with Rosary followed by Benediction. Reconciliation available before every celebration. Anointing of the sick administered during Mass every second Sunday of the month. Pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin of the Revelation last Sunday of the month. Side entrance to church and shrine open daily between 9am-5pm. Enq Sacri 9447 3292.

EVERY SECOND WEDNESDAY Chaplets of Divine Mercy 7.30pm St Thomas More Parish, Dean Rd, Bateman. Accompanied by Exposition, then Benediction. Enq: George 9310 9493 or 6242 0702 (w).

Praise and Worship 5.30pm at St Denis Parish, cnr Osborne St and Roberts Rd, Joondanna. Followed by 6pm Mass. Enq: Admin admin@stdenis.com.au. EVERY FIRST SUNDAY Singles Prayer and Social Group 7pm at All Saints Chapel, Allendale Sq, 77 St Georges Tce, Perth. Begins with Holy Hour (Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary and teaching) followed by dinner at local restaurant. Meet new people, pray and socialise with other single men and women. Enq: Veronica 0403 841 202. EVERY SECOND SUNDAY Healing Hour 7-8pm at St Lawrence Parish, Balcatta. Songs of praise and worship, exposition of Blessed Sacrament and prayers for sick. Enq: Fr Irek Czech SDS or office Tue-Thu, 9am-2.30pm 9344 7066. EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY Shrine Time for Young Adults 18-35 Years 7.30-8.30pm in Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Dr, Mt Richon; Holy Hour with prayer, reflection, meditation, praise and worship; followed by a social gathering. Come and pray at a place of grace. Enq: Schoenstatt Sisters 9399 2349. Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life 2-3pm at Infant Jesus Parish, Wellington St, Morley. Includes exposition of Blessed Eucharist, silent prayer, Scripture, prayers of intercession. Come and pray those discerning vocations can hear clearly God’s call. EVERY LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Filipino Mass 3pm at Notre Dame Church, cnr Daley and Wright Sts, Cloverdale. Please bring a plate to share for socialisation after Mass. Enq: Fr Nelson Po 0410 843 412, Elsa 0404 038 483. EVERY MONDAY Evening Adoration and Communion Service 7pm at St Thomas Parish, Claremont, cnr Melville St and College Rd. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and evening prayer. 8pm Communion Service (including night prayer). Enq: Kim on 9384 0598. EVERY SECOND AND FOURTH MONDAY A Ministry to the Un-Churched 12.30-1.30pm at St John’s Pro-Cathedral, Victoria Ave, Perth (opposite church offices). With charismatic praise and prayer teams available. Help us ‘reach out to the pagans’ or soak in the praise. Enq: Dan 9398 4973.

LAST MONDAY OF THE MONTH Be Still in His Presence – Ecumenical Christian Program 7.30-8.45pm at St Swithun Anglican Church, 195 Lesmurdie St, Lesmurdie (hall behind church). Begins with songs of praise and worship, silent time, lectio divina, small group sharing and cuppa. Enq: Lynne 9293 3848 or 043 5252 941. EVERY TUESDAY Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal 6pm at Pater Noster Church, Marmion and Evershed Sts, Myaree. Mass at 5.30pm followed by Benediction. Enq: John 0408 952 194. Novena to God the Father 7.30pm at St Joachim’s parish hall, Vic Park. Novena followed by reflection and discussions on forthcoming Sunday Gospel. Enq: Jan 9284 1662. EVERY FIRST TUESDAY Short MMP Cenacle for Priests 2pm at Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor St, East Perth. Enq: Fr Watt 9376 1734.

EVERY THURSDAY Divine Mercy 11am at Sts John and Paul Church, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. Pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy and for consecrated life, especially in our parish. Concludes with veneration of the first class relic of St Faustina. Enq: John 9457 7771. St Mary’s Cathedral Praise Meeting 7.45pm every Thursday at the Legion of Mary’s Edel Quinn Centre, 36 Windsor St, East Perth. Includes praise, song and healing ministry. Enq: Kay 9382 3668 or fmi@flameministries.org. Group Fifty - Charismatic Renewal Group 7.30pm at Redemptorist Monastery, 150 Vincent St, North Perth. Includes prayer, praise and Mass. Enq: Elaine 9440 3661. EVERY FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH Prayer in Style of Taizé 7.30-8.30pm at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 3 Kitchener St, North Beach. Includes prayer, song and silence in candlelight – symbol of Christ the light of the world. Taizé info: www.taize.fr. Enq: secretary 9448 4888 or 9448 4457. Holy Hour Prayer for Priests 7.30-8.30pm at Holy Spirit Parish, 2 Keaney Pl, City Beach. All welcome. Enq: Linda 9341 3079. FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY Young Adults (18 to 35) Dinner and Rosary Cenacle 6.30pm St Bernadette’s Parish, 49 Jugan St, Mt Hawthorn. Begins with dinner at a local restaurant. 8pm - Rosary Cenacle, short talk and refreshments at the parish. Enq: st.bernadettesyouth@gmail. com or 9444 6131. EVERY THIRD THURSDAY Auslan Café – Sign Language Workshop 12.30pm at St Francis Xavier Emmanuel Centre, 25 Windsor St, Perth. Its Australian Sign Language - Auslan Café is a social setting for anybody who would like to learn or practise Auslan in a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Light lunch provided. Enq: Emma emmanuelcentre@westnet.com.au.

Sacrament after Mass until 4pm finishing with Rosary. Enq: Sr Marie MS.Perth@lsp.org.au. Healing and Anointing Mass 8.45am Pater Noster Church, Evershed St, Myaree. Begins with Reconciliation, then 9am Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, anointing of the sick and prayers to St Peregrine. Enq: Joy 9337 7189. Catholic Faith Renewal Evening 7.30pm at Sts John and Paul Parish, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. Songs of Praise and Prayer, sharing by a priest, then thanksgiving Mass and light refreshments. Enq: Kathy 9295 0913 or Ann 0412 166 164 or catholicfaithrenewal@gmail.com. Communion of Reparation All Night Vigils 7pm-1.30am at Corpus Christi Church, Lochee St, Mosman Park or St Gerard Majella Church, cnr Ravenswood Dr/Majella Rd, Westminster (Mirrabooka). Vigils are two Masses, Adoration, Benediction, prayers, Confession in reparation for outrages committed against the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Enq: Vicky 0400 282 357; Fr Giosue 9349 2315; John/Joy 9344 2609. Pro-life Witness – Mass and Procession 9.30am at St Brigid’s Parish, cnr Great Northern Hwy and Morrison Rd, Midland. Begins with Mass followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at nearby abortion clinic, led by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. Please join us to pray for an end to abortion and the conversion of hearts. Enq: Helen 9402 0349. EVERY SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH Discover Spirituality of St Francis of Assisi 12pm at St Brigid’s parish centre. The Secular Franciscans of Midland Fraternity have lunch, then 1-3pm meeting. Enq: Antoinette 9297 2314. EVERY FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Healing Mass 12.35pm at St Thomas Parish, cnr Melville St and College Rd, Claremont. Spiritual leader Fr Waddell. Enq: Kim 9384 0598, claremont@perthcatholic.org. Vigil for Life – Mass and Procession 8.30am at St Augustine’s Parish, Gladstone St, Rivervale. Begins with Mass celebrated by Fr Carey, followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at nearby abortion clinic. Please join us to pray for the conversion of hearts and an end to abortion. Enq. Helen 9402 0349. EVERY LAST SATURDAY Novena Devotions – Our Lady Vailankanni of Good Health 5pm at Holy Trinity Parish, 8 Burnett St, Embleton. Followed by Mass at 6pm. Enq: George 9272 1379. EVERY FOURTH SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Voice of the Voiceless Healing Mass 12pm at St Brigid’s Parish, 211 Aberdeen St, Northbridge. Bring a plate to share after Mass. Enq: Frank 9296 7591 or 0408 183 325.

GENERAL Free Divine Mercy Image for Parishes High quality oil painting and glossy print – Divine Mercy Promotions. Images of very high quality. For any parish willing to accept and place inside the church. Oil paintings: 160 x 90cm; glossy print - 100 x 60cm. Enq: Irene 9417 3267 (w). Sacred Heart Pioneers Would anyone like to know about the Sacred Heart pioneers? If so, please contact Spiritual Director Fr Doug Harris 9444 6131 or John 9457 7771.

and develop skills in communication and leadership. Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation (National Code 51452).Enq: Jane 9202 6859. AA Alcoholics Anonymous Is alcohol costing you more than just money? Enq: AA 9523 3566. Saints and Sacred Relics Apostolate Invite SSRA Perth invites interested parties, parish priests, leaders of religious communities, lay associations to organise relic visitations to parishes, communities, etc. We have available authenticated relics, mostly first-class, of Catholic saints and blesseds including Sts Mary MacKillop, Padre Pio, Anthony of Padua, Therese of Lisieux, Maximilian Kolbe, Simon Stock and Blessed Pope John Paul II. Free of charge and all welcome. Enq: Giovanny 0478 201 092 or ssra-perth@catholic.org Enrolments, Year 7, 2014 La Salle College now accepting enrolments for Year 7, 2014. For prospectus and enrolment please contact college reception 9274 6266 or email lasalle@lasalle.wa.edu.au Acts 2 College, Perth’s Catholic Bible College is now pleased to be able to offer tax deductibility for donations to the College. If you are looking for an opportunity to help grow the faith of young people and evangelise the next generation of apostles, please contact Jane Borg, Principal at Acts 2 College on 0401 692 690 or principal@ acts2come.wa.edu.au Divine Mercy Church Pews Would you like to assist, at the same time becoming part of the history of the new Divine Mercy Church in Lower Chittering, by donating a beautifully handcrafted jarrah pew currently under construction, costing only $1,000 each. A beautiful brass plaque with your inscription will be placed at the end of the pew. Please make cheques payable to Divine Mercy Church Building fund and send with inscription to PO Box 8, Bullsbrook WA 6084. Enq: Fr Paul 0427 085 093. Abortion Grief Association Inc A not-for-profit association is looking for premises to establish a Trauma Recovery Centre (pref SOR) in response to increasing demand for our services (ref.www.abortiongrief.asn.au). Enq: Julie (08) 9313 1784. RESOURCE CENTRE FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - 2013 COURSES Resource Centre for Personal Development Holistic Health Seminar The Instinct to Heal Tue 3-4.30pm; RCPD2 Internalise Principles of Successful Relationships and Use Emotional Intelligence and Communication Skills Tue 4.30-6.30pm, 197 High St, Fremantle - Tuesdays 3-4.30pm. Enq: Eva 0409 405 585. Bookings essential. 1) RCPD6 ‘The Cost of Discipleship’ This course combines theology with relationship education and personal/spiritual awareness by teaching self-analysis. 2) ‘The Wounded Heart’ ‘Healing for emotional and sexual abuse promotes healing and understanding for the victim and the offender. Holistic counselling available - www. members.dodo.net.au/~evalenz/. Religious item donations for Thailand Church Fr Ferdinando Ronconi is the parish priest at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Phuket, Thailand. He is in need of religious items such as rosaries and holy medals for his local congregation and visitors. If you are able to help, please post items to: PO Box 35, Phuket 83000, Thailand or, if you are on holiday in Phuket, bring your donated items with you to church and stay for Mass! Fr Ferdinando can be contacted on tel: 076 212 266 or 089 912 899 or ronconi.css@gmail.com.

EVERY FRIDAY Eucharistic Adoration at Schoenstatt Shrine 10am at Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Drive, Mt Richon. Includes Holy Mass, exposition of Blessed Sacrament, silent adoration till 8.15pm. In this Year of Grace, join us in prayer at a place of grace. Enq: Sisters of Schoenstatt 9399 2349.

St Philomena’s Chapel 3/24 Juna Dr, Malaga. Mass of the day: Mon 6.45am. Vigil Masses: Mon-Fri 4.45pm. Enq: Fr David 9376 1734.

Healing Mass 6pm at Holy Family Parish, Lot 375, Alcock St, Maddington. Begins with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament; Rosary; Stations of the Cross; Healing Mass followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Enq: admin 9493 1703 or www.vpcp. org.au.

Financially Disadvantaged People Requiring Low Care Aged Care Placement The Little Sisters of the Poor community is set in beautiful gardens in the suburb of Glendalough. “Making the elderly happy, that is everything!” St Jeanne Jugan (foundress). Registration and enq: Sr Marie 9443 3155.

Good Shepherd Parish History I am compiling the history of the Good Shepherd Parish and everyone who has been a part of building the Good Shepherd community is invited to write their story and include photos. An editor has been engaged and the deadline to receive your story is January 30, 2013. Please forward on email: goodshepherdparishhistory@gmail.com. Any enquiries ring Nick De Luca on 9378 2684 or 0419 938 481.

EVERY FIRST FRIDAY Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 11am-4pm at Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel, 2 Rawlins St, Glendalough. Exposition of Blessed

Is your son or daughter unsure of what to do this year? Suggest a Cert IV course to discern God’s purpose. They will also learn more about the Catholic faith

WANTED: Christmas Crib Figurines needed for New Parish Contact Fr Francis on 9296 7088 or hn1002004@ yahoo.com.au.

POSITION VACANT CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL PART TIME PROJECT OFFICER Commencing February 2013 a vacancy exists for a part-time Project Officer for 15 hours per week. Applicants must have an interest in Social Justice and an understanding of the ethos of the Catholic Church. Good administration and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office also required. Please download the Job Description from http://csjcwa. org.au located under “News” and email Jim Smith, Executive Officer, CSJC with your application. To be received by 14 January 2013 to: csjc@highgate-perthcatholic.org.au

Mary MacKillop Merchandise Available for sale from Mary MacKillop Centre. Enq: Sr Maree 041 4683 926 or 08 9334 0933.

How are you celebrating the Year of Grace? Send your stories to parishes@therecord.com.au

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therecord.com.au December 19, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

Deadline: 11am Monday BOOKBINDING

THANKSGIVING

CATHOLICS CORNER Retailer of Catholic products specialising in gifts, cards and apparel for Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. Ph 9456 1777. Shop 12, 64-66 Bannister Rd, Canning Vale. Open Mon-Sat.

RESTORATION BOOKBINDING and Conservation; General Book Repairs, Bibles, Brevaries and Liturgical. Tel: 0401 941 577. Now servicing the South-West @ Myalup.

THANK YOU ST JOSEPH, ST THERESE, ST RITA and all the saints, for prayers answered. Many thanks and love. Susanne.

RICH HARVEST - YOUR CHRISTIAN SHOP Looking for Bibles, CDs, books, cards, gifts, statues, Baptism/Communion apparel, religious vestments, etc. Visit us at 39 Hulme Ct (off McCoy St), Myaree. Ph 9329 9889 (after 10.30am Mon to Sat). We are here to serve.

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LOSE WEIGHT SAFELY with good nutrition. Free samples. Call or SMS Michael 0412 518 318.

KINLAR VESTMENTS www.kinlarvestments.com.au Quality handmade and decorated vestments: albs, stoles, chasubles, altar linen, banners. Ph Vickii on 9402 1318, 0409 114 093 or kinlar.vestments@ gmail.com. MEMENTO CANDLES Personalised candles for Baptism, Wedding, Year 12 Graduations and Absence. Photo and design embedded into candle, creating a great keepsake! Please call Anna: 0402 961 901 or anna77luca@hotmail.com to order a candle or Facebook: Memento Candles.

ACCOMMODATION HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Esperance holiday accommodation, 3-bedroom house, fully furnished. Phone 08 9076 5083.

NOVENA Novena Prayer to St Jude. O Holy St Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power, to come my assistance. Help me in my present urgent petition, in return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Mary’s and three Glory be’s. St Jude pray for us, and all who invoke your aid. Amen.

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C R O S S W O R D ACROSS 1 Advent foliage 5 Biblical wood 8 The table 10 The Catholic ___ 11 Monastery chamber 12 Father of Abram 13 He spoke to the pharaoh 15 Season before Easter 16 “Let us ___ bread together on our knees.” 18 He knocked down the Philistine temple 20 An epistle 24 A deacon wears this over his left shoulder 25 The ___ Sheep 26 Rod of ___ 28 Along with Timothy, he was a disciple of Paul 30 Biblical instrument 32 The ___ Office 33 Paul said he would travel here after leaving Rome (Rom 15:28) 34 Mark with oil 35 Assisted at Mass

7 9 11 14 16 17 19 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 31

Burnt palms Paul’s hometown is found in this modern-day nation People St Patrick converted Home of Adam and Eve The ___ of matrimony “___ eleison” Calais monastic One of the three Magi He entered Judas (Lk 22:3) “O Salutaris ___” John preached in the wilderness here (Mt 3:1) Dominic who is patron saint of choirboys “Do not put the Lord your God to the ___” (Lk 4:12) Esau and Jacob, to Rebekah Biblical epic starring Burton and Mature (with “The”)

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

DOWN 2 ___ of Christian Initiation 3 Sebastian is their patron saint 4 Elvis Presley co-star who became a nun 5 Opening of the largest diocese in a province 6 Catholic newsman and “Hardball” host Matthews

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TheTRecord he Record LastBookshop W in ord 1911 The

December 19, 2012, The Record

December Catalogue BOOKS FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

FROM

$1 This reader-friendly companion provides everything Catholics need for a richer experience of the Advent and Christmas seasons. Whether readers wish to follow a traditional, contemporary, or family program of devotion and prayer for Advent and Christmas, this all-in-one resource will be a treasured guidebook. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook covers a wide range of topics including: - Morning and evening prayer services

A DAILY COMPANION

THE ESSENTIAL ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS HANDBOOK

- A short history of Advent - The preparatory nature of Advent - Traditional hymns and symbols of Christmas - Traditional Christmas practices - A Christmas novena

ONLY

$22

- And much more ...

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