The Record Newspaper 20 April 2006

HOT WAX ON MY HANDS

Amid

The powerful symbolism of Easter: At Warmun in the East Kimberley Gordon Barney washes Richard Thomas’s feet during the Holy Thursday Liturgy. Meanwhile, Francis Cann of Ngalangangpum school at Warmun concentrates on painting his Easter cross with ochre, a traditional paint of Kija country. Full story: Page 14

Cowan

Easter in the West 2006...

Two millenniums after the death of Jesus Christ thousands of people throughout Western Australia join with hundreds of millions of others throughout the world by stopping to observe the ceremonies of Easter.

They stop to remember a death - a real and bloody death, as described in last week’s edition of The Record. But they also stop to celebrate the resurrection, the historical event which conquers death and guarantees our faith, promising a new hope for our lives. This edition of The Record presents how ordinary Western Australians still continue to follow in the footsteps of Christ as they mark the days - and nights - of Easter.

The Record

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JOURNALISTS JAMIE O'BRIEN (Parish/State) jamieob@therecord.com.au

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Ceremonies brought it all alive

■ By Marcella Mercer

Holy week at St Anthony’s Greenmount began with a re-enactment of Palm Sunday complete with horse and waving palms.

Fr Chris blessed the palms and mounted his trusty steed.

As the children of the Parish waved palms and processed into the Church they were followed by the entire congregation singing hymns.

Holy Thursday was well attended, a delightful reenactment of the washing of the feet with 12 parishioners dressed in period costume as the Apostles, helping to bring for many the story of Christ’s last night alive.

Good Friday, meanwhile, saw near-capacity crowds filling the Church.

At the Easter Vigil on Saturday night the celebration began with the service of light.

Outside the church the congregation assembled with Fr Karol Kulczycki and the ministers carrying the Easter candle.

After the blessing of the fire the Easter candle was also lit and blessed. Parishioners processed into their darkened church with the new Paschal candle.

Eight candidates proceeded through the RCIA program at Gosnells this year, with three being baptised and five accepted into the church during the vigil service.

Easter Sunday was attended by many parishioners with the Church filled again to near capacity.

After the Eucharist children in the congregation were invited to come forward to receive Easter eggs distributed by the resident parish Easter Bunny.

We were given our final blessing. “Our faith is life! So, let us live our faith! Let us live as people of the light, people of the resurrection!”

Re-enacting a triumph: Salvatorian priest Fr Chris Kowalcyzk re-enacts Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday with fellow parishioners of St Anthony’s parish in Greenmount.

Photos: courtesy Gosnells Parish

Easter in the West 2006...

Join Pope Benedict XVI in prayer - April

General intention: “That the individual, social and political rights of women may be respected in every nation.”

Mission intention: “That the Church in China may carry out its evangelising mission serenely and in full freedom.”

FINANCE OFFICER

DIOCESE OF BROOME

The Catholic Bishop of the Broome Diocese is seeking to appoint a Finance Officer to be responsible for the financial records management in the Diocese.

This position requires a person with appropriate qualification and / or experience in possession of the following :

•Bookkeeping/accounting experience

•Accounting experience with knowledge of MYOB

•Understanding of the organisational structure of the Catholic Church

•Demonstrated management and organisational skills

•High level IT skills

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate formal qualification for the role and/ or experience in a similar position. A comprehensive package including accommodation, location allowance and car is provided in response to an applicant who is prepared to support the Catholic ethos of the position and meet the selection criteria and duty statement which are listed on

www.jolin.com.au/consulting/proapps.html

Commencement : June 2006

Applications can be made by post, fax, e-mail or on-line.

Applications to : Senior Consultant - Jolin Consulting PO Box 356 Joondalup WA 6919

Fx: 08-9304 0081 or jjw@jolin.com.au

Applications close 4.00 pm on Monday May 1

Easter Sunday catechesis: children of Good Shepherd Parish in Kelmscott attend catechesis conducted by parishioner Loreto Bennet in the parish buildings during the children’s liturgy. Easter Sunday saw a larger-than-usual attendance with the number of children filling the usual venue to capacity. Later children were able to turn the tables and quiz new parish assistant priest Fr Miguel Zavarese (inset) with questions they had prepared earlier about the events of the first Easter and Holy Week. Normally it is the priest who gets to ask children what they learned during their children’s liturgy. After Mass a giant Easter egg with the words ‘He is Risen’ inscribed on it was ceremoniously broken open by one of the parish children gifted in the art of wielding various objects such as hammers, and the chocolate distributed to many - including a few parents.

Photos: Peter Rosengren

...how we celebrated it.

Maranatha Institute for Adult Faith Education

Catholic Education Centre 50 Ruislip Street Leederville

TERM 2 COURSES 2006

Please note these are all new courses

Beginning Tuesday 2 May 9.30am-12pm - 7 week course. Cost - $45

From Sickbed to Final resting Place: The Church’s ritual of the sick, the dying and the dead with Sr Elizabeth Murray SGS. & 1pm-3pm - 5 week course. Cost $30

Thy Kingdom Come: Journey to Justice with Terry Quinn

Beginning Friday 5 May 9.30am – 12pm - 10 week course. Cost $60

Prayer and the Spiritual Journey with Sandra Dillon.

for further information

please phone 9212 9311 Tuesday, Thursday or Friday 9am-3.30pm. or email: maranatha@ceo.wa.edu.au

Welcome: Bishop Christopher Saunders of Broome welcomes Andy Bremner into full membership of the Church through baptism during the Easter Vigil at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral Parish. Meanwhile, a large crowd gathered at the Broome Courthouse for the annual ecumenical Stations of the Cross hosted by the combined Churches of Broome. Photos: A Mitchell

...how we celebrated it.

Anglicans and Catholics join in Bayswater procession

Bayswater’s Catholic and Anglican communities held their first joint Stations of the Cross service on Good Friday morning.

The procession commenced at St Augustine’s Anglican Church and continued around the streets to St Columba’s Catholic Church.

Many Bayswater residents watched from their verandahs as the procession passed.

Father Huynh Nguyen said the procession was a wonderful way to witness to the Christian communities’ faith.

Both communities are hoping their joint procession and service will become an annual event.

Applecross hopes program is first of

■ By Keith McNaught

E aster 2006 will always be a time to remember at St Benedict’s Parish, Applecross, with the Easter vigil marking the first Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program run in the parish’s 50 year history.

A highlight for the group was the chance to tell Archbishop Hickey of their journey in faith when he visited the group in the weeks prior to Easter.

Many in the group had been parishioners for a long time, and the arrival of an RCIA program provided both the impetus and opportunity to respond to God’s call. The group of eight receiv-

ing the sacraments came from diverse backrounds.

“The year has just flown by” commented one of the catechists, Patrice Wringe.

“It was a tremendous blessing for the parish, and there was a great sense of excitement”, said Father Peter Whitely, a veteran of the RCIA process in three parishes.

However he said, he was still deeply moved by the experience.

“We were very fortunate to have the Archdiocesan RCIA coordinator, Sue Larsen, as a parishioner” Father Peter said.

“Her support to the Parish RCIA Coordinator was tremendous.

Last hours presented in drama

■ By Reg Firth

Alarge number of parishioners and their family and friends turned out for a dramatisation of the Stations of the Cross in the grounds of Holy Spirit Parish at City Beach, on Good Friday.

Performed each year by the Disciples of Jesus Community, the Stations are attracting more and more people each year.

Parish Priest Fr Tom Phelan began the ceremony with a prayer. Then a narrator introduced each station. At each station, the drama ‘froze’, and one of the 30 actors moved out of the scene and portrayed a Gospel character. Singers and musicians led reflections on the last hours of Jesus’ life.

Fr Phelan said the dramatised Stations are an integral aspect of the Parish’s ceremonies over Easter.

Meanwhile, he is already considering evangelisation opportunities for 2007, such as letter drops in the suburb and posters in shopping centres.

many

Meanwhile, for those who have been involved in the RCIA for a long time the process reaffirmed that it is a faith experience every Catholic should have, commented one of the parish’s program coordinators.

“Our candidates have already been made aware that we’ll be tapping them on the shoulder to be sponsors in years to come!”, he added.

After Easter, all groups within the parish will be invited to a special RCIA meeting night, to show the parish’s newest members a number of ways of being actively involved.

“Our hope is that now started, RCIA will be part of our parish life for many years to come”, said Father Whitely.

Bringing it alive: An actor in the Disciples of Jesus’ presentation of the passion and death of Christ held at City Beach portrays Jesus suffering on the Cross. The parish ceremony was well-attended this year. The Disciples have also presented the dramatic re-enactment of Christ’s suffering and death in various public places in Perth for the last 13 years.

Photo: Holy Spirit parish, City Beach

Carrying his load: The Cross being carried by Monty, Joseph, Ryan and John Paul of St Columba’s Anglican parish in Bayswater.

Remembering his suffering: Mrs Lorraine Waters reads the meditation and prayers for the Second station, with St Augustine’s Church in the background.

A week to remember, a lifetime to live

■ Reflections on Holy Week by PAT FRASER, of Our Lady of the Mission Parish, Whitford

Holy Thursday

The Sanctuary clothed in white was reflected into the pews, the congregation also in white. A purity of intention to truly participate in this celebration with our priests and to try to understand more fully its meaning was evident.

The washing of the feet of new parishioners was lovingly enacted by Father Joseph and Father Benedict as a reminder that He left us Priests to bring our spiritual life to maturity.

In his homily, Father Benedict said that “He wants always to do his best” but acknowledged that he has limitations. He called us to pray for him and for Father Joseph too.

After the procession through the church to the hymn “Sing my Tongue,” the Holy Eucharist was placed in a lovely Altar of Repose. Before leaving the sanctuary Father Joseph blessed a basket of Hot Cross Buns.

Patience and charity was needed on leaving the Church and car park, so large was the crowd.

Good Friday

Emblazoned across the curved wall behind the altar was a dramatic scene. Three crosses stood in front of a dark sky flecked with red, a ray of gold trying to rise up. Jesus hanging on the cross, the crosses of the two thieves either side of Him.

Members of our Antioch, YCS and YCW youth arrived in the sanctuary, all wearing black, Jesus (Father Joseph) in their midst wearing a shabby garment and looking dejected.

The congregation filled the church wearing red to travel this torturous journey with Jesus and each other.

Each station brought a wave of emotion to the very large crowd who were so reverent. The little children too seemed to be caught up in the seriousness of the morning; there were no distractions on the journey. The Crucifixion scene was highlighted by a beautiful rendition of “Is There Anyway You Can Say No to This Man” sung by Talitha Sindel.

The Resurrection brought Jesus from the back of the church along the aisle greeting parishioners on the way to the sanctuary where he embraced the youth. At this the whole congregation burst into applause.

Veneration of the Cross

The tomb is on the sanctuary, the large rock at the entrance, a symbol of the finality. “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” rings in the ears and penetrates the mind. A church filled to overflowing is covered in red, which pulses as the wearers of red move into position as if a beating heart.

Together they have come to participate in this overwhelming event in the life of Jesus.

The readings tell the story. The singing expresses the emotion. Kissing the cross a display of love, and once again to be fed by his gift of himself. Because of this we are all brought together and we try to understand more fully this time.

Through the guidance of Father Joseph and Father Benedict we ponder and more is revealed, each one receives what they need. Could I be so generous and loving that I would die for another? Help me Jesus.

Easter Vigil

There was energy and excitement in the air as soon as you stepped from the car for Holy Saturday night Vigil Mass at Our Lady of the Mission Church Craigie.

Hundreds of people were arriving for the celebration. For some it is the highlight of their Faith, for others a they complete the Triduum. Some were visitors, for ten special people a culmination of a year long journey through the RCIA program into the church. In the morning they had received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and were still savouring that experience. For all, including three children, two girls and a boy, Baptism, Confirmation and for some, what all longed for to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. Sponsors, family and catechists were all there too, having given faithful support to these new Catholics.

Magnificent singing by a combined choir, children who reverently performed a liturgical movement to Father Benedict singing The Exultet, beautiful reading of the scriptures, Father Joseph’s homily delivered from his heart gently encouraging us to look further than the here and now into eternity. The Eucharistic Prayer, sung, so special and full of meaning to a hushed congregation, the silence broken only when it was time to go to the altar to receive our Risen Lord Jesus. Two hours later with the new Catholics we were on our way to the “Glory Be Café” to celebrate, the exchange of love and hugs and tears made for a slow departure from the church. The Lenten fast now over, everyone partied to their hearts’ content.

So blessed by our Triune God are we.

From cathedral to the parish: The procession of the Holy Oils, blessed at the Chrism Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday formed a part of the Holy Thursday Liturgy.

Celebrating his entry into Jerusalem as Messiah: At Our Lady of the Mission parish in Whitford, Palm Sunday was celebrated with the blessing of the palms out on the school oval. Parishioners joined in the enactment of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem by following Father Joseph, Father Benedict and the donkey around the oval and (minus the donkey) into the church.

Photos: Pauline Egan

Doing as He did: New parishioners were invited to participate in the Washing of the Feet commemoration on Holy Thursday.

...how we celebrated it.

The Passion goes to the streets of Fremantle

The radical love God has for each one of us, and the sacrifice he made to win us back to Him, was vividly ephasised in the Disciples of Jesus Passion Drama over the Easter weekend.

Saturday morning shoppers in Fremantle were surprised to find themselves in the middle of the drama as it unfolded around them.

Graphic in its depiction of the events, the drama immersed spectators in the experience of Christ’s passion to create a living portrait of what happened 2,000 years ago.

Imagine the reaction of people in the Freo ‘cappuccino strip’ as Roman soldiers rowdily dragged Jesus through their midst, and on to the Town Hall. There

Jesus was mocked, sentenced, and crucified.

The realistic scene of Jesus nailed to the Cross caused a hush to fall upon the onlookers. Some wept as the enormity of Christ’s sacrifice seemed to hit home.

A cast of 30 staged the event, with the intention being that no onlooker be left in any doubt as to why God sent His only Son.

The drama also contrasted with the surrounding shops which presented an easter message of self-indulgence and Easter eggs.

Some shoppers were attracted by the drama and followed it.

Reminiscent of the market place in the time of Jesus, some glanced at the

action and then resumed their hunt for purchases.

And an aggressive minority joined in with vocal abuse and taunting of Jesus as he was tortured and crucified.

A particular focus of the drama staged by the Disciples is to reach ‘lapsed’ Catholics who would readily recognise the Stations of the Cross.

One lady later told organisers she had watched the drama with her adult daughter who has been estranged from the Church for some years and avoided anything ‘religious’.

The daughter, she said, experienced an awakening to the love of God during the re-enactment, and expressed a renewed interest in her faith.

Suffering brought alive: Actors from the Disciples of Jesus reenacted Christ’s Passion on the streets of Fremantle. The focus is to reach Catholics who have drifted away from their faith.

Just before: Jessamine and Daniel Soderstrom outside Claremont’s St Thomas the Apostle church at the Easter Vigil service. Daniel was received into the Church at the vigil, sponsored by Derek Eng. Five candidates were received into the Church at Claremont this year. Apart from Daniel, they were Simon Etty (sponsored by his wife Helen), Eric Hudson-Smith (sponsored by his wife Moira), Sue Sparrow (sponsored by Anne Martis), and Sara Brito (sponsored by husband Sean). Concelebrating the Easter vigil with parish priest Fr Brian O’Loughlin were Fathers Gavin Gomes (assistant priest), Michael Brown and Marcelinus OFM.

Photo: courtesy Daniel Soderstrom

New life: Father Benedict Quadros of Our Lady’s Assumption Parish in Dianella blesses the Baptismal water, assisted by acolytes Michael Eustasie, at left, and George Mazak.

Many languages: Easter was not only celebrated in English this year. Father Tiziano Martelozzo CS, parish priest at St Brigid’s in West Perth, celebrates Mass in Italian for members of Perth’s Italian community.

Photo: Sylvia Defendi

we celebrated it.

Top right: A parishioner raises a pearl shell with Christ attached as part of an ancient aboriginal ceremony when all the tribes come together for a Corroberee and take a shell called the ‘dedinghe’. They would raise the shell up to look at it, which was meant to establish peace for the length of the Corroberee meeting. Christ on the shell is the sign of lasting peace between the families of the communities.

Second and third right: Each man had a turn to carry the cross during the Stations of the Cross in Kalumburu, celebrated by Fr Anscar McPhee. The liturgy was arranged to help the aboriginal people to understand and follow the ceremony, and below, more than 60 people gathered for the occassion.

Right: Children come to collect Easter eggs on Easter Sunday

Photos courtesy Boghdan Zieba

Top: Students from St Joseph’s School Wyndham, re-enact Christ being nailed to the Cross and left, Christ greets his mother.

Right, Fr Mark Connelly passes the light from the Easter candle to parishioners during the Easter Vigil at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, Wyndham.

Below: The children at St Joseph’s School Wyndham act the last days of Christ during a moving portrayal of his passion and resurrection.

Photos: Fr Mark Connelly

Christ is risen: Fr Anscar McPhee, top left, celebrates the Stations of the Cross in Kalumburu, together with the local community.

Bottom left: Locals follow Fr Anscar McPhee, Parish Priest at Kalumburu, as he carries the Easter candle into the Church on Easter Saturday night.

Easter in the West 2006...

Thousands at Bateman for Easter 2006

■ By Kim Hodgson

Bateman Parish was a sea of white on Holy Thursday as the Easter Triduum began. At the Mass of the Lord’s supper 12 Parishioners traditionally have their feet washed by the priests. This year was particularly special as it is the twentieth anniversary of Saint Thomas More Parish, and the 12 were parishioners who have been in the parish since it was founded.

Good Friday celebrations began at Bateman at 10.30am with the Stations of the Cross.

Each station was accompanied by music played by the youth music ministry. The prayer said at each station helped parishioners to reflect on what Jesus did for us and what we can do to live more like Jesus.

More than three thousand parishioners gathered at 3 pm wearing red. The service began with the priests lying down at the altar praying.

After the Liturgy of the Word, the sound of drums resounded throughout the church as the cross was carried through the church to

the altar. The congregation then venerated the cross. At the end of the communion service, parishioners departed in silence to await Christ’s resurrection.

Parishioners congregated outside the parish at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. The mass began in darkness to resemble the darkness of the tomb. Fr Michael lit the Paschal candle to symbolise the resurrection of Christ, and the parishioner’s candles were all lit from the candle.

Back in the church the gospel was presented to Fr Michael by liturgical dancers. The parish welcomed eighteen new parishioners who were baptised or received into the church at the Mass. After the baptism everyone’s candles were relit as parishioners renewed their baptismal vows. The priests distributed Easter eggs to many delighted children at the conclusion of the Mass.

Bateman Parish continues to draw larger communities every Easter. This year 5000 parishioners celebrated their faith this Easter at the Parish.

An opportunity to walk the journey

■ By Angela McCarthy

T he first liturgy in St Thomas More Parish Bateman was held in a classroom with a small gathering of families. Since then, the numbers have grown so that thousands gather for major feasts and over two thousand gather every weekend to celebrate the Paschal Mystery that is the centre of Christian life.

The climax is, however, always the Easter ceremonies. From the beginning of Holy Week, parishioners are encouraged to walk the journey with Christ and wear liturgically appropriate colours to Passion Sunday, the Triduum and Easter Sunday so that we all enter into the liturgical preparation long before the event. Such focus ensures that each person gathered is conscious of what is required so that full and active participation is possible in each liturgy.

Holy Thursday night surrounds us with a mood of gentleness and

service that expresses Jesus’ last night with his friends before his death. With the parish priest singing the full Eucharistic prayer, the intense focus on the Eucharistic elements is celebrated after acknowledgement of service to the community epitomised by the three priests washing the feet of parishioners. We come to a point of grief when we understand the pain of expectation. Jesus expects to die and we are moved by his pain. We leave in silence and a sense of distress. Are we also asleep with the disciples and unable to take the heat with Jesus?

Good Friday sees thousands gather to venerate the wood of the cross (over 3000 in 2006). The stark simplicity of the humility of Jesus’ death lays us bare as we struggle to understand the brutality to which this perfect man was subjected for our sins. The reading of the passion, veneration of the wood of the cross and participation in communion bring us to a quiet contemplation of the enormity of what Jesus did

for us all. The Holy Saturday vigil excites us deeply. We gather in the garden as Mary Magdalene did to encounter the Risen Christ. We celebrate the light that he brings to the world by infusing our church with candlelight as we sing the Exultet with candles lifted in movement.

The full joy of the event is evident and then we excitedly welcome those who join us through the RCIA program. There is joy, light heartedness and deep warmth in all the liturgical expressions brought to life through symbolic gesture, dance, song and prayer.

In our parish these are huge events and will be for as long as our community exists.

This is why we are here, this is how we come to be a community, this is the path of our journey to whatever follows this life with Christ and this is how we are going to get there! It is through rich and meaningful liturgical action that we move together towards our Risen Christ!

Blessing the light: Bateman Parish priest Monsignor Michael Keating blesses the Easter candle.

Photos: Beverley Bucat

Grace: Young women of the parish perform a spectacular liturgical movement on Easter Saturday.

To all nations, from all nations: Korean parish candidates for Baptism present the gifts at the altar at the Easter vigil on Saturday evening.

...how we celebrated it.

Coming together: Fr John McGinty OMI, parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lesmurdie, blesses the palms on Palm Sunday. Each year his Catholic parish and the adjacent Anglican parish of St Swithun’s join to celebrate Palm Sunday.

Anglicans, Catholics join on Palm Sunday

Each year on Palm Sunday the parishioners from Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Lesmurdie meet with the parishioners from the Anglican Church of St Swithun’s, also in Lesmurdie and located on the adjoining property, for the Blessing of the Palms and Procession outside Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Centre before the 9.30 am Mass.

This year the new Anglican Minister, Rev Tina Morrison, joined Lesmurdie Parish Priest Fr John McGinty OMI and Fr Leon Anderson OMI for the ceremony. After the blessing the two congregations processed to their respective churches. The two congregations also joined for morning tea later in our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall.

Ocean Reef sees 24 receive Sacraments

The line stretched almost right across the sanctuary when 24 adults and teenagers were confirmed during the Easter Vigil at St Simon Peter parish in Ocean Reef.

It was the culmination of a sacramental program which saw four adults baptised, 10 adults and two teenagers received into the Church, a further three adults and five teenagers confirmed, and 19 people receive their first Communion.

The ceremonies, performed by parish priest Fr Bronek Pietrusewicz SDS, arose from the parish’s annual RCIA program conducted on Monday nights from the beginning of September and a youth program on Tuesday nights.

Family groups in the large gathering included two parents and two teenagers who were received into the Church together, a mother and teenage daughter who joined the father in the Church, and teenage twins (male and female) and their younger sister who received Reconciliation, Confirmation and Communion after having been baptised much earlier in life.

All 24, together with their sponsors and family and friends, were joined by the four priests who participated in the Vigil and members of the Parish Council in a celebratory supper in the parish centre.

Mystical moment: Hilton parishioner Marian Randall participates in the Easter vigil at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish in Hilton with three of her grandchildren, Jacob, Caitlin and Ashley. Photo: Eugene Mattes.

He is risen: parishioners of Ocean reef built a tomb inside the Church to help focus attention on the Risen Lord.

We do: Portia and Peter Curtin renew their wedding vows before Hilton Parish Priest Fr Gerard Beeson at the end of the parish’s Easter Vigil Mass. It was their 45th wedding anniversary. Photo: Eugene Mattes

Easter in the West 2006...

Students paint an ochre Easter cross

FROM PAGE 1: Students at Ngalangangpum School, Warmun, in the East Kimberley like Francid Cann (above) painted the sad stories of their people onto crosses which they had made. As part of their religious education and woodwork classes the students were led to reflect on the suffering of Jesus and the suffering in their own lives. They learned how to crush ochre and mix it with glue and water to make a paste. They then used this ochre to paint their crosses. Ochre is a traditional paint of Kija country, it is also used as body paint during corroboree.

Our Lady of Mercy Parish Girrawheen re-enact the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday Photo courtesy Girrawheen Parish

Fr Steven Casey celebrates Stations of the Cross at St Paul’s Parish Karratha, accompanied by altar servers Beth McMahon, Samuel McMahon and Mark Machado. Photos courtesy Allen McMahon

Acolytes present the cross to parishioners for veneration at Good Shepherd Parish in Kelmscott after listening to the Gospel account of Christ’s suffering and crucifixion.

Photo: Peter Rosengren

Fr Terry Pushparaj follows alcolytes into the Church at St Jude’s Parish, Langford during Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.

Photo courtesy St Jude’s Parish Langford

...how we celebrated it.

Simeon Dzieciol, 10 of St Gerard’s Parish in Mirrabooka guards his candle from the wind during the ceremony of light at the all-night vigil celebrated by the Neocatechumenal communities. Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, standing in the background, celebrated the occassion for more than 200 people. Four babies were baptised.

Photo: Jamie O’Brien

Fr Emil Ciecierega, Parish Priest of La Grange/Bidyadanga Parish south of Broome washes the feet of parishioners at the Holy Thursday Liturgy at St John the Baptist Church. Photo courtesy Diocese of Broome

The World

Pope urges all to turn away from sin

Pope celebrates Easter, urges people, nations to turn away from sin

■ By Carol Glatz and Cindy Wooden

Celebrating the first Holy Week and Easter of his pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI called on individuals and nations to turn away from their sins and accept the love, truth and peace offered by the crucified and risen Christ.

After presiding on April 16 over Easter morning Mass amid thousands of flowers and blossoming trees in St Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict solemnly offered his blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city of Rome and the world), and prayed for peace and justice in the most troubled areas of the world.

While a couple of people at the morning Mass held signs wishing the Pope a happy 79th birthday, there was no repeat of the sung wishes that had filled St Peter’s Basilica at 1 am when the Easter Vigil ended.

During his midday Easter blessing, the Pope called for “serious and honest negotiations” to find an “honourable solution” to the standoff between Iran and the international community over Iran’s nuclear program. He also prayed that “in Iraq may peace finally prevail over the tragic violence that continues mercilessly to claim victims.”

The Pope called on the international community to come to the rescue of the people of Sudan’s Darfur region who continue to be under the threat of genocide and face terror and hunger.

He prayed for peace in the Holy Land and for “patient and persevering dialogue” between Israel and the Palestinian government.

“May the international community, which reaffirms Israel’s right to exist in peace, assist the Palestinian people to overcome the precarious conditions in which they live,” he said. With more than 80,000 people gathered in St Peter’s Square for the blessing, Pope Benedict said Christ’s resurrection from the dead fulfilled God’s promise to save his creatures from the power of sin and death.

“From the risen Christ, all those who are still oppressed by chains of suffering and death look for hope, sometimes even without knowing it,” he said.

“May the risen Christ grant that the strength of his life, peace and freedom be experienced everywhere,” he said, after offering Easter greetings in 62 languages, including Esperanto, Maori, Arabic and Hebrew.

He told English speakers, “May the grace and joy of the risen Christ

be with you all.”

Speaking in Dutch, he thanked the Bloemen Bureau of Holland, the International Flower Bulb Centre, Plant Publicity Holland and 20 Dutch flower arrangers for creating a spring garden on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica.

During the April 15 Easter Vigil, Pope Benedict baptized and confirmed seven men and women from six nations, using a small golden shell to trickle the holy water over each catechumen’s head.

A young girl and a woman from Japan, a young woman from Peru, a teenage boy from Colombia, a young woman from Cameroon, a young man from Albania and another from Belarus also received their first Communion from the Pope as he welcomed them into the Catholic Church.

Baptism represents more than just receiving people into the faith

St Peter’s basilica celebrates 500 years

St Peter’s basilica, the largest and most important church in the Catholic world, marked its 500th anniversary on April 18.

Although it is the centre of liturgical life at the Vatican, St Peter’s is not a cathedral. St Peter’s holds pre-eminent place because it is built on the tomb of St Peter, at the site of the first Pontiff’s martyrdom.

According to Catholic World News, Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome, authorised construction of the first basilica in 319; the building was completed in 349. By the middle of the 15th century, however, the Constantinian structure was in danger of collapse, and Pope Nicholas V (1447-1455) commissioned the architect Bernardo Rossellino to begin drawing up plans for a new basilica.

It was Pope Julius II (1503 - 1513) who had the old basilica razed, and asked Donato Bramante to design a massive new building in the shape of a Greek cross. The first stone was laid on 18 April 1506, at the site of the old transept. Four pillars and an arc to support the cupola were completed by 1514.

Raphael, taking up the work that Bramante

had begun, chose the form of a Latin cross, with one arm longer than the three others.

Antonio da Sangallo then became director of the project, followed by Michelangelo, who was appointed by Pope Paul III. Michelangelo returned to the plan for a building shaped as a Greek cross, and by the time of his death in 1564 the construction of the dome was well underway. He was succeeded by Pirro Ligorio and Jacopo Barozzi, and they in turn were followed by Giacomo della Porta - who, in collaboration with Domenico Fontana, completed the great dome in 1590.

A spire topped by a cross was finished three years later. Carlo Maderno then won a competition under Pope Paul V (1605-1621) to complete the nave of the basilica and design the enormous (375-foot) façade. That project was completed on Palm Sunday, 1614.

The new basilica was consecrated in 1626.

Pope Urban VIII (1623-1644) supervised the design of the interior. Bernini designed much of the interior, notably including the enormous bronze baldachino above the altar. That work continued through to the end of the 17th century, with sculptures and mosaics added throughout the 18th century.

or the simple washing away of sin, the Pope said in the vigil homily. Baptism ushers in a complete transformation in one’s life, making it “no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me,” the Pope said, quoting St Paul.

The baptized individual is liberated from his or her isolated existence and plunged into full communion with Christ, he said.

“We grasp hold of the risen Lord” who will “hold us firmly even when our hands grow weak,” the Pope said.

At the end of the Way of the Cross service at Rome’s Colosseum on April 14, Pope Benedict called on Christians to be bold and courageous in their faith and help rein in the evil plaguing the world by reaching out to others with love.

Speaking without a text to those gathered at the site where numerous Christians had been killed in

The central nave includes 39 niches in which there are statues of the great founders of religious orders. In recent years new statues have been added to niches on the exterior of the building. The vault of the basilica is decorated with the words (in Latin and in Greek) that Christ said to St Peter: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church...”

St Peter’s Square, with its colonnade (also designed by Bernini) defining the plaza outside the basilica, was completed during the same period, topped by 140 statues. The granite obelisk in the centre of the square was set up in 1585: a massive task that required 800 men and 150 horses.

According to legend, the Pope ordered complete silence while the Egyptian obelisk was being raised. But when the ropes being used to hoist the enormous obelisk threatened to snap because of friction, someone in the crowd shouted that the ropes should be dampened. The Pope then thanked the anonymous tipster for disobeying his order.

St Peter’s Square can easily accommodate 50,000 people. The basilica itself, with its huge central nave, can also accommodate thousands of worshippers, and is the central

ancient Roman times, the Pope urged people to be merciful and not sit back and watch injustice and suffering take place.

“We cannot be just spectators in the Way of the Cross, which is not just an event from the past, but is an ever-repeating reality, he said.

The Way of the Cross reflects “all of humanity’s sufferings today,” including the suffering of abandoned or abused children, threats against the family, the division of the world between rich and poor, and the misery of those suffering from poverty and deprivation, he said.

Earlier on April 14, Pope Benedict presided over the Good Friday liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, beginning the rite by lying prostrate with his face on a pillow in front of the altar.

The preacher of the papal household, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, said in his homily that people needed to be more compassionate and forgiving if the world was “not to slide ever more into the abyss of globalised violence.”

Apparently referring to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories, the Capuchin priest said he wondered what would happen if, “in the Near East, the two peoples at war for decades, rather than blaming one another were to begin to think of the suffering of others, to be moved to pity for one another,” making the “wall of division” between the two no longer necessary.

There is so much pain and suffering in the world, “we must have some compassion and solidarity for one another,” he said.

The Pope left the Vatican on Easter afternoon to spend a few days resting at the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome. At noon on April 17, he recited the “Regina Coeli” prayer with visitors gathered in the villa’s courtyard. -CNS

site for papal liturgical celebrations. From 1962 to 1965 the basilica was the site of plenary sessions of the Second Vatican Council.

While it is a busy functioning church, the Vatican basilica is also a monument to the history of Catholicism, and a magnet for tourists as well as pilgrims. The daunting task of maintaining the basilica is entrusted to the Fabbrica di San Pietro, the same institution that was established to underwrite construction of the building.

The Fabbrica di San Pietro, for which Bramante and Maderno once worked, still employs architects who continually study the basilica, ready to take action to remedy any indications of structural damage or decay.

The management of the basilica also involves regular cleaning and maintenance, which is done not by any ordinary janitors but by the Sanpietrini, a group of about 60 custodians, whose jobs are highly prized and often handed down from father to son.

Maintenance of the basilica is accomplished with astonishing efficiency. Wednesdays, when the Pope holds his weekly public audiences in St Peter’s Square, are the time for heavy cleaning inside the basilica.

A crowd packs St. Peter’s Square as Pope Benedict XVI delivers his “urbi et orbi” blessing on Easter, April 16 Photo: CNS

The World

Easter comes to Beijing

In Beijing, more than 200 catechumens baptized at Easter Vigils

Catholic churches in Beijing’s city centre baptised more than 200 catechumens during Easter Vigils on April 15.

For Catholics from the mainland and foreign countries, having some hymns and part of the liturgy in Latin enhanced the solemnity of the occasion in some Beijing churches, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand.

More than 1,000 Catholics packed the Church of the Saviour - known as Beitang or North Church - to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and witness the baptism of 90 catechumens during the Easter Vigil. They also had a chance to hear the priest use some Latin while blessing the paschal candle and the fire at the start of the three-and-a-halfhour liturgy.

Newly baptised Catholic Liu Jie told UCA News on April 16 that he felt honoured to be surrounded by so many Catholics attending his baptism. He recalled that curiosity had prompted his first visit to a church one Christmas. His second visit, he said, occurred when he was depressed.

“At that time, I remembered there was a church near home. The gate of Beitang was open, so I went inside and felt peaceful. And now I am a Catholic,” he said, smiling.

Others baptized at the Church of the Saviour included a woman identified only as Cecilia, in her 20s, and her mother. Cecilia told UCA News she began her faith search a few years ago while reading an introduction to the Bible in a book published by a secular publisher.

She said she was moved by those readings, especially because her early life had not been smooth. Though her family initially objected to her becoming a Catholic, she convinced her mother to join the church, too, she said.

Father Xiao Enxiao, assistant pastor of the Church of the Saviour, said the parish has about 300 baptisms a year, and the 90 new Catholics this Easter were about the same number baptised in the parish every Easter.

Father Xiao told some visitors from Hong Kong that the parish provides a two-year faith formation class for catechumens. The church always keeps its door open as a gesture to welcome newcomers, he noted, which might partly explain why the parish has the largest number of parishioners in the diocese.

Beitang is listed as a municipal monument, so before the liturgy the faithful were cautioned about being careful with fire and protecting the cultural heritage. Catholics were told not to use cigarette lighters, but to take the flame carefully from the paschal candle and then share the flame with one another.

At St. Michael’s Church - also known

as Dongtang or East Church - Father Liu Baowei, the pastor, told UCA News on April 15 that his parish recorded 30 baptisms this Easter, about the same as the average number for Christmas and the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15. In Beijing there are baptisms on these three church feast days each year.

St. Michael’s, located in one of Beijing’s busiest shopping areas, is also a favourite site for local residents and travellers.

The Easter Mass for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception had an international flavour. The first reading was in English and French, and the second in English and Filipino. Hymns were chanted in English and Latin, and the celebrant also used Latin during the Kyrie, the Gloria and the Nicene Creed. More than 1,000 Catholics packed the cathedral for the Mass. -CNS

Pope Benedict draws the crowds

Today, the Vatican’s Prefecture of the Pontifical Household released attendance figures for Pope Benedict XVI’s General Audiences, held each Wednesday, as well as all other public events presided by the Holy Father at the Vatican during the first year of his pontificate.

During his first year as head of the Catholic Church, more than 4 million people attended Pope Benedict’s public events. Then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected one year ago, on April 19 2005.

The report showed that the Wednesday general audience continued to draw important crowds to the new Pope, with more than a million people attending from April 2005 to April 2006 and an average of 24,000 each week.

The most popular event was the Holy Father’s Sunday Angelus with 1,875,000 people having attended.

Overall, for most of the major events, the peak months of attendance were October and November 2005, with an average 150,000 attending the Wednesday audience and 250,000 the Sunday Angelus during the two months.

The figures confirm the vitality of Vatican celebrations and events celebrated by the Pope, despite speculation that Benedict would struggle in succeeding the charismatic Pope John Paul II.

As last week’s Holy Week celebrations demonstrated, the Vatican continues to be a massive centre of attention for the world.

Boycotts for evening news after South Park aired in New Zealand

News show boycotted in New Zealand after ‘South Park’ episode airs

■ By Gavin Abraham

More than 2,400 Catholics from around New Zealand have made a public commitment to boycott an evening news program after a partner station aired a controver-

the world in brief

sial episode of “South Park.” The “Bloody Mary” episode, which depicts a menstruating statue of Mary, aired on C4, a youth-targeted

Gnostic gospel heretical

Santa Fe Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan has warned his people that the widely publicised gnostic gospel of Judas is a heretical document that contradicts the teachings of the Bible. Writing in the May issue of the monthly archdiocesan newspaper, People of God, Archbishop Sheehan said the National Geographic Society, which sponsored an English translation of the ancient text and put the manuscript on exhibit in early April “did a disservice to Christian people and has exploited this old manuscript for its own purposes.” In the early centuries of Christianity several breakaway sects, mixing Christian beliefs with pagan speculation, claimed that salvation could be obtained

music channel and partner station of TV3, one of two networks in the country. Both TV3 and C4 are owned by Canada’s CanWest.

The Catholics boycotted the news on TV3 to express their disapproval. Peter Grace, a layout assistant editor for the New Zealand Catholic, offered to run the names of participants in an advertisement in a national newspaper, The New Zealand Herald.

Grace booked advertisements in three consecutive Sunday issues of

only through the knowledge and acceptance of certain arcane, divinely revealed mysteries that they alone possessed. The sects were called gnostic, after the Greek word for knowledge, and were rejected as heretical by the early church. The Judas manuscript is a third-century Coptic text, uncovered in Egypt in the 1970s. It may be the sole surviving version of a long-lost Greek text of the same name that St Irenaeus condemned as heretical in AD 180.

Easter tragedy in Mexico

An overcrowded bus carrying young pilgrims returning from an Easter celebration plunged more than 650 feet off a mountain road in southeastern Mexico, killing more than 50 people. The government of the Mexican state of Veracruz, where the acci-

the newspaper, which has a circulation of more than 200,000. The ads were running April 9, 16 and 23. The first two ads listed the names of those who made a commitment to boycott the news, plus a brief explanation of their reasoning. The names are incorporated into an image of Mary holding the infant Jesus. The third advertisement, Grace said, will be an informational item explaining why Catholics honour Mary and her significance in the world almost 2,000 years after

dent occurred, said 56 people died in the crash. Some Mexican newspapers called it the worst bus accident in the country in more than 20 years. The chartered bus fell down a ravine at around 8.45 am on April 17 in clear weather, the Veracruz governor’s office said in a statement. Authorities said the crash probably was caused by excessive speed or by brake failure. The bus was carrying members of an evangelical church in the southern state of Tabasco returning from a convention on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Most of the victims were aged 15-20, the Reforma newspaper reported.

Sunday shopping out

The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales told the British government it would be a “grave mistake” to change laws that reg-

she died. People from throughout the country supported the plan and some gave financial support to help cover the cost of running the advertisements.

In February, New Zealand Catholic bishops and other religious leaders called the episode “derisive, outrageous and beyond all acceptable standards of decency and good taste.” The episode was first shown on December 7 in the United States and aired in New Zealand on February 22. -CNS

ulate doing business on Sundays. The 1994 Sunday Trading Act allows stores smaller than 3,000 square feet (280 square meters) to open all day, although larger stores can be open up to six hours on Sundays. But under pressure from larger retailers, the government has ordered a review of the law and provisions that ban large stores from opening on Christmas and Easter and give workers the right to refuse to work on Sunday. In a written statement, published on April 13, the bishops’ conference urged the government’s Department for Trade and Industry not to change the law. Most people do not want further deregulation, said the statement by the bishops’ Department for Christian Responsibility and Citizenship. It said the “special atmosphere” of Sundays supports a “healthier work-life balance and gives space for families and communities.”

A Chinese Catholic receives an Easter egg after Easter Mass at the government-sanctioned Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Beijing April 16. Photo: CNS

PANORAMA a roundup of events in the archdiocese

Sunday April 23

ETERNAL WORD TELEVISION NETWORK ON ACCESS 31

1-2 pm Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy / Bryan Thatcher with Fr Mitch Pacwa [EWTN Live]. EWTN is a very powerful antidote to rampant anti-religious propaganda, which unfortunately predominates in the secular media. Your prayers are needed for our apostolate. Your financial support is also needed to keep programs on air at Access 31. Please contact us if you are interested in receiving EWTN from another source, or if you are willing to help us promote this wonderful evangelisation. The Rosary Christian Tutorial Association, PO Box 1270, Booragoon 6954. Enquiries 9330 1170.

Sunday April 23

BULLSBROOK SHRINE ANNIVERSARY

SACRI Association welcome you to celebrate the 59th Anniversary of the Apparition of the Virgin of the Revelation to Bruno Cornacchiola, at Grotto Tre Fontane, Rome, held at the Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Rd, Bullsbrook on Sunday, 23 April. The celebration commences at 2.00 pm with a Rosary procession to the Shrine, followed by Concelebrated Mass, Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The principal celebrant is Bishop Peter Quinn, emeritus Bishop of Bunbury. Enquiries: SACRI ASSOCIATION 9447 3292.

Sunday April 23

HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS

Infant Jesus Parish, Wellington Road, Morley have a regular Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on

the 4th Sunday of the month from 2-3pm. This Holy Hour is to pray for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. The next Holy Hour will be held on 23rd April 2006, 2-3pm. All are welcome - please spread the word.

Sunday April 23

DIVINE MERCY

The Divine Mercy Apostolate invites us all to celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy at St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, Perth.

1.45pm – Reconciliation and Holy Rosary, 2.30pm - Holy Mass – main Celebrant, Bishop Sproxton and other priests are welcome to concelebrate. 3.30pm – Benediction, followed by Veneration of the First Class Relic of Saint Faustina Kowalska. Enq: John 9457 7771, or Linda 9275 6608.

April 23/25/27

EMMAUS WALK

10am Bardon Park Carpark. Commence a 15 minute walk to Friendship townhouse situated along the riverside walkway, gospel reading/sharing. Luncheon (donation). Proceeds to Cross Roads Community Fremantle, Friendship 2000 Overseas Projects. Like the apostles in the Emmaus story we will discover the reality of “Jesus Walking With Us”. Come and explore life’s journey in this picturesque setting and the company of likeminded people, non-walkers are welcome. Booking essential: 9272 8263/0438 946 621 Maggie.

Thursday April 27

EASTERTIDE FAITH FORUM

Come and enjoy this interesting evening of thought and discussion with your family and

friends. Presentation by the renowned Catholic Apologist Raymond de Souza, director of St Gabriel Communications: Understanding Europe in the World’s Changing Times and Enemy #1; A person or a Force – The Devil? St Joseph’s Parish Hall, 30 Hamilton St, Bassendean. Refreshments. Questions and Answers. Truly an opportunity of Catholic perspective for their timeliness not to be missed.

Friday April 28

HEALING FIRE  BURNING LOVE

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me – Jesus is setting the broken hearts free. Our Lady of the Missions Catholic Church, 270 Camberwarra Drive, Craigie 7.30pm – 9.00pm. Come and experience the freedom Jesus gives to those who love him. Be empowered during prayer and praise to break through the everyday ups and downs of life. Noted speaker Gerry Smith, from Grief Management Services, will be giving a talk on healing the broken hearted and revealing how we can be set free to rise above and conquer in Jesus’ name.

Friday April 28

CATHOLIC FAITH RENEWAL  PRAISE AND WORSHIP

On Friday at 7.30pm at St John and Paul’s Church, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton there will be a Praise and Worship evening followed by a talk given by Fr Corran Pike titled “Discipleship” and Thanksgiving Mass. There will be light refreshments after Mass. You are all welcome to attend and we encourage you to bring your family and friends to this evening of fellowship. We look forward to seeing you there.

Enq: Rita 9272 1765, Rose 0403 300 720, Gertrude 0433 231 305.

Saturday April 29

800 YEARS OF DOMINICAN LIFE

The Dominican sisters of Western Australia have organised several celebrations to mark the 800th Anniversary of their foundation. The first of these will be a gathering for afternoon tea at 2pm, followed by sung Evening Prayer at 4.30pm at Holy Rosary parish, Woodlands. This will mark the Feast of St Catherine of Siena. Further information can be found at www/.domsiswa.org.au or by email to domsiswa@globaldial.com.au. Please bring photos or memorabilia to share and pass this invitation to your friends and family who may have been associated with Dominican schools or parishes here or in other countries.

Tuesday May 2

ALPHA FREE DINNER INVITE

Please come to a FREE Dinner being hosted by Our Lady of Grace Parish North Beach on Tuesday 2nd May at 7pm at Churchlands Christian Fellowship, 154 Balcatta Road, Balcatta. At the free dinner an open invitation will be extended to all to consider attending our next Alpha Course in May. There is NO pressure and NO obligation so why not think about coming along and bringing with you a friend, relative or acquaintance who has never heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and give them the opportunity of exploring “the meaning of life”. For more details about the free dinner and to RSVP please ring Carol Wright 9448 9084 or 0419 948 411.

Hilton: Parish Priest Fr Gerard Beeson leads the Veneration of the Cross.

Photo courtesy Eugene Mattes

Bateman: The Presentation of the Oils at St Thomas More Parish Bateman on Holy Thursday. Photos courtesy Bateman Parish

Broome: Our Lady Queen of Peace Assistant Priest Fr Daniel Chama washes the feet of parishioner Aidan Mitchell during the Holy Thursday Liturgy. Photo Brian Kane

BUILDING TRADES

■ BRICK REPOINTING

Phone Nigel 9242 2952.

■ PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD

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

■ PICASSO PAINTING

Top service. Phone 9345 0557, fax 9345 0505.

CATHOLICS CORNER

■ RETAILER OF CATHOLIC PRODUCTS

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

CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER

■ WORK FROM HOME

Around your children & family commitments. My business is expanding and I need people to open new areas all over Australia. Training given. Highly lucrative. www.cyber-success-4u.org

APRIL

■ BABYSITTER

EMPLOYMENT

Babysitter required Landsdale, 2 preschool aged girls, required 2 days per week, variable hours and days. Phone Liz 0402 138 548

■ PARTTIME WORK

Ladies wanted to sell popular all zip bags, all sizes and colours, good money to be made. Work in own time around family. Ph: Sue 0413 871 361.

■ PARTTIME MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST

Required for expanding medical practice in Yokine. Appreciation of Catholic values on Life issues essential. Please send CV to 8/10 McCourt St, West Leederville 6007 by 1 May.’

FURNITURE REMOVAL

■ ALL AREAS

Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

■ DENMARK

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

23 Mass, Feast of Divine Mercy, St Mary’s Cathedral - Bishop Sproxton

25 Anzac Day Parade and Service, Perth City - Fr Brian O’Loughlin VG

26 AGM Churches’ Commission on Education - Bishop Sproxton

27-29 Media Conference, Rome - Archbishop Hickey

Wednesday May 3

ALPHA INTRODUCTORY DINNER AT COMO

Wed 3rd May at 7pm. ALPHA is for everybody! Not sure of your faith? New to Christianity? Want to learn more about Jesus? Come to dinner at Holy Family Parish Centre, Thelma St COMO. Invite a friend or neighbour - all welcome. www.alphainvitation.com To register for the dinner phone Kerry on 9450 1432.

Friday May 5

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARIA GORETTI

St Maria Goretti School and Parish are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the School and church. All past priests, parishioners, students, teachers and friends are invited to gather in the school forecourt on Friday May 5 at 6pm for Holy Mass followed by a light supper and fellowship. If you have any memorabilia please bring and share or send into the school. Enquiries can be made through the school on 9277 5563 or email to admin@smg.wa.edu.au RSVP by phone on 9277 5563 or email by May 1 for catering purposes.

Sunday May 7

FR DEETER’S SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Fr Tim Deeter, director of vocations discernment centre Casa Frassati and of liturgy and music at St Mary’s Cathedral, will be celebrating his silver jubilee on Sunday, May 7 at St Mary’s Cathedral. All are welcome to attend the 25th anniversary, which will begin with Mass at 5pm and be followed by refreshments at Mercedes College. For further information, call 9321 2822.

Tuesday May 9

CAFE AT JOHN PAUL

Module Three of the successful CaFE - Catholic Faith Exploration - series, entitled Knowing God Even Better will begin at the John Paul Church hall, Willetton. The five-talk video series, presented by the inspirational David Payne, Director of Catholic Evangelisation Services, UK will be held every Tuesday up to June 6 from 7.30pm - 9pm. Sessions are conducted in a warm and friendly cafe setting, enabling you to deepen and share your faith with others over a cuppa or glass of wine, and nibbles. For further details or to register, please call the parish office at 9332 5992.

Saturday May 6

DAY WITH MARY

St Thomas the Apostle Church, Cnr College Road and Melville St, Claremont from 9am – 5pm. A video on Fatima will be shown at 9am. A day of prayer and instruction based upon the messages of Fatima. Includes Sacrament of Penance, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross. Please BYO lunch. Enq – Franciscan

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

■ SHOALWATER

Holiday units, self-contained, sleep up to 6, walk to the beach, near Penguin Island, very affordable rates. Bookings Ph: 0414 204 638 or bluewaterholidayunits@dodo.com.au.

PAINTINGS

■ PAINTINGS

Wide range of secular and Christian paintings and art works. Tel: 9358 1886.

RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

■ HUMBLE MESSENGER

Shop 16/80 Barrack St (Inside Bon Marche Arcade) Perth WA 6000. Trading Hours: MondayClosed,Tues-Fri-10am-5pm, Sat-10am-3pm, Ph/ Fax 9225 7199, 0421 131 716.

■ REPAIR YOUR LITURGICAL BOOKS

Tydewi Bindery offer handcrafted fine bindings, journals, leather recovering. Repairs fo all your books, liturgical, bibles, missals and statues. Ph. 9293 3092.

OFFICIAL DIARY

Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286. Next Day with Mary – June 3 – Yanchep/Lancelin. Bus services contact Nita on 9367 1366.

May 6 - 26

RETREAT IN DAILY LIFE

CLC WA (Christian Life Community) is conducting a Retreat in Daily Life program in conjunction with the Australian Jesuit community. This year the retreat will commence on Saturday May 6. The retreat will be led by a visiting Jesuit, James Blaettler SJ together with a team of local spiritual Directors. This is a non-residential retreat experience ideally suited for those who need to continue their daily routine and obligations while still seeking to deepen their relationship with God. The retreat is conducted over 3 weeks, meetings with a Director occur twice weekly. For a brochure or more information contact Veronica Reutens (9310 1147) or Anne Zevis (9335 8142 email; zevises@bigpond.com).

May 6 – June 24

The Holy Spirit of Freedom Community presents, “Empowered by the Holy Spirit for Living Today”. This is an 8 week Seminar which invites participants to see a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The course will run each Saturday from May 6th to June 24th from 10.30am to 12.30 pm at St Anne’s Parish Hall, 11 Hehir St, Belmont. All Welcome. For further details contact 9475 0155.

Sunday May 7

THE BOVE FARM MAY ROSARY RALLY

Celebration in Honour of Our Lady to be held at the Queen of the Holy Rosary Grotto, Bove’s Farm, Roy Road, Jindong. Hymn singing commences at 12.30pm. Holy concelebrated Mass led by Bishop Gerard Holohan commences 1pm, followed by Rosary Procession and Benediction. Afternoon tea provided. All welcome! Bus bookings from Perth to Bove Farm can be made with Francis Williams on ph 9459 3873 or mob 0404 893 977. (Note: Roy Road runs off the Bussell Highway, halfway between Busselton and Margaret River).

Monday May 8

ALPHA DINNER

Glendalough at 6pm, Invite a non-Christian friend to learn about life and God by attending a 10 week program. Sponsored by St. Bernadette’s Parish. Call for more information - Pam 9245 4959.

Monday May 8

ALPHA DINNER GLENDALOUGH

Invite a non-Christian friend to learn about life and God by attending a 10 week program. Sponsored by St. Bernadette’s Parish. Call for more information - Pam 9245 4959.

RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

■ RICH HARVEST  YOUR CHRISTIAN SHOP

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

28 Ministries Mass, St Charles’ Seminary - Bishop Sproxton

MAY

1-11 May Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Sydney - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton

5 50th Anniversary of opening of St Maria Goretti’s School and Church, Redcliffe - Fr Brian O’Loughlin VG

Tuesday May 9/16/17

Catholic Mission will be conducting an evening workshop for the parents, relatives and sponsors of confirmandi entitled ‘Confirmation and the Call to Christian Witness’ at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Girrawheen Tuesday May 9, Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, East Victoria Park on Tuesday May 16 and St Emilie’s Parish, Canning Vale on Wednesday May 17. For further information about these workshops contact the Catholic Mission Office on 9422 7933 or email us at catholicmissionp erth@bigpond.com.

May 23 - 27

MARANATHA SCRIPTURE COURSE

THE GOSPEL OF ST MARK

St Lawrence Mary Immaculate Parish - Balcatta , Tuesday evenings from 23 May - 27 June 7.30pm in the Alverna Parish Centre. Cost $30 enrolment essential. Enquiries Ricki di Biasi 93497361 or Luciana Bailey in Parish Office 9344 7066.

Saturdays PERPETUAL HELP NOVENA DEVOTIONS

Saturdays 4.30-5pm. Redemptorist Church, 190 Vincent Street, North Perth.

ART EXHIBITION

Art exhibition every Saturday and Sunday at the Parish Hall, Star of the Sea church, Cottesloe, cnr of Stirling Highway and McNeil Sts 11am – 4pm. All proceeds from the sale towards the extension of St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Is alcohol costing you more than just money?

Alcoholics Anonymous can help. Ring 9325 3566.

BLESSED SACRAMENT ADORATION

Holy Family Church, Alcock Street, Maddington. Every Friday 8.30 am Holy Mass followed by Blessed Sacrament Adoration till 12 noon. Every first Friday of the month, anointing of the sick during Mass. Enq. 9398 6350.

PERPETUAL ADORATION AT ST BERNADETTE’S

Adoration: Chapel open all day and all night. All welcome, 49 Jugan St, Glendalough, just north of the city. Masses every night at 5.45pm Monday to Friday, 6.30pm, Saturday and the last Sunday Mass in Perth is at 7pm.

Wednesdays

SIGN LANGUAGE COURSE

Australian Sign Language (Auslan) Classes are offered free of charge at Emmanuel Centre on Wednesdays at 1pm. If this does not suit you, other arrangements can be made. Please contact Fr Paul or Barbara at Emmanuel Centre, 25 Windsor St Perth 9328 8113.

QUEEN OF APOSTLES SCHOOL

If anyone has information on Queen of Apostles School, Riverton, used to go there or knows anyone who did please do one of the following to tell the extension group – Call 9354 1360 and ask to speak to Veronique or email your information to veronequeregnard@gmail.com.au or janellekoh@yahoo.com.au or you can put your information into the box in the office at Queen of Apostles School. Thanking you in anticipation.

Sunday September 17

KOORDA CHURCH 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Our Lady of the Assumption Church at Koorda will celebrate its Golden Anniversary this year on September 17. Past Parish Priests and past parishioners are invited to come and join us for the celebrations. Anyone who has any photos they would like to include in a display is welcome to send them to Kath Gosper at PO Box 68, Koorda 6475. You could send copies or we will copy and return them to you. The day will commence with Mass at 10.30am to be followed by lunch at the Recreation hall.

LINDA’S HOUSE OF HOPE APPEAL

To enable us to continue to provide and offer support for girls wishing to leave the sex trade we need your help. We have achieved already with your assistance new offfices which are now complete at the rear of the shelter and are fully functional. Further donations are also required to enable us to complete the internal layout of the shelter itself. Please send donations to Linda’s House of Hope PO Box Z5640, Perth, St George’s Tce 6831. Ph: 0439 401 009. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

The Last Word

The powerful wonder of Easter

■ With Anna Krohn

Earlier this week, I overheard two fashionable young shop assistants discussing their weekend plans.

“I forget, is it Easter Sunday this weekend? Is it still a holiday?” asked one girl as if trying to recall a long lost memory.

The other replied after a thoughtful pause, “Yes I think so… but AFL footy is being played on Friday and Saturday…”

Although growing religious indifference and pluralism coupled with the new workplace agreements are creating a climate in which Easter may be increasingly removed from the Australian calendar as a nationally celebrated feast, there was in the second girl’s response a vague recognition of the traditional downing of tools for Eastertide.

But the conversation also reminded me that, unlike the universal cheer of Christmas, how strange the three confronting and yet glorious holy days of Easter must seem to those who are not Christians.

Our extended family spent our Easter in the straw bleached aridness of northern Victoria.

Here the less threatening and more simply pagan springtime bunnies and chicks of the Northern Hemisphere’s Easter seem fatuous transplants in the dried-up and rabbit-eroded landscape.

Australians cannot lull themselves into an assurance that “mother nature” will during the Easter period bring rains and greenness to their blasted and fire blackened farms and bush.

And the uncomfortable strangeness of Easter in this landscape became a helpful contradiction. For the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is not simply the death of winter and the cyclic rebirth of Spring as in the old nature religions.

Jesus is not one of a long line of noble superheroes whose death teaches us to accept death as inevitable fate. The Paschal Mystery and the unbounded outpouring of God’s love into death and pain and beyond this to the lost ones in the underworld explodes the confines of mythology and natural symbol.

And while public secularism is surely growing in our land, so in contrast, is the power of the event of Easter.

Many un-churched and ex-churched people, during the Triduum, packed into churches and passion plays all over Victoria. ABC Classical radio broadcast many moving performances as tribute to the suffering and death of the victorious Saviour from Gorecki and Part’s “Last Words of Christ” to a number of versions of the “Stabat Mater”. Video stores reported that they had many requests for the “Passion of the Christ” and “Jesus of Nazareth.”

As we stood in long, long silent queues in the ancient practice of venerating the Cross and stood in the expectant darkness of a crowded country church with our tapers dripping over our hands, it seemed that the power of Easter was startling and alive.

Perhaps this is a sign that the sometimes stark and raw experience of Easter is best encountered through the all-embracing impact of music, the Gospel narrative and the Church’s liturgy. Although it can seem tame and banal to many Australians, at this time of year, Christianity’s central mystery takes on a new and uncompromising realism in our increasingly evasive and cynically conceptualised world.

In our post-Modern times, people are finding that ideology, industrialism and consumerism have failed to take away the obscenity of violent death, the blight of human injustice or the emptiness of selfishness.

Far from avoiding violent death and torture, human injustice and the spiritual death of hardness of heart, the Easter Feast drags us through the death of Jesus Christ into confrontation with these in ourselves, in our history and in our cosmos.

And embedded in His side, as we are in Baptism, we are taken through God’s suffering, by His love, into the furthest reaches of sin’s ingratitude to God’s love and goodness. Yet this is not defeat nor the end of hope.

From a human perspective the Cross seems to be puzzling instrument of Hell, but it becomes through Jesus Christ, God’s enfleshed outpouring of boundless generosity, love and compassion, a “flaming torrent” (Pere Louis Bouyer) back to reconciliation with the Eternal Father and the river of our own Resurrectionbody and soul.

What a startling image in this water-deprived land of the Tree of Life!

Light, new life, joy: Parish priest Fr Abraham Martin of St Gerard Majella parish in Mirrabooka, baptises Nathalia Mancini, as Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton looks on. At left, Jean-Pierre Herbu, centre, stands next to his sister, Roxanne Mancini, holding his niece, Nathalia Mancini, before she is baptised. Above: Bishop Sproxton blesses Reuben Casley, 2 months with the baptismal oils, as parents Ben and Kerry Casley look on, together with Clifford Lackay, Rita Ryan and Jenny Lackay. Below: Duane Wyatt with his daughter Monica, aged 5 months, shortly before she was baptised.

Photos: Jamie O’Brien