The Record Newspaper 24 February 2010

THE R ECORD

Ballajura School, Parish, mark a double-barrelled MacKillop occasion

- Pages 4 & 5

Last week, ex-bikie Michael Sandrini told his conversion story. This week, his wife tells hers - Page 12

“Be

Oasis not all it’s cracked up to be

Bishops invite lay deeper into Easter mysteries

BY ANTHONY BARICH National Reporter

AUSTRALIA’s Bishops have produced an online resource for the faithful to pray the Scriptures in Lent and Holy Week using the ancient method of Lectio Divina (Divine reading).

Twelve Bishops across Australia will participate in the reflection which includes an online video instruction on how to pray the Scriptures.

The Bishops encourage the faithful to pray the Scriptures in their own home, not just in church.

A final segment to be posted during Holy Week will involve a small number of Bishops and lay people sharing thoughts and reflections of their Lenten journey around the celebration of an Easter meal.

“It is hoped this final Segment (appropriate to the Season) will reflect the warmth, invitation, sharing, and community that has been built through people’s ‘getting together’ in their own homes over

the seven-week period,” a Bishops’ conference statement said.

“We all understand that life sure doesn’t stop during Lent – it relentlessly marches on with work, sporting commitments, school plays, weddings etc. This coming year, why not plan to spend some quality time with those around you as you journey to Easter.”

Bishop David Walker of Broken Bay, a member of the Bishops Commission for Mission and Faith Formation, said in the introduction of Lectio Divina: Praying the Scriptures in Lent and Holy Week 2010 that the 40-day journey “through the desert of temporality and the dust from which we were formed is a countercultural endeavour”.

He said that while the self-obsessed culture may see Lent’s fasting, prayer, sacrificial giving and self-reflection as a result of low self-esteem, by participating in this season, “we boldly embrace our identity and appear every bit as odd as our first-century brothers and sisters in Christ”.

“While this dust seems at first to be only the dry remnant of a life ended, in fact it’s the (richness) of a God who creates life

from void, who breathes God’s self into earth to bring forth us, the creature. The same God who brings forth living water from God’s own broken humanity,” he said. The dust is also a sobering reminder, he said, in a world of “collagen-injected lips” which still turn to dust, “even the pilates-lengthened muscles, the 12 essential vitamins and minerals and the bottled water” in which “we are told that we can live forever with the right combinations of exercise, diet and elective surgery”.

“We know - in those inevitable moments of disquieting silence (during the Ash Wednesday service) – that the oasis is not all it’s cracked up to be, and so we enter the desert where we can no longer turn from the inevitable dust, where the seemingly impossible happens: destructive self-centeredness is transformed into cruciform living,” Bishop Walker said.

“As we pray the Lenten lectio, individually or with others, may we discover anew the God who continually calls us to become transformed into this cruciform way of living in order to share more deeply in the Easter Mystery of resurrection life.”

The resource is available at www.thereclection.vividas.com.

Caritas aims to smash $8.7m mark

Caritas Australia appeal to help it make Indigenous poverty history

PROJECT Compassion 2010 aims to beat last year’s fundraising effort of raising over $8.7 million around Australia.

The causes of Indigenous disadvantage, manifested in a scandalously low life expectancy rate 17 to 20 years lower than other Australians and lower standards of health, education, employment and housing, are many and complex.

In the lead up to National Close the Gap Day on 2 April, Caritas Australia invites people to tackle the root causes of Indigenous inequality by supporting Caritas partners in the small coastal town of Derby 200km north of Broome.

Jalaris Aboriginal Corporation promotes a holistic approach to increasing school attendance and raising academic performance for truanting children, including running an afternoon ‘Kids Club’ where Aboriginal children and their parents can become familiar with structured education, health and nutrition in a culturally relevant way.

Teneille, 9, a young girl from Derby attending the Jalaris Aboriginal Corporation’s Kids Future Club, says that “she joins with other kids to practise craft, reading and sports. You can invite new kids to Kids Club, learn healthy ways of living and about the local culture of the Kimberley and its people”.

“I’ve learned to eat lots of fruit and fresh vegetables, cook barbecues and make healthy sandwiches. I know about the juvenile diabetes problem here.”

The wider community has also benefited through a reduction in petty crime,

increased employment and improvements in community participation and health.

In the six weeks leading up to Easter, Caritas Australia will be raising money and awareness in Project Compassion, Australia’s largest fundraising event for aid and development.

Caritas Australia is part of an international network that works in over 200 countries and territories, empowering communities to help themselves out of poverty.

With the theme ‘Blueprint for a better world’, this year’s Project Compassion focuses on the Millennium Development

Goals, an eight step global action plan for halving world poverty by 2015.

Money raised will support Caritas Australia’s work with local partners who are improving their own lives through projects that address issues such as health, education, gender equality, water and sustainable agriculture, priorities which are set out in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

Donations can be made to Project Compassion by phoning 1800 024 413, on-line at www.caritas.org.au or by posting your cheque to GPO Box 9830 in your capital city.

Boys playing on the trampoline at the Kids Future Club. Caritas Australia appeals to Catholic parishes around Western Australia to help it alleviate poverty and, indeed, “make it history”, through helping Aboriginal children with structured education, health and nutrition.

Thai kidnappings ‘highly orchestrated’

BY ANTHONY BARICH National Reporter

THE feared abduction of 50 boys and girls aged 10 and over from a Perth-funded Thai orphanage for sexual trafficking appears to have been carefully orchestrated, including a trafficker ingratiating himself into the village as a kindly teacher.

Archbishop Barry Hickey appealed to Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on 18 February for urgent help in finding the children who were taken on 28 December overnight.

A spokeswoman for Mr Smith’s Canberra office told The Record on 21 February that the Minister would comment publicly once he responds to Archbishop Hickey officially, which would be done “over the next few days” once Mr Smith returns from overseas.

A young man entered the village in early October 2009 stating he was Karen, the hill-tribe people of northern Thailand, offering to teach the children the Thai language.

Midland parishioner Adelia Bernard, who has worked for over 30 years for the Catholic Office for Emergency Relief and Refugees (COERR) which was established by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Thailand in 1978, said she met the man late last year. She said he impressed the Buddhist nun, the Venerable Maechee, who heads the local temple and runs the orphanage.

Mrs Bernard, a member of the One Heart Association that has raised $700 a month for the past six years for the orphanage, said that the Buddhist nun “was pleased with the man’s dedication to the needs of the children at the orphanage, who at the time numbered 94”.

She added that while abductions were sadly common in the country, taking 50 children would have been impossible if not for the young man posing as a teacher.

“He was lovely; everyone liked him,” said Mrs Bernard, adding that his charm and earning the children’s trust meant he easily convinced them to jump into the

large truck which villagers reported left before daybreak.

The police were notified by both the Buddhist nun and Australian Thai-born Presentation Sister Cecelia, who works in the region

buying rice for the orphanage with money raised by the One Heart Association. The nuns were told that the matter would be “taken care of by proper authorities”.

Mrs Bernard – whose husband Norm worked as a security officer on the Cambodia-Thai border to warn Catholic relief services of imminent attacks on villagers –said the kidnapping was clearly

Is it true I’ve been selling cars

Park for over 40 years and last year we sold 16,986 vehicles, which was an all time record!

highly orchestrated. She said that some ten days before the abduction, another man arrived at the orphanage with a gift of a bag of rice and promising further assistance.

When the Buddhist nun accepted the gift, he offered to photograph the children.

When she found he was photographing the girls naked, the nun made him leave.

Photographing the children is a common part of traffickers’ operations, Mrs Bernard said, as the photos are used to sell the children to buyers.

Mrs Bernard said that local police have a lead, as the man posing as a teacher found himself without ID at the checkpoint on the way out of the village and lost the bag which held his ID.

This was picked up by a villager and is now believed to be in the hands of police.

The highly-organised nature of the kidnapping suggests it was orchestrated by a large organisation and, in Mrs Bernard’s experience, they are not afraid to harm or kill people as the children are worth millions of dollars to them.

“These things happen not irregularly. People become accustomed to it and close over and just wait for it to finish. But not with 50 children,” Mrs Bernard said.

“I don’t think that’s ever happened before.

“It’s a bit shocking.

“Sometimes we can say the locals have no heart and sell their children, but we need to understand that this whole situation derives from chronic poverty which has existed for years there, and reveals the darker side of the human soul. It happens all along that zone, especially in Cambodia.

“The local police would’ve known, as he befriended everybody, so the children have no protection, they would have found it very hard to talk to authorities, even the nuns.

“So we must be careful and wise in what we do and how we do it.

“We need the royal family, Buddhist organisations and local police to snap into action to find the children.”

Above, children at the Perth-funded Thai orphanage, from which 50 boys and girls aged 10-14 were taken on 28 December. Below right, a Catholic Office for Emergency Relief and Refugees worker helps children offload food; bottom left, the Buddhist nun with children in the orphanage.

PHOTOS: ADELIA BERNARD

Perth’s MacKillop Parish and School

BY PETER ROSENGREN

APPROXIMATELY 900 people turned out in Mary MacKillop parish in Ballajura on Sunday for what proved to be a double-barrelled celebration - all to do with Australia’s first official saint, Mary MacKillop.

The occasion was the twentieth birthday of Mary MacKillop Primary School but it happened to fall just two days after Pope Benedict gave Australian Catholics the news they had been longing to hear.

On Friday, he announced the historic canonisation of Blessed Mary MacKillop would take place in Rome on 17 October this year; the news was widely reported by media around the nation.

On the weekend, all three past and present school principals were present, one of whom is Irish Sr Margaret O’Sullivan, the foundation principal of Mary MacKillop Primary school who served from 1989 to 1996. Sr Margaret is also a Sister of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the religious order founded by Mary MacKillop, and now serves as congregational leader of the Josephites in her native Ireland.

Parish Priest Fr John Jegorow told an overflowing congregation of parishioners, many of them young families, that the occasion showed how good God was; the parish had begun with nothing to show for itself other than vacant land. Many obstacles to establishing what exists today had been overcome, including saving money with lots of generous volunteer labour. Now a distinctive church and a primary school are central and established features of life in Ballajura.

To show how far things have come since the beginning, he introduced past pupils Anthony, Lana and Gerard Aboud, now grown up, and one of the first School Board chairmen, Wally Gagano, as well as Lina Bertolini (principal from 1997-2002) along with Sr O’Sullivan and current principal James Danaher.

Later, he told The Record 44 parishioners have already booked to join an October pilgrimage to Rome for the canonisation ceremonies and to visit the Holy Land.

At the conclusion of Mass, Sr O’Sullivan told parishioners she was delighted to be back and that the timing couldn’t have been more fortunate.

“What a momentous weekend to have chosen to celebrate Mary Mackillop’s patronage of this community,” she said, adding that it had been an honour to be part of the seeding of the parish community “that is now growing into a strong young tree.”

If there was one thing she would urge people to recommit to on the occasion, it would be that the parish safeguard and treasure the gift of community.

“In a world where many people are lost, isolated and alienated, the call of the Gospel is for us to provide places of belonging and identity,” she said.

The Sunday morning Mass was the beginning of a day of celebrations in the school enhanced by the news of the parish patron’s looming official sainthood.

With classrooms open for inspection and a series of performances presented by students and staff, sausage sizzles kept the hungry multitudes filled as past and present pupils caught up with each other.

Sr O’Sullivan, who leads 40 Josephites engaged in a variety of ministries in Ireland, told The Record she was delighted with the news of the canonisation.

“It’s wonderful, just tremendous,” she said.

“We’ve always known what a great woman Mary MacKillop was and we’ve just been waiting for the Church to officially ‘rubber stamp’ it.”

Blessed MacKillop had developed a tangible and very practical holiness, she told The Record

“She wasn’t saying ‘because I’m a Religious I’m above others.’ Instead, she had a very practical holiness and spirituality that tapped into that Australian egalitarian spirit,” she said.

Her Order’s establishment in Ireland is recent, dating from 1996. But since the Josephites, as the Sisters are usually known, were established at Penola, South Australia, in 1866, more than 700 women from Ireland joined Mary MacKillop’s Order.

In her own country, Josephites work mainly in rural areas, she said, and are engaged in working with the elderly, parishes, in bereavement ministry and in aged care. There are approximately 1,200 Josephites active around the world in Peru, Australia, New Zealand, East Timor and Brazil.

Josephite Sr Margaret O’Sullivan, the founding principal of Mary MacKillop Primary School in Ballajura, and current principal James Danaher wait to process into Mary MacKillop Parish Church last Sunday, top right, together with student Mass servers.

Parish Priest Fr John Jegorow, below, introduces former MacKillop primary students Anthony, Lana and Gerard Aboud to the congregation during the Mass. Also on hand for the celebrations were Grace Pegrum, Larissa Filocamo and Laura Cameron, at right, with Grace’s parents, Karen and Ian Pegrum, sitting behind at right.

Fr Jegorow also gathered all three of the school’s principals, including Lina Bertolini, who served as principal form 1997 to 2002.

Sr O’Sullivan addresses the congregation at the end of the Mass, recalling the gifts that made Blessed Mary MacKillop so special.

A LIFE OF PRAYER

... are you called to the Benedictine life of divine praise and Eucharistic prayer for the Church?

Contact the:

Rev Mother Cyril, OSB, Tyburn Priory, 325 Garfield Road, Riverstone, NSW 2765 www.tyburnconvent.org.uk

PHOTOS: PETER ROSENGREN

What’s a birthday without cake? John Dye, Eden Vulich, Bridget and Daniel Besch were eager to snap up theirs at the gathering in the school after Mass.

Fr John Jegorow, above, addresses the 900 or so who turned out for the Ballajura parish school’s 20th birthday, which also became a celebration of the official announcement of the date for Blessed Mary MacKillop’s canonisation. Loretta Hutcheson, below at left, Assistant Principal Terry Bromell, Sue Logan and Sylvia Campbell manned the sausage sizzle after Mass. The Record also caught school parent Andrew Tipple, at left in centre photo below, with students Mitchell Tipple (Year 3), Maddy Liebregts (Year 3), Georgia Tipple (Year 5), Alex Gagli (Year 4), Jarvis Gillmore (Year 3) and Zachary Liebregts (Year 4) with Brielle Gilmour, aged 3 at front, and school principal James Danaher standing in front of a quote from Blessed Mary MacKillop. Also having fun at the sausage sizzle after Mass were, below at right, Mick, Helen, Joshua and Louise Seddon together with Michael, Margie, Juliet, Gabrielle and Lauren Toth; school secretary Lea Williams and former school gardener Angelo Fanetti.

Attitude the key: expert

A WOMAN’S capacity to capitalise on her creativity depends largely on her attitude, a corporate consultant told Mercedes College Year 11 students during a two-day programme over 4-5 February at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle.

The Release Your Incredible Potential workshops, conducted by Robert Plum, Director of Thinking Profits, normally run for the corporate world and modified for the Mercedes students, were designed to motivate and inspire students as they enter a crucial time in their learning journey.

The programme covered topics including:

● Six ways to improve your brain

● Learning right and remembering better

● Eight benefits of a positive attitude

● Perception and logic in making decisions

● Goals and managing time

● Personal best

“We know that a young woman’s big brilliant brain is very creative, however so much depends on attitude,” Mr Plum said.

“I believe they can achieve so much more than they could achieve before attending the programme.

“We want them to show what they can do with the right attitude, so they can say ‘yes, I can do it’.”

An invitation was also extended to Dr Michelle Ammerer, a

1988 Mercedes College graduate, who is now Director of the Coronary Care Unit at SCGH, the largest coronary care unit in WA, to talk to the girls about her learning and life journey.

Dr Ammerer, 34, was the winner of the “40 under 40” Award in 2008 and was one of five chosen from 900 applicants worldwide to complete a clinical and research fellowship in interventional cardiology through Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Dr Ammerer is the only female cardiologist in WA specialising in Angioplasty.

She is also a director on the National Heart Foundation WA Branch Board, founding member of the “Go Red for Women”

campaign, spokesperson to help raise awareness of heart disease in women and mentors medical students.

“If you’re not passionate about your work, perseverance will bring you success; you won’t succeed if your heart’s not in it,” Dr Ammerer told the Mercedes girls.

Dr Alma Fulurija, Head of Immunology at Ondek, a company founded by Nobel Prize winner Dr Barry Marshall, spoke on day two on the progression and succession in her career as well as leadership in community service.

Mercedes principal Sheena Barber said the workshop and speakers would help students begin the year in a very focused and organised way.

Mercy Sisters to move forward in Jesus’ footsteps

AT a recent gathering of the Sister delegates of the Perth Mercy Congregation, called a Chapter, the Sisters elected their leadership team. Directions were set for the next five years. Sisters of Mercy are currently involved in a variety of ministries. One priority that emerged from the 2010 Chapter Gathering was the continuing involvement in Education through the two Mercy Colleges – Mercedes and Santa Maria.

For the Sisters of Mercy and so many of their education associates, the commitment has always been to ensure education excellence is underpinned through the values of Jesus and the practical examples of mercy, justice and compassion

Notre Dame

practised by Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.

Another priority for the Sisters is to ensure that while they continue within some of their traditional ministries they will also be responsive to the needs of the emerging poor in our society.

During the Chapter the Sisters reflected on the many changes in lifestyle and ministry since their arrival in Perth in 1846. They have been blessed and assisted in their work by many people of good will, who have also been inspired by the example of Catherine McAuley.

May the Sisters and their Associates continue their part in bringing the good news of Jesus to our world.

appoints youngest chaplain in ‘ministry of presence’

BY ANTHONY BARICH National Reporter

OBLATE of Mary Immaculate

Fr John Sebastian Ramesh has been appointed as the youngest chaplain for the University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle campus.

Fr Ramesh, 31, who takes over from Fr Gerry Conlan OMI, started his vocation in 1993 at St Paul’s Institute, Chennai, in Tamil Nadu, southern India.

He was ordained to the priesthood in 2005 at St John the Baptist Church in Chennai.

As such a young priest, he says it will be easier to relate to the students.

Having already spent every Wednesday at UNDA since arriving in Fremantle on 19 August, he sees the fact that many of the students are not Catholic as a challenge that can be chipped away at by a “ministry of presence”. He said he often sees non-Catholic students praying in the university chapel which proves that, while the faith life in Australians is markedly different from the passion shown back home, “there is still plenty of passion”, just in a dif-

ferent form. “It’s the small things in his ministry of presence that lead people to God in incremental ways,” he told The Record

Just last week he went with a student to Fremantle hospital who had fainted, and the student was profusely thankful, though the student was not Catholic.

Seminarians at prayer in Sudan

Yes please send me the Year for Priests Rosary and Holy Card

Left to right: Srs Leonie O’Brien, Sandra Smolinski, Roberta Dillon, Marie Fitzgerald (leader), Mollie Wright.

Dr Michelle Ammerer, a Mercedes graduate, shares her life with current Mercedes College students.

PHOTO: COUERTSY MERCEDES COLLEGE

Fr John Sebastian Ramesh, from the heavily Christian region of southern India, is UNDA’s new chaplain.

Northam Outreach focus Catechumens deeply rooted in Scripture

MEMBERS of the Board of Catholic Outreach travelled to Northam at the beginning of February and spent two days in the newly refurbished parish offices/ Presbytery undertaking strategic planning for the agency for the period 2010/2012.

Northam was chosen as the venue for the meeting because Fr Andrew Bowron, parish priest, is a board member and, in addition, it was an opportunity for the other Board members to experience life in a country parish, albeit for only two days.

The hospitality extended by the parish secretary, Genny Budas and other ladies in the parish who assisted in providing morning teas and lunch on both days, was exceptional.

Catholic Outreach is an agency of the Archdiocese that assists parishes to establish care programmes staffed by parish volunteers to provide a range of support services for parishioners and members of their local community.

The services provided vary from parish to parish but generally include emergency meals, family support, transport, visiting, home help, gardening/handyman tasks and bereavement support.

Brian Parry [Chairman] indicated “The two day meeting was a follow on from a similar planning meeting undertaken in 2006 which had been very beneficial.

“Unfortunately, two Board members, Fr Thai Vu and Margaret Handyside, were unable to attend.

“However, we were very fortunate in having Terry Wilson, Personnel and Planning Manager for the Archdiocese and Julie Williams, Agency Liaison Officer, join us and act as facilitators for our discussions.”

Peter McMinn (Executive Officer) encapsulated the mood of

the meeting:

“I was really impressed by the enthusiasm and contribution of Board Members which allowed us to really focus on our key objectives and initiatives for the next three years.”

The strategic plan formulated over the course of the meeting set a number of objectives to be achieved over the next three years covering topics such as increasing the number of parish-based care programmes, governance issues, range of services available,

communications with priests/parishes and approaching prospective new members for the Board. Strategies to achieve each objective were also devised.

“It was a mammoth task, I really was stunned when I reflected on all that we got through,” commented Sr Catherine Ryan who joined the Board during 2009.

In conclusion, Brian Parry said, “Importantly, we are all looking forward to achieving over the next three years the goals we have set for ourselves and Catholic Outreach”.

$13.5m facelift for Mercedes

AUSTRALIA’S oldest girls’ school, Mercedes College, is undergoing a $13.5 million transformation project with work having commenced on Stage 1 of the Capital Development Plan with new facilities.

The project started in 1997 with a comprehensive curriculum review and construction is the first major building programme in the school since 1997.

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846, and led by Sister Ursula Frayne, Mercedes was Perth’s first school and began in a rented college with one student. Located in the heart of Perth’s CBD on its original site, today it is Australia’s oldest girls’ school with 940 students.

The initial stage commenced the process of addressing the College’s future needs, putting in place the infrastructure and facilities required to provide the most modern learning environment for students.

Stage 1 includes two key structures.

The Serisier Learning Centre, which includes:

● Conversion of the eight-lane outdoor pool into a modern, heated, indoor pool;

● Level 1 above the pool will provide Science Laboratories and associated rooms;

● Level 2 will house six general purpose classrooms;

● On the lower Hay Street level will

gist, Fr Robert Cross, who discovered a treasure-trove of artefacts – almost 1,000 in total.

These are now being cleaned and catalogued. It is hoped some of these treasures will feature in the new buildings.

During the holidays, one of the school’s iconic date palms was also moved to make way for the new buildings.

It has been relocated to its new home adjacent to the Serisier Centre and will form an integral part of the focal point of the school and its historic buildings.

Students returning to school earlier this month witnessed the giant crane manipulating the pouring of the massive footings for The Serisier Learning Centre.

BY ANTHONY BARICH National Reporter

SEVENTY catechumens and 60 candidates were to be presented to Perth Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton to be received into the Catholic Church at St Mary’s Cathedral on 25 February.

The Rite of Election was formed in the early Church. The 1970s’ revival of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) faced a new issue of including baptised candidates from other recognised Christian denominations into the Catholic Faith.

Thus, the term Rite of Election has been lengthened to Rite of Election and Formal Recognition of candidates this year to formalise the distinguishing difference between the non-baptised catechumens and baptised candidates.

This was done according to the ancient Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: The Roman Ritual: Revised Decree of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council and published by authority of Pope Paul VI.

During a Liturgy of the Word, godparents individually and formally introduced the catechumens, then the sponsors formally and individually introduced the candidates to the Bishop, who solemnly asks the godparents as a group and sponsors as a group whether the catechumens and candidates have been properly prepared over the catechumen period for reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.

He then blessed the catechumens as a group, then the candidates as a group.

Karen Hart, the Archdiocesan RCIA coordinator, told The Record that the Rite of Election has a dual purpose of God’s election of His people and their election to be received into the Church.

“The Bishop represents God and the Church at the Rite of

be the Information Technology Support Office and the College Wear Shop.

Stage 1 also includes the Coady Sports Centre which will be a multi -sports centre providing for netball, basketball, badminton, volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics and a climbing wall.

On the mezzanine level there will be a fully equipped fitness centre.

Progress of work was interrupted in December with the discovery of an old wall dating back to 1865. The heritage significance of this wall led to further investigation of the site by the project archaeolo-

In addition to Stage 1, a total renovation of the canteen is under way to provide a modern cafeteriastyle facility. The $850,000 project, being funded by the Government’s Building Education Revolution (BER) programme, will provide students and staff with a functional, well equipped, modern facility.

College principal Sheena Barber said the new facilities will provide teachers and students with new opportunities and enhance the “diverse and adaptive educational environment”.

The new canteen is due to open in Term 2, while Stage 1 of the Capital Development Plan is due for completion at the start of the 2011 school year.

Election, which is a solemn and formal Liturgy in the Catechumen conversion journey,” she said.

“This Rite also formally closes the long period of the catechumenate and begins the serious period over Lent of discernment and scrutiny, known as the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, in preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.”

A document prepared for the day’s Liturgy of the Word by the Archdiocese of Perth said that the word “election” has a long biblical history. Sacred Scripture offers the repeated theme of God choosing or electing people in His divine plan.

“It emerges in the story of Abraham and continues throughout the Christian Scriptures with the conversion stories of people of the early Church,” it said.

“It relates particularly to us gathered here today in the Cathedral dedicated to ‘Mary’, Mother of God and our spiritual mother who, as example to us all, was elected by God The Father to be the instrument of Christ’s manifestation.

“The Church believes that noone comes to faith without being called by God. God initiates, God calls, God converts.

“This celebration today is the recognition that God is indeed calling people into the life of the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation.”

The Bishop speaks in the name of the Church, which speaks in the name of God.

At the Rite of Election, the Bishop articulates God’s hospitality and invitation to come to the Sacraments of Initiation.

“This Liturgical Rite directs our attention to the Book of the Elect, which is carried in solemn procession to the sanctuary. During the celebration, the Bishop declares that the names of the Catechumens are inscribed in this Book of the Elect,” it said.

Clockwise from top: Northam parish priest Fr Andrew Bowron, Julie Williams and Catholic Outreach chair Brian Parry (back row) with Presentation Sr Catherine Ryan, Catholic Outreach director Peter McMinn and staffer Betty Thompson; below right, Ms Williams facilitates Catholic Outreach’s strategic planning review with Archdiocesan personnel and planning manager Terry Wilson; below left, board members on the verandah of the Northam parish presbytery, where the session was held. PHOTOS: COUTESY OF JULIE WILLIAMS

The others

As every mass-going Catholic will know, we have entered the season of Lent. This deeply wonderful time of the year should cause to arise within our thoughts great encouragement and hope. We are sought by a God who has stooped so low because he is completely in love with us.

Recall, for a moment, the readings for the Mass of Ash Wednesday. They opened the door, so to speak, to this season of repentance and refocus on our true inner spiritual selves and on God. Beyond this door lies a vista which might be called a desert and we are invited to walk into its sparseness and aridity, trusting in God alone and divesting ourselves of things in our lives that pull us away from Him. Lent is meant to be our own 40 days of solitude in the silence of the desert.

Ash Wednesday’s reading were full of hope as we heard God, speaking first though a prophet, then an apostle and finally in human form, encouraging us to return to His love and setting out how to do it – in the secrecy of our own hearts and prayers and rooms so that no-one else knows the wonder of what is transforming our lives from within.

Prayer, Penance, Almsgiving and Fasting – these are the emblems of the season of Lent and the principal ways we are invited to travel to return to God with even greater fidelity. In Australia, the Church urges us to all engage in each of these to the best of our ability and according to our own circumstances, with exceptions for reasons of youth, age and health, but of these the most visibly supported by Catholics is Project Compassion.

THE RECORD

PO Box 75

Leederville WA 6902 cathrec@iinet.net.au

Tel: (08) 9227 7080

Fax: (08) 9227 7087

Caritas Australia, the Catholic Church’s official aid and development arm, coordinates Project Compassion throughout Lent every year and, with the donations generously provided by Catholics of all ages and backgrounds, works to help others rise up from the disadvantages and darknesses into which they were born and live daily. It does this by supporting a huge range and variety of initiatives, aimed most often at communal development.

This appeal conducted by the Church has become an accepted part of Church life in this country over several decades but its annual regularity should not mean that we become accustomed to it if familiarity leads to a certain kind of contempt, such that we put off contributing to it for another week or another year.

We are called to contribute within our means. However, it is through this almsgiving that we can achieve much, both for ourselves and for the others. Who are the others? To tell the truth, we will almost certainly never know them - not, at least, in this life. They have no faces that we recognise, nor many personal details that we know. But they are not hard to identify. The others are those who live in poverty, suffering and darknesses throughout the world of many different kinds, often ones that we can only guess at.

To take one example, last week Archbishop Hickey wrote to Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith urging urgent Australian Government investigation of an apparent kidnapping of approximately 50 children from an orphanage on the Thai-Burma border. There is likely to be only one reason for such an act, the crime of human trafficking.

The average age of the 50 or so children, The Record understands, is between 11 and 14 years. No-one really knows the true figure as to how many human beings are trafficked throughout the world each year but the estimates run from six to 25 million. A huge proportion of these are trafficked into sexual bondage and slavery in prostitution. There is no other word for such a thing, most especially when it involves children, than evil.

It is poverty that was one of the principal causes of this tragedy and the apparent kidnapping was a typical expression of precisely the kind of poverty that Project Compassion seeks to address. If we call ourselves Christians we cannot simply accept the comfort of our lives in nations such as Australia and turn away. We must pray for these children, wherever they are now, and those searching for them, but good works must accompany our faith as a concrete way of helping the others, wherever they are, to escape the vulnerability of their own situations.

On its website, Caritas has listed ways in which our almsgiving can help the others. Examples include the following:

$1500 could provide five wells that enable communities in Cambodia to access safe water

$1000 could help provide a generator and refrigerator to store medicine in remote Papua New Guinea

$400 could provide a grant for a family to start a small business in East Timor

$200 could provide a small business loan to help a Cambodian family become self-sufficient

$100 could provide training and materials for a family in Malawi to build a pit latrine

$50 could enable two people living with HIV/AIDS to access their daily medicines in El Salvador

$25 could supply literacy or numeracy materials for young Indigenous Australian students in Western Australia

$15 could supply blankets for a maternity ward in Papua New Guinea

$7 could provide one chicken to enable a Cambodian family to begin chicken-raising

$2 could provide tree seedlings to help reforest eroded land in Malawi.

Whether it is the widow’s mite or something more is not really that important, but give we must. If we are tempted to see our own problems as too great to conquer and seasons such as Lent one that we can afford to not take too seriously, we would do well to remember the others. We will probably not meet them in this life, but meet them one day we will.

both are based on reliable data, reliably intelligent and prudent in their judgements. John Paul II said it best when he said “We know, in fact, that truth cannot contradict truth” (referring to Leo XIII’s encyclical Providentissimus Deus).

Matthew Ogilvie City Beach

Mass music

FFaith and science: there’s no conflict

Instead of driving a wedge between religion and science, I would encourage readers of The Record to consider sources such as Truth Cannot Contradict Truth, Pope John Paul’s Address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (22 October 1996).

The Holy Father was wellprepared to accept the validity of evolutionary science. He noted that evolution is supported by a convergence of data from many fields of knowledge. However, the Holy Father did insist that while the biological matter of human beings may be evolved, natural science is incapable of accounting for the spiritual dimension of human existence. In other words, the natural science of evolution can account for the body of a person, only philosophy and theology can understand the soul.

So-called “Intelligent Design” theories have been thoroughly discredited. Not only have they been proven wrong, they have also been shown to be a pseudo-scientific front for creationism.

It’s my conviction that good science and good religion can never be in conflict. Where conflicts have occurred, it’s been because of either bad science or bad religion, or both. In relating religion and science, I think it best to relate good science and good religion, when

Linda’s House of Hope

Your gift

2010 is proving to be a challenging year for most businesses and organisations as the global recession affects us all.

As a result, this has made a huge impact on families and those in need.

We have one particular family in need of urgent assistance with accommodation. This family needs to remain in the northern suburbs to keep their children in a stable environment and continue their schooling.

They are currently facing financial and medical challenges.

If you can help to keep our vision alive and help keep us supporting those in need, Linda’s House of Hope is a not for profit charity relying on public donation, bequests and fundraising to provide ongoing assistance to those in need.

No matter how large or small your donation every bit helps.

Please send your donation to:

Linda’s House of Hope

PO Box Z5640

St George’s Tce Perth WA 6831

Ph: 08 9358 2544

Mobile: 0439 401 009

All donations over $2.00 are fully tax deductible. Credit card facilities also available.

ollowing your articles in this week’s Record about the music at Mass, I would like to offer the following ruling given by the late Archbishop Bugnini’s own Consilium in 1969 as printed in 1 Notitiae, 5 (1969), p 406

“That rule [permitting vernacular hymns] has been superseded. What must be sung is the Mass, its ordinary and proper, not “something,” no matter how consistent, that is imposed on the Mass. Because the liturgical service is one, it has only one countenance, one motif, one voice, the voice of the Church.

“To continue to replace the texts of the Mass being celebrated with motets that are reverent and devout, yet out of keeping with the Mass of the day amounts to continuing an unacceptable ambiguity: it is to cheat the people. Liturgical song involves not mere melody, but words, text, thought, and the sentiments that the poetry and music contain.

“Thus texts must be those of the Mass, not others, and singing means singing the Mass, not just singing during Mass.”

I have seen the present practice, which is almost universally widespread, of singing an Entrance hymn, then a bit of the Mass, then another hymn and then another bit of the Mass, then another hymn etc up to the final hymn, referred to as a Hymn Sandwich.

That just about sums up Mass on most Sundays at most churches around here.

John Rayner Hillarys

Corrections regarding Lenten practices

IN THE last edition of The Record a note at the end of Archbishop Hickey’s Pastoral Letter on Lent said the Church’s laws on abstinence apply to Fridays and Ash Wednesday. This was incorrect. In Australia, Church rules regarding abstinence from meat in Australia bind Catholics over 14 years on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday only. No meat can be taken on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

The phones, the phones

Irecently attended one of the many Commissioning Masses for Staff in Catholic Schools in the Perth Archdiocese which were held at St Mary’s Cathedral.

I would like to share with you my observations from this Mass.

The noise level before the celebrations began was horrendous.

Anyone trying to pray or meditate would have found it almost impossible to concentrate. It was so loud, in fact, that the Director of Catholic Education in WA, Mr Ron Dullard, spent two or three minutes trying to make himself heard as he introduced the evening’s proceedings. Eventually, the noise did die down and we were able to hear him speak.

Despite Mr Dullard asking for all mobile telephones to be switched off, what should happen within minutes of the Archbishop taking to the altar, but a mobile telephone rang.

One only had to look around the Cathedral and you would soon realise that the call for mobiles to be switched off had gone unheeded as a number of people in the congregation were busily texting away.

Quite obviously, a large proportion of the attendants did not want to be there and were showing their opposition quite openly. Whether the Archbishop could see this or not, I don’t know, but it must be remembered that we, as a staff, are given a day’s leave at the end of the year for attending this Mass and other “Catholic” celebrations.

The least we could do is show some respect to those present, the building we were in and, most importantly, to the Archbishop.

What would happen if this behaviour was repeated by students at school Masses? Probably nothing because going on the behaviour of the staff present it is acceptable behaviour.

Rob Barber Ferndale

Also, a graphic sourced from CNS in the United States was used to illustrate the Archbishop’s Pastoral, however it was based on rules for Lenten observance practiced in the US rather than in Australia.

Regarding fast: One ordinary meatless meal and two other meals not equal in size to the ordinary meal.

Regarding self-denial: Voluntary acts of self-denial are recommended on weekdays of Lent, especially Fridays. The Record apologises for any confusion these errors may have caused.

- The Editor

VISTA 1

The Diaconate: growth and diversity II

In Latin America, the situation of deacons is far different to that of the USA.

It engages the sorry socio-economic condition of large slabs of the population compared with the North American continent. Latin American countries are still in the grip of profound inequalities, partly resulting from totalitarian regimes or their demise and consequent social unrest and chaos.

The mission of the deacons in South America centres on living among the disfranchised masses, witnessing to the powerful image of Christ Crucified and Servant of all.

It is in the daily interaction with the poor and forgotten, sharing their pain and anxieties and facing up to the endemic corruption that the deacon embodies a prophetic service of hope in a world where hope is dashed and life threatened. In so doing, the deacon is also elevating the liturgy of the Church into a life-giving experience.

Emerging Ministry

The permanent diaconate: Its genesis, growth, issues.

By Anthony Paganoni CS

During the international symposium held at Salzburg (Austria), Mons Jimenez, the President of Celam, stated: Without a clear understanding of the Kingdom of God, the diaconate is reduced to a social concern, poor of ideals and capable only of compensating for and repairing unjust policies.

Without the diaconate, hope in the Kingdom of God is transformed into a utopia which is unable to love and only intent on demanding and accusing.

In some countries of Latin America, with a very high rate of unemployment, deacons and their families join the lines of the jobless and experience at first-hand a level of precariousness which in our country, for example, is almost unknown.

In Argentina, deacons were seen lining up for their ratio of food at kitchens run by the Church, not disdaining the plight of the poor and the hungry. It is rather surprising that in Argentina, the Church is sponsoring the Instituto de San Lorenzo de Moron, where the wives of deacons are given the opportunity of reflecting on the ministry of their husbands and developing a particular sensitivity to the values of spirituality in the family and a capacity for listening to people with a high degree of compassion.

In Asia and Oceania, the number of deacons working in a vast continent such as Asia is thin indeed (128 in 23 countries, 25 in India). A similar remark can be made about Oceania (180, with 113 in Australia, according to statistical information supplied by Rev Paul Simmons, coordinator of deacons at the national level, and the rest spread over 16 countries).

Because of the vastness of the territory, the diverse socio-religious realities of the two regions mentioned and the minimal number of active deacons, it is difficult to gauge with sufficient accuracy the impact deacons are having on local communities.

One example is rather exemplary: it comes from the island of Morea, near Tahiti, which is close to the main island (only 17km). Many other islands are scattered over hundreds of kilometres from Tahiti, where the Bishop has concentrated the few priests he has and from where it is a lot easier to reach so many of the far-flung islands. Thirty-one deacons are serving these communities, offering them a helping hand and a listening heart.

For the greater glory of God

Emerging Sydney artist prays while cutting artistic legacy of holy modern art and World Youth Day Sydney 2008

BY BRIDGET SPINKS National Reporter

Sitting on the University of Notre Dame Australia’s Sydney campus grounds is a two-metre tall, larger than life mosaic of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, freshly made by Sydney-based emerging artist Christopher Wolter, a former Dominican seminarian.

The work is based on the original Sedes Sapientiae (Seat of Wisdom) icon commissioned by Pope John Paul II in 2000 and made by Slovenian Jesuit artist and theologian, Fr Marko Ivan Rupnik.

Pope John Paul II was to gift this production of Sancta Maria Sedes Sapientiae to the university students of the world.

Since its completion, this icon has travelled to various countries including Greece, Spain and Ireland and last year, in the wake of World Youth Day in 2008, it travelled Australia, touring youth ministries and university chaplaincies on the west coast in August.

While the Rupnik original of Sancta Maria, Sedes Sapientiae travelled around the nation, Chris Wolter began work on his icon in May. He chipped and cut to size one centimetre glass squares and fragments for his holy work of art until it was completed in December.

On close inspection, Chris’ icon has a different colour palette to the Rupnik original. And it is bigger too.

“It was entirely my own rendition but I stuck to the basic proportions and iconography. I changed the shape of the hands, nose and mouth but kept the same proportions,” Wolter, 36, said of his mosaic.

Chris would often pray while cutting, grouting and tiling together the image of Our Lady and Our Lord.

“Working on the icon itself was a thing of great piety,” he said. "I would constantly stop and say prayers like the Rosary or litanies to Our Lady, and I

found it a very prayerful exercise. Often, things would fall into place in such a way that it seemed almost supernatural.

“And I'd stop and think, ‘where did that come from? I didn't do that’; things would take form without any conscious intellectual effort on my part.”

Italian renaissance artists, Fra Angelico and Botticelli, because of his “great piety - you can see his love for Our Lady in his artwork," are Chris’ role models, as well as unknown artists from the Romanesque and Medieval periods “who gave so much for so little fame and probably little money”.

“I think art should praise God because beautiful things do, by their nature, give glory to God. Whether we believe in God or not, we aspire to something greater when we perceive the beautiful. What I wanted to make was something beautiful that makes your heart sing when you look at it,” he said of the finished icon.

While Chris was artist-inresidence at the University of Notre Dame in first semester last year, he was called on by the vice chancellor and deputy vice chancellor to produce a feasibility report for the production of another Sancta Maria Sedes Sapientiae to be based on the Rupnik original. In the report, Chris also included a proposal of his own.

Before he knew it, he was commissioned by Cardinal George Pell of Sydney to begin work on the icon that would be gifted to the University of Notre Dame Australia. The glass tiles came from Italy and China but the pink fragments came from a large chunk of amethyst crystal that one of his friends, who had been praying for the success of the icon, had donated. “The shade of pink was perfect; fragments have been incorporated into areas around Our Lady's eyes, Our Lord's eyes and both their lips,” he said.

In 2009, Wolter was a fresh National Art School graduate. But he also brings to his art and to his first major commission several years of education and experience gained while discerning a vocation in the Dominican seminary from 1999 to 2004.

“That theological formation and immersion in the prayer life of the Church while in the Dominican formation programme feeds my identity as a Catholic artist. For example,

I still pray the Office, go to daily Mass as well as pray daily Rosary and other pious devotions," he said.

And while he feels that making this mosaic has been an endorsement of him as an emerging artist, being a Catholic artist does have its challenges.

"I think that practising Catholic artists in today's society are caught between a rock and a hard place,” he said.

“On the one hand there's the contemporary art world which the Church should be able to find a ground and means in which to communicate and dialogue with, but so often it seems to fall into the trap of merely taking on existing styles which in themselves seem incompatible with Catholic culture. And on the other hand there is the mass produced kitsch.

“These days you won't get someone who can sculpt like Michelangelo or paint faces like Bouguereau (a 19th century French salon painter).

“We need to find ways that work within the traditional framework without being a slave to it, [to make works] that are beautiful and yet appealing to the modern eye.”

For Chris, the idea behind his production of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom was “to use the iconography of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom but [for it] to be a mosaic artwork in its own right”. His goal in making the mosaic icon was “to give glory to God”, he said.

The task took him longer than he expected; this was his first mosaic in ten years and his first large-scale mosaic at that.

To fit in part-time work with the University of Notre Dame’s campus maintenance staff, Chris scheduled himself three days a week to work on the mosaic, but things didn’t always go to plan.

“Some days I didn't do anything on it and other days I'd

get so immersed in it, I wouldn't sleep and go through the night,” he said.

“Things would start to take shape and form; I'd keep going on that. I'd get tired and think ‘I should walk away’ but I'd see something else to do, and do it.”

In his experience making religious art, which has included repainting statues, producing original paintings as well as the making of this icon, Chris said his faith nourishes the work, but it also “makes me want to be holier myself … and I am conscious of my unworthiness before God yet grateful for his gift of creative talent”.

With the mosaic now complete, Chris’ next commissioned projects include some charcoal cityscapes, and the design of the Episcopal Coat of Arms of the new Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Anthony Fisher OP.

“As for religious art, I have an idea for a crucifix mix media painting. I'd also like to paint portraits of up and coming blesseds and saints, namely Mary MacKillop and Cardinal Newman.”

While the papal icon and model for Chris Wolter’s work which toured Australia last year has now been returned to Rome, an arresting image of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom remains behind on campus.

Convenor of the University of Sydney's Catholic chaplaincy and of the Sydney Archdiocesan university chaplaincies, Daniel Hill said the new icon on campus “will make a real statement to anybody going to the university about the foundation for what university studies is all about - [namely], the whole idea that studies at university are based upon an idea that wisdom is something that we strive for constantly”.

“And wisdom is found through imitating Our Lady. And true wisdom is a really a person, and that person is Christ,” Daniel said.

Chris Wolter with the icon he was commissioned to create for the University of Notre Dame in Sydney. “I wanted to make something that makes your heart sing,” the former Dominican seminarian says.

PHOTO: BRIDGET SPINKS

Drunk and disorderly? No, just holy

the Sisters of St Joseph

BY ANTHONY BARICH National Reporter

Brandy taken by Blessed Mary MacKillop for period pain was one of several things which held up her canonisation cause, said the head of the Order the Australian nun cofounded with Fr Julian Tenison Woods in 1866.

Blessed MacKillop - who Pope Benedict XVI announced on 19 February would be canonised in Rome on 17 October as Australia¹s first saint - was accused of being a drunkard, among many other things, by the Irish clergy in Adelaide who were “determined to bring her down”, said Sr Anne Derwin RSJ, congregation leader of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. These included questions about her drinking habits, obedience, the way she governed her Order and allegations of not paying her debts.

Adelaide Bishop Lawrence Shiel was also angry at her “seeming imprudence” after Mary informed him that she would look for another place where she could follow God’s call after clergy persuaded him to send Fr Woods to New South Wales.

He excommunicated her on 22 September 1871 when she was aged 29, less than three years after he had approved the congregation.

A document by Josephite historian Sr Maria Foale detailing the reasons for her excommunication, acquired by The Record on 19 February, revealed that he reversed the order on 22 February 1872, realising he had been badly advised by clergy. This was just a week before his death.

“By excommunicating Mary, (Bishop Shiel) had set in motion a process for closing down at least two thirds of the 60-plus Catholic schools in the colony,” Sr Foale’s document said.

“He also saw how strongly the people supported her, even to the point of speaking out publicly in her favour and vilifying him in the local papers.

“For her part, Mary still respected him and was very upset over what was being written in the papers.

In fact, throughout this sad time she behaved in an exemplary manner and would not allow anyone to speak against the Bishop while in her presence.”

Blessed MacKillop was investigated on these matters and cleared during her lifetime by a Church tribunal set up by Adelaide clergy

Jewish ex-convict offered housing to Blessed Mary MacKillop

BY ANTHONY BARICH National Reporter

A JEWISH ex-convict who had moved to South Australia after serving time for breaking and entering helped Blessed Mary MacKillop in her hour of need. The Sydney Morning Herald reported on 19 February that Emanuel Solomon offered free accommodation to Blessed MacKillop

that was later deemed unauthorised by higher Church authorities. The canonisation process, which started in 1926, 17 years after her death in Sydney on 8 August 1909, was also later halted when these accusations were again investigated; and again she was found innocent on all charges, Sr Anne said. Sr Anne, 60, spoke to The Record in a telephone interview on 19 February, the day before a 9am (local time) press conference at the chapel entrance to Blessed MacKillop’s tomb in North Sydney to announce the canonisation date.

Also on 19 February, Pope Benedict XVI met with Sister Maria Casey RSJ, Postulator for the Cause of Blessed MacKillop, to pray together in a solemn consistory in Rome, after which the pontiff announced the date for the canonisation ceremony.

“The clergy tried to say she was a drunkard but after interviewing her fellow sisters they found that she only took brandy for medicinal reasons for ‘women’s troubles’ - period pain,” Sr Anne said.

“Brandy was all women had and Mary suffered bad period pain, really bad.

“She wrote late in life that she was glad that her ‘friends’ had left her - that¹s what she called her

period - when she¹d reached menopause. “She’d often write ‘I cant get up today because of this’, and the inquiry interviewed the sisters back then, who said it was totally unfair to accuse her of that - accusations made by men who didn¹t have to go through that.” Sister Anne said that Blessed Mary, also known as Mother Mary of the Cross, had “an incredible strength, despite knowing she was treated unjustly by the Bishops”. “At the moment of her excommunication, she said she’d never felt calmer in her life, and felt an overwhelming presence of God,” Sr Anne said.

Sr Foale’s document noted that Blessed MacKillop¹s congregation was also radically different from the Religious Orders that Adelaide’s priests had known in Ireland because:

● It drew its membership from among the working classes

● Some Sisters were barely literate when they entered

● A significant proportion of their number were Australian born

● All had equal status regardless of their social or educational background

● They worked among the poorest sections of society

● They relied solely on school fees and alms for their support

● They lived in ordinary housing which was rented or owned by the Church

● They moved about openly in the streets and other public places and went into the homes of some of the poorest and most disadvantaged in the neighbourhoods where they had their schools.

Sr Anne said that the canonisation of their foundress would give the Order “a great sense of renewal and revival, to keep focused on the way she was with the poor, and a great sense of joy that what she started and what we followed has been worthwhile”.

“That makes us lift our mark a bit,” she said, adding that Blessed MacKillop would be a role model to many Australians who would empathise with her ability to make such a difference to people¹s lives despite her suffering.

Born of Scottish parents in Fitzroy, Victoria on 15 January 1842, Mary MacKillop, the eldest of eight children, was well-educated by her father Alexander, who had studied for the priesthood in Rome but returned to Scotland due to ill health before migrating to Australia in 1835 with his parents.

Today, the order has Sisters in Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Brazil, Ireland and Scotland.

when she was excommunicated and her order was disbanded on 22 September 1871.

Solomon was also instrumental in establishing Freemasonry - which has a long history of being at odds with the Catholic Church - in the young British colony, the newspaper reported.

One of Solomon's great-great-grandsons, John Johnston of Blackheath, told the Sydney Morning Herald on 18 February that the decision to offer the nuns two of his properties was typical of his ancestor's charity, which was his "driving force."

"He was a man who spent his money, and he set up so many charitable things

in his time. Perhaps he was making up for past misdemeanours," Johnston told the newspaper. Johnston said Solomon also helped the nuns with housing in 1869, two years before the excommunication.

The act of kindness was referred to by Blessed MacKillop in the archives of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the Order she co-founded with Fr Julian Tenison Woods in 1866.

"The convent being too small for so many, a house in Rosetta Terrace was kindly lent ... by the Hon E Solomon," she wrote.

"The kindness shown by the Jewish com-

munity has been remarkable, but then St Joseph was a Jew." Solomon was born in London in 1800 and was sentenced to seven years in Australia in 1817, the paper reported. Records suggest he was not exactly a model prisoner and was flogged at least three times, including one set of 50 lashes for possessing an iron pick. When he was finally freed, he set up a business with his brother, Vaiban, who had also been transported to Australia for theft. Emanuel Solomon later moved to South Australia, where he eventually served in the state parliament.

Education

The work continues through education in schools especially, Mary MacKillop College Queensland, Mount St Joseph Milperra, NSW, Mary MacKillop College Kensington, South Australia, Mt St Joseph’s Altona West, Victoria and Mary MacKillop College Wakeley, NSW.

MacKillop Family Services – VIC

The MacKillop Family Services in Victoria delivers a broad range of services, primarily to children, young people and their families. It provides services for out of home care, education and training, disability services, family support and support of former residents.

MacKillop Rural Community Services – NSW

Promotes and develops the well-being of rural communities. MacKillop Rural Community Services believes that the communities in which people live are at the heart of the Australian rural experience and it seeks to be a transforming force through many services provided in rural NSW. These include education and training opportunities for Indigenous women and men, provision of child care training and parenting education.

Mirilingki – WA

Mirilingki is a cross-cultural Catholic centre which seeks to promote formation in ministry and personal development across the Church of the Kimberley in the spirit of National Reconciliation.

Beautiful Daughters Programme –NZ

This initiative is a service provided by the Kauri Trust in partnership with the Sisters of St Joseph to cater for young women aged 14 – 17 years struggling with drugs, alcohol and prostitution.

Josephite Community Aid – NSW

JCA is about young people giving their

time and talents to help people who are in special need and underprivileged eg refugees, newcomers to Australian society.

Drumcollogher & District Respite Care – Ireland

This centre has been established by local voluntary community effort. The Sisters of St Joseph provide patient care along with General Practitioners, nursing staff carers, cooks and ancillary staff

Western Spirituality Ministry QLD

This ministry is supported by the Sisters of St Joseph both at the Congregational and Province level, by the Townsville diocese and by the people of the West.

The Mary MacKillop Foundation has contributed to some of the projects undertaken by the ministry.

Sisters of St Joseph Peruvian Project – Peru

The Sisters have worked with the people in Peru by establishing cooperatives for women to use their skills in traditional crafts of weaving. The garments considered for import and sale are, for the most part, made of alpaca with some other combination of fibre such as silk or cotton.

Mary MacKillop East Timor

In partnership with the East Timorese people, the Mary MacKillop Institute of East Timorese Studies has established a curriculum with books and teachers materials.

In addition, the Sisters of St Joseph have offered their support to the people of East Timor who have fled and are seeking asylum in Australia.

Ain Karim – South Australia

Ain Karim is a home for people with intellectual disabilities.

Above, Catholics pray at the tomb of Blessed Mary MacKillop at Mary MacKillop Place in Sydney, Australia, on 20 December. Pope Benedict XVI issued a decree on 19 December, 2009 recognising the miracle needed for her canonisation. CNS PHOTO/DANIEL MUNOZ, REUTERS

Right, Blessed Mary MacKillop’s Rosary is displayed in the museum at Mary MacKillop Place in Sydney, Australia. Celebrated for her dedication to children and the poor, Mother Mary’s progressive ways of teaching had earned her an excommunication order from one stern bishop who found the nun’s practical ways unsettling. CNS PHOTO/NANCY WIECHEC

A small sample of the ministries carried out by

Above, left to right: Mary MacKillop and Sr Josephine McMullen (kneeling), 1869. Josephine was the first Adelaide resident to oin the Sisters of St Joseph; Annie MacKillop (Mary’s sister), Mary MacKillop (seated) and Donald MacKillop SJ (Mary’s brother), 1897; Mary MacKillop, c 1899; Mary MacKillop (in wheelchair) on her last visit to Aotearoa/New Zealand in 1902. Mary, having suffered a stroke, is pictured here with a group of Sisters, Nurse Glasheen, and her sister Annie (seated front left) at St Joseph’s Convent, Middleton Road, Remuera; Mary MacKillop, 1871, aged 29 years in the year of her excommunication. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SISTERS OF ST JOSEPH OF THE SACRED HEART

Australian Anglicans vote for Catholic Ordinariate

BY ANTHONY BARICH National Reporter

THE ANGLICAN Forward in Faith Australia movement has passed a motion in an extraordinary general meeting in Melbourne to commit itself to seek “by every means” the establishment of an Anglican Ordinariate in the Catholic Church in Australia.

Forward in Faith is a breakaway group formed in 1992 as a coalition of some Anglo-Catholic societies in the Church of England and elsewhere opposed to the ordination of women. It is present in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

FIFA national chairman Bishop David Robarts, the former Anglican Dean of St George’s Cathedral in Perth, Western

Australia, said in a statement on 13 February - the day of the meetingthat “FIFA receives with great gratitude the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus of Pope Benedict XVI and directs the National Council to foster by every means the establishing of an Ordinariate in Australia”.

The meeting also gave notice as to the establishing of Friends of the Australian Ordinariate and invited FIFA members and other interested persons for expressions of interest, but noted that this does not commit them to joining the Ordinariate.

The Vatican published Pope Benedict's apostolic constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus ("Groups of Anglicans") on 9 November last year, along with specific norms governing the establishment and

Anglican Bishop feels UK Catholic hierarchy resisting Pope’s initiative

An Anglican Bishop in the United Kingdom has described his contacts with the Vatican as “a little bit like Elizabethan espionage” and revealed that he feels the need to work around unsympathetic English Bishops in his effort to bring Anglicans into the Catholic Church.

In letters that have been leaked to the British Guardian newspaper, Anglican Bishop Andrew Burnham of Ebbsfleet tells Australian Catholic Bishop Peter Elliott, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, that careful manoeuvres are required to ensure that the Pope's invitation to Anglicans is not “smothered by the management anxieties of a hierarchy, some of whom think that Anglicans are best off doing what they are presently doing”.

The Anglican Bishop reveals that he has received strong support from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith but expresses his fear that efforts to implement the Pope's apostolic constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus still face strong resistance among the Bishops of England and Wales.

Priesthood is a life marked by compassion: Benedict

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Priesthood isn’t a job that one fulfils a few hours a day but it is a way of life focused on serving as a bridge between God and suffering humanity, Pope Benedict XVI told priests of the Diocese of Rome.

Priests are called to live not just “in blessed contemplation,” but “to enter like Christ into human misery and take it up, going to the people who are suffering” and sharing their pain, the Pope said on 18 February as he led the clergy in lectio divina, a prayerful reading and meditation on selections from the Letter to the Hebrews on the mystery of priesthood.

Priests are called to be “real mediators between humanity and God,” he said, and in order to do so they must be totally dedicated to God, yet fully human and deeply compassionate in the face of the concerns, anxieties, joys and sorrows of others.

The Pope, speaking without a prepared text, reflected at length on the New Testament letter. He explained the possible meanings of some of the words in their original Greek and referred to other Scripture passages, liturgical texts, the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Socrates, the seventh-century St Maximus of Constantinople, St John of God, the German Scripture scholar Adolf von Harnack and Cardinal Albert Vanhoye, a specialist on the Letter to the Hebrews.

The Pope said the letter’s description of Christ as the high priest makes it clear that Christ offered God the perfect sacrifice by willingly giving His life for the sins of humanity, but He also offered God His tears for the sorrows of the world.

As humanity cried out, “God, help us, hear us,” Jesus carried the cry of humanity to God and “in this way realised His priesthood, the function of mediator, transporting and taking on the suffering of the world,” he said.

“Our priesthood, too, is not limited to the act of worship of the holy Mass in which everything is consigned into the hands of Christ; offering all of our compassion, the sufferings of this world so far from God, is a priestly act,” the Pope said.

“Priesthood is not something that involves a few hours, but is realised through our whole pastoral life with its sufferings, weaknesses, sadness and also joy, naturally,” he said.

The Pope ended his meditation by praying that God would help him and all priests continually deepen their understanding of the mystery of priesthood, “to live this mystery better and better and, in that way, help the world open up to God so the world would be redeemed.”

governance of "personal ordinariates," structures similar to dioceses, for former Anglicans who become Catholic.

Bishop Harry Entwistle, a member of the FIFA executive management committee who was until this year its vice chairman, told The Record on 18 February that until recently FIFA’s purpose was to secure adequate provision for guaranteed sacramental life within the Anglican Church in Australia.

“This has not been provided so they’re now committing themselves to the main objective they’ve always had - seeking communion with the Holy See,” said Bishop Entwistle, a Bishop of the Traditional Anglican Communion, a breakaway group that claims 400,000 members worldwide.

Bishop Robarts, who is also Bishop of TAC’s Southern Region in Australia, told Britain’s Daily Telegraph on 16 February that FIFA members felt excluded by the Anglican Church in Australia which had not provided them with a Bishop to champion their views on the ordination of homosexual and women Bishops.

“In Australia, we have tried for a quarter of a decade to get some form of episcopal oversight but we have failed. We’re not really wanted any more, our conscience is not being respected,” Bishop Robarts, 77, told The Daily Telegraph

Bishop Entwistle, 69 and married with two children in their 30s, told The Record that FIFA also committed itself to working alongside TAC and those FIFA members who are still within the Anglican Church of Australia, while also supporting those members of FIFA who at this stage feel unable to

move into the Catholic Church.

A concordat exists between FIF International - which has up to 200 members in Australia - which allows TAC members to receive Communion in FIF churches.

Bishop Entwistle also clarified a misconception that Bishop Peter Elliott - the Roman Catholic Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop appointed as the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s (ACBC) liaison with disaffected Anglicans who seek communion with the Holy See – would automatically be appointed head of the Anglo-Catholic Ordinariate in Australia. Bishop Entwistle said he

Church stats show increase in Catholics, seminarians

VATICAN CITY (CNS)The latest Vatican statistics show a slight increase in Catholics as a percentage of the world’s population, and a slow but steady rise in the number of priests and seminarians worldwide.

The statistics, from the end of 2008, were presented along with the new Vatican yearbook on 20 February.

The Vatican said the number of Catholics reached 1.166 billion, an increase of 19 million, or 1.7 per cent, from the end of 2007. During the same period, Catholics as a percentage of the global population grew from 17.33 per cent to 17.4 per cent, it said. The number of priests stood at 409,166, an increase of 1,142 from the end of 2007. Since the year 2000, the Vatican said, the number of priests has increased by nearly 4,000, or about 1 per cent.

Looking at the way priests are distributed around the world, it said: 47.1 per cent were in Europe, 30 per cent in the Americas, 13.2 per cent in Asia, 8.7 per cent in Africa and 1.2 per cent in Oceania. The number of seminarians around the world rose from 115,919 at the end of 2007 to 117,024 at the end of 2008, an increase of more than 1 per cent, it said. The increase in seminarians varied geographically: Africa showed an increase of 3.6 per cent, Asia an increase of 4.4 per cent, and Oceania an increase of 6.5 per cent, while Europe had a decrease of 4.3 per cent and the Americas remained about the same.The statistics showed that professed Religious women remain the single largest category of pastoral workers, but that overall their numbers continue to decline.

From 2000 to the end of 2008, the Vatican said, the number of women Religious went from 801,185 to 739,067, a drop of 7.8 per cent. It said the largest numbers of women Religious are still found in Europe (40.9 per cent of the total) and the Americas (27.5 per cent of the total) though both areas have shown a significant decline in numbers since 2000. During the same period, the number of women Religious in Africa has increased by 21.2 per cent, and in Asia by 16.4 per cent, it said.

thought that Bishop Elliott is “highly unlikely” to head the Australian Ordinariate once it is established. Anglicanorum Coetibus, he said, specifically states that normally the head of the Ordinariate would be someone from one of the Anglican groups that petitioned the Holy See for full corporate and sacramental communion - either an unmarried Bishop or a married or unmarried priest. This all but rules out Bishop Elliott, he added. The head of the Ordinariate will be appointed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and will become a member of the ACBC.

Witness of joy key to promoting vocations

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

- The witness of a life lived joyfully and prayerfully is the key to attracting new vocations to the priesthood and Religious life, Pope Benedict XVI said.

In his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, to be observed on 25 April, the Pope said that while the call to priesthood and Religious life comes from God, “it is also helped by the quality and depth of the personal and communal witness” of priests and Religious.

“God’s free and gracious initiative encounters and challenges the human responsibility of all those who accept his invitation to become, through their own witness, the instruments of his divine call,” the Pope wrote in the message released on 16 February. The Pope said that especially for priests, but also for Religious brothers and sisters, there are three areas of life where a personal example is particularly important for helping others see what answering God’s call can mean:

PHOTO: CNS

● “Friendship with Christ” through prayer and Bible reading, which demonstrates how abiding in God’s love fills a person with the desire to share that experience with others

● “The complete gift of oneself to God,” which makes a person able to give himself or herself completely to others as well

● “A life of communion” and of openness to others, which means being able to draw people together, help them overcome their differences and offer each other forgiveness.

In a world often marked by materialism, self-centeredness and individualism, the Pope said, the complete fidelity of priests and Religious to God and to serving others is usually a sign of contradiction but one that shows others where true joy is found.

“If young people see priests who appear distant and sad, they will hardly feel encouraged to follow their example,” he said.

Perth Traditional Anglican Bishop Harry Entwistle has told The Record he believes it is likely that an existing Anglican cleric will head any new Anglican Ordinariate within the Catholic Church in Australia.

PHOTO: ANTHONY BARICH

Seminarians from the Pontifical North American College cheer their soccer team during its season opener against Brazil in the Clericus Cup in Rome on 20 February.

Seminarians wait in line as they are instituted as lectors during Sunday Mass at the Pontifical North American College in Rome on 17 January. PHOTO: CNS

Kids bitz ARTISTS WEEK OF THE

SPOTLIGHT ON SAINTS

St Romanus

Romanus (d 460) made the decision to become a hermit when he was in his 30s. He chose a secluded spot in the mountains between Switzerland and France.

Using the coverage of a large fir tree for shelter, he dug a small garden so he could grow his own food.

He spent many hours praying and reading books of devotion and theology.

He did not live alone for very long because his brother came to join him, along with a few other people who were inspired by his example. The small group established a monastery and a nunnery.

While on a pilgrimage, Romanus healed two people of leprosy, which only further established his reputation of holiness.

We honour him on 28 February.

COLOUR

199.THETRANSFIGURATION (MATTHEW17:1-13)

BIBLE ACCENT:

The event in today’s story is called the transfiguration because the appearance of Jesus was changed in front of the three apostles who were with him. Bible scholars consider this an unusual miracle because it wasn’t something Jesus performed; it happened to him.

Moses and Elijah were very important in the Jewish tradition, and they were there with Jesus.

Symbolically. this may represent the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew (5:17), where he said he had come to fulfil the law (Moses, the giver of the law) and the prophets (Elijah, whom the Jews believed would return).

Peter wanted to honor the patriarchs as well as Jesus, but the voice said that Jesus was God’s son and to listen to him.

We should listen to him as well.

WORD SLEUTH

199.THETRANSFIGURATION (MATTHEW17:1-13)

CHILDREN’S HILDREN STOR Y TORY

JESUS PRAYS, SPEAKS WITH MOSES AND ELIJAH

By Joe Sarnicola

JESUS tried to explain to his disciples that he would only be with them a short time, and then he would be gone. While he was here, there were certain things that would happen to him, and he wanted to prepare his friends. “The Son of Man,” he told them, “must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Jesus also wanted his disciples to know about the commitment it would take on their part to be one of his followers. “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

After a week had passed, Jesus was alone with his apostles Peter, James and John, who were three of his closest friends.

He asked them to accompany Him when he went up to a quiet place on the mountain to pray. As Jesus was praying, the apostles saw a change come over Jesus.

His face looked different and his clothes looked as if they were giving off a bright, white light. And two men appeared with Jesus, who began to speak with him. They were Moses and Elijah, and they told Jesus about the many things they knew he was going to perform and complete in Jerusalem.

Peter, James and John each saw what was happening, so they knew they were not dreaming. They did not know what they should do in the presence of such a holy event, but they felt they should offer to do something.

So before Moses and Elijah departed, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

As Peter was speaking to Jesus, a dense cloud formed over their heads and a dark shadow fell upon the apostles. Then the cloud settled and completely engulfed them. The men were filled with fear. Out of the mist of the cloud, a voice declared, “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.”

Before the three men could react, the cloud was gone, and they were once again with Jesus. He was no longer changed, and Moses and Elijah were no longer with Him.

Peter, James and John did not speak to Jesus about what had happened, and they did not tell anyone else what they had seen.

READ MORE ABOUT IT: Luke 9

Q&A

Which two men came to speak with Jesus?

What did the voice say to the apostles?

Isabella Papalia

Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School

Ida Creutt

Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School

Summit calls for courage, honesty, but

Crisis management:

For Vatican, it’s up to the Irish to heal scandal

ANALYSIS

BY JOHN T HAVIS Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY - For Vatican and Irish participants, the twoday meeting on the handling of priestly sex abuse cases was a major accomplishment, combining a frank admission of mismanagement with truly collaborative discussions on how to avoid such mistakes in the future.

But for much of the wider public, especially in Ireland, the 15-16 February meeting fell short of expectations and was remarkable for what it didn’t do: no Bishops were fired, no abuse victims were heard and Pope Benedict XVI made no plans to visit Ireland and build bridges to alienated Catholics.

Papal whitewash and The Pope has ‘washed hands’ of our abuse were two not untypical headlines in Irish newspapers the next day.

The encounter highlighted the dilemma facing the Pope and other Vatican officials as they try to defuse the pastoral crisis in Ireland.

By convening the Bishops, the Pope clearly signalled his deep interest and concern over the scandal.

But because the meeting was not designed to produce “march-

ing orders” or even policy decisions, it was bound to leave some disappointed.

Managing expectations on a topic this explosive is never easy. In this case, the anticipated agenda of the meeting was inflated by media reports that spoke of a shake-up of the Church hierarchy in Ireland or a grand papal gesture.

Even the word “summit,” used by the press but not by the Vatican, suggested there would be highlevel conclusions.

Instead, the results were much more about information-sharing than decision-making. There were several reasons for that:

● Irish Bishops have already implemented much-lauded guidelines and policies to protect children from abuse, including full cooperation with civil authori-

ties. As one Vatican official put it:

“They already have a very good system in place. Now they have to follow it.”

In that sense, the issues on the table were different from those discussed in the 2002 meeting between US Bishops and Vatican officials, when the debate was over specific points of proposed sex abuse norms.

● Some of the big questions hovering over the Irish-Vatican meeting dealt with personnel. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin, who has pushed for more transparency and accountability among the Irish Bishops, has predicted “a very significant reorganisation of the Church in Ireland.”

But the resignation of Bishops has always been considered a personal decision involving the indi-

vidual Bishop and the Pope, and would never be done by committee - or even by “summit.”

● Likewise, the suggestion by some Irish media that abuse victims should have been brought down to Rome for the encounter was never seriously considered at the Vatican.

Church leaders said it would have seemed like a publicity stunt.

They pointed out that when Pope Benedict met with abuse victims in the United States and Australia, it was arranged quietly and without fanfare.

If something similar happens in Ireland some day, they said, it will also happen away from the media glare. One outcome of the VaticanIrish meeting was perhaps too subtle to measure on the media

Poor Clare joins new saints with Aussie

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope Benedict XVI will create six new saints on 17 October, including Blessed Mary MacKillop who will be Australia’s first saint, and the Canadian Blessed Andre Bessette who will be the first saint of the Holy Cross Brothers.

The Pope announced the date for the canonisation ceremony at the end of what is known as an ordinary public consistory, a very formal ceremony opened and closed with prayer, during which Cardinals present in Rome express their support of the Pope’s decision to create new saints.

Archbishop Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, read brief biographies of the six in Latin.

Blessed MacKillop, founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, and other members of her Order were committed to following poor labourers into remote areas of the country in order to educate their children. But local Church officials disapproved of the Sisters living in isolated communities, often cut off from the sacraments.

Blessed Bessette founded St Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal in Montreal and was known for his intense piety, famed for miraculous cures and praised for his dedication to building the shrine to honor St Joseph.

Born Alfred Bessette on 9 August 1845 in Saint-Gregoire d’Iberville, Quebec, he suffered from a chronic stomach ailment that kept him out of school and often without work.

At 25, Blessed Andre could not read and his health was so fragile the Holy Cross brothers assigned him to be the doorman at

Montreal’s College of Notre Dame, where the congregation had just opened its novitiate. He once commented: “When I joined this community, the superiors showed me the door.” He died on 6 January 1937 at the age of 91. The others to be canonised on 17 October are:

● Blessed Stanislaw Soltys Kazimierczyk, a Polish-born member of the Canons Regular of the Lateran, who lived 1433-1489. He was famous as a preacher and confessor.

● Blessed Juana Josefa Cipitria Barriola of Spain. The nun, who died in 1912, founded the Daughters of Jesus.

● Blessed Giulia Salzano, the Italian founder of the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; she died in 1929.

● Blessed Camilla Battista Varano, an Italian Poor Clare who lived 1458-1524.

The Poor Clare’s path to canonisation was unusual.

A formal beatification ceremony was never held for her but in 1843 Pope Gregory XVI recognised centuries of devotion to her and gave her the title Blessed.

In 2005, Pope Benedict recognised that she lived a life of heroic virtues - usually the first step before beatification and canonisation - and in December he issued the decree recognising a miracle attributed to her intercession.

applause meter, but significant nonetheless. By all accounts, there’s been a shift in attitude inside the Roman Curia since 2002.

At that time, the sex abuse crisis in the United States still found many Vatican officials in denial or very defensive; today, according to the Irish Bishops, virtually all of the 10 Vatican department heads in attendance offered genuine support and help.

The Vatican now knows that priestly sex abuse is not a passing episode limited to one or two countries.

As if that needed demonstrating, a new clerical sex abuse scandal was emerging in Germany even as the Vatican meeting took place - and the Vatican newspaper wrote about it.

Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh,

Abandon all

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

- The Lenten season calls Christians to strip themselves of evil, superficiality and lukewarm morality and to turn themselves fully over to Jesus Christ, said Pope Benedict XVI.

“Conversion means to change the direction in life’s journey, not by making tiny adjustments, but by an authentic and real about-face,” he said during his weekly general audience on 17 February, Ash Wednesday.

“The call for conversion strips bare and denounces the easy superficiality that very often characterises our way of life,” he said.

“Conversion is to go against the current where the current is a lifestyle that is superficial, inconsistent, disillusioned, and which often tramples us, reigns over us and makes us slaves to evil or, in any case, prisoners of mediocre morals.”

Beginning his Ash Wednesday observance with the general audience, the Pope told an estimated 6,500 visitors that Lent, in the words of St Paul, reminds people “not to accept the grace of God in vain,” but to recognise that God is calling everyone to penance and spiritual renewal every day.

When life seems exhausting and fraught with difficulties and failure, and when one is tempted to abandon the Faith, it is a call to “open ourselves up to God’s love in Christ and to live according to his logic of justice and love,” he said.

When people receive ashes, the priest tells them either “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” or

Bishop Joseph Duffy of Clogher arrives with other Irish bishops for a press conference at Vatican Radio on 16 February. CNS

Bishop Dennis Brennan of Ferns speaks during a press conference with other Irish Bishops at Vatican Radio on 16 February. CNS

Bishop Brendan Kelly of Achonry speaks in Gaelic during a press conference with other Irish Bishops at Vatican Radio on 16 February. CNS

Bishop Michael Smith of Meath, Ireland, makes a point during a press conference with other Irish Bishops at Vatican Radio on 16 February. CNS

Andrew BessetteStanislaw Soltys KazimierczykJuana

Josefa Ciptria Barriola

Camilla Battista Varano

Giulia Salzano

ultimately it’s up to Irish to heal scandal

Northern Ireland, said the Vatican seemed to understand that this is “not an Anglophone problem.”

Compare that to the famous remark made by Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos at a Vatican press conference in 2002.

After noting that many of the journalists’ questions were posed in English, he said that fact alone “already says something about the problem and gives it an outline.”

Cardinal Castrillon, a Colombian who was head of the Congregation for Clergy at the time, worried that accused priests weren’t getting a fair hearing, suggested that priests were being unfairly singled out as a category of professionals when it comes to sex abuse and implied that money was a factor in the cases coming to light. His replacement at the clergy congregation, Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes, has taken a much different approach.

While defending the majority of priests as honest and admirable pastors, Cardinal Hummes recently said instances of priestly sexual abuse were “extremely serious and ... criminal facts” that need to be brought to the attention of the civil justice system and not just to Church authorities.

Echoing that, the Vatican

communique at the end of the February meeting underlined the Irish Bishops’ “commitment to cooperation with the statutory authorities” when they deal with abusive priests.

One line in the communique provoked some questioning, even inside the Vatican: the statement, attributed to the Pope, that a “more general crisis of faith” affecting the Church was a “contributing factor” in the sexual abuse of minors.

To some, it sounded like an excuse.

The Pope’s intent, however, is not to relieve priests of their personal responsibility for what he called a “heinous crime” and a grave sin, but to dig for some deeper reasons behind what happened.

“I think that needs to be better explained, and I’m sure he will in his letter,” said one Vatican official, speaking of the Pope’s pastoral letter to the Church in Ireland, which was expected to be released before Easter.

The papal letter will not be the final word, though. One lesson of the Vatican-Irish meeting was that the Pope and his aides do not intend to micromanage this crisis for the Irish Bishops.

As Archbishop Martin of Dublin said after his return to Ireland: “I believe the future of dealing with this question is in the hands of the Irish Church.”

superficiality during Lent

“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return,” he said. To turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel are not two different things, he said; they express the need to completely turn over one’s life to the Gospel by “freely answering to Christ who offers humanity the way, the truth and the life.” Only through Jesus can a person be saved and free, he said.

The words “you are dust and to dust you shall return” remind people of their human fragility and mortality, especially in cultures that tend to censor the human experience of death, he said.

In the evening, Pope Benedict led the traditional Ash Wednesday procession on Rome’s Aventine Hill from the Church of St Anselm to the Church of Santa Sabina where he celebrated Mass and received ashes on the top of his head from Cardinal Jozef Tomko, retired Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples.

In his homily, the Pope said accepting ashes “is

Failure of leadership the key in Irish fallout

BY JOHN T HAVIS SARAH DELANEY Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI said priestly sexual abuse was a “heinous crime” and a grave sin, and he urged Irish Bishops to act courageously to repair their failures to deal properly with such cases.

At the end of a two-day Vatican summit on the sex abuse scandal in Ireland, the Vatican said in a 16 February statement that “errors of judgement and omissions” were at the heart of the crisis. It said Church leaders recognised the sense of “pain and anger, betrayal, scandal and shame” that those errors have provoked among many Irish Catholics.

“All those present recognised that this grave crisis has led to a breakdown in trust in the Church’s leadership and has damaged her witness to the Gospel and its moral teaching,” the statement said.

“For his part, the Holy Father observed that the sexual abuse of children and young people is not only a heinous crime, but also a grave sin which offends God and wounds the dignity of the human person created in his image,” it said.

“While realising that the current painful situation will not be resolved quickly, he challenged the Bishops to address the problems of the past with determination and resolve, and to face the present crisis with honesty and courage,” it said.

The Vatican said the Pope also had expressed hope that the Vatican summit would help the Bishops unify and “speak with one voice” as they identify concrete steps to bring healing to those who have been abused and restore the Church’s moral credibility.

intent on protecting the Church’s reputation and assets than on helping the victims.

With the Pope presiding, each of the 24 Irish Bishops spoke for five minutes, in effect giving the Pope an account of themselves and their own actions, and reflecting on ways to best bring healing. The Vatican participants included officials who deal with doctrine, Church law, Bishops, clergy, religious life and seminaries.

The Pope had earlier expressed his sense of outrage over the revelations and was writing a special pastoral letter to Irish Catholics on the subject. Participants at the Vatican meeting discussed a draft of the letter which was expected to be published during Lent, Fr Lombardi said.

The Vatican statement said the Irish Bishops had already helped put in place significant measures to ensure the safety of all children in Church activities. It emphasised the Bishops’ commitment to cooperate with civil authorities in Ireland and with the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland.

But even as the Vatican meeting wound down, a new controversy was erupting in Ireland over the refusal of the Apostolic Nuncio to the country, Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza, to appear before a parliamentary foreign affairs committee. One member of the committee called the Archbishop’s decision regrettable and incomprehensible. Fr Lombardi said that an Apostolic Nuncio, like all ambassadors, may be precluded by the normal rules of diplomacy from answering parliamentary commissions. Bishop Michael Smith of Meath told reporters that as a diplomat the Nuncio deals with the foreign ministry and that there was no problem of cooperation between the Holy See and Ireland.

essentially a gesture of humility, which means that I recognise myself for what I am: a fragile creature made of earth and destined to return to the earth, but also made in the image of God and destined to return to him.”

Human beings can recognise and respond to God’s voice, but they also can disobey God, the Pope said.

“The origin of every material and social injustice is that which the Bible calls ‘iniquity’ or sin, which basically consists in disobeying God” and not responding to his love, he said. The first step to restoring justice in the world is to repent of one’s personal sins and sincerely seek to live according to God’s will, the Pope said.

The reward for repentance and good works, the Pope said, “is not the admiration of others, but friendship with God and the grace that comes with it, a grace that gives peace and the strength to do good, to love even those who don’t deserve it and to forgive those who have offended us.”

In a news conference following the meeting, Irish Bishops said they had been able to engage in “frank and open” discussions with the Pope and Vatican officials and that they had been encouraged by the encounter.

Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh, president of the Irish Bishops’ conference, said that throughout the meeting “the victims were central to all of our discussions, and the victims remain our priority.”

He said that there had been “a failure of leadership” on the part of the Irish hierarchy and they fully understand the “disillusionment, anger, shame and sense of betrayal” expressed by the victims. Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi said the meeting produced no specific policy decisions, nor was it intended to do so.

He said the encounter, which included 24 Irish Bishops and 10 top Vatican officials, was aimed at dialogue and direction-setting, and in that sense was a success. Fr Lombardi said he thought one of the most significant outcomes was the public recognition that there had been a failure “in leadership, in the governance of the Church” in dealing with the sex abuse cases.

The spokesman said the meeting did not directly address some controversial aspects of the Irish situation, including the call for additional resignations of Irish Bishops. Nor did the meeting discuss the idea, suggested by some in Ireland, that Pope Benedict add Ireland to his planned visit to England and Scotland in September and meet with some of the abuse victims.

The Pope convened the Bishops in response to the continuing fallout from the scandal, following an independent report that faulted the Church for its handling of 325 sex abuse claims in the Archdiocese of Dublin in the years 1975-2004. The report said Bishops sometimes protected abusive priests, and were apparently more

At the opening Mass on 15 February, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, said the most difficult trials for the Church were internal ones, especially, as in this case, when the Church sees “some of its own men involved in particularly abominable acts.” The Cardinal said renewal can be the outcome of this trial, as long as people take responsibility for their failings.

There has been widespread indignation among Irish Catholics following the revelations of the sex abuse cases and the way they were handled by the Bishops, detailed in a report last November by an independent commission headed by Judge Yvonne Murphy. Pope Benedict held a preliminary meeting with two Irish Bishops in December. Four Bishops criticised in the Irish report have offered their resignation, but so far the Pope has officially accepted only one of them.

Bishop Martin Drennan of Galway and Kilmacduagh, also criticised in the report, has rejected demands by Catholic groups for his resignation.

At the news conference, Cardinal Brady was asked if Catholics in Ireland might view the meeting as short on concrete decisions. The Cardinal responded, “I certainly hope not.” He said the meeting was the beginning of a process and that “ultimately the Holy Father will give us a message of encouragement to deal with this problem honestly and courageously.”

But he said the problem had been “going on for many years” and that “it’s recognised that this is not an Irish problem, not an Anglophone problem and not a problem of the Catholic Church. It’s a great problem and at the centre of it all must be the welfare of the victims.”

He said Pope Benedict had told them that the key to moving forward was “a renewal of faith, because faith ultimately is the real and true protector of human dignity”, adding that the Bishops would take advantage of Lent to do penance, as “we must begin with ourselves.”

Bishop Joseph Duffy of Clogher said that until now the Irish Church had been marked by “a culture of secrecy and confidentiality” that the Bishops would now work to overcome.

Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh, Northern Ireland, speaks at a press conference at Vatican Radio on 16 February following the Irish bishops’ two-day meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. Cardinal Brady said Ireland’s Bishops will do penance in the afterm ath of the sexual abuse crisis in Ireland.

PHOTO: CNS/PAUL HARING

Cardinal Jozef Tomko sprinkles ashes on the head of Pope Benedict XVI during Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome on 17 February.

PHOTO: CNS/PAUL HARING

In the end, the Sacraments just ‘felt right’

Leanne Sandrini

In 2004, my then partner Michael and I were living together in Kalgoorlie and decided to move to Perth. Friends from the Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community invited us on retreats and Summer Schools which we always declined. Finally, we decided to try it and agreed if we didn’t like it we wouldn’t go back. The “Life in the Spirit” Seminar got our attention and raised some questions about faith for us. I didn’t expect that it would change my life so dramatically. Each week was a step closer to God.

Why I became Catholic

with Debbie Warrier

I had always believed that there was a God. However, I didn’t know enough about Jesus and Mary to strongly believe in them. When I got to know Jesus I could feel in my heart that He was real. I prayed as a teenager but as I looked back over my life I saw God’s hand in everything like never before. It was up to me to grasp back but until the last six years it hadn’t been the right time.

My father is Catholic but not practising. Yet he never spoke out against my decision to convert. He was always there with the camera at special occasions like my Baptism and the Baptisms of my children Adam (3), Jack (2) and Ella (16 months). My mum was Church of England but over the years lost her faith. Nonetheless, they both brought me up with good Christian values.

After the “Life in the Spirit” Seminar I knew I wanted to be Catholic. All the Sacraments felt right. The Mass felt like home. Michael and I decided to get married. I did my preparations to be a Catholic and for marriage at the same time. That Christmas Eve I was formally received into the Catholic Church. Michael was confirmed the same day. We were married a week later on New Year’s Eve! We had never experienced the love and support that was shown to us by our friends in Community before. They opened my eyes to Jesus’ love. It just confirmed to me that we were doing the right thing.

Before I met Michael I had been working as a nanny in the UK where, basically, I partied. When I came back to Perth my life revolved around my job as a chef and I lived from day to day. Then when Michael and I got together he became like a god to me. I did everything for him. He spent time in jail due to offences relating to his connections with a bikie gang and we kept in touch by mail. Following his release we decided to live together. My husband and I believe our journey was part of God’s plan.

Now I am pregnant with our fourth child. I pray to St Gerard Majella for his intercession. St Gerard is the patron saint of children (especially the unborn), childbirth, mothers (especially expectant mothers) and motherhood. I am also amazed by the love of Mary as a mother and her unhesitating “Yes” to God.

I thought that Catholicism was a very firm and unloving religion. Now Michael and I try to be strong witnesses to our faith. Without it we wouldn’t be married with children, leading our lives the way we do. I just know that even if you have nothing, you will always have Jesus.

If you have a story to tell please contact Debbie via dwarrier75@gmail.com

Decide the result, then hold poll

Bio Ethics

with Fr Joe Parkinson

It is easy to be confused about the real value of opinion polls and surveys

There seem to be so many these days, but I think it’s time to blow the whistle on the onequestion opinion poll that masquerades as ‘research’.

Once upon a time you might be accosted in the Hay Street mall by an earnest young thing armed with clipboard and pen asking lots of questions, all in the interest of serious research.

Today, we are much more efficient. We have either the phone survey, those annoying people who call just as you’re sitting down to dinner, or the on-line poll.

These are quicker and less painful than the old model for two reasons: the technology is better and they often ask only one question.

But are they accurate? Do they actually reflect what the majority of people really think?

Well, that depends on the subject of the survey and the form of the question.

One-question surveys are pretty accurate about black-and-white issues. Sport, politics and other matters of personal taste are their bread and butter.

But you might as well ask whether beef tastes better than lamb, or whether Fords are better than Holdens.

One-dimensional questions are fine when the issue is more or less immateri-

al to our overall well-being as individuals or as a society. For these questions, a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ is all you need to say.

The danger comes when single-question polls purport to reveal public opinion on very complex issues, matters that really do impact quite profoundly on our health, happiness and well-being.

A simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ option to one question just doesn’t capture the complexity of some issues, yet often that is all you are allowed to say.

The fact is all reputable research in Australia must be approved by scientific and ethical review panels.

I have reviewed hundreds of research projects for a number of universities over the last 20 years. No serious research is ever conducted on the basis of a one-question opinion poll.

When they want to build up credible data about an important matter, researchers use questionnaires or multiple-question surveys even if they are really investigating only two or three key issues.

By asking more or less the same few questions in several different ways, serious researchers establish a degree of objectivity.

They can work out how well the respondent understands the complex issues, and they can validate responses by cross-checking various different answers.

This technique also prevents the researcher from leading the respondent down a preferred path, which can happen when a question is ‘loaded’.

For a good example of what not to do, here is a single-question survey currently doing the rounds in New South Wales: ‘If a hopelessly ill patient, experiencing un-relievable suffering, with absolutely no chance of recovering, asks for a lethal dose, should a doctor be allowed to provide a lethal dose, or not?’

Can you guess which answer the poll-

sters want you to give?

Of course they also asked people a lot of demographic questions - their age, gender, income and so on - but there is only one material question to answer.

By any serious standard this singlequestion opinion poll fails the objectivity test on several grounds.

The odds are stacked against you from the start. Simply by making the answer ‘no’ seem manifestly cruel and unreasonable, the question leads you down a one-way street to an obvious ‘yes’ which is the preferred answer.

By describing the illness as ‘hopeless’ and the suffering as ‘un-relievable’, the question has already determined that you have no other options.

Never mind the difference between physical pain and other kinds of suffering, and forget about the alternatives actually offered by excellent medical care.

Certainly don’t worry about the practicalities of legislating, monitoring and controlling practices which have proved uncontrollable elsewhere in the world.

The sponsors of this poll want you to ignore the fact that some incredibly complex medical, social and personal issues have been reduced to a single black-or-white question that is clearly designed to produce only one outcome.

If there is no objectivity in the question, there will be none in the answer.

The one great truth about surveys and polls is this: the more profound the issue we wish to investigate, the more careful, rigorous and comprehensive must be our investigation.

Single-question opinion polls eliminate complexity by simply ignoring it. That is why they are best suited to inconsequential matters of taste.

They cannot produce the hard data or solid information we need to chart a course through more complex social issues.

Get ready for Easter by living Lent

The spirit of Lent

By Fr John Flader

When I was young I used to give up something for Lent: chocolate, icecream, soft drinks, etc. I appreciate the value of this but now that I am an adult I think I should be doing other things. Do you have any suggestions?

It is important to situate what we are going to do for Lent within the context of the meaning of this important season.

Lent is the long season of preparation for the greatest feast in the liturgical year: Easter, the Resurrection of Our Lord. Easter, in turn, ends the Paschal Triduum in which we commemorate the suffering and death of Christ which brought about our Redemption.

It is only fitting to precede such a great feast by a time of spiritual preparation, as we do in the Advent preparation for Christmas.

In Lent, we accompany Our Lord along the way of the Cross to his Resurrection.

In so doing we live out his invitation, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mt 16:24).

Pope St Leo the Great in the fifth century recommends that during Lent we follow Christ by struggling to overcome our defects.

He says that “for us all it remains necessary to struggle every day against the rust of our earthly nature. Whatever steps forward we make, there is not one of us who is not always bound to do better.

All of us must strive hard and so on Easter Day no one should remain bound by the vices of his former nature. And so, dearly beloved, what every Christian should always be doing must now be performed more earnestly and more devoutly.

These forty days, instituted by the apostles, should be given over to fasting which means, not simply a reduction in our food, but the elimination of our evil habits” (Sermon 6 on Lent, 1-2).

Among the habits to be overcome might be impatience, laziness, disorder, pride, impurity, self-indulgence, etc.

“Among the habits to be overcome might be impatience, laziness, disorder, pride, impurity, self-indulgence, etc.”

In addition, as I explained in an earlier column (cf J Flader, Question Time, Connor Court 2008, p 299), the Church urges us to live penance through a greater effort in the three areas of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

They are mentioned by Our Lord in the Sermon on the Mount (cf Mt 6:118), and the Church reminds us of them in the Gospel for Ash Wednesday.

Prayer includes all aspects of our spiritual life: constancy and devotion in our daily prayers, attending Mass more often during the week, doing the Stations of the Cross, reading some

Scripture every day, meditating on the Passion, etc. Fasting can be taken in its broadest sense of self-denial in any area. This may include not eating between meals, giving up something we especially like, not listening to the radio in the car or while working, watching less television, etc.

And almsgiving should be understood as the practice of charity and the works of mercy: being more patient and kind, visiting sick or elderly relatives and friends, giving money to charities, encouraging someone to return to the Sacrament of Penance and to Mass, being more cheerful and pleasant, etc.

St Peter Chrysologus, in a Lenten sermon in the fifth century, shows how prayer, fasting and almsgiving are related to each other:

“There are three things, brethren, three, through which faith stands firm, devotion abides, and virtue endures: prayer, fasting and mercy. What prayer knocks for upon a door, fasting successfully begs and mercy receives. Prayer, fasting and mercy: these three are a unit. They give life to one another. For fasting is the soul of prayer; and mercy is the life of fasting” (Sermon 43). Thus it is recommended to do something in Lent from each of these three areas.

St Peter especially emphasises mercy: “But to make those gifts acceptable, follow them up with mercy. When mercy dries up, fasting suffers drought, for mercy is to fasting what rain is to the earth” (ibid).

Lent then is more about what we are going to do than about what we are going to give up. And if we live it well, we don’t have to wait for Easter to experience joy.

In a real sense, every day is Easter when we draw closer to Christ through our self-denial, prayer and works of mercy.

Win two tickets to Basilica Pipe Organ Plus concert

Celebrating 10 years of music making with Western Australia’s premier musical talent

FOR lovers of classical music, the Basilica of St Patrick will once again be filled with the splendid sounds of melody, celebrating the remarkable Pipe Organ Plus 10th Anniversary Concert Season with acclaimed organist Dominic Perissinotto continuing to impress audiences on WA’s largest and grandest pipe organ.

The unique element of Pipe Organ Plus has always been the superb quality and range of musicians with whom Dominic showcases the versatility of the organ as an ensemble instrument. In 2010, Dominic presents an outstanding programme that effortlessly transverses a broad musical landscape from magnificent classics to the premiere of a new work by renowned Australian composer Brenton Broadstock.

Be swept away as the Giovanni Consort (pictured right) and Dominic Perissinotto present Resurrection, a musical reflection on the Christian journey from Lent to Easter, as well as intensely expressive organ music by Bach, Grigny and Tournemire.

Competition

Two tickets to the first concert are available to WIN!

Please send a self addressed envelope to: The Record Newspaper, PO Box 75, Leederville WA 6902 to go into the draw. Competition draw will take place on Monday, 8 March at noon.

Embark on a musical journey in Concerto, as some of Perth’s finest reed instrumentalists, the Arundo Reed Quintet, perform selections of Bach’s final work along with

exuberant pieces by Debussy and Vivaldi.

Dominic’s solo concert, Exhibition , explores the full dynamic of the Basilica Grand

Organ with two of the most loved and celebrated organ works of all time.

Four hands, four feet, one organ! Stewart Smith and Dominic Perissinotto combine their remarkable talents in Carnival, performing Saint-Saëns’ famous children’s classic Carnival of the Animals for duo organ.

Rounding off a captivating concert season, WASO principal trumpet David Elton leads an impressive brass and percussion ensemble. The invigorating Fireworks concert will premiere a new work

TRADING HOURS: Monday - Fr iday 9am-2.30pm (c losed Tuesdays)

587 Newcastle S treet (corner Douglas S t), West Per th WA 6005

Tel: (08) 9227 7080

bookshop@therecord com au

MULTI-ZONE DVD PLAYER REQUIRED FOR ALL DVDS

Joseph of Nazareth DVD - The first feature film on St Joseph - carpenter, husband of Mary and the human father of Jesus Christ. Joseph is informed by God’s messengers about God’s plan for the mysterious divine conception and humble birth of Christ. He makes the dangerous flight into Egypt to save his child, finally returning to Nazareth to raise Jesus, teach Him carpentry and guide his family. RRP $39.95 +p/h

St Patrick: The Irish Legend DVD - This is the first ever feature film depicting the life of the world-famous Irish hero. Armed with only courage and conviction, Patrick's unwavering belief that good conquers evil would liberate Ireland and alter the course of history. RRP $34.95 +p/h

Patrick: Brave Shepherd Of The Emerald Isle DVD - 16 year old, fun-loving Patrick had it easy until the day raiders kidnapped him and brought him to nearby Ireland. To survive, he’d have to conquer cold, hunger, wild beasts, and even worse enemies. Turning to God for new strength, he began an incredible saga of faith against which no enemy would ever prevail.

RRP $24.95 +p/h

Animated Passion Trilogy DVD - Contains three animated stories for children on the Passion. Worthy Is the Lamb - Experience the Passion of Christ. Witness the fulfilment of ancient prophecies. Pray with Jesus in

commissioned especially for the 10th Anniversary Season.

Join us for a concert season of beloved favourites and emerging classics which have been universally embraced by musicians and audiences alike.

The duration of all concerts is two hours and includes delectable, complimentary refreshments at interval.

Two subscription series are on offer. Tickets are available through BOCS Ticketing ((08) 9484 1133 Toll Free 1800 193 300 www.bocsticketing.com. au) and can also be purchased at the door, one hour prior to the concert.

the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but thy will be done." Feel the betrayal of Judas' kiss. Endure the trial and crucifixion as Jesus willingly submits. Rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus' death and resurrection provides pardon for our sin. He Is Risen. The Kingdom of Heaven. RRP $39.95 +p/h

Easter Promise / Witness DVD - Two programmes on one DVD! Easter Promise - Jerem dreams of being a soldier for a king. He is thrilled to hear about the upcoming arrival of the true King Jesus. Jerem, however, is fooled by appearances and soon rejects Jesus along with most of Jerusalem. In a wonderful lesson about truth, appearances, and forgiveness, Jerem ultimately trusts in Jesus and witnesses the fulfilment of the greatest promise of all - the resurrection. Witness - For Barrabas, his journey to faith starts with his doubts about Jesus Christ's divinity. His secure unbelief is shattered as he tries to prove to himself that Jesus Christ was a man like any other, and he finally comes to faith in Him.

RRP $24.95 +p/h

Cherub Wings #10: And It Was So! Easter - Episode 10: And It Was So - In this Easter episode of Cherub Wings, a rousing space-chase in cherub chariots topple Cherub and Chubby into an awesome awareness of God's mighty power! Children will see the ultimate act of forgiveness in the crucifixion and will marvel at the power of God in the resurrection. They will learn that by accepting Jesus' gift of forgiveness, they can receive him as Saviour. This programme shows how we can benefit from God's daily presence in our lives. Recommended for ages 3 - 7. RRP $17.95 +p/h

PANORAMA

A roundup of events in the Archdiocese

Panorama entries must be in by 12pm Monday.

Email to administration@therecord.com.au, faxed to 9227 7087, or mail to PO Box 75, Leederville WA 6902.

Events charging over $10 will be put into classifieds and charged accordingly. The Record reserves the right to decline or modify any advertisement.

FRIDAY, 5 MARCH

Pro-Life Witness

9.30am at St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Midland. Commencing with Mass followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at abortion clinic, led by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. Come and pray for the conversion of hearts. Enq: Helen 9402 0349.

Catholic Faith Renewal Evening

7.30pm at St John and Paul’s Parish, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. There will be songs of praise, sharing by Fr Thai Vu followed by Thanksgiving Mass and light refreshments. All welcome. Bring family and friends. Enq: Kathy 9295 0913.

SATURDAY, 6 MARCH

Catholic Charismatic Renewal – Day of Renewal

9.15am-4.30pm at 67 Howe St, Osborne Park. Theme; Return to Your First Love, with Guest speaker Mr Allan Panozza, President of International Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Free admission, a collection will be taken up. Please bring a plate to share, bible and notepad. Enq: Pam 9381 2516 or Dan 9398 4973.

Witness for Life

8.30am at St Augustine’s Church, Gladstone Rd, Rivervale. Commencing with Mass, followed by Rosary procession and prayer vigil at abortion clinic, led by Columban Missionary priest Fr Paul Carey. Come and pray for the conversion of hearts. Enq: Helen 9402 0349.

Day with Mary

9am-5pm at Good Shepherd Church, 44 Streich Ave, Kelmscott. Day of prayer and instruction based on the Fatima message. 9am Video, 10.10am Holy Mass, Reconciliation, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons on Eucharist and Our Lady, Rosaries and Stations of the Cross. BYO lunch. Enq: Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286.

Peace Vigil

6-9.30pm at the Redemptorist Monastery. Come and light a votive candle for peace, join us in praying for peace in our country and for war-torn parts of the world. An evening of prayer and reflection with a different presenter, each half hour in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Come for one or more sessions or stay for the evening, supper provided.

WEDNESDAY, 10 MARCH

Chaplets of the Divine Mercy

7.30pm at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Dean Rd, Bateman. A beautiful, prayerful, sung devotion accompanied by Exposition and followed by Benediction. All are welcome. Enq: George 9310 9493 home or 9325 2010 work.

FRIDAY, 12 MARCH - SUNDAY, 14 MARCH

God’s Farm Retreat

Fr Tony Chiera VG will lead a prayerful weekend retreat on God’s Farm, 40km south of Busselton. The topic will be Walking with the Saints, Lent 2010. For hired bus bookings, return trip Perth to Farm phone Yvonne 9343 1897. Other bookings and enquiries phone/fax, Betty Peaker sfo 9755 6212 or Mary.

SATURDAY, 13 MARCH

Faith Enrichments Series – Presenter: Murray Graham (M.Ed)

2.30pm-4pm, at St Benedict Parish Centre, 115 Ardross St, Ardross. Coffee and tea break then 4.30pm-6pm, Murray Graham will lead two sessions in ‘Resilience in the Family’. First Session: Resilience in the Family. Second Session: Reflection on personal prayer in the home. Followed by Mass for those who wish to attend. Cost donations. Enq: Wim van Alebeek 0421 636 763.

St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School Fete 11am-4pm Grand Ocean Blvd, Port Kennedy. Rides, show bags, food, plant and cake stalls, entertainment, magician, camel rides, laser skirmish, bouncy castle and much more. Fun for all ages, come and join the fun! Enq: Alison, only if you require more information. Lacousins@aapt. net.au or 9593 6640.

St Padre Pio Day of Prayer

8.30am at Holy Spirit Parish, 2 Keaney Pl, City Beach. St Padre Pio DVD, followed at 10am with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Divine Mercy, Silent Adoration and Benediction. 11am Holy Mass, celebrant Fr Tiziano Bogoni using St Padre Pio Liturgy. Confessions available. Enq: Des 6278 1540.

Divine Mercy Healing Mass

2.30pm at St Francis Xavier’s Church, Windsor St, East Perth. Main celebrant Fr Marcellinus Meilak, OFM Reconciliation in English and Italian will be available. Divine Mercy prayers followed by veneration of First Class relic of St Faustina Kowalska. Refreshments later. Enq: John 9457 7771.

FRIDAY, 19 MARCH TO SUNDAY, 21 MARCH

Weekend of Prayer and Reflections

7.30pm at the Little Sisters of the Poor, 2 Rawlins St, Glendalough. Presented by Fr Don Kettle, for all young girls aged 18-35 years old, a wonderful opportunity of giving a little bit of your precious time to the Lord. RSVP before Wednesday 10 March to Sr Veronika: 9443 3155 or community.perth@lsp.org.au

Separated, Divorced, Widowed

7pm at Epiphany Retreat Centre, Rossmoyne. Beginning Experience is running a weekend programme designed to assist and support people in learning to close the door gently on a relationship that has ended in order to get on with living. Enq: Helen 9246 5150 or Maureen 9537 1915.

FRIDAY, 26 MARCH

Medjugorje Evening of Prayer

7-9pm at St Aloysius Parish, 84 Keightley St, Shenton Park. An evening of prayer with Our Lady Queen of Peace consisting of Adoration, Rosary, Benediction, Reconciliation concluding with Holy Mass. Free DVD on Fr Donald Calloway. All warmly welcome. Enq: Eileen 9402 2480.

SUNDAY, 11 APRIL

The Feast of Divine Mercy

3-6pm at Holy Family Church, Lot 375, Alcock Street, Maddington. The programme includes Reconciliation, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena, Eucharistic Adoration, Holy Mass, healing prayers. To be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy from 2-10 April every day from 3-4pm. Inviting all faithful to know more about Divine Mercy through the sharing of the word on all 10 days. Enq: 9493 1703.

MONDAY, 12 APRIL TO THURSDAY, 22 APRIL

National Pilgrimage 2010 - In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop Enq: Laura 03 340999 or lmccarthy@sosjwa. org.au.

MONDAY, 17 MAY - FRIDAY, 28 MAY

Tour of the Holy Land

12 day tour with Fr Roy Pereira visiting Sea of Galilee, Jericho, Masada, The Dead Sea, Bethany, Jerusalem and Cana. For cost, itinerary and more details, please contact: Francis Williams (Coordinator) T: 9459 3873 M: 0404 893 877 E: francis@perthfamily.com.

GENERAL NOTICES

Perpetual Adoration

Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is in its seventh year at Christ the King Church, Beaconsfield. Open 24 hours, except at Mass times. All welcome. Enq: Joe 9319 1169.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

The Church of St Jude in Langford is seeking to put together a visit to Jordan, the Holy Land and Egypt, leaving mid-August 2010. Expect the pilgrimage to be for circa 19 days and could accommodate 28-30 people. Fr Terry Raj will be the Spiritual Director. Enq: Matt 6460 6877, mattpicc1@gmail.com.

St Paul’s Mt Lawley - Lenten Services

Weekday Masses, 7.45am and 5.45pm. Stations of the Cross and Benediction, Fridays 6.15pm. Wednesday Fasting and Almsgiving Supper, anytime between 5-6.45pm in the church undercroft. 9.30-10.30am, Wednesdays Bible study on St Paul and the Power of

the Cross in the RSL Chapel, and 7-8pm in the Church undercroft.

EVERY SUNDAY IN LENT

Bible Study Introduction

3-4 pm at St Joseph’s Parish Centre, 20 Hamilton St, Bassendean. A Bible in hand is better than two on the shelf. Become Bible friendly. 4-5pm Church History at a Glance. Appreciation of the heritage of the Catholic Faith in the Third Millennium looking at the Church’s providential pathway through history.

Extraordinary Rite Latin Mass

11am at St Joseph’s Church, 20 Hamilton St, Bassendean.

EVERY TUESDAY IN LENT

Lenten Tuesday Prayer Meetings

7pm at St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Centre, 450 Hay St, Perth. Join us with others in prayer for personal healing and overcoming the burdens of life united with Our Lord and Our Lady. Weekly live the heritage of the Faith in Sacred Scripture, the Holy Rosary, praise in song, and reflection. Prayer is life’s spiritual lifeline.

EVERY THURSDAY IN LENT

Catholic Questions and Answers

7-7.30pm at St Joseph’s Parish Centre, 20 Hamilton St, Bassendean. Catecheses easily learned with questions and answers. Catechism of the Catholic Church, with Fr John Corapi DVD series. Adult learning and deepening of the Catholic Faith from 7.30-9pm.

EVERY SUNDAY

Pilgrim Mass - Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation

2pm at Shrine, 36 Chittering Rd, Bullsbrook. Commencing with Rosary followed by Benediction. Reconciliation is 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 the church and shrine open daily between 9am-5pm. Enq: SACRI 9447 3292.

EVERY 3RD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Oblates of St Benedict

2pm at St Joseph’s Convent, York St, South Perth. Oblates affiliated with the Benedictine Abbey New Norcia welcome all who are interested in studying the rule of St Benedict and its relevance to the everyday life of today for lay people. Vespers and afternoon tea conclude meetings. Enq: Secretary 9457 2758.

EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Holy Hour for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life

2-3pm at Infant Jesus Parish, Wellington St, Morley commencing 28 February. The hour includes Exposition of the Blessed Eucharist, silent prayer, Scripture and prayers of intercession. Come and pray together that those discerning vocation to the Priesthood or Religious life hear clearly God’s loving call to them.

LAST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH

Christian Spirituality Presentation

7.30-9.15pm at the Church Hall behind St Swithan’s Anglican Church, 195 Lesmurdie Rd, Lesmurdie. Beginning Monday, 22 February, come along and join in these informal and friendly meetings where Stephanie Woods will present The Desert Period of Christianity, 260 to 600AD. From this time period came the understanding of the monastic lifestyle and contemplative prayer. No cost. Enq: Lynne 9293 3848.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Holy Spirit of Freedom Community

7.30pm at The Church of Christ, 111 Stirling St, Perth. Beginning from 10 March we are delighted to welcome everyone to attend our Holy Spirit of Freedom Praise Meeting. Enq: 9475 0155 or hsofperth@gmail.com.

EVERY 2ND WEDNESDAY

Year of the Priest Holy Hour

7-8pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2 Keaney Pl, City Beach. Reflections on St John Vianney, Patron Saint of Priests. Light refreshments later in the parish centre.

Chaplets of the Divine Mercy

7.30pm at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Dean Rd, Bateman. Commencing 10 February, a beautiful, prayerful, sung devotion accompanied by Exposition, and Benediction. All welcome. Enq: George 9310 9493 H or 9325 2010 W.

EVERY THURSDAY

Group 50 Charismatic Group

7.30pm at the Redemptorist Church, 190 Vincent St, North Perth. During these meetings messages from Lalith Pereira who gave the Four Step Retreat recently will be broadcast by satellite from Sri Lanka. Broadcasts will be on 18 and 25 February, 8 and 22 March.

EVERY FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

Taize

7.30-8.30pm at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 3 Kitchener St, North Beach. Prayer and meditation using songs from Taize. We invite you to come and be still a while, listen to Scripture, join in the chants from Taize, light a candle, silent prayer.

Holy Hour

11am-12 noon Sts John and Paul Church, Pinetree Gully Rd, Willetton. Please come and pray for a vocation in the parish. Enq: John 9457 7771.

FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

Communion of Reparation All Night Vigil

7pm-1am at Corpus Christi Church, Lochee St, Mosman Park. There will be Mass, Rosary, Confession and Adoration. Celebrant Fr Bogoni. All warmly welcome. Enq: Vicky 0400 282 357.

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS - 2010

February

28 Annual Fruit Harvest Festival Procession and Mass, Pickering Brook - Archbishop Hickey

March

1/2 ACBC Permanent Committee, Sydney - Archbishop Hickey

3 Toward Healing Seminar - Bishop Sproxton, Mgr Brian O’Loughlin VG

4 Installation of Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP, Parramatta - Archbishop Hickey

7 Annual Observance for Commonwealth Day, St George’s Cathedral - Mgr Brian O’Loughlin VG

8 & 9 Closure of Catholic Church Office for relocation to the Cathedral Presbytery, Victoria Avenue

9 Chaplains’ Meeting, Maylands - Archbishop Hickey

9 - 11 Meeting of Bishops’ Commission for Church Ministry - Bishop Sproxton

ACCOMMODATION

LARGE GOSNELLS 3 B/R UNIT

TO RENT Enclosed patio, easy care garden, large living area. Negotiable partly or fully furnished. Walk to Catholic primary and church. Commencing April $300 per week. Phone 0421 026 422.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

ESPERANCE 3 bedroom house f/ furnished. Ph: 08 9076 5083.

GUADALUPE HILL TRIGG www.beachhouseperth.com

Ph: 0400 292 100.

HOUSE TO SHARE for clean living male, $120p/w Riverton. Ph: 0449 651 697.

HOLIDAY RENTAL Scarborough Self contained unit. Sleeps 6. Walk to beach. Ph 0402673409

YALLINGUP BEACH Front cottage. Three bedrooms from 2-14 March. Phone 9272 3105.

BUILDING TRADES

BRICK RE-POINTING Ph: Nigel 9242 2952.

PERROTT PAINTING Pty Ltd For all your residential, commercial painting requirements. Ph: Tom Perrott 9444 1200.

PICASSO PAINTING Top service. Ph: 0419 915 836, fax 9345 0505.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Work from Home - part or full time 02 8230 0290 or visit www. dreamlife1.com.

CLASSIFIEDS

COUNSELLING

PSYCHOLOGY and PSYCHOTHERAPY

www.peterwatt.com.au, Ph: 9203 5278.

FURNITURE REMOVAL

ALL AREAS Mike Murphy

Ph: 0416 226 434.

WANTED

Glory & Praise Songs for Christian Assembly Vol 1 and Eagle’s Wings Scripture in Song Everything I Possess, about 25 of each, more if possible. Please ring 9641 1477 or email stpatsyork@westnet. com.au to arrange pickup and payment.

PREMISES REQUIRED FOR BILLINGS LIFE WA INC We are looking for premises north of Perth where we can hold daytime clinics for our clients. We require premises, preferably with a waiting room, for a period of three to four hours during one day of the week; where we can see clients privately. A doctors’ surgery would be ideal. Similar offers would be appreciated. Our teachers are fully accredited to teach the Billings Ovulation Method of Natural Fertility Management and are experienced in Fertility Education. Please contact billings LIFE WA Inc: Marilena Scarfe: 0409 119 532.

FOR SALE

VIDEOS - ASSORTMENT musical, documentary, and nature,

Dutch/German, 25 for $50. Phone 9277 6128

RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

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

OTTIMO Convenient city location for books, cds/dvds, cards, candles, statues, Bibles, medals and much more. Shop 108, Trinity Arcade (Terrace level), 671 Hay Street, Perth. Ph: 9322 4520. MonFri 9am-6pm.

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, Ph: 9329 9889 (after 10.30am Mon to Sat). We are here to serve.

KINLAR VESTMENTS

Quality hand-made and decorated vestments: Albs, Stoles, Chasubles, altar linen, banners etc. 12 Favenc Way, Padbury. By appointment only. Ph: Vicki 9402 1318 or 0409 114 093.

15:1-3.11-32 Merciful father

BY GLYNNIS GRAINGER Record Contributer

Jesuit Fr John Harte is a charming, brilliant concert pianist who is currently Catholic mental health chaplain for the southern suburbs of Perth.

Born in Melbourne, he first came to WA in 1958, teaching at St Louis School, Claremont, for three years.

He was ordained a priest in 1964 in Melbourne after doing his Jesuit training in Melbourne and Sydney, finishing in Münster, Germany, in 1966.

Before he became a Jesuit Scholastic, he had a degree in music from Melbourne University.

From 1967-73, Fr Harte was Catholic chaplain at UWA and in 1974 went on sabbatical to study New Testament at the University of Zϋrich, Switzerland.

From 1978-88, he returned to Perth and was also on the music scene as a music examiner for the Australian Music Examination Board and from 1989-90 was chaplain at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).

For 13 years from 1991 to 2004, he was involved in the Perth prison ministry and from 2005– 2010 he has been a mental health chaplain.

Aged 78, he was born on the feast of St Francis of Assisi, but doesn’t have any pets, and is a lover of animals and birds – “not caged birds, birds that sing.”

“I enjoy all I have done and am doing,” he told The Record

About the prison ministry, he said: “There were times when it was hard – suicides in prison are one of the hardest things.

“I am surprised I keep meet-

Name:

Address:

Suburb: Postcode:

Fr John Harte

ing people who were in prison because they were mentally ill where they shouldn’t have been.

“I didn’t appreciate it when I was in the prisons. There are also people in prison who are mentally disabled – not the right place, of course.

He also saw the effects of mental illness on university students.

“I realised many university students had mental illness when their achievements dropped off.

“The chaplains and staff used to meet a psychiatrist every now and then who would prescribe treatment for the students.

“The students couldn’t continue with their studies.”

Fr Harte lives in the Jesuit community in Claremont –“three of us permanently, and we have quite a few visitors come in”, he said.

He has a little car and uses public transport when he can, “but it is not always possible. I give people a ride, too,” he said.

“It seems to me the important role of the chaplain is the sacramental role and, just as important, the listening role – being a good listener – knowing it goes no further, knowing it will stay with that person [the chaplain].”

Fr Harte visits patients at Bentley Hospital, Bentley Lodge, and in Franciscan House and Devenish Lodge in Victoria Park, and Emmaus Community in Queens Park.

“Franciscan House or Devenish Lodge aren’t run by the Church at all, but the community has a strong Catholic ethos,” he said.

The interdenominational chapel at Bentley Hospital was opened in 1993.

Youth keep vigil outside clinics

40 days’ pro-life Lenten prayer vigil in three cities

BY BRIDGET SPINKS National Reporter

FOR the 40 days of Lent, Australians in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are uniting in peace outside pregnancy termination clinics to pray for an end to abortion in Australia as part of the 40 Days for Life campaign.

Over 150 cities around the world are participating in the prolife campaign which originated in Texas in 2004 and involves prayer and fasting, constant vigil and community outreach.

In Sydney, the vigil began with mass and pancakes on Shrove Tuesday where over 200 prayer volunteers sang and prayed as they processed through the inner city streets from St Peter's Catholic Church in Surry Hills to the preterm abortion facility on Randle Street.

By singing hymns, they drowned out shouts from local bystanders.

“It wasn't the most welcoming community, not that anyone can be too happy about a large procession of people at 11pm,” said Jessica Langrell, 21, one of the organisers of the 40 Days for Life launch event.

“We are praying and fasting for the end to abortion and, through this, through our prayerful presence and witness to the sacredness and dignity of all human life on the streets of Surry Hills, we hope to bring about a new culture for the whole human society that lovingly embraces all life including the

unborn. Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Julian Porteous has also thrown his support behind the initiative, saying the campaign gives “expression to the deep concern the Church has for the unborn”.

“As a society we cannot allow ourselves to accept the fact of abortion as acceptable, because we would be taking the view that human life is expendable. 40 Days is a peaceful, prayerful campaign, and has my full support," he said.

The campaign in Brisbane involves prayer outside Brisbane's local abortion clinic in Bowen Hills while Melbourne's is based outside the fertility control clinic in East Melbourne.

For Natalie Ambrose, 20, standing in prayer outside a clinic as part of the 40 Days campaign has been a new but worthwhile experience. “It's confronting but it's good and it's worth it,” she said, regarding the seven hours of daytime prayer she has already given.

“Seeing the young girls going in and out, even if it's only for a con-

sultation, it's upsetting ... because I feel a lot of people don’t really know they have options,” she said.

“With the 40 Days, we're not talking to anyone. On the whole, all we're doing is praying to end abortion. People drive by and shout and yell at us, [because] they feel they need to react. I didn't expect such a negative reaction but we have been getting one.”

The Sydney vigil has been keeping vigil through the nights as a special chapel with the Blessed Sacrament has been set up in an apartment near the preterm clinic for the duration of the 40 days.

This means that the Sydney vigil requires prayer volunteers to fill 960 hours. “Its a long time, but we're fighting for life itself, and if we convert one heart, save one baby, one mother - then every hour will be more than worth the effort,” Miss Langrell said.

To find out more, go to www.40dayssydney. blogspot.com, www.40daysforlife.com/ melbourne, www.40daysforlife.com/brisbane or search "40 Days for Life" on Facebook.

Catholics process through the streets for the 40 Days for Life event. Below, youth give a public witness to the sanctity of life. PHOTOS: GIOVANNI PORTELLI