The Record Newspaper 03 November 2005

Shroud in the Wheatbelt

A permanent display focussing on the Shroud believed by millions to be the one in which Jesus was laid after he died on the Cross is currently on show in a wheatbelt town.

The photographic exhibition about the Shroud of Turin is on display at the Visitors Centre in the small country town of Nungarin, 40 kms from Merredin.

Australian Shroud of Turin expert Rex Morgan created the permanent display as a gift to Centre Manager Pat Lovett.

Mr Morgan has previously exhibited the display around Australia as well as overseas in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Macau and Canada.

Consisting of nearly 50 pho-

tographs, the display explains some of the forensic work undertaken by many scientists worldwide.

Mrs Lovett’s private collection of books and newsletters from Australia and the United States are also on show.

The highlight of the exhibit is the light box featuring the face in photographic negative taken by Italian professional photographer, Giuseppe Enrie, in May 1931.

The centre has tapes and books for sale including reprints of The Winding Sheet of Christ.

The display, which is permanent, is open from 9am to 12 noon weekdays.

For more information contact Pat Lovett on (08) 9046 5174.

EWTN offers podcasts

EWTN Global Catholic Network is now offering podcasts of selected programs in MP3 format at no charge on its Web site at www.ewtn.com.

Podcast listeners typically download audio files from the Web to a computer, then transfer the files to a digital audio player, such as Apple’s iPod, for listening at another time. An estimated 22 million Americans own portable MP3 players and 6 million of them have downloaded podcasts from the Internet.

“Throughout our 25-year history, EWTN has always embraced new technology to carry out its mission of evangelisation,” said Michael Warsaw, EWTN president, in a statement. “This new podcasting initiative complements our existing audio

and video streaming and enables us to spread the Gospel to an even wider audience.”

Available programs will include readings and the homily from the televised daily Mass; daily instalments of EWTN’s Open Line radio programs; and weekly instalments of “Sunday Night Live,” “The Journey Home,” “Mother Angelica Live Classics,” “Threshold of Hope” and “EWTN Live.”

The network includes Eternal Word Television Network as well as a worldwide shortwave radio station, direct broadcast satellite service, satellite radio and a publishing arm. - CNS

■ Catholic media in Perth on Pay and Broadcast TV and on FM radio, including EWTN - Page 7

MISSION IS THE MISSION

A children’s Mission Mass to support the missionary work of the Church drew students from more than 80 Catholic schools in Perth.

The Parish. The Nation. The World.

Perth, Western Australia ● $1 Western Australia’s Award-winning Catholic newspaper

LifeLink 2005

$375,000 appeal launched this weekend

Launch: Archbishop Barry Hickey appeals for generosity.

Time to reach out to those in need

The Archbishop’s annual LifeLink appeal will be launched in parishes over the next two weekends with the aim of raising more than $375,000 to support 13 Archdiocesan social service agencies.

Envelopes containing a personal letter from Archbishop Hickey will be distributed in parishes this weekend (Nov 5-6) and by mail, and the collection will be taken up next weekend (Nov 12-13).

However, people will be able to use the envelopes to make their contribution at any time. Donations can also be posted in the envelopes provided.

In his personal letter to parishioners Archbishop Hickey said it was not always easy for individuals to recognise people in need – those struggling to overcome addictions, the challenge of disabilities, the hopelessness felt by women and children in violent or abusive situations, those in financial difficulties, or those feeling isolated, lonely, confused or marginalised.

“Your LifeLink social service

ONE MORE

agencies seek them out,” he said. “They reach out to more than 57,000 Western Australian families and individuals in need each year, and their loving service is provided to all, regardless of race, creed, colour or circumstance.

“LifeLink is a practical, powerful and positive demonstration of faith in action.”

Examples of the work carried our each year by LifeLink agencies included: Centrecare helps 25,000 people, providing emergency housing, helping migrants and refugees,

Continued on Page 6

Meet Luis Tijerino, who was ordained to the diaconate last week and is looking forward to being a missionary priest, preaching the Gospel wherever he is sent.

Photo: Ron Tan

The face of Jesus? Pat Lovett looks at the famous photo of a face mysteriously imprinted on the Shroud of Turin. A display on the Shroud is currently on show in the WA rural town of Nungarin.

Police state may have arrived

Don’t worry about the Commonwealth Government’s anti-terrorist legislation turning us into a police state. We’ve already travelled a long way down the path.

A police state can be expressed in two ways. Either the police have little regard for the law and impose themselves randomly or maliciously on citizens, or the laws themselves become random in their rationality and can be imposed on citizens with little or no regard for the sanity of normal community relations.

In our society, both of these conditions exist.

The latest example is the prosecution and conviction of Warren-Blackwood

PO Box 75, Leederville, WA 6902

Tel: (08) 9227 7080, Fax: (08) 9227 7087 cathrec@iinet.net.au

MLA Paul Omodei for the accidental shooting in the thumb of his adult son Paul. The two had been shooting rabbits on the family farm and as the evening came to a close, Paul Jnr asked his father to move the light so that he could see what he was doing in preparing to go home. As Paul Snr adjusted his position and moved the cord attached to the light, the rifle discharged and the bullet struck young Paul’s thumb. The ballistics expert called by the prosecution said that the cord could well have dislodged the safety catch on the rifle and the movements could have caused an involuntary firing of the gun. The magistrate ignored this and found Mr Omodei guilty of criminal negligence, the basis of the criminal negligence apparently being that there was still a bullet in the gun.

We have to ask why on earth we as a community are prosecuting one another for such unfortunate accidents? We

have created a criminal offence where no rational person would see a criminal offence, or even a moral offence. The Record has asked the same question about people being prosecuted for leaving their children in a car while they walk into a shop to buy a bottle of milk or into a service station to pay for the petrol. It is lunacy to tell people that this is a criminal offence, but we have done it.

There are other questions about the Omodei case. Why was he charged when accidental shootings are generally not prosecuted? The Omodeis reported their accident to the local police on the night and the MLA was interviewed and breathalysed. There was no alcohol involved. Two days later the Bunbury CIB turned up and asked him to perform a reenactment. They had a Bunbury TV news crew in tow and one could reasonably wonder why this was so if they had not made up their minds to charge Mr Omodei before they left Bunbury to investigate. Even if they had not, no citizen should be asked to perform a reenactment of an accident in front of TV cameras if he is at any risk of subsequently being charged. This is an increasingly common feature of police behaviour that seriously changes the relationship between police and citizens, and even more seriously undermines the presumption of innocence which is one of the cornerstones of a decent society.

The rational inconsistency behind our understanding of what is criminal has been unwittingly exposed by Attorney-General Jim McGinty. When convicted, Paul Omodei resigned as Deputy Leader of the Opposition. In his most solemn manner, the AttorneyGeneral declared that it was the honourable thing to do because he was convicted of “a serious criminal offence”. A couple of days later, as Health Minister and AttorneyGeneral he

would not allow mental health concerns to influence a tightening of marijuana laws because he did not want to “stigmatise …. young people with a criminal record”.

He might be right in his concern about criminal records for young pot smokers (although not about the marijuana laws), but if so, why do criminal prosecutions in various incomprehensible situations seem satisfactory to our chief lawmaker?

These serious inconsistencies in our approach to criminal law match the absurdities that sometimes arise in areas of subjective law such as equal opportunity and heritage laws where nobody knows what principles apply or what is allowed or forbidden until a commissioner makes a decision.

As a society we have lost a clear sense of right and wrong in personal behaviour.

The current malaise in our legal system stems from the loss of a proper understanding of the relationships between the community and its members; the loss by bureaucratic and police law enforcers of a proper sense of relationship between themselves and the community; and the loss of understanding of the principles that ought to guide our laws and the application of them.

The arbitrary and irrational are increasingly present in our government processes and the runaway train

Making you the focus

The value and uniqueness of every life will be celebrated at this year’s Embrace the Grace Youth conference to be held from December 7-10 in New Norcia.

Organised by the Perth Respect Life Office, the event will provide the opportunity for young people between the ages of 16-30 to come together for four days of talks, activities, music and drama in the idyllic Benedictine town.

With the theme “Discovering Our Dignity”, the conference aims to assist participants in understanding the inherent worth that God has given all people and for them to discover His desire and awesome plan for their lives. The program is designed to give youth the space to think about and challenge their views relating to the value of life, masculinity/femininity, relationships, sex and sexuality.

This year’s speakers include Melbourne Bioethicist Anna Krohn who will present the Church’s teaching on sexuality, Theology of the Body, in an exciting and accessible way and Fr Joseph Parkinson, Director of LJ Goody Bioethics Centre, who will identify and analyse the areas of attack that are undermining the value of life today. Also speaking will be Dr Amanda Lamont, Director of Fertility Care Australia and president of the Catholic Doctors of WA and Strategic Consultant Anthony Coyte, Perth Co- leader of True Love Waits, who will highlight the value and potential of each life.

Senior project officer at the Respect Life Office, Robert Hiini said that expectations were high for this year’s conference. “Given the overwhelming response last year, we have every reason to expect that God will again speak to youth in a powerful and personal way”, he said.

Prosecution in Wonderland: Perhaps the only thing missing from the criminal prosecution of an MP for an accidental rifle discharge is a Cheshire cat and a talking deck of cards. It is almost beyond satire. Who

MARKREIDY

The cost of the conference is $200 for those who register before November 7 or $220 after this date. To ensure that no one will miss the opportunity to attend for financial reasons the Respect Life Office is seeking donations or sponsorship for young people.

For bookings, donations or more information contact (08) 9375 2029 or email respectlife@perthcatholic.org.au.

BRONWENCLUNE clune@therecord.com.au

Participants at last years Embrace the Grace conference.

Karrinyup marks 40

Parishioners old and new were present last month for the 40th anniversary of Our Lady of Good Counsel Karrinyup. The occasion also marked the 40th anniversary of the school.

Archbishop Hickey celebrated the occasion assisted by Fr Henry Bryne, who was standing in for his late brother, founding parish priest Fr Michael Bryne.

Frs Geoff Beyer, Bendict Quadros and Richard Rutkauskas were also present for the occasion.

Fr Rutkauskas served as parish priest from 1995 to 1999 and was appointed to Innaloo Parish in June last year.

Karrinyup was combined with St Dominic’s Parish Innaloo in June this year.

Parishioner Eileen Gomm told The Record

the Miles Street Church was filled to capacity, with the choir having the opportunity to sing for the first time since Masses were reduced to once a month.

One of the hymns was dedicated to Our Lady of Good Counsel

Four candles representing the four decades of Church and School were carried up the aisle at the beginning of Mass and placed on the altar.

Children from the school also performed a liturgical dance during the celebration.

Denis Hall, one of the founding parishioners of Karrinyup who is still heavily involved in the life of the parish, spoke about the parish history and the early days of founding parish priest Fr Michael Byrne.

A photographic display of the parish his-

Now,

Four decades: Assisted by three willing helpers Karrinyup parish priest Fr Richard Rutkauskas, left, and Archbishop Hickey cut the cake celebrating the parish’s 40th anniversary.

Perth retreat offers healing

Project Rachel offers light to those who feel lost in postabortion darkness

Aretreat coming up in Perth in February is being offered to women and men who have suffered the deepest regret of all.

Project Rachel has been ministering to those who have experienced one of life’s deepest hurts for over five years, turning around the lives of many women and men who have been hurt through the abortion experience.

Beginning in the dioceses of Sydney, Broken Bay and Parramatta, Project Rachel is now spreading across Australia.

“One of the big problems with trying to deal with the aftermath of abortion is that people are generally unable to talk about it,” says Julie Kelly, National Director of Project Rachel, Australia.

“Who does one talk to about this very painful, destructive and traumatic event? Most people just don’t want to know and often will say quite unhelpful things in an effort to relieve the pain.

“Many doctors, counsellors, psychiatrists and others in ministerial positions are not aware of the profound damage this experience can inflict on the person. Even priests are sometimes unsure of what to say or how to help.

“To make it even more difficult, women often excommunicate themselves, feeling that they no longer have a place in the Church, thus effectively cutting themselves off from the very source of healing.”

Project Rachel offers various services to help those affected by abortion, including one-to-one counselling, referral to priests or spiritual directors trained in post-

abortive healing and Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Retreats. Since 2000, Project Rachel has hosted over 20 retreats around Australia.

Rachel’s Vineyard retreats provide a sanctuary to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. These retreats are unique, offering a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing.

Starting this year, healing retreats have been held in Sydney, Melbourne, Launceston, Perth and Adelaide.

At a recent retreat in Sydney, one woman wrote, “At last I have arrived at a haven. Here is a place of safety and healing. Comfort, safety, nurturing, respect - such respect, beauty and sacredness.

“In a harsh world that denies my experience of loss and betrayal and closes out my need to heal, this retreat offers a pathway to God.”

Retreats help participants experience God’s love and compassion on a profound level. In doing so, a unique environment is created in which women and men can share, often for the first time, their private feelings.

Another woman, who was grieving the loss of three babies, wrote:

“When the sorrow, the pain, the overwhelming feelings encompass your day-to-day life and threaten to inhibit your future, you know it is time to do something about it. This retreat is a blessing. Only after attending this retreat could I realise the spiritual process of Reconciliation which brought me to a point of knowing that, from that moment, I am forgiven and on the road to healing”.

For more information, call Clare Pike from the Respect life Office on (08) 9375 2029 or email: respectlife@perthcatholic.org.au.

The majority world

Extremists attack nuns

Hindu fundamentalists continue attacks against Christians in India

Three nuns were attacked on October 25 in the latest violence against Christians in India’s Rajasthan state.

A Hindu fundamentalist spotted five nuns waiting for a bus near Kushalgarh. As the nuns were boarding, the activist and six friends from a nearby Hindu hostel pulled three of the nuns off the steps and attacked them with wooden sticks.

On October 16, the date for local celebrations marking the end of the Year of the Eucharist, Bishop Joseph Pathalil of Udaipur was stopped in

Finance & Corporate Services Manager

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his vehicle by Hindu extremists. Bishop Pathalil was heading to one of the celebrations in Kushalgarh, more than 130 miles from Udaipur.

Police escorting the bishop chased the protesters away, but they stoned the bishop’s vehicle on his return journey.

Hundreds of the nearly 3,000 Catholics traveling to the eucharistic celebrations were forced from buses or stopped by Hindu fundamentalists.

“They tried everything to stop our people who were coming for the convention,” said Bishop Pathalil. “All these attacks are linked to the eucharistic convention we had.”

Bishop Pathalil said that even before the celebrations Hindu groups called the eucharistic celebrations “a conversion program

and (they) were out to stop it.” On October 19, Bishop Pathalil said three local Catholic youths who helped organise the celebrations were beaten by Hindu fundamentalists. Police characterised it as a clash between student groups.

“This is a sign of alarm,” said Divine Word Father Babu Joseph, spokesman for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. Father Joseph said the Church had appealed to the autonomous National Commission for Minorities to inquire about the incident targeting the Christian community in Rajasthan. Christians number fewer than 100,000 among the state’s 57 million people.

“When a solemn religious ceremony is opposed like this, we have reason to be very concerned,” said Father Joseph. - CNS

COMMITTEE FOR FAMILY AND FOR LIFE

Archdiocese of Perth

PROJECT OFFICER

Applications are now invited for the position of PROJECT OFFICER for the Committee.

The main role of the Committee is to encourage and promote the vocation and spirituality of marriage and the family; to encourage and promote respect and love for human life from conception to death; to work with the bishops and leaders of the Archdiocese on the challenges and issues of family and of life; and to help develop networks and dialogue with diocesan leaders in family and life ministries, family oriented movements, pro-life organisations and other agencies.

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:

● Full support of the objectives and ethos of the Catholic Church

● Excellent interpersonal written and verbal communication skills

● Confidence and competence in using a wide range of computer software and internet research

● Ability to produce newsletters, flyers, brochures

● Understanding of Church and local community resources

● Flexibility in working hours

Salary is consistent with SACS Award on a casual basis of up to 20 hours per month with additional hours.

A full Job Description, Selection Criteria, and Application details are available by contacting: Natalie Tarkka, Administrator, L J Goody Bioethics Centre, 39 Jugan Street, Glendalough, 6016. Tel: 9242 4066 or Email: ljgbc@iinet.net.au

Closing date for applications: Monday, 21th November 2005

A Kashmirian man holds his children as he walks in a makeshift camp housing earthquake survivours in Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir on October 31. Pope Benedict XVI urged the international community to step up relief efforts for victims of the October 8 earthquake, saying that aid was not keeping pace with people’s needs. Photo:CNS

Marriage prep goes online

Web-based marriage preparation helps couples who can’t attend classes

■ By Wayne Laugesen

Andrew and J’ana Rogers wanted a Catholic wedding, and Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan wanted them well prepared.

But the bishop’s marriage preparation requirements were a problem for the couple, who could not find a way to attend marriage preparation retreats and classes without J’ana quitting university or Andrew going absent without leave.

“Andrew was in the military, and I was working and attending university,” said J’ana Rogers, a student at the University of Colorado, who married Andrew a year ago.

They could have opted for a service with a justice of the peace or a wedding at Andrew’s Methodist church. Instead, they enrolled in www.CatholicMarriagePrepOnline. com for intense Catholic marriage preparation by correspondence.

The US$50 course enabled the couple to set aside several hours on Sunday nights to have serious, heart-to-heart discussions that were essential to answering the essay questions posed by the Web site.

“The fact is, many couples today are separated by hundreds or thousands of miles until they are married, and there are other factors that make it impossible for some couples to attend classes and weekend retreats,” Bishop Sheridan said.

“This is much better than giving someone a pass, or having a couple give up on the idea of a Catholic marriage.”

Founded by Christian and Christine Meert, who were hired recently to direct the Office of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Colorado Springs, the online curriculum is catching on in a world where challenges of work, university and geographic location sometimes keep young couples from receiving any marriage preparation at all.

“What impresses me most is that this program doesn’t approach mar-

riage preparation exclusively from a psychological and practical perspective,” Bishop Sheridan said.

“It takes very seriously the need to teach couples about the divine institution of marriage and the meaning of marriage as a sacrament.”

Using the Web site, couples are required to discuss issues such as sex, contraception, children, drugs, alcohol, extended family, religious beliefs, prayer and communication skills. In writing, they answer questions and share their discussions so that the Meerts and other marriage prep instructors can assess them and offer feedback.

The online classes follow the same format as the live classes the Meerts developed and continue to teach for the Archdiocese of Denver and the Diocese of Colorado Springs. The classes are rooted in Scripture, church teachings and the theology of the body.

Couples in Denver, and now Colorado Springs, spend roughly a year meeting marriage preparation requirements by attending classes and retreats.

Christian Meert said the idea for online marriage preparation came about after a couple in a remote area of Colorado were told by their pastor to go to Denver to do their marriage preparation.

“It was a four-hour drive each way, so we started working with them

by e-mail,” he told The Colorado Catholic Herald, newspaper of the Colorado Springs Diocese. “The results were good. They were sharing together in depth, answering questions and reporting on their discussions. They really opened their hearts and examined their spiritual journey.”

Quickly, the Meerts realised they could provide high-end marriage preparation curriculum to five other couples who were not able to be in the Denver Archdiocese long enough or frequently enough to satisfy marriage preparation requirements.

“Working with them online, the results were very encouraging so we decided to build a Web site to facilitate real online classes for the masses,” Christian Meert said.

Christine Meert said hundreds of couples from all over the world have been granted approval by local church authorities to use the online course to satisfy marriage preparation requirements.

“We’re very pleased that it was available, and our marriage is probably better because of it,” J’ana Rogers said. “He’s Methodist and I’m Catholic, and we didn’t even think that was a big deal until marriage prep online forced us to take a serious look at it, and how it might play out when we have children. It really got us to know each other better before we got married.” - CNS

Marriage 101 on the web: In order to overcome the problems of time and distance often faced by couples preparing to marry, an American bishop has used the web to offer rigorous marriage preparation. Photo: CNS

letters to the editor

Perspectives Around t he tabl e dnuorA

Not so funny

R. Holli (Record Oct 20) may find it amusing that the Synod on the Eucharist focused so much attention on the question of married clergy; the millions of Catholics in developing countries and elsewhere in the world, deprived of the Eucharist, would find it somewhat less than amusing. It is contrary to common sense for the Church to insist that clerical celibacy was such a priority that whole communities should be deprived of the Sacraments. The question is whether the Holy Spirit is calling forth new responses to the challenges of the times, requiring not one pattern of ordained ministry but possible other methods.

Because of their Baptism and incorporation into and commitment to this Body of Christ, the Church, Catholics have the right to the Church’s Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Baptism is a covenant entered into whereby the applicant undertakes to live the Christ life and the Church promises the sacramental means to live this life.

The Church’s man-made discipline on celibacy restricts the number of priests so that millions of Catholics cannot avail themselves of this right.

Cardinal Claudio Hummes, Archbishop of San Paolo, one despairing voice from the bishops of developing countries, warned the Synod that Brazil could soon cease to be the world’s largest Catholic country, and the whole of Latin America may be going the same way. For every Catholic priest in Brazil there are two protestant pastors most of them coming from Pentecostal churches.

That the Church allows this situation to prevail is beyond comprehension. That there were Bishops in an English-language working group (Record Oct. 20) responsible for the report that “the value of liturgy of the Word could serve as sustenance for those who are deprived of access to the

Applause for the Good Guy

Congratulations to Guy Crouchback for his moderate, courteous, and yet penetrating contribution to the current evolution debate. (I say, I say, October 27) - a debate which is too often warped by animosity and prejudice on both sides, from creationists and evolutionists alike.

The origins of life on earth must surely be the most exciting and rewarding subject for intelligent conversation and friendly argument, made doubly so because of recent advances in molecular physics.

As I read Crouchback’s piece I was reminded of a delightful story as told by the widow of one of the great (if not the greatest) 20th Century English composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams.

The Vaughan Williamses were related to Charles Darwin; Darwin was Ralph’s great uncle and a near neighbour. There was much social contract between the comfortablyoff middle class families and great uncle Charles was a favourite with his nephews. Following the publication of The Origin of Species the young Ralph noticed a marked change in attitude towards Great Uncle Charles among friends and neighbours (though not the Vaughan Williamses). He was ostracised by many; an emissary of the Devil. Ralph asked his mother why this was so. A woman of innate common sense, she gave this reply:

“The Bible says that God made the world in six days, but Great Uncle Charles thinks it took a lot longer: but we needn’t worry about that, because it is equally wonderful either way.”

The biographer says that this satisfied the young Ralph then, and throughout his life. It’s roughly what St Augustine thought too and so it satisfies me well enough.

Tony Evans East Fremantle

Eucharist” is reprehensible and also beyond comprehension. These words are an echo in religious terminology of Marie Antoinette’s dismissal of the starving poor of Paris: “Let them eat cake.”

The Bishops of a previous generation at the Vatican Council enshrined in the official teaching of the Church the following declarations:

“The Eucharistic Sacrifice is the source and summit of the whole of the Church’s worship and of the Christian life... the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit.”

“No Christian community can be built up unless it has as its base and pivot the celebration of the Eucharist.”

Neil K. Smith Bicton

Conversion stories?

Have you considered including a weekly section in your paper featuring converts to the faith?

I try to listen regularly to the Journey

Home on EWTN (mostly the audio files on their website) plus I have read a few conversion stories that I found on the web also.

The insights the converts such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons and various Protestant denominations give on their journey toward Catholicism are educational and rewarding. We can all learn about our faith through others.

One thing I have found very interesting is the number of Jews and Muslims that have converted. Conversion stories from these two faiths, especially, provide me with some comfort.

I have been part of many a conversation about the number of Christians being killed by Muslim extremists and the apparent ‘fixed’ position of all muslims, that they are unable to be converted. Once I found a few websites filled with hundreds of muslim conversion stories I felt good inside again.

It will let all of your readers know again and again that the Church is true and that the Church is forever changing, growing and being revitalised.

Gary Edmonds Waterford

Appeal calls for charity

Continued from Page 1

caring for victims of abuse, and providing a range of counselling services to help people resolve their own problems.

● Cross Roads Community helps more than 5000 people battling addictions.

● Centrecare Employment and Training helps 7000 long-term and disadvantaged clients find work or educational opportunities.

● i.d.entity.wa provides intensive year-round care for over 500 people living with disability.

● Anawim helps over 2,500 women escaping domestic violence and abuse.

The other LifeLink agencies are Natural Fertility Services, the Living Centre (formerly HIV/AIDS Pastoral Care Ministry), Emmanuel Centre, Shopfront, Catholic Migrant Centre, Djooraminda (out-of-home care for Aboriginal children), Samaritan Projects, and the Catholic Association for Deaf and Hearing Impaired People.

The Archbishop’s letter includes a gift of prayer cards for children, with a prayer he wrote for them.

Parish priests and LifeLink representatives gathered in the chapel at Mary St, Highgate, on Wednesday of last week for the liturgical launch of the appeal.

In a short reflection on the gospel reading, Bishop Don Sproxton urged Catholics to go beyond the sentimentality of Christmas to God’s passionate desire to be with us.

The angel told St Joseph ‘You shall call his name Jesus and he shall be nicknamed Emmanuel – God with us.’

Christmas represents God’s passionate desire to be with us in all our humanity, our disappointments and fractured relationships, our deaths, difficulties and additictions.

Our challenge at Christmas and beyond is to share God’s passion and to reach out to those in need and to share what we have with those who need it.

The LifeLink Christmas appeal is an ideal way to join ourselves to the Church’s local agencies which seek out and support those whom God himself desires to be with.

“For married people: may they grow in holiness in everyday life following the example of so many Christian spouses.”

Mission intention: “For Bishops in missionary territories: may they fulfill their duty to provide permanent formation for their priests.”

A new analysis of European decline and christophobia is penetrating, fascinating - and provocative. Does western culture have a future any more?

Erasing civilisation

The Cube and the Cathedral Europe, America, and Politics without God

ByGeorgeWeigel

PublishedbyFreedomPublishing

AvailablefromTheRecord $25pluspostage

■ Reviewed by Fr Anthony Paganoni, CS

One of the latest books from American theologian George Weigel, The Cube and the Cathedral sheds considerable light on the relationship between the Old World (Europe) and the New World (America), which over the years has remained skewed in favour of the Europeans.

The great philosophical and theological movements of the last century, particularly the celebration of the Second Vatican Council and its impact within and beyond the Catholic Church, were mostly orchestrated by the efforts of a European intellectual elite.

America held its own primacy as the most powerful nation on earth for its military and economic power.

But Europe retained and unquestionably still retains the leading role in promoting the great philosophical and theological questions of our time.

The Cube and the Cathedral severely dents this perception.

In his frequent travels and lecturing tours, particularly in Poland, the American author, George Weigel, has been able to draw on his considerable intellectual skills and experience to turn a powerful lens on the malaise of a pervasive culture fathered in Europe and alien to Christianity. According to the author there are real and ominous signs that the radical secularism now pervading the European cultural elites and dominating most aspects of public life (government, finance, media, universities and academia, etc) resembles a derailed train bound to come to a halt.

The author retraces his visit to Paris during World Youth Day. His imagination was fired by two monuments – Francois Mitterand’s Grande Arche de la Défense and the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

Souvenirs distributed to tourists were quick to point out that the beautiful and awesome cathedral would fit very comfortably within the Great Arch, implying that the religious dimension or interpretation of life could easily be absorbed and subsumed by the great advances in science, technology and free thought.

George Weigel reflects and questions:

As a loyal American, a convinced Catholic and a man intrigued by the contemporary European malaise, the author singles out the effects and causes of a dilemma which could engulf both America and Australia.

He speaks of the problem of ‘cultural and civilisational morale’ (inner emptiness) which is reflected in a suicidal demographic downturn, low economic growth, the gradual disappearance of marriage and family life, indecency at all levels in the entertainment industry, the disdain of anything religious - evident in a refusal to recognise the European continent’s Christian roots, opting rather for an anorexic idea of procedural democracy and a prevalent Christophobia, as if Christianity can only be identified with anything inhibiting progress, freedom and emancipation.

The author argues, and rightly so, that history is not the by-product of the contest for power or the exhaust fumes produced by the means of production, as taught by Marxists. Rather,

“history is driven, over the long haul, by culture – by what men and women honour, cherish and worship; by what societies deem to be true and good and noble; by the expressions they give to those convictions in language, literature, and the arts; by what individuals and societies are willing to stake their lives on.”

Unlike in former times, the concept of freedom for so many European intellectuals has no spiritual character.

The result is an autonomous human being, not a virtuous man or woman, since the contemporary notion of freedom has very little to do with goodness, happiness and truth.

Freedom is simply willfulness, protected by law, so long as no one else gets hurt.

Weigel is worried about a possible impact of all this on the American way of life, but he does not in any way use the cold gloves of an impersonal dissector.

The author is deeply conscious that, for too many civil-minded governments, the rejection of a transcendent standard of judgment or justice for the ordering of public life represents the only plausible agenda and poses an acid test for Christianity and indeed all religions.

After going through an absorbing and thoroughly engaging reading experience, I asked myself: “does this have anything to say to Catholic communities in Australia?”

If the threat to the present and future of the Christian presence in Australia is of the same character as in Western Europe (and I believe it is), how can the Church in Australia become more aware of the common Cube attempting to swallow up its Cathedral: the set of human and Christian values which are so crucial for holding societies together?

You won’t be able to put down this fascinating and readable book.

Yours for just $25 plus postage and handling.

Contact Carole on (08) 9227 7080 or via cathrec@iinet.net.au

“Which culture would more firmly secure the moral foundations of democracy? The culture that built this stunning rational, angular, geometrically precise but essentially featureless cube? Or the culture that produced the gargoyles and flying buttresses, the vaulting and the bosses, the nooks and crannies, the asymmetries and the holy dissonances of Notre Dame and the other beautiful cathedrals of Europe?

Given the Australian Church’s relative geographical isolation from the rest of the world and its internal segmentation of interests, as seen in its local (diocesanbased) historical research units, its wellguarded local administrative units, and the limited impact of far too many Catholic publications on the mind of the average Australian, could the call for a new and more unified common front represent the way forward?

Deacon’s ordination is another step along life’s path

Following God’s way Let the children come

■ By Jamie O’Brien

Newly ordained deacon Luis Tijerino must remember to put on the image of Christ in his service to the people, said Archbishop Barry Hickey last week.

Archbishop Hickey ordained Deacon Tijerino, who studied at the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Morley and is originally from Nicaragua, at St Gerard’s Parish Mirrabooka last week, in the presence of more than 200 people.

A love of the poor is also another essential idea of the diaconate, said the Archbishop as well as serving the people in many other ways.

“Christ went down on his knees and washed the feet of his disciples,” the Archbishop said. “He didn’t come to be served but to serve.”

Redemptoris Mater Seminary Rector Fr Michael

Moore said the ordination of Seminarian Luis Tijerino has brought to fruition the mission of the seminary by the fact that it is another possibility for the Church to serve in Perth or around the world.

The ordination of Deacon Tijerino has brought the number of ordinations of seminarians from Redemptoris Mater to 21 since 1997.

Present at the ordination of Deacon Tijerino was Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton together with 20 priests from the Perth diocese, many of whom had also studied at Redemptoris Mater Seminary and are now ordained for the Perth Archdiocese.

Deacon Tijerino, from Nicaragua, came to Australia as a seminarian at the age of 18, after answering the call to become a priest at a meeting of youth from the Neocatechumenal Way.

Deacon Tijerino had joined the Neocatechumenal Way at the invitation of his parents, and went to the listen to the series of talks with his brother.

However, he said he first felt the call at the age of 13, after attending a pilgrimage in his hometown in Nicaragua.

He is the eldest of four brothers and three sisters and said the call was also felt in the life of his family through the service of looking after the younger children.

“It was then that I realised there was the possibility that I could enter the priesthood and be sent anywhere around the world,” Deacon Tijerino said.

Prior to his arrival in Australia, Deacon Tijerino had been studying philosophy at a seminary in Nicaragua having just completed high school.

“My experience has been that you can find life anywhere in the world if you are doing the will of God.”

During his experience in the seminary, Deacon Tijerino was posted to China as part of his pastoral experience, but visa difficulties prevented him going.

After some time he was posted to Venezuela, but was forced to return to his home country of Nicaragua because of further visa difficulties. He completed his pastoral experience there.

He has also spent time in Daly River, 280 kms south of Darwin, working with the Aboriginal people and giving catechesis of the Neocatechumenal Way.

Deacon Tijerino said his experience confirmed that with free will he could choose his own path but it was his desire to meet God that brought him to Perth.

Men who study at Redemptoris Mater Seminaries are ordained for the diocese, but are able to be sent anywhere in the world in need of missionary priests at the discretion of their Archbishop.

The Seminary is a fruit of the Neocatechumenal Way, which was officially recognised by Pope John Paul II in June 2002 as a post-baptismal way of formation for adults.

The Archdiocese of Perth has already sent two priests to Darwin and Broome, and one each to Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Finland and India.

Students from metro and rural schools gathered on Children’s Mission Day to think globally

■ By Jamie O’Brien

More than 500 students from 78 schools expressed their missionary spirit last week at a Mass held on Children’s Mission Day at All Saints Parish Greenwood.

The theme of the Mass, “Body of Christ: Live it” was introduced at a special ceremony by students from St Gerard’s School Westminster.

Director of Catholic Mission for the Perth Archdiocese Francis Leong said Children’s Mission Day is an opportunity for the whole Archdiocese, and especially the youth from both Catholic and government schools, to experience and respond to the missionary power of the sacred Eucharistic liturgy together as One Body in Christ.

“It is a global expression of Catholic Mission’s appreciation, solidarity and partnership with the life-giving work of Catholic missionaries, who accompany, serve and protect the rights and dignity of children everywhere,” he said.

This year, a number of students from

Government schools were given special permission to be present for the occasion, which was celebrated by Archbishop Barry Hickey.

Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton and Frs Vittorio Riccardi, Paul Pitzen, Benedict Lee, Joseph Tran, Albert Saminedi, Leonard Macionczyk and Greg Donovan were also present.

Mr Leong said he was especially impressed that staff and students from Sacred Heart school Goomalling and St Joseph’s in Northam were able to be part of the celebrations.

“It was an opportunity to reinforce our unity and convergence between parishes, communities, schools, congregations and Catholic agencies in the centrality of Jesus with all that they do,” Mr Leong said. Special Eucharistic car bumper stickers were produced for the occasion as a way for Catholic families to identify themselves as People of the Eucharist. These were blessed by Archbishop Hickey during the Mass and are available to families by calling the Catholic Mission Office on 9422 7933.

Library offers membership, resources

Theology and Religious Education have attracted a lot of attention at the Catholic Library of Western Australia recently as parish groups take up the invitation for orientation tours of the Library’s resources.

Other areas of interest included faith formation and RCIA, catechism, parish ministry, spirituality, family and parenting, social justice and the collection of 6000 audiovisual resources that are available to parishes.

Instruction on the use of the Library’s online catalogue was also available to the participants who learned of new services available to both metropolitan and country parishes such as the bulk loaning of resources related to a specific topic. Membership to the Catholic Library is free for all parish workers on the completion of a membership form co-signed by their Parish Priest.

Story/photo by Phil Bayne

This is God’s will: Luis Tijerino pledges his obedience to Archbishop Hickey during his ordination to the Diaconate last Wednesday at St Gerard’s Parish Mirrabooka. Below: Deacon Tijerino stands, newly robed, at the right of Archbishop Hickey during the Eucharistic prayer. Photos: Jamie O’Brien

Let the children come to me: Students put on an interesting display of love for the Church at All Saint’s Parish Greenwood last week to celebrate Children’s Mission Day. Above: Students from Liwara Catholic Primary put on a liturgical dance at the end of the Mass. Right: Students from St Gerard’s Primary Westminster play the drums at the beginning of the Mass and below, students from a number of schools bring up donations for Catholic Mission. Photos: Phil Bayne

Live the Gospel for yourself, and your children

■ With Derek Boylen

S

ome nights back as I tucked our three and a half year old Elijah into bed he looked up at me and said “I love you Daddy.” I felt all warm and gooey inside. He then said “Daddy when I grow up I want to be fat like you.” I didn’t feel quite so warm or gooey anymore.Children notice everything about us. All our quirks and idiosyncrasies, even the ones we’d like to think we don’t have. From the moment they are born they are observing us and modelling their behaviour on our own. I often ask myself “Am I the sort of person I want my children to grow into?” It’s a sobering thought. It’s the challenge for every Christian parent.

If we want our children to grow into healthy Christian adults then we are called to be the model of Christianity for them. The challenge of the vocation of every parent is not just to live the gospel call for our own salvation’s sake but for the sake of our children’s too.

But, that on its own is not enough. We also have to talk about what it means to live as a Christian. We need to explain to our children, as they grow, the reason for the decisions we make and the lifestyle we live. Children are notoriously poor at understanding the reasons behind the way things are. A little boy once told me that “boys don’t

isay,isay

cry.” When I asked him why he told me it was because his Daddy never cries. I knew that his father was a very sensitive person but the boy had never seen his father cry and so “boys don’t cry.” Likewise, because I happen to enjoy the odd Double Quarter with Cheese Elijah wants to be fat like Daddy when he grows up.

The encyclical Evangelii Nuntiandi by Pope Paul VI (this year celebrating its thirtieth anniversary) makes it quite clear. Real evangelisation requires both words and deeds. Christian parents not only live a Christian lifestyle but they discuss it with their children. As St Peter says “always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).

Our children don’t intuitively understand why we go to Mass each Sunday, why we tell a priest our sins, why we give to the poor, why we sometimes put up with people we don’t like, why we have to share our things and the many other ways families are called to be Christians each day. We need to explain to them why. We need to share with them that we are called to be generous because God is generous; that we love Jesus and go to Mass because Jesus loves us and died for us; that we believe Jesus is the truth and the only way to fullness of life.

There are many people in the world who need to hear the Good News but the first priority for every parent is their own family. In the course of the three years of his public ministry Jesus didn’t just hang out with a bunch of guys hoping that somehow they’d catch on to what he was about. Jesus spent that time teaching, discussing, sharing. How much more hope for the Church if we parents are able to do that for our children over the course of a whole life time?

Responses or suggestions: production@therecord.com.au

They hear, and learn, from us first: An important part of our faith is telling our children the answers to their questions about our faith. They depend on us; we must give them the truth that will help them live free.

Lone voice of sanity celebrates 50 years of the pen

■ With Guy Crouchback

The best and grandest newspaper column in the world, Peter Simple’s Column in the British Daily Telegraph (now known with simple majesty as The Column) has just celebrated its 50th anniversary. It first appeared in the Daily Telegraph on October 18, 1955.

In those 50 years its author Michael Wharton (there were a few other contributors in the first two years) has created an unrivalled and timeless treasure-house of wit, fantasy, wisdom and beautiful writing.

As the anniversary Column puts it of its own celebrations, with one

of its typical leaps into another level of reality: “All day the deep-toned bells of the basilica have been ringing out over the city in celebration. In the great hall of the ancestors, the great abbots and nobles, bearing on their broad shoulders the dreaming loads of Church and State, have assembled to renew their loyalty to the Columnar Order.

“The lesser feudatories, in their ceremonial robes, have assembled likewise, while the common people, a sturdy race of peasants and artisans who have worked and tilled the lands on the great estates as they have done for countless ages, have brought their own humble tributes ...”

Staunchly and proudly reactionary, The Column’s targets have been, from its inception, the vices and follies of the modern age, with political correctness and anti-family scientism among its greatest enemies. There are also serious pieces of celebration or commemoration, and some wonderful nonsense.

Would that I had space to do these sometimes sad, sometimes hilarious, sometimes furiously

angry but always magnificently eloquent writings justice here. Let me, as an inadequate representation, quote one very recent one, written about my own ancestors’ part of England:

“I have been spending a few days’ recess from the column on a country estate in Shropshire near the Welsh border, a part of England which has still to some extent escaped the blight of industry, particularly the tourist industry.

“Although I was staying as a temporary tenant in one of the apartments of the house, it reminded me of my own Simpleham, with its broad parkland and noble avenues of oak and lime, its lakes where swans were serenely gliding, even its melodious chiming stable clock.

“I could have sat, and indeed did sit, for hours listening and looking at the green recesses of this earthly paradise, in what Housman called ‘the country for easy livers, the quietest under the sun.’ Needless to say, in that high summer there was perfect sunshine every day and even after we had left this blessed place, its benign influence persisted.

“What will England be when no such secret, quiet places remain? It would be a country fit only for mad people who will find relief in violence varied by vile moronic entertainment.

“It was no good our trying to forget that outside and beyond this enchanted realm there still waited our familiar multicultural society of terror and confusion. Is this to be our only future?”

A number of collections of The

Iraqi constitution unfair

Iraq’s Constitution contradicts its guarantee of religious freedom by requiring civil laws to conform to provisions of Islamic law, according to Iraqi Catholics in the US and abroad.

In an October 15 referendum, the constitution was approved by a majority in 16 of Iraq’s 18 provinces.

The document establishes a federal parliamentary democracy, administered by executive, legislative and judicial bodies.

The agreement of civil laws with Islamic law, as the constitution mandates, would be unjust for all citizens, including Muslims, said Chaldean Bishop Sarhad Jammo of St Peter the Apostle Eparchy in El Cajon.

For example, Muslims who convert to other faiths can be killed, according to the Quran, he said. “If that becomes civil law, where is the freedom?”

The Quran does not recognise women as

equal to men, Bishop Jammo told Catholic News Service.

According to the Quran, schools must be segregated by gender.

A husband can divorce his wife, but a woman cannot divorce her husband.

And if a Christian parent becomes a Muslim, the children must also join the Muslim religion, he said.

Chaldean Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk, Iraq, also called for the “separation of religion from the state.” Muslim countries should learn from the Western world, he said in an e-mail message from Iraq.

Robert Putrus of Escondido, who attends St Peter Chaldean Cathedral in El Cajon, said the constitution uses Islam as the “source of legislation which could hinder a true democracy.” - CNS

Archbishop on air

For those who missed Archbishop Hickey’s address on Channel Nine the text is below:

Welcome. The month of November is when Christians remember those who have died.

Halloween, full of spirits and tricks, is simply the day before the feast for All

Hallows, the first of November, the feast of all the saints who now live in the light of eternity.

On the second of November and all through the month, the Church prays for all those who have died and are still on their journey of purification to be with God forever.

I invite you to join with us in praying to the merciful Lord for the souls of your deceased loved ones, and to think of your own destiny beyond this life.

God’s peace be with you...

I’m Barry Hickey, Catholic Archbishop of Perth.

Next: TEE Students. For current and past talks visit www.perthcatholic.org.au.

Catholic Media in Perth

Catholic Church TV Australia

Program guide: 1 - 31 November

Aurora Community Television is available on Foxtel Digital and Austar Digital. Channel 183

Sunday 6 November 2005

5.00am Mass for You At Home 5.30am Octava Dies 10.00am Mass for You At

Monday 7 November 2005

Tuesday 8 November 2005 5.00am Mass for

Wednesday 9 November 2005 5.00am Mass for You At Home

Thursday 10 November 2005

Mass for You At Home

Mass for You At Home

Friday 11 November 2005

Mass for

Saturday 12 November 2005

Program Notes

Octava Dies (Eight Days)

Made by Vatican Television, Octava Dies (Eight Days) is a weekly half hour round up of the activities of the Pope and the Vatican.

Pacific Padres

This week, as we remember our war dead on Armistice Day we salute some of the unsung heroes of war, the chaplains - the men and women who care for the spiritual needs of those in the armed forces – at home and abroad, at war and in peace.

Bernadin

This moving documentary tells the story of the Archbishop of Chicago, Joseph Cardinal Bernadin from his humble beginnings to his work in Chicago, to the accusation he faced in regard to sexual abuse, his exoneration and forgiveness of the accuser,

and his heroic death from cancer.

Trafficking of Women and Children

This week Australia marks a day dedicated to eradicating violence against the women. In this film we look at how our support of the Catholic Aid Agency, Caritas, through Project Compassion, assists women who are caught in the dehumanising slavery of sex tourism and prostitution.

Martyrs of East Timor

This week we remember the day in 1975 when East Timor declared their independence, which led to terrible repression. In this film we remember some recent martyrs who gave their life in East Timor in solidarity with their persecuted people, by defending the rights of the poor, or for simply trying to bring healing and peace to others.

Sunday 13 November 2005

5.00am Mass for You At Home 5.30am Octava Dies

Mass for You At Home 10.30am

Monday 14 November 2005

Tuesday

Wednesday 16 November 2005

Thursday 17 November 2005

All times are WA time.

Thursday

Friday

Friday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Saturday

Sunday 27 November 2005

You At Home 10.30am Octava Dies

Monday 28 November 2005 5.00am Mass for You At Home 5.30am Octava Dies 8.00am Martyrs Of East Timor 10.00am Mass for You At Home

Tuesday 29 November 2005 5.00am Mass for You At Home 5.30am Octava Dies 10.00am Mass for You At Home 1.30pm Martyrs Of East Timor

Wednesday 30 November 2005 5.00am Mass for You At Home 5.30am Octava Dies 10.00am Mass for You At Home 10.30am Octava Dies

Broadcast TV

Sunday, November 6

Archbishop Barry Hickey

Channel 9, first commercial break in 6pm evening news

Sunday, November 6

Eternal Word Television

Network: 1-2pm on Access 31:

The Saints: a great cloud of witnesses - Fr John Corapi [Catechism of the Catholic Church]

Ongoing support is needed to keep these wonderful programs on Access 31. Please send donations to The Rosary Christian Tutorial Association, PO Box 1270, Booragoon 6954. Enquiries: 9330 1170.

FM Radio

Sunday November 6

Gate of Heaven: 7.30pm, Radio Fremantle 107.9 FM

This week: The New Eve - Our Lady in Scripture and Tradition with Fr Andrew Apostoli and Coping with abuse in Eucharistical Liturgy – The Blessed Sacrament with Fr John A. Hardon. Donations toward the program may be sent to Gate of Heaven, PO Box 845, Claremont, WA 6910. Programs subject to change without notice.

The World

Marriage depends on sacrament: prelate

Cardinal: For remarried, Communion without annulment not possible

■ By Cindy Wooden

While the Catholic Church seeks better ways to reach out to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics, the fact that they may not receive Communion “is not disputed or disputable,” said Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo.

“They are in an objective situation that goes against the will of God and does not permit them to receive Communion,” said the cardinal, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family.

In an October 27 interview with the Rome newspaper La Repubblica, Cardinal Lopez Trujillo said that while the October 2-23 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist recognised the “painful and dramatic situations” of Catholics barred from the Eucharist “no modification of this doctrine is possible.”

The Church’s teaching that the marriage bond is unbreakable is based on the words of Christ, and the Church has no authority to overturn that teaching, the cardinal said.

Catholics who remarry without having obtained an annulment of their original union - a declaration that the marriage was invalid from the beginning - can receive Communion only “if they promise to live as brother and sister without sexual relations,” the cardinal said.

Cardinal Lopez Trujillo criticised the media for giving the impression that “this

was an open question, as if doors were open for the future, creating expectations for a possible change.” German Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, told reporters in Rome on October 24 that the synod discussions made it clear that “the problem of the divorced and remarried is very much a burning question.”

While the synod did not advocate any specific changes in Church policy, Cardinal Kasper said, “Every bishop in the Western countries knows this is a serious problem, so I cannot imagine the discussion is closed.”

Cardinal Kasper also pointed to questions raised by Pope Benedict XVI in July during a meeting with priests in northern Italy. The Pope insisted compassion was not a

good enough reason to give Communion to someone in an irregular marriage, but “given these people’s situation of suffering it must be studied.”

The Pope told the priests “a particularly painful situation is that of those who were married in the Church, but were not really believers and did so just for tradition, and then finding themselves in a new, nonvalid marriage, convert, find the faith and feel excluded from the sacrament.”

Pope Benedict said that when he was prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith he asked several bishops’ conferences and experts to study the problem, which in effect was “a sacrament celebrated without faith.”

He said he had thought that the Church marriage could be considered invalid because the faith of the couple celebrating the sacrament was lacking. “But from the discussions we had, I understood that the problem was very difficult” and that further study was necessary, the Pope had said.

Cardinal Lopez Trujillo told La Repubblica that at the July meeting “the Pope declared quite clearly that there was no possibility for them (the divorced and civilly remarried) to receive the Eucharist. He did say that they should be treated with mercy.”

As for Cardinal Kasper’s remarks, Cardinal Lopez Trujillo said, “I think he wanted to restate the pastoral aspect of the matter and what he was saying was not understood.”

“This is not an open question. When the Lord commands, the bishops and the faithful must obey,” Cardinal Lopez Trujillo said. - CNS

Women the focus of Vatican seminar Dehon beatification delay

Beatification again delayed for French priest

■ By John Thavis

Pope Benedict XVI gave his approval for the beatification of 25 church figures in October and November, but French Father Leon Dehon was not among them.

A Vatican panel named by the Pope was continuing to study whether anti-Semitic writings and speeches by Father Dehon should disqualify him from being declared “blessed.” Church sources said the Vatican commission had met once in June to take a first look at arguments for and against beatification and then to “reflect prayerfully” on them. The commission, which includes four high-ranking cardinals, planned more meetings for this fall, the sources said.

The case is unusual because Pope John Paul II had approved Father Dehon’s beatification and set a date for the ceremony. Pope Benedict put the beatification on hold after publicity about Father Dehon’s writings on Jews prompted protests from French bishops, the French government and some Jewish groups.

The postponement has troubled members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus religious order, which was founded by Father Dehon. In late October, the order’s respected magazine, Il Regno, published an editorial calling for deeper study and “a full understanding” of Father Dehon.

The editorial acknowledged that Father Dehon’s writings at times reflected “widespread prejudices of the Catholic Church of the 19th century” regarding Jews. But it said those positions “find no echo” in the bulk of his writings, his actions or in the founding documents of the Sacred Heart congregation.

On the contrary, it said, the Sacred Heart congregation has worked “in the opposite direction” to implement the teachings on better relations with non-Christians, as outlined by the Second Vatican Council.

“The eventual decision of the Holy See should be appreciated as a sign of the Church’s present sensitivity, which is shared by Il Regno and, I believe, by the entire congregation,” said the editorial by Father Lorenzo Prezzi, director of the magazine.

Giovanni Miccoli, a history professor at the University of Trieste, said that throughout much of Europe in the late 1800s, the Catholic Church supported antiSemitic campaigns promoted by Catholic political parties and movements. Miccoli said the Church was, in effect, using anti-Jewish prejudices in order to fight larger battles against the modernist and liberal movement, of which Jews were often seen as protagonists. Other experts pointed out that antiSemitism among Catholics reflected the common church thinking of the time: that the “perfidious Jews” - as they were still called in the liturgy - had rejected Christ as saviour and were divinely condemned. CNS

Vatican assembles women to discuss impact of poverty, war

■ By Cindy Wooden

To discuss the impact of poverty and war on women and women’s contributions to development and peace, the Vatican assembled an international group of women.

The October 28-29 seminar at the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace included only three male speakers, including Cardinal Renato Martino, council president, who welcomed the 77 participants.

“We will stop to look at the face of today’s women,” he said. “Much more than the face of men, in many parts of the globe, theirs is a face marked by misery, poverty, exploitation, violence and the lack of any elementary respect for the basic rights of the human person.

“We will stop to consider the heart of today’s women. Much more than that of men, theirs is a heart ready to promote a new humanism, a holistic humanism marked by solidarity for a more equitable, just and peaceful world,” he said.

The 17 women who were scheduled to address the seminar included government officials from Africa, Europe and Latin America, UN officials, scholars, educators and women directly involved in serving refugees, peo-

ple living with AIDS and women who had been trafficked.

The meeting also looked at women’s essential role within the family for educating children in skills and values, overcoming poverty and promoting tolerance, respect, reconciliation and peace.

Mercy Sister Phyllis Hughes from Catholic Relief Services, the US bishops’ international relief and development agency, said: “I feel this is a new moment. The Church really is becoming aware of women’s gifts and not just talking about them.”

Sister Catherine Arata, a School Sister of Notre Dame, said the meeting was an opportunity to look at how much Catholic women have contributed to peace, justice and development, using their health and educational activities not only to give women skills, but to promote connections among them. In her presentation to the seminar, Sister Hughes spoke about women, AIDS and poverty. Especially in developing countries, she said, the issues of HIV infection, poverty, violence, food security, education, human rights and even armed conflict are interwoven.

In sub-Saharan Africa and in the Caribbean more than 50 percent of people living with HIV/ AIDS are women, and “in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, more than three-quarters of all young people living with HIV are women,” she said. “They face risks socially, culturally and economically that men and boys do not,”

she said. And “one of the saddest” aspects of the problem is that often women and girls “lack control over engaging in behavior that could lead to infection.”

Rape and coerced sex, marriage at a young age to older men who have had many partners and social customs that do nothing to encourage men to be faithful to their wives all contribute to the epidemic’s spread, Sister Hughes said. “At the current infection and death rates, by 2020 there will be many fewer women than men in southern Africa, a condition that in itself leads to more violence against women,” she said.

“HIV is certainly about individual behaviour,” she said, “but curtailing the epidemic will require addressing the many imbalances that are beyond the control of the individual. The imbalance of resources, especially for treatment, and the ‘more than half’ burden borne by women and girls badly need mitigation.”

Sister Hughes said the Catholic Church and Catholic-affiliated agencies have to coordinate their efforts more effectively so they do not end up competing for the same funds for HIV-AIDS treatment and prevention.

The Church must increase girls’ access to education and the access of women to AIDS treatment, she said. And while the Church has done a great deal to lobby for lower costs and greater access to antiretroviral drugs, it should do more to support efforts to find an AIDS vaccine, she said. CNS

Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo

The World

Church in Africa young and in need

Bishops say West needs to continue to support Africa’s growing Church

■ By Carol Glatz

Western countries need to continue to support the Church in Africa, not take advantage of its growing number of priests to fill priestless parishes abroad, said three African bishops.

While Africa will continue to supply priests to Western bishops who make a request, people must understand that such exchanges are “only temporary,” said Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa of KiyindaMityana, Uganda.

Bishop Matthias Ssekamaanya of Lugazi, Uganda, said “a permanent solution” to Western countries’ lack of vocations “must be discovered by the countries concerned.”

The two Ugandan bishops, together with Bishop Rudolf Deng Majak of Wau, Sudan, made their comments at a Rome press conference on October 21 as they appealed to Western countries to continue to support the growing number of vocations in Africa and the Church’s growing needs.

The bishops were in Rome attending the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist at the Vatican. While the synod called for new efforts to foster vocations, it also called for a more equitable distribution of priests and for a willingness among priests to serve where they are most needed.

Bishops Deng, Ssekamaanya and Zziwa, however, told journalists that the Church in Africa was still young and growing and, therefore, was still in great need of its own priests.

Bishop Zziwa said the statistics showing the numbers of priests per parish “appear to be high,” even though a parish in Africa usually covers much more territory than a parish in Western countries.

For example, Bishop Zziwa said one parish in his diocese may be equivalent “to six or seven or more parishes” in the United States or Europe.

The bishops emphasised they were not calling for an end to a temporary exchange of priests with other dioceses elsewhere in the

world, but they insisted Western countries embark on a permanent solution to their vocations’ crisis that should include urging families to have more children.

“The number of children (in one family) paves the way for a comfortable number of vocations,” said Bishop Ssekamaanya.

The three bishops said they were enormously grateful for the support they were getting from abroad.

Bishop Deng said a country like Sudan whose infrastructure has been destroyed after decades of civil war needs “everything from residences for priests and nuns to chalices, vestments and vehicles.”

“The problems are so vast” in Sudan that aid for the Church there is being coordinated at the level of

the bishops’ conferences. Individual Catholics can help support smaller initiatives like supplying Mass kits to new priests, they said.

Deborah Raho, an American who helped coordinate the press conference, said she has helped furnish close to 1,000 Mass kits, numerous vestments and other supplies to new priests in Africa. The boom in vocations has created a critical shortage of materials needed to celebrate Mass, she said at the press conference. She said when a donor gives $100, she can go out and buy a portable Mass kit the size of a thick novel, which is “perfect for places like Sudan,” where access to parishes is often so difficult that a priest may have to get there on the back of a motorcycle. CNS

Pope prays for families of slain girls in Indonesia

Pope condemns beheadings of Christian girls in Indonesia

Pope Benedict XVI condemned the “barbaric” beheadings of three Christian girls in Indonesia and prayed for the end of civil strife in the area.

Masked men armed with machetes attacked the girls as they walked to school in the town of Poso on October 29. Their heads were taken by the killers and were found later in

the world in brief

the day, one near a Catholic church and two near a police station.

The girls were dressed in the brown uniforms of their Catholic school on the island of Sulawesi, which has a history of violence between local Christians and Muslims. A fourth girl suffered facial injuries but survived the attack.

The Vatican said that as soon as the Pope was given the “painful news of the barbaric killings of

People need more: Pope

Pope Benedict XVI urged the international community to step up relief efforts for victims of the massive earthquake in South Asia, saying that aid was not keeping pace with people’s needs.

The Pope made his appeal at a Sunday blessing at the Vatican on October 30, more than three weeks after the quake left an estimated 80,000 people dead and more than 3 million homeless. Most of the victims were on the Pakistani side of the mountainous Kashmir region.

“There have been numerous forms of solidarity, but the need appears greater than the aid offered so far,” the Pope said.

“Therefore, I renew my appeal to the

three Christian girls in Indonesia” he sent his condolences to the families of the victims.

He also asked the local bishop, Bishop Joseph Suwatan of Manado, to convey his sympathy to the local Catholic community. The Vatican said the Pope was praying “for the return of peace between those populations” on the island.

According to Italian news reports, Bishop Suwatan said the killings were part of a destabilisation cam-

international community to multiply the efforts in support of these populations so sorely tried,” he said.

The earthquake also affected areas of India and Afghanistan. The day after it struck, the Pope asked the world community to be “swift and generous” in its help to the affected populations.

The United Nations estimated in late October that about 75,000 people in the quake area needed urgent medical attention. Many of the worst-hit mountain valleys remained inaccessible except by mule, slowing relief operations.

Aid officials said that, as severe weather began to hit the region, another major priority was delivery of family tents for shelter during the winter.

By the end of October, only about onefourth of the homeless had received the tents.

paign. “We are facing a strategy of terror that aims to shock the population and make it feel insecure, precisely when relations between the two communities have become peaceful,” Bishop Suwatan said.

Last May, two bomb blasts in a predominantly Christian town on the island left 20 people dead. Officials said they were an attempt to reignite violence in the religiously mixed area. Several times the Church has

Accepting death

Christians can cultivate a fearless acceptance of death, recognizing that it is a necessary juncture leading from one’s journey on earth to one’s final destination in heaven, said Pope Benedict XVI.

Observing the November 1 feast of All Saints and anticipating the November 2 feast of All Souls, Pope Benedict said these days of offering prayers for departed loved ones can help Christians “think of the mystery of death without fear.”

“New life, received through baptism, is not subject to the corruption and power of death,” he said on November 1 before praying his midday Angelus.

For Christians, “death is a gateway from the earthly pilgrimage to the home of heaven, where the Father welcomes all his children of every nation, race, people and tongue,” he

Seven Spaniards beatified

Seven Spanish priests and a nun martyred in 1936 were “heroic witnesses of the faith” and showed the true meaning of priesthood and consecrated life, said Pope Benedict XVI.

The Pope prayed before the relics of the eight Spaniards on October 29 after they were beatified in St Peter’s Basilica during a Mass celebrated by Portuguese Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes.

The seven priests from the Diocese of Urgell were killed “during the religious persecution in Spain out of fidelity to their priestly ministry,” the Pope said.

The seven beatified were: Fathers Jose Tapies Sirvant, Pascual Araguas, Silestre Arnau Pascuet, Jose Boher Foix, Francisco Castells Brenuy, Pedro Martret Moles and Jose Perot Juanmarti. Sister Maria de los Angeles Ginard Marti was a member of a religious order dedicated to eucharistic adoration; her devotion to Christ helped her “offer her life as a supreme expression of love for Christ,” the Pope said.

In his homily, Cardinal Saraiva Martins said the newly beatified held themselves to very high standards, while showing understanding and patience for others and forgiving those who persecuted them.

The cardinal said the antiCatholic persecution that took place in Spain in the 1930s contributed to making the 20th century a “century of martyrdom.”

joined with local Muslim leaders in efforts to quell the violence, which broke out in 1998. Central Sulawesi is an impoverished, remote area wedged between the predominantly Christian northern and mainly Muslim southern parts of the island. Its people earn a living from farming and fishing. Some have described the violence there as a spillover from fighting between Christian and Muslim communities in the Molucca Islands to the east.

said. He called on Christians to include some time during the two feast days to “think about the mystery of death without fear and cultivate that constant awareness that prepares us to face (death) with serenity.”

Pope Benedict told thousands of visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square on the feast of All Saints, an Italian public holiday, that the day offers the opportunity “to experience the joy of being part of the large family of God’s friends.”

The communion of saints is “a family united by deep bonds of spiritual solidarity, which unite the deceased faithful to the world’s pilgrims,” he said.

This bond is “mysterious, but real” and is fostered “by prayer and participating in the sacrament of the Eucharist,” the Pope said.

The souls of all the faithful “overcome the barrier of death” and are united in the Eucharist, he said. CNS

A Sudanese priest at an outdoor Mass in Sudan. African Bishops have called for support from the West for their growing Church. Photo: CNS

Movie Review

Exorcism spins faith vs science debate

The Exorcism of Emily Rose

■ Reviewed By David DiCerto

Generally speaking, Hollywood misses the mark in its treatment of the supernatural. More often than not, movies which explore spiritual realities - especially those dealing with the demonic - opt for sensationalism or horror cliches rather than serious reflection.

Not so with “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” (Screen Gems), a sober consideration of faith and the mystery of evil.

Thoughtfully directed by Scott Derrickson, an evangelical Christian, the film is based, in part, on true events that took place in Germany in 1976 involving a young epileptic, Anneliese Michel, who died of starvation after several exorcism sessions, and led to criminal charges being filed against the priests involved.

More theological courtroom drama than horror film (though it walks a fine line at times), Derrickson’s fictionalised version transplants the story to an unspecified rural American town and changes the names of the principal players.

Michel has become Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter), a devout Catholic college student, who, after experiencing terrifying episodes while away at school, comes to believe she is possessed by demons.

When medical treatment proves ineffective, her family enlists their parish priest, Father Richard Moore (an extremely empathetic Tom Wilkinson) to perform an exorcism. Despite Father Moore’s sincere efforts, the girl dies from associated medical complications - mostly malnutrition - resulting in Moore’s

arrest for negligent homicide. In the German case, two priests stood trial, as did the girl’s parents.

Emily’s back story is told mainly through flashbacks interspersed throughout the various testimonies.

Laura Linney co-stars as Erin Bruner, the agnostic, high-profile lawyer hired to defend Father Moore and make sure the Church - which wants to keep the case out of the spotlight and the priest off the witness stand - avoids any embarrassing publicity. Campbell Scott plays pit-bullish prosecuting attorney Ethan Thomas, a practising Methodist who disdains the Catholic idea of exorcisms.

The film is not so much concerned about providing an answer

to the central mystery surrounding Emily’s death, as it is posing questions about the nature of evil. Was Emily really possessed or merely suffering from a psychological malady? The filmmaker remains intentionally ambiguous, though the movie clearly leans toward the existence of larger realities beyond the empirical.

The performances are solid across the board, especially that of Linney. Carpenter does a credible job conveying her demonic torment with a minimal reliance on special effects. But, despite the title, it is Bruner’s story as she wrestles with her own demons, and her wavering between skepticism and belief no doubt mirrors the inner spiritual grappling of many viewers.

The narrative tone remains respectful of Catholic tenets and rituals.

The film’s occasional excursions into horror territory - including unsettling and at times intense depictions of Emily’s ordeal - are relatively few, but used to chilling effect. Though comparisons will no doubt be made to William Friedkin’s classic, “The Exorcist,” viewers hoping for Linda Blair-style spinning heads and projectile vomit will be disappointed.

A late revelation that Emily endured her suffering as a selfsacrificial martyrdom suggests that belief in God is somehow confirmed, or at least facilitated, by proving that the devil exists. Viewers may have legitimate ques-

tions about that proposition, as well as some other plot points such as the effect of drugs on an attempt at exorcism. Also Father Moore’s contention about the appropriateness of Halloween for exorcisms will strike many as either superstitious or plain silly.

Though not without flaws, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” is a wellcrafted and intelligent movie that aspires to engage heads and not just spin them.

The film contains disturbing scenes of demonic possession, a brief but violent vehicular homicide, and a grisly death image, as well as minimal crude language.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III – adults. - CNS

PANORAMA a roundup of events in the archdiocese

Sunday November 6

PILGRIMAGE FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE

You are warmly invited to come along to a pilgrimage for marriage and family life at the Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Rd, Armadale. The day begins at 10.30am with Adoration, the rosary, Mass, a BYO picnic lunch, a talk on the life of Bl. Maria & Luigi Quattrocchi, activities for the children and concluding with a special consecration to the Holy Family (3pm). For further details please contact Cathy or Lucas Cavuoto on 9343 6213.

Sunday November 6

DIVINE MERCY

An afternoon with Jesus and Mary at St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, Perth, at 1.30pm. Program: Holy Rosary and Reconciliation. Sermon: with Fr Tim Shelton on All Saints and holy souls followed by Divine Mercy prayers and Benediction. Enq: John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.

Wednesday to Sunday November 9 - 13

CATHOLIC FAITH RENEWAL

Retreat by Fr Vincent Lee. Come and experience the power of the Holy Spirit. A retreat, accompanied by St Jude’s Choir, on Sin and Repentance. Fr Lee, from Singapore, is currently on mission in Africa and is well known for his evangelical mission around the world. He has conducted many spiritual and healing retreats and Life in the Spirit Seminars in Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, China, India and Kenya. His zeal and love for spreading the good news have touched and reached the hearts of many who have come to listen to him. For more information contact Maureen on 9381 4498, or Rose on 040 330 0720.

Friday November 11

QUIZ NIGHT AT THE IRISH CLUB, SUBIACO

Excellent prizes, loads of fun. Bar available. Commence at 7.30 pm. Form a table of 6. Tickets available at the door at $6.00 each or pre-book by ringing Corpus Christi Parish Projects Chairman on 9330 3310.

Saturday November 12

ANNUAL HOLY MASS

The annual Holy Mass at the grotto on Richard and Judy Priestley’s farm will be held at 10.30am. BBQ meat will be provided. Please bring a chair and a hat. Directions: take Great Eastern Highway to El Caballo Blanco and turn south into Wariin Rd and go 1.8km and turn left into Chinganning Rd and go 2.2km. Allow one hour from Perth (Tel: 0428 502 749).

Saturday November 12

AFTERNOON REFLECTION

You are warmly invited to an afternoon reflection on the Word of Life “...to possess the only life that is real,” (1Tim 6:19). Commencing1.30pm at the L.J. Goody Bioethics Centre, (39 Jugan St, Glendalough) for Rosary and Reflection. Followed by a short walk to St Bernadette’s Church, Glendalough (cnr Leeder and Jugan Sts) for Adoration and Benediction at 3pm. Concluding with Mass at 3.30pm celebrated by His Grace, Archbishop Hickey and Fr Doug Harris. Afternoon Tea will be served at the Bioethics Centre. All welcome. RSVP by 10 November to Rosa on 9378 3044 or Bernadette on 9275 7765.

HOLY SPIRIT SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR

The Holy Spirit School community invite you to our

40th Anniversary Christmas Fair. Great fun for all the family – amusements including ‘Extreme RockWall’, rides, sideshow alley, a great range of stalls (including white-elephant, plants, craft, Christmas cards and decorations, cakes), auctions (including a one-on-one cricket clinic with Justin Langer), raffles and food. Come for lunch or Devonshire tea and get your Christmas shopping done early. 10% of proceeds donated to PMH. 10am–3pm, cnr Brompton Road and Bent Street, City Beach.

Sunday November 13

BULLSBROOK SHRINE HEALING MASS

Holy Mass for physical and spiritual healing will be offered at the Shrine of Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Rd, Bullsbrook, on Sunday November 13. The celebration commences at 2pm, including the Holy Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Everyone is most welcome. Enquiries SACRI: 9447 3292.

Tuesday November 15

BOOK LAUNCH  BUNBURY

Bishop Gerard Holohan – Bishop of Bunbury will officially launch the book “and the Dance Goes On”. An Anthology of Australian Catholic Women’s Stories at “Jivin J’s Restaurant, Marsden Hill Bunbury at 10.15am. There is an entry fee at the door, and books can be obtained a the launch. All are welcome to attend by contacting Mrs Georgie BruceSmith. Tel: 9752 2834, Fax: 97523662, RSVP is by November 10.

Sunday November 20

FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING

The Divine Mercy Apostolate invites everyone to

celebrate the Feast of Christ the King at St Anne’s Church in Bindoon. A coach will pick up passengers from Our Lady of Mercy Church, Girrawheen at 9am, St Bernadette’s Church, Glendalough at 9.30am, then on to Sts John and Paul Church, Willetton at 10.15am and then to St Anne’s Church Bindoon. Tea and coffee will be provided during the day and after the afternoon’s celebrations. Coach will depart Bindoon at approx. 5.30pm. For general or program enquiries please call: John 9457 7771 (SOR) or Charles 9342 0653 (NOR).

Sunday November 20

FINAL MASS AT ST PAULS SWANBOURNE

A final Mass in being celebrated for the closure of the above church on Sunday at 8.30am. This Mass will be concelebrated by Archbishop Barry James Hickey. All present and past parishioners are warmly invited to attend. Following the Mass a morning tea will be provided. For details contact: George Ayres 9384 9489 or email lifeayre@bigpond.com.

Sunday November 20

ORGAN CONCERT

St Denis Parish, cnr of Osborne and Roberts St, Joondanna. The parish is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its pipe organ. Mr Martin Rein will be the organist. He will be playing selections from J S Bach, Vierne and Widor plus some improvisations. The concert begins at 3pm. Free will offerings will be accepted.

Sunday November 27

CHRISTMAS ADVENT PILGRIMAGE, 2005.

Come join us in prayerful preparation for Christmas. Prepare your heart and home with blessings at

Driving out devils: Tom Wilkinson stars as Father Moore and Jennifer Carpenter as the title character in “The Exorcism of Emily Rose.”.

Photo: CNS

BUILDING TRADES

■ BRICK REPOINTING

Phone Nigel 9242 2952.

■ GUTTERS/DOWNPIPES

Need renewing, best work and cheapest prices. Free quote. Ph: Ad 9447 7475 or 0408 955 991 5008.

■ MJP PAINTING & DECORATING 

REG: 6197

“South of the River” quality work guaranteed. Phone Michael - 041 796 8802

■ PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD

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

■ PICASSO PAINTING

Top service. Phone 9345 0557, fax 9345 0505.

CATHOLICS CORNER

■ RETAILER OF CATHOLIC PRODUCTS

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

Classifieds

Classified ads: $3.30 per line incl. GST 24 hour Hotline 9227 7778 Deadline: 5pm Tuesday ADVERTISEMENTS

CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER

■ WORK FROM HOME

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

ENTERTAINMENT

■ FIRE ENGINE PARTIES

Children of all ages. Child care, kindy and Santa visits includes rides and squirting. Discount to readers. Call fire Chief David 0431 869 455.

FOR SALE

■ LUMEN CHRISTI HOMES

Augusta Life Time Lease. Enquiries Catholic Diocese of Bunbury 9721 0500.

FURNITURE REMOVAL

■ AAA SLIPSTREAM Piano removal, sales and hire. Special discount for schools. Contact Tony 0418 923 414

■ ALL AREAS

Mike Murphy 0416 226 434.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

■ BUSSELTON

Geog Bay, Park Home sleeps UP TO 6, winter rates apply. Ph Elizabeth 0408 959 671.

■ DENMARK

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

■ DUNSBOROUGH

3 bed cosy cottage, sleeps 7, available for holiday rental, quiet oasis 3 mins walk to beach. Sheila 9309 5071.

POSITION VACANT

■ CARETAKER/HANDYMAN

For Catholic Church, Bindoon. Accom provided. Suit pensioner. For details tel 9571 1839 or 9576 0006.

REAL ESTATE

■ SHEILA SHANNON

Thinking of changing your address? Selling or buying, please think of me! Sheila Shannon, First Western Realty, ...hoping for your call 040 88 66 593.

OFFICIAL DIARY

RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS

■ HUMBLE MESSENGER

Shop 16/80 Barrack St (Inside Bon Marche Arcade) Perth WA 6000.

Trading Hours: Monday-Closed,TuesFri-10am-5pm, Sat-10am-3pm, Ph/Fax 9225 7199, 0421 131 716.

■ RICH HARVEST  YOUR CHRISTIAN SHOP

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

■ REPAIR YOUR LITURGICAL BOOKS

Tydewi Bindery offer a reliable service to repair your Liturgical books, missals, bibles and fine bindings. Ph. 9293 3092.

THANKS

■ THANKSGIVING

Thanks to the Sacred Heart, Blessed Virgin Mary, St Jude, St Anthony, St Theresa and St Rita for favours received. MD

Phone

Humour

A young lad was visiting a church for the first time, checking all the announcements and posters along the walls.

When he came to a group of pictures of men in uniform, he asked a nearby usher, “Who are all those men in the pictures?”

The usher replied, “Why, those are our boys who died in the service”.

Dumbfounded, the youngster asked, “Was that the morning service or the evening service?”

NOVEMBER

4 Graduation Ceremony for Clontarf Aboriginal College - Fr Michael McMahon SAC

4-6 Parish Visitation, East Victoria Park - Archbishop Hickey Parish Visitation, South Perth - Bishop Sproxton

6 Confirmation, Cottesloe - Mgr Michael Keating Confirmation, Ellenbrook - Fr Greg Carroll

7 Combined WACRI/Bishops Meeting - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton

Clergy Mass and Dinner for Feast of St Charles Borromeo, St Charles Seminary - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton

8 Meeting of WA Bishops

9 Farewell to Melissa del Borrello, Director Catholic Migrant Office - Archbishop Hickey

11 Opening of MercyCare Strategic Planning Session, Mercy Hospital - Archbishop Hickey

Christmas. Come and pray for an increase of the Faith in our families, our neighbourhoods, our nation, family life and peace throughout the world! Come with your family and make it a family day with Mary’s Companion Wayfarers of Jesus the Way at the Schoenstatt Shrine in Armadale Hills, a place of grace. 11.45 am. Assemble at Armadale Train Station (Arrive by train or drive and utilise the available ample train station parking); 12:00 pm ˆ Angelus; 12:05 pm Rosary Walk to Schoenstatt Shrine; 12.30 pm ˆ Pilgrimage Program with Holy Mass and BYO Lunch (Tea and coffee available); 3:00 pm ˆ Divine Mercy ˆ Benediction and Rosary Walk to the Train Station. Experience first hand pilgrimage spirituality with its longstanding Christian tradition. Sister Lisette 9399 2349 or St Joseph’s Church, Bassendean 9279 1549.

Thursday December 1

A CHARISMATIC HEALING MASS

Celebrated by Fr. Hugh Thomas and organised by the “Agape Praising Group” will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Centre, Angelico Street, Woodlands, at 7.30 pm on 1st December 2005. The Mass will be followed by fellowship. An invitation is extended to all those interested. Please contact Celine. Phone 94462147 Email : knight@wa1.quik.com.au

CROSS ROADS COMMUNITY

Term 4 – 11th October until 16th December for: Family & Friends Support Groups of Substance Abusers are on Wednesdays 7–9pm, Substance Abusers Support Groups are on Tuesdays 5.30 to 7.30pm & Fridays All day Group for Substance Abusers is from 9.30am to 2pm including Healing Mass on Fridays @ 12.30pm during term. Ladies Groups are on Tuesdays 11am to 1.30pm. Rosary is from Tuesday to Thursday at 12.30 to 1pm.

TUESDAYS WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING

7pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Centre, 450 Hay Street, Perth, WA. Take time to pray and be united with Our Lord and Our Lady in prayer with others. Appreciate more deeply the heritage of

the Faith. Overcome the burdens in life with the Rosary, Meditation, Scripture, praise in song, and friendship over refreshments. Come! Join us! Mary’s Companion Wayfarers of Jesus the Way Prayer Group. Experience personal healing in prayer.

BULLSBROOK SHRINE SUNDAY PROGRAM

Shrine of Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Rd. Bullsbrook. 2pm Holy Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Rosary. Reconciliation available in Italian and English. A monthly pilgrimage is held on the last Sunday of the month in honour of the Virgin of the Revelation. Anointing of the sick is administered for spiritual and physical healing during Holy Mass every second Sunday of the month. All enq SACRI 9447 3292.

SCHOENSTATT FAMILY MOVEMENT: MONTHLY DEVOTIONS

An international group focussed on family faith development through dedication to our Blessed Mother. Monthly devotions at the Armadale shrine on the first Sunday at or after the 18th day of the month at 3pm. Next event: November 20. 9 Talus Drive Armadale. Enq Sisters of Mary 9399 2349 or Peter de San Miguel 0407 242 707 www.schoenstatt.org.au

ST CLARE’S SCHOOL, SISTERS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

A short history of St Clare’s School is being prepared to celebrate 50 years of its work in WA. Any past students, staff, families or others associated with the school - from its time at Leederville, at North Perth, at East Perth or at Wembley - are invited to contact us with photographs, or memories. Privacy will be protected, in accordance with your wishes. Please contact Nancy Paterson on 0417 927 126, (email npaters@yahoo.com.au) or St Clare’s School, PO Box 21 & 23 Carlisle North 6161. Tel: 9470 5711.

ALL SAINTS CHAPEL

CONFESSIONS: 10.30 to 11.45am and two lunchtime MASSES: 12.10 and 1.10pm Monday through Friday. Easy to find in the heart of Perth, ALLENDALE SQUARE, 77 St George’s Terrace, Perth, WA. Exposition: 8am - 4pm. Morning Prayer: 8am

11 Catholic Outreach Coordinators’ Retreat Mass, Shoalwater - Archbishop Hickey

Liturgy Office End-of-Year Mass, Catholic Pastoral Centre - Bishop Sproxton

12 Mass at Lynwood Parish - Archbishop Hickey

Mass to celebrate 13th anniversary of WA Indonesian Catholic Community - Bishop Sproxton

13 50th Anniversary Mass of Our Lady Help of Christians, Mukinbudin - Archbishop Hickey Confirmation, Subiaco - Bishop Sproxton

Festival of St Rocco Mass and Procession - Bishop Quinn

15 Morning tea at CEO with LifeLink fundraisers - Archbishop Hickey

Mass and Consecration of a Hermit, Innaloo - Archbishop Hickey

15 & 16 Confirmation, Morley - Mgr Tim Corcoran

16 Confirmation, Trinity College - Archbishop Hickey

17 Meeting with Ordinands at St Charles Seminary - Archbishop Hickey

Opening and blessing of extensions at Emmanuel Catholic College - Bishop Sproxton

(Liturgical hours). Holy Rosary daily: 12.40pm. Divine Mercy Prayers and Benediction: Mondays and Fridays 1.35pm. St Pio of Pietrelcina Novena to the Sacred Heart and Benediction: Wednesdays 1.35pm. Lending Library of a thousand books, videos, cassettes at your service. Tel: 9325 2009. www. allsaintschapel.com

INDONESIAN MASS

Every Sunday at 11.30am at St Benedict’s church Alness St, Applecross. Further info www.waicc.org. au.

PERPETUAL ADORATION

Christ the King, Lefroy Rd, Beaconsfield. Enq Joe Migro 9430 7937, A/H 0419 403 100. Adoration also at Sacred Heart, 64 Mary St Highgate, St Anne’s, 77 Hehir St Belmont. Bassendean, 19 Hamilton St and Mirrabooka, 37 Changton Wy.

PERPETUAL ADORATION AT ST BERNADETTE’S

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

BLESSED SACRAMENT ADORATION

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

SUNDAY CHINESE MASS

The Perth Chinese Catholic Community invite you to join in at St Brigid’s Church, 211 Aberdeen St (Cnr of Aberdeen and Fitzgerald) Northbridge. Celebrant Rev Fr Dominic Su SDS. Mass starts 4.30pm every Sunday. Enq Augustine 9310 4532, Mr Lee 9310 9197, Peter 9310 1789.

CONFRATERNITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Confraternity of the Holy Spirit has been sanctioned in the Perth Archdiocese, our aim is to make the Holy Spirit known and loved, and to develop

awareness of His presence in our lives. If you would like more information please call WA Coordinator Frank Pimm on 9304 5190.

First Sunday of each month

DEVOTIONS IN HONOUR OF THE DIVINE MERCY

Fr Douglas Hoare and Santa Clara Parish Community welcome anyone from surrounding Parishes and beyond to the Santa Clara Church, Bentley. The afternoon commences with the 3 o’clock prayer, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Reflection, and concludes with Benediction.

THE DIVINE MERCY APOSTOLATE

St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, Perth – each first Sunday of the month from 1.30pm to 3.15pm with a different priest each month. All Saints Chapel, Allendale Square, 77 St George’s Tce, Perth - each Monday and Friday at 1.35pm. Main Celebrant Fr James Shelton. St Francis Xavier Church, 25 Windsor Street, East Perth - each Saturday from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, main celebrant Fr Marcellinus Meilak, OFM. Saints John and Paul Church, Pinetree Gully Drive, Willeton - each Wednesday from 4pm to 5pm. All Enq John 9457 7771.

Please Note

The Record reserves the right to decline or modify any advertisment it considers improper or not in unison with the general display of the paper.

The Last Word

Tolkien’s view is universal

Professor assesses Tolkien’s ‘Catholic vision’ in ‘Rings’ trilogy

■ By Gene Stowe

JRR. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy offers a Catholic approach to - and prescription for - modern society’s ills, says Professor Ralph Wood.

“Tolkien has been a writer of such immense popularity in our time because he gave us such a deepened Catholic vision and understanding of the world,” said Prof. Wood, a professor of theology and literature at a Baptist university in the US.

Wood gave the first lecture in the Notre Dame Centre for Ethics and Culture’s fourth annual Catholic culture series. Three other talks were scheduled for November on the series theme, “Valour, Fellowship and Sacrifice: Tolkien’s Catholic Myth.”

Tolkien’s view is Catholic in both the general sense of “universal” - an unpopular idea in a world of identity politics and fragmented diversity - and in the Catholic sense of a deeply sacramental understanding of reality, Wood said.

Tolkien, whose mother suffered the rejection of her relatives when

she became a Catholic in 1900, was intensely devoted to Catholic teaching and piety, but unlike his friend C.S Lewis he focused on literature as art and not as a vehicle for evangelism, Wood said.

Tolkien described “The Lord of the Rings” as “a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously at first, but consciously in the revision,” Wood said.

He said some features, such as Boromir’s confession to Aragorn, the Marian qualities of Galadriel, the awakening of the dead to purge their past sins and the description of elvish “waybread” that resembles Communion bread - “it does not satisfy the stomach but fortifies the will” - seem explicitly Catholic.

But in a larger way, he said, Tolkien presents modern ideas hostile to the Catholic view as being on the side of evil, illustrated by the powers of the ring:

● Deathlessness leads to a stretchedout life that loses quality for the ring’s holders, in contrast to the understanding that a good death is the crown of one’s life.

Gollum, for example, has lived 500 years because of the ring: “It’s made him live longer but not better,” Wood said.

● Magical disappearance has to do with instant gratification in contrast

to the understanding that worthwhile accomplishment comes from slow and embodied work in the real world.

“To disappear is to be invisible,” Wood said. “Look what the Internet does to us. It allows us to be completely anonymous,” feeling free to do things we would not ordinarily do.

● Coercion denies the understanding of human freedom that leaves relationships a matter of choice rather than enslavement.

“For Tolkien, coercion is the fundamental fact of the modern world,” he said, listing drug addiction as well as totalitarian governments under the heading. “Every time we yield our will to that which is coercive, the window of freedom narrows,” he said.

Tolkien’s solution to those situations is Christian faith, hope and charity - faith that involves the trust of the fellowship of the ring, hope that makes a person willing to play a part in a larger story without seeing the end, and charity that offers mercy and pity to someone as undeserving as Gollum, Wood said.

Gollum plays a crucial role, he added. The phrase “the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many” appears in each book, Wood said. “Had Gollum been killed, the quest would have failed.”

16.

High rates of family fragmentation are associated with an increased risk of suicide among both adults and adolescents. Divorced men and women are more than twice as likely as their married counterparts to attempt suicide. Although women have lower rates of suicide overall, married women were also substantially less likely to commit suicide than were divorced, widowed, or never-married women.” In the last half-century, suicide rates among teens and young adults have tripled. The single “most important explanatory variable,” according to one new study, “is the increased share of youths living in homes with a divorced parent.” The effect, note the researchers, “is large,” explaining “as much as twothirds of the increase in youth suicides” over time.

In Australia, a recent study found that “never-married men had [suicide] mortality levels 89-90% higher than the standard rates and married men 43-25% below the standard rates, while divorced and widowed men also had elevated [suicide] mortality levels.” Similar trends were found among women as well: Other research has found that suicide rates among men and women in Australia were three times higher than among married people.

Figures from the ABS have shown that divorced males aged between 35 and 44 are the most likely to take their own life in Australia, while married people are the least likely to suicide. And the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare study of 1994 found that never married and previously married people had three times the suicide rates of married people.

More recent ABS figures point in the same direction. In the 1995—1997 period, married people (9 per 100,000 persons) were less likely to die from suicide than those who were never married (22), widowed (13) or divorced (26 per 100,000 persons).

And a recent study recorded in the Australian Medical Journal by Dr Chris Cantor of Griffith University found that separated males are six times more likely to commit suicide than married men. And a more recent study by the Institute of Health and Welfare found that divorced men are at least three times as likely to commit suicide as any other group.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure “The Lord of the Rings” was brought to the big screen by New Line Cinema. Above Sean Astin, Elijah Wood and Dominic Monaghan star in a scene from the production. Right, J.R.R. Tolkien studies a text.