The Record Newspaper 01 June 1989 by The Record

PERTH, WA: June 1, 1989

Number 2638

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Quote In the 20 years, from the 1966 census till the '86 census, the Catholic Church in Australia gained a million members. It increased from just over three million in 1966 to just over four million at the last census, and it still remains 26 per cent of the population as it was 20 years ago. So it still retains its percentage of the population and grows with it.

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A crucifix pictured above and blessed by Archbishop Foley recently was made from wood from the Mogumber reserve settlement and an olive tree on the original "Subiaco" foundation of the Benedictines on what is now the McAuley Centre at Wembley. The significance of the crucifix to the Anawim Centre is told on Pages 6 & 7.

Mass concern The church is not declining in numbers.

However, since the early 60s, there has been a marked decline in Mass attendance. Fr Michael Mason, a M elbourne -based Redemptorist priest and sociologist, had also noted the following in an interview with the The Advocate.

The decline in Mass a ttendance among young people, especially young women, is causing real concern. Fr Mason was clarifying some points he had made at a recent meeting of South Australian priests (see page 2). His comments had been reported out of context in a news item published in the secular press. Fr Mason noted that those no longer active in the Church often give as their reason that:

• The Church seems relevant to the modern world;

less

• The Liturgy is less well done than it used to be, that it lacks a sense of reverence; • That the Church is less important in the life of many Catholics.

from around 50 per cent in the early 60s to around 30 per cent now, he said. The early 70s had been a time of turbulent social and cultural change that affected all mainstream denominations. There had been a

By MANNY C ANDAPPA in

The Advocate

Mason said. Commenting on the decline in Mass attendance among young

The Mason said: Church is no longer the oppressed minority that it used to be, sticking close together, spending time together, everybody knowing the other person in church. "Now people complain

Where have the young ones gone?

"In the 20 years, from the 1966 census till the general revolt against all '86 census, the Catholic forms of authority in Church in Australia society — family, state, million a gained and naturally it would members. It increased also have affected the from just over three Church, Fr Mason million in 1966 to just observed. over four million at the It had also been the last census, and it still te aftermath of immedia remains 26 per cent of Vatican Second the the population as it was a time of — Council 20 years ago. for change major "So it still retains its Catholics. percentage of the popula"And I think we were tion and grows with it." fairly clumsy in impleFr Mason commented. menting those changes, The decline in Mass and we didn't explain attendance had been things very clearly," Fr

women, Fr Mason observed that it used always to be higher than the men. The reason for the decline, he noted, was that women's socialisation, education and career patterns now followed those of men much more closely. They entered a world of work dominated by secular thinking and were less insulated from the world. Attributing another reason for a deline in fervor among Catholics Fr

that parishes have grown so large the people don't have any sense of belonging. They feel like anonymous persons wandering around the world. "In a society where we are accepted, and where Catholics aren't a group notably discriminated against, we tend less to stick together as the Irish-Australian minority. "So for a whole host of reasons the Church is less important in the life

of many Catholics and has receded in importance in the Australian social and political world generally. "It is generally slow to relate itself to the issues of the day. and so Catholics find Church less central to their lives now." Commenting on today's liturgies, Fr Mason said: "Some people find liturgy concentrating on 'this worldly' aspects of community, with not so strong a reference to the sacred, to the 'otherworldly'. "It used to be that churches were places where great emphasis was placed on the sacredness of the place, a place for silence and prayer. "If they see the Church as no longer a particularly sacred place, but a place where the Christian community gathers,

and if they see it as equally appropriate for celebration and conversation, that's got something to be said for it. "But it loses a certain value in terms of the sacredness of the place. "They are both legitimate emphases. Not that one is right and the other is wrong. "But Ithink pastorally it may be important to many people to maintain that sacredness of place about the church and it would be desirable to have gatherings of the Christian community which are not of a particularly sacred kind somewhere else. "I'm not decrying the importance of Christian communities meeting as human communities, but it's probably good to keep the church for a particularly sacred kind of celebration."

Syngarny or the sin game warning MELBOURNE: The Catholic Bishops of Victoria warned the public last March that the Victorian Government was allowing destructive experimentation on human life up to the stage of syngamy. "We also warned that the same lobby which destroyed the original Act will soon be agitating for destructive experimentation on humans beyond syngamy," said Victoria's nine Catholic bishops this week.

"We were right. That forecast has been fulfilled." A procedure has been approved to allow the destruction of one hundred human embryos at the four cell stage beyond syngamy. Because of public reaction against this, the Victorian Minister for Health has launched a

major review of legislation on post-syngamy human embryo experimentation. Urging Victorians to protest against destructive experimentation on human embryos at any time after conception, the bishops continued: "In a democracy we accept that we have to explain our point of view to the general public. The scientists and their allies must be equally frank."

Diocesan Pastoral Council round-up by Dick Anthony

Danger of science WARNING THAT IT CAN LEAD TO RUIN IF USED WITHOUT CONSCIENCE

Fr Walter Black MSC told the Diocesan Pastoral Council that science and technology must be "at the service of the human person", as sciene "without conscience can only lead to ruin". Describing the attitude of the Church to the many IVF procedures, Fr Black said that the dissociation of procreation from the conjugal act is "sexually and maritally disordered", and so morally wrong. Amniocentesis techniques employed in prenatal diagnosis were acceptable if they reflected the life of the embryo and were directed towards safeguarding or healing, he said. The same could be said about therapeutic procedures carried out on embryo, providing they did not lead to their destruction, he said. In examining the GIFT programmes, Fr Black

explained that different procedures were carried out in the various states of Australia. Results in WA had a high level of success by effecting a higher rate of fertility, he stated. In discussing the moral status of the embryo, Fr Black emphasis that the human being is to be respected and treated a as a person from the moment of conception. Moral respect was due to the zygote from the time of fusion of nucleii, when the biological identity of the new human person was already constituted. Fr Balck mentioned the love-giving, life-giving nature of "monogamous faithful marriage," citing Trinitarian theology. In the same way that God is a communion of persons, so it is with husband and wife in their married love.

Driving force behind idea of Catholic university

.\ 'Thank you' to Foley Diocesan Pastoral president Council Peter Fleay last Saturday thanked Archbishop Foley for being the catalyst for the recent Year of Mission. He described it as a " tremendous experience". At the quarterly meeting of the DPC other councillors repeated the same

sentiments and expressed enthusiasm over the number of people involved in the process. Archbishop Foley thanked members of the DPC last Saturday for their input and support during the Year of Mission. He said that, without "doing things", the DPC had still made a real contribution.

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The experiences had by all would lead to growth, he said. In Stage 3, strategies would have to be worked out to put into effect "what the Church has been telling us". It will be necessar for us to go through a process at all levels in the Church, the Archbishop said.

Adelaide: Something of the order of a million practising Catholics were lost to the Church in the 15 years 1966 to 1981, Father Michael Mason told an assembly of priests recently. He said weekly church attendance in 1966 Australia-wide stood at about 55 per cent of nominal Catholics. It dropped dramatically between 1966 and 1981 to about 37 per cent — a decline of at least 96,000

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The Record, June 1, 1989

committee and himself a former secondary school principal said that life issues came later into the student's thinking along with intellectual ability and disposition but very few adults have the opportunity to integrate faith and their professional life, he explained. In a progress report on

the university's planning Father Neill said a broad liberal education would be the aim, with courses in philosophy and theology included in the first year. As far as possible the university would emphasise residential status for students.

The university would not be a ant to the Catholic community, he said, and financial autonomy was one of its major aims. On the other hand the university had to avoid becoming financially elitist and methods to avoid prohibitive fees were being studied.

award in a particular year if it believes no suitable application has been received.

325 4300. After hours information is available on 387 1572, 458 4795, 328 9039.

Application forms and full information are available from the Chancery Office, 21 Victoria Square,

A pplications close on July 31 and if there is a successful applicant an announcement will be made on October 31.

Applications for Goody awards Up to $6000 is available if successful applicants are found for the 1990 Archbishop Goody Award. Applications open this week. A committee of five chosen from the Diocesan Pastoral Council and

the Council of Priests administer the fund which is derived from a capital testimonial fund donated to Archbishop Goody on his retirement and which he dedicated to the training of laity. The committee is not obliged to make an

Million Catholics 'lost'

LordJohn

John Rossi

A concern for preserving a Catholic ethos after the culmination of secondary education has been a driving force leading up to the notion of a Catholic university, the DPC was told last Saturday. Father John Neill, Dominican, executive officer of the planning

Catholics. "And this," he said, "was during the period when an estimated half-million young people and immigrants joined the ranks of active Catholics 15 and over.

"So, with quite a conservative estimate, at least half a million practising Catholics aged 15 and over ceased to attend Mass weekly in that 15year period. "Another estimated 687,000 or so nominal Catholic youths and immigrants turned 15 or entered the country but practised only a short time or irregularly. "So something of the order of a million practising Catholics was lost to the Church over that period." Dealing with clergy numbers, Father Mason said they had been growing, levelled off

between 1966 and 1976 and then started to decrease. The number of diocesan seminarians had dropped by half during that period and the median age of priests was high and getting higher. "So," he said, "the 90s Will see a steady decline in the number of active diocesan priests. "Projections for several large dioceses show that by the mid-90s the number of active diocesan clergy in parishes will be a third to a half fewer than in 76." Father Mason said the resulting decline in priestly pastoral care was likely to cause further disaffection especially among traditional Catholics in workingclass areas who did not take to a small-group style of Church. "Most Australian prac-

tising Catholics are still of that traditional type, so a study done by the National Catholic Research Council in 1986 shows," he said. "It will probably be easier for educated middle-class types who belong to some supportive small community to remain active. "The resulting smaller Church will be likely to seem rather messy and unorganised by today's standards, increasingly dependent on lay leaders only a few of whom will be well trained for the task. "Without a theologiand trained cally ordained leadership, it must be expected that communities such would adopt a more Protestant style, with the Eucharist and other sacraments less central to their lives, a greater emphasis on the ministry

of the Word, less awareness of doctrinal and theological traditions, and less tolerance of authority. "The more we choose not to change our strategies to take account of the present realities, the more we choose to do nothing, the more radically Protestant the future Catholic Church will become. There is a challenge in that." Father Mason said the financial viability of parishes and dioceses in their present form would be threatened if the decline in financial participation continued. "The gravest portent for the future rises from the fact that the Church is weakest exactly where it should be most vital, the body is bleeding so to speak at its growth points — youth, those entering mixed marriages and young parents."

tini idea timely, says Prof Kiel Private or other independent universities such as the proposed Notre Dame Australia are an idea for which the time has now come, according to its new head of planning. -It is very fortuitous," said Professor Geoffrey Kiel. "Had it been introduced five years ago I don't think there would have been the public drive or public awareness to allow its establishment." Professor Kiel who heads the Graduate School of Management at of University the Queensland is on a one year secondment to help the WA planning board finalise its feasibility study. Good ideas need to have a conducive environwas he ment, he says, and the which current White Paper approached by Mr Denis discussion on universi- Horgan to join the planning board. ties provides that. more "Australia needs The Catholic Church is educational facilities but appropriate body to an the ability to pay for it through tax is limited. As be linked to such a a nation do we become proposed university says second or third rate or Professor Kiel who is not look for a novel a Catholic himself but whose wife and children approach?" are. Professor Kiel brings enthusiasm and commit"Independent universiment to a project that he ties should have some came across almost by ethos for being, some accident. reason why a group of would get He learned about the people proposed university together and the Catholic from a neighbour in Church has a stronger Queensland and found ethos than any other out more during a visit body Iknow, with strong here last December after tradititons of similar

balance that against synthesis activities of the mind.

"That concept is one of a rounded education saying that great as are the benefits coming to our civilisation through the use of analysis t echniques, we have to

A difficulty in achieving this will be our economic poverty, Father Neil believes, but it is the ideal before us and hence the inclusion of philosophy and theology.

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in a few areas but what they do they do well. In the models we have seen in Australia, small institutions have had to spread their resources too thinly, he noted.

universities in Europe and the USA. "Also, it is a mission founded not on making a profit but on the moral and religious beliefs of the Church and frankly that appeals to me." Professor Kiel personally believes that such a university is a new challenge for the Australian university scene which up till now has had only one private role model in Queensland to study. The challenge, he says, is "how to produce a private university that meets the needs of its founders, does a first

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In a small university with selective courses in areas such as law, accountancy, theology and philosophy there was scope for excellence in teaching and research because good teaching flows from a good research ethos in the school. Prof In its Catholic character Kiel . . . the Perth university head of the would be following the Planning Notre Dame model with Board for special emphasis on the theology and philosophy. proposed From this its ethos would university flow. in Perth. Also, he said, "in the class job for students and area of student life the which is an addition to pastoral care has to be integral and something Australian society". It must be He said that every different. of its because nt differe university is after excelcharacter." unique lence in particular areas Professor Kiel believes but state institutions the skills he can that imposed have limitations bring to the proposed by the state. sity come from his An independent uni- univer in university life ifetime l versity has more autoadministration and and flexibility the and nomy past 10 years as head of not being tied to his Graduate School of the of bring Canberra and can ement, and his Manag its funds to bear on first background. ercial comm class facilities in areas "I know what a universuch as theology or law. is and what you've sity many are there said He do to make it work, to got examples of smaller and cents and dollars the in overseas universities to do and have you what the 2000-4000 pupil to put it have you how range that are very good because they specialise together."

It will be different Perth's proposed Notre Dame Australia University will be different because it will spring from a different notion of education, according to its planning officer Father John Neill, Dominican who is currently speaking to many groups about the project.

SPEC I ALLY El LT E

tion at the formal tertiary level. "It will be a broad education and one for the whole person," Father Neill said, hoping that if finance is available some form of physical education will be included "because we are not just disembodied "We are not coming into minds". this saying that we "It is a Catholic tradition despise or look down on that we are whole, both other institutions, but body and soul and we because we feel that in a have to take both those into pluralist society it's time elements for us to make a contribu- consideration." Notre Dame Australia

which he describes as an independent university in the Catholic tradition "It is important that we will be different to the have people who have a extent that it is a real broad understanding of alternative, offering more the meaning of reality as choices and hence a setting for the neces- enhancing freedom in sary specialisation that our pluralist society. our age requires."

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Catholic body says 'no' SYDNEY: The National Catholic Education Commission has decided not to endorse the recent statement of Commonwealth and State Ministers of Education on N ational Goals for schooling. The Goals Statement failed to take account of several critical areas

raised by the Commission a statement said. Catholic schools will continue to develop their own goals in keeping with their ethos and special character but will have regard to the Ministerial statement. The Commission says it is pleased that the statement was not definitive

and was intended to assist schools in developing their own special objectives. The Commission was also pleased to be assured that there was to be no relationship between the National Goals Statement and the funding of programs.

The Commission continues to be concerned that the Australian Education Council has failed to establish proper and adequate consultative arrangements with the Commission and with the AEC. It had again been asked to remedy in defect this communications.

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rIteMwril Nobby Clarke, now a 'national' figure in the truest sense, did his nation a service last weekend. At the height of the interest debate he gave the country the diversion that Roman emperors often threw to the bread-andcircuses mob in a crisis. His blunt and heartless remarks, true or false, gave everybody — his financial peers included — something really to hate about banks, money and all that goes with them. To really raise the public steam we were let in on his unbelieveable salary that must be commonplace for dozens of Australians of his standing. The national spluttering of indignation only helps to mark out the late 20th century as the point when media hype turned verbal horseplay and gobbledygook mutterings by politicians into the popular substitute for rational discussion and understanding of our problems. Thus to know who has AIDS is a better distraction than discussing why some people, and not others, acquire the condition; to know how many stolen cars are wrecked nightly, how many kids are street prostitutes and homeless, and how overcrowded are the gaols is far more entertaining than asking why. Some silent shrewd observers in finance and government must be calculating that for every mortgagor feeling the pain there are equally as many other Australians feeling no such pain and blessing the gods for the capital gains their once modest homes now command in that in other scramble for a sound investment property. Like the exhausted Tienanmen Square protestors in Beijing there is always the possibility they may have to roll up their pain and go home. Australians have fallen for their own blandishment of being a Lucky Country and have learned to see everything only in terms of the pain ram-suffering-now with little regard for the causes of pain. The mock horror, then, of Australians over our huge foreign debt and interest bills has little sympathy to spare for the huge dollops of debt that the Western banks, with no doubt a few Australian dollars thrown in, force-fed into poor Third World economies a decade ago. Today, those countries cannot even afford the interest, let alone the capital. The poor know what high interest really means. Pope John Paul and the Vatican have repeatedly, in these pages, spoken out at this ruthless plundering of the poor but doubtless it has not been such moral reasons but realities like bad debts that have made international bankers write off some of this money. Too often the political gangsters who engineered these debts in the poor countries have long since vanished, often with the profits, while the burden sits with the poor who were conned. There are indeed Australians suffering at the bottom of the financial pile and the cause of their pain should be of a:, much concern as instant solutions to their plight. This has become a commonplace principle of Catholic aid agencies working overseas. Who persuades a young Australian couple that debt is a way of life, that teenage and early adulthood consumer spending is everyone's right, that a house with rooms to spare is the indispensible foundation for happy married life? Which marriage celebrants forget to explain that 'for richer or poorer' means that opinions about money can cause arguments between spouses? Which ratepayers carefully prop up their local councils' boastful minimum middle class standards of acceptable housing until rezoning starts a stampede for the door to cash in on socalled dense housing where more of the poor can sink to the bottom of the pile? Why is public housing the cabinet portfolio about which there is not much blood on the floor as politicians carve out their niches? Sophisticated reasoning and hair-splitting over what the Church once taught about usury and interest ought at least prick consciences about the relationship of money to God, but then again . . . if interest rates drop . . . and exports increase. . . we can forget about such serious matters and get on with real living (it up!) once again . . 4

The Record, June 1, 1989

A41 Call to fight porn and violence

VATICAN CITY (NC): A new Vatican document, citing an "alarming" increase in pornography and violence in the media, said the c hurch supports stronger laws, citizen action and industry self-regulation to combat the problem. The document warned that the "corrupting effects" of pornography and violence were especially strong on young people and denounced the pornographic exploitation of women and children.

"We truly wish to identify with parents around the world who are concerned about the moral formation of their children. We truly wish to identify with women throughout the world who rightly see pornography and violence as particularly directed against them and their human dignity," said Archbishop John P. Foley

in presenting the document at a Vatican press conference. Titled Pornography and Violence in the Communications Media: A Pastoral Response, the 13 -page booklet was prepared by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, which is headed by Archbishop Foley. It took five years to prepare.

While recognising that pornography and the exaltation of violence are "age-old realities," the document said that in the last quarter-century both have been made acx:essible to a "vastly expanded audience, including young people and even children." Pornography is today a "lucrative industry" motivated by profit, it said. Even more widespread, it said, is "representation of violent behaviour or of permissiveness in sexual activity that reaches the point of being openly

pornographic" — as frequently found in magazines, books, recordings, films, theater, television, videocassettes, advertising displays and telecommuneven ications.

The document defined media pornography as a "violation, through the use of audio-visual techniques, of the right to privacy of the human body in its male or female nature, a violation which reduces the human person and human body to an anonymous object of misuse for the purpose of gratifying concupiscence." Violence in the media, it said, appeals to base human instincts and depicts "intense physical force exercised in a deeply offensive and passionate often manner." Its effects are particularly dangerous for children, who may not be able to tell the difference

between fantasy and reality, it said.

While experts may debate the extent of the effects on individuals and society, "the broad outlines of the problem are stark, clear and frightening," the Vatican statement said. and "Pornography sadistic violence debase corrode sexuality, human relationships, exploit individuals — especially women and young people, undermine marriage and family life, foster anti-social behaviour and weaken the moral fiber of society itself," it said. The document said pornography is like a drug — it can be habitforming, can lead its users to seek increasingly "hard-core" material, and can have a "progresdesensitising sively effect, gradually rendering individuals morally numb." In the worst cases, it

added, pornography can act as an "accomplice" to "sex offenders — child molesters, rapists and killers." Archbishop Foley elaborated on this point during the press conference, saying there were cases in the United States in which violent sexual crimes had been committed by people who were found to have pornography collections in their rooms and who were acting "very much under the influence of this material." The document stated that willful participation in the production or spread of pornography is a "serious moral evil," and that its consumers do "moral harm to themselves" as well as keep the industry going It rejected the idea of legalising pornography, saying it was based on "bad libertarian arguments" which are promoted by small, nonrepresentational groups.

Possible responses... The document listed a number of possible responses to the problem: • Professional communicators should form and apply ethical codes for the media and for advertising because selfregulation by the media is "the first and best line of defence". • Parents should "redouble their efforts" to promote sound values and instill "healthy atti-

tudes toward human sexuality". • Schools should offer programs in media education so that children can lean how to resist media manipulation and "avoid merely passive listening and viewing habits". • Concerned citizens should make their views known to producers, commercial interests and public authorities. While the document

did not mention consumer boycotts of sponsors of offensive programs, Archbishop Foley said such action may be an example of "critical consumption" at work. • Civil officials should enact sound laws and strengthen weak ones, and "existing laws must be enforced". Because pornography has international implications, world organisa-

tions also should take steps to "control this insidious traffic", it said. • The church's response should be based on its clear teaching on human dignity, as distinct from the "so-called ethic of immediate personal gratification". The document said media education belongs in Catholic schools, seminaries and other formation

programs. so that pastoral workers themselves learn to become "discriminating consumers of media". The document said that "a merely censorious attitude" by the church is not enough and called on Catholics to enter into "conversation" with professional communicators, to get the church's point of view across.

11 pages of concise thoughts VATICAN CITY (NC): — When the Vatican's longawaited document on pornography and violence in the media rolled off the presses in mid-May, it might have set a record for conciseness. The slim booklet contained barely 11 pages of text, yet it represented the distillation of five years' labour by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Such brevity — rare by Vatican standards — was part of a deliberate approach taken by the council to a subject on which legal tomes and stacks of studies have been published. The document is titled Pornography and Vio-

lence in the Communica- church intend to do tions Media: A Pastoral about it?" Response. The document steered Its statements on dam- clear of concrete examage caused by media ples, but it used pointed violence and porno- language to describe the graphy are not but- broad effects of pornotressed by masses of graphy and gratuitous evidence from sociologi- media violence. It said cal or psychological the problem is "stark, clear and frightening," fields. and does particular damInstead, the document — perhaps reflecting age to women and more the viewpoint of children. modern parents — It compared pornoassumed that a consen- graphy users to drug sus already exists: that addicts who may seek many depictions of sex incresingly "hard-core" and violence long ago left material. It blasted the the realm of legitimate profit motive that fuels debate over "What is the pornography art?" and "What is free industry. speech?" Besides urging stronger The question now is: laws and self-policing by "What do society and the the media, the document

offered a piece of practical advice to pastors and Catholic educators — that to combat viewer passivity, media evaluation programs should be set up in Catholic schools, seminaries and formation houses. During a press conference unveiling the document May 16, the focus swung back to more theoretical questions. Archbishop John P. Foley was pressed by journalists who wanted to know, for example, if the church recognised the difference between and pornography eroticism. Archbishop Foley, who heads the communications council, said he was

not interested in drawing a fine line on the matter. It was clear enough, he said, that the document defined pornography as a reduction of the human person and the human body to "an anonymous object" of sexual misuse. To a reporter asking whether the movie Platoon would be considered an exaltation of violence by the church's standards, the archbishop replied that the issue need not be made overly difficult. He noted that simply by flicking the TV dial today one can see kung fu movies in which "individuals pull the hearts out of people." "That is objectionable violence," he said.

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VATICAN CITY (NC): Pope John Paul II said the church cannot tolerate "surreptitious" or "parallel" teachings that would contest and basic c ompromise

truths of the faith.

The pope said theologians in particular are held to follow the church's magisterium, or teaching authority, which he said is being challenged today, especially in the area of Christian ethics. The pope spoke to Italy's bishops, two days bishops the after deplored an open letter written by 63 Italian theologians. The letter, the latest in a series of recent challenges by European theologians, had criticised what it called "regressive" Vatican policies and argued for freedom of of theological research, especially in ethical matters.

Role of Holy Spirit VATICAN CITY (NC): — Pope John Paul II said theological research must never become detached from the church's teaching authority, which is guided by the "Spirit of truth." The pope made the remarks in a talk about the meaning of Pentecost May 17. The pope's talk centered on the role of the Holy Spirit as sent by Christ to the apostles. The Holy Spirit still comes to the church, he said, "to teach us all things, to remind us of all that (Christ) had said and done, and to lead his church into all truth." The pope said the Spirit also "watches over revealed truth and over its teaching, its protection and its application to changing historical situations." In particular, he said, it guides "the analysis of Holy Scripture and theological research, which can never separate from the direction of the Spirit of truth nor from the church's magisterium, in which the Spirit is always at work."

Things we won't tolerate

The pope appeared to important in the human endorse the bishops' being," he said. action when he told The open letter by the them that they had given Italian theologians was "clear witness" of their seen as supporting the teaching authority so-called "Cologne Dec"under the current laration" 163 by circumstances". German-speaking theolHe said the issue of ogians earlier this year. theological and doctrinal That declaration was dissent calls into ques- later endorsed by a tion Christ's design when number of French and speaking he established the Spanish theologians. church. The Italian theologi"In the light of this design, how could space ans, including two be legitimately made for former presidents of open or surreptitious their national association forms of a parallel or and five instructors at magiste- Milan's major seminary, alternative expressed their "discomriumr the pope said. "In fact, the truth of fort" at recent Vatican actions in teaching, disciChristian ethics is too frequently endangered plinary and institutional matters. and challenged, not only "Some, and they are on the level of practical behaviour, but even at more than a few, have the the doctrinal level, with impression that the grave harm to Christian Catholic Church is being life and with the risk of influenced by strong that regressive pressures," the compromising which is most noble and letter said.

The letter expressed concern that the doctrinal value of the Second Vatican Council was being diminished by church officials who would define it as a merely "pastoral" event.

The letter urged protection of the universal church's "variety" as experienced in local as and churches, expressed in activities of bishops' conferences and the selection of bishops. It also called for protection of theological research from every "spirit of intolerance". The letter was to be published in an upcoming issue of II Regno (The Kingdom), a magazine run by the Dehonian religious order in Italy. The Italian bishops' conference, meeting in a general assembly at the Vatican, quickly issued a response which said that

Call to legalise the Church KIEV: A petition signed by 14 underground Ukrainian Catholic bishops and priests pledges loyalty to the Soviet government and asks Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to legalise their church. "The Catholic Church is not a political organisation which is leading the fight against the government," said the petition. "We support the rights and freedoms which are guaranteed by the Soviet

constitution. That support strengthens our loyalty" to the government, it said. Continuing to keep the church illegal signals a "totalitarian mentality" and shows that the "constitutional right to freedom of conscience is simple a decoration to show the outside world," the petition said. "There should be freedom of conscience equally for believers and

for atheists," it said. is The petition addressed to Gorbachev and calls him "a wise. kindly disposed, and fargovernment seeing activist." "We and our faithful bless the social change which you have begun. We pray for you and for the intelligent government officials who are helping you build a more just and more free state," it added.

...as Poland gets the green light WARSAW, (NC): — Poland's Parliament has granted legal status to the Catholic Church for the first time since the communist takeover in 1944. The law made Poland the first Eastern-bloc country to reach a formal reconciliation with the

the Catholic Church. The parliament also passed a law establishing freedom of worship and a law bringing the country's estimated 62,000 clergy into the country's social security system. The new laws restore church property confiscated in the 1950's and

establish the church's right to build churches, teach religion and establish and run Catholic schools. They grant the right to broadcast religious programs, set up radio and television stations and publish newspapers and books.

despite the "tranquil tone of the theologians' statement, its contents were "not in harmony with the correct way of acting and listening in the church". It said the letter could be read in a way which could bring "profound alterations in the content of the Catholic faith and consequent divisions in church unity". The debate heated up when Jesus magazine, published by the Society of St Paul, an Italian religious order, supported the theologians' statement. The magazine said the statement legitimately raised issues which "need to be confronted with urgency and in a spirit of truth and charity". The magazine was to publish lengthy excerpts from the letter alongside the editorial.

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Arrange your funeral now Abortion and give you under and your family attack peace of mind. VATICAN CITY (NC): — Pope John Paul ll criticised the "selective abortion" of handicapped children, declaring that the "search for genuine social progress" cannot ignore God's law.

Speaking at an international symposium on Down's Syndrome, the pope strongly defended the "inalienable dignity" of all human beings. "The protection and defence of the human person," particularly those "who are vulnerable and most helpless: this is the task which the Catholic Church, in the name of Christ, cannot and will not forsake," he said. The increasing use of selective abortion as a means of preventing the birth of handicapped children requires a firm response from Christians, he said. The families of people with Down's Syndrome particularly know their value, the pope added. "You, more than anyone, know that, despite their handicaps, these children are worthy of loving care, and readily give so much affection in return."

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The Record, June 1, 1989

11 peace The new surroundings of the Anawim Centre gave women a sense of being at home, of being respected for what they are and a challenge to create a new life for themselves. Archbishop Foley made this comment when he blessed the new Lane St premises recently. A grant from the Homeless Persons Programme five years ago had enabled an extra property to be bought and had confirmed thinking that the Aboriginal women victims of violence deserved more than the converted former potato chip factory premises in which Anawim had operated till then. "It showed they

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deserved to live in peace and with a sense of dignity that is theirs, and allowed them to grow to new life together in the community of Anawim," he said. Archbishop Foley said the small group that had originated the project over 12 years had seen a need and had set out to answer it with their resources, personal gifts, with energy and with faith. It had led them to understand in practice what it means to follow Christ because he had identified the individual persons in need around Him, the archbishop continued. Just as He had sought to respond to those people's

A bove: Father Bryan Tiernan explains the Christian meaning of the crossed boomerangs and the background to the crucifix construction.

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Archbishop Foley and Father Tiernan add incense to coals for the smoking dish ceremony during the blessing.

needs so the challenge to a group of young people was the story of Anawim and all those who came to be associated with it. It was a challenge also to Church welfare work to find what Christ wanted from the Church at that particular time. Archbishop Foley praised the fact that the ladies themselves had been consulted at each decision to develop the work of the Anawim Centre. A solidarity had been established with them, enabling them to regain their own dignity and the gifts God had given them. The helpers of Anawim had also come to realise what they were receiving

from the people they helped. "This is a great step along the path of Christian love," he noted. Earlier Archbishop Foley had traced the history of the Centre when first purchased by the archdiocese and the St Vincent de Paul society and then its administration by the SVDP for six years with some voluntary help on a small stipend. A three-month closure had been a traumatic time but the community had found values to live by and the obtaining of help from the government and the Lotteries Commission had helped the project grow.

The new Anawim house (left) and the old former factory in which Anawim commenced 12 years ago.

What Anawin is all bout In its draft constitution the pilosophy of Anawim is described as follows: Anawim is a Hebrew word meaning the poorest of the poor. Its use in the Hebrew Scriptures designates those who were "the poor of Yahweh" —those forgotten and ignored by everyone else except God, as well as a spiritual movement of those who in the final analysis recognised and accepted their utter dependence on God (cf Zeph 2:3; 3:1220; Is 49:13; 66:2; Ps 74:19). In the poverty of the poor, the image of God is distorted and held up to scorn; an intolerable scandal. Scripture depicts a God who is on the side of the poor, who is almost biased in favour of them; Why? Simply because they are poor and defenceless, and nobody stands with them. Jesus of Nazareth, in becoming the Christ, demonstrated the full meaning and implication of that same commitment which unambiguously characterised his life and mission. It resulted in his poverty stricken death on the

cross, but was vindicated in the resurrection. To continue this predilection for the poorest is the spirit of Anawim; to be attentive to the most broken and needy persons who come to the Centre. However, it encounters a barrier in the limitations and shortcomings of the members and staff, who are also subject to the same oppressive forces that so determine the lives of the residents. Awareness of this tension between the spirit of the place and the impoverishment of members is crucial for the ambience within which the service is offered. It is recognised that Aboriginal people have lived in this land for thousands upon thousands of years, fashioning a culture that continues to this day. Sensitivity towards and an awareness of the richness of this culture, its inherent spirituality, and the long history out of which it has evolved to be the vital force it is in the lives of Aboriginal people today, is a cornerstone to the spirit of Anawim.

The Record, June 1,1989 .11

and ti

•

Down Aboriginal way At the blessing of the Anawim Centre, Pallottine Father Bryan Tiernan outlined the Aboriginal and Christian significance of the elements being used. The candle, holy water and smoking dish were carried ahead of Archbishop Foley as he blessed and premises the installed a specially made crucifix in the

prayer room. Father Tiernan said the candle was a reminder of the baptismal challenge to let our light shine before men and to show that we are special.

ideal, and a new creation in baptism. It could be linked to the Rainbow Serpent of Dream Time, as a reminder of the life force in Aboriginal spirituality.

Water was an important symbol in Aboriginal as well as Christian ritual, he said.

The fire and smoking ceremony had its counterpart in the use of incense in the Christian ritual, he explained. "The smoking cerem-

It represented new life, a new commitment to an

ony emphasises the cleansing and purifying of a person, underlining the cleansing and purifying of a place, to drive away anything that is not good, not wanted, to drive away any evil influence." Father Tiernan said that to complete the smoking ceremony all present would have had to gather the smoke and swirl it

around themselves. The figure of Christ was attached to a cross made from wood from the Moore River settlement where Aboriginal life had almost been terminated, he said. But it had sprung back to life just as a tree burnt by fire come back to even stronger life. He said Aboriginals

appreciated fire because it caused many of the hard nuts to burst open for food.

original Subiaco property where the McAuley Centre now stands.

"Fire is wonderful because besides its destruction it also gives energy and life."

It was a link with Abbot Salvado and the Benedictine pioneers who worked for Aborigines, he said.

The base of the crucifix was made from an olive tree planted by the Benedictines on their

The linked boomerangs were an ancient Aboriginal symbol adapted as an expression of Christ.

"I NEED HELP FOR VILLAGES IN SOUTHERN JAVA" Top left: Joan Saylor carrying the baptismal candle symbol. Top centre: Anawim coordinator Christine Young with a painting by Sally Morgan presented to her at the conclusion of the ceremony in recognition of her work for Anawim. Top right: At the blessing service Muriel Bowie reads from the prophet Zephaniah. Left: Irene Scott preparing to carry the smoking dish through the Anawim house blessing.

FR C. BURROWS, OMI

Fr Charlie Burrows, together with seven other priests from Australia. is an Oblate Missionary on the Southern Coast of Java.

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In coastal villages — Southern Java. This zealous and energetic priest has devoted his life to God's poor in a difficult mission.

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Address:

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D ECIDEIEJEIDIECIEIDDEIDEI The Record, June 1, 1989

_ _•••••Th

athways of the

At the present time in the Church — often called a time of transition — a great many people are pursuing avenues of spirituality, along with Scripture study or action for justice.

KNOW YOUR FAITH

People are going on retreats, joining small parish groups and seeking out spiritual directors.

Compiled by NC News Service

What a difference co-operatiAm -1111/11

About 20 years ago I was part of a small group called together by the pastor to organize our parish's first board of education.

Teamwork helps to build a spirit of camaraderie among people, writes Katharine Bird. Collaborating with others can be a key to success during a time of transition.

The way we are Every year I teach a course on lay ministry. I used to begin by asking students to describe their experience of the Church at the time of Vatican Council II. I stopped that when the students, muffling their smiles, informed me that they were in pre-school or hadn't even been born when Vatican II occurred in the 1960s. Having learned from my oversight, I now ask students to describe the most important developments in the Church in their lifetimes. Invariably students mention three things — the decline in the number of priests, the presence of women and the appearance of Hispanics. Although the number of ordinations of priests may have remained fairly constant over the last decade it has not kept pace with the number of deaths, retirements or resignations. Even Catholics raised after Vatican II feel the impact of this, not because their parishes once had three or four priests and now only have one. Rather, it is because the

By Father Robert Kinast parish is a eucharistic community. It makes a difference if there aren't enough priests to have the Eucharist as often as needed to have the Sunday Eucharist at all in certain places. The situation provides opportunities for lay people to exercise more ministries of the Church. But this can give rise to the impression that lay ministry is valid only because there are not enough priests. Yet the laity, as Vatican II stated, receive gifts of the Holy Spirit that are meant to be used at all times (Decree of the Lay Apostolate, No 3). One result of lay involvement in the life and ministry of the Church is the greater sense of belonging to the Church that it fosters. The more people become invested in any activity, the more they feel it is theirs. These are goals encouraged by Vatican 11. The priest shortage may be an unpleasant and unexpected development. But lay involve-

The Record, June 1, 1989

ment in itself is positive. Another major transition in the Church is the presence of women. People are now more aware that women should be present and active in the Church. But as Pope John Paul II said in his 1989 apostolic exhortation "On the Lay Faithful," "The acknowledgement in theory of the active and responsible presence of woman in the Church must be realised in practice" (No 51). This is happening through representation of women on Church committees and boards, and in offices and ministries. And representation means more than achieving a quota. Quoting from the 1987 world Synod of Bishops, Pope John Paul H said in his apostolic exhortation, "without discrimination women should he participants in the life of the Church, and also in consultation and the process of coming to decisions."

Throughout the samc document, the pope deliberately used the expression "women and men" to draw attention to the importance of the way people speak. Often called inclusive language, this respects the dignity and equality of both men and women. The rapid rise of migrant Catholics is a third important area of transition. For the predominantly Anglo Church, the appearance of other shades of Catholicism is a reminder of how diverse the Church really is. Their presence is having a noticeable impact. Official Church documents now appear in English and other tongues; seminaries institute migrant ministry programs; dioceses establish offices for migrant Catholic needs. More than this, the emphasis in others' culture on family, community and celebration brings fresh energy to those values in the Anglo experience. Many students born after Vatican H may not know what they missed, hut they certainly know what the are part of — not just a changing Church. hut a Church in transition.

We met at first with minimal expectations. Our assumption was that the pastor would make important all the decisions. It took awhile for us to realise that the pastor actually intended us, the lay people, to take responsibility with him for the board and for making decisions about the parish educational mission. We also spent many long and difficult hours together studying the parish's religious educational needs and evaluating our commitment to the parish school.

That experience was pivotal for me. It changed my view of how Ias a lay person could participate

Most people consider Johnny a happy teenager. Just 15, his smile and his wit are familiar to everyone who knows him. Her performs quite well in his schoolwork, though like others his age he procrastinates too much on the big projects. Several fine teachers have been good influences on him. Since Johnny is in an accelerated maths program, he already has taken the exam for tertiary entrance. This generates feelings of excitement and optimism about the future for Johnny. but his parents' feelings are mixed. For each new brochure fuels their growing apprehension about their ability to deal with the high cost of education. But things first. In three weeks Johnny turns 16. Getting a driver's license is the most important thing in the world to him right now. But his attitude toward driving — he and his

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in the church and in parish life. It was an exhilarating experience that made a long-lasting impact on me.

hie, yet each canj the others," she s

For it was in that time of transition that I also came to value the benefits of collaborating with others in the church.

41'he roots of tion in min straight back to Mrs Finn said. S "it's no c.oinci Jesus called first."

I learned that collaboration builds a spirit of camaraderie as people struggle together for a common goal. Collaboration works because it "is rooted in life experience." said Virginia Sullivan Finn, a religious educator. "It bears close resemblance to what people are used to in good family life, in friendship" and at work where teamwork is often valued highly. In a collaborative undertaking, each person "pulls his or her own weight and is responsi-

friends never get their fill of telling how "cool" it will be — is another factor fueling apprehension for his parents right now. Is he really old enough? Is he ready to drive responsibly? Peer pressure is yet another worry for Johnny's parents. They long have struggled to convey a sense of values to Johnny. They have talked with him innumerable times about saying no if friends inject alcohol and drugs and sex into their lives, and urge him to do so. Johnny's parents enjoy his friends. But lately they've noticed that one friend has become rather pushy when it comes to getting others to do what he wants. And they see that Johnny doesn't find it easy to handle this pressure. For Johnny himself struggles with ambivalent feelings about what he wants to do and what he believes. In the view of Johnny's parents. his world is a

In focus For some people, the current era of transition is disquieting, for others, it is exhilarating, writers in the NC Religious Education Package say this week. Katharine Bird writes that this era of transition poses a special opportun-

Why do you think there is a thirst for spirituality among people today? Why is it a sign of the times? What are some opportunities for pursuing spirituality in your local area? Father Herbert Weber describes the constructive way some parishioners handled a dispute in their parish over personnel. What was their solution?

Three points you must in mind

News from Asia F r . Hans Hendriks, SJ. ' ierma:ne.

Please help

of short acutely families

For Mrs Finn considerable ti nearby coast al fishermen ply trade. Frequently, she they work in lir three hours saying a word. To bring in a goo fishermen learn/ that they have to orate, she obseo think the Cr brought that talent into min

About half the world's population — some 2000 mil lion men, women and children — do not have reasonable access to a safe and adequate water supply. Few people in developed societies could comprehend their deplorable existence.

Paul Hendes leader in the I

mixed blessing. It oft much to be grateful I But they also perceive] world as risky. Picture them at a paft meeting called to pld new youth minis! program. Undoubted they will bring a sense lt to urgency discussions. In their view, if parish youth progra strong, it can offer support both to them to their son. They ceive this as a need. So their voices have an anxious somewhat deman tone when they speak Like many others ii approach the Chu, today for a wide va/i, of reasons, these peoPit' hopes and expectatict are large. the way l0 perceive their perso° needs to he. Great expectati00 Large demands Ogg on institutions al( communities. In both Church e society, these are facts' life and signs of 0 times.

in the church offers people an opportunity for new growth, writes er. It also helps if people keep the bigger picture in mind.

In our Mission region, the acute water shortage for most of the year is an endless problem contributing to severe hunger and malnutrition, sickness and chronic illness and many deaths. Our climate is harsh — 3 months monsoon, 9 months virtually without r ain, and eight months of devastating heat. When the monsoons are good, families grow two crops a year which provide two meagre meals a day for perhaps 4 — 5 months. When that f ood runs out, they are down to one meal a day for 7 — 8 months, consisting of nuts, roots, berries gathered around the countryside. The lack of water storage facilities in many areas must be rectified. The monsoons saturate the land for three months filling wells and dams and overflowing rivers and creeks. But far too much water flows eventually out to sea. Four months after the monsoon, many wells and dams have dried up, and families face about 4 months with very little water available during the hottest time of the year when the termperatures range up to 47°C. For most families water must be conserved for drinking purposes only. To add to their problems, cooking and eating utensils have to be 'cleaned' in the dirt, clothes are not washed, people are unable to bathe for long periods. And for many this leads to infections including scabies, yaws, leprosy, trachoma, etc.

base on the original languages of Scripture, but on a Greek translation. So Pope Damasus commissioned Jerome to produce a new translation, starting from scratch and from the Bible's original languages. It was a formidable challenge, but Jerome met it. His translation,

prayer. Every Thursday night for weeks they met together in the church and prayed for the guidance of the Holy difficulties of celebrating Spirit. Their concerns did not the sacraments with a priest who is not a leader disappear. No. But someof this particular com- how their concerns took •1,a a munity and does not on more acceptable proe of know it the way a pastor portions. Eventually, the leaders felt they knew have would. what first steps to take. A ts in parishioners Moreover, sense of hope returned. vacillated between the Finally, and this is my belief that they were e has ,"•;.k.1 051iSriar, ition trailblazers in terms of third point, it is helpful ersal new models of church for those enduring a • Ily and the fear that they transition to keep in were somehow being mind the bigger picture. by the dioceA sense of history can oppressed be But the water problem does not end there. About 70% of all available church. san help tremendously. It iated water for these people is unsafe for drinking. The water is polluted. Obviously, people at the serves as a reminder that Children are raised on polluted water. Vast numbers die every year due the church has expethat local level are going to be to water borne diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, typhoid rienced and survived transitions by affected r for and jaundice. Most deaths could be prevented IF PARENTS KNEW changes before. has that happen to the larger t WHAT TO DO. And this is where we hope you can help us. A notion of geography is well church. But it is wise not to stop also beneficial. It can ninis1. She with that insight. For make allowances for the and knowing that one is universality of the M other and child on their way to fetch water from a distant water hole. somehow going to be church — allowances for in a transition the different kinds of involved id on church and needs that exist in the in a OflS, giew dpdt,U. St uuy was here to stay. It mg CJ1 LI um. by it can be seen different regions and affected comes to celebrate By the same token, conducted four just this priest marked a new beginning for nations, and for the way an opportunity as the sacraments with the in which this factor and remained the official Vatican II was not an last Lent. growth. This is my new parish community. influences the pace of text of the Bible for the ending. It was another second point. One happy side effect of This arrangement is not Latin church up until the beginning. all this has been an Another parish, one change. Second Vatican Council. It is obvious that all of a wakened sense of his- c onsidered ideal by that was going through a Whether a transition is members of the parish struggle over personnel a normal development or However, that was not this exerted a telling tory, a realisation that impact on Catholic life in God's plan of salvation but is seen as an indica- changes, had a decision an extraordinary event, to be forever. involves an historical tion of the decreasing to make. People could get change can become more And in 1943, Pope Pius general. Just in the area of process. It will be fin- number of priests. angry or they could try to understandable when it XII, recognising the Vulgate's obvious inadequa- people's practical appre- ished only at the end of The pain of the arrange- do something positive is seen as part of a continuum that spans ment was expressed to about it. cies, authorised fresh ciation of the scriptures, time. There are no endings, me when a parish repreWhat did they do? They the decades and the t ranslations from the the effect has been only beginnings. languages. amazing. sentative spoke about the chose to come together in globe. original TIJ111, i

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By Father Herbert Weber

fl tAl

The Record, June 1, 1989

athways of the Spirit KNOW

DISCUSSION POINTS At the present time in the Church — often called a time of transition — a great many people are pursuing avenues of spirituality, along with Scripture study or action for justice. People are going on retreats, joining small parish groups and seeking out spiritual directors.

Compiled by NC News Service

YOUR FAITH

What a difference II Alik al&

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Three points you must in mind

,:onstructed water well (as above) is a deep hole in the ground, 40 to 100 feet 6 to 20 feet (2-6m) in diameter, lined with bricks and finished with a 2 to prevent polluted water flowing in to it. Water is usually raised in a bucket igth of rope, sometimes attached to a boom. Costs are from S600. : Nell (top right) provides clean and abundant water all year round for a girls -,arby village people, and the vast vegetable garden in the background. There are far too many wells like the one above. The sides are f alling in and the well is open to pollution. The woman risks her safety standing on the timbers as she raises the water.

WATER CARRYING

...a heavy burden for wome Every drop of water for household use has to be carried in from water w( dams, creeks or rivers. Several times a day, in all weathers, women walk lo .g distances, some up to two kilometres, carrying heavy loads of water back to their dwellings for family use. When water resources dry ti women search further afield for water. In desperation they dig in dried Oil Rr holes and river beds (see photo below). What they take away usual, misery to families already affected by sickness, hunger and malts,

The way Every year I teach a course on lay ministry. I used to begin by asking students to describe their experience of the Church at the time of Vatican Council II. I stopped that when the students, muffling their smiles, informed me that they were in pre-school or hadn't even been born when Vatican H occurred in the 1960s. Having learned from my oversight, I now ask students to describe the most important developments in the Church in their lifetimes. Invariably students mention three things — the decline in the number of priests, the presence of women and the appearance of Hispanics. Although the number of ordinations of priests may have remained fairly constant over the last decade it has not kept pace with the number of deaths, retirements or resignations. Even Catholics raised after Vatican H feel the impact of this, not because their parishes once had three or four priests and now only have one. Rather, it is because the

1 1p us drill for clean water, Lld safe wells near dwellings, build dams for irrigation.

in the church offers people an opportunity for new growth, writes per. It also helps if people keep the bigger picture in mind.

In many areas water is available in vast quantities 100 — 150 feet (30 — 50 metres) below the ground. We have to hire a drilling rig to reach it. It costs about $1600 for drilling, piping, hand pump and ground work. The result is a tube well which will supply many famil ies with CLEAN W ATER ALL YEAR ROUND, and enough water to grow crops during the long hot periods. It is truly a great blessing for famil ies in dire need.

t a-le of are laster ithers ton of -`e" ming ange. rue in in a me of have nts in

By Father Rob parish is a eucharistic community. It makes a difference if there aren't enough priests to have the Eucharist as often as needed to have the Sunday Eucharist at all in certain places. The situation provides opportunities for lay people to exercise more ministries of the Church. But this can give rise to the impression that lay ministry is valid only because there are not enough priests. Yet the laity, as Vatican H stated, receive gifts of the Holy Spirit that are meant to be used at all times (Decree of the Lay Apostolate, No 3).

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F. a E xtreme heat during the long dry periods bakes the soil almost rock hard, making ploughing with hand-made w ooden ploughs quite impossible. Fields must be well soaked before the soil can be penetrated. But to irrigate the fields, village farmers must have an all year round water supply with pumps, piping and hoses to irrigate distant fields and those on high ground. Farmers need to be taught how to build dams and make better use of their land. At right is Father Peter Doherty who assisted in the construction of the dam.

One result of lay involve-

C boards, and in offices and ministries.

These are goals encouraged by Vatican H. The priest shortage may be an unpleasant and unexpected development. But lay involve-

And representation means more than achieving a quota. Quoting from the 1987 world Synod of Bishops, Pope John Paul II said in his apostolic exhortation, "without discrimination women should be participants in the life of the Church, and also in consultation and the process of coming to decisions."

ment in the life and ministry of the Church is the greater sense of belonging to the Church that it fosters. The more people become invested in any activity, the more they feel it is theirs.

The Record, June 1, 1989

Ii that ur for it has well ninisa. She and

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grams: dioceses establish offices for migrant Catholic needs. More than this, the emphasis in others' culture on family, community and celebration brings fresh energy to those values in the Anglo experience. Many students horn after Vatican II may not know what they missed, but they certainly know what the' are part of — not just a changing Church. but a Church in transition.

fuels their growing apprehension about their ability to deal with t he high cost of education. But things first. In three weeks Johnny turns 16. Getting a driver's license is the most important thing in the world to him right now. But his attitude toward driving — he and his

pushy when it comes to getting others to do what he wants. And they see that Johnny doesn't find it easy to handle this pressure. For Johnny himself struggles with ambivalent feelings about what he wants to do and what he believes. In the view of Johnny's parents. his world is a

of reasons, these peor hopes and expectatice are large, the way 110' perceive their persor' needs to be. Great expectatiols Large demands PIO on institutions communities. In both Church a1 society, these are facts' life and signs of r' times.

based on the original languages of Scripture, Greek but on a translation. So Pope Damasus commissioned Jerome to produce a new translation, starting from scratch and from the Bible's original languages. It was a formidable challenge, but Jerome met it. His translation,

was

here

to stay. It

marked a new beginning and remained the official text of the Bible for the Latin church up until the Second Vatican Council. However, that was not to be forever. And in 1943, Pope Pius XII, recognising the Vulgate's obvious inadequacies, authorised fresh translations from the languages. original

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By the same token, conducted four just this Vatican II was not an last Lent. ending. It was another One happy side effect of beginning. all this has been an It is obvious that all of a wakened sense of histhis exerted a telling tory, a realisation that impact on Catholic life in God's plan of salvation general. involves an historic.al Just in the area of process. It will be finpeople's practical appre- ished only at the end of ciation of the scriptures, time. the effect has been There are no endings, amazing. only beginnings.

id on a priest comes to celebrate the sacraments with the parish community. This arrangement is not c onsidered ideal by members of the parish but is seen as an indication of the decreasing number of priests. OR../

S. It,'

The pain of the arrangement was expressed to me when a parish representative spoke about the

The Record, June 1, 1989

t•

athways of the

At the present time in the Church — often called a time of transition — a great many people are pursuing avenues of spirituality, along with Scripture study or action for justice.

KNOW YOUR FAITH

People are going on retreats, joining small parish groups and seeking out spiritual directors.

Complied by NC News Service

What a difference 'Ion makes Katharine Bird

about d. aboray go Bible, :hinks e that men spent on a ching their

It is amongst the poorest, and the most uneducated, that the needs are greatest. The poorer the family, the greater the risks of low birth weight, and malnutrition, of diarrhoeal diseases, and respiratory infections, of poor growth and early death. Mothers are powerless to improve their own or their children's lives. Half their children do not survive five years. They need to know how to combat the many threats to the health of their children. Many illnesses and much childhood malnutrition can be prevented by health education. The obstacles that uneducated mothers face must be overcome. Parents worry about their children. What does the future hold for them?

The way Every year I teach a course on lay ministry. I used to begin by asking students to describe their experience of the Church at the time of Vatican Council II. I stopped that when the students, muffling their smiles, informed me that they were in pre-school or hadn't even been born when Vatican II occurred in the 1960s. Having learned from my oversight, I now ask students to describe the most important developments in the Church in their lifetimes. Invariably students mention three things — the decline in the number of priests, the presence of women and the appearance of Hispanics, Although the number of ordinations of priests may have remained fairly constant over the last decade it has not kept pace with the number of deaths, retirments or resignations. Even Catholics raised after Vatican H feel the impact of this, not because their parishes once had three or four priests and now only have one. Rather, it is because the

Our priests, sisters, health workers, social counsellors and community development supervisors thank you most sincerely for your past support. Much has been done due to your wonderful generosity. Please continue to maintain the heroic efforts of our missionaries in the struggle to create a just society for deserving people.

parish is a eucharistic community. It makes a difference if there aren't enough priests to have the Eucharist as often as needed to have the Sunday Eucharist at all in certain places. The situation provides opportunities for lay people to exercise more ministries of the Church. But this can give rise to the impression that lay ministry is valid only because there are not enough priests. Yet the laity, as Vatican H stated, receive gifts of the Holy Spirit that are meant to be used at all times (Decree of the Lay Apostolate, No 3). One result of lay involvement in the life and ministry of the Church is the greater sense of belonging to the Church that it fosters. The more people become invested in any activity, the more they feel it is theirs. These are goals encouraged by Vatican H. The priest shortage may be an unpleasant and unexpected development. But lay involve-

The Record, June 1, 1989

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boards, and in offices and ministries. And representation means more than achieving a quota. Quoting from the 1987 world Synod of Bishops, Pope John Paul II said in his apostolic exhortation, "without discrimination women should be participants in the life of the Church, and also in consultation and the process of coming to decisions."

grams; dioceses establish offices for migrant Catholic needs. More than this, the emphasis in others' culture on family, community and celebration brings fresh energy to those values in the Anglo experience. Many students born after Vatican 11 may not know what they missed, but they certainly know what the\ are part of — not just a changing Church, but a Church in transition.

fuels their growing apprehension about their ability to deal with the high cost of education. But things first. In three weeks Johnny turns 16. Getting a driver's license is the most important thing in the world to him right now. But his attitude toward driving — he and his

Mrs Finn echoed this view.

Sister Mi

F ather Louis Lachal, SJ.

3 steps to relieve extreme poverty 1. Be concerned about what you read. 2. Make a real sacrifice in your lifestyle and help families in desperate need. 3. Remember our Mission in your Will.

Donations are

tax deductible

Collaborating with others means we "don't have to go it alone," he said.

:atch, •ly on ollabtd. "I iples d of

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Cheques should be made payable to " Australian Jesuit Mission Overseas Aid Fund" and posted to: National Director, Fr. T. O'Donovan SJ, Jesuit Mission Centre, PO Box 193, North Sydney. 2060. I enclose $ to increase water resources and to provide education at all levels to relieve sufferinupd improve the lifestyles of deprived families in your Mission areas. Tick Li for tax deduction receipt.

Henderson is special assistant for youth and young adult ministry.

He thinks this helps to counterbalance the sense of insecurity people feel during transitions.

Australian Jesuit Missionaries in Asia care for the poorest of the poor

By Father Rob

he Such times, explained, "have a way of throwing our equilibrium off."

ticed, in for :hout

n, a Id of

Our most grateful thanks

youth ministry, also finds collaboration particularly important in times of transition.

of reasons, these peoPill hopes and expectati°n'. are large, the way tlie! perceive their person' needs to he. Great expectatioP Large demands PIO on institutions 81( communities. In both Church a'1 society, these are facts' life and signs of times.

In a time of transition we need "more voices from the believing community coming together to discern and sort out what is happening," she said.

In focus

For some people, the current era of transition is disquieting, for others, it is exhilarating, writers in the NC Religious Education Package say this week. Katharine Bird writes that this era of transition poses a special opportunity for people to collaborate in church ministry. Religious educator Paul Henderson tells her that a time of transition can throw people off balance, but that being able to Collaboration encour- "friends" who bought collaborate can help ages people with differ- into the drug culture. people to deal with the ing experiences and But periodically the boy needs around them. expertise to work would attend a parish Father Herbert Weber together within the local youth function. points out that a transicommunity. tion in the universal On one such occasion, church affects people on "Youth ministers just and after a particularly the local level too. He can't exist without col- bad experience with outlines three points said drugs, he admitted to people need to keep in laboration," Henderson that he used Henderson. mind at a time of drugs, but not the extent transition in the Church. Getting the cooperation of his involvement. It can be an opportunity of parents and other "He was asking for help, for new growth, he says. parish ministers as well but hiding how desperThe role lay people play as youths themselves is ate he was," Henderson in today's Church is, for essential to making par- said. a variety of reasons, a ish youth ministry work. In time, Henderson was sign of the era of transiAt a time of crisis, able to get the yough tion, writes Father collaboration becomes started on the long Robert Kinast. crucial. Henderson told process of recovery. Father John Castelot of a youth, a high school But in doing so, the tells why St Jerome's sophomore, who was youth minister had to translation of the Bible headed for a steep dive enlist the help of others caused consternation because of his daily drug including a professional initially. use. counsellor, a long-time St Augustine, for parishioner, the boy's instance, complained His family ignored the family and a youth group that the people would signs of drug use and the which provided "a nur- have trouble making the supportive transition because they youth resisted the efforts turing, ommunity." c of his peers to wean him were so familiar with the away from drugs. In this difficult situa- older version. It is one collaboration example of how an tion, The youth turned away became the key to earlier era of transition in the Church. from his peers to success.

A pope named Damasus 1 lived in the fourth century. He was a person of considerable literary skill and sensitivity. So it was probably not surprising that the translations of the Bible available at that time offended him. In the second and third centuries the Scriptures had been translated into Latin, the vernacular or commonly spoken language. But these translations left a great deal to be desired.

Their Latin often was barbarous. More seriously, these translations were not based on the original languages of Scripture, but on a Greek translation. So Pope Damasus commissioned Jerome to produce a new translation, starting from scratch and from the original Bible's languages. It was a formidable challenge, but Jerome met it. His translation,

By Father John Castelot known as the Vulgate, still is acknowledged as a m onumental accomplishment. However, the translation created consternation in the ranks. Augustine, a friendly rival of Jerome's, complained bitterly about the effect it would have on the people. The people, after all, knew the old one practically by heart, at least the psalms, which they used to sing while at work in the fields. But Jerome's translation was here to stay. It marked a new beginning and remained the official text of the Bible for the Latin church up until the Second Vatican Council. However, that was not to be forever. And in 1943, Pope Pius XII, recognising the Vulgate's obvious inadequacies, authorised fresh translations from the languages. original

Before this time, translations of the Bible into spoken languages of the day had to be made on the basis of the Vulgate. So they were translations of an already imperfect translation. What happened was that scholarly work on the Bible opened up for Catholics and their work was to have a tremendous impact on Vatican II. It awakened a sense of the historical development of Christianity and the dynamic development in our understanding of truth. By the same token, Vatican II was not an ending. It was another beginning. It is obvious that all of this exerted a telling impact on Catholic life in general. Just in the area of people's practical appreciation of the scriptures, the effect has been amazing.

Three points you must keep in mind

new growth, writes A time of transition in the church offers people an opportunity for picture in mind. Father Herbert Weber. It also helps if people keep the bigger

During any time of transition there are those who want faster change, while others want an elimination of — or at least a slowing down of — change. That is certainly true in the church. People living in a The council renewed the Liturgy of the word church during a time of — the part of the Mass in transition, however, have which the Scripture to keep several points in readings are proclaimed. mind. Now the Mass offers a First of all, everyone has wide variety of biblical to admit that a transition readings over a three- in the church universal year cycle, opening vast will affect people locally treasures for millions of as well. Catholics. There will likely be They heard passages some pain associated they never had heard with changes. I know of a parish that before. not had a pastor for has interest was Their aroused and they looked several years. But it has for further enlighten- functioned rather well ment. In fact, the council with a pastoral adminispositively urged the trator who is a nun. She and well-liked promotion of biblical is welcomed. study among people. On weekends and on Parish lectures and study grew apace. I some other occasions, a conducted four just this priest comes to celebrate the sacraments with the last Lent. parish community. One happy side effect of This arrangement is not all this has been an a wakened sense of his- c onsidered ideal by tory, a realisation that members of the parish God's plan of salvation but is seen as an indicainvolves an historical tion of the decreasing process. It will be fin- number of priests. ished only at the end of The pain of the arrangetime. ment was expressed to There are no endings, me when a parish repreonly beginnings. sentative spoke about the

Scripture, too

prayer. Every Thursday night for weeks they met together in the church and prayed for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. celebrating difficulties of Their concerns did not the sacraments with a No. But somedisappear. priest who is not a leader of this particular com- how their concerns took munity and does not on more acceptable proknow it the way a pastor portions. Eventually, the leaders felt they knew would. steps to take. A Moreover, parishioners what first returned. hope sense of vacillated between the Finally, and this is my belief that they were trailblazers in terms of third point, it is helpful new models of church for those enduring a and the fear that they transition to keep in were somehow being mind the bigger picture. A sense of history can oppressed by the diocehelp tremendously. It san church. Obviously, people at the serves as a reminder that local level are going to be the church has expeaffected by transitions rienced and survived that happen to the larger changes before. A notion of geography is church. But it is wise not to stop also beneficial. It can with that insight. For make allowances for the knowing that one is universality of the somehow going to be church — allowances for involved in a transition the different kinds of in the church and needs that exist in affected by it can be seen different regions and as an opportunity for nations, and for the way new growth. This is my in which this factor influences the pace of second point. Another parish, one change. Whether a transition is that was going through a struggle over personnel a normal development or changes, had a decision an extraordinary event, to make. People could get change can become more angry or they could try to understandable when it do something positive is seen as part of a continuum that spans about it. What did they do? They the decades and the chose to come together in globe. By Father Herbert Weber

The Record, June 1, 1989

Local duo at Mercy meet Local Mercy Sisters Bernardine Daly and Noelle Thomson, have recently returned from Alice Springs where 40 sisters took part in a Mercy gathering to develop strong networks between the sisters and reflect on their work and involvement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with the idea of striving for a corporate theology of mission. They also sought dialogue with other religious and Church groups involved in this ministry. to give support and cooperation.

All states were represented (including the Northern Territory) with the exception of Tasmania. Sisters from the east Kimberley came in Landrovers and from Thursday Island by boat and then aircraft. Initially the sisters spoke of their difficulties and problems within the Aboriginal ministry, and they then listened to speakers — mostly women, many of whom prominent were Aboriginals. The only white speak-

ers were Father Frank Brennan, and Sisters Libby and Joan. As a result of these speakers, the gathering then looked at the critical issues and related questions which needed to be addressed. From that they moved onto devising action plans on the local and national levels, public awareness, and the Mercys' role. "Throughout, the sisters were very aware that what they did in practice, would only be after consultation with Aboriginal people," said Sister Bernardine Daly, who commented how fortunate they were to have Sister Veronica Green, a student of Matthew Fox and expert Creation on his Spirituality. "She was able to lead us in reflections, which was so vital to a group which was at the heart of Australia (and a meeting of five of their dreaming tracks), on Aboriginal 'business'. We were also delighted to have some Aboriginal people from the Territory, addressing us," she said. Father Frank Brennan SJ, spoke on Christian Practice and Politics and t wo key Aboriginal speakers were Marcia Langton and Pat Dodson (director), both of the Central Lands Council. Marcia spoke on land rights and the difficulties involved in getting land rights because people don't really understand and sometimes after the Aboriginal people have been granted some land, they do permit mining, said Sister Bernardine.

"This is due to the fact that people need it for viability and it is a very unfortunate situation." The royalty equivalent that Aboriginals get, is divided three ways, said Sister. "The largest percentage goes to the immediate community, another to those connected with that community, and the rest goes to the whole Aboriginal population in that state or territory. "This subsidises the various land councils. "Pat Dodson spoke very movingly on the difficulties of dealing with politicians and the 'dirty field of politics'. He thanked the sisters for what they were doing and trying to do and said the spirit which was perfect, which you could say was Christian when it came from the hand of God, in some instances has grown sick and needs the liberation which comes from Christ."

women in Lane Street, Perth. "She gave a very good paper on Aboriginal education and raised some very insightful questions. "For instance — why some Aboriginal Catholics seek Catholic education. Right through the conference the need for Aboriginal adult education was emphasised. Another speaker, Sister Joan Gaskell is a full time worker at the Institute for Aboriginal Development at the Alice. This is an Aboriginal controlled community based organisation functioning primarily as an adult education and resource centre at the Alice. Another group of speakers came from the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, of which Sister Betty Carter is the director.

Sr Noelle was incorporated in 1979. "Besides listening to the Aboriginal speakers, we were taken to see their enterprise venues — one of these being CAAMA, which is an Aboriginal radio station," said Sister Bernardine.

The Central Australian Aboriginal Congress is He said Scripture could based in Alice Springs, help this, said Sister. having been set up in "And wanted us to see 1973. It is a political his people, warts and all. organisation of Aborigi"And also saw their "His own tremendous nal people, controlled by own television station love of his people was them. Imparja Recording Stu"And they are currently dio, which is considered very evident. "And he pointed out meeting to get a birthing a great means of keeping also, the value of using place where women can their language and culsome of the Old Testa- have their children, ture alive, and helping ment characters, such as because it is foreign for non-Aboriginals to David who sinned Aboriginal women to understand them better." seriously but did so have males around when the child is born," said much for his people." Sisters Bernardine and Sisters Bernardine and Noelle said they saw the Sister Libby Jordan Noelle. areas of real concern, as from the Aboriginal Sandra Levers-Tanna of being alcoholism, vioCatholic Education Cendependency, tre in Darwin is doing the Tangentyere Aborig- lence, deaths in powerlessness, spoke Inc Council inal Aboriginal into h researc unemracism, custody, education in the Darwin finally. This is an Aborigof breakdown ployment, organisacontrolled inal Sister diocese, said Noelle who works at tion representing the culture, law and spiritual Anawim, a women's residents of the Alice pitfalls. "This is a result of their refuge for Aboriginal Springs town camps, and

. works at Anawim.

need for land rights," said Sister Bernardine. "For non-Aboriginals to learn Aboriginal spirituality. Their problem areas would be largely solved, if they were given the earth, care, and the recognition of creation spirituality by nonAboriginals. "There is the need for all our society to really understand and care for the earth. "If all society really understood and cared for it then they would find the Spirit the Aboriginal people talk about, and it doesn't matter whether the earth is mirrored as a dove or a serpent. But essentially that we appreciate the sacredness of the earth and the need for its care." We would then understand, said Sister Bernar-

dine, the link between the land and their spirituality and most of our current problems would be lessened greatly. Sister Noelle said their spirituality is closely identified and expressed profoundly through art and music, "and they are really developing that in a strong and clear way in the Northern Territory". "Isee signs of hope", she said. "And you can see that in certain places in Australia; there is this choosing of the best of the old and best of the new. "There are signs of that when they have been 'given a go'. Aboriginal people do excel when they are allowed to develop in harmony with their own culture. In the Alice there is concrete evidence of this."

Loreto weekend draws 250 past pupils More than 250 past pupils from all Australhave States ian recently attended an Adelaide based biennial weekend conference of the Loreto Federation. Perth representatives, Gemma O'Halloran and Mary Nichols, joined with 19 Loreto sisters throughout from Australia. Conference theme was Old Values, New Visions and Father Bob Simons CM of St Francis Xavier's seminary, gave the keynote address, presenting a contemporary vision of the four-centuries-old values — Freedom. jus10

By Colleen McGuiness-Howard tice and Truth — of Loreto foundress, Mary Ward. The theme was selected in keeping with "so much happening in society today", said Ms O'Halloran, "and it's a matter of seeking new ways of expressing values which did not alter, because if we don't, family, church, and so many of the values become irrelevant." Discussions took place over the weekend with contributions from each Australian Loreto school, in the form of either

The Record, June 1, 1989

written papers, drama Or presentations, reflections. On justice, Father Simons said he suggests a major reason why so many women have been drawn into justice and peace questions, is the importance they attach to relationships. For at the heart of justice and peace is the question of quality of relationships, within our personal sphere and beyond. "It was emphasised that an antagonistic approach was not required by us

when we returned to our communities, in order to put forward the propositions considered, but that women should act in a spontaneously feminine way, particularly regarding bonding," said Ms Nichols. "Bonding is very much a woman's contribution, whether it be within the family, among friends, or within parish or workplace. And it's also very much a woman's instinct to build networks." The point which impressed her. said Ms Nichols, was that the women of today had so much to contribute that they would be most

Gemma O'Halloran (left) and Mary Nichols who represented Perth's Loreto former students body at the Adelaide conference. successful in this aim, by being gently persuasive, in line with Mary Ward's thinking. "She believed that women could really do much and often made the point that the decisions need not be based on gender; emphasising that each gender should achieve their full poten-

tial and their own uniqueness." Ms Nichols said the gathering was most inspired by, and took home with them, Father Simons' conclusive words, when he said "The old scholars of Loreto have been the recipients of a prophetic tradition which still

fuller for longs realisation. "Iam convinced that we are at a time in our Church and society when the opportunities to bring about that realisation are not only needed but perhaps more capable of being realised than in previous times."

Nurse gets medallion In recognition for her services to nursing, Mrs Audrey Martins has received a medallion from the AustralBicentennial ian Authority. Ten awards were given throughout Australia last year under the Women '88 Awards, however it was felt that others deserved recognition who had been nominated by groups for their notable contributions. With a statement which read: "Your group spoke very highly of your achievements in your work for the community and we feel this must be recognised", it is further affirmation for a lady who has a considerable amount of experience and number of degrees. Mrs Martins came from the Middle East in 1966 and since then has been in constant nursing service, firstly as a sister at Royal Perth and then as a nurse educator. She moved to the College of Nursing and with its amalgamation

By Colleen McGuiness-Howard with WAIT (now Curtin University of Technology) is a senior lecturer and prepares nurse teachers. Among her commitments, she is National President of the Florence Nightingale Committee, a body working for the advancement of education in nursing at national and international levels. She has done numerous consultations in developing nurse education programs for WA and Qld, is co-author of a book Nursing Assessment Guide, and is on the Archdiocesan Australian Catholic Relief Committee. Mrs Martins is in the Maylands parish choir, leads the liturgy group — and is currently completing a PhD in Education, with a thesis on nursing. The transfer of nurse education into the tertiary sector, she sees as a positive step, and one

which came after lobbying State and Federal. Governments. Now that many states have made this transfer arrangement from hospitals to tertiary institutions, Mrs Martins believes a combined strategy needs to be developed to ascertain education targets and to focus on the future of nursing in Australia. Various nursing groups will meet in Melbourne in July to work out policies in that direction. One area of concern still remains, however — the need for upgrading the present diploma to a degree course. "We have still not been recognised in that we offer basic preparation courses at a diploma level, when most health professionals have a basic degree. Yet we have been denied that!" she said. "If we were able to offer a degree, it would make it easier for us to develop our own specialists with

higher awards. That would be the stepping stone. "I believe this failure to recognise our need for a degree course, could be interpreted as discrimination against a profession which is predominantly female." Most health professions prepare their students at a degree level, Mrs Martins pointed out, so they can go on to do postgraduate studies. "But our students have to do a three year diploma, go out for a year, then return and upgrade their diploma to a degree — in one year!" This really stretches out their time she said, and good students are lost because they consider the time factor too long to further advance their studies. Mrs Martins said a degree course would not only help stop the student wastage, but also allow an external study mode for a degree course, by registered nurses.

San Francisco blow "I recognise the legiti- important challenges we FRANCISCO cisco Mayor Art Agnos to SAN mate claims for the face as a city". (NC): Archbishop John veto the measure. The law defines domesredress of the rights of R. Quinn of San Fran"The legislation. . . is a cisco said the city dealt serious blow to our dependents of city tic partners as any "two a "serious blow" to society's historic com- workers," the archbishop people who have chosen to share one another's marriage and family mitment to supporting said. lives in an intimate and life when it unanim- marriage and family life ously approved an and equates domestic "To do so by attacking committed relationship". ordinance recognising partnerships with mar- marriage and the family The "Declaration of the unions of homosex- riage," Archbishop is a clear path of conni- Domestic Partnership" form would be filed with uals and unmarried Quinn said. He helped vance with the erosion the county clerk for a $35 heterosexual couples. the of destruction and defeat a similar proposal rock -bottom institutions fee. "To me it is astonishing in the city in 1982. In such partnership, the of both religion and in the extreme that not become individuals Although Archbishop civilisation." one voice on the board of Quinn opposed the legisresponsible for one supervisors was raised lation sanctioning Archbishop Quinn said another's basic living against this legislation domestic partnerships, many would see his expenses. City officials and that there is such a the prelate said in the opposition as a denial of have said that in addition colossal failure to see the letter that he supported rights of homosexuals, to health benefits, live-in profound attack on mar- the extension of civil but that he believed lovers of any of the riage and the family rights benefits and establishing and protect- 25,000 city workers which it embodies," the health coverage to "all ing "legitimate rights of might be entitled to archbishop wrote in a dependents of city homosexual men and bereavement leave and letter urging San Fran- workers". women is one of the hospital visitation rights.

Women's role in peace VATICAN CITY (NC): Pope John Paul ll said women have an important and unique role to play in the search for world peace because of their special talents and insights. The pope was speaking to members of an international women's movement for peace that includes wives and widows of heads of state. "As women, you

bring unique gifts, insights and concerns to the world's search for peace," the pope said. "People everywhere are yearning to experience true freedom and authentic human fulfilment, and the many women whose generosity and selfsacrifice you represent have an important and essential role to play," he said.

The pope said their work underlined the sense of common humanity that allows people to "recognise a brother or sister in every human person". "Beyond all differences of language, culture and economic status, all of us are one, members of one family and responsible for one another," he said. "Whenever our com-

mon humanity is forgotten, or the dignity of one human person is prejudiced, all of us suffer, and each of us is somehow lessened," he said. The group, founded by the wife of an Italian politician, was meeting in Rome to consider the specific contributions women can make to international peace and solidarity.

Mrs Martins holding the medallion she received from the Australian Bicentennial A uthority for her contribution to the community.

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• mina, 12

PERSONAL

THANKS Ask three favours, 1 business, 2 impossible. Pray nine Hail Marys, light candle and let burn out on ninth day; publicise prayer. Thank you St Clare M.D.G. My grateful thanks to the Infant Jesus, Sacced Heart, Our4 Lady of Health and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour for improved health. J.J.S. 0 holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke you as special patron in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depths of my heart and humbly beg you to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me now in my present and urgent need and grant my earnest petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Say three Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glorias, St Jude pray for all who honour and invoke your aid. Published as promised in thanks for answering prayers. J. and R. Novena to the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as I confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you ever, in spite of all material illusions. I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. This prayer must be said for three days after which the favour will be granted. The prayer must be published immediately.

to the Editor

How about some Strong affirmative action? protest

from Miss Pat RYAN, Nedlands Sir, How often are bishops assailed by litanies of the wrongs in the Church and are told: 'you should do this, this or this'? How seldom do we praise or thank bishops for their actions. As a guest at a meeting this week, I listened to a complaint about the gaps in and the proliferation of books not esteemed worthy of a place on the shelves of the library at the Catholic Resource Centre. No word was spoken about the wealth of material gathered together in that Centre to help growth, understanding and knowledge of our faith and a general enrichment of the Catholic community. There may be gaps — there may be disagreement about acquisitions. It would be good, however, to hear encouragement and praise for the initiative taken in setting up this resource — one of extreme benefit. At the same meeting there was also much made about the Church not speaking out on a multitude of questions. Again no word about the item in The Record (May 18) announcing the setting up of a National Catholic Media Office. Perhaps this will not be a panacea for all communication needs but nevertheless it is a positive step forward taken by the Australian Conference of Bishops At the Assembly of the Perth Archdiocese, I heard: "Why doesn't The Record use syndicated material?" Each week a double page syndicated spread "Pathways to the Spirit- is published. One Uniting Church parish uses this feature as resource material in their parish faith development program. Does any Catholic group or family do likewise? How about some Affirmative Catholic Action now and again?

KING: Annie Irene (nee McGee). Passed away May 2 in Adelaide aged 85 years. Dearly loved mother of Joan, loving grandmother of Mary and Franz., Wendy and John, Raymond (dec), Peter, Louise and Max. Great grandmother of Natasha, SITUATIONS Sean, Charmaine, Dean, Ben, Katie and Raymond. WANTED Always remembered. Catholic teacher seeks Together in God's garden employment, full or part- with Dad, Ray and Raytime in Catholic primary mond. Rest in peace. schools including pre- MOGAN, Fr Tom, CSSR primary. Fully qualified, who worked in North excellent references. 51 2 / Perth in the 1960s, died years experience. Cur- suddenly in Rome. May rently full-time relief he rest in peace. teacher in state schools. CALLAGHAN: On May 1, Telephone 451 4305. at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Mamie (Mary) PUBLIC NOTICE late of "Mercyville" and Scarborough, beloved FURNITURE CARRIED. sister of Matthew, CatheOne item to housefulk. rine and John (deceased), Small, medium, large vans Eva (Mrs Loughnan), Con available with one or two and Hilda, Bill and Tess. men from $24 per hour, Loving aunt of Joan and all areas. Cartons and Geoff (Airey), Terry and cheap storage available. Leeola, Barry and GeralMike Murphy 330 7979. dine and Judith (Piper from John WALSH, d), 444 0077, Vic), Peter (Nth 317 1101, A rchdiocese 272 3210, Mark and Jenny. Requiem .447 8878, Development Fund 384 8838. Mass was celebrated by Fr 378 3303, callers H. Byrne at Immaculate Country Sir, The Light of the Heart of Mary Church, 4M8 198 120. World shines brilliantly at Scarborough on Friday, St Pius X Manning Learn the beauty of Hatha May 5. A loving member Yoga in St Paul's Church of the family and tireless The presence of unity undercroft Rookwood St, worker for the handiwas noticeable in a Monday and Thursday capped through the "contact hug" and the 9.30-11am. Phone Legion of Mary. Sincere grace that flowed at the 271 5297. thanks to staff and resiSign of Peace as I dents of "Mercyville" happened by St Pius X on Crai* and appreciation THANKS the seventh Sunday of for kind messages and Easter. prayers received by the The occasion was to family. Eternal rest grant Prayer to St Jude. Most unto her 0 Lord. May she My heartful thanksgiving speak the ADF message holy apostle, St Jude, rest in peace. thanks and to Our Lord Jesus Christ, of faithful servant and friend Our Lady of Perpetual encouragement. of Jesus, the name of the Your Percy. HUBERT, traitor who delivered your loyalty to the Catholic Succour, Our Lady of Even more — to touch beloved master into the faith has inspired us all. Revelation, Our Lady of and see how the resourhands of His enemies has May perpetual light shine Health, Our Lady of ces of a people had been caused you to be forgotupon you. Sacred Heart of Lourdes, Mother Seton, translated into a masterten by many, but the Jesus have mercy on him. Saint Martha, St Joseph, St piece of renovation at the church honours and Our sincere condolence Jude, Sacred Heart of invokes you universally, as to Margaret, Louise and Jesus, Infant Jesus of Church of St Pius X, the the patron of hopeless Elizabeth from Stephen, Prague, St Christopher, St family home of Jesus and Benedict, Padre Pio and his people. cases, of things almost Victoria, Cecilia. the Green Scapular for me, of. Pray for espaired d From that day's John 17 TOBIN, Patrick Francis protecting and looking I am so helpless and passed away May 29, 1988. after me and my daughter teaching on the topic of alone. Make use I implore Son of Mary Margaret and from a serious motor inity with God, my soul you, of that particular Thomas Henry Tobin, accident. I place all my recalled — it is a gift of privilege given to you, to brother of Dom, Thomas, trust in you and may your bring visible and speedy Pat, Reg (all dec) and Bert. names be praised and almost is help where help Jesus, Mary and Joseph glorified. Amen. E. and C. despaired of. Come to my have mercy. assistance in this great Novena to St Clare. Ask need that I may receive three favours — 1 busiTHANKS the consolation and help ness, 2 impossible. Pray of heaven in all my nine Hail Marys with Special thanks to the lighted candle for nine necessities, tribulations Sacred Heart, Our Lady, days if you have faith or and sufferings, particuSaint Jude, Saint Anthony, not. On ninth day let larly (here make your Saint Joseph for favours candle burn to end. request) and that I may granted. Rita. A frican Missioner praise God with you and Publish Novena. Thank all the elect forever. I Ask three favours, 1 you Mother Mary and St Father Don Connolly who promise, oh blessed St business, 2 impossible. Clare. J. died this week aged 49, Jude, to be ever mindful Pray nine Hail Marys, light spent only a few years as of this favour, to always candle and let it burn out Thank you St Jude for a missionary in Africa but honour you as my special on ninth day. Thank you prayers answered. 0 Holy he saw the beginnings of and powerful patron, and Holy Spirit and St Clare. Saint Jude apostle and an amazing development martyr great in virtue and to gratefully encourage P.R. in the church there. rich in miracles, near devotion to you. Amen. Thank you St Clare kinsman of Jesus Christ, In 1966 he helped found the Thanks to St Jude for favours received. L.G. faithful intercessor of all first minor seminary in the prayers answered, and who invoke you as special diocese of Undo in Nigeria, thanks to Our Lady of the May the Sacred Heart of patron in time of need, to when it had eight African and R evelation, Bullsbrook, Jesus be adored, glorified you I have cause from the 30 for a very special favour loved and preserved African Mission priests. depth of my heart and granted. Liz. throughout the world Today that same territory has humbly beg you to whom now and forever. Sacred Novena to the Sacreo Heart of Jesus, pray for us. God has given such great been divided into two dioceses Heart. Most Sacred Heart power to come to my with two African bishops, over St Jude, worker of miraof Jesus, may your name des, pray for us. St Jude, assistance. Help me now 40 African priests and only be praised and glorified helper of the hopeless, in my present and urgent eight African Missionaries. throughout the world need and grant my for us. Say this prayer Originally from Dublin he now and forever. Amen. pray earnest petition. Say three worked for a year or two nine times a day. Say it for before (Say nine a day for nine Hail Marys, three Our nine days — it has never entering the Society for African consecutive days and known to fail. Fathers, three Glorias. Missions in 1959, taking a B.Sc promise publication.) been must be Saint Jude pray for all who Publication Thanks to the Sacred promised. Thank you St honour and invoke your degree on his way to priestly ansHeart for I.. Jude and Sacred Heart. C. aid. Publication must be ordination at the Society's wered. Liz. promised. D.J.H. Harrington. Christian lady, slim, with own home, car, would like to meet professional gent or farmer, single or widower 40-46 yrs, 510" & over for friendship, companionship. Replies Lyn this office.

The Record, June 1, 1989

Unity in a hug

the Spirit to understand God's loving plan in one's own life, whereupon my mind skipped a light ray t o outer space, the autumnal equinox and an example of physical unity in the sun and his nine planets, ordered in their appointed orbit; a part of creation. But the words of Christ in John's gospel focus upon a tangible intimate unity between God and his people. People as unique individuals, free and faithful in Christ and nourished by Sacred Scripture at each level of understanding. This prayer of Jesus fills the veins and sinews ,for it shouts aloud to you and me, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends, to treasure the gift of an intimate personal unity with God, "so that the love with which you

Dromantine seminary in December 1965. His African career was cut short when he was posted in 1969 to St Brendan's College, Hilton where he built up a reputation for translating into everyday life his classes in mathematics and science. In 1982 his health compelled him to move out of teaching and he became chaplain to St Joseph's Hospital 8icton where he was to die earlier this week, and becoming a man of many parts in the various hobbies and interests he pursued. His own personal brushes with death became part of the ministry he was able to offer so many patients and increasingly so after he learned at the end of 1986 that he had a terminal cancer condition, allowing him to make a farewell visit last year to family and friends in Ireland and England and being an active chaplain to within a month of his death May he rest in peace.

over Peachey view

Mrs Hilary THOMAS, Greenmount Sir, I protest strongly at the statement by Mr Brian Peachey (The Record May 1 8) that religious in Australia have given up wearing the habit for reasons of vanity. Older religious orders adopted a form of dress akin to that of the poorer women of their time, while more recent ones were encouraged or obliged by conservative well-meaning but Church leaders to dress similarly. In the early 1950s Pope Pius XII publicly stated that he wished women religious to consider modifying their clothing, for reasons of hygiene and suitability to their particular works and climate. As with all good changes, it took a long time. I know that I am privileged in the women religious of my acquaintance and it is quite possible that Mr Peachey knows some who are less dedicated, but I do not believe that any that I know would have time for much vanity in their overcrowded schedules. There are some women religious who have been known to give of their own small stipened to those they see as more needy than themselves, and buy their clothes in op shops. Hardly vanity, Mr Peachey! loved me may be in them, and so that I may be in them". Such was the vision of this servant. An image reflected by the people of St Pius X. People from many shores, both near and far, infants — watched over by the Infant Jesus of Prague. — to seniors with the wisdom of the glory of God, walking in partnership with our Mother, Mary.

Problems? Let Grow help you Grow mental health movement is here. Non-profit making, anonymous and non-

denominational, it helps people suffering from emotional or mental

problems. Anxiety, fears, breakdowns, depression, dependancies, despair, loss, lack of direction, relationship difficulties,

and the feeling of being alone with a problem are the type of conditions tackled by Grow. Meetings are held once a week. Call 328 3344 to find out about the group nearest you.

'TOMORROW TODAY with Father Joe Parkinson

Antioch spreads win

KWINANA'S experiAntioch communities in WA continue to grow ment, holding a 'weeklarger and stronger, as end' from Saturday to shown by the number of Monday overlapping weekends held all over into school holidays, was Perth recently. also a great success. At SOUTH PERTH over thirty young people attended the weekend held at St Columba's school on April 14-16. Their closing ceremony was boosted by an influx from the Antioch musicans' weekend held at Toodyay on the same dates.

Strong support from several parent couples was a feature of the weekend, held at St Vincent's school on April 15-17. As a lead up to their next parish weekend, MAIDA VALE Antioch held a renewal weekend

at the Don Moore Uniting Church campsite at Parkerville on April 2830.

The large Maida Vale group found great strength and encouragement in the experience, and seem set for a bright future. At WILLETTON one of the largest weekends this year was held at Orana Primary school on May 5-7. Twenty parents and

'God Squad' joined over fifty participants for the weekend, and this number was more than doubled as other groups joined in for the closing ceremony.

ROCKINGHAM are holding a weekend right now (June 2-4) at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Centre, and there are rumours of other weekends coming up at and CLAREMONT DIANELLA.

With the recent Leaders' Day at Willetton on April 23, the Adults' Weekend at Eagle's Nest on May 20-21, and the coming Renewal and Flame weekends, it is obvious that Antioch continues to be a major factor in the growth of youth participation in our church. Let's hope and pray for continued growth in Antioch for Perth's young Catholics!

fr —.1111111, Melissa Bassett and Lydia Olsen hanging in there on Maida Vale's weekend.

Parent couples Paul and Brendwyn Ziejelaar and John and Chris Leiks at the Kwinana weekend. A

A A

Above: South Perth Antioch — very laid back! Below: Over 200 stayed for an Antioch meeting after the Leaders' Day, April 23, at Willetton. Left: Willetton's parent couples meeting during the weekend at Orana Primary School.

CATHOLIC PARISH YOUTH

SEXUALITY WEEKEND 30 June

2 July

This annual weekend program will be held at EAGLE'S NEST, GIDGEGANNUP and is open to Catholic youth aged 16 years and over. Cost $25.00. Transport can be arranged.

For bookings and further details, call Cate on 328 8136. The Record, June 1, 1989

Reflective literature Christian overview DavidLEdwards

UTTilt F UKDor

CIIKISTIANITT i n analysis of historical. contemporan and hiture trends within the worldwide Church

by Amy Harwell with Kristine Tomasik

lemneord 11e 1,rehh1shemp Centethull The Futures of Christianity. An analysis of historical, contemporary and future trends within the worldwide church by David I.. Edwards. Published by Hodder & Stoughton. $2-.95. David L Edwards presents a masterly and panoramic account of the growth and diversity of Christianity throughout the great continents: the Americas, Africa, India, Asia and Europe. Through a brilliant oveniew of 2000 years of worldwide

Church history and development. Edwards examines the t win themes of diversity and communion and asserts that a future of Christian communion in diversity is possible through the power of the Spirit. Trends and attitudes which seem most significant for the future of the Church are comprehensively surveyed — poverty, women, the emerging Catholicism and ecumenism. Alerting us to look for the Evangelical future. Edwards proclaims the Church is vibrant today

Guidelines

When Your Friend Gets Cancer. How friends and family of a cancer patient can play a major role in the healing process by Amy Harwell with Kristine Jomasik. Published by HighlandBooks. $7.95. You're shocked. "Oh, no! It can't be!" And perhaps, most of all, you're overwhelmed. "What can I do?" Here is help to keep you from being paralysed by our first reactions. He or she needs all the support you can give, no matter how small your comfort may seem to you Your gift is not small. You arc significant: you are a friend! With warmth and humaneness, Amy Harwell shares from her own experience of cancer and otters practical help on how to be a true friend in need. .4 Journey into God, by Delia Smith. Published by Hodder & Straughton, $24.95. "Anyone who lives, prays, for prayer is that deeper level of 1111111311 existence which we call the spiritual life. "The journey of prayer is nothing more nor less than a gradual awakening to the reality of recognising what is already there." As a communicator. Delia Smith has always been motivated by a need, whether for clear explanation of the basic skills of cooking, or, as in this hook, for a simple presentation of the meaning of prayer. Writing with clarity and wisdom on a subject of deep personal significance, Delia Smith's daily readings draw on a wide range of writings, as well as her own experience of 'the journey into God'. Here is a simple hut profound guide for ordinar people seeking a deeper knowledge of God.

[RANK COHIJHOtiti

Encounters with Jesus from the Jesus Library series. by Stuart Blanch. Editor Michael Green. Published by Hodder & stoughton. $19.95. Encounters with Jesus offers a new perspective on Christ's ministry, by focusing on the many gospel accounts in which Jesus meets and responds to particular people: the fisherman, whom he called to follow him; the demon -possessed man. whom he delivered; the rich man, who went away sad; the woman who anointed him with perfume: Pontius Pilate, the man in authority. The stories are familiar. but what more can he learnt in considering their implications for the Church today, confronted with an equally

diverse range of human personalities and needs? Stuart Blanch's study is careful, rigorous. yet easily approachable for the general reader. Each encounter is set in historical and cultural context, shedding new light on many 'of the events recorded. Textual points of interests are considered, and the Bible passage is printed in full. Not every reference is covered, but instead a selection of twenty is explored in depth. The texts are drawn from Mark's Gospel, and thus insight is offered not only into the ministry ofjesus, but also into this earliest Gospel account. 'one of the most important hooks in the history of the world — the fountain-head of a movement which changed the course of history'.

14 The Record, June 1, 1989

Freed to Serve, Training and Quipping for Ministry, by Michael Green. Published by Hodder & Stoughton, $8.95. Are you considering entering the ordained ministry or contemplating being a lay church leader? Are you concerned about the issues surrounding the ordination of women and the church's leadership structures? Are you questioning why it is that

ministers are also expected to be teachers, evangelists and counsellors? In this new edition of his classic, Michael Green draws upon his experience as a teacher and pastor, to look in detail at New Testament guidelines, examine disputed issues, and offer practical and workable suggestions for a return to basics in Christian ministry.

Sing to the Lord. .4 fresh look at great hymns of praise by Frank Colquboun. Published by Hodder & Stoughton. $19.95. Praise is the very essence of Christian worship. Yet church services all too often lack the note of praise and joy This new survey will rekindle enthusiasm and deepen understanding of the magnificent Christian heritage of great hymns of praise. Frank Colqutxiun brings to each carefully selected hymn his detailed knowledge of hymnody: who wrote the hymn, its history the form and message of the words and how it can hest he used in,the church today Readers will discover afresh the passion and depth of meaning which reside in these well-known hymns.

by Colleen McGuiness-Howard

T TPODUcrioN THE T LIFE

FPANCIS DE

SALES

An Introduction to the Devout Life by St Francis de Sales. Published by Hodder & Stoughton, Careful, practical instniction on how to live a truly God-centred life. As a bishop with a very genuine and practical concern for the spiritual health of his flock. St Francis de Sales wrote what WAS to become a masterpiece of simplicity anbd brevity, talking directly the average communicant of his sixteenth century diocese. St Francis kept matters simple. in order to communicate effectively: the book is divided into five sections, with each section consisting of a number of short chapters of about -50 words each. His didactic technique is sound ( the point of each chapter is easily grasped);

his prose is peppered with illustrations arising frown town and country life; each theme is supported by biblical quotations. The book progresses in easy stages. All that was needed to bring this to rgotten masterpiece to the attention of today's reader was an intelligible. modern translation, written in a direct style as St Francis de Sales originally intended. Peter lixin has provided jug such a translation, editing the text where appropriate and adding a few footnotes. St Francis De Sales (156-1622), Bishop of Annecy in the Savoy, is remembered for his unique ability to illustrate: points with simple wt striking illustrations. He is also the author of other works, notably On the Love of God.

The Cospel da) da) Ihrough Lela

The Gospel day by day through Lent, by Brian Moore Sj. Published by St Paul Publications, $8.95. To a large extent the success of participation depends on preparation. Consequently, the Church gives us the Season of Lent in which to prepare ourselves to participate, as fully as possible. in the liturgical celebration of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus at Easter.

According to the second Vatican Council. this preparation during Lent consists in a 'closer attention to the word of God and more ardent prayer'. The aim of this book is to help people pay that 'closer attention to the word' by offering brief reflections on the Gospel reading appointed for each day, reflections which will hopefully hear fruit in 'rnore ardent prayer'.

Kids are great! Come follow me Feeling empathy for the sad plight of children in society because of child abuse, family brokenness and the terrible things which happen to them inside and outside their homes, St Denis' co-ordinator of the catechist team, Ms Anne Genasi, said she and her fellow catechists decided to do something about it. "To let the children we teach and their families, know that Jesus' cares — and so do many others like us." So they organised a rather spectacular Mass into which went a lot of work — all child oriented. It was a day for children uniting with Christ. Held at St Denis' last Sunday on the feast of the Eucharist, 65 children, their parents and friends, and their eight catechists, were given a big welcome by PP Father Frank Christie, the welcoming committee and parishioners, entering the church with balloons, banners, flags and music. Based on the theme Come Together — Jesus Calls, every part of the Mass was worked on, where a child input could be made, emphasising how Jesus loved them and wanted them to walk with Him — just as when he walked the earth. Big paper hearts were made representing Jesus' heart and each child's little paper heart attached to it. Each group from Tuart Hill (God's Gang), Yokine, St

Denis', Sunday Liturgy (the Little Ark), and the youth group of St Denis' church, made individual little paper friendship links with their names on, and took it up to the altar during the offertory procession where it was attached to the clasp with Jesus on it. This was then laid in a circle around the altar. Symbolic of Jesus calling them to be one. Overheads with pictures and words were shown throughout the Mass, bearing out the Mass and giving more meaning to it. Songs were selected specifically, such as the final one — I have decided to follow Jesus. Ms Genasi said just in case anyone is curious as to what God's Gang is all about — it's a little group of about 30 children who assemble each Monday after school at the Tuart Hill primary. Because of school policy, the children are unable to be taught scripture during school hours, so the catechists from St Denis run a fun group where children learn scripture, often in drama enactment, have a time to share with each other, enjoy afternoon tea and in general apparently have a lot of fun! Because according to Ms Genasi, "the kids come running, with a big smile on their face!" The group is enthusiastically supported by the school principal. After the Mass a huge cake with a big heart on it with the words "We are all one in the Lord" was eaten along with a lot of other party fare. The Eucharist feast was chosen, said Ms Genasi, because that is all about belonging, forgiving, coming together. "It's about Jesus giving himself to us and asking us to respond — and as a result — we go forth! "Everyone co-operated to make this a truly great day, and a wonderful success."

The Record, June 1,1989

MP-

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From Hurt to Harmony RESIDENTIAL WEEKEND, JUNE 16-18 at St Joseph's, Safety Bay

Learning and using skills to foster emotional and spiritual healing. Enquiries 367 7847, Fr Marius/Sr Bridget Bookings: Upper Room, Box 58 South Perth, 6151. Fee $50.

MAJELLAN AGM VENUE: St Mary's Parish Centre, Leederville. START: 9 30am with morning tea. R EPORTS: 10 30am MASS: 12 noon approx LUNCH: 1pm followed by general business Everyone is most welcome and members are kindly asked to bring a plate of sandwiches, biscuits or slices Reports may be sent to Bernadette Nicoletto, 3 Byfleet St, Morley 6062

To mark the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood

Most Rev Robert Healy Auxiliary Bishop will celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass in St Kieran's Church, Cape Street, Osborne Park on

MONDAY, JUNE 5 at 10.30am For further information phone A. Healy 444 6482.

Greyhounds — with The Record Tipster

IAGS' CHANCE...} RACE ONE: Trak Torque 1, Cheyene Ash 2, Lady Glade 3. RACE TWO: Tiger Cub 1, Nora's Babe 2, Mello Velocity 3. RACE THREE: Rusty Velocity 1, Royal Esteem 2, Trevor's Trust 3. RACE FOUR Black Patriot 1, Lord Luscombe 2, Trifari 3. RACE FIVE: Frosty Pop 1, Meg's Cup 2, Sea Glider 3.

RACE SIX: Nora's Pride 1, Raining Aces 2, I'm Busy 3. RACE SEVEN: Black Reward 1, Cup of Coffee 2, Tax Bonus 3. RACE EIGHT: I'm A Pharoah 1, Orange Tang 2, Endless Pursuit 3. RACE NINE: Lady Storm 1, Masterpiece 2, Twenty Cents 3. RACE TEN: Myross Myth 1, Scorpio Will 2, Cup Princess 3.

CARLTON HOTEL with good old-fashioned hospitality in the heart of the city B&B Single $30; Double/Twin $50 • HEARTY BREAKFAST • PARKING FACILITIES • REFRIGERATOR • TEA & COFFEE FACILITIES

248 HAY STREET, EAST PERTH 325 2092 16

The Record, June 1, 1989

THE PARISH SCENE Material submitted to The Record should preferably be typewritten or clearly and legibly handwritten, at least triple spaced with wide margins, in upper and lower case, and in style for the section for which it is intended. SALESIAN DANCE On Saturday, June 3 at St Joachim's Parish Hall, Victoria Park, the WA Salesian Past Pupils' Association will hold a dance in aid of its charitable activities. Tickets: $5 per head. Contact Father L. Henry on 361 1057. BYO. Eats available at reasonable rates. On Sunday, June 11, the Salesian Provincial Father Julian Fox, will address past pupils and Salesian Co-operators, after the 10.15am Mass at Victoria Park. BULLSBROOK MASS On Monday, June 5, Mass at 11am marks the second anniversary of the dedication of the Bullsbrook Church "Virgin Mary Mother of the Church". Lunch break (picnic and barbeque facilities available) will be followed by a procession at 2.30pm (weather permitting). For further information and bus reservations, please ring 444 2285 for Perth, Highgate and Midland buses, 339 4015 for Fremantle bus. WOMEN'S REFLECTION WATAC (Women and the Australian Church) will hold a Reflection Evening on June 8 at 7.45pm in the Old Chapel, Catherine McAuley Family Centre, 18 Barrett Street, Wembley. E VANGELISM SPEAKER Mr Chee, who is head of a charismatic covenant community in Sabah, North Borneo, will be in Perth on Friday, June 9 to talk at Newman Siena College on his evangelism to tribal people of Borneo. He also will describe the persecution of the Catholic Church and the many attempts on his life and the lives of others, as well as the healing in the programs. Brought to Perth by the Bethel Covenant Community, Mr Chee is a member of the International Brotherhood of Communities and is an invited speaker for the 1990 European Ecumenical Conference in Berne, Switzerland, one of the events next year to mark the start of a decade of evangelism in the world. Mr Chee has made a remarkable impact in the jungles of Borneo where he works with local Bishop Reverend John Lee. LEGION CENTENARY The centenary of the brith of Frank Duff, Founder in 1921 of the Legion of Mary, will be celebrated on June 6 with the offering of Mass in St Mary's Cathedral at 7 pm. OLDER PEOPLE In the synod document "Christifideles Laici" Pope John Paul speaks of the "gift" of older people, who he says, still have a mission to fulfil and a contribution to make. The 175 page document on the 1987 Synod on the Laity is now available from Gatto's and Pellegrini at a cost of $3. FATIMA HOLY HOUR There will be a Holy Hour of Reparation on Sunday, June 11 at 3pm in St Francis Xavier church, Windsor Street, East Perth. Father Lewis will officiate.

SCRIPTURE LECTURES Salesian Fr Frank Moloney will give the following public lectures: Tuesday June 6, Prophetic Role of Religious; 5 to 9 pm (byo sandwiches, tea/ coffee will be provided). Cost. $8.00. Wednesday June 7. Mary in the Scriptures: 7.30 pm for approximately two hours, cost $5.00.

THE PASSION PLAY O BERAMMERGAU 1990

Our 27-day departure, (leaving July 4), accompanied by Father Hugh Galloway, has now only six seats remaining. Please if you are considering this departure book NOW.

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Both evening sessions will be held at the James Nestor Hall, Catholic Education Office, 50 Ruislip Street, Leederville. Father Frank Moloney has been head of the Biblical Studies Department of the Catholic Theological College in Melbourne since 1976. He is visiting Professor at the Gregorian University and Regina Mundi in Rome. In 1986 Pope John Paul II appointed him to the International Theological Commission. NEWMAN SOCIETY Scripture Group, Thursday, June Sat 8pm. First Epistle of St John, Chapters 2 & 3. Vatican II Study Group, Tuesday, June 13 at llam. Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Chapter 3, Sections 26-29. Both the above to be presided over by Father Dynon at 13 Dean Street, Claremont. Contact No. 446 7340. Guest Speaker Discussion Group Tuesday, June 20 at 8pm, in the Senior Common Room, St Thomas More College, Mrs Mary Tiller, will talk on "Christian Life Communities: A Formula for Action from St Ignatius Loyola". Contact No. 446 1628. All three events open to anyone interested.

Archdiocesan Calendar June 4 Visitation and confirmation, Wembley. Archbishop Foley. Visitation and confirmation, Shenton Park Bishop Healy. 5 Mass and Clergy Dinner in honour of Bishop Healy. 6-8 Scripture Seminar. Archbishop Foley and Bishop Healy. 8 Council of Priests' meeting. 11 Visitation and confirmation, Scarborough. Archbishop Foley. Opening final stage, Yidarra School. Bishop Healy. 16 Catholic Secondary Principals' Association meeting. Archbishop Foley. 18 Confirmation, Riverton. Archbishop Foley. 18& Visitation and confirmation, Green22 wood. Bishop Healy. 21 Trinity College Old Boys Mass. Archbishop Foley. 23& Confirmation, Brentwood 25 ton. Monsignor Keating. 24& Visitation and confirmation, Kam25 balda r, Norseman. Archbishop Foley. 25 Visitation and confirmation, Quairading/Cunderdin. Bishop Healy. 29 Silver Jubilee of Fr Justin Bianchini. 30 Commissioning of new catechists. Archbishop Foley. July 1 Confirmation, Kalgoorlie. Bishop Healy. 2 Visitation and confirmation, Embleton. Archbishop Foley. Confirmation, Leederville. Monsignor Keating. 2-4 Adult Education Seminar. 5 Confirmation, Willagee. Monsignor McCrann. 6 Confirmation, Trinity College. Archbishop Foley. 7 Altar Servers' Guild, Bentley. Archbishop Foley.

47 COLIN ST, WEST PERTH 6001. (09) 322 7922 NAME ADDRESS

Capuchin FRANCISCANS and the Lord sent me am. them. And as I went amuf them, what had seemed to be

bitter before, turned for me into sweetness ( Testament of St Francis

Vocations Director. St Laurence Friary, 5 45 Tingal Road. W ynnum Nth. Old.. 4178 Tel. (07) 396 2578

St Vincent's Primary School Medina requires

YEAR 3 TEACHER YEAR 4 TEACHER Terms 3 & 4, 1989 ELIC experience preferred

The successful applicant will be supportive of the ethos of Catholic education. There is a strong possibility this position will become permanent in 1990. Applications in writing, including a full curriculum vitae and the names and phone numbers of two referees, should be directed to:

The Principal St Vincent's Primary School PO Box 22 KWINANA WA 6167 Applications close June 21.

CARS CARS CARS wanted URGENTLY for a proposed mechanics course at

CLONTARF COLLEGE old Falcons or Ho/dens in running condition, no matter how old and beaten up Contact the principal Brother Kevin Ryan

458 9444