The Record Newspaper 09 February 1995

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MacKillop painting a winner ry1HE ARTIST of this special prize-winning MacKillop painting is 52-year-old Chinese born Jaiwei Shen who came to Australia in 1989.

John Paul at Sydney's Powerhouse museum says: "I used a pure, realist style and tried to show Mary travelling by coach in the 1880's, symbolically accompanied by the hungry, The self taught artist, who orphans, the eldery, poor and explained his work to Pope the oppressed.

Museum director Terry Measham said it was an unusual late 20th century example of 19th century narrative painting in which artists told the heroic stories - now taken over by cinema. i.ammommism

ea Pope to study Jewish plea for an encyclical condemning anti-semitism ITATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope John V Paul will carefully study a Jewish request for an encyclical condemning antisemitism.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, members of the American Jewish Committee governing board met Pope John Paul.

Pope John Paul also told the group "the horrors of the Shoah," or Holocaust, must lead to a greater commitment by Catholics and Jews to work together for justice.

He asked the delegates "to pray and to work, together and with others, in order to foster peace in the Holy Lind, which is so dear to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike."

Robert S. Rifkind. president of the American Jewish Committee, thanked the pope for consistently recognizing that it is important for the world to remember the Holocaust.

"We and you share the view that the Shoah stands as a monument to the danger of moral relativism, to the reality of man's capacity for evil, to the wickedness of denying the humanity of any of God's children and to the need for collective action in resisting evil," he told the pope.

He said an encyclical condemning antiSemitism would "represent an enduring contribution to human welfare and a crowning achievement of your ministry."

As early as 1983, the Vatican said it was

considering issuing a document on antiSemitism. The project is still under consideration.

The Jewish delegation also raised its concern about those who distort the history of the Holocaust, and Rifkind asked the pope to open relevant Vatican archives from 1933-45 to Catholic and Jewish scholars for further research on the Holocaust.

The meeting with the pope also marked the 30th anniversary of "Nostra Aetate," the Second Vatican Council's document on relations with non-Christians.

The pope spoke of "profound changes" in Catholic-Jewish relations since the document was published in 1965.

"The misunderstandings and difficulties

of former times are gradually being replaced by trust and mutual esteem," the pope said.

Rifkind said the document "has been a foundation stone" for improving relations between Catholic and Jews over the last 30 years.

The pope and the Jewish leaders said that putting what has been said in the dialogues into practice is the next task for Catholics and Jews.

"One of our greatest mutual challenges remains at the level of education and information, where the results of our cooperation must ultimately be implemented," Pope John Paul said.

Never, never, never again TATICAN CITY (CNS). "Never V again anti-semitism. Never again the arrogance of nationalism.

Never again genocide," proclaimed Pope John Paul from his midday audience window on the 50th anniversary of the Auschwitz liberation.

"God does not want us to be weeping tomorrow over other Auschwitzes of our own day. Let us pray and work so that this does not happen," he said.

And to mark the moment, two Italian youths standing with him at the window released doves of peace, but one flew back and settled on the pope's head.

"It looks like he feels at home here," the pope quipped.

What happened at Auschwitz can only fill people with "deep bitterness" and sympathy for those who suffered there the pope continued.

Pope John Paul lived not far from the camp during the war and has on several occasions visited former Nazi camps.

The victims, he said, were innocent people from many nationalities, in particular " the sons and daughters of the Jewish people whose systematic extermination was planned by the Nazis."

The Jewish Holocaust was a "blackout of reason, of conscience, of the heart." It must serve as a warning for our times, he said.

• See page 7

Easing the liturgy strain Henceforth don't expect to see him always the celebrant at Masses.

TATICAN CITY (CNS) - After more than 16 years at centre stage, Pope V John Paul II stepped aside on the feast of the Presentation to allow a cardinal to celebrate Mass in St Peters while he presided.

The annual Mass for religious began with a candlelight procession in the darkened basilica.

On a raised platform in front and to the left of the altar Pope John Paul stood holding a candle like everyone else in the congregation.

The Vatican had announced earlier that in order "to avoid tiring" the pope and to reduce the strain on his slow-healing right leg, he would not be the celebrant at several liturgies which he traditionally led.

The practice, more the rule than the exception with past popes, is expected to become commonplace once again.

Vatican sources say the reduction of the papal public leadership role is not an emergency measure, but a long-term strategy to store up papal energy for ceremonies where he is required to preside, such as beatifications and canonizations, and for papal trips.

No one, including the pope's master of liturgical ceremonies, could remember the last time Pope John Paul did such a thing.

Since October 1978 all lights, all eyes have been on this pope at hundreds of Masses in St. Peter's Basilica, in Rome and more than 200 other Italian cities and in 114 countries.

But from a historic perspective, this pope's personal leadership of liturgical ceremonies is more unusual than his asking a cardinal to preside at the early February Mass.

"This is not something liturgically out of the ordinary," said Msgr. Piero Marini, the pope's chief liturgist and a professor at Rome's Liturgical Institute. in the past, popes, like the Eastern patriarchs, rarely presided at the liturgy. They attended, blessed the deacon reading the Gospel and the priest celebrating, but they did not preside," he said.

When the pope asked Cardinal Somalo, head of the congregation for religious, to celebrate the Feb. 2 Mass, Vatican liturgy planners thought Pope John Paul would not be in attendance.

ROSMY CAMPAIGN COMMIES To GROW

Rosary Booklet now available in seven languages Vatican Rosary Beads blessed by Pope John Paul II are now available to anyone wishing to join the Rosary Campaign.

"But he insisted," Msgr. Marini said.

When the pope is at a Mass celebrated by a bishop or patriarch he presides over the Liturgy of the Word.

But if there is "good reason," according to liturgical guidelines, he doesn't even have to do that much. The February Mass was described as a "eucharistic celebration with the participation of the Holy Father." The pope gave the homily, led a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the gift of religious life and gave the final blessing.

Pope John Paul was not listed among the 25 concelebrants in the Mass program published at the Vatican, and he did not join the entrance or recessional processions.

"The practice of the pope almost always presiding is very recent," Msgr. Marini said. "It began with Pope John XXIII, Paul VI and the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council."

Our initiative of praying the Rosary together with Orthodox Christians has the full approval of Pope John Paul IL On the 11th of December 1992 Father Werenfried was invited to the Vatican, where he had lunch with the Holy Father. After lunch, Father Werenfried offered the Pope a rosary booklet. This was however refused with the words: 'Thank you, I know it alreadY Every day Iread one page of it' The Holy Father gladly welcomes the help that Aid To The Church In Need is now giving the Orthodox Church for the re-evangelisation of Russia On the 13th of October 1992 Father Werenfried prayed the Rosary on Red Square in Moscow. With him were two nuns from the Nunciature and a small group of friends It was a small beginning with great consequences Just two weeks after our radio appeal we began sending the Russian edition of our Rosary booklet to the 50,000 believers in Russia who had requested it In the West. too, interest is great In some countries our supplies of the booklet are already exhausted and reprints have been made. If things continue this way we will soon have sent millions of copies to the East and to the West, confident that millions of people will be praying with us for the conversion of the West the victory of Christ in Russia and reconciliation between the Orthodox and Catholic Church. Pray with us and, with a cheerful heart, help us to cover the costs

"But Paul VI often attended liturgies without presiding, and throughout the council sessions especially at liturgies celebrated with the Eastern rites - the pope would attend, but not preside," he said.

The liturgical guidebook. "Ceremonial of Bishops," which would also include the pope as bishop of Rome, says: "In the teaching and tradition of the church, it belongs to the bishop to oversee celebration of the Eucharist in the communities of the diocese. It is most fitting then that when he is present at a Mass he should himself be the celebrant."

HOW TO HELP THE CAMPAIGN We invite those who wish to share in this campaign to donate if possible A$10.00.

In return you will receive a Rosary Booklet with a Vatican Rosary Beads and at the same time pay for two Russian booklets and two rosaries to be sent to Orthodox believers who have requested them in the former Soviet Union.

Aid to the Church in Need, P.O. Box 11, Eastwood 2122. Telephone and Fax No. (02) 679 1929.

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"The reason it is unusual for this pontificate is because Pope John Paul has been so vigorous and has wanted to do everything for himself," Father Folsom said.

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"We have the priesthood in two ways," Msgr.

Marini said. "We have the priesthood common to all believers, then we have the institutional priesthood conferred through ordination. It is not obligatory that we preside at every Mass we attend. We can participate as all the faithful do."

Benedictine Father Cassian Folsom, a professor of liturgy in Rome, said the pope's participation at the Feb. 2 Mass "is not at all strange: it is no different from any bishop attending a liturgy in his diocese celebrated by one of his priests."

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However, the book goes on to list several levels of involvement a bishop can have at a Mass when not presiding.

We Fly lb Thy Patronage 0 Holy Mother of God

This weekend for the Feb. 11 feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Pope John Paul has introduced the tradition of inviting sick people to St. Peter's for Mass and a special blessing.

This year, someone else will celebrate the liturgy, then "the Holy Father will enter the basilica to bless and greet the sick people present," said a notice from the Pontifical Household.

House is told of great MacKillop honour

Special guest artist...

E POPE'S recent visit to tralians then and now - was a Ti bleatifyMaly MacKillop gener- struggle... in building schools and ated a more reflective mood in the bringing education to isolated and

Sby the

TATEMENT to the House of Representatives Prime Minister, The Hon. P.J. Keating, 2 February 1995.

Beatification of Mary MacKillop.

On Behalf of the Leader of the House,I move that

this House: Acknowledges the Beatification by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, of Mother Mary MacKillop, founder of Australia's first religious order, the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph: and Recognises the contribution of the people and society of Australia by Blessed Mary MacKillop and the beneficent and enduring work of the Congregation of the Sister of St Joseph.

Mr Speaker The recent beatification of Mother MacKillop by His Holiness the Pope bestowed a great honour on a great Australian.

Mary MacKillop's aid for the poor, particularly the rural poor and her creation of the Order of te Sisters of St Joseph to spread and maintain her vision and her work is now, of course, a part of the Australian legend.

I hope that hereafter it will form a much larger part.

I say this in the first place because the qualities of charity, sacrifice, courage and perseverance are qualities for a nation to live by and ideals to encourage in future generation of Australians.

We would all hope to see them inform the lives of Australians, including the lives of governments those whose privilege and responsibility it is to make policy.

Mary MacKillop's sympathies were with those of the underdogs of society, the people on the margins and that is where, traditionally, Australian sympathies have lied.

We should never lose, I think, those sympathies or lose sight of them. We should be guided by them.

They are as relevant now as they were a century

time.

In 1988 Karen starred in the hit Big River before joining the legendary Seekers, for a two year period.

She is best known for her association with one of Australia's most popular and long running television programmes, Young Talent Time.

Karen recently she was in Perth for the New

That seems to me the great contemporary lesson of Mary MacKillop, to look after those on the margins, to care for them, to bring them in and to give them hope.

Ihope Mary MacKillop becomes a prominent figure in our history and our consciousness also for another reason. And that is because she was a woman.

As I said on the arrival of the Pope in Australia, while women pioneered this country as much as men, the contribution of women has not always been adequately acknowledged.

Women brought their labour and courage and moral strength to the frontier of Australia, which in earlier times needed some moral strength and they continue to bring it to the modern Australian community.

They have been defining forces in our economic and social development and in our national character.

That is why I say that, in honouring Mary MacKillop, his Holiness has honoured all Australian women and I believe he has honoured us all.

Indeed, in moving this motion today, I want stress the broad appeal and significant of Mary MacKillop.

In a sectarian age. she was avowedly non-sectarian.

She drew support from Catholics and nonCatholics alike, Protestants and Jews were her friends and supporters.

Years before the federation of the nation, her view was national. She thought as an Australian in Australian terms. Born in Gaelic-speaking Scottish family, she spoke as an Australian. She began in a letter to the Vatican and as one has to remember it a century ago. with the words: "It is an Australian who speaks."

For .a century ago, though most people would refer to themselves as Australians, the notion of writing as an Australian would, I think, have been somewhat unusual. She said as an "Australian who speaks".

I trust honourable members will see what I mean when I say that the beatification of Mother Mary MacKillop rings with significance for all Australians.

The qualities she embodied - openness and tolerance, courage, persistence, faith, care for others - are qualities for individuals, communities and nations to live by.

The josephites continue to practice these virtues in their work for the poor in Australia, New Zealand and increasingly, in the countries of the Third World.

I think all honourable members will agree that we will serve Australia well and futures generations of Australians well, if we allow the values which inspired and guided Mary MacKillop's work to inspire and guide our own.

There is nothing inspiring to be gained from pretending that religious faith and the place of the church in our communities has not declined since Man `,I1c.Killop's day.

Ye, message of her life easily translates to our mu( II., )1e sceptical and secular society.

And it would bring a blessing on Australia and on future generations if, as a result of the beatification of Mary MacKillop, that message spread.

Societies. I think always need faith, they certainly need hope and charity and they are things which Mary MacKillop had in abundance. Our children will always need a spiritual dimension to their lives.

A point His holiness made very poignantly during his visit to Australia and one I'm sure everyone in this House endorses.

I happen to think that in the traditions of this country and the quality of our people and institutions there is fertile grounds for those ideals to flourish. I think people are looking for guidance and a spiritual dimension to their lives and the lessons which we take from that great strength that Mary MacKillop has is something, I'm sure, the country can emulate into the future.

I commend the motion to the House.

ago.

Reflective mood in Australia

S

PECIAL guest artist at the Power ofLove Concert will be Karen Knowles (above) whose success started with a gold record Why Won't You Explain, while student at high school, followed by a platinum album You Are The Reason, with her second gold album Loves Us All making her one of the most successful Australian female artists of a

Years' Eve Concert in Forest Chase.

community than the 1986 visit which drew big crowds, says Archbishop Hickey.

"The visit hasgeneratedwideinterestin the spiritual values of life.I pickthisup from people of all faiths and walks of life.

It's reflected in some articles in the mainstream press.

One reason, says the archbishop is that people realise affluence does not bring happiness.

The other is that Mary MacKillop had to struggle in her lifetime.

"Many have been figuratively 'put through themill' over recent decades forarangeof economic and social reasons. Life in the 1990s has become tough for a lot of people. For the employed whoare enjoying the fruits of Australia's prosperity there seems to be a new dawn to an old wisdom - affluence does not necessarily bring happiness. Findingemptiness intheirlives they are drawn back to those deeper questions such as 'what is the real meaning of life?'

"Publicity associated with the beatification has focussed attention on a truly remarkable woman. Relative to the population as a whole, not many people have read or studied herlifestory. It has taken a long time to come to general public consciousness that Mary MacKillop was a pioneer - a woman of substance in the best ways which we all identify with the Australian character.

"Her life- like that of many Aus-

exceedingly poor communities.

"By any measure she built an enormous enterprise - by the time she died there were about 1000 sisters staffing schools and refuges across Australia and New Zealand.

It was a struggle for her to learn and have the personal qualities of leadership, humility, obedience and service that were necessary in working with the bishops, priests, sisters and ordinary people whom she led and served. It was also a personal struggle in coping with constant illness and physical pain in her own life.

"We can all identify with those struggles.

"Mary MacKiUop says to people: 'Be Not Afraid', 'Trust in God', 'He will provide'. I hear young people today using more contemporary words that express the same sentiment& 'No worries be happy'.

Mary MacKillop, by her life demonstrated the power of love to overcomealloflife's , showing that love is the road to that deep inner peace promised us by God. "The Power of Love concert in the Supreme Court Gardens is an opportunity to learn life's fundamental lessons from one of the most remarkable teachers Australia has ever produced. The lessons that Mary MacKillop can teach us are as relevant in 1995 as they were in 1895."

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The Record, February 9, 1995

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A cool, 'coolie' way towards sainthood OLOMBO (UCAN) - Father Joseph The Catholic Church disappeared From Kandy, and aided by lay leaders, C who was recently beatified by underground.

Father Vaz ministered to and organized Pope John Paul II is credited with reviving Catholics throughout the island, even Vaz

Believing that the mission to Sri Lanka could best be accomplished by a religious society, Father Vaz formed a group of interested priests in Goa into an association that became an Oratory of St. Philip Neri. After years of preparation, Father Vaz and a lay helper named John, disguised as "coolies" or labourers, came Aware of the persecution of Catholics to Sri Lanka aboard a trading ship in in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) by the Calvin- 1687. ist Dutch, Father Vaz wanted to minister After a difficult and dangerous twoto the suffering community. Catholicism year ministry in Mannar and Jaffna, he had been promoted by the Portuguese, left the Catholics there in the care of lay whom the Dutch replaced. leaders and set off inland for the Kandyan kingdom.

Fearing the island's Catholics might remain loyal to the Portuguese, with Though first imprisoned as a suspected whom they shared a strong religious link, Portuguese spy, the missioner won the the Dutch made Catholicism illegal, con- trust of King Vimala Dharma Suriya. The fiscated Catholic churches and schools, king released him after two years, during and threatened to kill anyone harbouring which he learned Sinhalese, and granted him permission to work freely. a priest. almosesingle-handedly the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka toward the end of the 17th century during severe persecutions by the Dutch. Joseph Vaz, born April 21, 1651, in the Portuguese colony of Goa, entered Goa's St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary and was ordained a priest in 1676.

deep in Dutch-held territory.

He was the lone Catholic pastor of Sri Lanka until other priests of the Oratory of Goa joined him in 1697 He later invited and encouraged Father Jacome Gonsalves, known as "the Father of Sinhalese Catholic Literature," who studied Sinhalese with Buddhist monks in Kandy.

Despite having raised the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka from the ashes, Father Vaz gently declined the bishopric he was offered. At the time of his death in Kandy on Jan. 16, 1711, there were reportedly 17 major Catholic churches, 300 chapels and 70,000 people openly professing their Catholic faith.

The Apostle of Sri Lanka was laid to rest in Kandy.

What the man has taught us OLOMBO - The beatification of Oratorian Father Joseph Vaz here Jan.

by Pope John Paul II was an event of great C grace for the Church throughout Asia. for whom the 17th-century

found it difficult to enter Sri Lanka and serve its Catholic community. Father Vaz was able to do so.

The indigenization of the clergy does not militate against the notion of a Church where a healthy exchange of personnel can Indian missioner will become a role model of Christian committake place. It complements and balances missionary outreach. ment, a challenge and an inspiration.

Father Vaz inspires us both ways - to promote the rapid indigToday, the Church everywhere needs renewal, especially enization of ecclesial personnel and also to share such against a background of ever-increasing indifference, lack of conpersonnel among Churches. fidence and dissipation, and a shift to a more administrative kind Presenting the faith in the language an idiom of the people structural vision of its day-to-day life. should take priority consideration. Father Vaz encouraged OraA rediscovery and reorientation of priestly, religious and lay torian Father Jacome Gonsalvez to study Sinhalese and Tamil missionary formation away from the secularized, intellectualist and to write books on the Christian faith in these languages. and -administrative "Western" model to a sanyasi (reliThe Church in Asia should take a cue giousascetic) spirituality of the mystics is a must. from Father Vaz and find the language and means appropriate In the colonial period, the Church turned to Spain and Portugal to present the faith to Catholics and others not only through the for help in spreading the faith. This led to an unhealthy mix-up print but also the electronic media. of politicll power and religion.

In the era preceding Father Vaz' arrival in Sri Lanka, the Father Vaz, on the other hand, came to Sri Lanka not at the island's colonizers tended to consider all non-Catholics as invitation of political authorities but moved by a desire to minispagans and to have nothing to do with them. At times they were ter to the shepherdless Catholics suffering under severe Dutch

By Bishop Malcolm Ranjith who was repression. even persecuted. head of the National Organising CommitHe had no political or economic intentions and no military The Portuguese plundered some Buddhist temples and turned tee for the Pope's recent visit to Sri force to support him. others'lands and revenues over to the Franciscans.

Lanka He came as a servant of God and of the Church in utter simFather Vaz, however, had an almost post-Second Vatican plicity and humility.

Council attitude toward the adherents of other faiths. Although The kings of Kandy and their subjects did not need to fear this humble ascetic and he desired their conversion, he followed a policy of friendliness and peaceful coexisreligious guru. They could only admire him and wish to convert to his dharma. Thus tence, and even supported them. he could evangelize effectively.

He did not wish to convert them by the annihilation of their religious identities or by Father Vaz teaches us that unless the Asian Church approaches the question of offering privileges to converts but by his self-sacrificing charity, his service to others evangelization through a sanyatic incarnation in the simple life of the people, it will and the example of a saintly life. remain ineffective, marginalized and rejected by the vast majority of Asians.

The Church in Asia is truly minute when compared with other religions in Asia.

However,I am not advocating'an insular spirituality. Father Vaz did not abandon Catholics who live among Buddhists, whose religious vision differs greatly from that his identity as a Catholic, nor give up the doctrine and tradition of the universal Church nor discontinue his links with it. of followers of theistic religions, ought to pay great attention to the noble values BudHe was also not concerned with writing a new theology for Asia. Building up a dhism brings to humanity, among them humility, simplicity, tranquility, a reflective Church which is truly Asian does not have to be achieved apart from the universal mind and rational organization. communion.

We should esteem Buddhists and learn to present to them the evangelical, deeply It can also enrich the other Churches and play a mature role in their communion Chritian values which can enrich them. under the bishop of Rome.

Dialogue should lead to experience, enrichment and the discovery of Christ, not to Father Vaz is a test case for a new missionary approach where we do away with all syncretism, cosmetic posturing and mere intellectual exercise. vestiges of man-made power and depend totally on God's grace and providence, seeking to create a new Church that is truly evangelic.

In an era when the Asian Church is seeking to find a way to a more committed sharIt is often sad to note how even among bishops and priests the concept of "feeling ing of its faith in Christ, the role of Father Joseph Vaz is a stimulus indeed. for the Church" is not very visible and they often consider their responsibilities as This single heroic life achieved so much by inculcating within itself an experience of being limited purely to their own dioceses, parishes or institutions. faith which responded well to the Asian spiritual heritage of deep detachment and We in Asia can learn from Father Vaz and should strive to form a clergy which feels mysticism. for the needs of suffering Churches and is zealous to serve well beyond the local If the Asian Church can similarly temper its deep Christian heritage with these Church. A clergy closed up within a diocese runs the risk of considering its work as dimensions of Asian spirituality, it will enrich the continent and its peoples with Christ functional or administrative only and could soon lose its initial enthusiasm.

The Asian Church should facilitate more exchanges of personnel, diocese to dioand evangelize most effectively. cese, nation to nation and even across (Auxiliary Bishop Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo has been a member of the FABC the continents.Another aspect of Father Vaz'life which can inspire the Asian Office of Evangelization and was head of the National Organizing Committee for the Church is that he was an indigenous missioner. At a time when European priests Pope's recent visit in Sri Lanka.)

4 The Record, February 9, 1995 21

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way," giving particular attention to t he needs of the minority faith comunity to have adequate places to worship.

The delegates focused particularly on the situation in western Ukraine where the Eastern-riteCatholic Church was outlawed by the government and where the disputes over church property since 1990 have been particularly intense. " We confirmed once again that all violence must be excluded to resolve the questions concerning the use of places of worship," the statement said.

Some Orthodox officials have said that while the Catholic minority in Russia and Siberia has a right to have priests, the Vatican's decision to set up apostolic administrations with bishops and the work of sonic Catholic religious orders amounts to an excessive presence aimed at convertingOrthodox believers to Catholicism.

Catholic officials repeatedly have denied the charges and halve asked religious orders to carefully coordinate their activity with the apostolic administrators to ensure sensitivity to Orthodox concerns.

The pope praisedthe zeal and persistence of Blessed Rafael Guizar Valencia, bishop of Vera Cruz, Mexico, who had to overcome the anti-clerical policies of Mexico in the early 20th century.

The bishop found himself "always persecuted or in dangerous situations," the pope said. He ministered to the wounded and dying of the Mexican civil war, preached and taught during exile in Cuba andin travels in the United States, and died in 1938 in Mexico City while hiding from the authorities.

The pope called the bishop a model of the new evangelization needed in the .Americas.

The pope also beatified Blessed Modestino di Gesu e Maria, an Italian Franciscan, recalling his work among cholera victims in 19th century Naples. The priest died of the disease in 1854. The pope said Blessed Genoveva Torres Morales, a Spaniard who founded a religious order in the early 1 900s. showed another good example of ministry for our own times. Known as the -angel of solitude," her order worked particularly among young and abandoned women.

The pope also beatified Blessed Grimoaldo della Purificazione, a Passionist and religious instructor who died at the age of 19 in 1902. Although he had no time to accomplish great works, his sense of sacrifice and humility has been a spiritual inspiration to many young people, the pope said.

TheVaticanceremonybrought toseventhenumberof beatifications in January.

During his pontificate, the pope has named 613 new blesseds - more than all his predecessors combined.

Top actress wants to be a Catholic W

ASHINGTON (CNS) - Faye Dunaway said she's "always had an affinity" for the Catholic Church throughout her life.

Now she's acting on it.

The Oscar-winning actress is taking classes to convert to Catholicism. Just when it will happen is up in the air.

She is unable to go to regularly to classes because of her on-location shooting schedules, but wherever she is, "I do spiritual work every day. go to Mass in whatever town I'm in."

"My son (14-year-old Liam) is Catholic. His father (Terry O'Neill) is Catholic," Ms. Dunaway said. "It's something I want to do."

"It takes a long time to do this journey," she added. -The catechism is hard."

This month in "A Family Divided," she plays the Catholic mother of a son who admits to a role in a fraternity house gang rape of a local high school girl that resulted in her death.

Ms. Dunaway won the Academy Award for best actress for her role as a power-driven network executive in "Network" She garnered best actress nominations for playing a mysterious woman with a past in "Chinatown" and bank robber Bonnie Parker in "Bonnie and Clyde."

Bishops follow the way of Law The language was similar OSTON (CNS) - Following the B Plead of Boston's Cardinal Law, bish- ment issued by Cardinal Law following . ops in nearby states have urged a shootings at two Boston-area abortion to a state-

moratorium on peaceful protests and prayer vigils outside abortion clinics in their states.

"We hope that this moratorium might create an atmosphere in which civil discourse between those who oppose abortion and those who favour it might be encouraged to the benefit of women. their children and our society as a whole," said the bishops.

clinics. John C. Salvi III, a Catholic from New Hampshire, was charged in the shootings, which killed two and wounded five others.

Issued for the 22nd anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion virtually on demand, the bishops' statement affirmed "the church's constant and unchangeable opposition to any and every abortion,"

as well as its opposition to the use of violence to oppose abortion.

It said the moratorium "does not imply a negative judgment about the integrity of intention of those who have demonstrated before clinics nor is it intended to limit the right of every American to free assembly and free speech."

But, the statement added,"a common search for alternatives to abortion would be a positive force for good in our society."

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TATICAN CITY (CNS) Despite efforts to resolve tensions between Orthodox and Catholics in the former Soviet Union, serious difficulties and mistnderstandings remain, said Vatican and Russian Orthodox officials.

Delegations from both churches. led by their top ecumenical officers, met in Moscow last month.

Disputes over the ownership of property and accusations of the use of violence to claim church buildings continue. their statement said.

Under the former communist regime. many Catholic churches and other buildings were confiscated by the Soviet government and turned over to the Orthodox Church or used for nonreligious purposes.

With the independence of the former soviet republics and the return of religious freedom, Catholics have been seekingthe restitution of their property. However, in some areas, they are the only buildings available to the Orthodox and have been used by them for more than 40 years.

The delegates asked local church authorities to try to resolve the disputes "in a peaceful and fraternal

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Troubling trends In marriages

Appeal to cardinals

TATICAN CITY (CNS) Vatican lay workers, V saying they are bearing the brunt of Holy See's budget problems,have appealed to a commission of cardinals to raise their base salaries by 15 percent.

The Association of Vatican Lay Employees said they were frustrated at Vatican inaction on their request to update the salary last set in

Divorces, separations up; marriage down in Italy (CNS): D OME I NDivorces and separations are up in Italy while marriage Is on the decline, according to government statistics.

There were 2.3 percent fewer marriages during the first half of 1994 as compared to the same period in 1993. Religious marriages in the heavily Catholic country led the decline, dropping 3.2 percent.

The same period saw an 8.2 percent jump in separations and an 8 percent rise In divorces.

The figures were released in late January by Istat, the government's statistical office.

Almost 98 percent of Italy's 56.8 million people profess Catholicism, and that say researchers, has helped keep the downward trend in marriage at a lower rate than in some other parts of Europe.

Several socilolgists traces the reasons for the trends in marriage to strains placed on traditionatl family life by sociological and economic problems.

These include the growing independence of women who enter the job market, said Marzio Barbagli. author of Trying and Retrying, a book about Italian marriage.

1985.

Over the last 10 years, the Vatican has given annual cost-of-living adjustments which, accordingto the lay employees, have lagged behind inflation.

The Vatican says its employees' wages compare favorably with those of Italian workers in general, when benefits are counted. Vatican employees say their wages are lower.

Recently about 50 employees rallied in protest outside the Vatican's Central Labor office, located just outside Vatican City. Another of the workers' complaints is that the labour office, established in 1992 by Pope JoImPaul II

"A woman, more independent from the economic point of view, can decide with greater freedom whether to break a marriage," he said.

"Work outside the house has redesigned the roles within couples, feeding new tensions."

Catholicism has not stemmed the tide but has helped slow it down, Ilarbagli said.

"In the Mediterranean countries where Catholicism has deeper roots, the number of separations is still lower with respect to the central Europe of the Protestant faith," he said.

Stefano Martelli, a family sociologist interviewed by the Catholic newspaper Avvenire, said severe economic problems, such as high unemployment, influence the trend away from marriage.

The biggest drop in marriages was registered in southern Italy where economic problems are the worst, he said.

The marriage trend and Italy's declining birth rate show that the government must develop policies that support family life, he said.

But, he added, "there is no political culture capable of looking beyond the immediate."

to settle employer-employee disputes, has been

Increasingly ineffective.

The Vatican has said it recognizes the need for just wages, but in 1992 pointed out that it cannot pay more than that which is concretely possible." The Vatican has had a budget deficit for several years in 1993 it turned a small surplus but has predicted another deficit for this year.

I t is unacceptable to make employees and their families bear the burden of the budget," the lay employees' letter said.

"We are not simply an expenditure category."

Pointing out that many of the employees were family breadwinners, the letter said the Vatican's position prompted "bitter reflections when we consider that this past year was the International Year of the Family."

In 1993, the Vatican announced a special set of higher payments in order to help cover the erosion in the purchasingpower of salaries.

The move, which raised salaries by about 4.8 percent, came in the form of higher payments for seniority, overtime and pensions.

At that time. Cardinal Schotte, president of the central Labor Office, said_Vatican workers were "well treated."

Monthly take-home salaries range from around $1,000 to $1,600 excluding seniority payments, which can add substantially to the monthly cheque.

Church all set for Easter reopening EIJING (CNS) The last of Beijing's four Our Lady of Mount Carmel follows by also falls under the umbrella of the Chinese B major Catholic churches closed in the early nearly 16 years thereopening of St. Joseph Communist Party's United Front Work Departdays of the Chinese communist state is sched- Church, also called East Church; St.

uled to be reopened after Easter, said a spokesman for the government-sanctioned Catholic organization.

Father Lawrence Shi Yukun, pastor of the Chinese capital's Church of the Immaculate Conception (South Church), said our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, commonly known as Xitang (West Church), is currently undergoing renovation, it was reported.

It was briefly opened to the public in time to hold Christmas midnight Mass.

Saviour Church (North Church) and Immaculate Conception.

The church was returned by the government to the state-recognized Catholic organization Dec. 23.

The officiallysanctionedCatholic Church does not recognize papal authority over its activities and also ordains bishops without Vatican approval.

It is subject to the rulings of national and provincial Religious Affairs Bureaus, and

ment.

An "underground" Catholic Church has maintained allegianceto the Vatican at the expense of being periodically raided andotherwise harassed by authorities.

News of the reopening of "South Church" was welcomed by Beijing Catholics who had complained of not having enough churchesavailable for worship.

Some speculated the church was allowed to open because the Chinese government wants better relations with the Vatican.

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The Recordi Februari 9 1995 rr 4

Muslim worry...

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AKARTA (UCAN): Ramadhan, an Islamic preacher from the Muslim stronghold of ladura island off Java's northeast coast, says he and other local Muslim leaders are alarmed by the growth of Christianity on Madura.

Christians in the past were Javanese migrants or Chinese traders in urban areas, "but we now find Madurese Christian in the rural areas," he said.

Marurese Christians, he points, out, are hard to spot in daily life "because they live the way the Madurese live, spreak the Madurese dialect and wear traditional clothes.

Ramadhan said Christians are ambitious to proselytize the Madurese, asserting that "they have translated the Bible into Madurese dialect and copies of the translation widely spread to rural areas."

Never again!

Holocaust anniversary pledges as well as strong criticism of Nazi crimes from Catholic leaders in the midst of Jewish pain and tears Speaking at Birkenau Jean Kahn, head of the Europe in their country.

ARSAW, Poland (CNS) — The 50th anniversary W "The Holocaust's perpetrators were German Nazis of the liberation of the Auschwitz Nazi death camp Jewish Congress, said Jewish organizations resist efforts although Auschwitz'sheritage has landed on Poles,"said drew pledges that the genocide should never happen "to Christianize the Holocaust by the Catholic Church."

again, but also showed that some wounds of World War II have not healed.

Some Jewish groups criticized the ceremonies organized by the Polish government as failing to place enough stress on the Jewish dimension of the Nazi campaign.

About 90 percent of the estimated 1.5 million people killed at the camp were Jews.

Ahandful of Jews also protested the presence of a cross and church in the campsite area.

Christian symbols were inappropriate for what is basically a huge Jewish cemetery symbolizing the Holocaust, they said.

At the same time, some of the strongest criticisms of the Nazis' World War II crimes against the Jews came from Catholic leaders.

The German bishops said Nazi-era German Catholicism shared the blame for the Holocaust.

At the Vatican, the pope said Auschwitz marked one of the darkest chapters of human history. "Never again antiSemitism! Never again genocide', he said.

Along with Jews from throughout Europe, 70,000 Poles, Russians and 23,000 Gypsies died at Auschwitz.

A Polish government-sponsored survey published before the anniversary ceremonies showed that 47 percent of Poles regarded Auschwitz as a place of primarily Polish martyrdom and 8 percent as primarily a site of Jewish extermination. Twenty percent believed the death camp symbolized joint Polish and Jewish suffering.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rabbi Avraham Weiss and 10 followers picketed the Catholic Church adjacent to Birkenau and protested the presence of a huge cross at Auschwitz.

A cross and church "are improper on the territory of Auschwitz, just as a Jewish star or synagogue would be at a Catholic cemetery," said Rabbi Weiss.

Bishop Smigielski of the diocese where Oswiecim is located, said the cross must remain as a recognition that the camp's murder victims included many Christians.

Polish President Lech Walesa was criticized for not mentioning Jews in two of his three speeches during official ceremonies.

Andrzej Zakrzewski, head of the Polish government's anniversary organizing committee,rejected the criticism and accusations that the official ceremonies downplayed the Holocaust.

"The president, like many Poles, does not distinguish between Poles and Polish Jews," he said. For Walesa, Jews "'were simply Poles of the Mosaic faith."

Zakrzewski said that the ceremonies had an interreligious dimension with prayers read from many religions.

"This was perhaps the first time that Muslims had prayed at a Jewish ceremony," he said. This is "afact important not only for religious, but for political and moral reasons, too."

Zalu-Lewski and Polish Catholic leaders emphasized that Poland was a victim of Nazi Germany and that Poles were not responsible for the concentration camps

Bishop Gadecki, head of the Polish Church's Commission for Dialogue with Judaism.

The Polish bishops expressed "clear opposition"to antiSemitism andsaidPoleswere unwilling witnesses of the Jewish extermination.

"It is false to look on every Pole as a Nazi collaborator, or perceive the Catholic Church as being anti-Semitic," the Polish bishops added.

The German bishops called Auschwitz "the symbol of the destruction of European Judaism."

They criticized the Nazi-era Catholic church as "a church community which turned its back too much on the destiny of the persecuted Jewish people."

An anti-Jewish attitude continued to live in Catholic circles" during the Nazi era causing some Catholics to remain "indifferent to the crimes against Jewish life" while others "supported the crimes and became criminals themselves," the German bishops said.

Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger of Paris, a Jewish convert to Catholicism whose mother died in Auschwitz, said the massive number of deaths should drive home important questions about the uses of science and the mass media for propaganda purposes.

It was "in the name of science that Nazism and its allies organized the extermination of Jews," he said.

Scientists "must reflect and debate on this instead of letting themselves be fascinated by the sole pursuit of their work," said the cardinal.

Close call for another missionaries three A l;GIERS (CNS) - Three more missionaries Algeria began a campaign to kill foreigners. only one of the 28 Missionaries of Africa has ave had a close call in Algeria.

"We had just locked the front door five min- asked to leave.

"Those who are still there are doing their utes before the armed gang arrived. If we jobs with prudence." said Father Deillon. own were all dead," done that we hadn't we are so much in contact with the "Besides, French Father Raphael Deillon, a member of people, they would tell us if something local the Missionaries of Africa. said. was up."

The priests fled by jumping off a terrace into Father Deillon. who has taught English for 10 an adjacent courtyard. One of the missionaries in an Algerian state-run secondary years injured his leg. school, left Algeria last week to recover from "We knew they weren't thieves," Father Dell- his ordeal. But he wants to return: "Of course I Ion said. "They did not take anything from the do, or else local people will say I left when house, not even the computers in the library." things got tough."

The incident occurred at the missionaries' The Missionaries of Africa, known as White community house in southern Algeria. The Fathers, have worked in Algeria for more than previous week Islamic extremists broke into a 100 years. They operate libraries for Algerian community house in the northern city of Tizi students and handicapped centres, teach lanOuzou and shot dead four Missionaries of guages and visit the sick in hospitals.

Africa.

For now, the community house in Ghardaia Despite the dangers, few missionaries want remains empty. Father Deillon said that when to get back to their posts. he returns he plans to employ armed security For example, since Islamic extremists in guards "with machine guns" to protect the

community.

Figures published by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in Rome show that the number of missionary priests, sisters and brothers killed by armed violence rose from 11 in 1990 to at least 26 last year. Most of the missionaries were killed in Africa or South America.

These figures exclude local church personnel massacred during Rwanda's tribal war in 1994. At least 241 were killed. Among the dead were 3 bishops, 101 priests, 64 sisters and 45 brothers.

At a special Mass in Rome last October to remember the more than 200 missionaries killed in the past 20 years, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said that if every Christian must be willing to face the possibility of martyrdom, it is even more so for religious.

They profess to imitate Christ to the point of death on the cross, he said.

Killer of priest applies for amnesty

ANILA, Philippines (CNS) - One of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, ers were sentenced to life imprisonment for the opposition to any murder.

Manero.

M two brothers convicted in the 1985 mur- sparked nationwide indignation.

Manero's amnesty application is being Witnesses identified Manero as the one who der of an Italian missionary priest has applied for an amnesty covering military personnel who committed crimes during counterinsurgency operations.

Norberto Manero is the first person to apply under the amnesty, He was convicted of murdering Father Tullio Favali in Tulunan. central Mindanao island, in 1985.

The slaying of the missionary. a member of

gave the go ahead to his brother Edilberto to shoot Father Favali. Edilberto fired several shots at the priest, including one which blew off part of the priest's skull.

Norberto Manero reportedly then scooped some of the priest's brain off the ground and showed it to passersby.

The Maneros, members of the notorious IL-1ga vigilante group based in Cotabato. and five oth-

reviewed by the Local Amnesty Board for Metro Manila, which will submit its recommendation to the National Amnesty Commission, a commission official told UCA News Jan. 25.

Auxiliary Bishop Teodoro Bacani of Manila is a member of the local board which will report to the Amnesty Commission.

But religious and human rights groups hax filed voluminous docunnents in anticipatory

parole or amnesty for

To date 148 rebels have been granted amnesty.

Manero claims that he carried out the murder as a member of the zlocal paramilitary Barrio Self Defense Unit.

Father Favali had incurred the suspicion of the nuliLir \ because of his socially active ministry.

The Record, February 9, 1995

4

Food Alit for thought

Challenge for you

M

'Many atheists suspect that Christianity is like a drug that deadens the human senses, hinders the processes of maturity and creates an obstacle to the attainment of full adulthood.

And, as the new Catechism of the Catholic Church suggests, believers run the risk of aiding and abetting atheism's growth if they "conceal" rather than "reveal the true nature of God and of religion" (No. 2125).

It seems, then, that atheists bear a message for Christians. In briefest form, the message is: Don't hide your light.

As the catechism puts it, quoting Vatican Council II, the church knows its message "is in harmony with the most secret desires of the human heart" (No. 2126). But the atheist doesn't know this.

In fact, the atheist suspects that to acknowledge God is to oppose human dignity.

In other words, if human dignity is promoted by a relationship with God, the atheist doesn't see this (No. 2126).

I conclude that if we believe Christianity a wakens our human senses to all the life within and around us - if we've had the experience of being jumpstarted toward greater maturity through faith we need to say so. A lot of people just aren't getting the message.

By Father Eugene LaVerdiere, SSS NDERSTANDING an atheist is not so easy as it used to be. But then nothing is as easy as it used to U be.

Think about it.

You meet atheists everywhere.

I guess just about anybody can be an atheist. Atheism has no respect for age, nationality, race or sex.

Being rich or poor, educated or not seems to have nothing to do with it.

You meet atheists even in church, people who are there because it is the only quiet place around, a place where they can think and put their lives together.

So we cannot conclude that atheists are necessarily people who refuse to think - or to think about Important matters.

What is an atheist? Since atheists are not all alike, I'll offer three responses to that question.

First, some people are atheists because they believe God would not allow the bad things that happen in the world to happen at all The key word here is "believe."

These people have "concluded" that God does not

exist.

To begin to grasp how complicated this is, imagine a conversation between you and a friend in which you begin by saying: "You believe in God, right?" " I do. " "Well, an atheist is someone who doesn't believe in God like you do."

"You mean an atheist has a different idea of God?" "No, an atheist is somebody who does not believe that God exists."

"How can somebody 'believe' that God does not exist? If you believe in God, you know God exists. If you don't believe in God, you don't know God exists.

That makes you an agnostic, not an atheist. An agnostic is someone who doesn't know whether God exists or not. An atheist is someone who has 'concluded' that God does not exist."

"That's a pretty rational conclusion, isn't it?"

"That's right."

"I guess you have to be pretty reflective to be an atheist."

"Right again. From a believers standpoint, you'd have to be pretty sure of yourself."

At this point in the conversation, you know you have to get back to the beginning, so you ask again, "What is an atheist anyway?"

And the answer is, "An atheist is someone who 'believes' God does not exist."

As I said, the key word is "believe." It begins to seem that the real question is not, What is an atheist? but, What is a believer?

By this point, you are holding your head and saying, "Atheists, people who claim to be atheists, are quite a challenge."

Some people conclude that God does not exist, and theirs is a philosophical position. It may be that they have arrived at the conclusion quite rationally.

For a long time I thought that was impossible. Now I have accepted the possibility, but do not understand It. But then I am only 58.

More common, it seems to me, the conclusion comes from a contradiction deep in someone's existence.

Now I am thinking as a pastor, with my atheist saying: "God - if there is a God - wouldn't allow what is happening in the world. God could not have made me the way I am, violent, self-destructive, out-of-control."

I understand people concluding God does not exist on that basis. I also understand their challenge to me as a believer. These people need healing. They need to be loved and know they are loved.

Then atheism also is met in a second form.

Suppose someone says to you: "I am an atheist. I don't believe in God. I would really like to believe, but

when I look there is no one there; when I pray, no one answers."

"Wow!" That is the stuff of deep, human anguish.

Here is someone who wants to believe in God and cannot do so, like someone who cannot see.

Faith is a special kind of sight. Not having it is a real blindness.

That form of atheism poses a real challenge - the challenge of trying to imagine what it is like to be blind.

A third form of atheism is found in people who simply do not think about God. For them the question of God's existence never comes up.

We call that practical atheism. It is the atheism of people who do not seem to need God. Practical atheism is the biggest challenge of all.

The only people who do not need God are those who think they themselves are God. With that kind of atheism we have come to the heart of original sin, the tendency we all have to think we are God. Practical atheism is about who we are as God's creatures and human beings, not about who God is.

Practical atheists are people who have not faced up to their own limited existence. It is frightening to recognize that there is something of the practical atheist in all of us. We call it the effects of original sin.

As I said, understanding atheism is not as easy as it used to be.

Talking Point HIS week's discussion point: church every Sunday and participating in the sacraTWhat ments. I don't go because it's an obligation but because do you imagine non-believers misunderstand I want to." - Regina Kellogg. "It seems that the underabout you as a person of faith?

Selected responses from readers: "They think that I am misled. I recognize a puzzlement in them because they know I'm a doctor and well educated. They wonder how I've fallen into this - my faith." Fran Hughson.

"Non-believers see my faith as a passive ignorance as an opiate of the people - rather than a deliberate, active choice that I have thought about." - Susan Persch.

"They sometimes might question things like going to

standing of sacrifice and living your life with a vision of reward beyond is hard for non-believers to understand.... It is hard for them to understand how I can look beyond the gratification of the moment for the sake of eternal life." - Paul Leighton.

"I am a nurse and work with the dying. I see that some people who do not have faith have terrible deaths. They are often terrified of dying. They would not understand the peace and acceptance I would feel approaching death." - Suzanne Erickson.

What non-believers see (or don't see) in us Ancient believers

By Father Lawrence E. Mick WrrHESE Christians are a sad lot; if they want me to believe in their Saviour, they will just have to sing better hymns," the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche is said to have commented.

Nietzsche was a sharp critic of Christianity, but his insights might help us to see ourselves as others see us. And that might help us to understand why many people today find belief in God difficult.

It is common for non-believers to have misconceptions about faith and the lives of believers. In this case, Nietzsche points to one of the most common, the idea that faith makes believers live in sadness and guilt. Religion is often seen by non-believers as a hindrance to living life to the full.

Is this negative impression conveyed at times by some Christians themselves who practice their religion and faith as if it were a burden or a restriction on them as persons?

Nietzsche's comment suggests one of the primary ways nonbelievers form their impressions of believers, from the way we worship.

If Christianity is a celebration of life, I suspect "outsiders" wouldn't be able to tell from an assembly that gathers in silence with dour faces, half-heartedly singing hymns like dirges.

More people visit our worshiping community than often is realized. Do they find a warm and welcoming community in love with God, with one another and with life itself?

We might ask ourselves this Sunday what image our parish projects to those who are not members.

Another common complaint of non-believers is that our faith pulls us away from the present world because we fix our attention on heaven and eternal life. The Second Vatican Council addressed

8

The Record, February 9, 1995

such a concern in its Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (No. 57): "Christians, on pilgrimage toward the heavenly city, should seek and savour the things which are above.

"This duty in no way decreases, but rather increases, the weight of their obligation to work with all in constructing a more human world. In fact, the mystery of the Christian faith furnishes ... excellent incentives and helps toward discharging this duty more energetically."

The act of worship itself urges participants in the liturgy to imitate the Christ they worship. Since he showed that he loved others, especially the weak and the poor, we are called to serve people who are weak, or poor, or coping with some loss.

We call the Mass a sacrifice because it is our way of sharing ritually in the sacrifice of Christ, but what we do in ritual we are meant also to carry out in our daily living.

Far from pulling us away from the concern for the world, our participation in liturgy impels us to work to bring our world closer to the kingdom Christ came to establish, "a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace," as it is described during the liturgy for the Feast of Christ the King.

We attempt in our worship to experience a bit of what living in that kingdom will be like so that by living that way now we can transform our world.

What non-believers don't tend to recognize is that the message of Christ is an invitation to a deeper and richer human life, now and forever. Maybe their non-belief challenges us to live faith more fully and to celebrate liturgy more wholeheartedly.

times there I were no atheists, as we understand the term. Even

because they could not accept a God whose love was revealed in an executed so-called pagans took the o f Jacob perceives not. criminal's death. existence of gods for Understand, you senseless "Jews demand signs and granted. These were reli- ones among the people; and, gious people for whom the you fools, when will you be Greeks look for wisdom, but gods were a necessary wise? Shall he who shaped we proclaim Christ crucified, explanation of nature and the ear not hear? or he who a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to gentiles, life. formed the eye not see?... but to those who are called, Semitic peoples in the The Lord knows the Middle East, especially, were thoughts of men" (Psalm Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and not prone to philosophical 94:7-9;1 1). the wisdom of God" (1 speculation; they did not ancient event, the I n any 1:22-24).

Corinthians "reason" to the existence of preachers didn't gods. These people took the Christian What did the early Christstart from scratch, attemptgods for granted. convince people about ian preachers talk about? to ing If there were atheists, they divinity. The challenge was They didn't combat a "reawere of the practical type to get people to give up their soned" atheism with a who simply acted as though and turn to God. gods "reasoned" theism.

God or the gods did not exist.

For them, God would have In his first extant letter, St. Instead, the early preachbeen uninterested in this Paul reminded the Thessalo- ers told the good news: that world, taking no notice of it. nians of their conversion God's all-powerful love was In the psalmist's eyes, such experience, "how you turned manifested in the crucified people, quite bluntly, were to God from idols to serve Jesus' selfless love. They "fools": "The fool says in his the living and true God and talked about God's powerful heart, 'There is no God.' to await his Son from love.

(Such people) do abom- heaven, whom he raised "I resolved to know nothinable deeds; there is not from (the) dead, Jesus, who us from the coming delivers when I was with you ing does who good" (Psalm one wrath" (1 Thessalonians 1:9- except Jesus Christ, and him 14:1). crucified ... so that your faith Another psalmist also 10). attacked this practical form If people resisted, it was might rest not on human of atheism: "And they say, not because they rejected wisdom but on the power of 'The Lord sees not; the God belief in a divinity, but God" (1 Corinthians 2:2,5).

N BIBLICAL

By Father John J. Castelot

The Record, February 9, 1995

9

Making music a big part of her life aking music has been a atisfying and major part Ms of the life of Doreen Kissane, of

Albany. She gave her first public performance playing at a wedding when she was 16 and has been a church organist and chorister for 58 years.

She was born in Maylands, daughter of a seafaring father, William van Dok, who came from a family of 16 children.

He died when Doreen was six years old.

The family continued to live in Maylands for a further five years until they moved to Moolyining when her mother, Penny, married a farmer. Her father was a Methodist lay preacher.

At 19 Doreen married Bernie Kissane, a farmer from Dumbleyung. Three years later they purchased a property at Harrismith where they farmed until 1968.

"Because my step-father would not allow me to be married in a Catholic church, Bernie turned Methodist for a day and we were married in the Methodist church. That's how much he regarded me," said Doreen.

must have inherited the wander lust from my sailor father," said Doreen.

In 1983 they decided to settle in Albany. The main attraction being the climate and people.

While farming they had visited Albany during school holidays over a period of 20 years.

"At first we pitched our two tents in the camping area at Middleton Beach - one tent for eating/living and the other for sleeping.

"One Christmas holiday, sharks were infesting the area where our children were attending swimming classes.

The lookout tower was so dilapidated it was too dangerous to use so with the Albany Surf Life Saving Club we organised campers and townspeople to raise funds for a new one," Doreen reminisced.

In two weeks of functions they raised enough for a new tower.

A big white pointer shark was caught off the beach and put on display in the club as a money earner. A ring-in radio appeal was succesful and Doreen played for a dance in the coffee shop at the beach.

About 1965 Doreen converted to Catholicism after her "The Melville Engineering step-father died. He had prostaff generougsly came back hibited Doreen changing her from their Christmas holidays religion, so, out of consideration for her mother she had obeyed to make the new tower and it was erected in record time," said his wishes.

Doreen.

Doreen had a band for 40 years from the age of 15. "We The most recent fund-raising event at which Doreen played would collect musicians from surrounding farms and for spewas a Children's Cancer Appeal Sunday afternoon concert cial events such as show balls we could assemble a seven-piece compered by Fr Hugh Galloway, the local parish priest, at orchestra.

"During the war I played the piano for regular Red Cross which $812 was contributed. dances to raise funds for the war effort. My fee was seven Doreen is often referred to as "The Lady With The Hat", a shillings and sixpence a night," said Doreen. result of her millinery skills, one of her handcrafts. In the winAfter she was married, she started a family band with Bernie ter she makes colourful knitted dolls most professionally. who played the drums. They played regularly as a duo, their last performance being in 1987 when they played for a dance in "I have the CWA to thank for teaching me these skills," she the CWA Hall, Albany. They had performed regularly at the said. Over the years she has passed on these skills by giving Emu Point Sportsmen's Club. demonstrations of her handwork. She is a past president of the Doreen inherited her singing voice from her mother who Handicraft Section of the Roe Division of CWA which covered sang in the Methodist church choir. Doreen worshipped in the from Narrogin to Hyden. She demonstrated her skills throughMethodist church where she sang in the choir and played the out the division and was invited to other divisions to give organ until she converted. demonstrations.

Her mother, while still single, was offered a career by atalent scout who heard her sing but she had to refuse it because her She still teaches music but only to children of friends and was father forbade it. Doreen and Bernie have a married daughter, in the chorus of The Messiab when it was performed in DecemMargaret Weatherall, born in Dumbleyung, who nurses at ber last year in Albany. Doreen has a catholic taste in music, Camillus House, Forrestfield. enjoying popular and classical equally.

Their 46-year-old son, Owen, born in Harrismith, lives with This vital woman is always looking for new challenges. Her them. He also plays the drums and is skipper of an Emu Point Bowling Club pennant team. latest is Line Dancing. "There is no need for a partner - just a On going to Perth, the Kissane's bought an electric organ and line of people dancing to country music and recently we have registered with a band booking agency as a duo. "We were re-discovered Abba," said Doreen. With 50 other devotees she welcomed as duos were scarce but in great demand. We were attends two-hour classes each week organised by the Departsmothered with engagements and played regularly at the Swan ment of Sport and Recreation in the Masonic Hall on a Tuesday Districts Football Club socials and in the Perth Town Hall for afternoon.

Slow Learning Children's Group dances and social evenings."

"It's wonderful exercise and of course we all enjoy the music."

After three-and-a-half years in Perth, they sold their home in 1972 and bought a mobile home caravan, spending the winters What else would one expect in the continuing saga of musiin Carnarvon and summers in Albany. "It suited me just fine. I cian Doreen Kissane?

10

The Record, February 9, 1995

Magic moment in Manila People wth i love TTENDING the 10th World Youth Day Aw as not only my first experience of a Youth Convention, but was also my first

Today two young Albany pilgrims who were at the 10th World Youth Day tell their stories at a Mass held at the Holy Family Church

time out of Australia. What made a tremendous impact on me was not only the Filipino culture so different from our own, but also the widespread poverty, something they were used to as to the conditions we saw had been known and experienced by them since birth.

They are born into poverty. Unfortunately the Catholic churches in the Philippines are unable to better the lives and conditions of those in absolute poverty, the main reason being that there are far too few churches in relation to the many poverty stricken.

While the Catholic Churches in the Philippines may be unable to fund physical essentials, such as more permanent homes, or better hygiene facilities, the people living in the slums do not lack the love of the Church.

We had the honour of visiting people in a place called Singalong.

An Order of Filipino Sisters frequently went to this place, to offer their love, support and prayers if nothing else. The benefits of the Sisters' devotion was evident; while these poor and destitute had little in belongings, their strength of faith and obvious joy, compensated tenfold.

This made me realize that no amount of money could mean as much to those Filipinos as the love they continually received, even though they were poor, they were rich in spirit.

Hope for a better way of life!

We must ask ourselves if we, as a parish, Hope which these Filipinos receive from could achieve such a relationship with OUR their belief and love in their Creator and their poor and destitute? obvious love and care for one another.

In western civilisation, as in Albany, the Their love and care extends further beyond poor and destitute appear down and very the boundaries of their family. It extends to a unhappy, and poor in spirit - a noticeable truly extended family. contrast to those living in the slums in Perhaps that's what we lack here in Albany?

Manila, even though our destitute have We must free ourselves and reach out! greater material wealth and agencies to While we are more in the position to proapproach. vide those materialistic essentials than FilPerhaps the key factor here, is hope! ipino Catholic churches are able to, we must

(as seen by Patricia Barnett) not forget the importance and healing power of offering our love, devotion and our prayers.

We were into the second or third day of the Convention when I promised myself I would do everything I possibly could to be present and take part at the next World Youth Day. When it was later revealed that Paris was to host the next World Youth Day, my excitement was increased by the prospect of experiencing yet another culture.

I don't know what to expect in Paris in two years time - I only know that it will differ greatly from our experiences in Manila with the Filipino people.

I don't envisage witnessing such material poverty as seen in Manila.

Our experiences were made unique and memorable because of the atmosphere set by the Filipinos. I can only hope that the French will enable us to feel their joy through their own celebrations as the Filipinos made us feel welcome and this included a tremendous sense of harmony and unity.

I felt likeIbelonged to one very large family. I felt very, very special. A common factor of that being our Faith and our love of humankind.

My experiences in Manila taught me somethingI would like to share not just with young people in our Parish and town - but with everyone here.

Seeing thousands of young people so openly displaying their faith is something I have never seen before. Those people were not worried what people thought of them they were used to being so open and unashamed of their beliefs. It was natural to them. This is very much so because of the way they were brought up. Parents play a most important role in firmly establishing an acce ance and ractice of Faith in their child.

It is with this early guidance that our Church can have a future.

Nation of extremes...as observed by Paul lzzett E Philippines is a nation of extremes. There is a considerable gap between the rich and the poor. The streets may be dirty and smelly, but the warmth of the people was amazing.

No matter where we went the people greeted us with a resounding welcome and this I believe, is the Philippines greatest asset. The people were so friendly you didn't mind the piles of garbage in the street or the impossible Manila traffic. You felt welcome and safe in the knowledge that most people you meet were Christian.

Being in a crowd of that size was an incredible experience.

The crowd was well behaved yet I discovered the true meaning of the term "A human wall".

Loud speakers conveyed the message of the Pope to a silent crowd that erupted after his final message.

Reflecting,I doubted we would get even a 20th of the number of people that were there if we held it in Australia, such is the strength of faith the Filipino people have and their unique relationship with the Holy Father.

Society is looking for a rent-free house

E St Vincent de Paul Society needs a rent-free or 3851 or Gerry Lambe 325 3882. application, many were housed at St Camillus House TL rent house, preferably in Highgate, to house Over three years ago the Society was asked to give East Perth with assistance on visits to doctors dentists three youngChinese Vietnameseasylum seekers.

The three have been living in a Mt Lawley house that is to be demolished. They were released 18 months ago but the procesing of their citizenship application has been protracted and their food, accommodation and upkeep has proved to be a heavy drain on the Society's resources.

People able to assist should contact Alan Jennings 325

support and assistance to the residents of the Port Hedland camp.

Through Fr Larry Reitmeyer help was given in the way of clothing, televisions, sewing machines and materials, gardening and sporting equipment, cash for personal items and Christmas and New Year items.

Following the August 1993 release into community care of some of those waiting on a court decision on their

(services donated) pocket money and transport to go shopping.

They have been subsequently moved to Sydney, Canberra, or houses in Perth, with the Society still meeting rental and power costs for many of them, with some help forthcoming from the Catholic and Uniting Churches and some help at Christmas from ethnic groups.

Bishops will focus on young people and their future E CATHOLIC Bishops of Australia are set to f launch a major new social justice project focussing on young people and the future. The project, to be overseen by the Bishops' Committee for Justice, Development and Peace (BCJDP) on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Australia, will be launched in Melbourne on April 3.

The objectives of this consultation are:

1. To enter into dialogue with young people and hear what they think about the problems and possibilities of Australian society, its future, and their own future.

2. Together with the whole community to identity and examine the major social justice issues (both Australian

and international) that affect young people, and that require action by young people, the Church, and others.

3. To select priority issues with young people and to teach and act on these issues together with the whole community drawing on the tradition of Catholic social teaching.

The project's terms of reference state that: 'Young people experience more acutely than many others in the community the problems and possibilities of Australian

society.

—their search for an ethic for our times is a symbol of hope for us all.

"This is why the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference wishes to enter into dialogue with young people, to identify the major social justice issues affecting young people in Australia, and to work towards addressing these issues at various levels. The Bishops invite the whole of the Church, and the wider community to join in this project."

Wilelor4rfebr!4arih9, 1995

11

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BUILDING REQUIREMENTS, large and small, al l areas, reputable c ompany to build or r enovate, homes or c ommercial. Contact Joe Nardizzi 445 2200, A/H 245 2222.

W INDOW CLEANING and fly screen repairs.

For a fast efficient and friendly service please call Marcel 444 6797 or 041 263 6797

FORD BRICK RESTORATION: If you have c racked walls, fretting mortar etc that need attention, don't wait Get it handled before it becomes an expensive problem. For an excellent job, and professional attention, call Justin on 401 7911 for a free quote.

P AINTING & DECORATING, reg no 3622.

A TTENTION all build- For all your painting ers! Building quant- needs, all work profesities calculated and sionally done and guarreferences r oof overlays. Phone anteed, available. Call Carlo 483 6042 444 6797.

H ANDYMAN, painting, PAINTING, quality work gardening, pruning, tree at the right price. John l opping, rubbish re- F reakley.

Phone moved, clean windows, 361 4349 Reg 171. houses, will do contract work. 377 2314, Martin. UPHOLSTERY: lounge Credit cards welcomed. suite repairs, recover dining and kitchen G ARDEN handyman. suites etc. Phone L & K Tidy -ups a specialty. Upholstery 457 6996.

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MASTER plumber and gas fitter, Lic No. 140, bathroom renovations, sewer conversions, all maintenance work, new houses. Good rates, all hours. Contact John on 457 7771.

Close noon Wednesday.

Phone 227 7778 (24 hours)

HOUSE FOR SALE P ARK HOME, lovely s ite, Kingsley, 3 bedroom built-in robes, modern kitchen, dining, lounge, laundry, bathroom, separate toilet, quality floor coverings, curtains, natural gas, 10 months old, $64,000, tel 409 97 62

SWIMMING POOLS,

PUBLIC NOTICE service, maintenance. equipment, painting ( free quotes). KAVANAGH'S POOL SER- S ECULAR FRANCISVICE, ph 349 0223 CAN Order of WA (Inc) invites you to participate Since 1974. in a 10 day pilgrimage BRICKLAYER, requires to Rome, Assisi, and large or small jobs, free Florence, leaving Perth quotes. Ring 447 6128 April 17 1995 (school h olidays). Special note: or 405 3426. papal audience, free trip ELECTRICAL contrac- to London; a chaplain tor, rewires fans, power will accompany the points, lights, lic 004003. group. Contact persons Phone Stephen Tierney as follows: P Dunne 354 2263.

(Balcatta) tel. 09 349 7429; A Poli P LASTERING, free ( Midland) tel 09 453 quotes, large or small 9 891; A Maher j obs, quality work (Dardanup) tel 097 28 g uaranteed.

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tdr Continuous Concrete Garden edging in various colours For obligation free quote Phone John on 331 24021

FURNITURE CARRIED, h ousefuls, units, flats, offices, including single single items, small medium and large vans available with 1 or 2 men, all metro areas and near country. Mike Murphy 008 016 310 (free call all areas); or 24 hour 480 5006.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION A VONDOWN INN, 44 Stirling Terrace, Toodyay 6566. Ideal for school camps, retreat for church groups, dormitory style accommodation for 60 plus, also guest-house accommodation for families and travellers, fully catered, set in 6 acres on the Avon River in historic Toodyay. Phone Sally 574 2995.

IT'S

ON AGAIN! Summer deals. Do you feel the Perth heat in summer. Why don't you c ome down to Pemberton where it is c ooler? We have the special spot for You to relax and maybe help feed our farm animals.

In Feb and March stay 5 nights and receive 2 e xtra nights free of c harge. Ph freecall 1800 622 290 for more details. Pemberton Farm Chalets.

DEATH H UGHES, Frances May. Lovingly reunited with her beloved Geoff.

Much loved and loving m other of Trevor G eorge and Helen Frances. Devoted and c herished nan of Margaret, D onna, Patricia, Wayne and Bradley. Loved by her family: e xtended Leonie, Des and Ralph.

Our sympathy and loving thoughts to George (Pop) Tolliday.

Your love and care will always remain in our hearts.

THANKS

THANKS

St Jude, apostle HOLY SPIRIT, you who 0 HOLY martyr, great in virtue

solve all problems light all and roads so that I can attain and rich in miracles, near my goals, you gave me the kinsman of Jesus Christ, divine gift to forgive and faithful intercessor of all forget all evil against me who invoke your special and that in all instances of patronage in time of need, my life you are with me. I to you I have recourse from want in this short prayer to the depth of my heart and thank you for all things as I humbly beg you to whom c onfirm once again that I God has given such great never want to be separat- p owers to come to my ed from you ever, in spite assistance. Help me now in of all material illusions. I my present and urgent wish to be with you in eter- need and grant my earnest nal glory. Thank you for petition. In return I promise your mercy towards me make your name known and mine. This prayer and cause you to be must be said for three invoked. Say three Hail days after which the favour Marys, three Our Fathers will be granted. The prayer and three Glorias. St Jude must be published imme- pray for all who honour diately. Grateful thanks to and invoke your aid and promise publication. This the Holy Spirit G.M. novena never fails. Thank HOLY Spirit, thou who makes you St Jude. P.B.

Q UAIN, William. In m emory of a true Vincentian who held see everything and shows m ost offices in the me me the way to reach the ideal.

Heart of Rivervale Conference You who give me the divine gift M OST Sacred W &R Cleaning Jesus, may your name be wrong the forgive and forget to President including for S ervices.Hassle free glorified that is done to me and who are p raised and many years, besides in cleaning guaranteed. all instances in my life are throughout the world, now b eing a true family with me. I want in this short and forever. Amen. Thanks Office specialists, vacatm an. He had a heart prayer, to thank you for every- also to Our Lady, Blessed ed premises, bona overflowing with love thing and confirm I never want Mary Mackillop, St Anthony c leaning executive to be separated from you no and St Jude for prayers for the poor for whom matter apartments.

Free how great the material nswered. MAD. his much gave of so he may be. I want to be a desires appraisals.

W&F and in my loved with you ones easing t ime their in Cleaning Services, 272 suffering. May St your perpetual glory. Amen. MAY the Sacred Heart of Hardey Rd, Belmont. this prayer for three con- Jesus be adored and gloriVincent de Paul escort Say Phone 479 4393 all secutive days stating your fied loved and preserved reward to in his him favour.

On the third day your KALBARRI comfortable, hours. the world now will be granted no mat- throughout self-contained accom- P aradise. Margaret, prayer and forever. Sacred Heart how ter difficult it may be.

Veronica, John and Fr Promise publication as soon as of Jesus pray for us. St WILSON modation by the sea, McKenna.

GRAHAM within been Jude worker of miracles, prayer y our walking has distance care, garden complete answered. Thankyou Holy pray for us. St Jude helper of shops and entertainlawns mowed, edged, Spirit Liz. of the hopeless pray for us. yard cleanups, gutter ment. $140 for two; . ACCOMMODATION HOLY Spirit you who Say the prayer nine times a cleaning, pruning, weed- $210 for four for seven make me see everything day. By the eighth day your AVAILABLE lig, phone 349 4800 or days. (09) 459 8554. and who shows me the prayer will be answered. It way to reach my ideal. You has never been known to 349 6921. who give me the divine gift fail. Publication must be VISIT Kalgoorlie during LADY wanted to share to forgive and forget at that promised. Thank you St MASSEUSE: Bethany our centenary year and furnished house in Mt is done to me, and who are Jude. SM Clinic, professional e xplore the historic Lawley with lady mid- in all the instances of my HOLY St Jude, apostle masseuse, dealing with attractions of the richest 30s, $200 bond, $50 life with me. I want to thank 0 and martyr, great in virtue coneverything you and for ' golden mile in the weekly, world. share expenses, skeletal and muscular and rich in miracles, near First class accommo- p refer non-smoker, firm once more that I never kinsman pain, sporting injuries of Jesus Christ. want to be separated from dation at The Ole phone 328 7584, leave stress, relaxation and faithful intercessor of all matter you, how no great deep tissue massage, Australia private hotel message on machine. the material desires may who invoke your special acupressure. Monday situated in the heart of be I want to be with you patronage in time of need. and my loved ones in your to you I have recourse t o Friday 9.30am to the city.

CATHOLIC GUY want- perpetual For further details. glory. This prayer from the depth of my heart 6pm, Saturday 10am to ed to share modern villa or to bookings, be said on 3 consecu- and humbly beg you to please 5pm. Ring Orial 479 in Alexander Heights tive days with a request. whom God has given such 7120.$5 discount pen- phone Patricia Flood on $50 per week, phone Promise publication when great powers to come to sioners. This service is (090) 21 1320 or fax 247 2738. my earnest petition. In granted. M.P.B. (090) 91 2720. definitely non-sexual. return I promise make your THANK YOU Blessed name known and cause Mother Star of the Sea you to be invoked. Say THANKS FIRST Holy Communion f or granting me this three Hail Marys, three Our Fathers and three Glorias. and Baptism outfits, for favour. D.O. FOR SALE Jude pray for all who boys and girls. We have MY grateful thanks to the ERPETUAL NOVENA in St honour and invoke your aid the largest and best Divine Mercy for numerous P St Jude and promise publication. of f avours received through honour range in Perth. We are a thank you This novena never fails.

We Thaddeus. the servant of God. Sister one stop shop. We have R EQUIREMENTS for for being with us over our Thank you St Jude. P.B. everything you need. 1 st Year Graphic Art Fustina-Howalska nine nights of praying to We are specialists in s elling at Jan 1994 you. It was very comforting. raw silk garments. prices. Only used for MY THANKS to our We thank you for hearing T HANK you for your prayer Holy Spirit You have The Rosa Linen, 1 st term as student Blessed Mother, Infant our requests. W and J. c ome and opened up a 267 William Street changed courses. Must Jesus, St Jude and the MY heartfelt thanks to St way of hope and shown Northbridge recoup. Please ring Holy Spirit for many favours Jude for prayers answered the love of God working in Tel & Fax (09) 227 5634 (096) 41 6034. granted. my life. MC and favours received. AP.

LETTERS from Mrs Child, Bayswater.

Sir In the article on the 'New Face of the Youth Ministry' (The Record Jan 26) I was dismayed at the summary dismissal of the Y.C.W. Movement as an outdated and outmoded form of Christian development for youth.

As a member in the socalled 'heady' days of the youth movements, I c an assure you that 12

sporting activities were not the sole aim of the movements.

They were an important service to youth in fact one of the Y.C.W.'s axioms was 'a service for every need.'

No, the training and formation of leaders ws the very core of the Y.C.W. and it was from this that all the other activities stemmed.

Far from being obsolete, the methods of Y.C.W.

The Record, February 9, 1995

formation - The Gospel, R eview of Life the Enquiry - See, Judge, Act - are in line with the teachings of Vatican II, and are as relevant today as they were in the 1950's and 1960's.

Times have changed, yes, but the message of Jesus Christ is the same 'yesterday, today and f orever'. The Y.C.W. seeks to build up God's kingdom of love, justice, truth and peace in its members so that they in

turn can carry it out to their world.

The Y.C.W. in this Archdiocese is not dead. It is alive and well. It needs encouragement, not to be written off with disparaging comments. from Paul Donnelly, Claremont Sir The Resurrection of Christ is recorded in the four gospels in different s ays.

I have long

thought that there is a need for a synthesis of the separate accounts to present it, especially to children, in a coherent and dramatic manner. in fact as a "Mystery Play."

I have attempted this as a dramatisation in three acts built on the gospels' accounts with some additions to provide colour.

It is built largely round Mary Magdelen as given in St. John's

gospel: her first distress in her discovery of the empty tomb; and her great joy in Christ's appearance to her.

The dramatisation could end at that point but I have added the episode of Christ's discourse on the road to and at the Inn of Emmaus. This gives it more scope and body if presented by a dramatic group.

In the shorter version it would be more suitable

for schools or as a basis for abbreviation to suit primary schools.

In the full version the dramatisation should take about an hour and it's staging requires the use of dazzle flashes to cover the movements of the portrayal of Christ For those wishing to receive a photostat of the dramatisation a $5 enclosure would be suitable to cover cost

TOMORROW TODAY with Father Joe Parkinson

Ministry's cycle turns...

IKE many things in life, youth ministry seems to 1 .Afollow a regular cycle.

In years to come, the 1995 "Solid Ground" Youth Convention may be considered as the start of another cycle, judging from the amount of enthusiasm generated among the forty-odd community and share group leaders who played such a key role in the event.

Very few leaders from previous conventions took part in "Solid Ground", necessitating the training of a whole new group of young leaders.

Located and invited to participate by Karen Pye, the leaders spent four nights between Christmas and New Year at St Charles Seminary preparing for the convention, and then put in several days' hard work setting up and clearing away after the event.

So great was the effect of the convention that almost all leaders attended the debriefing weekend held at Eagle's Nest a week after "Solid Ground". when the group decided to try to stay together as a major resource for youth ministry in Perth well into 1995.

The talents exhibited by the group are numerous, ranging from music and singing ability to computer and organisational skills.

These will be of enormous importance to Catholic Youth Ministry in Perth, which itself enters a new era this year with a new chaplain and new office staff.

Director of Youth Ministry Bruce Downes is most optimistic about the possibilities promised by this new group of leaders.

Secretary / Administrator

31.

tp0-

I

Community and Share Group leaders from the recent "Solid Ground" Youth Convention spent a weekend at Eagle's Nest on 14-15 January to debriefed the event and to make plans for I continuing their great work into the new year.

Whatever the future hold, you can be sure that, lithe energy and enthusiasm of its leaders count for" anything, GYM in Perth is in for a very bright and fruitful year!

The Catholic Youth and Young Adult Ministry is an office of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Perth providing training and resources for those who work with young people as well as events for young people.

Duties: This energetic person w i l l provide secretarial and administrative support to the Director and staff. Te ability to handle a wide range of duties including WP (Windows environ), office co-ordination and event organisation and management is essential. The desire to work as part of a small team is critical.

The applicant will be committed to Catholics values and able to relate confidently to a wide range of people.

Applications must be in writing: - Telephone 328 9622 for Selection Criteria, Duty Statement and Job Description.

BELOW: Doubleview Antioch held a recruiting weekend at Holy Rosary Primary School on 20-22 January.

LEFT: Leading the Doubleview Antioch weekend were Narelle Lark and Mark Mordoni.

Young Christian Students Movement Perth

RIVERCRUISE Friday, 24 February

8pm-Midnight From the Barrack Street Jetty Fully Supervised.

Tickets just $10 available from YCS Office 459 Hay Street Perth Ph 325 7208 or after hours Anna on 385 0330 No alcohol or drugs - bag searches will be made Catholic Youth Formation Centre

EAGLE'S NEST 1406 O'Brien Road Gidgegannup

CD Launch The Childers (formerly the Rally Band) To mark the release of The CHilders new CD The Magnificent Wave", the band will be playing at the Irish Club in Subiaco on Friday 4th March 1995.

Catch up with old friends or just come as you are for an absolutely wild night.

WHEN: Friday March 4, 1995 TIME: 8.00 pm WHERE: The Irish Club cnr Townsend and Hay Streets, Subiaco COST: $ 5. 00

An Alcohol free event

Set in 17 hectares of natural bush adjoining Walyunga National Park and just 45 minutes from the city, Eagle's Nest can take groups of up to 55 in perfect surroundings for youth retreats, Christian living camps or other youth formation programs. Priority is given to Catholic parish youth groups, schools and other church youth organisations.

THE FOLLOWING DATES ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR 1995 (Dates in bold indicate a weekend) February 6-7, 20-21, 27-Mar 2 March 1-2, 7-9, 13-16, 20-21, 27-30 April 5-6, 14-16, 19-20 Max' 1-2, 8-11, 15-16, 22-23, 29-June 1 June 4-7, 12-13, 17-18, 19-22, 26-29 July 2-6, 10-14, 15-16, 17-21, 22-23, 24-25, 31 August 1-3, 6-8, 14-16, 21-23, 28-31 September 11-13, 15-17, 18-21, 25-29, 30-Oct 1 October 2-5, 9-13, 14-15, 16-19, 23-27, 28-29, 30-31 November 1-3, 4-5, 6-9, 12-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-26, 27-30 December 11-15, 16-17, 18-22 For Bookings and Enquiries, phone Eagle's Nest direct on 574 7030 The Record, February 9, 1995

13

TILE CHURCH UPON THE HILL A simple thing of knotted pine And corrugated tin; But still, to those who read, a sign, A fortress on the farthest line Against the march of sin.

Though rich man's gold was lacking quite, We built it strong and sure, With willing hands and (Faith's delight) The savings spared, the widow's mite, The shillings of the poor.

Nor could it fail to meet the eye And reverent thoughts instil, As there above the township high, And pointing always to the sky, It stood upon the hill.

And through our lives in wondrous ways Its holy purpose led From limpid lisping cradle-days To where the silent moonlight lays White hands upon the dead.

For when the Holy Morning strung Its beads upon the grass, You'd see us driving - old and young The tall white graceful trees among.

On every road to Mass.

It brought the brave young mother there, Surrounded by her brood, To wrap their tiny hearts in prayer, And teach them how to cast their care Upon the Holy Rood.

It watched the little bush girl grow.

And kept her life from harm.

Till, spotless as the virgin snow In wreath and veil, it saw her go Upon her husband's arm.

It blessed strong, trembling shoulders bent: Helped many a soul in thrall To climb again the steep ascent,

And reft the grim entanglement That brought about the fall.

It soothed the gray old mother's pain, A-swaying while she told Her rosary o'er and o'er again, For griefs that rent her heart in twain So new, and ah, so old!

Though high and grand cathedrals shine, (There's "that poor boy who went astray," To my mind grander still And lined her gentle brow; Is that wee church of knotted pine.

There's "them that's wand'rin' fur away," That rampart on the outer line, And "beck'nin" to her now.)

That stood upon the hill.

Guinness for Perth O

NE of the largest and most prestigious group of performers of Irish music ever assembled will be touring Australia and New Zealand in March, 1995, as part of the Fifth Celebration of Irish Music, brought out by Jon Nicholls Productions and scheduled for the Regal Theatre, Subiaco on Friday March 31. The concerts have played to packed houses, standing ovations, and repeat performances.

The highly successful North American based Irish recording group, The Rankin Family, will be making their first tour Down Under, along with Altan, who are regarded as one of Ireland's leading bands.

Accorrlian player Sharon Shannon will be making her first tour of Australia with her band of three musicians. Sharon is considered Ireland's greatest 14

The Record, February 9, 1995

Refuge it gave the weary heart Beyond the sordid din And conflict of the crowded mart, One sweet, sequestered nook apart, Where all might enter in.

exponent of the box accordian and has repopularised accordian playing throughout Europe. while Brendan Power, who is equally at ease on both the earthy blues harp as well as the sophisticated Chromatic harmonica, has breathed new life into harmonica playing.

Maire Ni Chathasaigh returns with Chris Newman. One of Ireland's most distingu,i,,d harpists she is supported by Chris on guitar, mandolin, electric bass and percussion.

Donal Lunny will be the Celebration's Musical Director while also featuring prominently as a performer.

Kieran Goss returns to entertain and also Anna Ayres, four time champion of Irish dancing.

Linking this talent will be comedian John Moloney.

in Fr Hartigan's verse

TANGMALANGALOO

The bishop gave a scornful look, as bishops sometimes do, And glared right through the pagan in from Tangmalangaloo.

The bishop sat in lordly state and purple cap sublime, And galvanized the old bush church at Confirmation time; And all the kids were mustered up from fifty miles around, With Sunday clothes, and staring eyes, and ignorance profound.

Now was it fate, or was it grace, whereby they yarded too An overgrown two-storey lad from Tangmalangaloo?

A hefty son of virgin soil, where nature has her fling, And grows the trefoil three feet high and mats it in the spring; Where mighty hills uplift their heads to pierce the welkin's rim, And trees sprout up a hundred feet before they shoot a limb; There everything is big and grand, and men are giants too But Christian Knowledge wilts, alas, at Tangmalangaloo.

The bishop summed the youngsters up, as bishops only can; He cast a searching glance around, then fixed upon his man.

But glum and dumb and undismayed through every bout he sat; lie seemed to think that he was there, but wasn't sure of that.

s

•\.* k.4

• •

by Colleen McGuiness-Howard

\-\\

Introduction to the Devout Life: St Francis de Sales.

Edited and Msgr abridged by Charles Dollen (St Paul Publications $19.95) First published in 1609 and given its definitive form in 1619, St Francis de Sales' Introduction to the Devout Life was an immediate and universal success. One of the principal reasons for this is that, unlike so many of the other spiritual books of his time which were written for persons who had withdrawn from the world or were

preparing to do so, this w ork was addressed to t hose who lived in cities, who had jobs and families to think about on top of trying to live a life which was both sanctifying and fulfilling.

The book begins by detailing the need for a firm resolve to lead a life of union with the Lord and then it discusses the means; sacraments, prayer, the practice of virtue, things to he avoided, and finally exercises to help one to continue to grow spiritually.

"Come, tell me, boy," his lordship said in crushing tones severe, "Come, tell me why is Christmas Day the greatest of the year?

"How is it that around the world we celebrate that day "And send a name upon a card to those who're far away?

"Why is it wandering ones return with smiles and greetings, too?"

A squall of knowledge hit the lad from Tangmalangaloo.

He gave a lurch which set a-shake the vases on the shelf, He knocked the benches all askew, up-ending of himself.

And oh, how pleased his lordship was, and how he smiled to say, "That's good, my boy. Come, tell me now; and what is Christmas Day?" The ready answer bared a fact no bishop ever knew "It's the day before the races out at Tangmalangaloo."

Both these poems are by John O'Brien, pseudonym of Father Patrick Hartigan, parish priest for 27 years at Narrandera, NSW, from his first collection of verse Around The Boree Log (Angus & Robertson).

For more information on Father Hartigan and his book, please contact his nephew Fr Frank Meacham, 97 Dalhousie Street, Haberfield, NSW 2025.

IN POPULAR MUSIC

Positive Messages in Popular Music: The Gospel of Pop by John Tait (David Lovell Publishing) The had news about modern popular music and its associated culture receives plenty of attention, deservedly or not.

Here is a book that identifies and presents the good news about pop. There are uncountable pop songs that contain good messages and that can be used to advantage in religious education, social studies and English, personal development, liturgies and paraliturgies or

in seminars or on camps.

Over 800 songs are listed, identified by their themes. indexed by song title, performer and album. There. are notes on the songs of the 90's through to the 60's and comments on the groups and individual performers.

This book will be welcomed by classroom teachers, chaplains, youth leaders, clergy and ministers.

Photocopiable mastersheets give examples of lesson plans, work sheets and paraliturgics. showing how pop songs can be a valuable part of the program.

The,Record, Febn,lary, 9, .1995 1 •

The Society of St Vincent de Paul

Father Emilien Tardif's

books are now available:

Jesus Is Alive - $10 Jesus Is The Messiah - $10 (postage extra)

from

858 HAY SI REEF, PERTH

CCESS it&REALTY. Do you have special housing needs?

Does your home have special modifications?

Are you thinking of buying or selling?

Do you need professional Advice?

Are you having difficulties with finance?

We care - try the difference?

invites applications for the following vacancies at its s

sc ENE,

/IMLO. MIN mk—s.

Hello Hedland . . . We're as close as your phone

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (008) 11 4010 (local call charge) (Metro callers please use 221 3866) Natural Family Planning Centre 29 Victoria Square Member of the Australian Council of Natural Family Planning Inc.

..--r

HEAUNG MASS In honour of St Peregrine, patron of cancer sufferers and h elper of all in need, at the Church of St John and St Paul on Pinetree Gully Road, Willeton on Friday, February 17 at 7 pm with veneration of the relic and anointing of the sick. For more information please contact Noreen Monaghan on 332 8292.

NEWMAN SOCIETY The first activity for 1995 will be a cocktail party in the Dining Hall, St Thomas Moore College Crawley on Sat. February 18 following 5.45pm Mass in the College Chapel.

A light buffet meal with wines will be served.

Other drinks can be purchased at the bar. Cost $10. Members should invite family members and friends to join them. This would also be a suitable occasion to pay the annual subscription: S1 O. Contact No.: 446 7340.

GLENDALOUGH FAIR Little Sisters of the Poor Family Fair Day at the Home for the Aged, Glendalough, Sunday, March 12, 11am and 2pm.

Snacks available, variety stalls and entertainment

Must be able to demonstrate a proven ability to handle high volume telephone calls. Minor clerical and typing duties. Previous computer experience or a willingness to learn would be an advantage. Position available immediately.

-•

Towards Discipleship, a group for people aged 18 to 35, now in its fourth year at Como parish comprises 18 meetings in small, personal groups in the home of the group facilitator, designed for non-church goers to discuss relationships, communication, friendship and religious issues.

Enquiry night Wednesday February 1 5, at 7.30pm in the C omo Hall, 43, Thelma Street, next to the presbytery.

For more information call Geraldine 387-5354, Yola 4704981, Caterina 367-8104.

VAN DRIVER

Required for metro collections and deliveries of household furniture. '13' class licence essential plus proven experience as household removalist — those without this experience need not apply.

Position available March 1, 1995.

In respect of both positions applicants must be committed to the ethos of the Society of St Vincent de Paul.

The Osborne Park depot is a smoke-free environment.

Written applications only should be addressed to: The Operations Manager Society of St Vincent de Paul 59 Edward St, Osborne Park 6017 Applications close February 20, 1995.

RCIA R ite of Election rehearsal evening on Tuesday February 21, 7.20pm at St Mary's Cathedral. Attendance at the rehearsal by a parish RCIA representative is required if you have catechumens or candidates ready for the Rite of Election.

To attend the r ehearsal please contact the A rchdiocesan Liturgy Office, phone (09) 2211548.

MARRIAGE PROGRAM R etrouvaille/Rediscovery programme for trouble marriages c ommences February 17. A livein weekend followed by six follow-up support sessions on c ommunication and conflict resolution, no group discussions or c ounselling, presented by Catholic couples and a priest.

For enquiries and bookings call 242 4423.

( (uinBanar) 474 1533 WE CARE!

RECEPTION/CLERK

**A 4.*

COMO GROUP

The 1995Course in the Pastoral Care of those suffering psychiatric illness will be held at Graylands Hospital on 20 Wednesdays beginning on 10 May 1995.

The course is given jointly by Graylands Hospital and the Catholic Mental Health Chaplaincy. It is intended primarily for priests, religious, those engaged in pastoral care and healthcare professionals, but others may also apply.

Application forms are available from Fr Rodney Williams, Chaplain for Mental Health, Pastoral Centre, Graylands Hospital, Brockway Road, Claremont 6010. Tel: 347 6683 or 364 2540 (A/H).

Closing date for applications Monday 24 April 1995.

PROPERTY SALES - RENTALS - STRATA MANAGERS SOUTH OF THE RIVER

• mo o•—

ADORATION

Catholic Psychiatric Pastoral Care

YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT

MI

.mn•

A Holy Hour will be held at St Mary's Church, 21 James St, Guilford, on Sunday, 19 February at 2.30 pm. Tea and coffee afterwards. (Sponsored by the Devotees of Our Lady of Mt Carmel de Garabandal).

Phone Kaite, Mark, David or Shirley 474 1414 all hours

PRINCIPALS MICHAEL QUIN & KAREENA BALLARD

Osborne Park Depot

orms.4•

Archdiocesan Calendar FEBRUARY 12 Mass for Beatification of Mary MacKillop, St Mary's Cathedral, Archbishop Hickey.

16 Council of priests meet.

17 Commissioning Project Compassion - Archbishop Hickey.

18 Bless St Gerard's Primary School, Mons Keating.

19 25th Anniversary, Gerard's, St Mirrabooka Archbishop Hickey St John of God Centenary Mass, Subiaco Archbishop Hickey 21 Catenian Dinner Archbishop Hickey

Is your house

FOR SALE Tell readers of The Record in a classified advertisement.

To become a household word to Record readers

ADVERTISE!

This space costs $24

-

RETREAT FOR RELIGIOUS R edemptorist Retreat House

( 10am) Tuesday April 18 to (1pm) Sunday April 23 given by

Father lohn Martin C.S.S.R. Please contact for bookings: Ian Broderick 328 6600

MARANATHA INSTITUTE Catholic Education Centre LEEDERVILLE

COURSES STARTING SOON Tuesday, February 21 9.30-noon Liturgy Fr Vincent Glynn (10 weeks) 1 -3pm Spirituality Today Fr Bob Carden OFM (10 weeks) Friday, February 24 9.30-noon Jesus the Pastor Sr Mary Berry RSM (7 weeks) 1 -3pm Getting to Know the Old Testament Br Des Crowe FMS (10 weeks) B rochure, enrolments: 388 4311

Rekindling the faith To celebrate in Western Australia the Beatification of Mother Mary MacKillop Bring a picnic tea to a gala evening of entertainment celebrating the life of Mary MacKillop in dance, drama and song at the .-0)Wer Ofr011e 6301rWert

Supreme Court Gardens, Perth — Sunday, 12 February Entertainment from 6pm, Concert starts at sundown (approx 7:30pm).

Starring Karen Knowles as Guest Featured Artist and Jenny McNae as Mary MacKillop.

FREE ADMISSION — a collection will be taken up by the Knights of the Southern Cross to help defray costs — FREE ADMISSION 16

The Record, February 9, 1995