The Record Newspaper 28 November 1996

1

ReeCOTICI Students on 'cloud nine Conference during a flight of fancy struggles to battle poverty

Perth: November 28, 1996

WA's only Catholic weekly newspaper

Price: Si

By Peter Rosengren Not only is it a scandal that poverty continues to exist in the technologically-advanced twentieth century it is also scandalous that it can continue to exist when it is within the means of the world to eliminate it.

This message on world poverty from the Vatican's justice and peace chief was delivered last weekend in Sydney at what was billed as the biggest conference in the Australian Catholic Church on poverty in recent times.

The vice-president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Archbishop Francis Xavier Van Thuan, delivered Cardinal Roger Etchegaray's message at the People First conference.

Cardinal Etchegaray was forced to cancel his planned visit to Australia and remain in Rome on doctor's orders.

"The scandal is that today we can repeat and repeat, in analysis after analysis, that extreme poverty still exists when we have the means to eliminate it," the cardinal said.

"The scandal is that we can enthuse about the progress of globalisation, while this primaeval form of the failure of true human cohabitation continues to exist, and in some areas to grow."

He said that the parable of Dives and Lazarus gave witness to "the existence, side by side, of persons who flaunt their wealth and those who can only dream of surviving from the crumbs of such opulence." the cardinal said in his speech.

However, while Cardinal Etchegaray and other speakers urged participants to work towards strategies for the solution of poverty, the conference itself failed to meet its own deadline.

Billed by its organisers as one of the biggest events of its kind in the contemporary Catholic Church for years and planned to deliver an ambitious draft plan of action designed to provide strategies for tackling

poverty at individual, Church. non-government and government levels, the People First conference failed to produce a strategy for tackling poverty in Australia.

Conference sources told The Record the meeting of 500 Catholic Church representatives around Australia had failed to get through all the items up for discussion on the agenda and that recommendations on how to fight poverty would have to be considered by participants over the next few months.

One of the main logistic problems to be solved now by conference organisers will be achieving what could not be done during the three days of the conference - the preparation of a draft action plan on paverThis will mean assembling all the recommendations made by the conference's 17 separate discussion groups into a manageable form and sending them back to participants for further discussion and comment and then presenting them to the Australian Catholic Bishops' April 1997 meeting.

One conference source said the meeting's progress had been substantially slowed down due to the large number of participants, the complexity of the issues, the existence of a number of competing agendas and views, and the number of recommendations presented for discussion.

As a result, the draft plan of action to eradicate poverty could not issued.

Among the issues to dominate discussions from the floor of the conference were recommendations on Aboriginal people, East Timor and women's issues.

However unemployment, which surfaced as a key issue of concern in an earlier conference dialogue, was not among the recommendations finalised by the time the conference wound up on Sunday.

By the time the conference ended organisers had received approximately 90 or so refined suggestions for action on poverty with an additional 250 suggestions still needing to be worked on.

Continued on Page 2

Mother Teresa takes treatment - Page 12

St Jerome's Primary School, Munster, last week made it onto the Channel Nine news when the Channel Nine helicopter landed on the school oval as part of the Awesome Arts Festival, a national schools festival encouraging creativity in young people. St Jerome's chose the theme of "flight."

Matthew Gibson, right, came up to the photographer and asked: "Can you make me famous?".

So, what better way to "be famous" than with a photograph in The Record sitting at the controls of the Channel Nine helicopter? Envious Year 7 students, led by Josephine Alvaro, crowd into the cockpit.

Photo Brian Coyne of the Catholic Education Office

L'Osservatore Romano error The editor of the English-language edition of the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, last week admitted the paper mistranslated a statement by Pope John Paul II on evolution, a mistake that has caused much confusion among English speaking Catholics.

On 31 October, The Record's lead story using a report from the Catholic News Service in Washington, reported the Pope as saying that the theory of evolution was "more than a hypothesis."

Bishop Healy's Advent meditation

Franciscans fight for Christmas

- Page 6

- Page 9

The following week The Record published the full text, supplied by CNS, of the English-language L'Osservatore Romano translation that said scientific advances had "led to the recognition of more than one hypothesis in the theory of evolution.

Father Robert Dempsey, editor of the English-language L'Osservatore has now confirmed that the first translation supplied by CNS was the appropriate one.

Full report - Page 12.

As the WA election approaches, The Record will next week publish analyses of election issues from t wo Christian perspectives. See Page II this week for Catechism teaching on crucial social issues.

Pik/mane to Nome Medjipyroile Our 3rd Annual February Pilgrimage to Rome & Medjugorje February 15 - 27, 1997 • 3 nights Rome • 7 nights Medjugorje • Stay close to the Vatican • 150 metres from St James Church • Breakfast & Dinner included daily Join well-known author and popular visitor to Australia, WAYNE WEIBLE. $2,790.00

WA Catholic Church joins poverty charter and Uniting Churches, has already masking the fact that little is changing for employed two researchers to work on the unemployed and for those caught in A 'Charter of Hope' reflecting the com- the production of a draft charter for the poverty," Mr Carter said.

"The boom is proving to be of only marmon poverty and social justice-related group. benefit to the community, while it the researchers ginal One Greens of is ex-WA concerns of three major churches in generates significant profits and diviWestern Australia is being drawn up by WA senator, Christobelle Chamarette.

Hopefully, Mr Carter said, the charter dends for investors and large compathe Inter-Church Working Group on would reflect the common concerns, val- nies."

Poverty ues and principles of the three ChurchHe said governments needed to look Anglicare chief executive officer, Ian es for action on poverty issues, he said. beyond economic growth figures and Carpenter, told The Record the new In addition to the charter, a substantial credit ratings in order to hep create body, formed earlier this year, was hop- amount of resource material would also wealth for all members of society. ing to do something positive for both the be made available, Mr Carter said.

"There is far too much reliance on trickInternational Year for the Eradication of In a separate statement, Mr Carter said le-down theory and not enough effort Poverty and its associated Decade of the so-called resource boom was not hav- put into ideas and strategies which can Action. ing a positive effect on the lives of ordi- create a percolate-up effect," he said, call"The message is we won't solve pover- nary Western Australians. ing for all development proposals to be ty by Christmas, so let's get into change.

Demands on welfare agencies were put through an environmental and social It's about long-term change," he said. increasing rather than declining in spite Impact process rust.

The Working Group, made up of rep- of significant economic growth, he said.

The group plans to have The Charter resentatives from the Catholic, Anglican "The economic growth figures are of Hope ready for 1997

By Peter Rosengren

Centre Travel 91 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn East 3123 Tel (03) 9882 9822 or (02) 9231 2290 (08) 8221 5555 or (09) 481 4877 elsewhere 1800 500 882

Life of Bishop O'Collins of Geraldton published I f you are Spiritual or a Churchgoer and wauddlike improvedspirituallife,I advise you to get in touch with St. Francis Secular Order, Victoria Park (especially if you live South of the river).

We meet every 3rdSunday of the Trzentk at 3pm at Marie Isaiah Place, backof St. 5oachims Church, Victoria Park, Phone 361 5060 Doug 'Williams

Bishop James O'Collins, who was the Bishop of Geraldton from 1930 to 1941 before moving to be the Bishop of Ballarat in Victoria, is the subject of a biography launched in Melbourne on Thursday.

Bishop O'Collins' nephew, the dean of Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral, Father Bill McCarthy,is the author of the biography entitled A Bishop's Story.

Fr McCarthy said the young bishop in 1930, attempting to train it across to his new far

flung diocese, was caught up in a washaway due to heavy rains.

But after that, according to Fr McCarthy, "nothing held up the progress of the Geraldton Diocese to which Bishop O'Collins brought energy, courage and considerable skill."

After his transfer to Ballarat as bishop in 1942 where he remained as such until 1971, Bishop O'Collins became known as 'James the Builder' because of the number of buildings erected in his dioceses.

His work, according to Fr

McCarthy, left many landmarks such as schools, churches, a hospital and an old people's home.

But none, he said, was more distinguished than St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Geraldton built with his friend and helper, the multi-talented architect and builder, Monsignor Hawes; later he added the dome after completing the transepts and the central octagon.

Bishop O'Collins' story is one which spans a period of fundamental change in the Church in Australia and the world, he said.

Bishop James O'Collins

Conference struggles to battle evil of poverty

you can give this Christmas is to someone yo 'out know.

CHRISTMAS IS A HOPE AND DIGNITYJt THIS YEAR. THE SOCIETY WILL DISTRIBUTE

WING. BECAUSE GIVING BRINGS JOY. HO GIVE AND THOSE, W44 T. VINCEN

THOUSANDS OF CHRf

PERS. FOOD PARCELS AND GIFTS TO THOSE NEED OF LOVE AND HOPE. THAT WAY. MANY MORE WEST AUSTRA AND THEIR FAMILIES WILL SHARE ti C HRISTMAS. THANKS TO YOUR DONAtIOH G IFTS AND OTHER ITEMS.

DONATIONS MAY BE SENT TO: C AM ILLUS HOUSE. 15 BRONTE ST. EAs'T PERTH. 6004 OR BY CREDIT CARD. PH:

(09) 221 8888

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL

,Thpflectivti, NOvernber 28 1996 •Page 2

West Australian poverty conference participants in Sydney

Continued from Page 1 Among conference participants identified as having a priority on the resources of the Catholic Church in Australia were aboriginals, the unemployed, rural communities, families and asylum seekers.

Participants also called on the Australian Government and community to give higher priority to their support for victims of poverty in other countries - particularly in countries close to Australia.

Conference participants also decided the plight of the East Timorese demanded a special effort on behalf of the Church in Australia and said action would be taken to support the Bishop of Dili in East Timor, Bishop Carlos Belo.

Participants also called for an education program to convince all priests, religious and lay people to recognise that action for victims of poverty should be an integral part of Catholic life in Australia.

A keynote speaker, Father John

Usher, chairman of the Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission, described Australian egalitarianism as a myth that had seduced Australians into believing the disadvantaged had equal rights with everyone else.

"We Australians have been told over and over again that, because all Australians have an equal opportunity to succeed, all Australians should be treated equally," he told participants.

However, he said, all Australians did not have an equal opportunity to succeed in life, let alone live with dignity.

Archbishop's Perspective Archbishop Hickey flew straight from Rome to Sydney for the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference meeting this week. His commitments there have prevented him from contributing his weekly column.

Bishop Belo denies 'scabby dogs' phrase

Ratzinger draws line at heavy metal rock ROME (CNS) - Hard rock is not Authentic Church music was proper Church music because it spiritual, an expression of the soul draws its listeners "in another and faith, which began with soft direction," the Vatican's top doc- hymns and later found expression in a variety of singing and instrutrinal official said.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, head mental forms, he said.

It contrasted with the more of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said this last Fri- "clamorous" music aimed at the day after celebrating a Mass in senses, which led people "in a Rome to commemorate the feast lower direction, anesthetises of St Cecilia, the patron saint of them, pulls them out of themselves and thus [dulls] their inner music.

The cardinal said he was not sense of hearing."

• Cardinal Ratzinger has against new forms of music.

"There are many beautiful agreed, with some reluctance, to things in modern music; one stay on as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. needs to discern," he said.

The 69-year-old German theolo"However, hard rock is not suitable for the Church because it gian, whose third five-year term at the congregation expired on 25 pulls man in another direction."

He appeared to distinguish November, said he would not between "hard" rock - synony- mind if someone younger took mous in Italy with a heavy metal over, but for now Pope John Paul Ihad asked him to remain. sound - and other forms of rock I His new term will extend until 'n' roll, which he said could be entertaining. He encouraged peo- the year 2001, but it is possible for ple to do what they could to "puri- Vatican officials to resign before their five years is completed. fy" rock music.

Cardinal Ratzinger said that the During his sermon, Cardinal Ratzinger reviewed the history of 5 years managing the congregaChurch music and said that, while tion had been "truly demanding." it has evolved, it has always been "I'd really like to see a new perdistinct from the noisier music of son come in, with new ideas and the outside world. a new temperament," he said.

Bishop Carlos Belo, apostolic administrator of the Dili diocese in East Timor, this week rejected remarks attributed to him by the German mass-circulation magazine, Der Spiegel, which had caused consternation among Indonesian Government circles and led to rioting in East Timor.

In the interview, published a fortnight ago, Bishop Belo had been reported as describing Indonesian officials as "scabby dogs" in the way they treated East Timorese.

Indonesian authorities reacted swiftly and demanded an explanation.

'The expression 'scabby dogs' is totally unknown to me," Bishop Bishop Belo sprinkles holy water on the controversial 90-foot-high statue of Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo said Christ the King on Dili Bay last Sunday during a Mass attended by more than in an English-language statement 15,000 East Timorese Catholics.

Photo. CNS/Reuiers in Dili on Monday.

"The reason is that I myself did Riots in Indonesia and on East development could not be "fully not know the word 'scabby' in Timor by pro and anti-Belo appreciated" without the responCardinal Edward Clancy of SydEnglish. I came to know of that crowds followed the furore sur- sible participation of the local word only after it was quoted and rounding publication of the people in its conception and exe- ney collapsed twice during the published in the mass media." remarks. cution or if it came at the expense People First conference on poverBishop Belo told a news conferAt the Monday press conference of their identity, freedom and dig- ty held in Sydney last weekend.

Cardinal Clancy's collapses, ence the same day that during the the Nobel Peace Prize winner said nity. interview he spoke about the sit- that "some expressions and genAs a religious leader, he said, he which occurred close together, uation in East Timor since 1976, eralisations" wrongly attributed was ready to cooperate with all- came as he spoke at the confernot just during the present, and to him "might have wounded the comers for peace in East Timor ence, held at St Patrick's College said that he recognised the work hearts of some" and that he apol- but warned that it must be a peace in Strathfield, during the opening done by the Indonesia's Govern- ogised to those offended. session on Friday afternoon based on truth, justice and love. ment since 1976 to develop East Breaking off in the middle of his But he also made it plain that Following Bishop Belo's state- remarks, the cardinal apologised Timor. members of Indonesia's armed He added that the interview was forces had been guilty of human ment to the media a crowd of 300 and passed his speech notes to not tape recorded and was "heav- rights offences and issued a call youths, including university and Bishop Kevin Manning of Armihigh school students demonstrat- dale before collapsing. ily manipulated and seriously dis- for respect for human rights. torted."

"As a bishop Ihave a moral duty ed in support of him outside his Helped to a chair, he collapsed Juergen Kremb, the German to speak for the voice of the poor office. again shortly afterwards but later The Bishop's rebuttal of the refused to travel to hospital in an journalist who conducted the and the simple people who, when Interview, asserted he used a tape intimidated or terrorised cannot comments attributed to him in ambulance called by conference recorder during the interview. defend themselves or make their Der Spiegel came the day after he organiser Michael Whitely. blessed a giant bronze statue of "Istand by my interview 100 per- suffering [known)" he said.

The Sydney Archdioceses's cent," he said in a late November Bishop Belo urged the Indone- Jesus Christ constructed by the spokesman, Father Brian Lucas, Interview with Agence France sian Government and media rep- Indonesian Government on a hill described the collapses as faintPresse. resentatives to understand east of Dili. ing episodes.

Cardinal collapses again "It was just a little fainting episode, nothing significant," he said to The Record this week.

"He came home later and was fine the next morning."

Cardinal Clancy fainted and recovered quickly several months ago at the episcopal consecration of the Bishop of Wollongong.

Mr Whitely said he had taken it upon himself to call an ambulance when the cardinal collapsed a second time. But he had seen the cardinal at the Bishop's conference on Monday and he seemed in perfect health.

"We think it was the jet lag," Mr Whitley said, dismissing suggestions of a more serious cause for the collapses.

Cardinal Clancy, who will turn 73 on 12 December, reaches the normal retirement age for bishops in two years.

I NTRODUCING THE OWNERS OF BOWRA & O'DEA. M R O'DEA, MR O'DEA, MR O'DEA AND MR O'DEA.

As you can see, Bowra Sk O'Dea is very much a O'Dea family have been extremely proud to earn.

Western Australian family owned and operated And with innovations such as our Bereavement funeral company.

Education Division, Female Staffed Division With an alarming number of funeral direction (Leanne O'Dea Funeral Directors) and our Pre-Paid companies around Australia now owned and Funeral Plan, Bowra & O'Dea strive to offer families controlled by large American corporations, it is a even greater support in the nineties. comfort to know that you can rely on the For further information, or a brochure detailing O'Dea family's reputation for professionalism and our services, please call any of our many suburban genuine care. This reputation is someOWRA & O'DA branches or visit our head office at thing that four generations of the 68 Stirling St, Perth. Phone 328 7299.

FUNERAL DECTORS IR

B

ODEA003BH

The Record, November 28 1996 Page 3

Youth and Education

New program fosters pride

by Brian Coyne Media Officer, Catholic Education Office With the active support of the Christian Brothers and many prominent sporting personalities the Catholic Aboriginal community in Perth has embarked on a bold program through Clontarf Aboriginal College to give young Aboriginal sports men and women a big lift.

The program, known as the Sports Skills Program and launched by Australian tennisgreat Margaret Court at the Sheraton Hotel last Friday night, was for the first of a series of new educational programs at the College.

These programs are being tailored to give young Aboriginal people the two principal supports that any person requires if they are to make a success of their lives.

The "supports" are a sense of pride and self-respect earned through one's achievements, no matter how large or small they

are, and the practical skills that one needs to develop one's innate talents.

The new program at the College is being coordinated by Mr Fred Lyons.

Speaking to the media at the launch Mr Lyons said he was determined to provide the young men and women in the program with a sense of "pride in themselves and their achievements" and to "foster access to the people who can provide the practical coaching that will enable them to hone their natural talents and dexterity".

In 199Z the College will be launching a number of similar skills programs that enable young Aboriginal people to not only become masters in their areas of aptitude in sport. the creative arts and mechanics but to also gain self-confidence and discipline in the academic and spiritual domains as well.

Launching the program in the presence of a glittering line-up of Sporting personalities and the

Parents join in to help school building needs

required. It was important, she said, to have that "adult input into my life" providing the spirit of self-determination and self-discipline that "you can do it!" even when the rigours of training were tough.

The quiet sense of pride and achievement that was reflected in the faces of the Aboriginal people and many supporters of the College who gathered last Friday night will stand as an important milestone in the challenge the College has had to establish itself since being founded 10 years ago.

Both the Brothers and the CEO have sought to encourage a "partDoneIla Brown, left, and Margaret Court with the first students in the new nership of equals" where Aboriginal people have developed and Sports Skills Program, Sean BenneI! and Marika Councillor. implemented College programs.

Chairman of the Catholic Educa- Wimbledon!" Sedgeman's words, In 1990 this ideal was given contion Commission, Bishop Robert she said, changed her life. crete expression when Miss Healy, Mrs Court said she "didn't What was just as important as Donella Brown became the first believe in herself" until one day the goal though, she said, was hav- Aboriginal appointed to the positennis legend, Frank Sedgeman, ing people like Frank Sedgeman tion of Principal at the College. came to her town and saw her hit- who came into her life and proIt might also end-up standing as ting a tennis ball. vided her with the confidence to a milestone in the struggle to give He said to her: "You could be the believe that her goal was realistic. real meaning to the word "reconfirst Australian woman to win Even then, commitment was ciliation".

Bishops commission new principals The Chapel of St Michael the Archangel at the Catholic Education Centre was filled to capacity last Thursday night for the Annual Thanksgiving Mass for principals and members serving on committees of the Catholic Education Commission.

The Mass was concelebrated by Bishops Robert Healy, Peter Quinn and Justin Bianchini and Fathers Chris Ross, Gerard Holohan and Nino Vinciguerra.

Twenty six new and transferring principals were commissioned by the Bishops, while later 14 principals retiring from service were presented with a certificate and memento of their service.

The new and transferring principals are commissioned by the Bishops.

Flame symbolises 75 years faith Year 7 student at St John's School, Scarborough, Justin Wilson, takes a hammer from School Board Chairman, Frank Pickles, and Principal, Shane Baker.

Because government funding could not cover all that the community wanted to do, parents and members of St John's School, Scarborough, together with the principal, Mr Shane Baker, donned working clothes last Christmas and renovated what was the tuckshop to turn it into a modern Information Technology

Centre. Mr Baker estimates the saving to the school was in the vicinity of $10,000.

At Santa Clara School, Bentley, Bishop Healy blessed a new covered area which cost $80,000 and was constructed entirely by the efforts of the school and parish community without any call on government funding.

A single candle symbolised the flame of Faith brought by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition to Mary's Mount 75 years ago when it was handed by school principal Thea Smith to Laura Cox and Matthew Romeo recently.

The candle, lit by former school principal, Sister Olivera, was handed over by Mrs Smith during the Thanksgiving paralitwxy celebrating the school's 75th anniversary.

A feature of the ceremony was the 75th anniversary quilt (shown in background) showing a self portrait of each student at the school.

Year 7 students Emily Hadden and Nina Kopf assist Matthew and Laura.

Agricultural college girls become part of an historic graduation Bindoon Catholic Agricultural ond place in the prestigious AgriCollege's unique Year 12 gradua- cultural Colleges and Schools tion took place recently, making a Competition. notch in history There's also the Pony Club to set Two girls in its graduating class the College apart from other of five were the first ever to grad- schools. uate from a Western Australian However as principal Br Laurie Catholic Agricultural College.

Negus pointed out, the year "has As colleges go, the areas of not been all sunshine, because of endeavour are somewhat differ- too many students who found it ent to suburban activity difficult to sustain or develop their Members of the Cattle Club interest in agriculture, and who have made strong showings in the terminated their enrolment."

Devon and Sinunental sections of This has happened in spite of the Royal Show; students per- the emphasis the College has formed very well in the various placed on the need for enrollees Paraders' competitions. to be accepting of occasional hard Points were gained in Open physical work and to have an Competition which, when added affinity with the land, he said. to the Farm Skills tally won secReflecting on the positive The Record, November 28.1996 Page 4

achievements during the three years since the establishment of the senior Catholic Agricultural College, Br Negus said its inception had enabled the Catholic people of WA and the wider community "the opportunity to pursue senior agricultural studies in a Catholic setting."

Graduand Kristie Cooper of Kallaroo, who had broken into what had been an almost exclusively male domain, stated in her address, that the students were the best crop he'd ever grown and commented on the extremely friendly and open relationships built up between the students and with staff.

She contrasted this to larger

non-residential schools "where such quality relationships are more difficult to form."

She also described CAC as one big family which gave all the opportunity to accept and forgive each other.

Having thanked her parents for their belief, strength and love, she then thanked the "Brothers, teachers, staff and fellow students."

In concluding, Kristie said: "As we leave this warm and safe nest and spread our wings, we will always remember CAC and the good lime we shared.

"As families always do, we will return from time to time with our successes to show other students what they can achieve."

Year 12 graduand Raymond Dessert

Role of women in • amilies 'critical'

Chamber Choir Directed by Anthony Maydwell

A Concert of Choral Music for Advent

Bloom where you are planted, Barbara Scott MIA urged members at the recent Catholic Women's League annual conference, who as a Catholic legislator, sees her role in Parliament as ensuring that marriage and the family are protected.

According to CWL spokeswoman Joan Smith, Mrs Scott revealed the huge evidence of marriage breakdown since the Family Law Act was altered in 1976.

A resultant one in three first marriages now break down while two in three second marriages are doomed to fail.

Her legislative predecessors, she said, had "opened the door to the breakdown of marriage."

Thus, "the role of women in families has never been so critical as it is now."

Archbishop Barry -,:key celebrated the opening Mass.

Archbishop Hickey presents Mrs Georgie Bruce-Smith with the papal medal.

At the conference, said Joan Smith, 22 members received Cer- Ecclesia et Pontifice, for her work tificates of Loyalty for 20 years ser- in the Church.

Guest speaker Father Leon Rusvice, and Georgie Bruce-Smith, Immediate past National President, sell of Busselton/Dunsborough Cardinal Edward Clancy, president of the Ausreceived the rarely given Life Mem- asked people to be gentle with tralian Catholic Bishops' Conference, this week those who supported different bership." launched the Conference's Internet home page.

Mrs Bruce-Smith, who represent- views to theirs.

The address is: http://www.catholic.org.au He stressed God's love and fored WA at the Oceania Pontifical The Bishops Conference Home Page is designed Lay Congress in New Zealand and giveness while CWL State Presito inform users about the role and function of the is currently Director of Vocations dent Anne Power said the life blood Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference as well for the Bunbury Diocese, was also of the League is love for each other as Catholic sites around the world. awarded the Papal medal. Pro and for one's neighbour.

"We hope the web site will improve communication within the Catholic Church, with other denominations and faiths and with all who wish to join us in dialogue," Cardinal Clancy said.

December 1st, 3pm St Mary's Church, Franklin St Leederville Admission $5 Programme includes Benjamin Britten's A Boy was Born and Arvo Part's Seven Magnificat Antiphons For details phone 275 9100

MANNING & ASSOCIATES

OPTOMETRIS1S Contact Lens Consultants Mark Kalenas (B. optom)

Grove Plaza, Cottesloe 384 6633 or 384 6720

Bishops go on-line

BURSARS, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS With the end of the school financial year approaching it will soon be aucllt time again.

Have you made arrangements yet'?

Our firm has a long association with the Catholic Community and acts as auditors to a number of Catholic secondary and primary schools.

We provide proactive advice in accounting and taxation requirements including FBT, salary packaging, budgeting, grants etc.

It you would like to know how we can help you, please contact

148 make it a century, not out, for Depiazzis Aboriginal separation

Against the background of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's national inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, Pallottine Provincial Father Michael McMahon, is spearheading a meeting at the PaHotline Centre, Rossmoyne on December 1, to look at the issues involved.

The meeting will discuss "the hurt of Aboriginal people who have been separated from their families which is an ongoing problem both for the Aboriginal people and the Church which at least played some role in that separation," said Fr McMahon.

Jonathan Lamprell-Jarrett Stephen J Mann

IBDO

267 St George's Terrace, PERTH WA 6000 Telephone: 360 4200 Facsimile: 481 2524

Major Passion Play

Depiazzis celebrate 100 years of the family since Bernado arrived in WA in 1896.

A small team headed by Roy Pires is planning an open air Passion Play to take the audience through the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Planned for performances on Palm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Good Friday on the Yidarra Primary school oval, Bateman, it is expected to have a cast of over 100 with a 30 piece orchestra.

For information contact Alvito on (09) 332-6271.

One hundred and forty eight descendants of an Italian immigrant who stepped off the train at Waterloo in WA's south-west in October 1886 gathered together on the exact centenary and at the place of his arrival to celebrate the event recently.

The immigrant was Bernado Depiazzi from the Italian town of Tirano and the date was 20 October

great-nieces, from Tirano in Italy who had travelled to Western Australia for the occasion.

After Mass all present gathered at the Waterloo town hall to meet and reminisce over old photographs and memorabilia.

A plaque commemorating one hundred years of the Depiazzi family's presence in the district was also unveiled by Bernado's Italian grand1886. nieces.

The celebration, which saw BernaBernado Depiazzi died in 1960 but do Depiazzi's surviving children, has two surviving sons - Victor, who grandchildren and great-grandchil- lives in City Beach and James, residren gather together, also saw the dent in Millbury. launch of the family history comAlso well known in the Perth archplete with family trees, entitled A diocese was a younger son, Father Long Way from Tirano.

Joe Depiazzi, who served as a direcThe centenary was organised by tor with the Mission Aid societies, several of Bernado's grandchildren Catholic Action and the Catholic and began with Mass celebrated at Migration Office. the Church of the Immaculate ConAnother of Bernado's descendants ception in Dardanup, arranged by to enter religious life was grandgreat-grandson James Depiazzi of daughter, Sr Cannel Wringe, who Northam. served in Kojonup and Perth Also present were five of Bernado Catholic schools and who currently Depiazzi's relatives, including two works at Mercyville Hostel, Craigie.

BDO Nelson Parkhill Chartered Accountants & Consuttants

Specialists in non profit organisations and community based groups.

1

AmoRk ...........

It helps to advertise

*_(TEFANEL4 SAWMILLERS & TIMBER MERCHANTS)

The PEOPLE who specialise in TIMBER for the BUILDER & HANDYMAN Future Extensions

Balconies an

Vprandahs

Decks _ 426 Great Northern Highway, MIDDLE SWAN.. W.A. 6056

Ph: 250 1899

Eg: Jarrah F8 Hardwood Karri F11 Hardwood Batu F17 Hardwood Jarrah Dry Dressed and Mouldings Pine F5 Softwood Pine Profile Mouldings Pine Treated Pine Treated Building Poles Particle Board Flooring Western Red Cedar Laminated Beams- L.V.L Flooring T & G (Jarrah, Pine, Tasmanian Oak, Cypress Pine) Wall Panelling Pine, Western Red Cedar, Jarrah

The Record, November 28 1996 Page 5

Season of Advent is the time to begin the Year of Jesus

T

he Liturgical year of the Church tism. The Catechism of the Catholic begins on the first Sunday of Church reminds us that this Sacrament Advent. This year is a special year is "the foundation of communion and this Advent is a special Advent. among all Christians including those Pope John Paul II has called us to a not yet in full communion with the special preparation for the year of Catholic Church."

Jubilee in 2000AD. We can as we prepare for the Year In that year we will celebrate the com2000 and the Jubilee of the Birth of Jesus ing and living amongst us and dying renew our Christian lives and give new and rising for us of Jesus Christ the Son purpose to the efforts for Christian With Bishop Healy of God. unity.

The Holy Father has called on us to The preparation for the Jubilee year is prepare for that celebration in the three notice of the recommendations con- designated by the Holy Father to be tained in the letter of the Holy Father related to the three persons of the coming years 1997, 1998 and 1999.

"The first year will be devoted to on the coming Third Millennium.

Blessed Trinity: in 1997, the Son of God; Primary emphasis is placed on our in 1998, the Holy Spirit; in 1999, God the reflection on Christ, the Word of God made man, by the power of the Holy turning with renewed interest to the Father Himself.

Bible and especially to the Gospel of St. Spirit."

As in this year, we focus on Jesus the Obviously we will need to begin by Luke.

Son of God we cannot but give a speIf each family or individual were to cial place to Mary as the Mother of Jesus committing ourselves to this programme proposed to us by the Holy read a chapter or part of a chapter each Christ. day, the result would be a great awakFather.

She constantly points to her Divine Each diocese, each parish, each fami- ening to the beauty and the wonder that Son, as the Holy Father writes, and she ly, each individual will need to gain an Is the life of Jesus Christ. is proposed to us all as a model of great We need to remind ourselves of the faith in God, a true Mother to all of us. appreciation of what is involved.

This is a golden opportunity for all of power of the Word of God. We read in May her prayers help our weak efforts us to turn our lives around and by so the Epistle to the Hebrews "The word to be more faithful witnesses of her doing, to help turn the world back to of God is something alive and active; it Divine Son. cuts more incisively than any twoJesus Christ.

The prayer of this first Sunday of It is obvious therefore that a great edged sword".

Advent begins: "All powerful God, The Word of God is as 'effective in our increase our strength of will for doing responsibility rests on the shoulders of all Christians, but it is also obvious that lives as a well-made sword is for its pur- good". a great opportunity presents itself to us pose. May we allow the Word of God to This sentence sets the tone for us as to renew our Christian vocation and mould us after the pattern of Jesus Him- we begin the Season of Advent, a time self. that of others as well. of preparation for the coming of Jesus Let us grasp that opportunity with It will enable us especially to under- Christ, a time for conversion and renewgreat earnestness. stand our vocation as Christians. All al, a time for helping others to know If we are to do this, then we must take Christians share the Sacrament of Bap- Christ better by our witness to Him.

To Jesus through Mary. .

a column of Marian devotion

turned away from the inn affirmed the observation made in the Gospel of John that Jesus "came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him."

The fact that there was no room for his mother at the inn "foreshadowed the numerous refusals that Jesus was to undergo in his earthly life."

It also showed "how Mary was already associated with the destiny of suffering of her son."

The Pope said the significance of Mary and Jesus was also underscored in Luke's description of the shepherds.

They set out for Bethlehem to experience the "great joy that will be for all the people," and encountered "Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger."

"In the face of these extraordinary events, Luke tells us that Mary 'kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart,- the pope said.

He added that this description calls to mind "another mother, the Church," which throughout time offers renewed impetus for theological reflection.

Our Lady of Hermits. Detail of painting in the dining room of the Monastery in Einsiedeln, Switzerland

By Lynne Well VATICAN CITY (CNS) Gospel accounts of Jesus' early life and his relationship with the Virgin Mary help people to understand the principles of the faith, Pope John Paul II said.

"In every age, those who wish to meet Jesus must find him with his mother," the Pope told pilgrims from around the world at his weekly general audience on November 20.

"In the account of the birth of Jesus, the evangelist Luke reports some facts that help us better to comprehend the meaning of the event," Pope John Paul said.

"Informing us of the circumstances in which the voyage and the departure (from Nazareth to Bethlehem) take place, the evangelist presents a situation of discomfort and of poverty that provides a glimpse of some of the fundamental characteristics of the messianic reign, a reign without earthly honours and power."

The Pope said Luke's account of Mary and Joseph being

"We thought that planning our funerals would be an uncomfortable business. But the Purslowe family made it very easy:' PURSLOWE FUNERAL HOMES Our family serving your family. since 1906 North Perth 444 4835, Midland 274 3866, Victoria Park 361 1185. Wanneroo 409 9119, Northam f096) 221137.

Mareena Purslowe and Associates, Subiaeo, '3$81621.

Sankey 1371

The Record, November 28 1996 Page 6

Great evils make death penalty a plausible option for society

With Paul Gray

W

hen the movie Dead Man Walking came out last year, it was widely applauded as a passionate cinema statement of moral opposition to the death penalty Based on a 1993 book by American nun Sister Helen Prejean, who was national chairwoman of the US Committee to Abolish the Death Penalty the film showed that even terrible murderers are capable of seeking forgiveness for their sins.

In today's liberal-minded Catholic culture, there is a widespread view that the Sister Helen Prejeans are the only true Christians when it comes to the capital punishment debate, and that opposing the death penalty is a duty on us all.

This is wrong. In fact, the Catholic Church has always taught, and continues to teach, that the death penalty is morally correct in some circumstances.

It is worth reflecting on the words of the current Catechism of the Catholic Church here.

"Preserving the common good of society requires rendering the aggressor unable to inflict harm.

"For this reason the traditional teaching of the Church has acknowledged as well-founded the right and duty of legitimate public authority to punish malefactors by means of penalties commensurate with the gravity of the crime, not excluding, in cases of extreme gravity, the death penalty."

To modern liberal-minded Christians, it may seem that the primary duty of the faithful is to show compassion to all - even murderers.

Certainly, this is the view that shines through from the character of Sister Prejean in the movie Dead Man Walking.

However, a different view comes through when we read what the Church's Catechism has to say on what criminal punishment is for.

It lists four effects of punishment. The first is to "redress the disorder caused by the offense," the Catechism says.

A second value - expiation - is derived from punishment when the offender voluntarily accepts it.

Thirdly, punishment also helps preserve public order and safety Fourthly, it can have a "medicinal" value for the criminal - "as far as possible it should contribute to the correction of the offender."

It is interesting that this idea of the "medicinal" purpose of sentencing - what we call "rehabilitation", in secular language - is listed as the fourth, not the first, purpose of punishment.

And what is listed first is "redress" - a word meaning, according to my Oxford dictionary "reparation for wrong".

In our liberal culture, the idea of "redress" seldom gets much consideration today. Capital punishment opponents confuse it with the more morally questionable concept of "vengeance".

But vengeance and redress are not the same thing at all. Redress is a formal acknowledgment that an evil has been done.

In cases of great evil, like mass murder or child murder, it is difficult to see how it can be achieved without the death penalty.

For example, does anyone seriously think that the recent handing of a life jail term to Port Arthur gunman Martin Bryant, who shot dead 35 innocent tourists, is, truly speaking, redress for the evil he has caused?

Many do not. The temptation for some Christians will be to dismiss those who do not as a lynch-mob, motivated by no higher ideal that the lust for blood.

But that is not necessarily so. After all, justice is about more than just helping the poor in their struggles against the rich.

Justice is the desire to see great wrongs righted. And there are few greater wrongs than the slaughter of the innocent.

Stand up and rage against the worship of Elle E The Record ditorials inevitably sin by stating the obvious to many readers who think seriously about social issues; there is always the risk of boredom fueling cynicism as the same issues pop up as time hurled at Western Australia by the choice and children in the belief that WA is anothgoes by. er Bangkok, Manila or San Francisco.

But editorial writers sometimes cannot of Elle as our representative overseas.

The West Australian reported this week Then again, if we drool over Elle, WA is escape this vice of repetition because there are some evils that seem uncon- the madness that surrounds Ms McPher- no better than Bangkok In face of the total victory of explicit and querable in society at present - the abom- son - the locations for filming commermplicit i sexual content in entertainment she fear for secret kept being were cials ination of abortion being the top of a long and advertising, it is not surprising that would be mobbed by adoring admirers. list.

Apparently, West Australians have not Christians who take Christian moral Abortion will be attacked continually no matter how bored citizens become with improved since Elle was last here in 1992 teaching seriously by trying to put them into practice have retreated into their anti-abortionists to the point that the apa- and thousands queued to see her.

What they will see this time is someone shells and thrown themselves on God's thetic are driven crazy and react in some prostituting her God-given feminine beau- mercy on behalf of society in prayer and way. reparation.

The saturation of modern society with ty by selling her soft-porn image to the The Elle madness is another temptation highest bidder. sexual imagery, especially in the advertissay: more of the same, who cares? to to point who those be by Don't fooled ing and entertainment industries, is anothPeople are so drugged by their obseser issue Christians are accused of being the artistic elegance of her form: essentially, Elle is nothing more than a centre- sion with sex that there is little point in boringly obsessed with. trying to penetrate minds corrupted by The current mania in favour of Elle fold. vices either practiced or admired sexual stories Next there will be shock-horror McPherson is a case where citizens will again have to be bored by Christians and and hand-wringing in the media when the pruriently from afar.

This week a Kalgoorlie backpacker hosothers concerned with the true dignity of Elle campaign attracts sex tourists from proprietor has gained wide coverage in tel men and women raging against the insult overseas who start accosting men, women

Tirounofie Some reason on migration

Supporting the family

y

our reply to my letter of 21 November answers my criticism of your editorial of the 7 November in which you stated that any government support for families should only be via find the proposition, often advanced "the family member who . . . . (earns) a by some during the course of a wage .... or by taxation roller, by assertdebate on immigration - that the suit- ing that "welfare payments . . . . should ability of our future migrants be deter- not be the means by which income-earnmined solely by their race - absurd and ing families are assisted" as this denies simplistic. families "the dignity that comes from creIt often implies that only the Cau- ating their own means of sustenance". casians ought to be admitted to Australia The problem with your argument can as immigrants. be illustrated by way of an example.

It assumes that the desirable traits are Take the case of a single income famiInvested solely in the European race. ly, comprising a father in the paid workIt suggests that the old virtues such as force, mother at home caring for a baby the integrity, honesty, good personal and two older children enrolled in prihabits and the ability to get along with mary and secondary schools. others are qualities possessed exclusiveLet us assume the father is employed ly by the white race. on the minimum adult wage (under WAs On what evidence and from what find- Minimum Conditions of Employment ings are the conclusions drawn?

Act) of $332 per week and see what are Are they the result of some government the ramifications for this low income survey, university research or a scientif- family. ic analyses?

Annual Income Or are they simply the result of mis$17,264 Annual Wage: conceptions spawned by ignorance or a 1 payments: 1-ansfer SO fear fuelled by political opportunists?

Total: $17,264 Unfounded myths can not only distort Expenditure Annual the perceptions about the character of Education our prospective immigrants, they can $3,912 Public Primary: also hurt the feelings of our fellow non$5,290 Public Secondary: European citizens. $6,760 Rent Many of these people have contributed Taxation (best case): $O greatly to the welfare of our country and $15,962 Subtotal: proved themselves good Australians.

Would the critics advocating their disBear in mind that no taxation would be criminatory immigration policies feel paid and no transfer payments received comfortable if they, while living abroad, as you insist that this is not an approwere to be judged unfairly and indis- priate "means by which income earning criminately on the basis of their race families are assisted" and therefore the Instead of the quality of their character? costs of educating the children must be Where is the Australian 'fair go' spirit borne directly. gone or has it, too, been a myth?

Without pressing the matter any furJoe Stekl ther, it is plainly obvious that this low Gosnells Income family faces something of a financial crisis.

They have a mere $1,302 of their annun 14 December, all West Aus- al income unaccounted for in the above tralians will be compelled to example and yet no allowance has yet been made for the wide variety of living vote.

So let us turn to God before we vote, expenses still to be met such as transand ask Him to guide us, to vote for the port, food, clothing, retirement savings, person He wishes to guide Our Lucky etc.

This family must either cease formal County, into the future.

Let us ask Him to guide us to be thank- education expenses on their children or ful for all the blessings that He has go live in a hovel, otherwise they face bestowed on us, for the beautiful coun- starvation. try we live in.

If such an undignified situation is to be This letter may not please everyone, avoided and given your proclivity to but let us count our blessings, as com- restrict any government support for fampared with other countries around us! ilies to "the family member who . . . . (earns) a wage .... or by taxation relier M.Howard North Perth then you are merely left with the options

I

Pray for guidance

0

the media for promoting her hostel as brothel-turned-hostel in which none of the brothel accoutrements have been altered. This was smart business practice in a sex-sodden society; in principle, it is just as corrupting as the activities of the madam who ran the brothel previously.

Christians and other sane men and women must stand up and insist, in season and out of season, that the choice of Ms McPherson to represent WA is a total insult to the true human dignity of Western Australians.

The public officials and politicians who sought Ms McPherson, and the businesses panting to take advantage of her softporn image, have much to answer for.

Christians and people of good-will should keep raging against the saturation of society with sexual immorality until bored and irritated to distraction - their detractors, often within their own Churches, are driven to join in in rejecting the perversion of values represented by Elle.

• The opinions expressed in this editorial, and any other Record editorial, are not necessarily those of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.

Belfers /0

Co6lor

of government subsidies to wages or home, and that their families can live redirecting transfer payments through and prosper in a dignified way even when they themselves devote their fullthe Taxation Department.

Which begs the question, what is the time to their own family".

Frank Lindsey point?

Piesse Brook WA There is a considerable amount of truth to any assertion that the Bismarkian model of the welfare State, involving intergeneration transfers, has become en have two roles that are specific to them. Both relate to fatherprostituted over time, primarily due to hood. today's aged taking far more than their 1. Physical fatherhood is the active, inifair share.

The solution might be to devise a semi- tiator role in the act which creates human government institutional framework life.

For this reason the Church, rightly, opposwhich makes explicit the nature of the es negations of physical fatherhood such intergenerational social contract upon as 'in vitro fertilisation'. which the Bismarlcian welfare state was 2. Fatherhood need not be so physical. originally founded.

The fathering role of Saint Joseph is a traIam aware of only Mr Bob. Santamaria ditional example.

Likewise, Catholic priests are the active having had the originality of intellect to suggest the establishment of an 'income initiators at the spiritual level. For this reaequalisation fund' for this purpose, fund- son Jesus Christ, rightly, selected twelve ed by way of a universal tariff upon male apostles.

For this reason Catholic priests are, rightImports and controlled by a board commale. ly, prised of representatives of employers, affirms the dignity of Thus unions, State and Federal Government. men. the Church You go on to claim that a transfer payThe dignity of women is a separate issue. ment which discriminates against one Women's dignity is affirmed by encouragspouse does so "to the detriment of the ing their motherhood skills (both physical and spiritual). unity and dignity of the family".

Giving women the fatherhood role of I have some familiarity with the situation to which you refer. My employer dis- being priests would be an offence to the criminates against my wife by paying me dignity of both sexes.

Arnold jago a wage and superannuation.

Mildura Similarly, when my wife has worked, her employer/s discriminated against myself in a similar way and today, my ince your 31 October editorial in wife receives payment of Family Payrelation to Pauline Hanson MI-IR, ments. All of our income is paid into a I note that only one letter (7 joint account. was written and it was to November) If your argument is valid then there admonish you. should be some evidence of loss of "unity and dignity" in our family as a result of Iwould like to congratulate The Record these financial arrangements.I am con- for the fair assessment given to Ms Hanson's views. You have correctly discerned scious of none. really worrying aspect .... they con"the In any case, as it is you who makes the tain elements of truth that are taken to assertion, it is upon you that the burden the wrong conclusions". of proof falls.

Forttmately, Ms Hanson does not have The justification for directing payments the intellectual qualities or the charisma such as the Family Payment to (usually) that could make her an Adolf Hitler. the wife is that it does the family no harm Nevertheless, her ranting and raving and secondly, in the minority of cases resulted in some good people givhave where the family income is not shared between spouses (eg. an alcoholic hus- ing her the undeserved support she is band), it is prudent to have the families getting.

You are right, "'it is this brew that creIncome spread between the spouses.

Finally, the case for assisting families ated the social dislocation" resulting in by way of a combination of payments the Germany of 1933.

Millions of good Germans saw the such as Family Allowances and a Homemakers/ Parenting Allowance does not death trains rolling by, smelt the stench appear to have been ruled out as a moral- of burning human flesh, witnessed the ly illegitimate means by Pope John Paul humiliation of other people because they II who, in Familiaris Consortia stated looked and wished to live a culture that that "society must be structured in such was at variance with the majority a way that wives and mothers are not in Anthony Dolan practice compelled to work outside the Cloverdale

On fatherhood

M

The Hanson debate

S

The Record, November 28 1996 Page 7

Movie Reviews

Troubled woman's story an unusually satisfying drama

By Henry Herx

T

he story of a troubled woman who comes to a small town for a fresh start in life is the engrossing subject of The Spitfire Grill" (Castle Rock).

The picture starts as paroled convict Percy Talbot (Alison Elliott) leaves prison and takes the bus to Gilead, a small town in the backwoods of Maine.

As viewers discover, Percy was sexually victimised by her stepfather whom she killed. This is the crime for which she was sent to prison for manslaughter.

Because it is strong fare, parents needs to consider its effect on their younger adolescents.

Arriving late in the evening, she goes straight to the sheriff's office and he persuades Hannah Ferguson (Ellen Burstyn) to give Percy a room in return for working as a waitress in her restaurant, the Spitfire Grill.

The aging Hannah reluctantly

agrees and the next morning the townspeople come in for breakfast and to satisfy their curiosity about the newcomer.

The movie succeeds well in its depiction of an economically hard-pressed community not given to accepting strangers easily but not inclined to turning them away without reason.

But Percy is not given to talking about herself and it will take time for the locals - and the viewer to know her.

Gradually the demanding Hannah comes to depend upon her help in the restaurant and when she is confined to bed by an accident, the care of the Spitfire Grill is in Percy's hands.

Because she has no experience as a cook. Shelby Goddard (Marcia Gay Harden), the wife of Hannah's nephew, volunteers to take over kitchen chores.

Working together, they become fast friends, though Shelby's husband, Nahum (Will Paton), does-

n't like the idea of his wife being pals with a jailbird.

When Percy learns that Hannah wants to retire and sell the Spitfire Grill, she suggests a nationwide essay contest at a $100 an entry, Shelby gets the publicity going and the money pours in.

The three women rejoice in their success, but malignant Nahum sees a way to get rid of Percy by stealing the cash from Hannah's safe.

When Hannah discovers the theft, she immediately suspects Percy, who is nowhere to be found.

A search for Percy and the money is mounted and matters turn heavily melodramatic.

The result is an unusually satisfying drama, genuinely uplifting.

Because of some menace, a reference to the sexual abuse of a minor resulting in murder and a tragic death, the US Catholic Conference classification is All adults and adolescents.

',mew

Ellen Burstyn stars as Hannah Fergeson, proprietor of The Spitfire Grill."

Movie depression leaves scant space for grace Started good but T ended bad

By Dean Britton Apart from a few funny moments, the latest Hollywood "action/comedy", Bulletproof does little in terms of comedy to justify its inclusion In that genre.

The film stars Damon Wayans (Mo' Money, Look Who's Talking, Too) as an undercover cop and Adam Sandler (Airheads, Saturday Night Live) as a quirky crim.

The two have formed a close friendship but it comes to grief when the character Wayans plays, Rock Keats, is shot in the head by the shady Archie Moses (Sandler).

Keats is completely rehabilitated, receiving a steel plate in his forehead, but has lost all his trust in Moses, whom he must now bring in as state's evidence in the prosecution of Moses' drug-dealer boss (James Caan).

The film is directed by Ernest Dickerson (Tales From The Crypt) and after a promising start degenerates into a predictable farce which is lamely supported by humour that relies principally on vulgarity, violence and pyrotechnic displays.

Both plot and comedy are unsuccessfully propped up by a string of Hollywood copbuddy-film cliches.

A word of warning, too: the film deserves its MA rating; it contains frequent and strong coarse language, it trivialises pornography, homosexuality and is generally immodest , likely `.o 1--,e labelled as Morally Offensive by CNS.

There, he meets his vivacious, beat narrative is reinforced by he film adaptation of a lit- the impoverished Jude (Christoerary classic, in this case pher Eccleston) and the cousin independent cousin Sue, whom Eccleston's bleak presence as the Thomas Hardy's 1896 "Jude (Kate Winslet) he comes to love - he helps find a position as teach- frustrated title character.

The radiant Winslet brings the Obscure," is usually a wel- with tragic results. ing assistant to Phillotson, some sunshine to the proceedcome break from mindless fare.

The stark production evocative- who, like himself falls for her.

However, with "Jude" (Gramer- ly captures 19th century rural Sue rashly marries Phillotson ings, but the couple's eventual cy), all is grim to the point of life- England where young Jude, upon learning Jude is already fate seems more inevitable than less. impressed by teacher Phillotson married but the cousins remain Involving on an emotional level.

Solemnly paced and lacking any Certainly one is not looking for (Liam Cunningham), determines attracted to one another and evenleavening trace of humour, "Jude" a Hollywood-happy ending for to gain admittance to Cluistnuin- tually run off together.

Hardy's harrowing tale of star- ster University despite his humCrushing poverty remains is darkly chilling, its theme of assumed divine retribution leavcrossed lovers, but director ble origins. their constant companion.

Michael Winterbottom seems disRejected by a university that ing scant space for healing grace Sidetracked by marriage to a posed to spring unnecessarily woman (Rachel Griffiths) who cares more about his class than from above for the cursed cousins.

Because of sexual encounters graphic shots of childbirth, death claimed to be pregnant then his scholarship, and scorned by and entwined couples on an impetuously left him, Jude moves society as they move from place with full nudity, graphic birth to Christminster, toiling as a to place with three children in scene and juvenile deaths, the US unsuspecting audience.

These disturbing visuals can stonemason and studying each tow, the couple are finally devas- Catholic Conference classification is AIV - adults, with reservahave the effect of undermining night in hopes of being accepted tated by unspeakable tragedy. the story's psychological study of by the university The movie's relentlessly down- tions.

The Pallbearer has its moments n "The Pallbearer" (Miramax), a hapless young man is asked to eulogise a suicidal former classmate he doesn't remember while trying to romantically interest another classmate who doesn't remember him.

(TV's David Schwimmer "Friends") stars as sad-sack Tom Thompson, vainly job-hunting a year after graduating from college, girlfriendless, and embarrassed to still be living at home with a smother-mother (Carol Kane).

His yuppie pals Scott (Michael Vartan) and Cynthia (Toni Collette) are settled into marriage Director Matt Reeves (centre) with David Schwimmer (right) on the set of and even bachelor buddy Brad -The Pallbearer."

(Michael Rapaport) is about to tie the knot with Lauren (Bitty bara Hershey) that he doesn't Tom's limp and lame eulogy, and Schram). moments even recall the guy. are humourous Sympathetic Cynthia decides to Tom's friends attend the funeral stretched out beyond their capacplay cupid when she hears Tom's to lend him moral support, includ- ity to entertain. Nonetheless, this secret high school crush, Julie ing Julie, who, as luck would have scenario of three guys and three (Gwyneth Paltrow), is back in It, doesn't remember Tom and gals shows its "Friends"-inspired town. isn't looking for romance.

TV sitcom sensibility.

When rIbm is asked to be a pallBut the grief-stricken Mrs AberBecause of fleeting bedroom bearer and eulogise former class- nathy is and soon seduces Tom, scenes, recurring profanity and mate Bill Abernathy, who killed who can't seem to just say no. an instance of rough language, himself, he's too embarrassed to Most surprising are the missed the US Catholic Conference clasadmit to Bill's teary mom (Bar- comic opportunities, such as sification is AIII - adults.

The Record, November 28 1996 Page 8

Photo C

ra

Tiananmen tragedy

T

he Gate of Heavenly Peace at Luna Cinemas in Leederville is a documentary on the events leading to the Tiananmen Square tragedy in Beijing in 1989.

Its strength lies in that it is based on extensive interviews with student leaders of the movement for democracy in the square and produced by people with a reasonable knowledge of Chinese history and culture.

It's weakness lies in that the producers hark back to the revolutionary innocence of the Chinese Communist Party as a standard by which to judge the current leadership.

But, as the documentary admits itself at one point, the students themselves began to organise in a totalitarian manner to survive. Worth seeing all three hours if you have a fascination with political history and philosophy.

Features

Hills Franciscans stand up for Jesus

By Colleen McGuiness-Howard

I

n response to a society which today is making a blatant effort to eliminate Christ from Christmas - The Hills Franciscan Community has come out fighting.

They note constant attempts to remove any religious theme from Christmas decorations, such as in Perth city and in shopping centres.

Likewise, they point to secular endeavours designed to influence people to adopt alternative ideas.

For example, there is the greeting "Happy holiday!" (as used in America), instead of "Have a Merry" or "Happy and Holy Christmas!"

The pretext for such moves, they said, is usually that non-Christians might be upset at these Christian symbols and greetings (when celebrating a purely Christian feast!).

This year, they are strongly urging Christians to join in their fight.

Otherwise. The Hills Franciscans maintain it will be too late to reverse the insidious eating away of anything Christian.

Australia as a Christian culture, they say, "judging by present trends," will be lost.

Faced with an apathetic Australian society which doesn't notice the 'Christian carpet being pulled away from underneath its feet.' The Hills Franciscans have written to all Catholic parishes and schools, as well as heads of other Churches actively encouraging people and organisations to

"consciously put Christ at the very centre of all Christmas celebrations."

They are also urging them to avoid being drawn into the commercial and secular attitudes so prominent in our society.

Coordinator Dorothy French points out that Archbishop Barry Hickey has endorsed and encouraged the campaign, believing it to be "of great value," and suggests people organise a group of likeminded people, perhaps from the parish or school, willing to desWn and make posters, or attractive. leaflets with suggestions for putting Christ back into Christmas.

Many people 'keep' Christmas superficially. said Dorothy, "but as you know, if Christ is not at the centre of our celebrations, then it isn't Christmas that is being celebrated!"

The Hills Franciscans suggest simple but effective things such as...

•using only Christmas cards that convey a Christian message featuring a nativity scene or Christian symbolism; •using Christian postage stamps; *giving a positive Christian greeting such as "A joyous Christmas," or "God bless you"; and •making a simple crib (perhaps a shoe box, straw, and a doll) as a centre piece and focus for the Christmas table.

One could also have a family discussion, they say, about giving simple gifts and using money saved for the needy; emphasising

David and Dorothy French, left, aided by Ursula Thompson and Audrey Lewis, prepare their Christmas crib,

the giving aspect of St Nicholas (Santa Claus) rather than the receiving.

Or, again, people could give a nativity picture to children; make a family Christmas poster, offering up daily a simple prayer of thanks for the gift of God at Christ-

mas, and to include this theme in children's liturgies.

All help is vitally needed in getting the message across that Christ is Christmas and Christmas is Christ. said Dorothy, because without Christ there can be no Christmas.

"Jesus told us to go into all the world and tell the Good News well this is the Good News!

"Because God gave us the first mind blowing gift to us of His Son. that we might have eternal life.

"And what a gift that is!" she exclaimed.

Al-Anon steps in to assist families of alcoholics

By Colleen McGuiness-Howard

T

he two organisations - Alco-

holics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon, are linked because of the common disease of alcoholism.

AA was conceived to help those struggling with the addiction and life shattering effects of alcoholism.

Al-Anon was formed to help survive those whose loved ones suffer from the disease of alcoholism.

Many however. may not see the inner lives of the alcoholics' partners or close associates, but in truth, they are the hidden sufferers.

The tentacles of alcoholism are all-grasping and pervading and there are usually many lives affected.

Dee, who is married with four children and six grandchildren, admits that although her story is not horrific, there are many more like her out there, "but people do nothing because they consider it's not serious enough."

Born and married in Ireland, Dee came to Australia in 1971 with her husband and three children.

She was the daughter of an alcoholic, but the problems were with her mother, a non-drinker, said Dee, "because we couldn't understand why she was always so mad with us and with him, because he was a quiet gentleman, and so nice."

But as she grew older, Dee realised that her father drank all their money and her mother had to work hard to educate her five children.

Her parents are now both dead, but Dee emphasises that she loved them both, and the drinking and the situation they were in, "doesn't take that love away from

martyred wife and mother, which I'd been for so long."

Her husband had swapped going to the pub to attending AA meetings and one night invited Dee. She went, and today says emphatically: "It's the best thingI ever did!"

Realising then she had duplicated her mother's behavioural response to her husband's drinking. Dee was then given the 12 steps of Al-Anon and thus the tools to change her life through herself.

For her, it was tailormade and she enthuses about "this wonderful program whichItry to put into my everyday life with my family and people I work with."

But life doesn't automatically become a bed of roses, she pointed out, because with the saving grace of her husband giving up drinking, she found conversely that her daughter had become pregnant and her son, unbeknown to herself, had been drinkAlcoholism has unsuspected effects on families as well as the drinker. ing since he was 13.

He too was an alcoholic and them." It did convince her that she lent or abusive. One night he didn't want anything to do with asked did Dee consider he had a then recovered through using the 12 steps of AA by the time he was anyone who drank, however, so problem? with dance Dee wouldn't even With a definite "Yes" her hus- 20.

Dee thoroughly endorses it anyone who did. band made a 'phone call and for anyone who lives with, though At 16 she was dating a young shortly after a male came to the or works with an alcoholic. loves, Alcofrom was he said and door man who wore a total abstinence "But the thing I love most is the badge on his chest - a key attrac- holics Anonymous. of the people; you learn honesty tion for her - and at 22 they were His new found friend took him to trust again and that is very hard in married and left Ireland to live to the AA meetings and for her for some of us."

England. husband it was the beginning of Her faith in God, as a practicing Expecting their second child a brand new start; their friend- Catholic was never lost though, and away from home for Christ- ship remains today. she says adamantly, "even in the mas, they both decided they were For Dee however, it was differ- drinking days." old enough to have a drink ent.

Everyone in Al-Anon begins to Some 15 years later her husband She remained "in the same believe in a God, a greater power was "in serious trouble (with his angry mess, still shouting at my than themselves, she explained, drinking)." children who were then teen- "and although you grow up with People usually associate vio- agers. and blaming them for a religion, you get to know God as a friend." Interestingly, Dee's huslence with alcoholism, said Dee, everything that went wrong."

Admitting to being unable to see band was also the child of an alcobut her husband was very similar to her own father, and never vio- her part in it, she remained "the holic and that is why they decided

they'd never drink, but oddly enough, "the children of alcoholics are usually attracted to other children of alcoholics." Dee believes.

Dee asserts that people can drink themselves into alcoholism, but sees alcoholism as having always been there, just needing to be fed.

"And in the case of my husband, it was a disease just waiting to happen."

Drinking, she ascribes to causing "horrific damage" because alcohol is a poison, and she maintains there is no such thing as drying them out and then 'teaching them' to so-called 'drink socially.'

"Because it isn't possible."

Once dry, they cannot afford to have even one drink, she insists, and complete abstinence is the only way.

In his determination to quit drinking, Dee's husband left his lucrative work in an industry which required a lot of drinking, and coming from plenty of money to a tighter budget, proved restrictive.

But through his abstinence, they gained a new freeing life which engendered peace. resulting in a blossoming of their marriage.

One of the things AA promises is that financial insecurity will leave you, Dee said, "and this definitely happened with my husband and me."

While conceding that they avoid drinking places and the pub scene because of the stress it imposes, Dee also advises that "You just put your faith and trust in God, and He takes care of the rest."

The Record, November 28 1996 Page 9

Advent 1996

God becoming human the real wonder of Christian Christmas While recognition of a spiritual realm may be universal, the ean Auel writes often of the way that the spiritual is envispirits and totems embraced sioned varies greatly.

Some of the deepest human by different tribal groups in e Valley of the Horses, her questions concern how the spirbest-selling novel about early itual should be understood, and humans at the end of the last ice how the spiritual and material age. worlds are related.

Though her writing is fiction, A critical question is how big a Auel is probably correct in gulf there is between the spiribelieving that primitive humans tual and material realms. were concerned about the spirOne approach identifies the it world. spiritual with the material Every known culture seems to world. Called pantheism, this have some sense of spiritual view believes God is identical realities beyond what humans with the whole created universe. can see and touch and control.

There is no gap at all.

In diverse ways, all humans In another approach, the mateseem to think about the spiritu- rial and the spiritual are comal, talk about the spiritual, seek pletely opposed to each other. to commune with the spiritual This view assumes that to and call upon spiritual beings become a spiritual person, one for help. must shun the material world as

/

By Father Lawrence Mick

much as possible. Such an approach tends to view the material world, especially the human body, as evil or at least as the main source of temptation.

A variation of this second approach can be found in a contemporary materialism that attempts to find meaning and happiness by dealing only with the material world.

Here, nonetheless, the underlying assumption is that the material world has no spiritual component or connection.

Though both of these approaches have influenced Christians in various ways through the centuries, an authentic Christian worldview steers a middle course between them.

This course is based on the fundamental fact that Jesus Christ, the Word of God, became flesh and lived among us.

Christians do not believe that the universe is God; there is a distinction between God and the world God created.

But in Jesus, the created and the divine are joined inseparably and forever.

Jesus is both God and human, divine and created, spiritual and material.

In him, we see God made visible.

We hear God speak to us. We feel the touch of God's healing power.

We experience God's presence and power at work in our midst.

We are drawn into the very life of God through the saving grace Jesus brings.

This is what we celebrate each year at Christmas - not just that Jesus was born 2,000 years ago, but that he continues to live in our midst.

Christmas is a celebration of the incarnation, the enfleshing of the Son of God. In the Christmas season we celebrate the implications of this amazing truth: that God has become one of us so that we might become like God. All the Church's life and liturgy are ultimately based on the truth of the incarnation.

In worship, the church uses created things and people as the means to encounter God. A purely spiritualist approach is not Christian.

Instead, water and oil and bread and wine play roles when people are initiated into the body of Christ.

We use human words and actions to express and experience God's presence and power in our midst.

Though Christians sometimes have held a rather negative view of the human body, the liturgy always has incorporated the body into worship.

The body is washed and clothed at baptism, anointed in confirmation and fed in the Eucharist.

The body also is anointed in ordination to ministry and in the sacrament of the sick.

Reconciliation is expressed by an imposition of hands, and weddings speak of the physical union of husband and wife as a sign of God's union with us.

We also use our bodies to express our prayer and our worship.

We stand and sit and kneel. We travel in processions and other forms of ritual dance.

We bow and prostrate ourselves as signs of reverence.

We kiss the cross on Good Friday and bless our bodies with holy water every time we enter and leave the worship space.

We share signs of peace with each other and wash each other's feet.

We take the body and blood of Christ in our hands and into our bodies, the primary tabernacles where Christ wishes to dwell.

Advent is a good time to reflect on the wonder of the incarnation.

The eternal Son of God took on our human form, forever linking the human and divine, the spiritual and material.

God came to share our life so that we might share the life of the Trinity.

That is the wonder of the Christmas we now are preparing to celebrate.

Incarnation: true bond between the mnity, us

By Dan Luby

I

t starts with hunger in a belly that cannot fill itself. The limitation and needs which go with the territory of the human body are part of our experience from the beginning of our lives until the end.

To be sure, there are times for some of us when our bodies are a source of joy: strong, beautiful, Immensely complex in organisation and diverse in form.

There are more times, however, for more of us, when our bodies seem to betray us.

• Our arms are too short to reach the top shelf.

• Our face doesn't strike the desired chord in another's heart.

• Sleep overcomes us when we need to be awake.

• Our knees grow stiff.

• Sickness or flaw or unmet desire mars our sense of success.

There is no doubt that we live

"in the flesh" - no doubt either ing a finite human body - may ness. It would have been enough that our flesh, the bodily dimen- provide us with an antidote to for God to save us from outside sion of being human, is often such an impulse. our humanity, stepping in only as experienced as burdensome.

Becoming human is the amaz- our Creator.

And what bears more eloquent ing way God entered into irrevoBut through the incarnation, our testimony to the reality of our cable communion with us. salvation is accomplished from bodily limits at this time of year This is an astonishing assertion. the inside. than the transformation of the And it suggests that in the limitaNo amount of theologising will Advent season of holy waiting tions and glories of the body we render the hard facts of pain and into a frenzied commercial festi- can connect with the God who sickness and limitation easy to val of stress and fatigue, sore feet created us. bear. and headaches?

Vision still grows cloudy with Because of our bodies, we share Whenever we are forcefully con- with the Lord himself the experi- age. fronted by the weakness inherent ence of a life charged with Chronic ailments still impede us In our bodily existence, we can Immense beauty and richness: from doing what we long to do. succumb to the impulse to identi- the sight of a sunrise over a snowy Physical needs that can't be met fy our lime selves only with the winter field; the freedom and still contribute to strained relaspiritual and to disown our emi- power felt when our bodies tionships in families and among nently finite bodies. respond to the demands of work; nations.

Doing so, however, rejects not the heart-filling sound of our But this Advent, try to rememonly the reality of who we are, but names on the lips of people who ber the unimaginably deep bond also the saving power of the incar- love us. which the incarnation forges nation.

In these and 1,000 other ways between us and God. Reflection on the mystery of the our bodies enable us to experiIt offers a way to turn the pains Incarnation, which we will cele- ence and share creation's good- and frustrations of human frailty brate at Christmastime - that God ness. into occasions of hope and signs takes on our full humanity, includThey become signs of that good- of communion.

The Record, November 28 1996 Page 10

C me Emmanu I

Despite the difficulties, He always delivers

By Father John Castelot

A

braham and Sarah were childless and quite dvanced in age -eagerly "heir-minded" but definitely not "heir conditioned" when God told Abraham he would become the father of a people so numerous as to be beyond counting.

This was the beginning of what we call "salvation history," the process by which God works out a plan to save humanity.

With the passing of each childless year, the promise seemed sadly more laughable.

Abraham hoped against hope "that he would become 'the father of many nations'. . .

He did not weaken in faith but was empowered by faith and gave glory to God." Abraham was convinced that what God promised, God was also able to do (Romans 4:1821).

Abraham's faith paid off, and his trust was vindicated marvellously.

He did have a son, Isaac, and salvation history was on its tumultuous way.

But bear in mind that salvation history is history nonetheless, and human history can be pretty messy at times.

It involves people as well as God, flesh-and-blood human beings who can be weak, fearful, treacherous, prone to doubt God's love, to be sceptical that God's promises will be kept.

Moses undertook the leadership of a fractious people, convinced that God would lead them into a land of their own.

When they were well on their way, Moses sent a body of scouts to reconnoitre the land. They returned with the disappointing report of strongly walled cities with fierce defenders.

One scout, Caleb, was not so pessimistic. But in spite of his assurances that the people could take the land, they believed the majority report and turned on Moses.

Moses could do nothing to dissuade them from turning away, and the entrance into the promised land was delayed.

Undaunted, Moses continued to lead them, and eventually they entered Canaan and took it.

It was, after all, the promised land, and God, who had made the promise, fulfilled it spectacularly.

Centuries later, when the people were in apparently hopeless exile, God promised to bring them home.

This was simply incredible but, as God told the prophet Ezekiel, "I have promised, and I will do it" (Ezekiel 37:14).

Which is just what God did.

WA election 1996

Putting God and people first In political, economic and social policy the Catholic Church teaches the moral principles that guide humanity to its goal of knowing, serving and loving God here on earth. But the best way to implement these principles is left to the discretion of the laity. The Church has nothing to say in this area as long as the principles are not violated. Some of the principles, gleaned from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, are published here that are relevant to some of the issues voters may be think-Mg of in the leadup to the 14 December Western Australian election.

Right to Life The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of a civil society and its legislation: the inalienable rights of the person must be recognised and respected by civil society and the political authority.

These human rights depend neither on single individuals nor on parents; nor do they represent a concession made by society and the state; they belong to human nature and are inherent in the person by virtue of the creative act from which the person took his origin.

Among such fundamental rights one should mention in this regard every human being's right to life and physical integrity from the moment of conception until death.

As a consequence of the respect and protection which must be ensured for the unborn child from the moment of conception, the law must provide appropriate penal sanctions for every deliberate violation of the child's rights.

Euthanasia Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.

Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God. his Creator.

The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.

Death Penalty Preserving the common good of society requires rendering the aggressor unable to inflict harm.

For this reason the traditional teaching of the Church has acknowledged as wellfounded the right and duty of legitimate public authority to punish malefactors by means of penalties commensurate with the gravity of the crime, not excluding, in cases of extreme gravity, the death penalty.

For analogous reasons those holding authority have the right to repel by armed force aggressors against the community in their charge.

The primary effect of punishment is to redress the disorder caused by the offense.

When this punishment is voluntarily ac cepted by the offender, it takes on the value of expiation.

Moreover, punishment has the effect of

preserving public order and the safety of persons.

Finally punishment has a medicinal value; as far as possible it should contribute to the correction of the offender.

ing at games constitute grave matter, unless the damage inflicted is so slight that the one who suffers it cannot reasonably consider it significant.

Unemployment

Access to employment and to professions must be open to all without unjust discrimination: men and women, healthy and disabled, natives and immigrants.

For its part society should, according to The seventh commandment enjoins circumstances, help citizens find work and Prostitution does injury to the dignity of respect for the integrity of creation. Man's employment the person who engages in it, reducing the dominion over inanimate and other living It is unjust not to pay the social security person to an instrument of sexual pleasure. beings granted by the Creator is not contributions required by legitimate absolute; it is limited by concern for the authority.

The one who pays sins gravely against quality of life of his neighbour, including Unemployment almost always wounds himself: he violates the chastity to which generations to come; it requires a religious its victim's dignity and threatens the equihis Baptism pledged him and defiles his respect for the integrity of creation. librium of his life. body, the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Besides the harm done to him personalProstitution is a social scourge. It usually ly, it entails many risks for his family. involves women, but also men, children, and adolescents (the latter two cases A just wage is the legitimate fruit of work involve the added sin of scandal).

To refuse or withhold it can be a grave While it is always gravely sinful to engage injustice.

A theory that makes profit the exclusive in prostitution, the imputability of the In determining fair pay both the needs norm and ultimate end of economic activoffense can be attenuated by destitution, and the contributions of each person must ity is morally unacceptable. black mail, or social pressure. be taken into account The disordered desire for money cannot Remuneration for work should guarantee but produce perverse effects. It is one of man the opportunity to provide a dignified the causes of the many conflicts which dislivelihood for himself and his family on the turb the social order.

Sanctifying Sundays and holy days material, social, cultural, and spiritual level, A system that subordinates the basic requires a common effort. taking into account the role and the pro- rights of individuals and of groups to the Every Christian should avoid making ductivity of each, the state of the business, collective organization of production is unnecessary demands on others that and the common good. contrary to human dignity. would hinder them from observing the Every practice that reduces persons to Agreement between the parties is not Lord's Day. sufficient to justify morally the amount to nothing more than a means of profit enslaves man, leads to idolising money, li•aditional activities (sport, restaurants, be received in wages. and contributes to the spread of atheism. etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for leisure.

Everyone has the right of economWith temperance and charity the faithful ic initiative; everyone should make will .see to it that they avoid the excesses legitimate use of his talents to conand violence sometimes associated with tribute to the abundance that will benefit all and to harvest the just popular leisure activities. fruits of his labor.

In spite of economic constraints, public He should seek to observe regulaauthorities should ensure citizens a time tions issued by legitimate authority intended for rest and divine worship. for the sake of the common good.

Employers have a similar obligation toward their employees.

Prostitution

Environment

Just wages

Profit

Sunday Trading

Employee's duty

The Market

Migrants The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin.

Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.

Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption.

Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.

Gambling Games of chance (card games, etc.) or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice.

They become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others.

The passion for gambling risks becoming an enslavement. Unfair wagers and cheat-

The Church has rejected the totalitarian and atheistic ideologies associated in modern times with "communism" or "socialism."

She has likewise refused to accept, in the practice of "capitalism," individualism and the absolute primacy of the law of the marketplace over human labor.

Regulating the economy solely by centralised planning perverts the basis of social bonds; regulating it solely by the law of the marketplace fails social justice, for there are many human needs which cannot be satisfied by the market.

Reasonable regulation of the marketplace and economic initiatives, in keeping with a just hierarchy of values and a view to the common good. is to be commended.

Karen McGay

fig

Your local candidate for Kalgoorlie/Boulder is committed to family values Authonsed by G. Abel 50 Dugan St, Kalgoorlie

Right to Strike Recourse to a strike is morally legitimate when it cannot be avoided, or at least when it is necessary to obtain a proportionate benefit.

It becomes morally unacceptable when accompanied by violence, or when objectives are included that are not directly linked to working conditions or are contrary to the common good.

Nick. Catania MP

Strongly supports: - Family/Community values - Aged/Seniors Security

AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY

116011111 ArAssulti

s. SW.s. 8, bruise SS... hr. Satri AsAssi

mcyclod po,

A/swA

2 22

Inat knoweloon WA Sr,

Recommend The Record to your friends

- Catholic Education for all - Accessible Health Care - Full time jobs - Crime Prevention Strategies

Getting the priorities right in Yokine Authorised by an Taylor, Koorda St. Coolbinia 6050

The Record, November 28 1996 Page 11

International News

'will Call dialogu for e Abortionist quits in US mislead' Catholics In Brief

MERRILLVILLE, Indiana.

(CNS) - Abortionist Dr John Nwannunu estimates that he has performed hundreds of abortions since he began his family practice at a clinic in Merrillville more than two years ago.

But he attributed his decision to cease performing the procedure to the coverage of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin's death that had saturated the airwaves in the Chicago market.

"Out of respect for him.I will never again do this procedure," Nwannunu said.

Bishop Melczek of Gary told the newspaper, "This is a miracle."

Father Dennis Teles, pastor of Sts Peter and Paul Parish in Merrillville, said "The people of my parish have been working at this, with prayer and picketing at the clinic," he said.

He concurred with the bishop that Nwannunu's action was a miracle.

'Through Cardinal Bernardin's death, people have been given life," he said.

Kuwaiti visit VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Vatican's foreign minister, Archbishop jean-Louis Tauran, went to Kuwait on November 21 to discuss religious freedom, human rights and regional peace with government officials.

Kuwait is an officially Muslim country where strict laws governing the freedom of religion are on the books, but not uniformly enforced.

Cuban permits VATICAN CITY (CNS) - After high-level meetings between Vatican and Cuban officials.

Cuba has granted entry permits to at least 15 foreign missionaries, Church sources said.

The breakthrough reportedly came when Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, an assistant secretary of state, met in late October with top Cuban leaders.

Priests beatified VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope John Paul II, beatifying two Austrian priests martyred by the Nazis and a French lay Dominican, said holiness is shown by love for God and for the poor and persecuted.

Celebrating the feast of Christ the King on November 24 in St Peter's Basilica, the Pope said, "Christ is the king of love and, therefore, the final judgment of humanity and the world will be based on love."

Sudan support

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - In the face of violence and persecution, Sudanese Catholics must love others, persevere in their faith and help those who are even worse off, Pope John Paul II said.

The Pope sent a message of encouragement to Catholics in Southern Sudan, scene of a long-running civil war in which race and religion have been key dividing points.

•

By Tracy Early NEW YORK (CNS) - Recent calls by retired Archbishop John Quinn of San Francisco and the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago for dialogue within the Church gave a misleading impression that Catholics could find some "common ground" other than Church teaching, according to Jesuit Father Avery Dulles.

"The difficulty with the statements, especially that of Cardinal Bernardin, is not so much with what they actually said as with what they seemed to imply, and would be understood as implying in the current atmosphere," he said.

Father Dulles made dialogue and particularly the address last June of Archbishop Quinn at Oxford University and Cardinal Bernardin's launching of the Catholic Common Ground Project in August - the theme of his semi-annual McGinley Lecture at

Fordham University in New York on November 19.

He emphasised that "dialogue, properly understood, is an excellent thing," and that recent popes have recommended dialogue within the Church, among the divided Christian communities and among the world religions.

But he warned that dialogue was no panacea.

Current understandings of dialogue in fields such as comparative religion and political theory tend to set aside questions of truth for the sake of some pragmatic accommodation, he said.

But he said the Church was committed to the truth of a divine revelation, and was commissioned not merely to engage in dialogue but to carry out a mission of evangelisation.

In the contemporary context, Father Dulles said, many Catholics have become "communal Catholics" who have a family tie to the Church but feel they have a right to dissent from

Archbishop John Quinn.

Church teachings on dogma and ethics.

"Even if Archbishop Quinn and Cardinal Bernardin did not wish to legitimise dissent, their statements could easily be interpreted as favouring the view that the teaching of the Church is not

Mother Teresa accepts treatment CALCUTTA. India (CNS) Mother Teresa has agreed to undergo an angiogram to help doctors determine if angioplasty was necessary and was moved to an Indian heart clinic last Thesday.

As she was carried from Woodlands Nursing Home on a stretcher, eyes shut and arms folded, a silent crowd of some 200 people - including nuns from her Missionaries of Charity - stood watching.

Mother Teresa was taken by ambulance to B.M. Birla Heart Research Center, accompanied by a doctor, a nurse and four nuns.

"Generally she is all right," said the heart clinic administrator, A.K. Chatterjee.

"She has been placed in the critical care unit where all heart support arrangements are available."

angiogram was likely to occur last

Two Missionaries of Charity arrive to visit Mother Teresa last weekend.

Woodlands Nursing Home stated that the angiogram results would reveal if angioplasty were necessary.

Mr Chatterjee said the

Wednefilay. "When she agreed, we decided to do it quickly unless she might change her decision," said Dr Sudipto Kumar Son, medical director of Woodlands Nursing Home.

Dr Sen said on Monday the 86year-old nun had been reluctant to consent to any invasive procedure.

An angiogram involves inserting a catheter and injecting a radiopaque substance into the blood vessels to help take X-ray images and show any blockage.

Angioplasty repairs damaged blood vessels using a tiny inflatable balloon.

The Missionaries of Charity founder and Nobel laureate was admitted to Woodlands Nursing Home early on 22 November with acute left ventricular heart failure.

New study dispels collection plate myths WASHINGTON (CNS) - How much people give to their church is closely related to their levels of doing, believing and planning, according to a new study on US Catholic and Protestant giving.

Those who do more - who attend Church more often and are more involved in Church activities and projects - give more.

Factors which are often put forth as affecting giving, but which in fact make little or no difference, include parish size and denominational policies and controversies, the study says.

The study, titled Money Matters: Personal Giving in American Churches, was published this month by Westminster John Knox Press in Louisville, Kentucky.

The researchers studied financial data of 125 congregations nationwide - Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist and Assemblies of God. They found that, on average, Catholics contribute far less to their Church than members of other Churches contribute to theirs. But they also found that the reasons usually proposed for the gap do not bear

The Record, November 28 1996 Page 12

out. "The first false hypothesis is ing is lower than Protestant giving that congregation size is crucial in because Catholics are angry" its effect on levels of giving," they about Church stands on such reported. They tested that hypoth- issues as birth control or ordinaesis because Catholic giving was tion of women. so much lower than Protestant "This assertion has been made giving and Catholic parishes are In the past by Catholic writers, so much larger than Protestant but we found no evidence for it, congregations. even in direct tests."

But they found that within each "Catholics are no more angry denomination studied, the size of with denominational leaders than the congregation made little dif- members of the other four ference in giving patterns. denominations are angry at their They said members of smaller leaders. Also, Catholic attitudes congregations tended to give about birth control have no influslightly more in the Catholic, Bap- ence on their giving. . . . Anger tist and Lutheran churches, but about local matters, wherever it there was an opposite tendency exists, has a greater effect." among Presbyterians.

"The fourth false hypothesis, They said a hypothesis of a link held by many Protestant denombetween giving and "democratic inational leaders, is that the level procedures" also proved false. of giving in a denomination is "Our study found this to be, at dependent on policies and most, a secondary factor," they actions by the denomination... ." said. "What is crucial is trust in "All our findings indicated that leadership - in whoever actually giving is felt to be a matter has the power in the congrega- between the Church member and tion, whether clergy or lay lead- God or between the member and ers. If that trust is missing, giving his or her congregation. The will be low." national denomination is unim"The third false hypothesis," portant," the researchers reportthey wrote, "is that Catholic giv- ed.

binding in conscience," Father Dulles said.

"The support given to these statements by individuals and groups who are known to diverge from current teaching confirmed this suspicion."

He said the statements gave the impression of trying to reach "alienated Catholics" by holding out the prospect of agreement on some "common ground" different from the official doctrine taught by the Church.

He warned that Church authorities should not use dialogue as an excuse for "avoiding the onerous tasks of their office."

"Open discussion may be counterproductive if its purpose is to prolong debate on issues that are ripe for decision or to legitimise positions that the teaching authorities have already decisively rejected," he said.

"An imprudent yielding to pleas for tolerance and diversity could easily weaken the Church as a community of faith and witness."

Evolution translation error

By John Thavis VATICAN CITY (CNS) The English-language edition of the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano. has pointed out a discrepancy in its translation of a message by Pope John Paul II on evolution.

In his message to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on 23 October, the Pope said that over the last 50 years, new knowledge has emerged that shows the theory of evolution to be "more than a hypothesis."

His point was that evolution was now accepted by a wide range of scientific disciplines doing independent research.

In the English-language L'Osservatore, however, the Pope's sentence was translated as meaning that new knowledge had "led to the recognition of more than one hypothesis in the theory of evolution."

Father Robert Dempsey, editor of the English-language L'Osservatore, said on 19 November the newspaper had published an overly literal translation of the French-language message that "obscures the real meaning of the text."

The Pope's real meaning,Pr Dempsey said, was that it is now possible to recognize that the theory of evolution was more than a hypothesis.

This was also the meaning provided in the official Italian translation, published on 23 October by the daily L'Os.servatore Romano.

International News

Refugee transport a priority for Church aid bodies

By Jennifer E. Reed WASHINGTON (CNS) - Transporting weary Rwandan refugees from transit camps near the Zairian border to their homes farther into Rwanda is a top priority, said a US Catholic Relief Services country representative.

"The flow of people from Goma (Zaire) into Rwanda has slowed, but it is still there," said Rich Balmadier, CRS country representative in Kigali, Rwanda.

"Right now the tremendous need is to get transportation to help people get back to their homes," he told Catholic News Service by telephone on November 20 from his home in Kigali.

Hundreds of thousands of Rwandan refugees who had been living in camps in eastern Zaire since 1994, following genocide and civil war in their homeland, are heading home.

Walking for miles over hilly terrain from the Goma region of east-

ern Zaire to transit camps in western Rwanda has left them exhausted, Balmadier said.

The refugees have been travelling on foot since the exodus began on November 15, lacking food and water, and carrying their children and all of their belongings with them.

But, considering the journey the 500,000 Rwandans have endured, he said, they are "in generally good shape" and "in relatively good health."

Most are headed to parts of Rwanda several miles from the country's western border with Zaire.

Providing them with transportation is "the Number I priority," Balmadier said, and added that the local government and the United Nations were organising trucks and buses for movement of the refugees.

Balmadier is part of a ninemember CRS team in Kigali, where he has served for two

A truck returning Rwandan Hutus home passing a cemetery for 800 people killed during ethnic massacres two years ago.

months. CRS has been implementing food programs with local offices of Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican's umbrella aid organisation, and Trocaire, an Irish Catholic aid agency, in the Rwan-

dan dioceses of Gisenyi, Ruhengeri, Byumba and rural Kigali, said CRS spokeswoman Jennifer Brill from the organisation's headquarters in Baltimore on November 20.

This system has been the foundation for the latest efforts to aid refugees.

"We weren't starting from scratch," said Balmadier. "We had an emergency preparedness program in place and it was a matter of making it bigger."

Now the aim is "to pump up the program" to handle the volume of people returning, he said.

Balmadier noted that the system set up by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to distribute food and organise transportation is now "totally overwhelmed."

In Kigali and the other three dioceses where CRS is partnered, relief workers were preparing to begin distributing food packages over the November 23-24 weekend, Balmadier said.

Initially, one week's worth of food supplies would be distributed to the refugees - who have had hardly any assistance for about a week, he said.

World urged to despite mental illness double efforts for Zaire peace

'Divine image' present

By Cindy Wooden

By Lynne Well VATICAN CITY (CNS) - To resolve the refugee crisis in Zaire, it is essential to promote dialogue and solidarity among different religious and ethnic groups there, Pope John Paul II told Zairian bishops on November 22.

"Let all the parties responsible for this drama have the courage for dialogue, for a sincere search in the hope of real reconciliation, with justice and respect for the human person," the pontiff said.

"I exhort also the international community to redouble its efforts to create a real solidarity after bringing aid to the populations of this region."

The Zairians were on their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican, which bishops make every five years to report on the status of their dioceses.

Pope John Paul also addressed the progress of missionary work in Zaire and the results of the 1994 Synod of Bishops for Africa.

In addition he spoke about ways to increase the participation of lay workers in Church activities.

He reiterated his condolences for the loss of Archbishop Christophe Munzihirwa Mwene Ngabo of Bukavu, Zaire.

Archbishop Ngabo was killed during fighting between guerrillas and government forces in late October.

The Pope also expressed his condolences for four Marist religious workers found dead in a refugee camp in early November.

The Pope referred to internal strife and to the masses of Rwandan refugees who fled to Zaire in early November, only to suffer starvation and lack of basic sanitary necessities.

It was initially feared that this exodus would exacerbate the existing ethnic clashes in Zaire.

"I am at one, in thought and in prayer, with the entire Zairian people," the Pope said, "particularly those who suffer and those who are in distress, as well as the people from neighbouring countries who have received hospitality on your soil. Once again, I strongly call for a rapid return to peace."

The Zairian bishops discussed the crisis as well in a speech delivered on their behalf by Cardinal

Frederic Etsou-Nzabi-Bamungwabi of Kinshasa.

"Certainly, the bishops of the Catholic Church in Zaire time and time again have already addressed a message of peace and justice to the entire nation," the cardinal said.

"It is a shame that our positiontaking and our appeals to put the nation right do not seem to have borne many of the fruits of peace and justice."

"It is better for peace, to search for the way to dialogue to resolve the differences at the base of these conflicts."

But Cardinal Etsou- NzabiBamungwabi noted that help from outside Zaire alone would not solve the problem of ethnic hatred.

"We have sensitised the faithful of our dioceses to their obligation to take charge of themselves as a community," he said.

"Despite the current crisis, we remain convinced that the faithful of our dioceses will not be content merely to wait for material aid from the outside without (making their own) significant internal efforts."

VATICAN CITY (CNS) Catholic theology traditionally has pointed to the human being's intellect and free will as signs that, unlike animals. humans are created in the image and likeness of God. When mental illness limits thc exercise of one's intellect or a‘c will, the Christian comniuniiN must remind people Ina; "the divine image" continues to be present, that the person must be cared for and that his or her human dignity must be defended, said Cardinal Fiorenzo Angelini.

The 80-year-old cardinal, outgoing president of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers, has organised a November 28-30 international conference to discuss mental illness.

The three-day conference, which will bring together Nobel researchers, Prize-winning physicians and psychiatrists, pastoral workers and government officials, is the 11th in a series sponsored by the council.

In addition to presentations on scientific data, statistical research and pastoral care, con-

ference participants will experience a particular form of music therapy.

Each of the conference sessions will include a symphony orchestra playing a selection of classical music used to help patients examine their emotions, their suffering and their joys, Cardinal Angelini said.

The live performance of pieces

by Mozart, Schubert. Beethoven and other composers will be followed by an explanation by Adolfo Petiziol, president of the Italian Society for Music Therapy.

The topic of other scheduled presentations include: acceptance of mental illness; anxiety; 'The Dignity of Madness": suicide; ethics and psychiatry; and the spiritual life of the mentally "The disturbances of the mind. which affect a fifth of mankind, should not be dealt with only in their causes, but especially in their consequences," Cardinal Angelini said.

"To face, care for and heal them." he said, "it is necessary to have an understanding and a vision of life which recognises God as its origin and ultimate end."

Way' report negative

MANCHESI•ER, England (CNS) consequences of their baptism by - The Neocatechumenal Way has means of a Neocatechumenal been heavily criticised in a report Way divided into different stages, produced for the bishop of a dio- like that of the early Church but adapted to their condition as bapcese in southwestern England.

The report was prepared by a tised persons."

The Clifton panel of enquiry first team of two lay people and a priest at the request of Bishop invited written submissions from parishioners where the NeocateMervyn Alexander of Clifton.

He established the panel of chumenal Way had been active.

Subsequently, they held meetenquiry after claims made by parishioners at three Churches ings in parishes. tor, Kate McAney, Ireland's only that their parishes had been They then had meetings with full-time chiroptologist. She is harmed by the presence of the the bishop, clergy and neocateconducting the first-ever popu- international organisation. chumenal catechists. lation survey of Ireland's seven The Neocatechumenal Way was The report concluded that the species of bats. founded in Spain in 1964.

Way had not brought new vitaliShe said the difference Supporters reject descriptions ty to the three parishes conbetween the two species comes of themselves as an association, cerned. down to the long-eared's pref- group or spiritual movement "Regrettably, the opposite is the erence for timber and the Nat- within the Church. case. These parishes lack unity terers' preference for stone They describe themselves as "a and have declined pastorally as a work, but added, "I find that group of people who wish to parish community within the members of the clergy think this rediscover and to live Christian Clifton Diocese since the introsituation quite amusing." life to the full; to live the essential duction of the NC Way," it said.

Irish belfry bats are very discriminating DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) - Bats in Ireland are particular about showing up in either Protestant or Catholic churches, according to a recent discovery.

A biologist surveying bat populations has found two species prefer to nest in different Churches. bats prefer Long-eared Catholic churches, while Natterers bats prefers those of the

Church of Ireland. But the discriminating difference of the two species between Catholic and Protestant Churches has been found to be linked to architecture rather than dogma.

The timber ceilings and slate roofs of Catholic churches are preferred by long-eared bats, while Natterers favour the open loft spaces of Anglican buildings, said the survey's coordina-

The Record, November 28 1996 Page 13

Asian Catholic News

Cardinal's warning on APEC 'dangers' MANILA, Philippines (CNS) With an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting set to begin in the Philippines, Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila cautioned that economic cooperation among Asian-Pacific countries could be a blessing or a curse.

Cooperation could lead to the exploitation of poorer countries by the rich or to a commitment to work toward a humane world, he said in a pastoral statement released before the meeting.

Cardinal Sin's letter said that if the November 25-26 gathering of 17 world leaders works toward eradicating poverty, Filipinos should support it, reported UCA News, an Asian Church news agency based in Thailand.

"The challenge is not to make the poor perpetual recipients of donor largesse .... (but) to enable the disadvantaged today to become the responsible producers of a humane society tomorrow," the cardinal's November 18 letter said.

In welcoming the world leaders, the cardinal prayed that through their deliberations and decisions each member economy would receive "the benefits of multilateral commitments to lasting peace."

The cardinal's letter warned APEC leaders against liberalisation at any cost and cited exploitation of cheap labour in developing economies, environmental degradation for the sake of development, and dehumanisation for the purposes of production as potential dangers of APEC. Cardinal Sin observed that "what has caused passionate rejection of APEC in certain quarters is fear of. . . . domination of bigger economies over small."

Citing Pope John Paul Il's address to the United Nations

in October 1995, the cardinal urged that APEC be geared toward building a "civilisation of love founded on universal values of peace, solidarity, justice and liberty."

Cardinal Sin's statement spoke of the controversy fuelled by APEC's "merits and demerits" and the government's "excess of preparations" for the event.

Demolitions of thousands of squatter homes in the capital region, allegedly in preparation for the meeting, have led to protests by the urban poor.

Catholic and other Christian leaders have also criticised APEC security measures, including a government ban on 100 foreigners listed as "potential troublemakers" for the summit.

The list includes two Nobel Peace Prize laureates, retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and East Timor activist Jose Ramos Horta, as well as retired Bishop Aloysius Nobuo Soma of Nagoya, Japan.

Other APEC security measures included the suspension of classes in metropolitan Manila and in Subic from November 22-26, also declared public holidays in Manila.

"Friendship lanes" designated for APEC-accredited vehicles on main Manila roads were set up on November 19, doubling the commuters' travelling time.

Anti-APEC activities in various Philippine cities led by the multisectoral Manila People's Forum were to' culminate in a twoday "people's caravan" from Manila to Subic on the same days as the APEC meeting.

Leaders from Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States were to attend the meeting.

Indonesian parishioners join to rebuild churches burned by arson PALEMBANG, Indonesia (UCAN) - Catholics in Palembang diocese in southern Sumatra have collected money to help begin rebuilding two village chapels burned down in suspected arson attacks last May. Parishioners from seven urban parishes collected 42.5 million rupiah (US$18,191) as of September for the two chapels in Banyu Biru and Nusakarta villages, Air Sugihan subdistrict, 240 kilometres northwest of Palembang.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Auxiliary Bishop Aloysius Sudarso of Palembang told UCA News that he is happy to see the solidarity shown by urban Catholics toward

fellow faithful in Air Sugihan. ly containing testimony of a MusSacred Heart of Jesus Father Pius lim leader who was baptised a Pujo Wiyanto, who serves Catholic Ngadimin, a Muslim activist, Catholics in the two villages, said that many Muslim villagers have allegedly stole the cassette from a promised to take part in the Catholic leader's home and gave it to the subdistrict head, who reconstruction of the chapels.

"We welcome their good will. summoned six Christian leaders Actually, Muslim and Christian for questioning and accused them villagers always live in harmony. of using the tapes for proselytisUnfortunately, some Muslim lead- ing.

Bishop Sudarso reported the ers are not happy with the situation and provoke conflict," Father incident to Religious Affairs Minister Tarmizi Taher in Jakarta and Wiyanto told UCA News, On May 23, fire destroyed three the head of the southern Sumatra Churches, two Catholic and one regional military command.

His actions reportedly promptProtestant.

The fires followed the circula- ed the subdistrict office to release tion of audiocassettes purported- the six Christians.

Prize boosts refugees Church MACAU (UCAN) - The awarding of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize to two of their compatriots exhilarated East Timorese here, helping to offset their anxiety about their future after the Portuguese enclave reverts to China in 1999.

The vice president of the Timorese Democratic Union here, Francisco Nicolau, told UCA News on November 20 that East Timorese gathered spontaneously in the city centre to celebrate soon after the news was released on October 11.

"We are very happy about the news," said Nicolau, who now lives in Macau, adding that it implies international recognition of the laureates' efforts for justice in East Timor, where he said the violation of human rights is common.

Father Francisco Maria Fernandes agreed that East Timor is now getting more attention from the Portuguese government and the

international community. The East Timorese priest, who was expelled from his homeland 21 years ago and has been helping the East Timorese refugees in Macau for four years, told UCA News on November 21 that there are about 70 refugees left in Macau.

He said 40 are waiting for Australian visas and 30 hope to go to Portugal.

The Macau government provides shelters and subsidies for the refugees, but their future is uncertain as 1999 draws near.

"In the past three years, about 300 from Macau have left for Portugal," where some of them go because they speak Portuguese, he said.

Others want to join their families in Australia, Father Fernandes continued, but "almost all want to leave Macau before 1999," fearing that they will not be able to work here after Macau reverts to China.

New Hong Kong bibles HONG KONG (CNS) - The Protestant-run Hong Kong Bible Society is putting four Chinese versions of the New Testament, one of them Catholic, together with Greek and English versions in a parallel text for critical reading.

The six-in-one, trilingual volume is to be out in print before June 1997.

"Having six versions together is for better understanding of the Bible. Readers can cross-reference among different versions," said Violet Cheng To-yue, general director of the Bible society.

The four Chinese-language New Testament texts being used are the Catholic Studium Biblictun version and the Protestant Lu, Today's Chinese and Union versions.

The English text is the New Revised Standard Version.

The Bible society also will publish a revised Cantonese-language Bible by Easter, with Z000 copies planned for the first print run.

The Cantonese dialect of Chinese is used in the Guangdong area of southern China, including Hong Kong.

responds to cyclone

NEW DELHI (UCAN) Church agencies have intensified their relief work in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, where cyclones and floods have recently killed more than 1,000 people.

Cuddapah, one of the worsthit dioceses, was adopted by its metropolitan Hyderabad archdiocese.

Bishop Aruliah Somavarapa of Cuddapah said the October 30 and November 7 cyclones destroyed more than 20,000 Catholic homes in his diocese. a generally drought-prone area that he said was "least prepared to face the floods."

"What I built in 20 years is all lost," lamented Bishop Somavarapa.

The Syro-Malabar Synod, which met in the southern Indian city of Kochi from October 28-November 16, offered its condolences for victims of the disaster and urged all parishes in its 21 dioceses to rush help through Caritas India.

Archbishop Saminini Arulappa of Hyderabad has appealed to all 60 parishes of his archdiocese to help Cuddapah financially and spiritually. More than 20 parishes of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad donated their Sunday collections on November 10.

International News

Holiness first: Mother Angelica Call to Action conference DETROIT (CNS) - About 2,000 people, pledged to upholding traditional Catholic teachings, filled a conference centre in suburban Detroit for the Call to Holiness gathering.

Speakers at Call to Holiness included Mother Angelica of the Eternal Word Television Network and Jesuit Fathers John Hardon and Joseph Fessio.

The emphasis at Call to Holiness was on personal fidelity and holiness.

There were reminders for Call to Holiness participants that the right attitude to take toward disMother Angelica, founder of the senting organisations within the MIN, speaks during a session of the Church such as Call to Action is Call to Holiness conference. one of prayer and forgiveness.

The Record, November 28 1996 Page 14

"If we're going to talk about holiness, we need to find out what prevents us from being holy," Mother Angelica said on November 16.

"No liberal prevents us - they may raise our blood pressure, but that's not too bad. No one can really prevent us from being holy except ourselves."

She advised her audience to be faithful to the Catholic Church and, in effect, to outlast the "liberals," who she said are already on the verge of decline.

"Ithink we need to rejoice today, because things are beginning to turn around. We lose a few skirmishes here or there, but we shall not lose the battle or the war."

mourns Cardinal Bemardin DETROIT (CNS) - More than 5,000 people committed to bringing about major changes in the Catholic Church gathered on November 15-17 for the Call To Action national conference.

The conference drew people from across the United States to Detroit's Cobo Centre, site of the original Call To Action conference in 1976.

Celebration of the legacy of that first conference was tempered by grieving for the loss of Chicago Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, who died on November 14.

Although Cardinal Bernardin never endorsed the entire agen-

da of the modern Call to Action organisation, members considered him a friend - if not a hero.

Speakers included Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton and Fathers Hans Kung and Charles Curran, both barred by the Vatican from teaching as Catholic theologians and French Bishop Jacques Gaillot recently ejected from his diocese by the Vatican. The gathering also supported members of CTA-Nebraska, who were threatened with excommunication this year by Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of Nebraska for their dissent from important Church teachings.

Official Engagements

40Gjil7778 IfOri

1 Record

EYE mp CATCHER

Classified ads: $3 per line

(N 4ssiTfit9

BUILDING TRADES

DRIVING SCHOOL

PAINTING by professional.

R egistration No. 3248.

Domestic or commerc l, No job too small. Available immediately. Telephone Dominic 354 9442.

L2P DRIVING ACADEMY 20 years experience. Call 304 0101 for a great service.

PROFESSIONAL property maintenance, carpentry, fences, roofs, gutters, down pipes, paving. Ph Paul 309 4751, mob 041-895 4771.

PAINTING & Decorating reg. no. 3622. For all your painting needs, all work professionally done and guaranteed. references available. Call Carlo 444 6797.

SWIMMING POOLS, service, maintenance, equipment, painting (free quotes) KAVANAGH'S POOL SERVICE, ph 349 0223.

Since 1974.

WILSON'S Garden Clean Up Company. Tree lopping, hedging. pruning, fully cleanups, yard insured. Call Graham or Patrick Wilson, Tel. 276 4617. Mobile 041 993 0790.

PLUMBER Ring Desmond 350 5223. mob. 019684 322.

LIC. PLUMBER/gas fitter, Contact John on 457 7771 Mobile 015 385 209.

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED for young people/students from overseas. Short/long term stays. Contact Nichigo Centre ph: 325 4441.

ACCOMMODATION WANTED WE HAVE many young people from overseas looking for shared accommodation. If you have a room to let please phone Nichigo Centre ph: 325 4441.

PRE-SCHOOL VACANCIES SCHOENSTATT Kindergarten, Pre-school vacancies 1997. Two sessions weekly children turning 3 in 1997: two or four sessions weekly for children turning 4 in 1997. For further information: Schoenstatt Sisters. phone 457 2966.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE C ANTEEN ASSISTANT (part time) An assistant is required by a busy high school canteen to work four (4) hours per day five (5) days per week. Preference will be given to those applicants who have completed or are undertaking the TAFE Canteen Management Course.

Applicants must by supportive of the Catholic ethos. Written applications, including details of three references, should be submitted by Friday 6 December 1996 to: The Principal. Aranmore Catholic College, PO Box 223, Leederville W.A. 6903 COOKS REQUIRED. for approx 25 Sisters at IONA CONPRESENTATION VENT, to commence 1 January. 1997. Job-sharing, or weekday and weekend relief, are possibilities.

Award rates and conditions apply.

Please forward applications, in writing, with copies of appropriate references, to Sr Anna Fewer. PO Box 290, Cottesloe, WA 6011,

by Friday 6 December, 1996.

PERROTT PAINTING Pty Ltd for all your residential, painting commercial requirements. Phone Tom Perrott 444 1200.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

IN MEMORIAM

THANKS

EGAN, Vera. In loving memory of Vera our cousin.

Passed away 23 Nov '96.

RIP. Jessie, Elizabeth and Ken.

0 Great St Philomena, glorious virgin and martyr, wonder-worker of our age, I return most fervent thanks to God for the miraculous gifts bestowed on thee, and beseech thee to impart to me a share in the graces and blessings of which thou hast been the channel to so many souls. Through the heroic fortitude with which thou didst confront the fury of tyrants and brave the frowns of the mighty rather than swerve from thy allegiance to the King of Heaven, obtain for me the purity of body and soul, purity of heart and desire, purity of thought and affection.

Through thy patience under multiplied sufferings, obtain for me a submissive acceptance of all the afflictions it may please God to send me, and as thou didst miraculously escape unhurt from the waters of the Tiber, into which thou wert cast by order of thy persecutor. so may I pass through the waters of tribulation without detriment to my soul. In addition to these favours, obtain for me. 0 faithful Spouse of Jesus, the particular intention I earnestly recommend to thee at this moment. 0 pure virgin and holy Martyr. deign to cast a look of pity from Heaven on thy devoted servant, comfort me in affliction, assist me in danger, above all come to my aid in the hour of death. Watch over the interests of the Church of God. pray for its exaltation and prosperity, the extension of the Faith, for the clergy. for the perseverance of the just. the conversion of sinners, and the relief of the souls in Purgatory, especially those dear to me.

0 great Saint. whose triumph we celebrate on earth. intercede for me. that I may one day behold the crown of glory bestowed on thee in Heaven, and eternally bless Him Who so liberally rewards for all eternity the sufferings endured for His love during this short life. Amen.

PUBLIC NOTICE FURNITURE REMOVALS All areas. Mike Murphy.

008 807 929.

Bethany MASSEUSE: professional Clinic, masseuse, dealing with skeletal and muscular pain, sporting injuries, stress, relaxation and deep tissue massage. acupressure.

Monday to Friday 9.30am to 6pm. Saturday 10am to 5pm. Ring Orial 479 7120.

S5 discount pensioners.

This service is definitely non-sexual.

ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE TIDY 3 bedroom house.

S65 per week, includes power, telephone and gas.

Share with father and 15 y.o. son. Phone Len 343 5296 required.

TEACHER female/male 20-25. nonsmoker, to share furnished duplex in Kardinya. Close to Murdoch Uni. S58 p, week. Ph: 339 3751 a.h.

HEALTH & BEAUTY WANTED!! Persons to lose 5-10kg. Tel. June 242 5351

K ALBARRI house $140 for 2, $210 for 4 (09) 572 3297

Reco d r

Phone: e-mail: Publisher:

Phone 227 7778

ROOM(S) to let in house with retired lady, Stratton.

Choice of a double room with double bed or room with 2 single beds. Suit married couple or single lady/gent. Retired OK. Terms neg. Ph: 250 8490.

CARPENTER/Handyman Qual tradesman. All jobs, pergolas. Ph 041 991 6548.

Managing Editor: Postal address: Street address:

Deadline for ads: 5pm Monday

THANKS No: 3025 ISSN: 1327 - 3531

David Kehoe PO Box 75, Leederville, WA, 6902 587 Newcastle Street, West Perth, WA, 6005.

(09) 227 7080. Fax: (09) 227 7087 cathrec@iinet.net.au Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth.

The Record, established in 1874, is distributed to Catholic churches. presbyteries and religious houses throughout the Archdiocese of Perth and the Dioceses of Geraldton, Bunbury and Broome.

Advertising rates Display: $6 colcm.

Classifieds: $3 a line Deadlines: Editorial: Tuesday, first mail.

Advertising: Booking: Monday midday.

Copy: Tuesday midday.

Member: Aust Catholic Press Association; Aust Religious Press Association.

The Record follows the Holy Spirit's teaching at the Second Vatican Council on the role of the Catholic print media.

The Record will not return copy or photographs submitted for publication unless specifically requested in writing upon submission.

The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any material submitted and to edit such material for clarity and brevity without recourse to the author.

THANK you St Jude. Little Flower of Mt Carmel, St Philomena. Blessed Mary McKillop. Holy Spirit and all angels and saints for prayers answered. M.T.C. THANKS to St Jude. St Joseph. Our Lady, Sacred Heart. Holy Spirit, for f avours granted to family.

Please continue to help.

IROD.

THANKS THANKS to Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and St Jude for favours granted. Sue

S PE( 1:11.L1 FILTERED Guaranteed as pure grace Nice made el conforrey wrth ecciesestEas condmons tor church use Produced by

CLAREVALE ISAIA

pry tg. f:

684 ALBANY HIGHWAY, EAST VICTORIA PARK TELEPHONE 470 4333

NOVEMBER 29 Speech Night for Mercedes College Rev Fr T McDonald 30 Visitation, Bruce Rock Bishop Healy DECEMBER 1 Opening of Pregnancy Assistance Centre - Archbishop Hickey Opening of Murdoch University Worship Centre - Mgr M Keating 5 20th Anniversary Celebration Centrecare Skills Training Centre Archbishop Hickey Launch of Proceedings of Edmund Rice Business Ethics Symposium Mr J Thomas 6 -Close of Year" Gathering for staff at St Charles' Seminary - Bishop Healy Farewell Dinner for Capuchin Franciscan Friars, Balcatta Parish Archbishop Hickey 8 Solemn High Mass and Procession for Feast of San Nicola, W Perth Archbishop Hickey Blessing of St Gerard's Villas, Mirrabooka - Mgr M Keating Thomas More Society, Leederville Archbishop Hickey 9 Day of Prayer for Priests, Carlisle Parish - Archbishop Hickey Solemn Novena Mass in honour of the Immaculate Conception.

St Mary's Cathedral Archbishop Hickey 10 Heads of Churches Meeting Archbishop Hickey 12 Council of Priests Meeting

Archeiocesan Panorama ESPIRITU SANTO ITALIAN MASS An Italian Mass with Italian Music, conducted by Espiritu Santo on Saturday 7 December. 10.30am at Hudman Quarry.

Celebrant Fr Francis Ughanze. Transport leaves St Joachim's 8.00am sharp, Perth R ailway Station. Wellington St. 8.30am, Infant Jesus Morley 9.00am, St Brigids Midland 9.30am. Meditation at 10.00am at Hudman Quarry. Mass at 10.30am. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

CHANGES TO PARISH WEEKEND MASS TIMES Holy Family - Holy Cross Parish (ComoKensington) wishes to advise a change in times for the weekend Masses in the Parish.The new timetable commencing on the weekend of 30 November / 1 December. is as follows: Holy Family Church - Como: Saturday Vigil 6.00pm. Holy Family Church - Como: Sunday 8.30am. Holy Cross Church - KensFurther 10.00am. ington: Sunday information: Tel: (09) 450 5921 or Fax: (09) 450 5760.

THE EMMAUS WAY An R.E. in-service program for teachers using the Emmaus story (Luke 24: 13-35) as a model for ministry. Facilitated by Monica Brown and Gerri Boylan sgs. Begins on Monday 13 Jan 1997 at 2.00pm and concludes 2.00pm Friday 17 January 1997.

Venue - Redemptorist Retreat Centre, 190 Vincent St, North Perth, 6006. Cost $484 inclusive. Contact Emmaus Productions.

Phone (02) 9484 0252, Fax (02) 9481 9179.

MAYLANDS PARISH HEALING PRAYERS Michael Donovan will be visiting the Parish of Maylands on Tuesday 3 December (instead of the 2nd Tuesday of December) to give healing prayers after 9.00am Mass.

Venue: Queen of Martyrs Church, 75 Seventh Ave, Maylands. All welcome.

Enquiries: Phone: 271 3731.

,The,13ecCKCCINOYe010462$ 199:6, P4015

t)rtr,ett

nt4ony's, 9reen1i,ohnt

A treasure beneath golden gums

Natural light floods St Anthony's sanctuary.

T

ticked away on the side of a hill, the distinctively Mediterranean architecture of St Anthony's Church and Presbytery blends in perfectly with the tall and majestic old gum trees that shield it from Innamincka Road.

St Anthony's Parish was formed in 1961 when Father Paul Keyte, a Salvatorian priest from England, was invited to start a parish in the growing hills area.

The original building was a school in Midvale where Mass was said until a Church was built on Great Eastern Highway, Bellevue and consecrated on 8th December, 1966.

The Parish grew quickly, espedaily in the areas of Swan View and Greenmount and in 1981 the decision to build a new Church, presbytery and school closer to the heart of the parish was made.

In February 1983 the new complex was opened on the historic site of the old Blackboy Hill Army Camp in Greenmount.

The large parish also includes the areas of Bellevue, Koongamia, Helena Valley, Boya, Darlington, Glen Forrest, Midvale and Strat-

ton. We are a thriving parish of many cultures, Indian, Polish, Italian and other ethnic groups who meld well with parish activities, served by our Salvatorian priests.

From 1961 when Fr Paul arrived from England until 1984 with the departure of Fr Laurence Murphy SDS the parish was under the auspices of the British Province.

From then until today under the leadership of Father Andrew Pyka we have been blessed to have welcomed 12 young Polish Salvatorians to our Parish.

We are proud to have been a second home to these men, where they have learnt English and been initiated into Australian customs and ways, then left Greenmount to serve the Archdiocese and Dioceses of Geraldton and Bunbury.

After much prayer we have been blessed with the first of our young Australian vocations entering the Seminary in Poland.

Working with Father Andrew today we have Father George Kolodziej and Fr Bronek Pietrusewicz.

The parish is well served by a two-stream school of around 500 children. Originally staffed by the

Mediterranean architecture a distinguishing mark of Church and buildings.

Daughters of Charity from Guild- al dinner and dance to celebrate ford, the Sisters of St Joseph the Feastday of our patron saint, taught at the school until 1983.

St Anthony of Padua, and during The school and parish share a the year there is a quiz night, and common bond in fostering a feel- a Mother's Day lunch.

Church pabvn: St Anthony of Padua. ing of belonging within the comAt Easter and Christmas a spemunity. cial Mass of Anointing of the Sick We have an active RCIA team and luncheon is held for all our who meet every Tuesday, a Bible elderly and sick parishioners to study group who spend Tuesday come together and enjoy a day of mornings in prayer and discus- spiritual and social significance. sion, a Catechetists' team who The caring aspect of the parish serve the needs of the 100 or so continues in the large support children who attend every week given to our Anthonycare profor instruction and on Sunday gramme and answers to requests mornings an enthusiastic group for help from our local St Vincent of ladies take our younger chil- de Paul Society. dren for Children's Liturgy during Our Youth is well catered for 9.00am Mass. with Luke 18 meeting every fortThe liturgical part of the parish night and a Youth Club for our is well served by our Acolytes. older teenagers and young peoaltar servers and many Special ple.

Ministers who serve not only at All is possible because of the Masses on Sunday and during the design of our Church complex, week, but also visit the sick of the built in such a way that our Parish parish every Thursday.

Centre adjoining the Church is We are lucky to have a wealth of able to cater for adult education talented singers and musicians and training for both parish and who take part in Sunday Masses Archdiocesan groups. and a choir who always give an We are lucky to be living here inspiring addition to Christmas together, a united parish of young and Easter celebrations. and old, tucked away behind our These are further enhanced by stately old gums.

Fr Jerzy and Easter decorations. our priests introducing the traditional Polish custom of decorating the Church with scenes depicting the Christmas crib and Easter crucifixion and tomb.

Parish: St. Anthony's, Greenmount With the arrival of the young priests from Poland who are used Parish Clergy: Fr. Andrew Pyka SDS (Parish Priest) Fr. Jerzy to traditional practices we have Kolodziej SDS and Fr. Bronislaw Pietrucewicz SDS. seen the revival of celebration of Address: 96 Irmamincka Rd., Greenmount WA. 6056. the First Thursdays, Fridays and Telephone: 2943504. Fax 255 1110 Saturdays every month.

Parish Secretary: Mrs Penny O'Leary Our Social calendar is well Office Hours: Mon 9-4, Tues-Fri 9 -1pm. served with our biggest annual event being the fete held every Masses: Sunday, 730am, 9.00am, 10.30am (Polish), 6.00pm November where parishioners all Mon - Wed 7.00am & 8.15am. Thursday 7.00am & 7.30pm, Fri join together in a day of hard work 7.00am 8.15am. (During school term the 8.15am Mass is and fun to raise the extra funds replaced on alternate Fridays with a school Mass at 9.15am). needed to keep our parish on an Reconciliation: Saturday 10. - 10.30am. 6 - 6.30pm. even keel.

In June we have an Internation-

At a Glance

Father Andrew serves at a Christmas lunch for the sick and elderly.

INTERCESSION DAY FOR PRIESTS All are invited to the 2nd day of Intercessory Prayer for Priests, at Holy Name Parish, 54 Solar Way, Carlisle, Monday 9 December, Feast of Immaculate Conception beginning 10.00 am with Rosary, followed by Mass at 11.00 am. Rosary and Exposition throughout the day, with talk

by Archbishop Hickey at 1.20pm. Day ends with Benediction at 2.40pm.

Enquiries: Joan Orchard (09) 277 6586.

BLESSING AND OPENING OF PREGNANCY ASSISTANCE Archbishop Hickey will bless and open Pregnancy Assistance at 3.00pm on Sunday, 1 December 1996. All benefactors and supporters are invited to attend.

Afternoon tea and open house until 5.00pm at 195 Lord Street, East Perth.

Archdiocesan Parwrama CHRISTMAS ON CAMPUS The University of Notre Dame is holding a 'Christmas on Campus' night on Sunday 1 December at 7.45pm. This free evening of music and Christmas spirit to be held on campus at 19 Mouat St, Fremantle is open to the general public. The Notre Dame choir is to be accompanied by the Fremantle Symphony Orchestra.

Enquiries: Mark Hales (09) 239 5545.

MARANATHA INSTITUTE MASS Maranatha Institute celebrates its 20th annual Mass of thanksgiving and gradu-

ation at 7.15pm, Tuesday 3 December, in the Catholic Education Centre chapel. A simple plate for supper welcomed.

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION The Feast of the Immaculate Conception will be celebrated on Monday 9 December at the Shrine of the Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Road, Bullsbrook.

Transport available.

On Sunday 15 December, Fr Brian Pitman 0.Carm. will offer Mass for the intentions of benefactors of the Shrine at 9.00am. Ph: 447 3292 or 444 2285.

THINKING, PRAYING WITH JOHN PAUL II The final two seminars in this series are: December 1 - 'The dignity and vocation of women in the teaching of Pope John Paul II' with Kathleen Wood; and December 8 - 'I will give them shepherds: John Paul II on the priesthood', with Archbishop Barry Hickey.

Both seminars start at 7.30pm Sunday with the Rosary and will be held at St Mary's Parish Centre, 40 Franklin St, Leederville. Enquiries: (09) 321 2822.

MAYLANDS PARISH FETE Fete at Queen of Martyrs Parish, 75 Second Avenue, Maylands on Sunday 15 December 1996 from 11.00am to 3.00pm.

A large number of stalls with a variety of items for sale. Luncheon available.

Continued page 15 viwomerawromesuss

The Record, November 28 1996 Page 16

b