Broken Bay News December 2021 Issue 212

DIOCESE CELEBRATES THREE NEW PRIESTS/PAGE 6 BISHOP ANTHONY RANDAZZO: WORKING TOGETHER IN A YEAR OF CHALLENGES AND GRACES/ PAGE 2

PASTORAL DISCERNMENT CENTRAL COAST LAUNCH/ PAGE 4

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS BROKEN BAY: A CELEBRATION OF ART/ PAGE 22

LIFE AFTER LOCKDOWN: WELCOME HOME/PAGE 12

CATHOLICCARE BROKEN BAY HERE FOR YOU/PAGE 32

# 212 DECEMBER 2021

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

BISHOP’S MESSAGE

A Year of Challenges and Graces DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY Tel: (02) 8379 1600 Caroline Chisholm Centre Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd Pennant Hills NSW 2120 PO Box 340 Pennant Hills NSW 1715 enquiries@bbcatholic.org.au

By Bishop Anthony Randazzo

CHANCERY Bishop: Most Rev Anthony Randazzo Vicar General: Very Rev Dr David Ranson Chancellor & Executive Officer: Kelly Paget Diocesan Financial Administrator, Director, Stewardship: Emma McDonald Director, Diocesan Safeguarding: Jodie Crisafulli Tel: (02) 8379 1605 Acting Director Communications: Katrina Lee Director, Evangelisation Broken Bay: Tomasz Juszczak

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, This edition of Broken Bay News provides a great opportunity to look back on an extraordinary year in which we have celebrated 35 years as the local Church of Broken Bay.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS BROKEN BAY Director: Danny Casey Tel (02) 9847 0000 PO Box 967 Pennant Hills NSW 1715 CATHOLICCARE Executive Director: Tim Curran Tel: (02) 9481 2600 Family Centres: Brookvale – Naremburn – Tuggerah – Waitara –

Tel: (02) 8043 2600 Tel: (02) 8425 8700 Tel: (02) 4356 2600 Tel: (02) 9488 2400

Hospital Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care: (02) 9481 2600 Children’s Services: (02) 9481 2600 Disability Futures: (02) 9488 2500 Services for Seniors: (02) 9488 2500 Permanency Support Program (Foster Care): (02) 4320 7700 BROKEN BAY NEWS Editor: Katrina Lee Tel: (02) 8379 1618 news@bbcatholic.org.au Design: Chris Murray 10,400 copies of Broken Bay News are distributed quarterly to 26 parishes and 44 schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay. The Broken Bay News is a member of the Australasian Catholic Press Association. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply diocesan endorsement of products or services advertised.

www.bbcatholic.org.au We acknowledge the Darug, Gurringai and Darkinjung Nations, the traditional custodians of the land across our Diocese. We recognise the Aboriginal people as holding the memories, the traditions and the culture of the lands we live and work upon.

We honour their wisdom and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

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When I invited our Diocese to look at different ways by which we might mark this milestone, I received many suggestions and ideas. I gathered a working group to scope and plan not merely events, but ways for us to engage our community of the Church and promote our work of evangelisation. The disruptive events of 2021 meant that much of what was planned was either accomplished on a small scale or held over for the coming year.

One of the wonderful graces this year has been the ordination to the priesthood of three priests for our Diocese of Broken Bay. It had been nearly ten years since our last diocesan ordination, and several decades since three men were ordained together. I am grateful to God for this blessing. I am also thankful to the families of our newly ordained priests for passing on the faith and for promoting a culture of vocation in the home and in the family. I extend my appreciation to the parish and faith communities who have accompanied Fr Roger, Fr Aldrin, and Fr Sam during their formation and seminary education. I have every confidence that, ordained for leadership and

One of the wonderful graces this year has been the ordination to the priesthood of three priests for our Diocese of Broken Bay service in the Church, they will be good and holy priests.

Linked to the priestly ordinations is the ongoing discernment and formation of our seminarians and aspirants for the diaconate. There are currently seven men preparing for the priesthood and four men for the diaconate. I am grateful for the work of our Vocation Team in Broken Bay and encourage any young person who is discerning a vocation to the priesthood or the consecrated life, to be in touch with Fr Paul Durkin or one of the team vocations.ministry@ bbcatholic.org.au.

In my Pastoral Letter, I named “building together a culture of vocation for all the baptised” as one of the pastoral mission priorities for Broken Bay. Possibly the most challenging vocation in the Church today is not that of the ordained or the consecrated, but the vocation of Christian marriage. Marriage and the family are at the heart of the Christian life. They are the nucleus of the domestic church and the foundation of our society. Saint John Paul II reminds us that “the family, which is founded and given life by love, is a community of persons: of husband and wife, of parents and children, of relatives” (Familaris consortio 18).

The community of persons is always centred on the person of Jesus Christ.

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

BISHOP’S MESSAGE

Marriage is a marvellous vocation.

The couple in love need to discern their future life together and the community of the Church has the responsibility to accompany them on the journey. I have asked our team at Evangelisation Broken Bay to begin working on ways that might assist people prepare for Christian marriage in our local Church. I hope that this might also assist us to respond to Pope Francis’ proposal for a new catechumenate for marriage.

The Holy Father makes two proposals for us to consider. The first concerns marriage preparation which would be a path leading young people to “rediscover marriage and family according to God’s plan”. It would promote their development as persons while assisting them to grow in their faith and their participation in the life of the Church. The second offers a pathway after the wedding which leads the couple to deepen their understanding of Christian marriage little by little and to consider how their everyday life is “a signal and an instrument of God’s love”. I hope that

this initiative, encouraged by Pope Francis, will be of great benefit to our young people who are discerning the vocation of Christian marriage, and to our community as we accompany them in faith and life.

One last area of engagement that I would like to commend to you is the Pastoral Discernment Central Coast.

As part of our 35th anniversary, I would like to invite the community of the church on the Central Coast to journey forward together as pilgrims and missionaries. I have identified the Central Coast as a particular context for a renewed proclamation of the Gospel, for evangelisation and catechesis, and for innovative pastoral creativity. Our pastoral discernment is an invitation to recall how the Spirit has guided our journey.

I have no preconceived outcomes to this invitation, as I believe that it is primarily a work of the Holy Spirit in which we can listen to one another and journey forward together as disciples of the Lord on mission. Please take this project to prayer and discernment in your families and communities of

As we approach the seasons of Advent and Christmas, I pray that the weeks ahead will be for you and your families, a time of deep spiritual encounter with Mary and Joseph, whose life work was to reveal to us Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. faith. More engagement information is available on the diocesan website www.bbcatholic.org.au.

During the seasons of Advent and Christmas, I pray that the weeks ahead will be for you and your families, a time of deep spiritual encounter with Mary and Joseph, whose life work was to reveal to us Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. +Anthony

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BBN / DECEMBER 2021

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Pastoral Discernment Central Coast Major initiative up and running A major new Diocesan initiative launched at the end of October is already re-engaging and revitalising Central Coast communities.

The Pastoral Discernment Central Coast project, launched by Bishop Randazzo at Gosford’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, is looking at pathways to explore and consider new possibilities for the area’s growth and future.

Bishop Randazzo said at the launch that by engaging not only parishes but the wider community, the Church is in a frontline position to provide future valuable care and pastoral support.

“While existing planning and data from parishes and the wider community including demographic and socioeconomic trends will be a valuable

resource, input from the people of the area is key,” he said.

And it appears people are already enthusiastic about the project and the contribution they can make.

Project facilitator, Patti Beattie said she has spoken to a number of people who are already excited and energised by the positive prospects of the project.

“We don’t know the end result, there are no preconceived outcomes or defined pathways,” Patti said.

“It is a consultation process, a journey of discernment and dialogue but already the feedback is very positive.”

Four briefing circles have already been conducted involving all community members from across the Diocese.

These provided an opportunity for the community to ask questions, share their hopes and discuss the opportunities they see for the project.

“Conversations were rich, fruitful and hope-filled,” Patti said.

Each community group has nominated a Pastoral Consultation Leader who is sharing the consultation methodology and resources provided by the Diocese to begin their local discernment journey. These community groups will then provide a Pastoral Discernment Submission for Bishop Randazzo’s consideration.

“Now more than ever there is a great family and all-of-community need for belonging and solidarity, revitalisation and hope,” Bishop Randazzo said.

“The Central Coast is a unique region and by initiating this work I hope the process may provide a future template for discernment and opportunities in other areas of the Diocese.”

Bishop Anthony Randazzo and Project facilitator Patti Beattie at the launch of Pastoral Discernment Central Coast.

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The closing date for the Pastoral Discernment Submission is 31 March next year. Further details including a video and updates are available at www.bbcatholic.org.au/pdcc or email Patti at pdcc@bbcatholic.org.au

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Australian Plenary Council Reflections from the Vicar General

Just prior to the commencement of the First Assembly of the 5th Australian Plenary Council, I was asked about my hopes and my fears for the Council. Honoured to be a delegate from the Diocese of Broken Bay given my appointment as Vicar General, my hope was simple: that through the week of the Assembly we would be surprised. Because that is the nature of genuine Spirit-led conversation. In the two and fro of the conversation the interlocuters are taken to places that they do not imagine, and something manifests itself in the process. “Truth manifests itself through conversation,” remarked David Tracy of Chicago. If by the end of this Assembly we were surprised, rather than satisfied, then we would have some surety that it was the Spirit that had led us along the way, rather than our own aspirations.

In the end, I admit I was neither surprised nor satisfied. The week’s Assembly took on quite a different character which was marked more by the character of suspense. The Assembly provided a safe space for all present to have their voice, either through individual submissions which were the focus of the morning gatherings, or through the discussion in small groups which occupied the afternoons of the six days. These groups were allocated different questions and their final reports suggest, tentatively, considerations that might be pursued in the time leading to the second Assembly in July 2022. It was good to have to suspend one’s own perspective and to absorb the diversity of contributions that dealt with a significant breadth of interpretations and aspirations. This, however, came at a price: the week left most of us exhausted given the attention that it demanded for so many hours over the six days.

Privileged to be one of the appointed Chairpersons of the week, and therefore a member of the Steering Committee, online meetings after the days’ proceedings added to this sense of considerable fatigue by the end of the Assembly.

If by the end of this Assembly we were surprised, rather than satisfied, then we would have some surety that it was the Spirit that had led us along the way, rather than our own aspirations.

Perhaps the Assembly was as effective as it could be, given that it was conducted wholly online given the exceptional circumstances of COVID and because of its particular methodology of spiritual conversation.

However, much work will now need to ensue to render the second Assembly with a capacity to be the truly legislative convocation that a Plenary intends. The coming months will be quite complex as particular propositions are formed in a way that might be translated into effective

By Very Rev Dr David Ranson

pastoral initiatives for our future as a Church in Australia.

What of my fears for the Plenary?

Many are the expectations about the Plenary. Many thousands of people have posted their own image of the Church and their own hopes to its mast. It has been essential to hear these, as occurred especially during the Listening Phase but as also echoed through the First Assembly.

Notwithstanding, a Plenary Council cannot by its nature, rhythm, and purpose address these. Many of the hopes people have seek to reconstitute the Church in a way that would make it something other than itself as understood by the living Tradition. “The Church is the only democracy where the dead all have a vote,” as Chesterton once quipped. My fear then remains around the inevitable disappointment and disillusionment that will occur. How we might attend and respond to this in as pastoral a way as possible will be as critical a challenge as to how we remain faithful to the way in which we might eventually be surprised.

The Australian Plenary Council is now situated in something larger than envisaged when it was called. This is the synodal pathway for the Church now at the fore of the pontificate of Pope Francis. Thus, the Plenary Council is now but a moment in a much more encompassing ecclesial movement. Perhaps its final outcomes may not be as significant as the way in which it has sought to provide a practical exercise of the Church coming together encountering, listening, and discerning. For this surely will be the way of being Church for the next century. And in this respect, I do truly feel that we are on the cusp of something to surprise us all.

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BBN / DECEMBER 2021

“As priests, you are ordained to be co-workers – but the work always belongs to God.”– Bishop Anthony Randazzo. Photography Tom Croll.

Good News for Broken Bay The Ordination of Three Priests

By Debra Vermeer The Diocese of Broken Bay has welcomed three new priests with the ordination of Rogelio (Roger) Delmonte, Aldrin Valdehueza and Samuel French – the first priestly ordination in the Diocese for eight years and many decades since multiple priests were ordained together.

Bishop Anthony Randazzo expressed his gratitude to the three men for saying “yes to the call of the Lord upon your hearts and lives”.

“We are very grateful you have said yes to the Spirit. The Lord has filled our cup with grace to the point of overflowing,” he said.

The occasion, on October 18, was 6/

made more joyful by the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions which allowed Fr Sam’s family to attend the Ordination Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara. Fr Roger and Fr Aldrin’s family joined via livestream from their home parishes in the Philippines.

Fr Sam, aged 29, was born and raised on the Central Coast, attending St John the Baptist Parish, Woy Woy. He entered Sydney’s Seminary of the Good Shepherd in 2016 and prior to his ordination was on parish placement at Holy Name Parish Wahroonga.

Fr Roger, aged 40, was born in the Philippines and entered the John Vianney Seminary in Wagga Wagga, joining the Diocese of Broken Bay in

“The Lord has filled our cup with grace to the point of overflowing” – Bishop Anthony Randazzo 2019. He has been on placement at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral.

And Fr Aldrin, aged 39, was also born in the Philippines and entered the St John Vianney Theological Seminary there. He joined the Diocese of Broken Bay in 2016 and was accepted into the Seminary of the Good Shepherd in 2017 (fourth year).

He has been on placement at Our Lady of Dolours Parish in Chatswood.

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

The three men were ordained on the Feast of St Luke, and Bishop Anthony urged them to take the evangelist as a model and inspiration for their life and ministry as priests.

world. The community of the Church in the 21st Century must have humble, faithful, dedicated priests to share in the mission of proclaiming God’s Kingdom – the Truth that God reigns.”

“(Luke) sums up the priestly vocation most eloquently in the words of Jesus, ‘whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me’,” Bishop Anthony said in his homily.

Bishop Anthony told the new priests that engaging the world in the Spirit of Christ requires care.

“By placing the cross of Christ at the centre of your life, you will be sure to begin and end each day with the Lord Jesus, who is the Alpha and Omega, our beginning and our end.”

Bishop Anthony also drew on the first reading from Isaiah in which the prophet “recalls for us the words that Jesus would claim as his own at the beginning of his public ministry, ‘The Spirit of the Lord has been given to me’”.

“I invite you to make these words your own today as the mark of your priesthood. The Spirit animates you for mission, which will draw you to the heart of the community and urge you to go to the periphery. The Good News that you will proclaim is for the poor and the broken-hearted.”

“It must be undertaken carefully, with compassion; you must engage this work intelligently and humbly. Never allow your enthusiasm for the Truth of the Gospel to become a burden for others on the journey of faith. My sons, in the words of the Gospel, ‘let your first words be, Peace to this house’.”

In the Rite of Ordination the three men were presented to Bishop Anthony by Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Paul Durkin, as worthy to be ordained before giving their assent to the Bishop’s questions about their readiness to serve God’s people and their obedience to the Bishop and his successors. They then lay prostrate on the floor as the litany of saints was sung over them before Bishop Anthony laid hands on them and prayed the Prayer of

“In a special way we would like to thank our parents….” – Fr Sam French Ordination, followed by the anointing of hands. The priests of the diocese, visiting priests and Bishop Emeritus David Walker and Bishop Emeritus of Lismore Geoffrey Jarrett, also gave them a blessing before they were presented to the people.

Following their concelebration of the Eucharist, Fr Sam gave the words of thanksgiving on behalf of the three new priests, saying what an “incredible pleasure and privilege it is for all those years of formation to be sealed and brought to fruition in this incredible sacrament of Holy Orders”.

He said Fr Aldrin had chosen for the quote on his ordination card, Psalm 116: ‘How can I repay the goodness of the Lord?’

“The simple answer is, we can’t,” he said. “None of us personally deserve

He urged Fathers Sam, Roger, and Aldrin to “comfort God’s Holy People by accompanying them in the faith, by nourishing them with the sacraments, by preaching and teaching with integrity and fidelity, and by praying for them without ceasing”.

“Do not be discouraged by the prophets of doom who have no hope in the Good News of Jesus Christ, who reject faith and reason, who propose the culture of death, who abandon the vulnerable, the sick, and the poor,” he said.

“Your priestly ministry will be to take the lead through dialogue with the

Fr Sam French blesses his father following the ordination.

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BBN / DECEMBER 2021

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

“It ended up being a big parish and village event” – Fr Aldrin whose family saw their son ordained via the livestream. to be chosen as priests … priesthood is equally for Roger, Aldrin and myself a pure gift and calling from God.” Fr Sam thanked Bishop Anthony for his spiritual fatherhood, along with his immediate predecessors, Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli and Bishop Emeritus David Walker, and the diocesan vocations team “whose service and prayers for God’s Church have begun to bear fruit in a growing culture of priestly vocations in the Diocese of Broken Bay”.

“In a special way we’d like to thank our parents, our mums and our dads for raising us and distilling in us the seeds of our Catholic faith. During our priestly retreat this week Bishop Anthony pointed out to us that without the vocation to marriage there is no vocation to priesthood. Your fidelity not only to your own vocation, my dear parents here today and

Fr Aldrin Valdehueza connects with his family online.

Aldrin and Roger‘s back home in the Philippines, through your love for each other and your love for us, you opened the pathway for us to respond freely to God’s grace and his calling in our lives and for that reason we love you and we thank you.”

Finally, Fr Sam thanked the people of the Diocese of Broken Bay for their prayers and support.

“On the back of my own ordination card, it says, from the Book of Hebrews, ‘Here I am O God. I have come to do your will’. And the will of God for his priests is not to be served but to serve. Our ministerial priesthood, our life of service, makes no sense apart from your baptismal

priesthood. It is for you that we have received this gift today and so we have you to thank.”

Speaking later, Fr Sam, who’s younger brother Matthew is also in the seminary, said the lifting of the COVID restrictions to allow his family and some friends to attend was a special blessing.

“There was one point in our preparation process during the COVID lockdown where we asked whether this was going to be a sacristy ordination, with just us and the Bishop,” he said.

“Mind you, we would have been in good company if that ended up being the case – St John Paul II was also ordained in the sacristy under very different circumstances.

“So, it was a great blessing that in the end I did have my parents, my grandmother, my five brothers and one sister as well as a handful of close friends as well. And my grandfather was able to come to my Thanksgiving Mass.”

Fr Roger Delmonte following his ordination greets his family online in the Philippines.

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For Fr Aldrin’s family, COVID border closures did prevent them travelling to Australia from the Philippines, but they made up for that disappointment with a big celebration in their local

Bishop Randazzo was joined by Bishop Emeritus David Walker, Bishop Emeritus of Lismore Geoffrey Jarrett, priests from the Diocese and visiting priests for the Ordination Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara.

parish, San Pablo Apostol Parish, in Malitbog village, Bukidnon Province.

“It ended up being a big parish and village event,” he said.

“They were just planning to watch it on the livestream at home, but then the parish priest offered to have it as a parish event, so they watched it inside the church on a LED screen, with the altar covered and a Communion service held afterward.

then afterwards they distributed food packs by way of celebration. It was a very wonderful parish event,” he said.

“The parish donated a pig to be slaughtered and all up there were three roasted pigs to be distributed to the people. My relatives came from different places the day before and it was really like a feast day there.”

“Then they celebrated by sharing a roasted pig, which is traditional where I come from.”

Fr Roger had hoped to be able to give his family members blessings via livestream after the Ordination Mass, but found he was also in demand to give blessings to those present in the Cathedral.

Fr Aldrin spoke to his parents that evening and said they were overjoyed.

He caught up with his family later and said they were still emotional.

“My Mum was crying the whole time,” he said. “They were very happy.”

In the days following their ordination, Fathers Sam, Aldrin and Roger celebrated their Thanksgiving Masses.

Fr Sam celebrated his Thanksgiving Mass at his home parish of St John the Baptist, Woy Woy, where he grew up and received the sacraments. Fr Aldrin celebrated his Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of Dolours, Chatswood where he completed his diaconate and is now appointed as assistant priest, and Fr Roger’s Thanksgiving Mass was at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara where he served as deacon and is now appointed as assistant priest.

“My Mum couldn’t believe people would call me Father now,” he laughed. “Things are a lot more formal in the Philippines in that respect. She joked, ‘Am I going to call you Padre now?’”

Fr Roger’s family also watched the Ordination Mass online from their parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Cabanglasan in Bukidnon Province in the Philippines.

“Because of the COVID restrictions, the whole church wasn’t full, but more than 200 people came and

Easing of lockdown restrictions allowed some family and friends to attend the Ordination Mass while others watched a livestream.

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BBN / DECEMBER 2021

LIFE AFTER LOCKDOWN

Beyond COVID: Some threads to take forward

By Pina Bernard, Team Leader Parish Renewal and Discipleship, Evangelisation Broken Bay When I think of the impact of COVID, the phrase ‘paradigm shift’ comes to mind. There have been shifts in both personal and collective arenas, where we’ve had to innovate and adapt to a changed reality. The use of the word ‘new normal’ speaks to this major shake-up.

A paradigm shift occurs when the underlying assumptions we have made no longer hold. The usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way. Of course, the Church has also had to respond to this disruption.

Parishes have needed to become very innovative simply to keep doing what they usually do.

A paradigm shift, however, is exactly what the Church needs right now – to move to a missionary outlook that can better reach out to all people with the Good News of Jesus Christ, and to find new ways of operating in a post-

Christian culture. The assumptions of previous generations no longer hold.

Though a pandemic was probably not what was envisioned, there is much we can draw from our experiences of the past 2 years that can take us into 2022 in a better and stronger position.

Here are five threads that have emerged and if we embrace them, they can bring new life into our communities.

Greater outward focus Being unable to gather meant that our focus moved away from the central gathering place, the church building, out to where the people were, in their homes. Often, we didn’t have upto-date records of our parishioners, so we had to try to locate them. We had to draw on other parishioners to contact those they knew. Simply connecting with our own parishioners became in itself an exercise in missionary outreach!

Our Catholic culture tends to focus on ‘the people in the pews’, but the shift we need to make is to focus instead on those who are not there.

There are also people who may have connected with us online but have not yet come to our church. The invitation here is to keep our focus on those who are not part of our worshipping community. Reaching out to them, connecting and inviting them to join with us – whether they were previous attendees or newcomers.

What you can do to foster a more missionary culture at your parish:

A warm welcome and hospitality is part of our missionary outreach.

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•

Who do you know that you haven’t seen at Mass lately? Give them a call to connect with them;

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Who can you invite to Christmas Mass this year? Extend your faith community’s Christmas joy out into the wider community in a

year that has been so difficult for so many.

More personal connection When in-person interaction was impossible, it more clearly revealed to us how important our connections with each other are in our parishes and faith communities. Strong relationships, a warm welcome and hospitality will underpin any renewal we hope to achieve in coming years. Traditionally, our Catholic culture has tended to focus on “me-and-God”. The shift we need to make is a focus on “us-and-God”, a more authentic and meaningful experience of our communion in Christ. This begins when we know each other, support each other, and invest in our relationships.

During the lockdown period, there developed a more personal approach, as we were often only able to gather in small groups. Sacramental preparation groups, for example, were more intimate and the celebration of the Sacrament more personal in smaller groupings. Communication was, by necessity, more regular with each family, and the bonds built amongst many were strengthened.

What you can do to foster a more relational culture at your parish: •

How well do you know the people you regularly worship with at Mass? Make an effort to say hello, engage them in conversation and welcome newcomers;

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Would you like to know more people in the parish? Consider using your gifts by taking up a ministry and being part of a ministry team.

Not just Sunday With our churches closed, we had to give expression to a different way

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LIFE AFTER LOCKDOWN

of being church. In some ways, our ‘home churches’ were reminiscent of those in the Early Church. The spotlight was on the places where we could actually gather, and a wealth of resources became available to support the ‘domestic church’, especially for families. We had to bring the faith ‘home’ if it was to thrive at all during this time. The Church has always maintained that parents are the first educators in faith for their children, and now parents were being called to take up this role in a real and practical way.

In addition, there was a focus on ways to connect apart from the Sunday Liturgy. Online spaces were created for praying together, learning together and simply connecting for a chat over a cuppa. We had to look beyond Sundays.

What you can do to keep connections going beyond the Sunday at your parish: •

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Is there a family practice that you could continue, for example a family prayer time or faith activities with children? Keep these going; Would you like to be in a small group that shares faith, grows in faith and prays together?

Consider continuing an initiative that began during the lockdown; or start a new group that meets regularly, either in-person or online.

Innovation and creativity The Catholic Church, as a large body, has a reputation of moving slowly.

However, with the COVID crisis, the response necessarily had to be rapid.

We’ve had to dig deep to adapt, to be innovative, and to find creative solutions. At times, we’ve succeeded.

At other times, we haven’t. But we

Consider continuing an initiative that began during lockdown or start a new group that meets regularly.

couldn’t do ‘nothing’. This is a positive shift in attitude to take forward, to have the confidence to try something new to allow our parishes to be what we dream them to be in the future.

What you can do to foster an innovative culture at your parish: •

Is the parish trying something new that you’re not sure about?

Give it a go.

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Do you have an idea that is in line with the parish vision and that you could help initiate?

Make a suggestion to the Parish Pastoral Council.

Greater digital engagement One of the most obvious shifts we’ve made during these last two years was a foray into the digital online space. This was a welcome development, as we saw Masses livestreamed; meetings and prayer sessions taken online; social media posts disseminated to multiple platforms; eNews mailouts reaching people’s mailboxes; and websites regularly updated.

Leaning into these digital initiatives

is essential if we are to be parishes that stay connected with each other and, more importantly, effectively reach those outside our community. In addition, holding some events online helps those who may not be able to come in person because of concerns around health and safety, or who are not yet ready to make an in-person visit to the church.

What you can do to help grow the digital presence at your parish: •

If you are an IT professional, or you are great with social media, volunteer to assist with this dimension of parish life.

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Sign up to the parish eNews and Facebook pages, and above all, share these with family and friends.

Parish renewal needs all of us, all the gifts of the baptised. These five threads when adopted by parishioners will begin to make a difference to the fabric of the parish. Let’s put these into practice going into 2022 so that our parishes can thrive and move forward in a positive way after a couple of tough years.

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James, Andrew and Peter Fernando…….God is Jesus and He created everything, because that what God does.

Out of the mouths of babes The Grace of COVID

By John Fernando I am a father of five children, all under eight years. So, it was a surprise for me when my seven-year-old James and four-year old Andrew began an in-depth conversation about Jesus Christ, the Catholic faith and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the COVID lockdown. The two of them were chatting like old retired Greek fishermen at a cafe in some idyllic town on an island in the Aegean Sea. I was dumbfounded by their understanding of faith and theology.

You see, it all began half-an-hour earlier when my wife Marie introduced a live video of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on our TV screen. It was telecast from my former parish of St Benedict’s in Burwood, Melbourne.

It just so happened that James came running into the living room chasing the cat or the pet rabbit when he saw the giant image on the screen. He immediately fell to the ground, prostrated and yelled out, “Hail to the King! Praise to Jesus forever!”. I thought Jimmy was being facetious, but my wife said he would, 12 /

by association (of us going to mass, adoration, and his catholic schooling), know the value of the treasure that is the Blessed Sacrament and that his reaction and sentiment were genuine.

Soon after, I listened intently to the two boys’ conversation whilst sitting on the lounge and put on my perennial journalist’s hat. The chat between the two little people went a bit like this: “James, what is the white thing in the middle?” asked Andrew. “That’s Jesus’ heart. He lives in there,” said James.

“Why?” asked Andrew.

“Because Jesus loves people, even robbers. He died for people. He is the saviour. He is God. He died on the cross so that we don’t have to die.”

Then I waded in and asked James a couple of questions: “Why does He love people?”

“Because He made them. He even loves the devil because God is Jesus and He created everything. Because that’s what God does. All He does

“All He does is love. He loves everyone, doesn’t matter who.” is love. He loves everyone, doesn’t matter who.”

Then I asked James about Mary.

“Yes, she loves everybody, because Mary is the same. She is the mother of God. She and Jesus love everyone and save everyone. People need to love Jesus and Mary, and parents need to love Jesus and Mary as much as they love their children.”

What I found fascinating about this conversation was that two children with a combined age of 11 years were having such a mature conversation that would be more in keeping with adult Christians. It was also a conversation that was random and from the heart. The tone with which the two toddlers spoke reflected great maturity and crystal-clear, Continued on p13

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Continued from p12

yet innocent, understanding of who God is and our relationship with Him. I shall certainly keep my ears pricked for more of these sagacious conversations between my little children as I may end up learning quite a bit about life from them!

This probably may not have happened if it wasn’t for lockdown in that it

challenged us to think and act more creatively and explore ways of how to remain connected and close to our Lord Jesus even when the church buildings are closed.

Indeed, lockdown or not, God is available and accessible to anyone who hears him knocking and readily open to welcoming the Lord into

“Jesus loves people, even robbers.” their heart and life so that the Lord who comes as a guest may become a permanent host in one’s life.

God bless you.

God help us Accompanying youth out of lockdown

By Alex Leach, Team Leader, Catholic Youth, Evangelisation Broken Bay With lockdown behind us in NSW, many of us feel like a war has been won. People celebrated Freedom Day much like our grandparents did for V Day in World War 2, albeit with a lot more social distancing.

Many of us feel a bit shaken-up and knocked around.

If this is true for adults, how much more so for our young people?

They have lived through over 100 days of lockdown and through two years where their normal reference points have been taken away: school routines, seeing friends, working jobs and even just leaving the neighborhood. So now we are looking towards a more normal life, how can we help our youth to emerge from this trial in the best way possible?

I don’t have any psychological, educational or familial advice to offer: others will do that better than me.

What I can offer is the perspective of a youth minister. I’d like to suggest a few points on helping our youth come out of the trauma of lockdown with faith, hope and, yes, joy.

Firstly, the best thing we can

do is listen. One of the biggest contemporary challenges in engaging with youth is having enough time with them so that they feel ready to speak. The American youth worker and author Shawn McBride lists quality time as the first requirement for building a good relationship with teenagers: “most kids that I have met and served with over the years spell love this way: T.I.M.E.”. How are our youth thinking about the future? Do they see opportunity or threat? Have their hopes or expectations for their lives changed?

I bring this up, because young people need dreams and ideals in a particular way. God cares infinitely more about their future than we do. He even cares infinitely more about their future than they do. Their deepest hopes and desires are placed in their heart by God and if lockdowns and a future under the shadow of COVID has caused fears or negativity, we need to listen to that, acknowledge it and give them hope. We need to acknowledge that this sort of thing is hard to process.

Secondly, we need to encourage them; explain that with God in their life and the right people around them, the future is still full of great

possibilities. God is our loving father who knows how to care for his children: “I know the plans I have for you… a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29). Our youth need to know that they are not alone and that their family and friends will help them to adapt and take on the next steps of their journey with them.

Thirdly, our youth – and we ourselves – need to slowly embrace the fact that God doesn’t offer us a comfortable, predictable life. This is not an easy lesson to learn – I know this because I’m still learning it and having a hard time doing so! However, it’s essential for growing into the people that God made us to be. This is the experience of all of God’s children, from the ancient Hebrews, to Jesus Himself, up to modern-day saints like John Paul II. God allows us and our youth to experience hardships so that He can bless us in new ways and so that we can leave behind the parts of ourselves that are better left behind.

The recent COVID lockdowns won’t be the last time our youth experience things that push them beyond their limits. If we help them discover that a newer, deeper life is hidden in the hardships, then we will have given them an invaluable gift.

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Welcome Home

By Tomasz Juszczak, Director Evangelisation Broken Bay Some years ago I went backpacking with a good friend around Europe. We were young and strapped for cash, so of course our budget itinerary included a whopping 36 hour flight from Sydney to Paris. It wasn’t the most comfortable journey for us, as you might imagine.

We landed in Paris in the middle of a sweltering summer day. As we made our way on foot to our accommodation we took a wrong turn and ended up walking much longer than necessary, struggling under the weight of our backpacks.

By the time we reached our destination we were exhausted, hot, bothered and in desperate need of a shower. We were less than pleased to learn this wouldn’t be possible, as our rooms weren’t ready for another few hours. We decided to make the most of the situation, so we dumped our bags and walked up the hill to Sacre Coeur Basilica, which was not far from our hostel.

As we climbed Montmartre we were overwhelmed by the sea of tourists and managed to fall for the string bracelet scam, apparently a common tourist trap. By the time we reached the top our frustration had reached new heights. We needed a break and figured that some prayer inside the Basilica would be the way to go.

As we walked in and sat down in a pew, we noticed in front of us a huge Monstrance with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Both of us, then, had a similar experience. As we closed our eyes and entered into prayer, there was a strong sense of familiarity. On the other side of the world, far from the comfort of our own beds, showers, neighbourhoods and native tongues, 14 /

Tomasz at Sacre Coeur Basilica, Montmartre – no matter where we may be in the world, the Church is always home.

somehow at that moment we both felt like we were home.

We left the Basilica physically and spiritually refreshed and sat down for a drink at a nearby pub. As we reflected on the experience, it occurred to us how great a gift our faith is – no matter where we may be in the world, the Church is always home. The Christ that is present in the tabernacle here in Hornsby is the same Christ in Paris, New York, Fiji or anywhere else. Christ never changes, and He has made Himself truly, substantially present to us in the Eucharist, which is the beating Heart of the Church. This is why a livestreamed Mass, as helpful as it can be at times, can never take the place of being physically present at Mass.

As we approach the end of another turbulent year, what a blessing it is to be able to return to Mass in the flesh. The Prince of Peace will once

again be born into a world plagued by uncertainty and fear, inviting us to make Him our home; our centre.

While everything else may change, He is always the same: yesterday, today, tomorrow.

As we prepare for the coming of Christ, we must remember that His invitation is open to all, not just to a few. Perhaps you know someone who has struggled through this past year in grief, isolation, anxiety or sickness?

Someone searching for peace in times of uncertainty? At Evangelisation Broken Bay, we are encouraging parishes to invite and welcome others to Christmas Mass through the Advent 1:23 initiative. There is no better time to come and encounter the beating heart of our community: Emmanuel, God with us. May we, then – as a united community – proclaim “welcome” to those who are new, “welcome back” to those who are returning, and “welcome home” to us all.

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Pastoral Mission: One in Christ

By Tomasz Juszczak, Director Evangelisation Broken Bay This time last year, Bishop Anthony released his first pastoral letter to the community of the Church of Broken Bay, outlining his vision and six priorities for the Diocese. These priorities, along with your feedback, will form the basis for the Diocese’ new Pastoral Mission, One in Christ, which will launch 19 March 2022.

One in Christ aims to bring to life Bishop Anthony’s vision for evangelisation for the community of the Church of Broken Bay. It will detail how the Evangelisation Broken Bay (EBB) team will support all the baptised in their mission to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ as a community centred on the person of Jesus; our beginning and end.

EBB has been seeking feedback from various groups across the Diocese

over the past few months, but now we invite each of you to let us know what you need from us to better carry out your mission. To this end, we have released an initial document focusing on six evangelisation goals based on Bishop Anthony’s vision and priorities. We ask you to read, reflect and pray on these goals, and what you and your community need to achieve them. We then invite you to visit the diocesan website as soon as possible, but before 15 February, to make a submission. In this way, your feedback will be taken into consideration as EBB develops the objectives and strategies for inclusion in the final Pastoral Mission document. Please keep an eye on the diocesan website for further details.

Finally, please pray for this initiative as we look forward to working together to carry out our mission as one in Christ Jesus.

The Six Evangelisation Goals 1 Empower Communities for Evangelisation Supporting parishes and communities to provide pathways of genuine encounter with the person of Jesus Christ 2) Form Missionary Disciples Assisting parishes, clergy and communities in forming disciples of Christ who are empowered for mission.

3) Build Community Promoting unity within and among parishes, clergy, communities, Catholic Schools Broken Bay, CatholicCare Broken Bay, and individuals as one community of the Church of Broken Bay under the care of our Bishop.

4) Promote Our Vocational Call Fostering a culture of vocation within the community of the Church of Broken Bay, encouraging a life centred on prayer, the Sacraments and discernment as a means of helping the faithful find their place in the Church community and live their baptismal call.

5) Advance the Common Good Aiding parishes and communities in advancing the common good for the flourishing of human life.

6) Embrace the Poor and Vulnerable

Jesus calls on us all to foster a culture of evangelisation.

Encouraging and equipping parishes, clergy and communities to keep the poor and vulnerable at the heart of the Church 15 /

Advent – the time for spiritual preparation

By Debra Vermeer It’s time to pull out the Advent wreathe, light the candles and gather the kids around the Advent calendar, but what does this beautiful season actually mean, and when did it all start?

The liturgical season of Advent marks the time of spiritual preparation by the faithful before Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning ‘coming’.

Advent starts on the Sunday closest to the Feast of the St Andrew the Apostle (November 30) and spans four Sundays, depending on when Christmas falls in that final week. In Australia this year the First Sunday of Advent was 28 November.

It is marked by a special cycle of readings, antiphons and prayers, and the lighting of the Advent candles in churches and in many homes.

The celebration of Advent has evolved in the life of the Church over many centuries.

In its earliest form, beginning in France, Advent was a period of 16 /

preparation for the Feast of the Epiphany, a day when converts were baptised, so the Advent preparation was very similar to Lent with an emphasis on prayer and fasting. From as early as 380, the local Council of Saragossa in Spain established a three-week fast before Epiphany and in France, the Council of Macon in 581 designated that from November 11 until Christmas, fasting would be required on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Eventually similar practices spread to England, but in Rome, the Advent preparation did not appear until the sixth century and was viewed as a preparation for Christmas.

Gradually, the Church formalised the celebration of Advent as a period of spiritual preparation for Christmas.

The Gelasian Sacramentary, traditionally attributed to Pope St Gelasius I (d. 496), was the first to provide Advent liturgies for five Sundays. Later, Pope St Gregory I (d. 604) enhanced those liturgies, composing prayers, antiphons, readings and responses. Pope St Gregory VII (d. 1095) later reduced the number of Sundays in Advent to four. Finally, in about the ninth century, the Church designated the first Sunday of Advent as the beginning of the Church year.

Today, the focus of the Advent season is preparation for the Coming of the Lord. The Catechism of the Catholic

Church stresses the two-fold meaning of this ‘coming’. It says: “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Saviour’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for His second coming”.

(CCC #524).

Central to the liturgical celebration of Advent is the Advent wreathe and candles. The wreathe, first adopted in the 1500s, is a circle which has no beginning or end, helping us call to mind how our lives, here and now, participate in the eternity of God’s plan of salvation and how we hope to share eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. The wreathe is made of fresh plant material because Christ came to give us new life through His passion, death and resurrection. Three of the candles are purple, symbolising penance, preparation and sacrifice and the pink candle symbolises the same but highlights the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, when we rejoice because our preparation has reached the half-way point. The light of the candle represents Christ, who entered this world to scatter the darkness of evil and show us the way of righteousness. For children, an Advent calendar can also be an engaging way to help them count down the days until Christmas and prepare their hearts for the coming of the baby Jesus in the manger.

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Pastoral Works Broken Bay says “Thank You”

By David Armstrong Development and Relationships Manager, Diocese of Broken Bay Earlier this year Bishop Anthony Randazzo was delighted to announce Pastoral Works Broken Bay was the new name for Charitable Works Fund. The new name reflects the life-giving pastoral work you are helping make possible and provides a name uniquely connected to our Diocese.

As we celebrate the Christmas season, Pastoral Works Broken Bay would like to say thank you for your generous donations over the year. In the last Financial Year, $1,051,005 was contributed to assist families and parish communities. There are so many wonderful stories of lives changed that demonstrate the impact you make.

Janine, from Epping Parish, is mother to Tom in Year 10 at St Edmund’s College. She greatly appreciates the caring education, skills and rich life experiences and opportunities provided for Tom so that he can become more independent and fully engage in life.

“Your support is life changing for our students and their families” says Jon Franzin, Principal of St Edmund’s.

John, aged 83, is an active grandfather with 11 grandkids, from St Kevin’s Parish, Dee Why, who suffered a stroke in March 2021 whilst saying the Rosary. During his hospitalization, our Pastoral Care Practitioners we were able to pray, support, bring the sacraments and accompany John during his illness. John has now made a full recovery.

Tom or John – and many others across our community – your gifts mean the Church can be there during times of need, renewing and rebuilding their lives.

St Edmund’s College – Serving 120 students (Y7-12) with disabilities Ephpheta Centre – pastoral care, sacraments and advocacy for the deaf community

Our help, in a very practical and powerful way, is the message of “good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10) that we celebrate over Advent and the birth of Christ.

On behalf of families, parish communities and those assisted by Pastoral Works Broken Bay, may God Bless you and your family this Christmas season.

Where does your contribution go?

There are five charities assisted by your donations: Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) – Catechists taking the gospel to over 16,000 students in state schools.

Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Practitioners – visits to over 3,000 patients every year in seven hospital centres.

St Lucy’s School – serving 140 students (K-12) with disabilities

A wonderful new App for our Catholic Community of Broken Bay, with pastoral and giving options.

Download today for daily Scripture readings, Mass times, Catholic News and giving options.

Easy, fast and secure.

Search “Parish Giving Broken Bay” in your App store or visit www.bbcatholic.org.au/parishgiving

David Armstrong.

Find Mass, Readings & Parish Giving

Find Mass

Parish Giving

Readings

Catholic Care

Catholic Schools

News

For families like those of Janine, 17 /

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

A year in reflection … and looking forward to our 2022 roadmap

By Danny Casey, Director of Schools, Broken Bay Reflecting on this challenging year, I am most proud of the way that our community of students, families, staff and clergy have worked together to plan and shape the future of Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) while also navigating the uncertainty and ambiguity that 2021 provided.

With 2020 firmly behind us, and with the support and inspiration of Bishop Anthony, we focussed on developing a detailed strategic plan for Towards 2025 that reflected

With 2020 firmly behind us, and with the support and inspiration of Bishop Anthony, we focussed on developing a detailed strategic plan for Towards 2025 that reflected the voice of our community.

A central focus will be continuing to deliver our vision as we help all to know Christ, love learning and be the best they can be. In 2022, we will strengthen our focus on initiatives to improve learning, support leadership and evangelise and catechise all in our care. the voice of our community. The launch of the detailed plan on 25 June 2021 was a significant day for our Diocese and especially for those who serve in CSBB. The challenges that we faced immediately after that day were not driven by how we would implement our detailed plan, but by the impact of COVID 19. I was, and still am, incredibly thankful to all our staff, students and families for the remarkable agility with which they pivoted to Home Based Learning or HBL. HBL continued far longer than anticipated and at CSBB, we were aware of the demands this placed on our students and staff. I was delighted that, listening to the needs of our community, CSBB was able to deliver a new initiative HBL+ to enhance teaching and learning and to support the wellbeing of families across our system during this time.

We are now at another pivotal point in the year as we work on the return to school roadmap. We are also working with our leaders to finalise plans for 2022. A central focus will be continuing to deliver our vision as we help all to know Christ, love learning and be the best they can be. In 2022, we will strengthen our focus on initiatives to improve learning, support leadership and evangelise and catechise all in our care.

Finally, in the season of Advent when we await the arrival of Christ, we look forward to new beginnings, working together as a part of the Catholic Community of Broken Bay, supporting the Mission in our Diocese.

I am as always so grateful to our staff, students and families in helping us navigate an extremely challenging year,” Danny Casey.

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Danny

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Teachers Heartfelt Gesture for Year 12 Students The Year 12 class of 2021 at Mercy Catholic College Chatswood has endured a tough year, with many interruptions to their study and socialising. Despite that, the College community has continued to keep them in their thoughts and hearts – literally!

The Mercy teaching staff created handmade felt and woollen pocket-sized hearts for their Year 12 students, posting them out directly during lockdown, to spread love and compassion and let the students know they weren’t alone. The idea was inspired by a broader project called ‘1000 Hearts’.

Emma D, Year 12 shared, “Before I started the HSC trials, I received a handmade heart from the school. I was quite surprised as I thought it was just going to be supplies to complete the trials and I then found the heart in the package. I knew that the teachers were thinking about us and that made the heart very special. Now I have a beautiful handmade heart that I always keep beside me when I study”.

“I knew the teachers were thinking about us and that made the heart very special,” Emma, Year 12, Mercy Catholic College Chatswood.

Michelle Thomson, the Year 12 Visual Arts Teacher commented, “We thought this might be one of many ways to show Year 12 how much we care. They can put the heart in their pockets during their exams, or anytime they need to feel and be reminded that people care about them.”

PawGust Guide dogs have never been more important. There is an estimated 450,000 plus Australians who are blind or have low vision. With the cost in excess of $50,000 to breed, raise and train one Guide Dog, Guide Dog Australia launched PawGust, a fundraising initiative that encouraged people and their pooches to brave the cold, and walk or run for at least 30 minutes every day in August.

When lockdown came into effect, siblings Max (Year 1) and Tommy (Year 3), students of St Kieran’s Catholic Primary School Manly Vale, wanted to use the time to create positive change and knew their one-year-old pup Bella was also up for the challenge.

Together they teamed up and registered for PawGust with the goal of raising $500.

As a team, they braved the rainy and very cold mornings to walk Young Bella up for the Bella every day for the entire PawGust challenge. month. Not only did they rack up an

Max, Tommy and Bella raised almost three times their original target.

amazing 100km in total, but they raised over $1,300 – almost three times their original target.

“We are so proud of both Tommy and Max who turned such a challenging time into a positive situation.” commented Michael Gallagher, Principal at St Kieran’s Manly Vale.

Max and Tommy are looking forward to participating again next year and inspiring their friends to join the challenge too.

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SOAR Higher Maria Regina Catholic Primary School at Avalon has launched their “SOAR Higher” extension program. This enrichment and extension opportunity was created to ensure the needs of all their students are met.

Assistant Principal, Trish Blok commented; “We believe that higher potential and gifted students are entitled to rigorous and engaging learning opportunities that acknowledge their learning needs, strengths and interests.

This extension program is designed to identify those students within a challenging and supportive environment.”

The program is available to students across Years 1-6 who have been identified as achieving beyond the required classroom level and need academic extension. The identification process followed the procedures as outlined by the Gifted/High Ability Student Guidelines K-12, provided by Catholic Schools Broken Bay. The SOAR Higher Program has a strong English focus and has been purposefully written to incorporate higher order and critical thinking questions, as well as a research component. The program divides opportunities for students to engage with a range of novels and Visual

Students from Maria Regina Catholic Primary School at Avalon enjoying their SOAR Higher program.

Literacy tasks. The students work on their extension program via a Google Classroom platform (under the guidance of their classroom teacher) and meet once a week with the Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator to discuss and share their work collaboratively as a like-minded group.

Parental support of the program has been positive, with parent Anya Clinton commenting that SOAR has given her son challenging opportunities that ensures he not only thrives, but enjoys his learning.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Amongst the challenges and curve balls of home-based learning, some very exciting developments were taking place in the background at Our Lady of Dolours (OLD) Catholic Primary School at Chatswood. Teachers and staff, from the Principal right through to the Admin Support Team, were learning to present, write, sound check and produce content for the launch of OLD TV. Being able to

The small TV studio is fully equipped and allows for broadcast to not only students but their local community and Parish.

20 /

broadcast to their students, local community and Parish via this new medium enabled community connections to thrive.

With a small TV studio newly established in the school, fully equipped with backgrounds, lighting, cameras and computer equipment, OLD was able to broadcast near and far. The school connected with students through weekly assemblies and local preschools with weekly Sing and Story time sessions. The broadcasts also kicked off the start of transition for their Kindergarten 2022 students. It was all just a taste of what’s still to come.

The team are eager to find out which students will show promise as future presenters and producers, and develop their interests further. Principal Marco Ianni commented, “The options of where this can take our students are endless! Will we see our Year 6 leaders meet community leaders, our Kindergarten students engage with our incoming students, a future news presenter, a journalist or a production manager born?” We can’t wait to find out.

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ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

BounceFest fires up imaginations Eager to keep students motivated and connected during Home-based Learning, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School at Narrabeen launched a brand-new initiative called BounceFest.

Launched by School Principal Virginia Outred, who described it as a “a celebration of imagination”, students were inspired and supported to come up with a creative project.

“We encouraged students to express themselves through a mini book for example or cartoon, dancing, scripts, poetry, photos, drawings, sculpture, painting… anything that fired up their imagination,” Mrs Outred explained. “We opened up several categories, encouraging students to

enter across a range of disciplines and really flex their creative muscles!”

Held completely virtually, the event did just that. Teachers across the school offered support in different fields and best-selling children’s authors and illustrators Matt and Beck Stanton (of ‘Funny Kid’ fame) came on board as judges, also sharing helpful advice.

The theme of this year’s event was ‘wave’ – with the students tasked to include their interpretation of a wave in their work.

That took on many forms – some standouts included a pet cat being taught to wave, a sculpture, an interpretive dance and an entire family “passing along” a wave virtually.

Year 2 student Harry took out the inaugural event with his original rap song and music video, while other several students also celebrated as category winners.

With nearly the entire school voluntarily and enthusiastically taking part, the idea now is that the event will become a yearly tradition – and in 2022, the showcase can be in person instead of just online.

The initial theme for BounceFest was “Wave” with all entries described as a celebration of imagination.

The new theme is already being dreamed up.

Music Time Mrs Brigid McNally, music teacher at Holy Family Catholic School Lindfield, has just released her second album of music for students. Mrs McNally has been teaching at the school for 18 years and her songs are a regular and welcome addition to school Masses.

Mrs McNally has also written several songs for other schools, as well as hosting “Zoom Singalongs” where students had the opportunity to listen, join in and then take part in a short reflection on the lyrics.

Her recent album “Come Gather At My Table” is music for Eucharistic celebrations throughout the year and includes a new Mass setting approved by the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Commission on Liturgy.

Her next album titled “It’s a hot Aussie Christmas” will come with a teacher resource pack including vocal and

Mrs Brigid McNally is soon to launch her new Christmas album which will include a teacher resource pack.

backing tracks, a PowerPoint presentation plus a script to help students enjoy this fun journey at Christmas time.

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Giving Students a Voice When St Leo’s Catholic College at Wahroonga recently advertised for a new College Counsellor, they invited Year 12 students Matteo and Rachel to join the interview panel.

“Given the successful candidate will spend the majority of their day interacting with students, it made absolute sense that students were very much part of the selection process. We could also see how the candidates engaged with them,” commented College Principal, Tony Gleeson .

As part of the panel for such a key role, the students not only got a chance to have their opinions heard and respected, but also had the opportunity to ask candidates their own questions about mental health strategies during a challenging time of their life and learning.

Both students believed being part of this initiative would help them in a variety of ways; including when it is their time to be interviewed – which in Year 12 is not too far away.

Tamara Hughes, who was the Manager for Safeguarding at Catholic Schools Broken Bay, pointed out that this initiative highlights the NSW Child Safe Standards, National Principles for a Child Safe Organisation and National Catholic Safeguarding Standards in a real and authentic way. Allowing students to take part in decisions that directly affect them is an important step in showing these standards are being embraced.

The Year 12 students on the interview panel made a great contribution and they were able to experience what it may be like when they are being interviewed for a job.

“Student voice and agency is critical in ensuring we keep our students safe,” commented Ms Hughes.

“If it were up to me I would have student representatives on every panel for every position – including the Principal!

It was a great success,” observed Mr Gleeson.

Unexpected Final Year It may not have been the year that many senior students were hoping for – but with change came opportunity and new initiatives spawned.

Steven Solomon not only gave students an inspirational presentation but practical tips to help them through their exams.

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With a firm focus on student wellbeing and enhanced teaching and learning, the Pathways and Partnership Team at Catholic Schools Broken Bay developed and delivered a range of innovative programs designed to motivate and guide the Year 12 cohort. Co-Captain of the Australian Athletics

Team, Steven Solomon, gave students not only an inspirational presentation but incredibly practical tips on how they could refocus, recalibrate, and turn the exam delay they experienced into a benefit. Principal Michael Reid at St Paul’s Catholic College Manly talked about the parallel of the extended HSC deadline with how our Olympians managed with the delayed Tokyo Games.

As a leading sport psychologist, Dr Juliet Andrews also contributed to an enriching student opportunity.

Continued on p23

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Continued from p22

One such opportunity came with the chance to talk directly to someone who could give them insight on where to apply their additional study efforts. Just what are HSC Markers looking for? Students might not have a crystal ball, but they did have Damian Sylvester, Education Officer at Catholic Schools Broken Bay, who gave an extremely informative and practical webinar on what skills this cohort should apply, both in their revision period and in the actual exams.

A Year 12 Masterclass Revision rounded out the program, providing a series of targeted masterclasses for those students studying Business Studies, PDHPE and Community and Family Studies. These classes were presented by a range of industry leaders, including Ernst & Young, People Advisory Services – Dr Juliet Andrews, a leading Sport Psychologist – Dr Clive Jones and Education Specialist, David Broadbridge.

A series called ‘Life After School’ was launched, allowing students to more deeply consider what comes next. The University Admissions Centre (UAC) shared details on what students could expect from tertiary education, and Skills Road and TAFE also shared what they had to offer.

Despite having little control over the changes, the collaborative efforts created an enrichment opportunity for Year 12 students that would otherwise not have been possible – ensuring their futures are as bright as they want them to be.

The Bishop’s Religious Art Prize The Bishop’s Religious Art Prize is an annual Awards night within the Diocese of Broken Bay and is open to all school students up to and including Year 8 from Catholic Schools.

Students are invited to select and reflect on a favourite verse or Bible story from the Gospels.

We were delighted to receive 68 shortlisted entries (with further entries received at the schools). These were further shortlisted by a panel and then sent to Bishop

Danny Casey, Director of Schools, Broken Bay welcomed everyone to the livestream.

Anthony Randazzo for judging. All students are to be commended on their creativity and talent.

“As Bishop of Broken Bay, this has been my first opportunity to judge the Bishop’s Religious Art Prize,” said Bishop Randazzo. “I was delighted to see the wonderful creative spirit alive in our young people. The manner in which they have brought to life the living Word of God through art and film is simply inspirational.”

Bishop Randazzo joined teachers, parents and students for the livestream announcement on the Awards night.

The following images are some of the 1st Place Winners: 23 /

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ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

The Bishop’s Religious Art Prize (1st Place Winners)

Cassidy, Stage 3, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Waitara Cody, Stage 2, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Narrabeen

Ryan, Stage 3, St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School

Evan, Year 7, MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale Sophie, ES1, Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Primary School, Chatswood

Lewis, Stage 1, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Mona Vale 24 /

Maya, Year 8, St Leo’s Catholic College, Wahroonga

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Supporting Seniors to live life on their terms At Catholic Healthcare, we offer our clients and their families a single trusted aged care provider.

And a continuum of care that covers every stage of life’s journey. We offer peace of mind, safety and security to help our clients as they age with all their care.

And accommodation needs, whether it be help at home, residential aged care, retirement living or respite.

Elsie’s Story Elsie is an 89-year old client who was receiving a home care package with Catholic Healthcare. Elsie was living in public housing in Marsfield but had to be relocated for a week.

Elsie chose to move into a serviced apartment close-by however it quickly became apparent the apartment was not suitable for Elsie’s needs.

A Catholic Healthcare advisor contacted McQuoin Park Home in Wahroonga and they offered Elsie a place. The staff were friendly, welcoming and caring and ending up offering Elsie a permanent concessional place in the Home.

“It is a beautiful place – I couldn’t be happier or more grateful,” Elsie said.

Should you or your loved ones become unable to stay living independently at home and are in need of more specialised care, we invite you to visit

Catholic Healthcare’s new Residential Aged Care Home, MacKillop House, located at 2 Firewheel Place, cnr Mackillop Drive, Norwest.

Call Jenny Thomas on 1300 169 949

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BBN / DECEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Another Option Your support in campaign to end assisted dying bill

By Debra Vermeer Bishop Anthony Randazzo is urging all those in the Diocese to write to their state member of parliament and sign an online petition against the introduction of euthanasia and assisted suicide in New South Wales.

“I encourage you to please sign the online petition and email your MP today and ask friends and family to do the same.”

Bishop Anthony was referring to an online petition launched by antieuthanasia body, Hope.

Debate on Independent MP Alex Greenwich’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill (2021) began in the NSW Legislative Assembly last month. The bill’s vote will see all MPs granted a conscience vote. However, legislation will not go to a final vote until next year after the Legislative Council agreed to establish an inquiry into the bill if it passes the lower house. The report from that inquiry is not due until February 2022.

Director of Hope, Branka van der Linden, said that beyond the “inherent immorality” of legalising ending lives, the bill is deeply flawed and should be rejected.

The Bishop has himself written to all MPs in the Diocese asking them to consider carefully if they want a society that accepts the sanction of the State to determine who lives and who dies.

“It does not include the protections promised by Mr Greenwich for conscientious objections for faith-based hospitals and health care providers, requiring them to help facilitate requests even if they choose not to perform them themselves.”

“The vulnerable and sick deserve our compassion and protection, not a law for state-sanctioned killing.

Laws are more than just regulatory instruments,” he said.

“In its current form the bill would allow healthcare workers to suggest euthanasia to patients, a practice prohibited in other Australian states to protect vulnerable, terminally ill patients from coercion,” she said.

Meanwhile, Catholic Health Australia has stepped up its opposition to the legislation with a campaign calling for

better access to palliative care instead of assisted dying.

The peak advisory body represents more than 80 Catholic not-for-profit hospitals, and 25,000 aged care beds nationally and looks after thousands of patients and older people in NSW every day.

The campaign – Another Option – calls on the community, including people of faith, to send a message to MPs calling on them to exercise both their conscience and judgment and vote down the bill.

“This bill is full of risks for the most vulnerable in our society and is not a compassionate direction for our state.

For example, those doctors assisting the person to die are not required to be specialists in the patient’s illness,” Nicole Clements, CHA Director of Mission and Strategy said.

“Because the doctor doesn’t need to be the patient’s treating physician, this could lead to a doctor approving assisted dying based on an inaccurate prognosis.

“We are also concerned that the time between the first and final request by

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BBN / DECEMBER 2021

the patient for assisted suicide under this legislation can be as short as five days – almost half that in other states.”

Ms Clements said access to palliative care in New South Wales is a “postcode lottery”.

“These laws will provide terminally ill people in areas where palliative care isn’t universally available with the impossible ‘choice’ of ending their life prematurely or living with pain,” she said.

“Until every person who needs palliative care can access it, we run the risk of steering vulnerable people towards a hastened end. That’s not a compassionate direction for our state.

“Palliative care has come on in leaps

NEWS AND ISSUES

and bounds over the past decade.

Instead of forcing vulnerable people to choose between pain and death, our politicians should provide funding for modern palliative care.”

Bishop Randazzo said,” I have offered to meet with each MP to discuss with them the issue and together address the problem of suffering in a way that promotes a culture of life within our society rather than one which insinuates a culture of death, sanitised though it may be.”

The Hope online petition can be found at https://www.noeuthanasia.org.au/ protect_life_nsw Catholic Health Australia’s online petition and campaign can be accessed at: anotheroption.com.au.

Right to Life NSW has a petition as well as letter templates available online to assist in writing to MPs: righttolifensw.org.au.

No one should be forced to choose between pain and death.

Proper palliative care gives patients with a terminal illness effective pain relief, compassionate care, and quality of life.

But a lack of funding means that palliative care is not available to everyone who needs it. Before the NSW Parliament gives you the option to die, shouldn’t it give you the option to live?

Authorised by Pat Garcia, Catholic Health Australia, Level 5, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Braddon ACT 2612

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HOME CARE PACKAGE supports LOCAL, NIMBLE & FLEXIBLE SUPPORTS

Our Home Care Packages help you get out and about, keep up with daily activities and maintain your health and wellbeing.

We can help you to remain living at home whilst being as independent as possible.

We partner with our clients to find the best solutions possible. We’ll listen and help you decide on the services that best meet your individual needs. Matching the right locally based care worker for you is paramount and we put a lot of focus on making sure we get that right.

Whether your care is in the form of a Government package (Level 1, 2, 3 or 4) or is privately funded, we can help you determine which services are right for you. If you are on the waitlist, looking for a provider or unsure how to navigate the Aged Care system, our Home Care Specialists are happy to assist you.

CONTACT US: P: (02) 9488 2488 E: seniorliving@catholiccaredbb.org.au W: www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/aged-care

WHAT CAN WE HELP WITH? General household assistance including housekeeping, meal preparation and shopping Support maintaining your yard and garden General handyman tasks and home modifications Clinical care including nursing, physiotherapy and more Art and dance therapy Help to maintain your brain health through our Memory Innovations Centre Companionship and someone to laugh with TeleHealth consultations and appointments Respite for carers to take a break ... and more.

We are the social care agency of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Broken Bay

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

CATHOLICCARE

CatholicCare recap 2021

By Tim Curran, Executive Director, Catholiccare Diocese of Broken Bay Looking back on the last 12 months, it is difficult to think of anything other than how profound an impact the COVID pandemic, and the extreme measures the Federal and State Governments took to supress the virus, had on CatholicCare’s clients, staff, volunteers and operations.

Many of CatholicCare’s clients, by virtue of a disability, mental illness, advanced age, situation of homelessness or experience of domestic violence and family breakdown, are particularly vulnerable to the virus itself, and were equally vulnerable to the detrimental impacts of the severe lockdowns – the social isolation, the inability to access support services, the loss of wages, the feeling of helplessness, and the rising cost of housing. It was no surprise, then, when demand for our domestic violence, homelessness, emergency relief and counselling services skyrocketed.

CatholicCare staff and volunteers did an amazing job to continue delivering essential services to our clients under trying circumstances. Our team members embraced new ways of delivering programs and readily complied with the increased safety measures that were necessary to protect themselves, our clients, and others from contracting COVID. And in a testament to the commitment, capability and resilience of our managers and staff, we were able to undertake other important projects during the year despite the distraction posed by COVID. We merged our three Family Centres and Therapy Services teams to create two new integrated service

departments bringing specialist program teams together to deliver aligned services across the Diocese.

We added new programs and commenced service delivery in new locations across our Permanency Support Program, Services for Seniors, Children’s Services, Disability Supports, and Integrated Services.

And we started to work more collaboratively with Catholic Schools Broken Bay and our Parishes.

Christmas has always been a time of reflection, as well as celebration, for me. This Christmas, I will reflect on how fortunate I am that I and my family members avoided contracting COVID, that we were able to be vaccinated, and that we kept our jobs.

I am also grateful that I and my family had safe and secure housing and regular online contact with each other which helped us through the difficult lockdowns. But I will also reflect on those who were not so fortunate.

Those in our own Diocese who lost a loved one to COVID or who are still struggling to regain health having contracted it. The many thousands who lost their jobs or businesses. All those who are grappling with mental illness. For many of these people, Christmas will be a time of hardship and sadness. May we remember these people and pray for them – that they will understand and freely receive the hope of salvation, healing and restoration that God made available to us when he sent Jesus Christ to us over 2000 years ago. And may we also take some time to consider if there are practical ways that we can encourage and support these people in the coming year. One way for you to do that might be to get involved in the work of CatholicCare as a volunteer, employee or donor. You can learn about these opportunities by visiting our website:

Tim Curran.

This Christmas, I will reflect on how fortunate I am that I and my family members avoided contracting COVID, that we were able to be vaccinated, and that we kept our jobs. www.catholiccaredbb.org.au.

While you are there, you might like to take a look at our annual report and familiarise yourself with our suite of programs and major developments over the past 12 months. I guarantee you’ll be inspired as you read the stories of some of our clients and staff.

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CATHOLICCARE

COVID meant Abigail lost her job, but not her hope When Abigail lost her job during the COVID pandemic and needed emergency surgery to treat a tumour, she found herself all of a sudden struggling to pay the bills, but CatholicCare’s financial counselling service helped get her back on track and in a stronger position going forward.

After unsuccessful negotiations with her real estate agent and realising she needed help, Abigail considered paying for financial advice, even though she didn’t have the money. Thankfully, one of the services she approached told her about CatholicCare’s free financial counselling service.

that route. We also receive referrals from emergency service providers like St Vincent de Paul or CatholicCare’s own services which provide grocery vouchers for people in need. If someone’s regularly accessing those services, we’d say, let’s try and find out what your underlying financial issues are.”

“I was the Business Development Manager for a gym for many years,” says Abigail, aged in her 20’s. But on day one of COVID last year, I received an email saying, I’d lost my job. So, just like that, I’d lost my income.

Martin, Coordinator of CatholicCare’s financial counselling program, says that once Abigail approached CatholicCare for help, he was able to help her navigate her way through some of the financial difficulties she was facing.

CatholicCare helps people understand their rights under consumer credit legislation and can advocate for them.

During the time she had to wait for her Centrelink application to kick in, Abigail struggled to pay her rent and her car loan, along with regular bills.

Her emergency surgery for a painful tumour added to the challenges.

“We helped her access the appropriate Centrelink benefits for her situation and helped secure a payment arrangement for her car loan and her telephone provider,” he says.

CatholicCare also helped have Abigail’s unpaid tolls, which she says were the result of a dispute with her former employer, waived. We sponsored Abigail on a work and development order, based on Abigail’s study load, which paid off her State debt fines.

Martin says people come to CatholicCare’s financial counselling program for a variety of reasons and via many different paths.

New mum Abigail says CatholicCare’s advocacy and financial counselling was a game changer for her when she lost her job during COVID and also required surgery.

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“Some of our clients finds us, as Abigail did via Google and word-ofmouth,” he says. “But others come to us from within CatholicCare. For example, people engaged with our domestic violence services can often be experiencing financial problems.

In other cases, a bank could suggest seeing a financial counsellor to work out what your options are if people are contemplating bankruptcy. They’d be encouraged to seek financial counselling advice before going down

Abigail says such advocacy was a game changer for her situation.

“Martin contacted people where I’d previously been on hold on the phone for three hours, and he got through quicker and they seemed to pay more attention and we were able to get things sorted out,” she says.

“Overall, it was a turning point for me.

I understood that they were advising me, not doing the work for me, but it was really helpful. We worked out budgets going forward and now I feel I’m in a stronger position and if I do get into debt again I’ll know some strategies for dealing with it.”

Abigail, who has had a baby in recent months, says she has been able to spread the word about CatholicCare’s financial counselling services through her networks and hopes many more people will come to hear about what’s available.

“I’ve told lots of people about it, especially in my mothers’ group, where because of COVID lots of people are finding it hard to buy baby formula, or feed their kids or pay the rent and I know it’s helped them too.”

CatholicCare’s financial counselling services are free. Please call 1800 324 924 or visit www.catholiccaredbb.org.au for more information. * Name and photo changed to protect privacy

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

CATHOLICCARE

Nick blossoms whilst living independently Like most young adults, Nicholas dreams of moving out of home and living independently and thanks to CatholicCare’s Supported Independent Living program, his dream is slowly becoming a reality.

Nick is 31 years old and lives with an intellectual disability. He has a job at Harris Farm Markets, a family who love him and a desire to move forward in his life.

Desley, Engagement Manager Disability Futures at CatholicCare says there are challenges for people in Nick’s situation to live independently, but with appropriate support, it can be achieved.

“Nick is keen to explore, learn and experience everything he can about living independently,” she says. “He wants to develop the skills to live independently and be successful. He has set this as a goal in his NDIS plan, and funding has been provided for him to have assistance to explore different housing options.”

To prepare Nick for independent living, CatholicCare has supported him in two short-term independent living experiences.

“These short stays provide him with the opportunity to experience living away from home, in a group setting with others and to develop his independent living skills,” Desley says.

Nick lives with an intellectual disability but has always dreamed of living independently.

CatholicCare is helping Nick to explore and experience independent living.

experience and continuing the support while he was away.

“Fabian, a care worker, supported Nicholas while he was away, and also during the planning,” she says.

“Fabian came and sat with him and worked out a menu and a budget and a shopping list and they did the shopping together so that Nicholas was ready for his time away. And now, instead of having four nights away, he’d like to do two weeks next time and see how that goes.”

Nick says he loved the experience. “It’s something new, it’s a big new step for me,” he says. “I liked it. It was nice and it was a good experience.”

“After a trial week within a short-term accommodation group stay, Nick decided he really wanted to live alone.

So, we became creative and looked at how we could provide him the opportunities to live alone for a week through his funding.”

Nick says while he was away, he enjoyed cooking meals such as hamburgers on the barbecue with hand-cut chips and seasoning. He also invited his parents and his older brother for dinner, cooking them a homemade pizza.

Ruth, Nick’s mum, says the CatholicCare team were terrific in supporting Nick in preparing for his short-term independent living

Desley says Nick has really benefited from the experience and is discovering areas he needs to develop to move out of home and live alone independently.

“The experience has been really positive for him and he is excited to keep learning under this model until he’s ready to move out,” she says.

“It’s been a great experience for us within the Disability Futures team as well – to be creative and develop a program that is outside of the square and achieves the goals we are working towards for the individual.”

Ruth says that for Nick’s family, the support from CatholicCare has been a lifesaver.

“It’s invaluable,” she says. “It’s really put my mind at rest, because he had this dream to move out but we were unsure how to proceed. But CatholicCare came to the rescue and advised what we could do under the NDIS and they’ve supported Nicholas every step of the way and he’s just blossomed from it.”

For more information about CatholicCare’s Supporting Independent Living program please call 1800 324 924 or visit www.catholiccaredbb.org.au.

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BBN / DECEMBER 2021

CATHOLICCARE

James gets his life on track James was 14 when he first came to be supported by CatholicCare in one of its residential care group homes, but despite the challenges he has faced in his young life, he has now committed himself to study and to his creative interests and is beginning to look to the future with hope.

James had been living with extended family, but when that arrangement ended, the shortage of foster carers for teenagers meant that he was taken into residential care.

Tim, his House Supervisor, says James lives in one of nine group homes spread across Northern Sydney and the Central Coast. Each home can have up to four young people living there, under 24 hour care.

“Our residential services are essentially the last stop for young people before moving into institutions, or being incarcerated,” he says.

“Most can’t go into the foster carer system because of challenging

behaviours. These are kids in real trouble and in real need.”

such as budgeting, cooking, shopping and cleaning.

Tim says that when James arrived two years ago, he was constantly being suspended from school and had attempted suicide.

“He started cooking three meals a week and we slowly scaled that up.

The goal is that he can soon show he’s capable of being in a semiindependent accommodation rather than living in a group home until he’s 18,” Tim says.

“When he came to us, he wasn’t engaged with school at all, or indeed, with anything at all,” he says.

“Now, he is engaged with school and in fact, he receives certificates for his good work, and he is really into creative pursuits, particularly woodwork, building a train set which is quite intricate.”

“He recently did some work experience with a business that builds guitars – he built a cigar box guitar and it’s very cool.”

“He’s very engaged now and displaying none of those challenging behaviours.”

While living at the group home, young people like James are taught the skills they will need to live independently,

He hopes to secure a carpentry apprenticeship when he finishes Year 10.

“James is a great kid and would’ve been a good candidate for foster care, but the shortage of foster carers for teenagers in particular, meant he ended up in residential care. His experience reminds us of the need for more people to open their homes through foster care to young people in need of a chance in life,” Tim says.

James has been able to adapt really well and responded to the supports he’s received.

Those supports include a mental health check and appropriate medication, as well as speech therapy and behaviour modification support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“A big part of it was just getting him used to routine, especially as far as sleep goes,” Tim says.

A Case Manager and Therapeutic Care Manager meet his day-to-day care needs and James is looking forward to a bright future.

“He’s very highly motivated and he’s reaching all his goals. He’ll be a real success story,” says Tim.

CatholicCare has provided James the chance to move into residential care where he is on track to complete his studies and can look to the future with hope and optimism.

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For more information about CatholicCare’s residential care program please call 1800 324 924 or visit www.catholiccaredbb.org.au. * Name and photo changed to protect privacy

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

A Gift of Faith Many of us can now once again look forward to spending Christmas with family and friends.

We can celebrate the Holy Season with our faith community in our churches and while we know there are many who will always need our support socially, financially and spiritually, we are still indeed a fortunate country.

This is a good time to reflect on those who cannot celebrate with our same good fortune in so many countries around the world.

More than 200 million Christians around the world cannot freely exercise their faith; they suffer persecution and oppression for their love of Christ. Many millions of families have been displaced and live in exile.

This Christmas give a gift with Faith at the centre

A Gift of Faith is a present given in place of a material gift which supports the work of Aid to the Church in Need, the only international Catholic charity dedicated to the spiritual and pastoral support of suffering and persecuted Christians. You can arrange Gifts of Faith for family, friends, co-workers and parishioners.

To arrange your Gifts of Faith, visit www.thatcatholicshop.com/GiftsOfFaith to view the full range. Select your gifts and we will send you matching cards and envelopes. Complete the cards with your personal greeting and place them under the Christmas tree for your loved ones!

We know our Catholic Church provides for those in need and it is thanks to the generosity of so many that we can say our Church is the largest charitable organisation in the world.

Aid to the Church in Need – ACN – is a unique pastoral arm of our Church.

It brings the light of the Catholic faith to those places where it is at greatest risk of extinction.

This year, the number of forcibly displaced people due to persecution, conflict and violence was the highest on record – nearly 85 million people.

The magnitude of the human loss, trauma and suffering is staggering.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of priests and religious, catechists and

volunteers, and the generosity of supporters, ACN provides basic needs, shelter, food, education, medical supplies, consolation, hope and the healing powers of the Sacraments.

And yes, even small gifts for the children at Christmas who have been born in refugee camps or will never know if they will ever leave the camps.

We can also support the work of ACN with a Gift of Faith for family and friends, co-workers or parishioners.

Wouldn’t that be wonderful to place under the Christmas tree so that in this season of joy and thanksgiving for the coming of Christ we are helping keep the faith alive in a not so fortunate corners of the world.

Provide

Transport for Pastoral Care Project Example: The Diocese of Coari in the Amazon region, Brazil.

The parishes of Coari are located in the middle of the forest. The only means of transport are boats. As the region is poor the Diocese asked ACN for help to buy new boats. The Bishop of Coari, Mgr. Marian Marek, wrote to ACN explaining: “The only means of transport for all our Parishes and communities are boats. All 8 boats in the Coari diocese are wooden, old, slow, dangerous to navigate and require constant renovations. Aluminium boats would be much more useful, faster and cheaper for maintenance. All of this would serve to improve the quality of our pastoral action!”

Will you offer a Gift of Faith providing transport for priests and religious around the world?

Meet Fr Piotr and watch his story:

$40

Will you help us keep the faith alive by giving a Gift of Faith?

Arrange a Gift of Faith by calling 1800 101 201 or order online

SCAN ME

SCAN ME Meet Mother Graciana in Peru.

Help support

Religious Sisters

Project Example: Sisters of the Congregation of Word and Victim, Peru.

The congregation of Missionaries of Jesus Word and Victim travel many hours to be with those most neglected. The sisters accompany people in their most difficult situations, in their ailments, and they help people to die in peace. In those moments they are not alone.

For the faithful in Peru, the presence of the sisters is crucial. They represent “the face of the Church,” the only contact those people can have with Christ’s Sacraments.

Could you give a Gift of Faith to help support religious sisters like these in Peru and elsewhere?

$100 Will support a sister for a month

www.thatcatholicshop.com/GiftsOfFaith 33 /

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Diocese social worker amongst writing award winners Maternity leave and lockdown provided the perfect opportunity for Ashleigh Donnelly to think about all the future life-lessons for her baby daughter. So with the theme of “Inclusivity”, Ashleigh entered The Good Oil 2021 Writers’ Award launched by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan with the aim of supporting and encouraging the development of emerging and published writers.

Jackie on our early morning walks when you wake up before the birds.

Jackie usually tells us that she’s waiting for the pharmacy to open and grumbles about the weather.

Ashleigh won second prize for her entry “A letter to my nine-monthold daughter”.

Jackie’s clothes don’t change much but her eyes do. Some days they glisten under the streetlight, the same way yours do when you wake up ravenous in the night. Some days her eyes are covered with dark glasses.

And on other days they are red. Even redder than the gum blossoms on Nanna’s mask.

A social worker who has worked with youth at risk and adults living with intellectual disabilities, Ashleigh returns to work next year with CatholicCare as Community Outreach Manager.

Here is the letter she wrote to little Rosemary, who has just turned one.

To my precious girl, Your grandmother’s face mask is white with red gum blossoms. In the background are leaves in dusty blues and blacks, like the gum trees at sunset in the Blue Mountains.

We’ll take you there one day when lockdown is over. You like to pull at the elastic on your Nanna’s mask.

When you let go of the elastic it moves very quickly towards her cheek, even faster than the birds when they flap their wings. Sometimes you’ll pull the elastic so far that it causes her mask to dangle off one ear.

Poppy’s mask is black. Even though it covers his mouth, you still know he’s smiling when Poppy says, “Peepo!”

His eyes give it away.

Jackie wears a mask too. We see 34 /

Her threadbare, green leggings are always the same.

And her slippers. There are holes in them that must make her toes cold.

One day when you’re a big girl, Nanna and Poppy won’t need to wear masks when they walk with us. And when we no longer need to wear masks you will see that Jackie’s smile is just as kind as her eyes when she greets you each morning.

But even when our bodies are immune to this virus, masks will always be a part of your world. They will just take different forms.

You see, there are lots of masks that Jackie wears. There is one she wears when she tells us she is waiting for the pharmacy to open, even at 6am, three hours before opening. It gives her a reason to be outside in the cold when everyone else is tucked up in bed.

Before you were born, Mummy was a Social Worker at a workshop that employed adults with intellectual disabilities. Many of them were bullied at school and pretended to have personalities that God didn’t give them.

Ashleigh Donnelly.

Your grandmother’s face mask is white with red gum blossoms. In the background are leaves in dusty blues and blacks, like the gum trees at sunset in the Blue Mountains.

There was one young man called Tom who loved American 90s pop music. If you named any song from that decade, he could tell you the artist and the year it was released.

Tom walked 2.57km to work each day and sang out loud the whole way.

He graduated from high school on December 2, 2019, the same day that Britney Spears turned 38. Tom will also tell you it was 10 days before the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Wuhan, China.

When Tom went to school it sometimes felt like his head was about

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

to burst open. His brain was so full of interesting information, but it wasn’t interesting to the other kids. At first, Tom wasn’t sure if they liked hearing his information. But when he saw what they had written about him on the Internet, Tom decided he’d keep all his wonderful facts to himself. This made him cry instead of sing on the way home from school.

One day you will be a strong, brave girl with decisions to make every day. Some decisions, like choosing ice cream flavours or television shows, will have little bearing on others. But many of your decisions, if executed thoughtfully, are powerful agents of change.

But trust me, my girl. When you consider that behind someone’s mask is a galaxy of possibility, you give that person permission to breathe. To rest.

And to consider, perhaps for the first time, the individual that God created them to be.

mechanics of what makes people tick.

It will astonish you how beautifully different we all are.

But don’t get me wrong. What makes some people tick will tick you off.

And what makes you tick will tick them off like a clock that ticks all night driving. you. crazy.

And that’s OK. Because it doesn’t need to stay on forever. One day, if everyone plays their part, our world will be safe from the virus. everyone plays their part, our world will be safe from the virus.

We’re all a little crazy.

And some day, probably when you least expect it, a lovely person might stop you to examine your mask. They might tug at the elastic a little to see how fixed it is. They may describe it to you in case you had forgotten what it looks like. It might not be as beautiful as your precious Nanna’s mask with gum blossoms and mountain leaves.

And one day, if everyone plays their part, there won’t be as many “other masks” either … the ones that Tom and Jackie know all about.

You can start today at nine months old, by focussing on your Poppy’s eyes when he wears his black mask. He loves you dearly.

And I do too, Mum x

And that’s OK. Because it doesn’t need to stay on forever. One day, if

Consider it a project to investigate the

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BBN / DECEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Sacred journeys in our own backyard

By Selina Hasham CEO, Harvest Journeys Pilgrimage has long been part of the Catholic tradition and Australians have routinely ventured overseas to follow iconic pilgrim paths and visit holy shrines. A silver lining of the pandemic is that Australians have turned their gaze homeward in search of pilgrim pathways in our own backyard.

To walk in the footsteps of Jesus through the Holy Land or to pray at the grotto in Lourdes where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette, is profound and life changing for many, but there are also holy places and sacred pathways to be discovered here in our own country.

Australia was named The Great South Land of the Holy Spirit long before the first colonies arrived, and we are still discovering that sacred identity – a land that is open to the presence of God in a powerful way.

Our ancient Indigenous heritage as well as the history of the Church in Australia provide a rich tapestry of meaning and grace for the traveler

Harvest Journeys is helping Australians satisfy their yearning to search sacred paths by leading them on pilgrimages closer to home.

with faith. Our Aboriginal brothers and sisters talk about the song lines of our country, that are holy pathways to be walked.

Australian sacred sites are manifold – beautiful cathedrals and country churches; the sites of Mary MacKillop and rural communities of faith; the iconic and magnificent Red Centre and Indigenous Catholic communities; wineries, shrines and monastic towns established by the Jesuits, Pauline

Journeys to the Red Centre explore the spiritual heart of our nation. Credit: Tourism Australia.

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Fathers and Benedictines; just to name a few. From stunning Tasmania to the top end of the Northern Territory, and from the far North Queensland to the spiritual heart of Australia in the outback, Australia has an abundance of pilgrimage sites, fascinating stories and colourful characters, some well-known, others yet to be discovered.

To venture on a pilgrimage is to throw down a challenge to everyday life. God is no more present on the pilgrim’s road than in the ordinariness of our daily lives. However, our capacity to see and encounter the holy through the familiar comforts that carry us might need to be stretched.

At home, we are safe and secure, we have our work, our routine and Netflix. Removing ourselves from the insulation of our everyday rhythm might make us uncomfortable, but it might also give God a chance to enter.

And that might bring unspeakable joy.

No matter where the destination, the age-old tradition of pilgrimage offers people many an occasion to encounter God and follow Jesus

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Christ. Through special Masses celebrated along the way; the comradery shared between fellow pilgrims; common faith experiences; lively conversations at dinner; and the stunning beauty of creation, opportunities abound.

Down through the ages pilgrims have embarked on a journey at important moments in their lives. They had a petition, they sought to give thanks, they needed to heal, they wanted to grow. It’s no surprise that local pilgrimages are emerging at this time in our journey as a Church in Australia.

We need to reset, we need to heal, we need to reconnect with who we are and with this place in which we have been planted. The practice of walking sacred paths is therapeutic

Australia has a wealth of sacred places for pilgrims to pray.

and restorative, filled with hope and promise. Perhaps the tonic for which we have all been longing.

Catholic Roadtrips

Australia & New Zealand Pilgrimages

Footsteps of St Mary MacKillop

For more information about pilgrimages in Australia, see www.harvestjourneys.com

Red Centre Pilgrimage

Also Departing in 2022: Tasmanian Spirit – 23 March (9 nights) Hobart, Strahan, Cradle Mt, Launceston, Swansea Western Seeker – 3 May (8 nights) Perth, Geraldton, New Norcia, Albany, Margaret River Outback Trailblazer – 10 August (10 nights) Adelaide, Coober Pedy, Uluru, Alice Springs

COMMENCES 26 MAR 2022

COMMENCES 12 SEP 2022

Accompanied by Fr Michael Dyer

Accompanied by Fr David Ranson

$3990 11 Days / 10 Nights: Set out together on a true Australian Pilgrimage through the life and times of Mary MacKillop, as we rekindle the story, landscapes and spirit of our nations’ first Saint.

$4790 8 Days / 7 Nights: Something deep and mystical calls all Australians to journey to the heart of our nation to honour its symbols, stories & beauty in a prayerful spirit of awe and thanksgiving.

Southern Glories NZ – 17 March (10 nights) Christchurch, Queenstown, Te Anau, Mt Cook Graces of Victoria – 20 March (7 nights) Melbourne, Healesville, Bright, Echuca, Ballarat South Coast & Country – 23 April (11 nights) Sutton Forest, Batemans Bay, Eden, Bright, Blue Mtns And more...

from $2990

TOLL FREE: 1800 819 156

www.harvestjourneys.com/roadtrips 37 /

BBN / DECEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Reunited in a dazzling celebration For more than ten years families and friends from throughout the Diocese of Broken Bay, have travelled into Sydney to join thousands of other people from around the state to see the enchanting Lights of Christmas displayed on the façade of St Mary’s Cathedral.

This Christmas celebration is a free, community event for everyone – but always special for the children who are captivated by the stunning digital storytelling.

After a year of restrictions and healing, this Christmas we are blessed to reunite with our friends and family.

The teachings of Pope Francis remind us to look inward of ourselves for strength and reconnect with the natural world around us for clarity. And so, in 2021 the theme for this year’s Lights of Christmas is centred around our homes and the celebration of the Holy Family.

“The 2021 Lights of Christmas narrative reminds us of the familiarity

and the importance of home in our lives,” the Director of AGB and producer of Lights of Christmas, Anthony Bastic said.

“This is where our story begins this year.

‘Everybody deserves to know and experience the true meaning of home. At Christmastime we are ever mindful of those in our wider family or community who are without such a refugee. ”Another feature or visual metaphor this year will be the tree.

“Like our family, the tree has many branches which grow in different ways.

We are all connected, we all belong, and we are strongest together.”

Children will delight this year in seeing the dazzling Christmas lights and shapes of birds and beetles and even koalas in the forest of trees.

However one tree will grow larger amongst all others – the Christmas tree, shining brightly.

The final feature of the light and sound event will once again feature beautiful artworks of the Great Renaissance Masters.

This is a magnificent series of paintings of the Holy Family with the towering sandstone Cathedral façade the canvas for the projections.

The Lights of Christmas begins on 9 December and will run every night up to and including Christmas Day night. From 7.30pm each night various Sydney choirs will entertain until the Lights of Christmas display begins at 8.30pm through to 11pm. Public health protocols will be in place.

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BBN / DECEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Lights of Christmas

2021

All Welcome From 9 – 25 December 7.30pm Sydney choirs 8.30pm Lights of Christmas

St Mary’s Cathedral, Archdiocese of Sydney 39 /

“…The sight of the star filled them with “…..The sight of the star filled them with delight, delight, and going into the house they saw and going into the house they saw the child the child with his mother Mary, and falling with his mother Mary, and falling to their to their knees they did him homage. hen, knees they did him homage.

Then, openingTtheir opening theirthey treasures, offered him and gifts treasures, offeredthey him gifts of gold of gold and frankincense and myrrh….” frankincense and myrrh….”

Matthew 2:1-23 – The Magi Matthew 2:1-23 – The Wise Men

Wishing you and your family a peaceful and joyous Christmas and a New Year filled with hope and blessings –BBN, Diocese of Broken Bay