Broken Bay News June 2024

HOMELESSNESS: CATHOLICCARE CHANGES LIVES PAGES 28-32

YEAR OF PRAYER

PREPARATION FOR JUBILEE ’25 PAGES 2-3 AND 13

PASTORAL DISCERNMENT NORTHERN BEACHES PAGES 10-11

JUNE 2024

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

CHANCERY

Bishop: Most Rev Anthony Randazzo DD JCL

Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia:

Very Rev Dr David Ranson

Chancellor & Head of Mission Broken Bay: Kelly Paget

Vice Chancellor: Ruth Moraes

Head of Administration & Financial Services: (pro tempore) Henry Pruyn

Head of Safeguarding Broken Bay: Jodie Crisafulli

Head of Communications Broken Bay: Katrina Lee

Head of Clergy & Parishes Broken Bay: Chris Lee

Head of Pastoral Accompaniment & Discernment Broken Bay: Patti Beattie

Head of CCD Broken Bay: Alison Newell

Vocations Director: Fr Sam French

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 – Tel: (02) 8043 2600

Naremburn – Tel: (02) 8425 8700

Tuggerah – Tel: (02) 4356 2600

Waitara – 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

Tel: (02) 8379 1618 news@bbcatholic.org.au

Editor: Katrina Lee

Staff Writer: William McInnes

Design: Chris Murray

Cover photo: CatholicCare, Central Coast.

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.

BISHOP’S MESSAGE

Year of Prayer

The Human Dignity of All People is Made Sacred in Jesus Christ

By Bishop Anthony Randazzo

During this Year of Prayer, I have enjoyed retracing the Creation narrative in the Book of Genesis. Every now and then it is good to go back to the beginning. In that reading and prayer, I am reminded of the profound truth that every person is wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God. This sacred dignity is not merely a theological concept, but a living reality made manifest in Jesus Christ. Our understanding of human dignity begins in the very first pages of Scripture, where we read: "Then God said, 'Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness… So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them;

Our understanding of human dignity begins in the very first pages of Scripture, where we read:"Then

God said, 'Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness...So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them'"

(Genesis 1:26-27).

male and female he created them'" (Genesis 1:26-27).

This divine image is further illuminated in the New Testament, where Christ is revealed as the head of the body, the Church. As Saint Paul writes, "He is the head of the body, the Church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,

FSC LABEL HERE

The Sistine Chapel fresco The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo was inspired by the Book of Genesis.

so that he might come to have first place in everything" (Colossians 1:18). Consequently, our human dignity is elevated and sanctified in Christ, who redeems us and makes us temples of the Holy Spirit. Saint Paul reminds us of this profound truth: "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16).

In the Theology of the Body, Saint Pope John Paul II eloquently states, "The fruit of redemption is the Holy Spirit, who dwells in the human person and in the body as in a temple, which sanctifies every person. One must not sin against one’s own body." This

In the Theology of the Body, Saint Pope John Paul II eloquently states, "The fruit of redemption is the Holy Spirit, who dwells in the human person and in the body as in a temple, which sanctifies every person. One must not sin against one’s own body." This calls us to a deeper awareness and respect for our bodies and the bodies of others, recognising them as sacred vessels of God's presence.

calls us to a deeper awareness and respect for our bodies and the bodies of others, recognising them as sacred vessels of God's presence.

Our families play a vital role in nurturing this understanding. It is within the family that the seeds of faith, love, and respect are sown and cultivated. I would encourage all families to speak openly, respectfully, and lovingly about Christian life, spirituality, love, and sexuality. The example set by loving parents, grandparents, and extended families is crucial for our young girls and boys to grow in the love of God as fully alive Christian women and men.

I am reminded of something that Jason Evert said recently when he was visiting Broken Bay. “If you do not speak to your teens about the meaning of human sexuality and love, the world will fill the void of your silence with a very contrary message.” This thought is a great reminder that the Good News is constantly needing to be spoken into our lives and into our World. It is never enough to give witness to the authority of the Gospel just once. The power of God to save through His Son, Jesus, is a message worth repeating time and time again. How will our young people give witness to the transforming love of the Good News if they have not first heard it, seen it, and known its power in their own lives?

In our discussions, especially about sexuality and sexual pleasure, we need to embody the virtue of patience. Pope Francis reminds us that sexuality is a gift from God and should be disciplined with patience. This patience allows us to approach these

Promoting healthy physical, mental, and spiritual living is essential for embracing our dignity. It is likewise important for us to encourage each other, regardless of age, gender, culture, background, or walk of life, to rejoice in being wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God.

sensitive topics with the love and care they deserve, fostering healthy and holy relationships.

Promoting healthy physical, mental, and spiritual living is essential for embracing our dignity. It is likewise important for us to encourage each other, regardless of age, gender, culture, background, or walk of life, to rejoice in being wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God. This joy and gratitude for our creation leads us to a fuller, more abundant life in Christ.

Throughout our community of the Church, might we continue to support one another in this journey, always mindful of the sacred dignity bestowed upon us by God our Creator. Our mission to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ calls us to celebrate and cherish the divine image within us. It also compels us to live in a way that honours this profound gift.

Global Meeting of Parish Priests in Rome

by Fr David Ranson

Indeed, it was a singular privilege for me to be one of two priests nominated by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference to attend the Special Meeting of Parish Priests for the Synod of Bishops, along with Fr Paul Crotty, Parish Priest of Coober Pedy in the Diocese of Port Pirie, South Australia. The meeting, organised by the General Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops, along with the Dicastery for Clergy and the Dicasteries for Evanglisation and Eastern-Rite Churches, was held just north of Rome, at a large conference centre, in Sacrofano, from Sunday 28 April to Thursday 2 May, 2024. Just under 200 priests from 99 countries participated, providing a remarkable overview of the catholicity of the Church – men from Siberia to Switzerland, from the Congo to Canada, from Vietnam to Venezuela. It was a fascinating experience to meet these men, to grow in appreciation of their diverse contexts, and to be inspired by the way in which they are seeking to animate their communities of faith in the most effective way possible. I am still astounded by the declaration of one priest from Uruguay of the way in which he tries to create a unity out of the 72 churches in his parish! And from the question from a priest from Burkina Faso who asked how does one practice synodality in a context of terrorism.

Throughout our week we listened to a number of key theologians, notably Fr Giles Routhier from Canada and Tomas Halik from Prague. However, the largest part of the day was spent in small language groups (English, French, Italian and Spanish) in Conversation of the Spirit. This is a particular methodology of shared discernment by which each person in the group is given the opportunity to respond to a question without interruption, followed by time for each person to share what they heard in the group, and concluded by arriving at a shared conclusion of what the group itself discerned. I can think of no better way to convey the fruits of the entire meeting by sharing the syntheses of our group.

Day One

We have been enriched and inspired by the sharing of other’s stories which has widened our horizons. For us, it has been a demonstration of how the processes of synodality can transform affectivity (sharing of experiences) into effectivity (impetus to action). We recognised many are the forms of synodality exercised in our parish communities. These can often be in the form of what we might call,

micro-synodality by which small groups encourage fuller involvement of its members and many volunteers enlisted, through to parish pastoral councils representative of the diversity and complexity of the parish, through to an entire community being a parish-in-council. There is not a single way of being synodal and the context will speak out the mode. However, foundational is the exercise of a synodal leadership. This means listening intently to and learning from the People of God entrusted to our care, inviting their participation at many different levels, and developing a shared course of action to which many have contributed. The synodal style of leadership is imbued with ‘closeness’ ‘tenderness’ ‘proximity’. This begins in the way priests care for each other which then ripples through the community and its members’ way of being present to one another. This creates a care-giving community, a Church serving humanity together with the Lord and on the model of Jesus himself. The desired outcome is engagement of all the baptised, with a co-responsibility for mission. This however renders pastors vulnerable, especially to criticism, and in need of support for there is a possibility for synodality to become subject to destructive agendas. Therefore, the balance between the exercise of authority and the empowerment of the laity requires careful consideration in order to avoid moving from one extreme to another. The challenge might become simply a power play between clergy and laity. Synodal leadership requires formation, the development of particular skill, and above all, the spirit of humility.

Day Two

Jesus never called for volunteers. Instead, he personally invited people into discipleship. So too, for us, we seek to engage others into the life, ministry, and mission of our parish communities, not only in the members of the communities themselves but even through the engagement of Fidei Donum priests.

This impels us as synodal leaders to understand the nature of charisms, to have both the hospitality and skill to identify and welcome their manifestation in our community, and to commission them in the exercise of ministry. By this, we affirm and honour the presence of persons in our communities and enable them to sense how they can contribute to the life of the Church in its entirety rather than simply at the service of their own interests. This begins by developing a spirit and ministry of welcome in our communities, the effectiveness of which should not be underestimated.

This is Pentecost: to release the power of the Spirit given to each one at their baptism! It is the heart of the Eucharist from which we are sent in Mission! We heard examples of parishes who have strong ministries of outreach, especially to the unchurched and the marginal, without selfreferentiality. These are significant means of evangelisation.

Most importantly, our discernment of charisms cannot occur without prayer. Prayer is the space of waiting; it widens hearts

of vigilance; it purifies motivation. It is the foundation for our pastoral listening that is confident that the Spirit gives to each community, not all the charisms, but those it requires to be what the Lord intends for it. Therefore, it is the foundation of trust. Trusting the charisms given our community frees us from the burden of undertaking everything ourselves. It empowers communication, consultation, and collaboration. In turn, this generates connection between people that develops into widening networks through which the Spirit breathes ever new life. This has been a particular feature of our own experience during these days as we have shared our experiences together and heard many personal stories.

At both a parish and diocesan level, we have been especially enlivened when our leadership has opened up a space from which the sound of an orchestra of charisms and ministries has come forth. All this will require new orientations in the formation of candidates to priesthood so that the discernment and promotion of charisms comes more to the fore.

There are challenges everywhere but so, too, is there great hope.

Day Three

“If you want to go quickly, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” We have recognised this wisdom though our many experiences of fostering collaboration through the various organs of discernment we have already in place in our parishes and in our dioceses – Parish Pastoral Councils, Parish Finance Committees, parish committees and commissions of many different colours, similar entities on a diocesan level. These have been especially significant in our pastoral planning and in a range of pastoral initiatives. Though them we have learnt the importance of opening spaces to listen to others. These spaces also invite connection between people, and discernment works most effectively when there is a profound connection between people.

What connects us with one another most foundationally is our shared focus on Jesus himself, our Christocentric goal. It is this, above all, that endows us, in turn, with the freedom to grow in our personal relationships which become the animation of our consultative bodies.

Our capacity to sustain such relationships, which are occasionally complex with competing viewpoints, is in no small way dependent on also opening space for ourselves, and constantly placing ourselves before the Word of God which shapes our hearts so that we might be those who respond with fullness to the spiritual needs of our people on the journey of salvation. In our engagement with our consultative bodies, we also realise that we cannot abdicate our own thinking and judgement. This may be the very catalyst for the consultation we engage, but it may need also be the factor that guards against a kind of synodalism which may have us wandering aimlessly in conversation, but which has lost its end point, Christ himself and the salvation he brings us. Then, in our engagement with our various consultative bodies and processes, we emerge with the leadership of the Good Shepherd with genuine spiritual paternity: listening and encouraging, creating connections between people, cultivating communion.

We recognise that the leadership of our Bishop is very significant in this. His care and concern for his priests translates into our care and concern not only for our people, but most importantly also for our care and concern for our brother priests, a fraternal love that is, for us, a most significant expression of synodality even as it presents often enough not without challenge. If a Bishop is synodal, then too will be the diocese/eparchy. We see that this can oscillate from bishop to bishop.

Notwithstanding our active engagement of the various consultative practices given by law and by practice, we do also recognise that new circles of listening and discernment are required. If Synodality is the Church, and the Church is Synodality, we will need to recognise that Parish Pastoral Councils and Parish Finance Committees, though important, are not sufficient for the task ahead of us. New methods, processes, and structures will also be required.

There were thirteen such small groups and the syntheses of each group will now be forward to the General Secretariat of Bishops to assist in the working document (the Instrumentum Laboris) for the October session of the Synod of Bishops.

It was a very special part of our meeting to return to Rome on the morning of 2 May and to have an audience with Pope Francis. Though no longer as mobile as before, he is undimmed in his animation and he both encouraged and delighted us with many of his own pastoral experiences. In his generosity he met each of us personally, and in the presence of the gathering signed a Letter to Parish Priests throughout the world which can be found at https:// www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/letters/2024/ documents/20240502-lettera-parroci.html. What better way to conclude our meeting with Mass celebrated at the Chair of St Peter in St Peter’s Basilica.

The gathering widened my own understanding of ‘synodality’. Importantly, is first and foremost a way of cultivating relationships between us in such a way as to identify, encourage, and celebrate each other’s charisms, to bring these into action so as to widen and deepen the experience of participation, belonging and shared mission. Synodality is not about doctrine, nor is it about management. It is about developing our commitment to the mission given us by our Baptism. We are called to move beyond suspicion and mistrust to develop a new pastoral theology, and more importantly, a pastoral spirituality in which there might occur not only a conversion of mind and heart, but also of skill. There is much work to be done!

Pope Francis addresses parish priests from across the globe.

Peter can at last look forward to the future.

“I don’t even know if I would have survived”

How CatholicCare rescued Peter from despair and homelessness

Peter never expected to be homeless.

Five years ago, he was a married father of four kids, a high-end wall paperer for Sydney’s rich and famous.

But following a breakdown in his marriage, moving out of the family home and a debilitating health problem, Peter suddenly found himself homeless, in and out of hospital, and with only a few dollars in his bank account.

“I had never been in this situation before and I didn’t know what to do,” he says.

Unable to work and being strung along between temporary accommodation options, Peter was faced with a life of uncertainty, until he was put in touch with CatholicCare Broken Bay.

“If it wasn’t for CatholicCare, I don’t know what I’d be doing,” he says. “I don’t even know if I would have survived. I probably wouldn’t be here now.”

Hailing from the United Kingdom, Peter had a good start to life. He left

school at 15 to become a painter, working for a company hired by Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Cleveland Row.

He married an Australian woman and moved to Sydney in 1997. They had four children.

He moved from painting to high-rise concrete repairs, but a back injury forced him to retrain as a teacher and wallpaper installer.

Even when his marriage began to fall apart, he was able to live comfortably, maintaining a steady stream of work and teaching at TAFE.

“I had a pretty good life being single,” he says. “I was renting a nice two bedroom apartment and was busy with my work. But it was about four years ago that I got colitis.”

Colitis is an inflammation of the colon and can severely impact the quality of life of anyone suffering from it, particularly those doing manual forms of labour. Peter still has no idea how he contracted the disease.

“It was the reason I lost my job. You just can’t continue full time work with this,” Peter says. “About 18 months ago, it was just getting so bad and so painful, I was having flare ups and I couldn’t work. I wasn’t able to pay my rent and that led to being evicted.

“The day I got evicted, the sheriff came around to change the locks and saw me in the corner of the loungeroom looking so sick and he actually called the ambulance.”

Peter spent 55 days in hospital and when he came out, was forced to seek temporary accommodation. Money and other valuables he had set aside at his previous residence had simply “disappeared” when he was evicted.

“I’d been paying tax my whole life, never had any handouts, didn’t really know what to do and I had $5 in my bank account with no idea what to do once I left the hospital,” he says.

“I had a little bit of help from social workers but not much.”

He was given a temporary place in a

hotel on the Central Coast, but with only a kettle in the room to cook with, he was forced to eat noodles for four weeks straight.

“With the income I was on, you can’t afford to go out and spend $20 on fish and chips,” Peter says.

“That was the thing that really shocked. Only a couple of months ago, I was healthy and working hard, and this disease just hit me and upended my life. The fact I didn’t know where I was going to be living tomorrow or the next week played a lot with my guts too.”

While in temporary accommodation, Peter ended up back in hospital suffering appendicitis, a side effect of the heavy medications he was prescribed to treat his colitis and other ailments.

“By that time I was unable to extend my stay in emergency accommodation and they put me in touch with CatholicCare,” he said.

“They really helped me out. They found me accommodation, and I now have somewhere permanent to live. It’s nice, it’s clean and I can relax now this big weight is off my shoulders.”

Due to his age, CatholicCare was able to secure Peter an affordable rental in a retirement village. “I’m the young one now!” he jokes. It’s also a place where it’s safe for his kids to visit, meaning Peter gets to spend more time with his family.

CatholicCare has also been able to help him access other support services and get him to his appointments. “They’ve just gone that extra mile,” he says. “I didn’t have any furniture and they’ve helped me out with that too.”

Sean MacKinnon, Practice Manager, Homelessness & Housing, Central Coast at CatholicCare, says he expects more people like Peter will be forced into homelessness in the next few months as house prices, rents and the cost-of-living soars.

“In the last eight weeks, there’s been 70 to 100 groups in temporary accommodation every night and that’s almost a 250 per cent increase from this time last year,” he says.

Sean says while homelessness is increasing, Government funding for services hasn’t risen to fill the void. He also says it’s important to give people dignity.

“Even though we’re just an accommodation provider, we’re trying to grab the ball and drive it more and really help people with what they actually need. We’re not funded to do all the extra bits and pieces.”

In August, to coincide with Homelessness Week and Mary MacKillop Feast Day, both Catholic Schools Broken Bay and parishes will be fundraising to support CatholicCare’s homelessness services

across the Diocese, including Dom’s Place, Mary Mac’s Place, street sleeping outreach support, our women’s refuge and more. The money raised during this campaign will help CatholicCare assist more people experiencing homelessness.

“The expectation on the services is phenomenally high. We’re trying to set a good standard for the sector which is what I feel our community needs,” says Sean.

Peter says he wants to start volunteering at Mary Mac’s Place in Woy Woy once he feels more settled and his health improves, to serve people who have also found themselves homeless or facing the uncertainty of temporary accommodation.

“There’s going to be a lot more people in my position in the next year and hopefully, using my experience, we can help more people out!”

If you, or someone you know is experiencing homelessness please call 1800 324 924, email info@catholiccaredbb.org.au or visit www.catholiccaredbb.org.au.

Peter and Sean MacKinnon at Mary Mac’s Place, Woy Woy.

Chrism Mass marks special place in Holy Week

Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara was bursting at the seams a few nights before Easter, as priests, deacons, seminarians and parishioners gathered from far and wide for the annual Chrism Mass.

Celebrated by Bishop Anthony, the Mass took place on Tuesday, 26 March and was one of the defining celebrations of Holy Week within the Diocese of Broken Bay.

The Chrism Mass is one of the most solemn and important liturgies in the Church’s liturgical calendar. During the Mass, the concelebrating priests and the deacons renew their promise of obedience to the Bishop which manifests the unity of the priests with their Bishop.

During the Mass, the Oil of the Sick, Oil of the Catechumens and Oil of Chrism were blessed and consecrated.

The Oil of the Sick provides remedy for infirmity of body and soul, so that the afflicted can bravely endure and fight against evils and obtain pardon for sins.

during the baptismal rite, to anoint the candidate, giving them the power to renounce the devil and sin before they go to the font of life for rebirth in baptism.

The Chrism, a mixture of olive oil and balsam, is used in the Sacrament of Confirmation, Baptism, and the blessings of churches and altars.

The Chrism Mass is one of the oldest liturgies in the history of the Church. It was celebrated as early as the 2nd

Bishop Anthony celebrated the Mass.

time describing a "ceremony taking place during the Easter Vigil at which two holy oils were blessed and one was consecrated”.

Pope Paul VI said: “The Chrism Mass is one of the principal expressions of the fullness of the bishop’s priesthood and signifies the closeness of the priests with him.”

The entire assembly of the faithful was also called to renew their baptismal promises.

The Mass was supported by a strong choir comprised of singers and musicians who joined together from across the Diocese.

At the end of the Chrism Mass, the Holy Oils are taken back to our parishes for use in the coming year.

The oil of the Catechumens and Chrism were used that weekend in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation as more than 100 people entered the Catholic Church within the Diocese of Broken Bay at the Easter Vigil.

Deacon Hien helps prepare the oils.

Families, young people lead Catechumen boom

Families and young people have led a boom in the number of Catechumens in the Diocese of Broken Bay, with the number of those entering the Church over the Easter period more than doubling from a year earlier.

Broken Bay celebrated an impressive 171 Catechumens in 2024, a significant increase on the 85 reported in 2023.

A Catechumen is a someone preparing to enter the Church through the Sacraments of Baptism or Confirmation. They may have no religious background or have come from another Christian or faith tradition.

The boom has been led in particular by families and young people. It’s becoming more common to see parents and children receiving the Sacraments of Initiation together as one, reminiscent of the experience of the early Church.

In the New Testament, many

verses mention the baptising of whole families or households, as the Apostles set out to preach the Good News and baptise people of all nations.

Cultural classes have also played a strong part in helping people enter the Church, with Chatswood Parish running three RCIA groups, in English, Korean and Chinese, with the Chinese group having a particularly large group of Catechumens.

In his homily at the Easter Vigil at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara, Bishop Anthony addressed the Catechumens about to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, saying their journey brought hope to all the Church.

“[You] have responded to God’s call to become one with the Body of Christ,” he said.

“Your journey of faith reminds all of us of the transformative power of God’s

grace and love. It is in the Holy Waters that our journey with Christ begins, where we are buried with Him in death, so that just as Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, we too might walk in newness of life.”

While most of the Catechumens were received into the Church at the Easter Vigil, others were received through the Sacrament of Confirmation at a later date.

The increase in numbers was not just experienced in Broken Bay, with other Dioceses reporting record numbers of Catechumens.

Bishop Anthony said the Catechumens were a reminder to the Church of its central mission to evangelise and spread the Good News.

“They remind us of our mission, to be living witnesses to the Gospel, to be bearers of the Resurrection’s hope,” he said.

Pastoral Discernment Northern Beaches Up and Running

Northern Beaches

Following extensive planning, Pastoral Discernment Northern Beach (PDNB) is well and truly gathering momentum with many opportunities for the community to come together through Briefing Circles, Consultation Facilitator Formation sessions and, more recently, a Northern Beaches Community Forum.

At the end of last year, Bishop Anthony invited the Northern Beaches community to participate in a regional Pastoral Discernment Project, to engage richly in conversation and to listen to each other as we journey forward together guided by the Holy Spirit.

“Our regional Pastoral Discernment is a synodal process, a shared discernment about our Mission to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world”, Bishop Anthony said in his Letter to the People of the Northern Beaches.

The PDNB project follows the Pastoral Discernment Central Coast project with the Pastoral Discernment North Shore to complete the Diocesan initiative later this year.

“Our regional Pastoral Discernment is a synodal process, a shared discernment about our Mission to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world”

Many Northern Beaches community members gathered for the recent Project Community Forum event at Frenchs Forest Parish, which was attended by many Clergy, CSBB System Leaders, CatholicCare representatives, and parishioners.

The Community Forum event was an opportunity for Patti Beattie, Head of Pastoral Accompaniment and Discernment Broken Bay, to share with the community data that was beginning to emerge and themes that assisted in shaping the Community Consultation questions.

Participants also had the opportunity to pose questions and reflections, that assisted in shaping the way forward. Patti also shared with the community the methodology that will be utilised to guide the conversation and resources that have been prepared to assist local listening and dialogue sessions.

The PDNB project now moves into Phase Three, the Community Engagement Phase. An opportunity for all in the community to participate, and to share their wisdom, experiences, and insights, so that we together, better understand how to ensure a sustainable and thriving community continues to flourish.

“It is a really exciting phase of the project as we begin to hear from each

other and discern the way forward together”, Patti Beattie

Each community across the Northern Beaches is now currently planning for their local Consultation Forums. This provides an opportunity for each community to listen and dialogue together at the service of shaping a Pastoral Discernment Submission for Bishop Anthony’s consideration.

“Each voice is important, we all have something to learn from each other”, Patti said.

“The actions borne from our discernment will bear fruit for many generations to come.”

Submissions close on 1 July. https:// www.bbcatholic.org.au/mission/ pdnb/submission

“The actions borne from our discernment will bear fruit for many generations to come.”

Following July 1, Submissions received will be synthesised. A Community Conversation Forum event is planned for 27 July. This gathering will allow all in the community to learn about the themes that are beginning to emerge and provide an opportunity for further dialogue.

Visit www.bbcatholic.org.au/pdnb to learn more about the project and ways that you can participate.

Parishioners, Clergy, CSBB and CatholicCare representatives gathered recently for the first Project Community Forum.

Pope Francis to visit Papua New Guinea in September

Pope Francis will travel to Papua New Guinea in September, marking the first time the Holy Father has visited an Oceania nation during his pontificate.

The trip will be the longest of the Holy Father’s 11-year papacy, with stops in Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Singapore between September 2 and 13.

According to the Vatican, Pope Francis will be in Jakarta, Indonesia between September 3 and 6, Port Moresby and Vanimo, Papua New Guinea between September 6 and 9, Dili, Timor-Leste between September 9 and 11 and Singapore between September 11 and 13.

Papua New Guinea is part of the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania, of which Bishop Anthony is the president.

The Bishop said he believed the people of PNG will be looking forward to the three-day visit from the Holy Father.

“Papua New Guinea has around

two million Catholics or about 26 percent of the population,” he said.

“However, I am sure all religious leaders, churches, and government leaders look forward to providing a warm, traditional cultural welcome.

“The first visit from the Pope to a Pacific nation like Papua New Guinea in our Oceania region in nearly 30 years will mean a great deal to the people.”

The September visit will be only the third time a Pope has visited the country. Pope John Paul II visited in 1984 and then in 1995. This will be Pope Francis’ first time to Papua New Guinea and the first time he has visited Oceania.

Papua New Guinea is home to approximately two million Catholics, representing about 20 per cent of the nation’s citizens.

Australia shares a close connection with the Church in Papua New Guinea.

Many Australian priests have been sent as missionaries to the Pacific nation and some have even served as Bishops, Archbishop Douglas William Young SVD, currently serving as the Archbishop of Mount Hagen.

“The region comprises many peoples and cultures, lands and waterways united in one confession of faith in Jesus Christ,” Bishop Anthony said.

“I understand Pope Francis has been very keen to visit Oceania for a number of years.”

There had been hopes the Pontiff would make the short hop over from Papua New Guinea to Darwin, echoing the famous visit by Pope John Paul II almost 40 years ago, however this appears unlikely given the length of the Pope’s trip.

All three of Pope Francis’ predecessors made visits to Australia during their pontificate, excluding Pope John Paul I who died just 33 days after his election.

Pope Francis meets with a Papuan indigenous leader in May.

TOWARD THE 2025 JUBILEE YEAR

YEAR OF PRAYER

YOU ARE CALLED TO BE “PILGRIMS OF HOPE”

Year of Prayer – a Journey to the Jubilee

Pope Francis has dedicated 2024 to the Year of Prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year.

He has called on the faithful to “pray more fervently to prepare ourselves to live properly this grace-filled event and to experience the power of hope in God.”

The Holy Father said this year is dedicated “to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer, prayer in personal life, in the life of the Church, prayer in the world” and has asked the faith-filled to be “Pilgrims of Hope”.

It is not a Year marked with particular initiatives, but a time to rediscover the value of prayer and the need for daily prayer in our Christian life.

Pope Francis said; “I am happy to think that the year preceding the Jubilee event, 2024, will be dedicated to a great ‘symphony’ of prayer. First of all, to recover the desire to be in the presence of the Lord, to listen to him and adore him.”

The Jubilee of 2025 was announced by Pope John Paul II at the end of the Great Jubilee in 2000.

A Jubilee is a special year of grace and conversion, involving prayer, pilgrimage and sacramental repentance.

It will begin on 24 December 2024 with the opening of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica and end on 6 January 2026. Diocesan Churches around the world will hold celebrations to open the Holy Year locally on 29 December.

Through a series of concrete rituals, acts and commitments, the goal of a Jubilee year is to inspire and encourage holiness of life among the faithful and therefore to strengthen

the Church’s witness to God’s loving mercy in and for the world.

The “Pilgrims of Hope” theme for the 2025 Jubilee was chosen by chosen by Pope Francis.

In our Diocese of Broken Bay, Vicar General, Very Rev Dr David Ranson has prepared a series of video meditations on the various aspects of Christian prayer.

In his Introduction to the series, Fr David speaks of Hope as the virtue built on faith and expressed in love. Fr David asks how are we to understand prayer, what is the true nature of Christian prayer, how might we nourish and develop our life of prayer?

“This year provides us with the opportunity to ponder and engage these questions so that this vital element of our Christian discipleship might breath life again into the coals of our heart and be fanned into flame,” Fr David said.

“In this series we will explore various dimensions of Christian prayer

including Prayer as Desire; Prayer of Heart and Silence; The Prayer of Jesus; The Prayer of the Body of Christ and The Prayer and the Word of God.”

Other Meditations will be Our Prayer of Intercession; Schools of Prayer and Discernment and a final Overview Reflection

All will become available on the Diocesan website but also on the Diocese YouTube Channel https:// www.youtube.com/user/brokenbay1

Fr David Ranson, Vicar General of the Diocese of Broken Bay and Parish Priest of Our

Broken Bay seminarians and aspirants go on retreat

Just after Easter, Broken Bay’s seminarians and aspirants spent a week in retreat with Bishop Anthony, deepening their understanding and commitment to their spiritual journey towards priestly ministry.

The theme of this year’s retreat was "Walking in the Footsteps of the Master: A Retreat on Discipleship". The retreats were introduced by Bishop Anthony after he became Bishop of Broken Bay in 2019.

This year’s retreat was held at the Edmund Rice Retreat and Conference Centre in Mulgoa, on the outskirts of Western Sydney.

The workshop and sessions were led by Bishop Anthony, along with Fr Sam French, Vocations Director, Fr Paul Durkin, Vice-Rector of the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Fr Stephen Wayoyi Omwanda, Assistant Vocations Director, and Deacon Peter McCulloch.

The retreat offered the seminarians and aspirants practical steps for seminary formation and future priestly formation. It also encouraged a personal commitment to growth in the dimension of discipleship explored during the retreat.

Through the retreat, the seminarians engaged in interactive lectures,

small group discussions, personal reflections, prayer, and sacramental participation.

The Diocese of Broken Bay has seven men in formation for priesthood, thanks to the support of Bishop Anthony and the Vocations Broken Bay team.

Broken Bay’s seminarians are Paul Cunningham (3rd year of study), Matthew French (4th year of study), Shayne D'Cunha, Huy Tran and Tân Nguyen (6th year of study), Rosan Mathew (completed study) and Victor Atuhru (pastoral placement).

Please keep all our seminarians and aspirants in your prayers.

expressing his intention to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders in the presence of Bishop Anthony Randazzo

The Rite of Admission to Candidacy occurred during the Vigil Mass at

Waitara on March 16, paving the way for Rosan’s ordination as a deacon and priest at some point in the future.

The rite is an opportunity for candidates to express publicly their intention to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders.

The Admission to Candidacy is celebrated when it has been established that the intention of those aspiring to Holy Orders is supported by the necessary qualifications and the candidate has achieved sufficient maturity.

Rosan was born in Kerala, India. He came to Australia to pursue his vocation to the priesthood and began to study at Vianney College, Wagga Wagga in 2014. He completed his studies there at the end of 2020 and moved to the Diocese of Broken Bay where he has been on placement as a seminarian since January 2021.

He was initially on placement at Lower North Shore Parish before moving to Hornsby Cathedral Parish in January 2022. During his time at Hornsby, he would often assist as Master of Ceremonies.

In January 2024, he was moved to The Entrance Parish for the final stage of his placement.

Throughout his time in the parishes, he has become a popular figure, particularly among the youth. Many young adults were present at his Admission to Candidacy.

Following his Admission to Candidacy, Rosan will now enter a time of preparation, as he awaits ordination to the Diaconate.

Rosan now awaits Diaconal ordination.

Rosan with the young people from Hornsby Cathedral Parish.

Rosan with Bishop Anthony and Fr Brendan Lee.

Ignite Conference to draw hundreds to Christ

Ignite Conference, with this year’s theme Rise Up, is set to draw hundreds of students, young people and their families from across Sydney closer to Christ for a second year running in Broken Bay.

The Conference, which is attended by many Parish Priests and Seminarians, also encourages young adults and ministry leaders to grow in their faith, leaving them a passion for mission.

Last year, people across the state descended on Broken Bay for the four-day conference, engaging in workshops, Mass, Reconciliation, praise & worship, and talks.

“I am delighted the Diocese of Broken Bay will be hosting the Ignite Conference this year,” said Bishop Anthony.

“Ignite is a dynamic event for students, young adults and their families. It provides wonderful opportunities for faith formation in a creative and fun environment while encountering the living Christ.”

The conference offers an opportunity for Catholics to encounter Jesus in a new and exciting way, while meeting likeACROSS

minded people and learning more about the Catholic faith.

The conference is open to kids in kindergarten, all the way through to adults, with different streams and activities offered to each age group.

Many people who have attended Ignite Conference said they have been re-invigorated in their faith and more determined to live out an authentic Christian life.

“Let’s all pray the 2024 Ignite Conference brings new hope and life to our community of the Church,” said the Bishop.

Ignite Conference will run from Thursday, 26 September to Sunday, 29 September and will be hosted at the Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral Precinct, Waitara.

Those interested in attending the conference can register at igniteconference.com.au/register

(L to R): Fr Isaac Falzon (Brisbane), Deacon Adrian Gomez, Fr Sam French & Fr Marek Woldan (Broken Bay).

Bishop Anthony says he’s excited to host Ignite.

Ignite attracts people of all ages. Mass and adoration are central to the conference.

Pastoral Care of Migrants Across the Pacific Key Topic at FCBCO Meeting

The theme of migration across the Pacific and our pastoral care of migrants from the region emerged as a key point of discussion at the recent Executive meeting of the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conference of Oceania (FCBCO) in Wellington, New Zealand.

The people of Oceania have always been connected through a sea of islands where for thousands of years they have migrated across the waters seeking new settlements or trade.

In recent decades migration has become the key to the region’s economy and sustainability.

“How we provide pastoral care for those affected peoples emerged as a core theme in our prayer and reflections, and we will continue to dialogue as we move forward.”

“Oceania has a long history of migration which is still very much present today, and is likely to continue into the future,” Bishop Anthony, who is President of the FCBCO, said on returning to Broken Bay.

“Gathering as an Executive we heard the call of the vulnerable in our region, particularly those migrating across the many islands separated by vast bodies of water, in search of work, or to escape the impacts of domestic challenges, such as rising sea levels.

The FCBCO is made up of independent and autonomous Bishops Conferences comprising the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Island, and the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific (CEPAC) which includes Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Northern Mariana Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna.

“While it might seem straightforward to the untrained eye, the difficulty of completing the simple act of meeting together in one place highlighted the uniqueness of Oceania; it took some of our Bishops 18 hours of travel and 4 separate flights just to be with us. I am incredibly grateful for their commitment and perseverance to make our gathering possible,” Bishop Anthony said.

The Bishops experienced a microcosm of the multicultural diversity of New Zealand including

traditional Māori welcomes and the Miha or Māori Mass.

They also visited the final resting place of Venerable Suzanne Aubert or Meri Hohepa, herself a migrant missionary from France who came to New Zealand on a whaling boat in 1860. She founded the Sisters of Compassion and is now on the pathway to becoming New Zealand’s first saint.

Bishop Anthony said; “Our time together was grace-filled and deeply enriching. We felt the experience of ‘paddling together’ in the same boat, being awake to, and aware of, the presence of Jesus Christ in the boat, that is the universal Church.”

During the three-day meeting, hosted by Archbishop Paul Martin SM and the Wellington Archdiocese, Bishop Ryan Jimenez from the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa on the Northern Mariana Islands, was elected Vice President of the FCBCO.

“I look forward to working with Bishop Ryan and the rest of the Executive as we take the fruits of these conversations with us to our own nations.

“ Now the work truly begins,” Bishop Anthony added.

Bishop Anthony with Bishops of the FCBCO Executive.

Bishop Anthony had the opportunity to visit the final resting place of Venerable Suzanne Aubert, founder of the Sisters of Compassion in New Zealand.

A Word from the Director of Schools

Welcome to the newest edition of Broken Bay News!

As we delve into this issue, we embark on a journey that celebrates the essence of our educational community and the remarkable achievements of our students and staff.

Finally, we reflect on the invaluable partnerships and pathways that continue to enrich the educational experience of our students. Through collaborative efforts with our local communities and organisations, we strive to provide diverse opportunities that foster growth, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. ACROSS

Within these pages, we share stories that reflect the heart of our Catholic education community. From the sense of belonging on Belong Day to the success of our ETIP scholars, each story highlights our commitment to nurturing every individual.

We commend our student-athletes for their dedication during this winter sports season and celebrate Servant leadership at our Y6 Leaders Day. Their perseverance, teamwork, and leadership not only exemplify the values we hold dear but also inspire us to reach new heights of achievement both on and off the field.

Finally, we reflect on the invaluable partnerships and pathways that continue to enrich the educational experience of our students. Through collaborative efforts

We commend our student-athletes for their dedication during this winter sports season and celebrate Servant leadership at our Y6 Leaders Day. Their perseverance, teamwork, and leadership not only exemplify the values we hold dear but also inspire us to reach new heights of achievement both on and off the field.

with our local communities and organisations, we strive to provide diverse opportunities that foster growth, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

As we approach the midpoint of our school year, I thank you for being part of our journey. Let's continue to inspire hearts and minds to know Christ, love learning, and be the best they can be through a Catholic education.

CONNECT WITH US

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LINKEDIN linkedin.com/company/csbb

CSBB WEBSITE csodbb.catholic.edu.au/

LOOKING FOR A CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN YOUR AREA csodbb.catholic.edu.au/schools/find-a-school/

INTERESTED IN WORKING FOR US csodbb.catholic.edu.au/careers/join-us/ STAY CONNECTED

If you have any news you would like to share with the CSBB Community, please email comms@dbb.catholic.edu.au

We would love to hear from you.

ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

filled excitement. DJs, rock bands, and indoor beach balls created a festive ambience to kickstart the ‘Amazing Race of Faith,’ a program designed by CSYMI, that offers a curriculum-based religious education. Bringing together almost 1400 Year 7 students from across the Broken Bay Diocese, the day was all about linking young people with their wider Catholic community. The day is designed for both those new to the faith and those already on their journey, offering them a chance to connect with peers, the Youth Ministry Team, and Catholic leaders in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Music, laughter and engaging activities filled the air, student-led on-stage dramas and the Youth Ministry Team, shared personal testimonies of faith.

Anthony and Vicar General Fr David

offered their wisdom, delivering engaging talks centred around the theme of Belonging. Their words resonated deeply with the students, emphasising the importance of finding a sense of community within the Broken Bay church. One of the most meaningful aspects of the event was the opportunity for students to engage in reflective discussions led by Year 10 and 11 student leaders. Together, they explored the fundamental aspects of God –Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.

The Amazing Race of Faith is a journey we’re not meant to travel alone; it is a collective adventure where friendship and connection carry us forward as we grow in relationship with Jesus Christ. We welcome all our new Year 7 students into the Broken Bay community, and we are excited to hear the stories of faith, formation and friendship that will continue to unfold.

Bishop

Ranson

ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

CSBB Teacher Education Scholarship Program: Applications Are Now Open!

Applications for CSBB’s Exemplary Teacher Incentive Program (ETIP) opened on 27 May. The program offers a range of scholarships, internships, and grants to highachieving aspiring teachers at various stages in their career trajectory, from Year 12 leavers to students in their final year of an initial teacher education degree.

The Exemplary Teacher Incentive Program aims to attract, train, and retain the best quality teacher education students and graduates to Catholic Schools Broken Bay, providing them with financial support, dedicated mentoring by expert teachers, targeted professional learning and formation, and an employment-based pathway into the profession that complements their university studies.

Targeted Teacher Intern, Ryley Delmage, says of his experience in the program:

“The welcome I've received from CSBB staff, past ETIP recipients, and the staff of my school has been overwhelmingly warm and supportive. From day one, I've felt like a valued member of the team and community. Everyone has been extremely hospitable, helpful, and eager to contribute to my professional growth.

“The welcome I've received from CSBB staff, past ETIP recipients, and the staff of my school has been overwhelmingly warm and supportive. From day one, I've felt like a valued member of the team and community. Everyone has been extremely hospitable, helpful, and eager to contribute to my professional growth. The Targeted Teacher Internship allows me to learn directly from experienced teachers, apply theoretical knowledge in a real classroom setting, and receive valuable feedback that will help me refine my teaching skills. This direct exposure will contribute significantly to my professional development and prepare me for a successful career in education.”

ETIP award recipients are employed in schools for a minimum 1 day per week for the duration of their degree, some from as early as their first year of study, enabling them to understand and be immersed in what it means to be an educator in the Catholic System and offering a range of opportunities to connect theory and practice in authentic ways. They are then provided with a permanent teaching position on graduation.

Director of Schools, Danny Casey, said “The additional classroom experience and on-the-job training provided as part of this program sees recipients better prepared to face the challenges of the teaching profession and wellsupported in their early years of teaching”.

If you or someone you know is an aspiring teacher, please visit the CSBB website to find out more about our Exemplary Teacher Incentive Program and to apply.

Director of Schools, Danny Casey with Targeted Teacher Intern, Ryley Delmage.

Year 6 CSBB Students Discover the Power of Servant Leadership

What is servant leadership? Over 1,300 Year 6 students from across Catholic Schools Broken Bay came together online to find out at the Year 6 Leadership Day. Focused on the gospel theme "Take up your mat and walk” (John 5:8), the event provided an opportunity for students to reflect on Jesus’ model of servant leadership and how we can model this in our own lives.

Through an online liturgy involving scripture and a thought-provoking video from the TV series The Chosen, students were invited to explore how they might take up their ‘mat’ and live out the teachings of Christ.

Bishop Anthony Randazzo joined the event, giving great wisdom and insight that inspired our young leaders. He spoke of the intrinsic need for spiritual fulfilment within each person, sharing stories and reflections that encouraged our Year 6 students to live a life filled with faith.

Director of Schools, Danny Casey joined the Zoom to share his personal faith story and the impact it has had on his desire to serve others. Contemplating his World Youth Day journey in 2023, he shared insights into the truth of God's love for every person.

The students then logged off Zoom and embarked on a day filled with games, challenges and activities which threaded through the servant leadership theme of the day. As the day drew to a close, students gathered again online to reflect on their day and express gratitude for all that they had learned. A highlights reel played and

showcased all the students from 36 schools engaged in activities unifying the day that the Year 6 cohort experienced together.

Departing with a renewed sense of purpose and connection, students left inspired to live out God’s love and service in their daily lives. The Year 6 Leadership Day served as a moment for personal spiritual growth and community building, impacting all students who participated.

A special thanks to all the staff across our Diocese who went above and beyond to make this day for our Year 6 leaders so special.

Year 6 students hearing inspiring talks by Bishop Anthony Randazzo and Danny Casey.

The recent 2024 Winter Polding Selections involved our high potential and dedicated students proudly representing Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) in Tamworth.

Our students participated in 6 different teams CSBB teams across 4 different sports – Hockey, Netball, Soccer and Rugby League.

We extend our gratitude to the parents and team managers whose support and commitment makes these events a reality. We are greatly privileged to be a part of such an engaged community here at CSBB.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected into their respective 2024 Polding Teams:

Darcy C Prouille, Wahroonga Football

Olivia D

Billie K

Natalie M

Archie W

Darcie B

Rose M

Alyce R

St Agatha's, Pennant Hills Football

St John the Baptist, Freshwater Football

St John Fisher, Tumbi Umbi Hockey

St Mary's, Toukley Hockey

Our Lady of the Rosary, Shelly Beach Netball

Our Lady Star of the Sea, Terrigal Netball

Our Lady of the Rosary, Shelly Beach Netball

Charlotte W Our Lady of the Rosary, Shelly Beach Netball

Rocco H

Our Lady Star of the Sea, Terrigal Rugby League

Byron H St Mary's, Toukley Rugby League

Nicholas H

Sean H

Mateo M

Eddie O

Our Lady Star of the Sea, Terrigal Rugby League

Our Lady Star of the Sea, Terrigal Rugby League

St John the Baptist, Woy Woy Rugby League

Our Lady Star of the Sea, Terrigal Rugby League

Charlie P Our Lady of the Rosary, Shelly Beach Rugby League

Secondary Students Sporting Success

Not to be outdone, our Secondary students were also in action at the NSWCCC Touch Championships with all 4 of teams undefeated after Day 1 in tough cold conditions.

Our under 15 Girls team ultimately finished as silver medalists.

Congratulations to Xavier Matthews and Harry Newell who gained selection into the NSWCCC U15 Boys Touch Team for 2024.

Primary Teams

Secondary Touch Teams

Lifelong Learning Starts Here

Within Pathways & Partnerships, we understand the shifting demands of today's job market and the pivotal role education plays in equipping students for success in this environment. Our approach aligns classroom learning with practical, real-world scenarios, ensuring our students understand theoretical knowledge and cultivate the required skills for future employment.

Our team of Pathways & Partnerships Leaders are deeply committed to schools where experiences aim to inspire students to explore their interests and passions while practising critical competencies like critical thinking, problemsolving, and effective communication.

Grant Wilson on Networking Strategies

Year 12 students hosted guest speaker, Grant Wilson, known for his expertise in professional networking. Grant generously volunteered his time to educate the students on the power of LinkedIn. With engaging stories and practical tips, he demonstrated how a wellcrafted LinkedIn profile could open doors to countless opportunities. The students listened intently as he explained how to create compelling headlines, persuasive summaries, and effective networking strategies.

Grant’s visit inspired each student to take charge of their future professional profiles. The students left the auditorium ready to apply what they had learned to their future LinkedIn profiles.

Brendan Fox, Group Field Commissioner, Australian Air League

Brendan Fox, Group Field Commissioner for the Australian Air League, shared his insights with Year 9 History class at St. Paul's Catholic College, delving into the significance of commemorating wars within Australia and the world. He discussed the conception of the ANZACs and the days enduring engagement, sparing thought-provoking discussions on remembrance and national identity. His engaging session not only educated but also inspired the students to reflect on how these traditions shape national identity.

Brendan Fox, Group Field Commissioner for the Australian Air League.

Grant Wilson delivering LinkedIn Training to Mater Maria Students.

VET Constructions Students at Sydney Builder’s Expo

The VET Construction students experienced an invaluable learning opportunity at the Sydney Builders Expo. They witnessed industry innovations, networked with professionals, and participated in hands-on demonstrations, gaining insights into new materials and Tiny Homes.

The expo provided a rich educational experience, leaving students inspired and with a deeper understanding of market trends. They returned with a stronger foundation for their future careers in the industry.

Design Thinking at Mackillop Catholic College

Year 11 Design and Technology students recently had the opportunity to see exemplary major projects from 2023 HSC students at SHAPE exhibition. They finished the day at the Sydney Opera House where they learnt

about the design process for the Sydney Opera House and had the chance to work in small groups to design their own architectural marvels. It was a creative and practical extension of their current learning about architecture and a unique opportunity to develop work ready skills such as creativity, communication and collaboration.

Future Women in Tech

Mater Maria students recently participated in Tata Consultancy Services' goIT Girls program, empowering young women in tech careers. Ausgrid's Jeff Corcoran also joined the event, commending the students for their professionalism. He expressed gratitude, noting the students' exemplary behaviour, attentiveness, and courtesy. Ausgrid looks forward to continued collaboration, saying “We hope to see some applications from Mater Maria Catholic College students when we advertise in June this year.”

We're thrilled to announce that all 8 of our secondary schools now have dedicated LinkedIn pages. This opportunity to connect is open to all past graduates as well as our most recent cohorts. We extend a warm invitation to all alumni to locate your respective secondary school on LinkedIn and establish a connection with us. Let's build a stronger community together.

TAS Teacher Graeme Stewart with St Paul's Catholic College Students.

Women in Tech.

The Catholic community of Broken Bay is invited to a Free Seminar and Morning Tea

Featuring an expert legal advisor.

 Do you have a Will in place?

 Know the difference between Enduring Guardianship and Power of Attorney?

Let us help you resolve your questions.

Opportunity for a complimentary WILL for attendees*.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Wills, Enduring Guardianship and Powers of Attorney

Presenter

Cecilia Castle

Principal of Castle Lawyers, will present and answer questions from her legal expertise of over 35 years. Cecilia is a regular speaker, writer on legal topics, and a parishioner in the Diocese of Broken Bay.

Tuesday 20 August 2024

10:30am to 12:30pm, The Epping Club Grand Salon Room, 45-47 Rawson St. Epping NSW 2121

Morning Tea provided.

Hosted by:

For more information contact events@bbcatholic.org.au

Supported by:

Essential Elder Law Documents

Wills, Powers of Attorney and Enduring Guardianships

By Cecilia Castle

Reaching retirement age drives us to review our personal and financial affairs.

Essential elder law documents that everyone is urged to consider are enduring Powers of Attorney, Enduring Guardianships and reviewing existing wills that may be out of date.

An Enduring Powers of Attorney appoint trusted persons to provide assistance with managing financial affairs, and Enduring Guardianships appoint trusted persons to make decisions relating to a person’s personal lifestyle choices and wellbeing, including making medical decisions upon being diagnosed as having lost mental capacity. Each document can be drafted to suit each person’s needs, and requires mandatory legal assistance.

Reaching retirement age drives us to review our personal and financial affairs.

Essential elder law documents that everyone is urged to consider are enduring Powers of Attorney, Enduring Guardianships and reviewing existing wills that may be out of date.

Wills come into play after the death of the testator, and should be promptly reviewed when significant events unfold during one’s lifetime such as:

• When there is a change of relationship status such as marriage or divorce, as this will impact upon the validity of current wills.

• When executors need to be replaced if they have died, become incapacitated, or where children have become adults and it is preferable to appoint them as executors.

• The death of beneficiaries or de-registration of charities contained in the will.

• Children coming of age that no longer need a guardian to be appointed.

• Grandchildren being born.

• Creating specific gifts for specific beneficiaries, such as charities.

• Retirement and estate planning for future generations.

• Catering for loans made to beneficiaries that may need adjustment after death if not repaid during the testator’s lifetime.

• Disposing of specific assets designated in a will for specific beneficiaries, such as motor vehicles, shareholdings or other specific assets.

• Any other significant event that may impact the contents of a will.

The Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay is presenting a free community presentation on Wills, Powers of Attorney and Enduring Guardianships with Cecilia Castle as a guest speaker at 10.30 am on Tuesday, 20 August 2024, at the Grand Salon Room of the Epping Club, 45-47 Rawson Street, Epping NSW 2121. Registrations can be made at https:// www.trybooking.com/CPGPL or contact Nicolas Duran, Development and Relationships Manager at the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay, via email at nicolas.duran@bbcatholic. org.au or on 02 8379 1664. Please RSVP by Tuesday 13 August 2024. Limited seats available.

Cecilia Castle is the principal of Castle Lawyers at Asquith. CastleLawyers.com.au

Cecilia Castle.

A word from the Executive Director of CatholicCare

I am penning this article just a few days out from the Federal budget. The lead up to budgets are usually busy times for CEOs in the social and community service sector as we make submissions to Government in the hope of securing additional funding for the benefit of the clients and communities we serve.

It hasn’t been any different on this occasion, as I and some of my executive colleagues at CatholicCare, have joined with numerous executives from other for-purpose organisations in calling for increased investments

in social housing, homelessness services, domestic violence services and JobSeeker payments, amongst other things.

What does seem a little different in the lead up to this year’s budget though is the number and diversity of other voices calling out for these, and similar reforms. For the first time in a long time, we have business groups and unions, almost all mainstream media outlets, and both right and left-leaning think tanks united in their call for the Government to do more to resolve housing affordability, homelessness and domestic violence issues. And along with general cost of living pressures, these topics now feature prominently in day-to-day conversations amongst Australians.

It appears the Federal Government has been listening with Prime Minister Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers announcing some significant new investments in homelessness and domestic violence services following National Cabinet meetings. We will need to wait

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Matthew 25:35

Coinciding with Homelessness Week and Mary MacKillop Feast Day in August both Catholic Schools and Parishes will kindly fundraise again to support CatholicCare’s homelessness services across the Diocese including Dom’s Place, Mary Mac’s Place, street sleeping outreach, our women’s refuge and more.

Please keep an eye out for donation requests in August. Thank you in advance for supporting this important Diocesan initiative.

Whilst looking to our Governments to increase the level of support they provide to people in need, we must realise they cannot solve all our social problems. There is more we can be doing as individuals, families and as a Church.

some months after the budget is released for the details of these new measures, but we are hopeful that CatholicCare might obtain additional funding to support more individuals and families across our Diocese through our domestic and family violence and homelessness services.

Whilst looking to our Governments to increase the level of support they

Tim Curran.

provide to people in need, we must realise they cannot solve all our social problems. There is more we can be doing as individuals, families and as a Church.

Take the example of domestic violence. The pernicious nature of domestic violence is such that it often goes unnoticed within a family or relationship for a long time. But there are usually signs that a well informed and alert friend, extended family member or even acquaintance can pick up.

Are you alive to the possibility that domestic violence could be happening in a family member or friend’s home? Do you know what the signs of domestic violence are? And do you know how to respond if you think you might be seeing these signs? If you are unsure of these things, then I encourage you to read a resource recently compiled by the Safeguarding Team within our Diocese. Called “A Catholic Response

Take the example of domestic violence.

The

pernicious nature of domestic

violence is such that it often goes unnoticed within a family or relationship for a long time. But there are usually signs that a well informed and alert friend, extended family member or even acquaintance can pick up.

to Domestic Violence” it can be found here www.bbcatholic.org.au/ safeguarding/a-catholic-responseto-domestic-violence.

You are also welcome to speak with a member of CatholicCare’s Domestic & Family Violence team by calling 1800 324 924 if you would like to obtain information, advice or support for yourself or someone else.

And likewise with the homelessness problem. Whilst it’s true that it will take a massive direct investment from Federal and State Governments and courageous taxation policy reform to “fix” Australia’s completely broken housing market, there are things many of us can do as individuals to assist.

You could consider donating funds to CatholicCare’s homelessness programs as many parishioners and other community members and businesses do. We utilise these funds to operate Mary Mac’s Place, Dom’s Place, and provide housing and support to women and children fleeing domestic violence. With additional funding we could open another homeless drop-in and support centre in the Diocese and provide subsidised housing and support services to more vulnerable women and children.

In August (coinciding with Homelessness Week and Mary MacKillop Feast Day) both Catholic Schools and Parishes will fundraise again to support CatholicCare’s homelessness services across the Diocese including Dom’s Place, Mary Mac’s Place, street sleeping outreach support, our women’s refuge and more. Please keep an eye out for donation requests. Your support is always sincerely appreciated.

Further if you have spare room in your house you could provide perhaps the most practical, meaningful and sustainable kind of support to someone experiencing homelessness – a home. Australia’s housing market is so dysfunctional that it is not just people with chronic mental illness and/or alcohol or drug dependencies who are homeless. We now have many thousands of working people, university and TAFE students living in their cars or couch surfing. Could you consider accommodating someone in your home? If this is something you would be interested in finding more information out about, including how CatholicCare could assist in matching you with a suitable tenant, boarder or guest, then please contact our team on 1800 324 924 or email info@catholiccaredbb.org.au.

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I didn’t realise I was homeless

“I remember the day that someone told me I was homeless,” says David who is a grateful recipient of support from CatholicCare’s Together Home Program and Dom’s Place. For David, he slipped into homelessness suddenly after a falling out with housemates. “My mental health spiraled, and I found myself moving between friends’ houses, short-term accommodation and the mental health ward at hospital. One day someone referred to me as homeless and the word just hit me.”

“There was one month when I went to hospital ten times,” David says. “When I wasn’t in hospital, I would find myself in short-term accommodation with bank robbers and murderers. My own criminal record for drug related offences meant that I was placed with other people who had criminal histories.” David exhibits nothing but compassion and kindness towards the people whose paths he crossed, but he admits that living in these situations was stressful and unpredictable.

“For me, homelessness came with a sense of instability and loss,” David says. David also describes a deep grief that would swallow him when he thought about the life he had and the life he hoped for. “It’s not like that for everyone,” David says. “There is a guy here in Hornsby who lives in a tent, and that is how he wants to live. But for me, living with bipolar means I need stability. I didn’t want to be homeless, and the Together Home Program helped me get out of it.”

David vividly remembers the day he received the number for CatholicCare. I called and someone came to visit and helped me get the proper help I needed at Macquarie Hospital where I stayed for nine months.”

When David was ready to leave hospital, he was supported through the Together Home Program to secure a private rental. “It happened very quickly,” says David. “If it wasn’t for CatholicCare I would have needed to stay in hospital until public housing became available, which would have taken a long time.”

David attends CatholicCare’s homelessness hub, Dom’s Place in Hornsby twice a week, and the support he receives there has seen him thrive. “I’ve made friends with people who have been through similar and who know the challenges of housing, mental health and drugs,” David says. “I’ve always felt so welcomed and at home here.”

David says that he has benefited greatly from group therapy at Dom’s Place. “I completed a group called Caber-rananga, which is a Gaimaragal word that means resting the mind Our group leader is amazing, and he has helped me think deeply about what it means to be well. I’ve also

received help with life skills and conflict management.”

When David visits Dom’s Place he finds meaning and enjoyment in restoring old bikes that go to children in need. “We recently restored an old go-kart that has gone to a young boy with autism,” David says. “It’s a good feeling to be giving back to the community.”

David has good and bad days, but secure housing has given him the headspace to start imagining his future. “I recently got my barista certificate,” David says. “I am a big fan of coffee so I initially did it for fun, but one day I can see myself working as a barista.”

Life would look vastly different for David, if not for the support of CatholicCare’s Together Home Program and Dom’s Place. “This place saves lives,” David says as he looks around. Now that he has a safe place to call home, David is committed to making his life a meaningful one.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing homelessness please call 1800 324 924, email info@catholiccaredbb.org.au or visit www.catholiccaredbb.org.au.

Combating Homelessness Together

In August (coinciding with Homelessness Week and Mary MacKillop Feast Day) both Catholic Schools and Parishes will kindly fundraise again to support CatholicCare’s homelessness services across the Diocese including Dom’s Place, Mary Mac’s Place, street sleeping outreach support, our women’s refuge and more. Please keep an eye out for donation requests in August. Thank you in advance for supporting this important Diocesan initiative.

David, Together Home & Dom’s Place client.

Every Monday, I look half decent again!

You can tell it’s Monday at Mary Mac’s Place by looking at the queue for the shower. “Weekends are long because everyone is hanging out for Mary Mac’s to open again,” Steve says, who has been a companion at Mary Mac’s for 20 years. “We all look forward to Monday so we can shower, shave and look half decent again.”

Steve recalls the many hot showers he’s had at Mary Mac’s during winter months on the streets. “I tell you, those showers here at Mary Mac’s are like medicine. I’m 68 and my body is getting stiffer, so the showers are the best part of the week.”

When Steve’s wife of 25 years died suddenly in December, Mary Mac’s was the first place he came. “Sally took me out the back and we had a good chat. She helped me get all the emotions out. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the fact that my girl’s gone. Mary Mac’s isn’t just about the food. It’s everything. They got me through my grief and put me on the right road again.”

After his wife died, Steve found himself homeless again. “The hardest thing about being homeless is the loneliness,” Steve says. “The other word that comes to mind is desolation.” Steve describes himself as one of the lucky ones because he had a van to sleep in. “I’d park somewhere different every night. Closing time at the pub was the worst time of day. I had no curtains and I never felt safe. I’m lucky nothing too serious ever happened to me.”

Steve says that there is no joy in being homeless, but he knew he could always come to Mary Mac’s to find it. “I come here, and everyone knows my name. It’s the best feeling to be

somewhere that everyone knows you,” Steve says. “I’ll never stop needing this place, especially now my wife is gone.”

Three weeks ago, Steve was supported to move into an affordable, private rental. “I share the place with a person who has her own challenges and it’s not always perfect, but I feel like I have half a life again,” Steve says. “Mary Mac’s give me supplies to take home, so that gets us both by.”

Steve looks forward to having his grandkids over someday soon. “When you’re homeless, there’s nowhere you can have your family come and that’s hard. They all live far away, and it was tough not having a home for them to come.”

Steve looks at the group of companions chatting in the distance. “God bless Mary Mac’s. I hope this place keeps going for another 100 years. Look at all these people they’ve helped. Thousands I reckon.”

When asked what he would say anyone who is experiencing homelessness, Steve says, “Get yourself to Mary Mac’s now. There are people who can help you, you can grab a hot meal, some emergency supplies, have a shower, shave, and do your washing. It’s just like home.”

If you, or someone you know is experiencing homelessness please call 1800 324 924, email info@catholiccaredbb.org.au or visit www.catholiccaredbb.org.au.

Steve, Mary Mac’s Place client.

Our KEYS program helps Lily get back on her feet

While many women are resting and nesting at 37 weeks pregnant, this was the last thing on Lily’s mind. At 22 years old and heavily pregnant, Lily was referred from CatholicCare’s Safe Home Program to the KEYS Program that supports young parents aged 16 – 24 years who are homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

Lily’s partner had been arrested for domestic violence in their private rental and Lily could not afford the rent on her own. Several months later, after some intensive support from her KEYS caseworker, Lily has been successful in securing a private rental and will soon move into her new home.

KEYS Caseworker Jessica says that one of the greatest barriers for Lily was acknowledging the domestic violence she had experienced, “Lily was engaged with the domestic violence court advocacy service however, she wanted her AVO removed as she did not believe her partner had perpetrated domestic violence,” Jessica says. Lily was granted access to the Start Safely subsidy to support her in her private rental, however Lily declined this support. She also declined a range of counselling supports.

Three weeks before Lily gave birth, her KEYS Caseworker was able to obtain a transitional property. Her workers completed safety audits and emergency safety protocols with Lily when she moved into the home. After the safety audit Lily disengaged from her Safe Homes Caseworker as she explained she was struggling to understand that she had been a victim of domestic violence. Thankfully, she continued to engage with her KEYS Caseworker and, over time, gained some new insights into her situation. “She had started to recognise that she had been a victim of domestic violence and that she wanted support to improve her wellbeing,” says Jessica.

Through the KEYS program, Lily received support with budgeting, and she was referred to a financial counsellor. “The goal was for Lily to reduce her debt through a Work and Development Order and financial counselling. She was supported to complete a self-care plan and a victim services application, and she also completed an online parenting course,” Jessica says. Lily was supported to renew her online rental platforms and to apply for a preapproved bond loan and bond extra. Her KEYS Caseworker also advocated to real estate and affordable housing organisations on Lily’s behalf.

When Lily’s son was 4 months, her ex-partner broke into their transitional property at 2.00am and threatened Lily with a knife. Lily managed to get her ex-partner out of the home, however he caused extensive damage to her property and car. Over the following days and weeks, Lily received intensive support from CatholicCare. Plans were made for Lily to stay with family in Sydney and her Caseworker installed security

cameras on the property. “We contacted police daily for an update and the perpetrator was arrested,” Jessica said. Child protection services also got involved.

Lily’s AVO was increased to a nocontact order and her Caseworker advocated for Lily to be accepted into the Start Safely program again. Through this program, Lily would receive a subsidy for a private rental without the perpetrator knowing her address. “We worked with Lily, housing and multiple real estates to secure a safe rental. Lily will be moving into her new home this week,” Jessica says.

Today, Lily acknowledges that she was a victim of domestic violence. “She has stated that upon reflection she can now recognise the signs of domestic violence,” Jessica says, “and she greatly appreciates the advocacy and support she has received through the KEYS program.”

If you, or someone you know is experiencing homelessness please call 1800 324 924, email info@catholiccaredbb.org.au or visit www.catholiccaredbb.org.au.

Combating Homelessness Together

In August (coinciding with Homelessness Week and Mary MacKillop Feast Day) both Catholic Schools and Parishes will kindly fundraise again to support CatholicCare’s homelessness services across the Diocese including Dom’s Place, Mary Mac’s Place, street sleeping outreach support, our women’s refuge and more. Please keep an eye out for donation requests in August. Thank you in advance for supporting this important Diocesan initiative.

Gosford celebrates Our Lady of Fatima with Mass, procession

A packed church greeted Bishop Anthony at St Patrick’s Church, East Gosford, when he visited the congregation to celebrate Mass for the parish’s Our Lady of Fatima Night.

The Mass and procession took place on Saturday, 11 May, in commemoration of the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917.

At conclusion of Mass the church lights were dimmed and candles lit up for a time of prayer, followed by a procession of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima around the church.

The night was reflective of the processions at Sanctuary of Fátima, where a rosary and procession takes place every night in honour of Our Lady of Fatima.

Bishop Anthony was joined in the celebration by Fr Greg Skulski SDS, parish priest of Gosford, and Fr Bronek Pietrusewicz SDS, assistant priest.

The feast day of Our Lady of Fatima takes place on 13 May, marking the anniversary of the first of six Marian apparitions to the shepherd children.

Between 13 May and 13 October 1917, the Blessed Virgin May appeared to Lucia dos Santos, along with her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto, giving them prophecies and instruction.

On her last appearance in Fatima on 13 October, the Blessed Virgin appeared and performed miracles of extraordinary solar activity, witnessed by as many as 100,000 people and known as the Miracle of the Sun.

Our Lady of Fatima before the altar at Gosford.

Broken Bay to host Xavier School of Preaching

The Diocese of Broken Bay will host the Xavier School of Preaching in early August, seeking to raise up a new generation of preachers within the Catholic Church.

Preaching is an essential ministry in the life and mission of the Church, and demands knowledge, practical skills, rapport with listeners, prayer and authenticity of life.

Bishop Anthony will present at the three day course, along with Robert Falzon, founder of menALIVE and Dr Maeve Louise Heaney VDMF, Director of the Xavier Centre for Theological Formation at Australian Catholic University.

Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, lay ministers, teachers, school and Diocesan leaders, youth ministers, catechists and members of ecclesial movements are especially encouraged to attend.

Applicants will need to demonstrate pastoral engagement and experience, desire and motivation for preaching the Gospel, and a life of prayer founded on the Word of God.

The intensive course will feature a number of workshops and practical formation, focusing on proclamation, communication, public speaking and practical tips for catechesis, homilies and social media.

The course began in the Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn but has now spread to other dioceses following its success.

Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, lay ministers, teachers, school and Diocesan leaders, youth ministers, catechists and members of ecclesial movements are especially encouraged to attend.

Applicants will need to demonstrate pastoral engagement and experience, desire and motivation for preaching

the Gospel, and a life of prayer founded on the Word of God.

The Xavier School of Preaching will run from Thursday, August 1 to Saturday, August 3 at the Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills. The course costs $250 per person or $150 with a concession. Register at bbcatholic.org.au/mission/ xavierschoolofpreaching

Divine Mercy procession bears witness to Christ in Manly

Ivica Covic

Throughout the Easter season, our Church presents us with readings from the Acts of the Apostles. A main theme of Acts is how the disciples and members of the early church were a witness of Christ. As true believers of Christ, one of our main roles is to bear this same witness that the disciples of Jesus proclaimed.

On Divine Mercy Sunday, the faithful of Manly Freshwater Parish and beyond came together to bear witness to the love and mercy of Christ in a procession along Manly Beach and Corso. While around 150 people

followed the Divine Mercy image, many bystanders were taking photos and filming, making it possible to take the image to their houses and families, so even more people can be reached by God’s Mercy.

We live in a society where there are many distractions to try turn our gaze away from Jesus. And whilst it is easy to sit back and lament about how we wished our culture was different and how we wished the Church played a more prominent role in society, as in previous times, the reality is that we live in a time where we are able to freely proclaim our love for Christ to the culture, as we did during our

recent procession of the Divine Mercy image.

The Church more than ever needs us now to stand up, in a culture that is increasingly secular, proclaiming the cardinal virtues of faith, hope and love. These virtues never fade in their power to conform us to Christ.

We would very much like to thank all those who have helped prepare for our procession. We would like to extend a special thank you especially to our friends from Joseph House who assisted with carrying the Divine Mercy image in our procession. May we continue to trust in Jesus.

Arcadia parish brings back country fair

After an absence of four years due to the COVID shutdowns, the Parish of St Benedict’s Arcadia, on Sydney’s rural outskirts, revived their popular country fair, bringing together the parish and local community.

Despite a downpour in the days beforehand threatening to postpone the event for another year, the weather cleared through Saturday and the fair was able to go ahead as planned on Sunday, 7 April.

While the moisture in the soil meant it was still a muddy affair, the damp feet didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, as crowds turned out from far and wide.

There were cakes, flowers, barbecue, trash and treasure, books, plants, chocolate wheel, Devonshire teas and a huge array of fruit and vegies, with many people attending – and staggering out

with boxes of fresh produce. The kids had fun with rides, face painting, lucky dips, popcorn, fairy floss and painting.

St Benedict’s is a strong part of the local community, and the locals were very excited to see the return of this popular event with all its traditional stalls and activities.

One very special feature of the fete was the involvement of the local Arcadia Rural Fire Brigade, with many of the volunteer members on hand to provide vital advice on fire safety protection in the semi-rural region.

Arcadia boasts many farms and large properties, with many Italian and Lebanese families living in the area.

In a nod to the rural surroundings of the parish, a unique raffle was drawn on the day, with the top prize being

Limousin calves from the herd of the St Benedict Monastery, attached to the parish.

This prize was won by long-term parishioner Peter Shaheen. The Monastery’s chief cattle carer, Father Bernard McGrath, promised that if Peter wasn’t in a position to look after the calf, it would stay at the monastery and grow up with the rest of the herd.

The combined efforts enabled the parishioners to raise more than $50,000 to help meet the many demands of the parish.

The parish said it was incredibly grateful to all those people and businesses who donated goods for the fete and also to the many volunteers who organised beforehand, set up on the Saturday and worked right through the day.

Left: Former unused school buildings in disrepair.

Below: Plans for the site will revitalise the precinct and provide sustainability.

Parishioners Protest Paused Development

In the Parish of Lower North Shore, supporters of a development application for St Leonard’s Naremburn are battling with Willoughby Council on plans to develop a site they say will provide the future sustainability of the Parish and much-needed housing. It will also reactivate the precinct for the broader local community.

Development consultations for the site at 43 Donnelly Road have been ongoing since 2019. However, the current situation now threatens not only the sustainability of the Parish and townhouse development but a public plaza and a Heritage Walkway.

The focus of the issue is a vacant former school building on the site which has not been used as a school since 1996 and is in disrepair. It will need to be demolished to make way for the new development.

Three expert heritage reports obtained by the Parish last year found no heritage value in the former school building which would prevent the new development. However, in May 2023, some three months before the final hearing of the Parish’s Land and Environment Court Appeal in relation to

the proposed development, Willoughby Council placed an Interim Heritage Order (IHO) over the former school.

Recent media articles have suggested the use of IHOs is a tactic by local councils to limit development. The effect of the IHO is that it suspended any development on the site for 12 months while the Council investigated the heritage value of the school building, and prevented the Parish from progressing the Appeal in the Land and Environment Court.

The IHO has recently expired and the final hearing for the Parish’s Land and Environment Court Appeal in relation to the proposed development has been rescheduled for August 2024. However, Willoughby Council is now undertaking the legal steps to formally list the school building as a heritage item, which will severely limit the ability to develop the site in the future – if at all.

Many parishioners, local residents and the Sisters of St Joseph living in the convent bordering the site, and who were the driving force behind early education in the area, are keen to see the development go ahead.

A spokesperson for the Parish

Finance Council said; “Our plans take into account the significance of our heritage-listed Church, and ensure it will remain the heart of the site.

“We will honour the history of the site including the former school by means of a dedicated walkway and historical displays within the Parish Hall and courtyard as well as including bricks from the school buildings to be used in new landscaping.

“The vacant school buildings are often vandalised and serve no purpose. If our planning doesn’t go ahead they will likely remain that way, and our ability to maintain and conserve the heritage Church and presbytery will be severely diminished if we do not have the funds to support the townhouse development.”

A number of parishioners have written to the Council in support of the Metro development. A petition also supporting the development and opposing the proposed heritage listing of the former school buildings and grounds is now circulating within the Parish and local community, and is on the Parish website at https://www. lowernorthshoreparish.org.au/

Epping-Carlingford Prepares for Parish Centre Opening

The Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC) Parish Centre will be Solemnly Blessed and Opened by Bishop Anthony following the 9.00am Mass on Saturday, 10 August 2024.

This marks an excitng phase in the unique development on the multigenerational site. The Parish Centre, next to the OLHC heritage Church, comprises a 200-seat Parish Hall, meeting rooms, offices and underground parking.

However the overall project is much more. The Parish entered into a partnership with Levande leading to a “turning of the first sod” in August 2022 for not only the Parish Centre building but also a Primary School, out-of-school-hours care facility, retail space and a 29-story retirement living tower with 172 apartments, a clubhouse and recreational facilities. This “vertical village” will also include a 132-bed residential aged-care community operated by Opal HealthCare.

The new Parish presbytery will be accomodated on one floor of the residential tower.

The $200 million mixed-use development is a true example of how communities, developers and councils can work in communion with each other to deliver long-term sustainability, multi-purpose care, innovative and creative educational facilities and green space.

The foundation stone for the beautiful Our Lady Help of Christians was laid in 1907.

While still caring for the heritagelisted Church, parishioners are looking forward to an expansive and

The heritagelisted Church will remain the focal point of the development.

modern Parish Centre to meet their growing needs.

Parish Priest, Fr Jim McKeon said; “After years of consultation and planning followed by a very busy construction site, we are all very excited to have our new Parish Centre completed.

“The Mass on 10 August with Bishop Anthony followed by the Blessing will be a very special occasion for everyone.”

Levande and Richard Crookes Construction are looking to have the remaining buildings completed and delivered next year.

Precinct design showing OLHC, the Parish Centre on the left and school and tower block.

THURSDAY 26TH – SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER

Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral Precinct, Waitara