Broken Bay News - Edition #217 March 2023

COUNTDOWN TO BROKEN BAY MAGNIFY PILGRIMAGE AND WYD23 PAGE 10-11

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION – A SPECIAL MISSION OF THE CHURCH PAGE 12-13

TRIBUTES TO POPE BENEDICT XVI AND CARDINAL GEORGE PELL PAGE 4-9

# 217

MARCH 2023

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: Very Rev Dr David Ranson

Chancellor & Executive Officer: Kelly Paget

Diocesan Financial Administrator, Director, Stewardship:

Emma McDonald

Director, Diocesan Safeguarding:

Jodie Crisafulli

Tel: (02) 8379 1605

Director Communications:

Katrina Lee

Director, Evangelisation Broken Bay:

Patti Beattie

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:

Artarmon, Brookvale, Tuggerah & Waitara

Tel: 1800 324 924

Hospital Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care: (02) 9481 2600

Children’s Services: (02) 9481 2600

Disability Futures:

(02) 9488 2500

Services for Seniors:

(02) 9488 2488

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 picture: Sophie Granger

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

We are all called to a life of discipleship

By Bishop Anthony Randazzo

Almost 60 years ago, the Catholic Bishops of the world in Council reminded us that the call to be a Christian is of its very nature a call to be an apostle (cf. Lumen gentium 15). Baptism imposes a duty of serving others. Baptism made all of us God’s children and called us to serve the Church and the world.

Before any of us can respond to the call to serve, we must first know and love and imitate Jesus Christ, who is the servant, par excellence. To know and love and imitate Jesus in faith “means walking at His side in the communion of the Church” (cf. Benedict XVI, WYD Madrid 2011). While personal conversion to the Good News of Jesus Christ is essential for salvation, we cannot follow Jesus on our own. We are baptised into his body, and that means

living in communion, with God and with the People of God.

Pope Francis reminds us that “being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and, in any place,” (Francis, Evangelii gaudium 127)

The life of discipleship to which we are called is a daily configuration to Jesus Christ – always becoming aware that, like earthenware jars; we hold a treasure of inestimable value (cf. 2Cor 4:7). The more we grow in Christ, the more we will be able to make our own the words of the great Saint Paul: “it is not ourselves that we are preaching, but Christ Jesus as the Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2Cor 4:5) .

As servants of God we, bishop, priests, deacons, and people, must always remember that the ultimate glory we seek is that of the resurrection. There is no empty tomb without the Upper Room or the Cross. In the Upper Room, Jesus prefigured his death by lowering himself as he washed the feet of his disciples (cf. John 13:5). He prophesied his death on the Cross by breaking the bread of His

As servants of God we, bishop, priests, deacons, and people, must always remember that the ultimate glory we seek is that of the resurrection.

Pope Francis reminds us that “being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and, in any place.”

body and pouring out the cup of His blood (cf. Lk 22:19-20)

In these moments, we can see the true meaning of the Incarnation. The Word took flesh and lived among us (John 1:14). The Word came, not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28). The Word, like the single grain, died to yield a rich harvest (John 12:24)

During this holy season of Lent might we pray that the Holy Spirit will build upon our baptism and confirmation, strengthening us for the carrying out of the work of life, ministry, and mission.

As God works in each one of us, we will do well to keep before our

eyes Christ crucified. Only then might we be able to make sense of life, with its joys and sufferings, its hopes and dreams. Likewise, our ministry to the sick, the poor, the vulnerable, and those on the edge of the Church and of society will benefit from regular prayer and worship united as one community of the faithful. It is the love of Christ crucified and risen that makes mission a vocation and not merely a job or set of tasks to be completed.

Our mission to the world is primarily one of respectful dialogue in truth and in charity. It is a commission that comes from prayer and dialogue with God, for us, for the community of believers, and for the life of the world. Prayer inserts us into the mission of Christ, and the fruit of such prayer animates us for mission.

My dear brothers and sisters, as we seek the truth and joy of the Gospel in our community of the Church of Broken Bay, might we always

Project Summary Report

remember that our faith and our lives must be an example to others so that they too will come to know the truth and joy of the Gospel – not merely, because of what we say or by what we do, but by knowing who we are, sisters and brothers of Jesus Christ –the servant master, the light shining out of darkness, the Lord of life, the redeemer of all sinners, the saviour of the world.

As part of the 35th anniversary of the Diocese of Broken Bay, Bishop Anthony Randazzo invited the region of the Central Coast to engage in a process of pastoral discernment. The Pastoral Discernment Central Coast project invited the people of the Diocese to give God thanks for the way in which the Holy Spirit is at work in the local Church, and to consider new possibilities for its growth. The Final Report was received by Bishop Anthony at the 2022 Clergy Conference. For a copy of the Project Summary Report:

During this holy season of Lent might we pray that the Holy Spirit will build upon our baptism and confirmation, strengthening us for the carrying out of the work of life, ministry, and mission.

Our mission to the world is primarily one of respectful dialogue in truth and in charity.

“A lion of the Church” Cardinal George Pell farewelled across the globe

The Catholic Church across the globe has farewelled Australia’s preeminent cleric, Cardinal George Pell AC, who passed away suddenly in early January.

Mourners in Sydney and Rome were joined in prayer by the faithful across the globe, who remembered Cardinal Pell’s staunch support of Catholic orthodoxy and commitment to redress for victims of sexual abuse at the hands of the Church.

Cardinal Pell died in Rome from a cardiac arrest following hip replacement surgery on Tuesday, 10 January 2023. He was 81.

The hip replacement was successful however the Cardinal went into cardiac arrest while talking to an anesthetist in the recovery ward and could not be revived.

He had suffered from a heart condition for a number of years, but friends say he was “well and in good form” prior to the operation.

Cardinal Pell’s death came just a few days after he attended the Requiem

Mass for long-time friend Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

He was initially farewelled at a Requiem Mass in Rome on Saturday, 14 January 2023, attended by Pope Francis, cardinals, bishops, priests, seminarians, religious sisters, colleagues and friends from around the world.

Cardinal Pell’s body had been lying in state at the Church of Santo Stefano degli Abbasini, a small church inside the Vatican. The church was built in 400 and restored in 1479, making it the oldest surviving church in the Vatican.

Ahead of the funeral, a small group of family and friends of the late Cardinal gathered to pray at the church on a cool but brilliantly sunny winter day. Following the prayers, a small portion of red wax was melted on to both ends of the coffin and stamped with the Vatican seal.

The group then processed behind the coffin, the short distance to St Peter's Basilica, where the Requiem Mass

took place, beneath the Chair of St Peter in the apse of the Basilica, where Cardinal Pell was ordained to the priesthood on 16 December 1966.

About 500 people had gathered for the Mass and extra chairs were required. The Mass was celebrated by the Dean of College of Cardinals, Card Giovanni Batista Re, who celebrated the Requiem Mass for Pope Benedict XVI just a few days prior.

Pope Francis arrived by wheelchair for the final blessing and met with family privately following the Mass.

A private reception was later held at Domus Australia, a former religious institution bought, restored and renovated by Cardinal George Pell for Australian pilgrims and visitors to Rome.

The Requiem Mass and reception was attended by President of Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Perth Archbishop Tim Costello; Archdiocese of Sydney Auxiliary Bishop and longtime friend Bishop Danny Meagher;

Cardinal Pell was fondly remembered by many.

Pope Francis attended the Cardinal’s Requiem Mass in Rome.

Cardinal Pell’s coffin in St Peter’s Basilica.

former private secretary and family friend Dr Michael Casey from Sydney.

The Diocese of Broken Bay was represented by former colleagues and friends: Director of Catholic Schools Broken Bay, Danny Casey and Director of Communications, Katrina Lee. Others in attendance included friends, business leaders, academics, writers but also his former Vatican staff and driver who all attended to pay their respects.

Also flying in for the Mass was the President of the IOR or Vatican Bank and good friend, JeanBaptiste de Franssu, and writer and academic George Weigel. Australian Ambassador to Holy See, Chiara Porro, was also in attendance.

A few days later, a memorial Mass for the Cardinal at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara drew more than 200 people, including friends and family of the late cleric.

There was hardly a spare seat, as Vicar General Dr David Ranson presided over the Mass, in place of Bishop Anthony Randazzo who was on leave at the time.

In his homily, Fr David reflected on the “formidable nature” of Cardinal Pell, calling him “a colossus in the Church in Australia and internationally.

“The Cardinal was complex,

enigmatic, an unmistakable force, completely at home in the halls of power and equally at home with people living off the street,” he said. “We are unlikely to see another with such an indomitable spirit in our generation.”

“He was in the true sense of the word, a phenomenon: by definition, ‘something (such as an interesting fact or event) that can be observed and studied and that typically is unusual or difficult to understand or explain fully’ – not least because of a most curious coalescence of features in his character and demeanour that meant he bore the vivid projection of such diverse persons and associations.”

Fr David also reflected on his own personal relationship with Cardinal Pell, who he knew from his time at Tarrawarra Abbey.

“I knew him cooking me breakfast when I would return to the monastery refectory after milking in the dairy,” said Fr David.

Cardinal Pell, then Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, ordained Fr David a deacon, beginning a professional relationship between the two that would often see them cross paths on and off again over several decades in both Melbourne and Sydney.

While many of the faithful gathered in Broken Bay may not have shared a close relationship with the Cardinal, the Mass was a poignant opportunity to reflect on his relentless service to the Church in Australia through several decades, as a priest, bishop and then cardinal.

The Cardinal received his ultimate farewell in a Solemn Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, 2 February 2023, as thousands of mourners filled St Mary’s Cathedral to overflow, as several hundred looked on from outside.

Former prime ministers, members of parliament, clergy, bishops from across Australia and friends of the late Cardinal, joined the thousands of mourners in farewelling the former

Hundreds watched on from outside St Mary’s Cathedral as the Cardinal was farewelled.

The Cardinal was complex, enigmatic, an unmistakable force, completely at home in the halls of power and equally at home with people living off the street.

Archbishop of Sydney, who rose far beyond any other Australian cleric before him.

As the faithful gathered inside the Cathedral, the hundreds outside joined together in praying the rosary for the late Cardinal.

Most Rev Anthony Randazzo DD JCL, Bishop of Broken Bay, and Very Rev Dr David Ranson, Vicar General of Broken Bay, and Bishop Emeritus David Walker, were among the more than two hundred clergymen who processed into the Cathedral to concelebrate the Mass.

They were joined by Broken Bay’s seminarians, including Shayne D’Cunha, who was the crozier bearer for the Mass, and Matthew French, who was among the pallbearers.

Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP, Archbishop of Sydney, received rapturous applause from the crowd gathered outside before he entered the Cathedral, as he thanked them for their attendance.

After processing inside, Archbishop Fisher welcomed the mourners to the Mass, reflecting briefly on the life of the Cardinal, highlighting

the achievements of his long ecclesiastical career.

The readings were done by Georgina Pell, the late Cardinal’s niece, and Dr Michael Casey, his former private secretary for more than a decade.

Archbishop Fisher’s homily focused on Pell’s determination, calling him a “lion of the Church” who proclaimed the Gospel shamelessly, vehemently and courageously to the end – despite false and consistent attacks. He said he was a “giant of a man with a big vision”, highlighting his dedication to growing the Church in Australia through new seminaries, educational institutes, and World Youth Day 2008.

Following his homily, the prayers of the faithful were read by close friends and family, including Director of Catholic Schools Broken Bay, Danny Casey, and Director of Communication, Katrina Lee.

Cardinal Pell’s brother David gave the principal eulogy, speaking about his late brother’s 404 days in isolation in

prison before the High Court quashed his conviction 7-0, and the toll it has taken on many in the family. He also highlighted his brother’s love for Australia, even when that love was not always reciprocated.

In his eulogy, former prime minister Tony Abbott called Pell “a saint for our times”, highlighting the role he had played in punishing misbehaving clergy and seeking redress for victims.

The eulogies of both men were punctuated by moments of applause from those both inside and outside the Cathedral, as they praised the accomplishments of Australia’s preeminent cleric.

Following the Mass, the Cardinal’s casket was taken to the Cathedral Crypt, where he was buried in a private ceremony attended by clergy, close friends, and relatives.

Despite his passing, his legacy looms large for many Catholics and his impact on the Church in Australia is likely to last for many generations to come.

Cardinal Pell after his release from prison.

Thousands gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI honoured as a “faithful friend of the Bridegroom”

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has been remembered as a “faithful friend of the Bridegroom” and one of the preeminent theologians of the 20th century, following his death on Saturday, 31 December 2022.

Benedict died at his home, in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. He was 95.

His death in Rome came a few days after Pope Francis asked for prayers for his predecessor whose health deteriorated in the days before Christmas when he developed respiratory complications.

He had retired in 2013 and was the last pope not to die in office for more than 600 years ago.

Cardinals, bishops, patriarchs and several heads of state joined more than 100,000 mourners in St Peter’s Square on the morning of Thursday, 5 January 2023, in Vatican City, to farewell and celebrate the life of the 264th successor to St Peter.

The funeral was the first time in over 200 years in which a reigning Pontiff had blessed the body of his predecessor prior to burial, as Pope Francis presided over the Requiem Mass.

In the midst of a dense fog, Benedict’s cypress coffin was carried out from St Peter’s Basilica, into the Square, to applause from the gathered crowd. His long-time secretary, His Excellency, Most Reverend Georg Gänswein, knelt before the coffin and kissed a book of the Gospels left open on the coffin.

The Mass began with a procession of cardinals and patriarchs, who had flown from across the globe to farewell the man who had served the Church for more than seven decades. 120 cardinals, 400 bishops and 4000 priests joined Pope Francis in celebrating the Mass.

Francis opened the funeral with a

prayer, asking that Benedict’s faithful service to the Church may merit his welcome into Eternal Life.

Francis, who remained seated for the majority of the Mass, used his homily to focus on the last words spoken by Jesus on the cross: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” He said Benedict’s service to the Church had endeavored to be a witness to these words, which the Pontiff said summed up Jesus’ entire life: a ceaseless self-entrustment into the hands of his Father.

The Pope then spoke of the silent, prayerful devotion required by every pastor of the Church, to trust in the Lord’s command to feed his flock.

“Like the Master, a shepherd bears the burden of interceding and the strain of anointing his people, especially in situations where goodness must struggle to prevail and the dignity of our brothers and sisters is threatened,” said Francis.

“In the course of this intercession, the Lord quietly bestows the spirit of meekness that is ready to understand, accept, hope and risk, notwithstanding any misunderstandings that might result. It is the source of an unseen and elusive fruitfulness, born of his knowing the One in whom he has placed his trust.”

He concluded his homily, asking for the prayers of all those gathered and watching, entrusting the care of his spirit to their prayers, and asking them to commend Benedict into the hands of the Father.

“May those merciful hands find his lamp alight with the oil of the Gospel that he spread and testified to for his entire life,” the Pontiff said.

Echoing Jesus’ last words, Francis added: “Together, we want to say: ‘Father, into your hands we commend his spirit’. Benedict, faithful friend of the

Bridegroom, may your joy be complete as you hear his voice, now and forever.”

The conclusion of the funeral was met with cries of "Santo Subito!" (Make him a saint now!), imitating the calls many had made at the funeral of Benedict’s predecessor, St John Paul II in 2005. Although there was no display of papal regalia on the coffin, in line with tradition, a lead tube containing an account of Benedict’s papacy and Vatican coins minted during his time as pontiff, were placed in the coffin.

Pope Francis offered a final blessing to his predecessor following the funeral and Benedict’s coffin was carried back into St Peter’s Basilica as the Sistine Chapel Choir sang “May the angels lead you into paradise.”

In a private ceremony the coffin was sealed and placed in another coffin of zinc and an outer one of wood before it was placed in the crypt under the Basilica where Pope John Paul II was originally interred in 2005 before his body was moved to a chapel in St Peter’s after his beatification.

Pope Benedict’s coffin during his Requiem Mass.

Pope Benedict XVI: The Quiet Theologian

Benedict was born on Holy Saturday, 16 April 1927, in Marktl, a small village in Bavaria, Germany, close to the Austrian border. He was baptised the same day, and named Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, taking the name of his father, Joseph Ratzinger Sr.

He was the third and youngest child in the family. His older brother Georg Ratzinger would also become a Catholic priest and go on to be conductor of the Regensburger Domspatzen, the cathedral choir of Regensburg.

Benedict’s older sister Maria Ratzinger would never marry and managed the then-Cardinal's household until her death in 1991.

The family moved around due to his father’s job as a police officer. In 1929, they moved to Tittmoning, where Joseph attended the kindergarten in the former Augustinian monastery. When the family moved to Aschau am Inn in 1932, Joseph would receive first communion in the late Gothic parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Along with his brother, he was taught piano by the Franciscan nuns in the nearby monastery.

Following an early encounter with the visiting Cardinal Archbishop of

Munich, Michael von Faulhaber, fiveyear old Benedict would express a desire to be a cardinal, a dream he would fulfil 45 years later.

In 1939, aged 12, he enrolled in a minor seminary in Traunstein however the seminary was closed in 1942 and all students were sent home.

Despite the family’s bitter opposition to Nazism, Benedict would be drafted into the Hitler Youth following his 14th birthday, as was required by law. He was drafted into the German antiaircraft corps as Luftwaffenhelfer just two years later.

As World War II drew to an end in 1945, he deserted back to his family’s home in Traunstein, just as American troops established a headquarters in

the Ratzinger household. Because he was a German soldier, he was interned as a prisoner of war but was released at the end of the war.

Just a few months later, Benedict would enter Saint Michael Seminary in Traunstein with his brother Georg, later studying at the Ducal Georgianum of the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich. He was ordained by Cardinal Michael von Faulhaber on 29 June 1951, along with his brother and 43 other deacons.

He began his vocation as a chaplain at the St. Martin Parish in Moosach, Munich. Following a short but intensive stint of pastoral activity in the Munich city parishes, he decided to pursue an academic career, receiving his doctorate in 1953. Four years later, he became professor of dogmatics at the Philosophical-Theological University in Freising. He then served as professor of fundamental theology at the University of Bonn in 1959.

He participated in the Second Vatican Council in 1962 to 1965, as theological advisor to Archbishop of Cologne, Joseph Cardinal Frings, where he was viewed as a reformer.

In the years that followed, he served as a university lecturer at the University

1952

Young Joseph Ratzinger (top right) with his brother Georg (top left), sister Maria (bottom left), mother Maria (middle) and father Joseph in 1951

Ratzinger (right) and his brother Georg confer their first blessing a few days after their ordination to the priesthood.

Ratzinger celebrates Mass in the mountains of Ruhpolding, southern Germany in

Pope Benedict will be remembered as a great theologian.

of Münster (1963 to 1966), the University of Tübingen (1966 to 1969) and the University of Regensburg (1969 to 1977), reuniting with his brother, who was the musical director at St Peters Cathedral in Regensburg.

While Benedict would deny it later in life, many theologians would suggest his reformist perspectives became more conservative from 1968. At the University of Regensburg, he co-founded the theological journal Communio, a publication he would actively contribute to right up until his election as pope.

On 24 March 1977, Benedict was appointed Archbishop of Munich and Freising, taking Cooperatores Veritatis (Co-workers of the Truth) as his episcopal motto. A few months later, on 27 June, he was named CardinalPriest of Santa Maria Consolatrice al Tiburtino by Pope Paul VI.

Just over four years later, on 25 November 1981, he was named as the Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. He would resign as Archbishop of Munich and Freising in early 1982. He served as Prefect for more than two decades,

becoming one of Pope John Paul II’s closest collaborators.

He gained promotion within the College of Cardinals, becoming Cardinal Bishop of Velletri-Segni in 1993. He was made the college's vicedean in 1998 and dean in 2002.

In 1997, Benedict asked Pope John Paul II for permission to leave the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith and to become an archivist in the Vatican Secret Archives and a librarian in the Vatican Library, but his assent was refused.

Following the death of Pope John Paul II on 2 April 2005, a papal conclave was convened to elect a new pope, overseen by Benedict in his role as dean. Benedict was elected Pope at the age of 78, on 19 April 2005, beating out his eventual successor Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) in one of the fastest conclaves in history.

His papacy was marked with praise for his teaching but criticism for his role as a leader.

While he was acknowledged as a gentle and sincere man, and a worldclass theologian, critics said his progress on the sex abuse scandals which plagued the Church were merely symbolic, rather than substantive despite laicising hundreds of priests and being the first pope ever to meet clergy abuse victims face to face.

On 11 February 2013, Benedict announced his resignation in a speech

before the cardinals, citing his lack of strength of mind and body. He became the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415, and the first to do so of his own initiative since Celestine V in 1294.

He would be succeeded by Pope Francis and retired to the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in Vatican City, taking on the title ‘Pope Emeritus’.

In his final years, Benedict led a contemplative life, only making occasional public appearances in the decade that followed his papacy.

He passed away on the morning of Saturday, 31 December 2022 at the age of 95 at his home Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.

At the time of his passing, he was the longest-living person to have held the office of pope, beating Pope Leo XIII who was 93 years, four months and three days at the time his death.

Ratzinger (right) with Archbishop of Cologne, Joseph Cardinal Frings.

Cardinal Ratzinger, with Pope John Paul II, in Munich in 1980.

Ratzinger after being appointed Archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977.

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the crowd during a canonisation Mass in Rome in 2008.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in 2019.

Countdown to Magnify Pilgrimage and WYD23

The weeks are flying by and in a matter of months around 120 Broken Bay students and young adults will be on their way to World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal.

A large contingent will head to Italy with Bishop Anthony Randazzo for a ten-day pilgrimage from Venice to Rome visiting the homes and shrines of saints, and following the paths of many holy men and women etched into our faith heritage.

Then it is on to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day and a week of faith, friendship and celebrations with millions of young people from all over the world, and, of course, the Holy Father.

February-March have already been

busy months in Broken Bay in preparation for "wheels up".

In February all WYD leaders including Pilgrimage Coordinators, Bus Leaders and Assistant Bus Leaders, Group Leaders, Chaplains and Counsellors gathered for a Leaders Retreat. Many in the group have attended a number of WYDs but for some it was a new experience – challenging but they were very much looking forward to notching up their first WYD.

Among one of the WYD newbies is, surprisingly, Bishop Anthony. Although Lisbon will be his first WYD, the Bishop had a lot to offer the group on Christian leadership.

“Our intention in leading should be to accompany those around us into a

Simon Hyland with Sabina, Annabelle and Luca from Mater Maris Catholic College at Warriewood, Erica from Mercy Catholic College at Chatswood and Bryndis from St Leo’s College at Wahroonga.

Bishop Anthony discussing Leadership at the WYD Leaders Retreat.

deeper, more fruitful relationship with God,” he said.

“With that we too will be open to being continuously transformed ourselves, allowing others to accompany us.”

The Bishop also encouraged the group to consider the 4 C’s of good Christian leadership – Calling, Competence, Confidene and Character.

Earlier this month the Diocese launched our own WYD pilgrimage song – Magnify. Written by one of the coordinators, Simon Hyland and recorded by five students, it takes its inspiration from the Magnificat and the WYD theme “Mary arose and went with haste.”

The music video clip has been a resounding success with many congratulatory messages being received by the Diocese and CSBB and CYBB.

You can see it at https://bbwyd.org.au/ or on Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon or Spotify.

Also in March there will be the first Pilgrim Formation Session for all WYD pilgrims and WYD leaders at Gosford. Everyone will gather at Gosford Waterfront for a picnic lunch before walking together to the Shrine of St John Paul II and an information session followed by Vigil Mass and dinner.

And still another first for Broken

Bay – Pilgrim eNews “Magnify”. The first regular enewsletter for pilgrims with lots of news, updates, important travel information and action lists for pilgrims has been distributed.

If you are a young adult aged between 18 and 35 and all of the above has you interested, or anyone you know, then you still have an opportunity to join as a Direct Pilgrim. That means flying directly to Lisbon and joining Bishop Anthony, all the Broken Bay pilgrims as well as young people from all over the world, sharing our culture, interests, ambitions, and faith as Christ’s living witnesses.

How could you not be part of that!

WYD LISBON 2023

DIRECT PILGRIMAGE REGISTRATIONs only (AGES 18 - 35)

Final Call for young adults 18-35 to join Bishop Anthony Randazzo’s Magnify Pilgrimage to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day 2023. Celebrate with pilgrims from around the world and the Holy Father for the experience of a lifetime! For details:

Soccer break: Pele has nothing to worry about!

The first “Magnify” pilgrim eNewsletter.

by Alison Newell, Diocesan Coordinator of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine

Every week in the Diocese of Broken Bay almost 650 catechists teach Special Religious Education (SRE) to Catholic children who attend public schools in parishes across the Diocese. Parish catechists are the face of Christ and of our parish communities to these children, whose parents have made the choice for them to be educated in the faith of their families during school time. The NSW Education Act, 1990 provides parents with this important right.

The ministry of Special Religious Education in parishes is an integral dimension and expression of parish evangelisation. Catechists who teach SRE in public schools embody their Catholic faith as they witness the love of Christ to the children and young people they teach.

Over the past few years, the public rhetoric regarding religious education in Government schools has raised discussion around the merit of SRE and

its place in public education. As a result, several studies have been conducted to assess the value of religious education in our pluralistic society. One study has upheld that 84% of Australians believe that our Christian heritage has been influential in shaping the values that we teach children. The McCrindle Research report (cf. ‘Survey of values, education and faith in Australia’, 2018) further revealed that almost all Australians believe it is important to teach values to our school students. This highlights the

important place of SRE in our State as a choice that parents can make within the public system.

A more recent study conducted by Professor Zehavit Gross and Professor Emerita Suzanne D. Rutland OAM concluded that SRE is an ‘important part of the rich tapestry of contemporary Australian society’ (cf. ‘Study of Special Religious Education and its Value to Contemporary Society’, 2021). More importantly though for students, the study identified several benefits to children

and young people provided through the provision of SRE. These include:

• psychological benefits to students’ mental health and wellbeing,

• strengthening of the multicultural fabric of public schools,

• the creation of safe places for students to explore deeper questions of faith and belief, and

• an effective values education which empowers students in their decision making.

In highlighting the benefits of religious education to children and young people, the research validates the work done by nearly 4,000 Catholic SRE teachers (catechists) and another 4,000 SRE teachers of other denominations and faiths in public schools across NSW and the ACT.

The NSW Department of Education respects the rights of parents to choose religious education for their children. Following the publication of an Independent Review of SRE in April 2016, the Department stated: “The review acknowledges that the policy and legal framework supporting freedom of religion and conscience in NSW public schools since 1848 will be maintained.”

The United Nations also recognises the right to freedom of religion, a freedom that Special Religious Education embodies. Indeed, in a report to

the General Assembly in October 2015, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Heiner Bielefeldt, called on all Governments represented at the UN General Assembly “to respect religious practices by children and their families and support families in fulfilling their role in providing an enabling environment for the realisation of the rights of the child… The rights of parents to freedom of religion or belief include their rights to educate their children according to their own conviction and to introduce their children to religious initiation rites.”

In the Diocese of Broken Bay, we are grateful for the ministry of hundreds of parish catechists who provide this opportunity to families and parents in our midst.

We live in an era in which numerous external factors affect children and young people of primary and high school age, many fuelled by social media. The Catholic Church applauds the SRE program which offers children and young people the opportunity to discover, explore and raise questions about their beliefs in a safe and supportive environment. Religious affiliation forms part of the identity of our children and families and SRE supports the proclamation and living of Catholic faith within a pluralistic and diverse community in NSW.

SRE is a vital ministry in the life of every parish in our Diocese of Broken Bay. In responding to their Baptismal call to holiness, catechists bring a message of joy and hope to Catholic children and young people through their proclamation and their witness. A recent trend in our Diocese has seen an increase in the number of young students from the Australian Catholic University teaching in SRE classrooms; the outcome of an agreement which CCD reached with ACU. They have joined hundreds of catechists of all ages and backgrounds who faithfully bring the Good News to the Catholic children of our parishes who attend public schools.

Enquiries about the Ministry of SRE can be made with Alison Newell, CCD Diocesan Coordinator, on 02 8379 1637.

Photos by Tom Croll.

Faithfully walking in the footsteps of Jesus

Ministering to the sick, dying and lonely was a core part of Jesus’ ministry on Earth.

When Father Peter Dowd walks through the corridoors and wards of Royal North Shore Hospital, he feels he is faithfully trying to carry out that most fundamental aspect of Jesus’ ministry.

“I see our ministry to the sick as walking in the footsteps of the Master, Jesus Christ, in a very unique and very profound way,” says Fr Peter.

“Hospital chaplaincy carries faithfully what many would argue was one of the most pivotal and significant aspects of the ministry of Jesus. It’s a ministry of presence.”

He calls to mind the words of Bishop Peter Ingham, former Bishop of Wollongong, who says the definition of a chaplain is someone who “loiters with intent”.

mental health, and all the different places. It’s about making it about the patient, not about me, so that God, in any way he wishes, can touch that person.”

Far from administering the sacraments to sick and dying patients, the ministry is also about journeying with patients and families often are faced with the biggest challenges they will ever face.

“There was one time when I was called over to the neo natal intensive care unit (NICU) where a baby boy was born around 28 weeks with some serious challenges,” says Fr Peter.

“Over many months I got to know the young family, visiting regularly and praying with the parents who took it in turns to be present in the hospital with their child as well as caring for their other child. While it was touch and go for a while, the baby was

“They didn’t see anyone else,” says Fr Peter.

“I often reflect on it as one of the greatest privileges of my whole priestly life really, being able to come in to see some of those patients and to have someone there they could just open up to if they wished as to how they were feeling. At that moment, there was a need to be able to share that, not to get answers, but at least to be able to be present to that, and to have someone be present to them.”

Fr Peter firmly believes Hospital Chaplaincy is about helping people to see and feel the love of God, even at their darkest hour.

“It's about helping that person to know the love of God, whether they explicitly will put it in those terms or not,” he says.

“They need to know they're accepted, that you listen to them, and help them to try to find hope. Sometimes that's very difficult for them, because of all the circumstances they're experiencing.

“Ultimately, it's the intent of bringing the presence of Jesus to them by being present, just as God calls us to be present to one another, in love and with openness.”

Pastoral Works Broken Bay helps to support hospital chaplaincy within the Diocese, providing training for lay volunteers to support the work of the priests in visiting the sick and for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to give patients access to the Eucharist. It funds administrative assistance, to allow chaplains like Fr Peter to spend more time in the wards where they are needed most.

RNSH Chaplain, Fr Peter Dowd.

Fr Sam excited to help lead vocations renewal

As the youngest priest in the Diocese of Broken Bay, there are few who understand what it takes for a young man to take the leap and enter the priesthood in the 21st century more than Fr Sam French.

Ordained to the priesthood in 2021, Fr Sam was appointed by Bishop Anthony Randazzo to be the diocesan Director for Vocations, beginning in January, replacing Fr Paul Durkin who was appointed Vice-Rector of the Seminary of the Good Shepherd.

“I think the thing I'm most excited about is being part of the vocations renewal in the Diocese of Broken Bay,” says Fr Sam.

“From the moment Bishop Anthony was installed in the diocese, he has really been pushing and promoting a clear and thorough vision of vocations. When there's that kind of support coming from your bishop, there's a real sense the possibilities can explode as far as vocations are concerned.”

When Fr Sam joined the seminary in 2016, he was the first Broken Bay local to enter in more than a decade. There are now seven young men preparing for the priesthood in Broken Bay, including Fr Sam’s brother Matthew.

“Broken Bay was almost forgotten about in seminary culture but it’s now had a complete turnaround. There's a growing vibrancy in the diocese and that's super exciting,” says Fr Sam. “It’s great being part of that mission, being part of that revival and it feels like the vocations culture in the diocese is really coming back. Riding that wave is just a very exciting prospect in and of itself.”

Fr Sam credits the work of Bishop Anthony, his predecessor Fr Paul

Durkin, and the support of the Vocations Office, including Fr Stephen Wayoyi and Michelle Chahine, for building a vocational culture within the Diocese.

“It's got to be part of the culture and if it's not baked into the cake of what the diocese is, it's not going to happen,” he says.

“Our priests need to preach about it and vocations need to be put on the map front and centre as a realistic possibility. Just as we speak ad nauseam about career opportunities at the end of the HSC, we need to be talking about the call to marriage, the call to priesthood and the call to single consecrated life because they are ultimately the avenues by which we find salvation.”

The vocation renewal goes well beyond Broken Bay too. This year, 17 new seminarians entered the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, the most since 1986. Fr Sam believes it’s a

know about this and for it to be spoken about,” says Fr Sam.

“When I was growing up in Woy Woy parish, every day after daily Mass, they would pray the prayer of vocations and they'd be praying for more priests to enter into God's harvest. The fruits of those prayers are starting to be brought in now and it's a sign of great encouragement in the life of the church.”

While he is resident at Wahroonga Parish, Fr Sam intends to make his way around the Diocese to promote vocations across the parishes, helping to encourage and build relationships with those discerning vocation.

“If you are a young man or woman who hears the call of God on your heart in a particular way, do not be afraid to listen to that call,” he says.

“Always feel free to reach out to myself, Fr Stephen or Michelle in the

Second year seminarian Paul Cunningham received the blessing of the cassock and surplice at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd’s opening Mass on February 1. The wearing of a cassock symbolises obedience, chastity and poverty, to live a life dedicated to Christ, service and the gospel.

Hien Vu will enter his seventh year of seminary formation. He arrived in Australia from Vietnam in 2016 and has been studying at the seminary since 2017.

Huy Tran, Shayne D’Cunha and Tan Nguyen have entered their fifth year of seminary formation and been given one-year pastoral placements within the Diocese.

Tan will be on pastoral placement

Matthew French, brother of Fr Sam French, is entering his third year at the seminary.

Rosan Mathew has completed his seminary studies and is on longterm placement at the Hornsby Cathedral Parish.

Please keep all our seminarians in your prayers as they journey towards priestly ministry.

Paul Cunningham received his cassock and surplice as he began his second year. at The Entrance Parish, Huy will be on placement at Gosford Parish and Shayne is on placement at Warnervale Parish.

Jesus: Our Light and Our Life, Becoming One in Christ Diocesan Lenten Program unites us around the Word of God

The Gospel readings for Lent this year present us with some of the most beautiful stories in our Christian Scriptures, where we hear of people who have encountered Jesus in the most remarkable ways and have been totally transformed by him.

More profoundly, we also gain key insights into who Jesus is. In the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), Jesus himself confirms that he is the Messiah who offers ‘living water’. In the story of the man born blind (John 9), Jesus says that he is the ‘light of the world’. In the story of Lazarus (John 11), Jesus reveals himself as the ‘resurrection and the life’.

As we journey through Lent, engaging with these texts allows Jesus to speak to each of us in a personal way. We become the woman who needs refreshment and encouragement; we become the blind man who just can’t see where to go next; we become the person who has experienced a loss and is longing for some new life to break through. We need to hear again and again the Good News of Jesus, and that he is indeed the only one who can fill us with what we most desire.

The Diocesan Lenten Program, Jesus:

Our Light and our Life, Becoming One in Christ, offers us a six-week opportunity to reflect on the Lenten texts. Each session includes listening to the week’s Gospel, as well as a commentary on the text and a personal story, with reflections offered by Danny Casey, Fr Ireneusz Czech SDS, Ashleigh Donnelly, Alison Newell, Kerry Power, and Raj Rajasingam. Guided questions are included, for use in a small group setting.

The resource is available on the Diocesan website at www.bbcatholic. org.au and copies of the booklets have been distributed to parishes and schools of the Diocese of Broken Bay.

As we unite ourselves around our sacred Scriptures this Lent, we pray

that our Lenten journey will lead us to a deeper understanding of Jesus who is our living water, our light, and our life; and that we may grow in unity as his disciples.

As we unite ourselves around our sacred Scriptures this Lent, we pray that our Lenten journey will lead us to a deeper understanding of Jesus who is our living water, our light, and our life; and that we may grow in unity as his disciples.

The Gospel readings for Lent this year present us with some of the most beautiful stories in our Christian Scriptures, where we hear of people who have encountered Jesus in the most remarkable ways and have been totally transformed by him.

A Word from the Director of Schools

We are confident that they bring skills and expertise that will inspire the hearts and minds of the students entrusted to their care. Read more about their passion and goals for their schools in the following pages.

We invite you to experience first-hand what it’s like to be part of our vibrant, faith filled school community. Our focus is on faith, learning and wellbeing for all, and our students are inspired to be the very best they can be. We encourage parents and families to visit our schools on the open days listed in this edition and find out why you should choose a Catholic school.

We welcomed back over 17,000 students and 2,500 staff, including over 170 new staff, across our 44 schools for the start of the 2023 school year

2022 was a year of growth and renewal as we focused on enhancing the quality of Catholic education through our Learning Improvement Program 7,200 hours of Collaborative Coaching for our staff was achieved last year, while we have made plans for 2023 to include over 170,000 hours of Contemporary Professional Learning.

In this edition of Broken Bay News we share a snapshot of our key priorities, our achievements to date and some of the exciting new initiatives that we will be undertaking this year. There are certainly many achievements to celebrate and much to look forward to!

At CSBB we recognise that each student is unique and we take inspiration from each and everyone. This month we share a story of courage by one of our senior students who overcame great obstacles to achieve success in his final exams. I am humbled to see our values of faith and courage being lived every day in our student community and hope you are inspired by our students as much as I am.

This year we welcomed four new Principals to our system of schools and we are delighted to introduce them to you in this edition of Broken Bay News. As Principals, they work to implement our Mission and Vision to provide authentic, professional Catholic education delivered with care and compassion.

Finally, in 2022 we introduced new roles at CSBB schools – Parent Engagement Coordinators. The focus of this role is to strengthen relationships between school, parent and Parish communities and to provide support to students and families in need. We are thrilled to share with you some of the work that they will be undertaking.

I hope you enjoy this first edition for 2023 of Broken Bay News across our schools and on behalf of all at CSBB, I wish everyone a wonderful year ahead.

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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.

Meet our New Principals for 2023

JODI JEFFERSON

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Catholic Primary School (OLPS), West Pymble

Jodi commenced as Principal at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Catholic Primary School, West Pymble at the start of Term 1, 2023.

Jodi brings to Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) extensive and diverse leadership experience with Catholic Education, Diocese of Parramatta, most recently as Assistant Principal at St Madeleine’s Catholic Primary School, Kenthurst. She has also held a variety of other roles including instructional leadership of numeracy and literacy and worked with a system led specialist unit for diverse learners across multiple schools in the Parramatta Diocese.

Jodi is deeply committed to her faith, with building connections with Parish and with engaging students to know and love Christ. She has a highly collaborative leadership style and brings to OLPS a strong understanding of curriculum, how to lead, coach and mentor others to maximise learning growth for students.

Jodi hopes for her new role "To create a positive culture, where people value and support each other. I would like to develop the capacity of my team and bring out the best in people. I would like to establish a community that is built on a foundation of faith and bound by commitment to a common purpose – to meet the needs of every student.”

CHARLENE REID

St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School, Lake Munmorah

Charlene Reid has been appointed to the permanent role of Principal at St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School, Lake Munmorah. Charlene was formerly the Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, Kilaben Bay. She also previously held the position of Principal of Holy Spirit Infants School, Abermain. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a Principal and brings with her a real passion for learning and making a genuine difference in the lives and education of students through continuous improvement and learning initiatives. Charlene is a deeply driven, innovative and faith-filled

school leader with a remarkable ability to build strong relationships with staff, families and Parish.

Charlene hopes to bring great collaboration to her role, “My number one priority is the student, therefore we as a staff community and family/parish community need to be on the same page and have the student at the centre of our focus.”

SONIA TANNOUS

Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Kincumber

Sonia is an innovative leader with experience in School leadership roles within Sydney Catholic Schools. Sonia has recently worked as School Principal for Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Villawood. Some of her other positions have included Acting Principal for Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Primary, Sefton and Assistant Principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Primary, Sefton. Sonia is deeply committed to our Towards 2025 vision of authentic, professional Catholic education and will bring a new strategic leadership style that focuses on creating a school-wide professional learning culture to continue improving student outcomes that are authentic and effective.

PAULINE DINALE

Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Lindfield

Pauline brings to Catholic Schools Broken Bay strong School Executive Leadership experience from her various roles at Sydney Catholic Schools.

Most recently Pauline has held the role of Principal at St Margaret Mary’s, Randwick North where she has embedded an evidence-based school-wide professional learning culture of consistent pedagogical practices to ensure growth and achievement for the students and to foster their potential to be the very best they can be.

As a principal and leader in a Catholic school, her mission is to accompany others by welcoming and supporting them to discover the meaning of Christ in their lives by developing an environment that fosters a thriving Catholic community.

ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

Continued from P19

Pauline is passionate about whole-school strategies that increase literacy and numeracy outcomes through innovative practice and teacher wellbeing support. As a leader of curriculum, she has successfully led imperative change by developing a learning culture through a number of school strategic and annual plans to address the needs of students which she will bring to Holy Family.

Pauline is also strongly committed to our Towards

2025 Strategy and our Vision of continuing to provide authentic, professional Catholic education, delivered with care and compassion.

“As principal, I will mentor and assist teachers to adopt best practices that positively impact students’ learning outcomes and growth. I want to create a learning environment which is authentic, challenging, innovative and caters for the diversity of all learners with high expectations that all learners can and will learn and flourish in a safe, effective and fun learning environment.”

Catholic Schools Broken Bay – Open Days 2023

We invite our parents and carers to visit our Open Days at one of our many vibrant and enriching learning environments within Catholic Schools Broken Bay. We have 44 schools with K-12 pathways spanning the Central Coast, Sydney's Northern Beaches and the North Shore. Our students are nurtured through a well-rounded educational experience where students are encouraged to develop their faith, cultivate their academic excellence, creativity, and imagination. At Catholic Schools Broken Bay, we want our students to be engaged, empowered, and inspired to become their best selves – to achieve their dreams and aspirations now and for their unique futures.

Our schools provide authentic, professional Catholic

education, delivered with care and compassion where we place students at the centre of everything we do. By visiting one of our schools during an Open Day, you can gain a better understanding of what each school has to offer and how it can support your child’s education.

To find your closest Catholic Schools Broken Bay Open Day visit the website here: www. csbb.catholic.edu.au/ schools/open-days/

To register for an Open Day, scan the QR code

address followed by school tours.

4358 1501 Tuesday 28 March 9–10.30am, 5–6.30pm

Thursday 30 March 9–10.30am, 5–6.30pm

education and its support system was going to be most suitable for Kevin’s needs. Despite his limited vision, he was determined to make the most of his schooling and take part in the same activities as his peers.

The teachers at MacKillop had to take the time to understand the extent of Kevin's vision impairment and develop technology and skills to help him access learning materials. With their help, Kevin was soon able to ride his bike, play football, and run around the playground with confidence.

Kevin's story is a testament to his hard work and resilience. He has achieved remarkable things in his life and is an inspiration to those around him. His story shows us that it is possible to overcome great obstacles and that success is possible regardless of one's background or ability.

Kevin Bee.

Season’s for Growth program

Five new Parent Engagement Coordinators (PECs) attended the ‘Season’s for Growth’ program, a 2 day accredited training program at St Joseph’s retreat centre.

The Seasons for Growth Children and Young People’s Program, strengthens the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people (aged 6-18 years) who have experienced significant change or loss in their lives. The program provides a safe learning environment for children and young people where they can give voice to their experiences, understand and befriend their feelings, learn skills that help them adapt, develop friendships, and recognise ‘I’m not the only one’.

Once trained, PECs will run this program in schools to support students affected by grief and loss. The program has been updated with a new component, ‘Ecological

Grief’ introduced to support students and families with grief due to environmental situations such as bushfires and flooding disasters, where families experience loss of homes and what used to be their normal way of living.

Parent Engagement Coordinators training in ‘Season’s for Growth’.

The Seasons for Growth Children and Young People’s Program, strengthens the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people (aged 6-18 years) who have experienced significant change or loss in their lives.

Catechumens take final step towards joining the Church

Catechumens from across the Diocese of Broken Bay took their final steps towards entering the Catholic Church, joining Bishop Anthony Randazzo in taking part in the Rite of Election.

The celebration of the Rite of Election was held on the first Sunday of Lent at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara.

During the Rite, the Church formally ratifies the Catechumens’ readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation and

their readiness to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church.

It’s also an opportunity for the Catechumens to publicly acknowledge their desire to receive the Sacraments and be received into the Church.

The Catechumens were joined by their sponsors, Godparents, family, friends and parish RCIA teams.

The Catechumens will now use the season of Lent to spiritually prepare for entry into the Church at Easter.

Plans Underway for Ignite Youth Conference in Broken Bay

One of the country’s most powerful conferences for Catholic young people, leaders and families will land in Broken Bay in September.

The Ignite Conference, featuring the theme “Wonder” will run from 28 September to 1 October 2023. It will be the third time it has been held in Sydney but the first time to be hosted by the Diocese of Broken Bay.

It is a conference that really does have something for everyone.

It caters for creche-aged children through to parents, teachers, ministry leaders, and parishioners.

Brisbane-based Conference Director, Kym Keady said on a recent visit to the Diocese;” Families, high school groups, young adults, as well as priests and religious from around the country travel to Ignite every year to be inspired, experience the joy of Jesus

and leave with a vibrant, renewed passion for their Catholic faith.

“Many people who have attended have spoken of experiencing life-changing encounters of God through four days of explosive main sessions, powerful preaching, inspiring workshops, dynamic music and the Holy Sacraments of Mass, Reconciliation, and Adoration.

“We are thrilled Broken Bay will be hosting Ignite this year.”

Plans are already well underway as the Ignite Conference is the month following World Youth Day and many students and young adults will be making the pilgrimage to Lisbon, Portugal.

“I am well aware of previous very successful Ignite Conferences, and I am also confidant that Ignite in Broken Bay will be four days of engaging main

sessions and workshops,” Bishop Randazzo said.

“For our World Youth Day pilgrims it will provide opportunities for them to continue their faith journey here at home.”

The Ignite vision is to see young people everywhere who are not just changed for a day, but transformed for life.

More details at https://igniteconference.com.au/

Catholics from across Australia.

Penelope’s motivation to touch the lives of those who are lonely or isolated

Penelope’s volunteering journey began over 16 years ago when her father was living in a nursing home in Canberra. “During my visits I’d notice the names of Dad’s visitors in the visitor book. The difference these people made in his life was so clear.” Months later when Penelope noticed an ad for CatholicCare’s Community Visitors Scheme in her parish bulletin it just seemed like the right thing to do. Penelope hoped that by volunteering her time she could give back what her Dad received.

Penelope is a volunteer in CatholicCare’s Community Visitors Scheme. Volunteers visit people in aged care homes and others living independently right across the Diocese. In most cases the people we visit are lonely and have very few family members or friends living nearby. Volunteers offer friendship and conversation.

Over the 16 years Penelope has been matched with six people, each of whom has widened her horizons and enriched her life in unique ways.

“The lady I am matched with now has both children and all her grandchildren living overseas. She is blind and really misses reading. We spend the first 15 minutes of each visit chatting and then I read to her. She chooses what we read, and I never know what it will be next week!”

Urgent Call out

Talking to people comes naturally to Penelope. “Volunteers can lend their skills whether it be computers or gardening, or something else. Look at the need, look at what you can contribute and just go from there”, she says.

The NSW State of Volunteering Report (2021) revealed that in 2020, nearly 4.9 million residents of NSW gave their time as a volunteer. Volunteers contributed over 1.5 billion hours in 2020, with individuals volunteering for an average of 5.6 hours each week. Volunteering has numerous benefits on our health and happiness, with “givers” being more than 42% more likely than non-givers to say they were “very happy.”

For Penelope, she sees herself as being somewhat of “a missing daughter,” a role that she treasures and doesn’t take lightly. “At the end of the day,” Penelope says, “it’s my Christian duty to help people. If you can make a little difference to the life of someone else, it is a blessing.”

Would you like to volunteer for an organisation with exceptional values? Are you passionate about achieving positive outcomes for seniors? We welcome you to take the leap!

Contact Nicki now on 0418 435 304 or visit www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/volunteer

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay is seeking volunteers for our federally funded Community Visitors Scheme

As a volunteer you will visit seniors in a local aged care facility or in their home and help improve their quality of life. Affectionately referred to as CatholicCare’s ‘friendship program’, you will build new connections and positive relationships with someone who will greatly appreciate your company. Our volunteers have flexibility to choose a day and time that suits them, we just ask for a commitment of at least one hour per fortnight.

Nicki Bispham, Volunteer Coordinator

P: 0418 435 304

E: nicki.bispham@catholiccaredbb.org.au

W: www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/volunteer

Living independently and kicking goals at Woods Cottage

When you first set foot into Woods Cottage – whoever you are – you are treated like an old friend. Part of CatholicCare’s Supported Independent Living Program, Woods Cottage provides individualised, in-home support to adults living with a disability. Alison, Susie, Jo, and Kay reside at Woods, and they couldn’t be prouder of their home.

Alex Jelodev, General Manager, CatholicCare Disability Futures says “in the past, people with disabilities were institutionalised and segregated. Now they can enjoy the parts of life that others get to.”

Alison has been living at Woods Cottage since 2011 and she enjoys a full and busy life. “I work at the Sydney Adventist Hospital two days a week, and I’m very social – I go on lots of outings.” During her time at Woods Cottage, Alison has thrived, largely

thanks to the staff who have helped her build her independence.

CatholicCare’s approach to Supported Independent Living prioritises choice, control, and autonomous decision making for clients. Studies show how important it is for adults with an intellectual disability to have autonomy over their daily activities and decisions.

“Each resident at Woods Cottage is treated as an individual with unique talents, interests, and goals. Staff draw out these unique qualities and support the clients to live a rich, full, and meaningful life”, says Alex.

CatholicCare Disability Futures is excited to be expanding its work in this space.

Our support team provides the support and supervision of daily tasks to develop the skills of an individual, so they can

SUPPORTED INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM

For those living with disability

Our support team provides the support and supervision of daily tasks to develop the skills of an individual, so they can live as independently as possible. These supports are provided to an NDIS participant in Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangements and Special Disability Accommodations (SDA) and include 24/7 support and supervision tailored to meet your goals.

MORE INFORMATION

P: (02) 9481 2600

E: sil@catholiccaredbb.org.au

W: www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/sil

live as independently as possible. These supports are provided to an NDIS participant in Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangements and Special Disability Accommodations (SDA).

CatholicCare currently provides SIL services to residents at Woods Cottage (Lindfield) and Kokoda House (Wahroonga). Manly House is an SDA property and we will open additional SDA properties in Toukley & Wyoming later this year. Register your interest now on (02) 9481 2600 or visit www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/sil. If you would like us to explore opening a property somewhere else in the Diocese, please let us know.

WYOMING Available May 2023

4 x 2 bedroom apartments

TOUKLEY Available September 2023

5 x 1 bedroom apartments

WAHROONGA

5 x bedroom house

INTERESTED IN ANOTHER LOCATION? Please let us know!

When you first set foot into Woods Cottage –whoever you are – you are treated like an old friend.

$60 per hour Short wait lists!

COUNSELLING SUPPORTS

Do you feel stuck – like there’s something you just can’t resolve on your own?

Counselling provides an opportunity to explore tricky life experiences or concerns in a safe and reflective environment. When feelings become overwhelming or confusing, counselling can be really helpful. We help you to face challenges and stressors, coming up with suggestions to tackle or resolve these challenges. We listen, talk through experiences and help you think about ways forward.

Everyone is welcome and we offer face-to-face sessions at our Artarmon, Brookvale, Tuggerah and Waitara based Family Centres as well as via telehealth.

We can help with:

DEPRESSION, STRESS & ANXIETY

SELF WORTH/ESTEEM CONCERNS

GRIEF & LOSS

FAMILY DYNAMICS

PARENTING DILEMMAS

SOCIAL INTERACTIONS & FRIENDSHIPS

FRACTURED RELATIONSHIPS

CONCENTRATION & FOCUS

TRAUMA & ABUSE

AT RISK BEHAVIOURS

Sessions are $60 per hour and a $20 rate is available for concession card holders. We are also an accredited provider of NDIS supports.

We are here to help

P: 1800 324 924

E: therapyservices@catholiccaredbb.org.au

W: www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/counselling

Calls for emergency relief surge

Wild weather, natural disasters, interest rate hikes and the rising cost of living has seen a spike in demand for CatholicCare’s emergency relief services. “Our requests for help have gone ballistic,” says Emergency Relief Lead, Kristy. “There are just so many people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. So much of their money goes towards paying rent that they can’t afford food and other essential items.”

For Rachel and her two children, CatholicCare’s emergency relief program helped them go from absolutely nothing to a home that was furnished and stocked with food. “Rachel and the kids had been victims of domestic violence and were homeless for a period of time. They eventually secured social housing but had nothing,” says Kristy. CatholicCare connected the family with another service on the Central Coast who had a warehouse of furniture – both new and second hand – and they were able to fully furnish the house. “We were able to pay for the removalist costs and assist with stocking their pantry,” says Kristy. “We also helped them with vouchers for clothes and things like that.” Through the support they received from CatholicCare the family were able to move forward with their lives. “I can’t tell you how happy they were,” Kristy says.

Last year CatholicCare provided emergency support to many households who were affected by the NSW floods. “We provided that support in a multitude of ways,” says Kristy. “In some cases, clients purchased things that were destroyed in floods but did that straight up without considering their other expenses. This then left them

short of money for food, fuel, and other essential items, so we helped them out with those. In other cases, there were clients who lost almost everything, and we helped them out with some of the bigger ticket items like fridges, washing machines and furniture. For some clients, they had to relocate because their home was no longer habitable, and they required assistance with paying for a removalist.”

In Laila’s case, she had been living in social housing and was required to relocate to a new house after significant flooding. “Her former house had been set up with a security system because of her experience of domestic violence,” says Kristy. “Laila was able to purchase a new security system but couldn’t afford an electrician to install it. We helped Laila pay the electrician fee so she could be safe and secure in her new home.”

Kristy explains that referrals are a big part of the team’s work. “Many of the clients we work with are also dealing with other issues such as homelessness, domestic violence or isolation.” The team take a holistic approach to every client encounter, listening to the caller’s needs, providing emergency assistance where possible and, if needed, referring them to other services for ongoing support.

A seemingly small contribution can go a long way to helping people get back on their feet. “It might be as simple as loading money onto an Opal card so they can get to an important appointment,” says Kristy. With no sign of interest rates or rents stabilising or the cost of living reducing, this team are bracing themselves for another big year.

For more information visit www.catholiccaredbb.org.au.

Stations of the Cross

Everything you need to know

The Stations of the Cross is a much loved and cherished devotion of our Catholic tradition that is prayed most especially during the Lenten season in our communities.

Numerous versions of the Stations of the Cross are available for a wide variety of contexts and situations, including, for example, Stations of the Cross for youth, children, families and the elderly. Some versions include suitable scripts and actions where the Stations of the Cross are enacted in some way to allow the moments

of Jesus’ passion to engage us in new ways and become more real and meaningful to each of us.

In 2022, the Diocese of Broken Bay developed two Stations of the Cross resources and distributed booklets to all parishes of the Diocese. One resource uses the traditional 14 Stations as found in most Churches. The other resource utilises the Scriptural Stations, based on reflections from Pope St John Paul II on Good Friday 1991 which draw on particular passages from the Scriptures, for each

Station. These two booklets continue to be available online.

This year, Evangelisation Broken Bay has collated a list of Stations of the Cross resources to make available a variety of options to our parishes, communities and schools. Resources featured come in different formats, including text and video, with some being freely available online whilst others are available for purchase. Within the suit of resources is a great Stations of the Cross resource for young people; it includes a script with actions, suggested songs along with accompanying PowerPoint slides.

It is hoped that this selection will allow a wider use of this devotion, in new contexts, and with new creativity, so that everyone can experience more genuinely what it means to follow and walk with Jesus at His most difficult time.

These resources can be accessed on the Diocesan website at https://bbcatholic.org.au/ stations-of-the-cross

A celebration of faith and service

More than 500 teachers and school leaders from Systemic and Congregational Schools in the Diocese, along with Chancery and CSBB colleagues, joined Bishop Anthony and clergy for the annual Diocesan Staff Mass recently in what was a great spirit of unity, and also recognition of many who have served Catholic Education for a number of decades.

Following the Mass, the Bishop commissioned and blessed the 23 newly appointed school leaders to

loud and welcoming applause from everyone present.

However even louder was the applause to all those who have dedicated their lives to Catholic Education over many decades.

Certificates were awarded to 13 men and women who have served in Catholic Education for 25 years; four for 35 years; 14 for 40 years; one for 45 years and one – Kendall Perriam from St Joseph’s College, East Gosford – for an amazing 50 years!

Catholic Education.

Director of Catholic Schools Broken Bay, Danny Casey, “We aim to inspire hearts and minds to know Christ and to love learning. I think we have seen wonderful examples of this here. I am sure every parents and every child is grateful for the gifts and talents that each and every one of you brings to our schools.”

Another highlight of the occasion was the beautiful Acknowledgment of Country by Michelle Moylan, Learning Partner: Aboriginal Education and three generations of her family.

A humble Kendall Perriam receiving his certificate for half a century of service to

Michelle Moylan (green dress) with her mother Cindy Noah, CSBB Aboriginal Support Teacher; sister Ava Noah, Year 6 student and Wellbeing Leader at MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale; and daughter Matilda Moylan, student at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Terrigal.

Bishop Anthony and Danny Casey with the new school leaders.

May23 Appeal

Your generosity with our Pastoral Works appeals has helped us reach further and wider in helping our community of Broken Bay, and more deeply connect us to the mission of Jesus. I am deeply grateful for your support.

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) supporting Catechists who take the Gospel to state school students

Pastoral Care and Hospital Chaplaincy

helping those who are vulnerable, experiencing loneliness or sick in hospital

Pastoral Works Broken Bay also supports: St Lucy’s School St Edmund’s College Ephpheta Centre K-6 students with disabilities 7-12 students with disabilities Catholic Deaf Community

Please donate generously for the May 2023 Appeal

Your tax-deductible gift supports vital pastoral ministries in our local community. Make your gift online at www.bbcatholic.org.au/pastoralworks

Most Rev Anthony Randazzo DD JCL Bishop of Broken Bay

Meet Nicolas Duran

The new Diocese of Broken Bay Development and Relationship Manager

What is your background?

I am Colombian. I was born in Bogota, but I have also lived in Paris (France) during my post university studies, between 2005 and 2009. I studied finance and international relations and have two master's degrees: one in human rights and humanitarian law and another in international cooperation for development.

Where have you worked previously and what kind of projects did you work on there?

I have worked in different sectors but mainly in the government sector (in Colombia) and with international development aid and human rights NGOs (in Colombia, France and Australia). Since arriving in Australia in 2016, I have worked with international organisations such as Libraries Without Borders (a French INGO) and UnitingWorld, the development agency of the Uniting Church. My specialty has been the implementation of social and human rights projects, fundraising and the establishment of public-private partnerships for development.

What’s one accomplishment in your career you’re most proud of?

One of the most important achievements of my career has been to help victims of the conflict in Colombia, to overcome poverty and support them in their reconciliation processes through socio-economic and human rights initiatives. Here in Australia, my greatest achievement has been to contribute to fundraising

for different social projects in the organisations where I have worked.

What drew you to your current role?

The opportunity to help faith communities through fundraising and sharing life stories that have enabled the Diocese of Broken Bay to contribute to improve the lives of others by promoting the gospel.

What are you most excited to do in this role?

that allows the Diocese of Broken Bay achieve its objectives of helping the community and to go further and compensate the financial challenges left by the pandemic in previous years.

What do you do away from work?

I have been married for ten years; I have two boys. The oldest is 7 years old and the youngest is 4. My oldest boy studies in a Catholic school and the youngest boy will start kindergarten at the same school next year. We love to make family plans, go to the beach, go camping,

Russian invasion of Ukraine hits one-year mark

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reached its one-year anniversary, with few signs the conflict is nearing its end.

On the morning of Thursday, 24 February 2022, Russia announced a “special military operation”, with air strikes and a ground invasion beginning minutes later.

Since the 2022 invasion the UN Human Rights Commission has recorded nearly 19,000 civilian casualties – more than 7,000 killed and nearly 12,000 injured. More than 12 million people have been driven from their home since Russian forces invaded their country and launched deadly missile attacks.

In its three decades of independence Ukraine has sadly seen many hostilities as it has sought to forge its own path as a sovereign state, including when Russia annexed Crimea and began arming separatists in the Dombas region in the country’s southeast.

Australia has played its part in helping those affected by the

conflict, providing $655 million in support, including $475 million in military assistance.

Australia has also granted more than 9,500 visas for people from Ukraine and nearly 4,500 of those have arrived in the country already, with some settling within the Diocese of Broken Bay.

A number of Catholic organisations have also been heavily involved in supporting people in Ukraine.

Caritas Internationalis has been providing hygiene kits for families, providing social workers to support displaced families, providing transitional housing to refugees, and providing emergency provisions to displaced families.

Aid to the Church in Need has also been providing support to the Catholic Church in Ukraine, helping them to remain on the ground and keep serving their flock in the face of war. Priests and religious are in turn able to provide support to many people, especially refugees, orphans and the elderly.

Financial support to both charities goes a long way in helping people displaced by the horrific war.

Any diplomatic resolution is certainly not on the horizon – but we can pray. Below is the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Prayer for Peace and Justice in Ukraine. Prayer for Peace and Justice in Ukraine

God of peace and justice, who change the hardened heart and break the power of violence, we entrust the people of Ukraine to you.

Protect them in this time of peril; let them know not death but life, not slavery but freedom.

You are father of all; we are brothers and sisters.

Give us strength to live that truth in love, choosing peace not war.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

More than 12 million people have been forced from their homes.

Since the 2022 invasion the UN Human Rights Commission has recorded nearly 19,000 civilian casualties – more than 7,000 killed and nearly 12,000 injured.

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

Catholic aid organisations send emergency relief to Turkey, Syria after earthquake

Catholic aid organisations have provided critical aid to help the millions of people in Turkey and Syria affected by massive earthquakes which hit both countries in early February.

On 6 February, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Turkey, and northern and western Syria, causing widespread damage and tens of thousands of fatalities.

More than 53,000 people have died in the disaster, 17 million displaced or homeless and damage has been estimated at well over $US100 billion.

Catholic charities Caritas and Aid to the Church in Need have moved quickly to provide support to the affected regions, supported by donations from across the globe.

Caritas Australia has raised more than $1 million for the Turkey-Syria earthquake appeal, to support the work of local Caritas agencies.

“We are deeply humbled by the generosity of our supporters, both

the supporters who have been with us for a long time, and those who have recently joined us after seeing the news about the earthquake. Their extraordinary compassion in the face of the unthinkable trauma experienced in Türkiye and Syria has been incredible,” said Kirsty Robertson, Caritas Australia’s CEO.

“Our supporters bring a light in the darkness to people when it is needed most. In times of catastrophe, our supporters stand by some of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and they send a message of love and compassion through their ongoing support. I am proud of the ongoing generosity of our supporters in these challenging times.”

Caritas is on the ground distributing urgently needed humanitarian aid including food baskets, blankets, mattresses, drinking water and hygiene kits to impacted families.

Several people in Syria have been sheltering in churches and Churchrun schools in Aleppo and Aid

to the Church in Need is helping them by paying rent. The charity has just approved a partnership program with the Joint Church Committee of Aleppo, which includes Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant representatives, to provide aid for temporary rentals for around 430 families affected by the earthquake.

The Melkite Archbishop of Homs, Jean-Abdo Arbach, has pleaded with Catholics across the globe to continue to support the recovery effort through prayers and donations.

“Let us hope the earthquake shakes open the hearts of the international communities and of all world leaders, so that they help Syria and do not forget the people who are suffering,” he said.

“The population is still in a state of absolute despair and anguish. There are people wandering through the streets, not knowing where to go, and desperately searching for family and friends. Many people have died or are missing.”

Terrigal’s Paulina Maniskas awarded OAM

Pauline Maniskas says she was surprised and overwhelmed when she found out she’d been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to the community of the Central Coast.

For more than two decades she has dedicated herself to people with a disability on the Central Coast while also volunteering at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Terrigal.

“I did an AIN course in 1999 and I visited Camp Breakaway at San Remo, a charitable organisation that enhances the lives of all peoples with a disability and allows respite for the carers and families,” she says. “It was there I found a calling to help make a difference in their lives.”

In 2005, Pauline became a founding member and secretary of Central Coast Disabled Surfers Association of Australia. She has also volunteered for Youth Off the Streets for more than two decades.

The OAM held special significance to her, as the quiet parting gift of a beloved friend.

“I found out I was nominated four days before my best friend of 55 years died,” she says. “Two days later I found out it was Yvonne that nominated me. She knows and is shining down on me from heaven.”

She says her Catholic faith has been a guiding light for her service throughout the decades.

“I have always felt part of the parish family even when I was a young girl of 12 or 13, my nickname being ‘Sister Mary’. My involvement at Star of the Sea Terrigal for the past 42 years just reinforces that,” she says.

“I also think ‘there but the grace of God go I’ in many of life’s situations.

I am also a firm believer that God will not give me something that I cannot handle. He will be by my side.”

The award has already brought increased attention to Central Coast Disabled Surfers Association of Australia.

“We held an event in early December with 40 disabled surfers and some 80 volunteers, then early February our numbers were 52 surfers and 152 volunteers,” she says.

“I think the attention to the cause

was significant in increasing numbers. My next project is more disabled parking for those 53 disabled surfers at the beach.”

Paulina Maniskas.

“I also think ‘there but the grace of God go I’ in many of life’s situations. After 22 years volunteering with Fr Chris Riley at Youth off the Streets, I’ve seen many of those life situations.”

A personal tribute to Michael Slattery

Michael Slattery passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Friday, 9 December 2022. He was a parishioner at Holy Name, Wahroonga Parish and had worked in the Diocesan Chancery for many years.

Fr John Hannon

I worked with Michael Slattery in the Curia Offices of the Diocese of Broken Bay, since around 2000. Along with him becoming a good friend and confidante, I found him to be a person always prepared to go well beyond the call of duty, in whatever task he was asked to fulfil, along with the love, patience, and support of his wife Bev.

His warm, encouraging, and friendly personality, and his commitment to following through were fundamental elements to his engagement with others.

His own background experience in earlier priestly ministry stood him in good stead. Bishop David Walker

Journey of St Paul Greece & Turkey

realised he had much to offer when he employed him to work in the diocese. When I parachuted into the wonderful community of St Patrick’s, Asquith as parish priest in January 1998, parishioners were still talking about Michael’s pastoral care and concern from decades before, when he was an assistant priest there.

Then there was his involvement in not only organising and supervising a program for overseas priests who came to work in the diocese, but also meeting and picking them up at the airport when they first arrived. He invariably provided a welcoming face to those who came in from other places and made them feel at home.

Michael was a man who passionately

Footsteps of St Mary MacKillop

Melbourne to Adelaide

and conscientiously lived his Catholic faith out in action, with perseverance and a friendly smile.

And so we do, dear friend Michael, keep you and Bev in our prayers, as we give thanks for your love and your life, commending you to the God whom you faithfully served throughout your life, with all its challenges and changes, twists and turns.

May you rest in peace, gone far too soon. Our thoughts are with Bev and family at this very sad time of grief and loss.

Commences 29 May 2023.

12 Days. With Fr Paul Monkerud

A breathtaking journey in the footsteps of St Paul and his companions through the Acts of the Apostles, to rediscover the faith and struggles of the early Christian communities. Also departs September 2023.

Departs 03 August 2023.

11 Days. With Fr John Greig

Set out together on a true Australian Pilgrimage through the life and times of St Mary MacKillop, as we rekindle the story, landscapes and spirit of our nations’ first Saint. Also departs May and October 2023.

TOLL FREE: 1800 819 156

www.harvestjourneys.com

Queen of Peace Medjugorje

Pilgrimage

Commences 12 October 2023.

9 Days. With Fr Andrew Grace

Healings, miracles and conversions. Endless streams of pilgrims over the years have come to receive these graces and return to their homelands renewed. Also departs April and September 2023.

Fr John Hannon is a priest for the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Michael Slattery.

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"Peace be with you!"