Broken Bay News August 2020

CELEBRATING VOCATIONS AWARENESS WEEK BISHOP ANTHONY RANDAZZO: GOD IS CALLING YOU. HOW WILL YOU RESPOND? / PAGE 2

BE THERE FOR ME VOLUNTEER CATECHISTS NEEDED / PAGE 5

THE ROAD TO PRIESTHOOD / PAGE 6 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS INTO THE FUTURE / PAGE 18

# 206 AUGUST 2020

BISHOP’S MESSAGE

DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY Diocesan Office: Tel (02) 8379 1600 Caroline Chisholm Centre Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd Pennant Hills NSW 2120 (Access off City View Rd) PO Box 340 Pennant Hills NSW 1715 bishop@bbcatholic.org.au

BBN / AUGUST 2020

God is calling you.

How will you respond?

By Bishop Anthony Randazzo

As Saint Paul VI reminded us when he visited Sydney in 1970, Australians are “an original people, the result of the meeting of people of very different nations, languages and civilizations.”

CHANCERY OFFICES Bishop: Most Rev Anthony Randazzo Vicar General: Very Rev Dr David Ranson

(Randwick Racecourse, 1 Dec 1970).

Chancellor: Jo Robertson Executive Officer: Kelly Paget

One of the great challenges that faces us today is how to preach the Gospel to such an original people.

Diocesan Financial Administrator, Director, Office for Stewardship: Emma McDonald Director, Diocesan Office for Safeguarding: Jodie Crisafulli Tel: (02) 8379 1605 Director, Marriage Tribunal: Adrienne Connaghan Tel: (02) 8379 1680 Director, Office for Communications: Selina Hasham Manager, Office for Evangelisation: Jenny Hildebrandt Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD): Alison Newell CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE Interm Director: Danny Casey Tel (02) 9847 0000 PO Box 967 Pennant Hills NSW 1715 CATHOLICCARE Executive Director: Tim Curran Tel: (02) 9481 2600 PO Box 966 Pennant Hills 1715 Children’s Services: Tel: (02) 9481 2660 Family Centres: Brookvale – Tel: (02) 8968 5100 Naremburn – Tel: (02) 8425 8700 Waitara – Tel: (02) 9488 2400 Warnervale – Tel: (02) 4356 2600 Foster and Residential Care: Tel: (02) 4320 7700 Mission, Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care: (02) 9481 2658 BROKEN BAY NEWS Editor: Melissa Loughlin Tel: (02) 8379 1618 news@bbcatholic.org.au Design: Edward Baricevic 14,000 copies of Broken Bay News are distributed bi-monthly 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.

Cover Image: The Hand of God, by Yongsung Kim (www.havenlight.com)

www.bbcatholic.org.au

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My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, Two of my favourite saints are Saint Paul and Saint Catherine of Siena – one the greatest missionary in the life of the Church, the other a profound mystic and spiritual writer. Paul of Tarsus, the heroic figure of the New Testament who proposed solutions to a chaotic world making Christianity an authentic instrument of change. Caterina, the woman from the city of Siena in Tuscany, whose political boldness to speak the truth to the powerful, influenced the Papacy, politics and Western history.

They were both faithful advocates of conversion, renewal and reform.

Neither one of these people ever visited Australia; neither of them knew that this great Southern Land even existed!

Australia – where our Aboriginal brothers and sisters have lived for thousands of years, moving over large tracts of land and living in deep harmony with nature.

Mapped and colonised by European people, Terra Australis de Spiritu Sancto was the name that it was given: in the Christian tradition, they called it after the Holy Spirit.

Australia is now a largely urban, modern and secularised nation, in which successive immigrations from Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania have contributed to make it a multicultural society. (cf. Ecclesia in Oceania no.6)

In our Catholic faith tradition, we believe that the Good News can only be known and understood through personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

A relationship with the person of Jesus happens through the witness of the Christian community. Moreover, history has shown us that one usually reaches Jesus by passing through the community of the Church. (cf. Pope Benedict XVI 22 Nov 2006) However, for Saint Paul the Christian community is not some cosy place where believers meet to feel good about themselves! It is, rather, where one is formed in the mystery of Christ and transformed into a disciple. It is where the obligation is placed on each member of the body to preach the Gospel, for Christ calls each to service as a disciple. (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:16) In a society where the Good News is not always welcome and where devoted service to the master is often shunned, this might all sound strangely countercultural. And of course, it is. However, being counter-cultural does not invalidate or neutralise the Good News.

It is precisely in this manner that we Christians are commanded to live the faith. It is in this setting that the Gospel is planted, takes root, grows from within and becomes a sign that God reigns on earth and in heaven.

BBN / AUGUST 2020

BISHOP’S MESSAGE

Why would anyone offer himself or herself for this work? Saint Paul guides us to the solution when he says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”

(1Corinthians 11:1) To be like Christ is our ultimate vocation. To be a disciple of Christ is how we live out that vocation.

Each one of us can be inspired by the great Paul in our discipleship. Lay women and men together with their priests, again to use the words of Saint Paul, “make a unity in the work of service, building up the body of Christ.”

(Ephesians 4:12)

Our priests too are an essential part of the community of the Church. The priestly vocation is one that is born out of the baptismal vocation. And so, when some question why would anyone make himself available for priestly ministry within the community of the Church, the answer is simple – he does not choose the priesthood, God calls him to the priesthood for sacred service to the Body of Christ. As I said when I ordained Fr Paul Tran to the priesthood at Gosford, “we priests more than others must be

willing to abandon ourselves to the will of God, so as to be completely at the service of God’s people.” (Ordination Homily 16 April 2020)

Brothers and sisters, when we were baptised we were admitted to the Christian community and each of us took on all the dignity and responsibility that entails. Baptism made us sons and daughters of God and called us to serve the community of the Church and to evangelise the world. Baptism imposed a duty on each of us, a duty of serving others.

Today just as Christ called his apostles to be his companions, he also calls you to be close to him. In the Christian vocation God calls some to married life, some to consecrated life, some to the single life, and some to ordained life and ministry as deacons or priests. Our vocation is first and foremost to be like Jesus, to imitate him, to be Christ-like, to be holy; to have a heart like his; to love the things he loves and desires; to reject the things he rejects. To be

Christ-like involves loving like Christ, caring like Christ, thinking like him, perceiving things with his eyes and having his mentality. It means to be understanding, compassionate, and merciful like Jesus Christ.

As individuals and as a community of the Church we will succeed in our imitation of Christ if we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, the prayer of the Church, the Eucharist and the Sacraments. Through prayer and discernment, wholesome relationships, and openness of mind and heart, our community of Broken Bay will learn that being an apostle of Christ demands generosity, enthusiasm and self-sacrifice.

God is calling you. How will you respond?

May Mary, Mother of the Church and Star of the Sea, pray for us and show us the way to her son Jesus Christ our Lord.

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

BBN / AUGUST 2020

Tomasz Juszczak appointed Director, Office for Evangelisation Bishop Anthony Randazzo is delighted to announce that he has appointed Mr Tomasz Juszczak as Director, Office for Evangelisation.

Originally from Sydney, Tomasz comes to the Diocese from the Archdiocese of Hobart, where he has been working for the past three years as the Director of the Office for Youth Evangelisation. Prior to that Tomasz was the Director, Catholic Youth Services in the Archdiocese of Sydney.

Tomasz brings with him rich and varied Ecclesial experience.

Apart from his work in the Archdioceses of Hobart and Sydney, he also has mission experience with the Sisters of the Immaculata in their evangelisation programs; he is an Acolyte; and has mission and faith formation skills in Church Sacramental life. Tomasz has also worked in various evangelisation roles within Catholic schools, University Chaplaincies and Catholic Agencies.

commitment to the support of parish life and ministry and his personal commitment to the community of the Church that affords me such great confidence in his ability to lead the Office for Evangelisation,” said Bishop Anthony.

Tomasz holds a Master of Arts (Theological Studies) from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Sports Science from the University of NSW. He is married and has three children; the youngest is aged four months.

Tomasz’s appointment will commence from Monday, 17 August 2020.

Jenny Hildebrandt will conclude as the Manager, Office for Evangelisation and return to her usual role as Executive Assistant, Office for Evangelisation on Friday, 14 August 2020.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to Jenny for temporarily managing the Office for Evangelisation,” said Bishop Anthony.

“Notwithstanding his experience and qualifications, it is Tomasz’ genuine creativity in evangelisation, his

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BBN / AUGUST 2020

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Be there for me: Volunteer catechists needed

By John Donnelly CCD Northern Beaches Coordinator

What motivates a person to be a Catechist in public schools?

How is it that someone continues to teach weekly SRE lessons for over three decades? Moreover, what has prompted such a person to stand aside from this rewarding ministry at this time?

Dorothy Fulton is one person who can answer these questions. She first answered the call for Catechists in 1981 at St Gerard Majella’s Parish in Carlingford just after leaving work in the insurance industry in Sydney. After five weeks as a helper Dorothy, went on to train and become a Catechist.

The students she taught at Carlingford and Murray Farm Public Schools would now be in their fifties.

When Dorothy and her husband David moved to Newcastle in 1984, she had just unpacked when she soon took up the ministry in local state schools in Waratah. Having known many Catechists over the years Dorothy believes people stay in the role because of their faith and their willingness to share it. Personally, she has been sustained by occasional precious moments shared with children in the classroom.

For almost 20 years Dorothy has been part of a faithful band of Catechists who sow the seeds of faith among the children of Woy Woy on the Central Coast.

“The kids in the schools today are not much different to 40 years ago,” said Dorothy. “Most are well behaved and happy to learn about God.”

Dorothy Fulton

Be there for me

SRE teachers will be required to do the usual Working with Children screening and a minimal amount of training including Safeguarding/Child Protection. There are also special pre-packaged lessons to assist new teachers to deliver quality faith education in an age appropriate and sensitive manner. This means no compromise of the standards schools, families and their children have come to expect from Catholic SRE lessons.

Catechists take the message of the Gospel to children and young people in public schools every week. It is a message of love, service and hope for them and their families especially in difficult times. There are 1,000 Catechists in Diocese of Broken Bay and there are about 90 needing temporary relief this term.

As we transition to the ‘new normal’, schools are reporting that children and their families are in need of reassurance, routine and resilience. Recent research has indicated that religion and spirituality can be formative in delivering these wellbeing outcomes. Could you make a difference to just one child or young person who is asking ‘Be there for me?’

The CCD in Broken Bay has launched a recruitment campaign “Be there for me” to find new volunteers that are able to help out in classrooms in our public schools while some of our more vulnerable or older volunteers stay home due to health concerns around COVID-19.

If you would like to volunteer and help our wonderful Catechists like Dorothy at this time, please contact your local parish and ask how you can become a temporary SRE teacher. For more information about the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), visit https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/parish-community/ministries/ccd, or phone 02 8379 1643 or email registrations@bbcatholic.org.au

While devoted to these students, Dorothy and others are taking a break during this COVID-19 time, to protect their health and that of their families.

Almost every parish is looking for relief teachers to fill in for the Catechists who are temporarily standing aside. Relief

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CATHOLIC YOUTH BROKEN BAY

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Sam French, Roger Delmonte, Bishop Anthony Randazzo and Aldrin Valdehueza as Roger is admitted as a Candidate for Sacred Orders, Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara, 7 June 2020.

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BBN / AUGUST 2020

VOCATIONS

The road to priesthood Three of our seminarians are in their final stages of formation. As they head towards their diaconate ordination, Roger Delmonte, Sam French and Aldrin Valdehueza reflect on their formation to priesthood.

Roger Delmonte Since I was eight years old, I thought of priesthood as a very special and heroic kind of living one’s life. I grew up witnessing Fr Ferrucio Leoni SJ, our late Jesuit missionary parish priest from Italy who built our parish church and school many years back in my home province, south of the Philippines. His great love for the poor and Indigenous people, value for education, dedication to prayer, sacraments, Catholic faith formation of his parishioners, his simplicity, poverty, celibacy and so on was truly extraordinary and inspiring.

Knowing him well and altar-serving him in his Masses for years, initially led me to appreciate who Catholic priests are and what works and ministries they do. I was always inspired by him and wanted to do at least some of the things he has done as well. I truly felt God was calling me to know, love, follow, and serve God more and his people through him.

My parents and elder brother were also very supportive of all the things I did in the Parish, as they were closely working with Fr Leoni as Catechists, Pastoral Council president, and Youth Minister. Serving in the Church indeed, was always part of our life as a family.

Hence, joining the seminary after High School was not really a surprise to my family, albeit with a little shock to my mother. Two years later, my mother became more encouraging and supportive of my decision to become a priest.

Roger Delmonte

After many years of studies, discernment and preparation to become a priest, I am now finally with excitement awaiting my Diaconate Ordination for the beautiful Diocese of Broken Bay. For me, the best part of the final stage of the preparation is the parish placement I am very privileged to be given at Hornsby Cathedral Parish.

It is where I am given a variety of opportunities and experiences not only to learn hands-on from what a parish priest and his assistants are doing in the Parish, but also to discover my own abilities, gifts and skills as a priest-in-the-making. It is not only dynamic and full of learning, but is certainly fulfilling and vocation confirming.

As I continue to respond joyfully with God’s call to the priesthood, I am always inspired by Christ’s words in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” More and more,

I come to realise that my sole desire to love Him and offer my life as a priest after His own heart, is actually flowing constantly from His first desire to love me and offer His life for His people through me.

Deep in my heart and soul I believe that God has prepared me well for a life and mission in the Church of Broken Bay. Since the first day I arrived in the Diocese, I immediately felt at home, adjusted and easily connected with everyone. Up until the present, I am constantly and truly feeling God’s peace, joy, welcome and encouragement from everyone I meet.

I never felt lonely, different, unwelcome or irrelevant. In fact, I always felt incredibly welcomed and generously supported.

With all these amazing experiences, I look forward to giving my whole life for the Diocese of Broken Bay as an 7/

VOCATIONS

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ordained deacon and priest in the near future, giving my all for the ministries and services of Christ’s beloved flock, spouse, vineyard, etc.

As a Deacon-to-be, I look forward to serving the Church as a minister of God’s Word with pastoral and spiritual services for His people. As a Priest-to-be, I also look forward to breaking open God’s Word with his people, administering His sacraments for His beloved people, and doing everything for God’s greater glory.

I hope and pray that young people will search more deeply God’s call in their life. May they find fulfilment in responding to it with a generous heart and courageous spirit, as I have been blessed to do, however unworthy I continue to be.

Sam French

Sam French I remember the exact moment when I submitted my last essay of my seminary journey. It was 9 June at 5:30pm when I hit ‘send’ on my computer. Usually, I had the satisfaction of slipping the physical papers into the essay drop-box at the Catholic Institute of Sydney, but since COVID-19 struck, everything was being done online.

Nevertheless, sending that email sent a wave of relief through my body. After years of university classes alongside the spiritual, pastoral, and human formation, the seminary aspect of my vocational journey was finally complete.

I had been looking forward to this moment for several years. For although the seminary is admittedly an essential aspect of the priestly journey, and has been vital to my own personal growth, at the end of the day, my calling was to serve the Diocese of Broken Bay in the priesthood, not to remain in the seminary forever. I will miss the time spent with my seminary brothers though. Especially the banter, 8/

the communal prayer, fraternity events and facing common challenges together. But the time has come to take the next step.

Reflecting on my time in the seminary I have come to a few important realisations. The first is that expectation does not always reflect reality. My external self-expectations walking through the seminary doors in January 2016 were sky-high.

I desired to leave the place with a sharp intellect, full of knowledge, and with a heart and soul positively overflowing with holiness.

I wished to break the back of every bad habit and walk tall with a confidence befitting a parish leader.

What I received instead was quite the opposite. The more I learned at university, the more I realised how little I actually knew about the theology and the riches of the Catholic faith.

The only realistic path forward for me is to humbly place myself in an ongoing stance of receptivity and openness to the intellectual masters both past and present.

The same applies – to an even greater degree – concerning holiness.

I have discovered holiness does not consist in me personally possessing or becoming something greater, but rather to get out of the way of what Christ is trying to do in me. This lesson has been learned through prolonged periods of profound spiritual dryness, and the realisation that trusting in God can often be very painful for the ego.

Where does all this leave me now?

Well, I am about to take up my first post-seminary parish appointment at St Agatha’s Pennant Hills – for which I am extremely excited. But, if you were to ask me whether I ‘feel’ ready to take on the next steps of ministry, my answer would probably be “no.”

The reason for this is that my feelings often reflect my personal estimation of my own abilities in light of what is needed by God’s Church at this time in history. Despite my personal misgivings, however, I do trust that I am ready. Why? Because Our Lord has led me this far despite my doubts, and I have no reason to think that he is about to stop leading me.

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I would ask that those reading this, please take a moment to pray for me and my seminary brothers Aldrin and Roger during this period of transition leading up to the Diaconate. That we may be given the grace and strength we need to respond to God’s will and have our hearts conformed to that of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Aldrin Valdehueza I moved to Australia in 2016 to complete my seminary formation for the Diocese of Broken Bay. From the very beginning of my time here, I found kindness and support. I never felt alone and unaccompanied in my journey. The Lord has gifted me with new-found family and friends. I could now say that the Diocese of Broken Bay is my home. It is a home where I would like to share the joys and sorrows, struggles and aspirations of every member of my Diocesan family.

VOCATIONS

On 15 July, I moved to the Parish of Our Lady of Dolours, Chatswood to be formed by the community. In my 10 years in seminary formation, I have realised that my call to priesthood is profoundly personal, but it is never private. Beginning in the Philippines until now, it has always been in the context of the community, that is, family, friends, parishioners, priests, seminary formators and brother seminarians. So, I am most excited to meet the community of Our Lady of Dolours. Also, I will remain grateful to the parishioners of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase, Epping and Carlingford, and St Patrick’s, Gosford who welcomed me with open arms and made me part of their lives during my stay with them. Finally, I pursued this vocation out of a deep sense that the Lord has called me to share the love that He has lavished upon me with others. It is clearer to me now that it

is in priesthood that I can truly fulfil our fundamental vocation which is to love God and our neighbours. For the young people out there who hear the small, gentle, yet somewhat nagging voice within your hearts about priesthood and the religious life, let yourselves be seized by Jesus and listen to Him in your prayers and in other people. Please bear in mind that you are never alone. You do not make decisions alone. Trust me, God will surprise you with indescribable joy and peace through the prayers and support of the community.

If you would like more information about Vocations in Broken Bay, please email vocations.ministry@bbcatholic.org.au or phone Michelle Chahine on 0418522449.

Now that I have completed my formation in the Seminary of the Good Shepherd and finished my theological studies at the Catholic Institute of Sydney, it is not surprising that so many people have been asking me about the ordination to transitional diaconate. I noticed the incredible excitement and the joyful anticipation from each one of them.

I am really excited for the day that I will be called to ordination to mark the beginning of my commitment as a deacon to a life of service for God and the Church in the threefold ministry of the Eucharist, the Word and charity.

However, I also feel fearful because alongside discovering my gifts and strengths that the seminary formation has accorded me, are my unworthiness and inadequacies. Please continue to journey with me in your prayers to sustain and strengthen me in times of doubt and uncertainty.

Aldrin Valdehueza

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

BBN / AUGUST 2020

Sr Mary Leahy rsj works with seafarers

My Life as a Port Chaplain

By Sr Mary Leahy rsj Reprinted with permission from the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart

The Sydney waterfront portrays a rich tapestry of maritime life and industry. It is always a colourful, sometimes funny and often harsh but never a boring environment to minister within as Port Chaplain.

My role mainly involves that of presence within the port, and I regularly play the roles of advocacy and mediation.

Welcoming seafarers is a major part of my days. This involves the visitation of cargo ships and their multi-cultural, multi-faith seafarers onboard.

Samuel Johnson the famous English writer once likened being onboard ships to “…being in prison with the added “bonus” of the threat of drowning…”

Seafarers are usually driven into the maritime industry because of global poverty. Those landing a contract usually do so because they are the cheapest labour in the market.

They spend most of their lives isolated from family and loved ones. Their work is insecure as they rely on one contract at a time. The maritime industry can be cruel in terms of registering ships in tax havens such as Bermuda, Liberia etc.

(AKA Flags of Convenience) where there is no regard for the seafarers’ human rights.

Along with all this exploitation seafarers live and work in constant danger due to bad weather, unseaworthy vessels and the threat of piracy and many other forms of abuse, with the fear of blacklisting if they complain.

Despite the best efforts globally to enact the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and other laws intended to protect seafarers’ rights, they remain out of sight and in international waters criss-crossing our seas.

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The reality of course is that 98 per cent of all commodities are brought to our shores by these people /seafarers. Most of what we wear, our white goods, computers, cars, farm machinery, food, medical supplies, fuel etc. Due to the demand for commodities the ships are obliged to move as quickly as possible which means that crews are denied the possibility of shore leave in any port.

This and many other conditions further exacerbate the isolation, loneliness which has detrimental effects on their wellbeing. The latest survey done by Yale university reveals that 20 per cent of seafarers contemplate self-harm. We can well believe this now that we know that four seafarers have suicided in the last few months alone.

The chaplains’ role of course is to welcome the stranger as encouraged by the Gospel. For me this means welcoming seafarers, advocating, lobbying maritime authorities on their behalf and promoting their human dignity and rights.

Working closely with the local and global maritime unions to respond to seafarers’ needs while in Australian waters and international waters is essential.

As port chaplain I also play a pastoral role with the other maritime stakeholders, wharfies, terminal managers, security, pilots and so on. I endeavour to promote the concept of providing a ‘safe harbour’ for arriving crews by developing friendships with all other sectors involved in the port operations. This develops a sense of solidarity and collaboration and kindness within the waterfront.

In my opinion seafarers are resilient and courageous human beings who sacrifice much for their loved ones. They are regularly the first responders at sea to rescue those fleeing from war torn countries. They work at great personal cost to educate their children in the hope of escaping poverty.

Let us salute all seafarers.

BBN / AUGUST 2020

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Liturgy of Lament All are invited to gather to pray together in acknowledging the suffering caused to our most vulnerable and to give public expression to our sorrow.

1 September 2020

7pm

Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral Yardley Ave, Waitara

The liturg y will be live streamed To watch: au rg . o . c i l o h t a c b b

For more information visit bbcatholic.org.au/safeguarding or call 8379 1605 11 /

CATHOLICCARE

BBN / AUGUST 2020

CatholicCare supports for those in our Diocese facing homelessness A person is homeless when they don’t have a fixed, regular or adequate night-time residence. They may be sleeping in a shelter, couch surfing, sleeping in cars or on the streets.

There is no situation that undermines human dignity more than homelessness.

The causes may be diverse but the impact is the same - a sense of hopelessness. In Australia, homelessness has increased 13.7 per cent in four years. An interesting fact most people don’t know is that only 6 per cent of homeless people sleep on the street.

Homelessness is not a choice but often an outcome of a traumatic unplanned event, or a significant mental health issue, and can be made worse by an unaffordable housing system.

There are many reasons people become homeless: • Domestic and family violence • Mental health or drug and alcohol issues • Lack of affordable housing • Marriage or family breakdowns • No visa status after partner/ marriage breakdown • Leaving prison 12 /

• Loss of a partner • Caring for young families reliant on welfare • Loss of work or income, and more.

Our specialist housing programs help people at risk of becoming homeless to stay securely housed, and those who are homeless to find and keep a home.

CatholicCare’s role includes: • Early intervention and prevention • Providing transitional accommodation and supporting people to find more long-term, stable accommodation • Working with individuals and families to sustain an existing tenancy • Providing practical, emotional and financial assistance • Providing information, referrals and access to other services • Providing support to find and keep a job.

In early 2019 the NSW Government signed an agreement to halve street homelessness across the state by 2025. Premier Gladys Berejiklian and the Minister for Social Housing at the time Pru Goward, together with service providers and the City of

Sydney, signed an agreement with a goal to fight street homelessness. This additional funding for the sector was good news but so much more needs to be done.

During COVID-19, we supported many individuals and families across our Diocese off the streets and into temporary accommodation. CatholicCare’s Specialist Housing Services (SHS) team commenced weekly outreach initiatives in the community teaming up with Link Housing and supported by local councils.

Unprecedented demand for services Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic our Specialist Homeless Services program was already experiencing unprecedented demand for services.

The most vulnerable were those who were not eligible for JobKeeper through their place of employment, overseas visa holders who were on temporary sponsorship visas and clients who found themselves without status due to family breakdown after domestic and family violence.

CatholicCare were delighted to hear the Together Home program announcement from Families &

CATHOLICCARE

BBN / AUGUST 2020

Communities Minister Gareth Ward in June. The Together Home program is the largest single investment to tackle street homelessness in NSW history.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve worked hard to keep rough sleepers safe. Now we’re working to get them into homes with the support they need to rebuild their lives. The fact that the Northern Sydney area of our Diocese continues to have one of the lowest percentages of available social and community housing is challenging.

Domestic and family violence impacts Domestic and family violence continues to be Australia’s leading cause of homelessness. During COVID-19, the industry was forced to adapt quickly to the challenges of women feeling anxious about the sharing of refuge accommodation with many choosing to remain in the home and shelter from the virus rather than from violence.

CatholicCare services remained operational with many clients being provided with safe phones to allow essential access during a time when perpetrators were at home. During this period many women were flagged with our local Safety Action Meeting coordination point - a system deployed to assist us in keeping women who are at the highest risk safe. Thankfully the easing of restrictions is allowing us to once again better connect with these women.

We have built solid connections with Social Workers within our local Emergency Departments which ensures we reach vulnerable women and families who have experienced domestic violence and have become homeless as a result. These relationships allow us to pre-empt their housing needs and action a timely response.

Our Domestic Violence Response Enhancement (DVRE) team work within preventative frameworks to reduce the

need for women and children to leave their homes and risk becoming homeless. This is done through security upgrades to ensure they are safe and can remain in the home. We utilise Victim Services to fund the cost of these security upgrades, working to have this approved as quickly as possible whilst also tapping into other “safer in the home” resources.

Case study 1 Stella has a 2-year-old child. She has no visa status and CatholicCare helped her leave a violent relationship. She has been residing in one of our sites and with assistance from her caseworker has been able to gain permanent residency, access to Centrelink payments, eligibility for community housing and other support packages.

Now eight months later Stella has been able to rebuild her life and has recently secured her own tenancy.

We are constantly in awe of the amazing resilience of our clients!

Case study 2 Tracey had been sleeping rough for many years, suffering several physical and sexual assaults during her time on the streets. Our housing team engaged with her over a 3-month period before she would accept any accommodation.

She wasn’t yet ready for a formal housing arrangement when we first met her. As we gained her trust, we were able to support her with transitional accommodation. Tracey worked hard on engaging with her caseworker and counsellor, and this has led to significant gains practically, emotionally and spiritually.

unable to live with her family. A few years later, she contacted us to advise she was homeless with an 8-week-old baby. We provided immediate accommodation in a motel for two nights until our Supported Temporary Accommodation program could take over. They were able to help Sarah secure a long-term tenancy that was affordable and close to family and she was referred to our young parents homelessness program for continuing support.

We have been encouraged by the Government’s overall response in the homelessness space to COVID 19 though we remain alert that once these subsidised measures are withdrawn, we will see a rapid increase in hardship. We are preparing for this to be experienced in September/October.

At CatholicCare we have a range of services to support people. Our staff are specialists in their fields with a wealth of knowledge who listen to clients and support them moving forward. In addition to the services outlined above we have: •

•

• •

A women’s refuge for those escaping domestic violence Short-term temporary accommodation services Specific supports for young parents Support for people in financial crisis via our Emergency Relief program.

We also have Mary Mac’s Place in Woy Woy which provides homeless or transient people with meals and a place to shower and wash clothes.

If you, or someone you might know, is affected by homelessness or needs housing support, please reach out.

Case study 3

P: 1800 324 924 www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/ housing-homelessness www.shoutamateaplate.org.au

Sarah had been supported by CatholicCare as a child when she was

Substitute names have been used for the case study purposes.

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NEWS & ISSUES

BBN / AUGUST 2020

Tim Curran appointed new Executive Director of CatholicCare Broken Bay CatholicCare, as the merciful arm of the Church, is often the face of Christ in the Diocese of Broken Bay. Its Executive Director is responsible for leading a Catholic mission focussed social services community that cares for people from all walks of life across our community of the Church.

With the departure of Mrs Lyn Ainsworth who temporarily assumed this role as Acting Executive Director for almost two years, Bishop Anthony Randazzo had begun a recruitment process to select a permanent Executive Director to work alongside the leaders of other Diocesan agencies in serving the broader work of evangelisation under his pastoral leadership.

“I am delighted to announce that Mr Tim Curran has been appointed to the role of Executive Director,” said Bishop Anthony.

Tim comes to the Diocese with significant leadership experience in social services. Tim was the Chief Executive Officer of LiveBetter Services for some 14 years. During that time, he led the organisation through a sustained period of growth, diversification, and change. This service expansion included the creation of affordable preschool services focussed on Indigenous children, early adoption of telehealth and accessible technology solutions for clients.

Tim was also responsible for establishing a care governance unit and research departments, as well as high level community aged care services, community transport and case management services.

Most recently Tim has held executive roles including the Financial Officer at Interim Group, one of Australia’s largest non-government social housing providers.

Tim holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Computer Science. He is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed studies in social change and development.

“Tim brings with him significant academic and professional achievements,” said Bishop Anthony. “It is also his alignment of his personal values with those of our Catholic teachings, his commitment to service, high energy and innovation in the delivery of social services that affords me such great confidence in his ability to lead CatholicCare.”

“Bishop Anthony has a clear direction and strong vision for the Diocese,” said Tim. “I look forward to working with him.”

“I admire the wealth of contribution that the Catholic community has provided over the last 100 years in the areas of health, education and welfare,” said Tim. “I’m attracted to the faith based and charitable spirit of the Catholic community demonstrated through so many volunteers giving of their time and resources to make a difference in the everyday lives of the people of Broken Bay.”

Bishop Anthony expressed his sincere thanks to Lyn Ainsworth who has led CatholicCare through a period of remarkable transformation to ensure its continued success.

“We are grateful for her contribution to our community and to the lifegiving ministry of care and compassion that CatholicCare provides to all.”

Tim Curran

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NEWS & ISSUES

Bishop Randazzo announces change to the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation Bishop Anthony Randazzo has made adjustments to the age of children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Broken Bay. In a letter to clergy of the Diocese on 9 July, Bishop Randazzo acknowledged the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the course of Sacramental Preparation Programmes across all parishes.

“I have been unable to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in the parishes of the Diocese at all this year,” said Bishop Randazzo, who has decided, due to ongoing uncertainty and for the sake of clarity for parents and families, parishes and personnel involved in preparing children for the Sacraments that he will not celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at all in 2020.

Formerly, children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation were seven years old, typically those in Year 2. For the future celebration of the Sacrament, Bishop Randazzo has announced that candidates will be at least eight years old, those who are in Year 3.

The change has been made after Bishop Randazzo consulted and received feedback about the Sacrament of Confirmation and after discussions with the Council of Priests.

“The practice of celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation with those who have reached the age of seven, typically those in Year 2, seems early for the most meaningful reception of the Sacrament,” said Bishop Randazzo.

throughout the Diocese taking place either in the first or second halves of the year, it will take the course of 2021 to 2022 to establish the consistent foundation of the preparation programme for children who are aged eight and older.

Bishop Randazzo also explained norms around who has the faculty to Confirm, especially regarding the various circumstances arising for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. With some exceptions, the bishop clarified particularly regarding the Confirmation of children, “I am the ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Confirmation and I do not wish this to be compromised by widespread delegation of this faculty”.

The Bishop explained he is aware of the practical implications for parishes during a period of adjustment but looks forward to achieving consistency across the Diocese as soon as is practicable.

“We have been through a great disruption that has affected parish communities in numerous ways,” said Bishop Randazzo, “and I acknowledge the many creative and innovative initiatives adopted by our people to keep the faith flourishing”.

“I am grateful for the way in which parishes will bring to completion this year sacramental preparations commenced in 2019, so that in the new year, we can resume the programme for new cohorts on a new premise.”

“Therefore, I wish to use the circumstances afforded us negatively by the pandemic to place our practice of Sacramental preparation, positively, on a new footing going forward.”

The Bishop has not changed the order of the Sacraments of Initiation being Baptism, followed by Confirmation and Eucharist. Under the new program, Reconciliation and Eucharist will therefore be celebrated by those who are aged nine and in Year 4.

“I regard this as the best and most sustainable way forward to address both the suspension of the celebration of Confirmation for the rest of this year, and to engage the unique opportunity with which we are now presented to bring Sacramental Preparation Programmes into the future on a different footing for children who are older and more able to appreciate the significance of their Christian Initiation.”

The letter to clergy announcing the changes, explained some of the implications on Sacramental Preparation Programmes.

With the various timings of the programmes across parishes

Bishop Anthony celebrating Confirmation at St Martha’s Strathfield, 2019.

Photo by Giovanni Portelli

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

BBN / AUGUST 2020

Dispersed for Mission

By Pina Bernard, Catholic Life & Faith Formation Team Leader

There is nothing quite like a pandemic to shake up our perspective and to see things in a different light. Having our church buildings closed, for example, removed a central piece in our operational setup. In my parish, the light in the church was kept on overnight, and as I drove past, I would longingly wait for the day when I would be able to re-enter.

But whilst the church building was closed, the Church was opened in a plethora of other places. It was opened when Christians offered a personal prayer to God or when they tried to participate as best they could in the live streaming of Mass. It was opened when parents watched a video on the Sunday Gospel with their children; when Lenten and Alpha groups met online; when rosaries were shared by families around the world via Zoom; and when palms were placed on balconies and doorways to say, “a Christian lives here.” Amidst much change, uncertainty and distancing, the one thing that has been constant is Jesus Christ. The centrality of Jesus is crucial to who we are and what unites us, and this has not changed.

When it came to Church, though, we were compelled to look elsewhere, away from just looking towards our church building and community as something to which we ‘come’, to turning around and seeing our Church community as something from which we ‘go’. We saw the Church more active in our homes, in our streets and neighbourhoods, as we found new ways to connect more personally with each other, and to pray for and practically care for the needs of those around us.

Being Church took place all week, not just on Sundays.

Author and speaker Alan Hirsch uses the example of a game of chess. When 16 /

starting to learn to play chess, it is helpful to remove your own queen.

Unable to rely on your most powerful piece, you need to learn how to best use all the other pieces. By analogy, without the gathering on Sunday, we have had to rediscover what all the other ‘pieces’ can do.

Hirsch asks whether we can rediscover a more dispersed form of Church. This is the Church that exists in seed form in every believer no matter where they are. Each Christian carries Jesus and his message of love, hope and salvation with them wherever they go. The latent potential in that single seed can, in fact, transform the world.

To Come and to Go Archbishop Fulton Sheen spoke about the Christian life as able to be expressed in two words: “come” and “go”.

At the start of John’s Gospel, Jesus invites the first disciples to “come and see” where he is staying (John 1:39).

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is often calling people to come and follow him and to learn from him.

We, too, can respond to this call, and can see our faith life as a life of coming.

We come to Church; we come to Jesus to be fed in Eucharist; we come to be part of his community; we come to grow and learn; we come for the rich sacramental life - baptism, marriage, funerals; we come to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to find meaning, hope and fullness of life. We should indeed come - this is how we worship God and grow as disciples. We come to know

who Jesus is, in relationship with him and his Church, and choose to surrender and follow him.

However, Jesus’ last words in Matthew’s Gospel tell us to ‘go’: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). In recent times, we have been much better at coming than at going out to make disciples. But evangelising and making disciples is our core mission and task entrusted to us – to continue what Jesus started. Jesus went often to the temple, but he also went to the mountain and to the sea, and to the next town, and across the lake.

He didn’t stay long in one place, but travelled about planting the seed of faith in as many people and places as he could. He met people where they were at, and loved them enough not to leave them there, but through his love for them, invited them into a fuller life.

A Clearer Focus on Mission This COVID-19 experience has allowed us to refocus more clearly on our core mission of going out. Now that we have had the experience of being scattered, it has given us a clearer picture of what a missionary mindset can look like. It is a recognition that all of us are on mission wherever we are. We all have a role. In fact, it has always been this way.

The Church has always existed in the people who take the message into the culture and world.

It has been said that it is not that “the Church has a Mission”, but rather that “the Mission of Jesus has a Church.”

The Church carries out its mission best when it breaks out into the world through each of its members.

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Leaven in the World A good analogy is that of leaven in a loaf of bread. We are like leaven, as we bring the Gospel by who we are, and in what we do and say. Our action can be a real catalyst that brings people to Christ. It is the Holy Spirit that brings about transformation in people, and we are essential co-operators in this work by our witness.

Sherry Weddell speaks of disciples as ‘living bridges’ who are the connection between people and the parish, between people and God. Each Christian can be a bridge that invites people to explore faith. Without these living bridges, many may not be able to access the Christian story. We become

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE a bridge through our relationships with the people right in front of us, who through us, see something that can draw them towards Christ. We become Jesus for the other person.

What if each person’s seed of faith was awakened? What if it kept growing, right where it was - in that family, in that workplace, in that neighbourhood? An act of love and care for a relative could lead them to better understand God’s love and care. An invitation to a lonely neighbour could connect them with the faith community and introduce them to Jesus. The sharing of my faith story and trust in God with an anxious colleague could give them some hope in difficult times and encourage them to find out more about this hope we have in Christ.

As Christians, we are the carriers of

the Jesus story, and its transmission depends on us. My seed will bear fruit when the Good News is passed through me to someone else.

Jesus tells us, “as the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21). The gift of COVID-19 has been to allow us to see this more clearly; to shake us up from a purely inward-looking, self-referential Church, to an outward-looking missionary Church. As well as in person, we have also been able to leverage technology to further allow the message of Jesus to spread into new territories and into new hearts. Now that COVID-19 has sent us out to new fields of mission, let’s continue to stay there.

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EDUCATION

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Catholic Schools of Broken Bay into the Future Mr Casey promoted the “strategy on a page” that captures the vision, purpose, priorities and values of Towards 2025.

The one-page strategy was a take-home for all participants of the day, who were encouraged to use it as a visual focus for all their work going forward.

On 3 July, Bishop Anthony Randazzo launched Towards 2025, the strategy for the Diocese of Broken Bay ensuring authentic, professional, Catholic education delivered with care and compassion to the 17,000 students enrolled in the Diocese’s Catholic schools.

On the last day of the school term, streamed live across 47 locations to 2,600 staff, Bishop Randazzo accompanied by Danny Casey, Interim Director of Schools, encouraged his people to inspire the hearts and minds of their students to know Christ, to love learning and to use their talents to be the very best persons they can be.

“Towards 2025 is a plan for a strong, vibrant and authentic Catholic education system in our Diocese,” said Bishop Randazzo, “one that promotes learning for life, and the flourishing of human and faith development.”

“We are committed to maintaining focus on our purpose,” said Mr Casey, “to collaborating in the mission; to applying evidence-based practice in all our endeavours and to delivering the vision as we strive to be at least as good as the very best.”

A visual marker of the strategy is a colourful logo which Bishop Randazzo explained in his presentation. The colours, cross, waves and beams of light all reinforce the key principles of the strategy.

“The Towards 2025 strategy is about us working together to strive for excellence and achieve something great,” said Bishop Randazzo. “The person of Jesus Christ, and his message of Good News is central to who we are and all that we do.”

The day was marked by interaction and discussion as those gathered with the bishop and those gathered in groups online, were invited to respond to the vision and offer their questions and feedback.

Bishop Randazzo and Mr Casey addressed some of the concerns which arose around the impact of a new agenda which inevitably brings reform and change. They assured staff that the well-being for the students, staff and families is of the highest priority and the values that underpin the strategy are for the good of all.

Those assembled in the primary location of The Light of Christ Centre in Waitara with appropriate social distancing, included principals and staff from Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School, Waitara and St Leo’s Catholic College, Wahroonga.

Jacinta Crowe, Principal of Our Lady of the Rosary, said “It was reassuring to hear such clarity around the strategy and to be given the opportunity to align our plans with those of the vision that the Bishop has for the Diocese”.

Key to the success of strategy is that the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) and school communities work in partnership to ensure alignment and unity of vision.

Bishop Randazzo reinforced the collaboration and co-responsibility required for this task.

“The Church is not a building” said Bishop Randazzo, “it’s a community.

Education is central to the mission in Broken Bay and you principals, school and CSO staff are among my closest collaborators.”

Bishop Anthony Randazzo launches the Towards 2025 strategy & Jacinta Crowe, Principal of OLOR Waitara. Photos by Tom Croll

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EDUCATION

C AT H O L I C S C H O O L S

TOWARDS 2025 PURPOSE

VISION

Inspiring hearts and minds to know Christ, to love learning, to use their talents to be the very best they can be.

Authentic, professional Catholic education, delivered with care and compassion.

STRATEGIC STATEMENT Under the leadership of the Bishop we are committed to maintaining focus on our purpose; to collaborating in the mission; to applying evidence based practice in all our endeavours and to delivering the vision as we strive to be at least as good as the very best.

STRATEGIC THEMES & PRIORITIES 1. EVANGELISATION & CATECHESIS

2. STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

• Mission Formation

• Academic growth and achievement

• Quality Religious Education

• Success for our students in all aspects of learning

• Communication and Engagement with Parish School Communities

• Innovative and evidence-informed practice to improve outcomes for all.

• Assessment of effectiveness/opportunity for improvement

STRATEGIC ENABLERS & PRIORITIES 3. GOVERNANCE • An aligned and balanced business model will inform policy and practise • Our decision-making processes will support our strategic priorities • Our staff will be supported to know understand and practice good governance

MEASURES VALUES

4. CAPABILITY & ENABLEMENT OF OUR PEOPLE

5. FINANCIAL VIABILITY

6. INFRASTRUCTURE & FACILITIES

• Capable, faith filled leaders

• Fees/Pricing

• Student centred leadership

• Budgets and Resourcing

• ICT Infrastructure to support learning

• Attract, develop and retain high performing personnel • Performance growth and coaching culture

• Short and Long Term Financial Planning • Grow Enrolments

• Enablement of othersunleashing potential (staff, students, parents)

• Capital Works Major and Minor • Repairs and Maintenance • Whole of System Budgeting

Measures of effectiveness indicating continuous improvement

FAITH

JOY

WITNESS

COMPASSION

COURAGE

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EDUCATION

Chicken Divas at St Bernard’s Kindergarten at St Bernard’s Catholic School, Berowra joined with schools around the country in the National Simultaneous Storytime recently.

The annual event was held online due to COVID-19 restrictions, but this did not hamper the children’s enjoyment of the story Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas by Lucinda Gifford.

The story follows Whitney and Britney, two gorgeous chooks who live a secret double life: by night they perform at the local jazz club as Chicken Divas!

The story was read online by several famous people, including Emma Watkins from the Wiggles, and the children used the story to get creative and make chicken divas using their hand prints.

“We put feathers and glitter on our chicken divas hand prints,” said Annie in Kindergarten.

“Watching the students dance like chickens, be creative with their artwork and watching the Auslan video of the story was just a wonderful experience,” said Mrs Cottrell, teacher at the school, who added that St Bernard’s looks forward to participating in the National Simultaneous Storytime every year.

“I loved reading the book,” said Evan, while Sebastian added, “My favourite part of the day was when Mrs Hutchins played chicken music!”

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Trainees Extraordinaire Year 12 student Lucy Martin from St Brigid’s Catholic College, Lake Munmorah was a finalist in the School-Based Trainee of the Year Award at the annual NSW Training Awards and took out the Encouragement Award for her dedication to her studies in Early Education.

Lucy Martin Lucy is undertaking a school-based traineeship, where she completes her Year 12 studies alongside a Certificate III in Early Education and Care while gaining experience at CatholicCare’s Waitara Early Learning and Care Centre.

“Lucy is an integral team member and she has formed beautiful, caring relationships with staff, children and families,” said Simone Weingaertner, the Co-ordinator at Waitara ELCC. “Lucy’s kind, gentle nature ensures she is loved, admired and relied upon to make a significant contribution to our service. Lucy has grown in confidence and works diligently to complete any task to a high standard.”

Lucy is also studying for her Diploma of Children’s Services, Early Education and Care.

“Lucy is an asset to our service and upholds the values and mission statement of CatholicCare,” said Simone.

Phil Cox, Education Officer – Secondary Vocational Learning & Curriculum at the Catholic Schools Office commented he was “thrilled with Lucy’s success and also offered huge congratulations to Jordan Wall from St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly for making it to the finals – another fantastic achievement”. Jordan is undertaking a traineeship at IGA Allambie in Retail Services under the guidance of Tim Emmerson the Retail Services teacher at St Paul’s.

St Bernard’s Kindergarten students

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IGA staff with Jordan Wall and St Paul’s teacher Tim Emmerson

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EDUCATION

Discovering Pathways to careers virtually

Messages of Hope and Love

Last term, in response to COVID-19, the Diocese of Broken Bay Pathways Program adapted and ran 40 Virtual Study & Career Talks online.

With the forced lockdown of aged care facilities and social distancing rules in place, many elderly residents have found themselves cut off from the outside world, unable to see their family or friends.

Expert presenters from universities, apprenticeships and gap year providers joined employers from a range of industries to present 40 live, virtual talks which had close to 4,000 views.

Many teachers used the virtual talks to support the curriculum and show their classes real-life examples of the subjects they teach.

Aged care worker Michelle said, “This has been a very sad and lonely time for residents. They are missing their loved ones. Now more than ever before they need a little bit of hope and love and to know that they are not alone”.

Wanting to show support for their elderly neighbours, students from of St John Fisher Catholic School, Tumbi Umbi and Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School, The Entrance came together creating the project ‘Messages of Hope and Love’ with the intention of bringing a little joy to the aged care residents.

Students from K-6 drew pictures or wrote messages for elderly residents, addressing each one to ‘Someone Special’.

“Residents were delighted to receive the messages of hope from students,” said aged care worker Rebecca. “It certainly brightened their day, there were plenty of smiles.”

Students also enjoyed being a part of this experience. Molly aged 7, was glad her drawing made someone else happy – a comment that was echoed by the many students involved in this altruistic project.

St Leo’s students participating

“It helped students understand the relevance of what they are studying, Cert II in Kitchen Operations in this case - and the direct link to industry and jobs,” said Megan, the VET Co-ordinator at St Leo’s Catholic College, Wahroonga.

“I particularly liked the fact they were only 30 minutes long and recorded, so that they could be viewed later.

My students and parents loved them,” said Juliana, the Leader of Learning Careers at St Edward’s College, East Gosford.

Students confirmed that they found the talks engaging and that the content supported them in making decisions about current subjects and their future careers. Parents also used the talks to spark career conversations with their children.

The Pathways team will continue the Industry Talks in Term 3, and will be made available to all secondary schools in Broken Bay and can be viewed on the YouTube Channel ‘Study & Career Pathways DBB.’

OLOR The Entrance students with their messages of hope for the aged care residents

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EDUCATION

Acts of Random Kindness During the pandemic, like many of our schools, MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale was faced with the challenge of engaging students in outreach while there were directives to stay home.

The JUMP program (Josephites Undertaking Mission Projects) and youth ministry group, YMCC (Youth Ministry at MacKillop Catholic College) joined forces to devise a new program, ARK (Acts of Random Kindness).

The intention of ARK, like the biblical story which gives it its name, is that the program will carry our community through the storm of COVID-19. Students were challenged to be the hands and feet of Jesus through acts of service and kindness during the pandemic.

On ANZAC Day, a number of students undertook ARKs such as creating ANZAC wreaths and baking ANZAC biscuits, and during Laudato Si’ Week, students completed ARKs that linked specifically to the environment, with some students creating their own garden or recycling projects.

In June, the annual Vinnies Winter Appeal was held with a difference – to comply with COVID-19 regulations, the entire appeal was socially distanced. Run by the Asquith Vinnies Youth Conference, consisting of current and former St Leo’s Catholic College, Wahroonga students, the event was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara.

BBN / AUGUST 2020

Wearing masks and gloves, the volunteers set up a drive-through system, where drivers could donate the much-needed food, clothing and blankets. Donations from the College Youth Ministry room were also added to the collection.

The Appeal was particularly important this year with many Vinnies shops closed due to COVID-19.

“Well done to the students and ex-students who planned, prepared and gave their time over the weekend,” said Deacon Adrian Gomez.

“They filled a truck with the donated blankets and clothes and had two car loads worth of non-perishable food.”

Laith, from Year 12, said: “Being a member of the Vinnies Youth Conference has opened my eyes and allowed me to volunteer in initiatives such as the Winter Appeal. The theme we had for our St Leo’s Street Retreat was based on Matthew 25, where Jesus says: ‘I was hungry and you gave me food to eat, thirsty and you gave me water to drink, naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in jail and you visited me. Whenever you do this to the least of my people you do it for me.’ This is something that resonated strongly with me. Being able to help the community is what Vinnies is all about.”

Current and former St Leo’s students helped with the Vinnies Winter Appeal drive-through drop-off service.

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BBN / AUGUST 2020

At St Cecilia’s Catholic School, Balgowlah they celebrate Good Sam Day each term to honour the Good Samaritan Sisters who founded their school. With their local St Vincent de Paul store asking for donations of baby products for families experiencing hardship due to the pandemic, the school donated nappies, baby food, bath wash and formula.

To add to the joy of giving to others on Good Sam Day, the school held a baby guessing competition. The students were asked to share a baby photo of themselves and had great fun trying to guess who the babies were.

EDUCATION

Celebrating Reconciliation Week Schools across the Diocese celebrated National Reconciliation Week last term, the theme being In This Together.

At Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School, The Entrance, children were asked to reflect on a recent selfless act of kindness – either their own or by someone else. They created artwork, poems and songs to respond to the theme and one of the artworks was selected to hang in the school foyer.

MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale began the week with a raising the flag ceremony. Students from years K to 12 then participated in a Reconciliation Week video to honour their cultural heritage.

“Reconciliation must live in our hearts, minds and be actioned by all Australians so we can move forward, creating a rich nation strengthened by respectful relationships,” said Marilyn Fraser, Aboriginal Education Worker.

“We need to commit to strive towards equity and understanding, fully respecting and sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’, histories and cultures both now and in the future.“

St Cecilia’s, Balgowlah students donated baby products to their local St Vincent de Paul

Students at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (OLPS), West Pymble joined other school and community groups, to volunteer with Hornsby community-led organisation The Dish, which serves three-course meals to the homeless and needy.

Parents and teachers from OLPS volunteered to cook and serve meals at Hornsby Pool with Leisa Liddelow, the coordinator of The Dish which is organised by St John’s Uniting Church in Wahroonga.

“The Dish provides our community with a rare opportunity to reach out to those in our community that are vulnerable,” said Emily Channell, the Religious Education Co-ordinator at OLPS. “It’s putting into action our faith as we live out our discipleship. The interaction between each other is just as important as the food.”

Christine Grima, a parent who volunteers with The Dish, said, “it has been a fantastic opportunity to live our Catholic principles of caring for the most vulnerable in our communities. We are all so busy with our families and work commitments, that it’s very easy to forget there are so many of our neighbours suffering. I have really appreciated the opportunity to contribute – even in this small way.”

OLOR The Entrance and MacKillop Catholic College students celebrate National Reconciliation Week

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NEWS & ISSUES

BBN / AUGUST 2020

“I am 97, going to heaven”

By Deacon Roberto Corpuz

In January of this year, I went to the Philippines to visit my Mum. When people would ask her about her age, she would say, “I am 97, going to heaven.” I was the one who had coached her to respond in this way. In the past, Mum and I would make up little rhymes to amuse people whenever they asked her how old she was. Some years ago, it was “I am 90 and I am mighty.” This year, it was “I am 97, going to heaven.”

Little did I know then that her life journey was truly coming to an end. Emilia Corpuz, my mother, went home to her Maker on 11 May, 2020. Her last weeks were spent in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic.

The memory of the two weeks in January with Mum remains a source of comfort to me. During that period, we enjoyed some wonderful bonding time together, sharing stories with each other and recalling many happy family events. We sang her favourite tune, “You are my sunshine,” many times.

The melody would always bring a twinkle to her eyes and a beautiful smile to her face.

In March, a cousin living in New Jersey, USA, contracted COVID-19 and had to be intubated in the ICU. It was then that we decided to start a prayer warrior group, with family and friends from all over the world connecting daily on Zoom to pray the rosary for her healing and recovery.

My Mum joined us occasionally in these daily prayers. While her condition was slowly deteriorating, my cousin’s health situation was gradually improving. Our prayer intentions became two-fold: for Mum and for my cousin. Over the weeks that followed, Mum’s condition continued to gradually deteriorate.

In the early morning of 11 May, my sister in the Philippines told us the news. Mum’s end seemed imminent. Through Facetime, I was connected to my Mum and started to pray with her. Though she had been previously unresponsive, when I prayed the Hail Mary, I saw her mouthing the words to this prayer. We repeated the Hail Mary a few times. Though her eyes remained closed, she was clearly praying the Hail Mary with me. The lines, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death,” were more resonant at that time than ever before. Gradually, I shifted the prayer to “Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.”

Mum’s lips moved to say this prayer a few times before she finally expired.

I feel so blessed to have been able to minister to her virtually in her last moments. That I could be with her in this way during the final stage of her earthly life has been a great consolation to me. Mum was, indeed, 97 going to heaven.

Deacon Roberto, his wife Yvonne and his mother Emilia, photo taken in January 2020.

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Broken Bay Filipino Chaplaincy soldiers on during COVID-19

By Cynthia Martin, FCCP Chatswood

The Broken Bay Filipino Chaplaincy hasn’t been able to congregate due to COVID-19 since their last Mass in March.

However, the restrictions and strict quarantine rules did not stop the Filipino Community Chatswood Parish (FCCP) from pursuing spiritual nourishment and supporting each other during very challenging times. They became creative in using technology to maintain connection and organised Zoom meetings to pray the Rosary together on the first Sunday of April and celebrate the 13th anniversary of the FCCP. Holy Week Services and Easter Celebrations were also different this year since no one could be physically present in Church due to the imposed lockdown. On the first Sunday of May, Deacon Roberto Corpuz, our Pastoral Coordinator, led a prayerful Liturgy of the Word also via Zoom.

Regular group meetings were held online and access to different Mass streaming services made it possible for everyone to feel connected to the bigger Church community of the Diocese of Broken Bay. FCCP communicated with the Chaplaincy through Facebook, Zoom, and Viber by posting updates about various online activities like Bible studies, Mass streaming schedules and relevant COVID-related fund-raising efforts.

Despite the lockdown, BBFC remained active in practical and spiritual ways.

With restrictions easing, the Filipino Chaplaincy Chatswood Parish had their monthly Mass presided by Fr Joey Frez on 5 June attended by 50 people after two months of strict quarantine rules. SBS World News featured FCCP preparing for the June Mass. St Kevin’s Church in Dee Why also resumed their monthly third Sunday Filipino Chaplaincy Mass on 21 June.

Our Lady of Dolours Parish used TryBooking App to enable parishioners to book in for a specified Mass time and OLD Parish Priest, Fr Jim McKeon was very supportive in giving FCCP access to this booking app as well. The FCCP Mass on 5 July was fully booked and those who attended Mass were very happy and grateful to be back in Church after three months of restrictions.

COVID-19 Safety plans, strict cleaning protocols and Guidelines from Bishop Anthony for the Celebration of Mass were followed accordingly. There was no fellowship and community socialising after Mass due to social distancing rules.

The Filipino Communities in Waitara, Gosford and Wyong have not resumed their monthly Chaplaincy Masses but hope to get organised in due course.

The Broken Bay Filipino Chaplaincy Charter was formally approved and authorised by Bishop Anthony Randazzo on 3 June 2020. Everyone in the BBFC continued their work in supporting the members of the community locally or overseas. Some offered financial support for a feeding program for hungry children in a Mission organised by a Jesuit priest in Manila; food parcels were donated to those struggling during the pandemic and prayer brigades for the sick were happening online.

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

BBN / AUGUST 2020

Broken Bay organist publishes a book of hymns

By Melissa Loughlin

“There wasn’t a pipe organ at the Australian Institute of Music, I had to audition at St Mary’s Cathedral,” said Christian.

Peter Kneeshaw, the principal organist at St Mary’s Cathedral, became Christian’s teacher and the Institute allowed lessons to take place at churches, including St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney.

Christian currently plays the organ in parishes across Broken Bay, including Hornsby Cathedral Parish, Lindfield-Killara and Pennant Hills. Christian’s long-term ambition is to be the principal organist at a parish.

New Catholic Hymns: 24 Hymns for the Liturgical Year is available to purchase online through Amazon.

Christian Castanos

Young Broken Bay organist Christian Castanos is now a published author! Christian, along with fellow organist from Canada Tate Pumfrey, has written a book called New Catholic Hymns: 24 Hymns for the Liturgical Year, published on 12 February 2020. In an online collaboration, Christian wrote the words and Tate wrote the music.

“We met through a Facebook forum for church musicians, so we’ve never actually met in person but we have talked on the phone,” said Christian. “There’s no fixed formula for how the writing happened, sometimes I would write the words first, or Tate would write the music first.”

“The book has quite a range of hymns, they go to various seasons or feasts of the Church year, as well as focuses such as the Eucharist or Our Lady.”

Christian has been playing the organ for 14 years and began playing the organ for school Masses at Redfield College when he was in Year 7. Christian had taken piano lessons in primary school and then moved on to the organ.

He also wrote his first hymn at age 11 for a family Christmas performance.

When Christian was in Year 8, he took his first position in a parish as an organist, at Mary Immaculate in Killara.

In 2017 Christian graduated from the Australian Institute of Music with a Bachelor of Music, majoring in classical music on the pipe organ.

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BBN / AUGUST 2020

NEWS & ISSUES

God is what we need

By Catherine Day

God. He could not understand why these terrible things were happening, but rather than walking away, he went searching for God. Job was rewarded for his faithfulness; he was given twice as much wealth, more children and lived a long and healthy life.

Through the eyes of one young woman, this series will explore what it means to be Catholic in the modern world and hopes to provide a fresh perspective on important issues of our time.

I have found myself with a man who, while he is a good man and grew up in the Church, is not a man of God. I’ve been asked time and time again, why would God give me someone who isn’t a Christian? After all, the Bible tells us not to bind ourselves with nonbelievers. It’s a very good question but I have found myself flipping it; why has God given me to him?

I have discovered, rather than being weak in my faith (something I always believe myself to be), I’m growing stronger – I’m searching for God more than I was, not because I question His existence but because I want to grow deeper in love with Him to continue to be an example of His love.

It is one of the easiest things to deny God. Life is hard and the world is full of evil. I have personally seen and had evil things happen to me, and let me tell you, it takes a lot of strength and courage to stay true to God. The Devil works overtime on God’s people; he throws everything he has at them to make them walk away from God. Think of Job from the Old Testament – he was a prosperous good man who had horrendous things happen to him (he lost his wealth, family and his health) but despite that, he never turned away from

Why do we stay believing in God? Firstly, we know God is good for us and being His children, sets us apart. Science has proven the physical manifestation of this difference. Andrew Newberg works in the field of Neurotheology and has shown, the brain of a religious person works differently than that of a non-religious person.

For example, a nun’s frontal lobe would light up when thinking of God while an atheist, even though asked to think of God, would not get the same brain activity. The study found that when people think of a loving God rather than a punitive God, it reduced anxiety and depression, and increased feelings of security, compassion and love. The study concluded that intense prayer and meditation permanently changed numerous structures and functions in the brain, altering our values and the way we perceive reality. Admittedly, Newberg was testing different religions, but the truth remains the same – thinking about God or contemplating the meaning of life with a Godlike figure in mind, brings with it physiological changes. Our brains function differently because of God. While Newberg might not have proven the existence of God, he proved that God is good for us. The world needs God – God gladly and freely gives us the tools to make the world a better place.

The destruction and pain we are seeing today is a direct result of the world turning away from God. We no longer value the dignity of the person; we only

give people our time and energy if they can give us something. We have become selfish, greedy and have turned away from God. Yet, at the same time, we blame God for our problems. Our problems are self-inflicted. We have given the Devil too much wriggle room and he is wreaking havoc. We need to own up to our mistakes; we created the mess we are in and the only solution, is God. We cannot do it on our own. People try it all the time and it does not work.

But why do we need God and what makes our God the right one?

Pagan religions have different gods representing different human needs and wants. Those gods require sacrifices, usually human, to be happy and give humans what they want. Our God is everything we need. The lamb sacrifices He asked for - and then the sacrifice of Christ - was not so we could get what we want but, it was so we could be in fellowship with Him. Our Christian God gave us a way to understand Him through Christ. Christ is the fulfilment of God’s promise to us.

Our God continuously searches for us because he wants us to be with Him. The parable of the shepherd is an example of this – when one sheep is lost, the shepherd leaves the rest of the flock to find it. We are loved more than we can ever understand. But that love, we cannot keep it for ourselves. We need to show the world that we are different, and we need to show them why. Not all of us are equipped with the tools of evangelisation and there’s nothing wrong with that. We simply need to live our lives the way God intended. Not out of fear but out of love. God’s love is different than any other love and it is what the world needs right now.

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BBN / AUGUST 2020

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD Diocese of Broken Bay

Send your Holy Spirit upon us, O Lord, that we may be holy.

In your mercy, guard and strengthen us to be disciples who witness to the Good News of Jesus.

Call forth from our community of the Church generous and loving shepherds after your own heart.

May they be zealous preachers of the Word; faithful teachers of the Truth; and devoted servants at the Altar.

Fill their hearts with love for you and your creation; open their minds to a lifetime of learning; and make them humble servants of your holy people.

For you, O God, are kind and merciful, and to you we offer glory, in your holy Church, now and forever. AMEN.

IMPRIMATUR: ď ˜ Anthony Randazzo Bishop of Broken Bay 24 June 2020

This prayer was composed by Most Rev Anthony Randazzo for the fruitfulness of priestly vocations in the Diocese of Broken Bay.

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