Broken Bay News June 2015

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B R O K E N B AY N E W S P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F B R O K E N B AY J U N E 2 0 1 5 I S S U E 1 7 6

Neighbourhoods of Grace – Holy Cross, Kincumber

Palliative Care

– putting patients back in the driver’s seat

Singing for the World Broken Bay records the WYD 2016 theme song

HEART TO HEART

Christian Marriage Reflecting the glory, beauty and love of Christ

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s I’ve been making my way around the Diocese, I am often asked what my priorities are. May I suggest that this is a dangerous question to ask a bishop, as he’s likely to give you an answer! As it happens, every bishop is likely to give the same answer: There is only one priority: to proclaim Christ, our crucified Friend and risen Lord. Of course, that’s not quite what people are getting at when they ask the question, but it is important to always place this answer at the beginning and end of all we do in the life of our local Church. Christ is the foundation of every vocation, task and service we undertake.

At the time of my installation, I stated that there will be four areas of focus that will influence how I think about the life of our Diocese: (1) parishes as local communities of grace; (2) Christian marriage and family life

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as a sign for our culture; (3) young people as the hope of our Church; and (4) vocations to priestly and consecrated life. With this edition of BBN, I’d like to start a conversation about #2, but doing so in conjunction with #4; in other words, Christian marriage and family life, and vocations to priestly and consecrated life.

A few Sundays ago (4th Sunday of Easter) we celebrated ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’, so-called because the Gospel is always taken from St John and his image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who sacrifices his life for the sake of the sheep. ( Jn 10.1-19) This image has traditionally been associated with priestly vocations. Hence, ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’ is often called ‘Vocations Sunday’. What this reminds us is that the Ordained Priesthood is a sign of the sacrificial love of Jesus, who gave his life for all. A priest is a visible sign of this sacrificial kind of love that Jesus lived out. At least, that’s what we as priests are meant to be.

However, the Good Shepherd is not the only image of the love of Jesus that Scripture leaves for us. Jesus is also called the Bridegroom (Mt 9.15; Jn 3.29), with the Church being his bride (Ep 5.24-32; Rv 19.7-9). This spousal image of Jesus reminds us that his love for us is not only sacrificial but also unifying. Christ’s love binds us to him in a marital way. Marital love – or, as it is spoken of by theologians, nuptial

love – expresses the way Christ seeks to unite himself to his Church, and the way in which the Church takes on the shape of God’s own life. In other words, Christ loves me (and you) simply for myself (and yourself ), and not for anything we can give back. Jesus delights in us; he desires our company; he wants to be united to us. Jesus loves us; and we are invited into this love.

Pope St John Paul II called this the ‘nuptial meaning’ of our bodies. We are privileged to reflect in our bodies a meaning that goes far beyond any crude scientific understanding.

Our bodies reflect the glory, beauty and love of Christ, and we have been made by God so as to reciprocate this glory, beauty and love. (By the way, we can see here why the Church has traditionally been referred to using the personal pronoun ‘she’. The Church is not an ‘it’, a thing that cannot respond in kind. Rather, the Church is ‘she’ who fully receives and reciprocates the love of Christ.)

In this nuptial image, we can see the bold purpose of Christian marriage. It is a sign of the love of Christ that binds and unites us: in his body Jesus gave himself to us, and in our bodies we may give ourselves to Christ. When a married couple bind and unite themselves to each other in the way of Jesus – freely, faithfully, fruitfully – then we have before us the visible, bodily sign of God among us.

HEART TO HEART life-calling can be in the family home. Just as in married life, for young men called to the priesthood and for men and women called to the religious life, Jesus the Bridegroom calls forth his beloved because he delights in them and wishes to share his life with them.

Of course, there is so much more to be said about the nature of Christian marriage and its role as a sign for our culture, but this is enough to get the conversation started.

It would be great if you who wish to be married, are married, or have been married could share this conversation about: • the image of Jesus as Bridegroom; • the nuptial meaning of our bodies; and • the three F’s of marriage with each other. So, over to you!

Please keep me in your prayers, as I promise to keep you in mine.

Allow me to say a brief word on those three ‘Fs’: free, faithful, fruitful. Jesus freely gave himself to us in the Incarnation, he faithfully offered himself for us on the Cross, and he fruitfully abides with us in his Holy Spirit. These are the same ingredients that go to make up a Christian marriage. A couple freely give themselves to each other; they faithfully live out that choice until death; and they show the fruit of their love, especially in their love making and child

bearing. When one of these elements is essentially missing in the very foundation of a marriage, then we do not call it ‘marriage’.

The more that we grasp these basic truths about Christian marriage, the more clearly we can see it as a vocation that God calls husbands and wives into. And the more clearly we understand that, the more powerful the vocations of priestly ministry and religious life become, precisely because we can already witness the joys that a total

Most Rev Peter A Comensoli Bishop of Broken Bay

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY P O Box 340 Pennant Hills NSW 1715 Diocesan Office: Tel (02) 9847 0000 Fax (02) 9847 0201 Caroline Chisholm Centre Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd Pennant Hills NSW 2120 (Access off City View Rd) officeofthebishop@dbb.org.au

CURIA Bishop Peter A Comensoli Vicar General Fr Vince Casey Co-ordinator of the Curia, and Diocesan Financial Administrator: David Penny Co-ordinator Office for Clergy: Anne Walker Marriage Tribunal Tel: (02) 9847 0458 Catholic Development Fund Chris Field Tel: (02) 9847 0748

Tweet others as you wish to be Tweeted On Sunday 17 May parishes across Australia celebrated World Communications Day, an annual celebration promoted by the Holy See.

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his year, the theme was Communicating the Family: A privileged place of encounter with the gift of love, and a letter from the Holy Father Pope Francis focused on communication within families and the work of the extraordinary Synod.

To mark the occasion, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference communications office has developed four new resources for use in parishes, including a new book about social media and its use.

Tweet others as you would wish to be tweeted: a Scripture-based guide to social media for the Church is written by Catholic journalist Beth Doherty.

It takes the command from Luke’s Gospel 6:31 to ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’. Throughout the 80 pages, the book describes the most commonly used social media platforms and provides

advice about how they can be used in the promotion of Gospel values.

Included on a new website developed for World Communications Day are downloadable prayer cards that can also be used as bookmarks featuring the reworked seven deadly sins and heavenly virtues applied to social media. These can be ordered as packs of ten from the website www.worldcommunicationsday.org.au.

There is also a Parish Kit that can be downloaded and printed out for parishes, that includes suggested homily ideas and prayers of the faithful.

An updated social networking policy for the Church in Australia is available, to assist agencies and parishes in their engagement on social media.

All of these resources are available at www.worldcommunicationsday.org.au

and can be used throughout the year in schools, parishes and agencies.

PARISH SUPPORT UNIT Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Director: Carole Gan (02) 9847 0560

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE Director: Peter Hamill Tel (02) 9847 0000 PO Box 967 Pennant Hills NSW 1715

CATHOLICCARE Executive Director: Deirdre Cheers 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) 4340 0786 Mission, Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (02) 9481 2658

SOUTHERN CROSS OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE Mr Gordon Crabb Tel: (02) 4372 1221

COMMUNICATIONS Broken Bay News: Editor: Annie Carrett Tel: (02) 9847 0724 / Fax: (02) 9847 0721 news@dbb.org.au P O Box 340 Pennant Hills, NSW, 1715 Design: Chris Murray 22,000 copies of the Broken Bay News are distributed monthly through 26 parishes and 43 schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay. The Broken Bay News is a member of the Australasian Catholic Press Association and the Australasian Religious Press Association. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply diocesan endorsement of products or services advertised.

www.dbb.org.au

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Our Neighbourhoods of Grace Exploring our missionary outreach

Neighbourhoods of Grace: Holy Cross – Kincumber

By Debra Vermeer Holy Cross Parish, Kincumber, is a neighbourhood of grace which is committed to creating a culture of welcome, outreach and faith formation, with the overriding aim of embracing local people with the love of Jesus Christ.

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he Central Coast parish is home to a broad range of people, from young families to retirees, from different economic circumstances and backgrounds.

It brings together people from lots of geographical peninsulas in areas such as Davistown, Saratoga, Copacabana, MacMasters Beach, Killcare and Hardy’s Bay.

A Warm Welcome Parish Priest, Fr Jim McKeon, says the parish, through its Parish Pastoral Council, is always looking at how it can reach out to people with the love of Jesus Christ, both to the wider community and within the parish community itself.

“We’ve asked ourselves, ‘how do we reach out and be Christ-like to the people around here’?” Fr Jim says.

Perhaps the first thing that parishioners and visitors to Holy Cross Parish notice is the warm welcome they receive.

“For instance, at Easter and Christmas, we have big outdoor Masses and we have a team of 20 people from the parish welcoming people and directing them,” Fr Jim says.

“It’s a simple thing really, but it makes real our commitment to hospitality and welcome.

“And at Christmas, we print invitations with our Christmas Mass times, and parishioners take a few of them home and put them in the letterboxes of

Holy Spirit Church.

the people in their street or give them to people. So we know that people in the local area are receiving an invitation to come to our church at least once a year.”

Outreach Another successful outreach activity of the parish is the Community Dinner – a free meal on a Tuesday night, from 6pm to 7.30pm, open to anyone.

Parishioner Carol Shields, who coordinates the Community Dinner, says it has been more successful than they ever imagined.

“We have, on average, between 70-80 people coming here for dinner on a Tuesday night,” she says. “Sometimes it is as high as 90.

“It’s a wonderful forum for parish members to get to

Gathered together.

know the people outside the parish, but it also helps form relationships and friendships among people who belong to the parish. People come along to Mass but they don’t always get a chance to chat to other people, so this is a great way of introducing people to each other and providing the opportunity for them to share a meal together.”

Carol coordinates four teams of 10 parish volunteers who all cook something for the dinner on a roster basis.

“You don’t have to be in need of a meal financially. Anyone can come. In fact we have a few young families who come.

They’re leading busy lives and this gives them a night off and the parents and the kids are bonding and getting to know each other. It’s wonderful,” she says.

Fr Jim says the Community Dinner (which takes a hiatus in the winter months) is also a great opportunity for local elderly residents who might be lonely, to get together and mix with people, while also enjoying a good meal.

“Some people do come to us via Vinnies because they need a meal, but others are elderly people from the local retirement villages who are sometimes widows or widowers and are experiencing some kind of loneliness or dislocation.

“It’s also a great way for me to get to know people, both parishioners and members of the wider community.

“And what has been really wonderful is the relationships that form beyond the four walls of the parish hall. We’ve had some of the people getting together with one another for meals in their homes, or go bike riding together, and we’ve seen real relationships forming and real community.”

Faith Formation

Parish Priest, Fr Jim McKeon.

Community dinner.

When Fr Jim arrived in the parish in 2012, he got together with the Parish Pastoral Council and started “with a blank slate”.

“We asked ourselves, ‘What is God calling us to in this parish community?’ And it became very clear, very quickly, that it was really outreach that we were being called to.”

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Our Neighbourhoods of Grace Exploring our missionary outreach

Celebrations.

That outreach wasn’t confined to people who might not come to church, but also an outreach within the parish community itself.

“We formed a Faith Formation Team,” says Fr Jim. “The aim was to get together a few fairly wise and mature Catholics to provide a coherent program of faith formation for adults.

“This formation would be available for new people, as well as for longer term Catholics, who might be feeling a bit stuck in their faith development.”

Chair of the Faith Formation Team, Adrian McInnes, says that by forming small groups and providing a range of different opportunities and activities, the parish is seeing a lively exploration of different aspects of faith and life.

“We’ve tried to meet a wide range of the interests of parishioners,” Adrian says.

“We wanted to provide opportunities for the young and the old, for a wide range of ages and experience, for people who’ve got Theology degrees and people who’ve walked in off the street, or people within the parish community whose background and experience in faith formation might not have been a rich one.

“So it’s about trying to offer good quality programs which attract people’s interest and engender community support.”

Adrian says the decision to embrace small groups as the structure for the activities aimed to enable the team to offer things at various times and places throughout the week, thus appealing to all kinds of people, from working

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Fr Michael at Holy Cross church.

people to retirees, young mums, and parents with children.

Among the activities on offer are book discussions, lecture series, a parish retreat, ideas for reflection in the parish bulletin, a women’s spirituality day, and an ‘App of the Month’ promotion to help people use the latest technology to explore their faith further.

“So far in the book club we’ve discussed Fr Richard Leonard SJ’s ‘Where the Hell is God?’ and we’re currently reading ‘Reaching Out’

by Henri Nouwen.

We’ve also discussed parts of Scripture, such as our series on Philippians,” says Adrian.

“We also have some offerings for larger groups, such as a series of talks given by Bishop David Walker on Thomas á Kempis’ ‘The Imitation of Christ’.”

Retreat In February, Fr Michael Payyapilly VC gave a three-day retreat for the parish on the theme of ‘Jesus, my friend’.

“It was really encouraging to see so many come along to hear him,” says Fr Jim. “The talks were held over three mornings and three nights so that as many people as possible could make it, with about 100 people attending each session. There was also Mass and Benediction. It really seemed to touch people’s hearts.”

Adrian says the Faith Formation Team also reflects regularly on what it is offering and undertakes further formation, including a current discussion on Sherry Weddell’s book, ‘Forming Intentional Disciples’.

“We’re just trying to provide a range of things that will hopefully tap into somebody’s need, somewhere, sometime,” he says.

For kids and families, Fr Jim says the parish is embarking on a new model of sacramental program, called the Family Sacramental Journey.

Parishioner, Mayo Tripolone, will lead the new initiative.

“We’re trying to deregulate it and move it away from a strictly age-based program to one which is based more on a one-on-one conversation with parents, to fit in with where they are at and invite them and their children more deeply into sacramental life,” he says.

Evangelisation On top of this, the parish intends to launch a range of new programs aimed at supporting parishioners in their own Christian outreach.

“We are going to hold an Evangelisation Masterclass where we’ll be trying to resource people who are on the frontline of evangelisation activities to have more confidence,” he says.

“For instance, through the winter months this year, we will hold baptism workshops for volunteers, to help equip and skill them to listen to somebody’s story and find a way to connect to something that might lead the person to God.” Fr Jim says these opportunities will be open to all volunteers within the parish, especially those involved in RCIA, prayer groups and sacramental programs.

“Of course another area of outreach is through our great

team of catechists who go out to the state schools,” he says.

“Those kids can sometimes feel quite isolated in their faith, so every year, we invite all the Years 5 and 6 Catholic kids in the local state schools to come to the Church. We connect them together with each other and connect them with something bigger than themselves.”

School Connection The parish also has a warm and close relationship with Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, whose students and staff are very much part of the parish community.

Some of the ways the school is involved in the life of the parish include organising special stage masses, where students take part in the Sunday parish Mass; participating in the parish fair and in parish sacramental programs, as well as by inviting parishioners to be active in the life of the school.

A recent project at Holy Cross Primary brought the wider community together in the spirit of the ANZACs. In late 2014 Kelvin Maxwell, one of the Year Six teachers at the school, applied for funding through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to celebrate the Centenary of the ANZAC. The school was awarded almost $4000 towards creating an ANZAC Memorial garden within the school playground. A further donation of $1000 towards the memorial garden was made by Senator Deborah O’Neill. Mr Maxwell had a vision to convert a garden space in the playground into a permanent memorial to the

School aged baptism.

Our Neighbourhoods of Grace Exploring our missionary outreach

ANZAC garden Kincumber.

many men and women who have served and who are currently serving our nation in the armed forces of our nation. What he did not realise at the time was that the creation of this memorial would bring so many members of the local community together as a team in the spirit of the original ANZACs. People from across the region donated time and equipment to excavate and create the beautiful memorial.

Completed in time for the Centenary celebrations, the school held a special dedication service on 24 April 2015, which was well attended by members of the students and staff of the school, many members of Holy Cross Parish, parents of the school and also Senator O’Neill, Lucy Wicks, the Federal member for Robertson and Adam Crouch, the State member for Terrigal.

During the service the garden

was blessed by Fr Jim McKeon and some of the students shared their thoughts about the soldiers landing in ANZAC Cove a hundred years ago.

CatholicCare Fr Jim says the aim of all the activities going on in Holy Cross Parish is to reach out and connect people to the love of Christ, as well as to support people as they grow and develop in faith.

“It’s a very welcoming parish, and an outward looking one.

At least that is our hope.”

Connecting to the wider community of the Central Coast is an outreach that also excels through the works of Holy Cross Catholic Primary and CatholicCare.

The Parish is spiritual home to Peter Brown, currently CatholicCare’s Coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy and

Trivia Night: Back row LtoR: Peter Brown, Mars Connolly, Cynthia Baillache, Li Lian Kok and Eric Hew; Front row: Laura Brown (Peter’s daughter) and Louise Brown (Peter’s wife).

Pastoral Care and previously, for more than 30 years, a teacher and counsellor in six Catholic secondary schools in both the Diocese of Broken Bay and the Parramatta Diocese.

“I believe my current work in pastoral care is my vocation,” says Peter “although my work for NSW Family & Community Services and Juvenile Justice has been a great rounding.

“I feel very privileged to be involved in this ministry for CatholicCare. It’s who I am and how I choose to live my life in my relationship with God. It’s a practical way to live out my belief in Christ and in the values of the Gospel.”

“My faith was built in my family of origin and is something I share with my own family now. I am very grateful that my family life, my working life, and my involvement in

my parish is very meshed together, very complementary.”

“Practical demonstration of faith is key to me. Fr Jim McKeon, encourages our parishioners to be actively involved in our faith community.

We recently attended the trivia night fundraiser at Holy Cross to raise money for one of our young parishioners to go to Zambia with a group from the Diocese to make connections with the parishes there. It is wonderful that these people are reaching out in this way, it’s how you live out the Gospel values that is important. In my case, it was my parents who were role models of practical Christianity, and the priest of my childhood parish, Fr Frank Vaughan from Normanhurst – who spread a message of building positive relationships and being of service to others.

Good Friday Procession 2015.

Holy Cross.

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NEWS & ISSUES

Pope Francis’ Hopes for the 2015 Family Synod

By Janette Davidson, Parish Support Unit Work has now commenced in Rome on the working paper (Instrumentum Laboris) for the 2015 Family Synod (Ordinary General Assembly of Bishops) which has the theme “The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World”.

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he Synod will take place in Rome from 4-25 October 2015.

The working paper will summarise the worldwide discernment process which has taken place since the 2014 Family Synod including input from the Diocese of Broken Bay via responses given by the diocesan community to the recent online survey (incorporated within a report from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference).

The working paper is expected to issue in June 2015 and will inform discussion/preparation for the 2015 Family Synod following which the Synod Report will be forwarded to Pope Francis to assist him in finalising guidelines for the pastoral care

of the family (to be contained in an Apostolic Exhortation expected to issue in 2016).

In speaking of the family and in particular of the Family Synod in his general audience of 25 March 2015, Pope Francis made the following comments: “The Church, for her part, is solemnly committed to care for the family…in good times and in bad: the bond between the Church and the family is sacred and inviolable. The Church, as a mother, never abandons the family, even when it is downhearted, wounded and humiliated in so many ways.

Neither when it falls into sin nor moves away from the Church; she will always do everything to try and care for and heal

it, to call it to conversion and to reconcile it to the Lord.”

“I would like this (Family Synod) prayer, as (for) the whole journey of the Synod, to be animated by the compassion of the Good Shepherd for his flock, especially for people and families, who for different reasons, are “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36). Thus, sustained and animated by the grace of God, the Church can be ever more committed and ever more united, in the witness of the truth of the love of God and of his mercy for the world’s families, none excluded, both within the fold and without.”

The Pope concluded his address by asking us all to prayer for the Family Synod and offered the following prayer:

Jesus, Mary and Joseph in you we contemplate the splendour of true love, to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: May all who have been hurt or scandalised find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth, may the approaching Synod of Bishops make us more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God’s Plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Amen

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process through which those desiring to join the Catholic faith prepare themselves for Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist with the help of the community.

Join clergy, RCIA teams, sponsors and parish RCIA supporters from around the State at the Biennial Conference for an exciting range of keynotes and workshops.

28 - 30 August 2015 CARolInE CHISHolm CEnTRE PEnnAnT HIllS For more information visit www.dbb.org.au

Early Bird registrations by 30 June 2015 at http://www.trybooking.com/HTGT Register by 15 August 2015

FAMILIES

Canonisation has Connections to Broken Bay

By Sharyn McCowen Australian relatives of a Palestinian religious sister who founded the Rosary Sisters in Jerusalem have travelled to Rome to witness her Canonisation 88 years after her death.

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aint Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas founded the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem in 1880 after witnessing several apparitions of Our Lady.

While Marie-Alphonsine, her two sisters and one brother pursued religious life, their remaining brothers married and had children.

Her niece, Catherine, went on to have nine children, six of whom emigrated to Australia.

A dozen Australians were among 120 relatives who made the journey to Rome from their homes around the world for the 17 May Mass.

Great-great nephew Fergus Walshe, his wife Veronika and their children, David, Peter and Angela, were thrilled to be among them.

Despite the logistical challenges of travelling with Angela, who has Down syndrome, Veronika was confident the hurdles were worthwhile.

“Pope Francis has a real soft spot for disabled children, so it was very special to be there with Angela,” she said.

Genevieve Swan, married to the nun’s great-great nephew Paul, described the Canonisation as “good news for our family and for the whole Church”.

She and daughters Felicity and Caitlin, who “bears a

striking resemblance” to the newly canonised saint, and their cousins were present.

Great-great niece Cathy Dennis, Broken Bay Parishioner and former director of the Sydney Archdiocesan catechumenate office, and husband Rob, Logos administrator at the University of Notre Dame, were unable to travel to Rome for the Canonisation.

In addition to caring for her elderly father, Cathy and Rob recently adopted two daughters.

Although her father has been unwell, suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease, he was “so deeply happy” at news of the Canonisation, she said.

“They have been praying to her for many years to help the family and others.”

“We’ve always had a family devotion to the rosary ... that faith in the power of prayer and the rosary and her unshakeable trust in God, even during times of difficulty and suffering, has inspired us spiritually. Her deep humility and patient charity with all people have been a great inspiration.

“Our Lady appeared to Saint Marie-Alphonsine and asked her to found the congregation ... and requested her to pray the rosary daily, emphasising the immense blessings and protection it would bring to their land.

“We can see in our own

family life that it has brought tremendous graces.”

Marie-Alphonsine died in Ein Karem, Jerusalem, in 1927 and was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.

In December Pope Francis confirmed that a second miracle had been attributed to her intercession.

The rosary – and Saint Marie-Alphonsine’s example of faithfulness and trust in God – have been a source of strength for Cathy.

It was “prayer, the rosary, and faith in God” that sustained Cathy and Rob as they bore “the cross of not being able to have children, and accepting that”, and rejoiced

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in “seeing what other paths God may have for you, and the amazing joy God’s path can bring that you don’t even realise could happen”.

“Saint Marie-Alphonsine has given herself wholeheartedly to God, faithfully responding ‘yes’ to all God asked of her, and that can help inspire us in our situations.”

Pope Francis also Canonised Blessed Jeanne Emilie De Villeneuve, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, and Blessed Mariam Baouardy, a Melkite member of the Discalced Carmelites.

(Article reproduced with kind permission from The Catholic Weekly)

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A 17 day pilgrimage departs 9th October 2015 with Fr Brian Connolly PP Be in Avila to celebrate St Teresa’s Feast Day in the fifth centenary of her birth.

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NEWS & ISSUES

Baptism: With great power comes great responsibility

by Michael McVeigh

(reprinted with permission: Australian Catholics; 22 March 2015)

Australian Catholics editor Michael McVeigh explains to his niece how baptism is the beginning of a heroic quest for God – for those brave followers who choose to accept it.

Dear Kayleigh, You won’t be able to read this for a few years, but as I’m about to be asked to welcome you into the Catholic faith I just thought I’d write you a message to explain to you what that means, and why I’m so proud to be your godfather.

By the time you read this, there have probably been many times when you’ve asked why you have to do the things you do as a Catholic.

Sometimes it might seem that God doesn’t hear your prayers, and sometimes the things you pray to happen don’t happen, and so you may have even wondered whether there’s any point to going to Mass at all. I just want to tell you, first and foremost, that it doesn’t matter whether or not you believe in God or go to church on Sundays – God loves you anyway. God loves you because you are a special person – a onein-a-billion-billion person. God loves every person in the universe in exactly the same way.

You know how it feels when your Mum or Dad give you a big hug, squeezing you so tight that you never want them to let you go?

Imagine the biggest hug in the universe – a hug that takes in all the people, all the animals, all the plants and oceans, the moon, the sun and all the stars in the sky. Imagine that hug envelopes you from the moment you are born to the moment that you die, and imagine that when you die the hug only gets stronger. Feeling that hug, that love, is what it means to be a Catholic.

There are going to be moments in your life when you don’t feel God’s love. But try to remember that God’s love will always be there, those big arms giving you a big hug, just as your parents and your Uncle Mike will always be there to give you a big hug even after you’ve had a fight with them.

Understanding your mission Even though God will love you no matter what you do, being a Catholic means you’ve been given an important mission. You’ve probably seen some superhero cartoons about heroes like Spiderman and Batman by now. Being a Catholic isn’t exactly like being a superhero – there are no awesome costumes (unless you become a priest or a religious sister) and no supervillains to fight. But it does give you a mission to help people, just like a superhero.

Your mission as a Catholic is to share God’s love with the world. You start by loving your Mum and Dad and your family, and trying to do good things for them when you can, and to listen and respect what they have to say (even if sometimes it gets in the way of having fun). This is usually not too difficult, because

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your Mum and Dad will love you back. But you also have to share God’s love with other people in your life – your classmates at school, your teachers, and others you meet. You do this by making friends and getting to know them, by listening to them and treating them as you would like them to treat you. This is the message that Jesus (who would have made a really good superhero) passed on to his friends.

But like superheroes, we Catholics also have a mission to help the rest of the world.

There are people in the world who haven’t had the many blessings that you’ve had. Some of them are living close to you, and some are living far away in other parts of the world.

God doesn’t have hands to help these people so we have to be God’s hands and do his work for him. In your life you’ll have opportunities to help people, to do something for people who are suffering and sad, who are poor and in need, or who don’t have anyone else to help them. The things we do for these people, these little acts of love, help open their eyes to the love that God has for them, so they too might feel his loving arms around them.

Earning your superpowers Of course, you can be loved by God and be a loving person without having to go to Mass each week. But what’s special about being Catholic, and going to Mass, is that you have a way to become stronger friends with God that other people don’t have.

When you’re baptised, you’re welcomed into God’s family and given your special role in God’s mission. Over time, you’ll understand more about that mission that God has given especially to you. You’ll find

that like Spiderman you have special gifts.

You might not have super strength or be able to spin webs, but you’ll have things that you can do that make you happy, and that make others happy when you do them.

One way to deepen your understanding of your mission and your abilities is to go to Mass every week. Going to communion helps you remember that God is part of you. Listening to the stories of Jesus they tell at Mass can show you what to do when you’re faced with difficult decisions. Praying during Mass can give you the chance to share with God some of your own difficulties. Being part of a community also means you get to meet and get to know different and interesting people – and no superhero can do their job without friends.

If you do this often enough you’ll find that you’ll better understand the special gifts God has given you, and that these gifts can help others far beyond what you could ever have imagined. You’ll never feel a hundred per cent ready to take on everything the world has to offer; but the more time you spend with God the less you’ll fear the awful things the world might throw at you. That’s because when you know your mission, and you’re really following it faithfully, what you’re doing is not just your work, it’s God’s work and has God’s own power behind it.

I’m proud to be your godfather, and welcome you as you embark on your special mission for God. Remember that being loved by God doesn’t mean that you’ll never get hurt, or face difficulties in your life, but it does mean that you’re never alone in those difficulties.

Whatever you do, wherever you go, God will be there already. Waiting with open arms.

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

New role to focus on Mission and Evangelisation Bishop Peter A Comensoli has appointed Mr Daniel Ang to direct a new Office for Evangelisation in the Diocese of Broken Bay.

T Members of the Bishops Commission for Family, Youth and Life with Executive Secretary Alison Burt.

New roles for Bishops of Australia

In May, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference appointed new membership to each of its commissions.

Our own Bishop of Broken Bay, Most Rev Peter A Comensoli, was elected to the Commission for Evangelisation as well as a new Commission for Family, Youth and Life.

The ACBC voted to divide the capacity of the Bishops’ Commission for Pastoral Life by establishing a new commission for family, youth and life during their plenary.

‘In order to reflect the growing importance of the Church’s care for youth, and support for marriage, as well as care for the lives of all especially the very young and elderly, the Bishops’ Commission for Pastoral Life has been divided, so that the new commission will give greater attention where it is needed most,’ said Archbishop Denis Hart, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.

Bishop Peter Comensoli’s Appointments: ACBC Bishop’s Delegate, Bishops Commission for Family Youth and Life; Bishop’s Spokesperson on Euthanasia; Chair, Australian Catholic Media Council NSW Bishops Chair, Catholic Education Commission NSW; Member, working party for restructuring the CEC; Chair, Committee examining Catholics Schools at the Crossroads

his newly created role will work towards driving the purpose and direction of the Diocese as an energetic faith community focused on the proclamation of our crucified and Risen Lord.

Daniel comes to Broken Bay having worked in the Diocese of Parramatta as Director of Pastoral Planning where he co-authored and co-ordinated the 2014 Pastoral Plan, Faith in our Future. He is also a teacher of ecclesiology, ministry and ecumenism at the Parramatta Institute for Mission, and holds a Bachelor of Arts/ Commerce from the University of Sydney and a Master of Divinity from the Sydney College of Divinity (SCD), undertaken at the Catholic Institute of Sydney.

“This is a wonderful appointment for Broken Bay. Daniel brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, and an energy and passion for building a spiritual vitality into faith communities,” says Bishop Peter.

“Daniel will be an ideal person to help me lead and shape our Diocese in the task of evangelising. The new office will work towards enabling us all to live out our mission in the service of the Gospel.”

Daniel commenced on 25 May, and is looking forward to engaging with the communities who live and pray at the heart of our Church.

“I am delighted to accept this appointment by Bishop Peter and look forward to meeting and working together with the clergy, parishes and people of the Diocese of Broken Bay.” “To proclaim Christ is the great joy of our mission as disciples. Evangelisation brings us to the deepest identity and vocation of our Church and I am passionate about furthering this work in the years ahead.”

Daniel Ang.

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NEWS & ISSUES

Palliative Care – putting patients back in the driver’s seat

By Debra Vermeer A diagnosis of terminal cancer or other life limiting illness is a distressing experience for anyone, but more recent advances in Palliative and Supportive Care are putting patients back into the driver’s seat when it comes to deciding how their treatment will unfold and how they and their family will experience the journey ahead of them.

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lthough a relatively new area of medical specialisation, Palliative Medicine has developed in recent decades into a sophisticated, patient-centred, multidisciplinary approach to care.

The World Health Organisation describes it as: “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual”.

It is this attention to the whole person that sets it apart from other medical specialities, says Associate Professor Natasha Michael, Director of Palliative Medicine at Cabrini Health in Melbourne.

“The WHO definition of Palliative Care is very explicit, that it is about providing holistic care, where you pay attention to the physical, the psychosocial and the spiritual dimensions of support and care to patients and families living with a life limiting illness,” she says.

“And it also talks about early integration, so that you see people early on in their disease trajectory, when they’ve just been diagnosed with such a condition, and you provide care through the illness continuum, and right through to the bereavement period for the

Natasha Michael.

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family. And that care is provided by a multidisciplinary team.

“In the old days, palliative care used to just be end of life care, and that is still the most common misconception, I would say, amongst both the general public and amongst practitioners.”

Dr Michael says many people are surprised when she tells them 50 per cent of the patients at Cabrini’s Palliative Care Unit are discharged home following admission to the unit.

“I always say that for many of our patients, we can’t really change the end point, although we have good data now showing that good symptom control can actually prolong life,” she says. “But what we can truly influence is how you experience your journey of care between now and that end point.”

The earliest hospices were set up in Lyon, France and subsequently by the Sisters of Charity in Harold’s Cross, Dublin, in the 1800s to care for the dying and destitute. More recently, Dame Cicely Saunders, a staunch Anglican nurse, social worker and doctor, launched the modern Palliative Care specialist area through her work in the UK from the mid 20th Century,

which involved both caring for patients who were dying and undertaking academic research into pain medicine and the various types of psychosocial and spiritual pain that people suffer.

“I think what makes us very different from other generic medical specialties is that our specialty arose out of a particular philosophical viewpoint – that you don’t care for the patient, you care for the person. We also put emphasis on differentiating between disease, which is a pathological state, and illness, which is a subjective and individual experience determined by the context of the experience.

And it goes even further than that, because the unit of care is the patient and their family, not just the individual,” says Dr Michael.

Dr Maria Cigolini, Clinical Director of Palliative Medicine at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, says many people’s fears of death and dying stem from bad experiences with the death of a loved one in the past.

“In the past, people didn’t really talk about dying and there were a variety of problems that would occur around death which would go unmanaged,” she says.

“Traditionally, whether easy or not, people would mainly die at home, with loved ones around them providing care, and the GP coming to the home. That’s the traditional view of dying.

“More recently, many people would die in the hospital setting when symptoms became difficult. But the acute hospital system is not geared toward speaking of dying and care of the dying, and so it was a different sort of experience.”

Dr Cigolini says recent decades have seen a rapid growth in cancer medicine, as well as treatment of other chronic diseases, such as heart and renal disease,

Sr Maria Cigolini.

NEWS & ISSUES meaning that people often live longer with progressive disease and develop more symptoms.

“But the amount of knowledge in the management of dying and management of best supportive care has also expanded exponentially over the last two decades in particular,” she says.

“Our role is to try to keep people symptomatically well and controlled to get on with their life, as well as being able to get through their treatments to prolong their lives.

“And, when the disease becomes refractory to treatment, then our role is to assist them in planning in advance how they want to be managed when curing the disease is no longer a priority.

“This would include considering such things as place of death, how they want things to be for them, as well as supporting them in the community to either achieve a death at home or to be kept at home as long as possible through community palliative nurses and doctors in cooperation with the GP and specialists.

And an important role is also to support relatives, friends and carers in their role to be able to live this part of their lives the best they can until death ensues.”

Dr Cigolini says that one of the most important aspects of good palliative care is that it can return a measure of control to a patient who might

feel their life had spiralled out of control upon diagnosis.

“It’s the imagined that is often the fear, rather than the reality,” she says.

“Providing best supportive care, adequate advance care planning involving the patient, notification of people’s wishes, and ensuring that there is a team of people to support the person as they approach dying and death, allows the person to again regain control.”

Patients can work together with the palliative care team to decide which treatments they will pursue and which they won’t, a position clearly supported by the Catholic ethical tradition.

“A patient is not required to undertake a treatment that would be futile or overly burdensome,” Dr Cigolini says. “So if the person has had enough and feels they are ready to go, in the Catholic tradition they don’t have to accept a treatment in case it might be life-prolonging. It’s not that they are killing themselves, it’s that they are not prolonging their dying. They might say, ‘I just need you to keep me comfortable no matter what is happening and just allow a natural death’, and that’s what we usually do.”

Both Dr Michael and Dr Cigolini say they do receive requests from patients for them to be allowed to end their life, but many people go

on to change their mind once Palliative Care commences.

“We get that sort of request from people when they are suffering, but often this is before we’ve actually started to manage them,” says Dr Cigolini.

“And the majority of people, once we’re started to manage them, then calm down and that urgency no longer exists and they feel able to interact with family or staff, they feel they are resting adequately and managing adequately. Sometimes the request comes from the relative and that can be quite tricky. We need to spend time supporting that person and ensuring we are meeting their needs, as well as those of the dying person.”

Dr Michael says an expression of a desire for death is very common in people with a life limiting illness, but it does not actually translate into a request for euthanasia.

“The most important thing we can do when people express a desire for death is to acknowledge it, to say it’s alright to feel this way, and then we need to unpick it for them,” she says.

“We need to ask them ‘what it is about your current state of being that is so unbearable that death has to be a better outcome?’

And then we can address those issues that they raise and help them get past that point.

“The majority of people are not trained to unpick

these things. And if you’re not trained, your natural instinct, if it is legislated, is to reach for the (euthanasia) needle.

“Legislation is dangerous on so many fronts. We talk about the vulnerable, the voiceless, but it’s also very dangerous on these grounds: When people are at their lowest point, they sometimes reach for something which has irreversible consequences.”

Dr Cigolini also warns against euthanasia, highlighting a range of dangers, including the way it changes the relationship and interaction between the doctor and the patient.

“The idea that you should be caring for someone and looking after them the best you can to ease the situation and keep them in control versus making a conscious decision to end someone’s life – it’s very different,” she says.

She says the experience of dying is just as important to the human person as that of being born, and Palliative Care can help people recognise it as such.

“With all the resources we now have and the human experience in dedicated social workers, psychologists, chaplains, therapists and wonderful nurses, this time of dying becomes a very human and whole experience,” she says.

“I feel we can really say that it is definitely possible to have a good death. It is possible and it is happening.”

New Education Campaign on Dangers of Euthanasia Catholics across Australia are being urged to learn more about the nature of euthanasia and the dangers it poses to society, with the launch of a new pamphlet exploring the truth and the myths of this life and death debate.

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pamphlet, called Real care, love and compassion – the alternative to euthanasia, has been released by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.

The Bishops are responding to a fact sheet released by the National Church Life Survey late last year, which found 22 per cent of church-going Catholics are neutral or unsure what they think about euthanasia.

“The Real care, love and compassion – the alternative to euthanasia pamphlet will help inform people about the dangers of legalised euthanasia”, said Bishop Peter Comensoli, the

Bishops’ delegate for addressing euthanasia. “This will help people to appreciate why practices of respect and care are always the better option for the dying.”

“Suicide is always a tragedy, and all people who are confronted by their mortality, whether or not they are mentally or physically ill, deserve our help and compassion, not a lethal dose. All people have dignity regardless of their health, age, disability, usefulness or other circumstance and deserve our love and support. A genuinely compassionate response will always look to dignifying the life of the person dying.

“Euthanasia is not just an issue of personal choice, because it always involves at least one other person. Allowing someone to cause the death of another is always an issue of public concern because it is a power that can so easily be abused. The evidence from countries that have legalised euthanasia, like Belgium and the Netherlands, is that some people are being given a lethal dose even when they have not asked for euthanasia.

“Catholic hospitals have a long history and expertise in offering high quality palliative care to people who are suffering.

Palliative care helps people to manage their pain and distress, allowing them to make the most of the time they have, especially with those they love.”

Real care, love and compassion – the alternative to euthanasia can be downloaded from the link below. Paper copies can be purchased at catholic.org.au/shop or collected for free from Catholic parishes.

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Divine Mercy Celebrations at Pennant Hills

By Greg Williams

St Agatha’s Parish, Pennant Hills held its annual celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday in the afternoon of the first Sunday after Easter.

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ith parishioners from surrounding parishes invited, a large congregation celebrated Holy Mass and participated in the recitation of the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, readings from the Divine Mercy Novena, Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image, Benediction and afternoon tea. Reconciliation was also available throughout the afternoon.

Beautiful sacred music and singing contributed to the prayerfulness of the celebration.

This annual celebration is always a very special experience, with small breaks between devotions for silent prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Parish Priest Fr Paul Durkin commented, “St Agatha’s has become one of the main centres for Divine Mercy celebrations in our Diocese, with many visitors coming every year to celebrate. I receive encouraging feedback from people who experience healing, reconciliation and conversion through these devotions.”

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In his homily, Fr Paul reflected on Divine Mercy being at the very heart of Jesus’ life and mission, which we celebrate especially in the Easter Triduum and throughout the Easter Season. On this Sunday, people gathered to celebrate and experience Divine Mercy in a special way, as inspired by the revelations of Jesus recorded in the writings of St Faustina.

Next year will be a very special celebration because it occurs during the Extraordinary Holy Year proclaimed by Pope Francis.

This ‘Jubilee of Mercy’ commences on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December 2015 and concludes on 20 November 2016, the Feast of Christ the King. Divine Mercy Coordinator Diane Scott said “The ‘Jubilee of Mercy’ will make the 2016 celebrations especially significant and we hope to see an even larger congregation on Divine Mercy Sunday next year.”

What is the Divine Mercy message in a

nutshell? We could quote from the Diary of St Faustina: • Ask God for His Mercy: “...be willing to talk openly with your God of Mercy who wants to speak words of pardon and lavish his graces on you.” (Diary #1485) and “ ... Do not lose heart coming for pardon, for I am always ready to forgive you. As often as you beg for it, you glorify My mercy.” (Diary #1488); • Be merciful to others: The Merciful shall be shown Mercy ... “three ways of exercising mercy – by deed, by word, by prayer.

In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy...” (Diary # 742); and • Trust in Jesus completely: “... if your trust is great, then my generosity will be without limit.” (Diary #548) and “...Your great trust in Me forces Me to continuously grant you graces ...” (Diary # 718).

For helpful information on Divine Mercy: www.divinemercy.net.au

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EDUCATION

Sporting Success for St Thomas Students Two students from St Thomas Catholic School in Willoughby, Ewen McConville and Mina Ferguson, have topped the state in their respective sporting pursuits.

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wen, aged 12 and a Year 6 student, finished 1st all round at the NSW gymnastics trials at the elite level for under 12s. He took out first place on high bar, pommel, floor and rings, and second place on parallel bars.

An accomplished swimmer as well as gymnast, Ewen also finished third in the 50m butterfly event at the Polding CPS Swimming Carnival in March.

He then went through to the State swimming championships at Homebush in early April.

Mina, also a Year 6 student and aged 11, who has been sailing at the Northbridge Sailing Club since the age of eight, has been sweeping various categories for sailing despite her young age.

Mina came sixth out of 127 boats at the National Championships in Fremantle in January, the youngest girl in the Open Fleet.

Most recently, Mina came 19th at the Victorian Optimist State Sailing Championships in the Open Fleet of fifty-four boats, with some of her competitors up to four years older than her.

Careers Day – Design and Construction Industry St Brigid’s Catholic College in Lake Munmorah hosted thirty students from MacKillop and St Peter’s Catholic Colleges for a Careers Day on 18 March.

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aynter Dixon Constructions approached the Diocese with the idea of running a Careers Day as they work on the construction at St Brigid’s, as a way of giving back to the community.

“The objective of the careers day is to link classroom theory about possible careers in the design and construction industry with a live construction site at St Brigid’s,” Matthew Greene, a design architect at Paynter Dixon, said.

He also said it was good for students to hear from professionals working in building and construction. “We hope that the students who attended the day were able to gain valuable insights into a real working environment and increase their knowledge of the roles and

responsibilities of those delivering the project.”

“The excursion showed us a different perspective of the construction industry and the variety of jobs involved.” Josh Irving, a Year Ten student at St Peter’s, said. “It was good to have a discussion about how we can do a job like theirs.”

Phil Cox, the Education Officer for Secondary Vocational Learning and Curriculum at the Catholic Schools Office, said that the Careers Day will become a regular event. “Given the success, we are looking to continue with a Careers Day each semester over the next three years,” he said. “The next one will focus on the building design industry which will hopefully encourage our female students to attend as well.”

St Agatha’s Celebrates Harmony Day Harmony Day was celebrated at a number of Catholic schools in March.

A government initiative for the last fifteen years, Harmony Day celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity.

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t Agatha’s Catholic School in Pennant Hills celebrated on Monday 23 March with children encouraged to come to school wearing their traditional cultural dress or colours which commemorate their heritage.

They could also choose to wear orange, the official colour of Harmony Day, to show their support for cultural diversity.

“It’s about respect and a sense of belonging for everyone,” said the principal, Kevin Bauer.

He explained that as students arrived at the school “the playground came alive with colour as boys and girls proudly wore the national dress or colours from their homeland. There were beautiful saris from India, satin dresses from China, kimonos

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from Japan and kilts from Scotland, as well as a number of children wearing the green and gold of Australia or the colour orange.”

The day began with a special liturgy which opened with the national anthem and a procession of flags from countries which represented the heritage of students who attend the school. Some children then read out prayers both in English and in their native language including Indonesian, Mandarin, Lebanese, Marathi, Filipino, Polish and Korean.

Grace Goh, a parent who has three children at the school and who attended the liturgy in the national dress of Malaysia, said “As a parent and a migrant, I really felt like I belonged”.

EDUCATION

Central Coast

Central Coast

Year 6 Cluster Masses 2015 Year 6 Cluster Masses are held each year in Term 1 throughout the Broken Bay Diocese to help to promote discipleship amongst students as they gather to reflect on their roles as leaders for that year and to support each other in their faith.

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ll three masses this year were celebrated by Bishop Peter.

The Central Coast Cluster Year 6 Mass was held at Our Lady of the Rosary, The Entrance with Bishop Peter emphasising our belonging as a Christian community growing together to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

Following the celebration of Mass the students heard some inspirational talks on social justice initiatives occurring in our schools from current and exstudents.

The North Shore Year 6 Cluster Mass was held at Sacred Heart Church, Pymble. Bishop Peter encouraged the students to listen for a special word or phrase from the readings that caught their attention. Using the students’ responses, Bishop Peter highlighted God’s love for us and our call to be ‘Disciples of Jesus’.

During the Mass, the message of Project Compassion was reinforced by a guest speaker who had travelled the world helping people in need.

The Peninsula Year 6 Cluster Mass was held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic School, Forestville. In his homily Bishop Peter emphasised the theme of reconciliation and the students’ roles as ambassadors for Christ.

The Year 6 students had been looking in class at how forgiveness and compassion can bring about a change of heart as shown in the parable of the Prodigal Son, the gospel reading for the Mass.

North Shore

Peninsula

Peninsula

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EDUCATION

Battle of the Chefs Seven secondary colleges from the Broken Bay Diocese recently took part in the inaugural Battle of the Chefs competition hosted by St Peter’s Catholic College, Tuggerah.

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he Colleges competing alongside their hosts were MacKillop Catholic College from Warnervale, St Leo’s Catholic College from Wahroonga, Mount St Benedict College from Pennant Hills, Mater Maria Catholic College from Warriewood, St Joseph’s Catholic College and St Edward’s College both from East Gosford.

Teams of six students took part from each school, comprising three Year 12 students to prepare the meal, and three Year 11 students to support and help clean up. Competitors

had just ninety minutes to prepare, cook and plate up one main meal and one entree or dessert, with judging criteria including personal presentation, hygiene, technical skills, work flow, and final product.

The judges were Keiron Brabender, Executive Chef from Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast and Sandra Stowe, Head Teacher Commercial Cookery and Hospitality Services from TAFE NSW, Ourimbah Campus.

All entrants were presented with certificates for their involvement; 1st place going to St Leo’s

Catholic College, Wahroonga, 2nd prize to St Peter’s Catholic College, Tuggerah and 3rd prize to Mater Maria Catholic College, Warriewood.

Judge Sandra Stowe said “I thoroughly enjoyed judging the hospitality Year 12 students and found it quite a challenge to distinguish the place-getters as everyone did so well.” With fellow judge Keiron Brabender commenting “it was a wonderful opportunity for the students to show off the skills they have learned in class and to experience some of the pressures of the industry.

St Brendan’s Wins Primary Interschool Robotics Competition Students from three Central Coast schools met at St Brendan’s Catholic School Lake Munmorah in March for the interschool robotics competition. ear 5 and Year 6 students from with the Year 5s at St Brendan’s, all-in-all two robotics challenges, working on their St John the Baptist, Woy Woy and seven teams entered across the schools. robots at lunch time throughout the term. The Our Lady of the Rosary, Wyoming met A total of eighteen students took part in robots were built from Lego and used motors, cogs, wheels and light sensors, with a limit of two motors and one light sensor per robot.

Both challenges involved creating a robot and designing a program so the robot would push plates off a 1.5 metre board. Whichever robot successfully pushed the plates off the table first would win the challenge.

In the Waiter Challenge, the plates were placed around the table in a square, whereas in the Sweeper Challenge, the plates were randomly placed on the table.

Year 5 students from St Brendan’s won both challenges. Ms Alchin, teacher and event co-ordinator said, “The students and teachers enjoyed the challenge so much, we have decided to complete a second one next term. The challenge will be slightly different and it will be held at Wyoming.”

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EDUCATION

World Youth Day – International Celebration of Faith Pope Saint John Paul II established World Youth Day (WYD) in 1986, with the first WYD being held on Palm Sunday in Rome.

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very two to three years, WYD is taken to an international host city for a weeklong series of events attended by the Pope and millions of young people from all over the world who unite in a pilgrimage of faith where they can encounter the love of God. The DBBWYD Krakow 2016 Launch Festival was held recently with great success, hundreds of young people from across the Broken Bay Diocese signing up to be a WYD Pilgrim.

The Launch Festival started off in the

Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara with catechesis, adoration and prayer, as well a rendition of the WYD2016 song “Blessed are the Merciful”.

The festive part of the evening offered market stalls, face painting, Polish food, Polish dancers and music. The atmosphere was truly amazing with over 600 young people dancing the night away.

Bishop Peter Comensoli officially welcomed everyone and asked them all to come on pilgrimage with him to Krakow, Poland

next year. This will be a unique opportunity for the young people of our Diocese to encounter not only the universal Church, but the local Church in Poland too.

Future Paralympian Begins Learning Goalball Mark Smith from St Martin de Porres Catholic School at Davidson is no stranger to challenges.

Like many Year 5 students, he has an interest in sports, and a passion for cricket and hockey.

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nlike most other students, however, Mark has both vision and hearing disabilities. This term, Mark will begin to learn Goalball, a sport designed for people with vision impairments. It involves teams of three aiming to throw the ball into the other

team’s net, relying on their sense of hearing and touch to play. The ball is fitted with tiny bells so that players can hear its location.

Mark is hoping that he will one day compete for NSW, if not Australia. He will also take part in the Broken Bay Athletics Carnival

this year, competing in the multi-abilities section, with discus his preferred event.

At school, Mark is learning the complex skills of reading and writing Braille. He uses his cane to move around independently.

Mark entertains his classmates by making up names for his canes: his current cane is called Curly; the last one was Larry.

When asked what he will name his next one, he laughs. “Mo, of course!” he says.

Mark’s learning is very important to him. When asked whether he encounters difficulties at school, he replies with confidence. “I am quite good at most things but sometimes it is difficult for me to hear the other kids in class.”

At St Martin de Porres, Mark is supported with resources which have been developed to complement the class activities. Some of these include tactile aids which have labels in Braille and three-dimensional models to assist Mark in understanding complex information Mark also participated in the schools’ cross country race, and is depicted practicing using the sighted guide technique before competing.

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COMMEMORATING THE ANZAC SPIRIT ACROSS BROKEN BAY

Australian Treasures Explore ANZAC Spirit The ANZAC story filled our news and airwaves throughout April in preparation for the centenary celebrations of the landing at Gallipoli Cove. or many, this ANZAC everyone gathered and the spoke of the levels of trust and tradition is a new experience audience was given a special respect in that relationship being – especially for those newly opening experience – young a true model for the world. arrived, for those from different Natalija Lambert performing At a time when the news cultural backgrounds, even ‘We Are Australian’. The standing seemed only to carry the Gallipoli for our young people. ovation was very symbolic of how story, there was discussion too To understand a little about deep the feelings of national pride whether we have the balance right all that ANZAC means for and community connection run. in how we celebrate ANZAC day. our community, the Diocese The beauty about the “I think that Aussies are so of Broken Bay/Parish Support ‘Conversation’ element of the pragmatic,” said Dame Marie Unit brought together two morning’s program was how “If we got too vainglorious Australian treasures for a oncewarm and personalised the stories there would be many Australians in-a-lifetime conversation on became. The flow between Dame to knock that out of us. It is still ‘How the ANZAC Legend Marie and Ray was relaxed about respect. We will not forget Speaks to Us Today? and spoke about the strong what those boys and girls gave It was a highly anticipated values of the ANZAC tradition up for us. We just want to know event for the two hundred-plus as a life-giving community that we don’t take these things people gathered at the Light identity for all Australians. for granted and we don’t think of Christ Centre Waitara to A particular point of note it is OK for young Australians hear former NSW Governor was discussion around the to die on a distant battlefield.

Dame Marie Bashir and increased involvement of the “Other countries have renowned television journalist Turkish community both here, difficulty in understanding and presenter Ray Martin and in Gallipoli itself, to build a why a day that commemorates unfold their ANZAC story. strong relationship around the a defeat is so entrenched in Bishop Peter welcomed ANZAC story. Dame Marie our psyche... It is because it is

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about integrity of values and not forgetting to say thank you. It flows over into all our lives.”

It was a memorable and moving event for all involved.

To view the conversation in full, visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=FvW8mYP0ONI &feature=youtu.be

Honouring the Fallen A commemoration service held at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School, Waitara, had some special visitors by way of the Governor of NSW, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley, and Mrs Hurley, Hornsby MP Matt Kean, Ku-ring-gai MP Alister Henskens and members of Hornsby RSL, who were joined by the parents, Ann and Graham Brown, and sister, Stephanie, of fallen soldier Special Air Service Trooper Jason Brown.

The service included a moving tribute to Trooper Brown who

We are all Australian B ishop Peter visited St Lucy’s on Friday 24 April and participated in an ANZAC Day liturgy where he sang and hand-signed to songs like “We are Australian”, conducted mini-interviews with the children on the microphone, and presented awards and birthday certificates. After the liturgy, the Bishop observed a

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musical percussion workshop led by the Musica Viva Schools program and toured classrooms where he watched morning prayers and learned about iPad communication. A tour of the St Lucy’s grounds took place before Bishop Peter joined Deputy Principal, Susan Jones and Head of Charism, Michelle Jones for morning tea.

was killed in August 2010 whilst on a patrol in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. Jason, along with sister Stephanie, was a former student at OLOR. Stephanie spoke about her happy memories attending primary school with her brother, how lifelong friendships were formed there and just how honoured his family were by the touching tribute.

As a commemoration of the ANZAC Centenary, a permanent ANZAC garden and sculpture by artist Linda Klarfeld will take pride of place in the school grounds of OLOR.

Principal, Jacinta Crowe said, ‘This memorial will give our students a fitting place to gather, pray and reflect, as we continue the tradition of remembering and honouring the spirit of the ANZACs. Trooper Brown’s inspirational story of courage and bravery has given our students a ‘modern day’ connection to the diggers, their sacrifice and their service to our country.’

COMMEMORATING THE ANZAC SPIRIT ACROSS BROKEN BAY

A tale of two Scholas; The ANZAC Centenary at Wahroonga parish

By Chrissie Goldrick

Anyone might have been forgiven for suffering a little bit of ANZAC fatigue as the 100th anniversary of the first Gallipoli landings this year. inding sensitive and James Goldrick, Assistant the Western Front in 1916. appropriate ways to Director of Music at St Stephen’s The morning’s liturgy has been acknowledge the milestone Cathedral, Brisbane, who grew equally graced by Year 8 Brigidine anniversary would have occupied up in the parish, was invited to student Natasha Williams’ the thoughts and plans of many bring the cathedral’s Schola, a sensitive trumpet playing. a parish throughout our Diocese, chamber choir of eight young The first half of the concert and beyond, in the weeks and professional singers, to Sydney dealt with themes of grief and months prior to ANZAC to present a program of music sacrifice and featured works Day 2015. Holy Name Parish specially chosen to reflect the

by John Tavener and Francis Wahroonga was no exception. solemnity of the centenary.

Poulenc, and notably premiered The parish acknowledges a The concert received the a new setting of the Stabat strong musical heritage and, Department of Veteran’s Mater by leading UK composer ultimately, it was through this Affairs stamp of approval as Matthew Martin. It ended with most powerful medium of an official ANZAC Centenary a reimagining of Allegri’s famous spiritual, artistic and emotional event and also its permission Miserere with its crowd-pleasing expression that the ANZAC to display the centenary logo. soaring top C’s and virtuosic vocal legacy would be honoured In Brisbane and Sydney, both embellishments. The acoustics at the former Dominican choirs worked hard fine tuning of the church’s granite sanctuary Priory in leafy Wahroonga. their respective repertoires. enhanced the pure unaccompanied The parish’s long-established James chose Tomás Luis de vocals and its famous barrel schola under the direction of Victoria’s Requiem or Officium vaulted ceiling further amplified Walter Sutcliffe, one of Australia’s Defunctorum, as the signature the sound. It was hard to believe most revered classical musicians, work of the concert. This that we were hearing just 8 voices. was tasked with preparing the highlight of Spanish Renaissance The choir performed behind a specially-commissioned Mass polyphony was to comprise the poignant display of photos and for the Fallen by Father Chris second half of the program. memorabilia of loved ones who Willcock and his setting of The concert began with an had taken part in all conflicts of Laurence Binyon’s Ode to the emotional rendition of the Last the past 100 years. The steps of Fallen for a special morning Post by 16 year old parishioner the sanctuary were also decorated liturgy led by parish priest Nathan Elliott on his greatwith 600 little wooden crosses Father David Ranson. grandfather Private Alfred provided by the Australian War A public concert was planned William Elliott’s 120-year-old Memorial upon which students for the same evening. bugle that he had played on from schools around the parish had written heartfelt messages of thanks to those who gave their lives in war. The crosses are to be distributed to Australian war cemeteries around the world.

The 230-plus crowd enjoyed homemade ANZAC biscuits in the interval before heading back for the second half and the technically challenging Requiem with its uplifting themes of eternal hope and salvation.

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The entirely acapella program was technically superb and emotionally stirring. The audience clamoured for an encore and gave an extended standing ovation to the youthful ensemble.

The parish’s own schola had reliably backed up and joined the team of enthusiastic volunteers that assisted with the organisation and catering for the concert, after having rendered their own choral contribution earlier that day with a very fine performance of the new mass.

Both choirs presented a musical version of the Binyon Ode, with soprano Julie Madden singing the solo beautifully in Willcock’s setting in the morning and the Brisbane Schola opening the concert with John Tavener’s expressive setting in the evening.

The concert was recorded

by Fine Music 102.5 FM to be broadcast at a future date.

The day’s events brought the Holy Name community together in a spirit of solemn reflection on the events of 100 years ago.

There was no jingoistic flag waving, just a shared need to set aside the day in honour of those who rendered the ultimate sacrifice mixed with a universal hope and prayer for peace.

We Will Remember Them

By Peter McGoldrick

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or the April dinner meeting of the Catenian Association it was decided to honour the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings by inviting a number of ex-service people from the Collaroy Plateau war veterans home to the dinner, and to put on a display of military memorabilia at the dinner at the Long Reef Golf Club.

The ex-servicepeople were led into the venue by a drummer from the Catenians and their records were recited by the past president of the Pittwater Circle of Catenians. Eighty three Catenians and guests were present. After the dinner the Ode was read and all rose and faced the west as the Last Post was played.

Membership of Catenians

Catenians and guests applaud the attending veterans.

is open to all Catholic men and more information can be

obtained by contacting Peter McGoldrick on 9972 0879.

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COMMEMORATING THE ANZAC SPIRIT ACROSS BROKEN BAY

100 Years 100 Boats – Collaroy Beach ANZAC Day 2015 As the Dawn Service was underway in Gallipoli, the spectacular sight of 100 surf boats landing on the beach at Collaroy commemorated the 100 years since the now legendary Gallipoli landings.

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outh Curl Curl Surf Life Saving club organised 100 surfboats crewed by Australians, Turks and New Zealanders to simulate the Gallipoli landings at Collaroy Beach to mark this special anniversary in an iconic Australian way.

After the surf boats landed, a member of each crew was handed a commemorative wreath, presented by a representative of a symbolic 100 schools. Crews then

returned to sea after the ceremony, raised their oars and presented the wreaths to the depths.

Ten of our Broken Bay Diocesan Catholic schools were privileged to take part in the ceremony: Maria Regina Catholic School, Avalon; Mater Maria Catholic College, Warriewood; Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic School, Forestville; St Cecilia’s Catholic School, Balgowlah; St John the Apostle Catholic

School, Narraweena; St Joseph’s Catholic School, Narrabeen; St Kieran’s Catholic School, Manly Vale; St Martin’s Catholic School, Davidson; St Mary’s Catholic School, Manly and St Rose Catholic School, Collaroy Plateau.

In the lead up to ANZAC Day the schools researched and recaptured, in creative essays, the actions of the ANZAC and Turkish forces involved in the conflict.

The writings and research were displayed at Collaroy Beach on this very special day of commemoration.

As a thank you to the participating schools, a pine sapling that is a genetic descendant of the pine trees from the battle of ‘Lone Pine’ at Gallipoli was presented to each participating school.

Emotional Ceremony at St Augustine’s

On Friday 24 April St Augustine’s College Brookvale held a special ANZAC ceremony for their 1250 students, staff and invited guests, acknowledging the ideals of sacrifice and mateship forged by ANZACS and shared by all Australians.

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t has recently been written that the men and women who created the ‘digger’ legend were mythical in character, but now have become real and represent each of us. The sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps parallels and serves to respect all that Jesus taught us through his passion, suffering, death and his resurrection so that we might have a new life.

The emotional ceremony included a Laying of the Wreath, the Last Post, lowering of the flag followed by a minute’s silence, a liturgy and singing, including three Year 5 boy sopranos, Sean Mulligan, Sebastian Sollo and James Morgan who sang Pie Jesu. A highlight of the event included the blessing of the Centenary Cross, a 19th century French cast iron cross from a decommissioned gravesite on the battlegrounds in northern France, near Amien, a site near Villers/Bretonneux and also close

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to the Battle of Somme where thousands of Australian soldiers lost their lives. The cross was blessed and now has a new home on Australian soil at the College.

All staff and students were given a commemorative ANZAC coin and proudly

wore their ANZAC lapel pins and a sprig of rosemary. After the event all students were given an ANZAC biscuit.

Special guests included the Hon Brad Hazzard (Minister for Family, Community Services and Social Housing

and Member for Wakehurst), David McLean (Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s office), Michael Regan (Mayor of Warringah), Steve Pickering (Deputy Mayor of Manly), and representatives (Old Boys and staff ) from the Australian Armed Services.

COMMEMORATING THE ANZAC SPIRIT ACROSS BROKEN BAY

Forever in our thoughts The students of St Agatha’s Catholic School, Pennant Hills commemorated ANZAC Day with a moving Liturgy.

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he Australian War Memorial, as part of their Commemorative Crosses Project over the Centenary years, 2014 – 2018, gave each student a commemorative wooden cross on which they wrote a message of hope and thanks to all who have served our country in war. Some of the messages included: “forever in our thoughts, forever in our hearts”; “let the spirit of the ANZAC’s live on”; “you did us

proud”; and “thank you for saving our country and being brave”.

As a memorial to our soldiers, St Agatha’s set up a special area where these messages were laid out in the form of a cross and the students then paid their respects during quiet reflection.

These messages will now be sent overseas by the Australian War Memorial to the graves of soldiers in countries such as Turkey, France, Belgium, Malaysia, South Africa and the Middle East.

A key part of the liturgy was a story proudly recounted by student, Oliver Donnelly, who last year on his school excursion to the War Memorial, wrote his message on a commemorative cross and placed it on the grave of Frederick Birks VC MM in North Wales.

Oliver wrote, ‘For all those who have died in tragedies. I and your nation will not forget.’ The fallen soldier’s niece then wrote a letter to Oliver letting him know that his cross would form part of a special

memorial to Frederick in his home town of Buckley, Scotland. This was a truly powerful message to the St Agatha’s students as to the impact their messages could have on families who have lost loved ones to the ravages of war.

A Place to reflect on the Anzac Spirit

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tudents, staff and families from St Brendan’s Catholic School in Lake Munmorah were joined by other local school principals, RSL representatives and community members for a special ceremony which included the official opening of their new ANZAC garden and

remembrance wall. Families of local WW1 diggers were also welcomed on the day along with the Federal Member for Shortland Jill Hall MP. Ms Hall said “staff and students at St Brendan’s have worked hard to bring this project together and this Anzac garden

honours the achievements and sacrifices of all service men and women during WW1. It will be an excellent focus where staff, students and visitors can reflect on the Anzac spirit.”

The remembrance wall features several large framed portraits of local diggers and a

commemorative school book is also being produced. The garden and wall will be a lasting legacy for the school and also for the wider community. It is particularly significant that the families of local WW1 diggers were so closely involved in the project.

One of the guests of honour, 98 year old Mr Alf Carpenter, fought in Libya, Egypt, Greece, Crete and Syria, served in the Army as part of the 2/4th Battalion and has returned to the Middle East several times since the end of WW2. “I’ve been the president of the local RSL and the 2/4th Association. I’ve been around the world twice and I’m the over-90s swimming champ at the Diggers Swim Club. The key is: never stop,” Alf said.

Commemorating with Pride 2015

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his year’s Anzac Day, 100 years since the landing in Gallipoli, is a particularly special day on which we remember all Australians who have served their Country and made the ultimate sacrifice, their life. The spirit of Anzac, with its human qualities of courage, mate-ship and sacrifice continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity.

At Our Lady Help of Christians’ Catholic School, Epping, the students, boys and girls alike, learnt the skill of knitting to create a wreath of poppies for their Anzac Day Liturgy. Parishioners, grandparents and parents, current and past, assisted the students in learning how to knit the poppies. The school

captains then presented the wreath at a dawn service at the Forest Park cenotaph.

Each student was presented with a memento of this special event – a penny (medallion) with a poppy and the word Remember on one side. On the other side of the penny is the school crest and logo featuring the words Commemorating With Pride 2015.

Principal of OLHC, Mary Hor said to her pupils, “Take special care of this Anzac penny and when you look at it keep alive the memories of all those who fought for our freedom or served their country”.

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COMMEMORATING THE ANZAC SPIRIT ACROSS BROKEN BAY

ANZAC Celebrations Hornsby and Berowra

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fter a week of destructive storms and many homes without power, it was a moving tribute that record crowds gathered throughout

our Diocesan regions to acknowledge the sacrifice and bravery of the soldiers who landed at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli 100 years ago.

Bishop Peter and representatives from Catholic Schools in the Hornsby Shire were among thousands who attended the Dawn service at

Hornsby and also a special gathering at Berowra where a new sandstone memorial was unveiled featuring a plaque commemorating the Anzac Centenary.

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

A Dynamic Parish: A Call for Help

By Bruno Spedalieri SVdP Forestville Conference

I have been in the Forestville region for nearly 40 years now and I have seen and lived the evolution of the first Parish of the area: Our Lady of Good Counsel.

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have followed the community as it was moving successively to three different worship locations and I have assisted at the succession of five groups of pastors all of them kept in high regard and veneration by the parishioners. I have heard many times from visiting bishops, from visiting priests and visiting faithful the comment: “This Parish of yours is a dynamic Community.”

“This is a living Community.”

What makes a community dynamic is when everybody in the Congregation does his best to contribute to the development and the life of the entire community; “A Neighbourhood of Grace” as named by Bishop Peter Comensoli.

There is no doubt that the St Vincent de Paul Society Members of our region have been instrumental in giving our Parish its ‘dynamicity’. You find Vincentians in every activity of the parish: in the Assistance to the Needy and the Marginalised, in Hospital Visitation, in the Catechesis of children, in the Ecumenical Committee and in the Church Collection and Money Counting teams. Some Vincentians are also Altar Servers, and Communion to the Sick Ministers, some are members of the Parish Hospitality team, other are members of the Social Justice Committee and members of the Refugees and Asylum Seekers Advisory Committee.

They are active as Spiritual Facilitators, as Fund Raisers for the needy, as Christmas Hampers Promoters and Distributors and as Shop Assistants in Vincentians Stores. The OLGC Vincentian Conference activity extends out of the parish boundaries going to serve the Homeless of Matthew Talbot Hostel in Woolloomooloo, to Redfern as

part of the Task Force assisting the Aborigines and to Surry Hills as part of the Maternal Heart group. Our Lady of Good Counsel Conference assists also 7 Vincentian Groups Overseas: In India, Indonesia, Thailand and Fiji keeping corresponding with them and helping them financially.

The contribution of this group of people is really multiple and vast.

How many are the Vincentian Members at OLGC? We are only 6 active members doing most of the central activities and 28 Auxiliaries, helping with serving the homeless, visiting the sick in hospital, assisting in organising social events and helping in fundraising doing BBQ twice a month.

We have reached a saturation point and we urgently need new members. We need to keep high the reknown dynamics of our Community at OLGC. The Society of St Vincent de Paul was introduced in the parish

by Father Clem Gailey in 1961 assisted by Jack Fox, who became the first President of Forestville Conference. It was revived by Fr Eris Tierney in 1985 with the assistance of Bill Fitzgerald.

A number of our active members have left the parish and a good number of our most active members are now sick and handicapped. We ask you fervently to keep them in your prayers in this difficult time for them. We also ask you also to pray for those members who have passed away in recent years.

At present Barry Finch is the Diocesan President of St Vincent de Paul Broken Bay Diocesan Central Council, Barbara Healy

is the Regional President for Chatswood Region, from which OLGC Conference depends, and Barry Finch again is the President of Forestville Conference.

The Society offers free training to the new members and supports them at every step. We work in pairs to be able to give a service according to the principles of the Society. Most of all the Society members will find at our meetings spiritual nourishment,

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May Almighty God bless all Vincentians past and present, and with them may bless our Frenchs Forest Catholic Parish and our Community of Our Lady of Good Counsel. May the Holy Spirit come to fill the hearth of the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of his divine love.

To find out more please contact Barry Finch: 9452 2478.

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In the wake of the storms which buffeted the Central Coast Bishop Peter travelled up to the Northern end of the Diocese to catch up with families who access the services provided by CatholicCare’s Family Centre at Warnervale.

Family Centre Manager Mick Cashin and his team of program coordinators, gave Bishop Peter an overview of the services CatholicCare provide local Central Coast residents, and a number of families who have accessed CatholicCare disability and family violence services spoke directly with Bishop about their real life stories, and the value and the hope provided to them by CatholicCare.

Mick: “Our Centre was honoured to be chosen for Bishop Peter’s initial visit to see our CatholicCare programs in operation. Everyone present, was

thrilled to meet Bishop Peter, who was very interested in hearing first hand people’s experiences.”

Bishop Peter’s response: “It was a real blessing to spend time with the great staff at CatholicCare Family Centre, and to see the important work being done. At the heart of the Gospel is the service to Christ in those who have any kind of need or suffering. Of particular joy was the opportunity to meet some of the people in Warnervale whose lives have turned around because of the service of the folk there. I look forward to meeting again.”

The devastation and disruption caused by the storms in April hit many Central Coast residents as well as homeless Coastal dwellers hard.

Weighing in alongside State Emergency Services CatholicCare ran a campaign via social media to alert both the homeless and other residents impacted by the storms to the services available at Mary Macs Place at Woy Woy.

FAMILY CENTRES: Central Coast Naremburn Waitara OUT OF HOME CARE: Foster Care Therapeutic Group Care Kariong Pennant Hills EARLY LEARNING AND CARE: Forestville Lake Munmorah Terrigal Waitara DISABILITY: Northern Sydney Central Coast

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Woongarrah NSW 2259 Central Coast Family Centre 4356 2600 Level 2, 3 Mary T: MacKillop Drive E: centralcoastfamilycentre@dbb.org.au Woongarrah NSW 2259 T: 4356 2600 E: centralcoastfamilycentre@dbb.org.au

“(FOCCUS ) about t helped us talk hings th aCatholicCare’s t we did Executive Director “(FOCCUS ) helped nee not even knoDeirdre Cheers was again this w we u ded about t one of a group of prominent hings th s taltok talk abyear out” at d

id not e w ven kno e needed to talk w we about”

More than 12,500 Central Coast residents were alerted via Facebook and Instagram that, if they were without power or otherwise impacted, that they could get a hot beverage, a hot meal, a hot shower or free recharging of electronic devices at Mary Macs.

More than 300 coasties responded to the alert, liking, commenting on and sharing the post, with increased numbers of people assisted during the week. Like flood and fire events elsewhere in Australia recently, the storms showed the power of social media for local connectivity and news sharing.

Australians chosen to be an ambassador for National Families Week (15-21 May).

Recognised nationally as a strong advocate for service improvement and quality of care outcomes for vulnerable children and families, Deirdre was involved in promoting the annual occurrence, which coincides with the United Nations International Day of Families (15 May).

Deirdre: “Families who open their homes and hearts to children needing temporary foster care are living proof that strong families are the heart of stronger communities.

They support other families in their local area, and provide the best kind of child protection – help and support to another family so that children can return safely home.”

New brochures and course materials for marriage preparation and relationship education are now available throughout the Diocese, a result of a collaboration between CatholicCare and the Parish Support Unit.

If you and your partner are contemplating marriage please consider the range of course options available to you to assist you prepare for your life together.

You can also contact Waitara Family Centre to speak to one of CatholicCare’s Marriage Educators directly on 9488 2400

OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE: Carlingford Collaroy Plateau Davidson East Gosford Forestville Freshwater Lake Munmorah Manly Mona Vale Narrabeen Pymble Waitara West Pymble HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY: Gosford Hornsby Manly Mona Vale Royal North Shore Wahroonga (SAN) Wyong

YOUNG ADULTS

Life-changing – World Changing On 12 July 2015, a group of Youth Ambassadors from our Diocese will be journeying to Chipata Diocese in Zambia, Africa.

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ere is a story from one of our pilgrims, Dom Cantrall, from Hornsby Cathedral Parish: ‘When I first asked Dad for his thoughts on me going to Zambia, he looked up from what he was doing, and, like Dumbledore, peered over his (albeit square) glasses.

“Sure, Dominic, I think that’d be good.”

Well, that was settled then.

I finished my application form

and emailed it in, not knowing what to expect. I applied because I wanted to grow, to be more, and my life to be changed – not just by a two week trip, but in the experience of opening my eyes and seeing life a little clearer through an immersion. It was then a matter of cycling over to Pennant Hills for an interview and getting everything in order to go away.

Zambia’s not too far away. This

month fourteen of us will begin our journey – Laura, Elizabeth, Jess, Ashley, Madi, Crystal, Ben, Justin and Nathan, Chris, James, myself, Cathy Martorana from the Diocesan office and Lana Turvey from Catholic Mission who will lead us. A few of us have joked it bears similarity to another bloke that picked up twelve followers – in that same vein, Cathy has been dubbed ‘Mama Mary’ and Chris dubbed

Judas. Poor bloke. Even so, I know this trip will be lifechanging and hopefully worldchanging, in a big or a little way.

I know my desire to have my eyes opened won’t be let down.

I guess I’m about to find out what it is to be immersed in Zambia.’

Read more about their journey on the Youth of Broken Bay Facebook page and in the next edition of the Broken Bay News.

You’re invited to join the Ambassadors at the Immersion to Zambia Commissioning Mass.

Where: Holy Name Parish Wahroonga When: 28 June 2015 Time: 5:30pm, followed by supper

faith night WITH SPECIAL GUEST BISHOP PETER COMENSOLI Hosted by Broken Bay Young Adults Community TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2015 – 6.30PM GREENGATE HOTEL, KILLARA

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An invitation to men who are interested in discerning vocation to priesthood and diaconate…

To be held at Holy Name Church and Parish Centre, Billyard Ave, Wahroonga on the following dates in 2015: 13 August, 15 October.

Please join us for: Gathering, Reflection on Scripture, Input, Evening Prayer of the Church, Meal together.

The evening will begin at 5.30pm, to finish about 9pm.

For more information: Phone Fr Paul Durkin 9484 1427 or email frpaul@stagatha.org.au

NEWS & ISSUES

World-First Partnership for Australia A world-first partnership between The Broken Bay Institute (BBI) and Saint Paul University (SPU) in Ottawa, Canada, will enable SPU to deliver the first pontifically recognised degree in Canon Law in Australia.

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hrough its partnership with BBI, SPU will deliver intensive on-campus courses for the Licentiate in Canon Law ( JCL). The remainder of the program will be delivered online by SPU, removing the need for BBI students to relocate overseas to study Canon Law. The residential component will be taught by SPU at the BBI campus in Sydney. In consultation with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, BBI received a nihil obstat from the Bishops for the establishment of this prestigious program in Australia.

The JCL program of study is relevant to those who hold pastoral and leadership positions within various Catholic organisations (religious and lay) and who need to understand, or have an interest in understanding, how best to apply canon law.

Bishop Brian Finnigan,

Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane, said, “As former Chair of the Bishops’ Commission for Canon Law and the Australian Catholic Council for Canon Law, I heartily endorse this new venture. We live in a changing world and church, so the need for educated and well-formed canonists is clear.”

The Rector of Saint Paul University, Dr Chantal Beauvais, is absolutely thrilled with this new collaboration: “This partnership highlights how solid and effective Distance Learning is at SPU.” The Dean of Canon Law, Dr Anne Asselin, is equally excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for future students: “This opens up an appealing option for many Australian and New Zealander students who were formerly unable to pursue an ecclesiastical diploma for geographical reasons.”

Sister Maria Casey, RSJ,

President of the Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand, said, “The partnership between BBI and SPU is the first international one of its kind. It allows Australians and New Zealanders to obtain a dual degree in Canon Law—a pontifical degree from SPU and a civil one from the University of Ottawa – without the need to travel and live overseas.”

Dr Mark O’Brien op

Dr Gerard Goldman, CEO of BBI, said, “I’m delighted to launch this new initiative and hope we can encourage the continuous improvement of organisations and further professional development of Church personnel in Australia and New Zealand. BBI is proud to establish this partnership with Saint Paul University.”

Dr Mary Reaburn nds Bishop David Walker

Associate Professor, Lecturer Bishop Emeritus Department of Yarra Theological Union of Broken Bay, Biblical Studies, Catholic University of Divinity ACBC Representative Theological College, MCD to the Catholic Biblical University of Divinity Federation

Also celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dei Verbum 1965 – 2015 A key document of the Second Vatican Council on the word of God and divine revelation

18-19 September 2015

Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills, NSW

Registrations: www.trybooking.com/HMVG Contact: registrations@dbb.org.au or 02 9847 0448 Website: www.dbb.org.au/bible

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WYD 2016 STORIES ON THE ROAD TO KRAKOW

Are You Ready?

Picture this: you’re standing in one of the most beautiful squares in the world, in the hometown of Pope Saint John Paul II, Krakow, Poland. You’re surrounded by the buzz of hundreds of thousands of young people from every corner of the globe. All in the same place and for the same reason: World Youth Day. Together to celebrate our faith, community, joy, and the key message of ‘mercy’ as one Universal Church. Are you ready for a journey of your life? Take time to speak with your family and friends today about this incredible opportunity to experience faith surrounded by inspiring young people from around our Diocese and the world!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER FOR ALL THE BOOKING DETAILS

Fundraising & Adopt a Pilgrim We are very excited to see Parish & School Communities beginning their fundraising programs for their pilgrims! Fundraising is a great opportunity to bring the community together and allow the spirit of WYD to ripple out to all ages. The DBB WYD Krakow Team has put together a Fundraising Guide as a resource for groups/individuals available on the website.

The WYD Team is excited to launch the ‘Adopt a Pilgrim’ Campaign. This is a chance for families of pilgrims to offer their support to a pilgrim in their community. Email us at wyd@dbb.org.au for more details.

SAVE THE DATE: DBB WYD Information Sessions The Diocese of Broken Bay and Catholic Schools Office will be hosting Information Sessions for Pilgrims interested in joining one of our pilgrimages to WYD Krakow 2016. These sessions will cover all the details of each pilgrimage including itineraries, costs, inclusions, FAQs & much more. You’re invited to join us if you are between 16 – 35 or a parent/guardian of a pilgrim. Sessions are held at 7.30pm on the following dates: 22 June 2015 – St. Peter’s College, Tuggerah (Central Coast) | 24 June 2015 – Mater Maria, Warriewood (Northern Beaches) | 25 June 2015 – St. Leo’s College, Wahroonga (North Shore).

FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO RSVP EMAIL US AT wyd@dbb.org.au

#3 6 5DAYS TO G O !

W W W.D B B .O R G . A U / W Y D

WORLD YOUTH DAY 2016

Blessed are the Merciful: WYD2016 Australian Recording

By Simon Hyland, Director of Youth Ministry – Pittwater Parish

Father George Kolodziej SDS (Parish Priest of Pittwater) and Simon Hyland (Director of Youth Ministry – Pittwater Parish) were in a staff meeting when it was said “Hey, we should translate the Polish WYD song and then do a recording!”

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t really was only a dream; however, by the Grace of God and a lot of hard work, the dream has turned into reality.

Fr George translated the lyrics from Polish to English and together with the very talented Samantha Shaw (Music Minister – Pittwater Parish) and Simon Hyland created an adaptation of the original score that would work for the Australian youth.

“It was quite a challenging process, adapting the translated lyrics to the music, as the rhythms did not match up at first. We wanted to capture the intention of the original Polish song, and at the same time make the Australian version singable for young people.” – Simon Hyland.

Through a lot of prayer, many different drafts, hours of finetuning the lyrics and some feedback from the original Polish composer, the final version was complete.

Auditions were held for the solo parts and invitations sent out to talented young singers from all over the Diocese. Erin Barwell, Amy Horton, Chris Lanzon, Caroline Mulvenna and Elke Lanzon were the successful soloists. Now it was time to go to the James Morrison Studios to record the song.

The choir (36 young people

from Pittwater Parish, Mater Maria College and the Broken Bay Diocese) spent almost 5 hours laying down all the vocal parts (thanks to Samantha who spent hours working them all out) and on another day, the soloists added their amazing voices to finish the recording.

“It was an incredible experience to

see our dream turn into reality. We are so proud of the final product” – Fr George Kolodziej SDS Many thanks to the ACBC office for youth who made this project a reality, Klara Hollestelle– Watson who created the lead sheet, Tod at James Morrison studios and all the amazing singers who sang so beautifully.

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YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE

Sr Therese and Sr Maureen-Therese at the Abbey door.

The Abbey Church Window.

“Our work is to pray, so we pray for the world” Benedictine Sisters – The Abbey, Jamberoo

By Debra Vermeer

When visitors enter the Jamberoo Abbey church, the first thing to strike them is the stunning backdrop of full length glass windows behind the altar and tabernacle, bringing the beauty of God’s creation right into the heart of the church and allowing all who worship there to turn their prayer outward, for the world.

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he impact of the window is no accident, according to the Abbey’s guest mistress, Sr Therese, but is an integral part of the church’s original design.

“We are Benedictines and our work is to pray, so we pray for the world,” says Sr Therese. “ The glass windows are a symbol of our prayer going out to the world and of the world coming to us, so we’re very connected with everything that’s going on out there. I try to assure our guests that even when they go home they can know that we are

here praying for them and I ask them to pray for us.”

Sr Therese says the life of the Abbey is ordered towards one goal – seeking God – and the whole structure of the day is focused on that seeking, both individually and as a community.

“Our life is seeking God, with the Gospel as our guide and using the Rule of Benedict as our way of living the Gospel, with the underpinning of our vows (of obedience, stability and conversion of life),” she says.

In accordance with the Rule of Benedict, there is a great focus

BiBle sunDay 26 July 2015 On Bible Sunday, let’s give thanks for God’s word in sacred Scripture.

How fortunate are we to have these ancient texts in a language we can understand, and so easily accessible on every computer or smartphone. If only the scribes of old had such tools! nrsV encyclopaedia Bible $22 Includes a full-colour encyclopaedia section

little rock catholic study Bible $30 Hardcover edition; includes study notes throughout

children’s illustrated Bible $32 Bible stories told in an engaging way with beautiful illustrations

catholic Gift Bible $10 NRSV Bible; with a black or white cover Diocese of Broken Bay BiBle offer offered through the generosity of the fr Harry Davis estate

To purchase Bibles, please contact Dina Leverett on 9847 0442 or dina.leverett@dbb.org.au for information about the Biblical apostolate in the Diocese of Broken Bay, and biblical news, resources and links, please visit www.dbb.org.au/bible

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on balance in daily life, with a community schedule designed to provide time for prayer, work, leisure/community and rest.

The Sisters rise in the pre-dawn dark, and make their way to the candle-lit church for Vigils at 4.30am, the first of seven periods of liturgical prayer each day. They then have two hours for personal Lectio Divina/holy reading before Lauds and Eucharist. The rest of the morning is spent at work – either making candles for sale, working on the farm, giving spiritual direction, retreats or carrying out other tasks necessary for the hospitality of guests and the upkeep of the Abbey.

The work mornings are linked together with the prayer Terce at 11am. Then back to work until Middle Hour prayer and lunch (their main meal). There is time for rest or leisure before None at 3.30pm. Then more work until Vespers, supper and community time, and finally Compline at 7pm, before night silence descends.

Sub-Prioress, Sr Maureen Therese, says the way of life reflects an intense desire for God. “Because from the time you open your eyes in the morning until the time you go to sleep, your whole being is focused on God,” she says.

“Our Abbess, Mother Mary Barnes, says that prayer is simply desire. And I think that’s a good way of describing our life here. It’s intense desire for God, and that

reaches out to people in the world, all religions, all types of people.”

While their prayer reaches out to the world, the Benedictine Abbey at Jamberoo is an enclosed monastic community, which means that the nuns don’t leave the Abbey often, except on special occasions, or for more mundane reasons, such as buying supplies for the community or attending doctor’s appointments.

Hospitality is another Benedictine characteristic, and the Jamberoo Abbey offers a peaceful, prayerful place for people to take time out of their busy lives and rest awhile with God. “That’s part of why we’re here.

We’re here for the people,” says Sr Maureen Therese. “We’re not here to mend their breaks or teach them anything. We’re here as a witness and as an ear, listening to them, providing precious space and silence.”

The Sisters have welcomed the Year of Consecrated Life as a time of thanksgiving and reflection on their vocation and on Pope Francis’ call for religious to ‘Wake up the World’.

“I think that before I can Wake up the World I have to wake up myself,” says Sr Therese. “That’s where I have to begin, and we as a community are continually called to wake up. It’s really the call to joy and to live with the awareness that we are the ones who bring Christ’s love, hope, faith and joy to others. That’s the great call.”

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Religion: Catalyst for Violence or Peace?

This month, The Broken Bay Institute, in partnership with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference will kick off its 11th National eConference – ‘Religion: Catalyst for Violence or Peace? Probing the Abrahamic Traditions for Answers’.

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he 2015 eConference will tap into interfaith issues surrounding the three Abrahamic traditions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam and will explore the potential for these traditions to cultivate peace in a world that associates religion with violence. As one of the most anticipated events in the Australian Church calendar, this will make a significant contribution to a most critical need in our world at this time.

Pope Francis impressed upon the world the great need for interreligious dialogue, healing and unity earlier this year during his papal visit to South Asia where he met with members of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities.

Dr Gerard Goldman, CEO of The Broken Bay Institute said “We live in a time when some people have come to consider religion as a cause of division rather than a force for unity. As Pope Francis recently said “for interreligious dialogue and encounter to be effective, it must be grounded in a full and forthright presentation of our respective convictions.”

It is through such courageous dialogue as this eConference that

“new avenues will be opened for mutual esteem, cooperation and indeed friendship.” I am delighted to bring together the following outstanding international and Australian speakers to discuss this important topic.”

Terry Lovat, Emeritus Professor and Postgraduate Theology Convenor, University of Newcastle and Senior Research Fellow, Philosophy, Religion & Education, University of Oxford, UK Rev Dorothy Lee, Dean of the Theological School and the Frank Woods Professor in New Testament, Trinity College, The University of Melbourne Mohamad Abdalla, Associate Professor at the School of Humanities, Griffith University, Queensland Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies, and Professor of Jewish Studies, Vanderbilt Divinity School and College of Arts and Science, USA. For those new to this medium an eConference is similar to a regular conference, but instead of gathering in a single location, the

Conference is streamed live over the Internet and participants can watch for free from an eConference site, their workplace or from the comfort of their home. Details about participation, registration, recommended readings and other

Frequently Asked Questions can be found through the BBI website, please visit http://www.bbi.catholic. edu.au/eConference or contact Amelia Morris on econference@bbi.catholic.edu.au

or 9847 0578.

Buon Appetito!

This issue Domus Australia’s Chef Francesco has added a traditional Pesto Spaghetti to the á la carte menu, why not try recreating it at home.

The trick is not to overcook the pasta. It should be ‘al dente’.

Recipe: Pesto Spaghetti (serves 4) Ingredients 200 grams rocket leaves 30 grams toasted pine nuts 30 grams almonds ¼ clove garlic salt and pepper 50 grams extra virgin olive oil 20 grams grated parmesan cheese 20 grams grated pecorino cheese 20 grams grated romano cheese 300 grams spaghetti Extra toasted pine nuts for garnish

Method: 1. Wash and dry the rocket 2. Blend together in a food processor the rocker, pine nuts, almonds, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Be careful not to over-blend 3. Stir through the parmesan and pecorino 4. Cook the spaghetti in boiling water until ‘al dente’ 5. Place the pesto in a bowl and add a little cooking water to create the sauce 6. Combine cooked spaghetti with pesto sauce and serve garnished with toasted pine nuts.

Domus Australia is a 32 room guest house established by the Australian Catholic Church, welcoming travellers to Rome seeking comfortable accommodation and an ideal base from which to explore historical and cultural sites of the Eternal City. Centrally located with a magnificently restored Chapel featuring daily Mass in English and many Australian comforts, Domus Australia is the perfect oasis in the heart of Rome for Aussie pilgrims and travellers. Enquiries: reservations@domusaustralia.org / www.domusaustralia.org.

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Broken Bay

By John Donnelly, St Vincent de Paul During 2014 Broken Bay Central Council provided $1.3m worth of assistance to the local community with food, food vouchers, electricity costs, rent and medical expenses.

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n addition approximately $700,000 worth of Electricity EAP and Telstra Vouchers were distributed.

The Diocesan Central Retail Shops generate about $10m in sales each year to enable the Broken Bay Central Council to assist the disadvantaged by way of its special works and Conferences.

The Central Council has 5 Regional Councils; 38 Conferences; 535 members; 210 Mini Vinnies, youth and young adult members; 1064 volunteers; 27 Vinnie Shops ad 13 Special Works. The Retail Centres within Broken Bay are

critical in funding the effective operation of the Diocesan Council’s Special Works.

In February this year we had our Festival Day at Normanhurst looking at our NSW SVdP Strategic Plan. There are 6 major goals in this Plan. #1 Strengthen Our Spirituality #2 Strengthen Our Services #3 Develop Our Membership #4 Strengthen Our Society #5 Strengthen Our Partnerships #6 Raise Our Voice Seventy Members and employees came together to formulate a set of plans using

Moved by the desperate plight of Christians throughout the Middle East, the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) calls on your support to help the region’s beleaguered Christian population.

these goals for Broken Bay and for the individual regions.

Hopefully over the coming year our SVdP in Broken Bay will further our ability to assist people through this process of our Strategic Goals.

If anyone wishes to enquire about joining our work for the marginalised they could contact their local Conference or our Diocesan Central Council Office on 9415 1492 or email william.wachsmann@vinnies.org.au

fear as increasing poverty and growing extremism threaten the survival of these ancient communities.

ACN is helping to keep faith and hope alive throughout the region by providing urgent aid to priests, religious and lay people, offering subsistence help to refugees and building and repairing Churches and convents.

Please help us strengthen and rebuild the Church in the land of Christ’s birth.

A mass exodus of Christians from the Middle East is now taking place. For some, like the Christians of Iraq and Syria, it is a question of their very survival as they flee the bloody persecution of the militants of the Islamic State (formerly ISIS).

A beautiful, olive wood crucifix, handcrafted in For others, in parts of the Holy Land that Our Bethlehem, will be sent to all those who give a Lord Jesus Christ knew so well, the proportion of donation of $20.00 or more to help this campaign.

Christians has plummeted from 20% to as little as Please tick the box below if you would like to 1.4% in the last forty years. The faithful now live in receive the little olive wood crucifix*.

Send to: Aid to the Church in Need PO Box 7246 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 Tel No: (02) 9679-1929 Email: info@aidtochurch.org Web: www.aidtochurch.org I enclose a cheque/money order payable to Aid to the Church in Need OR please debit my Visa or Mastercard:

Broken Bay News

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BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE

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AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED...a Catholic charity dependent on the Holy See, providing pastoral relief to needy and oppressed Churches

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NEWS & ISSUES

Meet Australia’s new Nuncio

By Matthew Biddle

Late last year Archbishop Adolfo Yllana agreed to be the new Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, but he almost didn’t make it to his new posting.

“I

n Congo, last December, I was accompanied by five bishops and we visited some places where there had been victims of violence. Three religious had been taken and killed,” he explained.

“After coming back, the bishop called us and said, ‘Thank you very much, the people are very happy. But the group that accompanied us in the car, they were shot upon on the way back.

They were able to cover and save themselves. It could have been us’.”

Archbishop Yllana recalled the incident during his first interview on Australian soil, speaking to the Catholic Voice on May 7 at his new home, the Nunciature in Red Hill.

Despite having only been in the country for a week, Archbishop Yllana appeared enthusiastic and excited about his new role.

“I was officially appointed on the 17th of February, but as usual the Holy Father asked me well before that, sometime in December,” he said.

“Of course I said ‘Yes’. I’ve never said ‘No’ to the Holy Father, I’ve always said ‘Yes’ and I’ve always been happy. And I know I will be happy here also.”

The 68-year-old has served in the diplomatic role

of Papal Nuncio for more than 30 years, spending time in at least 15 countries.

Aside from passing through Brisbane and Sydney airports, he had never been to Australia prior to his arrival on April 30.

“It’s a new world for me and a new experience,” he said.

“It’s more organised. I’ve never lived anywhere like Australia in all my assignments.

“It’s a big challenge, because this is a big country, but there is a wellrooted Christian tradition here.”

Born in Naga City in the Philippines, Archbishop Yllana has three married sisters and a brother, who is a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Libmanan in the Philippines, Fr Pio Antonio Yllana.

He also has two uncles who are priests and a late aunt who was a Benedictine nun. Sadly, Archbishop Yllana lost his father in 1977 and his mother passed away in 1985.

His initial priestly roles were filled in seminaries in the Philippines, before he went to Rome to study canon law and civil law, where he also entered the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy – a training ground for those who will serve the Holy See as diplomats.

After completing his doctorate in canon law and civil law, Archbishop Yllana was posted to West Africa in 1984, where he served the Church in Ghana, Togo and Benin.

Over the next three decades he has spent time in Sri Lanka, Turkey, Lebanon, Hungary, Taiwan, Pakistan, Papua New

Guinea, and, most recently, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He says he’s looking forward to being able to walk through the streets of Australia without having to worry about dangers to his security.

“In Papua New Guinea, in Pakistan, and even in Congo, there are places which are not safe,” he said.

“But I have never had an escort with me, I would only go out with a driver. But here I don’t even need a driver, I will walk.

I have the impression that you can go anywhere here safely.”

Although he doesn’t officially commence his work as a Nuncio with diplomatic status until he presents his credentials to Australia’s Governor-General, Archbishop Yllana said his role as a representative of the Holy Father began the moment he arrived.

“There are many technical definitions, but a Papal Nuncio, first of all, is one who represents the Holy Father,” he explained.

“In short, he makes the Holy Father present where he isn’t.

So for me, as a Papal Nuncio, I will make sure that my presence becomes a real link with the Holy Father, that the people see that we are in communion with the Holy Father. We serve to strengthen the bond between the Holy Father and the bishops.

“We carry out his thoughts and his wishes, communicating them so that we are able to serve the local community and they can see that the Holy Father is concerned for them and he loves them.”

Art Retreat 2015

Begins Monday 21 September (with evening meal) Concludes Sunday 29 September (after breakfast)

With two Australian Dioceses currently without a Bishop, Archbishop Yllana will be responsible for gathering information on suitable replacements, which he will provide Pope Francis with.

“The Holy Father mandates us to interview and make observations, but it’s up to him to make a decision depending on what we’ve said,” he said.

“We simply give him all that he would need to make a decision.”

While he admits his knowledge of the Church in Australia is limited, Archbishop Yllana said direct contact with members of the hierarchy here would help him to understand the intricacies of the local Church better.

“I will have a chance to meet them informally [at the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference meeting] and this will give me more of an idea,” he said. “It will demand a little bit of time to be able to see, but I’m very happy with what I know of Australia – that the Catholic faith here is strong.”

But Archbishop Yllana, who has a strong devotion to the patroness of the Philippines, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, as well as to St Joseph, said he isn’t one to set specific goals in his work as a Papal Nuncio.

“My goal only is to be able to be an effective instrument of what the Pope wants here, to be of service to the bishops and the priests as best I can,” he said.

Reprinted with kind permission Catholic Voice, Archdiocese of Canberra/Goulburn VENUE: St Scholastica’s College, Glebe Point, Sydney TEAM: Marg MIthen sgs Therese Quinn sgs Veronica Griffith sgs COST: $ 670

If you are interested please contact margmithen@hotkey.net.au / vgriffith@goodsams.org.au

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Second major earthquake compounds devastation in Nepal “I was on the second floor of the Caritas office at the time of the quake... for most of us it was the largest and longest tremor we’ve experienced.” – Melville Fernandez, Caritas Australia

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t midday on 13 May, Nepal was rocked by a another massive earthquake measuring 7.3 magnitude, with the epicentre 76km east of Kathmandu. It was followed by a series of large aftershocks that has kept everyone on edge. Nepal’s Information Ministry reported in the early days that there were over 2,500 people injured and over 125 deaths in many of the already severely affected districts.

Melville Fernandez, Caritas Australia Humanitarian Manager, currently in Kathmandu working with the Caritas confederation, reported, “I was on the second floor of the Caritas office at the time of the quake, surrounded by colleagues who have all experienced major emergency situations, yet for most of us it was the largest and longest tremor we’ve experienced.

“You could see the sway of the three story building, the ground rocked like we were out in a

large ocean swell, which made it difficult to reach the evacuation point at the local Assumption Catholic Church. Local families were also gathered on the lawn, many now familiar faces to the Caritas staff and volunteers as the city remains on alert.

“Still unsettled by the deadly 7.9 earthquake that struck on Anzac Day, the local staff and volunteers raced to phone family and friends and get news on the epicentre and size of the quake. Many of them have continued working tirelessly through the last weeks helping others, while their own homes and family members have been scarred by the quake,” said Mr Fernandez.

Relief and Caritas Australia has been supporting local partners to distribute emergency shelter, food, and hygiene materials since the first earthquake struck. Allocated $640,000, Caritas has provided shelter kits for more than 40,000 people in Kathmandu and the Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts.

Sankhu village which was severely damaged after the major earthquake on 25 April 2015.

It’s estimated more than 8 million people in 39 districts have been affected, of which over 2 million people live in the 11 severely affected districts.

So far the Caritas network has provided over 65,000 people with tarps, shelter kits, food and hygiene kits in the Kathmandu valley, Gorkha and other hard-hit areas. With the support of the international Caritas network,

Caritas Australia and Caritas Nepal will, in the coming months, reach over 175,000 people with much needed support.

“Our Caritas family, especially Caritas Nepal staff and volunteers, and the affected communities, welcome and are thankful for the global outpouring of solidarity, prayers and donations to support their families at this unsettling time,” said Mr Fernandez.

Donate to Caritas Australia’s Nepal Earthquake Appeal online or phone 1800 024 413.

Caritas is a partner of the Humanitarian Partnership Agreement between the Australian Government and six of Australia’s leading international NGOs. Together, they are responding rapidly to global disasters and to build resilience to future crises.

ALBERT & MEYER FUNERAL DIRECTORS

DATE CLAIMER:

…serving the Diocese of Broken Bay since 1967

Annual Diocesan Charity Race Day Thursday 29 October 2015 Rebecca Pincott Michael Bolton

Australian Family Owned & Operated 301-303 PENNANT HILLS ROAD, THORNLEIGH

9484 3992 ALL SUBURBS 24 HOURS www.albertmeyer.com.au 36

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Mark your diaries for this annual charitable fundraising event at Gosford Entertainment Grounds.

If you would like more information on how to support the day through sponsorship or prizes, and for reserving tables, please contact Rhonda Andersen on (02) 9847 0726 or rhonda.andersen@dbb.org.au

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Handbook published to guide Catholic employers and employees The Australian Catholic Council for Employment Relations (ACCER) published a handbook today for Catholic employers and employees, entitled Good Works: the Catholic Church as an employer in Australia.

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ustralian Catholic Bishops Delegate for Employment Relations, Bishop Les Tomlinson, launched the book on Monday 11 May, 2015 during the bishops’ plenary meeting at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney.

The Catholic Church is one of Australia’s largest employers with over 180,000 employees spread across a range of dioceses, congregations and agencies, employing two percent of the Australian workforce.

The book includes a section about the importance of work, work-life balance, the principles underpinning the Church’s social teaching on work and the employment relationship. It also details previous encyclicals about work.

Pope St John Paul II stated in

Labourem Exercens, ‘The basis for determining the value of work is not primarily the work being done but the fact that the one doing it is a person’.

Bishop Tomlinson said: ‘Workers in Catholic employment cannot merely be regarded as resources for delivering outcomes.

Catholic organisations should particularly acknowledge and manifest the Church’s teachings on work and employment. The theology of work underpins Catholic social teaching on the mutual obligations of workers and employers’.

‘The book is a valuable resource because it articulates the mission and values of Catholic employment and provides practical advice about how good employment relations can be achieved,’ he added.

Bishop Tomlinson thanked ACCER for publishing the book and congratulated the editor, Dr Terry Wilson, for the quality of the publication.

The book is available from ACCER. A copy of the book will be distribution to all Catholic employers. ACCER can be contacted on 03 9934 3355.

Pictured (left to right): Dr Terry Wilson, Editor, Bishop Les Tomlinson, Australian Catholic Bishops’ Delegate for Employment Relations, and Tony Farley, Member of ACCER.

Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse The Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay actively supports, and is fully committed to, assisting the Royal Commission into the Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the work of the Truth Justice and Healing Council.

If someone has been sexually abused as a child by a priest, religious, employees or volunteers of the Catholic Church, it is important that they are given an opportunity for their experience to be heard.

The Royal Commission is inquiring into how institutions with a responsibility for children have managed and responded to allegations and instances of child sexual abuse.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse: childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au T: 1800 099 340 The Truth Justice and Healing Council is coordinating the Catholic Church’s response to the Royal Commission with a commitment to cooperation, openness, full disclosure and justice for victims and survivors.

Truth Justice and Healing Council tjhcouncil.org.au T: 6234 0900 Sexual abuse by members of the Church should be reported to the police.

They have the capability to rigorously investigate any claims of sexual abuse.

Police Assistance Line: T: 131 444 Alternatively, you may wish to report abuse to the Catholic Church by contacting: Towards Healing (NSW & ACT) T: 1300 369 977 or the Diocese of Broken Bay: Jodie Crisafulli Manager Professional Standards jodie.crisafulli@dbb.org.au T: (02) 9847 0212

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Remember these deceased pastors, risen and glorified in Christ.

Fill your Australian Church today, Dear God, with the same spirit you poured out on these your Servants.

In June and July we remember our Priests who served in Broken Bay:

June 7: Fr James (Jim) Boberg (1997)) 10: Fr Carol Grew (2010) 17: Fr Eris Tierney (1999)

July 2: Fr Peter McHugh OSA (2014) 13: Fr Patrick (Paddy) O’Rourke (2001) 23: Fr Francis (Frank) Vaughan (2014)

DEADLINE for August 2015 edition of Broken Bay News: Monday 13 July 2015 To have your event included in this section please send details to the Editor at: news@dbb.org.au TEL: 9847 07824 FAX: (02) 9847 0721.

ERRATA: In the last edition of the Broken Bay News, we featured the story of Sophie Boffa who has joined the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. This was incorrectly reported as the Sisters of Nazareth. Our apologies.

When experience counts

A PREPAID FUNERAL

CREATIVE CIRCLE _BBN_03

For over 120 years WN Bull Funerals has been serving the people of Sydney there has been significant growth and change in the community. We are proud to have been able to readily adapt to these changes and remain compassionate, sensitive and responsive to the needs and wishes of our client families.

WN Bull is especially proud of its heritage of providing real comfort and care when caring for the deceased and their families. This care extends to the recommendation of prepaid funeral plans.

A prepaid WN Bull funeral will assist family members and ensure that every detail is attended to.

When the care you seek is unconditional – talk to us.

(02) 9519 5344 wnbull@wnbull.com www.wnbull.com.au 164 King Street NEWTOWN NSW 2042 Broken Bay News_AdPREP_03.indd 1

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JUNE 2015

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(Vehicular access via City View Rd) RSVP: B y Monday 13 July 2015

Or Date: S aturday 18 July Time: 1 0:00 am – 11:30 am Venue: P arish Centre, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 239 – 243 The Entrance Road, The Entrance RSVP: B y Wednesday 15 July 2015

NSW RCIA State Conference: Go Make Disciples RCIA Conferences are held yearly; nationally every second year, and by state in the years between. The Diocese of Broken Bay will be hosting the next NSW State Conference.

Keynotes and workshops offered include topics such as Introduction to RCIA, Sharing your Story: Sending out your Message through Social Media, RCIA and the Marital State, RCIA for Young People, Opportunities across the lifecycle of the family, with something for the beginner to the more seasoned RCIA team. Speakers include Frs. Elio Capra, John Frauenfelder and Ken Cafe, Marita Winters, Daniel Ang, and many more.

Date: F riday 28 – Sunday 30 August 2015 Venue: C aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills (Vehicular access via City View Rd) See www.dbb.org.au/liturgy for more information

Ecumenical/Interfaith Events Christians Learning from Judaism – An initiative of Light of Torah and Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay

This 2015 education series is an opportunity for Christians to learn from Jewish speakers, texts and experiences. Over the course of the year we reflect on the Hebrew Scriptures under the guidance of Orthodox rabbi and gifted teacher, Rabbi Gad Krebs. We will also engage with other speakers, topics and places of interest to the Jewish-Christian relationship. Join us in this fascinating journey of biblical and spiritual enrichment.

Dates: W ednesdays 24 June, 29 July, 26 August 2015.

Time: 6 :00 pm – 7:30 pm Venue: C aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills (Vehicular access via City View Road) RSVP: I f you are new to the series, RSVP is appreciated: teresa.pirola@dbb.org.au or 0415 932 638

Youth Events BBYAC Faith Nights

Broken Bay Youth Office invites you to BBYAC Faith Nights 2015. Join Young Adults from around the Diocese to share a meal and be inspired in our lives and faith.

Date: T uesday 23 June 2015 & Tuesday 25 August 2015 Time: 6 :00 pm to purchase your meal and drink; 7:00 pm Guest Speaker Venue: T he Greengate Hotel, 655 Pacific Highway, Killara RSVP: c athy.martorana@dbb.org.au

Remaining sessions are 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm RSVP: B y Monday 3 August 2015

Reflection Day

Presenter: D r Sandra Carroll, Member of the Academic Staff in the School of Education at the Australian Catholic University, Strathfield.

Topic: The new Evangelisation and the Joy of the Gospel; Proclaiming the Gospel in story and action – parable and miracles; Mary, Mother of Evangelisation Time: 9 :30 am – 2:30 pm

MWP & NSH Region

Location: S t Anthony in the Fields, 46 Myoora Road, Terry Hills Date: F riday 19 June 2015 RSVP: B y Friday 12 June 2015

Central Coast Region

Location: L eo Mahon Room, St John the Baptist, Blackwall Road, Woy Woy Date: M onday 22 June 2015 RSVP: B y Monday 15 June 2015

Classroom Management & Creative Teaching

Catechists are now required to update their skills and knowledge in the area of Classroom Management. This workshop explores strategies to assist you to create a fun and manageable learning environment in the SRE classroom. Topics include: • Preventative Strategies • Lesson Preparation • Lessons that meet the needs and abilities of the students • Self-discipline of the teacher • The relationship between being a disciple and discipline

CC Region

Location: M acKillop House, 58 Victoria Avenue, East Gosford Date: W ednesday 1 July 2015 Time: 9 :30 am – 2:30 pm RSVP: B y Wednesday 24 June 2015

MWP Region

Location: S t Kieran’s North Harbour, 2 King Street, Manly Vale Date: T hursday 2 July 2015 Time: 9 :30 am – 12:30 pm RSVP: B y Thursday 25 June 2015

NSH Region

Location: C aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills (Vehicular access via City View Road) Date: F riday 3 July 2015 Time: 9 :30 am – 12:30 pm RSVP: B y Friday 26 June 2015

To register for any of these programs, please telephone Leanne / Colleen on 9847 0448 or 4332 9825 or email registrations@dbb.org.au

Parish Support Unit Education and Formation Opportunities June – August 2015

Location: L ecture Room, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 239 – 243 The Entrance Road, The Entrance Date: M onday 10, 17, 24, 31 August, 7, 14 September, 19, 26 October, & 2, 9 November Time: 1 0 August & 9 November sessions will be 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

CC Region – Course Type: Level 3

Location: S t Anthony in the Fields, 46 Myoora Road, Terry Hills Date: F riday 7, 14, 21, 28 August, 4, 11, 18 September, & 16, 23, 30 October Time: 7 August & 30 October sessions will be 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Remaining sessions are 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm RSVP: B y Friday 31 July 2015

MWP & NSH Region – Course Type: Level 3

CCD Level 3 “A Study of the Letters of St Paul”

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)

The Diocesan Youth Team invites high school students and young adults to participate in the Vinnies Community Sleepout. The night will include entertainment and prayer as well as the experience of spending a ‘night in the streets’ raising both awareness of homelessness among our young people and funds for the winter appeal.

Date: S aturday 25 July, 2015 Location: T he Light of Christ Centre, Yardley Avenue, Waitara Time: 6 :00 pm Saturday – 9:00 am Sunday RSVP: youthministry@dbb.org.au

Vinnies Community Sleepout

Date: T hursday 25 June 2015 Venue: S t Leo’s Catholic College, 16 Woolcott Avenue, Wahroonga Time: 7 :30 pm – 9:30 pm RSVP: w yd@dbb.org.au

Or

Date: W ednesday 24 June 2015 Venue: M ater Maria Catholic College, Forest Road, Warriewood

Or

If you are interested in joining our WYD pilgrimages, please join us at one of the following information sessions where we will present information regarding itineraries, costing, pilgrim considerations, leadership, supervision, and the support of the diocese.

Date: M onday 22 June 2015 Venue: S t Peter’s Catholic College, 84 Gavenlock Road, Tuggerah

WYD Pilgrim Information Sessions

The Parish Support Unit is proud to offer the following programs from July through to the end of August 2015. Courses are available to all and are free of charge (unless otherwise stated). Registration is essential. We will notify you if programs have to be cancelled due to lack of numbers or unforseen circumstances. To register for any of these programs, please telephone Leanne / Colleen on 9847 0448 or 4332 9825 or email registrations@dbb.org.au

Biblical Events Journey Through the Bible Understanding the story of the whole Bible and how the books fit together can be a daunting task.

To coincide with Bible Sunday 2015, this one-day course will help participants get their bearings and better understand the content and story of the Bible. Using the “Bible Timeline” (from The Great Adventure series), we will journey through the timeline of the whole Bible, stopping at selected texts along the way. This event will be presented by Pina Bernard and David Patterson at 3 locations.

Date: F riday 24 July 2015 Time: 9 :00 am – 2:30 pm Venue: P arish Centre, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 239 – 243 The Entrance Road, The Entrance Date: S aturday 25 July 2015 Time: 9 :00 am – 2:30 pm Venue: C aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills (Vehicular access via City View Rd) Date: M onday 3 August 2015 Time: 9 :00 am – 2:30 pm Venue: S t Kieran’s Parish Centre, North Harbour Catholic Community, 2 King Street, Manly Vale RSVP: B y Wednesday 22 July 2015

Broken Bay Bible Conference 2015 – Save the Date “God in Narrative and Poetry: Genesis and Psalms” Join us for the 2015 Broken Bay Bible Conference, presented by Old Testament scholars and educators Dr Mark O’Brien op and Dr Mary Reaburn nds who will give us many insights into these texts as well as skills to learn to read them intelligently.

Bishop David Walker and Bishop Peter Comensoli will also participate.

Date: F riday & Saturday, 18-19 September 2015 Venue: C aroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills

Liturgical Formation Events

A New Way of Looking at the Sacraments A seminar exploring the Sacraments of Healing and Service by Fr John Frauenfelder Date: T hursday 16 July 2015 Time: 1 0:00 am – 11:30 am Venue: C aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills