Catholic Life April 2019 by Catholic Diocese of Sale

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Catholic Life Publication of the Diocese of Sale

ISSUE 210

L A IN

E U S S I

April 2019

On the road to assembly 13-14 SEPTEMBER 2019 MARIST SION COLLEGE WARRAGUL

By Sophy Morley OUR journey to the Plenary Council 2020 over the past year has been a grace-filled time where we have gathered with others in faith, prayed and listened to others and shared our own stories. I hope that has been a gift to those who have been able to participate in this process. In receiving and reading hundreds of Plenary submissions from parishes, regional gatherings, organisations, staffs, councils and individuals, it is apparent that there are several areas of pastoral activity which can be considered and implemented in the diocese now, without waiting for the Plenary Council. To this end, Bishop Pat O’Regan has called a Diocesan Assembly for September 13-14 to be held at Marist-Sion College, Warragul. The assembly will be on the Friday from 5pm to 9pm and continue on Saturday from 9am to 4pm. It is anticipated that there will be around 400 people gathered, including clergy, parish delegates, school principals, religious education leaders, Catholic Education, CatholicCare, diocesan agencies and others. Leaders of other Christian denominations may also be invited to participate. Our Diocesan Assembly will be facilitated by the National Centre for Evangelisation and Lana Turvey-Collins, the National Plenary Facilitator will be in attendance. Our Diocesan Assembly theme is Sharing

our Story, Celebrating Our Faith, Shaping the Future Some important questions for us to consider are: How can we, as the disciples of Jesus in the Diocese of Sale, better live out the call of Jesus to mission? How can we best gather people to discuss, reflect and discern together the future direction for our diocese, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit? In our diocese, as with all dioceses in the global Church, we are challenged to become a synodal Church. What does this mean in our context? Pope Francis, in his address in 2015, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Synod of Bishops makes the bold assertion that “It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium.” We are called to be a People of God who walk with each other in the path of Jesus Christ who is our Way, Truth and Life.

The way of being and acting as synodal Church has its roots deeply embedded in scripture and tradition. As the baptised we all have a shared responsibility to shape the Church of the future, to discern what it is that God is calling us to be and do. We have such diversity in our diocese and it is important to hear as many different voices as possible. In our preparation for the Diocesan Assembly, then, we are being invited, once again, to listen to God through the Holy Spirit and through the voices of the people whom we encounter. Our Gaudium et Spes Diocesan Team, together with the National Centre for Evangelisation, are preparing some materials for parish and school engagement prior to the assembly. Parishes will be sent prayer and discussion resources in the coming months. Information is also available on our diocesan website www. sale.catholic.org.au.

Ready to become Catholics at Easter

This issue highlights Leading the way in Plenary process - Page 3 Yallourn North church closes - Page 4 Be the reason someone smiles - Page 5 Catholic numbers are falling - Page 6 Cardinal appeals conviction - Page 7 End of an era for Catholic Life - Pages 8 & 9 Mission takes over 200 years - Page 12

ABOUT 40 people will be welcomed into the Catholic Church at Easter vigil ceromiones across the Sale Diocese. Catechumens and candidates gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, last month for the Rite of Election with Bishop Pat O’Regan officiating, then gathered outside afterwards for a photographic memento. Before the service the bishop met with the group to discuss their decisions to join the Church.

Trinity FAMILIES

For the young at heart - Page 14

Be the reason someone smiles today Trinity Families needs your support to help families in our diocese to receive welfare and charitable services. Every dollar you can give helps us to fund more worthwhile programs in our region

To donate visit www.trinityfamilies.org.au or phone (03) 5622 6688 for a credit card deduction form.

Page 2 - Catholic Life, April 2019

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Don’t panic! Wise words for us to heed SOME may well remember the English comedy series, Dad’s Army. Dad’s Army was a BBC television sitcom about the British Home Guard during the Second World War, and broadcast on the BBC from 1968 to 1977. It was screened here in Australia sometime after that. Among the motley crew that made up the ‘army’ was the local butcher, Lance Corporal Jones, who whenever a crisis would develop would start shouting “Don’t Panic, don’t panic!” The comic element being that most times when he shouted this phrase, it was in such manner that he actually often inspired just that, panic. Don’t panic! It’s good advice in a time of crisis, and good advice in the spiritual life as well. And what is it that we have been doing these last 40 days of Lent as we have been putting aside the distractions that can ensnare our hearts, but not panicking? During Lent we stop and listen once again more deeply to the voice of God. We re-read the great story of the rescue of the chosen people and their journey to the promised land. We read again that it was a journey from death to life; from slavery to freedom. All along the way of Lent we have been deep diving into the Old Testament and learning to listen again to the prophetic voices of Moses, and the major prophets actually calling to us to ‘not panic’ but rather trust in God. We have listened in amazement at the extraordinary Lucan Gospels of compassion, of John’s seemingly out of place Gospel of the woman caught in adultery. All of which seem to all whisper to us, and sometimes shout to us, ‘Don’t panic, trust in God’. Lent seeks to unblock our ears and un-harden our hearts so that we might actually listen to the voice of God; so that we might recognise the God who comes in search of us. The unyielding refrain of Lent has been, “If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart.”

The Diocese and

by Bishop Pat O’Regan

If we only listen the voice of panic, our lives can be diminished. If we learn, as Lent invites us to do, we learn to listen to the voice of Hope. This year we have needed to hear that more urgently than most years. The lifting of the suppression order on the trial of Cardinal George Pell, and his subsequent sentencing; the horrific killing of people while in prayer in the mosque in Christchurch, have shocked us all deeply; the devastating continual effects of drought in a large part of the Diocese; the recent bushfires around the Bunyip, Churchill and Dargo areas, and the many thousands of smaller unknown challenges that each person and family face each day surround us, and sometimes it feels like they are crushing us. Dare we listen, even in our grief and trauma to that consoling word from God which really is echoed to us in Lance Corporal Jones’ cry, “Don’t Panic?” Lent lasts for 40 days and Easter for 50. That ought to teach us something. First, that Lent only makes sense because of Easter, for it is but a preparation for Easter, and doesn’t stand alone. Second, it is longer, a week of weeks. If the disciples had all dared to stay at the foot of the cross, it would have been a brave soul who might have summoned us the courage to say to them, “Don’t Panic.” The disciples, had they stayed, would have thought that that voice was mad, that it was a voice that was deeply out of touch and couldn’t see what was really happening. Things were indeed grim, grim indeed. Jesus had died, and yet were they to have stayed, stayed in that place of pain, they just might have heard that voice of hope; might just have heard the last words of Jesus, “Into your hands PO Box 1410, I commend my spirit’, and maybe in the hearing Warragul Vic. 3820 of those last struggling Phone: (03) 5622 6688 words of Jesus might just colinc@sale.catholic.org.au have heard an echo of the www.sale.catholic.org.au prophetic voice that says, “Don’t panic!” Editor: Colin Coomber But alas only a few Published by remained, among them the Catholic Diocese of Sale. Mary and John the beloved disciple. They had learned Printed by Express Print, Morwell. to hope and not to panic. Member of Australasian Already they could begin Catholic Press Association to glimpse a little of what the faithfulness of God

Catholic Life

Beyond

would do. Mary and John, and the others that stood around the cross, provide us, especially this Easter, with a wonderful model of what being a faithful missionary disciple is, what is actually looks like. It is precisely in that place of extreme pain where hope is reborn. It is precisely in that most unexpected place where we have nothing else to cling unto except those last words of Christ, which speak to us in the deepest part and says to us, don’t panic. Dear sisters and brothers, may Easter, and its celebration which lasts for 50 days, be that for you and your family and friends, and indeed for the world which God loves so much.

Diocesan Assembly

By the time of the Assembly in September all parishes will have had the chance to welcome it. By doing so we are placing God at the heart of all our endeavours and prayer at the centre of all that we do, for we know if this is not the case it will just be another ‘talk-fest’, and only about us, and not about what we have been trying to do in the whole Plenary council process, “Listen to what the Spirit is saying.” May I invite you to enter into this time of prayer and preparation.

Thank You! DON’T panic! While this is a bittersweet moment in the history of Catholic Life, as this is the last issue to be published in this form, please be patient as we seek other means to communicate the news of the Diocese, record its history and form and inform God’s Holy People in this part of the vineyard. I would however like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have over the last 22 years contributed to its articles, photos, narratives, spiritual inputs, etc and in any other ways which has assisted in promoting Catholic Life in the Diocese of Sale. In particular I would like to thank Colin Coomber, our editor, for the wonderful way he has guided the paper, and for his continual gentle reminders of deadlines. Yes it will be different without Catholic Life, as a feature of the Diocese and we shall miss it. But Lance Corporal Jones’ advice suffices, “Don’t panic”. A new way of doing this is in preparation. For God is Good, Good indeed. - Bishop Pat O’Regan Bishop of Sale

WHILE the journey to the Plenary Council has not been put on hold during Lent and Easter, we have been having a short rest on the plateau that we have reached so far. And what a distance we have travelled! When I sit down to think from where we started and how far we have come in one short year, it is truly a wonderful work of grace. Locally for us the biggest event for 2019 will be our Diocesan Assembly, to be held on the September 13-14. It is some many years since we have sat down as our Diocesan family and talked; it is too long since our 27 Parishes have had a chance to forge a closer identity. Our local Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope) organising group have settled on three elements to help describe our Assembly, namely: Sharing Our Story, Celebrating Our Faith, Shaping Our Future. Of course by “Our” we mean here ‘God’s and ours’ together, after all the ‘Church’ is not our idea, or a human fabrication, but ❏ Qualified, experienced and caring staff rather God’s dream and desire ❏ Modern chapels and God has guaranteed to be and with us until the end of time, no ❏ Refreshments catering facilities available matter how often we disfigure ❏ Secure, guaranteed, it and at times misrepresent pre-paid and its all too human dimensions. pre-arranged funeral plans Ultimately God is Good, Good ❏ Over 70 years of indeed. service to the Latrobe Valley You will be hearing a lot MOE 5126 1111 more about the assembly in the MORWELL 5134 4937 coming months. Some of our TRARALGON 5174 2258 parishes have already received Proud member of the Australian Funeral Directors the Pilgrimage image of Our Association and the Lady of Perpetual Help and Australian Institutes of Embalming Plenary Candle.

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Catholic Life, April 2019 - Page 3

Sale Diocese leading way in next stage of Plenary By Regina T Abraham

lead participants into a spiritual process of Listening and Discernment. In the next phase, to be launched at the feast of Pentecost, the Church in Australia will continue to listen, and discern what the Holy Spirit is saying based on the specified themes that have emerged from the last phase. Over 100 participants from around the diocese attended the Plenary Days in the Diocese at Marist Sion College, Warragul. The day began with a prayer and reflection by Sophy Morley, the convenor of the Plenary Gaudium et Spes team. Ms Turvey-Collins then spoke

WITH the national Listening and Dialogue phase of the Plenary Council having officially concluded on Ash Wednesday the Diocese of Sale was the first within Australia to have Lana Turvey-Collins, the national facilitator of the Plenary Council to speak on and lead us into the next phase of the Plenary Council. On March 15-16, she spent a day with all the clergy of the diocese and another day with the parish and school Plenary teams, highlighting the next steps of the Plenary Council 2020 preparation, to

GAUDIUM et Spes convenor Sophy Morley with Lana TurveyCollins and Bishop Pat O’Regan.

DISCUSSING the Plenary process are Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral Fr Peter Bickley and acting diocesan business manager Rachel Ryan. THE PLENARY COUNCIL JOURNEY IN 2019

Ash Wednesday marks the close of the Listening and Dialogue stage.

Pentecost marks the launch of the next stage of preparation – Listening and Discernment – with the themes for national discernment announced.

First meeting of Working Groups and local small group discernment to begin.

March

April May

National Centre for Pastoral Research collates and analyses all responses. A draft preliminary National Report is developed, with emergent themes for the Plenary Council identiﬁed.

June

Applications and selection of Working Group Chairs and members, with one working group per theme developing Council papers for discussion at the ﬁrst session of the Plenary Council.

June

July

Sale Diocesan Assembly 13-14 September

Sept

National Centre for Pastoral Research will publish Diocesan qualitative reports.

The ﬁrst session of the Plenary Council 2020 will be held in Adelaide on October 4th - 11th, 2020.

October

Nominations open for the lay delegates of the Plenary Council 2020.

on the next phase the journey toward the Plenary Council 2020. After a brief overview of the work of the Plenary Council facilitation team, she led the parish and school teams in a 12 step method of discernment based on Ignation Spirituality. The intention of the Plenary Council National Facilitation Team is to encourage individuals and groups around Australia to use a process of prayer, listening and discernment by seeking to know what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church. After a brief time of individual prayer and meditation on the Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the teams came together in four groups to share their reflections on what stood out for each person in this Gospel passage from Matthew 26: 36 – 46. The movement of the Holy Spirit was felt in the direction of this simple exercise. Individuals were touched by the same points, some by humanity of Jesus, when He showed His fear or agitation, some by His perseverance in prayer and some others by His acceptance of God’s will. Most people were unanimous in the thought, that we needed constant prayer to overcome the period of trial for the Church in Australia. It was thoroughly fascinating and uplifting to listen to Ms Turvey-Collins’ experiences she has had while travelling and engaging with a wide variety of groups across the country. Also interesting was the information on the professional set up, technology and expertise behind the team that works in the National Centre for Pastoral Research. She explained that this team of researchers had read every single submission that has been posted, emailed or submitted online. After reading these, the team is using sophisticated qualitative data analysis software to collate and categorise the information so that the diverse themes that emerge from thousands of submissions may be effectively identified. The team is preparing a draft report for the bishops, Plenary Council executive and facilitation teams to prayerfully develop themes for the next phase. Bishop Pat O’Regan was present for both the clergy and the parish/school Plenary teams days. At each event he offered his appreciation for the huge amount of work that Ms TurveyCollins was doing, including the sacrifice of her weekend, away from her family. He also appreciated the role of the Gaudium et Spes diocesan team and the hard work put in by Mrs Morley. He reminded all that Abraham, our Father in Faith was the patron for the Plenary Journey of the Diocese of Sale. Bishop O’Regan called on the People of God to continue to be “bridge builders”, a theme he had introduced at the start of this journey a year ago.

John Lania & Associates

April 2020

4-11

At Easter, draft Plenary Council papers discerned by the Working Group become available for download and discussion.

Oct 2020

May 2021

The second session of the Plenary Council will be held in Sydney.

AT the parishes and teacher’s session are (from left) Emily Sylvia, Thomas Abraham, Bishop Pat O’Regan, Michelle Grimstead, Sophy Morley and Regina Abraham. Lana Turvey-Collins said “It was a gift to work with the Diocese of Sale, both with the clergy and parish teams and I am very uplifted by the response I have received from all”. She was also very appreciative of the teachers who attended the Days in the Diocese session and was very interested in the approaches they employed in order to listen to the voices and note the responses of young students to the questions in their Listening and Dialogue encounters. The diocese will hold its Diocesan Assembly from September 13-14. Parishes will be sent prayer and

information packs closer to the time. The National Centre for Evangelisation will be facilitating this event. Despite the sadness of the events of that week for the Church in Australia, with the scandal of sexual abuse of children being uppermost in the news, many present felt hopeful for the future. The action of the Holy Spirit within a small group, engaging in a simple exercise of reflection on a passage of the Gospel, was a sure sign of this hope. For more information on the Plenary Council you can subscribe to Plenary Council news at: https://plenarycouncil. catholic.org.au

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Page 4 - Catholic Life, April 2019

Holy Smoke Easy donate WE saw an interesting development in the way charitable donations are sought when we visited The Clock exhibition at the Australian Centre for Moving Image in Federation Square. On the wall were three pads on which you could place your credit card to automatically donate the amount shown on the pad. From memory the amounts to be debited from your account were either $5, $20 and $40, depending on the pad you chose. It is a much better idea than having a donations tin which attracts mainly coins which someone has to sort, count and then bank. Maybe the church of the future will also have such pad installed, doing away with the need for collections. People could tap on the way out and priests might be encouraged to have more interesting and relevant sermons in the knowledge that a good sermon is likely to earn a higher donation.

Telling lies THERE are strict penalties for telling lies in advertising. How then can a firm keep repeating preposterous claim on radio advertising that it is now “so big that it can even be seen from the moon”? The lunar surface is an average 384,400km away from Earth which means that nothing man-made on our

Yallourn Nth church closes

planet can be seen even with a telescope. No Great Wall of China, no pyramids, not even the world’s largest cities. And certainly not some business in the west of our diocese.

Ex-employee dies IT is with some sadness that were acknowledge the death of former Catholic Life employee Carol Baran, Maffra. She sold advertisements for the newspaper in 2006-07 and was the only person employed by us, other than the editor. She died at Maffra District Hospital on February 26, aged 72. A funeral service and committal for cremation was held at Col and Pal Semmens chapel in Maffra on March 4. We remember her as a dedicated staff member with a great sense of humor.

Resurrection film THERE will be sequel to the Mel Gibson movie The Passion of the Christ. Filming starts in coming months on The Resurrection which will feature actor Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in the previous film 15 years ago. It is possible the movie will be ready for release at Easter 2020 but that would be a tough editing process in such a short time frame.

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FINAL ISSUE

FRP DX

THOSE present at the final Mass gather for a photograph following the symbolic closing of the doors. YALLOURN NORTH - St Brigid’s Church has closed after serving the community for more than 80 years., The final Mass and ceremonial closing of the church doors took place on April 6, presided over by Bishop Pat O’Regan, assisted by parish priest Fr Harry Dyer OMI, Fr Nadeem Daniel OMI and Oblate seminary rector Fr Daniel Szewc OMI. About 60 people attended the final Mass and stayed on to enjoy refreshments at the nearby Uniting Church. The State Electricity Commission donated the land for the church and its building began in 1933. St Brigid’s was officially opened by Bishop of Sale Richard Ryan in 1936 and it became part of St Therese’s parish, Yallourn. In 1950 the church was lifted and moved on an angle to the block to accommodate a T-shaped extension at the rear. With the SEC’s decision to demolish the Yallourn township

to extend the coal mine in 1979, St Brigid’s became a parish in its own right with Fr Manny Spiteri moving from Yallourn to take up residence at Yallourn North. The final Mass at Yallourn was held in September 1980. In 1997 St Brigid’s moved into partnership with Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Newborough, before finally being supressed and

canonically becoming part of Newborough parish. Change continued in 2014 with Newborough becoming part of a parish in partnership arrangement with Moe which had always been a parish under the pastoral care of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Fr Dyer became the first parish priest of Moe and Newborough, incorporating Yallourn North.

PARISHIONERS enjoying refreshments after the official closure of St Brigid’s.

Priest’s brother dies in Ireland THE death has occurred in Ireland of Jim Shanley, the brother of the late Fr John Shanley of Lakes Entrance. Jim was well-known to Lakes Entrance parishioners as he used to spend up to six months a year there with his brother, doing much of the maintenance on the parish buildings and at the parish homes at Combienbar. He died in a nursing home in Westmeath on February 7.

REFLECTING on the closure of the church.

CWL regional meetings held By Moira Kelly THEME for the Catholic Women’s League for this year is “I am a servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your Word.” Regional meetings were held in March. The West/Latrobe Region held its meeting in the Marian Room at St Joseph’s Church, Warragul, and South Region met in the parish hall at St Lauren’s Church, Leongatha.

There is no East Region conference this year but the two branches will get together for a reflection day later in the year. We welcomed back the Traralgon branch this year when it held its first official meeting in January. The diocesan conference will be held in the school hall at St Michael’s, Traralgon on June 4. Sale Diocese will host the general conference in August and we are working with the governing body on

arrangements. Questionnaires were sent by the governing body last year to all branches in Victoria and Wagga Wagga regarding changes to the constitution of the CWL. Final changes will be decided this year. This is my final report as publicist for the diocesan committee as my nine years on the committee are up. Thank you for all your support during this time and may God bless you all.

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Catholic Life, April 2019 - Page 5

Be the reason someone smiles today: Trinity THE annual appeal for Trinity Families will be held in parishes next month. The theme this year is “Be the reason someone smiles today.” Envelopes will be available which people can use to post in credit card or cheque donations. If giving cash, the envelopes should either be put into the collection plate during Mass or handed in to the parish office. Executive officer Colin Coomber said the annual collection helped keep the fund ahead of inflation and to grow investments so more could be done within Sale Diocese to assist families. Trinity Families supports other charities operating within the diocese to ensure basic services are provided here. He said that one of the main reasons that Bishop Jeremiah Coffey had established the diocesan charitable fund was that large national charities were raising millions of dollars here but returning little in the way of services. “We are proud that over the past 15 years we have been able to give over $1.5 million for a wide range of programs and services across all areas of the

The closing date was earlier this year to enable funds to be distributed in October, rather than late November which was too late for many charities to begin their projects before the diocese. “Many smaller charities which do wonderful work in their local communities would have folded but our support has enabled many to become selfsufficient.” Mr Coomber urged people to consider making Trinity Families their charity of choice and to give generously. “While some loose change in a leaving collection is greatly appreciated, we need those who can afford to give to donate more meaningful amounts.” When Trinity Families was established, initially under the unregistered name Bishop’s Family Foundation, Catholics across Gippsland donated more than $1.5 million in the first few years. He said annual donations of $100, and even $1000, were common and this strong support had enabled the charity to invest wisely and start doing

its good works. The fantastic thing about the way Trinity Families was established was that donations remain in the trust fund earning a return on investments which is what is then made available to charities each year. Mr Coomber said the historic low returns on investments which had prevailed for several years had limited the amount of charities which could be supported and so the only way to boost available monies was to build the trust fund. “That’s why we need everyone to dig deep and support us. You can be the reason someone smiles today.” He said charities wishing to be considered for funding this year are asked to download and fill in the PDF application form on the website www. trinityfamilies.org.au and to email or post them back before the July 22 deadline.

Australian Plenary Councils have interesting history THE Plenary Council being held by the Catholic Church next year will be the fifth held in Australia but the first for more than 80 years. Before the first Plenary Council in Sydney in 1885 there had been two provincial gatherings of bishops and other clergy in 1844 and 1869. That first Provincial Council made decrees concerning administration of sacraments and clerical discipline. Clergy were told to wear the Roman collar, avoid dances, horse races, public theatres and “unbecoming meetings” and as well as devoting 30 minutes daily for meditative prayer. The meeting also set rules for mixed marriages between Catholic and Protestants. Education was a major topic at the 1869 Provincial Council because government funding for churches had ended, but the problem of mixed marriages again featured highly. The first Plenary Council in 1885 was held over five sessions and was attended by 18 bishops and 52 priests, 18 of whom represented religious orders. The council sent 287 decrees on a vast range of subjects to Rome for ratification. These included matters of faith, uniformity of discipline, education, male and female religious, Aboriginals and fasting. Sale Diocese was one of several created following the Council’s recommendations. Ten years later in 1895 the second Plenary Council, there was much discussion on

alcoholic priests which had obviously become a problem among the mainly Irish priests ministering far from their homeland. The many recommendations included that parish missions should be held every five years and that clerics should commit to personal development through attending conferences and reading. In 1905 the clergy expressed views on issues including teachers’ colleges and prohibition of sending children to government schools, treatment of alcoholic and mentally ill priests, challenges of the mission areas of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and even the unhappiness of some priests being banned from racetracks and theatre. Educational issues and mixed marriages were again discussed and there was a decree that each ecclesiastical province should have a teachers’ college. At the 1937 Plenary Council a staggering 685 decrees were passed, including a requirement for priests to preach twice a year on the evils of bad reading and cinema. On a positive note the council showed concern for wage earners and a joint pastoral letter was penned expressing those concerns, praising the good work of religious sisters in educating children, and urging that a safety net be established for the unemployed and their families. They also spoke out against the evils of communism, an “insidious anti-Christian

movement that had spread like a cancer…” A common theme of all these early Provincial and Plenary Councils was that input from the laity was sadly lacking, and in most cases totally absent. The lengthy process being taken around Australia to consult with people prior to Plenary 2020 will hopefully ensure that history will not be repeated. However, people should not expect or fear that the Plenary Council will result in wholesale changes to the Catholic Church. The Council will not have the power to enact anything contradicting the Church’s teachings on faith and morals, change the essentials of the Mass or ordain women to the priesthood. Canon lawyer Fr Ian Waters, who worked closely with the Diocese of Sale in Bishop Jeremiah Coffey’s time, is quoted in The Catholic Weekly (March 24, 2019) as saying “It can make rules and regulations for its own people, for Australians. “We can’t pass legislation that would say Mary is not the Mother of God or that there are four persons in the Trinity. “We can’t say that in Australia abortion is okay because the Church solemnly teaches that life begins at conception. “The Council can’t do anything that is against what the Catholic Church universally belies.” Fr Water said that the ordination of women was “not up for grabs.”

end of the year. It was expected that the amount available for charities to share would be about the same as in the past couple of years.

Water Capsules 5

WATER SAVES If a person chokes with coughing/crying someone brings in a glass of water. When a public speaker feels the throat go dry, he/she will sip on water. In parched deserts animals walk miles to reach an oasis. Water saves! In the scriptures we see an interplay between the actual need of real water and the “thirst” of the inner being for God within oneself. While in his death throes, Jesus said, “I thirst”(Jn 19:28) and longed for actual water; the Psalmist ‘thirsts’ for the God within: ‘Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God. My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life’. (Ps 42:1- 2). God’s “intake” satisfies the inner self and gives one the peace he/she desires. Remember to conserve water. What we save here on God’s earth has wondrous ways of recycling; and is utilised to save others. In your toilet every time if you use 100% brush you will only need 50% flush! Try this every time. - Fr Xavier Pinto CSsR, Bairnsdale

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Page 6 - Catholic Life, April 2019

FINAL ISSUE

Ave Maria - Women’s important role in Church AS we approach the celebration of Easter, it is worth considering the role of Mary at what must have been a dreadful, heartbreaking time for her. Her son, whom she loved so dearly is being vilified, mocked, tortured and now put to death in the most humiliating and painful way possible at that time. How could any of us cope with that? What a woman of courage and strength, not to mention extraordinary faith. How must Jesus have loved her at that time and she Him, how must he have felt the comfort of her presence as he suffered, as he agonised over whether his life’s work, his mission was worth it all or not. Quite literally, what would we have done without her? Tradition has Mary as quite young at the time of her pregnancy and giving birth, which perhaps highlights even further her extraordinary courage, commitment and faith. She is carrying within her a part of the divine promise that will one day establish God’s vision on this earth. Matthew, Mark and Luke present Mary as a model of discipleship. Mary was the first person to hear the word of God and keep it. These gospels present different occasions where her faith and courage are called on, especially in these last days, but her commitment never waivers. What a woman! Other women gathered beneath that cross and they too held special places in Jesus’ life and ministry. It is timely to remember them too. Early on Jesus visits towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God: He took his 12 disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own

resources to support Jesus and his disciples. (Luke 8:13) Martha and Mary appear to be long time friends and supporters of Jesus. It is not by chance that women were the first messengers sharing the story of the resurrection of Christ: But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance…. Then they remembered that he had said this. So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his 11 disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. (Luke 24:1-2, 8-10) After the ascension, when Jesus’ key followers gather to replace Judas, women are also present: Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. (Acts 1:13-14 ) But the sum total of their commitment was not simply being present at key events. Both men and women continued to be directly and closely involved in Jesus’ ministry, Lydia for example. She was the first Jewish convert to Jesus in the city of Thyatira. And when Apollos was discovered preaching by the apostles, he told them it was Priscilla and Aquilla who had explained to him the message of Jesus. Apollo, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way

Reflections by Jim Quillinan

of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. (Acts 18:24-26) And then there are the daughters of Philip. Scripture indicates that they were proclaiming God’s truth to people: On the following day we left and arrived in Caesarea. There we stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen as helpers

in Jerusalem. He had four unmarried daughters who proclaimed God’s message. (Acts 21:8-9) When Paul wrote to the believers in Rome, at the end, he offers some final personal remarks: I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me. (Romans 16:1-2) And then there is Junia. Paul writes: Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who

were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. (Romans 16:7) Addressing the role of women in the Church is long, long overdue. We are in a time of seismic shift, more than just a time of change, not just in church but our world is experiencing huge changes in political alliances, scientific endeavors, communication, travel, the movement of peoples across the globe. The rightful place of women is part of the seismic shift in thinking across the world, so why should the church be exempt from that? Simply banning it from being discussed is another example of the authoritarianism that contributed to our current dreadful predicament. It is not just a question of who should be invited to minister in our faith communities but also reforming power structures and decisionmaking processes to include women instead of having a man speak for them.

Catholic numbers falling THERE were fewer Catholics in Australia in 2016 than in 2011, but they were more likely to have a higher education and more likely to have been born overseas than five years earlier. The National Centre for Pastoral Research (NCPR) yesterday released the Social Profile of the Catholic Community in Australia, based on information contained in the 2016 Census. Census data already released outlined the drop in the number of people identifying as Catholic from 5,439,267 in 2016 to 5,291,834 in 2011. As a proportion of the total Australian population, the Catholic percentage dropped from 25.3 per cent to 22.6. The Social Profile, however, offers a much deeper understanding of the Catholic popu-

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lation on a range of measures, including education, employment, income, birthplace, language and disability. “The drop in the number of Catholics is concerning, and the bishops are keen to understand what’s behind it and respond as positively as possible,” said Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge. “As with recent data on falling Mass attendance, we assume that the Royal Commission and related revelations about child sexual abuse, as well as a general drift away from religious practice and a broader trend of disaffiliation have all contributed to the changing demographics.” Archbishop Coleridge said the Social Profile is one of the key tools bishops use to understand the Catholic community and will be a help in planning for the Plenary Council. “We can see from the report that Catholics today are more than twice as likely to have a university degree than 20 years ago, which may show how Catholic schools have better equipped people for tertiary study in recent decades,” he observed. “Catholics are also more likely to have been born in a non-English-speaking country than the average Australian and their median age of 40 is a couple of years older than the general population. “They’re less likely to be unemployed and have slightly higher mortgage repayments than their peers. “All of this is important data as we plan for a very different

future, given that any effective planning needs to be based on fact, not fantasy.” NCPR director Trudy Dantis said there was a change in the data collection process which might also explain some of the Census results. “From a statistical analysis perspective, the physical changes to the Census form – specifically, making ‘No Religion’ the first option on the religious affiliation question – may explain some of the changes in the Census,” Dr Dantis said. “We are unaware of any other jurisdiction that has changed its Census forms in a similar way, so can’t compare Australian trends with international ones. “What we do know, though, is that the drop in the number and percentage of those selfidentifying as Catholic in the 2016 Census is consistent with other research and anecdotal evidence regarding affiliation and practice.” Dr Dantis said additional social profiles will be released during the course of the year for all Catholic dioceses and parishes. “How a diocese or a parish can support the faith life and the daily life of Catholics is reliant on understanding that community’s needs,” she said. “Knowing the language profile or the economic profile or the disability profile of your local community will shape how a parish or diocese responds to people’s circumstances.” The Social Profile of the Catholic Community in Australia can be downloaded from the National Centre for Pastoral Research website.

FINAL ISSUE

Catholic Life, April 2019 - Page 7

Cardinal Pell conviction appeal to be heard in June THE appeal by Cardinal George Pell against his conviction on child sex charges against two choir boys at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne, in 1996 will be heard on June 5-6. Meanwhile, the cardinal had begun serving six years gaol handed down in the County Court in Melbourne last month. Cardinal Pell, 77, has always protested his innocence and pleaded not guilty to five charges stemming from two alleged instances when he was Archbishop of Melbourne. Two County Court trials were held last year, with the jury in the first being unable to reach a decision, and so the second trial was ordered and it was at this that Cardinal Pell was found guilty of the charges in December. The conviction which was immediately appealed by

Plans for law to end the seal of confession THE State Government plans to introduce legislation which would compel priests to break the seal of Confession and report child sexual abuse to police or face criminal charges. Attorney General Jill Hennessy has begun drafting the legislation and says she hopes to introduce it to parliament before the end of the year. The government wants to remove legal privileges that shield priests from giving evidence about alleged crimes heard during the confession, arguing that the sacrament provides cover to paedophiles. Ms Hennessy said removing that legal privilege would take away one more reason to not report child abuse. Under the proposed laws, any priest who received a confession of child sexual abuse and failed to make a report would risk being gaoled. The proposed change to the State Evidence Act, which also covers doctor-patient relationships, was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which concluded in December 2017. Ms Hennessy said that at the Royal Commission there was a sense that many people who committed child sexual abuse thought that they could cleanse themselves by simply confessing it. The ACT Government introduced mandatory reporting laws to its parliament last month in which a failure to report carries a jail term of up to two years. The NSW Government is also considering similar legislation.

Cardinal Pell but the appeal and verdicts were unable to be reported by the media, as at the time, the cardinal was facing another trial on charges relating to a separate incident at a Ballarat swimming pool. Police dropped those charges in February, the court lifted the suppression order and a media frenzy ensued, commenting and speculating on the likely sentences. Chief Judge Peter Kidd handed down his sentence on February 13 which was televised and broadcast live around Australia. In a 70 minute summary, he outlined

the charges and the things he had considered in coming to the penalties. Judge Kidd acknowledged that given Cardinal Pell’s age, he may well die in prison. Sentences for the five charges ranged from 15 months to four years gaol, and if served cumulatively would have meant almost 12 years gaol, however Judge Kidd allowed some of the sentences to be concurrent, meaning a total six year sentence with a non-parole term of three years and eight months. He further ordered that Cardinal Pell provide a forensic sample and that he be placed on

the sex offender’s list for life. At the sentencing Cardinal Pell wore neither his clerical collar or episcopal ring. The Pope is expected to wait until after the outcome of the appeal process before making any announcements in relation to the cardinal who prior to returning to Australia to face charges was head of the Vatican’s Secretariat for the Economy. In February the Pope defrocked Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of the United States who had been found guilty of child sex charges dating back more than 50 years.

Cardinal Pell

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Page 8 - Catholic Life, April 2019

FINAL ISSUE

End of an era - Catholic Life 1997-2019 A time for thanking By Colin Coomber WITH the final issue of Catholic Life now out of the way, it is time to acknowledge with thanks the many people who have helped to create this newspaper. The contributors from parishes, schools and various organisations have kept supplying articles month after month, and we have been proud to assist you in sharing your news with the rest of the diocese. A special thank you to the columnists who have provided a variety of thought provoking and informative columns. David Wells’ Dollars and Sense column and Jim Quillinan’s Reflections have been two of the paper’s most popular features for many years; Wells with his insightful look at the world of finance and Quillinan with his great reflective observations. Over the years we have also had the great history columns by Patrick Morgan and the late Terry Synan and the wonderful book reviews by the late Marie McKenna, mother of Bishop Michael McKenna of Bathurst. We must also thank the

Bishops of Sale who have taken time to pen their thoughts every issue for more than 21 years. Finally, we would also like to thank advertisers, without whom we would not have been able to keep going. Several have been with us from day one – Crane’s Asphalting and Bitumen Sealing, Latrobe Valley Funeral Services, Barry and Annette Lett Funeral Directors, Warren Graham and Murphy solicitors, Stephen Baggs Funeral Directors, Handley and Anderson Funeral Directors, Catholic Development Fund, Col and Pal Semmens Funeral Directors and Aid to the Church in Need. The various companies and individuals who have delivered the papers to schools and parishes have done a wonderful job in getting the news out. Our diocesan finance staff have ensured that our advertising accounts and subscriptions have gone out in a timely manner and for that I give thanks. Finally, I must thank my wife who has helped with the proofreading most months and provided a sounding board and advice at times.

CATHOLIC Life has been highly successful when it comes to winning awards at both Catholic and religious press conferences. (See story next page)

Of all the decisions we make in our lifetime, making a valid will is among the most important.

This final testament speaks loudly of the values, causes and possessions we hold most dear. We bequest personal treasures and mementos to special friends and loved ones and ask them to care for them after our passing. If you hold the Church dear, you may consider leaving a percentage of your estate or a specific amount to the Diocese of Sale. The Diocese is grateful for the support of its benefactors, who have enabled the Church to grow in its service of its people, and invite you to share in this rich heritage.

Many changes over the two decades OVER the journey Catholic Life has reported on the life of our diocese for three bishops. At the same time we have seen three Popes at the head of the Church. Our diocese has experienced many highs and lows - devastating fires and floods, horrendous droughts which have brought our farming community to its knees several times. The Longford Gas Plant explosion brought Victorian industry to a standstill and then there has been the economic downturn from the closure of major industries including Hazelwood Power Station. There has also been massive growth in our western end with at best count seven new primary schools and three new secondary campuses being built. A couple of schools have moved to new greenfields sites and most have seen extensive refurbishment and development. Many of our churches have also been renovated, extended and, in the case of Narre Warren and Drouin, built anew. Dwindling numbers of parishioners and a shortage of priests has forced many parishes to share priests and work together in partnership. The rapid growth in Cranbourne East led to the creation of a new parish called Clyde North. Plans are well underway and fundraising continues to build a church but the parish already has a booming primary school and secondary campus. A major change was the relocation of the Bishop’s Office from Sale to Warragul and the consolidation of all Sale and Newborough staff at Sion House which is shared with the Catholic Education Office. We saw the launch of the Bishop’s Family Foundation, now known as Trinity Families, setting up of Centacare Gippsland, and CDF Pre-paid Funeral Fund. Centacare became CatholicCare which merged in recent years with Melbourne, and our Catholic Development Fund also merged with Melbourne to create a much stronger entity which continues to provide our parishes and schools with affordable finance. Another major change has been the arrival of a new wave of priests from overseas countries, particularly India and Nigeria, to serve in our diocese. Sadly we have also seen the deaths of many of our older priests and now the many Irish priests who arrived in the 1950s are represented by only Fr Tom O’Connell who lives in retirement in Trafalgar.

FINAL ISSUE

Catholic Life, April 2019 - Page 9

End of an era - Catholic Life 1997-2019 By Colin Coomber THERE is a degree of sadness as I bid farewell to Catholic Life, a newspaper that has been a big part of my life for 25 years. The first issue of this free newspaper was in November 1997 but my involvement began several years earlier than that. In 1994, when I was editor of the Salebased Gippsland Times newspaper, I was asked by Bishop Jeremiah Coffey to be part of a review committee and do

a report on the projected costs of appointing a paid editor for the diocese newspaper, also called Catholic Life, which was being produced at the time by Fr Malcolm Hewitt. The paper began in March 1985 as an

eight page diocesan newsletter, eventually becoming a tabloid with a paid circulation of about 1800. The bishop closed down the paper in 1996 when it became too unprofitable to produce but promised that he envisaged a new publication in the near future. Faced with many requests to restart a newspaper, Bishop Coffey again approached me in 1996 to come up with ideas for a new publication. Then Nagle College principal Fr Frank Freeman SDB, who has edited the Salesian Bulletin magazine for many years, had put forward a number of suggestions that the diocese produce a glossy magazine or perhaps a free newspaper.

I formed a committee of people who had been involved in various aspects of publishing and distribution and we met several times to analyse Fr Freeman’s suggestion and other models. The Catholic Voice in Canberra had just started producing a free tabloid which was distributed through schools and parishes and that was found to be appealing to us. We recommended to Bishop Coffey that the diocese produce a free tabloid and that he should

Great successes along the way DURING its 22 year history the free Catholic Life won 18 awards at Australasian Catholic Press Association and Australasian Religious Press Association conferences. In its first two years of publication, 1998 and 1999, it was Best Regional Publication at the ACPA awards both years after setting a modern approach to layouts and news presentation. After taking on the job of redesigning and laying out The Gippsland Anglican for the Anglican Diocese of

Gippsland, it won the 2003 Best Regional Newspaper at the ARPA awards. The following year Catholic Life also adopted the five column layout we introduced for The Gippsland Anglican and we won Best Regional Publication at both ARPA and ACPA conferences in 2004, the first time a publication had won both the same year. Further Best Regional wins came in 2006 (ACPA), 2007 (ARPA) and 2010 (ARPA). Other awards over the years were commendations for Best

Headline, Best Front Page, Most Improved, and the one I treasure the most, Best Feature Story which was one I wrote from the heart after my parents lost their home in the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. Catholic Life has not entered awards for five or six years as we have chosen not to attend either conference. Our predecessor paid publication also won ARPA Best Regional Publication awards in 1990, 1994 and 1995.

employ an editor who had experience as an editor or subeditor of a regional newspaper, who had been in the diocese for some years, and preferably was a Catholic. Quotes were obtained for printing and we calculated the advertising revenue required to cover the cost of production, printing, distribution and sundries. After lengthy deliberations and consultation with clergy, Bishop Coffey accepted the proposal and advised me he was going ahead with employing an editor who would also be the media and communications officer for the diocese. In discussing this with one of my committee members, a nonCatholic, he said something along the lines of “You know they won’t get anyone for the job don’t you? There’s only one person who meets the criteria.” It dawned that he was talking about me, as at that time there were no other Catholics that we could think of, working in editing roles on Gippsland newspapers. I gave the matter a lot of thought. After 24 years at the Gippsland Times, the past 16 at the editor’s desk, the only career advancement open to me was to leave Sale. Rural Press had bought a share of the twice-weekly Times from Elliott Newspaper Group a few years earlier and, and with me having done a management course with them, I knew that my next step would be manager at one of the company’s weekly papers, the closest of which was at Ouyen. There had even been a suggestion that there may be a management position available at Ceduna on the South Australian edge of the Nullarbor Plain. My wife and I did not want to leave Sale where we had four children in school, and so the decision was made to apply for the Sale Diocese job. I went to see Bishop Coffey and told him that I wanted to throw my hat in the ring. I was acutely aware that this placed him in a difficult position because he would not want it to seem that I had written a job description and candidate profile to suit myself. Compounding the situation was that my wife had recently been employed by the diocese business office and it would be his first experience of having a couple working in the same team. Many years later he confided in me that he feared that we would bring family squabbles to work. By then we were not just both employed by the diocese but were working closely with him as the only two employees in the bishop’s office. My wife was then his personal assistant and I was his media officer and editor of Catholic Life. After getting through the job interview process, I was appointed to the position but

there was then a delay of nearly four months before the paper could be produced. As editor off-the-timebook I had to give 12 weeks notice to the Times under the journalists’ award and I gave myself six weeks lead time to get everything in place - sell advertisements, write stories and produce the first paper. Initially I produced the pages on an A3 laser printer, leaving spaces for the photographs which were scanned at the Gippsland Times and pasted in position using a hot wax backing. These were then taken to the Latrobe Valley Express at Morwell for the printing plates to be made and the paper printed. After a couple of years I obtained my own flat bed scanner for photographs and I could produce completed pages in my office. Eventually, as the digital age moved along I was able to turn these pages into files which could be transferred on discs which I delivered to the printer some 65km away. Digital transmission of files over the internet opened up a new era and though the old dialup connection often dropped out, I started uploading the paper on-line, a process that took more than an hour and sometimes two hours. Today with fast speed National Broadband Network at both ends, the upload of the whole paper takes about five seconds. Color also became affordable and so I introduced single spot color, then full color front, back and centre pages, and finally color on all pages at no extra charge to advertisers. For the first couple of issues I hired a van and spent two days and around 1200km delivering newspapers to every Catholic school and parish. Doublehandling almost two tonnes of paper left me exhausted and so I engaged several drivers to deliver the bulk of the papers. In recent years all copies have been delivered by couriers. Over the years, I have managed to juggle the various tasks in producing the newspaper, handle public relations and media contact for the diocese. One of the last decisions of Bishop Christopher Prowse before he was appointed Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn was to reduce publication from 11 to six times a year. (He signed the letter about 90 minutes before the announcement from Rome) The change in publication frequency was made to free up my time to also take on the new role of executive officer of the diocesan charitable fund which he renamed Trinity Families.

Page 10 - Catholic Life, April 2019

FINAL ISSUE

Your Guide to Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On & When 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mass of the Oils, St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral, Sale 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Holy Thursday 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Good Friday 20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Easter Sunday 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Easter Monday public holiday 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Term two begins 25 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Anzac Day 26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Mary, evangelist 26-27 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; East Gippsland Field Days, Bairnsdale 28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Divine Mercy Sunday 28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Cranbourne parish 29 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Catherine of Siena

2 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Koo Wee Rup parish 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Marcellin Champagnat 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pentecost Sunday 9 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Iona-Maryknoll parish 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday public holiday 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Holy Trinity 16 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Bairnsdale parish 23 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Lakes Entrance parish 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nativity of St John the Baptist 28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sacred Heart of Jesus 29 - Sts Peter and Paul 29 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; School holidays begin 30 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Orbost parish

MAY

JULY

APRIL

Parish appeal for Trinity Families 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Joseph the Worker 5 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Clyde North parish 12 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Narre Warren parish 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Our Lady of Fatima 19 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Pakenham parish 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Our Lady Help of Christians 26 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Berwick parish 31 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Visitation of the BVM

JUNE Australian Bishops Ad Limina visit with Pope and Vatican curia 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Ascension of the Lord

3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Thomas the Apostle 7 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Maffra parish 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Benedict 14 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Heyfield-Cowwarr parish 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Term three begins 21 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Traralgon parish 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Closing date for applications for funding from Trinity Families 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Mary Magdalene 25 - St James 28 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Churchill parish

AUGUST 4 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle

Seminarianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father dies SEMINARIAN Confidence Masvosva has returned from his native Zimbabwe after rushing back following the sudden death of his father Crispin Masvosva on February 22. The death came just over

two months after the death of his mother, Annacolleta, on December 11. Our thoughts are with Confidence and his siblings at this difficult time.

in Morwell parish 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Transfiguration of the Lord 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Mary of the Cross (Mary MacKillop) 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Newborough parish 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Assumption of the BVM 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Moe parish 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Queenship of Mary 25 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Trafalgar parish 28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Augustine

19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Caulfield Cup 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St John Paul II

SEPTEMBER

1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Advent begins 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Francis Xavier 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Nicholas 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Immaculate conception 20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; School holidays begin 25 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Christmas Day 26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Boxing Day 28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Holy Innocents 29 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Holy Family 31 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve

1 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Drouin parish 8 - OLPH icon and Plenary 2020 candle in Warragul parish 13-14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Diocesan assembly, Marist Sion College, Warragul 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Exaltation of the Holy Cross 15 - Blessing of new Greenmount Catholic Cemetery Gates, Yarram, 2pm21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; School holidays begin 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Matthew 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Vincent de Paul

OCTOBER 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Therese of the Child Jesus (Therese of Lisieux) 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Francis of Assisi 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Our Lady of the Rosary 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Term four begins 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St John XXIII 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Caulfield Guineas 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Luke

NOVEMBER 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; All Saints 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; All Souls 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Melbourne Cup public holiday 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Laurence Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Toole 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Presentation of the BVM 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Christ the King 30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Andrew

DECEMBER

NOTE: Dates, times and venues may change without notice being given to Catholic Life. School holiday dates can vary from school to school depending on teacher in-service and other student-free days etc. Major sporting events, local agricultural shows and festivals are included so clashes can be avoided when planning parish or school events.

Catechists day in Warragul

Wonderful Lent Resource for schools and Parishes Aboriginal Way of The Cross

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Mike Hansen was speaker. Bishop Pat Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Regan celebrated Mass with the group in the Sion House chapel at noon. The catechists gather regularly for ongoing training and to share their experiences to help others. Many parishes are in need of catechists to pass on the faith to the younger generation. If interested you should discuss it with your parish priest or give diocesan coordinator Barb Durand a call on Wednesdays on 5622 6600.

FINAL ISSUE

Catholic Life, April 2019 - Page 11

Bishop off to Rome for Ad Limina with Pope BISHOP of Sale Pat O’Regan will travel with other Australian Catholic bishops to Rome in June for an Ad Limina visit, culminating in prayer and Mass at the tombs of Sts Peter and Paul. Bishops conferences from around the world typically make the Ad Limina Apostolorum visit, translated as “To the threshold of the Apostles”, every five years. However, with the change of Pope in 2013 and Ad Limina visits cancelled during the Year of Mercy, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has not made the visit since 2011. “Ad Limina pilgrimages are a time of deep prayer – at the tombs of the Apostles and at the major basilicas in Rome – and also a chance for the bishops of Australia to strengthen our bond of communion with the Bishop of Rome,” ACBC president Archbishop Mark Coleridge said. “This will be our first chance to meet as a Conference with Pope Francis, and it comes at a tumultuous time when we look to him, as the Successor of Peter, to confirm us in faith.” During their dialogue with Pope Francis, the bishops

will provide information and insights from their own dioceses and listen to the Pope’s reflections on the Church more broadly. “Other bishops conferences have said that the meetings as a group with Pope Francis are easy, open and collegial,” Archbishop Coleridge said. “That’s certainly something that will suit the Australian bishops, especially at a time like this.”

The bishops will also meet with the various departments of the Holy See, in the interests of mutual understanding and collaboration. The discussions will revolve around the comprehensive reports that each diocese has provided in preparation for the Ad Limina visit. On June 29, as part of the pilgrimage, Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli of Melbourne will be among those receiving

the pallium, a woollen stole given to new Metropolitan Archbishops as a sign of communion with the Pope. “The presentation of Archbishop Comensoli’s pallium on the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul will be a rich symbolic moment for him and for all the bishops, taking us back to the very origins of Christianity,” Archbishop Coleridge said. While in Italy, the bishops will also have a time of retreat

Large crowd attends reunion of former Kildare College HUNDREDS turned out for the 60th anniversary of the foundation of Kildare College, Traralgon, in February. The college, now the senior campus of Lavalla Catholic Regional College since 1988, was founded in 1958 by the Brigidine Sisters. Former students and teachers travelled from around Australia for the reunion and the crowd was estimated to be nearly 400. Several Brigidine Sisters attended, including the sole

member of their congregation still working in Sale Diocese, Dr Rose Duffy csb, who works out of the Catholic Education Office, Warragul. The event included a liturgy and there were several speakers include Sr Anne Hill, Sr Catriona Devlin, and former student, award-winning journalist Sue Smethurst. Another highlight was a procession with each sister carrying an item representative of the Brigidines.

A historical day featuring old text books, student projects and other memorabilia crated great interest to visitors. Current Year 12 student Madeleine Whiting donned an old Kildare uniform for the day. A plaque commemorating Kildare College was unveiled during the day. The reunion was organised from afar by former student Josie Montano, who lives in Brisbane.

to help them prepare for the Plenary Council 2020. Jesuit Br Ian Cribb will lead the retreat, with a special focus on the need for discernment and the Catholic understanding of discernment – a pivotal aspect of the next stage of the Plenary Council process and the Council sessions themselves.

Grants to toughen religious security PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has announced $55 million in grants to toughen security at places of worship and religious schools amid growing concerns about extremism in the wake of the Christchurch terrorist attack. Mr Morrison committed the new funding in a speech that emphasised the need to defend freedom of religion by protecting Australians at their places of worship. The grants will range in size from $50,000 to $1.5 million and will be made available for safety measures such as closedcircuit television cameras, lighting, fencing, bollards, alarms, security systems and public address systems.

Time to say farewell to my days as a columnist AFTER 12 years and more than a hundred columns, it’s time for me to stop writing, just as this paper is stopping. I understand that there will be “soft copy” newsletter available on the internet, but it won’t be a newspaper, and I’ll not be doing a column for you again. Catholic Life has been one of Australia’s best diocesan newspapers since Colin Coomber established the free publication almost 22 years ago. The diocese and Colin deserve to be congratulated on their commitment and dedication over those years. Newspapers are not cheap to print and distribute, and now with electronic alternatives they seem to be a dinosaur. For it to survive this long and to maintain its relevance is a credit to Colin and all the other contributors. Long live the dinosaurs! Of course, my column wasn’t religious and was never meant to be. Colin gave me free reign on what to write, although many times I was grateful for his suggestions when my mind went blank. As for getting the columns in early, that was never a chance. While I wasn’t always late, only once was I early, apart from when I was overseas for a few months. But most important over the years was the belief that what I was writing was helpful to you, the readers. At times I tried to be just a little provocative and once or twice I had to have a crack at the politicians, but nearly always I

was trying to get across some consistent messages. The first of course was always that it’s your money and you need to take an interest in it and your welfare. The Banking Royal Commission ably demonstrated why. If I could give you some pointers over the years then that is good. I remember covering the Global Financial Crisis and trying to assuage the sense of panic prevalent at the time – and indeed, the crazy advice that everyone was being given. We did come out the other side and we have had a good economy, too. I remember people being encouraged to cash out superannuation – that’s never the answer to having a decent retirement. Don’t always believe what you read in the newspapers. Then there are all the people trying to part you from your money - conmen, some investment advisers and the foreigners asking you to help them repatriate millions of dollars. Writing about scams was always fun but I had to be careful that I didn’t offend any one who had been scammed. And what about the “investment scheme” that turned out to be a betting system on Australian horse races. I must admit that there are some unscrupulous people out there who have a different definition of investment than I. One of the themes which I enjoyed and which I got a lot of feedback for was “it’s

your money, it’s your choice”. Investing in good memories can be wonderful thing. My daughter however, didn’t like being used as an example. If you can’t use family, who can you use? It is your money and it is your choice. As long as you’re aware of the alternatives and are prepared to accept any downside, feel free to do what you think is best for you. The stories always have to be personal. You, dear reader, are a real person, and so must my story be real. Overall, I hope you have found the articles educational as well as interesting, practical as well as helpful at times. And I hope you have found them to be a useful addition to Catholic Life. Fortunately over the time I’ve been writing the standard of financial and investment advice has improved (the Royal Commission cherry picked the worst parts) and there are far more independent advisers now than ever before. Don’t be afraid to seek professional assistance, but just remember – you’re the client, it’s your money and don’t sign anything until you fully know what it is you’re signing. I have had a great time writing all these articles, but there’s a little sadness in this one. While Catholic Life may be disappearing, and my regular articles along with it, I am not. I have many good years ahead of me, God willing, and I have no intention of retiring. So I will make this offer – if you have a question, query

Dollars

and $ense by David Wells or need something financial explained, I will try and help you if I can. Feel free to contact me (keep my advertisement in this issue for details) and I will respond. It’s a bit like having an article just for you, so to speak. Please look after yourself and may good fortune meet you

along the way. • This report is intended to provide general advice. In preparing this advice, David Wells and Shaw and Partners did not take into account the investment objective, the financial situation and particular needs of any particular person. Before making an investment decision on the basis of this advice, you need to consider, with or without the assistance of an adviser, whether the advice is appropriate in light of your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.

While Catholic Life is stopping and my column ending, I am not. I will still be around to offer advice. As in the past, I am happy to take phone calls from readers. And if you decide to make an appointment for professional personal advice, you do not have to travel to Melbourne as I am in my Warragul office Mondays and Fridays. Just phone 03 9268 1157 or toll free 1800 150 009 to make an appointment. David Wells, Senior Investment Advisor dwells@shawandpartners.com.au

Page 12 - Catholic Life, April 2019

FINAL ISSUE

Catholic mission to Australia took over 200 years By Colin Coomber AUSTRALIA was unknown to the Europeans until the early 1600s except through tales which filtered back about the great south land. Archaeological discoveries near Gympie in Queensland show the Egyptians were here more than 2000 years ago, Chinese annals tell of a visit here in the 1400s and Malay and Indonesian fishermen were visiting the northern coastline for centuries to catch fish and trepang (sea cucumbers). History shows the British were the first European nation to settle the island continent but we may have had a completely different history. Almost two centuries of indecision by the Vatican and various European rulers meant the chance to establish a Catholic mission here was missed. A Portuguese navigator Pedro Fernandez De Quiros hatched a plan to “discover” a southern continent which he suspected or knew existed. De Quiros went to Rome in 1600 for the jubilee holy year celebrations and remained there until March 1602. He had an audience with Pope Clement VIII on August 28, 1601, briefing him about his voyages to the South Seas and his plan to take Catholicism to the thousands of natives he believed that inhabited the undiscovered land. The Pope was impressed by De Quiros’s enthusiasm and not only approved the venture but he ordered the Franciscans in Peru and bishops in the Indies to give him every assistance. Armed with the Pope’s endorsement, De Quiros went to Spain and received royal approval to partake the expedition. It took several years to prepare for the journey and after sailing into the Pacific and reprovisioning, he finally left Callao in Peru in December 1605. He discovered the New Hebrides on May 3, 1606, naming them La Austrialia del Espiritu Santo, after mistaking them for the south land he must have known existed. Little did he know but the Australian continent has been visited three months earlier by a Dutch seafarer Willem Janszoon who managed to go astray on a trip to the East Indies (Indonesia) and sail into the top of what we now know as Cape York. De Quiros made another attempt to discover the continent in 1614 but died in Panama in 1615 before he could begin the final leg. A Franciscan Fr Juan de Silva, who was confessor to the Spanish royal family, also took up the messianic mission to discover people of the “Austral lands”. He planned for the Franciscans to convert the natives of the South Seas and wrote a series of notes to King Phillip III seeking royal backing. In 1621, just as Phillip began

PORTUGUESE navigator Pedro Fernandez De Quiros missed Australia on his first attempt but discovered New Hebrides instead. He died on his second attempt to found a Catholic mission in the “undiscovered” great south land.

continent, and seven years later an Italian Jesuit Fr Cristoforo Borri wrote to Pope Urban VIII, telling of the discoveries and how he had failed to persuade the Portuguese to send an expedition. French priest Fr Jean Paulmier claimed in a Paris newspaper in 1663 that a French ship bound for the East Indies had landed on the coast of Terra Australis 130 years previously and had brought back a native who became a Christian and married. Fr Paulmier, who claimed to have been a descendant, wrote that there “was no land so miserable or destitute for help as Terra Australis” and only France could convert it. In 1666 he wrote to the then Pope Alexander VII to grant him the apostolic blessing and faculties to go as a missionary to the unknown south lands. He said other French priests were willing to go with him on

his plan in entirety, creating a Prefecture Apostolic of Terra Australis, encompassing what is now Papua New Guinea, West Papua (Irian Jaya), Australia and Antarctica, with Riccio as its head. When Riccio died in 1685, the documents advising him of Vatican assent to his plan had never arrived and so the matter went onto the back burner again. Creation of the Prefecture prevented any Catholic cleric from ministering to the peoples of the new land without faculties being granted by the Pope. Meanwhile, an estimated 30 Dutch vessels had visited Australia, carefully plotting its northern and western coastlines. Abel Tasman had defined its southern limits when he discovered the southern part of Tasmania in 1842, but wrongly assumed it was part of the mainland. Lieut. James Cook mapped

happened under Pope Pius VII in 1814, little if anything was done about establishing a Catholic mission in the south land. In 1803 third Governor of New South Wales Phillip Gidley King, who was more tolerant of Catholics than his predecessors, granted convict priest Fr James Dixon the right to celebrate Mass for convicts and others. This forced the hand of Propaganda Fide which in 1804 appointed Fr Dixon as Prefect Apostolic of New Holland, the first official Catholic appointment on the new colony. In 1817 a controversial Irish priest Fr Jeremiah O’Flynn arrived in Sydney claiming to be officially appointed to serve a mission to the colonies but with no supportive documents from either Britain or Rome, was forcibly removed from Sydney six months later and placed on a ship bound for England.

BIT by bit the Australian continent was mapped by Dutch seafarers as this 1644 map shows. A Catholic mission to the south land was first mooted around 1600 but the first official appointment came more than 200 years later. to show interest in the proposal he died and was succeeded by his 16-year-old son King Phillip IV. Fr De Silva petitioned the young king but got nowhere so he enlisted the aid of Dr Sebastian Clemente, chaplain at the royal chapel in Lima, who wrote two letters to Pope Gregory XV proposing a mission to La Austrialia del Espiritu Santo. The letters were discussed in 1622 by Propaganda Fide, the Vatican congregation overseeing missionary territories, but both were rejected with a note that nothing more should be done about the matter. Word filtered back that the Dutch had been making various discoveries on the north and west coast of a major southern

a mission for the salvation of millions of souls. The Pope consented and placed the mission under control of Propaganda Fide where it stayed for the next 300 years. Propaganda Fide endorsed his plan but he failed to convince other priests to join him on a venture to the unknown. In 1674 an Italian Dominican Fr Vittorio Riccio, who was prior of a monastery in the Philippines, wrote to Rome urging a mission to Terra Australis which was now partially known, mainly through the discoveries of Dutch explorers. For some reason his letter did not come to the attention of Vatican officials until 1681. Propaganda Fide agreed to

the east coast from Point Hicks near Mallacoota to north Queensland during his voyage of 1770, discovering land more habitable to colonisation than the desolate areas mapped by the Dutch. The colonisation of Australia by the British followed with the First Fleet in 1778. In 1798 Propaganda Fide was forced to take action when French revolutionary troops occupied Rome and imprisoned Pope Pius VI. They entrusted the new land to the care of the newly formed Society of the Faith of Jesus, made up of many former Jesuits who had been suppressed by Pope Clement XIV in 1773. With the former Jesuits fighting a 41 year battle for reinstatement, which eventually

Finally, in 1830 the first priests sanctioned by both Rome and Britain arrived to take up their mission and establish the institutional Catholic Church in Australia. But for indecision, procrastination and politics, this may have occurred 200 years earlier. It was not until 1976 that Australia ceased to be a mission country when Propaganda Fide handed over authority to the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops. Much of the information in this article is based on Mission to the Unknown by Dr Joe Morley (Catholic Weekly, April 11, 2004)

FINAL ISSUE

Catholic Life, April 2019 - Page 13

Be the reason someone smiles today Trinity FAMILIES May is the month when a special appeal is held for Trinity Families in parishes across the diocese. Special envelopes have been produced for donations but you may also use the form below. Trinity Families supports those in our region who have special needs, require drug, alcohol, family or relationship counselling, need bereavement support, suicide prevention, emergency accommodation, assistance with an at-risk adolescent etc etc.

We are appealing to all schools, families and businesses to donate generously so that we can put a smile on more faces.

Your generous donations have enabled us to invest more than $1.5 million in funding charities which run projects in support of families. We could have given three times that amount if we had access to more funds.

Trinity Families only allocates funds for projects run by charities in this region, so you can be sure that your donation is giving great value to our families. Your donation goes on earning funds to distribute year after year – a gift that goes on giving! Make a donation by visiting www.trinityfamilies.org.au Or send your cheque or credit card donations on the form below to: Trinity Families, PO Box 1410 WARRAGUL 3820

✄

Donation form: Trinity Families I/We enclose $............ towards the work of Trinity Families Please find enclosed a cheque/money order payable to the Trinity Families or debit my Visa or Mastercard.

❑❑❑❑ ❑❑❑❑ ❑❑❑❑ ❑❑❑❑ /

Expiry ............ ...............

! n o o G e n o e m o s p l He e l i m s to today

Signature ................................................................................. Date ......... ......... ......... Name .................................................................................................... Address ................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................

Postcode............................

Please provide address so receipts can be issued

All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sale Charitable Fund ABN 85 334 135 693

Page 14 - Catholic Life, April 2019

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For the Young and Young at Heart THREE priests share a carriage on a train as they head to Sydney for a convention. Becoming familiar with one another, they start to talk about their likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. One priest admits that he likes drinking alcohol but sometimes overdoes it and wakes up after having slept on the kitchen floor all night. The second one says his weakness is gambling and he often cancels various events in his parish so he can sneak off to a race meeting. The third priest was quiet but after some urging from the other two to reveal his weakness, he decided to tell them. “My weakness is that I gossip and I can’t wait to get to the convention to tell everyone about you two!” WHAT do you call a dyslexic atheist with insomnia? Someone who stays up all night wondering if there’s a dog.

who wants to be pampered.” And he dropped the frog back in his pocket.

Colour in this Easter scene

THREE men joined an expedition to the Great Sandy Desert and the leader told them that because the camels were already loaded to the maximum with supplies and equipment, they could only bring one thing each. When they turned up for the trek, the leader asked what they had brought. The first man produced a bottle of water. “Just in case we run low on water,” he said. The second man produced some sandwiches in a bag. “Just in case we run low on food,” he said. The third man struggled in with a car door on his back. ‘What’s that for?” asked the leader. “If it gets too hot in the desert, I can wind the window down.”

A BACK country family had never been further than their tiny local town which featured little more than a TWO men meet at a general store, pub and garage. luxurious South Pacific Health care was minimal resort and discover they are with only occasional visits both small businessmen who from health professionals. Dad, mum, daughter and have been struggling to make ends meet in the current son decide to visit the doctor during one such visit and economic climate. One said that the only he refers dad to see a heart reason he could afford the specialist in the big city. Not wanting to miss such a trip was that his shop had caught fire and had been once in a lifetime experience, totally destroyed. The the whole family decides to insurance money had paid go to learn about city life. The specialist’s rooms are for the trip. The second one said attached to a large shopping “That’s a coincidence. My centre and as they had arrived shop and all its contents were early, they had some time up COLOUR in this picture of Mary Magdalen meeting the risen Jesus in the garden with the destroyed in a flood and the their sleeves. empty tomb behind them. Dad encourages mum to insurance money had also take their daughter into one paid for his trip.” Puzzled, the first man asks of the fancy clothing stores “How do you start a flood?” while he and the son sit on a A DRUNK staggers out of open, all the other men have looking for something. seat watching the sights. the pub and meets a pair of driven out of the car park. The passer-by asks if there They are fascinated by WHAT do you call a fish pretty girls coming towards is anything he can do to help. He starts the car and drives people coming and going with no eyes? him. The drunk explains that he into the lift, a device they Fsh towards the exit, narrowly They just happen to be had tripped and in the fall he had never seen before. identical twins who have missing a light pole and had lost his watch. Together They watched an old decided to dress identically starts down the street when the two men search for it. A MAN was walking beside the stream when he woman in a black skirt and for a night out. the policeman pulls him over After 20 minutes of found a frog and picked it up. white blouse shuffle into the One girl passes to the left and asks him to blow into the fruitless searching, the man The frog said “I have been lift, then the doors closed of the drunk and the other puff bag. asks “Where exactly did you turned into as frog by the and after a few minutes they passes to his right. Amazingly the reading trip?” The drunk is amazed. comes back as zero blood “In the park over the road,” wicked witch. Kiss me and opened again and out came says the drunk “But the I will turn into a beautiful a stunning blonde woman in “How did she manage to do alcohol content. The light over that?” he exclaimed. there is not good princess and I will be yours a short black skirt and tight policeman puts on another enough to find the watch, so white blouse. forever.” A POLICEMAN stakes mouthpiece and asks him to I started here.” “Quick! Go and get your He placed the frog in his blow again. The result also pocket and walked on. He mum,” shouts dad. “Let’s see out a hotel carpark to see if comes up zero. came across a friend and if that machine works on her there are any drunk drivers. AS a rough calculation, “I don’t understand,” says At closing time, about 20 showed him the frog which too.” there have been nearly 3500 the policeman. men come out of the hotel spoke up saying “Kiss me “Easy,” says the driver. jokes in Catholic Life over THE boss was annoyed and he focuses on one who and I’ll turn into a beautiful the years. “Tonight was my turn to be We know that many of our when his secretary came in appears inebriated. princess.” readers turn to this page for The friend said “Wow. late for the third day in a row. He sways as he walks designated decoy.” a laugh. “You should have been towards his vehicle, stumbles Have you kissed her yet?” LATE at night a man Hopefully, these final jokes “Nope! It’s more fun here at nine!” he said. several times and then walking his dog comes across have up (or should “Why?” she asked. “What fumbles with his keys. By a drunk crawling along the that bebeen having a talking frog to show down) to the normal people than some princess happened then?” the time he has the car door footpath under a street lamp, standard.

Inebriated and legless

FINAL ISSUE

Catholic Life, April 2019 - Page 15

A selection of fine books reviewed for you SALT, NOT HONEY by Luigi Maria Epicoco, published by Coventry Press, hardback, 176 pages, rrp $30, ISBN 97806-483-2332-7. THIS newly released book is strong and provocative, always challenges the reader to reassess the way they respond to God. It encourages people to reassess their religious journey but putting aside idolatry which makes them focus on a manmade image and rather to be silent and listen to what the spirit is saying and discern how God may be leading them. The author is a priest of the Aquila Diocese in Italy and teaches Philosophy at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome and at Higher Institute of Religious Sciences at Aquila. He has dedicated himself to preaching and conducting retreats and reflection days, especially for the formation of the laity and religious. Fr Epicoco points out that God did not write that we should be the honey of the earth, but the salt. He challenges the “goody reflection” of faith and explains that Christian life can be much more than this. He uses the three theological virtues – faith, hope and charity – as the basis for re-reading life experiences and selected Biblical passages.

There is much depth in the book and while at times there can almost be an information overload, if you take it in small bites, the author’s message will be clearly understood. Indeed, faith is not a little bit of honey in our mouth making it easier to swallow a bitter pill. At times it is something that stings, like salt on an open wound. But, it is precisely because of this that it prevents things from going bad. WHERE IS JESUS? BY Angela M. Burrin, published by St Paul’s, hardback, 22 pages rrp $12.95, ISBN 9781-925494-30-3. THIS is a lift-flap book targeted at younger children rather than a Where’s Wally? book where older minds are challenged in a test of their observation skills. As the flaps are lifted Jesus is revealed in various situations starting with him lying in the manger surrounded by animals and concluding with the risen Jesus standing beside the empty tomb. The words are minimal, so it would be up to the parent or grandparent to impart their knowledge of the Biblical stories before the youngster is encouraged to lift the flap. The illustrations are colorful and cartoon-style which will make them appealing to pre-

schoolers and those learning to read. THE VIRTUES OF ST MARY OF THE CROSS, MARY MacKILLOP, by Paul Gardiner SJ, published by St Paul’s, paperback, 160 pages, rrp $14.95, ISBN 9781-925494-35-8 THIS book would make fantastic reading for anyone wanting to know more about St Mary of the Cross. The author, who wrote the book for private publication in 1989, was postulator for the cause of her canonisation. A copy of his work was presented to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints, along with a two volume official biography of her life. Now for the first time, we too can read this analysis of Mary MacKillop’s life against the theological virtues – faith, hope and charity – and the cardinal virtues - prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude.

Classifieds prayer HOLY SPIRIT You who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideals, you who gives me a divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me; in this short dialogue I want to thank you for everything and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you, no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in Your perpetual Glory. (Mention your request). Thank you Holy Spirit for your love towards me and my loved one. Amen This prayer should be said for three consecutive days. After the 3rd day the request will be granted, no matter how difficult it may be. While making the request one must either promise to publish on granting the favor or promise to circulate copies of it to as many people as possible. This is to spread the wonder of the Holy Spirit. READERS please note that published prayers reflect the beliefs of those who place the advertisements. We ask readers to judge for themselves, especially in regards to suggested fulfilment of requests made in these prayers.

prayer

public notices

St Jude NOVENA. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved, adored, glorified and made renowned throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us, Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us. Thanks St Jude for prayers answered. Say this prayer nine times a day for nine days. By the eighth day your prayers will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised.

VOCATIONS Priests & Deacons Are you considering a vocation as a priest or deacon for the Diocese of Sale? If so please contact

Fr Michael Willemsen 5152 3106 vocations@sale.catholic.org.au

wanted known

Your will be done Trinity Families asks you to consider assisting our work in funding charitable projects across the diocese. Remembering Trinity Families in your will by making a bequest is an effective way of ensuring that you do something to help those struggling families in our midst. If you need more information on bequests contact: PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820 Ph: 56 22 6688 ABN 85 334 135 693

The book begins with an explanation that many of the sisters who worked with Mary MacKillop held her in such high esteem because of the virtues she displayed, rather than the work she did. There is a comprehensive history of the saint at the beginning of the book and then her virtues are presented with ample quotes from those who knew her. Fr Gardiner shows that Mary MacKillop not only gave lipservice to the virtues but lived them when she was challenged by the pressures of life which would have revealed is she was counterfeit or superficial. Mother Mary lived the virtues in a rock-solid way throughout the many storms that beset her personally as well as the institute she founded. YOUCAT FOR KIDS, Published by Freedom Publishing, softcover, 248 pages, rrp $34.95, ISBN 9780-648323-30-3 THIS book is a special children’s catechism for Australia and New Zealand and has been published as one of the YOUCAT projects, which have included the highly popular

YOUCAT Bible. While the book is labelled as being for kids, it is an important tool for parents, grandparents, teachers and catechists to use as a tool to keep young minds learning about their faith and asking questions. In the foreword by Pope Francis, he explains that YOUCAT for Kids lends itself to children and parents spending time together and discovering God’s love more and more. “Never tire of asking questions and talking about your faith. Do not remain silent when your children come to you with questions, but be strong sharers of the true faith you have received from your parents,” he writes. The good thing about this book is that there is a guide, albeit in tiny print, at the start of the book which explains how best to use the book with children. It suggests focussing on one question, understanding what it means before discussing and sharing the children’s ideas on the topic. Stick figure cartoons on each page can be used to draw a young person into conversation.

Sion nun for more than 73 years THE late Sr Mariana Handley nds was a dedicated teacher who will be remembered fondly by many students who attended Our Lady of Sion College, Sale, in the 1960s and 1970s. She died, age 93, at a nursing home in Melbourne after 73 years as a professed Sister of Our Lady of Sion. She was born June Alvina Handley in Fish Creek in 1925, and attended Our Lady of Sion College, Warragul, as a boarder for her secondary education. On completion of schooling at age 17, she entered the novitiate with the Sion Sisters in Sale, and on her profession became known as Sr Mariana. She trained as a primary school teacher at St Francis Xavier School, Box Hill, remaining there as a teacher until 1950. She then taught junior classes at the nearby Our Lady of Sion College and studied at Melbourne University for a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Diploma of Education. Her quest for learning never diminished and she went on to obtain her Masters of Education with a thesis “The advantages of single sex secondary education for girls.” Sr Mariana taught in Sale until the merging of St Patrick’s and Our Lady of Sion colleges to create a co-educational school in the early 1970s, then transferred back to Melbourne where she taught at several girls’ schools for the next 14 years. Her final seven years of her lengthy teaching career was at

Sr Mariana Handley Mercy College, Coburg, from which she retired age 70. Leaving the classroom just changed the context of her teaching career as she began leading study groups in scripture, biblical studies and church history from her home is Pascoe Vale South. She also got involved in parish work as an Eucharistic minister and visiting the sick in their homes and hospitals. She joined the Hebrew Christian community and began a study of her family history. After a car accident in 2015 and with declining health, Mr Mariana moved to St Catherine’s Aged Care, Balwyn for the remaining few years of her life. Her passion for her home town of Fish Creek remained very strong throughout her life.

Page 16 - Catholic Life, April 2019

FINAL ISSUE

Defibrillator for Lakes church use

Trafalgar’s Mini Vinnies

AT the training day on defibrillator use are (from left) Rob Stanfield, Judy Burgess, Dianne Clarke, and Marcia Harrison THE Mini Vinnies team (Back, from left) Principal Trish Mulqueen, Patrick Kennedy, Jamie-Lee Abrecht, Matt Balfour, Millie Francis, Hannah Upston and Mini Vinnies leader Sonia Lombardo (Middle) Ciele Towb, Sieanna Jonas, Sofia Jamieson, Sheridan Jacobs, Alyssa Shields, Justyce Word. (Front) Eve Kosic, Rhiannon Dunston, Bianca McCutcheon, Lucy Cathomen, Isabella Brown and Charlie Donald. TRAFALGAR - St Joseph’s primary school students to of Prayer activity and they have Catholic Primary School become advocates within their organised a hygiene/toiletries participates in the Mini Vinnies school and local community by drive for the fire fighters and Program for Schools. putting their values into action. for the families who have This is the second year that They meet regularly to learn been displaced in our recent the school has participated in about social justice issues, Gippsland fires. the program. develop leadership skills and In this way they are actively Last year there were seven engage with the wider St trying to make a difference in students on the team and this Vincent de Paul Society in the our community. year there are 17 students on Trafalgar Catholic Parish. The School is proud of their the team. This year the team has already Mini Vinnies team and look Mini Vinnies empowers participated in the World Day forward to their work this year.

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acquiring this unit was greatly appreciated. Dianne Clarke presented a cheque for $1500, the proceeds from the Christmas raffle to president of Lakes Entrance Ambulance Auxiliary Judy Burgess for its future needs. Defibrillator trainer Marcia Harrison conducted an interesting training session on the use of the defibrillator, which hopefully won’t be needed too often, and was thanked for her time and knowledge of the subject. The training day was attended by 12 parishioners.

St John of God’s laser technology

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LAKES ENTRANCE – A defibrillator unit for people suffering heart attacks has been placed in the foyer of St Brendan’s Church. While acquired principally for emergencies in the church and parish buildings, it is also available for the wider Lakes Entrance community. The manager of Lakes Entrance Ambulance Service Rob Stanfield advised Dianne Clarke, representing the Lakes Entrance Branch of Catholic Women’s League, on the most suitable defibrillator. His support and assistance in

BERWICK - Urology patients at St John of God Berwick Hospital are among the first in Australia to benefit from new laser surgery technology. A new 120 watt Lumenis Moses laser assists urological surgeons to reduce the size of enlarged prostates and also aims to improve the effectiveness of treatment of urinary stones with potentially only one treatment needed instead of two or three. Surgery times are also shortened and in some cases the length of hospital stays can also be reduced. Hospital chief executive officer Lisa Norman said the device offered patients the most up-to-date treatment and care options available. “We have made considerable investment in this technology to enable us to provide a broader range of urological services to our community. “It also allows our urologists to offer the best possible treatment options to their

patients.” Urologist Shekib Shahbaz who first used the new machine late last year, said the new technology has helped make urology services more accessible. He was able to treat a patient with a large renal stone who would previously have had to endure an open surgery procedure or treatment at another hospital. Urologist Tony De Sousa said more options were now available for patients. “We are able to treat more complex cases closer to home. It also means we can treat them quicker, with less risk and get them home faster.” The laser works using a suction device that sucks the stone into position to enable more targeted destruction. It can also be used to perform holmium laser prostate surgery - a minimally invasive procedure to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.