Catholic life june 2013

Free

Catholic Life Publication of the Diocese of Sale

Yarram church to be repaired - Page 3

ISSUE 173

June 2013

Adoration chapel opens - Pages 5

Youth games held at Warragul - Page 12

Honoring an apostle

By Colin Coomber

CRANBOURNE - Work will shortly begin on the newest school in the Diocese of Sale.

Bishop Christopher Prowse turned the first sod for St Thomas the Apostle School at Cranbourne East on May 27 to pave the way for construction works.

The first two storey stage is planned to be open for the start of term one next year.

Foundation principal will be Brendan Marrinon, currently principal at Don Bosco Primary, Narre Warren, and formerly principal at nearby St Agatha’s Primary, Cranbourne.

Already 150 students have been enrolled for the new school.

The four hectare site on Berwick-Cranbourne Rd. is almost opposite the Melbourne Football Club’s Casey Fields training facilities.

It will be the hub of the diocese’s newest parish as a church and presbytery are also planned for the site.

The land also adjoins at the rear the Cranbourne East campus of St Peter’s Secondary College which has about 100 people attending Mass there every Sunday.

Where two years ago there was farmland, today there are literally hundreds of new homes which are helping to house Melbourne burgeoning population.

The sod-turning was attended by about 60 people representing parish groups, the new Cranbourne East parish, architects, Catholic Education Office and parents of children who will attend the school next year.

ABOVE: Bishop Christopher Prowse turns the first sod for the new school, closely watched by foundation principal Brendan Marrinon and a large crowd of parishioners.

RIGHT: Cranbourne parish priest Fr Denis O’Bryan (right) and assistant priest Fr Joseph Abutu with an artist’s impression for the first double storey stage of St Thomas the Apostle School.

• Continued Page 2.

A local initiative for families in need A donation to the Bishop’s Family Foundation will aid needy families in the Diocese of Sale by funding much needed counselling and other programs.

Send tax deductible donations to: Bishop’s Family Foundation, PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820 Phone 5622 6600 for more information

Page 2 - Catholic Life, June 2013

The scourge of child sexual abuse in our diocese D

ear Friends in Christ, Jesus,

The scourge of child sex abuse, especially by Church personnel, remains high in our awareness these days. The State Parliamentary Inquiry and the Royal Commission will ensure that this will continue in the years ahead.

Along with my brother bishops, I sincerely stand alongside the victims of sex abuse. The pain and anguish of victims continues. The criminal activity of the abusers fills us all with profound sadness and utter contempt.

Over the years, I have sat with victims and listened to their horrendous testimonies. Their experience of abuse as children has sickened me. Their bravery and survivor instincts have inspired me.

Their pain continues.

The fact that some of their abusers have been priests and Church personnel seems incomprehensible.

Nothing could be further from what true Christian discipleship means. I condemn their actions outright.

Even in the Catholic Diocese of Sale, this scourge of child sex abuse

by Church personnel has occurred over the years. So far, since 1960, 16

To God’s People in the Catholic Diocese of Sale such complaints have been upheld.

This has been perpetrated by seven persons. Three of these persons have been priests. These priests are all deceased. Most of the complaints relate to child abuse which occurred within the 1960 to early 1990s timeframe.

Victims in Australia have expressed anger that when they went to Church authorities during this period to report such diabolical activity they were so often met with rejection, ignorance and silence.

Once again, I sincerely apologise on behalf of all in the Diocese of Sale to all the victims. I am aware too of the pain inflicted on their families due to such betrayals of trust. It has also caused grave scandal to the wider community as well. I am deeply sorry.

There is reassurance to know that since the late 1990s the Diocese of Sale has activated national protocols and codes of conduct to prevent and

respond to such abuse. There is now improved screening for admission into the seminary. Seminarians receive enhanced seminary formation. Church personnel are required to have “Working with Children Checks”.

Victims are encouraged to go to the police with complaints.

Along with their families they are supported. Abusers are dealt with swiftly by being stood down from their positions while the complaint is investigated and removal from ministry or their position if the complaint is upheld. There is provision of a personal meeting with me and a written apology. There is access to compensation/reparation and access to counselling.

I can assure you that the Diocese of Sale is co-operating completely with Victorian and national bodies set up to respond to the official enquiries now operating in Australia.

Updates on the Catholic responses

to the two enquiries are easy to access. The website for the Victorian Parliamentary enquiry is: www.facingthetruth.org.au. For the Royal Commission, the website is www.tjhcouncil.org.au. Could I encourage you to access these websites regularly.

May I conclude with a little prayer: Heavenly Father, The issue of the sexual abuse of children concerns us greatly.

The victims continue to suffer so much… too much.

We have found some Judas’s even in our own clergy and church personnel.

We are so sorry.

But you love and protect children.

Help us all to create a world where such appalling harm finds no place in our world, and especially our Church.

Protect and heal the victims.

Help us to respond fully to our responsibilities.

Help us to learn from our terrible mistakes.

We make this prayer through Christ, Our Lord, AMEN. + Bishop Christopher Prowse Catholic Bishop of Sale

Newest school honors St Thomas the Apostle • From Page 1 Parish priest Fr Denis O’Bryan said that many people had been involved in the project through various parish committees and it was good to see it all come together.

The Cranbourne East parish community was growing with strong numbers attending Mass each weekend and there was great optimism among the people as they awaiting the building of the school.

DIOCESE OF SALE

The land for the school, church and presbytery was originally purchased during the time when Fr Herman Hengel was Cranbourne parish priest.

Greg Strickland from Brand Architects, showed an artist’s impression of the first stage.

He said a cut to funding meant that there would be no administration section in the first stage which was really just a classroom block.

Administration would be run from a classroom for the

Catholic Life PO Box 1410, Warragul Vic. 3820 Phone: (03) 5622 6600

catholiclife@sale.catholic.org.au www.sale.catholic.org.au Editor: Colin Coomber

first couple of years until the exciting second stage could be built.

Bishop Prowse said that the turning of the sod symbolised the beginnings of a new school and parish of St Thomas the Apostle at Cranbourne East.

He said former Cranbourne parish priest Fr Andrew Wise had put forward three names as possible suggestions for the parish-school development and he had chosen St Thomas because the apostle was one of

Latrobe alley V uneral F Services

the first evangelisers who took his mission to India to establish the Church.

Cranbourne East was also an area where the missionary Church was evident because the many houses now being built had a large migrant population, with many of the people coming from Kerala in the south of India where St Thomas established his Church.

The bishop said Catholic education was the jewel in the crown of the new development at Cranbourne East and he was pleased that the first stage of St Thomas the Apostle Primary School would be open at the start of next year.

Director of Catholic Education Maria Kirkwood said one of the best things she encountered about Sale Diocese

was the hope and enthusiasm which was evident wherever she went.

There was a great feeling about the new school.

She said she was conscious that she was inheriting the good work of many others who were working on the project for a long while before she arrived in the diocese.

“I acknowledge their great work today.”

Several parishioners then accepted Bishop Prowse’s invitation to express their feelings about the new school and parish project.

The school will also serve the rapidly growing areas of Clyde and Clyde North which are also within the Melbourne metropolitan growth boundary.

Published monthly except January.

Deadline for advertising copy and editorial contributions for next issue is Monday, July 8 Issues distributed free through parishes and schools from June 17.

Published by Catholic Media Gippsland, an agency of the Diocese of Sale.

Printed by Express Print, Morwell.

Member of Australasian Catholic Press Association & Australasian Religious Press Association

❏ Qualified, experienced and caring staff ❏ Modern chapels ❏ Refreshments and catering facilities available

PAUL McINNES Director

❏ Secure, guaranteed, pre-paid and pre-arranged funeral plans ❏ Over 70 years of service to the Latrobe Valley

MOE 5126 1111 MORWELL 5134 4937 TRARALGON 5174 2258 Owned and operated by Paul and Katrina McInnes Proud member of the Australian Funeral Directors Association and the Australian and British Institutes of Embalming

JOHN GALBRAITH Consultant

MARK RIDDLE Consultant 2002900

PO Box 1378, Sale 3853 204 Raymond St www.lifefm.com.au

Ph: 5143 0355 Fax: 5143 0388 admin@lifefm.com.au

Catholic Life, June 2013 - Page 3

Historic Yarram church roof to be repaired YARRAM Parishioners should be back worshipping in the imposing St Mary’s Church next year.

The church has been unable to be used for Masses and other gatherings since September 2012 when it was closed because of safety concerns.

The Bishop of Sale, Christopher Prowse ordered it closed after he received an engineer-

ing consultant’s report on the condition of the century old red brick building.

Several slate roofing tiles had fallen and to prevent parishioners being injured from possible subsequent falls, the church was fenced off and all Masses and gathering were moved to the new Mary MacKillop Hall at St Mary’s Primary School.

Delays in getting proper as-

Funds available to help our families THE Bishop’s Family Foundation is calling for applications from charities who wish to access funding for programs to assist families with Gippsland and outer eastern suburbs.

The foundation, which is the Sale Diocese’s charitable fund, makes annual disbursements.

Over the past decade the foundation has distributed more than $850,000 for projects large and small.

Only charities with registered tax deductibility status are eligible to apply and therefore no funds are available for individuals.

Funding is not restricted to Catholic organisations and in practice, the foundation has always supported programs run by agencies of other churches provided they meet the basic criteria of helping the family.

The amount available for distribution each year varies depending on the income generated by the trust fund which holds more than $2 million donated over the 13 years the foundation has been in existence.

The donations have been invested by independent trustees and it is the proceeds of the investments which become available for charities.

New money donated during the annual May appeal and at other times during the year are

used to maintain the value of the trust.

The Bishop’s Family Foundation is unique in that it does not do any charitable works itself but provides the funds necessary to enable other charities to continuing functioning.

Applications for funding must be made on the relevant form which will shortly be placed on the diocese website www.sale. catholic.org.au.

This form must be filled out on line, then printed off and signed before being sent in.

Closing date is the end of August which gives all eligible organisations time to gather the information required to make an application.

There will also be a PDF document which explains the funding policy in detail.

New Indian priest on way ANOTHER Indian priest will arrive in Sale Diocese later this month.

Fr Babu Vadakkekara VC will arrive on June 22 from the Marymatha Province of Vincentian Congregation, Kerala, India He is aged 36 and has been a priest since December 2003.

3000 expected at youth festival

By Cassie Gawley REGISTRATIONS are now open for groups interested in attending the first biennial Catholic Youth Festival in Australia to be held in Melbourne in December.

Individual registrations are to be opened in the coming weeks.

The Australian Catholic Youth Festival is expected to attract 3000 young people from across the country and will include celebrations, expos, listening activities and some very special guests.

Bishop Christopher Prowse has expressed his desire for the young people of the Diocese of Sale to take up this amazing experience while it is in Melbourne, as the next Australian

Catholic Youth Festival will be hosted by another archdiocese interstate.

If anyone in interested in coordinating a group to attend the festival, it is a good idea to start promoting the festival to the young people within your parish and get them as excited as you are, as well as signing up to receive the official festival newsletter, to stay up-to-date with all the details.

For more information, and some promotion materials, including video clips and information on what the festival will include visit the website www. youthfestival.catholic.org.au.

Places are limited, so get in quick to avoid missing out on the largest national Catholic youth gathering since World Youth Day 2008.

sessment of the problems had many Yarram and district parishioners fearing that the church might never again be open to the public.

Administrator Fr Peter Kooloos, Leongatha, said that since the closure there had been further investigation of the condition of the church and the estimated cost of repairs which would be well over $100,000.

He said that building engineers had initially feared that there could have been serious damage to the structure of the roof timbers and walls because of the penetration of water over many years.

However, this did not appear to be the case and structural damage was not great.

Fr Kooloos said the main problem was that the slate roofing tiles used in the 1963 western extension were secondhand Spanish slate which was turning to powder and breaking away.

The slate on the roof of the original church was Welsh slate which was still generally in good condition, considering it had been there since the church was built in 1915.

He said that while the Spanish slate had allowed some wa-

ST Mary’s, Yarram, surrounded by security fencing. ter in, damage to roofing tim- approved by Bishop Prowse bers was repairable. who had discussed it with his Cost of the restoration would consultors and given the go be high and quotes for the ahead. works were being obtained.

Work would not be able to It was hoped to be able to use start before the end of Septemmoney raised from the sale of ber and would take months to the Port Albert church about complete because the height of seven years ago. the church meant major scafFr Kooloos said approval for folding needed to be erected. large expenditure needed to be

It’s not all about the money!

Can you help us fulfil the mission the Church in this way?

Have you got money invested elsewhere that you could consider investing with the CDF? If you are able to help why not give the CDF a call or email and see how easy it is.

You will be rewarded with: • A competitive rate of return on your investment; • The security of investing with the Catholic Church; and, • Most importantly you are making a contribution to furthering the Catholic faith and education in our diocese.

So you see it’s not just about the money Phone 5622 6699

cdf@sale.catholic.org.au

The Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale is not subject to the provisions of the Corporation Act 2001 nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Deposits with the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale are guaranteed by CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for this purpose. We welcome your investment with the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale rather than with a profit orientated commercial organisation as a conscious commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church. Neither the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for the Diocese of Sale are prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; contributions to the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959; the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Catholic Diocese of Sale.

Page 4 - Catholic Life, June 2013

Iona celebrates day of prayer

Advert backfires

QUITE a furore over the cheap shot at the Catholic Church by the AussieMite company which has an advert showing a person receiving a host on the tongue from a bishop, taking it out and dipping it in the black spread.

The woman then holds out the jar and the bishop dips the host in the spread as well before tasting it.

We know of a few people who have sent in their protests and we would not be surprised if the company and its advertising firm are hauled before the advertising standards board.

It has issued an apology and dropped the advert, but only after it became aware that people were lobbying Coles and Woolworths to stop stocking the product.

Of course, it was a deliberate attempt to cause controversy, which their advertising agency admits was part of the brief.

Image the outcry and rioting which would erupt if a similar advert was aired mocking Islam or Judaism.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see a widespread boycott on the product by Catholics.

If you want an Australian owned and made alternative to those other black spreads Vegemite, Marmite and Promite, we suggest you go with the Dick Smith product Ozemite which should not be confused with the offending product.

Big difference

IT is interesting to see a email which has gone viral comparing different pictures of Pope Benedict and Pope Francis.

The email points out Francis does not sit on the golden throne used by his predecessor, has done away with the red carpet, does not wear the gold embroidered red stole, wears a silver rather than gold papal ring, has a plain metal pectoral cross rather than a jewel encrusted golden one, opts for black rather than red designer shoes, and wears traditional black pants under his cassock to remind that under trappings of office he is still a priest.

On their own, these differences do not amount to much, but together they indicate a definite statement that is being made by this new pontiff.

Pastoral letter

JUST a reminder that last month’s issue carried the bishop’s new pastoral letter on the family.

You can still download and print it from our website www. sale.catholic.org.au.

ENJOYING a cuppa and chat after the day of prayer are (from left) Rene Wakelin, Moira Kelly, Val Feltham, Anne Brown and Agnes Brook.

IONA - Catholic Women’s Iona Maryknoll branch held held its annual cake stalls for League celebrated World Union its WUCWO day at St Joseph’s the Bishop’s Family Foundation of Catholic Women’s Organisa- Church, Iona. at St James’, Nar Nar Goon, aftion World Day of Prayer in all Invitations were sent to all ter 6pm Mass and St Joseph’s, branches on May 13. churches in the area. A small Iona, after 11am Mass Sunday The theme for this year is You gathering attended. morning.

Shall Love Your Neighbor as A liturgy was held with a A great range of cakes, slices Yourself based upon the 2013 Powerpoint presentation on and plants were for sale and a WUCWO priority - Peace in poverty in Australia. raffle was also held. $451-85 Action: Reduce Poverty, VioA $50 donation for WUCWO was raised and sent to the founlence and Trafficking, Support was sent to governing body. dation.

Migrants.

Iona Maryknoll branch also

Royal Commission website A NEW website designed to provide information on the way the Catholic Church will approach its engagement with

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.

the Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse has been launched.

The website provides material from the Truth Justice and Healing Council, which has been established by the Catholic Church to help the Church response to the Royal Commission, on how it will operate and the work it will do.

Chief executive officer of the Truth Justice and Healing Council Francis Sullivan said the site would be a valuable resource for both the Catholic and broader community that will be regularly updated with new information.

“This site is unique in that it brings together a range of material from both the Catholic Church and secular community,” Mr Sullivan said.

The site provided information on how the council was engaging with the Royal Commission, information from the commission itself, support services for victims and survivors, coverage both from the secular and Catholic media and information from the Catholic community including church leaders and critics.

“Through the site we will also

engage the Catholic and wider Australian community as we initiate research into best proactive procedure, policies and structures to protect children in the future and promote lasting healing for survivors.”

The site also had a full social media capacity, including a regular blog.

Mr Sullivan said the council would do everything possible to ensure the Church co-operated with the commission in a spirit of openness, transparency and compassion.

“The Royal Commission is an opportunity for the Church to explain the way it has treated victims and survivors, to acknowledge past wrongs and failings and to find ways in which to work towards justice and healing.

“Importantly, it is an opportunity for victims and survivors of sexual abuse to come forward and be heard in an environment of support and safety.”

Visit www.tjhcouncil.org. au, onm the Web, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ TruthJusticeAndHealingCouncil and Twitter https//twitter. com/TJHCouncil.

BARRY AND ANNETTE LETT

Funeral Directors

Barry and Bradley Lett offer care, compassion and service with dignity for the people of Gippsland.

Caring and personal 24-hour service.

Prepaid and prearranged funeral plans available.

67 Macarthur St., Sale 3850

(03) 5143 1232

Catholic Life, June 2013 - Page 5

New adoration chapel opens

BISHOP Christopher Prowse and cathedral administrator Fr Andrew Wise with parishioners at the opening of the chapel. Note the angel tiles on the rear wall.

SALE – The electronic era has for use by the bishop when he arrived in St Mary’s Cathedral is staying in Sale and the rear Parish in Sale with the open- section including the chapel has ing of a new parish adoration become available for parish use. chapel.

The official opening and Parishioners who register blessing of the adoration chapel from from from with the parish will receive an took place after Mass on Pente$4890* $3990* $4790* electronic card to allow them cost Sunday. * Plus airfares * Plus airfares * Plus airfares access to the chapel which is The six angel panels recovlocated at the rear of what was ered and restored from the old the bishop’s residence. high altar of St Mary’s CatheMore than 30 have registered dral have been mounted three already and have received cards on each side of the tabernacle.

GRACES OF ITALY JOURNEY OF CHRIST GRACES OF FRANCE allowing them access any time The committee and volunof night or day. teers who preparied the chapel A 16 day pilgrimage with Fr Paul Pearce SM JP A 14 day pilgrimage with Fr Ron Nissen SM A 17 day pilgrimage with Fr Patrick Vaughan The room was originally the were Elaine Fiddelaers, MargaDeparting 29th September 2013 Departing 13th September 2013 Departing 16th September 2013 private chapel for Bishops of ret Goss, Bert Fiddelaers, Lou • Venice • Padua • Florence • Dead Sea • Bethlehem • Barcelona • Montserrat Sale but was converted as part Centra, Rose Webster, Frank • Siena • Cascia • Assisi • Caesarea • Nazareth • Manresa • Lourdes of the diocesan archives. In Fidge and Kevin Lazarro.

• Sea of Galilee • Mount • Toulouse • Rocamadour • Loreto • San Giovanni Bishop Jeremiah Coffey’s time, The chapel was well used of Beatitudes • Taybeh • Paray-le-Monial • Taize Rotondo • Pietrelcina a front room of the house was recently as many parishionconverted into a chapel. ers joined Pope Francis and Village • Jerusalem • Nevers • Chartres • Pompeii • Montecassino Since Bishop Christopher millions of other Catholics Also departing 11th Oct & 15th Nov 2013 • Mont-Saint-Michel • Lisieux • Paris • Rome • Optional Rome extension (3) Prowse relocated to Warragul throughout the world in acceptAlso departing 29th Oct 2013 Also departing 16th Oct 2013 last year, the archives were ing the Pope’s invitation for able to be moved into the front 12 hours of prayer before the FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST A COPY OF OUR 2013 BROCHURE CONTACT HARVEST ON 1800 819 156 half of the bishop’s house, the blessed sacrament for the feast www.harvestpilgrims.com mid section has been retained of Corpus Christi. * Costs must remain subject to change without notice, based on currency exchange rates, departure city, airline choice and minimum group size contingency.

2013 HARVEST PILGRIMAGES

How could your old car win you a new car?

Take out CCI comprehensive car insurance before 26 July 2013*, and you could win a Mazda3.

And that’s not the only reason why it pays to choose CCI Car Insurance. With our safe driver discount+^, variable excess options and new car replacement#, we really are driving home value and choice.

Call 1300 655 003 or visit www.catholicinsurance.org.au

Home

Contents

Car

Personal Accident

Travel

Landlord

Caravan

Catholic Church Insurance Limited (CCI) ABN 76 000 005 210, AFS Licence No. 235415 is the promoter of the underwriter Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (Allianz) ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708. Before making a decision please consider the Product Disclosure Statement available from www.catholicinsurance.org.au. * Promotion runs 01/06/13- 26/07/13. Must be 18 years or older. Prize drawn 19/08/13 at Lvl 11, 2 Market St Sydney. Winner’s name published in The Australian 21/08/13. Authorised under NSW Permit No: LTPS/13/02239, ACT Permit No: ACT TP 13/01165 SA Licence No: T13/573, VIC Permit No: 13/779. Allianz is the promoter of the win-a-car promotion and full terms and conditions are available from www.allianz.com.au/prize. + Minimum premiums may apply. Any discounts/entitlements only apply to the extent any minimum premium is not reached. If you are eligible for more than one, we also apply each of them in a predetermined order to the premium (excluding taxes and government charges) as reduced by any prior applied discounts/entitlements. ^ Safe Driver Discount applies to comprehensive policies only. To be eligible, the rateable driver must be 30 years or over and other eligibility criteria apply. # New car replacement applies if car is a total loss within the first two years of original registration.

Page 6 - Catholic Life, June 2013

Preps reading the wrong book Vatican 2 seminar series continues

BILL the librarian reads The Wrong Book to St Mary’s prep students.

MAFFRA - As part of the children from St Mary’s by Nick Bland.

Wellington Shire Council’s Primary School walked to the The National Simultaneous National Simultaneous Story Maffra Library to take part in Story Time is in its 13th year Time on May 22, the Prep the reading of The Wrong Book and helps to promote the value of children’s reading.

The Preps had a fantastic time listening to The Wrong Book as well as other stories from the ~Servicing Gippsland~ library, and took part in some arts and craft time too.

Maffra 5147 1954 They can’t wait to go back to Sale 5144 1954 the library again one day!

Col & Pal Semmens FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Heyfield

Brad

Pal

5148 3354

Col

Our Family Caring For Your Family With 25 Years Experience

Turnbulls GIPPSLAND TURNBULL TOYOTA 303 York St., SALE 5144 9898

287 Commercial Rd YARRAM 5182 5722 Yarram, Traralgon, Bairnsdale, Sale, Pakenham, Jindabyne

Phone 0417 376 483

TURNBULL USED CARS 73 Argyle St., TRARALGON 5174 8290

LMCT 2140

ished Establ ars 33 ye PAVING GIPPSLAND & LATROBE VALLEY

MACHINE LAID ASPHALT • DRIVEWAYS • ROADWAYS • CARPARKS • SUBDIVISIONS • BITUMEN SPRAYING

• ROAD PROFILING & STABILISATION

• FULL CONSTRUCTION • TENNIS COURTS ACRYLIC SURFACES

• SYNTHETIC GRASS

5152 2941

CRANES ASPHALTING & BITUMEN SEALING PTY LTD

THE final two sessions of a seminar to help Catholics understand Vatican 2 will be held in the next week.

“Vatican 2: Understanding the Council that changed our lives” is the theme of the seminars presented by Catholic Theological College lecturer Fr Max Vodola.

The first seminar was held at Narre Warren a fortnight ago and this weekend there will be one in Bairnsdale and next week it will be in Leongatha.

The Bairnsdale seminar will be on Saturday, June 15 from 10.30am to 2pm at St Mary’s Parish Centre, Nicholson St. Those attending are asked to take a lunch to share.

The Leongatha seminar will be at St Laurence’s Parish Centre, Ogilvy St., on June 18 from 4.30 to 7.30pm. Those attending are asked to take finger food to share.

Cost of the seminar is $5 and copies of Fr Vodola’s 2012 book A Friendly Guide to Vatican 2 will be available for purchase.

Bookings and more

information from Sophy Morley 5622 6677 or smorley@ sale.catholic.org.au.

St Michael’s missioners make money TRARALGON - Raising money for the Caritas missions is a major event at Traralgon’s St Michael’s Primary School.

They strive to follow St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s ideal of “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

Every week in each class they have children and staff collecting money for Caritas. At the end of the week children from the student leadership ream collect the money, tally it up and at assembly they announce the Mission Money Master for the Week.

At St Michael’s they work hard to “Find happiness in making others happy” (Mary MacKillop).

I can’t hear you when you yell RECENTLY I was in a shop where a little child was in trouble.

Whatever he had done, it annoyed the parent accompanying him.

It may just been an attack of the ‘terrible twos’ we are all used to, but his parent started yelling at him and we all stopped – it was an impressive performance until the child said: “I can’t hear you when you yell at me!”

I can understand that. I have been deaf for most of my adult life. When people realise that, they talk louder and sometimes more slowly and then I can’t understand them at all.

There is a lot of shouting going on today, so much so that it is hard to hear the message.

Demonstrations across the world seem to be on the increase and the shouting seems to inflame people even further – the participant and the spectators.

Have we become a Church, a faith community of shouters and yellers? Do we think that everyone wants or even needs to know what we have to think on any subject? So to get heard, we start yelling, and it just feeds on itself.

We can’t get our ideas and opinions out because someone else is yelling and shouting, so we decide to yell and shout even louder to get heard.

There is nothing wrong with sharing our thoughts and beliefs. That’s a good thing to do.

We do need to be heard in the marketplace, as it were. We do need to put the Christian view forward.

It is how we share our beliefs that can become the hindrance.

When we are so anxious to get share our opinions and be-

Reflections

by Jim Quillinan liefs that we are yelling, shouting and generally putting down and disregarding those who would disagree with us, we no longer treat them as people of faith or fellow searchers for the truth but misguided souls that need to be put on the correct path – generally our path.

I’m reminded of the call of Elijah who fled to a mountain cave as he felt that his life was in danger, given that so many prophets had been put to death.

There was a thunderous earthquake, a roaring wind and red hot flames but God was not in any of them. When all of those passed by, it was in the gentle whisper, the sound of gentle silence that followed where Elijah heard God’s presence.

“I’m right and everybody who disagrees with me is wrong” isn’t helpful. What approach is the best way to shine God’s love, by yelling and shouting or by living what we believe?

Pope Paul reminded us that the Gospel must be proclaimed by witness.

Take a Christian or a handful of Christians who, in the midst of their own community, show their capacity for understanding and acceptance, their sharing of life and destiny with other people, their solidarity with the efforts of all for whatever is noble and good.

Let us suppose that, in addition, they radiate in an altogether simple and unaffected way their faith in values that

go beyond current values, and their hope in something that is not seen and that one would not dare to imagine.

Through this wordless witness these Christians stir up irresistible questions in the hearts of those who see how they live: Why are they like this? Why do they live in this way? What or who is it that inspires them?

Why are they in our midst?

Such a witness is already a silent proclamation of the Good News and a very powerful and effective one ... All Christians are called to this witness, and in this way they can be real evangelisers. (Evangelii nuntiandi, 21) A silent proclamation of the Good News is so often much more powerful, a quieter voice so much more effective in reaching out to others, a quieter voice builds bridges rather that proclaiming one’s ‘rightness’.

‘I can’t hear when you yell at me’, might turn into ‘I can see what you mean.’

Catholic Life, June 2013 - Page 7

2013 leaders in Catholic Education awards LEADERS in Catholic Education were recognized at the annual leadership Mass and dinner at Traralgon last month.

Various recipients were presented with awards by Bishop Christopher Prowse and director of Catholic Education Maria Kirkwood.

There were six recipients of Spirit of Catholic Education Awards, two each in the areas of faith, learning and growth.

Michael Delaney from Mary MacKillop Regional College, Leongatha, and Mike Hansen from Lavalla College, Traralgon, were awarded in the faith category.

These awards seek to identify individuals who have made a signiďŹ cant contribution to the development of students’ faith lives. It may include exemplary work in religious education, parish involvement, the school’s spiritual life, social justice or day-to-day exempliďŹ cation of

Gospel values.

Gaye Marshall from Marist Sion College, Warragul, and Elizabeth Cunningham, St Patrick’s Primary School, Pakenham, were awarded in the learning category.

These awards seek to identify individuals who have made a contribution beyond the normal to student learning. It may include exemplary classroom and specialist teaching.

Romalie Sooriyabandara from Trinity Primary School, Narre Warren South, and Roger Hampson from St Peter’s College, Cranbourne, received the growth awards.

These awards seek to identify individuals who have made a signiďŹ cant contribution to the social and emotional health of students. It may incorporate exemplary practice in pastoral care, wellbeing, or partnerships with parents, parish and the community.

For several years Scripture and Religious Education awards have been presented to the student with the highest VCE scores over 40.

Bishop Jeremiah Coffey instituted a Religion Education Prize in honor of his predecessor Archbishop Eric D’Arcy, a highly-respected scholar, teacher and philosopher.

The Archbishop D’Arcy Religious Prize pays homage to the dedication of teachers of religious education who have inuenced students’ learning and development in their faith

journey over many years.

This year the award went to Jarryd Croxford, Tessa Benn, Ebony Axford, and Elizabeth Duff, all from Marist-Sion College, Warragul.

The Elizabeth Hunt Scholarship was awarded to Madeline Pruscino from Nagle College, Bairnsdale.

This scholarship is awarded to graduating Year 12 students commencing study in education at the Australian Catholic University. It is inspired by Elizabeth Hunt a pioneer in Catholic teaching in Pakenham in the early 20th century and provides ďŹ nancial support to the recipient for the four years of their study.

The Daniel Ahern Bursary went to Julia Nicholas from St Patrick’s Primary School, Pakenham.

This bursary provides ďŹ nancial support for one year to non-teaching staff in diocesan schools who are undertaking undergraduate studies in education.

The 25 year service awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and pay tribute to those teachers and other persons who have given service to Catholic education in Australia for 25 years or more. This year recipients acknowledged were: 25 years - Jeanette Clack, Leonard Cooke, Trish Dixon, Michele Knight, Terrence Taylor, Mark White; 26 years - Kevin John Woodhouse; 27 years - Scott Fitzgerald, Sam

KAYE Morris receives her award from Bishop Christopher Prowse.

Kaye works in the college library at Catholic College Sale.

Franzi, Lisa French; 31 years 34 years - Anne Tschiderer; 44 - Kaye Morris; 32 years - Rob years - Br Francis McIntosh.

Dixon; 33 years - Kerry McCall;

Now selling from $315,000

STAG SELLI E TWO NG F AST I

NSPE TODACT Y

:HEVWHU :D\ 3DNHQKDP

(QTXLULHV 3KRQH

ZZZ VKDQDJROGHQYLOODJH FRP DX

Page 8 - Catholic Life, June 2013

Do not be afraid . . . I will rescue you CATHOLIC Mission has officially launched its 2013 Propagation of the Faith Church Appeal with the theme ‘Do not be afraid... I will rescue you.’

This campaign will appear in parishes around Australia throughout the coming months, as well as online and via a direct mail campaign, and highlights the missionary response to the desperate reality of child trafficking and child labor in India and throughout the world.

All donations raised from the appeal will be used to fund Catholic Mission’s work with communities in over 160 countries around the world; providing vital support that assists whole parishes in their pastoral work.

The campaign was inspired by the Bible verse Jeremiah 1:8, and centres on the incredible work of Sr Clara Devaraj and her fellow Salesian Sisters who work tirelessly in Chennai (formerly known as Madras) to rescue young girls from the

tragic circumstances associated with extreme poverty; providing them with a safe and caring environment at their Marialaya Children’s Home.

Every day countless young children are stolen from, or sold by, their families into domestic work and prostitution against their will. Many are also forced to become street beggars just to survive. Some even have their precious body organs forcibly removed and sold on the black market. Distressingly, these innocent children are seen simply as commodities.

With support from Catholic Mission, the sisters provide a nurturing home for these young, often traumatised girls, in addition to counselling, medical care, education and spiritual formation. For them, faith and action go together, so their aim is to protect these children and to encourage them To see their worth as a beloved child of God. “Working with children at

Away for a weekend and need to check local Mass times?

Use the QR scanning app on your smart phone and it will take you directly to the Diocese of Sale website

SR Clara Devaraj with a young orphan. She is currently in Australia promoting the work of a Salesian isters children’s home in Chennai. risk gives much satisfaction and and financial contributions.

Sr Clara. makes a person fulfilled,” says “This issue of children who “The transformation of these Sr Clara. “It is a mission where are so vulnerable is a very girls is incredible. And the there are a lot of opportunities difficult and challenging one work of the Salesian Sisters to live like Jesus by being but so very important to bring and Sister Clara is incredible, compassionate, forgiving, to the attention of all, in the as is their faith in God and the and caring to the youth and hope that even more good can children. Sister Clara is truly a children who are under our be done. I have been incredibly hero to these young girls.” care and protection without any touched by the amazing but Sr Clara is visiting Australia expectation.” heart-wrenching individual until June 27 on behalf of Catholic Mission deputy stories of the young girls who Catholic Mission to promote national director Peter had been stolen from and sold the work of Marialaya.

Gates, says, “I really hope by their families into child For further information on the that Australian Catholics labour, but have now found campaign or to make a donation, will generously support this hope for the future through the visit www.catholicmission.org. campaign through both prayers love and care they receive from au/rescue.

Reflect On Your Life

St Mary’s celebrates

A CDF Pre-Paid Funeral plan allows you to arrange and pay for your funeral in advance at today’s prices with the funeral director of your choice. Neither you nor those you leave behind will have to worry about it again.

CDF Pre-Paid Funerals are the only Fund established specifically for South Eastern Victoria.

Monies paid are invested locally through the government approved Trust Fund.

Organise and pay for your CDF Pre-Paid Funeral through any participating funeral director within Gippsland, Mornington Peninsula and outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

For more information contact: GRADE 6 leaders (from left) Scott, William and Dylan pictured with their classroom teacher Lidia Vincent.

CDF Pre-Paid Pre-Paid Funerals CDF Funerals POBox Box508 1410 PO Sale 3853 3820 Warragul

5622 6699

Phone Phone 5144 4311 cdf@sale.catholic.org.au Email: cdf@sale.catholic.org.au

NEWBOROUGH - St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, along with other Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sale, recently celebrated Catholic Education Week.

Catholic Super offers investors a multi-award winning Pension Fund.

Superior investment performance No minimum initial investment Competitive fees Flexible investment options

Choice of payment frequency Financial planning advice

…. And it is open to everyone.

1300 730 327 (Monday–Friday, 8am-5pm) | www.csf.com.au Authorised by CSF Pty Limited (ABN 30 006 169 286; AFSL 246664), the Trustee of the Catholic Superannuation Fund (ABN 50 237 896 957). This information is about the Fund and is general information only. It has been prepared without taking into account your personal investment objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any way as, investment, legal or financial advice. CS113 Jul2012

Religious education leader Trish Mulqueen said “It was an opportunity for all Catholic Schools to celebrate our distinctive mission and to share things that are special about our schools with everyone.

“We celebrated the week in a number of ways. Some of our student leaders attended the diocesan students’ Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sale.

“We also celebrated our relationships in our community by enjoying a special morning tea with the senior students and the staff. “ The shared morning tea was a huge hit and further reinforced the strong and vibrant community of St Mary’s Catholic School.

Catholic Life, June 2013 - Page 9

Death penalty:

SigniďŹ cant shift in the funding debate Talking Catholic Education with Maria Kirkwood next.

One teacher told us “young ones� of having to go and knock on the parish priest’s door and ask for the pay for the week; on more than one occasion being scolded for being so mercenary and not infrequently going away empty handed!

We considered ourselves very fortunate that our salaries, smaller though they were than our government school counterparts’, at least went into our bank accounts regularly.

In 1972 Gough Whitlam led the ALP into ofďŹ ce for the ďŹ rst time in 23 years and the next year set up a Federal Schools Commission which tripled federal funds for all schools – government and nongovernment.

The inner suburban Catholic school I was teaching in at the time was surrounded by Housing Commission ats from which the majority of our students came.

All of a sudden we had money to fund camps and excursions and buy spirit duplicators and cameras. It was a heady time.

The Council for the Defence of Government Schools (DOGS) lobbied through several election campaigns and

ďŹ nally took their case to the High Court to argue against State Aid to non government schools.

The matter was decided in February 1981 and State aid to non government schools was assured. It was a momentous decision and one upon which hung the survival of the Catholic system as we know it today.

What is particularly concerning about this particular time in our history is that right now confusion reigns supreme as we all try to grapple with the lack of deďŹ nitive information about how much or how little is to be funded; what impact the funding agreement will have on school fees for non government schools; when and how the funding will ow and what speciďŹ cally will be the changes to the accountability framework for the funding once it is agreed.

At a recent meeting of Catholic Education Commission of Victoria directors the comment was made that never in the history of our struggle to maintain fair and equitable funding for children in Catholic schools, have we been in the situation where education was a political rather than a policy

issue.

This is a serious and signiďŹ cant shift.

Principals in non government schools received a “personalâ€? email from the Prime Minister last week urging them to exert their inuence in support of the Federal Government’s education proposal.

This email bypassed the very body through which the government distributes the funding – no Director of Catholic Education in Victoria was copied into the email or alerted to it being sent. At best this was a breach of established protocol and etiquette.

As a result, principals and school communities are being urged to contact their local members of parliament and seek answers to the questions that have been put to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Education without response (as at the date of writing this article).

Any supporter of Catholic education should consider doing the same.

Some focus questions could be: • How will schools be affected? • How much of the new funding will be allocated to future increases to teacher and staff salaries? • What red tape will the new funding arrangements impose on schools and schools systems? Has this been costed by the Australian Government and what will it cost?

Caritas condemns PNG move CARITAS Australia, the international aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church, has condemned recent actions in the parliament in Papua New Guinea that could revive the use of the death penalty.

Caritas has more than dozen programs in PNG aimed at helping the most marginalised, focusing on a range of issues such as; health, education and HIV/AIDS. Caritas Australia chief executive ofďŹ cer Jack de Groot said the death penalty would equate to state-sponsored violence in PNG. “This move is a backward step and is only going to send a message that the state of PNG is tolerant of violence,â€? Mr de Groot said. “Human life is sacred and every life is precious. This is not going to change anything, because we know there is no point in using violence as a means of preventing violence.â€?

Mr de Groot said “There is an urgent need to address PNG’s struggle with violent crime and agencies like ours are working toward that end on the ground, but there’s no evidence that state-sponsored homicide in the form of the death penalty will act as a deterrent.�

o th

lic Educ

a

tio

Ca

FOR those of us who have been involved in Catholic education for 40 or so years, the current situation existing in Australia in relation to the funding of education is not only worrying but somewhat unique from a historical perspective.

I was still at primary school at the time of the Goulburn School Strike and blissfully unaware of the situation, when the Catholic schools in Goulburn NSW closed down and the students marched on the local government schools demanding admission.

Funding of Catholic schools was at the heart of that – or rather the lack of capacity of Catholic communities to adequately fund their schools, triggered in this particular instance by a requirement for toilets!

I commenced teaching in 1971 in a Catholic primary school and I was aware, at that time, that friends of mine who worked in government schools were paid more than me.

This was not a signiďŹ cant issue back then as those of us who had chosen to train at a Catholic Teachers’ College and work in Catholic schools had a strong sense of vocation.

It is difďŹ cult to explain to anyone not educated or working under the auspices of the Catholic education system back then, quite what it was like.

Older colleagues would tell stories about not knowing whether or not they would even be paid from one week to the

n

Catholic schools offer IDLWK Ë‹OOHG HQYLURQPHQWV KLJK TXDOLW\ WHDFKLQJ DQG OHDUQLQJ LQQRYDWLYH FXUULFXOXP RXWVWDQGLQJ SDVWRUDO FDUH GHGLFDWHG VWDII DQG DIIRUGDEOH IHHV 7R Ë‹QG RXW PRUH DERXW \RXU ORFDO &DWKROLF VFKRRO YLVLW ZZZ FHRVDOH FDWKROLF HGX DX

Page 10 - Catholic Life, June 2013

Getting ahead with debt LAST issue I talked about how to handle debts when faced with a period of reduced or no income, who to turn to and where to get help.

This month it’s appropriate to talk about how to help prevent this situation arising, and I’m not saying “have no debt”.

Most families have some consumer debt somewhere in their financing, especially in the early years, before the children have left home, or when they are still being funded through university or being helped get established.

There are home mortgages, car loans and credit cards usually. Sometimes there are other personal loans and sometimes also investment loans, which I’ll come back to.

The home mortgage is usually the largest debt we will have, followed by the car loans, so it is important to protect these.

Most lenders will offer insurance when you apply for the loan. This insurance will usually cover repayments if the borrower is ill/injured and can’t work. In most cases this cover is limited to a period of three months, but sometimes it’s possible to extend it at the start.

Unfortunately these premiums are not cheap and many see them as just an extra cost and don’t take the policies up. Like

DOLLAR$ & SENSE with David Wells

all insurances, when you need it, it’s too late to get it.

With some personal loans, especially from credit unions and the newer customer owned banks, life insurance is included for the first named borrower.

All these life insurances pay out the lender for the balance of the loan, not the borrower.

Credit cards can also be insured for the repayments if the borrower is injured or ill and unable to work, and the balance if the holder dies.

The card issuer sells the policies and the premiums are added to the bill on a monthly basis. At least it’s visible and the borrower is always reminded of it.

Whether any borrower takes up the insurance is a matter for them to decide. If they work in a seasonal or cyclical industry, or if there is a serious risk of illness then taking out this insurance should be a given.

There other ways in which to protect yourself. Most impor-

Psst... Here’s a bargain!

Do you want to advertise in this space?

Only $50 a month if you run the advertisement for 3 issues

Call Catholic Life on 5622 6600

Owned and operated by Ray and Maree Anderson With care & dignity we serve South Gippsland and Phillip Island Main office: WONTHAGGI/INVERLOCH 5672 1074 176-178 Graham St., Wonthaggi 3995 Fax 5672 1747 PHILLIP ISLAND 5952 5171 15 Warley Av., Cowes 3933 (by appointment only) Email: randm33@bigpond.net.au Pre-paid & pre-arranged funeral plans available CARING & PERSONAL 24 HOUR SERVICE Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association

Your Family, Your Farm, Your Future Don't waste it!

We can help you create the Succession Plan for your needs and your family's needs - now and for years to come.

We have practical solutions in succession planning for farming families.

Rural Call 1300 667 459 Succession 0409 861 597 Planning Email: rsp@dcsi.net.au RSP is a business name of Hadwellyn Brae Pty Ltd ACN 1454 713 328

tantly, don’t over borrow.

For some mortgages and personal loans, it is possible to make extra payments, to get ahead of the repayment schedule.

I would recommend this to everyone with a personal loan, mortgage, hire purchase or lease contract, and especially anyone with an investment loan that requires specific payments on a regular basis.

There are a couple of advantages in doing this - If things are tight or if repayments can’t be met at sometime in the future, if some extra repayments have been made, then the loan won’t fall into arrears immediately.

Three monthly repayments made ahead of schedule can give similar protection as taking out an insurance policy.

As well these repayments will reduce the amount owing and hence interest charged.

Interest saved is the same as earning the same amount after tax – so it can be worth nearly twice as much.

Credit cards should be used sparingly, and in the ideal world, paid off every month.

That way there’s no interest and if you can’t work then there’s only minimal debt.

Credit cards are the cause of the greatest number of consumer bankruptcies. They have punitively high interest rates and are designed to make money for the banks – not the borrower.

Last month I stated that a credit card loan of $1000 with no further borrowings and repaid only at the minimum amount turns into an 11 year loan with high interest being charged on high interest already charged on high interest… You get the picture.

Investment loans have little or no consumer protection legislated to protect the borrower, so be careful when signing up for a loan that the borrower doesn’t unnecessarily get you to sign a statement that the loan is primarily for business.

On the other hand without that statement it can be difficult to justify claiming any interest as a tax deduction.

As always, if you have difficulty in meeting and regular payment contact the lender.

They actually love to help you in these cases.

So, to protect your financial future when you have any debt, get insurance or get ahead in the repayments.

And remember, loans must be repaid, so don’t borrow more than you can safely cover with assets or income. And you have your income insured, too, don’t you?

• This report is intended to provide general advice. In preparing this advice, David Wells and Baillieu Holst Ltd 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.

Quick calendar

What’s on & when

June

20 – World Refugee Day (UN) 20 – Valley region meeting, St Kieran’s, Moe 21-22 – Sale Diocese Year 1112 Be Still youth retreat, Trafalgar East 24 – Birth of John the Baptist solemnity 26 - South region meeting, Leongatha, 11.15am 28 – Second term ends 29 – Sts Peter and Paul solemnity

July Peter’s Pence collection month 3 – St Thomas Feast Day 6 – First Saturday devotions, St Kevin’s Catholic Church, Meeniyan, 1am to noon.

8 – Deadline for July Catholic Life 9 – Ramadan begins 15 – Third term begins 17 – Catholic Life publication 22 – St Mary Magdalene memorial 23-28 – World Youth Day, Rio de Janeiro 25 – St James Feast Day 27 – Golden Jubilee of ordination of Fr John O’Kelly, Bairnsdale

August Social Welfare – CatholicCare Collection month 5 – Deadline for August Catholic Life 6 – Transfiguration of the Lord solemnity 8 – St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day 9 - International Day of Indigenous Peoples (UN) 12 – International Youth Day (UN) 13 - East region meeting, Bairnsdale, 10.30am 14 – Catholic Life publication 15 – Assumption solemnity (Holy Day) 15 – Valley region meeting, Traralgon, noon Mass, followed by meeting 17 - Diocesan pastoral council meeting, St Michael’s Parish Centre, Traralgon 20 – Central region meeting, Warragul, 7.30pm 21 – West region meeting, Nar Nar Goon, 10.30am 22 – Queenship of Mary memorial

September 1 – Father’s Day 1 – Priests’ Welfare Foundation annual Father’s Day Collection 2 – Jewish New Year 2 – Deadline for September Catholic Life 4-6 – Australasian Catholic Press Association conference, Melbourne 6-8 – Australasian Religious Press Association conference, Melbourne 10 – 20th anniversary of ordination of Fr Bernard Buckley, Lakes Entrance 11 – Catholic Life publication 14 – Federal election 14 – Exaltation of the Holy Cross Feast Day 16 – Silver jubilee of ordina-

tion of Fr Mark Godridge, Bunyip 20 – Third term ends 21 – International Day of Peace (UN) 21 – St Matthew Feast Day 23-25 – Secondary students youth camp 27 – St Vincent de Paul memorial 30 – Deadline for October Catholic Life

October 1 – International Day of Older Persons (UN) 1 – St Therese of the Child Jesus memorial 4 – St Francis of Assisi memorial 6 – Daylight Saving begins (turn clocks forward one hour) 7 – Fourth term begins 7 – Our Lady of the Rosary memorial 10 – World Mental Health Day 10 – Catholic Life publication 15 – St Theresa of Avila memorial 17 – Valley region meeting, St Mary’s, Newborough, noon 18 – St Luke Feast Day 29 – Mission Sunday (special collection) 23 – South region meeting, Leongatha, 11.15am 28 – Sts Simon and Jude Feast Day

November 1 – All Saints solemnity 2 – All Souls solemnity 3 – Annual pilgrimage to shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale 4 – Deadline for November Catholic Life 5 – Melbourne Cup Day holiday 6 – East region meeting, Orbost, 10.30am 10 – Annual Our Lady of Sion College reunion, Sale 11 – Remembrance Day 12 – Diocesan pastoral council meeting, Sion House, Warragul 13 – Catholic Life publication 19 – Central region meeting, Drouin, 7.30pm 20 – West region meeting, Nar Nar Goon, 10.30am 21 – Presentation of the BVM memorial 24 – Christ the King solemnity 30 - St Andrew Feast Day

December 1 – Advent begins 2 – Deadline for December Catholic Life 3 – St Francis Xavier memorial 5 – Valley region Christmas lunch, Morwell Club, noon 5-7 – Australian Catholic Youth Festival, Melbourne 6 – St Nicholas memorial 8 – End of term for most secondary schools 9 – Immaculate Conception solemnity 11 – Catholic Life publication 20 – School holidays begin (primary schools) 24 – Christmas Eve 25 – Christmas Day

Catholic Life, June 2013 - Page 11

Archbishop Mannix’s public roles - Part 1 A TALK given at the conference Daniel Mannix: His Legacy sponsored by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and held at the State Library of Victoria on March 15: ARCHBISHOP Mannix’s personality was attractive but elusive.

Though he gave many speeches he never produced a full-blown account of his worldview; all we have is fragments of it.

However if we think of certain behavior patterns common in public life - in Mannix’s case those of tribal leader, political strategist, prelate, and aristocrat - those fragments and memories of him can be assembled into something like a recognisable mosaic.

Tribal Chieftain

Melbourne’s Irish Catholics received Mannix’s speeches with rapture and he was in turn energized by them. He gave public expression to the deep, unformulated grievances of his flock.

He did not speak at them, admonishing them for their failures; on the contrary he spoke on their behalf to the wider public, which made them warm to him.

Ireland’s President De Valera

Gippsland History with Patrick Morgan was often quoted as saying: ‘If I wish to know what the Irish are thinking, I look into my own heart.’ Similarly with Mannix we suspect his insights came as much from his own intuitions as from book knowledge.

If Mannix was a tribal chieftain, who precisely was his tribe? The Ireland Australia got was not the whole of Ireland – the Ireland we got was predominantly Munster, the south-west quarter, the province least subdued by London and Dublin governments.

A deep Irish civilization was preserved there as a resistance culture, the Hidden Ireland of Daniel Corkery.

Most of the great Irish nationalists of the 19th century came from Munster - the ‘Liberator’ Daniel O’Connell, Archbishop Croke, Michael Collins, Eamon de Valera, as well as Mannix himself.

Mannix used subtle, deadpan humor to corrode the dignity

of the powerful. In Melbourne Mannix was at home speaking to his Munster own and their descendants, who instinctively understood his idiom - scorn of imperial pretentions was in their DNA.

Counter-governmental Strategist In calling for conscription in 1916 Prime Minister Hughes was on a frolic of his own, since he had rashly promised the British cabinet troops which he did not have at his call. Hughes was not speaking on behalf of the Australian Parliament, nor of his own party.

When the government of a country ceases to represent its true interests, one tactic is to strip it of credibility and transfer the allegiance of citizens to an alternative source.

Daniel O’Connell had set himself up as such an alternative centre in Ireland. Mannix employed the same countergovernmental strategy during

Finding faith through doubts Talking about Books

TURTLE ON THE FENCEPOST - Finding Faith through Doubt, by Richard B. Patterson, published

by Liguori, distributed by Rainbow Books, paperback, 128 pages, rrp $19.95.

THIS is an interesting book because it approaches faith in God from a different angle.

This is a book which will help those who have lingering doubts and nagging questions about their faith. In short, it is a book from which we can all learn.

The author explains that from doubts, questions arrive, and it is from these that we can begin to build a deeper faith.

As we embrace the doubts, and following the questions which arrive, we can grow deeper in our faith experience and may discover we were closer to God than we thought before.

He argues that to journey towards a genuine faith we must continually challenge ourselves and face our questions with courage that God will strengthen us and continue to show us signs of his presence that point the way.

Throughout the book there are questions to reflect on, to force the reader to see the questions and pointers.

And as the title suggests, if you see a turtle sitting on the fencepost, you can bet he didn’t get there by himself.

The book helps, with the aid of various quotes and the author’s thoughts on his journey, to assist others to see the turtles to point them in the right direction.

TOUCHED BY GOD, by Anthea Dove, published by Columba Press, distributed

by Rainbow Books, 123 pages, rrp $19.95.

Lives, Our Hope, two books

by Pia Septien, published by Liguori, distributed by Rainbow Books, paperbacks, 126 pages, rrp $13.95 each.

THIS book is a series of 112 random reflections on the touch of God. In one way or another we are all touched by God but often the busyness of life prevents us from seeing or experiencing it.

The author opens herself to become aware of the times that God touches her, in times of great joy, sadness and even in the mundane daily toils.

She presents her short reflections, one to a page. Some are poems and others talk of her daily thoughts or experiences.

The collection almost appears to have been lifted from the author’s personal diaries.

She is a former teacher and writer of many books with religious themes including Father Dan: The Story of an Imperfect Priest and Lent for the Not-SoHoly.

Now in her 80s, she encourages others through her writings to be on the lookout in their daily lives for things which inspire them or comfort them in recognising God’s tender touch.

THESE books are a matching set, available individually, but it is difficult to review one without the other.

The women in the New Testament book are fairly obvious choices - Mary, Elizabeth, Martha and Mary, Mary Magdalene, the Samaritan woman and so on.

The Old Testament book is more a challenge because most of the women do not appear in our Sunday readings. We recognise the names but are unsure of exactly how they fit into the story of the Jewish people unless we have studied the books of old.

It features women such as Ruth, Shiphrah and Puah, Miram, Abigail, Hagar, Leah, Michal and Hannah, who all had their roles.

Some of the women demonstrate that they grasp the value of human life, others are caring, some abused and angry, and others wise and prudent.

Each book introduces the women in a different light, asking us to reflect on their stories and find something for ourselves from the experience.

A short prayer ends each chapter.

WOMEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT - Their Lives, Our Hope and WOMEN OF THE NEW TESTAMENT - Their

the conscription campaigns.

He soon became the counterpoint, the equal and opposite of the Prime Minister.

In this role he was assisted by a number of clear-cut contrasts with Billy Hughes.

Mannix was tall, dignified and with a calm centre, whereas Hughes was short, physically unprepossessing,

of ridicule. He was suggesting that, by his own actions, Hughes was throwing into doubt his official position as PM. Mannix was also suggesting Australia had been shamed on the world’s stage because we had sent, not a well-bred gentleman, but a bogan to Britain.

The Irish, fortified by a strong indigenous culture, refused to act like colonials.

Mannix brought this resistance to Australia, whose recent European culture had no time to put down deep roots, and as a result Australians were prone to automatically accept the way British Empire ideology framed issues - in a sense we wanted to be duchessed.

Mannix’s historic role at this stage was to teach us to stand on our own feet. In doing this he contributed to the growth of Australian nationalism.

Prelate

Archbishop Mannix and scrambling around all over the place. A role reversal was occurring - who was accumulating authority, and who was being diminished?

During the 1917 Federal election campaign Mannix mused in humorous vein on Billy Hughes’s position as caretaker PM during the election period: “[Mr Hughes] was Prime Minister in the last Government and hopes to be Prime Minister in the next Government (laughter) - and, for all I know, is technically the Prime Minister at the present moment.

(Laughter) He is, therefore, or ought to be, the first citizen of the Commonwealth. (Laughter) He has been in England recently, and moved in very polite and cultured circles. His ordinary company rarely sank below that of a duchess. (Laughter) I mention these things only for the purpose of suggesting that we might reasonably expect the Prime Minister of the last Government - not, I hope, the Prime Minister of the next Government (applause) - to act and to speak like a gentleman.

(Applause) But apparently one does not necessarily learn good breeding by spending a weekend at Windsor. (Laughter)” Mannix had a serious underlying purpose in this use

Mannix operated in the public realm, but his ultimate interests transcended it; as a prelate he was concerned above all with saving souls. In the aftermath of the Easter Rising, British paramilitaries were roaming the streets of Dublin indiscriminately executing Irishmen they thought were rebel soldiers.

Mannix commented on this: “Men said to be innocent were put up against a wall in a Dublin barracks yard, and without trial by judge and jury, were shot in cold blood and sent before their Maker.”

Mannix was here condemning murder, but his primary anguish was that men were being launched unprepared into eternity. Mannix saw this situation literally sub specie aeternitatis, from a perspective beyond time. Mannix sees the victims not as Sinn Feiners, nor Irishmen, nor even as Catholics, but as souls in danger.

Gunmen are revolutionary nihilists who will stop at nothing to get power and to hold on to it. Religious people on the other hand believe restraints have been placed on us by a higher order of things.

Mannix was not temperamentally like any of the standover men, British or Irish, even though he was sympathetic to Sinn Fein’s overall strategy at this juncture in Ireland’s history.

• To be continued next month

Central Catholic Bookshop 322 Lonsdale St., Melbourne (Next door to St Francis Church) Visit our Website at www.catholicbookshop.com.au

Browse through our range of books and sacramental and religious gifts, or search for specific items by author, title or keyword.

Open seven days Phone and mail orders welcome. Credit cards accepted.

Phone (03) 9639 0844 custserv@catholicbookshop.com.au

Page 12 - Catholic Life, June 2013

Pope urges: Maintain fight against child abuse VATICAN – Pope Francis has urged the Church to keep up the fight against child abuse.

Three times he urged “This is important work, keep it up!” after he greeted Prof. Hans Zollner, the German Jesuit who heads the Gregorian University Centre for Child Protection.

The centre had just finished hosting an annual English language conference, this year dedicated to the theme “Prevention of abuse: We are going Global”.

The Pope also greeted representatives from various national committees for the protection of children and young people

who were present at morning Mass.

The aim from the Centre for Child Protection is to do something on a global level According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis listened very carefully when the centre explained its procedures, measures and scope.

The Centre for Child Protection was founded in 2010 as a cooperation between the Institute of Psychology of the Pontifical Gregorian University), the Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Ulm University Hospital (Germany), and the

Archdiocese of Munich and Freising (Germany).

Its main purpose is the creation of a global E-Learning training centre in academic resources for the pastoral professions responding to the sexual abuse of minors, taking into account multilingual and intercultural issues.

The responsibility for the project and the centre lies with Prof. Hans Zollner SJ, Academic Vice- President of the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Fr Zollner admitted that it was a daunting task that required patience and perseverance. That a change of attitude

Great weekend of sport fun WARRAGUL - THE State Youth Games were held in Lardner Park over the Queen’s Birthday weekend.

The Diocese of Sale’s team, named Peter’s Crew, consisted of 18 young people who participated in the weekend with many volunteers assisting with the smooth running of the event.

Our Peter’s Crew team took to the field (and court) in netball, AFL football, dodge ball and indoor soccer, and enjoyed Mass and a barbecue at St Joseph’s in Warragul on the Saturday night.

Keep your eye out for the next issue of Catholic Life for a full wrap up of all the action, including some photos of the Peter’s Crew having some fun!

BISHOP Christopher Prowse showing support for the Peter’s Crew team representing Sale Diocese at the Youth Games.

Final call for VCE students BE Still is designed for Year 11 and 12 students, to take them away from the hectic lifestyle of VCE for an overnight retreat.

The retreat will focus on helping students to relax, unwind, make some new friends, reconnect with their faith and have some fun.

Students in Year 11 and 12 who wish to attend the Be Still retreat must contact Cassie Gawley at the Youth Ministry Office this week, by calling 5622 6686 or via email cassieg@sale.catholic.org.au.

This is your last chance to YOUTH games competitors Hannah, Rachel and Imogen prepare sign up for a retreat that promises to be a great one. for a netball game at the weekend.

was still needed in many local churches on continents where the scourge of child abuse has yet to come to the fore, but he also added that a lot has been done in the first three years of the centre’s work: He said it was specifically the intention to help bishops conferences, religious congregations and local dioceses to do whatever could be done, so that less abuse was committed in the Church and in society.

“We have to remember that in this three years of the pilot phase we still have a limited number of participants and diocese that are online and do the

E-learning program. But from 2015 on we will try to enlarge that scope to more dioceses and religious congregations who for us are the multiplicators of this work.

“We see that this is the work of changing attitudes we have to remember in North Europe and America that this has been an issue for some 30 years but in many countries the churches themselves – the attitude still has to change more and more.

This is ground work and we still need to continue with patience and perseverance”.

Beyond Year of Grace

ZARA (left) and Lily extinguish the Year of Grace candle.

SALE - The 9.30am Mass on The Australian bishops have Pentecost Sunday, at St Mary’s decided to celebrate a liturgy to Cathedral was a graced celebra- be called Face of Jesus, Faces tion in more ways than one. we Know – A Celebration of Candidates from the parish Holiness.

It is to be celebrated throughreceived the sacrament of confirmation at this Mass which out the country to coincide also marked the end of a Year of with All Saints Day, November Grace in the Australian Catho- 1, bringing to a close both the Year of Grace and the Year of lic Church.

The prayer of intercession Faith.

The national planning team had a Year of Grace theme as the wording of a Year of Grace for a Year of Grace is keen to identify, nurture and harvest the prayer was used throughout.

After communion, the Year of fruits of a Year of Grace.

A survey has been prepared Grace candle was extinguished

by Zara and Lily, both newly and you are invited to spend a confirmed and aptly chosen be- few minutes sharing your excause they had both taken the periences. Each comment is name Grace as their confirma- important and each thought valued. tion name.

You will find the survey on a Australian bishops called for a Year of Grace, from Pentecost Year of Grace website at www.

2012 to Pentecost 2013. How- yearofgrace.catholic.org.au ever, soon after the Austral- and your responses will be colian Bishops called for a Year lated and key messages sent to of Grace, Pope Benedict XVI the bishops for their discernannounced a Year of Faith for ment.

May you all continue to have the universal Church which will continue until the Feast of a graced Year of Faith.

Christ the King, November 24.

Conference celebrate Billings method 60 years

By Patsy Heffernan THERE were 230 delegates from 22 different countries gathered in Sarawak, Malaysia to celebrate the 60th anniversary since Drs John and Evelyn Billings answered the call from Fr Maurice Catarinich to research a natural method of family planning.

Dr John, a neurologist said he would give three months to the project, but never left it till his death in 2007. His wife, Dr Evelyn died in February this year. They had spent half a century researching and teaching the method in more than 100 countries.

During the conference, we heard tributes to Dr Evelyn. The main one was

by Prof. Pilar Vigil Portales, Faculty of Biological Sciences, from the Pontifical

Catholic University of Chile who delivered the John J. Billings Memorial Lecture.

She delivered an awe-inspiring lecture on the development of the female body from conception to old age.

We had a testimony from Dr Chan Lek-Lim, director of Woomb Malaysia who presented four real life cases of couples who were childless and, after instruction, were found to have medical conditions which only became apparent from the wife’s charting. After treatment for the particular problem, each couple was able to conceive a child.

Dr Mary Walsh delivered the report of a research project conducted at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome. This involved 80 women aged 20-45.

Here again, the symptoms displayed in the charting revealed pathology which was able to be identified and treated.

Fr Joseph Chai, gave us a fantastic talk describing the Church teaching on family life, stressing that natural family planning focuses on communication between couples and that the habit of communication builds love and trust within the family.

Some of the countries represented besides a big contingent from Australia were Brazil, China, Timor Leste, France, Pakistan, Singapore, Tanzania, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Canada and of course Malaysia.

After the conference, over 160 delegates divided into four groups to receive four days of training in the Billings Ovulation Method enabling us to help cou-

ples throughout their reproductive life.

Prof. Vigil commenced the course by involving many participants in her ingenious explanation of every stage of ovarian activity.

A dynamic presentation by the two developers of the official Billings Ovulation Method charting app, Fertility Pinpoint was presented at the conference.

This allows a woman to consult confidentially with a teacher of the Billings Ovulation Method and to record her chart on her phone.

Information is also available on the internet at www.thebillingsovulationmethod.org and on the toll free number 1800 335 860.

Catholic Life, June 2013 - Page 13

The Aussie Camino - An alternative to Spain

By Luke Mills THERE are many different reasons why people travel - health; to broaden the mind by seeing other places and other cultures; for holidays; while working for multi-national companies; and for sport.

People today, both young and old, are travellers. It is only within the last fifty or so years that the terms globe-trotters, and jet-setters have been coined. A pilgrimage has a different objective. It is a journey with a religious purpose, to visit holy or sacred places called shrines associated with a saint where people can feel near to the saint either through relics or miraculous stories.

It is as well to remember that Australia has no history of pilgrimage. Australia is not a country that people associate with pilgrimage, For pilgrimage to become part of the Church’s witness in a particular country one needs saints and a kindling of the desire to visit places associated with their lives.

Although there are many Aboriginal sacred sites and Aborigines go “walkabout” to reach them that is not pilgrimage in the Christian sense when pilgrims are intent on honoring those who lived and died for the faith.

There is no tradition of Christian pilgrimage in Australia as there is in countries such as Spain, France, ltaly and the Holy Land.

With the canonisation of Mary MacKillop in 2008, the tradition of pilgrimage has begun to take root in Christian consciousness.

In April 2013 Luke Mills, Steven Murphy and Michael Dillon from St Francis Xavier College set out for the journey to where it all began. This was a first ever - there is no record that any other pilgrimage on foot has ever been undertaken before from Portland, Victoria to Penola, South Australia.

In the Middle Ages pilgrimages were penitential. Travelling to shrines in those days

TWO of the St Francis Xavier staff members walk the lonely road on their Aussie Camino. was very hard and dangerous.

“Our pilgrimage in this world There was no penance as must have an end. Then, but not a reason for our pilgrimage till then, shall we have our rest which just shows how the con- and reward.” (December 16, cept of pilgrimage has changed. 1866) In more modern times a pilgrim Obviously, the image of life follows in the footsteps of oth- as a journey, where there is no ers, to sites and shrines asso- permanence and where there is ciated with miracles, or with need for endurance, was very the life and death of Jesus or a meaningful to Mary MacKilsaint, and to deepen faith. lop.

Pilgrimage is closely conThe Australian nected with shrines. Shrines are Camino a focus of religious devotion.

Steven and Michael and I They are signs of God and of work together St Francis Xavier God’s intervention in history.

College and were discussing a They are not places that one movie they had seen called The hurries into and out of again.

Way starring Martin Sheen and Pilgrims go to shrines in order Emilio Estevez.

This real-life to feel nearer to a saint, or to Jesus Christ if one goes to the Hollywood father and son team play the same roles in the story.

Holy Land.

When the son is killed in a Mary MacKillop and freak storm the day before comPilgrimage mencing El camino de Santiago Mary MacKillop was a trav- de Compostella the father flies eller. Her work took her all over from the US to France to idenAustralia and New Zealand. tify the body of his son.

Almost 100 years before He is handed his son’s backVatican 2, she urged her Sisters pack and ashes, he then be- “Remember we are but travel- comes determined to complete lers here” (1867). the Camino in honor of his son.

She did not mean that they Although it is a fictional story it were to be travellers in the could be based on any number sense of packing their bags and of stories of pilgrims who make moving on. These words have the journey through northern been inscribed on her tomb in Spain. the Mary MacKillop Memorial Along the Camino he meets chapel in Sydney. many pilgrims who also have They are a reminder to all of made personal commitmentsthe reality that we are pilgrims, some spiritual some secular. only passing through this world The movie struck a chord where we do not belong. She with us – Why are there only wrote to her mother, Flora Caminos in Europe and the MacKillop:

Bishop Prowse’s Diary June 12 – Council of Priests and Consultors meetings, Warragul.

June 12 – Diocesan Finance Council meeting, 4.30pm June 13 – Visit to Narre Warren confirmation candidates at St Francis Xavier, Beaconsfield.

June 14 – Leongatha confirmations, 7pm.

June 15 – Wonthaggi confirmations, 2pm, 6.30pm.

June 16 – Cowes confirmations, 9am.

June 20 - Visit St Peter’s College, Cranbourne June 21 – Narre Warren confirmations, 7.30pm.

June 22 – Narre Warren confirmations, 10am, 2pm.

June 22 – Cranbourne confirmations, 4pm.

June 23 – Cranbourne confirmations, noon.

June 23 – Narre Warren confirmations, 3pm.

June 27 – Blessing of Catholic Education Office participants in World Youth Day, Warragul, 4.30pm.

June 29 - St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, Mass 5.30pm.

June 30 - St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, Mass 9.30am.

July 2-6 - Personal retreat.

July 7 - 1st anniversary Mass and parish feast day at St Thomas the Apostle, Cranbourne East, 9.30am Mass.

July 6-9 - NCCA Forum, Catholic educational leader-

ship, East Melbourne.

July 10 - Speak at Wagga Wagga Diocese clergy inservice, Wagga Wagga.

July 13 - Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 5.30pm.

July 14 - Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 9.30am.

July 16 - Leave for Chile and Brazil.

July 17-22 - With WYD pilgrims in Santiago, Chile.

July 23-28 - Work Youth Day, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Holy Land? Why can’t we have one here now we have a saint of our own?

Our destination of Penola was the obvious choice. Although Mary travelled widely throughout Australia and New Zealand this town is widely accepted as the birthplace or her order; the Sisters of St Joseph.

Penola is a small town with a population of only 1300. It is 383km from Adelaide and 412km from Melbourne and although it has been made famous for its wine growing and its association with Mary MacKillop many Australians would not have visited it since it is not on the main highway between the two large cities.

Steven and I began the task of planning a Camino that would be challenging but achievable, it was also important to determine an appropriate the commencement point.

Mary travelled widely but her last teaching post as a lay teacher was in Portland, from here she was called by her mentor and co-founder priest Fr Julian Tenison-Woods back to Penola where they first met a few years before.

It was at this time on March 19, 1866 that Mary wore her habit for the first time and declared herself Sr Mary.

recorded the places of Mary MacKillop but also appealed to people who have a sense of awe in God’s creation.

This was certainly the case as the Camino includes walks along cliff tops, beaches, sand dunes, goat trails and farm tracks. Only about 10km of the whole Camino was on major highways.

I wanted to stay in the local pub of each town and meet the local people. At the front bar of every small hotel in the country you are likely to meet very colourful characters that are only too happy to share their stories.

This was certainly the case and whenever anyone asked if we were walkers we said, “No, we’re pilgrims. We are on a Camino.”

Needless to say we were met with curious looks but a little bit of humor and good spirit we were able to enter into a lively discussion about what our journey was all about.

I don’t think there would be many front bars in Australia that would be discussing Mary MacKillop so it was certainly a moment of revelation for many of the local people along the way.

This was a terrific week. The three of us got well and although we were tired at the end

LUKE Mills at journey’s end on the outskirts of Penola.

It seemed obvious that we too should start from this same point. And although her path is not recorded she would have passed through many of the same towns as the Aussie Camino. Every day was planned with an average of 31km to walk each day.

We wanted to make it like the Camino in Spain with a guide book a passport for each stop.

Unfortunately we didn’t have passports because there would be no one to stamp them. However we made up a guide book of all the maps which included a reflection for each day.

Every day began with a lively Buen Camino!! in the main street of each town,.

Another important part of the Camino was to ‘bookend’ it by visiting the Mary Mackillop Museums in Penola and In Melbourne. This provided a certain structure which we wanted to achieve.

With maps in hand we set out for our destination each day which would include eight hours of walking. Each day was long but spectacular as it was planned to be both a spirtitual and religious experience. It was important to have a Camino that

of each day, with a shower a hot meal and a good sleep we were ready for the next day.

The peace and solitude combined with the steady rhythm of the feet and walking poles provides many moments of reflection. In this busy life often we don’t get a chance to really talk with one another, but after spending eight hours on the road we were able to reveal very personal experiences of each others’ lives. I really enjoyed it and I hope to do it again next year.

After 217km and seven days of walking the three weary pilgrims were met by the director of the Mary MacKillop Museum Clare Larkin.

We left a tour of the centre until the next day as we were concerned by the smell of our pilgrims clothes which we used everyday.

We convened for dinner with other members of the Penola community all of which were interested to hear our story.

Where else but at the local pub?

This time we could claim the Royal Oak Hotel does have significance since it was once owned by Mary MacKillop’s uncle.

Page 14 - Catholic Life, June 2013

For the Young and Young at Heart Colour the Good Samaritan

Time for a Laugh

AN elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor who was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids which allowed the gentleman to hear perfectly.

The elderly gentleman went back to the doctor a month later. The doctor said, “Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again.”

The gentleman replied, “Oh, I haven’t told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I’ve changed my will three times!”

LUKE’S Gospel tells us the story of the Good Samaritan who stopped to assist a man who had been beaten by robbers. Others ignored the injured man so they would not have to get involved but the Samaritan, who did not normally mix with Jews, helped the man, took him to an inn and paid for the room while he recovered.

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Age . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Send entries to Catholic Life Colouring Contest. c/- PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820.

This month’s Last month’s winner prize winner THE number of entries in our contest featuring the Holy Family last month was the highest for a long while.

It was good to get class lots and we thank teachers for getting the children involved.

It was extremely difficult to judge but we have chosen Kiara D’Sylva, who comes from Narre Warren South and attends Don Bosco Primary School at Narre Warren.

We will deliver the prize PROUDLY showing her book prize is Sydney Simpson, 10, who attends Lumen Christi Primary School, Churchill. soon.

I have,” the woman replied.

“I’ve been divorced three times, owned two dud cars, and I barrack for Melbourne.”

IN church, I heard a lady in the pew next to me saying a prayer. It was so sweet and sincere that I just had to share with you.

“Dear Lord, this has been a tough two or three years.

“You have taken my favorite actor Patrick Swayze, my favorite musician Michael Jackson, my favorite blues singer Amy Winehouse, my favorite actress Elizabeth Taylor and my favorite singer Whitney Houston.

A POLICEMAN pulled a “I just want you to know car over near the border of who my favorite politician is!”

South Australia and Victoria.

When the highway patrolman THE Premiers of asked the driver why he was speeding, the driver Queensland, New South said he was a magician and Wales and Victoria were juggler and was on his way walking along a beach when to Adelaide to do a show. He they spotted a strange bottle. didn’t want to be late.

They all grabbed it at the The highway patrolman same time. In the tussle the told the driver he was bottle was rubbed and seconds fascinated by juggling and later a genie appeared. said if the driver would do The genie said, “I will grant a little juggling for him the person that released me then he wouldn’t give him a from the bottle three wishes.” ticket. He told the highway Each of the Premiers patrolman he had sent his replied, “I’m the one that equipment ahead and didn’t released you!”. have anything to juggle.

To settle the matter, the The highway patrolman genie said, “I will grant each said he had some flares in of you one wish.” the boot of his car and asked The Victorian Premier if he could juggle them. The thought long and hard. His juggler said he could, so the highway patrolman got five wish was for Victoria to be the flares, lit them and handed financial capital of Australia.

The genie granted his wish them to him. and the state became wealthy While the man was juggling, and prosperous. a car pulled in behind The NSW Premier’s the patrol car. A drunken wish was for a wall to be bloke got out, watched the performance, then went over constructed around his state to the patrol car, opened the so high that no one interstaters rear door and got in. The could ever enter. highway patrolman observed The genie granted the wish him and went over to the and an impenetrable wall patrol car, opened the door miles high appeared. asking the drunk what he The genie said to the thought he was doing. The Queensland Premier, “What drunk replied, “You might is your wish?” as well take me to jail, cause Scratching his chin he said there’s no way I can pass that to the genie, “Can I ask some test.” questions first?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

A WOMAN applying for “Are you sure the wall a job at a lemon orchard in around NSW is so high and northern Victoria seemed to so thick that no one can be far too qualified for the job, penetrate the wall?” asked given her arts and education the Queensland Premier. degrees from Melbourne “Yes,” said the Genie.

University and her previous “Is it water-tight - no leaks experience as a social worker or anything?” and school teacher.

Again the Genie said, “Yes.” The foreman frowned and said, “Have you had any “My wish,” said the actual experience in picking Queensland Premier, “is for you to fill it up with water.” lemons?”

“Well, as a matter of fact,

Catholic Life, June 2013 - Page 15

Pope warns priests against worldly life

Classifieds wanted known Let’s leave something for those in need

The Bishop’s Family Foundation helps families by funding charitable projects throughout the Diocese of Sale.

You can help by making a bequest in your will.

If you need more information contact

public notices

professional

VOCATIONS

DR JEFF TAYLOR wishes to advise that he has commenced practice in general adult psychiatry with special interest in psychotherapy at 7 Saintly Grove, Berwick.

F o r appointments please phone 9702 1324.

Priests & Deacons Are you considering a vocation as a priest or deacon for the Diocese of Sale?

If so please contact Diocesan Vocations Director

prayer

Fr Darek Jablonski 5133 8132 vocations@sale.catholic.org.au

bingo Sacred Heart School

BINGO Every Friday

Morwell RSL Club, Elgin St., Morwell

5622 6600 for some guidelines.

Do it today and sleep easy knowing you have done your part Eyes down 11am. Ticket sales 10.30am Now 55 games at 20 cents per game.

Further details phone 5134 8484 or 5133 7221 (AH)

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 3 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 favour or promise to circulate copies of it to as many people as possible.

This is to spread the wonder of the Holy Spirit.

THE biggest threat to priests is the temptation to be more immersed in the world than the Gospel, says Pope Francis in his newly translated book.

“For then-Cardinal Bergoglio, narcissism and worldliness are completely self-defeating to the purpose of why a priest becomes a priest,” the book’s translator, Alejandro Bermudez, told Catholic News Agency.

“It’s a total rejection of the reason why he decided to become a priest, and therefore these are some of the most destructive and damaging problems in priestly formation.”

The new book, On Heaven and Earth, is a conversation between Pope Francis and Abraham Skorka, a rabbi and scholar from Buenos Aires. It was originally published in Spanish in 2010, when the Pope was still Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

The book covers numerous topics touching on priesthood in today’s world, including vocation, celibacy and the sex abuse crisis.

Bermudez, who is executive director of CNA, said that though Pope Francis warns against worldliness in all Christians, “he makes a much more important point regarding the priests, because they have the duty to lead the Catholic community, and lead it in a com-

Catholic Life

Classified Ads 1, 2, 3 step advertising 1...Fill in form, one word per square

2... Check cost at right hand side

3...Post form with appropriate amount.

Please send cheque or money order with advertisement to:

CATHOLIC LIFE CLASSIFIEDS CATHOLIC MEDIA GIPPSLAND PO BOX 1410 WARRAGUL VIC 3820 $10 minimum for first 24 words.

Add $1.20 for additional six words or part hereof

Closing date for next issue is July 8

Add a photo for just $10 more!!

$10.00 min $11.20 $12.60 $13.80 $15.00

Name: ...........................................................................................................

Address: ....................................................................................................... ........................................................... Phone: ...............................................

pletely selfless manner.”

“One might think that having a woman on the side is being worldly, but that is only one of the double lives that are usually mentioned,” Pope Francis said in the book. “There are those that seek to compromise their faith for political alliances or for a worldly spirituality.”

Pope Francis noted the 20th century theologian Henri de Lubac’s comment that to be worldly is “the worst that can happen” to a priest. “If this were to happen throughout the Church, the situation would be much worse than those embarrassing periods with libertine pastors,” he said.

“Worldliness and the narcissism can become not only an attitude of individuals but of the whole community, and therefore you can have the whole leadership of Catholics – bishops, priests and lay leaders – involved,” said Bermudez.

This would “basically turn the Church into a narcissistic worldly operation, and it would be completely neutralized of any capacity to transform persons and the world,” he explained.

In On Heaven and Earth, Pope Francis discusses priestly celibacy with such phrases as “for now” and “for the time being.” This has led some to speculate that he will bring to an end to the Latin Church’s tradition of unmarried priests.

However, Bermudez asserted that Pope Francis will do “absolutely nothing” to change the rules on married priests.

“That doesn’t mean at all that he is soft on this, or even contemplating the possibility of not continuing the tradition of priestly celibacy,” the translator said. “The book in itself, his pastoral practice and his homilies all speak to the great appreciation he has of priestly celibacy.”

Pope Francis also said that “we can rule out that celibacy carries paedophilia as a consequence.” He noted that most sex abuse occured in families and neighborhoods by those who had not taken a vow of celibacy.

“Now, when this happens, you can never turn a blind eye.

You cannot be in a position of power and destroy the life of another person,” the Pontiff stressed.

“I do not believe in the positions that some hold about sustaining a certain corporate spirit so as to avoid damaging the image of the institution … Recently, in Ireland they uncovered cases that occurred for twenty years, and the current pope (at the time Benedict) clearly said: ‘Zero tolerance with this crime.’ I admire the courage and the straightforwardness of Benedict XVI on this point.”

Since his election as Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis has reaffirmed the Vatican process established by Pope Benedict for handling instances of sexual abuse by priests.

Page 16 - Catholic Life, June 2013

Towering cross landmark SALE - Visitors to the St Patrick’s campus of Catholic College Sale will notice an inspiring new addition to the horizon in the form of a 4m tall wooden cross.

This construction which has pride of place in the garden along the path to the administration building was produced

from some substantial old red gum timbers which were donated to the college.

A group of Year 10 and 11 building and construction students used their skills to create this piece which stands as a beacon and can be seen from the cathedral and the Princes Highway.

The St Pat’s students were joined by the college chaplain Fr Hilarion Fernando at a ceremony to bless the structure recently.

The cross is a constant visual reminder of the College community’s faith and unity.

Trio mastering education

WITH the towering cross at Catholic College Sale are (from left) building and construction teacher Roger Bradley, Mackenzie Bristow, Taylor Tatterson, Cormac Hassett and deputy principal Peter Centra.

RICHARD Wans, (left) principal of Mary MacKillop School Narre Warren, Cathy Blackford, principal of St Michael’s School Traralgon and Paul Lee, teacher at Sale Catholic College recently graduated from the Masters in Educational Leadership through Australian Catholic University. They had previously completed a Graduate Diploma in Student Wellbeing through Melbourne University. The ceremony was held on May 14 at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Seminarians studying in Nigeria

Don Bosco students enjoy a Chinn wag

JEREMY Lobo (left) and Kyle Ross performing the ‘Rainbow’ song with Andrew Chinn.

Catholic Life Sale

The Year of the Faith rosary designed by the Vatican rosary makers will be sent out to all those who assist this cause and tick this box.

Aid to the Church in Need …. a Catholic charity dependent on the Holy See, providing pastoral relief to needy and oppressed Churches

NARRE WARREN Don Bosco Catholic Primary School in Narre Warren welcomed religious singer and songwriter Andrew Chinn to the school last month.

Over the course of the day, children were actively engaged in singing workshops.

The children thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the day and were keen participants.

It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and passion that Chinn brings to his music.

The day culminated with a whole-school concert in the hall to which parents were invited to attend.

Don Bosco students are looking forward to incorporating the new songs they have learned in upcoming Masses and prayer services.