Catholic life june 2017

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Catholic Life Publication of the Diocese of Sale

ISSUE 199

June 2017

Schools funding worry

By Maria Kirkwood Director Catholic Education THERE has been much media attention over recent weeks relating to those elements of the Federal Budget that will impact on education generally and Catholic education specifically.

The Catholic sector in Australia, through the National Catholic Education Commission, has challenged some of the assumptions upon which the funding model being used for Catholic schools is based.

As a sector we have raised concerns with the Government over a number of significant issues which, if unattended to will, in our opinion, impact adversely on the funding of Catholic schools over the

next 10 years and may also lead to the necessity to increase school fees beyond what we believe can be realistically expected of parents wishing to send their children to Catholic schools.

The Catholic education sector in Australia educates some 760,000 students across over 1700 schools.

In the Sale Diocese this is 43 schools and some 19,000 students.

We have long had a very cordial and collaborative relationship with successive Federal and State Governments as we work together to provide accessible and affordable education to students, whatever their background or circumstances.

Catholic schools respond to parental choice to have their children attend

schools where, along with high quality education, they are assured that their children also receive a grounding in the Catholic faith and Christian values.

Our argument at this point in time is for funding that is fair and equitable, for all students across all sectors.

We do not believe that the current funding model will achieve that fairness and equity.

Education funding is a complex issue and funding directed to the Catholic sector adds a further level of complexity.

To try and explain this in simple terms can lead to misunderstanding and misinterpretation but it is important for us all to have some understanding of how the system works.

Catholic schools in Victoria derive

the bulk of their funding from the Commonwealth Government.

All the schools in the system are treated as one large school with per student funding averaged out across the system.

These funds are directed to the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) which then distributes funds to schools using a needs based funding formula developed by the system.

The Directors of Catholic Education in each of the four Victorian dioceses sit on the CECV and through various committees, with external representation including principals of schools, agree to the funding formulas for the dispersion of funds.

• Continued Page 3

Celebrating Italian national day in Morwell MORWELL – The rich Italian heritage of the Latrobe Valley was celebrated on June 2 with a feast to celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the Italian Republic following World War 2.

About 100 people gathered at the Gippsland Immigration Park at Morwell for Mass celebrated by Salesian priest Fr Frank Bertagnolli SDB. The Mass was in Italian and in Fr Bertagnolli’s homily he urged those present to remember their roots, faith and heritage.

Following Mass there was

an official raising of the Italian flag and the proud singing of both the Italian and Australian national anthems, accompanied on trumpet by Tina Manzo Thompson.

The folded Italian flag was carried by Piero Bassanese represented the Alpini Corps of the Italian Army and was hoisted aloft by Giuseppe Logiodice, 99, who is thought to be Gippsland’s oldest Italian migrant.

Mr Logiodice was presented with an award from the Italian Australian Coordinating Committee of Gippsland in

GIUSEPPE Logiodice, 99, proudly displays his award.

Trinity FAMILIES

FR Frank Bertagnolli SDB accepts the Italian flag from Piero Bassanese.

Immigration Park committee (piano accordion) played by recognition of his long service and support of Italian migrants. president Don Difabrizio gave Domenic Manzo, Tony Isgro It was given by committee a short speech welcoming and Giuseppe Salvatore and member Italian chaplain Sr everyone and encouraging them were entertained by the Gruppo to continue to celebrate their Folcoristico with Italian songs.

Elizabeth Roberts mfic.

The celebrations continued He settled in Morwell in 1955 heritage After the ceremony everyone the next day with the dinner to work for the State Electricity Commission, and he and his retreated to the relative warmth dance at the Italian Australian wife Elvira raised three children of the shelter where they Club. enjoyed refreshments supplied The Festa Della Repubblica Rosa, Rocco and Lucia.

Mr Logiodice opened his by the Italian Australian Club’s Italiana was organised by home to other Italian migrants new chef Antonio Scotto Di IACCOG committee headed by president Silva Summerfield. who came to Australia and Perta.

They warmed up by dancing introduced them to the to the sound of the Fisarmonica Australian way of life.

Beat the end of financial year!

All donations to Trinity Families made before June 30 can be claimed on this year’s tax return. Please give generously.

To donate visit www.trinityfamilies.org.au pick up a donations envelope at your parish, or phone (03) 5622 6688 for a credit card deduction form.

Page 2 - Catholic Life, June 2017

2020 vision – Working towards a Plenary Council WHEN events do not occur frequently they can surprise or delight us, or just leave us remotely curious.

Take for example the shock win of the Western Bulldogs in last year’s AFL Premiership, it delighted as it surprised.

So I hope that when it comes to Plenary Councils we will also be equally surprised and delighted.

In 2020 we are to have an Australian Plenary Council.

This will be only the fifth time in Australia’s history that it will have been held, and it will take place 83 years after the previous Plenary Council meeting in 1937.

The other ones were held in 1885, 1895 and 1905.

We haven’t rushed into them!

At the May meeting of the Australian Catholic Bishops of Australia, a motion to hold a Plenary Council in 2020, received a majority vote of support.

The bishops agreed that a Plenary Council was needed because we are at a time of profound cultural change. Not only in the wider community, but in the Church.

Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane has said that, “I think we have to accept the fact that Christendom is over – by which I mean mass, civic Christianity. It’s over.

Now, how do we deal with that fact?”

A Plenary Council can discuss and legislate on

a wide range of issues, including matters of faith, morals and discipline. It can also address the critical issues of the times.

Every topic close to the heart of every Catholic in Australia is potentially on the agenda, anything that does not infringe on the Church’s faith, teachings or morals.

There is a lot to do and think about, and a lot of praying required in the lead up to 2020.

A steering committee of Bishops has been appointed and a General Secretary will be appointed before the end of the Year as will other members of that Steering committee, representative of different aspects of the Church in Australia.

While the exact nature of this historic gathering is still becoming clear, it will be an assembly of the whole Church and not just the bishops.

So what do we do here in the Diocese of Sale?

Well having listened to what was being said at the recent gathering of Australian Bishops, and having raised the issue of how we might, as the Diocese of Sale, get ready for the forthcoming Plenary Council, at the recent meeting of the Bishop’s Council of Priests, and knowing that we are moving to the establishment of a Diocesan Pastoral Council, I would like to announce the following.

That as we move

Catholic Life PO Box 1410, Warragul Vic. 3820 Phone: (03) 5622 6688

catholiclife@sale.catholic.org.au www.sale.catholic.org.au

toward 2020, a group be established of no more than seven people who would be known as Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope).

Why Joy and Hope? Why Gaudium et Spes?

These two Latin words reference:- a foundational document of Vatican II, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, December 7, 1965; they echo Bishop Jeremiah Coffey’s motto, ‘In joyful hope’; they pick up essential themes from Pope Francis.

In short these are the signs of the times to which we need to be listening.

Gaudium et Spes will have two main responsibilities:1. Assist the Diocese of Sale, in conjunction with the Bishop, to prepare for the forthcoming Plenary Council of the Catholic Church in Australia in 2020, 2. And with the Plenary Council having been concluded, to then

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suggest what implications for structures and governance these gathering might have for our Diocese.

It is easier to be more precise about the expectations of Number 1 viz. a suggestion for a timetable for 2018 and 2019.

This would be: a series of consultations during 2018 in every Parish of the Diocese and clusters of Parishes; and in 2019 working toward a Diocesan Assembly and in 2020 facilitate our participation in the Plenary Council in 2020.

This is not to be a representational group but a representative group.

That is not simply a ‘rep’ from each of the groups in the Diocese etc, but rather a mix of laity (religious, pastoral worker, parishioner, Diocesan staff) etc and clergy, (deacon and priest) would be desirable.

Thus I ask that the normal gatherings of the Regions in the Diocese be suspended and replaced by the work of Gaudium et Spes.

Of course, Gaudium et Spes would work closely and collaboratively with the Bishop’s Council of Priests, and the Bishop.

I believe that if we are to be genuinely surprised and delighted by what the Holy Spirit is saying to us this gives us a tool to do so.

We’ve just ticked over the 130th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese on the May 10.

A lot has changed in those 130 years.

The best figure we have that is closest to 1937 says that in 1950 the Diocese Sale had 15,000 Catholics and its territory began east of the Bunyip River.

Fast forward to 2014, the last year we have statistics, and we see that we now have 120,000 Catholics in the Diocese with at the addition of previous territory from Melbourne.

The Census figures from 2016 are due soon it will be interesting to see what they carry.

Least it become just about figures, the nature of the Diocese is also changing from a predominately AngloSaxon European heritage to being complemented by people from other parts of the globe.

We also are being enriched by experiencing the blessing of the Eastern Rites, (there are 24 different groups, sometimes called Rites in the Catholic Church).

The core of our faith will never change. The way it is expressed, taught; lived and celebrated always needs to respond to the place wherein it finds itself. That is the challenge of each generation, and thus it is ours.

I invite your prayer for this project. Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again.

God is good. +Bishop Pat O’Regan Bishop of Sale

Budget disappointing CARITAS Australia has expressed deep disappointment in this year’s Federal Budget, with a fourth consecutive cut to the overseas aid program that sees another $303.3 million taken from the poor.

This comes at a time when the world is experiencing a range of unprecedented humanitarian crises, with over 20 million people facing starvation in East Africa and Yemen and tens of millions of people fleeing war and persecution in Syria.

Caritas Australia’s head of advocacy, Negaya Chorley said these humanitarian crises combined with rising inequality and the growing impacts of climate change mean Australian leadership is now more important than ever.

“If people hope to see more peace in our region and the world, then we need to invest in those things that promote peace: health, education, sustainable livelihoods, women’s rights, climate action and strong

governance,” Ms Chorley said.

“By continually slashing our overseas aid program we undermine progress in these areas that are fundamental to human development and stability.”

Australia’s aid program has played a critical role in supporting tens of millions of people to move out of poverty and live a life of dignity.

“By continually reducing our overseas aid program we undermine regional and global efforts to reduce poverty and promote human flourishing, and limit our collective ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Given Australia remains one of the wealthiest nations in the OECD, this is especially disappointing. This trend damages our reputation and undermines our ability to be taken seriously as a global leader, it also goes against our values.

“This budget is neither fair nor compassionate.”

Catholic Life, June 2017 - Page 3

Trinity Families has funds to give away CHARITIES operating in Sale Diocese will share around $110,000 from funds allocated by the diocesan charity Trinity Families.

Applications for funding are now open and will be received up until the end of August.

Trinity Families executive officer Colin Coomber said today that he expected the demand would be even higher than normal this year because of the changing economic conditions being experienced in a large part of Gippsland.

The closure of Hazelwood power station and the pending closure of timber mills in Heyfield and Morwell meant hundreds of families would be without breadwinners and

the flow-on effects of these redundancies would affect hundreds more.

“Such upheaval is usually a precursor to heavier demand for counselling services, basic assistance and, down the track, there is often greater demand for programs to combat drug and alcohol dependency and to help people out of gambling habits.”

Mr Coomber said that in the past few years Trinity Families had only been able to meet the requests for assistance from about a third of those that applied.

Government assistance was often lagging and so people were relying more and more on charitable programs.

He said that Trinity Families, originally called Bishop’s Family Foundation, had been helping to smooth the way for struggling families for 14 years and in that time had given almost $1.2 million towards specific programs to help them.

Trinity Families did not give money to individuals, nor did it run any of the programs itself.

“Early on it was decided it would not be beneficial to duplicate services already by offered by other charities.

“Instead we decided to

Professional Standards CEO an experienced leader THE Board of Catholic Professional Standards Limited today announced the appointment of Sheree Limbrick as inaugural chief executive officer.

Ms Limbrick has a wealth of experience in stakeholder engagement and management, strategic planning and policy development, as well as more than 10 years experience in executive leadership in social services.

She has most recently worked with CatholicCare Melbourne as deputy chief executive officer, working closely with the Gippsland region, and prior to that as director of operations.

Previously managing statewide programs for Berry Street, a service provider for vulnerable children and families across Victoria, Ms Limbrick established support services for Forgotten Australians.

In welcoming Ms Limbrick’s appointment, the CPS chairman Geoff Giudice said CPS had a unique role in the history of the Church in Australia and carrying out that role would not be without challenges.

The board was confident that it had a CEO who would provide outstanding leadership

Sheree Limbrick in meeting those challenges and achieving the company’s objectives’.

Members of the company Catholic Religious Australia president Sr Ruth Durick OSU and vice-president of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference Archbishop Mark Coleridge also welcomed Ms Limbrick on her appointment.

Archbishop Coleridge said that Ms Limbrick’s appointment was a step forward in the establishment of CPS along with the previously appointed board members; Mr Giudice

AO, Patricia Faulkner and John Watkins.

CPS is a new independent company established by the Catholic Church in Australia in November 2016 to develop, audit and report on compliance with professional standards across Catholic entities.

Sr Ruth explained that CPS acknowledged the trauma experienced by survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated within the Catholic Church and paid tribute to their courage and resilience.

CPS would continue the cultural change that had commenced through the work of the Truth, Justice and Healing Council.

Ms Limbrick, who will take up her appointment on July 17, will establish a team to assist in the development and promotion of the professional standards, the audit and compliance model and the contractual arrangements with Church authorities who will be subject to the standards.

In the longer term, CPS will develop and implement the process for auditing compliance with the Standards and the reporting of audit outcomes to Church authorities and publicly.

Schools funding worry • From Page 1 A major principle of the needs based funding model is ensuring that fees are kept as low as possible. This is what makes us a “system” of schools, not a collective of individual schools.

The Catholic education system also uses Federal Government funding to provide many additional programs, including support for small schools, VET and VCAL students, refugee families, language initiatives and professional learning for teachers and leaders.

It is essential that the Catholic system is able to continue to use our own funding models to

fund schools.

Catholic schools are expected to raise a certain amount of funds themselves and the model used by the government to decide how much should be raised is what is called each school’s “capacity to contribute”.

This amount is worked out according to the socio economic status, or SES, of the particular area in which a school is located. It is from this model that school fees are set.

It has been recommended, not just by the Catholic sector, that the SES model is not an accurate representation of the capacity of parents within a particular school to pay the amount which the SES might reflect and it

needs to be reviewed.

The costs of education rise every year and a further concern of the current funding into the future is that actual school costs will rise beyond the projected funding and may lead to significant fee increases post 2021.

We have also expressed concern about the funding for students with disability and the use of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data to determine how students with disability are funded.

All of these matters are currently being considered in on-going discussions with the Federal Government.

support them in their work by funding programs which assist families.”

Mr Coomber said part of the reason why Trinity Families had been established was the realisation that many of the larger national charities provided few services in regional areas.

They raised millions of dollars in the region each year but rarely assisted our families in need.

He said that Trinity Families was slowly restoring the balance but like most philanthropic trusts was struggling against low returns on investments.

The only way to be more effective was to keep growing the monies held in trust and

he thanked the many peoples across the region who had donated during the annual May appeal.

Donations were accepted at any time during the year and so people were encouraged to use the special envelopes which could be found in the back of Catholic churches.

Otherwise direct debit donations could be made by going on-line at www. trinityfamilies.org.au.

Cheques could be mailed directly to Trinity Families at PO Box 1420, Warragul, 3820, or delivered to the diocesan headquarters at Sion House, 6 Witton St., Warragul.

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Page 4 - Catholic Life, June 2017

Students pray for world peace

Not so smart

YOU know you have been spending too much time reading books on your tablet or smart phone when you try to enlarge the type on a real book by dabbing your finger and thumb in the centre of the page and spreading them out.

One of our primary school teachers is guilty of that.

He was quite surprised when the text didn’t enlarge.

Recycled scraps

IN another case of questionable action, a Sale gent took the kitchen scraps out for his wife and tipped them into the recycling bin instead of the compost heap.

We are sure the worms would have appreciated the scraps far more than the recycling company.

Being prepared

PARENTS were perplexed when their nine-year-old daughter started using only one hand to eat.

On questioning, the surfingmad daughter explained she was practising in case a shark bit off one arm as it had to world class surfer Bethany Hamilton.

When’s Easter?

EVER wondered how the date of Easter is calculated each year?

The New Testament tells us that the Last Supper was the

celebration of the Passover meal but Easter does not always follow the Jewish Passover.

Passover and Easter are both movable feasts but are calculated differently.

The Council of Nicaea in the year 325 decided Easter would be the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox (Northern Hemisphere).

So if the full moon falls on a Sunday which happens to be on the equinox, Easter can be as early as March 21.

However, be using the above calculation method it can be as late as April 25.

Passover is celebrated on the 15th day of Nissan, the first month on the Jewish lunar calendar. This is usually before Easter but because an extra month is added to the year every now and then, it sometimes occurs after Easter.

Of course, the orthodox churches celebrate Easter at a slightly different time to Western Christian churches because they use the old Julian calendar while we used the Gregorian calendar.

STUDENTS fill the Bishop Phelan Stadium at Catholic College Sale for the annual Peace Mass.

THE annual Peace Mass in Sale was again a big success with more than 2000 students from Catholic Schools in Wellington Shire gathering at Catholic College Sale.

The Peace Mass was first held after the Bali Bombings at the instigation of staff at the college as one staff member’s family had been impacted.

Students come from both Catholic College campuses, the

two Sale Catholic primaries, and from Stratford, Maffra, Heyfield and Yarram.

This year’s Mass was celebrated by Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral Fr Peter Bickley.

The large rainbow patterned peace flag was carried in at

the start of Mass and hoisted alongside the various national flags on display.

Each school was represented by a students who carries a lighted candle as a symbol of the eternal desire for peace in the world.

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.

SCHOOL captains from St Mary’s Primary School in Sale, Lucy Best and Sam Dean carry lighted candles in the procession.

- LISA BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY

I do not fear tomorrow for I have seen today - Philippians 4:13

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Catholic Life, June 2017 - Page 5

Our Lady of Fatima statue visits St Agatha’s parish

By Joy Andrews Michelle Hinds

and

forgiveness.

On the April 18, 2017, St Agatha’s Parish, Cranbourne, had the honor of the visit of a specially commissioned statue of Our Lady of Fatima. There are six such statues in the world - one for each continent.

This beautiful statue was commissioned by Pope Francis to travel the world in hope that people will be called urgently to prayer and reparation.

Pope Francis declared the Year 2017 also a Jubilee Year beginning November 17, 2016 to November 26, 2017 with plenary indulgence to be granted to those who will participate in the centenary celebration, with the usual requirements of going to confession, communion, and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father when they join the following activities.

That is to make a pilgrimage to Fatima within this time, pray the Rosary in front of the image of Our Lady of Fatima

and venerate her, also to make sacrifices, penance and good works.

The following day saw the St Agatha’s parishioners, led by Fr Joseph Abutu and the visiting brothers and sisters from The Two Hearts of Jesus and Mary carry the statue from the church to the school oval while saying the Rosary.

The children and teachers of St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School sat quietly anticipating the statue’s arrival.

The Grade 6 children had the honor of carrying a Rosary made from helium balloons in the colors of Our Lady, blue and white.

After the procession had arrived and Fr Joseph and a Brother had concluded their prayers, the Hail Mary was recited then Ave Maria was sung after which the children released the Rosary and it floated up in honor of the visit to the school.

CRANBOURNE - In the spring of 1917 in Fatima, Portugal, an angel appeared to three young shepherd children, Lucia Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto.

Then between May 13 and October 13, 1917, they saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

The children were told that there was an urgent call for all of us to pray to our Lord by praying the Rosary.

Before 70,000 people, a marvellous miracle was worked in the sky above for all to see so THE impressive Rosary beads made from helium balloons. that the people would believe in what the children were saying about the Virgin Mary.

The miracle of the sun happened for all to see and believe. Every single person who was present testified to seeing the sun dance. Believers and non-believers dropped onto THE foundation principal of applied to be principal at St their knees and begged for the new Our Lady Star of the Mary’s, Maffra.

Seas Primary School, Cowes, She has considerable will be Cathy Blackford who experience as a Catholic school is currently principal at St principal having previously Michael’s Primary School, served as principal at both St Traralgon.

Michael’s, Heyfield and St She will take up the position Mary’s, Maffra. from the start of Term three in Acting principal of St July.

Peter’s College, Cranbourne, She has extensive experience Christopher Black has been in leadership positions within appointed principal from term Sale Diocese and has also three. served as principal of Lumen He has been in the acting Christ Primary in Churchill. principal capacity since former The process to appoint principal Tim Hogan took up a a replacement principal at position in Dandenong.

Traralgon will be advised in Mr Black came to St Peter’s due course. at the beginning of 2016, taking In other news Anita Little has up the role of deputy principal been appointed principal of St and head of East Campus, after Thomas’ Primary School, Sale 17 years of senior leadership from the start of term three. positions at Killester College, Mrs Little has been acting Springvale. principal since last year when This included the role of former principal Jason Slattery acting co-principal in 2012 and THE students at St Agatha’s gather around the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. filled in at St Michael’s 2013.

Heyfield, and then successfully

First principal for new Cowes school

Jesuits to divest of fossil fuels AUSTRALIAN Provincial Fr Brian McCoy SJ has committed the Australian Jesuits to joining with other organisations around the world in responding to the call to divest from fossil fuels.

“In the light of our commitment to reconciliation with creation, we believe that divestment is an ethical, impactful and valuable opportunity

to consider not only for the Australian Province but for all Australian companies,” said the Provincial in a statement released for World Environment Day last week.

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Page 6 - Catholic Life, June 2017

Medjugorje visions On being called a problem not all supernatural eflections THE commission studying the alleged apparitions of Mary at Medjugorje, BosniaHerzegovina, reportedly voted to recognise as supernatural only the first seven appearances of Mary in 1981.

However, according to a report published by the website Vatican Insider, the commission was much more doubtful about the thousands of alleged visions that have occurred since July 4, 1981, and supposedly continue to this day.

Two of the 17 commission members and consultants thought the alleged visions after the period of June 24-July 3, 1981, were not supernatural, while the other members said it was not possible to make a judgment.

The commission said it was clear that the six alleged visionaries and a seventh who claims to have begun receiving messages from Mary in December 1982 were not given adequate spiritual support.

Vatican Insider published its piece on the report last month, three days after Pope Francis spoke about some details of the report to journalists travelling with him from Fatima, Portugal.

Francis said that, regarding

the Medjugorje commission’s work, “three things need to be distinguished”.

“About the first apparitions, when (the ‘seers’) were young, the report more or less says that the investigation needs to continue,” the Pope said, according to the English translation posted on the Vatican website.

Francis said his personal opinion was that “these alleged apparitions have no great value”.

The real core of the commission’s report, he said was the fact that thousands of pilgrims went to Medjugorje and were converted.

“For this there is no magic wand; this spiritual-pastoral fact cannot be denied.”

The spiritual fruits of the pilgrimages, he said, were the reason why in February he appointed Polish Archbishop Henryk Hoser of Warsaw-Praga to study the best ways to provide pastoral care to townspeople and the pilgrims.

The commission’s role was to make recommendations to the Pope; its report is not an official Church judgment on the apparitions.

I GET letters telling me I am a problem, that I have issues that need researching. The daily media constantly reminds me that I am a problem.

Because of me, Australia has a problem.

There are TV programs that describe how I am a problem and the magnitude of the problem.

I am a fiscal problem, a medical problem, a problem on the roads, a growing problem and I have even been called ‘an interesting problem’.

I am even a drain on the national resources. But aging is not a problem. It has its problems but it is not a problem.

The more people like me are called a problem, then the more the rest of society will begin to regard us as such.

Sometimes people who call those of us who are ageing ‘a problem’ do so with the best of intentions. But why not call them out on it next time you hear it?

People of all ages still contribute. Those of us who are aging still have something to offer, we still bring happiness and joy to others, and they to us, we still make others think and react and care and love.

We still have the wisdom of experience to offer, we have memories that enrich and stories that need to be heard.

Help us to help others Tax deductable giving Donate now to support charities aiding families Trinity Families needs your financial support to ensure that it can continue to meet the needs of families in our region.

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by Jim Quillinan Each age has its pluses and minuses. Each age is important, each person is important.

And some of us are still working!

Today there is also a tendency to measure people’s value by what they contribute to ‘our economy’. The more they earn, the more wealth they amass the more respect they deserve seems to be the prevailing wisdom.

The market, we are told, ensures that everyone gets what they deserve, so much so that we are now called ‘economic units’. We are consumers, our status determined by how much we can buy and sell.

If we are valued only for what we produce, what we can buy those who do not fit that pattern are undervalued, even overlooked.

Those who are unemployed, those who are afflicted by mental health issues, those who are seeking refuge within our shores appear to have much less value than these others.

That is not how Jesus saw the world: “When you give a lunch or dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbors,” Jesus tells us.

“No, when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” Today he might even add “invite those who are ageing”!

At whatever age we may be, being regarded as ‘a problem’ is insulting. Being regarded as ‘economic units’ is demeaning.

When we don’t produce, we become a cost.

If we need care, then we become a burden. Being named in this way isolates people, separates people, makes people want to be invisible. No-one wants to be a problem.

For some, this creates loneliness and even fear: Who am I, who loves me, who even cares if I live or die?”

What is missing in many people’s lives, at least in Western affluent countries like Australia, is not so much compassion and mercy but meaning and purpose that brings hope and joyfulness to life.

What can be missing is an understanding and an acceptance of others, regardless of age, status, religious beliefs, valuing others for who they are, valuing their experience and wisdom which contributes to the richness of society, rather than seeing others as ‘a problem’.

This lack of meaning tends to make us place our hope in material possessions, wealth and social advancement.

Feeling accepted, even envied by our peers takes on added significance. There’s not much room for sympathy, understanding, mercy or compassion when we place our hope in such things, when our goal is to compete.

Religion, as is often forgotten by those who espouse no religion, has its roots in compassion, fairness, charity, peace and community building.

The world we live in today is crying out for a resurgence of justice, fairness and equity, compassion, tolerance and mercy, rather than naked competition, greed, prejudice and fear, all of which devalue others.

Religion has, and will continue to have a critical role in doing this. But it will be the voices of love and acceptance that will contribute to a right and just future.

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Catholic Life, June 2017 - Page 7

Sorry Day celebrations at St Joseph’s, Orbost

PETER Ingram shows his boomerang design

ORBOST - Engaging in learning activities that help us to understand and appreciate our indigenous community is very important at St Joseph’s Primary School.

The school was delighted to use recently purchased quality resources including children’s books and art materials to foster understanding of indigenous history and culture.

Our focus space for morning prayer included a branch from a gum tree, a local painting, indigenous books and pictures and a cloth that represented families from our school.

Prayers focused on peace, harmony and sorrow for unacceptable treatment of indigenous people. Prayer concluded with singing the Aboriginal Our Father, which is one of the school’s favorite songs!

Students then engaged in indigenous-focused activities.

They played an indigenous game with great enthusiasm.

Boomerangs with indigenous inspired patterns were created and many indigenous jigsaw puzzles were completed.

At the final station students chose to read, or listen to, a selection of fabulous picture books, short novels and factual texts. One particularly impressed with its strong message of be calm like the water and strong like the current.

Finally, students came together to share the messages

of reconciliation.

All accepted a challenge to do some learning involving indigenous Australians every day during Reconciliation Week.

Suggestions included saying a prayer for an indigenous person or that we can all work in harmony; researching a significant event e.g. Sorry Day, 1967 referendum, Mabo decision; learning a new indigenous game; reading a book or doing a puzzle.

Zahra heads education group FORMER Gippsland politician Christian Zahra has been appointed the executive director of the National Catholic Education Commission.

Bishops Commission for Catholic Education chairman Archbishop Timothy Costelloe announced the appointment and said Mr Zahra had been a major contributor to Australian society “across a range of spheres – including politics, community development and business”.

“As well as spending two terms in the Federal Parliament, Christian has also provided leadership to a number of organisations, both in management and governance, with a focus on improving the lives of people, particularly those experiencing disadvantage. Most recently, he led the Wunan Foundation, which supports indigenous Australians through a range of programs, social enterprises and partnerships,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“Christian has always been a strong advocate on behalf of his communities and stakeholders.

He will speak clearly and passionately on behalf of Catholic school students, teachers and families in this new role.

“On behalf of the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education, I congratulate Christian on his appointment. We look forward to working closely with him to support and enhance the Catholic Church’s enormous contribution to school education in this country.”

Mr Zahra said: “It’s a great honor for me to be appointed to this important role and I thank the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education for the opportunity to serve.

“Catholic schools are a critical component of the education system in Australia and for 200 years they have made a significant contribution to Australian society.

“At the heart of all Catholic schools in Australia is a unique partnership between the Church, passionate teachers

and principals, engaged parents and government. I look forward to working collaboratively with all of these groups so that Catholic schools can continue to make their vital contribution to

the education of children and to Australian society more generally.”

Mr Zahra was born in Malta and emigrated with his family when he was three. He was educated in Traralgon and in 1998 was elected as a Labor Party candidate to the Federal seat of McMillan where he served until 2004 when unseated by Liberal politician Russell Broadbent.

He was one of the youngest ever Federal Parliamentarians and served as Parliamentary Secretary to two Shadow Ministers.

ASHA Milliken and Markeisha Ingram find out about the 1967 referendum by reading ‘Say Yes’ together.

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Investments in the Fund are intended to be a means for investors to support the charitable, religious and educational works of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, the Catholic Diocese of Sale and the Catholic Diocese of Bunbury and for whom the consideration of profit are not of primary relevance in the investment decision.

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Page 8 - Catholic Life, June 2017

Principal outlines vision for Cranbourne college NEWLY appointed principal of the twin campus St Peter’s College, Cranbourne, Christopher Black has outlined his vision for the school.

He said successful American businessman Donald Bren once stated, “Education is the finest gift an individual can give a young person” and there was a lot to be liked about this quote.

“It is my firm belief that there is significant privilege attached to being a teacher in this context.”

Mr Black said that as an educational leader he felt honored to be placed in a situation where he was able to work side by side with staff, students and parents in ensuring St Peter’s College was the place where student dreams were fulfilled and where all were working together to reach their full potential.

St Peter’s College strived to develop the whole person - the academic, the spiritual, the social-emotional and the physical.

“It is in this context that I acknowledge the significant emphasis and the important role the Catholic and Petrine charism and ethos plays in identifying who we are as a Catholic secondary college and in influencing how our students are shaped”.

He said significant theologian Thomas Groome once stated: “To be faithful to its identity a Catholic school would have to function as a life-giving community, that reflects and teaches profound respect for everyone and that promotes

people’s rights as neighbor and their responsibilities for neighbor”.

Mr Black said this must be driven and led by the leadership of the school and be both witnessed and actioned in communion with staff, students and parents. He would savour the opportunity to work with staff and students providing them opportunities to nourish their faith.

“The core business at St Peter’s College is learning.

Our want, is for students to be running through St Peter’s College gates to commence their secondary school education, and more significantly, them walking out of those same gates at a much slower rate at the end of Year 12 with confidence, a sense of purpose, and positivity about the next chapter in their lives.”

He said St Peter’s would strive for all students to feel a keen sense of belonging to a community, where a sense of hope and purpose permeated all student thoughts, actions and efforts, and students gained a skill-set to contribute positively to society.

St Peter’s would continue to be recognised as the school which catered for, and provided opportunities for all to flourish.

“It strives to cater for the high-achieving student, for those with special talents, those with particular needs and those who wish to pursue a vocational pathway.

“Students are, and will continue to be, challenged to learn in a stimulating and

NEW principal Christopher Black chats with school leaders (from Dinglasan, Vinya Lokesh and Samuel Imperial. dynamic learning environment with courage within the Gospel which features opportunities tradition.

When Year 12 students for collaboration, independent inquiry learning, critical graduated it was anticipated they would be people: thinking and problem-solving.

• of hope “We work towards ensuring a • inspired by the St Peter’s College student is an teachings of Jesus engaged and successful learner • constantly searching and where staff are encouraged within their own faith journey to contribute, as partners, in the • of confidence in their education of the whole person”. interactions with others Mr Black said the school • of resilience and would continue to challenge positivity students to be creative and • able to make a positive critical learners who acted

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Schools eligible for garden grants SCHOOLS can build their dream garden or outdoor classroom with the help of the Yates Junior Landcare Grants for Gardens program, which is now open for applications.

Fifteen grants valued at $2000 each are available for schools, youth groups and childcare centres, who will benefit from $1500 in funding, $500 of Yates garden products and a growing consultation with a Yates gardening expert.

Yates is excited to join groups for a consultation to help them uncover the joy of the garden, and wants to arm kids with the tips and tricks to help their garden thrive.

Interested groups are invited to submit a design for their dream garden within their

Scott and Sharon Anderson

left) Tais Lindaree, Christian

school grounds or communities.

Yates and Junior Landcare are looking for young imaginations to run wild, and think about the kind of garden they would love to grow.

Veggie gardens, butterfly gardens, bush tucker and sensory gardens are just some of the projects that have been previously funded.

Yates Horticultural communications manager Angie Thomas is excited to be offering this program again.

“I am thrilled that this program is offered to schools and groups around Australia.

There is nothing better than planting your first seed, growing your patch and pulling out your first carrot.

“Last year’s program saw 1100

students and 100 volunteers get grubby on 13 fantastic, creative projects. I can’t wait to see the applications this year,” she said.

Tessa Jakszewicz, Landcare Australia CEO, is encouraging schools to think about the benefits of outdoor learning for students.

The Yates Junior Landcare Grants for Gardens program is currently open for applications via the Junior Landcare website.

Applications close on Thursday June 29; stories from previous Junior Landcare grant recipients are online to provide inspiration.

For more information, guidelines and criteria, and to submit an application, please visit www.landcareaustralia. org.au/grants-for-gardens.

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Catholic Life, June 2017 - Page 9

Giving thanks to seafarers around the world

By Lindy McNamara AS Catholic parishes throughout Australia prepare to celebrate Sea Sunday on July 9, it is timely to reflect on the vital work of the tens of thousands of seafarers who visit our ports each year – and the ministry of the Apostleship of the Sea which supports them.

Life at sea for crew members aboard a cargo ship or fishing vessel can be a lonely existence at times. Separated from family and friends for months at a time, often working in dangerous weather conditions, there is little wonder that feelings of isolation and depression are common.

However, the Apostleship of the Sea Catholic ministry (AOS) offers a ‘beacon of light’ to seafarers around the world by providing pastoral support for their ‘spiritual, social and material’ welfare.

In Australia there are 15 AOS port chaplains / centre managers and more than 160 volunteers supporting the estimated 130,000 seafarers who transit the nation’s 25 ports each year through these centres.

On July 9, Catholic parishes throughout Australia will celebrate Sea Sunday, when parishioners will be asked to keep seafarers and their families in their prayers and collections on the day will go to support the AOS ministry.

With almost 90 per cent of trade being transported by sea,

the maritime industry plays a vital role in the world economy.

AOS Australia interim national director Fr Roger Manalo CS said the collection was a way of thanking the seafarers for their work in bringing goods that “benefit all Australians”, while also supporting the “much needed” work of the AOS chaplains and volunteers.

“Working on ships can make these people feel isolated and depressed - even more so when the weather conditions are less than ideal.

“That saying ‘out of sight, out of mind’ rings true for a lot of these workers, so the AOS port chaplain and volunteers provide an important ‘connectedness’ to the people on the land.”

Fr Manalo added the role of the AOS had changed over the years in response to advances in technology. Automation means cargo ships can now be unloaded in a matter of hours, compared to several days

previously, and consequently seafarers were in port and able to access AOS services for only a short time.

“They might be here for only 6 to 24 hours. When they arrive they want to feel welcomed.

They have been on the high seas for say 30 days and just seeing the other 10 to 15 crew on board, and so they want to be able to communicate with their families using wi-fi or telephone.

“The Catholic crews of the cargo/container ships are predominately of Filipino or Indian origins and often they ask for Mass, a blessing of the ship, or confession. Mostly, seafarers like to be taken to places where they can shop and access other

things not available on board,” he said.

As part of its mission, the AOS also looks after seafarers who are abandoned in port and those who are sick or injured through accidents.

For more information about the Apostleship of the Sea Australia go to http://aosaustralia.org.

To make a donation to this important ministry, send cheques to Apostleship of the Sea, Sea Sunday Appeal GPO Box 368 Canberra ACT 2601

Students get a buddy bench NEWBOROUGH Barb and Mandy from Bunnings Morwell, recently attended St Mary’s Primary school in Newborough to donate a Buddy Bench.

The leadership team at the school assembled the bench with Barb and Mandy. Then, two delegates from each grade painted the seat in colorful shades of rainbow colors.

The Buddy Bench project is a simple idea to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the playground.

It’s a place to sit at if you’re lonely or looking for someone to play with during recess or lunchtime breaks. Other students then see that someone is on the bench and they can then invite them to join in on

their game or assist them in finding some friends.

The Buddy Bench is located in a shaded peaceful area of the playground visible from all angles of the yard ensuring anyone sitting on the bench will be seen.

Liam said, “ I like the buddy

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Page 10 - Catholic Life, June 2017

Final secret of Fatima revealed after 83 years THE three secrets of Fatima were first mentioned by young seer Lucia Santos who said the Lady of Fatima had told the three children not to reveal them yet.

She held the secrets until 1941, in the middle of World War 2, when she published her third book of memoirs.

By then she had joined the Carmelites and was known as Sr Maria Lucia of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart.

The first secret was the visions of hell which the lady revealed to the children on July 13, 1917.

Sr Lucia wrote that the Blessed Virgin showed them what hell was like, complete with the suffering experienced by the souls who were there.

The brief vision was almost unbearable to the children but gave them great trust that devotion to Our Lady would save souls from this great eternal suffering.

The second secret was also a vision in which they learnt that World War I would come to an end, but a worse world war would ensue under the papacy of Pope Pius XI unless people stopped offending God and that Russia be converted and consecrated to her Immaculate Heart.

Sceptics point out that Sr Lucia did not reveal the secret until well after World War 1 had ended and well after World

THIS is the final of a three part series on the apparitions at Fatima which occurred 100 years ago.

War 2 had started.

She did not reveal the third secret in her memoirs and refused give any indication of what it might be.

This led to great speculation within Church circles but she was encouraged to write down details of this secret after she became seriously ill in 1943 and it was feared she may die, taking the secret with her.

She wrote the details in a letter in 1944 and placed it in a sealed envelope which was held

by Bishop Jose Silva, Bishop of Leiria until 1957 when it was transferred to the Vatican.

It is believed to have been opened in 1960 and while seen by successive Popes and other leaders of the Roman Curia, it was not made public until 2000.

In an interview for the German magazine Stimme des Glaubens published in October 1981, Pope John Paul II was asked explicitly to speak about the third secret and said that because of the seriousness of its contents, in order not to encourage the world wide power of Communism to carry out

Sr Lucia certain coups, his predecessors had diplomatically preferred to withhold its publication.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, later to be Pope Benedict XVI, revealed in 1984 to Jesus magazine that he had read the third secret which was of an apocalyptic nature, threatening the life of Christianity and the world.

He commented that, it might not be made public – at least for the time being – in order to prevent religious prophecy from being mistaken for a quest for the sensational.

In 2000 after Pope John Paul II had visited Fatima to

Pakenham community garden PAKENHAM - At the beginning of the second school term for 2017 the staff and volunteers at CatholicCare Pakenham opened their new community garden.

Twenty four Grade 6 students from St Patrick’s Primary School and their teacher Theresa Andrews, planted all the seedlings that were generously donated by Bunnings.

The garden is located at the rear of the CatholicCare premises in Rogers St., Pakenham.

The project is open to all people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

The garden has been built on the smell of an oily rag. Potato boxes donated by Mountain Harvest Foods in Gembrook were salvaged to produce 12 garden beds.

Six cubic metres of potato soil was donated by potato farmer Frank Rovers in Cora Lynn. The John Wallis foundation donated a 10,000 litre water tank to help with irrigation.

The garden will provide ample space of not only gardening beds but other upcoming projects like: the building of pizza and tandoor ovens, the establishment of a small orchard, a place to house chickens, a greenhouse and an herb garden.

In addition, there are also plans to establish an aquaponics set up where fish or other aquatic animals are raised and their by-products help supply

TEACHER Theresa Andrews and students working on the garden. the nutrients for hydroponic vegetables and fruit.

The projects will provide fantastic opportunities for participants to get involved, learn new skills and be part of the growth of the project.

Community gardens provide many benefits to individuals, families and the community.

Some of these benefits include: Increased access to nutritious foods, supporting new friendships and social connections, learning new skills, providing new pollinator habitats, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together and helping promote mental health and stress reduction.

There are also several

benefits for young people like: building maths skills, learning about where foods come from, learning about the importance of community and stewardship, developing their knowledge of sustainability and learning job and life skills.

For members of non-English speaking communities, the project offers a way for families to: further integrate into the community, decrease social isolation, provide a constructive and safe environment for families, provide opportunities for cultural sharing and a way of learning more about local services which may be available.

beatify young seers Francisco and Jacinta Marto, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano said the Pope had directed him to reveal the third part of the Fatima secrets.

He said the text of Sr Lucia’s letter contained a prophetic vision similar to those found in Scripture, which did not describe with photographic clarity the details of future events, and so the text must be interpreted symbolically.

“The vision of Fatima concerns above all the war waged by atheist systems against the Church and Christians, and it describes the immense suffering endured by the witnesses to the faith in the last century of the second millennium. It is an interminable Way of the Cross led by the Popes of the 20th century.”

Cardinal Sodano said according to the interpretation of the “little shepherds”, which was also recently confirmed by Sr Lucia, the “Bishop clothed in white” who prays for all the faithful is the Pope. As he makes his way with great effort towards the Cross amid the corpses of those who were martyred (Bishops, priests, men

and women religious and many lay persons), he too falls to the ground, apparently dead, under a burst of gunfire.

He said that after the assassination attempt on the Pope on May 13, 1981, it appeared evident to His Holiness that it was “a motherly hand which guided the bullet’s path”, enabling the “dying Pope” to halt “at the threshold of death.”

The successive events of 1989 led, both in the Soviet Union and in a number of countries of Eastern Europe, to the fall of the Communist regime which promoted atheism. For this too His Holiness offered heartfelt thanks to the Most Holy Virgin.

Sr Lucia died in 2006 after 57 years as a Carmelite and was buried at the shrine at Fatima alongside the other two seers, her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto.

Her cause for canonisation has been progressing since 2008 when Pope Benedict gave dispensation for the normal five year waiting period to be dispensed with.

The diocesan phase of her cause ended earlier this year and it has now gone to the Vatican.

Siblings youngest saints in history THE brother and sister who witnessed the apparition of Mary, now known as Our Lady of Fatima, a century ago have been declared saints by Pope Francis.

He presided over the canonisation Mass for Francisco and Jacinta Marto during a two day pilgrimage to Fatima last month.

The visit coincided with the 100 year anniversary of the first of the visions by the siblings and their cousin Lucia Santos.

The shepherd children were tending to their families’ sheep when they saw the apparitions.

They are the youngest nonmartyrs to be made saints in the history of the Church.

In October 1918, Mary appeared to the two children and promised that she would take them to heaven soon.

The Spanish influenza epidemic which swept the world the following year claimed both their lives.

On April 3, 1919, Francisco declined hospital treatment for his influenza and died the next day.

On February 20, 1920, Jacinta

ST Francisco Marto and his sister St Jacinta Marto asked the hospital chaplain who heard her confession to bring her communion and administer the Last Rites because she was going to die the next night.

The priest said he condition was not that serious but when he returned the next day, she was found to have died in her sleep.

Please donate generously to the appeal for Trinity Families.

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Details at www.trinityfamilies.org.au or collect en envelope at your parish

Catholic Life, June 2017 - Page 11

Retirement income - The risks and rewards THE Reserve Bank has recently warned that many retirees, and soon to be retirees, are not going to have the retirement income they thought.

This isn’t a new thought by any means, but the present record low interest rate environment will almost certainly mean that many retirees will be forced onto the Age Pension at some stage.

The Westpac retirement incomes survey concludes that a couple need an annual income of around $60,000 for a comfortable retirement.

That’s not for luxury retirement and only allows one holiday in Australia a year and few if any overseas trips.

The problem that most retirees have is that they now have the choice of their own super pension and/or the age pension. Very few of us have the public service pensions that are indexed and many that also provided a lump sum in addition.

In retirement people generally look for security of their capital, so term deposits, government bonds and other interest rate securities.

However, when our official cash rate (between RBA and Banks) is at 2 percent, term deposits are at less than 3percent and government

bonds even lower, then what we earned three years ago is just a memory.

In revisiting Investment 101, your superannuation money is invested in the same places as other investments funds and generally the same whether you have an institutional fund or a Self Managed Fund (SMSF).

It will be in cash, term deposits, property or business or it can be in synthetic securities which are based on those classes. A part of Investing 101 is that reward increases with risk and vice versa. If you are looking for absolute security, then you return will ultimately be negative. As you look to generate higher returns the risk level increases commensurately.

For instance investing in cash – the safest – would mean that to generate $60,000 in income you would need you would need more than $2.5 million in the best cash management account, or just over $2 million in term deposits.

And that’s before inflation, currently 1.7 percent annualised in the March quarter, and tax, if applicable. That just demonstrates that cash isn’t an investment.

Looking at real property in Gippsland, it seems that to generate a return from property

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you’ll need to own lots of houses.

Figures from realestate.com. au, based on estimated net rental income, show that to earn $60,000 p.a. you’d need 21 average three bedroom houses fully let in Warragul, 12 average three bedroom homes fully let in Morwell or 14.5 house in Sale.

On median prices that’s $6.3 million for Warragul, $1.8 million in Morwell, or $2.8 million in Sale. Property values are currently growing at 1 percent to 3.9 percent across Gippsland A share portfolio on average would be expected to earn you, at present, a gross yield of 6.91 percent on the 50 leaders.

Telstra is paying 7.1 percent National Bank 8.8 percent and ANZ 8.21 percent., with a once only 1 percent establishment cost.

A 50 leaders portfolio to generate our required income would be only $868,000. The ASX 50 has grown in each of

the last four years, and in two of them the growth exceeded 16 percent.

The problem of course is that shares and property have the two threats of volatility in the case of shares, and illiquidity in the case of property, although there’s a further problem that in some Gippsland towns it takes more than nine months on average to get paid for a property after its listing.

However for long term holders, these drawbacks can be planned for and accommodated. As an aside, the Global Financial Crisis only brought our share market back to its long term trend. The real problem was people thinking that the previous four years was normal and would continue forever.

If you see an annuity offering an income of 6 percent a year, be confident that two thirds of that return is your capital being returned. At the end of the annuity, there is no value.

You can’t generate a

sustainable retirement income without taking risks with your investments. In these times of low interest, you will need to invest in shares or property if you are to generate any reasonable level if income.

If you haven’t retired yet, you will need to start today and if you’re just starting out, put a little more into super than you need – you’ll need every penny working for you in the future.

The secret is to invest sensibly and to be informed of what, why and how much.

That will only come through good professional advice that’s tailored to suit you specifically.

Shares are a really great place to invest, provided you want an income and don’t need your capital in a sort time.

Property is also good (yields are lower) but you need to plan for the illiquidity. And take expert investment advice, not from the real estate agent who’s trying to sell you any property.

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

Planning for a Solomons journey

ST Peter's students from a previous immersion with students at a Catholic school in Honiara.

ED B IT LA M AI LI AV S AT LE

The students are paying for their own trip expenses and will leave the day after their final Year 12 exams are completed, forgoing any celebrations and schoolies trips with their fellow students.

Once in Honiara, they will be billeted with a local family and will spend their days at the school helping with numerous tasks and immersing themselves in the school and local community.

This time will further cement the many lessons they have learnt in their time at St Peter’s College in regards to their responsibility in relation to not only their ‘Education, Faith and Service’ but how they individually or as a small group can have a very real and positive impact in the greater community.

Students are currently sourcing and accepting donations of goods and services from local businesses and individuals for the silent auction and trivia night in August.

As this is a silent auction any goods and services are suitable for donation, small or large, expensive and inexpensive, they will all be appreciated.

To donate goods or services or to secure a table of 10 for the trivia and silent auction night please contact April Hampson at the college reception 5990 7777.

SE

CRANBOURNE - Twelve Year 12 students from St Peter’s College, along with teacher Caroline Angus and college religious education leader Stephen Nash will be participating in St Peter’s College annual immersion program within a small community and Catholic school in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The students are Tiffany Forbes, Emily Hoyle, Jye Clarke, Jacob Ralston, Emily Lace, Henry Cooke, Eli Moss, Gemma Clover, Pachell Prestt, Miya Peterson, Raphael Kostopoulos, and Sunishma Balla.

The students and staff, as part of their commitment to the program, have undertaken to raise much needed funds for the Bishop Epalle Catholic School in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Their aim over the next few years is to build the long anticipated library, information technology centre and staff rooms.

The 2017 immersion program students have pledged to raise as much money as they can, to support the building program at the school.

Students will also undertake what work they can to assist with in the school, helping out in Primary Classes and undertaking maintenance work in and around the school buildings, while in Honiara later this year.

Newest bishop ordination AUSTRALIA’s newest Catholic Bishop will be ordained in Geraldton, Western Australia on June 28.

He is Fr Michael Morrissey, 64, the Vicar General and Chancellor of the Diocese of Geraldton, will become the ninth Bishop of Geraldton.

He will be the first Bishop of Geraldton who was born, raised, ordained and has ministered in the diocese.

He will replace Bishop Justin Bianchini who has served as the eighth bishop Bishop-Elect Morrissey was ordained a priest in 1981 at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Geraldton.

Are you interested in the share market?

Do you want the chance to ask questions?

David Wells, W Senior Investment Adviser at Shaw and Partners, and his team will be presenting a “Share Market Evening”.

Date: Wednesday W 26th July 2017 Time: from 7.00pm Location: Woorayl W Golf Club, Roughead Street, Leongatha Bookings are essential: to secure your seat please call Prue Carroll at Shaw and Partners on 1800 150 009 (freecall) or email pcarroll@shawandpartners.com.au Shaw and Partners AFSL 236048 Level 20, 90 Collins Street, Melbourne www.shawandpartners.com.au w

Page 12 - Catholic Life, June 2017

Its been a rewarding journey

By Trevor Fogarty WHEN Bob Dempster moved from an inner Melbourne suburb, along with his wife Mary and family, for a new job opportunity in Korumburra, little did he realise how that move would affect the lives of so many people in needy circumstances.

The move was made to create a new life and opportunities for his family, but turned out to be so much more.

In 1991 Bob, with no previous experience with the St Vincent de Paul Society, joined the small Korumburra conference to help out.

This conference relied on the Vinnies’ shops in Leongatha and Wonthaggi for furniture and other items that were needed to assist needy people in the Korumburra area.

Along with people such as John Marsden, Dom Steele and Col Donovan he collected excess clothing and furniture in Korumburra and used their own cars and trailers to take them to these centres, or bring back required items for use in their own town.

There are strong memories of a rope on one trailer coming undone and trailing along the road while a wardrobe and a lounge chair disintegrated on the highway.

This led to a serious conference discussion about having a Vinnies’ shop in Korumburra to replace their shed.

Bob and other members met with leaders from St Vinnies’ headquarters in 1993 but were denied a shop due to the proximity of shops in nearby towns.

Fr Paddy Walsh in his typical Irish manner would have none of this. He put down a deposit on an appropriate shop in the

What’s on & when 24 - Nativity of John the Baptist 14 – Catholic Life published 18 - Body and Blood of OCTOBER 1 - Daylight Saving begins Christ 23 - Sacred Heart of Jesus (turn clocks forward one 24-25 – Annual collection hour) all parishes for St Vincent 4 - St Francis of Assisi de Paul Society support of Memorial 7 - Our Lady of the Rosary the poor 29 - Solemnity of Sts Peter Memorial and Paul, Apostles 9 – Term 4 begins 30 – Term 2 ends 9 – Deadline for October 30 - End of financial year.

Catholic Life 11 - St John XXIII JULY Memorial 2 – Special collection all 18 - Feast of St Luke, parishes for Peter’s Pence evangelist 2-8 – NAIDOC Week 18 – Catholic Life published 3 - Feast of St Thomas, 22 - Mission Sunday Apostle 22 – Special collection 17 – Term 3 begins all parishes for Catholic 22 – Golden jubilee of Mission ordination of Fr Herman 22 - St John Paul II Hengel, Warragul Memorial 22 - St Mary Magdalene 28 - Feast of St Simon and Solemnity St Jude 23-29 – Catholic Education Week NOVEMBER 25 - Feast of St James, 1 - All Saints Day Apostle 2 - All Souls Day 7 - Melbourne Cup Public AUGUST Holiday A special collection 9 - Dedication of the will be taken up in all Lateran Basilica parishes during August for 17 - St Elizabeth of CatholicCare Gippsland Hungary Memorial 6 - The Transfiguration 25 - St Catherine of 7 – Deadline for August Alexandria Memorial Catholic Life 26 - Solemnity of Christ the 8 - Solemnity of St Mary of King the Cross MacKillop 27 – Deadline for December 10 - Feast of St Lawrence Catholic Life 11 - St Clare Memorial 27 – Australian Catholic 15 - Assumption of the Bishops’ Conference Blessed Virgin Mary plenary meeting begins, 16 – Catholic Life published Sydney 22 - Queenship of BVM 23 - St Rose of Lima 27 – 20th anniversary of ordination of Fr Darren Memorial 24 - Feast of St Howie, Maffra 30 - Feast of St Andrew, Bartholomew, Apostle Apostle 28 - St Augustine Memorial

JUNE

Bob and Mary Dempster town and forced the hand of the of his life involved in the St society to support it.

Vincent de Paul Society.

A strong conference of Especially in his retirement about 16 volunteers developed years he says it gave him a sense and building up the stock and of purpose and a wide circle of workforce to enable the shop to friendship that has enriched his thrive occurred. life.

Bob’s wife, Mary, and other Those who worked with him local women quickly became describe a very caring person involved in the work. Bob who went out of his way to himself, retired from his job, provide a measure of hope and became the shop manager and assistance beyond the call of was instrumental in organising duty. To many who he assisted how the shop would operate. he became a friend in deed.

The success of the shop As Bob has retired from his enabled the local conference to Vincentian duties due to health fund the welfare work needed concerns, and a need to seek in this town of 6000 people. warmer climes in Winter, he is Over the years since then Bob concerned about the viability has served several years on the of the Korumburra Conference Statewide Centres’ Advisory that he and Mary served so well.

Committee and as president of It is struggling for members the South Gippsland Regional at the moment. Bob thoroughly Council of the society. He also recommends that locals was involved on the South consider the benefits of being Gippsland Emergency Relief involved in the St Vincent de Committee.

Paul Society.

The rewards and satisfaction He believes that a person of being able to assist so receives at least as many many people who have found rewarding experiences as themselves in needy, or even the time and effort that one dire circumstances, is what expends. drove Bob to spend so much

Initial budget $33.4 million to establish redress scheme AN initial $33.4 million in this year’s Federal Budget to kickstart the setting up of a national redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse has been welcomed by the Catholic Church’s Truth Justice and Healing Council.

TJHC chief executive officer Francis Sullivan said the funding was a good start and that the Catholic Church fully supported, and would be part of the new scheme.

Quick calendar

“What we now need to see is all state governments and all other institutions where child sexual abuse took place become part of the scheme. The scheme will not work unless the state governments step up,” he said.

“It is now time for the state premiers and the chief ministers to demonstrate that they can lead beyond politics and they can respond to the genuine need of victims.

“The main game is that no

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matter where you were abused in Australia and no matter what institutions, everybody has to participate in the scheme so that victims get a chance to get redress.”

He said the redress scheme was the best option available for survivors of child sexual abuse to receive justice and compensation.

The budget committed an initial $33.4 million in 201718 to meet the redress scheme’s establishment costs and provide ongoing access to support services for survivors.

The scheme will begin taking applications for redress from survivors of abuse in Commonwealth institutions from July next year.

The national scheme relies on the Commonwealth, states, territories, churches and charities agreeing to opt into it and to fund redress payments for survivors who were abused in the institutions they operated.

SEPTEMBER 2 – Ordination to diaconate of seminarians Avinash George and Hiep Nguyen, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale 3 – Father’s Day 3 - Special collection all parishes for Priests’ Welfare Foundation 8 - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 14 - Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 15 - Our Lady of Sorrows Memorial 21 - Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist 22 – Term 3 ends 23 - St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) Memorial 27 - St Vincent de Paul Memorial 29 - Feast of Archangels Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael 29 - Grand final eve public holiday 30 - AFL grand final

DECEMBER 1 – ACBC plenary meeting ends, Sydney 3 - First Sunday of Advent 3 – Start of Year of Youth 6 - St Nicholas Memorial 7 – Catholic Life published 7-9 Australian Catholic Youth Festival, Sydney 8 - Solemnity of Immaculate Conception 8 – Most diocesan secondary schools end Term 4 22 – Term 4 ends (Note: Catholic primary schools may end term earlier) 24 - Christmas Eve 25 - Christmas Day 26 - Boxing Day 26 - Feast of St Stephen, First Martyr 27 - Feast of St John, Apostle and Evangelist 28 - Feast of the Holy Innocents 31 - New Year’s Eve 31 - Feast of the Holy Family

Catholic Life, June 2017 - Page 13

Churchill parish turning 40

CHURCHILL parish priest Fr Siju Xavier with some of the parishioners around the birthday cake celebrating Pentecost Sunday. to come along and enjoy the CHURCHILL - Lumen Christi in the parish centre at 10am.

Parish of Churchill, Yinnar and This will be followed reminiscences and meet up Boolarra will celebrate the 40th by a shared luncheon and with friends.

Parishioners recently anniversary of the formation entertainment at the school Eco celebrated the ‘birthday of the Centre. next month.

The Josephite Sisters who ran Church’ on Pentecost Sunday The parish was formed in 1977 under the leadership of Fr the school during its early years with a special Mass and a Jeremiah Coffey who was later and all former parish priests shared birthday cake over a and school principals will be cuppa afterwards. to become Bishop of Sale.

Parishioners also wore red Celebratory functions are invited to attend.

Former students and to highlight the coming of the planned for Sunday July 30 beginning with a special Mass parishioners are encouraged Holy Spirit.

Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John WHAT does your relationship with Christ look like? Do you see Jesus as simply a great teacher? A prophet? A man of great wisdom? Or do you see him as more?

Jesus calls us to be more than simply believers—he calls us to be his disciples and his friends.

Do you consider yourself a disciple and friend of Christ?

The Gospel of John shows us that God became like us; he became a man so that we could become like him and grow closer to him.

Follow Me: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John is your guide to a personal encounter with Christ. This is another amazing program distributed

by The Great Adventure.

If you want to know what it means to really follow Christ, and if you would like to have a deeper relationship with him, then we invite you to join Follow Me in Pakenham, beginning on Friday, August 4.

Participants of Follow Me will receive a workbook and will meet weekly to view an engaging video presentation followed by a time of lively group discussion and fellowship.

The eight 30-minute videos, presented by Dr Edward Sri, will guide you through the Gospel of John. Dr Sri will explain how Christ’s encounters with his disciples, the Samaritan woman, the man born blind, and others, are examples of how he lovingly and persistently calls each of us to a more intimate and life-changing relationship with him.

Follow Me is at 7.30pm. Cost is $20 or free depending on circumstances.

For more information, see http://stpatrickspakenham.com. au/. To register for the study, contact Susanga 0433 786 787, Tresa 0421 931 888 or Dominic 0425 742 254.

Bonded Through Tragedy - United in Hope Bonded through Tragedy, United in Hope: The Catholic Church and East Timor’s Struggle for Independence A Memoir by Bishop Hilton Deakin with Jim and Therese D’Orsa.

Reviewed by Jim Quillinan Bonded through Tragedy, United in Hope is a very good read. It is a story of our times and for our times. It is not just about East Timor’s struggle for independence, important though that is.

It is a story about how one person can make an extraordinary difference, even in the face of hostility and that greater barrier, indifference. It is a story about our growing understanding of Catholic social teaching and its application across the world and in our own neighborhood. It is a story of living the Gospels as they are meant to be lived.

On one level, the book is the story about Hilton Deakin, this ‘boy from the bush’ who responded to ‘moments of destiny’ that arose in his life, from the poverty of the Depression impacting on the lives of ordinary people in his childhood, to friendships with Aboriginal children in his Finley school days which sparked a desire to learn more about the First People of this land.

The family move to Melbourne brought with it the opportunity of being a choir boy at St Patrick’s Cathedral and the educational opportunities that afforded him. After his ordination to the priesthood, Deakin the story-teller emerges and he brings to life the formative influences on his life and his priesthood.

His appointment as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne was given new

direction by a chance encounter with a group of refugees from East Timor asking him to celebrate a Mass. That simple request changed the rest of his life. His appointment as auxiliary Bishop gave him a powerful new voice to speak in solidarity with them in their struggle for basic human rights and freedoms in the fight for independence for their troubled nation.

These moments of destiny help create a man of scholarship, a pastor, a man with a passion for social justice. The journey Hilton takes us on demonstrates a profound understanding of other cultures and power structures.

It focuses on the long struggle of the people of East Timor for independence and the largely indifferent response from Australia, including the Australian Bishops. The story is impressive as it describes his commitment in this complex and painful chapter of history yet told with engaging simplicity.

The courage of all those involved in this struggle is inspiring and heart breaking.

That such a tragic chapter in history could happen right on our doorstep over such a protracted period is simply incredible. The book details Indonesia’s largely successful efforts to cover up the aftermath of this invasion and keep the struggle for Independence off the pages of the world newspapers.

The massacre at Santa Cruz cemetery, which was such a turning point in this saga, happened on our very doorstep.

East Timor is just over 2000km from Australia, not much further than from Melbourne to Noosa. But hardly any of us knew much about it then, and not many more now. Bishop Hilton Deakin’s mission was to

Bishop Hilton Deakin change that.

This period in history, which includes pre-invasion times, the occupation and these years of freedom and reconstruction is revealed to us through Hilton’s friendships and encounters with key players. It is a story told from the inside, not just told from an observer’s viewpoint but a deeply passionate participant that gives it its sharpest edge.

His friendship and solidarity with Bishop Belo is inspiring.

It gives this book a true authenticity. He was under surveillance and often harassed on his annual visits to this country. His detailed and copious diaries from which this book emerges were often written in Latin or in cryptic style so that, if they were confiscated, information in them could not be used to compromise people mentioned in them.

The book includes his time in Caritas and a harrowing account of his visit to Rwanda at a time of significant danger. On one occasion he faced down the barrel of the gun of a seasoned assassin outside Kigali.

Bonded through Tragedy, United in Hope is told in three parts, Hilton’s own journey, the East Timor Story including a

background history which gives the reader a comprehensive understanding of the Portuguese colonisation. That is followed by some glimpses of Australia’s wartime involvement. The Indonesian occupation and attempts at integration and the complex story of the Catholic Church’s involvement is detailed at many levels.

Through it all, it is Hilton’s ability to stand with the people yet against the crowd, even his fellow Bishops at times is, to say the least, striking. His Doctorate in Anthropology, written while living with the Aboriginal people in a remote area of the Kimberley, gives him a great understanding of the importance of culture and history as well as the need to respect deeply held religious beliefs.

Bonded through Tragedy, United in Hope is more than a warm and engaging memoir of one person’s journey into justice. It is a story of how Catholic social teaching was brought to life in these very difficult times. This thoroughly researched work involved a vast amount of documentation.

Additional background research offers a deeper understanding and insight into the complex political maneuvering over those twenty or so years and the Church’s growing understanding of the implications of Vatican II’s call to a greater social justice commitment. These background briefings throughout the book add to our understanding of the complexity of this tragedy. It is, in its own way, a very valuable reference book.

Collating the thousands of pages of Hilton’s memoirs and associated documents and the background research was undertaken by two authors from Sale Diocese, Dr Jim D’Orsa, Senior Lecturer and

Therese D’Orsa, Professor of Mission and Culture at BBI, The Australian Institute for Theological Education. They are to be congratulated.

Their book deserves its place among the other recognised works on the subject of East Timor’s struggle and Australia’s involvement or noninvolvement in it. It is a very valuable resource.

It is not surprising that Hilton was awarded the Order of Australia in recognition of his work for refugees and human rights. He was also the recipient of The Medal of East Timor, the country’s highest civilian award and, of particular importance to him, the recipient of East Timor’s highest religious award, the Da Costa Lopes medal.

These ‘moments of destiny’, both great and small are quite compelling. It is Hilton’s ability to recognise these moments of destiny and act on them, that has made such a profound difference to his life and the lives of thousands and thousands of others.

Bonded through Tragedy, United in Hope is a great read not just because of the entertaining stories in these pages, nor is it a great read because of the political intrigues, the personal stories and encounters that are so well described. But it is to read recent history from such an intimate perspective, at times dispassionate and at other times so emotionally sympathetic is a rare privilege.

It is a story we should all know.

Bonded through Tragedy, United in Hope: The Catholic Church and East Timor’s Struggle for Independence is available from Garratt Publishing.

Page 14 - Catholic Life, June 2017

For the Young and Young at Heart Colour in young pirates

Time for a laugh

AN engineer died and reported to the pearly gates. An newly annointed angel, filling in for St Peter, checked his dossier and grimly said, “Ah, you’re an engineer; you’re in the wrong place.”

So the engineer was cast down to the gates of hell and was let in.

Pretty soon, the engineer became gravely dissatisfied with the level of comfort in hell, and began designing and building improvements.

After a while, the underworld had air conditioning, flush toilets, and escalators, and the engineer was becoming a pretty popular guy among the demons.

One day, God called Satan up on the telephone and asked with a sneer, “So, how’s it going down there in hell?”

Satan laughed and replied, “Hey, things are going great. We’ve got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and there’s no telling what this engineer is going to come up with next.”

God’s face clouded over and he exploded, “What? You’ve got an engineer? That’s a mistake; he should never have gotten down there; send him up here.”

Satan shook his head, “No way. I like having an engineer on the staff, and I’m keeping him.”

God was as mad as he had ever been, “This is not the way things are supposed to work and you know it.

Send him back up here or I’ll sue.”

Satan laughed, “Yeah, right. And Dressed up as pirates these teenagers are ready for the fancy-dress party. just where are you going to get a Have you ever been to a pirate party, or just dressed up as a pirate? lawyer?”

You can a-maze yourself

YOU are in a tower in the centre of a castle and the only way you can escape is to find your way through a maze of passageways and walls.

With a pencil, start with the green arrow and keep trying until you can escape the castle at the red arrow.

In medieval times many castles had mazes, although not as complicated as this, to slow down attackers.

DO you know the oldest computer can be traced back to the first Book of the Old Testament.

There in the story of Adam and Eve, there is mention of an Apple, but it had very little memory - just one byte - then everything crashed.

His friend replied, “Because you asked if you could smoke while you prayed, and I asked if I could pray while I smoked!”

WHAT’s the definition of a church choir?

A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the parish to lipsync.

A MAN went to his lawyer and told him, “My neighbor owes me $500 and he won’t pay up. What should I do?”

“Do you have any proof he owes you the money?” asked the lawyer.

“Nope,” replied the man.

“OK, then write him a letter asking him for the $1000 he owes you,” said the lawyer.

“But it’s only $500,” replied the man.

“Precisely. That’s what he will reply and then you’ll have your proof!”

A LITTLE boy opened the big family bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages.

Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it.

What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages.

“Mum, look what I found,” the boy called out.

“What have you got there, dear?”

With astonishment in the young boy’s voice, he answered, “I think it’s Adam’s underwear!”

YOU are on a horse, galloping at a constant speed. On your right side is a sharp drop off, and on your left side is an elephant traveling at the same speed as you.

Directly in front of you is another galloping horse but your horse is unable to overtake it.

A MAN bought his wife beautiful Behind you is a lion running at the diamond ring for her birthday. same speed as you and the horse in A friend said “I thought she wanted front of you. a new four wheel drive vehicle?”

What must you do to safely get out “She did,” the man replied “but of this highly dangerous situation? where would I find a fake 4WD?” Just get off the merry-go-round when it stops.

A devout worker on an outback cattle station lost his favorite Bible A FAMOUS scientist was on while he was mending fences. his way to a lecture in yet another Three weeks later, a kangaroo university when his chauffeur offered hopped up to him carrying the Bible an idea. in its pouch.

“Hey, boss, I’ve heard your speech The man couldn’t believe his eyes. so many times I bet I could deliver it He took the precious book out of the and give you the night off.” kangaroo’s pouch, raised his eyes “Sounds great,” the scientist said. heavenward and exclaimed, “It’s a When they got to the auditorium, miracle!” the scientist put on the chauffeur’s hat “Not really,” said the kangaroo. and settled into the back row.

“Your name is written inside the The chauffeur walked to the lectern cover.” and delivered the speech. Afterward he asked if there were any questions.

TWO young monks in a monastery “Yes,” said one professor. Then both wanted a cigarette. They decided he launched into a highly technical to ask their superior for permission. question.

The first asked but was told no. A The chauffeur was panic stricken little while later he spotted his friend for a moment but quickly recovered. smoking.

“That’s an easy one,” he replied. “In “Why did the superior allow you to fact, it’s so easy, I’m going to let my smoke and not me?” he asked. chauffeur answer it!”

Catholic Life, June 2017 - Page 15

Young adult views are sought by Pope in on-line survey

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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.

St Jude

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NOVENA. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved, adored, glorified and made renowned throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us, Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us. Thanks St Jude for prayers answered.

Say this prayer nine times a day for nine days. By the eighth day your prayers will be answered.

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YOUNG people across Australia are being called to share their views about life, faith, and their experience of Church through an online survey published by the Australian Bishops.

The survey seeks to capture the opinions and perspectives of young people as part of a national consultation process that will inform an international conversation in Rome next year.

Pope Francis will lead the international conversation at the Vatican.

Representatives from all over the world will be invited to Rome to share their experiences and views at a meeting in

$13.80

October 2018.

Australians aged between 16 and 29 years are encouraged to complete the survey.

The questions cover a range of topics including: the experience of being listened to, using social media and technology, friendships and influences in today’s world, opportunities for engagement with Church activities such as, outreach programs, youth masses, community leadership or parish events.

At a recent gathering of young people in Rome which has informed and helped to prepare this process, Ashleigh Green, a young social worker from Sydney said, one of her hopes for the Church in Australia was that we could better engage our most disadvantaged and marginalised young Australians.

"I hope that we can use the common yearning for social justice as an avenue to engage youth and I hope that we can create new spaces for community within the Church."

This is a unique opportunity for young people to have their voice heard on a range of topics.

The Australian bishops see the potential of young people; they seek to listen to young people and they recognise that sometimes young people struggle to find their sense of place and purpose.

Young people are encouraged to tell their friends about the survey or share the link with their networks.

Pope Francis has called young people to join this inclusive journey saying that the Church "wishes to listen to your voice, your sensitivities and your faith; even your doubts and your criticism. Make your voice heard, let it resonate in communities."

He stressed "Every young person has something to say to others ‌ all of us need to listen to you! Even young people who consider themselves agnostics, even young people whose faith is lukewarm; even young people who no longer go to Church; even young people who consider themselves atheists."

Developed by the Pastoral Research Office in collaboration with the ACU Ethics Committee, the survey can be completed online https://www. catholic.org.au/youthsurvey.

It will run for four weeks, the closing date for responses is midnight on Sunday, July 2.

Survey queries, please contact Synod2018@catholic.org.au

$15.00

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Priests & Deacons

Your will be done

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

Trinity Families asks you to consider assisting our work in funding charitable projects across the diocese.

Remembering Trinity Families in your will by making a bequest is an effective way of ensuring that you do something to help those struggling families in our midst.

If you need more information on bequests contact: PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820 Ph: 56 22 6688

If so please contact

Fr Michael Willemsen 5152 3106

ABN 51 486 581 500

vocations@sale.catholic.org.au

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Page 16 - Catholic Life, June 2017

Mary MacKillop performs ‘Blood Brothers’

By Sam Wright WONTHAGGI Arts Centre was the venue for the third annual Mary MacKillop College South Gippsland whole school production.

2015 saw the return of the school musicals to Mary MacKillop College, after 17 years and a high standard was set with Fame in that year and All Shook Up last year.

This year the school hosted another extremely successful musical with their rendition of Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers which local critics described

as phenomenally engaging, moving and intellectually performed.

The opening night official party included Bishop Pat O’Regan, Fr Aju Varghese and Fr Janeesh Puthenpurakal whom all thoroughly enjoyed the show and were most impressed by the emotioncharged, polished performance of the students.

The performance from the school has also impressed members of the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria and the school has since been invited to perform the closing number

LEADS from the show pictured with Bishop Pat O’Regan and Fr Aju Varghese whom made a point to congratulate them after their amazing opening night performance

ISAAC Muldoon and Aiden Clark kept audiences enthralled as they shared their journey as Blood Brothers.

from the musical Tell Me It’s Not True at the annual Victorian Guild Night ceremony held in December, an invitation only extended to five school throughout the state.

Set in Willy Russell’s native Liverpool, this international smash hit musical tells the captivating tale of twin boys, separated at birth only to be reunited by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret.

From early on in the year the production team, cast and crew

Help Religious Sisters - the unsung heroines in the Church!

were assembled and have built momentum throughout a hectic short first term to go from strength to strength.

The participation across the school has been truly amazing, from the VCAL Building and Construction classes building the sets, fashion and textiles classes contributing to the costumes, students in the band, lighting, front-of-house, cast and crew the combined effort has been tremendous.

On the weekend of Blood Brothers, the student cast stole the show. Packed out evening shows, were witness to some amazing performances of a show that was sensitively and intelligently handled in a most impressive and engrossing way.

The local media summarised commitment and performance

as “above and beyond” and “phenomenal”. In particular, the leads were outstanding, signing, acting and their accents even impressed visiting (and homesick) patrons from the Mother Country!

The production team has worked tirelessly all year on Blood Brothers and yet have still maintained professionalism, energy and passion both inside and outside the classroom.

Bron Kalos, Elly Poletti, Meg Steenholdt, Richard Muranty, Matt van der Velden, Ken Myors and Michael O’Keefe again gave unconditionally of their energy and experience to bring Blood Brothers and performing arts in general onto centre stage at Mary MacKillop College.

An Aussie camino through our diocese

Catholic Life Sale

A complimentary Mother Teresa rosary designed by the Vatican rosary makers and blessed by Pope Francis will be sent to all those who can assist with a donation of $20.00 or more to support this cause and tick the box below.

Mother Teresa, now St Teresa of Calcutta, was canonised on September 4th 2016. The rosary carries the following inscriptions on the reverse side of the JY\JPÄ_ HUK JLU[YHS TLKHS! “A little pencil in the hand of God” and “It is not how much we do, but how much love we put into what we do”.

The colours of the rosary beads represent the simple white sari worn by Mother Teresa and the blue, her devotion to the Virgin Mary.

AN Australian pilgrimage through our diocese from Mary MacKillop’s birthplace in Melbourne to her tomb in North Sydney is slowly becoming a reality.

While no-one has yet trudged the 1100km Australian camino in one pilgrimage, there are several groups of people who are tackling small sections on foot year by year.

Others are doing it my car, travelling a couple of hundred kilometres each day, visiting churches and significant sites.

Two Australian pilgrimage by foot enthusiasts David Schultz and Sean Deary have recently made it to the halfway point at Eden which is significant as it was there that St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s mother Flora drowned when the Ly-ee Moon sank in 1886.

Mary visited the former whaling town in 1899 and 1901 in appreciation of the care the people of Eden gave in taking care of her mother’s body.

They began their pilgrimage last year by walking the 250km from Fitzoy to Bairnsdale over 11 days in March and April, then added another 85km by

St Mary of the Cross walking Bairnsdale to Orbost over six days in October.

They did the 184km section between Orbost and Eden over 12 days just after last Easter.

The plan is to walk the section to Ulladulla early next year and the final section to North Sydney in 2019.

There is a greater pilgrimage route being mapped out which runs from Port Augusta to Melbourne via Adelaide and Penola, then through to Sydney via the Great Diving Range.

This route will be known as the MacKillop-Woods Way, acknowledging Fr Julian Tenison Woods who cofounded the Sisters of St Joseph with St Mary of the Cross.