Catholic Life - May 2013 by Catholic Diocese of Sale

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Catholic Life Publication of the Diocese of Sale

Exploring the African drum beat - Page 6

ISSUE 172

CatholicCare Gippsland arrives - Pages 8-9

May 2013

Bishop’s Pastoral Letter - Pages 11-14

New focus on family life THE family will be the key focus of a five year pastoral plan for the Diocese of Sale which is outlined in the Pentecost pastoral letter of Bishop of Sale, Christopher Prowse. The pastoral letter draws on the experiences and examples of the Holy Family. Entitled A Permanent Nazareth: Family Life in the Mission of the Church, it is the third Pentecost pastoral letter released by Bishop Prowse. He said the first area of priority was the transmission of Catholic faith in these challenging times and the second was to support family life which was “fragile.” These two priorities could be drawn together by the diocese having a clearer focus on families in the evangelising mission of the Church. Bishop Prowse looks at the Holy Family and families in the missionary tradition of the Catholic Church. “Sometimes when we examine the biblical/ theological ideal ... and then look at the reality of so many families today, we can become discouraged. “Family life in Australia has become a kind of patchwork of various human arrangements offering all sorts of hopes, joys and sufferings. “Without denying that many families seem to be in a healthy and happy state, many are in great pain and suffering tremendously.” He said that in setting a five year pastoral plan, the vision was to ponder deeply on family life - its origins, its joys and sorrows. God’s plan for family life was its interface with parish/school life and its evangelising role in society.

Bishop Prowse said the pastoral plan was titled Family Evangelisation and each year there would be distinct focus which he would enlarge on in Advent pastoral letters. The first focus would be Year of Family Prayer, followed in 2014-15 by a Year of Marriage and Family Life, 2015-16 by a Year of Nurturing FamilySchool Relations, 2016-17 by a Year of Nurturing Family-

Parish/school Relations and finally in 2017-18 by a Year of Nurturing Family/Parish/ School in the World Today. In November this year, the bishop will publish his pastoral letter in Catholic Life to set the scene for the following 12 months. The letter will have parish and family resources attached to assist with practical applications of the Year of Family Prayer

and to help promote discussion and involvement. Bishop Prowse said all parishes, schools, families and Church groups were being asked to give the yearly focus a major pastoral priority. It might not necessarily mean that there would be a need to do more, but instead it might mean that there needed to be greater focus on family evangelisation as part of normal activities.

The full text of Bishop Prowse’s pastoral letter A Permanent Nazareth: Family Life in the Mission of the Church is a four-page lift-out in this issue of Catholic Life. There is also a summary section and questions to help promote discussion within parishes, groups and families. People are asked to consider keeping the pastoral letter aside for later reference.

Smoking allowed at this school camp

IT takes teamwork to keep the campfire going, stop the fire from smoking too much and then cooking a batch of delicious popcorn but Mub, Todd, Thomas and Tyler from St Michael’s Primary School, Traralgon, seem to be winning during their important teamwork camp on the Gippsland Lakes near Paynesville. See full story page 3.

Please respond to our May appeal A donation to the Bishop’s Family Foundation will aid needy families in the Diocese of Sale by funding much needed counselling and other programs. Send tax deductible donations to: Bishop’s Family Foundation, PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820 Phone 5622 6600 for more information

Page 2 - Catholic Life, May 2013

The Grace of Faith in the lives of our people D

ear Friends in Christ,

We are nearing the end of the Year of Grace (Pentecost). The Year of Faith will continue until the end of November (Solemnity of Christ the King). Already in the Diocese of Sale we are seeing many fruits of the Holy Spirit offered in these two ‘Years’. There is a deepening awareness among us that all is from the Grace of Jesus. Our faith grows in this awareness. One of the Lord’s greatest gifts to us is the Grace of Faith. I will now choose just two manifestations of our Faith in Jesus alive in our diocese at present. THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION During this Easter Liturgical Season and beyond I will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation in most of our parishes. There is a real opportunity in the preparation and celebration of this wonderful Sacrament for conversion and a return to our Catholic Faith. It is easy to be cynical in assessing whether a real return

To God’s People in the Catholic Diocese of Sale to our faith is actually happening when families participate in Confirmation. However, we cannot deny that an invitation of Grace and Faith is offered to every child confirmed and every family involved. It is a real field for the New Evangelisation to take place. Let us all seize this opportunity. Recently, Pope Francis conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation in Rome on 44 boys and girls representing the Universal Church. Thousands who have already received this Sacrament of the Holy Spirit were also present. During his homily, the Holy Father asked the Confirmands to “remain united to God as branches to the vine”. He called them to “not lose our friendship with Him” and to “make ever more room for him in our lives”. This is such an important spiritual rule

for all of us throughout our entire lives… to make room for Jesus in our lives! This constitutes the real beginnings of a life faith! The Holy Father also offered a lovely practical challenge to the children (and all of us). He said: “How beautiful it would be if each of you, every evening could say: Today at school, at home, at work, guided by God, I showed a sign of love towards one of my friends, my parents, an older person. How beautiful!” PENTECOST PASTORAL LETTER – FAMILY EVANGELISATION (A PERMANENT NAZARETH) As promised last month, I publish in this issue of Catholic Life my Pentecost Pastoral Letter. It will guide the pastoral activities in the Diocese of Sale in the years ahead. Let us pray together that it will assist in the growth of faith in the diocese, especially our

families. This letter, titled “A Permanent Nazareth” will focus our pastoral plans in the diocese – especially parishes, schools and communities – on Family Evangelisation. It is the result of a considerable period of time of consultation and discussion throughout the diocese. May the Holy Spirit bless our efforts in the years ahead. Please read the Pastoral Letter carefully. There is a summary page and guiding questions at the end. I encourage small groups throughout the diocese to gather over these coming months and consider the Pastoral Letter and determine how the challenges of the letter can be applied prayerfully and practically in local communities. The first “Year” of the Pastoral Plan – “Family Prayer” – will commence in Advent this year. Another Pastoral Letter and a resources package will be made available at that time. God bless us always with the Grace of Faith. Bishop Christopher Prowse Catholic Bishop of Sale

Students gather

BISHOP Christopher Prowse chats with some visiting students and their teacher after the Mass. DIOCESE OF SALE

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

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SALE - Some 250 students and staff from 36 primary and secondary schools around the diocese, gathered to celebrate Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral on April 30. This Mass, led by Bishop Christopher Prowse, celebrated Catholic Education Week in the Diocese of Sale. The theme for 2013, ‘Faith in Action’, was demonstrated by having so many participants travel from all over the diocese to gather at the cathedral for Mass before sharing lunch together, courtesy of St Mary’s Primary School Parents and Friends Committee. The Mass began with a welcome and introduction to the cathedral given by Dean An-

drew Wise followed by a procession of school banners from both primary and secondary schools. The readings, general intercessions and procession of gifts were all ably carried out by students. The congregation was led in song by the choir from Lavalla Catholic College, Traralgon. This gathering is an opportunity to reflect on, celebrate and give thanks for Catholic education in the Diocese of Sale.

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Editor: Colin Coomber Published monthly except January. Deadline for advertising copy and editorial contributions for next issue is Monday, June 3 Issues distributed free through parishes and schools from June 12. Published by Catholic Media Gippsland, an agency of the Diocese of Sale. Printed by Express Print, Morwell. Member of Australasian Catholic Press Association & Australasian Religious Press Association

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Camp Coolamatong inspires great teamwork TRARALGON - St Michael’s Primary School Grade 6 students recently travelled by bus to Camp Coolamatong for four days of teamwork, fun and learning. Camp Coolamatong is located on the Banksia Peninsula in the Gippsland Lakes, near Paynesville. The goals for the camp were; • To spend quality time with classmates and teachers in a setting that is natural and uncluttered. • To promote unselfishness and consideration for others through cooperation and team work. • To experience new activities in an unfamiliar environment. • To develop independence and self-reliance through spending time in situations different to everyday life.

A high emphasis was placed on TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More), which involved learning about respect, trust, working together and helping others. When asked about camp, Grade 6 student Kieran replied, “Archery was my favorite activity because we were challenged to try and hit a balloon on the target which kept getting smaller.” Liam said, “I liked the rock climbing and abseiling because we got to kiss the top rock and I’m a fan of climbing.” There were many activities for the students to experience such as canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling, a night hike, low ropes, archery, milking and feeding the farm animals, a boat cruise on Lake Victoria, games at the beach, cycling and

bush craft. The bush craft involved learning how make a safe fire and then cooking damper, pancakes and popcorn. Two of the highlights of the camp were the disco which

had a Villains and Superheroes theme and Red Faces where everyone was entertained by some very talented students. The children have come back with new insights into what they are capable of and lots of

fun stories to tell. Not only have they gained new skills whilst at camp to enhance their final year at primary school but also their futures, thus ‘Learning for Life’.

MADDY and Liam using teamwork in the canoe on Lake Victoria.

It’s not all Six assistant priests about move their parishes the money! LARA takes aim during the archery experience.

SIX assistant priests have moved parish in the latest round of clergy appointments announced by Bishop Christopher Prowse. Fr Joseph Abutu has moved from Leongatha to Cranbourne, Fr Sabu Adimakayil from Leongatha to Narre Warren, Fr Darek Jablonski from Cranbourne to Morwell, Fr Ja-

neesh Jose from Narre Warren to Bairnsdale, Fr Francis Otobo from Morwell to Leongatha, and Fr Aju Varghese from Bairnsdale to Leongatha. The Leongatha-based priests work in the South Gippsland parishes of Leongatha, Korumburra, Foster and Yarram. The appointments took place on May 2.

Be Still update By Cassie Gawley REGISTRATIONS are now open for the first Be Still retreat to be held by the Sale Youth Ministry Office in June this year. The retreat is designed for Year 11 and 12 students who are currently undergoing their VCE studies, and aims to provide an escape from the hectic and busy lifestyle that accompanies VCE. This retreat will provide students with some time out to nourish not only their physical but also their emotional wellbeing, with an opportunity reconnect with their faith, make new friends, relax and have a lot of fun. Registration packs and more

information can be found on the Diocese of Sale website, by following the links to diocesan events for young people, or by scanning the QR code below. All forms and payment must be returned to Cassie Gawley by Friday May 31 via cassieg@ sale.catholic.org.au

Can you help us fulfil the mission the Church in this way? Have you got money invested elsewhere that you could consider investing with the CDF? If you are able to help why not give the CDF a call or email and see how easy it is. You will be rewarded with: • A competitive rate of return on your investment; • The security of investing with the Catholic Church; and, • Most importantly you are making a contribution to furthering the Catholic faith and education in our diocese.

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

Page 4 - Catholic Life, May 2013

Over 2000 at the Peace Mass

Catholics galore

AN interesting figure out of the latest information released by the Australian Government, based on the 2011 census. Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Narre Warren, is now officially the fifth largest Catholic parish in Australia, based on population. At census time there were 21,357 Catholics living in the parish. Only a few hundred Catholics ahead of it are Camden (Wollongong Diocese) 21,427 and Maroochydore (Brisbane) 21,693. Top two parishes in Australia are Burleigh Heads (Brisbane) with 32,568 and Mill Park (Melbourne) 22,973. Other Victorian parishes to rank in the top 20 are Craigieburn, Werribee, Laverton and Gladstone Park.

British rule

INTERESTING debate in British Parliament on the changes to the 1701 Act of Settlement which had barred Royals from marrying Catholics. Head of the Catholic Bishops in England has advised that the Catholic party of a royal marriage would not necessarily be bound by Canon dictates to bring the child up Catholic. He said that with mixed marriages, the Catholic party should strive to bring the child up in the faith but it was recognised that in such circumstances this was not always possible and there would be no canoni-

cal censure. Changes mean that for the first time in 300 years, British royals will be able to marry Catholics but a Catholic still cannot ascend to the throne because the sovereign is the head of the Church of England. First born children will have right of succession for the first time, overruling the centuries old rule that a first born female was moved down the line of succession if a brother was subsequently born.

Papal photos

POPE Francis has been bending established traditions since he was elected. Normally by now the Vatican bureaucrats would have arranged a special photo sitting of the Pope and sent the results out to the world as the official portraits. They do not appear to have had him sit still long enough for a photo session. All the photos available are “action” shots taken during various engagements and while some are fantastic pictures showing his captivating smile, others are less than flattering. Time will tell.

ST Mary’s Yarram Grade 4 student Taylen Griffiths and Grade 5 start to the day for the Peace Mass in Sale. SALE - In an ever changing Bali bombings and the World and complex world, more Trade Centre attacks in New than 2000 Catholic Primary York. and Secondary students came The concept is to bring together to pray for peace in the the community together in world at the celebration of the a Christian way, to spread Wellington Catholic School’s the Word of Peace and to annual Peace Mass on April 24. acknowledge the fact that peace The 11th Peace Mass, held begins with the individual. in Bishop Phelan stadium at The hope is that after the Catholic College Sale, was students and staff come celebrated this year by Fr together to pray for peace in Hilarion Fernando. the school community, the idea The Peace Mass was an will filter through to the greater inspiration of local Catholic community and beyond. teachers after the tragedy of the Students from Catholic Primary schools travelled from as far as Yarram, Heyfield, Maffra and Stratford to join their Sale counterparts and

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

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

student Jack Fisher had an early come together to pray for peace in our lives and in the world. Students are involved in every aspect of the mass and although hosted by Catholic College Sale, each school spent many hours in preparation for this huge event. A choir made up of students from every school featured at the Mass following a procession of representatives from each school carrying flags of the world and their school banner. During the Mass, Catholic College Sale principal Chris Randell asked each school individually “Why are you here?” and they responded with great gusto, “For peace!”

Death of Bishop O’Connell THE Pontifical Requiem Mass for Bishop Joe O’Connell was celebrated at St Patrick’s Cathedral Melbourne last week. Bishop O’Connell, an Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Melbourne has died aged 81 at Caritas Christi Hospice, Kew, last month He was consecrated an auxiliary bishop in 1976 and retired in 2006. Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference president Archbishop Denis Hart, said that Bishop O’Connell’s contribution to Canon Law and a care for migrants would be among the things for which he would be remembered. “His contribution to jurisprudence and tribunal practice has long been esteemed... “Bishops, priests and people will remember his wise, mature counsel, his common

sense and his love of migrants, and the pastoral care he gave to the people of the Archdiocese, where he was loved for his ready engagement with all.” “The bishops will especially remember his close involvement with the committees for Canon Law and the Bishops’ Committee for Justice and Peace, his involvement with many projects relating to the functioning of Conference and many other activities. He bore significant ill-health with great fortitude and patience, and is regarded as a great luminary by us all. With similar generosity he gave of his great abilities to assist in the revision of the Code of Canon Law. “He recently confided in me his great desire simply to bring people closer to God and to serve them.”

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Catholic Life, May 2013 - Page 5

Volunteering Berwick grandparents keep the faith BERWICK - Husband and wife volunteering team Maureen and Colin Goldsmith say conducting weekly communion services for older people brings purpose to their lives. The Beaconsfield Upper couple will receive 10-year service awards from not-for-profit aged and disability services organisation Villa Maria at its annual volunteer luncheon on Friday. The event at the Malvern Val-

ley Public Golf Course during National Volunteer Week, celebrates the amazing commitment and dedication shown each and every day by Villa Maria’s 300plus volunteers. This year, more than 20 volunteer service awards will be presented to those who have achieved service milestones ranging from five to 30 years in various roles including aged care and disability services

visitors, swimming assistants, computer support, reading companions and drivers. The Goldsmiths, who are grandparents to 23 and greatgrandparents to 10, were asked by the priest at their church, St Michael’s Parish in Berwick, to take over chapel services at Villa Maria Berwick aged care residence in 2003. They have become regular and welcome fixtures around the home ever since. Their Wednesday ‘service with the word and communion’ sessions have become quite popular, with around 20 residents attending the on-site chapel each week, and other residents who are more frail receiving visits from the Goldsmiths in their rooms. Mr Goldsmith said “We think it’s absolutely important for people to have access to services that help keep them con-

nected to their faith. “What we find particularly rewarding is being with people who are close to passing away. I remember one lady who was very frail and non-communicative opening her eyes to look at me and give a smile when I held her hand and said a prayer. “It is so nice that we can come along and give someone something they appreciate at the end of their life. We call it ‘food for the journey’.” Mrs Goldsmith said the couple made their services non-denominational, so they were accessible to people of all faiths. Their main aim was to have personal contact with the residents and make a positive difference to their lives. “There are not many things you can do in life where you can help someone else and really make a difference, and this is one of them.”

To find out more about volunteering with Villa Maria visit: www.villamaria.com.au/volunteers or call 9855 7755. Villa Maria is a values–based, not-for-profit organisation providing quality services and life enhancing opportunities for older people, children and adults with a disability, their families and carers. Established in 1907 as the Catholic Braille Writers Association, Villa Maria has grown to become one of Victoria’s largest not-for-profit providers of disability, education and senior services with more than 60 programs supporting 5000 people across the state and southern New South Wales. Every day of the year, 1100 staff and 300 volunteers respond to the unique needs of the people and families they support with openness, innovation, creativity and flexibility.

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NARRE WARREN NORTH The Tran family of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Narre Warren have generously donated a statue of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop to Mary MacKillop Primary School in Narre Warren North, where their son Denton is in Grade 2. The statue will be a great addition to the school’s planned ‘sacred space’, a quiet peaceful area where students and staff will be able to reflect and pray together. Principal Richard Wans, along with the staff and students at Mary MacKillop Primary School wish to thank the Tran family for their generous donation. Mr Ewan invites all families and visitors to the school, to stop by and have a look at the statue which is currently in the school foyer outside the staffroom.

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Page 6 - Catholic Life, May 2013

Choir explores the African beat

Facing the Truth link to inquiry THOSE interested in following the Victorian Government inquiry into child abuse can read statements and view short video clips at the Facing the Truth website. Links this website can also take you to the inquiry pages where you can view transcripts of cross-examinations of evidence presented to the inquiry. So far submissions have been taken from many Catholic and non-Catholic church groups. Information on the site explains the difference between the Melbourne Response and Towards Healing which was adopted by other dioceses, including Sale. Evidence is still being taken and the inquiry is expected to run for several months more.

SALE - Catholic College Sale choir members were treated to a musical workshop with a difference when visiting musician Valanga Khoza wowed them with his vocal and percussion pizazz! Khoza charmed the students with humor and wit, telling stories of his life growing up in South Africa and his travels across the world as a refugee. The stories were embellished

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by beautiful music from many traditional instruments such as the kalimba, marimba and shijoro (jaw harp) as well as irresistible rhythms from the guitar, percussion and his velvety voice. Khoza has performed and warmed audiences of adults and children at selected world music events and in many schools across Australia. As well as recording five albums of original music, he is also the author of well known Gezani and the Tricky Baboon published by Allen and Unwin in 2001. He conducted a singing workshop with the CCS choir which included South African songs and chants. He explored traditional rhythms and harmonies through voice and movement. The workshops were very inclusive and students joined in by playing an assortment of percussion instruments and learning a traditional song in four part harmony.

VALANGA Khoza demonstrates his drumming techniques.

Catechism for mind and heart IN the film, The Shawshank Redemption, Andy, the central character discovers a record, Canzonetta sull’aria from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro. He locks the door to the office he’s in, and broadcasts the song over the PA for the entire prison to hear. It is an extraordinary scene where literally everyone in the prison stops to listen. As one prisoner commented; “I have no idea to this day what those two Italian ladies were singing about. Truth is, I don’t want to know. Some things are best left unsaid. I’d like to think they were singing about something so beautiful, it can’t be expressed in words, and it makes your heart ache because of it”. There is much about our faith that is so beautiful, so awe inspiring that words fail. Trying to find words to express and describe how we understand our relationship with God, how we understand how God interacts with us in our daily life and how we ought to respond, what gives life to and holds us together as a faith community, what gives us hope and vision and meaning has occupied people for century after century. Over centuries the Church has endeavored to speak to the people of each age in ways and in words that they could understand, in ways and words related to their lives at that time. The Catechism brings together these teachings and those of many of the greatest saints throughout the Church’s history to help us understand and appreciate that our desire for God is written in our heart, because each of us is created by God and for God, and God never ceases to draw us to himself. It is also reminds us that it is only in God will we find the

Reflections by Jim Quillinan truth and happiness we never stop searching for (Catechism #27). So the Catechism needs to be approached with both the mind and the heart, understanding how at times words can struggle to express appropriately God’s seeking us out and our search for God. The Catechism is not simply a reference book, a volume full of information, full of formulas which express particular aspects of what we believe. It is all of that but, in the words of the Catechism itself: ‘We do not believe in formulas, but in those realities they express which faith allows us to touch. The believer’s act of faith does not terminate in the propositions but in the realities they express (CCC#170).’ The formulas help us to discover the deeper reality behind them, the deeper reality which their words try to convey. To begin to discover such a reality, we need to read with a prayer in our hearts, with an attitude of humility and taking time to reflect and let the Spirit do his work. It takes faith. Why humility? Because there is much to surprise us in the Catechism, much to inspire us, much to challenge us, humility because it is not a book to settle arguments or to show that one faith has it all over the others. It is a book to lead us further into the mystery of our faith, further into our relationship with the invisible God, who

from the fullness of his love, addresses us as friends, and moves among us, in order to invite us into his own company. (# CCC142). God invites us to friendship, supports us, consoles us, challenges and encourages us and urges us to enter into a relationship with God that is profoundly satisfying, that is everlasting. God asks of us a response in the way we live our lives, in the way we care for one another, the way we care for creation itself. While leading us deeper into the mystery and wonders of our own faith, we can come to discover what we have in common with others who also search for truth and happiness in their own lives. The Catechism asks us to use our minds and our hearts – faith is about both heart and mind, body and soul. Thus the Catechism helps us to express our faith, it helps us to hand it on, to celebrate it in community and to live it more deeply ((CCC#170).

Catholic Life, May 2013 - Page 7

Remarkable story of Catholic Homes â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no great trouble to do so, so why not?â&#x20AC;? IN 2002, after the death of some of the foundation board members of Catholic Homes, it was decided to record the history. The Malian writer and ethnologist Amadou HampĂ˘tĂŠ BĂ˘ said that: â&#x20AC;&#x153;we need more front porch storytelling ... because every time an old person dies, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a library burned down.â&#x20AC;? And indeed some of our libraries were â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;burning downâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Once we lose this treasure, it is lost. We are a Catholic organisation under the auspices of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. At our Catholic core is the call to be open to all people, regardless of religion, culture or socio-economic background.

The Story Then In the early 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, seeing homeless people all around, Dame Pattie Menzies, the wife of Prime Minister Bob Menzies persuaded her husband to legislate to provide housing for the Aged. This became known as the Aged Persons Act 1954. The funds that were allocated became available to build housing controlled by churches, religious organisations, local government, not-for--profit organisations and benevolent societies. The basis of the funding contribution was for every one pound contributed by the

organisation, the government would contribute two pounds. Enter into this scenario four ordinary men. They were: Neville Stanley Finn, Victor Edward Burns, Amadic Stanley Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Huillier and Raymond Frederick Shepherdson. Four normal human beings like you and I. Not saints. Not theologians. Not priests or religious. But four men who had a social conscience and a deep concern for the growing number of homeless they saw around them.

The Story Now Catholic Homes is now a larger diversified organisation

that is continuing its mission of providing appropriate affordable accommodation for financially disadvantaged people in the community. The funding for this work no longer comes from the Government but from the successful development of other projects where people are able to pay market value for their accommodation. And so the good work initiated by our foresighted forefathers 52 years ago continues to this day. For further information about Catholic Homes or to become a volunteer please phone 8862 9000 or email reception@ catholic-homes.org.au.

Death of Wollongong Bishop Emeritus A FORMER Bishop of Wollongong, Bishop Emeritus William Murray, died at the Little Sisters of the Poor Nursing Home, Randwick on April 21. Aged 93, he was bishop between 1975 and 1996. Bishop Murray had a doctorate from the Gregorian University in Rome in International Law; and a doctorate in Social Science from the University of Sydney. He was awarded an Order of Australia (AM) in 1988. Bishop Peter Ingham of Wollongong spoke of Bishop William (Bill) as a dedicated priest and bishop who served the Wollongong diocese for 22 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Between 1975 and 1996 when he served was a time of great change and development for the Church. He made provisions for the vast expanding Macarthur area with the establishment of new parishes, to provide for the growing needs of the community.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;He had a sharp sense of humour, and cared for the people of the diocese. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His final years were difficult for him having suffered a stroke which crippled his body and impaired his ability to speakâ&#x20AC;?, said Bishop Ingham.

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Catholic Life, May 2013 - Page 9

Page 10 - Catholic Life, May 2013

Opening doors - Exploring possibilities for RE Talking Catholic Education with Maria Kirkwood I would like to share some of the insights I gathered from just one of the speakers whose keynote address was a highlight of the program for many of those who attended. Sr Judith Lawson (OAM), a Dominican educator and leader of the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of Eastern Australia, gave an address titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Foundations of Hope â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Leaning on Godâ&#x20AC;?. Her paper invited reflection on the challenges offered through the liberating Word of the Gospel to religious educators who can speak to young people of a vision of hope grounded in faith. Sr Judith noted that optimism and hope are not the same thing; that we can be pessimistic and still have hope because optimism is the belief that things will get better, while hope is the belief we can affect the future. To build communities of hope is the challenge for educators. Sr Judith noted that Jesus modelled the following behaviours â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Encounter, Table Fellowship, Foot Washing and Boundary Crossing and then challenged us with questions arising from these models, from

both a personal perspective and what they have to say about our schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Encounter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whom do I encounter and whom do I avoid? Why do I avoid some and not others and what role does silence play in the avoidance.

Table Fellowship â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the concept of companionship and sharing of bread. Jesus was known for sharing with the wrong crowd! In our sense of hospitality who do we include or exclude. Are we capable of befriending strangers? Foot Washing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whose feet are we prepared to wash and are we free enough to allow others to wash our feet? The concept of ministry and preparedness to be ministered to go hand in hand. Jesus allowed others to care for and minister to him and we need to be modelling this in our own lives.

Boundary Crossing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; going to different places (not just geographically). The question we should be asking ourselves is how often we are prepared to go beyond our comfort zone and to live â&#x20AC;&#x153;outside the campâ&#x20AC;?. We were challenged to question what our schools have to say about these issues as enshrined in the enrolment policies, outreach, social justice and religious education programs. By focussing on evangelisation, proclamation, witness, dialogue and liberation we will build communities of hope in our schools.

A Project Compassion rice day

RUACH, Ramon, Nicolas and Xavier enjoying their rice for lunch. MORWELL - Grade 3/4 at Sa- in the school being invited to cred Heart Primary School ire- have a bowl of plain rice for cently held a Rice Day to raise lunch. The children were asked money for Project Compassion. to bring a gold coin donation. The day involved all children The children got to experi-

ence what it was like to have only plain rice for lunch. Most of the children chose to be involved and the school raised about $140.

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JUST after Easter this year I attended a Conference in Canberra hosted by the Australian Catholic University. It was their 8th National Symposium on Religious Education and Ministry. Like most Conferences it managed to pack into three days enough information through keynote addresses and workshops to fill a whole week of more spaced offerings. One of the problems of course is that there are so many choices and often so little information to guide oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice of workshop that sometimes it is easy to get intrigued by a title and then find the choice somewhat disappointing. This conference was no exception but some of the sessions I engaged with gave food for thought. In education circles there is a fairly consistent expectation that attendance at a conference brings with it the responsibility to share some of the outstanding and memorable presentations. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always interesting to hear two versions of the same presentation and find how different perceptions can be of the same speaker and topic. We all bring our own preferences, listening styles, openness and blind spots to these encounters. One of the very interesting things to do is to reflect on why some speakers really engaged and others did not. Readiness to hear and to learn is present in us all, not just in children.

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Catholic Life, May 2013 - Page 11

PENTECOST PASTORAL LETTER 2013

A Permanent Nazareth: Family Life in the Mission of the Church - Bishop Christopher Prowse, Catholic Bishop of Sale

ear Friends in Christ, It was in 2010 that the Catholic Diocese of Sale began considering a pastoral plan for the diocese in the years ahead. This valuable time has enabled us to reflect on the past 125 years of Catholic life in the diocese with gratitude to God whilst beginning to plan ahead for the future in the hope of the Holy Spirit who always leads and animates the Church. Our reflections together have been in response to the guiding principle of Blessed John Paul II that all such pastoral efforts are based on “knowing, loving and imitating” Jesus Christ but specific pastoral priorities are to arise from local communities (Novo Millennio Ineunte, John Paul II, 2001, 29). I have published two Pastoral Letters to set parameters and encourage our reflections (Finding Home in Jesus, 2010, and Everything for the Gospel, 2011) After considerable opportunities for prayerful diocesan discussions, organised via the Diocesan Pastoral Council, two general areas of pastoral priority have arisen.

EVANGELISATION IN CHALLENGING TIMES

The first area of priority pertains to the transmission of our Catholic faith in challenging times. Behind so many collated responses (published in Catholic Life, July 2011, December 2011) were pastoral suggestions based on stimulating a fresh outpouring of missionary zeal in the diocese. People are keenly aware of the obstacles to maturing our faith in society today. Real concerns were expressed about the passing on of the faith to our families, youth, parishes and society (especially the poor and forgotten). Little encouragement seems to be given in today’s “busy” world to deep silent prayer and the importance of Catholic faith, especially the sacraments. Yet there was much hope and confidence expressed in the Holy Spirit in developing new ways of evangelisation in our parishes. So many wonderful suggestions were offered.

discernment in our diocese. Providentially, recent Popes have been articulating a similar pastoral priority for the universal Church. For example, Blessed John Paul II, a champion of marriage and family life in his long pontificate, expressed that: The most fundamental and important thing in the mission of the Church is the spiritual renewal of the family ... We have to start from this point, from this mission. The Holy Church of God, you cannot accomplish your mission, you cannot fulfil your mission in the world, if you do not pass through the family and through its mission”. (Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family, December 30th, 1988) Benedict XVI, the Pope Emeritus, made a similar remark in his homily during the opening Mass of the Synod on “The New Evangelisation for the Transmission of the Christian Faith”(7th October 2012) when he said: ... the Church has said and witnessed for a long time now, marriage is called to be not only an object but a subject of the new evangelisation” As the Australian Year of Grace draws to a close and the universal Year of Faith continues for some months yet, I consider this focus on the promotion of family evangelisation a wonderful grace of the Holy Spirit to us all. Australians are generally very practical people. Before our minds begin to centre too much on the organisational possibilities of this diocesan pastoral priority, some reflections from our sources of Catholic inspiration – Scripture and Tradition – on family life in our mission may guide arising practicalities.

FAMILY LIFE

The second area of priority focussed attention on family life. The heartfelt reflections of so many seemed to centre on the state of Catholic family life today. Suggestions to help struggling families, to encourage husbands and wives to deepen their marital and family life, to assist families in passing on the faith to their children, to make sure our parish and parish schools are really serving family life, and so on. There was a double belief offered about families today. On the one hand, families are the foundation of Catholic life and its gravitational centre. On the other hand, family life today is so fragile and needs our every support.

THE PASTORAL PRIORITY IN THE SALE DIOCESE – FAMILY EVANGELISATION

Is there a link between these two pastoral priorities that have emerged? Most certainly! Increasing missionary zeal cannot be a vague generality but must find itself planted in human communities. There is no more fundamental or basic of all human communities than the family. Therefore, the emerging focus of the diocese becomes clearer: FAMILY LIFE IN THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH. We thank the Spirit of Jesus for bringing us to this moment of

• The Holy Family with Palm Tree, Raphael. - Scottish National Gallery.

FAMILY IN THE GOSPEL

It always is a surprise when we are reminded that Jesus spent 30 years with his family in Nazareth and only three years in his public ministry. How important family life must have been to Jesus as a young boy and man in Nazareth. We glimpse from the scriptures, especially during the liturgical season of Advent / Christmas and from the biblical scenes prayed in the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, this early and private life of Jesus in the Holy Family. We are blessed with Benedict XVI’s extraordinary capacity to distil our complex Catholic theological Tradition into a comprehensible teaching. He has done that in his beautiful book Jesus of Nazareth – the Infancy Narratives (2012). This book could well be used, along with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2002), as a basic text book for our consideration of family evangelisation in the times ahead. Let us examine briefly, these early years of Jesus.

Page 12 - Catholic Life, May 2013

A Permanent Nazareth: Perhaps people who have never been presented with an understanding of Christianity would be surprised to learn that the founder of Christianity was born in humble surroundings, wrapped in swaddling cloths, and placed in a receptacle used for feeding animals ( a manger). “Manger” and “cloths” already make us think of the final hours of the life of Jesus: The Last Supper (the heavenly food of the Eucharist) and the Calvary Cross (the crucified wrapped in linen cloths). The joy of the Saviour’s birth and the redemptive suffering of His Cross are always placed near each other in our ancient Christian tradition. Surely, however, most would be touched by the humility of the birth of Jesus and notice the importance played by the angels and poor shepherd boys. They may be intrigued with the arrival of three wise men from the East who followed a guiding star to Bethlehem bearing gifts and acknowledged Jesus as the universal King. Perhaps others would identify with the crisis the Holy Family had in its early days and how they fled to Egypt as veritable refugees to escape persecution from King Herod. Then they would hear of the presentation of Jesus, the finding of Jesus in the temple and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee, not far from their home in Nazareth. Throughout these “hidden” 30 years of the life of Jesus almost nothing is known of his family life. The “obscurity of

his life and told us to “do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). At his death on the Calvary Cross, she embraced him with heroic affection as she would have done countless times when he was an infant. She becomes a symbol of the entire Church. Let us not forget St Joseph, the biblical model of the “just” man. His loving humility and faithfulness to whatever God wanted has been remembered throughout the ages. Indeed, both our Australian saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Fr Julian Tennison Woods, co-founder of the Josephite Sisters, gave St Joseph a special place in their Order. They observed that apart from the biological link, St Joseph was the father of Jesus in every way and his intercession is needed to guide the education of children today.

FAMILY IN OUR CATHOLIC MISSIONARY TRADITION

It is hard to imagine evangelisation in the Catholic Tradition at any level without direct reference to the evangelising action of the family. Fifty years ago, the Second Vatican Council gave the family a beautiful title – “domestic Church” (Lumen Gentium n.11). This means that the family is a kind of Church in miniature. The Church is the family of God. The vision is that, imitating the Holy Family as a community of love, the family is the place where “the Gospel is transmitted and from which the Gospel radiates” (Evangelii Nuntiandi, Paul VI, n. 71). It is the place where evangelisers are formed and from which they go out to evangelise the world. In short, families become a kind of permanent Nazareth. Blessed John Paul II declared that evangelisation in the future depended in great measure on the family (Familiaris Consortio, 1981, 65). The role of the married couple forming a union of love and life reflects the nuptial union between the Risen Lord Jesus and his Church. The family forms the basic building block of society. It “has the mission to guard, reveal and communicate love” (Familiaris Consortio, 17).The desire for a healthy society depends on the health of family life. In other words, the more the family is encouraged and strengthened the more our shared life in society is protected • Presentation in the Temple, Giovanni Bellini. from every danger and threat. - On display in Panacoteca Querini Stampelia, Venice. Even before, however, a family looks to its future mission, it Nazareth” (John Paul II, Letter to Families, 1994, 2) is largely must contemplate in profound awe and wonder on its origins. silent for us. Yet, even when we learn of the events listed above Contemplation precedes and animates all pastoral action to we could imagine that so much of the human experiences support families. Recall again the long years that Jesus spent and interactions between father, mother and children that we in the silence of his family at Nazareth. We imitate the FIRST experience, have also been experienced by the Holy Family – family, “the prototype and example for all Christian families” the life of Jesus lived under obedience (Luke 2:51)to Mary and (Familiaris Consortio,86). Joseph. Our silence in the Nazareth family will ultimately draw Meditating on the Holy Family, Pope Paul VI (in an address us to contemplate the origin of all love and faithfulness. on 5th January 1964) stated that the home of Nazareth became It will draw us to contemplate the Most Holy Trinity. The the first school of the Gospel and teaches us three lessons. incredible mystery of the love sharing (unitive) and life giving The first lesson to be learnt by all of us is the importance of (procreative) love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit will developing a deep family spiritual life within the general noise offer us the true source of family love and all human love and of modern life. The silence of Nazareth can teach us this. This all energy for evangelisation. We cannot fully embrace this will be the particular focus of our diocesan plan in 2013-14. mystery of the Trinity’s gift-love. It must fully embrace us. We The second lesson is that Nazareth teaches us that family know, however, that the Trinity is not simply a remote idea or life is a communion of love between its members and has theological abstraction. As Benedict XVI often reminded us, an indispensable role in societal life. So much of Catholic we worship “the God who has a human face”(Spe Salvi [2007], doctrine and teaching on marriage and family starts from this 31). Namely, this encounter of our Triune God is by way of foundation. This teaching will be the particular basis of our Jesus, “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus diocesan focus in 2014-15-16-17. living in the soul of the family is the source of the family’s life Lastly, there is the lesson of work. The home of the and mission. The Permanent Nazareth for all families begins “Carpenter’s Son” teaches us the nobility of work and how it is here. not an end itself but is to serve true human freedom. This will Given this brief summary of Catholic Tradition and its link be our focus in 2017-18. with the missionary nature of the family, the arising challenge There is always a special place in the heart of Catholics for presents itself. All must be done to encourage families to take Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is the first amongst the faithful. up their missionary role. It is largely the task of the laity, but Her YES (Fiat) at the Annunciation was a permanent YES involves the entire Church. How can we strengthen marriage throughout her entire life to what the Lord wanted of her. She and family life in the Diocese of Sale? “treasured and pondered”(Luke 2:51) her son Jesus throughout

Catholic Life, May 2013 - Page 13

Family Life in the Mission of the Church MAKING A PERMANENT NAZARETH IN SALE DIOCESE

Sometimes when we examine the biblical/theological ideal as summarised above and then look at the reality of so many families today we can become discouraged. Family life today comes in so many different forms. Family life in Australia has become a kind of patchwork of various human arrangements offering all sorts of hopes, joys and sufferings. Without denying that many families seem to be in a healthy and happy state, many are in great pain and suffering tremendously.

• The Holy Family, Giorgionne Barbarelli. On display in National Gallery of Art, Washington DC

This is not helped by cultural and political attitudes and structures that seem to undermine the centrality of family life. In his Apostolic Exhortation on the Church in Oceania, John Paul II observed that: The Christian concept of marriage and the family is being opposed by a new secular, pragmatic and individualistic outlook which has gained standing in the area of legislation and which has a certain “approval” in the realm of public opinion. (Ecclesia in Oceania, 2001, 45) Given all that could be said about the lights and shadows of family life today, the Catholic Diocese of Sale is to embark upon a diocesan pastoral plan with family life in the mission of the Church as it vision over the next five years. This vision is to ponder deeply on family life – its origins, its joys and sorrows, God’s plan for family life, its interface with parish/school life, and its evangelising role in society. As your bishop, I want to encourage you in family life at a time of historical challenge to its very existence. Let us focus on family evangelisation and work towards making our families into a kind of permanent Nazareth. To do this I am proposing a year by year focus on a particular aspect of family life over the next five years. The yearly focus will begin at the start each Advent Liturgical season. It may seem an odd time to begin a pastoral focus. After all, Australians ready themselves for their holiday season at this time and prepare for Christmas. But that is precisely the point. The liturgical seasons of Advent and Christmas bring us into direct contact with the birth of Jesus and the Holy Family – their joys and struggles. The Australian holiday season generally is a time for family reunions and spending quality time with family after a busy year. Surely this is an unusual but appropriate time to encourage reflections on family life to begin. The entire pastoral plan is titled: FAMILY EVANGELISATION.

The following year by year focus is as follows: 2013/14 – Year of Family Prayer 2014/15 – Year of Marriage and Family Life 2015/16 – Year of nurturing Family – School relationships 2016/17 – Year of nurturing Family – Parish / School relationships 2017/18 – Year of nurturing Family / Parish / School in the world of today Before the Advent season each year I will publish a Pastoral Letter to launch the topic for the forthcoming year. It will set the scene for the next 12 months. There will be parish and family resources attached to assist with practical applications to the focus year. Accordingly, I will publish a Pastoral Letter before Advent this year (December 1, 2013) on the topic of FAMILY PRAYER. I request parishes/schools, families and all communities in the diocese to give the yearly focus a major pastoral priority. It may not be so much of “doing” more but “focusing” more on FAMILY EVANGELISATION in our normal parish activities. It is surely providential that in these months preceding the initiation of our pastoral plan we are celebrating the conclusion of the YEAR OF GRACE and the continuation till the Solemnity of Christ the King (November 24, 2013) of the YEAR OF FAITH. Indeed, I believe that a pastoral plan on FAMILY EVANGELISATION is a particular fruit of our prayerful focus on GRACE AND FAITH over these past times. Let us entrust our pastoral efforts towards FAMILY EVANGELISATION in the Diocese of Sale to the Most Holy Family and to Our Lady Help of Christians, the patroness of the diocese.

Heavenly Father, We praise and thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, Our Saviour and Redeemer, into our world. In the humble family of Nazareth, Jesus “increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favour” (Luke 2:52) Give our families, too, Heavenly Father, this experience of the Nazareth family in deeper measure. With Mary and Joseph, in grace and faith, may we become in the Diocese of Sale a kind of Permanent Nazareth. May Nazareth become a real school for FAMILY EVANGELISATION for all of us. We make this prayer through Jesus, the Son of God, “the carpenter’s son” (Matthew 13:55) from Nazareth, In the power of the Holy Spirit, the soul of all evangelisation. AMEN. Most Holy Family, Pray for us. Mary, Help of Christians, and Star of the New Evangelisation, Pray for us.

Page 14 - Catholic Life, May 2013

A Permanent Nazareth: Family Life in the Mission of the Church SUMMARY AND QUESTIONS THE PASTORAL PRIORITY IN THE SALE DIOCESE – FAMILY EVANGELISATION

1. Why is it true to say that “Increasing missionary zeal cannot be a vague generality but must find itself planted in human communities”? 2. Share a personal experience of a family situation that led to • a deepening of your faith • a determination to express your faith in outreach to others 3. As “The most fundamental and important thing in the mission of the Church is the spiritual renewal of the family”, give examples of ways in which the family can be spiritually renewed.

FAMILY IN THE GOSPEL

Meditating on the Holy Family, Pope Paul VI (in an address on January 5, 1964) stated that the home of Nazareth became the first school of the Gospel and teaches us three lessons. The first lesson to be learnt by all of us is the importance of developing a deep family spiritual life within the general noise of modern life. 1. What steps can be taken by families to lessen the impact of the noise of modern life? The second lesson is that Nazareth teaches us that family life is a communion of love between its members and has an indispensable role in societal life. 2. Why is it true to say that family life has an indispensable role in societal life? Lastly, there is the lesson of work. The home of the “Carpenter’s Son” teaches us the nobility of work and how it is not an end itself but is to serve true human freedom 3. How can the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth affect your family and its life together?

• Holy Family with St Anne and the Infant St John the Baptist, Agnolo Bronzinoi - On display The Louvre, Paris

FAMILY IN OUR CATHOLIC MISSIONARY TRADITION

1. The term domestic Church” (Lumen Gentium n.11)…. means that the family is a kind of Church in miniature; what implication does this have for Catholic families? 2. Explore the ways in which the family is the place where “the Gospel is transmitted and from which the Gospel radiates” (Evangelii Nuntiandi, Paul VI, n. 71). 3. Why is it true to say that the more the family is encouraged and strengthened the more our shared life in society is protected from every danger and threat? Give some examples. 4. Why is it important that contemplation precedes and animates all pastoral action to support families?

MAKING A PERMANENT NAZARETH IN SALE DIOCESE

Without denying that many families seem to be in a healthy and happy state, many are in great pain and suffering tremendously. This is not helped by cultural and political attitudes and structures that seem to undermine the centrality of family life 1. What are some factors that you believe are undermining the centrality of family life today? The Catholic Diocese of Sale is to embark upon a diocesan pastoral plan with family life in the mission of the Church as it vision over the next five years. This vision is to ponder deeply on family life – its origins, its joys and sorrows, God’s plan for family life, its interface with parish/school life, and its evangelising role in society 2. What excites you about this plan? 3. What challenges do you see?

Catholic Life, May 2013 - Page 15

Shepherds and fishermen day Healing retreat at NW WARRAGUL - Many people from across the diocese, gathered at Sion House on April 20 to grow as sharers of the love of Jesus. Bishop Christopher Prowse focused on the call of Jesus, to go into the whole world and invite people into the Kingdom of God. John Duiker and Jason Hummel used their gifts to lead the people in singing praise and worship, prayer and time of silence, to prepare for the teaching and sharing of times of Grace. Bishop Prowse taught on the need to shepherd with love and grace and to fish with courage and perseverance. Like St Peter in loving Jesus, we love the sheep in our care, family, church and community. Taking care of physical needs of hunger and shelter should run hand in hand with attending to the great spiritual hunger, to know Jesus loves each one of us. As fisher people we are called to go into waters where we feel greatly out of our depth or fishing in areas where we do not usually go. We need to trust Jesus, in faith to show where to fish, ‘put out the nets on the other side’. Bishop Prowse urged all to ask the Holy Spirit, to lead and guide us in seeking out the lost and needy and then to protect and care for them as Jesus teaches

NARRE WARREN - The healing retreat by Indian preacher Br Johnson Sequeira will be held in Our Lady Help Of Christians Church, Narre Warren this Friday May 17 from 7pm to 9.30pm. He was also led a session in the parish earlier in the week as part of his 10 day visit. Br Sequeira has been preaching and teaching the Word of God for over 14 years with many signs and wonders of BISHOP Prowse chats with teaching day attendee Joan Turner, Traralgon. Bishop Christopher then Jesus acting to bring life. spoke of looking for moments Bishop Prowse celebrated of Grace in our lives and then Mass in the beautifully refurtold of a recent amazing move bished Sion House chapel. of Grace in his life, when he More teaching and encourwas asked to meet the request agement in the homily, with a of a family. He then asked six blessing and exhortation to dispeople to share moments of cipleship. Grace. We all grew in faith with each testimony of the love of

God’s healing touch in all areas of people’s lives. He also holds free retreats and a free rehabilitation programme for drug and alcohol addicts at his retreat centre in Goa, India. People are encouraged to experience how the Word of God can transform their lives and bless their situations. Full itinerary is in the church or contact : 0410 794 707, 0430 500 201, or 0433 284 942.

Away for a weekend and need to check local Mass times? Use the QR scanning app on your smart phone and it will take you directly to the Diocese of Sale website

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When The Sky Falls - Practical Quick calendar ways to ease the debt burden What’s on & when

MANY people in Gippsland are “doing it tough” these days, and with the economy the way it is there’s not much chance of immediate improvement. When things do get hard, due to unemployment, or illness or for whatever reason, then it’s important that debt levels are either reduced or managed. Unfortunately many people in this situation shut their eyes, cover their ears and hope everything goes away, or miraculously fixes itself. That doesn’t happen in real life. There is no stigma in being unable to pay your debts – it happens to lots of people. And these days, we don’t have a debtor’s prison. Sometimes it’s only a temporary setback and things recover in due course, or sometimes it’s more severe, and prospects are limited. In either case it’s critical that you take action as soon as possible. As soon as you’re unable to meet any one payment for any debt – mortgage, car, credit card or any other repayment due, it’s important to assess your financial position. How much do you owe? To how many firms or people? What assets do you have? What income or other assistance can you get? On what and where is your money being spent? The answers to these will determine your financial outlook. Then look for help. There are financial counsellors available to help in this. Your first port of call is obvi-

DOLLAR$ & SENSE with David Wells

ously the lender. The biggest problem is not in not being able to make a payment, it’s not letting the lender know. In most cases lenders will do all they can to assist you to find a solution, so call them. In fact, any credit covered under consumer credit law or the code of banking, the lender is required to consider requests for flexible payment arrangements. Credit card issuers and mortgage lenders usually have a “Hardship Department” whose role is to minimise their problems by minimising yours. They deal with people in your position all the time and are quite sympathetic to people in genuine difficulty. In some cases by working through a financial counsellor you can have interest charges frozen so that your debt doesn’t get any worse. Even without a counsellor, most credit card companies will give a short term repayment holiday with no interest accruing. Mortgagors can do likewise, but this may increase the term of the mortgage. If you don’t contact your lender in time and they have commenced legal action against

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you, you must seek legal advice immediately. Ultimately any solution is in your hands, and it may not be palatable. Borrowing more money to pay existing debts if you can’t meet current payments is a downward spiral. A thousand dollar credit card bill with only minimum repayments and no further purchases will take about 11 years to repay. When you have assessed your financial position, and developed a realistic budget that you can keep to, then you must consider whether to offer a repayment plan to all creditors (or just some...) and what to do to reduce the debt. Never offer a repayment plan that you will have difficulty in keeping to. You only get one chance here so make sure you can keep to it. These compromises are only temporary. There are two ways out of this spiral. The first is to increase your income, which unfortunately is not always possible, the second is to reduce your debt, which again, can be difficult. Sometimes the only viable solution is to sell the home and pay down your debts, to at least a manageable amount. The extreme solution is bankruptcy but this will affect you for the rest of your life. There is an excellent website, sponsored by Consumer Affairs Victoria, www.moneyhelp. com.au which provides a rich resource for people in financial difficulties, and I recommend any one suffering financial stress to use it. It will help. • This report is intended to provide general advice. In preparing this advice, David Wells and Baillieu Holst Ltd did not take into account the investment objective, the financial situation and particular needs of any particular person. Before making an investment decision on the basis of this advice, you need to consider, with or without the assistance of an adviser, whether the advice is appropriate in light of your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.

Be generous for Family Foundation CATHOLICS across Gippsland are asked to support the annual appeal for the Bishop's Family Foundation which is taking place in parishes across the diocese. The foundation operates solely within the diocese supporting charities which aid families. Place donations in envelopes in churches or send cheques to Bishop's Family Foundation, PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

May

Bishop’s Family Foundation appeal month 15 – Release of Bishop Prowse’s pastoral letter on new five year pastoral program for diocese 17 – Healing retreat Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Narre Warren, 7pm 18 – Heyfield confirmations 19 – Pentecost 19 – Sale confirmations 19- Mystagogia Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 11am 22 – West region meeting, Nar Nar Goon, 10.30am 24 – Our Lady Help of Christians solemnity 24-26 – Berwick confirmations 26 – Trinity Sunday 28 - Sod turning for new St Thomas the Apostle School, Cranbourne East, 10am 31 – Visitation of the BVM Feast Day 31 – Deadline for registrations to Be Still retreat

June 1 – First Saturday devotions – St Laurence O’Toole parish, Leongatha, 10am to noon. 2 – Corpus Christi Sunday 3 – Deadline for June Catholic Life 4 – Catholic Women’s League diocesan conference, Sale 6 – 10th anniversary or ordination as a permanent deacon of Deacon Peter Stringfellow 7 – Sacred Heart of Jesus solemnity 8 – Immaculate Heart of Mary memorial 8-9 – St Vincent de Paul Society annual collection for the poor 10 – Queen’s Birthday Holiday 12 – Catholic Life publication 20 – World Refugee Day 20 – Valley region meeting, St Kieran’s, Moe 21-22 – Sale Diocese Year 1112 Be Still youth retreat, Trafalgar East 24 – Birth of John the Baptist solemnity 26 - South region meeting, Leongatha, 11.15am 28 – Second term ends 29 – Sts Peter and Paul solemnity

July Peter’s Pence collection month 3 – St Thomas Feast Day 6 – First Saturday devotions, St Kevin’s Catholic Church, Meeniyan, 1am to noon. 8 – Deadline for July Catholic Life 9 – Ramadan begins 15 – Third term begins 17 – Catholic Life publication 22 – St Mary Magdalene memorial 23-28 – World Youth Day, Rio de Janeiro 25 – St James Feast Day 27 – Golden Jubilee of ordination of Fr John O’Kelly, Bairnsdale

August Social Welfare – CatholicCare Collection month

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

September 1 – Father’s Day 1 – Priests’ Welfare Foundation annual Father’s Day Collection 2 – Jewish New Year 2 – Deadline for September Catholic Life 4-6 – Australasian Catholic Press Association conference, Melbourne 6-8 – Australasian Religious Press Association conference, Melbourne 10 – 20th anniversary of ordination of Fr Bernard Buckley, Lakes Entrance 11 – Catholic Life publication 14 – Federal election 14 – Exaltation of the Holy Cross Feast Day 16 – Silver jubilee of ordination of Fr Mark Godridge, Bunyip 20 – Third term ends 21 – International Day of Peace (UN) 21 – St Matthew Feast Day 23-25 – Secondary students youth camp 27 – St Vincent de Paul memorial 30 – Deadline for October Catholic Life

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

Catholic Life, May 2013 - Page 17

Retired priest now at Shanagolden

Lay missionaries on a return visit DURING the last two weeks of April, lay missionaries, Philip and Margaret Maloney visited Sale diocese, prior to returning for their annual six months of ministry in Ireland. They visited Lakes Entrance. Traralgon, Cowes and Frankston prayer groups, with a day of ministry in Leongatha, encouraging the formation of a prayer group. In Newborough Parish they spoke after all Masses with a time of teaching after Sunday Mass and gave the opportunity for prayer, for any issues in the lives of people attending. For the last weekend of April, they led a retreat at St Mary MacKillop School, Narre Warren North. Our Lady Help of Christians prayer community organised all arrangements for an amazing weekend. Beautiful music and singing

gave the foundation for scripture and teaching on our loneliness when we are separated from Jesus and the areas in life which keep us away from him and need prayer and healing. Teaching on the grace of sacraments to bring life and change in our walk with God and each other. They taught on our separation from God and each other when we place other things before God. The Maloneys led individual prayer for people seeking the grace to take advantage of the sacrament of reconciliation to break the hold of things in our life that cling and restrict our love of God and family. They urged people to seek God in overcoming loneliness and fears and when relationships are difficult. Remember “Life is fragile….handle with prayer.”

PHILIP (right) and Margaret Maloney (left) with Toni and Lou Biancon, from Traralgon.

The Pope in his own words Talking about Books

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Karate medals to St Peter’s twins CRANBOURNE - St Peter’s College students James and Georgia Thornton contested two karate championships in the one weekend last month and each won two medals.

The Year 7 twins went to Sydney for the Australian School and University Karate Championships in Liverpool and the following two days competed in the Australian Open Karate Championships. Although this is the first year for both of the Sandhurst students at St Peter’s College, they are well known for their sporting endeavors at St Agatha’s Primary School which they attended before moving to secondary education. Both James and Georgia competed in the Kumite (fighting) competition in the individual male and female children’s divisions respectively. On the following two days they went on to compete in the Australian Open Karate Championships. James won a bronze medal whilst representing the college in the individual male children’s competition and then followed that up at the Australian Open Championships with another bronze. Georgia won a silver medal in the individual female children’s competition and then

followed that up at the open championships with another silver. Darryl Thornton, their father and coach, (a seven year veteran of the sport and a holder of a black belt) said that the wins in the Australian Open Championships were “a fantastic result from a very large division”. Both James and Georgia get their competition results in the Kumite section but train both in Kumite and Kata (forms or pre-arranged movements) principles. This year competitors came from a large number of countries including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Great Britain, and Russia. Both James and Georgia

now have their sights firmly set on putting in the training with the Victorian state squad with the hope of competing in the national championships, representing Victoria in Tasmania in August this year, and after that they both share the dream of competing at the 2020 Olympic Games. St Peter’s College principal Tim Hogan said “All of us here at the college are very proud to have two such dedicated and talented athletes to represent us in the recently held Australian Schools and University Karate Championships.”

FR John Readman, a retired priest of Sale Diocese has asked Catholic Life to advise that he is now a resident at Shanagolden Village, Pakenham. He is living at Unit 11 O’Reagan St. which is part of the Shanagolden complex at 153 Webster Way at Pakenham. He can be contacted by phone on 5945 3831 or 0417 302 493.

THE authors of this book have been quick off the mark, sifting through a decade of statements by Pope Francis to come up with a handy pocket-sized book of quotations. There appears to be only a handful of quotes since Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pontiff and they are really just quips such as “I’ll go with the guys on the bus” which he said when refusing the papal limousine after becoming Pope. “I don’t want to keep the people waiting” and his first words from the balcony “Brothers and sisters, good evening” seem a little trite and seem to have been included to make this work seem up to date. However, there are many good quotes from earlier years which give much insight into the thinking of this man. His humbleness and what seems to be his desire not to be fussed over is well summed up in a February 2013 quote from Vatican Insider where he says “The cardinalate is a service; it is not an award to be bragged about.” No doubt he would probably offer similar sentiments about the papacy. His thoughts about dozens of issues are well set out in the book, usually just a sentence or two, and these help to show the thinking of this great leader. SUNDAY SOUNDINGS Sermons from a Jesuit’s ministry, by Fr Adrian Lyons SJ, published by Mosaic Press, distributed by Mosaic Resources, paperback, 224 pag-

SERMONS are a dime a dozen on the internet and anyone wanting to read up on a particular theme or Gospel reading just has to go to a web browser. However, there is something to be said for having the sermons in the one place at the one time and that’s where this new book comes in. Fr Lyons is a well-known Jesuit preacher with wide experience around Australia. He has ministered as a university chaplain, an adult faith educator, has worked with the Jesuit Refugee Service, directed an international tertiary program to prepare Jesuits for final vows, and has also served as a country priest. His life experiences help him to illuminate points in his homilies which create a freshness not found in many of the Internet homilies. In fact it was after consulting the commentaries of various scholars and homilies on the Internet and finding that they seldom made the point that he wanted to make, that he decided to publish his own book. It is set out into five sections, one for each of the liturgical years, one for special occasions and then the final section specifically targeted to children. A YEAR WITH LUKE, commentary by Fr Francis J. Moloney SDB, published and distributed by St Paul’s Publications, paperback, 106 pages, rrp $14.95. AS we travel through the year’s

Gospel readings it is always handy to have a quick reference book to explain what the various passages mean in the context of the Bible message. Some priests are able to explain the readings well in homilies but others leave you wanting to seek more information. In this book Fr Moloney, who is a distinguished Australian Biblical scholar, provides an easily understood commentary. While the author is widely published and the Foundation Professor of Theology at Australian Catholic University, this book is no theological slog - it is written for the everyday Catholic. In his introduction he explains that often people think of the Sunday Gospels as being selfcontained units, however, they should always be considered within the context of the whole Gospel, in this case the Year C readings from Luke. The author also points out the unique differences between Luke’s telling of Christ’s story and those of his fellow Gospel writers. Only Luke portrays the image of Mary, the Mother of Jesus in the fashion that many Christians have come to love and accept. Only Luke tells of the annunciation, the visitation, Jesus’ birth, the presentation and finding of the child Jesus in the temple. Without his writings, many of the common images of Jesus and his life would be different and so that if why this commentary is a welcome issue.

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Page 18 - Catholic Life, May 2013

The early days in the Mornington Peninsula MARIE Fels has previously published an important study of the native police in Victoria called Good Men and True, on the Aboriginal Protectorate in the Port Phillip district. That book revealed much of the history of the Gippsland Aboriginal tribes in the first decades after Europeans arrived. Now she has published I Succeeded Once: The Aboriginal Protectorate on the Mornington Peninsula 18391840. The Mornington Peninsula was settled by Europeans as they moved out from Melbourne, and is important for Gippsland history as this was the first exploration east of Melbourne towards Western Port, Phillip Island, and the area now known as West Gippsland. William Thomas was the Assistant Protector of Aborigines appointed by the government to be based on the Mornington Peninsula, but he was in fact in charge of all the Aboriginals of eastern Victoria, including Gippsland. The Aboriginal tribe which inhabited the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port regions were called the Bunurong, part of the Kulin people of central Victoria,. They were a different group from the tribes of Gippsland, the Kurnai, separated by the mountains we now call the Western Strzeleckis. Fels’ book is based mainly on Thomas’ extensive written observations, supplemented by accounts of other observers. Thomas was an admirable figure who had the interests of his charges at heart, recorded their language and customs, and set up a reserve to protect them. He made an effort to understand the Aboriginals, and to see things from the perspective of their customs and habits. He argued their case to white society, and prevented intratribal strife, which stemmed from violence and drink, as far

Gippsland History with Patrick Morgan as possible. Thomas was a sincere Christian, who earlier in his life had wanted to become a missionary. He quickly mastered the Bunurong language, and translated a psalm, the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed and the first chapter of Genesis into their language. He regularly conducted Divine Service for the Aboriginals at his headquarters, at which they frequently sang hymns. There was less trouble on the Mornington Peninsula both within black society and in their relations with whites than in other areas. One obvious reason was Thomas’s wise guidance. French explorers in the early 19th Century had noted that the Bunurong were ‘aimiable’ in disposition. The Gippsland Aboriginals were known to be more warlike and aggressive. Moreover the Gippslanders were more plentiful in numbers compared with the Bunurong, who lived in the restricted area of the Mornington Peninsula which limited their numbers. So the Bunurong were likely to come off second best whenever the historic enmity between them and the Kurnai flared up. The main camping ground of the Bunurong was the amphitheatre of land between Mt Martha and Arthur’s Seat, which had good grass, and was ideal for fishing and catching game. Thomas naturally set up his protectorate station in this area, at a pace called Tubberubbabel, near where the Old Moorooduc Road joins the Nepean

highway. About 100 Bunurong Aboriginals gathered there on and off. There were about 20 bark huts for them and other buildings. Thomas supplied the Aborigines with food (sugar, meat, flour, soap, tea, salt, rice), blankets and clothing, and in return received from them objects they made like kangaroo and possum skins, basins, baskets and mats. This was in line with the protectorate policy of labor in exchange for food, though Thomas applied the policy leniently. The Bunurong had one of their principal encampments nearby, about a mile from the protector’s camp. It was on Edward Hobson’s Mt Martha run at a place known as Kangerong. This was near today’s Nepean Highway flyover as you approach Dromana. About 30 Aboriginals lived there, but the numbers were often supplemented from nearby Tubberubbabel. Edward Hobson was the first squatter on the Mornington Peninsula, and a relative of the Hobson who founded the Traralgon run. Another Aboriginal encampment on Hobson’s run, called Buckkemitterwarren, was nearer to the beach at Dromana. Some Bunurong wanted a settlement at Kulluk (today’s Coolart) near Sandy Point and Merricks (named after the local squatter Henry Meyrick) on the Western Port side of the Mornington Peninsula. They liked its good grass and game. Thomas also wanted this area as a reserve, as it was

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AN historic sketch from the book showing an Aboriginal woman with a baby being carried on her back. further away from whites and football they called Marngrook their diseases, but this did not (now the name of an ABC-TV eventuate. show). It may have influenced Port Philip Bay had been the development of Australia almost a dry plain during the Ice rules football, as they kicked Age of 10,000 years ago, with the ball high and caught it. the Yarra and Werribee Rivers In 1841 Thomas drew a map joining up and debouching of his area, the first in existence. through the heads. Local Included are Melbourne legends retained a memory of suburbs like Turruk (Toorak), their ancestors walking across Numewaren (Nunawading) and the plain. Mooloy Yallok (Mordialloc Bunurong women had been -yallock is an Aboriginal word stolen by Van Diemen’s Land for a river or creek). On the sailors before Europeans arrived peninsula the squatters Bagster in the Port Phillip district in the (Baxter) and Merrik (Meyrick mid 1830s. Merricks) are located. A number of massacres by Place names include Konigo invading Gippsland blacks were (Kananook Creek near remembered by the Bununrong. Frankston), Kulluk (Coolart) At Brighton about 80 Bunurong and Torridor (Tooradin). The were killed; there were also native names for Port Phillip separate slayings near Arthur’s Bay and French and Phillip Seat and at Western Port. Islands are included. In 1840 Bunurong Aboriginals Moving towards Gippsland conducted a retaliation raid we find the names Bore Bore against the Gippsland blacks (the Baw Baw mountains) and in the area between the Bullin Bullin (the Aboriginal Tarwin River and Wilson’s word for the lyrebird, now spelt Promontory, in which about 10 Buln Buln). of the enemy were killed. The Marie Fels’ book, based on cycle of violence and revenge Thomas’s notes which are now continued when the Gippsland in various archives and libraries, blacks raided near Jamieson’s is a fascinating glimpse into the station, but took only goods in early days of the Port Phillip this instance. settlement. The reasons for these disputes may have been over food • Marie Fels, I Succeeded sources like native cabbage, or Once, The Aboriginal over women, or over contested Protectorate on the land between the two tribes, Mornington Peninsula 1839Thomas recorded for the 1840, Australian National first time that the Bunurong University Press, Canberra, Aboriginals played a game like 2011, $29.95, postage $12.

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Catholic Life, May 2013 - Page 19

Principals meet at Heyfield

ALL members of the Principals of Sale Education Committee gathered at St Michael’s Heyfield for their once a term meeting. Wellington Shire Social Planning and Policy Coordinator Karen McLennan was invited by Nicholas Hall to speak to the

POSEC group on the current and future population trends in the Sale region. Pictured are (rear, from left) Catholic College Sale principal Chris Randle, Nicholas Hall, St Patrick’s Stratford, Jason Slattery St Thomas Sale, Anthony Sheedy, St Mary’s Yarram, Dar-

Peter’s Crew ready for State Youth Games OUR diocesan “Peter’s Crew” team will be competing in the State Youth Games on the Queen’s Birthday Weekend taking the field in mixed netball, AFL, dodge ball and indoor soccer. Individuals from Peter’s Crew

are also hoping to compete in cross country, UNO, beep tests, scrabble, swimming and Wii. It also looks as though Bishop Prowse will be joining us for dinner and Mass Saturday night (it’s not yet confirmed if he will be captaining the dodge ball team). If you want to be part of this amazing weekend please get in touch with Jess Denehy (jessd@sale.catholic.org.au) asap. Oh – and we are also in need of volunteers so sing out if you can support Peter’s Crew at SYG.

ren Stanbury St Mary’s Maffra, (front) Liz Whitehill Catholic College Sale, Wellington Shire Council coordinator of social planning and policy Karen McLennan, Cathy Mesaric, St. Mary’s Sale, and Catholic Education Office primary education consultant Marianne O’Rourke.

Bishop Prowse appointed to permanent committee BISHOP of Sale, Christopher Prowse has been elected to the permanent committee of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference. This will involve him making regular trips to Sydney between the ACBC’s two plenary sessions each year. Other members of the committee are Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane, Bishop Peter Ingham of Wollongong, and Bishop Eugene Hurley of Darwin.

Academic galley walk at St Mary’s

BRYLIE, Michelle and Ayden also enjoyed the snacks. NEWBOROUGH - Recently they tasted some fine healthy the Grade 3 and 4 students at and savoury snacks, and criSt Mary’s Catholic Primary tiqued each other’s work. School celebrated their sucEveryone in the school comcesses in an Academic Gallery munity were welcome to view Walk. the students’ work and many The students had completed a parents marvelled at their unit of work on the sacrament child’s efforts. of Reconciliation and they were The Gallery Walk comparticularly proud of their ef- menced the school’s celebraforts and wanted to display tions of Catholic Education their work for everyone to see. Week. Work on display included inGrade 4 teacher Ryan Potformation posters, Powerpoint ter and Grade 3 teacher Trish presentations, poems, songs, Mulqueen agreed that celebratstories and personal prayers. ing success in academic work Some of the students made served to further inspire our special spectacles to view their student’s to do their best work. work through. “The students were proud of They enjoyed an afternoon of their work and wanted everyone culture as they listened to clas- to see it.” sical background music while

Loch’s lights of Christ

Bishop Prowse’s Diary May 14 – Staff morning tea at Marist Sion College, Warragul, then meet Year 12 Religion and Society students discus course content and relationship to faith. May 18 – Heyfield confirmations, 6pm. May 19 – Sale confirmations, 9.30am May 19 – Mystagogia Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 11.30am. May 24 – Berwick confirmations, 7.30pm May 25 – Berwick confirmations, 11am, 2pm, 7.30pm May 26 – Berwick confirmations, 2pm. May 31 – Lunch with permanent deacons and their wives. May 31 – Lead prayer and adoration at 90th anniversary of Corpus Christi College seminary.

June 1 – Pakenham confirmations, 2pm, 6pm. June 2 – Warragul confirmations, 10.30am. June 2 – Drouin confirmations, 2pm. June 6 – Annual Serra Club Mass and handover, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 5pm. June 9 – Feast of St Anthony of Padua procession and Mass, St Mary’s, Bairnsdale, 11am. June 12 – Council of Priests and Consultors meetings, Warragul. June 12 – Diocesan Finance Council meeting, 4.30pm June 13 – Visit to Narre Warren confirmation candidates at Don Bosco Primary. June 14 – Leongatha confirmations, 7pm. June 15 – Wonthaggi con-

LOCH - Parishioners from St Vincent’s Catholic Church Loch erected three crosses in the paddock behind their church on Ash Wednesday

firmations, 2pm, 6.30pm. June 16 – Cowes confirmations, 9am. June 21 – Narre Warren confirmations, 7.30pm. June 22 – Narre Warren confirmations, 10am, 2pm. June 22 – Cranbourne confirmations, 4pm. June 23 – Cranbourne confirmations, noon. June 23 – Narre Warren confirmations, 3pm. June 29 – Blessing of Catholic Education Office participants in World Youth Day, Warragul, 4.30pm.

Uniting Church to participate in a service to commemorate the passion and events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus. Measuring over four meters Because of the inclemwith a span of three meters, ent weather the ecumenical the crosses were highlighted Way of the Cross planned to at night with solar lights, be conducted throughout the giving time vision gave the streets of Loch to the Cathosurreal impression that the lic Church was held inside crosses were suspended from the Uniting Church. Heaven. Forty Christian people In full view of thousands from a variety of denominaof vehicles travelling along tions were wholly involved South Gippsland Highway, in this experience. the crosses were aimed at reWith placards showing Jeminding travellers of the true sus at the Last Supper, the Easter message; the prepa- betrayal, sentencing, then ration for the death of Jesus the mocking and beating befollowed by His resurrection. fore being put on the cross, In memory of Jesus’ death each person received greater a purple stole was draped meaning to the events of around the central cross early Good Friday. on Good Friday, and then St There was full agreement Vincent’s parishioners joined that his ecumenical service Pastor Gavin Sharp and his will shared again next year. parishioners at the Loch

Page 20 - Catholic Life, May 2013

Nagle College remembers the ANZAC sacrifice BAIRNSDALE - The ANZAC Service conducted at Nagle college every year has been an important occasion in the school calendar for over 25 years. The college community gathers to remember those who have served our country during conflict and crisis; from that first landing at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915 until the present day. Students and staff of the college took part in the 2013 ANZAC Service, held in Presentation Hall and concluded with a wreath laying ceremony conducted at the college’s ANZAC Memorial. Guest of honor this year was Glen Curtis who delivered the keynote address about his experiences in the Australian Armed Forces and what ANZAC Day means to him. The service was led by a group of Year 10 and 11 students who are currently studying Australian War History. This year’s service profiled several men and women who served Australia during war time and it included: Sr Alice Ross King (WW1), Sgt Stanley Robert McDougall (Victoria Cross recipient WW1), Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop (POW WW2) and Sr Aileen Lucas (WW1). These moving readings, combined with dramatic visual presentations, were highly emotive and very informative. Other readings included the words engraved at ANZAC Cove by the Commander of the Turkish 19th Division during the Gallipoli Campaign – Kemal Ataturk; verses from the poem “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon; and ‘The Ode’ which was read following the playing of the Last Post/ Rouse by a Nagle College student silhouetted centre stage. The ANZAC Service came to a sombre and respectful conclusion with the departure of the wreath laying party to the sad refrain of ‘The Green Fields of France’. All college captains laid an

individual flower at the ANZAC Memorial on the grounds of the college. Wreaths were laid by the college captains Paige Philip and Ben Calnin on behalf of the college, Mr Curtis as the guest of honor, Geoff Hopkins from the Bairnsdale RSL, Flight Sgt Wales and Corporal McLaren from RAAF Base, East Sale, College Council chairperson Chris Waites, Catholic Education Office representative Rosemary Copeland and student representatives from each of the seven Nagle College houses. Following the formal ceremony the annual ANZAC Gift relay was run on the college oval. This was a keenly contested event and this year all house teams ran extremely well in the very competitive boys and girls events. MacKillop House was the champion in the boys’ event with the Xavier girls taking the trophy in their event for the third year in a row.

GUEST of Honor Glen Curtis is pictured here with the students who conducted the 2013 ANZAC Service at Nagle College (left to right) Abbey Thorpe, Taylor Morrell, Lauren Stephenson, Laura Knaggs, Jessica Dickson, Toni Bridgeman, Jayden Junker and Gareth Williams.

Blessing of St Kieran’s grotto garden MOE - Parishioners and family members were graced with a beautiful autumn morning for the blessing and opening of the St Kieran’s Resurrection Garden on April 21. Parish priest Fr Bernie O’Brien OMI celebrated the occasion and explained that it had been a project four years in the making. “I had seen the idea at a parish in Sorrento and thought it would be a great thing for St Kieran’s.” The Resurrection Garden and grotto encases a statue of Our Lady and was established as a place to honor the deceased members of our family and parish whom we wish to remember in our thoughts and prayers. The grotto and garden provides a tranquil place of prayer, reflection and peace within the grounds of the church. Parishioners and family members are able to order memorial plaques for their deceased loved

PARISH priest Fr Bernie O’Brien blesses the gardens and grotto at the rear of St Kieran’s Church. ones and these are placed on the memory of former parish priest The fruition of the project memorial wall and blessed at Fr John Dunlea OMI, and Br would not have been possible special ceremonies throughout Jason Duck, former parish as- without the generosity and efthe year. sistant of St Kieran’s together forts of our parishioners and members of the community. Plaques were blessed in with several other plaques.

Call for involvement May dedicated to Our Lady BISHOP Christopher Prowse has asked Catholics within the Diocese of Sale to become more involved in Year of Faith celebrations over the next few weeks. Parishes have been asked to consider various ways to celebrate. The first opportunity was for the Vigil of Pentecost this Saturday, May 18. He said that the Holy Father would be praying for the sending down of the Holy Spirit in these troubled times. It was also an occasion where through the diocese many celebrations of the sacrament of confirmation would take place. Bishop Prowse said that on Corpus Christ Sunday at 5pm (Rome time) the Holy Father would lead prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. The whole world was invited to join him for one hour and so

this was an ideal time for parish communities to join in this prayer of adoration. On June 15-16 in Rome there would be several events to witness the sacred value of all life. Emphasis would be placed on the aged, sick, dying, the unborn, those with mental illness, the suffering and those who care for those who suffer and are sick. He said that in Australia where abortion was so easily accessible, prayers and practical ways in which this scourge of our humanity can be diminished would be appropriate. Parishes could gather for special healing Masses that included anointing of the sick. At most events for the Year of Faith there was an emphasis on a slow, prayerful recitation of the Creed.

MAY is the month which has long been dedicated to Our Blessed Lady on her many titles.

It is the month where Catholics in every part of the world offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance (Paul VI: Encyclical on the Month of May, no. 1). This custom of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin arose at the end of the 13th Century. In this way, the Church was able to Christianise the secular feasts which took place at that time, especially the many pagan rites associated with the coming of summer. By then the sowing of crops had been completed and to celebrate huge May Day (May 1) bonfires were lit over much of Europe and there were many feasts and dancing around may-

poles to pray for a bountiful harvest. In ancient Greece there were May celebrations to Artemis, the Goddess of Fecundity (Fertility) and similar festivities took place throughout Europe. Under Christianity the old pagan feasts were supplanted with devotions to Our Lady. The May devotions to Mary were especially fostered by the Jesuits during the 1700s and gradually took on special importance throughout the Church. The practice was granted a partial indulgence by Pius VII in 1815 and a plenary indulgence by Pius IX in 1859. With the complete revision of indulgences in 1966 and the decreased emphasis on specific indulgences, it no longer carries an indulgence.

Catholic Life, May 2013 - Page 21

world news ... Foreign aid is well spent CARITAS Australia, the international aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church, has backed a letter from Australia’s business leaders, calling for the Prime Minister and Opposition leader to strengthen their commitment to international aid. On the eve of the Prime Minister’s planned visit to Papua New Guinea Caritas CEO Jack de Groot said foreign aid saves lives and makes a huge difference, particularly in the Pacific region. PNG is one of the largest recipients of Australian foreign aid money, receiving over $490 million in the 2012/13 budget. “Countries in the Pacific are our nearest neighbours and we share a history and partnerships. Supporting countries such as PNG with foreign aid is not only the right thing to do, it’s in our best interests as a nation,” Mr de Groot said. “PNG is an emerging economy and an important player within the Pacific region, but many challenges remain such as poverty and unemployment, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, high child and maternal mortality rates, law and order issues and low rates of children ac-

cessing education.” Caritas Australia runs programs in education, health, vocational training and HIV/ AIDS in PNG, as well as dozens of programs across the Pacific. Caritas Australia works in partnership with local communities in 35 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, Indigenous Australia and the Pacific. “In PNG this money is saving lives and creating opportunities for many of the poorest of the poor,” Mr de Groot said. “The vast majority of people in PNG live in remote and rural areas and in these places the Catholic Church can provide more than two thirds of all health services. “PNG also has the highest incidence of HIV in the Pacific region. It’s estimated to affect just under 1 percent of the population, that’s approximately 54,000 people. “Our programs in PNG, supported through foreign aid, reflect a proactive approach to tackling the spread of HIV/ AIDS by addressing the issue of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and these programs are saving lives and contributing to a better standard of living

BRUSSELS (ACN) - “Growing corruption and religious violence jeopardise the West African country of Nigeria”. This stark warning by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja, was given during his recent presentation to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament in Brussels. Cardinal Onaiyekan was accompanied by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto. Coordinated by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, the two church leaders presented the most urgent challenges facing Nigeria to the European Union decision makers, to try and help them understand the realities on the ground in one of the three priority countries of the EU in sub-Saharan Africa. The two others are South Africa and Kenya. Cardinal Onaiyekan and Bishop Kukah addressed two fundamental concerns, what they referred to as “the twin monsters of corruption and insecurity”. According to the Church leaders, with a GDP of 244 billion USD as well as a recipient of generous international aid Nigeria is not a poor country, but the corruption and mismanagement is such that precious little reaches the popu-

lation. Where the government services fail, the Catholic Church steps in to provide relief services operating numerous schools, hospitals, legal aid centres and other basic services in Nigeria’s most impoverished regions. “The Catholic Church is concerned about the well-being of all Nigerians, not only those baptised in our churches. We are 170 million Nigerians, roughly half are Christians from different denominations and half are Muslims, also of different groups. Catholics are still the largest single-faith group in the country so we have considerable influence and responsibility”, stated Cardinal Onaiyekan. Bishop Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese (in north-western Nigeria) where the Catholics are a very small minority, said that the socio-economic indicators of health, education and income of Northern Nigeria were among the worst in the entire Sub-Saharan Africa. “The region has a Muslim majority in power. The way they spend federal funding follows their own priorities and the concept of education and public health is not the same as that of UNESCO”

for many.” Mr de Groot urged political leaders not to turn their backs on the poorest of the poor by cutting aid in the upcoming budget. He welcomed the recent OECD report which gave Australia’s five billion dollar aid program the tick of approval. “Our aid money is money well spent. We want to make sure the government and opposition stick to their commitments to foreign aid, so that we can continue to support and empower the world’s poorest to be the architects of their own development,” Mr de Groot said.

world news ... A snapshot of new American priests WASHINGTON DC (Zenit) The US bishops’ conference has released results of its annual national survey of men being ordained priests for US dioceses and religious communities. About 74 percent of an estimated 500 men to be ordained priests in the United States this year responded to the survey. On average, most of the ordination class were baptised as infants, but nine percent became Catholic later in life. Eight in 10 report that both parents are Catholic, and more than a third

Copts hopeful of good results ROME (Zenit) - The newly appointed head of the Coptic Catholic Eparchy in Egypt hopes that last week’s meeting between Pope Francis and Coptic Orthodox Patriarch Tawadros II “could have important and positive results.” Coptic Catholic Bishop Botros Fahim Awad Hanna expressed his hope that a theological dialogue to begin the path towards full communion would resume The last meeting that oc-

curred between a Coptic Patriarch and a Pope took place nearly 40 years ago. Following that, an agreement between the two churches in 1988 put an end to centuries of misunderstanding and mistrust. “I hope that with the visit of the new Coptic Orthodox Patriarch to the new Bishop of Rome, recent approaches on the spiritual and pastoral can be deepened at a theological and doctrinal level.”

have a relative who is a priest or religious. On average, respondents report that they were nearly 17 years old when they first considered a vocation to the priesthood. Two in three (67%) say they were encouraged to consider a vocation to the priesthood by a parish priest. Others who encouraged them include friends (46%), parishioners (38%) and mothers (34%). Three in 10 respondents (31%) were born outside the United States, with the largest numbers coming from Mexico, Vietnam, Colombia, Poland, the Philippines and Nigeria. On average, respondents who were born in another country have lived in the United States for 14 years. Between 20% and 30% of respondents for the diocesan priesthood for each of the last 10 years were born outside the United States. Many ordinands specified some type of full-time work experience prior to entering the seminary, most often in education, accounting, finance or insurance.

Bishop warns against weaker Nigerian bishops highlight problems Christian presence in Palestine By Oliver Maksan JERUSALEM - Auxiliary Bishop William Shomali of the Latin patriarchate of Jerusalem has warned against a weakening of the Christian presence in Palestine as a result of the construction of the Israeli security barrier. Bishop Shomali, who is responsible for the Palestinian regions of the patriarchate, was speaking to the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need following a ruling by an Israeli court which rejected the appeals against the construction of the Israeli security wall through the Cremisan Valley, near Beit Jala, Bethlehem. Following extensive legal proceedings that have lasted seven years, the court deemed that for reasons of security it was just and proportionate to confiscate the lands of 58 Christian families in order to build the wall. Bishop Shomali commented: “It is true that in the case of Cremisan only 58 families are affected and not the whole Christian community of Palestine. But the more incidents we have of this kind the more it challenges the community as a whole.” Besides, he pointed out, the Christian community will be further weakened by the cut-

ting off of the monastery of the Salesian Fathers from the rest of Beit Jala. “The Christian community has always found in this monastery a spiritual and inspiring high place”, he said. If the wall goes ahead, the monastery of the Salesian Fathers, which lies in the Cremisan Valley, will also be cut off, on the Israeli side, from the convent of the Salesian Sisters and its school on the Palestinian side. Until now the Salesian Fathers have always provided a pastoral ministry to the sisters and their school. Bishop Shomali was by no means convinced by the reasons for the verdict of the court in Tel Aviv.

“The Israeli system of justice is excellent when it comes to matters other than security. In the case of security-related issues, these prevail over all other aspects. In our case the court claimed that the construction of the wall is necessary to protect the settlement of Gilo. We disagree.” In reaching its verdict the court had also relied on assurances of the Israeli military that the families affected would have access to their land through an agricultural gate. The bishop does not regard this as realistic The Jerusalem-based Catholic human rights organisation, the Society of Saint Yves told ACN last Thursday that it was not clear when the case in the High Court would begin or how long it would last. But since the High Court is the final court of appeal, it must handle the case. The Society of Saint Yves, an organisation under the auspices of the Latin patriarchate, had represented the Salesian Sisters in the lower courts. It is now planning to submit an appeal as soon as possible to the High Court. The only aspect that is not yet clear is whether this will be done in collaboration with the families or on its own, a representative of the society told ACN.

Page 22 - Catholic Life, May 2013

For the Young and Young at Heart Colour the Holy Family

Time for a Laugh ONE Sunday morning, a little girl and her mother go to church. Halfway through, the little girl tells her mother she’s going to be sick. Her mother tells her to go in the bushes behind the church. The girl leaves and comes back after about five minutes. Her mother asks her if she threw up. “Yes,” the girl says. “But I didn’t have to go all the way around the back. There was a box near the front door that said For the Sick.’’

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

This month’s Last month’s winner prize winner

WINNER of the difficult colouring contest last month featuring the famous Cezanne Mardi Gras painting is Sydney Simpson, 10, from Lumen Christi Primary School in Churchill. There were a lot of good entries to choose from, mainly done by the older students. Let’s hope they continue to MERELLE Mikhiel, 7, from Trinity Catholic Primary School, be great artists. Narre Warren, shows off her prizes

the gent. “I thought I had gone deaf.”

ADAM and Eve were naming the various animals for God when along came a rhinoceros. “Wow, what a funny creature,” said Adam. “What will we call this one?” Eve looked closely and said “I think I will call this one a rhinoceros.” Adam was flabbergasted. “What a stupid name for one of God’s creatures!” “I know” said Eve ‘ but it looks more like a rhinoceros A YOUNG university than any other animal we student stayed up all night have seen today.” studying for his zoology exam and next day when TWO men were travelling he entered the classroom be on a train for the first time saw 10 paper bags covering and had taken a snack with different species of birds. them. For the test the students An hour into the trip, one were asked to identify the started eating a banana birds just by looking at their when the train went in to a legs, giving their common tunnel. name, scientific name and “Don’t eat the bananas,” he habitat. cried out. “Mine has made The student got madder me go blind!” and madder. He had studied all night and knew A BLOKE is running late everything about birds to pick up some horses from beaks, wings, their feathers a mate when he is pulled and various habitats but he over for speeding. knew little about legs. your reason Finally, he threw the “What’s for speeding?” asks the test paper at the professor, policeman. calling him an idiot for ‘Well you see,” said the setting such an exam. driver “I’ve got a couple of The professor was stunned. horses in the float and I have Never had he been spoken to to get them to Flemington in in such a way. time for the fourth race.” “What’s your name young The policeman goes man,” he called. around the back of the float The student paused in and sees it’s empty. the doorway, rolled up his trousers and said “You tell “There are no horses in there,” he exclaims to the me!” driver. A YOUNG woman fronted “Oh no!” said the driver. the magistrate’s court for Don’t tell me they have driving her car through a red given me the scratchings again.” light. She explained to the A MAN hears digging next magistrate that she was a door and sticks his head over schoolteacher who had a the fence. flat tyre and after changing it, had been running late for “What are you doing Bluey?” he asks. school. “A school teacher, eh?” The neighbor looks up and replies “I’m burying my pet said the magistrate. budgerigar.” “I shall realise my lifelong ambition. I have waited “That’s a big hole for a years to have a school little bird.” “Not really,” says Bluey. teacher before this court. “He’s inside your cat.” “Sit at that table over there and write ‘I must not drive A MOTHER asks her through red lights’ 500 son how he went in the times.” geography test. “I got 100 percent,” says AN air hostess came up Johnny. to an elderly man during a flight to Sydney and said “I “That’s fantastic. I knew am sorry sir, but we appear you could do it.” to have left your wife behind “It helps to sit next to the brightest kid in the class.” in Melbourne.” “Thank God for that,” said

Catholic Life, May 2013 - Page 23

Ex-business manager resigns

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for sale FLAGS. Holy See (Vatican) full size. Some from World Youth Day in Sydney. Many countries. All $95 each, plus post. Phone 0418 835 644

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FORMER business manager of the Diocese of Sale Jeff Davis has resigned. He has been on extended leave with a serious illness since late last year. Mr Davis worked for the diocese for 14 years, originally as accounts assistant to then business manager Brian Donnelly, and later as business manager.

Concern for kids behind razor wire CHAIRMAN of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, Bishop Christopher Saunders, has expressed deep concern over the proposed detention of children and families in remote immigration facilities. “There is something particularly uncaring about locking away children and families in a starkly isolated facility such as Curtin in the Kimberley”, Bishop Saunders said. “I have seen first-hand the conditions of this place and the physical and mental trauma experienced by older detainees who had already suffered greatly. “The Minister says that families and children will be detained for migration checks for the shortest possible time. But the government gave similar undertakings in 2008, and recent figures reveal that the average time adults and children are spending in detention is almost five months.

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He relinquished that role shortly after the diocesan headquarters moved to Warragul last July. Bishop Christopher Prowse has thanked Mr Davis for his leadership in the diocese and for being a great advisor to both Bishop Jeremiah Coffey and himself.

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Bishop Chris Saunders “Women and children are particularly vulnerable and to detain them in places like Curtin calls into question Australia’s commitments under international law – particularly those of the Convention on the Rights of the Child”, Bishop Saunders said. “The benefits of releasing families into the community will be offset by preventing them from taking up the right to work in order to support themselves. The limited government payments available to them will ensure they struggle to survive as they are placed well below the poverty line. “I am worried that we could be creating an underclass of severely marginalised people who could be subject to exploitation”, Bishop Saunders said. “Isolated facilities are the wrong place to keep traumatised children and parents. We have an obligation in justice to see to it that they have the means to feed, clothe and house themselves while they are in the community and their claims are being processed. The basic requirement of justice must be to ensure those who have fled the desperation and disaster of their homelands do not now face destitution in Australia.”

Date is set for Sion gathering

THE annual gathering of former students of Our Lady of Sion College, Sale, will this year take place on November 10. All former Old Sionians are urged to make contact with the organising committee so they can be updated on planned events. Contact either CeCe Kingwill 5144 6340 or Mauren McLeod on 5144 3550.

Page 24 - Catholic Life, May 2013

Pride, spirit and a lot of sports enthusiasm TRARALGON - Term one at St Michael’s Primary School was a short but busy term. The school held their annual athletics and swimming sports carnivals. House captains and vice captains led their teams with pride, spirit and lots of enthusiasm. Both days were very successful with some children going on to compete in district, division-

al and regional competitions. The swimming carnival was held in perfect weather conditions at Traralgon’s outdoor pool. Grades 3-6 students took part in a range of swimming and novelty events and enjoyed some free swim time during the day. Grade 5/6 Champions and Molly Dunlop Trophy Recipients on the day were Georgia

ETSE leading the preps girls in their 100m sprint.

Hughes and Jye DaRos and the grade 3/4 Champions were Alyssa Furlan and Tom Hamilton. School principal Cathy Blackford said, “The success of the swimming carnival can be partly attributed to the intensive swimming program that all the students undertake each year. It has given the children a lot more confidence and skill in the water.” Hot weather saw the athletics carnival held over two days. Firstly at the recreation reserve in Davidson St. and then back at the school. Most of the track and field events and some of the novelty events were completed at the recreation reserve and then the remainder of the carnival was completed back at school due to the heat. Athletics champion and winner of the Aerobic Trophy was “Green House.” Mrs Blackford also said, “A big thank you to teacher, Sarah Morrow and all our staff for all their work prior to both days and for the smooth running of EWAN competing in the long jump. the actual carnivals. “Special thanks must also go to all the parents, families and friends who helped in many different ways to make the days such a success and for encouraging and supporting our students.”

Catholic Youth Festival update By Cassie Gawley

Seminarians studying in Nigeria

Catholic Life Sale

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

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THERE have been some exciting updates on the planning of the Australian Catholic Youth Festival with everything in place and first registrations rolling in. A national briefing day on the Australian Catholic Youth Festival was held in Melbourne at the end of April. More than 70 national organisers, diocesan representatives from all over the country, youth group leaders and people interested in co-ordinating a group to attend the festival, were present to see what’s happening with the festival planning and the new updates, including the new website. The Australian Catholic Youth Festival is being held at two venues; Australian Catholic University which will host all the expo, encounter and listening activities being provided each day over the three days, and at Festival Hall, where all plenary and celebration sessions will be held in the evening. The first of its kind, the festival is expecting to attract over 3000 young people and be the largest national youth gathering since World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008. The festival will feature some fantastic speakers, entertainers and church leaders, as well as provide an opportunity for young people to talk with clergy about what is important to them within the church today. The festival website was relaunched on April 30 and is designed to be an information hub for co-ordinators and participants, with new

information and details being updated on a regular basis. Group registrations for the event are open and can be made by following the links on the website. Any person under the age of 18 cannot register as an individual but must register as part of a group, accompanied by a group co-ordinator and subsequent adult leaders in order to be supervised sufficiently. Individual and exhibitor registrations will open over the coming weeks. If anyone is interested in facilitating a group to attend the festival, the next step is to sign up to the newsletter which will keep you updated on all the latest news and registration information. It is also a good idea to get some young people to commit to attending the festival in order to get your group together and guarantee registration occurs before the closing date. Early bird registration (before September 20) for participants from the Diocese of Sale will be $195 per person, with optional meal tickets being offered for an additional $75. Registrations close six weeks prior to the festival, on October 25 unless the capacity of 3500 is reached earlier. Places are limited so get in quick to avoid missing out. For more information, visit the Australian Catholic Youth Festival’s website www. youthfestival.catholic.org.au