Catholic Life Oct2017

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Catholic Life Publication of the Diocese of Sale

October 2017

ISSUE 201

Assisted suicide Bill THE Catholic Bishops of Victoria have issued a Pastoral Letter to Catholics outlining their opposition to the Victorian Government’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill.

Copies of the letter have been sent to all parishes and the full text is inside this issue.

The Bishops say that, if passed, the Bill will change the criminal code to allow doctors and other health professionals to become actively and deliberately involved in the premature death of patients.

The proposed safeguards do

INSIDE

Bishops call Catholics to action not guarantee that all deaths will be voluntary and that people will not also die because of carelessness, error, fraud, coercion or self-perceived pressure.

They point out that endorsing suicide as a solution to pain or suffering sent the wrong message to the young.

“It would be plain wrong to legally endorse any form of suicide when governments and community groups are working so hard to persuade others that there are better options

available than taking their own life.”

The Bishops are calling on Catholics of Victoria to make their voices heard by sharing their concerns about the Bill.

The contentious Bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill Victorians was introduced to Parliament last month and a conscience vote is expected by the end of the year.

If passed without amendment, people suffering from an advanced and incurable disease, illness or medical condition

would get the right to choose a doctor-assisted death from 2019.

The Andrews Government’s legislation is modelled on the recommendations of an expert panel chaired by former Australian Medical Association president Professor Brian Owler and claimed to be the most conservative in the world.

Under the proposal, terminally ill Victorians could access lethal medication within 10 days of asking to die, following a three-step request process

involving two independent medical assessments.

They must be over the age of 18, of sound mind, expected to die within 12 months and suffering in a way that “cannot be relieved in a manner the person deems tolerable.”

The patient must administer the drug themselves, but a doctor could deliver the lethal dose in rare cases where someone was physically unable to end their own life.

• Read the full text of the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter, p8.

Guided retreat along Gippsland coast

Two deacons ordained Page 3

Death of Fr Joe Pulis Page 4

Pastoral Letter on euthanasia Page 8

Trinity FAMILIES

A SMALL group of dedicated walkers has just completed a seven day walking retreat through South Gippsland.

They set out from San Remo and followed the George Bass Coastal Walk and rail trails to Welshpool some 140km away.

The Ignatian guided retreat was organised by Campion spiritual directors Geraldine Naismith, Yinnar, with the help of the head of Campion’s Being with God in Nature program Peter Saunders.

Fr Brendan Hogan, Narre Warren. and Fr Peter Slater,

Warragul, took part celebrating THE group pauses for a photograph along the George Bass daily Mass and prayer sessions. Coastal Walk.

Walkers stayed two nights in motels along the way at Wonthaggi, Leongatha and Foster and were transported by car each morning to begin the journey where they left off the previous evening.

The guided retreat created an opportunity to spend some reflective time as a group, as well as spending solo reflective moments walking with Jesus.

It is hoped that the walk will become an annual event.

FOLLOWING each other footsteps along the beach.

We need your help to aid others

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Please give generously.

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

Page 2 - Catholic Life, October 2017

2020 Plenary Council to shape Church’s future THERE is an old Latin adage which in its full form reads, Ecclesia semper reformanda est. Simply translated it means, “the Church is always in need of reform”.

The Second Vatican Council, in its document on the Church, often called by its Latin title, Lumen Gentium or Light of Nations, in English, issued on November 21, 1964, did not attempt to define what the Church was or was not, but rather who it is, namely the People of God (see chapter II. The term, ‘People of God’ is used 41 times in Lumen Gentium).

Six times it also uses the word ‘pilgrim’ to describe the trajectory of God’s holy people.

Of late I have been slowly re-reading this document. Like the other three great Dogmatic Constitutions issued by Vatican II, (Sacrosanctum Councilium, December 4, 1963, [On Sacred Liturgy]; Dei Verbum, November 18, 1965 [On Divine Revelation] and Gaudium et Spes, December 7, 1965 [On the Church in the Modern World]), it remains the Magna Carta of how we are to understand the Church.

I have been prompted to do this partly because it is always a good thing to come back to the source documents to purify our vision, and ground us in hope, but also with one eye on the coming Plenary Council of the Church

in Australia to be held in 2020. We will be hearing more of this once some essential parameters have been laid down.

In moving around our parishes and schools, it is always interesting to listen to what questions people have and what topics of conversations in which they are engaged.

In all the excitement of finals season of the football no wonder it is about the relative merits of which team will prevail; if it is about a recent tragic event it focuses our attention, and we ask why, how could this have happened etc.

The current engaging moral issues of our time, among which are, ought the Commonwealth Marriage Act be changed, and for us Victorians especially ought the Physician Assisted Suicide Bill be passed, have produced a lot of heat at times and less light than is helpful. In other words, what we talk about matters, and how we talk about it also matters.

As people of faith the things about which we are in conversation need to be also seen though the lens of faith.

What we talk about, then and how we talk about does truely matter. This is one of the lessons of the current so-called debates of our times.

The 2020 Plenary Council, in whatever shape it will have, will have as its theme: “the future of the Catholic Church in

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

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

Australia”.

I believe that we do indeed have a future and a significant one. I also believe we need to talk about that and how we do that matters. One good start would be to read Lumen Gentium, and if you really want to get carried away the other three Dogmatic constitutions while you are at it.

Year of Youth, 2018 While it may seem hard to believe, 2018 will mark 10 years since World Youth Day in Sydney. As a way of both celebrating that and building upon it, 2018 has been designated as the Year of Youth within our Church in Australia.

To launch this the Australian Catholic Youth Festival will be held in Sydney from December 7-9 this year.

At last count 13,000 attendees have been confirmed as attending,

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around 70 of whom will come from the Diocese of Sale. This national gathering builds on the previously successful gatherings in Melbourne in 2013 with 2000 attendees, and Adelaide in 2015 with 3000 attendees The festival has as its theme: Open new horizons for spreading joy. The theme draws inspiration from Pope Francis’ address to young people at the Vigil at World Youth Day in Krakow 2016, along with the theme chosen for the next General Synod to be held in Rome during 2018.

Pope Francis continues to challenge the young people of the world to boldly engage with their faith, their relationship with Jesus and the world.

It is often said that our young people are our future.

This festival reminds us that our young people are our present as well. It is a chance to share with them the richness of what a life lived by the gift of faith can be, and what it might look like.

The festival builds upon the natural enthusiasm of our young people, and gives shape and direction to them amid so many choices available to them in our western society.

Least we think that this is just about our young people, the Gospel calls us all to be young in heart.

Thus the Year of Youth is for all of us.

I leave you with the inspirational prayer for the

coming Australian Catholic Youth Festival Prayer. God is Good!

Loving God, You call us to embrace the joy born of your Son Jesus, May it well up in our hearts, and be lived through acts of mercy.

Help us resolve to trade in comfort, aspire to greatness, And follow the path of the Cross as a courageous generation.

Inspire us to build upon the culture, tradition and beauty of the Church; Nourish us as we dare to blaze trails that open new horizons.

Send us forth to be instruments of change and hope In this great land of the Holy Spirit.

Like Mary, may we discern your call with faith and love: Responding with great joy in our hearts.

In union with Jesus, our Saviour and friend, We pray to be filled with your Holy Spirit That we may be your witnesses Through the Australian Catholic Youth Festival.

Amen.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Pray for us.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Pray for us. + Bishop Pat O’Regan Bishop of Sale

Diocese on Facebook DAVID HASTIE General Manager

JOHN GALBRAITH Consultant

MARK RIDDLE Consultant

ALLAN WORTHY Consultant

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THE Diocese has a Facebook page where news and information about what is happening is being shared.

The page has news and information from around the diocese to supplement the news coverage provided in Catholic Life.

Search for ‘Catholic Diocese of Sale’ on Facebook or go to www.facebook.com/ dioceseofsale and ‘Like’ .

You do not need to log in or join to see what is on the Facebook page. Recent posts have included photos from the recent diaconate ordinations in Sale and the Migrant Sunday Mass in Pakenham.

If you have a newsworthy story to share with the rest of the diocese? You can submit this as a suggested Facebook post, simply send a good photo and 50-100 words to newsonline@ sale.catholic.org.au Ensure you have permission of the photographer and those appearing in the photo before supplying.

Questions? You can contact the recently appointed diocesan digital media manager Liz Roberts, based at the diocesan offices in Warragul, on Wednesdays and Fridays on 5622 6673.

Getting more news about what is happening in the diocese out through social media, like Facebook, is just the first step in a digital media strategy which will be rolled out for the diocese over the next 18 months.

Thanks to those who have already ‘liked’ the Facebook page, ‘likes’ have increased from 260 to 317 since early August. Please continue to share the page with family, friends and fellow parishioners.

Catholic Life, October 2017 - Page 3

Cowes primary school begins to take shape COWES – There is great excitement in Cowes as Phillip Island’s first Catholic school starts to take shape.

Steelwork for the new Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School was erected last month and brickworks have begun.

The school is on Rhyll Rd behind the Cowes Catholic Church and will open next year.

Principal Cathy Blackford said the new building would not be ready for first term as students and staff would have to be placed in portable classrooms for first term.

She said construction was progressing well although the wet weather experienced over the past couple of months had created some problems.

The first stage of the school was four classrooms, an administration section, oval, hardcourt, and playground.

A further two stages would see development of further classrooms, a lift to first floor classrooms, construction of a chapel and multi purpose hall and an early learning centre.

Mrs Blackford said a natural amphitheatre would be formed and the large 2.8ha site would enable development of a

wetland, indigenous grasslands and woodlands which would aid students in their study of nature.

The school is taking enrolments and Mrs Blackford can be reached on 5951 1700 or principal@olsscowes.catholic. edu.au. The school will hold public information sessions this term.

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CATHY Blackford displays the school’s uniform.

Two deacons are ordained SALE - The main body of St Mary’s Cathedral was filled for the ordination to the diaconate of Avinash George and Hiep Van Nguyen on September 2.

Both men are now expected to be ordained priests for Sale Diocese next year.

In the meantime, Bishop Pat O’Regan has appointed Deacon George to the cathedral parish in Sale and Deacon Nguyen to Warragul from November 20.

While serving in the parishes they will conclude their studies at Corpus Christi Seminary, Melbourne.

At the ordinations, presided over by Bishop O’Regan there was a large contingent of Indian and Vietnamese in the congregation, supporting and celebrating the major steps in the lives of the deacons.

Deacon George’s parents, George and Lucy George, travelled from Kerala, India, for the occasion, as did his uncle Fr Matthew Joseph TOR. Deacon Nguyen had the support of several Vietnamese priests including two who grew up in his home parish.

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www.darrenchester.com BISHOP Pat O’Regan with newly ordained Deacon Avinash George (left) and Deacon Hiep Van Nguyen.

DEACON Hiep Van Nguyen was presented with a large bouquet of flowers by his Vietnamese friends.

BISHOP Pat O’Regan and Deacon Avinash George with his parents and some of his extended family.

Page 4 - Catholic Life, October 2017

Death of Salesian priest

Bishop leaving ANGLICAN Bishop of Gippsland Kay Goldsworthy has been appointed the new Archbishop of Perth and will take up the position in the new year.

She has only been in Gippsland since 2015 and has been involved with several ecumenical events with our Bishop Pat O’Regan, including the prayer day at Morwell when Hazelwood Power Station closed.

Bishop Goldsworthy was the first female bishop of the Anglican Church in Australia and now becomes its first female archbishop.

Although originally a Victorian, she previously spent 10 years in Perth as the assistant bishop before being appointed to Gippsland.

No eye for detail WE don’t normally point out spelling mistakes in other publications for fear of having someone highlight the typos in ours.

But we can’t resist pointing out some of the errors we see in signs, no doubt seen by a few sets of eyes before the signs get put in place.

We can’t help a smile at the poster Lift With Care in which we are told to “list smoothy”.

We can imagine people leaning to the side as they pick up heavy parcels.

Another sign worth noting

is “Beware slippery – Fall gently”

Bump in the night SALE family heard strange noises during the night and put it down to a possum in the ceiling which they had experienced before.

However, next morning there were sounds coming from a closed off open fireplace.

Closer inspection found a very sooty black duck who had fallen down the chimney.

It was carried outside and after a few moments of quiet reflection on the nature strip it flew off.

We surmise the duck was looking for a likely nesting place when he went head first down the chimney pot.

Slithery problem

AND while on wildlife, we hear that is a good year for snakes.

People who live in the country are used to the spring invasion as snakes move around looking for mates.

Only problem is suburbia has moved into snake habitat and they are ending up in peoples’ gardens.

MUCH-loved Salesian priest Fr Joe Pulis died peacefully at Cabrini hospital in Melbourne on August 28 – just two days short of his 85th birthday.

The quietly spoken priest served at Nagle College, Bairnsdale, from 1996 until last year when the Salesians closed their monastery in the town.

He was a Salesian for 65 years, and a priest for 55 years.

He spent most of his Salesian life in teaching ministry at various Salesian colleges including Sunbury, Brooklyn Park, and Dominic College in Tasmania.

Fr Pulis was born in Sliema, Malta, in 1932 and his early faith-formation included several religious orders.

He lived in the Franciscan parish, went to Mass every day with the Carmelites, attended a De La Salle Brothers school and also attended a Salesian oratory from about age seven to 16 when he came to Australia.

In an interview with Catholic Life to celebrate the golden jubilee of his priesthood in 2012, Fr Pulis said he found the Salesian charism to be caring and loving and he liked the way the priests were always working to inspire students and so it was to the Salesians to whom he was drawn.

At the invitation of the superior of the Salesians in Australia, Maltese-born Fr Joe

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

Ciantar, he arrived in 1948 to study with the Salesians.

His parents and two brothers came a year later and in 1951 Fr Pulis entered the novitiate and made his religious professions in January 1952.

He studied philosophy and teacher training in Australia before being sent to Italy at the end of 1958 to study theology and he was eventually ordained a priest there in 1962.

Fr Pulis had a great love of languages but it was while teaching at Chadstone from 1982-96 that he realised the need for more Australians to learn Japanese.

He introduced the language to the school and then obtained another degree majoring in Japanese Language and Asian Studies.

His role was reversed when he taught English to Japanese students at the Salesian Polytechnic in Tokyo during 1994.

When he arrived at Nagle College he became the languages coordinator and taught Japanese and Italian fulltime until 2002, when at age 70 he decided to teach part-time.

Fr Pulis said the most satisfying part of his life as a Salesian priest was the relationships he had been able

Fr Joe Pulis SDB to foster with young people.

“It inspires me to do the good that I can with them and in response, they grow in themselves and that if lifegiving for me.”

He was a keen angler who spent many hours try to catch fish and he was known among the Salesians as a great cook with a special interest in extreme spices, the hotter the better.

The requiem Mass for Fr Pulis was celebrated at St Margaret Mary’s Salesian parish, North Brunswick, on September 5 and his burial was at the Salesian cemetery in the Salesian College ground, Sunbury.

Newborough school to celebrate 60th NEWBOROUGH - Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Newborough, will celebrate 60 years of education next March.

St Mary’s will celebrate the anniversary of the official opening of the school on the weekend of March 17-18.

It is planning a supper dance on the Saturday and on the Sunday a parish Mass will be held at 9am followed by morning tea in the school

hall and an opportunity to wander through the school and reminisce.

The school would like to invite all past students, staff and parishioners to join it in celebrating this wonderful occasion.

For more details, contact St Mary’s on principal@ stmnewbor.catholic.edu.au or 51272342

International youth survey 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.

AN international survey of youth is being undertaken in preparation for the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

The survey is targeted towards post-school youth and data obtained will be provided directly to the Synod next year.

It is the only international survey and is in addition to the survey of youth undertaken by the Australian Catholic

Bishops’ Conference earlier this year.

This survey is an opportunity for young people to communicate, express and recount who they are and what they want to say about themselves.

The Vatican survey can be found at: http://youth. synd21018.va/content/ synod2018/en.html

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Catholic Life, October 2017 - Page 5

Erica farewells its church - the end of an era ERICA - The people of Erica and the Parishes in Partnership of St Kieran’s, Moe, and St Mary’s, Newborough, sadly, but prayerfully celebrated the closure of Sacred Heart Church, Erica on August 5.

The church which had served the community in two different structures since 1924 has not had regular Masses for several years and his now been sold.

A Powerpoint highlighting the history of the Erica faith community, greeted those who attended.

Bishop Pat O’Regan presided at the liturgy with parish priest Fr Harry Dyer OMI and Fr Andrew Chen OMI. The prayers, hymns and the homily of the bishop highlighted the various aspects

of the church structure, community life and faith.

After the liturgy all present adjourned for a sumptous aafternoon tea at Cafe1914.

The original Sacred Heart Church was built in 1924 and cost $320. It was then part of Cowwarr Parish.

Sacred Heart Church in Erica then became part of St Kieran’s Parish, Moe. In 1976, the ‘new’ church was constructed from half of the old Moe telephone exchange.

The Erica half still contained telephone equipment and wiring which had to be removed before the building could be used as a church. Perhaps God was not happy about His direct lines to Erica being disconnected, because the building was blown

THE now closed second church which was once part of the Moe telephone exchange.

AT the final Mass are (from left) Greg Hansford, Bev and Des Dowie, Bishop Pat O’Regan, Deacon Terry Rooney and his wife Marie. off its foundations while being refurbished.

The church has a number of interesting historical artifacts, including the 14 Stations of the Cross which are numbered, limited edition colored lithographs printed in Germany in 1902.

The hand-made glass from 10 of the original frames was used in reframing the stations in 2001.

The candle holders were made with wood salvaged from the original Church and now displayed in the Erica Historical Society.

THE first Erica Catholic church, pictured in 1928.

Fewer people makes pilgrimage to cathedral SALE – A smaller than normal number of participants took part in the annual Our Lady of Perpetual Help pilgrimage on September 17.

This event brings people from around the diocese to St Mary’s Cathedral where an icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is venerated as patroness of the cathedral and diocese.

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Participants gathered at the old cathedral hall, where the first decade of the rosary was recited and then processed in stages to the Port of Sale, two stops at Lake Guthridge and the historic Foster St. precinct before finishing at the cathedral.

A rosary and litany led by Bishop Pat O’Regan was held at each stop.

At the cathedral participants washed their hands in a symbolic act signifying the end of their journey, a purification to wash away the dust of the 90 minute pilgrimage.

Others waiting in the cathedral joined in the liturgy which included hymns to Our Lady and a veneration of an icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Flower petals were placed in a bowl beside the icon as a sign of homage.

10 charities to share funds TRINITY Families advisory committee has just completed the difficult task of determining which charities should receive funding in its 2017 disbursement.

At the closing of applications at the end of August, 17 charities had applied for funding of projects.

The total amount of funds sought was $260,024 which was more than double the amount Trinity Families has to distribute.

Lower investment returns due to the low interest environment

mean that only $109,750 could be allocated this year.

The committee has recommended that 10 projects be funded but in almost all cases, the amounts to be provided will be less than what was sought.

Executive officer Colin Coomber said invitations to the cheque handovers by patron Bishop Pat O’Regan would be sent out once approvals were obtained.

The function would be at Sion House, Warragul, at noon on November 10.

He said four charities had applied for funding for the first time this year and this indicated that there was still a growing need within the region.

Trinity Families is the trading name of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sale Charitable Fund and it operates as a philanthropic trust, distributing the proceeds of its investments each year.

This year’s disbursements will mean it has provided more than $1.3 million to charitable projects assisting families since being established 16 years ago.

RECITING the Rosary at the historic Port of Sale.

Page 6 - Catholic Life, October 2017

Two Sale reunions

The need for us to belong

SALE – Two reunions will take place at Catholic College Sale on the weekend of November 11-12.

The first is a reunion of the class of students who began in 1972 and graduated in 1977 at either St Patrick’s College or Our Lady of Sion College which eventually amalgamated.

This will take place on November 11 and students who were part of that cohort and wish to find out more should contact Mary Storie (Clancy) on 0419 898 151 or sstorie@bigpond. com, or Paul Bourke 0428 451

TODAY Technology connects us as we have never been connected before – mobile phones, the internet, email, SMS, Facebook, etc etc allow for almost world-wide instantaneous communication.

The security of knowing that we are ‘in touch’ with our loved ones, almost wherever they may be, is very comforting.

Does anyone still remember having to ‘book’ phone calls overseas, sometimes days in advance? We are presented with extraordinary means of ensuring that we feel as if we belong.

But, paradoxically, do these wonderful inventions also keep us apart?

It can be easier, more efficient and quicker to email or SMS or Twitter, but does that mean we don’t talk, that we don’t spend time together, listening, watching, conversing, just enjoying one another’s company?

Wherever possible, shouldn’t these technological wonders augment our communication rather than being its major focus?

Sometimes we can go through the motions of a conversation but our minds are a hundred miles away or back at the desk or the workplace where the job awaits.

Jesus was a great story teller.

He used images which have stayed with us.

The image of the hen

366 or paul@gremaffra.com.au The second reunion is the annual gathering of all past pupils and Friends of Sion on November 12.

The day will begin with Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral at 9.30am and continue afterwards with morning tea, a meeting, lunch and a short liturgy at Our Lady of Sion campus.

Further information is available from CeCe Kingwill at wicck@iinet.net.au or Maureen McLeod 5144 3550 or 0427 443 550.

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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Reflections

by Jim Quillinan protecting her chickens against the fox, for example, is very powerful.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (Lk 13 31-35) We all need to feel secure, to feel protected, to feel as if we belong. Jesus offers us a challenge in his hen and chicken image. Despite their continuing rejection, despite their treatment of those sent before Him, Jesus still longs to gather ‘Jerusalem’ in his embrace. He made a similar point in another place: Treat others the same way you would want them to treat you. If you only love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.(Luke 6:31-36).

So how welcoming are we?

Do you see yourself as an includer, an affirmer, a person who thinks about others?

Do you go out of our way to welcome the stranger, the new person at work, the new people in the neighborhood or the parish or the club? Having lived in six different suburbs and towns, such welcomes are very, very rare.

Many communities pride themselves on being open and welcoming but the reality can be very different. For example, a couple of years ago two visiting speakers from the USA told the story of being asked to speak at a diocesan gathering.

They went to Mass in the

local parish church where they were staying and were both struck with how impersonal it was. A nod at the door when they arrived and, although they stood outside the church after Mass, no-one spoke to them.

Later that day they spoke at the conference and afterwards a group came to speak to them.

“You must come to our parish”, they said. “We are not like other parishes here – we are so welcoming and friendly, a real community”. No prizes for guessing which parish they were from!

It’s easy to make people feel welcome if they are ‘one of us’, if they respond as we would wish or if we like them. It is much harder to welcome those who may be different, perhaps difficult or demanding or even aggressive.

How do we make the recalcitrant student feel more welcome, the anxious parent, the demanding patient, the complaining neighbor, the impatient customer?

Psychologists also tell us that people who regularly and often persistently complain (you know, those we try to avoid as much as possible) do so to gain a sense of participation and meaning in their immediate community. They too want to belong! Do we talk only to our friends after Mass?

In our neighborhood or community, are we aware of the lonely, the sick, the bereaved, the shy who find it difficult to mix.

Do we try to include them – do we allow ourselves to be touched by those who will not repay us, those who may challenge us? Are we an image of the hen or the unwilling?

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Catholic Life, October 2017 - Page 7

Heyfield memories Bishop’s statement on of the late 1950s same-sex marriage vote

By Sr Helen Barnes AS this article is being written the world is awash with news of displaced people.

Poignant photos show distressed mothers holding crying babies or groups of people walking from nation to nation searching for a home.

In Australia our politicians are making speeches and promising help yet many refugees are being sent back to Manus Island.

Some time ago Four Corners presented a graphic story of young people who escaped their war torn country and are now in Nauru. They came with hope of settling down and contributing to their new homeland.

Over the years of detention these young people began losing hope and began to despair of ever finding freedom.

Depression and suicide attempts, family breakdown and a sense of hopelessness became noticeable. ‘Save the Children’ teachers were appalled at the downslide from hopefulness to hopelessness.

Here in Australia memories surface of the late 1950’s when families escaped wartorn European countries by taking the offer from Australia of cheap prices which could be paid back when finances improved.

These migrants were sent to a detention centre at the former West Sale RAAF Base to be processed. Many were then sent to Heyfield for work opportunities. Some worked on the Snowy River Scheme and others provided labor and skills building the Glenmaggie Weir.

St Michael’s Catholic School in Heyfield enrolled many of the migrant children, providing four classrooms and the Josephites sent four sisters as teachers.

I was one of those sisters and together with two past students, Erica Kurek and Maria Konieczny (Lewis) we have been challenged to record our memories.

The rural community and the migrant people seemed to accept one another.

My memories of the time fascinate me and others have encouraged us to tell the stories.

It is a labor of love but now we are concerned about what to do with the stories.

We have a title for a book, “Put the Kettle on …..”. Erica offered to paint the cover for the book. She will use the toile as a background and sitting on the table would be a book with the title visible and some cups and cake and a kettle.

This idea came from a memory of Sunday afternoons when the four Sisters of St Joseph visited the migrant homes Skeels St. and other streets. On alternative weekends we visited the farming families.

Erica, Maria and myself have collected several stories.

We have visited the graves

ST Michael’s Church, Heyfield. in the Heyfield cemetery and noted the age most men died.

We believe most or all of that generation has died now.

As the ideas have progressed we were faced with the decision regards printing. We envisage a soft covered book but the size and quality will depend on how much money we can raise.

The Catholic Women’s League at Inverloch have offered to pay for the copying of photos and suggested we try a community bank. Catholic Church Insurances will meet to see if they might help.

If anyone has ideas or can assist we would be grateful.

The book could be a starter for groups to read and remember stories of their own family history.

These stories become more precious as younger generations become interested in their history.

If you can assist please call Sr Helen Barnes, Wonthaggi, on 5672 4394.

GRACE and peace, I hope this note finds you well.

The postal survey about changing the Marriage Act will go ahead, and the questions it poses to us are important.

Listening to people and discussing this subject, and with some of our Federal MPs who will ultimately be deciding this issue, it seems that many people have already made up their mind. The debate has become more complex and at times rather heated.

In all of this I am delighted by one aspect, namely that people are speaking about marriage at all. It gives us a chance to reflect on what marriage is, and what it is not. There are many forms of relationships, it’s part of what it means to be human.

The bonds of love and affection take many forms, the lost art of friendship being amongst its highest expression.

Each of these have value, for they demonstrate values such as commitment, reciprocity and mutuality. All aspects of what makes for the best among these relationships, with love at its centre.

In the Catholic Marriage Rite, the couple are asked three questions as to their willingness to enter into this marriage covenant: they are asked to enter this freely, for life and declare that they are open to children.

Each wedding also includes a nuptial blessing inviting God to become an active part in the

couple’s marriage. This is what makes it nuptial.

This does not mean that other forms of commitment that show these elements cannot exist, in fact they do already. Why use a term that is well understood culturally, to describe something else?

Whatever the outcome of either the postal survey or a vote in Federal Parliament our Catholic understanding of marriage will not be changed by these actions as some seem to fear.

Even though we value and celebrate the fact that marriage is a sacrament it has a wider dimension.

Archbishop Coleridge reminds us, “Marriage has always been regarded as essentially social, binding families together in new configurations and serving as the basic cell in constructing a human society which has a future. Marriage is a social institution. That’s why it’s important to speak of the common good when speaking of marriage; it’s also why samesex marriage ideology focuses

much more on supposed individual rights than on the common good.”

The debate around this issue presents us with an opportunity.

It asks us to explore the meaning of marriage in a deeper way, both our rich Catholic heritage, both East and West, and it broader societal dimensions.

Now that the survey will go ahead, I’ll be participating and ticking the No box. This is not because I wish ill of any kind on those in same-sex unions who have the same need for love and the same right to happiness as anyone else. I’ll be voting No because I think it’s the only way available of affirming values which are fundamental to true human flourishing and of guarding against unwanted consequences in the long term.

“What should we do then?”

(Luke 3:10). Participate in the postal survey, remembering it is just that, a non-binding survey.

Ultimately our politicians will determine the direction we will take in Australia and we keep them in prayer. May our society continue to be a place where our families and children flourish in peace and love.

Let us also take the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the rich nature of what marriage can be.

In Domino Bishop Patrick O’Regan Bishop of Sale

Collect bonus interest for regular savings while also supporting the Catholic Community. Sign up for your online student account today! www.cdfcommunityfund.org.au/students

Important Notice: The Archdiocese of Melbourne – Catholic Development Fund (the Fund) is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Therefore, an investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth).

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

Furthermore, investors should be aware that neither the Fund nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Trusts Corporation for the Archdiocese of Melbourne is subject to the normal requirements to have a disclosure statement or Product Disclosure Statement or be registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Fund against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund.

Page 8 - Catholic Life, October 2017

A Pastoral Letter to the Catholics of Victoria Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, We recently wrote to you sharing our concern at the plan to introduce assisted suicide and euthanasia in Victoria.

Since then, leaders of Christian Churches and other religions have united in publicly expressing their opposition to such laws. Indeed the Australian Medical Association and the World Medical Association maintain that doctors should not be involved in either of these practices.

In spite of this, the Victorian Government has now introduced a bill to the parliament that uses the euphemistic term “assisted dying”. We need to be clear: this law will change the criminal code to permit doctors and other health professionals to become actively and deliberately involved in the premature death of patients.

Many proponents of this change in the law are motivated by compassion. While it is never easy to face the end of life of a loved one, assistance in our time of dying is something that we should all want for ourselves and for others. However, this should not involve dispensing and administering medications intended to kill people.

Never safe No “safeguards” can ever guarantee that all deaths provided for under the proposed laws will be completely voluntary.

Whether because of carelessness, error, fraud, coercion or even self-perceived pressure, there will always be a risk.

Victoria abolished the death penalty because we learnt that in spite of our best efforts, our justice system could never guarantee that an innocent person would not be killed by mistake or by false evidence. Our health system, like our justice system, is not perfect. Mistakes happen. To introduce this law presuming everyone will be safe is naïve. We need to consider the safety of those whose ability to speak for themselves is limited

by fear, disability, illness or old age.

Government endorsed suicide Endorsing suicide as a solution to pain or suffering sends the wrong message, especially to the young. Suicide is a tragedy for the person who takes their own life, but it also seriously affects their family and community. It would be plain wrong to legally endorse any form of suicide when governments and community groups are working so hard to persuade others that there are always better options available than taking their own life.

More care – not euthanasia and assisted suicide This bill comes at a time when not all Victorians have equal access to the highest standards of care that we can provide. The care of our elderly is failing in some critical ways and elder abuse is a growing, although often hidden, phenomenon. Surely these matters – not assisted suicide – should be the focus of our Government’s attention.

There is clear evidence that most people who seek assisted suicide do so from fear of what lies ahead – not because they are experiencing unmanageable pain.

Anxiety about being a burden influences many people. It will be a tragic injustice if people opt for state-endorsed suicide because access to adequate emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical care is not available. For many people this is the reality.

The Catholic community does so much to care for people through our network of hospices, hospitals, aged care facilities and other services.

We are grateful to the Catholic community and all people of goodwill who serve the frail, elderly, sick and the dying. We ask everyone to continue to journey with those who are dying: visit them, ensure they have appropriate care, support them, offer appropriate pain relief and, most of all, remain close to

PROVIDING better care of the dying should be the government focus - not euthanasia and assisted suicide.

-123RF Stock Photo

them.

We ask Victorians to continue to love and care for those who are sick and suffering rather than abandoning them to euthanasia or assisting them to suicide.

Our ability to care says much about the strength of our society.

The damaging consequences We have a window into the consequences of this proposed law when we look to places that have taken this path already. Access to assisted suicide and euthanasia in the jurisdictions with similar laws has seen increasing numbers of people use the option and pleas to expand the eligibility criteria persist. We must, therefore, urge our elected representatives to resist this “first step”.

A time for action At this critical moment, we ask the Catholics of Victoria to make their voices heard. Our democracy works best when its citizens speak up. We know many of you have contacted your local representatives and we thank you for that. We encourage those of you who have not done so, to write a short letter to your representatives in the next week to courteously, but clearly, share your concern.

While we support many of the positive

recommendations recently made about improving end of life care and welcome a healthy discussion of death and dying, given the ethical and practical reasons why this bill will be harmful to all Victorians we cannot endorse it.

We encourage you to earnestly pray, individually, in your families, parishes and associations, both for our politicians and that this bill does not become law.

We agree with the editorial in the Herald Sun on Saturday 23 September that endorsed the need for more accessible quality palliative care and urged parliamentarians to vote against the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill.

We make the same recommendations to Victorian politicians of all parties.

For more information on this issue visit www.cam.org.au/euthanasia Sincerely in Christ, Most Rev Denis J Hart DD Archbishop of Melbourne Most Rev Paul Bernard Bird CSsR DD Bishop of Ballarat Most Rev Patrick Michael O’Regan DD Bishop of Sale Most Rev Leslie R Tomlinson DD Bishop of Sandhurst

45th Santa Sofia Festival KOO WEE RUP - The 45th Santa Sofia Festival will be held at St John the Baptist Church, Koo Wee Rup, on Sunday October 29.

The day begins with Mass at 9.30am celebrated by Fr Frank Bertagnolli, assisted by Deacon Tony Aspinall, and featuring the renowned St Anthony’s choir.

After Mass colorful balloons will be released, followed by the procession of the statue of St Sofia at 10.45am. The procession will proceed along Gardner, Moody, Henry and Salmon Sts and then back to St

Scott and Sharon Anderson

John’s grounds for lunch.

While participants are enjoying their lunch piano accordionist Tony Vilella will mingle with the crowd.

The auction of donated goods and spinning wheel will take place at 12.30pm, then at 2pm the singing trio Something To Talk About will perform the first of two brackets.

Comedian James Liotta comes on at 2.45, and following the drawing of the raffle at 3.35, the band will play its second bracket.

There will be an Italian and Aussie sausage sizzle and to

recognise the Koo Wee Rup farming heritage there will be asparagus and onions available for purchase. And of course, where would an Italian festival be without a gelati van and a coffee stand?

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Catholic Life, October 2017 - Page 9

Conflict resolution styles for adults and children

25 day pilgrimage leaving Gippsland

By Carmel Sparkes Family Counsellor

WARRAGUL-based travel agency Travel Plus is offering a truly hassle free 25 day tour that includes travelling Italy’s Pilgrim Trail and Days of Devotion.

It will depart on May 13, 2018.

The tour commences with a pick up from many Gippsland towns and then arrival at Melbourne airport, assistance with all the departure procedures to make your way to Italy with no hassles.

On arrival in Venice, you will be met by a Trafalgar Tour representative who will transfer you to your hotel for the next two nights.

This pilgrimage will take you to through the stunning country of Italy visiting many places including Assisi the birthplace of St Francis who was born in 1182.

Visit the Shrine of Monte Saint’ Angelo one of the world’s most celebrated shrines where St Michael the Archangel appeared. Travelling across to Rome to visit the Sistine Chapel

TRY this exercise with children, teenagers and other adults in your life using these animal styles.

Teddy Bear will do anything to be loved. Teddy Bear tries to please everybody and looks after other people’s needs and feelings.

Shark is aggressive and bites people. Shark always needs to win. Shark doesn’t care about other people’s needs and feelings.

Tortoise pulls its head in and hides in its shell when there is any sign of conflict. Tortoise is too afraid to speak up about needs and feelings.

Owl is wise and deals with conflict when it arises. Owl listens to other people and cares about their needs and feelings as well as its own. Owl speaks respectfully and makes decisions that are fair, even if others don’t like them.

• Which of the animals best describes your style? There may be more than one.

• Which style do you use most of the time at home or with family?

• How well does this work for you?

• How well do you think it works for your family?

• Which style do you use most of the time away from home?

• With friends?

• At work?

• At school?

• How well does this work for you?

• How well do you think it works for other people?

• Which style would your family use to describe you?

• What would make them choose that style?

• How well would they say it works for you?

• How well would they say it works for them?

• Which style would people outside your family or home

use to describe you?

• Why would they choose that style?

• How well would they say it works for you?

• How well would they say it works for them?

• Is there anything you need to change, either for yourself or your relationships with other people?

• If there is, what do you need to do to make the change?

• Is there something you’d like others to do to help?

• How could you let them know what you’d like them to do?

There is a time and place for each of these styles.

If what you are doing is working, keep doing it.

If it’s not working, STOP, and do something different.

Counselling can be helpful for children, teenagers and adults who are thinking it’s time to make changes in their style and need some extra help to do this.

You can contact CatholicCare Gippsland to discuss the options. 1800 522 076

and Vatican; whilst hoping to attend the Papal Audience for a chance to see the Pope and receive a Papal blessing and many other highlights After finishing in Rome your pilgrimage will take you to Barcelona then onto the French medieval walled city of Carcassonne and the world’s most famous place of pilgrimage, The Grotto of Massabielli in Lourdes.

Follow the 9th Century Way of St James through Burgos and Santiago Del Compostela with your journey culminating in Fatima for a morning Mass at the Shrine of Fatima before journeying onto Lisbon.

The final day in Lisbon.

Those completing the tour will be transferred to Lisbon airport before boarding their flight back to Melbourne where they will be met and transferred back to Gippsland.

If you wish to extend your travels please contact Jessica or Chelsea on 5623 5555 to discuss your many options.

See advertisement Page 3.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR CATHOLIC NEWS?

Principals are appointed TWO principals at diocesan primary schools will move schools next year to take up new principal appointments.

Jodie Ware, who is currently principal at St Mary’s Primary, Yarram, has been appointed principal at St Michael’s Primary School, Traralgon.

The Traralgon school has had Jan Fitzpatrick as acting principal since former principal Cathy Blackford left mid-year

to become inaugural principal of the new Our Lady Star of the Sea which will open at Cowes next year.

Terry Cahill, currently principal at St Therese’s Primary, Cranbourne North, will move to be principal at St Agatha’s Primary, Cranbourne.

The Yarram and Cranbourne North positions have been advertised and are expected to be filled shortly.

Survey on how people get Catholic news TELL us how you get your Catholic news.

If you regularly or semiregularly consume Catholic media, whether that be traditional newspapers, magazines or web-based publications and social media platforms, then the Australian Catholic Media Council wants to hear from you!

The council has developed a short survey to find out what you value in Catholic media.

Do you find that it helps to educate, form, challenge and deepen your faith, connect you

to the local Church or to the universal Church?

What is the particular character and role of Catholic media in Australia in 2017 and what might you hope it will be in the future? How can we strengthen Catholic media Australia?

Just click straight through to the survey at this link: https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/ CathMediaUsers2017.

Local parishes should be able to provide a paper survey for those without Internet access.

We’d love to know about your experience.

The Australian Catholic Media Council invites you to participate in The Australian Catholic Media User Survey.

It only takes a few minutes, online.

Go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/CathMediaUsers2017

Page 10 - Catholic Life, October 2017

Bairnsdale silent vigil held for plight of refugees TWO young women holding a candle while a toddler played at their feet.

An 88 year old lady sitting on a folding chair grasping a candle and a photo.

Two young boys with their homemade signs.

An older man standing in silence for two hours.

A group of seasonal workers from Timor Leste.

Members of East Gippsland Asylum Seekers Support.

These were some of the people who gathered at the silent vigil in St Mary’s church grounds on the morning of Sunday, October 8.

This silent vigil was one of many actions being held all over Australia on that day, to draw attention to the ongoing suffering of the 2000 refugees on Manus Island and Nauru.

As we all know, these refugees on Manus Island and Nauru - men, women and children - have not committed

any crime. Their right to ask Australia for a place of safety is enshrined in international law.

Their claims for protection have been assessed by the authorities and 80 percent of these people have been found to be genuine refugees.

The silent vigil was brought to fruition by members of EGASS: East Gippsland Asylum Seekers Support Group based in Bairnsdale. Some members of the group made banners for the vigil, one of them a verse from St Matthew’s Gospel (25:35) “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Another banner, attached to the front fence in the church grounds read: “Manus and Nauru Not Safe For Refugees: #Bring Them Here.”

A third banner had the single word: “Compassion”.

Staff and children from St Mary’s Primary School and Nagle College endorsed the words from St Matthew’s

DELIVERING a message at a silent vigil at St Mary’s Church, Bairnsdale.

Gospel with their signatures on two large poster boards. An additional 50 signatures were added to the boards during the

St Peter’s trade centre opens

READY to learn new skills in the trade centre at St Peter’s College are Christopher, Luke and Nyawark.

CRANBOURNE - The St Peter’s College trade skills centre was officially opened and blessed last month.

The centre is delivering a hands-on approach to learning for St Peter’s students as well as those from neighbouring schools Students are developing specialised skills that will make them highly marketable in the workplace Principal Chris Black said that whilst the building had been in operation for some time it was a significant occasion when a building and resource as important as this was officially blessed and opened.

The trade skills centre is a significant facility that is already delivering a handson approach to learning and providing students with opportunities to develop highly specialised skills “Here at St Peter’s College we are committed to the development of curriculum where active learning is central.

“We talk about the development of the 4 C’s in our learning and teaching program

– Collaboration, Creativity, Communication and Critical thinking.

“This is surrounded by an over-arching 5th C – a Catholic education.

“Students in our trade skills centre are challenged each and every day to develop themselves in those 5 C’s.”

Mr Black acknowledged the attendance of Anthony Byrne, MHR, Holt, and thanked the Federal Government for their contribution of $1.26 million dollars.

He said director of Catholic education Maria Kirkwood and her team at the Catholic Education Office Sale did a wonderful job ensuring the voice of Catholic education was heard at the highest levels of government and strived for the school to continue to receive the vital funds needed to support its building program and vision at St Peter’s College in catering for the learning needs of students in the 21st Century.

Bishop Pat O’Regan attended to officially bless the new facilities.

College canonical administrators Fr Joseph Abutu, and Fr Denis O’Bryan, along with Cr Amanda Stapleton from the City of Casey, representing the Mayor, were also in attendance, along with college board members.

Former Principal Tim Hogan attended and was acknowledged as the architect of the vision.

Without this vision and his hard work this project could just have been a pipe dream rather than a reality.

The trade skills centre provides training in many areas but particularly in electro-technology, robotics, building and construction, and metalwork In closing Mr Black said “It is a pleasure to meet new families to our college who talk about our glowing and growing reputation in the local community as the reason why they come to St Peter’s College.

“This facility is one of the reasons they seek enrolment here. St Peter’s College has such an enviable reputation.”

vigil.

Photos of the seven refugees who had died at the Manus Island and Nauru detention Centres were held aloft by the participants, together with lighted candles which burned in their memory for the two hours of the vigil.

The name of the latest victims on Manus Island, one a young man who died on October 2, and the other who died two months previously, were written on a black edged sheet of paper and were placed beside a lighted candle.

The silent vigil had the wholehearted support of Bairnsdale parish priest Fr Michael Willemsen. Bishop of Sale, Bishop Pat O’Regan, also wrote a letter of support which said in part: “Dear Members of East Gippsland Asylum Seekers Support Group, “I regret that I am unable to be with you in person, but would wish to, even in a modest way, express my full support for the work of EGASS. “The patient and good work of witness and using our prophetic voice, so obvious in the work of EGASS, is at the heart of our baptismal calling. The plight of the asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru is also ‘our issue.’ Our faith calls us to be the ‘voice of the voiceless’.

May your efforts in faith, hope

and love, bear much fruit.”

Speaking in Rome in February this year, Pope Francis spoke about those who are exiled from their homes and seeking asylum.

He said, “Defending their inalienable rights, ensuring their fundamental freedoms, and respecting their dignity, are duties from which no one can be exempted.

On another occasion Pope Francis said, “Every stranger who knocks at our door is an opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ who identifies with the welcomed and rejected strangers of every age.”

Like us, these “strangers” want to be safe.

Like us, they want their families at their side.

Like us, they want to be treated fairly by those in authority.

Like us, they want their rights and human dignity to be upheld.

Hopefully, the silent vigil gave a powerful witness to the Gospel which calls us to be on the side of the oppressed and to welcome the stranger at our door.

Those who gathered at the vigil gathered in silence. May their combined silent ‘voice’ become part of a groundswell of support for the ‘voiceless’ refugees on Manus Island and Nauru.

Only one more issue for the year THERE is only one more issue of Catholic Life for the year which will be published in the first week of December.

Schools and parishes with articles are requested to submit them no later than Monday, November 27.

Articles should be a maximum of 400 words which should be provided a Word file, attached to an email.

When providing photographs they should be separate JPG attachments to the email.

Photographs in a Word file cannot be satisfactorily extracted for clear publication and so we do not accept them.

If sending photographs please ensure that they are sent maximum or original size.

Unfortunately many photos taken on mobile phones cannot be used because the default setting results in us receiving low quality files unsuitable for printing.

We recommend that photos are first downloaded into a computer and then attached to an email.

Photo files should be a minimum 250kb in size but we prefer them to be 1Mb or larger.

Finally, don’t forget to tell us who is in the photograph and what they are doing.

Catholic Life, October 2017 - Page 11

Residential property in superannuation not all roses A FEW years ago the Federal Government changed the rules to allow superannuation funds to borrow in order to increase their investment exposure.

Along with the removal of the restrictions came a very strict conditions to which any borrowing is subject, and severe penalties should any of those restrictions be ignored.

The most notable type of asset that has been promoted to self managed superannuation funds’s to obtain through borrowing is property.

This has resulted in a “buy property in superannuation” boom that is a significant contributor to the recent property boom, which some may call a bubble.

However, just about any asset that can be independently valued can be bought with

borrowed funds – shares, instalment warrants, unit trusts and such are all OK to the tax office that controls the SMSF area.

So, what are some of these restrictions?

The first is that the debt can only be secured against the asset being bought. It can’t be secured with any other assets held by the fund. In other words the lender has limited recourse to the fund.

With shares this is a simple matter – borrow $100,000, buy $100,000 in shares. Property is more difficult. We now have limited recourse borrowing agreements that need a separate trust to be established to hold the asset and the trust holds the debt. The debt is secured by the SMSF. The extra paperwork and

DOLLAR$ & SENSE with David Wells

legal requirements mean that the costs can be increased by between $4000 and $20,000 depending on complexity and the solicitor used.

There are other restrictions as well. The one that most people seem to either ignore or are unaware of is that the asset may (must) be maintained but cannot be improved or changed while subject to the loan.

In other words, if you buy a house you can’t add anything to it. You can’t replace a single carport with a double carport,

New trade centre is opened

you can’t extend it and you can’t remodel the interior by changing the layout.

Technically you can’t replace a tile roof with an iron one.

What you buy is what you keep. If the asset has two titles you can’t sell one, or develop it or use it for anything except maybe parking (don’t concrete it though) or a vegie garden.

And you can’t buy it from your family, or let your family rent it, or even your business associates. That’s against the law, too.

And the penalties for breaking the law are severe – the fund’s value may be taxed at the highest rate, the trustees may be penalised both with fines and the requirement to make good and losses in the fund. And the ATO has determined that it wants to audit SMSF’s at least every three years.

There is another problem, too, that a real estate agent will often fail to mention. If you retire at age 65 and convert your super fund to a pension fund it will need to pay a cash pension of 5 per cent per year minimum.

Residential property is being sold presently for yields as low as 1 percent. Where will the other 4 percent of the fund’s value come from to pay the pension? The property may need to be sold regardless.

And then there are the costs – stamp duty, legal fees, extra trusts, insurance, rates and especially interest.

A $400,000 mortgage that runs for 25 years at 5 percent will lead to interest costs of more than $300,000 over the term of the mortgage.

With opportunity costs included and ongoing holding costs it’s likely that your investment will need to nearly triple in value in that time just to break even. After all, almost surely the current property boom won’t last long enough to guarantee that.

Yes, there is a place for property in a super fund, but in ordinary times mortgaged residential property really doesn’t really add up to the best way to go.

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

Meet our finance writer

AT the opening of the new trade skills centre are (from left) college principal David Leslie, college captains Julia Enter and Nathan Rowley, director of Catholic education in Sale Diocese Maria Kirkwood, Bishop of Sale Pat O'Regan, Russell Broadbent, MHR, McMillan, Leongatha parish priest Fr Aju Varghese, and college advisory council chair Renae Littlejohn.

Photo courtesy South Gippsland Sentinel Times

LE

adding that as someone he started his working life in a shop, he appreciated the need for practical skills.

He said the school, teachers and the support effort that went into the college was all for the students' benefit.

"That's what we are here for, to allow our light to shine for others and the world."

ED B IT LA M AI LI AV S AT

construction or automotive.

He said the college hoped that through exposure to the new industry standard and fullyequipped workshop facilities, students would emerge confident and fully-prepared to enter the workforce.

Bishop O'Regan noted that he had always admired the school's motto "It's the wisdom of the Lord that teaches us",

During the free evening in Sale he will talk generally about shares and investing.

He has conducted similar evenings around the state for many years and is widely regarded as one of the state’s most experienced stockbrokers.

The evening in VRI Hall, Pettit Drive, Sale, (opposite railway station) starts at 7pm and to assist with catering, those wishing to attend should contact Prue Carroll at Shaw and Partners (see advertisement this page).

SE

LEONGATHA - A new trade skills centre and refurbished administration and reception at Mary MacKillop College has been officially opened and blessed.

Bishop of Sale Pat O'Regan blessed the facilities and Russell Broadbent MHR, McMillan, officially opened the trade centre by unveiling a plaque with director of Catholic education Maria Kirkwood.

Principal David Leslie expressed the school community's appreciation for the $1 million Federal Government capital grant which fully-funded the trade centre.

Special thanks was also given to his predecessor Michael Delaney for envisaging the projects and commissioning the works during his tenure as principal.

Mr Leslie said the new trade skills centre had allowed the college to extend the range of VET in Schools courses offered and to retain students who would have previously transferred to different schools or TAFE colleges to access courses such as building and

CATHOLIC Life finance writer David Wells is holding a special evening on shares and investing in Sale on Wednesday, October 25.

He has written his column Dollars and Sense for this paper for more than 15 years and it is one of the most read regular items.

Mr Wells, who lives at Neerim East, is a senior investment advisor with Shaw and Partners stockbroking firm and is one of the few stockbrokers to also be an accredited financial planner.

Are you interested in the share market?

Do you want the chance to ask questions?

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

Date: W 2017 2017 Date: Wednesday Wednesday,26th 25thJuly October Time:from From7.00pm 7pm Time: Location: Woorayl VRI Hall, Pettit Sale (opp railway station) Location: W Golf Club,Drive, Roughead Street, Leongatha Bookings are essential: to secure your seat please call Prue Carroll at Shaw and Partners on 1800 150 009 (freecall) or email pcarroll@shawandpartners.com.au

BISHOP Pat O'Regan chats with Mary MacKillop College school captains Julia Enter and Nathan Rowley.

Photo courtesy South Gippsland Sentinel Times

Shaw and Partners AFSL 236048 Level 20, 90 Collins Street, Melbourne www.shawandpartners.com.au w

Page 12 - Catholic Life, October 2017

An amazing find

By Trevor Fogarty A WOMAN looking for a bargain at the St Vincent de Paul sale in Maffra a month ago, found much more than she ever dreamt possible.

This sale, which is held on the first Saturday of each month, always attracts hundreds of bargain hunters, and there are bargains galore to be found.

During her search, Kerrie Munro of Newry found herself in front of a desk (below).

She began opening the drawers to see how well they slid. Upon opening one drawer she noticed a bulky purse inside.

To her astonishment she found multiple wads of $50 notes held together by elastic bands. At a quick reckoning she estimated there could be at least $5000 in the purse. Wow!!!

What would you do in this circumstance? How far would your sense of honesty be tested in this situation?

Kerrie immediately sought the attention of the St Vincent de Paul workers and was eventually referred to the president. In the discussion that followed it was agreed that the purse would be handed over to

the Maffra Police and Kerrie was thanked profusely for her honesty. She was assured she would be informed of the outcome.

Discussion among Vinnies’ workers revealed where the desk had come from and the name of the family involved. It involved a deceased estate.

A count of the money was made and found to be nearly twice Kerrie’s estimate. The purse, the money and the relevant information were then passed on to Maffra Police.

First Constable Stuart Brewer had the duty of making contact with a known family member of the deceased person. This led to contact with the executor of the will and the money found its way back into the deceased’s estate.

Kerrie did not buy the desk that had created so much interest, but she did manage to find a few bargains that pleased her. But her experience will ensure that she continues to venture to the monthly sale in Maffra well into the future. You never know what treasure can be found.

Thank you Kerrie for your outstanding honesty.

In the mood for a grand final

SOMEONE got it right with their Richmond banner. Grade 1 and 2 students in their football colors watch the procession.

TRARALGON As a conclusion to a very busy Term 3, children and staff from St Michael’s Primary School held their annual football day.

Everyone came dressed in their team’s colors.

Grade 5/6s designed banners for their teams and held an AFL trivia quiz.

Grade 3/4 completed a data sort using the AFL ladder in Maths, while Grade1/2 made a human graph of who they barracked for, wrote footy poems and drew annotated drawings of their favorite players and Preps designed their own jersey.

After lunch a parade was held in the school grounds whereby each group of AFL team

Lumen Christi celebration CHURCHILL - More than 160 parishioners, former residents, school Principals, nuns, clergy and members of the Co-operating Churches congregation crammed into Lumen Christi Parish Centre on July 30 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Lumen Christi Parish.

Visitors and former parishioners came from as far away as Ballarat, Phillip Island, Orbost and, Melbourne as well as throughout the Latrobe Valley to attend the celebration.

Lumen Christi Parish was established on January 1, 1977 by Bishop Arthur Fox and the first parish priest was Fr Jeremiah Coffey who later became Bishop of Sale.

Prior to the Mass, celebrated by parish priest Fr Siju Xavier and assisted by former parish worker Deacon Terry Rooney, a brief history of highlights of the parish over the past four decades, was outlined to the

assembled congregation.

Representatives of the three churches of the parish, Churchill, Boolarra and Yinnar took part in several important ministries during the celebration while important roles were also performed by former nuns Sisters Madeline and Audrey and former school principals Michael Dyson, Denise McKenna and Joanne Brewer with current principal David Cooper.

A large choir of men and women parishioners was

Business people

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To advertise in Catholic Life Spaces available from as little as $50 a month

Phone 5622 6600

assembled specifically for the occasion and, led by Paul Devlin, provided magnificent music and singing throughout the Mass.

A special commemorative bookmark and brochure were produced for the occasion and distributed to those present.

Following the Mass, the crowd moved to the school Eco Centre where a delightful shared lunch was enjoyed by the large gathering.

Fr Xavier took the opportunity to formally welcome everyone, particularly, the Rev Brenda Burney and members of the Co-operating Churches, and to thank those who had assisted in the organising of the event and provision of the wonderful meal.

After lunch the crowd was entertained by music from young parishioners Emma and Joseph Darling and Tessa Kuypers and singing from Peter Pooley and David Lees to cap off a great day of celebration.

supporters completed a lap of honor to the accompaniment of their team’s song.

Competitions were held for the longest kick in each year level.

When asked about their day, Isla from Prep said, “I liked getting up and doing the parade.” Hudson responded, “I

liked winning the longest kick.

I got an orange drink bottle.”

Acting principal Jan Fitzpatrick said “Well done to everyone for a fun day of footy colors. Special thank you to the parents who organised the lunch order day, your support of our school is very much appreciated.”

Quick calendar

What’s on & when OCTOBER 18 - Feast of St Luke, evangelist 18 – Catholic Life published 21 – Caulfield Cup 22 - Mission Sunday 22 – Special collection all parishes for Catholic Mission 22 - St John Paul II Memorial 26 – Moe Cup 28 - Feast of St Simon and St Jude 29 – Italian Mass at 9.30am, followed by procession and St Sofia Festival with food and entertainment, St John’s, Koo Wee Rup 29 – Sale Cup 31 – Ecumenical prayer day in Traralgon to mark 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Morning prayer. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 9.30am; Liturgy of Remembrance, St Michael’s Catholic Church, noon; Vespers, St Michael’s, 7.30pm

NOVEMBER 1 - All Saints Day 2 - All Souls Day 7 - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday 9 - Dedication of the Lateran Basilica 10 - Presentation of Trinity Families funds to charities, Sion House, Warragul, noon 17 - St Elizabeth of Hungary Memorial 25 - St Catherine of Alexandria Memorial

26 - Solemnity of Christ the King 27 – Deadline for December Catholic Life 27 – Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference plenary meeting begins, Sydney 27 – 20th anniversary of ordination of Fr Darren Howie, Maffra 30 - Feast of St Andrew, Apostle

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

Catholic Life, October 2017 - Page 13

Bairnsdale friends group visits East Timor

By Chris Power Bairnsdale Friends Timor Leste

of

MANY Bairnsdale parishioners respond to the call to act against poverty and the marginalised through their support of the Bairnsdale Friends of Timor Leste.

Since 2003, many Bairnsdale volunteers have visited East Timor, teaching English at St Antonio Secondary School (ESSA - Escola Secundaria Santo Antonio) in Baucau.

They have taught at ESSA and at other schools; provided vocational guidance for senior students and contributed to their welfare needs and joined in extra-curricular activities.

Over the years we have subsidised costs of English – Tetum Dictionaries; paid school fees for poor students at ESSA; paid expenses for Salesian Youth Group in Baucau; fully supported 14 and partially supported 18 Tertiary students, now graduated; paid fees for 14 students at Don Bosco Trade School in Dili and partially supported four tertiary students at Dili Institute.

At its peak, the Bairnsdale friends group fed more than 600 ESSA students their lunch every day. These days, we provide lunch that consists of rice, sausages and vegetables to the Year 12 students three days a week to enable these students to stay at school until 5pm. The menu varies each day to include eggs or chicken as the main ingredient.

We have fully supported many young people studying the Australian Accredited Bachelor of Teaching at the Marist Teachers Institute in Baucau; all now graduated and fully supported five University students in Jogjakarta, Indonesia, now graduated as engineers.

The Marist Teachers Institute is the only tertiary institution outside of the capital Dili. It is also the only provider of quality pre-service basic education teacher training in the country.

The educational infrastructure in Timor Leste is still weak, but the Marist goal is to strengthen the system and provide the country with fully qualified teachers.

Currently four students are completing their studies and will graduate at the end of 2017.

In 2018 another three girls and one boy will commence their Diploma of Education degrees.

The scholarships include their tuition, living and graduation expenses and are administered by the Marist Brothers in Timor Leste.

At present we are offering pastoral care to a number of the locally employed East Timorese horticulture seasonal workers in the Bairnsdale area.

The numbers vary from 25 over the winter months and up to 40 during the summer season. They spend six months on a Seasonal Workers Scheme Visa in Australia then return home for six months before they can re-apply for another six months stint.

There is 70 percent unemployment in East Timor and our friends are very grateful for the opportunity to be able to contribute and make a difference to their families’ future.

The support we offer involves furnishing of houses; helping them to settle in to the local community; giving guidance regarding the use of the simple things we take for granted such as the modern conveniences in our homes, how to access our health system and how to have their company cars serviced.

We also provide social opportunities such as barbecues enabling them to mix with local people.

The income we receive from the Harvest Hire Company contributes to our fundraising for the Lunch and Scholarships Programs in Timor Leste.

Last month, I had the pleasure of travelling extensively throughout Timor Leste, with co-president of Bairnsdale Friends of Timor Leste, Frank Brown Graham and for the first week of our travels our parish priest Fr Michael Willemsen.

It was the first visit for Fr Willemsen and myself and the second for Frank who was one of the first teachers to go to St Antonia’s Secondary School in Baucau in 2003, not long after the upheaval of their struggle for independence.

Frank was very keen to see how the nation had developed over the ensuing 14 years, and to get a feel for what challenges lay ahead.

At Dili airport we were literally swamped by a dozen or so seasonal workers keen to return the hospitality that they enjoy when in Bairnsdale, and believe me, there is nothing more hospitable than a Timor Leste welcome.

ENGINEERING degree graduates (from left) Bernardino, Nelson, Saturnino and Adolfo with Chris Power, Bairnsdale. have many photos to share with blast barriers, razor wire and lunch program, since 2004.

The principal Fr David Savio the Ensay community. the very visible presence of We stayed with another the UN peace-keeping forces SDB, took us to meet the students on Saturday morning. Salesian community who everywhere.

Thankfully, all of that (Yes, school runs for a half day operate an agricultural school at nearby Fuiloro. We were has changed, with the city on Saturday).

We thought that it would be disappointed by the general exhibiting an exuberance and vitality that was refreshing. A a “meet and greet” session, but sense of decay and neglect new, multi-storied shopping we were amazed and felt very which is largely due to the mall is open for business and honored indeed as we drove almost total lack of government many new high-rise buildings into the grounds to a huge support, and the Salesians can have been, or are in the process ovation, followed by speeches only do so much, given the environment.

However, the of being erected, and there are and the presentation of Tais.

We settled in for some superb school itself is bursting at the many pleasant public spaces, especially some magnificent choreographed singing by seams with eager students, promenades that skirt Dili various year levels, and the keen to learn. Many of them performance of traditional board in accommodation harbor. and Portuguese that is somewhat spartan, but We visited a beautiful Timorese local landmark, the huge and dancing in traditional costume adequate. The principal is Fr prominent statue of Christ the by senior students. The Transfiguracio Pinto who has Redeemer, situated high on the morning concluded with Frank great plans for the development boomerang of the school, but needs lots of eastern headland of the harbour. demonstrating Before leaving Dili, we throwing, and morning tea with help.

Along the way back to ventured out on day excursions the teaching staff.

Fr Savio took us to visit the Baucau we stopped briefly at a to the western coastal town of Liquica where we were invited nearby school at Fatumaca, roadside shrine, a memorial to into the home of one of our another Salesian-run trade eight religious sisters who were school, with impressive raped and murdered by militias, Bairnsdale workers.

It was a very humble but workshops in engineering, their bodies being thrown into the river, in the violent lead-up well kept home, and we felt electronics and metalwork.

Late last year, the Sale to independence in 1999. privileged to visit the extended Diocese decided to close one Again, we were reminded of family.

Another foray took us up into of our parish church’s at Ensay, what the population endured for so long, and so close to our borders, with places of such beauty marred by the events that occurred there.

Back in Baucau and the ESSA community we spent most of the next few days getting involved in the life of the school. Then, sadly it was time to say farewell to our new friends - fine young people, so intelligent, thoughtful, eager to learn, respectful but not subservient, and all hamstrung by a country that offers little hope for many of them and their dreams. They deserve more.

Two more exciting events awaited us before our departure, the first being a farewell gathering of our seasonal worker friends.

Some had come down UNPACKING religious items from the closed Ensay church are (from left) Fr Rolando Fernandez, from the mountains especially Frank Brown Graham and Fr Alarico. and had to return to vote, so we It was wonderful to arrive to the central highlands to the and following the wishes of were very appreciative.

The second exciting event, such an excited bunch, and we town of Gleno, an agricultural that community, sent all the were promptly presented with a area which centres on the coffee religious items from the church and in fact one of the highlights of our trip, was a meeting with Tais each, the traditional woven industry. Timor has grown to Timor Leste.

We were very keen to visit four young men that BFOTL ceremonial scarf. One of these coffee since the Portuguese women, Jacinta De Costa, had time, and whilst the coffee Fr Rolando Fernandez in had sponsored throughout their offered to accompany us on plantations had been neglected, Lospalus where the crates from four year engineering degree our travels as local guide and that trade is burgeoning with Ensay had only just arrived and studies in Indonesia. Nelson, Adolfo and interpreter, an offer we readily Timor coffee available around were as yet unopened. It was Bernardino, the world, including our local delightful to see the excitement Saturnino are now all employed accepted. and joy on faces as these in their areas of civil and When Frank first visited, supermarkets in Bairnsdale.

Dili was in the early stages of At Baucau we visited ESSA, treasures were unwrapped. The electrical engineering, and are recovery from the upheaval of for which our group has contents will be dispersed to a very happy to be in a position independence, the city being provided the funds necessary variety of local villages for use of being able to assist in the littered with burnt out buildings, for the provision of the school in their simple churches. We development of their country.

Page 14 - Catholic Life, October 2017

For the Young and Young at Heart Out for a country ride

Time for a laugh

WHY do people never eat clocks?

Because it’s really time consuming.

is the most painful experience of their THERE’S that moment when you lives.

That’s until they start stepping on put your steak on the barbecue and Lego approximately three years later. your mouth waters from that amazing smell.

A HUSBAND walks into the Do you vegetarians feel the same kitchen dragging a crying boy behind when they mow the grass? him. He says to his wife “He’s DOCTOR: “I’ve found a great new been crying the whole way home drug that can help you with your from the kindergarten. Is he sick or something?” sleeping problem.”

“No,” replies the wife, “he was just Patient: “Great, how often do I have trying to tell you he isn’t our James.” to take it?”

Doctor: “Every two hours.”

TODAY I ran from a ticket inspector.

He chased me through half the train.

HARRY was having severe financial When he finally caught me, he wasn’t difficulties and so he prayed: “Dear very amused to find that I actually did Lord, please make me win the lottery.” have the ticket.

The next day Harry begs the Lord again: “Please make it so I win the JOHN once bought his Grandma a lottery, Lord!” very nice, luxurious toilet brush for The next day, Harry again prays: her birthday.

But when he went to “Please, please, dear Lord, make me visit her a couple of weeks later, it win the lottery!” wasn’t in the toilet.

Suddenly he hears a voice from He asked his Grandma, “Gran, what above: “Harry, would you kindly go happened to the toilet brush I gave and buy a lottery ticket.” you?”

“Darling, I’m sorry but I just didn’t MAN in a boomerang shop: “I’d like it. It was too scratchy. After all like to buy a new boomerang please. those years, I’ve gotten used to the Also, can you tell me how to throw toilet paper.” the old one away?”

A GUY spends the night drinking in a bar.

When he finally leaves at 1am, he immediately falls over. He crawls for a while, then tries to get back up, falls, crawls, gets back up.

On and on he goes on doing this until he finally gets home. There he falls in his bed and promptly starts snoring.

In the morning, his wife sighs, “You’ve been drinking again, Joe, I CAN’T believe I forgot to go to haven’t you?” the gym today. That’s seven years in “How on Earth could you guess a row now. that, darling?”

“You went and left the wheelchair What goes up and down but never at the bar again!” moves?

The stairs!

LITTLE Johnny asks the teacher, “Mrs Roberts, can I be punished for An ELDERLY man was on the something I haven’t done?” operating table, about to be operated Mrs Roberts is shocked, “Of course on by his son, a famous surgeon. Just before they put him under, he asked to not, Johnny, that would be very unfair!” speak to his son.

Little Johnny is relieved, “OK Mrs “Don’t be nervous, boy, just do your best and just remember, if it doesn’t Roberts, sorry, I haven’t done my go well, if something happens to me homework.” … your mother is going to come and WHEN do you stop at green and go live with you and your family.” full speed at red?

When you’re enjoying a MY dog once ate all the Scrabble tiles. He kept leaving messages watermelon! around the yard for days.

A 60 year old millionaire is getting married and throws a big wedding A MAN takes his wife to a disco.

There’s a guy on the dance floor reception.

His friends are quite jealous and in dancing like a king – moonwalking, break dancing, head spins, the works. a quiet moment one of them asks him The wife turns to her husband and how did he land such a hot 23 year sighs: “You see that man? 25 years old beauty?

“Simple,” grins the millionaire, “I ago he asked me to marry him and I faked my age.” said no.”

His friends are really amazed and The husband replies “It looks like PRETEND you are a worm eating your way through a juicy apple. Use a he’s still celebrating!!” ask him how much he said. pencil and trace your path as you munch your way through.

“Well”, he replied. “I said I was WOMEN usually claim childbirth 87!”

I WAS sitting in a bar one day and two really large women came in, talking in an interesting accent.

So I said, “Cool accent, are you two ladies from Ireland?”

HERE’S this month’s colouring picture which should appeal to all horse One of them snarled at me, “It’s Wales, dumbo!” lovers. Will you make the horse black, grey, brown, or perhaps piebald?

So I corrected myself, “Oh, right, so are you two whales from Ireland?”

That’s about as far as I remember.

Catholic Life, October 2017 - Page 15

Program for female leaders in the Church

Classifieds prayer

prayer

HOLY SPIRIT You who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideals, you who gives me a divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me; in this short dialogue I want to thank you for everything and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you, no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in Your perpetual Glory. (Mention your request). Thank you Holy Spirit for your love towards me and my loved one. Amen This prayer should be said for 3 consecutive days. After the 3rd day the request will be granted, no matter how difficult it may be. While making the request one must either promise to publish on granting the favour or promise to circulate copies of it to as many people as possible. This is to spread the wonder of the Holy Spirit.

READERS please note that published prayers reflect the beliefs of those who place the advertisements. We ask readers to judge for themselves, especially in regards to suggested fulfilment of requests made in these prayers.

situation vacant

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

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

It has never been known to fail.

Publication must be promised.

public notices

Business Manager/Secretary St Mary’s, Bairnsdale The Parish Business Manager reports to the Parish Priest and assists in the stewardship of all temporal activities of the Parish in its mission of pastoral outreach.

The emphasis of the position is in the areas of finance, human resources, office management and other duties as required by and in support of the Parish Priest. Knowledge of MYOB is essential and the position includes secretarial duties. 30 hour week (Tues-Fri) Remuneration negotiable based on knowledge and experience.

See website for Position Description: www.stmarysbairnsdale.net Applications close October 31addressed to Fr Michael Willemsen, 23 Pyke St., Bairnsdale

VOCATIONS

wanted known

Priests & Deacons

Your will be done

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

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

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

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

If so please contact

Fr Michael Willemsen 5152 3106

ABN 51 486 581 500

vocations@sale.catholic.org.au

Catholic Life

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THE Council for Australian Catholic Women, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Catholic Mission and Australian Catholic University have announced a joint initiative to deliver a specialised leadership program for women in the Catholic Church.

Leadership for Mission is an initiative that has been specifically developed by women and for women who are inspired by the Gospel vision of justice, freedom and the dignity of the human person.

During a time of renewed calls within the Catholic Church for the participation and diversity of women’s voices in decision-making, leadership and ministry, this graduate program seeks to further embrace, enhance, and theologically ground the leadership capabilities, skills and aspirations of women in the Church and community.

National Office for the Participation of Women director Andrea Dean, said, “I’m thrilled that this dynamic and practical partnership will enable another cohort of young Catholic women to be educated for leadership within and beyond the Church in a multi faith society.”

Executive Dean of the ACU Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, Professor Dermot Nestor said “This program situates the practical and contextual leadership experiences, needs and aspirations of women within an academically grounded and collaborative environment.”

“The Faculty has developed a purposefully designed curriculum that at all times presents an opportunity for participants to deeply reflect on their own faith, their personal mission and vocation as a way of addressing the many challenges and opportunities of our world.

This program, and the learning design that anchors it, is thus a direct contribution to the pastoral practice of a Church for the third millennium.”

Catholic Mission national director Fr Brian Lucas said, “I am delighted that Catholic Mission can join with the other sponsors so a new generation of young lay women can have a formation experience preparing them as missionary disciples for future leadership roles in the church.”

Leadership for Mission is a sponsored, two-year, part time program commencing in February 2018. It is structured across four residential sessions in North Sydney and supported through ACU’s online learning management system.

Applications are being sought from women across Australia aged between the ages of 2535, with diverse personal and professional experiences.

Page 16 - Catholic Life, October 2017

State champions hail from Sale SALE – A Catholic College Sale netball team has been crowned state champion after competing in the last month’s School Sport Victoria secondary schools state finals.

After impressing at the division and regional rounds of the competition, the college was able to send Years 7 and 8 teams to the Waverley Netball Centre to vie for state honors.

As expected both competitions were played to a high standard.

The Year 8 team just missed out on qualifying for the semi finals on percentage, while the Year 7 players showed good teamwork and fortitude throughout their matches to make the grand final where they defeated Rowville Secondary College 24-20.

An impressive element of the victory was that it defeated two schools which offer full time integrated academic and sporting programs in netball.

To make the top eight in the state, the teams had achieved better results than 400 other entries.

Catholic College sports coordinator Jamie Murphy described the Year 7 victory as a wonderful result for the college.

“In addition to their skill and talents, each round of the competition saw the girls display a tremendous concept of fair play and sportsmanship towards officials and their opposition – which is perhaps the most pleasing aspect of their campaign.”

PICTURED top right: Catholic College Sale Year 7 state championship team (back, from left) Tahlia White, Abby Boulter, Indigo Waugh, Chloe Proud, Charlotte Ronchi and Tess Hansford, (front) Maya Bown, Ruby Dillon and Jasmyn Hennig.

Great result for St Mary’s

Please donate to our diocesan charity

Trinity Families.

Serving the families of Greater Gippsland.

Details at www.trinityfamilies.org.au AT Waverley Netball Centre are (from left) Kate Ronchi, Lauren Wilson, Alyssa Light, Milla Anderson, Sienna Wynd, Wini Willis, Ashlee McDonough, Lucy Best and Ella Bransdon.

- Lisa Baker Photography

SALE - St Mary’s Primary School girls netball team finished a creditable fifth in the School Sports Victoria state finals last month.

It was an awesome effort for the small country school.

The team made up of Year 5 and 6 girls Ashlee McDonough, Lucy Best, Kate Ronchi, Lauren Wilson, Wini Willis, Ella Bransdon, Milla Anderson, Sienna Wynd and Alyssa Light, was one of eight teams invited to the state play-offs held at Waverley Netball Centre.

St Mary’s finished third in its pool and didn’t make the finals

series. The state title went to Malvern Primary School. St Mary’s only lost to Malvern in the pool rounds by five points.

The St Mary’s girls won their way through to the state finals after great performances at district and regional level. More than 4000 teams competed in the netball competition this year.

Volunteer coach Caz McDonough praised the girls for their efforts.

Inverloch Primary School represented the Gippsland region in the Mixed Netball competition and finished sixth.

Catholic Life Sale

CatholicCare gets new chief executive officer

THE Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Board of CatholicCare Melbourne and Gippsland are pleased to announce the appointment of Netty Horton to the position of chief executive officer of CatholicCare.

Ms Horton has a Master of Arts in Public Policy, is a Churchill Fellowship recipient, a graduate of AICD, and has had vast community and notfor-profit experience, and has served on many boards and committees in this area.

She joins CatholicCare at an exciting time in its planning and strategic direction.

Under her leadership, CatholicCare will continue to search out areas of growth, enhance its current services and create opportunities for partnerships within the sector

and beyond.

In her new role, she will draw on her valuable experience gained from her previous employment positions, including being territorial social programs director for the Salvation Army, general manager of community services for St Vincent de Paul’s Aged Care and Community Services, and CEO of the Council of Homeless persons.

Other roles held by her have been the chair of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Homelessness, a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Homelessness, and she is a current member of the Federal Government Aged Care Sector Committee.

Ms Horton will take up her new appointment next month.