Catholic Life - September 2011

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Catholic Life

Publication of the Diocese of Sale

Headline award to Cath Life Page 3

ISSUE 154

Reflections from Madrid Pages 10-12

September 2011

Pakenham dad is Father of the Year - Page 20

Madrid pilgrims return

WORLD Youth Day pilgrims from Sale Diocese surround Bishop Christopher Prowse for a group shot before going their separate ways.

OUR World Youth Day pilgrims have all returned home safely. much enthused by their experiences in Madrid. For one of our travellers the trip home was delayed when air sickness forced her off the plane, but she arrived home the day after everyone else. More than 50 pilgrims from our diocese made the trip with

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the majority travelling as a group, although some joined other groups. Our pilgrims were hosted in Toledo during the Days in the Diocese which preceded the WYD activities in Madrid. The experience of being paired with a religious sister who prayed for them individually is one which many have spoken of as being a highlight of the trip.

Of course the activities in Madrid with the sleep-out for the final events with Pope Benedict XVI were also highlights, especially the storm which swept over the location, scattering tents and belongings. The main adoration tent collapsed at the height of the storm and so many pilgrims were denied the opportunity to take the eucharist as many hosts were damaged.

Oppressive heat and competing with two million other pilgrims vying to occupy the same space will be talked about for years to come. Fire cannons spraying a cooling mist of water above pilgrims in an effort to provide relief from the heat will also be remembered. Most of our pilgrims were fortunate enough to see Pope Benedict at a close distance

When you donate to the Bishop’s Family Foundation you can be assured that the money will be assisting families in need for many years to come. Donated funds are held in a trust account to go on earning interest year after year. It is the income from these investments which have led to more than $700,000 being to organisations running programs to assist families in Sale Diocese.

Send tax deductible donations to Bishop’s Family Foundation, PO Box 508, Sale, 3853 Phone 5144 6132 for more information

as he drove by, but in such a large crowd had to be content with looking at the large video screens during the Mass. After World Youth Day our pilgrims travelled on a group to Javier Castle, the birthplace of St Francis Xavier.

• World Youth Day photos and reflections Pages 10-12


Page 2 - Catholic Life, September 2011

Catholic youth at Madrid WYD are alive in Jesus HE Diocese of Sale ought to T be very proud of the 50 plus young adults who participated in the World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain last month. Much fundraising around the diocese enabled such a goodly number to represent us in the WYD phenomenon. Almost two million Catholic youth world wide accepted the invitation of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, to join him in celebrating our shared Catholic life. I was constantly impressed with the Sale Diocesan youth I led on the pilgrimage. May I thank their parents, parishes and schools for encouraging their loved ones to attend with an open heart to Jesus, alive in His Catholic Church. I pray that in the following months our participating youth will be given opportunities to share their testimonies of faith in many different ways. I also pray that their refreshed faith will enliven the faith of many others, especially youth. All of us need to seek out opportunities to enliven our faith. Our Catholic tradition suggests regular daily prayer, rosary, frequent reception of the Mass and Sacraments, visits to our Church-

To God’s People in the Catholic Diocese of Sale es to be silent before the Blessed Sacrament, and so on. Let us never forget our scriptures. Also, we ought think about participating in parish activities and retreats or days of prayer or teaching that are offered regionally. Then there must be opportunities taken up to serve the community, especially the poor and marginalised in our local area. All these aspects of our common Catholic life featured in some way in WYD Madrid. Please encourage our youth in these areas in the parishes and schools. I am sure, at the same time, our youth want to make some positive suggestions of their own in shaping parish life. Please be open to their contributions – even if this involves some changes to practical/organisational matters. The WYD pilgrims will gather again for a few days in September to deepen the faith seeds that

Tao’s slow road to recovery SEMINARIAN Tao Pham is still making slow progress in his recovery from a critical condition which almost killed him. He has spent the past 11 weeks in intensive care at Sale hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne. At times his life hung in the balance as he was placed in a coma to enable his body to begin slow recovery. He is now able to talk and has asked Bishop Prowse to pass on his thanks for the support and prayers from people of the diocese. DIOCESE OF SALE

Tao has asked people to continue to pray for his recovery. He collapsed shortly before Mass on June 26 and was admitted to hospital suffering multiple organ failure which was thought to be related to septicaemia he suffered earlier in the year. His problems arose after infections following an accidentally when he shut his thumb in a car boot. His ordination as a deacon, planned for the end of June has been indefinitely postponed.

Catholic Life

PO Box 183, Sale. Vic. 3853 Phone: (03) 5144 6132 Fax: (03) 5144 3855 catholiclife@sale.catholic.org.au www.sale.catholic.org.au

were planted in their hearts at Madrid. Such follow-up is essential. We will recall all that happened to us in Madrid. Like the men of Emmaus in Luke’s Gospel (Lk 24:13-35) we will see a transformation of the Holy Spirit taking shape in us. Hopefully, with the Lord’s guidance, we will have moved away from being “we had hoped people” to being people whose “hearts burned” within us as Jesus talked to us on the pilgrimage and gently led us to this Calvary Cross. May all of us see our Christian lives expressed within this biblical prism. Before we left Spain we spent a day of recollection at the birth place and family home of St Francis Xavier (Javier Castle). He too was a youth when the Holy Spirit changed his life. He became, after St Paul, one of the greatest missionaries the Church

has ever produced. He ended his life unexpectedly as he was about to enter and evangelise China. All he could do was wait for his death on an island (Shangchaun) overlooking mainland China. We viewed, at the family castle in Navarre, a beautiful painting of him pointing the crucifix towards China and blessing it just before he died. As we left the Xavier family castle, we unexpectedly met a Chinese Catholic Youth delegation who had just participated in World Youth Day like us. They had come to thank St Francis Xavier for his deathbed prayer. It seems that, 500 years later, the Jesuit’s prayer for China has been partially fulfilled in these profoundly Catholic youth we met. So, like St Francis Xavier, let us pray for our Youth who have just returned from Madrid. May they become new seeds of the Gospel of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, in the years ahead. God bless you and your families. + Bishop Christopher Prowse Catholic Bishop of Sale

Vocational student prize FORMER Lavalla Catholic College student Sam Price was recently recognised by the Federal Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth Peter Garrett. Sam was awarded the Australian Vocational Student Prize. While a student at Lavalla Catholic College, Sam completed Certificate 3 in Music as part of his Vocational Education and Training in Schools Program. The Australian Vocational Student Prize is the vocational

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equivalent of the Australian Student Prize. The Australian Vocational Student Prize promotes vocational education at school and recognises students who choose to pursue a practical training pathway while completing their senior secondary studies. Lavalla Catholic College recognised Sam’s outstanding vocational and employability skills, high achievement and commitment whilst undertaking a Vocational Education and Training in Schools program. Sam received a certificate and $2000 for the AVSP award. VET liaison teacher Anne Symes said “We recognised Sam’s determination early on. He worked hard at completing his Certificate in Music at GippsTAFE while also completing his Year 12 VCE. He

was a committed student and we are glad that he has been recognised at a Federal Level.” Sam is currently at Victoria University undertaking his Bachelor in Business (Music). Sam hopes to enter the music industry on completion of his degree.

Sam Price

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

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Catholic Life, September 2011 - Page 3

Catholic Life wins award CATHOLIC Life has returned from its annual conference in Adelaide with a minor award. We received an honorable mention in the section for best headline at the Australasian Catholic Press Association awards. The heading “When learning is a shear delight” appeared on a page one story in August 2010 about Catholic College Sale students learning to shear

sheep. Our counterpart from Sandhurst Diocese, The Sandpiper won the major award for newspapers for the second year in a row. Our award continues this newspaper’s remarkable run of successes at Catholic and religious press awards. In the 14 years since Catholic Life was established as a free tabloid publication it has won

MarionMartin

us vello r a “A m how!” s

19 awards including seven of being judged best regional publication. With judges now appearing to favor glossy magazine style publications or electronic news pages it is now becoming harder for a newspaper to win awards. Magazines and the electronics dominated awards at the Australasian Religious Press Association awards this year.

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MGR David Cappo, vicar general of Adelaide Archdiocese presents the award to Catholic Life editor Colin Coomber.

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A NEW second storey taking place above the parish office which has been temporarily vacated. This section will house the tribunal, media and youth offices. PROGRESS on the new Sale fice staff moved out of the main Diocese headquarters in War- double storey building last ragul is running on time despite week and now occupy the Sion some delays caused by wet Teacher’s Centre on the Connor weather. St. side of the site. The exterior of the new douThe teachers’ centre was renble storey extension at the rear ovated so that the move could of Sion House has been com- take place. pleted and the second storey Workmen are now starting extension above the parish of- to renovate the main building fice at the Connor St. end of the which was originally the Our building had been framed up. Lady of Sion convent. Some Catholic Education Of-

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The Catholic Development Fund Serving the Diocese of Sale Telephone: (03)5144 4311 Email: cdf@sale.catholic.org.au The Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale is not subject to the provisions of the Corporation Act 2001 nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Deposits with the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale are guaranteed by CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for this purpose. We welcome your investment with the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale rather than with a profit orientated commercial organisation as a conscious commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church. Neither the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for the Diocese of Sale are prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; contributions to the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959; the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Catholic Diocese of Sale.


Page 4 - Catholic Life, September 2011

‘The Rock’ and sacred stories

Milestone soon

SALE Diocese is celebrating the 125th anniversary of breaking away from Melbourne Archdiocese next year. The milestone will be marked by a move into the new diocesan headquarters at Sion House, Warragul. There is also something special being arranged which we are reliably told will be a first for any diocese in Australia. We can’t spill the beans here as negotiations are still taking place and too much advance notice could create more headaches than it is worth for those involved., More information when it is available.

Changing weather

THERE’S one thing about the weather - it gives you something to complain about. For most of the past decade we have endured drought which has brought about severe water restrictions, empty farm dams, little growth for stock, and parched gardens. A wetter than average year this year has seen us experience floods, farmers have bogged tractors in paddocks and in parts of South Gippsland the cows are shin deep in mud. In the Sale area the wetlands are full, paddocks next to the rivers are still under water and worst of all, the mosquitos are starting already. Winter is barely over and the warmer days have created

the first swarms of these annoying pests.

Do not call

MANY people are being inundated with annoying phone calls from salesmen trying to sell them something. Thought you were on the Do Not Call register? If you have started getting calls again it is probably because your block on such calls has expired. Getting your phone number of the register is easy if you have a computer; just search Do Not Call Australia. Otherwise you can phone 1300 792 958. Registering won’t stop overseas scammers calling you and trying to tell you they have found something wrong with your computers. Ignore them as they just want you to download a program which will give them access to your passwords.

Let us know

IF you have some snippets of information for this column don’t forget to phone or email the information to us. Contact details are in the panel on page 2

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ULURU is an extraordinary place – wonderfully beautiful. It is not hard to realize why it is called ‘The Heart’ or why it is regarded as a sacred site. At the various hours of the day it seems to take on different shapes, different colours. It almost seems to have a life of its own. People stand in wonder, especially at sunset when a deep silence falls on all those gathered, to watch in awe this beautiful spectacle. There is the feeling of insignificance before this Rock which has seen thousands and thousands of generations come and go. It is a place of story. The shapes and contours, the caves and the crevices of Uluru inspire the beautiful creation stories of the local Aboriginal people. The creation beings have left their mark on the Uluru landscape and the stories which arise from these marks give important lessons on the wonder of life and how to live and behave. For thousands of years some of these stories have been and still are lovingly and carefully handed on from generation to generation. They are living stories of great and powerful significance. Stories are critical to living; we can carry them with us, remember them, share them and pass them on. There are stories that give us hope, that give us heart. There are stories we remember from childhood, stories we have heard again and again. Some have been passed on from generation to generation. In whatever groups we belong to, stories are often the glue that hold us together. Sometimes we need story to explain the deeper truths of life, to find explanations as to why this is so, or how this came to be. People from very ancient times have told stories to explain these deeper truths and realities. Finding words to understand our own faith journey can mean we are often at a loss for words. We have a sense, maybe even an image of what we want to share or communicate, but the right words are harder to find and express. The power of story comes to the fore. Stories help us describe God’s invitation to relationship and our response to that invitation over the years. The Hebrew scriptures are filled with stories of God’s intervention in human history, stories of calling and challenge, forgiveness and reconciliation, stories to explain the origin of the world and the vicissitudes of human nature. Jesus too used stories often to describe what God was like, what God’s invitation to friendship means and what God’s vision for our world might look like. Many of the sacred stories of the Bible were inspired in country not unlike central Australia. These places too evoked awe and wonder.

Reflections by Jim Quillinan

These places inspired stories that described the beginning of life and why we seemed so ambivalent to God’s invitation to friendship. The Bible contains stories and songs that brought us closer to the Creator and carried within them the seeds of belonging, hope for the future and lessons on how to live and behave. The Judean desert was the birthplace of the stories of the Fall and exile, the stories of other times of exile, the wanderings for 40 years, the places where God spoke to many of the prophets, the inspiration for many of the psalms. The rains can transform both places with extraordinary speed and the hand of the Creator God can be seen with vivid beauty. In the words of the Psalm: “God has made his wonderful works to be remembered.” (Psalm 111:4). It is a call that we be “mindful” of the wonders that God has done. Being mindful means not just to remember but to cherish, think about, to meditate on and to share with others. Before the Bible was written, it was spoken. Individuals were encouraged to memorize large portions of scriptures as a means of creating a strong sense of identity and preserving their traditions. The stories were told and passed on within the community. The psalms were sung. Even after the earliest Scriptures were written down, they were still read out loud in community. They still are, and much of their power lies in us hearing them read aloud in community. The Bible has been preserved and interpreted within the ongoing life of the religious community for thousands of years. Through the action of the Holy Spirit ‘the Church continues to grow constantly in her understanding of the Gospel (General Directory for Cat-

echesis #43)’. We are the inheritors of both the ancient Scriptures and the centuries of interpretation they have inspired and continue to inspire. As ‘sacred scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit’ (CCC #81), these sacred stories, these sacred texts call us to a deeper connection with God. To read them quietly, to reflect on them or to hear them read aloud gives life to our faith. In standing beneath this extraordinary, timeless Rock and listening to the ancient stories of the local Aboriginal people, the words of scripture come to mind: “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon the Lord’s name. Make known God’s deeds among the peoples! Sing to God ... tell the stories of all God’s wondrous works! Remember the marvellous works which God has done, the wonders and the judgments of God’s mouth.” (1 Chronicles 16:8-12) and again: “People shall tell the stories of the might of Your awesome acts, and will declare Your greatness. They shall tell stories of Your great goodness.” (Psalm 145:6-7) The world we live in today needs to hear them.

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Catholic Life, September 2011 - Page 5

Latin High Mass Sunday A SOLEMN High Mass in Latin will be celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, this Sunday, September 18, at 11am. The Mass will celebrate the anniversary of the dedication of the cathedral and is expected to become an annual event. A group from the Latin Mass Community at St Aloysius, East Caulfield, will be coming

to help celebrate the Solemn High Mass in traditional form. The last such Mass in the cathedral was probably celebrated in 1967. The Mass will be completely sung with Gregorian chant and a choir is coming from Melbourne to assist on the day. Bishop Christopher Prowse will preside at the Mass and Dean of

Golden wedding

the Cathedral Fr Andrew Wise will be the main celebrant, assisted by a deacon, sub-deacon and other ministers. Readings will be in Latin and English and there will be booklets to help people follow the Mass. Inquiries about the event should be directed to Fr Wise on 5144 4100.

Koo Wee Rup all ready for monster fete KOO WEE RUP – The annual St John’s Primary School family fete will be held this year on Sunday October 16 from 10am to 3pm. This traditional school fete will feature mega rides, great food, demonstrations, competitions, showbags, stalls, and auction and raffles. Stalls will include fruit and vegetables, cakes, craft, and a white elephant stall. There will be face painting for the kids, clowns, music and other entertainment, including “poo lotto.”

Solemn High Mass (According to the Extraordinary form of the Roman Rite, 1962 Missal)

Will be celebrated on the 96th Anniversary of the Dedication of St. Mary’s Cathedral On Sunday 18th September 2011 in the Cathedral 47 Foster Street Sale At 11.00am In the presence of Most Rev Christopher Prowse DD, Bishop of Sale The Mass will be celebrated by the Dean of the Cathedral, V. Rev. Fr. Andrew Wise Refreshments will follow Mass For more information contact the Parish Office 03 51 444100 All Catholics of the Diocese of Sale and beyond are warmly invited to prayerfully participate in this Mass

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TRAFALGAR - Marjorie and Tony Price celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary on August 1. The couple has been in Trafalgar parish for the last 10 years and Marjorie has only

recently retired from preparing local state school children for the Sacraments of Confession, Holy Communion and Confirmation which she taught for nearly all of those 10 years.

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Page 6 - Catholic Life, September 2011

Degenerating clashes are a curse in our society RECENTLY, I read a report on a rally held in our national capital designed to protest against the government’s carbon tax. I found the report most disturbing. Leaving aside the question of the rights and wrongs of the carbon tax, and of politics generally, what I found most disturbing was the raw hatred expressed by so many of the participants towards the Prime Minister. It seems that things had gone beyond the clash of ideas and had descended into the realm of vitriolic personal hatred. It was not only at this rally that such irrationality comes to the fore today, but, sadly it appears to be permeating so much of public life and public discussion. What starts as a desirable and a healthy debate over ideas,

seems so quickly to turn to the clash of personalities, then to degenerate further into personal hatred. Apart from such a journey into hatred being unhelpful and unhealthy, it has the potential to descend further into mindless violence. We have seen that in the English riots so recently covered in the media and in our own country with the so-called “Cronulla Riots” some few years ago. It is, of course, not a new phenomenon, nor is it restricted to our own country. In the USA mindless hatred can be seen emerging evermore in the political debate. It seems so often to come from the far right. We have seen the tragedy in Norway, too, where the hatred that festered in the breast of a fundamentalist Christian emerged in acts of extraordi-

Talking Catholic Education

with Peter Ryan

nary violence. It is seen too in other cultures, other religious traditions. In Islam, the extraordinary violence that so often erupts between Shia and Sunni is a result of hatred that has grown from the clash of ideas over centuries. The fundamentalist Muslim, similarly, carries hatred in his or her heart for anything that is not Islam. But let us look at our own backyard. Here in Victoria, we are not exposed to the same vitriol as pours forth from some Sydney radio programs. We

Relive the Cathedral History in this stylish new book Proceeds from the sale of this stylish history book will aid the St Mary’s Cathedral Sale Restoration Appeal. It is by highly-regarded Sale historian and author Peter Synan who has encapsulated the history of St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, in Three Springtimes. This hardcover book retails for $40 and will become a keepsake. It is an ideal coffee table book, full of photographs from the earliest years of the Cathedral, through until today. There are still plenty of copies available but to secure your copy without incurring postage and handling charges you need to attend in person.

Copies are available for $40 from the Bishop’s Office, Catholic Development Fund, and parish offices throughout the diocese if attending in person. Note: Mail order is $15 dearer.

MAIL ORDER FORM:

Send to: Diocese of Sale, PO Box 508, Sale, 3853

Please send me a copy of the book Three Springtimes. I enclose a cheque or money order ❑ or please debit my Visa ❑ Mastercard ❑

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thank God for that. Those so-called “shock jocks”, I believe, have much to answer for. The hatred they preach does much to undermine the order and stability of our society. What is the source of this hatred? What allows healthy debate to degenerate into personal vitriol? It does not take much to see that the most virulent hatred comes from the hearts and minds of those we often refer to as fundamentalists. We might refer to Christian fundamentalists, political fundamentalists, Islamic fundamentalists, Catholic fundamentalists, environmental fundamentalists – and fundamentalism can and does occur at both ends of “belief spectra”. For a fundamentalist, all is black or white. There is no room for compromise. The fundamentalist believes there are simple answers to every question. There is no room for debate. In the fundamentalist mind, all is clear, all is simple, all is straight forward. There is only one way, one answer, one set of beliefs – their own. But when that is challenged, the fundamentalist has nowhere to turn but to anger which can too often become personal hatred. Fundamentalism can be seen as one of the great curses of society today. We all know Christian fundamentalists, we even perhaps know Catholic fundamentalists. We see political fundamentalists in the media every day, even, sadly among our political leaders. Some of us know Islamic fundamentalists. There is a common thread through them all, the belief that answers are simple, that their way is the right way indeed, the only way. One of the saddest demonstrations of fundamentalists in our history has been perpetrated by our own Catholic Church. The Inquisitions of the Middle Ages and the burning of heretics at the stake expressed precisely this dangerous fundamentalism. There was only one way and anyone who questioned it was condemned, often to the most horrible of deaths. Fundamentalism, however, seems to me to be totally incompatible with the teachings of Jesus. To my mind, the most challenging passage of scripture we can read is to be found in Chapter 5 of Matthew’s Gospel: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you,

what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Now, Jesus did not say that we have to like our enemies! Liking is an emotional thing, a “feel good” thing. But we can’t feel good about every person with whom we come into contact. It would be a blessing indeed if we could. Jesus did command us, however, to love one another and to love, in that important sense, is a decision we are called to make. Of course, there are all sorts of love. Some are “feel good loves” and we thank God for those. Some are plain hard work. When boy meets girl and love blooms, it is a beautiful thing, a wonderful “feel good experience”. But everyone knows that the love between people long married is no less real, though it has quite a different character, often a much greater depth, to it. It is a result of decisions, of commitment. Sometimes it does not feel good. The love a parent feels for a new born child is another “feel good”, beautiful experience. The love of that same parent for that same child when she becomes a rebellious 15 year old is no less real but it feels very different. It requires a decision, or, rather, a long series of decisions! The love we have for our friends is a wonderful thing. It feels good to help our friends in times of need. But, as Jesus said, “even the tax collectors do that!” As Christians our calling is a higher one. We are called to love even our enemies, not necessarily to feel good, to feel warm and fuzzy about them, but actively to choose to want what is best for them and then to act to bring that good about. That’s an enormous challenge. It doesn’t come easily but it is quite the opposite of the fundamentalist position. What is best for me is not always what is best for everyone else. There must be room for respectful difference. But what has all this to do with schools, with education? Everything, in fact. The Church tells us that the goal of the Catholic school is the promotion of the human person and that the ideal of the human person is to be found in Christ. It is the essential role and function of the Catholic school to work with families to ensure that the young person grows knowing and understanding love in all its forms. That it is not just the romantic love of TV soaps, but is based on clear decisions to love, even to love our enemies. The ugly personal hatred we see portrayed every day in news media is totally contrary to our beliefs as Christians. Not only is it dangerous to individuals, it is potentially disruptive to our whole society. It is totally contrary to what we, Catholic educators - parents and schools - should be about.


Catholic Life, September 2011 - Page 7

When your sharebroker is not a sharebroker THERE’S been a deal of talk in the press of late about the changes in the provision of financial advice, how the taking of commissions will in most case be banned and that new clients after July 2012 will have to “opt in” every two years to be charged for financial advice received. Something that I think has been missed in all this is that many people offering share investment advice are still not yet covered by the Market Integrity Rules (MIRs) that affect all participants of the ASX Group (sharebrokers). MIRs cover all sorts of matters that an adviser must do to ensure that there is an orderly market and that clients business takes precedence, and especially that clients are treated honestly and fairly. These rules are far tougher, and penalties far higher than those applying to holders of Australian Financial Services Licences. Of particular interest are the rules banning pretty much anything that’s not in the clients’ interest. A broker must apply any client orders before their own, they must tell the client if the shares are being crossed. If the shares are being sold from the brokers own holding the client can’t be charged brokerage and so on. The broker must maintain all client funds

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in a trust account and may only retain for their own use an amount only to cover brokerage fees. Client accounts must be reconciled on a daily basis and all dealings must be recorded in full detail. All transactions must be allocated fairly and where circumstances are equal, priority must always be given to the client. There are rules applying to the detailed operation of the market to ensure an informed and orderly process, too, but these are generally beyond the scope of this article. Apart from a guaranteed restitution of any damage to the client, penalties for breaches of these rules can be up to $1 million. Even failing to put the correct time and date, let alone the order placer’s name, on an order may incur a penalty of more than $25,000. A client can rest assured that by using a true share broker, they are being looked after. There are just under 100 sharebroking firms in Australia,

that have the authority to place orders on behalf of retail clients onto the Australian Stock Exchange’s trading platform. All these are covered under the Market Integrity Rules introduced by ASIC after it assumed control of share trading from the ASX in 2010. There are another 700-800 “shadow brokers” (including many financial planning firms) who offer equity advice and management to clients but employ a broker to place trades on their behalf, but the advisers themselves are not share brokers. These shadow brokers are not covered by these rules. They direct orders through a broker but in most cases the shadow broker is the client of the true broker, not the investor. This means that the investor is only covered to the level imposed by the shadow brokers AFSL licence, which is far less. Most shadow brokers are responsible and honest, but there are firms like Sonray and others where investors have lost millions of dollars, thinking that

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Page 8 - Catholic Life, September 2011

Why we need to oppose same sex marriages By Bruce Ryan THE official position of the Catholic Church on same-sex marriage is not a new teaching, but it does require some explanation and pastoral reflection. For the person in the street, religious and moral arguments do not cut the mustard, however, there are good practical and secular reasons that also underpin the Church’s stance on this issue. In the case of marriage and family there is no need to ask the question: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? That is society, or marriage and the family. The family is well-accepted as the bedrock of society; it comes first and society follows; this has been the case for millennia. Marriage is the formal public institution of the family, fostered as such quite deliberately by the State for very sensible reasons. Marriage provides the State with a sound and reliable formal structure for the loving procreation and careful nurturing of its future citizens. Marriage is also a personal institution. It is the exclusive, permanent, loving relationship and commitment between a man and a woman open to the natural possibility of procreating and raising children. It has a two-fold purpose: mutual affection and support, and the natural procreation and care-filled raising of children. It is easy to understand why

same-sex couples committed in love to a long-term and exclusive relationship would wish to share in this experience. However, extending the understanding of marriage to same-sex couples would break down both the public and the personal institutions of marriage, that have stood throughout time; indeed, marriage would lose its meaning. Whilst the Church is sympathetic to same-sex couples who wish to seal their commitment to one another in marriage, the very object of their aspirations would evaporate in their act of obtaining it. Marriage would no longer be linked in its essence to bringing new life into the world and society. Society would, therefore, have no further reason or

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need to protect the institution of marriage. It has been suggested that, logically speaking, if marriage represents only a loving relationship, it could come to represent any such relationship: opposite-sex couples, same-sex couples, polygamous and multiple partnerships of any sex, etc. If the link to bringing the new life of children into the world is broken, marriage itself is broken and the concept is of no further use, to the individual or to society. Is there another agenda for some behind the push for samesex marriage? If marriage is broken, as open to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples, there is really no longer a need for any sort of institutional distinction between a man and a woman. Gender would be rendered officially as culturallylearned rather than fundamentally prescribed by our nature. But now, to the ordinary person in the street, this would just seem to be going too far. This is the very argument: a same-sex union is not what we have normally understood marriage to be down through the ages. But, where would that leave children?

Children have a right to be conceived and brought into this world naturally, and to know of their biological origins wherever this is feasible. Children have a right to the chance to be nurtured and cared for by a mother and a father. We know that life often intervenes to deny these rights, but we start from the potential for them to be satisfied. With same-sex marriage, however, adult needs, desires, hopes and aspirations become the focus to the exclusion of the rights of the child. And where else may this lead? Would the law eventually oblige: teaching homosexual preference and lifestyle in schools? Requiring ministers of religion to perform same-sex marriages? Or Church-based adoption agencies to facilitate same-sex adoptions? Extending marriage to include same-sex couples would unjustly discriminate against opposite-sex couples who are married. However, legislation that marriage is between and man and a woman does not

discriminate unjustly against same-sex couples. Not all discrimination is bad; the law provides many forms of discrimination for the good of society – eg consanguinity laws for marriage (note again the link to children inherent in society’s notion of marriage). There are many sensible and compelling reasons for opposing legislative support for same-sex marriage. However, homophobia is not one of them. The Catholic Church is firm in its teaching on this. The belief that every individual person is made in God’s image is at the very heart of Christian teaching. Every human person is loved by God and personally saved and made holy by the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus the Christ. From this we cannot resile; it is central to our faith, the core of our belief. • Bruce Ryan is secretary of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference Commission for Pastoral Life.

Students walk for Founders’ Day

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YEAR 10 students Castelle Dugan and Harrison Lee prepare to step out for Founders’ Day SALE - More than 1000 Catholic College Sale students and staff embarked on a 9km walk to raise money for charity as they paid tribute to the founders of the college on August 17. The walk was part of the annual Founders’ Day celebrations at the college, an opportunity for the college community to reflect upon and be thankful for those who have gone before and have paved the way for the life the college community now enjoys. Director of Catholic Identity Stephen Nash said “It is important for us all to reflect upon from where we have come. We want students to think about the world beyond themselves.” Founders Day provides time to remember the Sisters of Sion

who began Our Lady of Sion College in 1890 and the Marist Brothers who began St Patrick’s College in 1922. These Colleges amalgamated in 1977 to form Catholic College Sale. The day began with a thanksgiving Mass in the Bishop Phelan Stadium before the entire college set off on their 9km walk. Students sought sponsorship for the walkathon from family and friends and all monies raised will be donated to causes managed by the Marist Brothers in East Timor and the Sion Sisters in Jerusalem. The walk began at St Patrick’s campus and went to Lake Guthridge, through the wetlands and back to the college.


Catholic Life, September 2011 - Page 9

Southern Cross Care responds to new demands MORWELL - Leading aged care provider Southern Cross Care (Vic) is set to meet an increasing demand in the Gippsland region for care services that enable older people to continue living at home. SCC has moved to larger premises which were officially opened by Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester MHR on August 30. The new Gippsland Region Community Services office at 241 Princes Drive, Morwell were blessed by Fr Mathew Joseph, parish priest of St Michael’s in Traralgon. Since launching in the region 10 years ago, the organisation’s home support services have grown more than 550 per cent, including a 50 per cent increase in just three years. As one of the area’s largest providers, today SCC delivers care to 400 older people receiving either government-funded care packages, or services offered in partnership with other providers. SCC chief executive officer Jan Horsnell said the organisation was committed to providing older people living in

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regional areas with access to a broad range of home support services. “We understand the challenges facing older people in rural and remote communities,and the isolation many experience in not having access to the health and community services available to those living in the city,” Ms Horsnell said. “Over the past decade we have, and will continue to work hard in establishing strong local partnerships with health and community care providers in the Gippsland region to ensure older people receive the care and support services they need to better enable them to continue living in their own homes. “Our ongoing growth in the region is a result of employing local people, working with the local community, listening to the needs of its ageing population, and responding with appropriate care and services,” she said.

With the number of Australians aged 85 and over expected to quadruple in the next 40 years, Ms Horsnell said it was vital providers like SCC continued to work with older people, and their families, to support their decision to stay living in their own homes and communities. “While our ageing population increases, so too do the needs and expectation of older people. To meet these demands, we need to respond accordingly understanding how people want to age, giving them a greater say in managing their care, and providing them with access to the services to make this possible.” Established in 1869 Southern Cross Care (Vic) is a not-forprofit community-based organisation that provides excellence in quality aged care services to more than 5300 seniors and their families in Victoria.

SOUTHERN Cross Care chief executive officer Jan Horsnell is congratulated by Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester.


Page 10 - Catholic Life, September 2011

MADRID WYD2011 SPECIAL Fr Michael Willemsen I was impressed with the generosity of our young pilgrims: in giving Australian paraphernalia to pilgrims from other countries without seeking anything in return; in taking excess food to the poor on the streets of Madrid; in making a concerted effort to thank the nuns and their supporters who hosted us for DID; and when we prayed together, especially the spontaneous prayers of intercession at our morning briefings in Madrid and the Masses we celebrated together as a pilgrim group. I was truly inspired!

BISHOP Christopher Prowse with members of Team Maria at Javier Castle.

Stephen Nasalio Hola!! One simple word to sum up my experience at WYD is simply WOW!! A simple kid from the little town of Cranbourne to be in READY for a big day at the Papal Mass are Bishop Prowse and Spain with 1.5 million other diocesan youth workers Jess Denehy (left) and Kelly Lucas. people oh and his Holiness himthe Vigil with the Pope. After self Ben16 (pilgrim slang) was Natasha Le Noel an experience that I will never World Youth Day was an walking through 46°c weather forget in my whole life. amazing experience and as a with packs on our back and tryBeing in Spain was amazing. ing to find a sliver of ground in teacher, I had a doubly amazing which to sleep on, the heavens Being in Spain with the youth experience watching the stu- opened up and unleashed elec- of the world was Awesome with a capital A!! dents on our pilgrimage grow tricity across the sky. It really did live up to its more ‘firm in the faith’. An unforgettable experience One of the most challenging with an amazing group of peo- theme simply because I am Firm in the Faith!!! St Patrick’s and exhilarating experience was ple. Cathedral in Melbourne is the size of their churches so you can only imagine how big their cathedrals can be. An emotional moment I had was the Australian gathering. I really felt the Holy Spirit right then and there and I was just overcome with joy that tears were formed in my eyes. Praise God!!! We were also blessed to visit the birthplace of St Francis Xavier. It was amazing to be somewhere where a saint was born

and raised. The pilgrimage was also amazing with a great chaplaincy team made up of Bishop Christopher Prowse, Fr Michael, Fr Darek and a seminarian Siju. We named them the three wise men and a seminarian (pilgrim joke) with the knowledge that they had, really helped with the many questions that we had. I could write on forever about the trip but I have to keep it to

a minimum, but please if you see me around don’t hesitate to ask me about the pilgrimage - I would be more than happy to come over for dinner to your house and talk more about it (another pilgrim joke)! Thank you St Agatha’s for the prayers, the donations and all the support. I can honestly say money was well spent. Thank you once again and lets all stay Firm in the Faith.

DAPHNE Vaifale and Stephen Nasalio who were engaged while in Madrid.

Daphne Vaifale

ENJOYING the moment (clockwise from top left) Vic Fali, Daphne Vaifale, Fr Darek Jablonski, Stephen Nasalio, Ed Barnes and Mick Darling.

Anita Smolenaars I have just attended WYD in August, I enjoyed every minute of it. I wasn’t too keen when we had to go twice into lots of crowds at the train station. What touched me the most on the Saturday morning was when the Pope drove past us – he was about 10 steps away! The rest of the time we saw him on the big screens. Also at the vigil with the Pope, it rained quite heavily but there was still a good atmos-

phere. The fireworks at the end of the vigil were spectacular and not a disappointment because of the rain. Another highlight for me was on the Sunday at the Mass when we couldn’t receive Holy Communion. This was due to the above-mentioned rain, the Adoration tent blew down and some of the hosts were ruined! Still, when the Pope, Bishops and Priests had communion, everyone was very reverent and very quiet.

PILGRIMS taking a closer look at the altar following the Papal Mass are (from left) Daniel Grulke, Grace Waak, Dominic Velton, Mollie Gawley, Jack Fitzgerald, Saoirse Conlon and Melina Callum-O’Dea.

I am so thankful to be one of the pilgrims of WYD11. The best moment for me at the WYD11 was when we were able to see the Pope driving past by where we were staying. His presence was unexpected; I was thrilled and smiling at him right next to us. What touched me spiritually was being with so many people from around the world praising our Lord Jesus Christ and sharing the same faith! This was the best feeling ever! It will be great if lots of our youth are able to attend the next WYD in Rio de Janeiro -Brazil. I would like thank everyone who prayed for us doing this Pilgrimage journey.


Catholic Life, September 2011 - Page 11

MADRID WYD2011 SPECIAL

Priest reviews his experiences at Madrid WYD By Fr Darek Jablonski WHO doesn’t like to go shopping and to buy something new to keep ourselves happy and busy with? However, those “things” need to be replaced by the new ones every now and then. Why can’t they satisfy us once for good? Because we deeply desire for something better, more meaningful, something that will last for a very long time… That’s why some faithful people decide to go on a pilgrimage and that’s why 41 people of Sale Diocese decided to head off to Madrid (Spain) to join the rest of the world at World Youth Day. Spain offered us astonishing architecture, but meetings are the factors to our pilgrims, that will stay with us for a very long time. The first five days we stayed in the Archdiocese of Toledo in the beautiful historical town of Talavera de la Reina. We stayed at the convent of 51 Daughters of Our Lady. That was shocking for our pilgrims to see so many nuns dressed up like nuns and living in one place. Their charism is to look after the education of the girls, but because of the holiday time back in Europe, they were free and could look after us and 200 French pilgrims who stayed at the same place as us. While staying in Talavera we attended very traditional Stations of the Cross that went in a procession through the town with over 1000 people attending it. Two massive stages (one with the cross with the figure of Jesus, the other one with Mary) were carried by a team of around 30 people with their heads fully covered by the stage elements. So these people were only directed by a conductor of the whole procession. This procession went from 9pm till 12.30am, so we were in beds way after 1am on that night. However it wasn’t the only late night. It seems to be a Spanish custom to start the social life right around 9pm even on the week days. Each pilgrim of our group had got a soul companion – a sister that prayed for “her” Australian pilgrim. One night everyone had the opportunity to meet the sister that prayed for him or her. That was a very emotional evening for us to express our appreciation for the prayers of the sisters. One episode was the most special: one of the sisters who prayed for Vic (who, on the pilgrimage, joined our parish) was in her last days of life. But she wanted so much to meet him. And it happened. But two days after they met, she died. We all felt the loss of a very close friend, even like a member of our family passing away. It affected us deeply.

Even though we left Talavera, we still met few times some of the sisters and their friends who helped translating our conversations, when we all gathered in Madrid. After the “sending off” Mass in the Archdiocese of Toledo we headed towards Madrid itself. We reached our destination around 1am. It was a student’s accommodation building, but again, because of holidays, it was empty so we could stay in for the next six days. Days in Madrid were different again to what we experienced in Talavera. The crowd was enormous. Every single street in the city was flowing with the people. What an enthusiasm! What a joy! What an experience of faith! You don’t see many people on the streets of our cities that are that positive about the fact that they are young and that they have faith in Jesus Christ. It was a constant encouragement for one another. Every morning we had Catechesis at the English-speaking centre stadium. In this modern, hi tech facility, in a number of up to ten thousand people, we had two talks every day. All was filled with good Christian music (one of the artist was Fr Robert Galea from the Diocese of Sandhurst). Two of those talks were really down to earth and profound in meaning at the same time. First was about chastity and second about the freedom of choice. Afternoons, or rather: late afternoon were busy as well. One day we welcomed Pope Benedict XVI who just arrived, the other day we had the Stations of the Cross and before that we split out into small groups and decided our itinerary within them. Another memorable experience was when we gathered all together on the old airport field on Saturday August 20, for the Vigil Prayers and sleeping out as well as for the Eucharist the next morning. One afternoon when we were about to join the crowds for the welcoming day (soon after Pope arrived), we were too far away to hear or see anything, and crowd was so condensed so we couldn’t progress any further. Fr Michael Willemsen decided to unfold some sort of cloth and to celebrate Mass right on the street without altars and other standards. He’s got the Missal, Eucharistic bread and wine. And hundreds of people around him. It was very realistic experience of the Eucharist. We could feel that Jesus is present among us, at this overcrowded street. We enjoyed 40 degrees heat for the last nine days so without even tiny cloud of doubt we didn’t over pack our backpacks while preparing to stay out the whole night.

CELEBRATING Mass for the Sale pilgrims at Javier Castle are (from left) Fr Michael Willemsen, Corpus Christi Seminary, Bishop Christopher Prowse, and Fr Darek Jablonski, Cranbourne. It was a surprise even to the Pope, when we started our prayer that a strong rain storm went though the field where we stayed. Almost everyone got wet, as it didn’t appear to us at all, that it might rain on that night, so just few people brought with them rain coats. It was also interesting to see Pope Benedict with his new hair style designed by the wind. During this vigil Pope affirmed us that as the youth of this world we must be planted and built up in Jesus Christ to stay firm in faith, because the future doesn’t start tomorrow; it starts today. The rest of our days in Spain we spent very close to the place where St Francis Xavier was born, was baptised and grew up. Those days were quieter and bit more reflective and we finished them up with “Affirmation dinner”, when after picking lots we had to affirm in faith, in Christ the person whose name was on the lot. It was a challenging task for some of us, but it was an eye opener for everyone actually, to be able to honestly affirm someone whom one person didn’t know that much. It required extra talks, prayer for light and guidance and a positive approach. Such a good start for the better future, isn’t it? One thing that must be men-

tioned is Bishop Christopher Prowse. From the very first day, until we came back to Australia he stayed with us all the time, 24/7. He didn’t take the chance to stay and sleep over at a proper hotel. He chose to be with us, and with no doubt we can call him the true leader and true shepherd. It was also a unique experience and not every diocese could experience what we’ve experienced. How blessed and happy we are! On the August 25 we headed off towards France and at the domestic airport just beyond the French border we checked

in for Paris and from there, thorough Dubai, to Melbourne. What are the fruits of WYD 2011? Maybe it’s too early to ask, maybe we will be able to share some of the at the post WYD retreat. However one fruit must be recognised already. One of our parishioners Stephen Nasalio got engaged with Daphne Vaifale from Endeavour Hills. Let’s pray for them, my dear Friends, so that their love, strengthened by God will last till the end of their lives. P.S. Looking forward to go to WYD 2013 in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

JESSICA Van Diemen prays at a relic of St Francis Xavier at Javier Castle.

THE Sale Diocese pilgrims gather after the Papal Mass


Page 12 - Catholic Life, September 2011

MADRID WYD2011 SPECIAL Jack Fitzgerald World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid in Spain was amazing!! We went for 15 days, with some time spent in Talavera, Toledo, Madrid, and finally Navarre. The first four days in Talavera was spent in a convent with nuns. These nuns each had one pilgrim to pray for, and meeting “my” nun was amazing. I spoke no Spanish and she spoke no English, but we still talked and connected in a very unique way. We then went on to Madrid, the business end of WYD. We spent most of our nights in university accommodation in the city, but on the night of the Vigil and Mass with Pope Benedict XVI, we and 1.5 million other pilgrims all slept on a military airfield. The atmosphere was amazing

and there was so many people there. We tried to meet as many young people as we could, and some of their stories were crazy. So many cultures and languages all converging as one Catholic faith gave me a feeling beyond words. The last three days of our faith journey were spent in Navarre, a small town north of Madrid. We spent it relaxing mostly, but also visited the birthplace of some saints, whose presence was still felt within the Basilica and Churches walls. It was absolutely beautiful. All the pilgrims that went are now one big family. Hopefully many more people can share mine and so many other people’s experiences and the next World Youth Day: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2013!! DAY turns to night as storm clouds gather over an estimated 1.5 million pilgrims at the WYD vigil. Catholic Life is indebted to the skills of photographers Len Cooke, Jess Denehy, Kelly Lucas and others who have provided the pictures on these pages.

Amanda Lonsdale

SAOIRSE Conlon (front) displays the Sale pilgrims’ Aboriginal cross on the Grande Via of Madrid at the opening of the WYD Mass. She is surrounded by Mary Aupiti Iuliana, Cory Foster (standing), Jarod Atkinson, Jack Fitzgerald and Daniel Gruike.

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When asked how Madrid was, I respond that the WYD experience was not solely about the vigil and the papal mass. It was the people I was travelling with and the ones met along the journey. One highlight was our host community in the Diocese of Toledo. We were placed within the community of the Hijas de Maria Nuestra Senora (Daughters of Our Lady – a reformed order of the Company of Mary) in Talavera de la Reina. Talavera is a major city within the region but our pocket of the world had a strong sense of community. As a group we were literally enveloped with love upon arrival. We were greeted with chanting, singing, drums, horns and cheers. A little overwhelming for a group of Australians who had been travelling for more than 25 hours! Graces continued with being shown our lodgings. We were staying in dorms - Real beds! (For those who went to Sydney and slept on asphalt at the show grounds this was cause for great praise) The community were wonderful and extended unending generosity. We had an action packed itinerary which was a little tiring but satisfying. We felt so welcomed that, when we had to leave for Madrid, it was difficult to leave the community behind. The sisters showed us wonderful examples of living their vocation. Living according to the rule of the order, blending education of young women with the monastic life. The joy and wonder of His love was present in everything they did. The sisters never said goodbye. They wished us well of life’s journey and until we met again in the presence of our heavenly Father.

Siju M. Xavier It has indeed been one of the greatest and unforgettable events in my whole life. Apart being my first WYD, I enjoyed the whole trip and stay with our lovely pilgrims. I did feel that we were members of one family under the spiritual guidance of his lordship Christopher Prowse, and Frs Michael and Darek. Some of those strikingly remarkable experiences I have had include the holy Mass with the Holy Father for all the seminarians of the world, visit to the church of St Isidore the Farmer and the holy mass at the castle where St Francis Xavier was born and brought up. I have been privileged to see the scenery which Francis Xavier saw, to walk on the land which he trod. Moreover, it has been a blessed opportunity to stay a couple of weeks

in a land which witnessed the lives of many holy people who are venerated in the church today. Whilst on my stay there I sought the special intercessory prayers of those holy men and women to inspire and guide my path to the priesthood. When I share my experiences, it is inevitable to mention the magnanimous hearts of the nuns of the Daughters of our Lady. I was taken aback by the generosity and hospitality of those nuns and the love and care they showed to us still remain alive in me as if it had happened just yesterday. Thanking all the pilgrims, pilgrim coordinators, leaders for their generosity and Corpus Christi College Seminary, Carlton for sponsoring me, I wind it up with prayerful best wishes to all and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next World Youth Day in Brazil.

ANITA Smolenaars at Cuarto Vientos waiting for the Papal Mass to start.


Catholic Life, September 2011 - Page 13

Building a more just and compassionate society IN his poem Tangmalangaloo, John O’Brien (the pen name of Fr Patrick Hartigan) cleverly captured both the linkages and the gaps between the annual sporting calendar and the Church’s year. The Bishop was visiting Tangmalangaloo for confirmations, and engaged with the candidates: ....Come, tell me now; and what is Christmas Day?” The ready answer bared a fact no bishop ever knew “It’s the day before the races out at Tangmalangaloo.” The last Sunday in September is usually the day after the AFL Grand Final (even if the vagaries of the fixture have moved this year’s final to October 1), but that day is also now well established throughout the Church in Australia as Social Justice Sunday. To coincide with that day, the Bishops issue a statement on a social justice issue, which is recommended for study and action. The topics of those statements over the past 10 years provide an agenda of key issues facing Australian society. Working back from 2010, these topics are: • Violence in Australia: A message of peace • Young people and justice • The challenge of affluence and poverty in Australia, • Australia’s role as a global citizen • Dignity and justice for our Indigenous sisters and brothers • Jesus, Light for the World: Living the Gospel Today, • Cultivating a culture of peace • Challenging Racism in Australia Today, • The Environmental Challenge, • A Just and Peaceful Land: Rural and Regional Australia in 2001 • Woman and Man: The Bishops Respond In each case, the statement applies the principles of Catholic social teaching to an aspect of our own society. It guides and challenges us to ‘see, judge, act’ – to learn about situations, to analyse things and come to conclusions, and then to determine what contribution we can make in this particular area to the building of a more just and compassionate society. The issues taken up over the last decade are still current. In each area there is much that is being done, but there is much

still to be done. And the issues are inter-related – we can’t make significant inroads into any single major issues without venturing more broadly. So, we need a broad vision of a more just and compassionate world, but we also need to have a point of focus at any one time, or we can be lost in a morass of issues and demands. The 2011 statement, Building Bridges, Not Walls: Prisons and the Justice System, brings together so many of the other pressing issues facing our society. In a sense, this is counterintuitive. The topics of recent years – violence, young people, affluence and poverty, etc – resonate widely. We are all aware of how these issues affect the lives of people that we know; or, at least, we can readily appreciated that they reach across our society. But prisons can seem very distant. With the exception of Sale, few of us live near a prison; the vast majority of their residents come from a relatively small number of postcode ar-

with Denis Fitzgerald & Jamie Edwards

eas; only a small percentage of prisoners have completed secondary school or beyond; Aboriginal Australians are overwhelmingly over-represented in prison. It’s not easy to visit someone in prison even if you are a family member, and it’s very hard indeed if you don’t already know anyone there. So, prisons can, sadly, be very familiar to the live experience of some, but can be very distant from the experience of many other Australians. But they are part of our lives, even if we aren’t aware of that. They are a key part of each of the issues that the Social Justice Sunday statements have addressed in recent years: • Violence in Australia: does our criminal justice system

build peace? The evidence is that prisons are violent places, and that justice for victims and perpetrators needs to focus on reconciliation and restoration. • Young people – preventing engagement with the justice system through family support, early years education and extra assistance where needed is proven to be the most effective way of keeping our society safe, and of building healthy lives. These are ‘mainstream’ policy and program issues. • Affluence and poverty – what does it tell us about our society that unemployment, mental illness, low education standards, etc are features of the prison population? • Australia’s global role– we build prisons in other countries; we incarcerate asylum seekers.

• Denis Fitzgerald is executive director of Catholic Social Services Victoria and Jamie Edwards is director of Centacare Gippsland.

Join in day retreat with Mary in Sale By Marianne Bagguley IF you would like to step away from the bustle and distractions of everyday life, then the up and coming All Day Retreat, at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale on Thursday, October 20, from 10.30am to 3pm, could be just what you are looking for! The retreat will be hosted by Capuchin Franciscan priest, Fr Francis (Norman) Merlino who has been warmly welcomed into our diocese, by Bishop Christopher Prowse. Fr Merlino was born in Sydney, ordained in Italy and since that time has fulfilled many roles throughout his priestly vocation, including parish priest in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia parishes. He has been appointed spiritual assistant to the Secular Franciscans nationally, several times. He was responsible for the Marian Movement of Priests in South Australia, Queensland and Victoria and then accepted the national responsibilty for the MMP in Australia and Oceania from 2007. Fr Merlino is currently responsibile for the Marian Movement of Priests in Victoria. The MMP is intimately con-

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This is part of our face to the world. • Aboriginal Australians are 17 times more likely to be in prison than are Australians generally. • Jesus, Light for the World – Is our vision informed by the restorative justice that Christ taught us? By our faith in the dignity of each person, and our hope for the salvation of all? Do we effectively minister to those in prison, or support those who have been in prison? So, as we reflect on the issues and the people highlighted in this year’s Social Justice Statement, as we talk to others in our parishes, schools and families about what we can do, we are engaging with some of the fundamental dimensions of our society. We are engaging with people and issues that are central to building a more just and compassionate society.

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nected with Fatima and its message. In May 1972, while praying in the Chapel of Appariations at Fatima, Fr Stefano Gobbi, an Italian priest from Milan, felt an interior call from Mary, to start the Marian Movement of Priests. Reassured by an unmistakable sign that it was God’s will, Fr Gobbi and two other priests timidly launched the Movement, on October 13, 1972 with a Cenacle prayer gathering– exactly 55 years after the famous Miracle of the Sun, at Fatima. The MMP soon spread to every part of the world - its members primarily consisted of priests, then religious and lay people soon became members. Currently over 150,000 priests and millions of the laity – including youth, children and families - pray a Cenacle and strive to live daily their Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Cenacles are formed when two or more members meet to be with Mary, that she may nourish and form them - to pray with Mary, in order that their prayer may be efficacious and - to love one another and live in a true fraternity, in the company of Mary. Everyone is warmly invited to this special day which will include Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration, Benediction, Confession, Consecration to Our Lady, three Reflections given by Fr Merlino and Cenacle (Rosary and Prayers for the Holy Father). Those attending are asked to take their own lunch – tea and coffee provided. For inquiries, including transport to the Cathedral, please contact Marianne Bagguley on 5147 1019.

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Page 14 - Catholic Life, September 2011

The isolation of French Island an enduring problem IN 1797 the English navigator George Bass sailed along Bass Strait and discovered Western Port bay and its southernmost island, now called Phillip Island. But British maritime maps at the time showed they had not circumnavigated the northernmost island of the bay, which they thought was a promontory of the mainland. In 1802 the French expedition of Dumont D’Urville discovered that this piece of land was indeed an island. As a result it was named Ile des Francais, and the other island was named Ile Des Anglais, later changed to Phillip Island after the Governor in Sydney. The local Aboriginals did not have permanent settlements on French Island, but visited it intermittently in the warmer months. The first European settlers were George Hayden and Jack Sanger who lived there from 1843-84 while burning mangroves to make barilla ash, an ingredient of soap, but they were unsuccessful in this venture. Haydon was an impressive individual, an architect, explorer, sketcher and novelist. While on the island he kept a diary, which still exists, sketched his surroundings, and later published a novel, The Australian Emigrant (1854), which is a semi-fictionalised account of his time on the island, and the first novel published on eastern Victoria. Haydon also compiled a vocabulary of words from the local Aboriginal dialect. He believed the Aboriginal name for French Island was Powel, though the Assistant Protector of Aborigines, William Thomas, called it Jouap. The coast of Phillip Island was called Corriong, which may be cognate with the Corrong, the thin strip of coastal land at the outlet of the Murray River in South Australia. To visit French Island today is like going back into a time warp. It resembles rural Australia as it was many decades ago - there are no pavements, no advertising, few cars, almost no shops, and the landscape has an unkempt and unimproved look. Cars are left to rust where they run out. The island is not part of any municipality, so there are no council rates nor registration for cars. The island has always been caught in a Catch 22 situation. It needs population and industries, but you can’t have one without the other. Transport is a major problem – everything has to be brought over from the mainland. There are not enough people to make enterprises profitable, or even viable. But the island can’t get enough people because of its isolation. Businessmen were always reluctant to invest in island ventures. The island had a salt industry in the late 19th century, but this collapsed from lack of capital and labour. Chicory growing became one mainstay. Most people lived a self-sufficient

Gippsland History with Patrick Morgan farm life, producing their own daily necessities. Of course many of the locals didn’t want the island to develop, because its whole attraction was that of a place where time stood still. Inhabitants didn’t want the development and tourist pressures felt by places like Cowes. In the early days boats were unreliable, especially in bad weather, and too small to convey large goods. Ships and ferries were too irregular because of lack of passengers and goods. It was always hard to get livestock on and off the island. Ferry services improved in more recent decades, and a privately owned barge was used. On the island, roads were in an appalling state. Jinkers and cars often got bogged. The first attempt by the Country Roads Board to construct roads came as late as 1938. An island identity, Fred Bond, wrote in 1912: “Ever since the Victorian Government was idiotic enough to settle a number of people on Pinch [French] Island the question of communication with the outside world, the receiving and sending away of goods, and the conveyance of passengers to and fro has been a source of distress and worry to them: to the people we mean - Governments never distress themselves about anything.” Another reason the island did not go ahead was because most of the land is too infertile for farming. The island has areas of swamp, mangroves, ti-tree and low scrub as well as a good spread of forest. It rises gently in the middle to Mt Wellington, which is really only a hill. Koalas thrive and multiply on the island, so much that some have to be removed to stop them eating out their food sources, and killing the island’s trees. The best land is on the south side opposite Phillip Island. On the south-west corner of the island a jetty was constructed to accommodate small ships and later ferries from Cowes and Stony Point. A small town called Tankerton developed nearby, but even today it has only a shop and a few other businesses. The population of the island has remained at about 100 people over the last 130 years. During the depression of the 1890s six Village and Homestead Settlements were established on the island. The idea was that unemployed men and their families from Melbourne would take up a small block of about 10 acres, and form a selfsufficient community by farming on their blocks. The scheme brought in a new influx of people, but they had no farming experience or capi-

tal, and most gradually failed over the years. The new families meant an increase of children, so the Education Department set up new schools at the Perseverance and Star of Hope settlements. These too struggled over the years and were eventually amalgamated. The single school could not be permanent-

ly closed even when enrolments were low, as there was no other means of education for the island’s children. A prison was set up on the south-east corner of the island in 1916 and lasted for 60 years. It began as a reafforestation scheme – outdoor work was considered good for prisoners. But the tree planting was not successful and in later decades the prison worked as a farm with sheep and cattle. The locals were not happy with an open prison on their doorstep and with frequent escape attempts, and some armed themselves against possible intruders.

In the 1970s industrial development of Westernport Bay around Hastings meant that French Island was expecting growth. It was suggested that a coal power station or even a nuclear station be built on the island, but these never eventuated. By this stage the environmental movement was strong, the island’s wildlife had been preserved because of its isolation, so much of the island was reserved as a National Park rather than being developed. In 2006 Ruth Gooch published Frontier French Island, a thorough and informative history of this remarkable island.

Locals feature in pictorial book THE CANONISATION OF MARY MACKILLOP: A Pictorial Souvenir, published by St Paul’s Publications, hardback with dust jacket, 80 pages, rrp $19.95. JUST across our desk last week is this wonderful picture book featuring all the excitement of the canonisation ceremony in Rome for St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. The canonisation has led to a flood of MacKillop books, some excellent and sadly some appear to have been hastily put together. This particular book falls in the excellent category with high resolution photographs taken at celebrations in Rome and then around the world after the event. Anyone who attended the ceremonies would love one of these books as a keepsake. Many sisters who have served in Sale Diocese appear including Sr Margaret Blampied, Sr Margaret Brown, Sr Sharon Teresa, Sr Diane Moore, and Sr Madeleine White. Apologies to those who we did not recognise. Bishop Christopher Prowse also features on the page dedicated to ceremonies held in Australia. A soft cover version of the book is also expected out soon, priced around $10. IMAGING MARY MACKILLOP: With Whisperings from Mary, by Patricia, Snudden RSJ, hardback, 40 pages rrp $17.95. THIS book features artwork by the author, painted in various

Talking about Books shades of brown. The artwork is not compelling but does help as a focus on the excerpts of letters written by Mary MacKillop. The idea is good but there are better MacKillop publications if you want to get into the charism of this worthy saint. THE LITTLE BROWN BOOK TOO, by Sue and Leo Kane, published by St Paul’s Publications, hardback, 152 pages, rrp $17.95. THIS book should be available from this week. The authors are a married couple with a special interest in spirituality and take the name of their book from the little brown

book which Mary MacKillop used to record her thoughts on her travels around the various Josephite communities. They encourage readers to draw on the special spirituality of Mary MacKillop and to use the strength gained in their everyday lives. There are 60 short reflections, all supported by a quote either from Mary MacKillop or from someone writing or speaking about her. They are published under six or seven themes and would be excellent to use as part of morning or evening prayers. The book is an ideal size to slip into a handbag or pocket to have some reflection time during a break from work.

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Catholic Life, September 2011 - Page 15

Quick calendar

Bishop’s Diary September 14 - St Mary’s College Council meeting, Melbourne September 17-18 - Weekend Masses in Sale. September 18 - Solemn High Mass in Latin in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 11am. September 19-23 - Clergy in-service at Corpus Christi Seminary, Carlton. September 23-25 - Post World Youth Day retreat, Wantirna South.

October 2 - Social Justice Sunday Homily, 9.30am Mass, Sale. October 2 - Italian Mass and procession for St Francis, Sacred Heart, Morwell, 2pm. October 4 - Meetings with agency heads, Warragul. October 5 - Council of Priests meeting, followed by College of Consultors meeting, Sale. October 7-23 - In Rome

What’s on & when September

for Ad Limina visit with other Australian bishops. October 30 - Mission Sunday Mass at venue to be arranged.

Explaining some more of the changes to the Mass By Fr Bernie Krotwaar St John’s,Trafalgar THE PREFACE The ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ (Sanctus) needs to be understood in light of the Preface. The dialogue that begins the Preface is an invitation to the faithful by the priest, asking them to lift up their hearts and to join him in giving thanks and praise to God. The Preface articulates some of the innumerable reasons we have to thank the Lord. While each Preface draws on some of the reasons for giving thanks, all Prefaces conclude with the greatest reason of all: “. . . the Father’s gift of his only Son whom he sent to save us from sin and to restore our relationship with him.” Concluding the Preface, we pray (preferably in song) the Sanctus or ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’. As the Priest introduces this acclamation, he reminds us that our celebration is done in the company of all the angels and saints … the Church in heaven as well as the Church on earth. The ‘Holy, Holy, …’ reiterates praise for the glory of the Lord, which fills the whole earth and anticipates the coming of the Savior with the words: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord …” Following the Sanctus, the Eucharistic Prayer begins. 1 TEXT - SANCTUS Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. In the changes ‘Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might’ (old) becomes ‘Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.’(new) The Latin says Sabaoth, a Hebrew plural word that denotes armies. The text is from Isaiah 6:3, where NRSV and NAB both use hosts. An iconographical tradition has grown

up around this word, in both the Christian East and the Christian West, of depicting the angels massed around God’s throne. The new translation respects that tradition. 2 MEMORIAL ACCLAMATIONS There are some changes to the Memorial Acclamations in the new rite. Following the priest’s words, ‘Mystery of Faith’, the people respond with one of three different acclamations. Of the four previously used, three were originally Latin as so now we have just those Latin texts. 3 NEW TEXTS 1 - We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again. 2 - When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again. 3 - Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free. CHANGES 1 ‘Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory’ (old) becomes ‘We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again’ (new) 2 ‘When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory’ (old) becomes ‘When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.’ (new) A more accurate translation than is given in the current Missal (see 1 Cor 11:26) “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 3 ‘Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free. You are the Savior of the world’ (old) becomes ‘Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.’ (new) Addressed to Jesus Christ,

and in the structure of this part of the Mass, it is the people who make this acclamation addressing Jesus Christ. The way the English translation has gone for the past 40 years, the priest joined the people in making the acclamation, but it’s actually a dialogue – as always has been in the Latin original. He said something, and the people responded. 4 For more information: Roman Missal National Website; www.romanmissalaustralia. org.au; Become One Body One Spirit in Christ www.becomeonebodyonespiritinchrist.org 1 Adapted from Essays: A Walk Through The Mass – III The Mass Today in “Become One Body, One Spirit in Christ” DVD resource. 2 Receiving This English Translation: Changes to the Text – Eucharistic Prayer II / Preface Commentary in “Become One Body, One Spirit in Christ” DVD resource. 3 Summary of Receiving … : Changes to the Text – Eucharistic Prayer / Memorial Acclamation Commentary in “Become One Body, One Spirit in Christ” DVD resource. 4 Summary of Receiving … : Changes to the Text – Eucharistic Prayer / Memorial Acclamation Commentary in “Become One Body, One Spirit in Christ” DVD resource.

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18 – Solemn High Mass in Latin, to celebrate 96th anniversary of St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale , 11am. 19-23 – Sale Diocese clergy in-service, Corpus Christ College, Carlton 23 – Healing Mass at St Joseph’s, Korumburra with Fr Peter Bickley. 6pm exposition, 7pm Mass 23 - School holidays begin 23-25 – Post WYD boot camp Wantirna South 28 – WYD national briefing day

October 3 – Deadline for October Catholic Life 4 – Feast of St Francis of Assisi 7-24 – Bishop in Rome for Ad Limina meeting 10 - Fourth term begins 11 - Heart region meeting, (venue TBA), 4pm 12 - October Catholic Life published 15 – Feast of St Theresa of Avila 16 - Annual school fete at St John”s Primary, Koo Wee Rup 19 – CDF Board meeting 20 - Marian retreat day, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 10.30am -3pm 20 - Valley region meeting, Newborough, noon. 22-23 Youth ministry leader training (venue TBA)

26 – Finance Council meeting 31 – Deadline for November Catholic Life

November 1 – Melbourne Cup holiday 1 – All Saints Day 2 – All Souls Day 8 – East region meeting, Orbost, 10.30am 9 - South region meeting, St Laurence’s parish centre, Leongatha, 11.30am 9 - November Catholic Life published 11 – Remembrance Day 15 – Central Region meeting, St Ita’s parish room, Drouin, 7.30pm 21 – Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 23 – West Region meeting, St Michael’s new hall, Berwick, 10.30am 27 – First Sunday of Advent 28 – Deadline for December Catholic Life

December 1 – Valley Region Christmas break-up, Morwell Club, noon 3 – Feast of St Francis Xavier 4 – Advent reflection afternoon 6 - Heart region break up (venue TBA) 7 - December Catholic Life published 8 - Immaculate Conception 14 – Joint meeting of CDF Board and Finance Council (tentative)

Papal blessing the icing on the cake

MONSIGNOR Allman’s cathedral-shaped jubilee cake. A PAPAL Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI was the icing on the cake for Mgr John Allman’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Bishop Christopher Prowse organised the blessing through the Papal Nuncio in Canberra and chose not to present it at Mgr Allman’s anniversary Mass at Traralgon. Instead it was given to him at at a function the following week when most of the priests of the diocese could be present . The framed certificate of blessing was proudly displayed

by Mgr Allman to parishioners at St Columbkille, Glengarry. He lives in retirement at O’Mara House, Traralgon. The magnificent jubilee cake was made by Ailsa Hall, Bairnsdale, who has been a long-time friend of the Allman family in Heyfield. It was formed and iced by O’Mara House crafts coordinator Marilyn Gallop to be a model of St Mary’s Cathedral as it was when Mgr Allman was ordained in 1951.


Page 16 - Catholic Life, September 2011

A Page for Youth

‘Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith’ (Col 2:7)

Youth leader reflects on WYD Lavalla student conference day By Kelly Lucas

THIS was my third World Youth Day. Many people have asked me how did it compare to the others and that is such a difficult question to answer. Nothing will ever compare to Sydney simply because it was ours. It was our country, our Catholic Church and traditions, our language and our people. This WYD just gone was very Spanish as you would expect. It was extremely hot, extremely crowded, colourful and at times very centred on Mother Mary. It had the usual ingredients of a WYD; youth from all over the world, the Pope, Catechises in the mornings, major events in the evenings, a sleep out prayer vigil before the final Mass. In my mind what set this WYD apart from the others are the people I shared it with. I will never forget a single pilgrim who travelled with us and shared a part of themselves with me. We travelled as the pilgrims of the Diocese of Sale and we did so proudly. Within our large group we had four small groups. Team Rose was our school aged girls. This lively group kept Rhonda and Jenny, their leaders, busy. Although from many schools these girls worked well together and no one was left out. They

showed compassion for each other whenever someone in the group was struggling. They had fun together and were also often the first to lead us in song or prayer. Team Rafael was our school age boys. They were the social butterflies of the group. Often the first to make new friends, these boys were also confident enough to walk up to any other pilgrim group from around the world and exchange merchandise or names. Len and Natasha had hold of the reins in this group and were terrific with the boys, a real little family. It was also team Rafael who would be first to volunteer to read scripture or lead the music. Team John were our men. This group of polite, thoughtful and funny blokes kept us entertained and on the right track. Often the first to lead the way, these boys would set the tone for an occasion. The students looked up to them and the adults leant on them for support. Team Maria was my team. This was the group of postschool age females. This group of women were the mothers of the group. They looked out for everyone, helping and supporting whenever they could. Nothing was ever too much trouble, from sharing their food with others or missing out on

Sowers journey ends

events to look after sick students. These girls were my rock throughout the whole pilgrimage and it really was a gift to be with them. That only leaves our Chaplains and group leaders. We were blessed to have terrific men of God who walked this journey with us every step of the way. Our Bishop did everything we did from walking hours in the heat to sleeping outside in the dust with millions of people. He was always available to the pilgrims and good fun to be around. Fr Michael was the level head of the group. He thought things through practically, keeping us safe and in the best positions possible. Our first aid officer Deb was an angel. She was busy day and night with little things that meant we had no big health problems to worry about. Jess was our pilgrimage coordinator. Her planning beforehand and the work she put into the pilgrimage meant that everything went to plan. We had no big surprises and there was nothing that Jess ETHAN, Mollie, Tom and Jimmy working together during the had not thought about. She was youth conference. definitely the strong shoulders of the group that carried us all LOUD and enthusiastic are the shops including prayer, leaderthrough. She was also the one two words you would use to de- ship, games, drama, social juspeople would turn to with every scribe the CSYMA (Catholic tice, leadership and music. With single question you could think Schools Youth Ministry Aus- the option to try three throughof. tralia) conference day held at out the day students could focus Now that we are home I Lavalla Catholic College this on their interests and passions. have the privilege of seeing the month. Guest presenters included change in our pilgrims. I can alSome 200 students from Roz Kelly from the St Vincent ready see the growth and matu- across the Diocese gathered for De Paul society and musician rity, readiness and willingness a day of workshops, prayer and Steven Kirk. Steven flew in to participate in ministry and fun led by gun youth ministry from Canberra for the day and taking charge of their own faith staff from our schools. Students led the music ministry, with journey. Thank you all. could choose from many work- support from the St Francis Xavier band, for the whole day. The afternoon saw everyone coming together for a moving liturgy. Dead silence descended LEONGATHA - Mary MacKilthe room as the candles were lop Catholic Regional College lit and scripture and meditation Year 10 Youth Ministry Team followed. hosted a Reconciliation Retreat To complete our time together experience last month. the volume was pumped up and The Retreat was held at the many students had the opportuCollege and saw 55 very enthunity to put what they had learnt siastic Grade 1 and 2 students during the workshops into acfrom St Laurence’s Primary tion. The band rocked out the School Leongatha and St Joseph’s Primary School Korum- MARY MacKillop students songs they had worked on. The Holly, Hayley and Meaghan drama group performed the burra. Discipleship needed to be dis- ‘Box’ drama. The world youth Aim of this Retreat was to assist the primary students in their played for we had to show we day pilgrims gave a sharing preparation for the sacrament were all one group and all unit- about their experiences in Maas well as to provide the Youth ed following in Jesus’ example. drid. The band and crowd got The theme of the Retreat was even louder. Then finally the Ministry Team with the opporcentred on the scripture story prayer group closed the event tunity to engage in a meaningful peer-to-peer ministry expe- “Zachaeus up a Tree”. The day and sent us on our way. consisted of an opening prayer Still buzzing, with our ears rience. Leadership, communication then three workshop sessions. still ringing, we munched on and discipleship were three This included Prayer and Medi- traditional youth ministry food, qualities the Youth Ministry tation on the scripture, a Drama pizza, before heading home. Team showed. They had to lead workshop where students had Lavalla had been terrific hosts all the younger students for all to come up with their own skit and a wonderful day was had activities presented and to lead showing an example of forgive- by all. by examples. Communication ness in their everyday lives and skills also had to be of a high an Art workshop where students • If space permits next throughout the day contributed month we may run a coustandard. They were full of questions leaves to a mural based on the ple more reflections from that needed to be answered in Zachaeus story and then made pilgrims on their WYD order for them to have a clear bracelets highlighting words experiences. understanding of reconciliation. linked to reconciliation and forgiveness.

Reconciliation retreat

THE Sowers caravel celebrate the end of a three year journey with a formal dinner. “FROM little things, big things sonal faith life and contributed grow” was the motto used by to some positive experiences the Remar caravel from Marist- in places as far away as WilSion College Warragul, The cannia, NSW. Sowers. Congratulations to Maddy This group recently cel- Barnes, Max Boland, Aaron ebrated the end of their three Calder-Smith, Samuel Piyear journey at a formal dinner asente, Amelia Rovers, Molly graduation, during which each Slater, Declan Taylor, Brodie participant shared an honoring Webb and Ricky Winterton on and affirmation of one of their completing a challenging and peers, reflecting on the past rewarding three year program three years in front of family, with Remar. Remar ministry team members, Special mention must go to teachers and friends. their Helms, or leaders, durAfter participating in at least ing that time Simon Cuckson, eight camps over that time, the Sharon Gardiner and Christine group came to know each other Ruiter. well, strengthened their per-


Catholic Life, September 2011 - Page 17

For the Young and Young at Heart Time for a Laugh SIR Lancelot rode his horse quickly into the castle and announced to King Arthur “Your highness, I have robbed all your enemies to the south and burned all their villages.” “You idiot,” snapped the king. “I don’t have any enemies to the south.” “You do now sire,” answered the knight.

September colouring

the conversation with my mother or something purely irrelevant?”

THE judge looked over his glasses at the defendant and said “Your first three wives died from eating poisonous mushrooms and now your fourth wife has drowned in the swimming pool. Don’t you think that’s a little odd.” “No your honor. She never MRS Brown became ill in liked mushrooms.” the night and her husband ONE day Tony’s girlfriend called for the doctor. The doctor went into the wrote to him to say their bedroom to check on the friendship was over. She asked him to return woman. After a couple of minutes her photograph. Two days later she rethe doctor came out and asked the husband if he had ceived a large envelope filled with photographs of a screwdriver. The husband quickly pro- girls. In it was a note from vided the tool but a couple Tony which read. “Not sure of minutes later the doctor what you look like. Please was back asking for a sharp pick out your photo and send the others back.” knife. This was provided but A BUSINESSMAN was again the doctor came out and asked for a hammer and arranging the furniture in chisel. his new office when a bunch Fearing the worst, the hus- of flowers arrived with a band said “Doc, tell me the card reading”Rest in Peace.” straight. Is she dying?” The sender’s name was “I don’t know,” said the unfamiliar so he rang the doctor. “I am still trying to florist to see if he could find open my bag to get the ther- out what the message meant. mometer and stethoscope. From the other end of the phone there was a gasp. “Oh IT was a stinking hot day no! That means there is a in North Queensland and a funeral somewhere with a tourist decided to pull up bunch of flowers and a card and cool off by having a reading ‘I hope you like quick swim. your new location.’” He found a likely spot but before heading in he asked A LITTLE girl returned an old timer sitting in the home after her first day at shade of a tree if there were school very disgruntled. any sharks in the water. “Why the long face?” “Never ever seen one,” the asked dad. old man replied. “I’m wasting my time. I With this the tourist went can’t read, I can’t write and in and started splashing they won’t let me talk.” around. He called back to the old TEACHER: “Daniel, can man “You look hot. Why you tell me. If you has $5 don’t you hop in for a swim?” in one pocket and $20 in “No thanks,” he replied. the other. What would you “Too many crocodiles for my have? liking.” Daniel: “Someone else’s trousers on, miss.” THE mother was trying desperately to get her under- ONE cow asked the other aged child into kindergarten “Are you worried about this and was trying to impress mad cow disease?” the teacher with her child’s “Why should I be worried?” intellectual abilities. said the second cow. “I’m a “She’ll easily keep up with possum!” the younger students even though she is a year young- THE boss called his new er,” said the mum. typist in and said “Sue, your “Well,” said the teacher “I typing is much better. There would like to hear her say are only two mistakes.” something.” “Thanks, said Sue. “Certainly miss,” said the “Now, let’s take a look at child. “Did you want me to the second line,” said the say something pertaining to boss.

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Age . . . . . . Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Send entries to: Colouring Contest, c/- Catholic Life, PO Box 183, Sale. 3853

A FARMER was overseeing his herd on a remote outback farm when suddenly a brand-new vehicle advanced toward him out of a cloud of dust. The driver, a young man in a fancy suit, and fashion sunglasses leaned out the window and asked the farmer, “If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have in your herd, Will you give me a calf?” The farmer looks at the man, obviously a yuppie, then looks at his peacefully grazing herd and calmly answers, “Sure, Why not?” The yuppie parks his car, whips out his notebook computer, connects it to his cell phone, and surfs to the Internet, where he calls up a GPS satellite to get an exact fix on his location which he then feeds to another satellite that

scans the area in an ultrahigh-resolution photo. The young man then opens the digital photo in and exports it to an image processing facility in Sydney. Within seconds, he receives an email that the image has been processed and scanned. A few minutes later he prints off a report on his hi-tech, miniaturized printer, turns to the farmer and says, “You have exactly 1586 cows and calves.” “That’s right. Well, I guess you can take one of my calves,” says the farmer. He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on with amusement as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car. Then the farmer says to the young man, “Hey, if I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me

back my calf?” The young man thinks about it for a second and then says, “Okay, why not?” “You work for the Australian Government”, says the farmer. “Wow! That’s correct,” says the yuppie, “but how did you guess that?” “No guessing required.” answered the farmer. “You showed up here even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an answer I already knew, to a question I never asked. You used millions of dollars worth of equipment trying to show me how much smarter than me you are; and you don’t know a thing about how working people make a living - or about cows, for that matter. This is a herd of sheep... now give me back my dog.


Page 18 - Catholic Life, September 2011

St Jo’s celebrates grandparents WARRAGUL - St Joseph’s Primary School held a grandparents’ mass and morning activities event last month. They had over 200 grandparents join their students for the morning and it was a fantastic event for all involved. The day began with a whole school Mass in the hall. Students were seated with their grandparents and participated in Mass including great songs and listening to a reading by teachers Helen MacKay and her granddaughter in grade 1 Hope Ridsdale. They were also treated to a beautiful reflection on being a grandparent, which was read by Kath Davine, a grandparent, past teacher and one of

four generations of the Davine family who have attended St Joseph’s. Following Mass, grandparents visited their grandchildren’s classrooms for a variety of activities and games before concluding with a morning tea together. It truly was a wonderful event, students really enjoyed this special occasion and shared so many great memories of it in the writing and art work after the event. The teachers were absolutely amazed at the amount of grandparents that came and it will be one of those occasions that is remembered for many years to come.

BRYCE Joyce and his grandparents reading a book together.

world news ...

world news ...

Home trip to be tough for Pope Christian unity important: Pope GERMANY - Pope Benedict XVI will next week make his first state visit to Germany - an apostolic trip that promises to be historic, challenging and potentially very fruitful. The visit will include a trip to the German capital, Berlin, followed by the towns of Erfurt (in the former East Germany) and Freiburg in Breisgau. The Pope is to celebrate an open air Mass in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, two more such Masses in Erfut and Freiburg, and hold meetings with senior Church figures, seminarians, youth, and the country’s ecumenical and interreligious leaders. His visit will begin with an

address to the Federal Parliament in the Reichstag. Although relatively short, the trip will be challenging as secularism has long taken hold in Germany with a minority of priests as well as laity openly expressing dissent from Church teaching. The Church’s woes have been compounded by the sexual abuse crisis that continues to simmer across Germany. The effects of all of this have been dramatic. According to the latest official Church figures, the number of German Catholics de-registering themselves from their local Catholic church increased by almost 50 percent last year (181,000 peo-

ple, up from 124,000). The problem has been made worse partly because, as members of a church, Germans must pay a “Church Tax” and de-registering frees them of this obligation (Catholics continue to make up more than 30 percent of the population.). The Berlin leg of the trip is likely to be the most difficult as a large number of protests have been planned, including a large demonstration during the Pope’s address in the Reichstag. The majority of the protesters will be demonstrating against the Church’s teaching on condom use, abortion and homosexuality.

Filipinos pray million rosaries PHILIPPINES (Zenit) - The Family Rosary Crusade in the Philippines is spearheading a campaign to get 1 million Filipinos to pray 1 million rosaries in 200 days for all nations in the world. Dubbed “A million roses for the world: Filipinos at Prayer: Peace for All Nations,” the campaign aims to rally Filipinos to offer one rosary each day for a particular country in the world in 200 days. The nationwide activity will begin October 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and end May 31, 2012, Feast of Our Lady of All Nations. Bishop Nereo Odchimar, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, lauded the campaign, saying that with a million peace-loving Filipinos praying together, “we can claim peace for the world from the hands of the good Lord and his mother.” Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, direc-

tor of the Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education, which partners with the Family Rosary Crusade, also encouraged the faithful to join a similar rosary campaign for schools nationwide dubbed “1.1 on 11/11.” This initiative will bring students of Catholic schools, colleges and universities to pray

simultaneously one million and 100 rosaries at 11am on November 11, 2011. “This campaign aims to teach our youth that prayer can change the world and people who pray can change the destinies of peoples,” the archbishop said. “Indeed there can be no world peace without prayer.”

Sacred music has a place ITALY (Zenit) - Benedict XVI has suggested that sacred music can assist people in their journey of faith. The Pope said this last week when he thanked Cardinal Domenico Bartolucci for a concert the cardinal organised in his honor. The 94-year-old cardinal was director of the Sistine Chapel Choir for more than four decades, until 1997. Benedict XVI paid tribute to the cardinal-composer, noting that for him, “sacred music is a privileged language to commu-

nicate the faith of the Church and to help those who listen to your works in their journey of faith.” The program was made up of four pieces composed by Cardinal Bartolucci himself, including “Benedictus,” especially written for this occasion as a homage to the Pontiff’s ministry. Referring to another of the pieces, “Baptisma,” the Pope offered a reflection on “the beginning of our journey of faith, .... the moment we became Christian” at baptism.

ITALY (Zenit) - Benedict XVI is reiterating the importance of Christian unity for the success of the new evangelisation. The Pope spoke of these two papal priorities and their interrelatedness in a letter addressed to the president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Cardinal Kurt Koch. The letter was on the occasion of the 12th Inter-Christian Symposium, promoted by the Franciscan Institute of Spirituality at the Pontifical Athenaeum Antonianum and by the Orthodox Theological Faculty at the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki. The four-day symposium concluded today and was focused on the theme “The Witness of the Church in the Modern World.” Recalling the establishment of a pontifical council for new evangelisation, the Pope affirmed that the symposium theme is “of great current importance and is at the centre of my concern and prayers.” “In the course of the centuries the Church has not failed to proclaim the salvific mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but this same proclamation today needs a renewed vigor in many of the regions that were the first to receive the light and that are experiencing the effects of a secularisation capable of impoverishing man in his deepest dimension,” he reflected. The Pope suggested that two contradictory phenomena mark the modern world: “On one hand there is a generalized distraction and also an insensitivity in regard to transcendence; on the other, there are numerous signs that attest to an ongo-

ing profound nostalgia for God in many hearts, which manifests itself in many different ways and which brings many men and women to an attitude of sincere searching.” The Catholic and Orthodox Churches share the same cultural and economic context and thus the same challenges, the Pope reminded. He said that the symposium has important ecumenical consequences, as the discussions will clarify the common problems and the differences in points of view. Benedict XVI affirmed the importance of the ecumenical efforts for the cause of evangelisation by citing Paul VI: “As evangelisers, we must offer Christ’s faithful not the image of people divided and separated by unedifying quarrels, but the image of people who are mature in faith and capable of finding a meeting-point beyond the real tensions, thanks to a shared, sincere and disinterested search for truth. Yes, the destiny of evangelisation is certainly bound up with the witness of unity given by the Church. This is a source of responsibility and also of comfort.’”


Catholic Life, September 2011 - Page 19

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DIOCESE OF SALE Bishop Christopher Prowse, Bishop of Sale, seeks an outstanding educator and leader as

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THANK YOU St Jude. O Holy St Jude Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen.

If you are making or updating your will, you may consider leaving a bequest to the Bishop’s Family Foundation. The Bishop’s Family Foundation has produced some easy-to-read booklets explaining bequests which may be an advantage to read before seeing your solicitor to prepare or update your will. Copies may be obtained by phoning Pat on 5144 4991 Do it today and sleep easy knowing you have done your part.

PRIESTS AND DEACONS Are you considering a vocation as a priest or deacon for the Diocese of Sale? If so please contact Diocesan Vocations Director

bingo

The current Director will retire on October 31st, 2012 Commencement date during 2012 is negotiable. A Director Designate period of transition is preferred. The successful applicant will: • Exhibit a deep commitment to the Catholic Church, particularly in its mission in contemporary education • Possess formal postgraduate qualifications in education in Religious Education and/or Theology • Have had extensive and successful senior leadership experience in Catholic school system(s) administration and/or Catholic schools • Have a demonstrated awareness of state, national and international issues in education in general and Catholic education in particular • Possess a willingness to forge close relationships with individuals, school and parish communities of the Diocese of Sale • Have the ability and willingness to work collegially within the diocese and with the other dioceses in Victoria and, where appropriate, in Australia • Be prepared to be involved in supporting the overall Mission of the Diocese of Sale at a senior level This significant senior leadership position requires a person with high levels of faith commitment, communication and collaborative skills; administrative and leadership skills, as well as the ability to encourage innovative and rigorous educational practice within the context of the Catholic Church and its educative mission.

Sacred Heart School

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Remuneration: An attractive remuneration package, commensurate with this key leadership position within the Diocese of Sale, will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Deacon Tony Aspinall 0414 468 692 vocations@sale.catholic.org.au

to help you discern God’s call

DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION DIOCESE OF SALE

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Application Package: An application package is available from: Miss Cathy Dougan Tel: 03 5144 6132 Email: pa@sale.catholic.org.au Address: PO Box 183 SALE VIC 3853 All documentation can be downloaded from www.sale.catholic.org.au

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MONSIGNOR John Allman PA expresses his great thanks to Bishop Christopher Prowse and the priests of the diocese, his many family members and parishioners who offered prayers, good wishes and kindness to him on the occasion of his Jubilee. He especially thanks Catholic Life for making the occasion known. He regards it all as being a wonderful tribute to the priesthood.

Time to chart new asylum seeker policy IN the light of the High Court’s Malaysia decision, the Edmund Rice Centre has invited the charting of a new direction in asylum-seeker policy. Edmund Rice Centre director, Phil Glendenning said “The High Court ruling on deportations to Malaysia, should serve as call to reflection by the major parties to forge a new policy framework – focussed on compassion, empathy and respect for the human dignity of the vulnerable. He called on the major political parties to respect the full significance of the court’s ruling by moving away from ‘deterrence’, in favor of recognise the vulnerability of asylum-seekers and offer them a humanitarian and just response.


Page 20 - Catholic Life, September 2011

Pakenham dad wins Victorian Father of Year title

VICTORIAN Father of the Year, Andrew Streader of Pakenham pictured with his award at Melbourne Town Hall. Congratulating him are (from left) his daughter Hayley, his fiancé’s daughter Kimberley and his son Lachlan.

THE death of his wife three years ago forced Andrew Streader into a more hands-on role in parenting but his efforts were rewarded on August 24 when he won the Victorian Father of the Year. The self-proclaimed parttime father, had to step up to take care of his daughter Hayley and son Lachlan. Hayley, a student at St Patrick’s Primary School, Pakenham, successfully nominated her dad for the YMCA Cardinia Community Father of the Year, then came the biggest surprise of all when the 44-year-old machine operator was selected by the Father’s Day Council of Victoria as its 2011 Victorian Father of the Year. Council chairman Don Parsons said the Streader family story tugged at the judges’ heartstrings. “When Hayley wrote the letter to the Cardinia YMCA, she absolutely touched a nerve. When we read it, we knew this was our man for 2011.” For the last two years the awards have been given to outstanding everyday dads like Mr Streader.

In his acceptance speech Mr Streader described himself as a “one-time weekend dad”. He was there at weekends to take the children to the football but otherwise his late wife looked after them. Circumstances made him into a full-time father. Eleven-year-old Hayley has neurofibromatosis, a condition where non-cancerous tumors grow on her nerve tissue. And the special care she receives from her dad is what she appreciates. “He’s brilliant,” she said. Mr Streader said it was an honor to accept the award on behalf of all the hard-working fathers. “With kids there is no manual. You have to learn on the run.” He said he had not expected to win the award and it took some time for the news to sink in. Being in the spotlight was a new experience. He has also found love with fiancé Tiana Moore and his two children have embraced her 12-year-old daughter Kimberley as part of the family.

Conference examines reflective ecumenism By John H. Cooney THE Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne hosted an ecumenical consultation on Receptive Ecumenism at the Treacy Centre, Parkville, last month. Dr Gerard Kelly, a priest of the Catholic Institute of Sydney gave the keynote address on Friday. Receptive Ecumenism is the brainchild of Dr Paul Murray, a Catholic theologian at the University of Durham in northeast England. Dr Murray affirmed that the core principle of receptive ecumenism required the following shift in emphasis. That critical and constructive modes of theological analysis, the traditional preserve of historical and systematic ecclesiologists, need to be held together with pragmatic organisational and other relevant modes of analysis, the traditional preserve of practical theologians and social scientists. Essentially, receptive ecumenism encourages churches to look at the practicalities of their own situation with a critical eye, and be willing to learn from others. The 1982 World Council of Churches publication Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (BEM), presented a receptive process as a new idea for the churches. The preface to BEM included three questions. The first question asked whether the churches could recognise in the BEM the faith of the church through the ages. The point of this first question was to help the churches face up to alternative expressions of the doctrines of baptism, eucharist and ministry. The preface declared the aim of this ‘facing up’ as follows. In the process of growing together in mutual trust, the

churches must develop these doctrinal convergences step by step, until finally able to declare together that they are living in communion with one another in continuity with the apostles and the teaching of the universal Church. The second question asked about the implications for relations with other churches, particularly those that were able to recognize in BEM the faith of the churches through the ages. Essentially this involved seeing the teaching, worship and witness of the other in a different light on the basis of a common recognition of the apostolic faith in BEM. No church was being asked to give up anything by recognising the other as an authentic witness to the apostolic faith. The third question focused on each church itself. Churches were now asked about whether they could recognise in themselves a genuine continuity in the apostolic faith. This spiritual process of reception means that churches might recognise that there are aspects of their own faith that need renewal. Dr Kelly then developed the implications of these questions at some length. He gave three examples of the practical application of the principles. At Durham, nine denominational groups have agreed to make available data about their church life. The data covers the following areas; governances and finance, learning and formation, leadership and ministry. Dr Kelly’s second example was the Catholic Lutheran Joint Declaration on Justification. Cardinal Walter Kaspar, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity,

saw this development as providing deep insight. ‘In the richness of the other we discover our own richness. This new perception and rereception is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into the whole truth’. The final example was the National Council of Churches in Australia initiative, Safe as Churches. This forum provided the opportunity for churches to support each other in dealing with sexual abuse. On Saturday Dr Myriam Wijlens of the University of Erfurt, Germany, gave an address Canon Law and Receptive Ecumenism. Dr Wiflens affirmed the reality of the contemporary ecumenical movements. There has been a radical shift when we ask, what can we learn from others? May we become more like them? How wounded are we ourselves? Can we recognize our own sticking points and correct them? What is

needed to make doctrine become a reality? Dr Wijlens then explained the

role of canon law in turning this doctrine and associated deeper insights into reality.

Sister’s Diamond Jubilee

A WELL-known Sister of Our Lady of Sion has celebrated her diamond jubilee. Sr Mary Barry grew up on her parents’ farm near Drouin and attended Notre Dame de Sion College in Warragul, before joining the Sion Sisters in Sale.

A thanksgiving Mass followed by afternoon tea was held at the Sion Convent at Box Hill in July. . PICTURED: Sr Mary Barry is congratulated by Franciscan Fr Bob Matthews.

Dressing up for Book Week BERWICK - St Michael’s celebrated Book Week with children embracing this year’s theme of One world – many stories and arriving to school in a range of bright and brilliant costumes. From the magical world of Harry Potter to the fairy tale of The Wizard of Oz, the children were able to show off their wonderful and diverse costumes in a whole school parade, with many of their parents and friends in attendance to watch. The children then participated in activities based on the Book Week theme, to complete a range of fantastic artwork pieces. Principal Mr Michael Hanney

commented “…. It was delightful to see the students and staff,

embrace Book Week with such enthusiasm.”


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