We are in the country of the Wiradjuri people. We pay respect to their Elders, celebrate their continuing culture and acknowledge the memory of their ancestors.
There is no denying that we live in a time of crisis and transition in the church. Like the disciples who went to the tomb looking for Jesus on that first Easter morning instead found an empty tomb and went away disappointed and disillusioned. We too, are searching, and it can seem at times to be a dead end in our search for Jesus in the church. In the midst of scandal and confusion, many turn to despair, grief and even anger. As we look at the history of God’s People we see this pattern of dying and rising within the church and we see how God brought positive outcomes out of what appeared incredible defeat. Out of the ashes of the journey into the desert by the Chosen People, he brought a new Israel; out of the ashes of the cross, he brought the Resurrection; out of the persecution of the early church, he brought a universal church. Today there is a strong sense that our church is again at the crossroads. We realise as a church what needs to die and what needs to rise. As a church we need to die to that which is not of “Christ” in order to rise again to all that is of “Christ” and all that his gospel stands for. In that sense, we need to die to the worldly culture of power, domination and privilege and rise to the gospel inspired culture of simplicity, vulnerability and powerlessness. We need to die to being an enclosure for the intolerant and the privileged and rise to become an oasis for the poor and the Ana win (the humble ones of God). We need to die to the experience of exclusion, condemnation and judgment and rise to being instead, an encounter of radical love, inclusiveness and solidarity. We need to die to worldly trappings and rise again to venerable trust, servant leadership and discipleship of humble service. In Pope Francis we see the challenge for all Christians to follow the direction of the Kingdom. Our church must be the Church of the poor and for the poor. We must abandon our culture of comfort and go out to the margins, not once but each day. The Easter story did not end in grief, for Mary was called by name and experienced an encounter with the Risen Christ, who then sent her out to proclaim the Good News to others. Perhaps we too need to hear our names called and have our personal relationship with the Risen Christ reaffirmed in the midst of all that is happening in our own lives. We need to hear the words that Jesus offered, “Be Not Afraid”. For we as the People of God are people of hope and agents of change in helping to bring about the Kingdom of God in our present world. Enjoy all that has been happening, within our parish in the last few months. Fr. Laurie.
If not delivered, please return to: PO Box 39 Cowra NSW 2794
Following several months of reading, study and reflection, Kim Amos, Cassandra Johnston, Carissa Morgan and Kellie Seres completed the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and were welcomed into the Catholic Church at St Raphael's on Easter Saturday night. The Parish would like to express our sincere gratitude to the wonderful volunteers who led the candidates through the program - Peta Bischof, Lenise Tidyman-Crawley and Marg McMurtrie. These volunteers and their sponsors, Kylie McNamara, Annette Lynch, Emma Lazanski and Robyn Lynch generously found time in their busy lives to guide and support the candidates along their faith journey. These young women greatly appreciated the willingness of the volunteers and sponsors to share their personal experiences, questions and struggles with their Catholic faith. This openness made what could have been a daunting and difficult exercise much easier and more personal. We encourage all parishioners to make these new members feel welcome and if you know of someone who may be interested in becoming a Catholic through the RCIA, please contact Father Laurie.
On Friday 24th February, students, friends, families and parishioners gathered at the School Hall for the Opening School Mass. Celebrated with Fr Laurie, the students, staff and parents pledged to do their best for the school and each other during the year. The student leaders in School Captains, Thomas Brindle, Angus Whatman and Sports Captain, Bailey Cullenward were presented with their badges as was the Student Representative Council. Kindergarten student Pippa Combe was presented with a School badge and a small plant to represent her growth whilst at St Joseph's School. After singing the Circle Song, everyone enjoyed a social BBQ and informal gathering. Sr Helen Sullivan led the children and parishioners on Ash Wednesday with a Liturgy of the Word. She reminded us of the three aspects of Lent Prayer~Fasting~Giving - to put into practice during the season of Lent. The children were given a Caritas box for saving some change or money to donate towards Project Compassion. Many filled boxes were returned over Easter as donations.
The most important week of the liturgical year started with Palm Sunday where we received crosses made from palms, rather than palm branches. We remembered the Lord's Supper with Mass on Holy Thursday evening when twelve parishioners had their feet washed to remind us of our Lord's humility and desire to serve others. The ceremony ended in silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament which was left outside the tabernacle at the Altar of Repose. The simple, stark and moving ceremony on Good Friday resonated with the power of the tragic events leading to the death of Jesus. Parishioners had the opportunity to venerate the Cross and once again the service finished in silence. Much more joyful and colourful was the Easter Vigil on Saturday night. Special lighting effects and a high tech approach to the Genesis readings had everyone's attention during the Service of Light and the Liturgy of The Word. The Baptismal Liturgy section of the Easter Vigil was highlighted by the induction into our church community of four women who had completed the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Easter Sunday rounded out our Holy Week celebrations - as with the Easter Vigil, colour and joy were the dominant themes as we celebrated the Resurrection and return of Jesus.
At the leadership Mass that commenced our year we installed School Captains, Michelle Grech and Brandon Melton, Vice Captains, Monique Chang and Jack Webb, Senior Prefects Kitty Brooks, Anna McNamara, Richmond Bush and Anthony Day, Junior Prefects Meg Jones, Inka Wilson, Eoughan Killick and Ben Smith. The 40 Year 7 students, on their second day at school, were already away on their first excursion called River Dreaming on the Lachlan, in rafts with Mr Cooley and his rafting associates. Strong student leadership was on display for all to see during the annual school Swimming Carnival in February as well as at the annual school Athletics Carnival in March. Congratulations to those swimmers and athletes who qualified to progress to the next levels of competition across the diocese and beyond. Strong representation of the school at community events also engaged student leaders and others – Australia Day, Festival of International Understanding, Festival Ambassadors Programme (with Grace Gallagher awarded “Youth Ambassador of the Year”), Easter ceremonies and the ANZAC day parade were all such events.
Year 12 have already completed their Half Yearly exams (they commenced Year 12 studies in Term 4 last year) and Work Placement for students of Construction and Hospitality have been conducted in cooperation with supportive local businesses. Year 11 have commenced Stage 6 studies strongly and completed their three-day Retreat at Mt Sion at Mulgoa and Biology Fieldwork at Lake Cowal. This is a small, talented and committed group of students. Introduction of new syllabus documents across many KLAs has markedly increased demands on teaching staff although none of that will be evident to students or parents, except through increased calls on teacher time for additional training. All the more significant then is the wonderful achievement by four staff members graduating from post-graduate university studies. Masters degrees have been conferred on Karla Slaven, Renae Downes and Chloe Gannon and a Graduate Diploma has been conferred on Laura Moodie. These people and their wonderful achievements are walking, talking evidence of their commitment to lifelong learning. Facility improvements have been undertaken in five infants’ classrooms and corridor since late March. After a bit of a break the next round of improvements will be undertaken upstairs in the Stage Two classrooms and corridor. Then at each set of holidays another stage will be undertaken – a total of over $300,000 will be invested through to the middle of 2018.
2017 is well underway for seventy four students, twelve staff members and forty eight families from St Edward’s Catholic School. We have been overwhelmed with the positive comments regarding our recent classroom and administration building renovations. These facilities are serving us well in this new age of flexible learning environments. Word has spread quickly throughout our Diocese with members of staff from approximately ten other schools coming to visit and view our impressive new classroom spaces in action. While our classrooms provide us with perfect spaces to learn, it’s the ongoing commitment of staff and the enthusiasm for learning by students that is of most importance. A strong emphasis based on our ‘Professional Learning Community’ model continues to drive what we do at St Eddies, giving students the best possible chance to grow and gain improvement in all areas of learning. Some school activities that have highlighted recent times include our participation in our community ANZAC Day March, the amazing physical challenges that our newly installed playground equipment has provided for students, attendance by our Year 6 students at the ‘CEMMYB’ Christian Living Camp at Ridgecrest, and participating in the recent Rugby League/Netball/Hockey Gala Days held in Cowra. Excitement has begun for families in preparing for our Sacramental programs set down this year and for an amazing Stage 2 excursion to Sydney later in Term 2. Our P & F continue to support our staff and students by meeting, fundraising and by being involved in school and community. Just recently our P & F held a Mother’s Day Cocktail Evening at Montrose House in Canowindra which was a wonderful successful evening. Money raised from this night is being put towards purchasing new furniture for our Stage 1 classroom. We look forward to continuing to make improvements to our school throughout the 2017 school year, with time invested in improving school signage including the possibility of an electronic information board, IT resourcing, reading resources and playground beautification all being strategic goals for the near future.
Parish Pastoral Council – New Members Vannessa Fisher: Originally from Sydney, moved west with her family, living in Trundle and Eugowra before finally finishing her schooling and tertiary education in Adelaide. She has been involved in St. Raphael's P & F for a number of years and is currently employed at St. Edward's, Canowindra as Learning Support Teacher and Librarian. Ross Sharkey: Grew up on the family farm at Tomingley, worked at the Rural Bank in Sydney and later went back to the family farm. Later he joined Elders and worked in many Elders offices around NSW. He moved to Cowra in 1986 and opened his own real estate business in 1990. Ross married Lyn in 1991 and enjoys living in Cowra where they have raised their family, Tom, Peta and Jayne. David Fagan: Born in Lyndhurst where he went to school before attending All Hallows and St Stanislaus College at Bathurst. He and his wife Ruth moved to Cowra in 1981. He is the national sales Manager for Geronimo Farm Equipment and has been involved for many years in St Raphael’s P & F, Cowra Golf Club and Rugby Union. He has a Diploma in Horticulture and enjoys the rural community lifestyle that Cowra has to offer.
On Sunday 19th March, a crowd of parishioners and other concerned Cowra community members gathered by the Lachlan River to share in a picnic of African food to raise money to help the 20 million people facing starvation in Africa. The picnic, hosted by Pat and Cathy Cleary at ‘Lachballin’, 12km out of Cowra, raised over $3500 for the Caritas African Emergency appeal. The people who attended feasted on various African delicacies provided by helpers from the parish. A relaxing day in the sun by the river was had by all, made more enjoyable by the knowledge that St Raphael’s parish had done something for those facing starvation as a result of famine caused by war and climate change. Thank you to all those who came and those who could not, but gave a donation.
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Over the past 18 months, the Parish Pastoral Council has been working on a new Outreach Program called Bread & Cup. This program is a meal, free of charge, held on the 4th Wednesday of each month in St Raphael’s Hall, from 12.30pm2pm. The meal is for anyone in Cowra who is in need – be that a need for a hearty meal, or a need for company, or maybe an opportunity to meet new people – everybody is welcome! Wednesday 24 May was our inaugural gathering, and while our numbers were not great, everybody enjoyed a delicious meal and great company! The menu included a choice of homemade soups, fresh bread rolls, an amazing array of slices, biscuits and cakes, fresh fruit, tea and coffee. Thank you to all those who volunteered as cooks and hosts on the day, as well as to our very generous sponsors – Woolworths Cowra, Coles Cowra, Tivoli Fresh, the Parish Bereavement Group, St Vincent de Paul and Aldi. The support of our local community has been outstanding, and very much appreciated. And we are sure that this program will grow in the coming months – watch this space!
The first half of the year has passed swiftly. We have enjoyed Lenten activities and Thursday Masses followed by Lenten group discussions which were well attended. Again we were pleased to have Fr Michael lead us for the Easter Services. We were happy to celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of Mary and Ray Anderson with their family at one of our morning teas.
Fr Laurie and some parishioners attended the induction of the new Anglican Minister, Reverend Joy Harris to the region. She addressed our congregation after Mass during May with the Anglican and Uniting Church parishioners joining us for a welcoming morning tea. Many of our women and men are enjoying attending the Masses followed by breakfast bi monthly in Cowra.
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