SandPiper Catholic Newspaper - Issue 92

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Monastery of the Holy Ghost

Catholic Newspaper of the Sandhurst Diocese

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Issue 92 • July 2012

Inside:

Priests take top award P3

Irish hooley a hoot P-9

Photo by Catherine Begley

YCS seeks new members Benalla Young Christian Students Chrissy Beling, Elizabeth Chacko, Lucy James, James Ridgwell, Jade Littler and Amanda Leslie are inviting new members to ‘Say Yes to YCS’.

– Full story Page 13

High tea at Tongala

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News

Page 2 – www.sandpiper.org.au Vision of the Sandhurst Diocese:

That every person’s heart be inflamed by the love of God Pastoral Principles that we share: We, the people of Sandhurst, will bring to life our vision through the application of the following principles that we will observe when we gather: aith and tradition will be the bedrock for all interactions and will be acknowledged when we come together. ove of God made present in Jesus Christ and led by the power of the Holy Spirit will be the motivating and guiding force in our work and celebrations. spiring to inflame with the love of God all those with whom we come into contact. utual respect for each other by listening, sharing and supporting one another at diocesan, parish and individual levels. xploring together ways to sustain and invigorate our diocese at every level so that our Church is vibrant and flourishing in every area.

FLAME will be the channel through which our Diocesan Vision becomes evident to those we meet.

F L

A M E

July 2012

Bishop convenes new council of priests

R E G N 2 O 1 R 0 T 2 S

By Fr Andrew Fewings

PP St Therese’s, Kennington

UR After his H installation, Bishop Les TomlinD N son called for an election for a new council, it SA comprises of its President, Bishop Les, and ex officio members: Mgr Francis Marriott, Vicar General and Chancellor; Fr Rom Hayes, Dean of the Western Deanery; Mgr John White, Dean of the North East; Fr Joseph Taylor,

T A E R T RE

body for the diocesan bishop.

From the Council the Bishop selects his College of Consultors and also from the council, priests are nominated to Sandhurst Priests Assistant Fund Sandhurst Schools Education Board (SSEB), SSEB Capital Planning Committee, SSEB Catholic Education Land Fund Executive, SSEB Audit and Risk Management Committee, Sandhurst CentaCare Board, Diocesan Finance Council, Sandpiper Editorial Board, Diocesan Pastoral Council.

The next meeting of the Council will be held on Tuesday 18 September.

PS U O R G D | S E I L L | RA

Y

R The Council of Priests of the Diocese ISTof N I Sandhurst ceased during the vacancy in M TH of Bishop the Diocese caused by the Udeath O Y Joe Grech.

ST

Dean of the Goulburn Valley and Fr Chris Reay, Director of the Clergy Life and Ministry Team.

Elected members are Fathers Andrew Fewings, Michael Morley, Jake Mudge, Peter Taylor and Des Welladsen.

Bishop Les convened its first meeting at Harrietville during the priests’ in-service 18-21 June.

At its first meeting Fr Joe Taylor was elected Chairman, Fr Rom Hayes, Deputy Chair, Fr Andrew Fewings Secretary and Jake Mudge Assistant Secretary.

The Council is the primary consultative

Chancery CONTACTS: Chancery and Diocesan Ministry: 174 McCrae Street (PO Box 201) Bendigo Vic 3552. Ph: (03) 5441 2544, Fax: (03) 5441 8278, Website: www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au Bishop’s Secretary: Margaret Watson, margaret. watson@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Adult Faith Education Co-ordinator: Lyn Breen, adultfaith@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Marriage Tribunal: Judy Browne, tribunal@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Youth Ministry Workers: Melissa Mewburn, melissa.mewburn@sandhurst.catholic.org.au and Jackson Saunders, jackson.saunders@sandhurst.catholic.org.au, website: www.sym.org.au/ Business Manager: Cameron Fraser, cameron.fraser@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Personal Assistant to Business Manager: Sally Holmes, sally.holmes@sandhurst.catholic.org.au

SANDPIPER CONTACTS: SandPiper Vision Statement: SandPiper aims to develop a sense of community, linking faith and life through dialogue.

The Management Board: Paul White (Chair), Fr Joe Taylor (Vice Chair), Margaret Brodie, John Howley, Geoff Holland, Julie Purdey and Chris Halpin.

The Editorial Team: Fr Joe Taylor, Kate Murray, Peter Murray and Mary Pianta.

Editor: Damian Griffin.

T S U G U A 7 1 Y L L A R T X NE h t

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Address: The SandPiper, C/- The Chancery, PO Box 201, Bendigo, 3552.

Email: editor@sandpiper.org.au Phone: (03) 5442 8531 Fax: (03) 5441 8278 Advertising: Email advertising@sandpiper.org.au for an advertising pack, or call the editor for further information.

Featured Church

Faces of the Diocese

St Mary’s Church, Myrtleford. Mass is celebrated here on Saturdays at 6pm.

Sundays: 8.30am on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month, and 10:30am on the 2nd & 4th Sunday St Mary’s

St Joseph’s Primary School Cobram students Josephine Diretto, Claudia Diretto Sauro, Kiara McManus, Chelsea Gray and Madison Trenerry joined in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on June 8 to raise funds for cancer research.

Subscriptions: Margaret Brodie, tambrodi3@bigpond.com

Disclaimer: SandPiper is a free newspaper published monthly (except January) by the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst. It is distributed through all Sandhurst Diocese Catholic schools and parishes.

The views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of the Diocese. Every advertisement is subject to diocesan approval SandPiper may refuse to accept ads for publication. SandPiper accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form which is not in accordance with the instructions received by SandPiper.

News

July 2012

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 3

Catholic Women’s League elects new committee Members of the Sandhurst Diocese Catholic Women’s League held their annual Diocesan Conference at Rochester this year.

Women gathered from across the Diocese to support and encourage each other and to acknowledge the extent of the work undertaken by the League.

Bishop Tomlinson was the Principal Celebrant at the opening Mass.

His words on selflessness taken from the Second Reading (Letter of St James 3: 13 – 18) “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity”, fitted perfectly with the theme of the conference, which was the role of Catholic Women’s League as an active member of the world wide organisation..

The Catholic Women’s League Australia (CWLA) is affiliated with other similar organisations through the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO).

Jane Munro, who is National International Secretary for CWLA, gave

The new committee President............................................................ Jane Munro Treasurer ............................................................Anita Toner Minute Secretary......................................... Margaret Brodie Assistant Treasurer............................................... June Dale Liturgist............................................................... June Lomer International Secretary .....................................Anne Gilbert Chaplain.........................................................Fr Brian Carey Committee Member......................................Eileen Sheridan Representative to Governing Body................................... Elizabeth McDermott Alternative Rep............................................ Margaret Brodie a humorous and entertaining talk about the link between our branches across this diocese and the world organisation.

As Jane said, “We are part of a Catholic Women’s group that has five million members. What a powerful force for good we can be in the world!”

Jane also spoke of her recent trip to Manila to the Asia Pacific Region Conference of WUCWO. She found the report given by the Japanese representative of the

aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami particularly moving. This year for the first time a representative from China attended the conference.

Elections were held for the Sandhurst Diocesan Committee. Margaret Lucas has served on the Committee for nine years and has to step down.

Margaret is well known for her dedication, common sense, organisational abilities and leadership and will be greatly missed.

CWL members attend the Diocesan Conference in Rochester.

Award recognises two outstanding leaders

By Jenni Kennedy Catholic Education Office, Bendigo

T

he Bishop Noel Daly Award for Outstanding Service to Leadership in Catholic Education in the Sandhurst Diocese was established in 2005 in memory of the late Bishop Noel Daly. These awards are presented during Catholic Education Week in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding service to Catholic Education in Sandhurst.

The 2012 Bishop Noel Daly Award was presented to dual recipients, Fr Frank Jones from Numurkah and Monsignor John White from Wangaratta. Both Fr Jones and Monsignor White will celebrate 50 years as priests this year.

Father Frank Jones his award is presented to Father Frank Jones in recognition of his longstanding contribution to Catholic Education in the Sandhurst Diocese.

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Fr Frank has ministered across five parishes as Parish Priest within Sandhurst during his 50 years of priestly service and also served as Assistant Priest in many more.

Fr Frank Jones is affectionately known by young and old as “Jonesy”. Fr Frank has humbly and selflessly served across the parishes and always developed a close relationship with the parish school.

He has the gift of accepting people as they are and through a caring relationship inviting them to become more through getting to know the love of God. He has a deep understanding of family life and a particular commitment to those for whom life is a struggle.

Fr Frank has developed strong relationships with staff and students alike over the years and has been a very strong supporter of all that Catholic Education in Sandhurst has endeavoured to do.

He has always participated in both local and diocesan events and in his latter years was the Chaplain for the Pilgrimage for the Canonisation of St Mary MacKillop. He has a well-known love of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and his priesthood has been exemplified by her simple dictum – ‘never see a need without doing something about it’.

Memorial Mass for Father Paul Ly

Fr Frank Jones, Numurkah, and Mons John White, Wangaratta, are dual recipients of the 2012 Bishop Noel Daly Award.

His love of the students and their families is well known and he has given without counting the cost over his fifty years of ministry.

Fr Frank’s dedication to his people and especially his schools are testament to a man who has transcended what he thought possible with his life but who, in partnership with God has been able to serve faithfully for 50 years.

Catholic Education Sandhurst applauds Fr Frank Jones and expresses gratitude for his generous and loving contribution over so many years.

Monsignor John White MBE he Bishop Noel Daly Award is presented to Monsignor John White in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Catholic Education in the Sandhurst Diocese.

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Monsignor White has served God’s people generously over 50 years. His first years were served at St Kilian’s Parish in Bendigo prior to leaving to serve as a military chaplain for a number of decades.

During his time in the Military Vicariate, Monsignor White selflessly ministered not only to the members of the armed forces and their families but also to the children and families of South Vietnam.

He received the Member of the British Empire Award for his service to the orphaned

children of South Vietnam where he established an orphanage, a home for them.

Countless lives have been restored due to his vision, faith and generosity.

Upon returning to the Diocese as Parish Priest in Euroa, Monsignor ensured that St John’s Primary School was well served.

It was innovative in the establishment of one of the early School Boards. Monsignor’s strong pastoral approach and excellent administration skills have seen all his schools grow and develop and become increasingly sustainable as well as faithful to the Tradition of the Catholic faith.

In Wangaratta Monsignor White has been the Canonical Administrator of the five Catholic Schools for many years and his leadership has ensured the growth of Catholic Regional Education Wangaratta (CREW) catering for students from Prep to Post Compulsory and for students previously alienated from formal schooling. Again he has been instrumental in the formation of young lives.

During his lengthy period serving as Vicar General of Sandhurst, Monsignor White has wholeheartedly supported Catholic Education, provided wise counsel and leadership and shown trust and courage in the vision and experience of God’s love for all people.

Catholic Education Sandhurst acknowledges and applauds Monsignor White and expresses gratitude for his generous and wise contribution over so many years.

A Memorial Mass for Father Paul Ly B.Th., D.C.L. P.E will be celebrated on Saturday, July 7, at 11am at Mary Help of Christians Church, Heathcote. It has been one year since Father Ly died and we take this opportunity to invite all his friends and parishioners to remember him in prayer on this day. A light lunch will be held after Mass and all are welcome to share our memories of Father Ly together.

Please phone Rita Traynor 5433 2177 or Sue Bier 5433 2176 if you would like to attend. Please leave a message if no one is available to take your call.

Next SandPiper submissions due July 15 email: editor@sandpiper.org.au

News

Page 4 – www.sandpiper.org.au

July 2012

Noticeboard l 16 July School Term 3 Begins l 21–22 July Liturgical Foundations / Advanced Liturgy: Theory and Practice, Rev Dr John Frauenfelder, BBI-UoN, St Brendan’s Parish Centre, Shepparton l 28–29 July Scripture with Fr Michael Fallon, Catholic Charistmatic Renewal, St Brendan’s Parish Centre, Shepparton, 10.30 am – 3.30 pm. l 30 July Introduction to the Old Testament – Seminar (Sandhurst Adult Faith Ed), St John the Baptist Parish Centre, Numurkah 1.30 – 4pm. l August 17 ‘Stronger’ Rally - BENDIGO with Fr Rob Galea & Stronger Team. Contact: Sandhurst Youth Ministry. l August 19 Sandhurst Diocese Pilgrimage 2012 – Second Preparation Meeting l August 19 Sandhurst Diocese Liturgical Commission Meeting l August 23 ‘Eucharist’ with Fr Frank O’Loughlin, St John the Baptist Parish, Numurkah l August 25-26 Catholic Charismatic Renewal: Dookie Annual Seminar, Guest Speaker – Fr. John McKinnon (Ballarat Diocese). Daily or live in. l September 20 – October 4 Sandhurst Diocese Pilgrimage, ‘Journey of Christ – in the Year of Grace’ 15-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land, with Fr Joe Taylor and Sr Cecilia Merrigan CSB l September 21 School Term 3 Ends l October 6 Catholic Charismatic Renewal Diocesan Prayer Meeting, St Brendan’s Parish Centre, Shepparton, 10.30 am – 3.00 pm. l October 8 School Term 4 Begins l October 10 National eConference: Vatican II: An Event of Grace, Key note speakers: Bishop Michael Putney, Sr Maryanne Confoy RSC 10.30am – 3pm. Locations to be confirmed: Bendigo, Echuca, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Wodonga OR access online. l October 19 ‘Stronger’ Rally - SHEPPARTON with Fr Rob Galea and Stronger Team. Contact: Sandhurst Youth Ministry. l November 11 Sandhurst Diocese Liturgical Commission Meeting l November 17 Scripture Day with Fr Rob Galea, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and CCR Windup Party 2012, St Brendan’s Parish Centre, Shepparton 10.30am – 3.30pm. l December 7-9 Stronger Retreat, with Fr Rob Galea and Stronger Team. Contact: Sandhurst Youth Ministry. l December 21 School Term 4 Ends

Are you online? Keep up to date with the latest in calendar events on the Sandhurst Diocese website: www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au

Caring at a time of need

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A tradition that continues...

A Mass of celebration

By Bernadette Ransom Faith and Light

W

e are One Body in Christ was the theme chosen for a Mass of celebration at St Kilian’s on Sunday June 3.

Members of Faith and Light “Assisi Community Bendigo” joined the congregation in celebrating in a special way that we are all one body in Christ, that people with a disability have gifts to share and that they are valued members of our faith community.

A key feature of the Mass was the participation in the liturgy of people with disability.

The Mass also featured a presentation of the hymn “One Body

in Christ” sung and signed in Auslan by members of Assisi Community. This hymn was written by Amanda McKenna in 2006 to celebrate the gifts of all members of the church.

The Mass was indeed a special time for our parish family as we also acknowledged the children preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation and welcomed three new family members who were to be baptised immediately after Mass.

Faith and Light is an international community movement born of a desire to help people with intellectual disability find their place within the church and society.

Harrietville gives relief to families

W

hen the 2011 floods inundated regions of Victoria, the Sandhurst Diocese made holidays available for affected families as a chance to enjoy a family holiday together. Jenni Kennedy from the Catholic Education Office spoke to families who recently took up the offer.

It’s 16 months since the floods devastated Rochester, Cohuna, Kerang, Pyramid Hill, Shepparton and districts. With the passing of time many families have managed to restore their lives and properties, but there are still others who are unable to return to their homes or are living in houses that remain unfinished and affected by the legacy of flood waters.

“We were without heating for seven months and didn’t have a kitchen for ten months, our youngest daughter was studying for her VCE, it was very difficult, we still don’t have carpets,” said Ms Genevieve Keenan from Rochester.

Homes were left without electricity, carpets, kitchens, white goods and all the modern conveniences that we rely on today. Walls

buckled and mould covered every surface.

“It didn’t matter how many times I washed our clothes, I just couldn’t get the smell of mildew out of some of them, we lost most of our linen as well,” said Dingee’s Mary Lakey.

In short, life has been difficult for many families and although the floods are no longer in the eye of the media, there are still many families who remain severely affected, more than a year later.

Immediately following the 2011 floods the Sandhurst Diocese made holidays available for affected families who needed some respite at Feathertop Chalet in Harrietville.

When floods inundated the regions of Nathalia and Numurkah earlier this year, the holiday vouchers were made available once more through local parishes and schools.

Feathertop Chalet was purchased by the Sandhurst Diocese in 1990 as a venue for school camps, retreats and a base for faith development of teachers and parish groups. In essence, Feathertop Chalet is dedicated to enhancing the mission of the Church, and it’s through this mission that the Board of Management extended

Feathertop as a place for families to enjoy a break from the challenges faced after the floods.

Mary and Ron Lakey spent several days relaxing at Feathertop in April this year, having been offered time away after their property was flooded at Dingee.

“We didn’t know if it would still be alright to use the voucher as it has been more than a year since we were flooded but Kevin Bourke from Feathertop was wonderful; he made us feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble. ‘’It was just what we needed, we are so grateful to the Sandhurst Diocese for making the holidays available,” said Mrs Lakey.

Kevin Bourke, Manager of Feathertop Chalet, said it was a privilege to help families have some time away.

“The Feathertop Board of Management first offered the holidays in 2009 following the Victorian Bushfires and extended them to those affected by the floods in 2011 and 2012. ‘’It’s a small thing that we can do to give families a chance to enjoy time away together without the worries of home,” said Mr Bourke.

When you spend time talking to these families you get a sense of what life has been like over the past 16 months and the challenges that still lay ahead. There’s something about the Australian spirit that triumphs when times are tough, and without exception each family that I have spoken to since the 2011 floods is getting on with life and making the best of things, always claiming there are others worse off than themselves.

After spending time at Harrietville myself over the years, I can attest to the regenerative powers of the region. There is something special about Feathertop and the philosophy of management permeates every aspect of the venue.

On behalf of those families who have benefitted from the generous holidays at Harrietville, I pass on a collective thanks to the Sandhurst Diocese and the Feathertop Board of Management who have made a real difference in peoples’ lives.

For more information about Feathertop Chalet, which operates all year round, please contact Kevin Bourke at the Feathertop Chalet by phoning: 03 5759 2688 or visit their website at www.feathertopchalet.com.au

News

July 2012

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 5

Golden Jubilee celebrations under way

Bishop Leslie Tomlinson, Bishop of Sandhurst, Mr Paul Maher, Ms Gabrielle Downie, Mr David Leslie, Ms Kitty Hancock, Ms Anne-Maree Challis, Ms Brenda Keenan, Ms Phil Billington-Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Mr Brendan Flanagan and Mr Michael Cavanagh, Chairperson of the Sandhurst School Education Board.

CEO honours educators

Catholic Education Office, Bendigo

Catholic Education Sandhurst paid tribute to seven outstanding educators recently as they celebrated a remarkable 25 years of teaching. Jubilarians from the Sandhurst Diocese were joined by colleagues, family and friends in Wangaratta to celebrate the significant milestones.

Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Ms Phil Billington, said the Sandhurst community gathers each year in Catholic Education Week to give thanks and pay tribute to those who have served Catholic education for 25 years plus!

“This is an extraordinary contribution, one not restricted to the formal

hours of work or the formal roles of each of these people whom we celebrate in 2012, but rather a contribution of who they are and how they have gifted Catholic education in Sandhurst and in some cases, beyond our Diocese,” said Ms Billington.

The June 1 celebrations took place during Catholic Education Week at Our Lady’s Catholic Church, Wangaratta on Friday at 6pm followed by a celebratory dinner at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway.

The Eucharist was celebrated by the Bishop of Sandhurst, Bishop Leslie Tomlinson and diocesan clergy. The ceremony also provided the setting for the presentation of the Bishop Noel Daly award for 2012 which recognises

outstanding service to leadership in Catholic education. This year’s dual recipients were Monsignor John White from Wangaratta and Father Frank Jones from Numurkah.

“Re-Imagining the Mission-A Pilgrimage of Faith” is the theme for Catholic Education Week 2012. Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Ms Phil Billington said the celebration of jubilarians is a wonderful way to celebrate the theme which reminds those in Catholic Education of their own personal journey in faith.

Senior leaders of Catholic Education Sandhurst paid tribute to each jubilarian, highlighting the important role each played in the lives of their students and school communities. To mark the

St Joseph’s Church to turn 50

By Bob Lawrence St Joseph’s Quarry HIll

BENDIGO – St Joseph’s Church, Quarry Hill, is about to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the opening of its church.

When the church was first built it caused much comment; it was and is a modern minimalist building with ultra clean lines.

But it also is a church without distractions and so has the feeling of being close to God and it is easy to pray in.

Over the past 50 years the church hasn’t changed, our community has grown with it and now we are preparing to celebrate 50 years of being within it – Our Church.

On the weekend of 25th and 26th of August there will be a number of events for people to attend. On Saturday the 25th at 6.30pm there will be an anniversary dinner at the Kangaroo Flat Sports Club.

On Sunday, August 26, the Bishop of Sandhurst Leslie Tomlinson will celebrate Mass at St Joseph’s at 10.30am.

Following Mass you are invited to

occasion jubilarians were presented with a commemorative badge, a certificate and a pair of ceremonial glasses by Bishop Tomlinson and Chairperson of the Sandhurst School Education Board (SSEB), Mr Michael Cavanagh.

The seven jubilarians for 2012 were: Ms Brenda Keenan (Deputy Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst), Ms Kitty Hancock (Principal of St Joseph’s, Beechworth), Mr David Leslie (Principal of FCJ College, Benalla), Ms Gabrielle Downie (Principal of St Joseph’s, Benalla), Ms Anne-Maree Challis (teacher at St Joseph’s, Benalla), Mr Paul Maher (Principal of Sacred Heart Primary, Yarrawonga) and Mr Brendan Flanagan (Principal of St Monica’s, Wodonga).

Inspiring people Inspiring careers Pastoral Care Associate – Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged Permanent Part-time 24 hrs per week Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged, is seeking a Pastoral Care Associate.

You will have previous pastoral care experience, have or be pursuing qualifications in Theology, Pastoral Care or related fields and be willing to actively foster the Catholic ethos.

Enquiries to: Kate Hewett, Director Pastoral Services on 8416 7934 Quote Ref No: BHA 1 Applications close: Wednesday 1 August 2012

St Joseph’s Church, Quarry HIll. join us for lunch in the Meeting Room and Courtyard.

We do hope you can join us on this wonderful occasion.

For further details or bookings

please contact the following, Bryan McMahon 5442 4884, Jenny Curran 5442 3770 or the Parish Office 5443 2713 at 44 Russell Street, Quarry Hill 3550.

For more information and to apply please visit www.careers.mercy.com.au

ZO210449

By Jenni Kennedy

The Page 3 story in last month’s SandPiper “Three to celebrate Golden Jubilees” should have also included a fourth priest, Father Bob Burtonclay.

The Golden Jubilee of Ordination to the Priesthood of Fr Robert (Bob) Burtonclay will be celebrated on Saturday, July 21, with a Mass in the chapel of Bethlehem Home for the Aged, Taylor Street, Golden Square.

Bishop Les Tomlinson will concelebrate Mass with Fr Bob at 10:30am. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Other jubilee celebrations include Monsignor John White’s at St Patrick's Parish, Wangaratta, on Saturday, July 21.

There will be Mass at 5.30pm on that day followed by a gathering with a light meal in St Patrick’s Hall after the Mass.

To attend, RSVP St Patrick’s parish office by July 6 (for catering purposes).

Phone (03) 5722 1970 or email stpatspresp@iprimus. com.au Celebrations for Mons Marriott took place on June 24 in Bendigo. Mass was celebrated at the Sacred Heart Cathedral at 11am, followed by lunch at All Seasons function centre.

St Joseph’s School, Numurkah celebrated Fr Frank Jones’ 50 years of priesthood with a Mass at 9.30am in the Mary MacKillop Centre on the last day of Term 2, Friday, June 29.

The parish celebrated with a Mass on Sunday, July 1, followed by a luncheon.

News

Page 6 – www.sandpiper.org.au

Fire carriers commissioned at Nathalia NATHALIA – Each year National Reconciliation Week celebrates the rich culture and history of the First Australians.

It is the ideal time for everyone to join the reconciliation conversation and to think about how we can help turn around the disadvantage experience by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

St Mary of the Angel students, Nathalia, recognised reconciliation this week with a Liturgy, “Towards Healing and Reconciliation”.

Deputy Principal Ruth Hartnett-Carr spoke of her life experiences involving Indigenous people and the way she felt growing up with aboriginal friends that never spoke of their heritage.

The Liturgy saw the commissioning of the new FIRE carriers who will continue to work towards the process of Reconciliation.

‘Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education’ (FIRE)

Staff and students at St Mary of the Angels, Nathalia, celebrate National Reconciliation Week.

carriers seek to keep the flame for reconciliation alive in schools and the broader community.

The FIRE carriers then attended a Mass at St Brendan’s Church in Shepparton on the Friday.

As a sign of solidarity masses were held in Bendigo at Sacred Heart Cathedral and St Patricks in Wangaratta at the same time.

A group of Year 9 students also were invited to learn some traditional dances of the Yorta Yorta tribe.

Narjiic Day-Burns a project Youth Worker for the Njernda Aboriginal Corporation and Sissi Cooper an Aboriginal Liaison trainee with Echuca Health, led the students in the traditional dances with Narjiic also playing the didgeridoo.

This event was held at the Barmah Forest Education & Heritage Centre, Nathalia.

NAIDOC Week celebrated

A

boriginal & Torres Strait Islander Sunday is celebrated this weekend beginning a week of celebrations (NAIDOC Week) throughout the nation where Aboriginal peoples celebrate their spirituality, identity, culture and survival.

“We are truly grateful for our Church leaders that have challenged the country concerning the racism, injustices, disadvantage and poverty experienced by Indigenous people.

Yet, we all know Indigenous people are still suffering.

It is timely to reassess the way we do things together. Without doubt there still needs to be greater understanding, respect, recognition and much more to be done to bring about equality and reconciliation. And to allow our souls to be healed.”

National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Catholic Committee This year’s NAIDOC Week theme celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and acknowledges the key contributors to its long history – those who dared to

challenge – the champions who lived to renew the spirit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in 1972.

Forty years ago, the embassy became a powerful symbol of unity.

Its founders instilled pride, advanced equality and educated the country on the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week action – Watch MABO, the movie!

In 1973 Eddie 'Koiki' Mabo was shocked to discover that the ownership of the land his ancestors had passed down on Murray Island in The Torres Strait Islands for over 16 generations, was not legally recognised as theirs.

Rather than accept this injustice, he began an epic fight for Australian law to recognise traditional land rights.

Eddie never lived to see his land returned to him, but the name Mabo is known in every household throughout the country.

In January 1992, at only 55, Eddie died of cancer. Five months later the High Court overturned the notion of terra

nullius. Underscoring this epic battle is Eddie's relationship with his wife Bonita. MABO is as much a love story as a document of one man's fight to retain what he believed was legally his.

MABO traces Eddie's life – from a carefree young man of 17, through his courtship and marriage to his one true love, up to his death and the handing down of the High Court decision on that historic day - June 3, 1992.

If you missed the television screening last month you can watch at www.abc.net.au/tv/ mabo/movie or buy the DVD online $19.99 or from ABC Shops.

T

o all Australians ... be open-hearted, generous to the unfortunate and caring towards those who are

pushed to the margins of life. Pope John Paul II, 1986

Indigenous communities are among the world's poorest and most marginalised, facing injustices such as language barriers, land rights and conflict, which keep them trapped in a cycle of poverty. How can we walk in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples to challenge this injustice?

In August, Caritas Australia is launching an exciting new advocacy campaign for 2012-13, Walk As One – connecting with our world’s Indigenous Peoples.

Caritas wants to walk in solidarity with Indigenous communities to achieve a more just world, but needs your help! Campaign Kits will be sent to all parishes or can be ordered at www.caritas.org.au/act/ walk-as-one-indigenouspeoples-campaign Caritas supporters will join together to seek solutions to these challenges, calling on our government to improve Australia’s

policies and aid programs as they relate to Indigenous Peoples, and promoting respect for and compliance with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Social Policy Connections

“What the world needs now, according to leading economists, is renewed moral vision. In The Price of Civilisation: Economics & Ethics after the Fall, Jeffrey Sachs blames the financial disaster on a ‘moral crisis’ of greed and hubris among US elites.

He insists that capitalism will not survive without ‘prosperity, social justice, and environmental sustainability’… Again world markets are in peril as Europe struggles to contain another economic disaster, but this time with greatly reduced ability to respond to crises.

Suddenly, moral issues are seen as being at the heart of our current dilemmas.

This is nothing new for those animated by Christian

social traditions, of course; what is new is that many people have become aware that much economics has long discounted moral aspects in the belief that the market displaced ethics.

There has been a moral black hole at the centre of much economic activity.

Many voices are now calling for a sound moral foundation for our economic and social policies.

Social Policy Connections developed to help meet this need, to encourage debate, and to provide avenues for involvement.

Especially do we draw from the social traditions of Christian groups and churches, in a joint effort to reinvigorate commitment to social justice and the virtues of good citizenship.”

Bruce Duncan CSsR. To read more go to www. socialpolicyconnections. com.au

Ovens Valley bids farewell to Fr Peter

By Mr Tony Cuskelly Ovens Valley

Mr Michael Morgan (Parishioner), Fr Peter Taylor and Mrs Bev Rossato (President, St Mary’s Parish Events Committee).

A wonderful night was held last month to thank and farewell Father Peter for the seven years of spiritual guidance, pastoral care and support across the Ovens Valley Parishes of Myrtleford and Bright.

A large crowd attended the evening where there was an exchange of gifts and some kind words shared. A time capsule that had been discovered by accident was resealed and blessed by Father Peter and placed back where it was found, at the front door step of the original St. Mary's Church.

Father Peter's role included an active participation in both parish schools and he was at the forefront of

activating a number of committees in order to establish a sustainable model for our parish to move forward into what might be seen by some as uncertain times.

Father Peter was very popular amongst the children of our parish because he was well renowned for calling in and having a chat.

A number of children have expressed their disappointment with the fact that Father Peter will not be there for sacramental preparation next year and beyond.

The people in attendance at the dinner acknowledged that Father Peter was a great support to tobacco growers when the industry was shut down.

The bushfires of 2006 and 2009

were also difficult times for all concerned, and Father Peter's work and care all at this time was highlighted.

The parish group that catered for the dinner did an extraordinary job and highlighted the strength of community that exists in the Ovens Valley and beyond.

While Father Peter will be missed, Benalla looms as a life giving challenge that we here in Myrtleford know “PT” will rise to – especially now that his beloved Hawks appear to be a spent force.

Benalla can expect the occasional visitor from the Ovens Valley when Mass is being celebrated as “it is only down the road.”

Thanks, Father Peter and God bless you!

July 2012

News

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 7

Daniel’s inclusive gift Honours project leads to resource to help autistic

Daniel Giles has created a resource for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Photo by FamPix

WHEN Daniel Giles undertook an honours project for his Bachelor’s Degree of Graphic Design at La Trobe University, Bendigo, he chose something close to his heart.

Daniel, a parishioner at St Therese’s, Kennington, has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and is well known as an advocate for people with autism and as an active participant in Church activities.

He has created an Autism Church Resource he hopes will be of value to churches, schools and parishes as something they can use for teaching and for providing greater inclusion to people with an ASD. “It provides a basic understanding of church and prayer,” he said.

The work includes seven books and a research survey and is written from an ecumenical perspective.

Daniel designed the books using clear images and using the structure of a social script, which he said helps people with an ASD who can suffer from sensory overload.

Daniel said the project was part of his

vision to include people with disabilities more fully into their Church communities.

He’s not seeking to sell the resources, and links to free downloads at his blog insightfuldesignblog.wordpress.com/ On his blog, he says the project taught him a lot about presenting information clearly, avoiding the overload of design elements and communicating literally to people with ASDs. “In addition, the project also aims to engage a mainstream audience by moving away from the use of traditional disability resources and designing it in a similar manner to a pictorial textbook (whilst considering the specific needs of people with ASDs),” he said.

The resource is also being used by the Christian Blind Mission’s Luke14 program to promote disability inclusion within church communities.

For further information on Disability Inclusive Christian Communities, contact Daniel Giles on 0439 562 286.

Br Linus, Nora Connell, Fr Rom Hayes and Mons Frank Marriott.

St Kilian’s farewells Nora Morning tea was held for Nora Connell at St Kilian’s Parish House recently to celebrate her recent retirement.

Cathedral, Chancery and St Kilian’s staff met to farewell Nora.

Nora began her time as Pastoral Associate at St Kilian’s nine years ago and during these years she has become deeply loved and respected by us all.

Nora has the ability to find and attend to the most needy of our community. She has cared for thousands we will never hear about. At the same time Nora has been pivotal in the organising and running of parish activities – efficient, competent and very compassionate.

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News

Page 8 – www.sandpiper.org.au

July 2012

Knights vow to continue mission

THE decline of Christian values in Australian society was discussed at the Sixth Triennial Conference of the Order of the Knights of the Southern Cross at Harrietville, Victoria, on June 1-2.

The Knights also discussed their current membership drive, which they say is needed to join the defence of our Christian way of life in the public arena.

At the Conference Dinner, Bishop Max Davis was presented with 12,500 prayer books for distribution to serving members of the Australian Defence Force. This bought to

Steph Wardell, Margie Robinson, Zaali Hoskin and Lily Cullen from St Luke’s filling the trolleys at their school with donated food items for St Vincent de Paul.

St Luke’s celebrates feast of Sacred Heart

fruition the latest national project of the Order.

At the concluding Mass, Peter Lewis retired as Supreme Knight and National Chaplain Bishop Ron Mulkearns installed Colin Walsh as Supreme Knight for the ensuing three years.

In line with the Conference theme, ‘The Mountains to Climb Together,’ the Conference resolved: 1. That the Order through its members will be encouraged to continue diligently to promote the Christian way of life and Catholic

values and to be heard and to be visible as Knights and as Catholics.

2. That the National Executive develops and promulgates an overall national plan to focus the work of the Order. This plan is to especially organise the provision of information to be shared across States by using the relevant expertise available to limit duplication of effort and increase the quality of resources available to members.

For further information, contact National Executive Office, Bob Perkins (02) 6247 2977 e-mail: neo@ ksca.org.au

By Michelle Hicks Sacred Heart Tatura

SHEPPARTON – The Feast of the Sacred Heart is celebrated in Shepparton in a very special way each year with the gathering together of St Luke’s Catholic Primary School and St. Brendan’s School students to celebrate their annual Mass of Compassion at St Brendan’s Church.

The two parish schools focus each year on one aspect of Social Justice outreach in support of their local St Vincent de Paul Society.

This year, the request from St Vinnie’s was for the donation of non-perishable food items, to be collected by each school community and distributed to those in the local vicinity.

Senior school leaders from both schools made a presentation to the St

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Senior students from St. Brendan’s School raising their voices for justice at the Mass of Compassion.

Vincent de Paul representative, Denise Crawford, as an important part of the liturgy.

Denise spoke of the vital role the parish and schools play in the support of St Vinnie’s throughout the year and the appreciation of those who receive the collected goods.

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News

June 2012

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 9

SIP discusses sentencing laws G oulburn Valley Spirituality in the Pub’s conversation in May took up the topic Building Bridges Not Walls: Prisons and the Justice System, the title of the Australian Catholic Bishops Social Justice Statement 2011/12 which challenges us to look at who we put in our prisons and how we treat them!

A rare night of Traditional Irish music in Tangambalanga drew a large crowd of music lovers.

Irish hooley at Tangambalanga

By Joe Moran

W

hen my family and I migrated to Wodonga three years ago I felt musically bereft. I had left behind my main passion – Traditional Irish music (or diddly die music to most people!).

Although popular in the larger cities in Australia, it is very scarce in North Eastern Victoria, despite there being a wealth of Irish families who love the Irish culture and enjoy listening to the music of their homeland.

Although I try to get to Sydney and Melbourne to play in sessions, it is becoming more difficult now that our three young children are taking up so much of our time.

As a result, I started to invite musicians to this area so we could have a big hooley without the need to do a roadtrip! It was somewhat selfish on my part but has turned out to be a great success. The latest get together was on the weekend following the 2012 ANZAC commemoration in Tangambalanga, near Wodonga.

I was approached by the local Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) of the Wodonga Parish to see if they could ‘tag along’ to one of our biannual events and make it one of their get-togethers.

The hosts for the evening were Peter and Gill Gohery, two of the most generous people I have ever met.

They offered up their home (with one of the most enviable views in the district!), provided a feast of food and drink (including a spit-roast pig) and refused to accept any payment for their expense! A sincere thanks is extended to this wonderful couple, without whom these weekends would not be possible.

There were about 20 musicians playing accordions, concertinas, flutes, banjoes, fiddles, bodhrans, whistles, spoons, a few singers and 150 extras in attendance, including representatives from the two local Irish dancing schools.

Peter had even laid a makeshift dance floor for the occasion! The musicians started the session around 2pm with the majority of onlookers arriving around 6pm at Peter and

Gill’s incredible outdoor entertainment area.

The PPC organised a 52-seater bus with many others travelling independently. The atmosphere was sensational and, although most people started to depart around 11pm, the musicians were still playing until 4am the following morning!

It was made extra special as I had secretly contacted RTE (the Irish equivalent of the ABC) to see if we could record the event for a program called Ceili House.

This occurs weekly from a different village but was the first time it was allowed outside of Ireland and therefore a real coup for Australia and especially Tangambalanga! We are currently editing the evening’s entertainment so that at some point it will be broadcast over the airwaves and also on line.

Thank you to one and all who made the weekend such a success. I am striving to introduce the music to the area in the hope that one day the North East will be a real hotspot for Irish Traditional Music.

Looking for a

G E TAWAY ?

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• Offer Dinner, Bed & Breakfast packages for individual families and groups.

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• Perfect venue for families, reunions, recreational interest groups, functions & conferences.

• Calming setting nestled on the banks of the Ovens River.

A venue for all seasons Facilities include:

• Indoor Heated Swimming Pool • Tennis Courts • Conference Centre • Dining Room & Bar • On-site Ski Hire Outlet • ½ court Basketball Court • Indoor Games Hall • Barbeque/Picnic Area • Mini Golf

Feathertop Chalet Harrietville Website: www.feathertopchalet.com.au Phone: 03 5759 2688 - Fax: 03 5759 2690

Email: reservations.feathertop@westnet.com.au Address: 22 Bon Accord Track, Harrietville 3741

First speaker was Clare Johnstone, a past student of St Mary of the Angels, Nathalia, now a Criminal Lawyer at Victoria Legal Aid. Clare began with the relevance of the topic in May, budget time, with its talk of the state government’s increases in prison funding and their plans to get ‘tough on crime’, in particular by introducing mandatory sentencing by stealth.

Clare expressed her view strongly, “No matter what you call it – talk of longer sentences, mandatory minimums, base-line sentencing, abolishing suspended sentences – means basically, forget about the offender’s background and take away the sentencing discretion of magistrates and judges to choose an appropriate sentencing option… Such an approach does extremely little to steady the revolving door of offending and does nothing to break the cycle of crime by addressing the causal factors of addiction, poverty, mental illness, unemployment and homelessness.

Clare backed her viewpoint with a number of moving stories about her clients.

“One of my biggest eye-openers was a beautiful but sad comment from Marianna, a mother of five children being physically and verbally abused at home and coping with dire finances.

She was habitually shoplifting out of desperation to feed her family and her anxiety.

“There were many months of ongoing offending and we had a psychologist assess her and the report was successfully used in mitigation for a community order, not jail.

“A few days later she arrived in my office with a large wrapped parcel which she presented to me. I looked at her questioningly and she responded ‘No, Clare. It’s alright. I’ve paid for it’. I unwrapped the present to find a large ceramic garden cherub. Marianna explained: ‘On Friday, Clare, you were my angel. No one in my whole life has ever been kind to me before’.

Providing counselling and family support services for couples, families and individuals throughout the diocese Appointments/Enquiries phone: Bendigo Echuca Shepparton Wodonga Wedderburn

03 5438 1300 03 5438 1300 035831 4699 02 6056 1861 02 5494 3798

Dorothy Farrant, Jennifer Frisardi, Marg Purcell, Clare Johnstone, Fr Michael, Denice Bourke.

I mean seriously, the only person who has ever been kind to her – it just beggars belief!”

“Quite simply mandatory laws take the context out of the crime and slot it into a one-size-fits-all approach – lock people up and throw away the key mentality. Where’s the proof that sending more and more people to jail reduces crime? As the Bishops’ statement highlights, studies have shown that those who served time in jail were in fact more likely to re-offend.”

Second speaker was Fr Michael Morley of Tatura who has been engaged in prison ministry over many years, initially in remand prisons in Melbourne and, for the past eight years, as Prison Chaplain at Dhurringile Prison.

Fr Michael shared his views gained from many years’ experience and strongly endorsed the Bishops Statement drawn from much consultation with prison chaplains.

“The Justice Statement from the Bishops is very important to all social justice thinking people. It has put before us a challenge, but also enlightened us about the plight of prisoners.

I am of the thinking that many people believe that a prison is for punishment, not rehabilitation. This way of thinking needs to be addressed and then changed.”

Around 60 people attended with many participating in a lively forum.

Also present and contributing to the conversation were Denice Bourke of Tatura, Regional Liaison Chaplain for the Hume Region and other members of the Dhurringile Chaplaincy Team.

Attendees agreed what an informative, emotional and interesting night it had been and what a necessary conversation had begun! Copies of the Bishops’ Statement can be purchased or downloaded at www.socialjustice. catholic.org.au

News

Page 10 – www.sandpiper.org.au

July 2012

Community unites for cure Siblings, Lilly-rose, 10, and Zach La Motte Schubert, 13, students of Frayne College, started a team on the Be Brave and Shave Leukaemia Foundation’s website in the hope of raising money for research into the same blood disease their dad has been diagnosed with.

It didn’t take long for the word to spread and soon the School and Parish communities were behind these kids joining in the fun.

The main fund-raiser held was a crazy hair day, in which the parents, students and staff participated – from having their hair done in the most amazing zany styles to waxing the legs of staff member Josh Lyon, not to mention Zach himself having a leg wax in the name of charity.

Our Principal Chris Telford sported the beehive of all beehives, and the star of the show was Fr Dennis arriving to have his hair crazied up by our professional hairdresser Emma Elderfield.

Not to be forgotten, is little Jono Cheshire who bravely lost his hair on the day to a mean set of clippers! We held a guessing competition how many braids did Lilly-rose, our team captain have in her hair; the prize a voucher kindly donated from Manhattan Hair.

Good on you kids, what a fun day we had – a great testament to our Catholic faith. In the words of one of our grandkids “ya just gotta copy Jesus!”

Lilly-rose, Zach, Sonni and John would like to express their thanks to all who supported them in their fundraising efforts to Wodonga Catholic Parish, Frayne College Baranduda, Manhattan Hair for their participation and to Spiders Party Shop for donating the coloured hairspray.

Touring statue The beautiful, wooden, hand-crafted statue of Our Lady of Fatima has just commenced its pilgrimage around the parishes of the Diocese.

It has been in the Shepparton area of the start of its journey.

The presence of the statue in a parish help focus attention on Our Lady, her Rosary and the importance of her urgent message to which Pope Benedict XVI referred to during his recent visit to Fatima.

Our Lady has promised world peace and the triumph of Her Immaculate Heart if we undertake the prayers, penance an First Saturday devotions she has requested.

For further information or a booking for a statue visit, please contact John or Wilma McCormack on 5439 6283 or johnandwilmamac@bigpond.com Another contact is Father Peter Austin, Parish Priest of Rochester, on 5484 1073.

More snow on Feathertop

I

t is great to see so many groups returning to Feathertop Chalet! Some have been using this venue for more years than the Diocese has owned it, while others have returned more recently.

The Diocese of Sandhurst, Catholic Education Office and most of the Sandhurst schools remain committed supporters of Feathertop Chalet, enabling us to continue our respite support for groups and individuals identified as ‘in need’ from across our Diocese.

Recently, we have been able to welcome the Sandhurst Clergy, which is always a pleasure.

The past few weeks have seen various retreat groups from the Southern Riverina, one with reservations through until 2017! The recent snow falls have encouraged many family bookings throughout the Victorian holidays.

Some of these have experienced previous snow holidays, and others of these are planning to take on the mountain for the first time. Regardless of the level of experience, the look of exhilaration and achievement upon their return remains constant.

The return from holidays will witness groups from afar afield as Northern

Territory and South Australia on their annual trek to ski the slopes.

The NT contingent is always very well dressed. The warm weather clothing is always straight out of the packet, and is not likely to be worn again unless venturing ‘down south’ in the future.

Some of the South Australian groups will travel through the night, collect their ski gear at the Chalet and go straight to the mountain. The process is reversed on the way home to allow them to arrive in the morning ‘ready’ for the next work day.

On rare occasions we have witnessed enthusiasts from Adelaide returning three weekends in a row. Productivity at work may have been reduced, but they claimed that they were ‘as good as ever’.

We are in the unusual position to still have accommodation available throughout the holidays and one lodge available for five days in August.

We would encourage you to contact the Chalet (03) 5759 2688, if you find that you have an opportunity to use this prime time.

The season has started extremely well. Our on-site ski hire offers significant discounts to groups of 10 or more.

Feathertop Chalet Harrietville Looking for a Visit www.feathertopchalet.com.au Phone: 03 5759 2688 Fax: 03 5759 2690 ? email: reservations.feathertop@westnet.com.au Address: 22 Bon Accord Track, Harrietville, 3741 Then Feathertop Chalet

G E TAWAY

is the perfect venue for you

A venue for all seasons

Reverie harp helps patients

A

special harp at St John of God Hospital will be used to help to comfort and relax some patients as part of their healing process, or as end of life approaches.

Member of the hospital’s Pastoral Care team, Evelyn Robertson, said she had been to a workshop in Geelong with the harp’s designer, Peter Roberts and felt it could help Bendigo’s patients.

“The harp is designed so a person with limited physical abilities can have the pleasure of playing music. It is a special shape and size so it can be placed on a patient’s bed, and suitably designed to enable playing while lying down. The harp is designed so that even a non-musician can create beautiful sounds with it,” Evelyn said.

“It’s comforting and pleasurable to hold, with smooth rounded edges, and is resonant enough that the patient can experience the vibrations when it is played close to the body,” she added.

Elsewhere, the harp is being used in intensive care units, special care nurseries for premature and sick babies, with long term or depressed patients and in palliative care.

It is also finding a place in some aged care homes, with teachers, and in psychological support groups.

The harp was generously donated by the St John of God Hospital auxiliary, who raise money for patient care items and equipment.

The harp was made by ‘musicthanatologist’ (music therapist) Peter Roberts, who is frequently seen at the

Pastoral Care team member Evelyn Robertson with Rehab Ward patient Pearl Heenan, 90, trying out the harp.

Geelong’s St John of God Hospital playing his large harp to patients.

Peter Roberts is a director of The Institute of Music in Medicine, a nonprofit charitable foundation dedicated to fostering and advocating the therapeutic uses of live music in medical care settings.

He says he called his design the Reverie Harp because the word reverie is sometimes used to describe a state of quiet and pleasant contemplation.

More on the harp from http://www. robertsmusic.net

News

July 2012

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 11

Families join for Cohuna Mass

By Jackson Saunders Youth Ministry Worker

Parishioners and friends of St Mary’s Cohuna enjoy a barbecue after a recent family Mass.

COHUNA – St Mary’s Catholic Church, Cohuna, was filled with people for a Family Mass recently.

The celebrations included burying a time capsule, and students from St Mary’s Primary School took part in the liturgy.

The Mass also provided an opportunity for the parish to farewell its pastoral associate, Sr Helen Murphy, who served the parish since 2006.

Sr Helen is now overseas and will move to the Ballarat Diocese on her return.

St Mary’s Primary School principal, Lucy Keath, said that it was lovely to have the parish and school community come together for the Mass.

“We had a grandparent and her granddaughters do the First Reading, Psalm and Second Reading. Prayers of the Faithful were said by a variety of students and the offertory was done by a family,” Mrs Keath said.

“It was also the commitment Mass for children who (at the time were) starting to prepare

for the Sacraments of First Communion and Eucharist.”

Another highlight of the day included the burial of a time capsule.

Fr Peter Ferwerda, who celebrated the Mass, said that the time capsule contained a copy of the Farmer's Weekly, SandPiper and a copy of the parish and school bulletins.

Also buried were a parish history document, a letter, some coins, and photographs of the congregation from Easter Sunday, and of staff and students from St Mary's primary school.

Fr Ferwerda said the burial of the time capsule after the Mass on the church grounds celebrated the 125th anniversary of the opening of the first Catholic Church in the Cohuna area.

He said that the time capsule would be dug up and opened in 25 years.

A barbecue lunch was then shared by those in attendance.

“The celebration was a most enjoyable occasion,” Fr Ferwerda said.

High time for a fund-raiser at Tongala Tongala – A tremendous social day was had at St Patrick’s Primary School recently when school staff organised a High Tea for the people of the local community.

The event was held in June as a fundraiser for work to be carried out in the school playground.

Principal Anthony Chalkley said he was pleased with the support they received.

“We were very well supported by the wider local community, family and friends of the staff. More than 70 people made their way to St Patrick’s for a terrific morning.”

Among the guests were both the Federal and local members from Parliament, Dr Sharman Stone and Mr Paul Wellar, and also Mr Neil Pankhurst representing the local shire.

The school’s multi-purpose room looked a treat with the beautiful sunlight streaming in on a variety of student art work.

The morning raised more than $1000 for the school. Mr Chalkley said he would like to extend a huge thankyou to all those who did the baking.

“A magnificent spread was offered to all the guests,” he said. “St Patrick’s, Tongala, has certainly started something that is sure to become an annual event.”

A new move for Sr Helen Courtesy The Northern Times

Candice Kindred, St Patrick’s Primary, serves high tea to guests at the High Tea fund-raiser.

Block stars drop in for a visit at St Peter’s

Stars of The Block Dani and Dan.

BENDIGO – Dan and Dani from the hit TV hit series The Block took time out from the Mitre 10 Road Trip recently to visit students from St Peter’s Primary School in Bendigo.

The couple, who were making appearances at local Mitre 10 stores in Victoria as part of their post filming commitments, were happy to make a detour to St Peter’s after being contacted by grade 5/6 teacher Miss Jess Martin.

“The students had been working on a project which started out

as a maths activity and grew into our own version of The Block,” Jess said.

“Students designed and constructed model houses which incorporated solar panels and sustainable designs, the students also had to budget for their houses.”

Dan and Dani spent time looking at the students houses and answering questions about the series. Both contestants were amazed at the standard of the finished projects.

“Dan and I are blown away with the standard of your projects,” Dani said.

“Coming here and spending time with you all has been incredible, it makes all the hard work on the show worthwhile,” she said.

St Peter’s was the only school in either Victoria or Tasmania to receive a visit from the hit series and were delighted to host the popular couple. Principal Craig Simpson said students would remember the visit for a very long time.

A SPIRITUAL leader has left Cohuna for sabbatical leave and a new life direction.

Sister Helen Murphy of St Mary’s Parish has taken sabbatical leave until the end of the year for personal renewal and to develop her pastoral ministry skills.

She will be undertaking a threemonth sabbatical course in England, before moving to Mary’s Mount in Ballarat.

Sr Helen had a five-year contract in Cohuna, which finished in September of last year. She hopes to be closer to her religious community, the Loreto Sisters in Melbourne.

“I’ll be turning 70 next year and it could be time for a different direction as far as my ministry is concerned,” she said.

Sr Helen said she has enjoyed close work with families through baptism, her involvement at St Mary’s School in Cohuna, and working with older parishioners.

Sr Helen was working in Mildura in 2006 before being asked if she would take a leadership role at St Mary’s Parish.

“I jumped at that, it was something that I wanted to do all my life, to live in a small country town and live in the church,” she said. “To me it was like a dream come true to come and work among the people, and to know the people in the town.”

Page 12 – www.sandpiper.org.au

Youth Ministry

July 2012

Students feast on social justice Justice Matters camp the right recipe

By Jackson Saunders Sandhurst Diocese Youth Ministry Worker

ALMOST 70 secondary school students attended the Sandhurst Diocese’s ‘Justice Matters’ camp at Harrietville last month.

The three-day camp provided an opportunity for students from the Sandhurst and Wagga Wagga Dioceses to explore social justice issues.

A number of workshops were also conducted on topics such as global poverty, environmental sustainability, the plight of refugees, sustainable eating, human trafficking and indigenous issues.

A highlight of the camp for students included the ‘Global Reality Meal’.

This involved 15% of those in attendance at the camp eating at the ‘rich’ table, 35% eating at the ‘middle

class’ table, and the remaining 50% being classified as poor.

The ‘Rich’ were served by waiters on a beautifully presented table and fed a banquet. According to Caritas Australia, those who sat at the ‘Rich’ table represented the 15 per cent of the world’s population with a per capita income of $12,000 or much more.

The ‘Middle Class’ meanwhile, were fed rice, beans and soup at a simply presented table, while the poor ate a bowl of rice and sat on the floor.

The meal strove to further empower students to work for social justice.

Caritas Australia campaign coordinator, Alex Engel, said that she was inspired by how the students responded to various social justice issues discussed at the camp.

Ms Engel said that she would now look forward to hearing about the

actions the students would take out of the camp in their work for justice in their school and their communities.

“I think they’ve shown how much they shouldn’t be underestimated,” Ms Engel said.

Ms Engel stressed that building relationships with those affected by issues was the first step towards achieving social justice.

She said that Caritas strove to build relationships with the communities they worked with to empower them to make positive changes in their community.

Students and teachers spoke positively of the camp saying that it was an eye-opening experience.

The camp, which was run by the Sandhurst Catholic Education Office in conjunction with Caritas Australia, finished with Wodonga Assistant Priest, Fr Jake Mudge, celebrating Mass with the students, staff and presenters in attendance.

What did you like about Justice Matters camp?

I got a whole new perspective on what goes on in the world and what I can do to change that.

I have gained a better understanding of what’s happening around the world.

Sam Colvin, 15 St Joseph’s College, Echuca

Hollie Noonan, 15 St Mary of the Angels, Nathalia

I liked mixing with other kids and I liked learning about global equality and what you can do to make a difference.

Rachel Pickens, 17 St Francis De Sales Regional College, Leeton

My favourite part was the global reality meal that we participated in as it gave us a sense of what other people go through.

Amanda Leslie, 16 FCJ College, Benalla

It was a real eye-opener to see what goes on outside of Australia. It was really interesting and occasionally shocking to know what goes on in other countries.

Nathan de Vries, 14 Marian College, Myrtleford

The fact that it was a wake-up call and now I know that I have the power to change the world.

Emily Kavanagh, 14 Catholic College Bendigo

Youth Ministry

July 2012

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 13

An invitation for all youth

By Alicia Giles

O

n four occasions throughout the year, the youth of the Sandhurst Diocese gather together for the Stronger Rallies.

These rallies are run by Fr Rob Galea, to celebrate faith in an inspiring environment with other young people.

I have been to two of these rallies, and each time I’ve climbed back on the bus to Bendigo with “my light ignited” (as Fr Rob would say), and a newly inspired passion for faith and Jesus in my life.

Each time I walk into the venue I am filled with an indescribable feeling of excitement, and adrenaline pumps through my body.

It is so overwhelming to see more than one hundred young people gathered together, to sing their prayers to God and discuss the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The people that I’ve met at the Stronger rallies are unbelievable.

Regardless of whether we have met before, or whether we are the best of friends, the conversations and laughter are endless and the joy that is experienced is priceless.

At the Rally, Fr. Rob and various other young musicians put on a concert and everyone joins in singing to some of the most beautiful songs I know.

There is dancing and smiling, regardless of whether people can sing and dance well or not.

We play icebreaker games which are rather entertaining, often requiring people to step out of their

Alicia Giles enjoys last year’s Stronger Rally. comfort zones. Taking turns, one young person will share a story of their own faith with the group.

These stories are amazing and it is wonderful to see the courage of young people in our diocese to stand up in front of so many others, many of who are strangers, and share stories which are sometimes quite personal to them. Fr Rob also shares some of his stories with us,

and each time I am mesmerised by what he says.

I have never met someone who can speak with so much passion and trust in God. These are the stories which have, above all else, strengthened my own faith and encouraged me to practise my religion in a way that I would never have thought exciting, or even possible!

I feel incredibly privileged to have had the opportunity to attend the Stronger Rallies, and I cannot recommend them enough.

The next Stronger Rally will be in the Marian Centre at Catholic College Bendigo on Friday August 17, from 6pm – 9pm. A barbecue dinner will be provided.

EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATIONS are open for this year’s Stronger Retreat at Harrietville from December 7-9.

About 130 young people are expected to come together to celebrate their Catholic faith at the fun and faith-filled annual retreat.

Pat Keady from emmanuelworship, a contemporary Catholic band in Brisbane, and Stronger chaplain, Fr Rob Galea, are the speakers for this year’s event.

Fr Galea is the assistant priest at St Brendan’s Shepparton. He is also an internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and motivational speaker.

The Stronger Retreat caters for young people aged between 16 and 26.

The Retreat aims to bring together young people from across the Sandhurst Diocese and the rest of Australia for a common experience-encountering Jesus Christ and the Church, and being equipped, empowered and encouraged to impact the Church and the world.

The Retreat will include praise and worship, music, time for communal and personal prayer, Mass, Reconciliation, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and much more.

Youth from across the Diocese are encouraged to attend the retreat and to make the most of the early bird discount.

For more details about the Retreat visit www.stronger.org.au Alternatively, contact Sandhurst Diocese Youth Ministry Workers, Jackson Saunders or Melissa Mewburn, at the Chancery on 03 5441 2544 or email sandhurst@stronger.org.au PRICE: Earlybird – $120 (Until July 31) Discounted – $150 (August 1 – October 14).

Regular- $180 (October 15 – November 26)

Upcoming

Youth Masses Please join us at your monthly Youth Mass. This Mass is led by young people and encourages them to live out their faith with enthusiasm. We hope to see you there!

God Bless Melissa Mewburn and Jackson Saunders Sandhurst Diocese Youth Ministry Workers

JULY

Young Christian Students movement members Chrissy Beling, Elizabeth Chacko, Lucy James, James Ridgwell, Jade Littler and Amanda Leslie.

YCS calls for members The Young Christian Students that have been active in the Sandhurst Diocese for the past couple of years are now encouraging newcomers to come and join a group.

Based on the ‘See, Judge, Act’ Cardijn methodology, YCS aims to empower students to ‘be the change’ in their lives in order to tackle issues and injustices.

With an emphasis on ethics and morals, YCS enables students to be

righteous in their decisions and actions in their daily lives – no doubt a critical part of our faith.

In the past, the YCS group of Benalla has organised a sausage sizzle for the Pakistan Floods and taken part in the state wide YCS camp in April last year.

Group member, Elizabeth Chacko from Benalla says, “YCS is a fantastic student-run movement and I sincerely recommend

anyone to join! I’m certainly glad I am part of it.”

With an exciting camp later this year and lots of fun guaranteed, YCS is sure to be inspiring and enriching for all.

Do not hesitate to join your own local YCS group or if you wish to start your own group contact the Sandhurst Diocese Youth Ministry Workers, Melissa Mewburn or Jackson Saunders at the Chancery on (03) 5441 2544.

BENDIGO 1st July 21st July

St. Kilian’s St. Therese’s Kennington WODONGA

6pm 6pm

28th July Sacred Heart Church 6pm SHEPPARTON 28th July

St. Brendan’s

6pm

News

Page 14 – www.sandpiper.org.au

June 2012

Contemplating the Making time face of Christ

By Margaret-Mary Flynn Year of Grace Co-ordinator

F

or a short while after being born, a baby remains quite wakeful. The little one is laid in her mother’s arms and her wide, wondering eyes meet for the first time her mother’s gaze. It’s a mutual bonding, and the beginning of a lifelong love.

The new father will hold his child, gaze at the tiny face, and know deep inside himself that he would give up his life to protect this little one.

Both parents will count hours well lost looking into their baby’s face to win a smile. When she grows a little older, she will run, and climb, and dance and call, “Look at me, Mummy! Daddy, look at me!” For their blessing is what she needs to grow in grace and confidence, to become whom she is meant to be.

Love begins so simply – we look into the beloved’s face, and they look at us. We love to spend time with the people we love, and nothing substitutes for being ‘face to face’.

We long for the familiar faces of home when we are far away. We look forward to seeing each other after time apart. We can’t wait to share the news, and ‘see the look’ on someone’s face.

We smile as we look at the faces in our photo album, and we buy special frames for the special photos – weddings, graduations, christenings, displaying them proudly.

We remember times when we shared great moments in life with those who love us; how wonderful to see in their faces their pride and delight in our achievement!

Other times we recall when it was so difficult to ‘look them in the eye’ – times when we have got things wrong; times when we needed to say sorry.

Sometimes it can be very hard to look, because of the pain or grief in a loved face – yet harder still not to look, to turn away.

And there were times when we remember only the expression of compassion, of kindness, or forgiveness, of sorrow shared. Times when we learnt the truth from another’s face.

Moses and God were good friends. They’d spend a lot of time in conversation over the years in the wilderness, and come to know each other very well. Then one time, Moses asked to see God in His glory. He longed for the intimacy that seeing someone’s face creates.

God explained to him that, “You cannot see my face, for man cannot see Me and live.”

Instead, God hid Moses in a cleft in the rocks, and shielded him with His hand as he passed by.

It was the gesture of a friend, kind and caring. But although Moses knew God’s glory, he did not see God.(Exodus 33:20-23).

Like Moses, we long to see him, and we seek his face. However when God came as Jesus into our world and our lives, he became one with us; living, eating, drinking, sleeping, laughing and crying as we do. So we can see his face in the faces of those we meet. In Jesus, God shares our lives, and becomes our daily bread.

There is a lovely story in the Gospel of John describing how the disciples met Jesus. They followed him, and when he turned to ask them what they wanted, they asked “Where do you live, Teacher?” asked the disciples. “Come and see,” Jesus replied. So they went and saw where he lived, and stayed with him the rest of the day (John 1:39).

What did they do in that time? What we do, when we are with people we love to be with. They shared food, told stories, asked questions and answered them, listened and laughed as friends do. It was easy to be friends with Jesus, and they brought others to meet him, to learn about this wonderful Kingdom of God he preached.

There are many ways in which people have tried to depict the face of Christ, and the variety allows many ways for us to respond. At different times, different aspects of his life will draw our gaze, just as they have drawn the eye of the artist. No one picture will ever be the last word, and yet each shows us something we recognise of the Jesus who calls us into friendship. Like our photo album, these images become an invitation to remember.

As we contemplate the face of Christ, wherever it is we find it, we allow our gaze to meet his.

We allow his gaze to rest on us. We see the face of God and live, assured that “If you make my word your home, you will learn the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 7:31-32).

Spending time with Jesus, looking at him, talking with him in prayer, sharing a meal with him, asking questions and opening to answers, is to live more and more in God’s light, and God’s Kingdom. It is to come home.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace. (Numbers 6;24-26)

Foundations of Liturgical Practice

Foundations of Liturgical Practice

THEO1004/THEO6001

21-22 July 2012 Presenter

THEO1004/THEO6001

21-22 July 2012

Rev Dr John Frauenfelder 9am-4pm Mass

Presenter

Rev Dr John Frauenfelder 9am-4pm Mass

6pm Saturday 8am Sunday St Brendan’s Parish Centre, Knight Street, Shepparton What is Liturgy? What is the function of ritual and symbol?

Who ministers to whom at liturgy? What are the foundational documents of liturgy? What does it mean to think liturgically? Is there a relationship between liturgy and life?

Such questions, as they relate to our worshipping experience, will be explored through the lens of history, tradition and the teaching of the Church.

t: $90 2 days or $75 (pensioner or student discount) ch: BYO or $10 catered kings: Forms from parishes or Sandhurst Diocese Website http://www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au or phone 03 5441 2544 Cost: $90 2 days ail: adultfaith@sandhurst.catholic.org.au.

Lunch:

further information contact: Bookings: Breen, Adult Faith Education Sandhurst ne: 03 5441 2544 il: adultfaith@sandhurst.catholic.org.au

Email:

6pm Saturday 8am Sunday St Brendan’s Parish Centre, Knight Street, Shepparton What is Liturgy? What is the function of ritual and symbol?

Who ministers to whom at liturgy? What are the foundational documents of liturgy? What does it mean to think liturgically? Is there a relationship between liturgy and life?

Such questions, as they relate to our worshipping experience, will be explored through the lens of history, tradition and the teaching of the Church.

Broken Bay Institute

or $75 (pensioner or student discount) BYO or $10 catered Forms from parishes or Sandhurst Diocese Website http://www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au or phone 03 5441 2544 adultfaith@sandhurst.catholic.org.au. www.bbi.catholic.edu.au

Broken Bay Institute

The Broken Bay Institute is proudly affiliated with the University of Newcastle

For further information contact: Lyn Breen, Adult Faith Education Sandhurst Phone: 03 5441 2544 Email: adultfaith@sandhurst.catholic.org.au

www.bbi.catholic.edu.au The Broken Bay Institute is proudly affiliated with the University of Newcastle

for prayer in our busy lives

Teresa of Avila (Teresa of Jesus) and St John of the Cross

T

eresa of Avila was born in Spain in 1515 (d. 1582). Her paternal grandfather converted from Judaism to Christianity and his descendants were Christians.

In 1535, she joined a Carmelite convent. After a few years, however, she felt God was calling her to take an active role in the reform of Carmelite communities.

This work would bring great hardship. At the time of the Spanish inquisition, any development in understanding Catholic faith and life was treated with suspicion. Women and the families of converted Jews or Protestants were also distrusted.

In 1554, aged 39, during very difficult times, Teresa was struck by the love of the suffering Christ. St Augustine’s story of his spiritual journey as told in his Confessions helped her recognise that God leads different people by different paths in prayer and spirituality.

For herself, Teresa realised she had been putting too much emphasis on outward acts of piety, rather than trusting and allowing God to work in the depths of her soul. Teresa became a woman of deep prayer, a writer and a monastic reformer.

St John of the Cross was born of a poor family in 1542, He became a Carmelite priest and met Teresa in 1567. John was Teresa’s close friend.

He worked with her for the Carmelite reform.

Political intrigues, jealousies and outright persecution caused suffering for them both.

Both lived very busy lives. They interacted with many people, faced big challenges and suffered for doing what they believed was right.

They often longed for greater peace and solitude, time for prayerful contemplation (‘being with’ God in silence and stillness). Neither lost his or her focus on what was most essential – God made known to us in Jesus Christ. Both were certain that time given to prayer is really important in busy lives.

They were ‘contemplatives in action’ who found that giving priority to quiet time for prayer actually helped them to keep their balance! They were able to do everything they had to do.

John and Teresa were both asked by Church leaders to write about their spiritual experiences and give guidance to others.

John was particularly known for his acceptance of any who sought his help, regardless of status or vocation.

John and Teresa have much to offer Christians faced with the demands, pressures and time constraints of active modern life.

They offer encouragement for anyone who suffers because of a commitment to live a Gospelbased life. They taught, and showed by example, that true ‘progress’ in someone’s spiritual life, that is, deepening relationship with Christ, becomes evident in more perfect charity shining through relationships with other people and greater inner peace, even when surrounded by difficulties.

Such people bring ‘many others’ with them to God through their prayer. Both Teresa and John have been declared Doctors of the Church.

Teresa and John found ordinary words were not sufficient to write about prayer, so they used allegory, symbolic writing and poetry for the task. St Teresa of Avila’s writings include her spiritual autobiography written at the request of Church leaders, The Contemplative Life, The Way of Perfection, and The Interior Castle. St John’s include, The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Dark Night, The Living Flame of Love, and The Spiritual Canticle.

From Saints Teresa Of Avila and John Of The Cross The Lord doesn't look so much at the greatness of our works as the love with which they are done (The Interior Castle,

by St Teresa of Avila) Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks Compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.

Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, Yours are the eyes, you are his body.

Christ has no body now but yours (St Teresa of Avila) Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes.

Patience obtains all things Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices. (Teresa’s bookmark) Beloved, in you I find The mountains, wooded vales; Choice islands, distant, strange.

The river's voice resounds With ever-changing flow.

As whisper soft of breeze Now sings our love.

(Spiritual Canticle by St John of the Cross) O blessed Jesus, give me stillness of soul in You. Let Your mighty calmness reign in me.

Rule me, O King of Gentleness, King of Peace. (Prayer for Peace by St John of the Cross, ) What we need most in order to make progress is to be silent before this great God with our appetites and our tongue, for the language He best hears is silent love.

(St John of the Cross, Maxims and counsels, 53) To read more go to: http://www.carmelite.com/spirituality/ Lyn Breen adultfaith@sandhurst.catholic.org.au

News

July 2012

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 15

>> from the archives

Remembering past religious orders

By Mal Nolan Sandhurst Diocesan Historical Commission

T

he arrival and departure of the religious orders in the diocese.

Most Catholics under forty years of age would have little knowledge or experience of a time when members of religious orders of nuns and brothers played a major role in church life.

When the diocese of Sandhurst was formed, there were no religious orders in its area.

The first to arrive was a group of Sisters of Mercy who took up residence in Bendigo in 1876.

They were from Ireland and were the start of influx of nuns to come to the diocese over the next thirty years. Their role was to staff the system of Catholic schools that bishops in each diocese were setting up in response to the withdrawal of government funding for denominational schools at this time.

By the early 1900s, there were several religious orders present including the Mercy, Brigidine, St Joseph’s, Presentation and Faithful Companions of Jesus Orders which were running schools in Bendigo, Yarrawonga, Wodonga, Tatura, Shepparton, Echuca, Beechworth, Wangaratta, Rochester, Rutherglen and Benalla.

As the years passed, more nuns and orders arrived until by the 1970s, there were eight orders of nuns operating schools in a total of 27 places.

In addition to these teaching orders, there were others involved with orphans and young women (Good Shepherd Sisters), a private hospital (Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood), a home for the aged (Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary) and an enclosed, contemplative order (Poor Clares) who had been expelled from Ceylon. According to the Catholic Directory,

Sisters of Mercy graves in Shepparton. there were 254 nuns in the diocese in 1974.

In addition to female religious, there were some male religious orders. The Marist Brothers had arrived in Bendigo in 1893 and many years later also ran schools for boys in Shepparton and Wangaratta.

An order of priests and brothers, the Vincentian order also established a boys’ school in Bendigo in 1954. This was incorporated into Catholic College Bendigo in the 1980s.

Another order of priests, the Augustinians also were active in the diocese for about 100 years, but they were involved with parishes and not schools. Priests of

the Franciscan and Scalabrinian orders also spent shorter periods working in parishes.

All of the orders had their own approach to their apostolic work and thus gave some diversity to Catholic life.

However, by the 1980s it was clear that there would soon be a marked change to this situation.

Within a relatively short period there was a rapid decrease, in some case to zero, of new members coming into these orders.

As a consequence, the presence of members of the orders decreased to the extent that many of the orders withdrew from the Diocese. Today, there are only a few religious still

working, mainly in parish work and no institutions that are operated by religious orders as such.

History provides some explanation of the change that occurred in the role of religious orders.

In the main, orders have arisen and existed in response to the needs of the time. In the Australian context, there was a need for teachers who could provide their services at very little cost to a poor and largely ignorant population of Catholics.

In the same era, religious orders also satisfied needs for hospitals and aged care. As

the years passed and social and economic circumstances changed, governments became involved in the provision of these services or provided financial support to various organizations to do so. Much of the provision of Catholic education is now in the hands of the diocesan-based organizations.

Our picture, courtesy of David Gawne, shows the graves of some of the Sisters of Mercy in the Shepparton cemetery and serves as a reminder of those members of religious orders who devoted their lives to the Catholic education of children.

are you able to HELP SUPPORT OUR seminarians?

My donation is:

o I would like to become a regular donor.

o $25 o $50 o $100 o Other $.........................................

First Name: ........................................................................................

Surname: ...........................................................................................

Address: ............................................................................................

Town/Suburb: ...................................................... Postcode: .............

Phone: ...............................................................................................

DONATIONS MAY BE SENT TO: Seminarians’ Foundation PO Box 201, Bendigo, 3550 Thank you for helping to support the Sandhurst Diocese's seminarians.

Please charge my credit card.

Monthly $ ..............

Please send me information on remembering The Seminarians’ Foundation in my will.

Cheque (payable to The Seminarians’ Foundation) or Charge my Credit Card MasterCard Visa Card Number:

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News

Page 16 – www.sandpiper.org.au

Seminary days Seminarian Novelito Lim keeps us up to date with what’s happening at Corpus Christi College.

T

he life of a seminarian revolves around prayer and classes. So when the alarm turns-on at 6am I need to wake up, take a bath (especially not forget to put on my clothes) in order to be ready for the 6:45am prayer in the seminary’s chapel.

Unfortunately, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, for the flesh still wants to sleep. The morning routine in the chapel includes morning prayers, 30-minute meditation and a Mass at 7:30am, where some of us serve as lector, cantor and altar server. Then comes breakfast.

This is how a seminarian starts his daily routine.

The end of the semester is now fast approaching and the pressure inside the seminary is increasing.

This is due to incoming exams – both oral examinations and written examinations – and essays ranging from 2000 to 6000 words. Fortunately, I am still doing second level, which makes my semester easier.

Some are doing philosophy, which requires them to relate their works to great thinkers such as Descartes, Aristotle and Plato.

Others are also studying sacramental theology, which requires them to quote from the Church documents, such as the Second Vatican Council documents.

The corridors are silent, everyone is in their rooms studying for exams or they might be watching movies. Some may be in the common room to watch news to keep updated with what is happening outside the seminary.

>> SANDPIPER CROSSWORDS nagram Crossword for June

cross

1 5 6 7

June 2012

ABCENSSTU AAACEHLNV AEFIILNNT AEEHLLNOW

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St Mel’s Shepparton staff and students participate in National Reconciliation Week.

Carrying the flame

By Michelle Hicks St Luke’s Catholic Primary School

SHEPPARTON – St Luke’s Catholic Primary School in Shepparton celebrated National Reconciliation Week by commissioning two new FIRE Carriers at a special Prayer Reflection held at the school.

Abby Falk and Margie Robinson (Year 5) were presented with their badges and welcomed with the warmth of the symbolic fire by Mrs Anna O’Keeffe, the staff FIRE carrier.

InAnagram this crossword, anagrams are Crossword forgiven Julyinstead of clues for each of the eight, nine-letter words

Across

ADEFHIPSS ABEIFLTUU ACEEINNRT EEEEGNRRV

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This is just a simple glimpse of the life of a seminarian.

Though we are preoccupied during these days we still never forget to include prayer in the daily routine of our lives, since prayer is vital to our life as seminarians – the weapon to survive the demands of seminary education, and the means to find connection with God. One of the biggest obstacles to prayer is our hectic schedules. But this does not mean that prayer is not given importance.

And that is where the problem really lies: How to have a prayerful and meditative life amid the following hectic day?

We say we have a hard time finding time to pray. We need our sleep in the morning so we can function during the day. We want to pray, we say, but we don’t have time; because we never make time.

Let me ask you some pointed questions: Do you stop to eat each day?

Do you wash? Do you read the paper or watch the news? Do you have time to watch the big game on television? Do you have time to take a nap? Do you have time to exercise? Which of these things is MORE important than building your relationship with the Father? Which of those things has an eternal dimension to it?

If you really don’t have time to pray ... substitute prayer for one of those things you DO make time for.

AEODDMRRY AEEODNTTS OEEIBDDMR EIOULRSSY

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2

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Prayers and visual reflections centred around the National Reconciliation Week theme, “Let’s Talk Recognition”.

The Senior Learning Community children from St Luke’s also joined with students from St Mel’s School and the Notre Dame McAuley-Champagnat Programme in a local Shepparton National Sorry Day celebration organised by the local council.

What wonderful community involvement and celebration of our Indigenous heritage!

>> CAPTION COMPETITION

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OEIDDGNSS EOUUBMNRT AEIUDLSTT AEEDRSTYY 3

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Entries accepted online at www.sandpiper.org.au or can be posted to SandPiper C/- PO Box 201, Bendigo, 3552.

Write caption here (under 30 words):

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__________________________________________ __________________________________________

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olution ACROSS 1 Religious Education formators Across 6 Study period before exams (4) 1 SUBSTANCE 9 Ancient magnets (10) 5 AVALANCHE 10 Let it stand - printer’s term (4) 12 Thai monetary unit (4) 6 INFANTILE 13 Higher (8) 7 HALLOWEEN 16 Time keeper or student of time Down (12) 1 SPADEFISH 19 Corner shop (7,5) 22 University faculty member (8) 2 BEAUTIFUL 24 Son of Adam & Eve (4) 3 NECTARINE 27 Walked heavily (4) 4 EVERGREEN 28 Students or teachers of rites of worship (10)

__________________________________________

Name: ....................................................................

Solution

8 Instructors on a one-to-one 29 Depend (4) Across basis (6) 30 Educators, esp in universities, DROMEDARY 11 Continue doggedly (7) seminaries and Hogwarts1(10) 14 Midday prayer accompanied by 5 DETONATES bells (7) DOWN 6 EMBROIDED 15 Fragrant and medicinal herb (4) 1 The single state, esp for priests 7 SERIOUSLY 17 Founder of the Salesian orders and religious (8) Down (3,5) 2 General term for 1,22,28,30 1 DODGINESS 18 Pragmatic philosophers (8) Across 20 Province of Ireland (6) 3 Large wine container (4) 2 OUTNUMBER 21 Place of learning (6) 4 Sacred image or computer 3 click ALTITUDES 23 Old Testament priest and mentor on item (4) 4 YESTERDAY of Samuel (3) 5 Teacher or student of divinity 25 Grass, esp on sporting fields (4) (10) 26 Long periods of time (4) 7 Not outside (6)

Crossword Solutions Page 18

Address: .................................................................. ........................................... Post Code: ..................

last month’s winner: “Is this what could be called the ‘lions’ share’ of the shade?”

Marie Manning, Eaglehawk

Relax

June 2012

www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 17

#

>> RESOURCE REVIEWS

Kath’s Miracle sure to inspire Kath’s Miracle Kathleen Evans ath’s Miracle is the story behind Mary MacKillop’s second miracle.

Kathleen Evans, mother of five, was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer on August 12, 1993, and was told she would not survive to the next Christmas. She basically went home to die.

A friend gave her a small picture of Mary MacKillop and a relic (a piece of cloth) and initiated a Novena. After this, Kath had a strong sense of Mary MacKillop praying alongside her.

Her cure is a miracle that medial science can’t explain.

To be honest, I initially chose this book because it is a new release and because it had large print. I anticipated that I would read it with my protective armor well in place as I find it difficult to believe in a God that favours some with cures and miracles when my own father died of cancer when I was 10. Wasn’t he worth saving?

But from the first chapter, Letting Go Of Hope, I was disarmed and engaged. Kathleen Evans narrates her story with sincere and honest integrity.

She doesn’t preach or profess to understand why she is cured. She is devoted to her faith but has struggled with the Church at different times during her life.

In her first interview with the press one of the reporters asked the question “Why you, Kath?”

Her reply was “I don’t know, but when I get up the steps to Heaven and knock at the pearly gates, you can bet it’ll be the first question I ask. If you want to know the answer you’ll have to follow me.”

The majority of the book is documenting Kath’s personal journey through her illness, cure and her commitment to others through her work at cancer support group Make Today Count.

In doing this Kathleen shares her life’s journey, its joy and pain.

She pays tribute to her husband, Barry and her loving children for the support they gave her.

In no part of this story is there a motive of personal gain or celebrity. By sharing her miracle Kathleen focuses on St Mary. Even the royalties from the sale of this book go to the Trustees of The Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Her last paragraph begs sharing: “I’ll continue to tell my story to anyone who wants to hear it, whatever their faith. I think it’s what God wants me to do – to show that prayer can indeed be powerful, that God doesn’t have to be someone to fear, and that miracles happen every day”.

This and many other titles are available for free loan at The Library Learning Centre, 118 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo.

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm. P: 5442 6108. library@ceosand.catholic.edu.au or search online at: web.ceosand.catholic.edu.au

Had to do the unthinkable recently and bake a vegan cake.

You may remember that baking and I aren’t friends in the first place. So, to make a vegan cake was seemingly impossible.

However, it was 5 years since we took over our business, a birthday cake was in order, and three of our staff are vegan....and who wouldathunk..... it was really quite delicious. The icing is almost like a crunchy toffee, fills all the cracks and kind of snaps when you eat it. Very cool.

Cake Ingredients l l l l l l l l l

l

Early winter is citrus time Shepparton garden expert John Holder gives some tips for your garden

E

Trifoliata is a rootstock suited to clay soils as well as sands and is often described as the best all round stock for home gardeners and orchardists alike. Trees grafted on this rootstock are smaller in size and not all are compatible so are not always available.

In the case of oranges our trees come on trifoliata where it is available otherwise on Troyer Citrange, a rootstock ideal for well drained loamy soils and highly resistant to nematodes and root rotting diseases.

The range of orange varieties available is wider than might be expected.

Navel oranges are the best known and most popular oranges for the period from late June to about December and we are fortunate in that we may grow them in our gardens. In many parts of North America and, for example in Italy in Florence and northwards these trees are grown in pots and put in a greenhouse over winter.

North America imports fruit from Brazil and elsewhere in South

America from where it is said that the first navels were supplied both to Australia and to Washington, North America. These Washington Navels account for a good percentage of eating oranges grown today.

Great care must be taken in taking budwood for propagation from genetically true to type trees.

Sorts that have proved useful have included the Leng Navel which ripens 10 days earlier than the Washington, is suited to hot dry climates and is an excellent eating orange. We used to sell this tree but it seems to have now disappeared. Another variant is Lanes Late Navel which ripens 3 months later than the Washington.

This was selected in NSW and is an excellent way of extending the picking season from October to closer to Christmas.

Valencia oranges are a juicing orange and with us start to tree ripen from January and go on for about 6-7 months.

Newer varieties of navels include the following:

Navelina is a variety much loved in Spain of excellent quality, with a brilliant dark seedless orange, slightly oblong in shape and ripening very early in the season.

Salustiana is a vigorous tree with a deliciously rich, sweet flavour, seedless of medium to large size fruit with a smooth rind. Popular in Spain.

Fukimoto is a bud sort selected in Japan. The fruit has deep red flesh and is early maturing. People in this town have been impressed by the fruit produced from this tree.

Caracara is a red to deep pink fleshed navel fruit with few to no seeds and is thought to have arisen as a cross between the Washington navel and an earlier import from Brazil. Fruit is low in acid and sweet flavoured.

Honey Gold Navel oranges are also available but we don’t have much information on them.

Valencia Oranges ripen from about January and are referred to as Common Oranges. Their season extends for 6-7 months.

We have these fruits in stock for planting now and recommend them for garden planting. Bare in mind they may be planted against fences or walls and trimmed to be narrow growing.

Their deep green foliage and bright orange fruits ripening over winter is highly decorative. Use a Complete organic Fertilizer on them in early spring and late summer and mulch them over summer.

For more information, visit John Holder at the Shepparton Garden Centre, 535 Archer Road, Kialla.

Phone (03) 5823 5677

1 1/4 cups flour 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup warm water

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp distilled white or apple

cider vinegar

Chocolate Glaze l l l l

>> GREEN THUMBS

arly winter is a great time to plant citrus fruits, apart from those sorts that are damaged by frost. The soil is usually damp enough and given a little help with the Maxicrop bottle, citrus fruits will make root growth and be ready to face the heat and dryness of the summer in due course.

It is of interest to note in passing that seeds of the sweet orange, when germinated, produce not only sweet orange trees but trees with mandarin, pummelo and even sour-orange characteristics indicating that our modern sweet orange has arisen as a hybrid in the past from a tree which may also have given rise to these other fruits.

The trees we sell have been propagated by budding on to a range of rootstocks including some dwarf ones.

Citrus rootstocks can be selected according to our soil types. It must be kept in mind that since most citrus is grown on sandy soils, alongside the Murray for example, most citrus fruits are grafted on to rootstocks suited to sandy conditions with resistance to nematodes, rootrots and other hazards that can arise there.

On heavier soils such rootstocks may be easily damaged by waterlogged soils and so it is essential that we take care to avoid this and take steps to provide excellent drainage.

Foodie Nicole Murphy brings us another delight from her kitchen.

Vegan, yes vegan, chocolate cake

Review by Jenni Greblo

K

>> SIMPLY COOKING

/2 cup sugar 1 4 tbsp oil

2 tbsp soy milk

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa

powder 2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a cake pan, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt with a fork, making sure it is really blended together. Add the water, vanilla, oil, and vinegar, and again, mix together so that it’s really blended together. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides if necessary.

Place in oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean. Cool on a rack completely (2 hours).

For the glaze: in a small saucepan, bring sugar, oil, milk, and cocoa to a boil. Stir frequently; then reduce heat to a simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. It’ll look gloppy, but it’s just the bubbles! Remove from heat and stir for another 5 minutes.

Add vanilla, stir, and immediately pour onto cake. Glaze dries really quickly, so spread it immediately and add any sprinkles now. Let this cool for an 1 hour, if you can wait that long!

Relax

Page 18 – www.sandpiper.org.au

July 2012

New Diocesan Archivist takes the reins

By Monsignor Frank Marriott, Chair, Diocesan Historical Commission.

I

wish to introduce Donna Bailey, who recently accepted a position as Archivist for the Diocese of Sandhurst and also secretary to the Sandhurst Diocese Historical Commission.

Donna recently was awarded a PHD by La Trobe University and brings expertise and energy to this role.

The Diocesan Commission seeks not only to gather and preserve Diocesan history, artifacts and records, but to catalogue these items with a view to making the collection more available to scholars and to Parishes, who are

Featured reader Meet this month’s featured reader is newly appointed Diocesan Archivist, Donna Bailey

increasingly becoming very conscious to their history.

The Diocesan Commission would like to have a contact person in every Parish. If you are interested, please contact Donna at the Chancery. She is available on Thursdays and Fridays.

Favourite quote:

I admire not idealise Alice Swanson - Australian

The funniest (clean) joke I know:

Marital/family status?

Married to John. We have 2 daughters, 2 sons and 2 granddaughters.

Three words that best describe me are: Creative. Social. Determined.

My job is as an Archivist for the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst. In my life outside of this exciting job, I am a practicing artist.

The most famous person I’ve ever met was: I met J.M Coetzee (2003 Nobel Prize for Literature) once.

In my artistic life, I meet people from time to time who are ‘famous’.

The nicest thing a perfect stranger ever did for me was:

I can’t think of a joke offhand but recently I was listening to radio talkback where Richard Stubbs (ABC) asked people to call in and tell about the strangest place they had ever woken up. A Scottish fellow phoned in to say that when he was a younger lad, living in Scotland and working as a bus driver, he had a passenger who had fallen asleep on the bus after a big night out (imagine his broad accent here describing the event as it unfolded). Going unnoticed by the driver, the poor passenger had awoken thinking that he was on a sinking ship! As the vehicle rocked from side to side and the windows all frothed up, the passenger totally freaked out, screaming and clawing at the windows to escape... only to find out that the bus was actually in the bus equivalent of a car-wash!!

My proudest achievement: Most recently, my proudest achievement is completing my PhD. The births of each of my children would have to be my proudest overall achievement though.

The person I really admire most is:

Picture a supermarket trip, a trolley full of Crossword for May Anagram Crossword for June kids and not quite enough money at the checkout There is no one person but I really admire peo-

HNTQ FNNT NRST GRSY 2

n

IQUE DANT GMAN INGS

OSLY ERIA YMAN ONES

. I have met a Good Samaritan once or twice in

ple who are focused and who get the most out of

The most fascinating place I’ve ever been is: 3 4

For me, its not so much the movie that I seek out, but the work of particular directors. I love 1 work of 2 directors, Gillan 3Armstrong 4 and Jane the Campion.

The place I’ve always wanted to travel to is:

If5 I could invite any three guests to dinner they’d be:

life. I don’t have a lot of time for procrastinators. my lifetime.

Down Across Down 1I’m EIOUDLSTY My favourite movie is (include what made it reading: (include, title and author of a book 1 ABCENSSTU 1 ADEFHIPSS good in your response): 2you’re AAEEICFRT currently reading): 5 soAAACEHLNV 2 ABEIFLTUU I love Australian cinema. I particularly like 3 IAAUMNQRRY just finished Sarah Thornton by author Kate 6 AEFIILNNT 3 ACEEINNRT that came out of the late 1980s. High Tide Grenville. It’s the 3rd in a loose trilogy of colonial 7 films AEEHLLNOW 4 EEEEGNRRV 4novels EEOHNNRST

by Grenville, one of my favourite authors. for example.

Sounds boring. But I just love Melbourne. It has so much to offer!

New York.

The most embarrassing moment of my life was when: It’s usually when I put my foot in my mouth!

Crossword solution

Donna is establishing a “Reading Room” close to her section of the Chancery. This will enable visitors to have contact with Donna and to be easily directed to the archives and to the appropriate department of our collection.

Please feel free to call Donna on 5441 2544 or donna.bailey@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Welcome Donna!

Someone funny, someone with a good appetite and Sir Bob Geldoff.

Qualities I admire most in people are: 6

Tolerance, fairness and a sense of humour.

7 Anagram solution

Solution Across 1 SUBSTANCE 5 AVALANCHE 6 INFANTILE 7 HALLOWEEN Down 1 SPADEFISH 2 BEAUTIFUL 3 NECTARINE 4 EVERGREEN

My most memorable memory is: A few years ago, my eldest daughter presented me with a scratchie just as we were setting up for Christmas dinner. Being Christmas, I thought I’d have a lend of her and pretend that I had won something. When I scratched the ticket, I had actually won ... $250,000. Or so I thought!!

I screamed out my winnings to everyone present, Mum dropped a plate, my sister in-law almost fainted - you can imagine the reaction from everyone present. High excitement. After the initial patting on the back for me and the showing of the ticket off to one and all, my daughter said Across Down very sheepishly, “Mum, it’s a joke”. I wouldn’t 1 AEODDMRRY 1 OEIDDGNSS have it and repeated to her that “No” it wasn’t a joke, I explained that had intended 2 to EOUUBMNRT play 5 I AEEODNTTS a joke on her but I had actually won $250,000.

6 OEEIBDDMR 3 AEIUDLSTT It took me some minutes to absorb the fact that EIOULRSSY 4 AEEDRSTYY the joke was on me, it 7was a fake scratchie .....

Luckily I have a good sense of humour and we still laugh about this every Christmas.

Anagram Crossword for July

1

2

People would be surprised to know about me: I dislike housework!

Famous last words:

5

Where’s Ned? (Family joke).

If you or someone you know would like to be a SandPiper featured reader, simply email “Featured Reader” to the editor@ 6 sandpiper.org.au to fill in the questionnaire and arrange a photo.

7

Diocesan Priesthood Solution Across

Sandhurst Diocesan Vocations Ministry 1 DROMEDARY 5 DETONATES 6 theEMBROIDED womb, I 7 SERIOUSLY

“Before I formed you in knew you; before you came to birth I Down 1 DODGINESS consecrated you; I have appointed you as 2 OUTNUMBER a prophet to the nations.”

Jer 1:5 3 ALTITUDES 4 YESTERDAY

Contact Father Steve Bohan for information PO Box 36, Yarrawonga Vic 3730 Phone: 03 5744 3030 Fax: 03 5744 3434

3

s an dp i t

Page 19

The shepherd and his flock

A own.

good shepherd always puts the needs of his flock first. Today we hear how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, put the needs of others before His

Gospel (Mark 6:30-34)

A

fter preaching to the people and curing any that were sick, the apostles returned to Jesus and told him everything they had said and done.

As usual, crowds of people had followed them; the apostles were feeling tired and in need of a rest.

Jesus said to them, “We will go somewhere quiet and spend some time alone.”

When Jesus and His friends arrived, however, a large crowd of people had already gathered to meet them. When Jesus saw them, he was filled with pity because they were like sheep without a shepherd to care for them. He sat down on the hillside and began to teach them.

Discussion

W

herever Jesus travelled, news soon reached the local people, and it was not long before a crowd of people flocked around Him. The apostles were tired after their journeys and eager to spend time telling Jesus about everything that had happened. But Jesus was surrounded by people who wanted his attention.

Jesus suggested that they sail off to find some peace and quiet, but things did not go quite as planned. What did they find when they moored their boat? People had guessed their plan and when they arrived a crowd had already gathered.

Jesus did not grow impatient or angry with the people. He felt a deep sense of love for His followers, and, as always, put their needs before His own.

The Good Shepherd knew that these people were His flock. They relied on Him to guide and look after them, just a good shepherd guides and looks after His sheep. He would never let them down or turn them away.

Prayer

d ss h es sh es d o w i d u c g

s h g p f l f r e h lg tp s f o lp fa rr s d a h l s r a el ct ws eo l pp ao re d ea kh p l o sa re a d w ci w w ce h lwph oe ee e ek op eos ap er w u e g ec lh rwoha el el w e e eo fe dscpe rg ef e e hl gr ros ao lp ls

k kl p pl pl p c l cf cl a f

d s h s h s o w d e e f d c e g f c c e h g r s o p s a

Shepherd Flock People Shepherd Apostles Flock Crowds People Follow Apostles Guides Crowds Sheep Care Follow

Guides Sheep Care

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Catholic Newspaper of the Sandhurst Diocese

July 2012

Top five to fight for title Nathalia’s best to take on state in cross country NATHALIA – St Mary of the Angels students, Genna Ogier, Bowen Smith, Tilly Terry, Caitlin Hawks and Tom Nihill all qualified for the Victorian State Finals in Cross Country last week.

The qualifying event was held at Lord Nelson Park, St Arnaud, where they were competing against other students from the Lodden Mallee Region.

Twelve students attended the event and they all performed well in the difficult conditions.

The temperature was freezing and the wind was blowing a gale along with the fact they faced a course that had hills which are always going

to test our students who are generally only used to running on flat ground.

The students had to qualify for the State Finals through our own school cross country which was held in March, then via district and regional competitions before being selected to compete in Melbourne.

In their age groups Genna was placed 10th with a time of 14.09, Bowen 8th with a time of 11.26, Tilly and Caitlin were 3rd and 4th respectively with times of 13.13 and 13.21 and Tom was placed 5th with a time of 16.38 for a 5km run.

The state finals will be held at Bundoora Park on July 17.

St Mary of the Angels, Nathalia, students Bowen Smith, Tilly Terry, Caitlin Hawks, Tom Nihill and Genna Ogier.

Knights join for fishing fun on piscatorial retreat

Fr Joe Taylor with members of the Knights of the Southern Cross branch 112.

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By Denis Ryan Bendigo – Knights of The Southern Cross branch 112 has for 15 years taken a combination camping, fishing and spiritual holiday in a bushland setting.

This year a group 14 men went to a property in NSW that fronts Lake Mulwala. We were joined by a state councillor of the order from Melbourne.

Piscatorial relates to fish and a retreat is a time withdrawn from distractions to develop and renew your spiritual self.

We set up camp on Sunday, May 6 – my birthday – and we celebrated it with some delicious Murray Cod a day earlier. In the next six days there was just one more – the fish weren’t biting.

Father Joe Taylor, St Brendan’s Parish, Shepparton, came to celebrate Mass in the evening of a following day.

Fortunately the team had caught one fish to add to the feast of roast lamb and vegetables.

Thursday mid-morning saw us at Mass at Yarrawonga. The time was memorable though, especially the sunrises in the mornings and the sunsets in the still, crisp evening air. Father Steve Bohan PP Yarrawonga joined us for the evening meal on Thursday and joined in our evening prayer session.

Peter, our roving troubadour, led the singing and concerts of men happy to sing boisterously – because no one else could hear us. Only the cows drew nearer in curiosity; then sauntered off, content thatwe were harmless.

Happy campers all, we left Saturday, May 12, for home and family, determined to return again next year, God willing.