Aurora September 2019

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle September 2019 | No.194

ALL

Sewed up

Syrian refugee Darwich Sido sets up shop FEATURE

THE ABORTION ARGUMENT

A case for more support Bishop Bill weighs in

Growing area on a learning curve Medowie high school one step closer

OLLIE, OLLIE, OLLIE

oi, oi, oi

Therapy dog does his thing

Casual teachers

Every teacher shapes a life We are seeking casual teachers across our network of 57 Catholic Schools. Our schools are located in the Manning, Upper Hunter, Maitland, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions.

For more information call Rabecca on: 4979 1230.

www.mn.catholic.edu.au

First Word

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W W W. M N N E W S . T O D AY / A U R O R A - M A G A Z I N E

On the cover Lucy Karbowiak with student Annabelle Faccini and Ollie the therapy dog.

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle September 2019 | No.194

Enriching my faith

Photo courtesy of Lizzie Snedden.

ALL

Sewed up

Syrian refugee Darwich Sido sets up shop FEATURE

THE ABORTION ARGUMENT

A case for more support Bishop Bill weighs in

Growing area on a learning curve Medowie high school one step closer

OLLIE, OLLIE, OLLIE

oi, oi, oi

Therapy dog does his thing

Featured f f Growing area on learning curve

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f f The abortion argument: I just don’t get it

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f f Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, oi, oi, oi

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f f Chart heroes in harmony with Hunter roots 7 f f All sewed up in Australia

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f f Life lessons from the slums

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ff Building the kingdom of God together

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f f Perpetual Day of Remembrance

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f f Our Journeys

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f f Experience beyond reproach

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f f Building relationships that transcend age and language

Since the beginning of this year, I have been fortunate in being able to contribute more regularly to Aurora. Doing so has enriched my faith. I was raised a Catholic and attended Catholic schools and Mass each week; altar service, reading of sacred scripture and presentation of gifts were regular privileges for me. Sometime after leaving school, though, I became less connected to the church. Now I find that working for the Diocese has, in many ways, felt like arriving ‘home’.

Aurora originated as a publication with its roots firmly embedded in the community.

How wonderful it is that two decades later, we continue to be able to share new and inspiring stories about the faces and places that surround us.

I am an innately curious person. I love people, young and old, from all walks of life and all corners of the world. I am blessed to meet many of the people you read about in the pages of Aurora. While

they would all claim in their humility to be ordinary, many of their stories are extraordinary - triumph in the face of adversity, courage in the pursuit of passion, boldness and commitment in leadership.

As you browse this edition of Aurora you will read the fascinating stories of Darwich Sido (page 8), Jane* and Rhonda Baker (page 12), and Marny Cringle (page 19); while their experiences would have defeated many, they have shown tremendous strength of character.

Lucy Karbowiak (page 7), the boys in the band Midway (page 7), Caitlin Wakefield (page 14) and staff at St Nicholas, Raymond Terrace and St Columba’s Primary School, Adamstown (page 15) exemplify what is possible when you put ideas into action and the joy the results can bring.

I was buoyed to read the experiences of teachers and principals from across

the Diocese who challenged themselves to undertake the 2019 Kesheni Kenya Immersion (page 9). I would also like to applaud the Diocese for its commitment to the Port Stephens community, with Catherine McAuley Catholic College now one step closer to becoming a reality despite onerous planning conditions (page 5).

Aurora should continue to be a magazine that reflects our community and the role that the church plays in guiding our interactions, aspirations and faith. If you have a story you would like to share or an idea for a topic you think that we should address, I would love to hear from you. *Jane is not the real name of the person included in this article, a pseudonym has been used for privacy reasons.

Lizzie Snedden is Acting Editor for Aurora

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f f Author’s reading certainly a spectacle

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f f Imbalance of abuse slowly redressed

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f f Responsible investing

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f f Tragedy turns to triumph

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f f Faces and Places in our diocese

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Contact Aurora

Aurora online

Next deadline 10 September 2019

Good news! You can still catch up with Aurora online, via www.MNnews.today.

Aurora editorial and advertising enquiries should be addressed to:

Elizabeth Snedden P 0404 005 036 E elizabeth.snedden@mn.catholic.org.au

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www.facebook.com/MNnewstoday

PO Box 756 Newcastle 2300

f f First Word

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f f My Word

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f f CareTalk

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f f Community Noticeboard

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f f Last Word

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The magazine can also be read at www.MNnews.today.

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My Word

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

As the warmth returns September is a great month. Shivering in single-digit temperatures and blustery winds in August, I found myself several times assuring newcomers to the country that “it won’t last much longer”. One thing above others establishes confidence in September in my memory. For years as a schoolboy cadet I was out “in the field” at Singleton army camp in the first week of September and, in memory at least, it was always hot and sunny. September brings in spring big-time, but without the threat of imminent sweltering that we often feel in October. In our evergreen land, spring is not as spectacular as it is in places with harsh, dead winters. But September is still a blessed relief.

Curiously, September is also the time to be on the other side of the world. This year I will be in the Holy Land with our diocesan pilgrimage. This is new territory for me, and we shall see how that goes climatically. But I take my holidays in September each year because, when I can, that is the time to be in England. For one thing, a few million tourists have just left the country at the end of their summer breaks, so accommodation and travel are that much easier. In Septembers past I have even walked unimpeded through the tiny streets of York or Chester, places where you can only shuffle along in the crush of humanity a month earlier. And the

days are fine. The Brits, of course, have very low expectations of their weather, so every year they say in wonderment “we’re having a real Indian summer this year”.

Trust me, a late flourishing of summer in September in the UK is the norm. And you can thank me for that tip when you get back.

Religiously, of course, our spring is at the wrong time of the year. From pagan times to today, the coming of spring was the time for great religious festivals that celebrated the renewal of life, the return of the light, the hope for abundance from the Earth after the lean times of winter. Our celebration of Easter is tied to the date of the Passover, of course, but it fitted in wonderfully well with the time of year, too, in the north of the planet. Here in the antipodes, our religious calendar places spring firmly in the long weeks of “ordinary time”, but maybe the season itself puts us in a more positive, hopeful frame of mind. I’d like to think so because, as this edition of Aurora testifies, we are called at the moment to be positive as we look to the future and build the future. We are in the second phase of discernment of how we are called to be a “Christ-centred Church in Australia”, leading up to the National Plenary Council. In this Diocese, we are getting ready for the first session of our own diocesan Synod before summer

really hits. It is a time to believe in renewal and new vitality. These are spring things.

Grumpiness is a winter thing, and should be packed away with the overcoats. Yes, for us new life is always the work of the Spirit who “renews the face of the Earth”.

But seeing the actual face of the Earth change with the season is some kind of sacrament of what God also does in

his people. September is good. Spring speaks of renewed blessings.

Bishop Bill Wright Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Frankly Spoken This is the way that God loves to manifest himself, in relationships. Always in dialogue, always in the apparitions, always with the heart’s inspiration.

General Audience - Rome - 7 August 2019

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Growing area on learning curve The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is one step closer to delivering high school education in Port Stephens, with its development application for Catherine McAuley Catholic College now approved.

BY LIZZIE SNEDDEN

Feature

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An artist’s impression of Catherine McAuley Catholic College.

who may now choose to enrol their child in the Catholic education system.”

The development application includes a high school, early education centre, chapel and primary school all colocated on the one Medowie Road site.

The Catholic Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, Bishop Bill Wright, is particularly buoyed by the difference this will make to the lives of students, especially those who may have otherwise travelled to Newcastle to access a Catholic secondary education.

Diocese chief executive Sean Scanlon said community consultation had shaped the planned development, which will commence with the construction of the chapel and provision of Years 7 and 8 at the college from 2021, with the opening of a St Nicholas Early Education centre to follow soon after.

“The reduced travel time will be a great outcome for students and their families,” Bishop Bill said. “Rather than spending up to two hours a day on a bus, students will have increased opportunities to be involved in afterschool activities, study and spend time with nearby friends and family.”

“A few years ago the Catholic Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle undertook a major study into the future provision of secondary schooling across the region, which encouraged engagement from every family, student and staff member in the Diocese,” Mr Scanlon said.

Acting director of Catholic Schools, Gerard Mowbray, said the college had been designed to engage students and staff in the ecology surrounding the site, providing an ideal setting to incorporate the natural environment into learning and play.

“The results showed an abundance of support for a Catholic secondary school in the Port Stephens area, and so it is exciting that we are now one step closer to achieving this goal.”

To date, the Catholic Schools Office has received 126 enquiries from both Catholic and non-Catholic families, wishing to enrol their children at the high school.

“Medowie has experienced steady growth for years, and we expect there may be as many as an additional 7,000 residents living in the area within the next decade,” Mr Scanlon said.

“When complete, the high school will be able to accommodate 1,200 students from Years 7 to 12. The increased capacity for high school education locally will benefit students currently attending Catholic primary schools in the Port Stephens region including Nelson Bay, Raymond Terrace and Bulahdelah as well as the community at large, particularly those living in Medowie

“The design developed for Catherine McAuley Catholic College allows for the effective delivery of curriculum in a flexible range of learning spaces, both indoor and outdoor,” Mr Mowbray said. “The spaces will reflect the site, geography and local context, sustainability and future needs.”

Funding for the Catherine McAuley College development will come from a variety of sources including the Catholic Development Fund and contributions made by parents and carers through the Diocesan School Building Levy, as well as the NSW Government and the Australian Government.

“The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is investing record funding in school design and infrastructure, with the primary purpose of transcending students’ learning experience,” Mr Mowbray said.

Catherine McAuley College principal Scott Donohoe agreed, saying the college will deliver contemporary and engaging learning opportunities for students.

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is investing record funding in school design and infrastructure, with the primary purpose of transcending students’ learning experience “The curriculum and learning will be aligned with essential competencies such as creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication,” Mr Donohoe said.

“Rather than a sole focus on knowledge retention, learning experiences will be inquiry-based, personalised and relevant to the real world. A key focus will be developing strong partnerships with local industry to support young people in post-school pathways.

“Spaces will support a shift from the traditional teachercentred approach to student-centred learning in which voice, choice and agency are evident. Additionally, a key feature of the college’s design will incorporate a learning/ research centre that animates the key focus on STEM.” Major works are anticipated for completion in December 2020.

Families seeking to enrol students at Catherine McAuley College for Years 7 or 8, from 2021, can register their interest by emailing gail.hill@mn.catholic.edu.au, which will keep them up to date on matters relating to the school. If families have any questions about the college they can contact the foundation principal Scott Donohoe on (02) 4979 1155 or email scott.donohoe@mn.catholic.edu.au

Lizzie Snedden is the Team Leader Content for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Opinion

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

The abortion argument: I just don’t get it

BY BISHOP BILL

Everyone knows the Catholic Church is opposed to abortion in principle, and for a very simple reason. But I will come to that soon. For now, let me just note that I say “in principle” because of the tendency for opponents of the church to suggest that, by being against abortion, the church is condemning all women who have had a termination, or is just anti-woman to start with. That, of course, is absurd. The church understands that many women resort to abortion in desperation, feeling they have little or no choice. They are not bad people. It’s a fault in our society that there is not more support available.

Society has again recently been caught up in debate, so let’s start by looking at the social reality of abortion.

How many abortions are performed in Australia? It seems ridiculous in 2019, but the fact is, nobody knows. South Australia has kept records, and Western Australia more recently, but national figures are only estimates. The present estimate is 60,000–65,000 abortions nationally.

Compare that to 309,142 live births in 2017, about one termination for every six births. The leading cause of death in Australia, ischaemic heart disease, killed 18,590 people. Our appalling incidence of suicide was 3,128 or about 5% of the number of abortions. What sort of draconian programs would governments introduce if 60,000 died on the roads each year, or in industrial accidents? Even those who insist the foetus is not a person must see what a massive loss of human potential is involved.

Meanwhile, the rhetoric around abortion has become

The present estimate is 60,000–65,000 abortions are performed in Australia each year.

threadbare. In the old days of abortion law “reform”, we used to hear a lot about women who had been raped, children with birth defects and births that threatened the mother’s life. These situations are hardly mentioned now. Thanks to South Australia, we know that 0.7% of abortions there were performed to protect the physical health of the mother and that 3.7% were performed because of foetal abnormality. Fully 95.7% of South Australian abortions were for the mother’s mental health and well-being. So the rhetoric has had to shift. In NSW recently it was all about women’s “reproductive rights”.

Abortion was presented as properly a medical matter, a women’s health issue.

Which brings me to the church. We cannot accept that abortion is solely a matter of women’s rights. There is so clearly another life involved, another set of rights. From the beginning, the unborn child is genetically distinct from the mother. She is female; the little incipient life within her may well be male. She’s tall and blonde, but the genes say the child will be short and dark. Legal systems are already being asked to deal with events in the womb. If

it’s wrong to be drinking or using drugs while pregnant, because it might harm the child, how can it be OK to do the ultimate harm, to take the child’s very life? I just don’t get the argument.

Let’s end by saying again that neither the church nor I want to condemn any particular person. People have not known what else they could do. People have been coerced or at least told by other people that this is what they must do. Women have been led to believe that it’s their right. What I have written is not about blaming anyone, though I realise that I may cause distress to some. I am sorry for that, but silence about where we have arrived on this issue is not really an option. To lose a child in the womb by misadventure is tragic for parents.

How can we, as a sort of nation-family, avert our eyes from the loss of tens of thousands of our children every year? Or even one?

Bishop Bill Wright of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Soul Food The wisdom of the scriptures is learned rather by prayer than by study.

St. Philip Neri

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Ollie, Ollie, Ollie, oi, oi, oi Lucy Karbowiak is living the dream of many people. She can bring her dog to work. A caseworker for Beyond the Gates, Ms Karbowiak brings her border collie therapy dog Oliver to St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead.

It is not just for fun. Oliver is trained to help people, especially those with anxiety. When Oliver arrives at school, Ms Karbowiak says she sees a general increase in happiness in the staffroom and with the kids.

“The kids love seeing Ollie,” she said. “There is a great reduction in anxiety.”

Beyond the Gates is a collaboration between St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead, and CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning. It aims to work with families

BY BROOKE ROBINSON

Therapy dogs in schools have been shown to reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and even improve reading skills in school students, according to a 2014 study at James Cook University. and students in their homes and communities to improve student wellbeing. The school currently provides a number of internal supports that meet the needs of many of the students. However, staff identified students falling between the cracks of current systems, particularly when they step beyond the school gates.

Oliver is an important part of that program, and visits the school three days a week.

Assistant Principal-Wellbeing at St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead, Peter Antcliff, raves about the benefits of the program. “Since Lucy began working with us we have been able to greatly improve the wellbeing services that we can offer our community, having Ollie here as well adds an entirely new dimension to the care we extend to our students” he said.

Therapy dogs in schools have been shown to reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and even improve reading skills in school students, according to a 2014 study at James Cook University. “Findings from this study support the benefits of dog-assisted programs to motivate students and improve their reading, confidence and selfesteem,” it said.

Having a non-judgmental and comforting presence in the classroom provides numerous benefits.

Mr Antcliff has also noticed the difference. “Watching the students with Ollie, you can see the immediate positive effect he has on them. There are instant smiles and it is easy to see the anxiety in some of our students melt away,” he said.

Lucy and Ollie.

Community

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exam,” Ms Karbowiak said. “There was a young girl who was about to go into her exam who was visibly shaking, she was really anxious. She had her head down in her books trying to get that last bit of study in. She spent a bit of time patting Ollie and she might have still been anxious when we left, but the visible shaking had stopped, which was fascinating to see. She started talking about dogs versus the English exam that she was about to go into.”

Ms Karbowiak previously spent two years visiting agedcare homes with therapy dogs before beginning work with Beyond the Gates. After seeing the positive impact on residents she knew she wanted to involve Oliver in the Beyond the Gates program from the beginning.

“I got Ollie to do this work, as I knew this was where I would go with my psychology degree,” she said. “I trained Ollie to accept handling and be really comfortable around people. Outside of work he competes in obedience and is bit of a sporting star.”

So far there have been no negative reactions from Oliver’s visits. The school sends information home about Oliver to avoid any issues involving dog allergies or phobias in the students.

In the future, Ms Karbowiak would like to increase Oliver’s interactions by “integrating him into the school community more, and making him someone that everyone can access”.

“I would like to visit everyone’s classes and if there are exams on, bring Ollie into that exam room to bring down stress,” she said.

Oliver’s positive impact on students is especially clear on exam days.

“We went to visit Year 12 on the day of their first English

Chart heroes in harmony with Hunter roots Midway through 2018, drummer Zack Forsythe asked his fellow student at St Paul's Catholic College, Booragul, singer-guitarist Jordan Snowden, if he’d be interested in forming a duo to perform at the school talent show.

"It's a great feeling having people you don't know really liking it,” Jacob said. "It's one thing for people to listen, but it's another for people to want to keep it and listen again."

The more they practised the more they realised they wanted to form a band, so Jordon invited his Maitland High bass-playing mate Connor Galvin to come and jam.

Midway performed the song in Wheeler Place before each performance of the recently staged ASPIRE, and a recording of it was played in the production. "Hero is about someone helping you through a difficult situation," said Jordan. The boys are now in the process of releasing Hero on other platforms.

Midway was the name they gave themselves, and they added lead guitarist Jacob Armit from St Mary's Catholic College, Gateshead to the line-up. And midway through this year, Midway’s debut single Hero hit No.1 on the Triple J Unearthed High chart and No.3 on the overall Unearthed chart.

The alternative rockers submitted Hero on July 12. After sitting at 450 downloads, Hero shot up overnight from No.100 to No.1. Within a fortnight it had been played 870 times and given a 4.5-star rating. The boys described their Triple J success as "surreal".

Triple J Unearthed High received more than 1500 entries this year, so the boys did well to hold down the No.1 spot for a while. Unfortunately they weren’t named as one of the five finalists. But they have another three songs ready for release and will be performing at Lake Macquarie Superboats on October 19.

Brooke Robinson is Content Officer for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

BY DARRELL CROKER

Community

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

When the war came to Afrin the Sido family escaped to Lebanon where they began the long process of seeking asylum in Australia.

Syrian refugee Darwich Sido in his tailor’s shop at Stockland Jesmond.

All sewed up in Australia Darwich Sido was happy and successful until the savagery of war destroyed his business and his home but miraculously left his optimism and ambition intact.

In 2012, Mr Sido fled Syria with his wife and three children after the civil war engulfed their home city of Afrin. Having begun his apprenticeship as a tailor at the age of 12, he went on to operate his father’s clothing alterations business and eventually employ more than 20 people.

When the war came to Afrin the Sido family escaped to Lebanon where they began the long process of seeking asylum in Australia. “Everything stopped in 2011 when the war started. The missiles started falling and suddenly our house and factory were completely gone,” Mr Sido said.

Although Mr Sido was able to obtain work as a tailor in Beirut, his children were not allowed to enrol in school and life was extremely difficult. “It was very hard to leave all our family behind in Syria, including my father. In Lebanon, however, there was no support at all and the kids missed four years of school,” he said.

Finally in 2016, the Australian government resettled the Sido family in Newcastle.

Like many refugees, the biggest initial challenge Mr Sido faced was that he didn’t speak English. This prevented him from applying for work. “The first year was very hard for us due to not speaking English but we were still happy to be in a city where everything is safe,” he said.

Early on, the family were referred to the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Development and Relief Agency (DARA) Refugee Hub, which plays a vital role in the settlement of refugees in the Newcastle and Hunter region. DARA Refugee Hub liaison officer John Sandy said Mr Sido spoke no English but was very eager to learn.

He was enrolled in the Men’s English Composition Program at the Refugee Hub and quickly became one of its most diligent students. “As the liaison officer I was able to build connections with Darwich and his family with a big focus on helping him learn English,” Mr Sandy said.

“He told us he was a tailor back in

BY TODD DAGWELL

Syria so we were able to get him a job at Rundle Tailoring where he gained confidence and began building networks for himself.”

Mr Sido worked at Rundle Tailoring for 18 months and while grateful for the opportunity was determined to once again own his own business. “It was very hard to work for others after owning my own factory and employing a lot of people. I badly wanted to work for myself again,” he said.

So eight months ago with support from John Sandy and the Refugee Hub, Newcastle City Council, and Thrive Refugee Enterprises, a not-for-profit organisation that provides business support to refugees, Mr Sido opened Sido Tailoring.

Mr Sandy said watching Mr Sido realise his goal has given him enormous pleasure and reinforced the importance of the work he does. “Darwich is one of our biggest success stories. His is a tremendous achievement,” he said.

The Refugee Hub currently has 43 men and their families registered for the English Composition Program. “It’s our job to listen to their stories and support them through their pathways so they can achieve their goals just like Darwich has,” Mr Sandy said.

Mr Sido said it had been hard work but he and his family were very happy in Newcastle. “I had to save very hard to open the business but so many people helped me with advice and support,” he said. “This is the last stop on the journey.

I love this city.”

Sido Tailoring operates at Stockland Jesmond seven days a week and can be contacted on 0406 189 851 or email sidotailor@gmail.com.

Todd Dagwell is a contributor to Aurora

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Education

Life lessons from the slums

BY GABBI SUTHERLAND

Staff from Catholic schools across the Diocese have just returned from a two-week trip to Nairobi in Kenya as part of the 2019 Kesheni Kenya Immersion.

The travellers visited a number of Catholic agencies including the Ruben School, Ruben Medical Centre, Kurt Fearnley Centre, Mary Rice Centre for handicapped children, Women for Women Centre, St Stephen’s School, Wings of Hope Orphanage, St Joseph’s Home for the Destitute, Br Beausang School at Embulbul, and youth and health clinic programs.

Greg Cumming is the principal of St Paul’s Primary School, Gateshead and said it was an unforgettable experience.

“When I talk to people about my recent immersion trip to Kenya, the words that come to mind are 'confronting', 'amazing', 'inspiring'. Much of the immersion was spent in two of the slums of Nairobi, Kabira and Mukuru, which house close to two million people. Driving or walking into the slums was a shock to all our senses with the smell of raw sewage, people living cheek by jowl in tin shacks, palpable poverty, and unkempt kids playing in the dirt. We visited a number of schools in the slums with up to 100 children crammed in each classroom trying to learn.

“Although we heard of a dysfunctional and corrupt government, dire poverty and systemic abuse of girls, we met some local people going ‘above and beyond’ to run

When I arrived in Kenya, it was with an open heart, but I didn’t expect it to be captured by the incredible people that I encountered and built relationships with there.

Staff from across the Diocese recently took part in the 2019 Kesheni Kenya Immersion.

schools for the children of the slums, providing havens for the disabled as well as the abused, operating a birthing clinic for young mums, and nursing the disabled and dying with dignity. These wonderful people are true saints.

They are bringing hope and love to the most vulnerable.

These people were indeed inspiring."

Jasmine Hutchinson is the student co-ordinator at St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm and said it was a lifealtering journey.

“When I accepted the offer to participate in the Kesheni Immersion, I knew I would be leaping outside of my comfort zone. But how could I not embrace this opportunity when I am consistently encouraging my students to step out of theirs?

“Upon my arrival in Kenya, it was the first time I had encountered the world of those who live in a developing country and while I encountered what my rational mind had anticipated, what caught me by surprise was the overwhelming embrace of a welcoming community, the incredible life stories, the resilience and the sense of hope for the future.

“When I arrived in Kenya, it was with an open heart, but I didn’t expect it to be captured by the incredible people that I encountered and built relationships with there. It has been almost a month since I returned to Australia, but the experience continues to challenge me daily. Mary MacKillop’s ‘never see a need without doing something about it’ has really spoken to me through this experience and as such, it is my intention to return to Kenya at the end of the year.”

Got to mnnews.today to read more staff stories.

Gabbi Sutherland is the Marketing Officer for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Community

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

First Session of Synod (November 2019) Celebration and exploration

The synod will allow us to ask how best can we be salt, light and leaven in the world?

 celebration to be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019, the weekend of the Feast of Christ the King

Building the kingdom of God together

 open to all  local animators to break open the content in local gatherings  small group discernment based on themes identified by Plenary Council and/or identified topics

BY BISHOP BILL WRIGHT

An excerpt from Bishop Bill's homily on the Feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, convoking the Synod for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle — 2019-2021 Now, having consulted with the College of Consultors, the Council of Priests and the Council for Mission, I issue this decree convoking a diocesan synod, the first since 1992-93.

Very frequently, synods are convened for a special purpose, or particular issue.

But this one that we will hold is like the Second Vatican Council, convened more generally.

It will examine, reflect on the state of the church, the faith of Christ among us, and find ways to more faithfully fulfil our calling to be the body of Christ and the witness to His gospel, and His salvation in our community around us.

The actual meaning of the word "synod" is "journeying together". It is a longestablished practice in the church to use this term for decisive meetings at significant times where members come together to review one or more issues and make decisions.

More than 50 years after the Second Vatican Council and 25 years since the last diocesan synod, we are at a significant moment in the history of our Diocese. There is a clear duty on us to discern carefully together what the Spirit is saying to the church in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and agree on common goals and actions for the coming years.

The theme of the synod is “Building the Kingdom of God together”. I have established a Diocesan Synod Working Party that will be responsible, with the Council of Priests and the Council for Mission, for facilitating the process.

The synod will have to mark a real step forward for our Diocese, indicating a realistic pathway of genuine renewal for all of us who feel faith is important.

Convoking a synod is a process, a journey for us together over a couple of years starting from the beginning session and liturgy on November 23 this year.

We are about to set out on a journey.

It is a chance to ask ourselves: in what society do we wish to participate? What church do we want to be as we face the challenges ahead of us? What face of the church do we want to present to society today in order to serve it with humility?

How best can we be salt, light and leaven in the world?

It is good we have convoked the synod on the feast of Mary MacKillop because in many ways Mary represents for us the type of church we do aspire to be.

Mary MacKillop was one of those who sought first the kingdom of God, knowing that the other things needed would be given to her. So we go forward in that spirit.

Bishop Bill Wright of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

 matters arising go to the Council of Priests and the Council for Mission for further discernment and deliberation before distributing throughout the Diocese  one Vigil Mass to be held in the diocese at the Cathedral.

Second Session of Synod (November 2020) Discernment  according to the rules of the session  local animators bring the results of local discernment on themes to the synod  outcomes go to Council of Priests and Council for Mission for discernment of changes or additions to local law and/or advice to Plenary Council  decisions made by Plenary Council to be incorporated into local law.

Third Session of Synod (November 2021) Enactment  decrees and delegations ratified.

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Community

Shine the Light of Christ Perpetual Day of Remembrance Among the many initiatives to mark the Perpetual Day of Remembrance, the church responds with prayer. People who wish to stand with survivors and against abuse are invited to participate in: Shine the Light of Christ Vigil — on Saturday night September 14, leave your lights on and say the prayer that accompanies this action. This is for every person, household, community, church, school and business. Together, let’s light up our neighbourhoods.

Sunday Mass on September 15 — to find out Mass times in your local Parish please visit www.mn.catholic.org.au/places/parishes/. Or download the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Mass Time App for free from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Shine the Light of Christ prayer and ritual in schools.

More information regarding the Perpetual Day of Remembrance, including resources is available on the diocesan website www.mn.catholic.org.au.

The Atonement: Lina's Project The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle facilitated The Atonement: Lina’s Project in 2017 on behalf of Lina, a victim of child sexual abuse at the hands of a member of clergy.

In the same year, as part of Lina’s Project, Bishop Bill established September 15 as a Perpetual Day of Remembrance throughout the Diocese. Such a day holds before us our history of child sexual abuse and the reality of its continual unfolding in the lives of those directly and indirectly affected.

The intention is that this day be marked in a variety of ways including survivor-led events that will grow and develop from year to year.

To build on the work of Lina’s Project, the Diocese will host this year’s regional event in Forster. This event will take place on Sunday, September 15 to coincide with the Perpetual Day of Remembrance.

This event, with the support of the Forster Tuncurry Parish, will display the Lina’s Project video in the grounds of the Holy Name of Jesus Church in Forster.

As part of this, you are invited to attend a barbecue to support victims and survivors and gather in a spirit of recognition, healing and hope.

The barbecue will be held on the same grounds, the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry. After the barbecue, attendees are welcome to watch the projection.

Sunday September 15 2019 Holy Name of Jesus Church, 33 Lake Street, Forster 6:30pm Barbecue 7:00pm Screening of Lina’s Project For catering purposes, please RSVP by September 11 on 02 4979 1188 or linasprojectforster@mn.catholic.org.au Personal details are not required to RSVP for this event, only numbers of attendees.

The presentation contains material that may cause distress as it contains images of perpetrators of abuse from the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, the Marist Brothers and other Orders.

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Our Journeys As part of the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle’s commitment to the Perpetual Day of Remembrance, the Healing and Support team (Zimmerman Services) invited people affected by abuse to put forward ideas to mark the occasion.

Jane* who is now in her forties, and was sexually abused in the 1980s as an eightyear-old girl by deceased priest of the Diocese, Denis McAlinden, embraced the opportunity to suggest an idea.

Speaking with Maureen O’Hearn, who has been the coordinator of Healing and Support for 11 years, Jane put forward the idea of working with a photographer to capture the people, places, activities and other things that have helped those affected by abuse. As a form of visual storytelling it could be shared and interpreted by a wide audience. The idea resonated with another survivor, Rhonda Baker, a person affected by abuse who took up the invitation to take part in the initiative.

Upon completing her visual storytelling with the photographer Hannah Robinson, Jane explained the process was initially nerve-wracking, “but once I got my head around it, it felt quite empowering and added another layer to the healing process”.

“I found it beneficial to talk about my experience in a different setting to a psychologist or lawyers’ office,” Jane said.

“Doing it visually was a lot more freeing.

When you go on a journey like this, you do a lot of talking, and it was nice to see the story being told differently.

“Being part of the project, I have proven to myself that my brain can work again. It was a safe place to challenge myself and do something I think is really meaningful.”

A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

BY LIZZIE SNEDDEN

Ms Baker said she too liked the freedom to visually express her experience and healing.

“I still bottle a lot up,” Ms Baker said.

“There’s no way in the world that I would be able to get up and talk to anybody about what went on.”

“The Healing and Support team understands that everyone’s experience is unique, and something that suits one person may not necessarily suit someone else,” Ms O’Hearn said.

“We also respect that some people may choose not to be involved or that they would like to acknowledge the day in their way, and not be involved in a diocesan initiative. We will continue to be led by how people affected by abuse would like to commemorate the day, which will determine the form it takes each year.

Next year may be entirely different.”

When asked about her feelings towards the Perpetual Day of Remembrance, Jane said: “I think it’s very important that the day continues to be led by people affected by abuse. People have different journeys and they should be empowered to tell their story.”

Ms Baker agreed, saying she encourages others to get involved and put forward ideas for future initiatives.

“I want more people to stand up and come forward if they are hiding it or holding it in,” Ms Baker said. “I hope that someone sees our visual storytelling and thinks ‘I’ve been abused, and if she can survive for that long, than I can do it too’.”

Lizzie Snedden is the Team Leader Content for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

The visual storytelling on these two pages documents Jane and Rhonda’s personal story of abuse and healing, which they have elected to share with a public audience. Their stories are in no way intended to represent the experiences of others. If this article or their visual storytelling raises any issues for you, please feel free to contact the diocesan Healing and Support team (Zimmerman Services) for support by calling 02 4979 1390 or emailing healing. support@mn.catholic.org.au. Additional counselling support is also available by contacting the Blue Knot Helpline on 1300 657 380 (9am-5pm Mon to Sat) or Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24-hour support).

Jane* is not the real name of the person included in this article, a pseudonym has been used for privacy reasons.

I still bottle a lot up,” Ms Baker said.

“There’s no way in the world that I would be able to get up and talk to anybody about what went on. RHONDA

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Jane put forward the idea of working with a photographer to capture events or items that have helped calm people affected by abuse. JANE 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Community

Community

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The PPP is definitely the most rewarding opportunity I have had the honour of being involved with.

Caitlin giving free hugs at Hunter Homeless Connect.

Experience beyond reproach The Pastoral Placement Program (PPP) provides an opportunity for those who feel called to work for the church to experience ministry in a variety of settings.

There are five of us taking part in the program this year and we spend six hours a week helping in different agencies across the Diocese, and four hours a week completing work for parishes and churches. In addition, we get formed spiritually through additional opportunities, prayer and reflection.

My first placement was Family Ministries, a broad team that works with agencies, schools and parishes across the Catholic community. Its aim is to evangelise entire families through the faith formation of their children. Typical tasks include organising and conducting liturgy days, retreats and family masses. This also provided me with the opportunity via a road trip to see communities and parishes across the Hunter Deanery.

My second placement was at St Nicholas Early Education where my favourite group was the pre-schoolers. I was able to help develop their existing skills holistically and interact with them, which was not only fun, but also fulfilling.

My third placement was with Mums’ Cottage at Holmesville. Sister Helen Anne founded the organisation, better described as a home, which aims to support and empower women, especially those in crisis, through companionship.

Mums’ Cottage works with women at the Cessnock Correctional Centre undertaking Miruma, the residential diversionary program for those with mental health, drug and alcohol abuse issues who have trouble adjusting to community life. Another program in which I participated was mothers and children education involving reading, interactive storytelling and music.

My fourth rotation was at the St Vincent de Paul Society and I spent the first week at Matthew Talbot Homeless Services, which provides outreach support to homeless men and their children across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. This included participating in the OzHarvest Nutrition Education Sustenance Training Program (NEST) and completing intake packs. The NEST program involves OzHarvest staff teaching the homeless how to cook healthy meals. The second week I was at Ability Links assisting the Better Access Mapping team (or as I like to call it, the BAMming team). It is creating

BY CAITLIN WAKEFIELD

an app that will show local businesses accessible to people with different types of disabilities.

My future placements will likely be Pastoral Ministries, CatholicCare and Mission to Seafarers. We don't actually get told the upcoming placements until we have finished the current placement.

This keeps us more focused in the present. I like this idea.

At the start of the year I assisted with children's ministry for St Therese's Church New Lambton, even leading some weeks.

From the start of May I transferred to shared services as part of the finance team where I completed data entry and administrative tasks. I also participated in its team-building day involving an amazing race activity.

I assisted at the Diocesan stall for NAIDOC week at the foreshore, helped with Hunter Homeless Connect, undertook spiritual direction and spent two days in Sydney learning about the works of Caritas. I also participated in the Bishop's Reflection Day, and helped out at special event masses including the Catechist Mass, and Sisters of Faith dinner.

The PPP is definitely the most rewarding opportunity I have had the honour of being involved with. It has taught me so much about my strengths and weaknesses, life purpose, and increased my skills. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity, and know the others undertaking the program with me are as grateful as I am.

I look forward to continuing to serve the local community in different ways until the program finishes in November. I can't offer enough thanks to all the staff from the Diocese, and various participating agencies and other areas, for everything they have done. The PPP definitely changes participants' lives. As a result of my experiences I decided to undertake a Psychological Science degree at the University of Newcastle and volunteer at Cessnock Correctional Centre.

The PPP 2020 will commence in February.

For any enquiries or for more information please call 02 4979 1334 or email pastoralplacement@mn.catholic.org.au.

Caitlin Wakefield is a participant in this year’s Pastoral Placement Program.

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Building relationships that transcend age and language Singing and dancing to The Hokey Pokey and Twinkle, Twinkle is lighting up the lives of Opal Aged Care residents at Raymond Terrace and opening up avenues of communication once considered parked in a cul de sac.

It’s a result of the commitment of the children and educators at St Nicholas Early Education, Raymond Terrace to promote positive relationships with the local community.

Centre director Lauren Hayes said the decision to begin a relationship with Opal came shortly after the opening of the St Nicholas centre in Raymond Terrace, earlier this year. The educational team made a collective decision to find ways of getting the children more involved with their community.

During visits, the children and their educators share stories, sing and dance, and play a variety of games with the residents.

The collaboration between the two agencies and its benefit to children and residents is supported by numerous national and international studies that have proven intergenerational relationships between young and old

BY ALEX FOSTER

can bring new energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm to each other’s lives.

“To see the smiles on the residents’ faces when we visit has been really humbling,” Ms Hayes said. “Some of the residents don’t speak very much, and some can’t speak at all, but a smile is something that translates in every language.”

Through their engagement with residents, Ms Hayes said the children are developing their understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation.

“As an agency of the Catholic Diocese [of Maitland-Newcastle], we promote inclusivity and community engagement.

We encourage the children in our care to learn the values of the Catholic Church, including the importance of family, acceptance and compassion.

“By taking the children on visits to Opal, we have been able to initiate conversations about their own families and how they feel when they get to spend time with, and do things for, the ones they love.”

Opal residents evidently appreciate

St Nick’s Raymond Terrace on a visit to the Opal aged-care facility across the road in what is a mutually beneficial arrangement.

the visits, which align with the aged care home’s commitment to residents’ health and wellbeing, which is enhanced through their facilitation of stimulating social and recreational programs and links to the community.

The children and educators of St Nicholas Early Education, Raymond

Author’s reading certainly a spectacle It’s not every day you get to hear one of your favourite books read to you by the author. So when acclaimed children’s author Susanne Gervay visited St Columba’s Primary School, Adamstown, to read her most recent work The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses, the students were mesmerised by her animated presentation.

The book explores the highs and lows of a character named Sammy — a young superhero who fearlessly leads a crew of girls and boys — until the day Sammy feels different. He gets glasses. Sammy’s selfesteem plummets until there’s a crisis where he is alone wearing his big blue glasses.

Things have to change. Through humour, selfrealisation and the indomitable spirit of kids, Sammy rises to the challenge and embraces change.

St Columba’s kindergarten teacher Louise Walsh first met Gervay at an early leaning conference in Sydney earlier this year and was impressed by her writing style, which she believes helps the reader connect with the emotions of the characters.

“Gervay’s writing comes from the heart,” Ms

Terrace, are keen to continue developing their relationship with Opal Aged Care and hope to find additional ways they can build meaningful connections with the local community.

Alexander Foster is the Digital Officer for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

BY LIZZIE SNEDDEN

Walsh said. “She has powerful messages for her young readers, and many of them are values we like to instil in our students.”

With that in mind, Ms Walsh invited Gervay to St Columba’s, which runs a variety of enrichment programs including Bounce Back, Making Jesus Real and Mini Vinnies, while maintaining a policy framework that places an emphasis on pastoral care and anti-bullying.

“The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses explores many themes including communication, inclusion and persistence but I believe that one of the most important messages is that children accept that yes, ‘we are all different and this difference should empower us, not undermine who we are’,” Ms Walsh said.

For Oliver Locking, who is in Year 1 at St Columba's and started wearing glasses earlier this year, it was an exceptional experience to hear Gervay read the book.

“I think it’s OK to be different because people are different and that’s how people are supposed to be,” Oliver said.

Harper Hughes and Oliver Locking with author Susanne Gervay.

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Talk the talk to keep the peace I’ve recently been told that my communication style at work offends some of my colleagues. I didn’t think I was being offensive, however my preferred way of communicating is to be direct with people and get to the point, rather than get into social “chit-chat”. I don’t go to work to socialise, but I can see that sometimes I may appear unfriendly. To keep the peace at work, I’m interested in how I can adjust my communication style when necessary.

CatholicCare’s Assistant Director and registered psychologist Tanya Russell, addresses an issue each month.

The advice provided is general in nature and does not replace ongoing support and advice from your health professional.

To talk to someone about counselling support, call CatholicCare P 4979 1172 or Lifeline 24/7 on P 131 114.

Do you have a question for Tanya?

Email your question to aurora@mn.catholic.org.au or write to Aurora-CareTalk PO Box 756 Newcastle 2300.

Going to work certainly does not need to be about making friends. However, the majority of humans are naturally social creatures and workplaces are yet another social setting where we need to be mindful of our communication. Failing to modify your communication style to the audience can result in confusion, misunderstanding and even offence; and can be a risk that's not worth taking.

Understand your audience: a colleague, boss, friend, tradie, a work-related stakeholder; and think about how they might prefer you to communicate with them. If you’re not sure, ask them, or ask your manager.

But why bother adjusting your communication style? Why can’t you just communicate the way you always have? Some valid reasons to adapt your communication style for your audience include:  as you said above, to keep the peace at work. Or to avoid conflict. Or, if the situation has become quite serious, to keep your job. Some organisations are full of people who like and need friendly human connections, whereas in other workplaces it’s OK for people to stick to themselves and get the job done with minimal social aspects to their work  to influence others to your way of thinking  to make sure your listener understands you  to inspire people to do great things, improve performance and want to do things for you and with you

if you were the person receiving your email

 to make and/or keep friends  to be respected.

Consider the following factors in order to communicate effectively in the workplace:  vocabulary. Your language should be professional, but sometimes it’s OK to be casual. The best way to know when to use formal as opposed to informal language is to observe how others are communicating around you. It can be helpful to mirror the way others are communicating (as long as they are being professional and not disrespectful of course). You can attempt to mirror people in meetings.

“Mirroring” others does not mean you copy what they say, it means using a similar communication style. Also, the way you speak to a child should be different to the way you speak to your manager or a client. The type of language, body posture and facial expressions should be different across those contexts  when sending emails, start them with a greeting. I’ve seen some people start an email with just the receiver’s name.

This may not come across as friendly or even professional, so do start with “Hello (name)”, “Good Morning (name)”. When communicating messages via email, remember it is easy for people to misinterpret you, as you don’t have the benefit of facial expressions and tone of voice. Even if you prefer direct, matter-of-fact emails, consider who you are emailing, and re-read your emails before sending.

Ask yourself how it would come across

 body language. Smile. What is your facial expression generally like? If it is always serious, make the effort to smile when you greet someone the first time you see them for the day. Do you cross your arms across your chest during meetings? Be mindful of this too. Even if that’s a natural posture for you, or you are feeling the cold, people may interpret this in a negative way.

When people come to your desk to talk to you, do you have your back to them? Make sure you face them and make eye contact 

the use of “chit-chat”. How many times have you heard: “How was your weekend?” This question and other forms of chit-chat are considered the socially appropriate thing to do. Even if this bores you, it’s a way to connect with people and show you are friendly.

I want to reiterate that you do not need to become friends with everyone at work.

It’s completely fine to keep to yourself as long as you find little ways to appear friendly. Otherwise, people may find it difficult to approach you in relation to work-related matters and therefore see you as someone they cannot work with.

If your workplace has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) it provides counselling for which your employer pays. You may consider using this service for some coaching sessions. There is also the option of considering the type of workplace that best suits you. Social workplaces are not for everyone, and that’s OK.

Come home to Calvary.

As your aged care needs change, Calvary is there.

Independent Living | Residential Aged Care | In Home Care Services

1800 222 000

calvarycare.org.au

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Imbalance of abuse slowly redressed

BY DARRELL CROKER

The National Redress Scheme to help people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse was introduced following recommendations from the royal commission.

It has now been operating for nearly 12 months and is considered an important step for survivors dealing not only with trauma, guilt, and shame, but overly complicated bureaucratic systems and processes.

Robyn Miller is chief executive of MacKillop Family Services, a large national agency, and has worked her whole career with children and families affected by trauma and sexual abuse.

“The lingering effects of abuse are profound,” Dr Miller said. “The impact can last for generations. If the parents have a history of trauma it can have enormous impact with anxiety and post-traumatic stress syndrome.”

MacKillop Family Services is very supportive of the National Redress Scheme and is in the process of gathering together all the historical information. It involves the properties where events and abuse took place, and correlating the times and the numbers of children who were cared for in the preceding decades.

“The redress scheme adds balance and is acknowledgment of what occurred,” said Dr Miller. “When you introduce any new system there are always learnings.

It’s early days but we are aware of the challenges. Some of the survivors are aged in their 80s and 90s.”

Dr Miller relates the story of the impact on a lady who as a girl was abused in a Catholic institution, and went on to become a teacher in a Catholic school.

“She always lived an overly safe life, never taking risks,” said Dr Miller. “She carried this enormous shame all her life, and didn’t tell her husband or her family until she was in her 50s. She said it was incredibly painful.

“Healing is important. And having people

who loved her was important. She’s still dealing with the grief.”

All too often victims of abuse turn to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to selfmedicate.

For its part, MacKillop Family Services is focused on a good-practice, proactive approach to preventing harm to children, especially those in out-of-home care.

“We’re caring for about 700 children nationally on any one night,” said Dr Miller.

“We have a commitment to prevention, we’re not just responding. As such, we’ve partnered with the University of Melbourne in a program to train staff around prevention of sexual harm, respecting the needs of children, and safety.

“We have to help children understand respectful relationships, and the concepts of grooming and consent. Children don’t know when they’re being groomed or what it means to consent.”

David Jones is an experienced personal injury lawyer, and for him, it’s not just about the redress scheme. The executive partner responsible for Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers’ Hunter region offices says offering advice around redress is all part of the firm’s commitment to the not-for-profit sector.

The initial exposure of abuse in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle was one of the factors that contributed to the establishment of the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.

Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers assisted victims of abuse and those accused of abuse within several of the case studies the royal commission examined.

“I have experience working on behalf of claimants, and those entities being claimed against,” Mr Jones said. “You need to be aware of how the redress scheme operates so you can advise as to participation in the redress scheme.

“But we’re also always looking for other

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“The lingering effects of abuse are profound.” Dr Robyn Miller, chief executive of MacKillop Family Services Melbourne

potential courses of action arising from abuse. It’s not just about redress. There are other things to be considered when investigating entitlements arising from abuse. But certainly potential involvement in the redress scheme is important.”

Dr Robyn Miller, chief executive of MacKillop Family Services, is the keynote speaker at the free “Not for profit charity law day” hosted by Carroll & O’Dea

Lawyers at Rydges, Newcastle, on Friday, September 20. To book, RSVP bboutsikakis@codea.com.au or contact Belinda Boutsikakis on 02 9291 7152 before Wednesday, September 18.

Darrell Croker is a contributor to Aurora

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Responsible investing

BY AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC SUPERANNUATION

Doing the right thing doesn’t mean sacrificing performance.

There’s conventional wisdom to doing the right thing: it’s harder and can mean sacrificing something. Generally, that’s either time or money.

isn’t always the easiest, or cheapest, option. Generally, the same has been true for investing. Ethical investments were chosen because they “do good”.

Recycling is a good example. Separating your recyclables from your rubbish takes a little extra effort, but it means that you’re doing something to protect the planet for future generations. Composting? You have to plan, but it definitely reduces the amount you’re adding to the landfill.

So, what is socially responsible investing?

More energy-efficient appliances are often more expensive than their conventional counterparts, but they’re useful for reducing your carbon footprint.

There are many different names for the concept of socially responsible investing, such as “green”, “sustainable”, or “ethical” investing. The idea is simple: seeking strong investment returns while investing in companies that have a positive impact on our planet, people and animals.

Instead of investing in things that do harm, such as weapons, oil, coal, oldgrowth forest logging, or gambling, the socially responsible option seeks to invest in clean energy, sustainable products, medical solutions, and innovative technology.

You get the point: doing the right thing

Generally, you’ll hear this referred to as

Ever use a paper straw? They’re better for the environment than their plastic counterparts, but they can disintegrate before you’ve finished your drink, especially if you’re trying to savour it.

“ESG” issues, or environment, social justice and corporate governance.

How do I know how my super is invested?

We’ve signed on to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investing, which requires us to incorporate ESG concerns into our investment analysis and decisions.

You can find out how your super is invested by looking at your member statement, logging into our member portal, or by giving us a call. A great way to ensure your super investments are appropriate for you is to have a chat with a financial adviser. An adviser can help you understand your financial situation, needs and goals, and recommend appropriate solutions.

Do I have to sacrifice performance to invest ethically?

When you’re thinking about your investment returns, you want to see them providing strong growth so you can feel secure about your future.

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice performance to have your money invested in a way that reflects your values. In the 2018-19 financial year our socially responsible investment option delivered the best returns of any of the options we offer — better than 10%.

We offer personalised recommendations to our members at no additional cost.

Give us a call to set up a time to have a chat on 1300 658 776 or visit us on catholicsuper.com.au.

Need help to manage your super?

We can help. Our phone-based advice service offers members clear and concise personal advice on four specific topics.

A qualified adviser can provide personal recommendations for you on: Tax-effective ways to grow your balance with salary sacrifice The investment options that fit your requirements

Protecting your income and family with appropriate life insurance

Investing ouside of super

Get simple and straightforward advice over-the-phone to get on the right track to achieving your retirement goals and future financial needs.

Call us on 1300 658 776 to book an appointment

Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Port Macquarie, Sydney, Townsville

PO Box 656 Burwood, NSW 1805

e fundoffice@catholicsuper.com.au

w www.catholicsuper.com.au

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Tragedy turns to triumph Marny Cringle’s life is an inspirational story of determination and faith overcoming devastating adversity. She suffered horrific injuries after being dragged under a train in the London Underground, had her life support turned off, a leg amputated due to the accident and then developed the killer brain infection meningitis.

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BY BRITTANY GONZALEZ

If you are looking for control over your life, it’s closer than you think.

She lived, but Marny was told she would never work and never drive, and would be limited in what she could do in life.

Determined to reinforce the message to her students that they “can do anything”, Patricia Hales, principal of Marny’s former school — St Joseph’s College at Lochinvar — invited Marny to share her story.

In sharing that story the East Maitland local has found her true purpose. Marny inspires people to get the most out of their lives by helping them discover their hidden power and by teaching them to maintain a positive attitude when challenges arise.

Which Catholic school/s did you attend?

Infants at Sacred Heart, Campbells Hill. The Monte Pio orphanage was next door.

Primary at St Paul’s, Rutherford. While at primary school I was attending Lochinvar Convent for violin lessons.

My first violin teacher was Mother Pauline.

Marny Cringle was told she would never work and never drive, and would be limited in what she could do in life.There is no denying the East Maitland local has found her purpose.

High school at Lochinvar Convent, now known as St Joseph’s Catholic College.

Why did your parents choose Catholic school/s for you?

Dad was Catholic and Mum converted to Catholicism when they were married. Dad was involved in a car accident when I was 20 months old and needed 24hour care for the remainder of his life. We moved to the Maitland area where Mum had grown up. Nan was a great support for Mum during this time.

Has your outlook on life changed since the accident in London in 1996?

Despite the multiple challenges I have been forced to deal with following my accident, I have come to realise that although my course through life has been altered, I still have the ability to choose the future I want for myself. If you are looking for control over your life, it’s closer than you think.

You can achieve your goals. Failure is not an end result.

It is an opportunity to rethink how you approach your goals.

Embrace change. You can’t control change, but you can control how you react to it.

Recognise your wins. It’s easy to overlook the small wins, but together they make the biggest difference.

As a qualified nurse, did your occupation assist you in your recovery?

That would certainly have contributed, but what mainly assisted in my recovery was my determination to regain normality and independence. When I regained consciousness I started setting goals for myself, and developing strategies to ensure I achieved them.

I got to where I am today mainly through determination and drive to get the most I possibly can out of life. I try

to focus on what is going well for me, rather than the negative aspects.

Doctors said you wouldn’t work or drive again.

But you achieved your main goals of living independently (in nine months), working (in two years), and walking on both legs (in 16 years).

What was your drive?

To get the most I possibly could out of my second chance at life. Self-belief and a positive attitude definitely played a strong role in helping me recover.

Is faith a big part of your life? If yes, how has it helped?

Faith has been an ongoing part of my life and has contributed to my development over the years. I have also come into contact with some amazing people and have made some lifelong friendships.

After my accident I had multiple injuries, and professionals were doubtful of my recovery. The immense support I had from the Catholic Diocese and Maitland community and friends, where for example, they raised funds to assist with my medical expenses, provided me with more drive and determination to overcome my challenges. Because people gave and supported me so much, I wanted to show them that their efforts were certainly not wasted and they all made a significant impact to the quality of my life.

Seeded Australia’s No. 1 in wheelchair tennis, representing NSW in swimming and dressage and you are an author. What’s next for Marny Cringle?

I am now working towards becoming an inspirational speaker to help others realise their own strengths. We all have an enormous amount of hidden power and

Marny's first day at school.

potential within us, and life is so good when we tap in to that and discover just what we can do.

What advice would you give individuals facing physical and emotional challenges?

We all have different challenges throughout our life but sometimes you have to make sacrifices to put your dreams to where you want them to be.

Think thoughts of success, go confidently in the direction of your dreams and know that you have what it takes. Believe in yourself, you are capable of more than you know.

Brittany Gonzalez is a Communications Co-ordinator for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Social

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

Faces and places in our Diocese ASPIRE ASPIRE production 365 Questions, Issues and Good Deeds, impressed crowds at Civic Theatre. See photos of the production on mnnews.today.

Lizzie Snedden and Emily Wilson

Stephanie Colvin and Nicole Charnock

Elaine and Janelle Wheatley

James Taylor and Emma Clark

Deacon Kevin Gadd and Mark Wickens

Liz Hickling and Jane Dunn

Fr Geoff Mulhearn and Maureen Grealy

Farooq Rah, Teresa Brierley and David Gubbay

Andrew Slater and Elizabeth Quinlan

Walking together LGBTIQ Catholics, their family, friends and their sisters and brothers in faith gathered to discuss creating a Church for all.

Interfaith Dialogue Members of the community assembled to hear panellists David Gubbay [Jewish], Teresa Brierley [Christian] and Farooq Rah [Muslim] explore the topic "Is there anti-religious sentiment in Australia?"

Term investments with the CDF offer a way to invest while also supporting the Catholic community.

Earn a competitive rate of interest, while choosing the timeframes that are right for you. Choose from 3, 6 or 12 month options.

For more information about our services, including our Terms and Conditions. Freecall 1800 810 330 or visit www.cdfmn.com.au Investments with Catholic Development Fund (CDF) are guaranteed by Bishop William Wright, Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle Diocese and CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for this purpose. We welcome your investment with the CDF rather than with a profit oriented commercial organisation as a conscious commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church. The CDF is not subject to the provisions of the Corporation Act 2001 nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The CDF is also exempt from the normal requirements to have a disclosure statement or Product Disclosure Statement under the Corporations Act 2001(Cth).

Neither CDF nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Contributions to CDF do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959. CDF is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Diocese.

W W W. M N N E W S . T O D AY / A U R O R A - M A G A Z I N E

What’s on

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Community Noticeboard Volunteering with Palms Australia Palms is seeking qualified and experienced Australians to assist in various missionary and development activities. There are opportunities in a wide range of areas, from teaching in Timor-Leste (pre-school, primary and secondary) to assisting with the development of a brass band in Kiribati; from plumbing/building in Papua New Guinea to English/science teaching/ mentoring in Samoa. Whatever your skills and experience, there is a place for you.

To learn more: phone 02 9560 5333 or email palms@palms.org.au.

Marriage and relationship education courses 2019

Baby Home workshop, which assists couples transition to parenthood. FOCCUS Individual sessions by appointment only.

For further information on all our courses please contact Robyn Donnelly, 02 4979 1370, or rdonnelly@catholiccare.org.au.

Stay up to date with news from across the Diocese mnnews.today

Youth Mass

will be on Saturday 23 November at the Diocesan Offices, 841 Hunter St, Newcastle West from 9.30am to 5pm followed by Mass. Theme: “Building the Kingdom of God together”

On the first Sunday of each month, the 5.30pm Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Macquarie Street, Wallsend, has a youthful flavour. Everyone is welcome.

For your diary

Mums’ Cottage

September

Wild and Wonderful Wednesdays at Mums’ Cottage, 29 St Helen Street, Holmesville, is an opportunity for women to gather for fun and company.

Each Wednesday is different, with possibilities including games of Scrabble, sharing stories, singing karaoke, or watching a movie together.

1-8

Child Protection Week

8

Special Needs Mass at Sacred

Voices for Justice

Marriage education is a vital part of planning for a life partnership. CatholicCare offers a selection of courses for married and soon-to-be married couples.

Couples are advised to attend a course about four months before their wedding.

Book early, as some courses are very popular. Before We Say I Do is a group program held on Friday evenings and Saturdays, as advertised, and the FOCCUS group program is three Mondayevening sessions.

By inspiring, training and equipping Christians to speak with federal politicians about global poverty, Voices for Justice has provided a catalyst for building longterm relationships between Australian Christians and their local MPs, and set the stage for major aid announcements and breakthroughs.

Marriage and Relationship Education Course — FOCCUS, Toohey Room, Newcastle, 28 October and 4 November.

5.15-7.30pm, (session three to be confirmed).

When: 30 November to 3 December 2019 Where: Canberra, ACT Who: All ages are welcome, the only prerequisite is that you have a heart for justice.

We also have a wait list for our Bringing

Apply today at voicesforjustice.com.au

Diocesan Synod — Celebration

Voices for Justice is Micah Australia's flagship event, and a unique opportunity for you to gather with like-minded Christians to lobby your MP and state Senators on the issue of global poverty.

Before We Say I Do, 22 and 23 November, Toohey Room, Newcastle.

Friday 5-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm.

Voices for justice is an unrivalled opportunity — you will be inspired, equipped and encouraged, and you will have the chance to meet face-toface with our nation's leaders to speak out global poverty.

Cost: The $175 early bird covers entry into the four-day conference which includes two days of training, and workshops with world-class speakers and then two days of lobbying in Parliament House, plus other exciting events.

A garage sale is held in the Mums’ Cottage grounds every second Monday.

For more information: Mums’ Cottage 4953 4105, admin@mumscottage.org.au Visit www.mumscottage.org.au.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Adoration takes place at St Philip’s, 31 Vista Parade, Kotara every Sunday, 6pm-7pm. For more information contact Wayne Caruana 0466 631 394.

Heart Cathedral, 2.30pm 13-15 Bishop Bill visits Myall Coast Parish.

15

Perpetual Day of Remembrance event in Forster (see page 11)

18

Foster care and open adoption information session 5.30pm, CatholicCare Cardiff.

21

World Day of Peace

24

Bishop Bill at All Saints College, St Mary’s, Maitland Year 12 Graduation Ceremony.

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Bishop Bill at St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul Year 12 Graduation Mass.

26-27 Seasons for Growth companion training for the adult program, 841 Hunter St, Newcastle West. info@goodgrief.org.au

For more events please visit mn.catholic.org.au

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Social Justice Sunday

For the latest news & events in our Diocese You can download the Diocese phone, iPad or tablet app here

Last Word

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

Book Review Eucharist provides a model

BY FR ANDREW DOOHAN The celebration of Eucharist is central to the life of the Church and has been since Jesus said we should “do this” in his memory.

For those ordained to the priesthood, the celebration of Eucharist is also a central part of their ministerial life in a profound way. It is, to be sure, right and proper that this is the case. In Broken For You, Frank Moloney brings together three addresses from recent years, each with “their own history”, and reflects on exactly why the celebration of Eucharist is so central to the life of the Church.

In the second and central essay, Moloney captures what he considers to be pivotal to an understanding of the Catholic priesthood today. He recognises the Catholic priesthood is in dire need of a base that is more than “mere clericalism” — something that is solid and secure. As such, Moloney turns to a reflection on the significance of Eucharist.

The celebration of Eucharist, which is based on complete self-offering of Jesus for the sake of the other, provides a model. It is not a celebration of privilege, but of a preparedness to give one’s all for the sake of the other, just as Jesus did. This willingness, of course, is not something restricted to those who have been called to the formal ministry of the priesthood; it applies to all those who have Jesus as their light, their hope, and their guide.

To support his thesis, Moloney’s middle essay considers Jesus in the scriptural revelation, reflecting on the relationship of Jesus with his Father and the significance of what Jesus did and thought he was doing. The implications of these questions are clear from the first

essay and cannot be underestimated in trying to renew a ministerial priesthood.

In the third essay, which focuses on Pope Francis, Moloney highlights the importance of delving into the scriptural revelation. As Pope Francis suggests: “ … understand what you read and hear, preach it, and practise what you preach.” There could be worse advice than to consistently return to the very source of our identity — Jesus, the Word of God. Broken For You is not just about the difficulties facing the contemporary Catholic priesthood. It is for all followers of the Way of Jesus, returning again to the example Jesus has given us and being prepared to live life in keeping with that example — not for ourselves, but for the sake of others.

Francis J. Moloney, Broken For You: Jesus Christ, The Catholic Priesthood & The Word of God (Bayswater, Vic: Coventry Press, 2018). ISBN: 9780648360155

Pan-fried fish fillet with beurre blanc sauce and sautéed potatoes This month’s recipe has been submitted and photographed by Mia Barclay, Year 12 student at All Saints’ Campus, St Mary’s, Maitland.

Ingredients       

vegetable oil, for frying fresh fish fillets (of your choice) 2 shallots, finely chopped ½ cup white wine cup lemon juice 1 Tbl heavy cream 125g cold unsalted butter, cubed

Method       

4 whole peppercorns 500g waxy potato (e.g. Desiree) 4 Tbl sunflower or olive oil 1 clove garlic ½ small red onion salt, pepper ½ tsp dried mixed herbs

Fish 1. Heat oil in a frypan over medium to high heat.

2. Reduce the heat and add fish fillets to the pan, presentation side down.

Sautéed potatoes

3. Cook the fillets for about 3 minutes on each side until the fish is opaque and flaky in the centre.

1. Cut the potatoes into chunks, and dice onion. Boil potatoes for 3 minutes.

Beurre blanc sauce

2. Drain and place onto a kitchen paperlined tray and leave to cool.

1. Place the lemon juice, wine, shallot and peppercorns in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to the boil.

2. Boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to 2 Tbl. 3. Strain the vinegar mixture through a fine sieve into a small frying pan, discarding shallot and peppercorns.

4. Place the frying pan over low heat.

Add the butter, 1 chilled cube at a time, whisking constantly.

5. Remove from heat and whisk in the cream and season with salt and pepper. Keep at room temperature.

3. When ready to serve, heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan.

4. Add diced onion and crushed garlic, and cook until onion is transparent.

Drain on paper and keep warm.

5. Add the potatoes to the frypan in a single layer and turn the heat to medium-high.

6. Turn them all evenly 2 or 3 times until browned all over (about 7 minutes).

Place on kitchen paper when cooked.

7. Add the crushed garlic and onion, then lift out with a large slotted spoon to drain on more kitchen paper.

8. Sprinkle with salt, herbs and pepper.

Enrolments Now Open Lochinvar & Raymond Terrace

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