Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle July 2021 | No.214
Journeying is precisely the art of looking toward the horizon, thinking where I want to go but also enduring the fatigue of the journey, which is sometimes difficult.
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W W W. M N N E W S . T O D AY / A U R O R A
On the cover
Progress for pilgrims
On the cover: Pilgrims on the inaugural aMeN CaMiNo, pictured in the Awabakal Nature Reserve. Photo: Lizzie Snedden
Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle July 2021 | No.214
Journeying is precisely the art of looking toward the horizon, thinking where I want to go but also enduring the fatigue of the journey, which is sometimes difficult.
As May ended, I set off on what I naively perceived to be a 100km walk through the bush and across the sand. To my mind, I was taking part in the inaugural aMeN CaMiNo so that I could help promote the five-day trek to the masses and be physically challenged in the process.
the final 25km of the walk, which included navigating rocks, sand, and water, with her scuffs taped to her feet. Others, I am sure, were carrying burdens the naked eye could not see, but I hope their mental load was lifted as the sun’s rays beamed down upon us.
But boy, was I wrong.
Featured f Frankly Spoken
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f Walk this way
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f Amen to the camino
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f Confronting exposure leads to positive outcome
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f The rocky road from combat to classroom 10 f Painful beginnings for campaign
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f Out of Africa
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f Never-ending road of service
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f Kobe bounces back
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f Immersion travel keeps giving
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f Siblings’ love celebrated on canvas
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f Art for the ages
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f Sacred Spaces: A Journey into Discovery, Truth and Right Relation
FIRST WORD
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And so it was, as we witnessed the last of the autumn leaves fall, that I had a chance to reflect on the importance of renewal. The aMeN CaMiNo served as unexpected reminder that while we all go through difficult times, opportunities for growth are never far behind.
It was as though when I strapped on my hiking boots and took up my walking poles, I surrendered my soul. Walking alongside a group of strangers, I felt more vulnerable than I had in a long time. This feeling of defencelessness did not cause me unease. Instead, as I found myself walking in communion with a group of strangers, I felt a strong sense of comfort. They were from all walks of life, embarking on the pilgrimage for various reasons. And, despite the challenges the pilgrimage threw their way, none of them let that stop them from completing the aMeN CaMiNo.
Far from feeling exhausted when I reached the magic century, I was bursting with energy and reminded of the words of English priest Daniel O’Leary: “All we have to do is start walking. As we walk, we become lighter, leaner, looser. We see more clearly as we gradually become more empty … And the more empty we become, the more room there is for God to fill us.”
One lady in our group had blisters so prominent they prevented enclosed shoes from fitting. Not deterred, she undertook
The “walk”, surrounded by creation and the generous spirit of pilgrims, enriched my soul and helped me on my life’s
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journey towards knowing God. The journey concept is something you will notice throughout this edition. It includes reflections from fellow pilgrims and a mother who has turned her grief into an advocacy campaign with international reach. It also features stories on a young boy and his inspiring fight against a rare disease, as well as a war veteran’s passion for helping others experiencing PTSD. Finally, there is an article on our very own Bishop Bill, who recently commemorated 10 years since his ordination. I hope that wherever you are on your life’s journey you take time to be in the moment, to enjoy the “ups” and learn from the “downs” and share along the way with those you love.
Lizzie Snedden is Editor for Aurora.
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is located on traditional lands of Awabakal, Biripi Darkinjung, Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri, Wonnarua, and Worimi
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MY WORD
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
My Word 10th anniversar
reps of the ones engaged in apostolic or charitable works were allowed to give formal presentations in the hour-or-so meeting. The others had to catch my ear over the nibbles! At Raymond Terrace, the parishioners who had requested interviews with me mostly wanted to garner my interest and support for new programs they were involved in, not, as one might have feared, wanting to complain or raise concerns. And I could go on.
y special
The reports of the death of parish communities, in other words, have been greatly exaggerated. Yes, the proportion of the nominal Catholic population that is active in any given parish might be regrettably small, but there’s life and energy there.
To commemorate the Bishop's 10th anniversary, we have published his first as Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, from August 2011. I should hardly expect you to have given the matter any thought, but the fact is that a new bishop’s early weeks are rather confusing. Certainly we got off with a bang. The ceremony that this diocese turned on in the Cathedral for my ordination was magnificent beyond my imagining, and I am deeply indebted to those who, with minimal help from me, made it happen. Despite myself, I am a bit of an expert critic of such occasions, from my time as a seminary vice-rector who perforce attended a lot of them, and I don’t know that I can recall any to match what this diocese organised and carried through that night. A great start. Shortly after that, however, things got complicated. My first couple of weeks became a blur of 'briefings’ on various aspects of the diocese’s works, recent history and 'matters pending’. I suspect that even a priest who had worked here for years would find it challenging to have to get his head around all that the bishop is supposed to know. Fortunately, I am not much given to panic. I am content to
We face many challenges as a church in the years ahead, it’s true. I’ve been asked to name them on a number of occasions, by the press and others, and it's possible to come up with quite a substantial list. But that is the normal state of human affairs, isn’t it? The question is, what resources do we have to meet those challenges? And the greatest resource of the church, the bedrock of the church, is its local parish communities.
assume that it will all fall into place for me one day, and in the meantime my advisers will hear a lot of phrases like, “Ah, yes. Now just remind me of the detail.” Luckily, bishops do get out of the office a fair bit. My excursions into the real life of the diocese have been very heartening. The oil was still wet on me when I was off to do Confirmations in the parish of Boolaroo-Warners Bay. It’s a community with a lot of young families, and the two nights there were lively occasions. Fr Brian Brock, too, happens to have known
me for years and years, so he was pretty relaxed: neither carefully deferential to the new boss nor too preoccupied with sizing me up. I enjoyed the spirit of the place and look forward to going back. Indeed, I’ve found a good deal of life and enthusiasm in each of the places I’ve visited so far, whether on formal ‘visitation’ of the parish or for a school hall opening or whatever. In the City, for example, the various groups and organisations that were assembled to meet me, but there are so many groups at work that only the
The heart of my work as a bishop is to support and encourage the initiatives of our local communities to ‘spread the Good News’ and to ‘love one another’. Some may need more ‘encouragement’ than others, perhaps. But we are far from having to start from scratch. I am liking a lot of what I see.
Bishop Bill Wright Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
Frankly Spoken Journeying is an art because if we're always in a hurry, we get tired and don't arrive at our journey's goal,” he said. “If we stop, we don't go forward and we also miss the goal. Journeying is precisely the art of looking toward the horizon, thinking where I want to go but also enduring the fatigue of the journey, which is sometimes difficult. … There are dark days, even days when we fail, even days when we fall … but always think of this: Don't be afraid of failures. Don't be afraid of falling. What matters in the art of journeying isn't not falling but not staying down. Get up right away and continue going forward. This is what's beautiful: This is working every day, this is journeying as humans. But also, it's bad walking alone: It's bad and boring. Walking in community, with friends, with those who love us, that helps us. It helps us to arrive precisely at that goal, that 'there where' we're supposed to arrive, Excerpt from an address Pope Francis made to students of Jesuit schools in Italy in 2013, after an exchange with a teen who said that he was trying hard to believe in God and be faithful, but that he often struggled with doubt.
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John Wakely and Bernadette Gibson developed the aMeN CaMiNo. Photo: Peter Stoop
Walk this way LIZZIE SNEDDEN
Few people consider blisters a blessing. But for the pilgrim, they are synonymous with the journey. “There is no such thing as a bad camino,” says New Lambton’s John Wakely. His first Aussie camino was cut short due to painful pockets of fluid forming under his feet after days of traversing the Victorian countryside. “My blisters were so bad they’ve made the Aussie camino website,” he says. Despite the agonizing setback, the retired diocesan principal is keen to share the ups and downs of camino. “Caminos deliver a whole set of physical and emotional challenges,” he says. “It is those challenges that help you grow and appreciate life from different perspectives.”
The Way of St James, also known as Camino de Santiago, is more than 800km in its entirety and spans multiple countries. John has since returned to Spain to undertake different legs of the historically significant walk. Once with friend Adam Frost, and the next time with his wife, Anne. A seasoned traveller, John has also ventured to Portugal to undertake a different leg of the camino with his brother, Paul. A camino is a pilgrim route, and there are now dozens worldwide of varying lengths. While they tend to attract a lot of religious, many individuals also embark on the journeys in quest of culture, history, stunning views, and cuisine. As John explains, you don’t need to be a person of the cloth to enjoy a camino.
John undertook his first camino experience in 2006 when he walked along the most famous of all caminos, The Way of St James, in Spain.
“I’ve met people from all walks of life on camino, from non-believers and atheists to fundamental Christians and Buddhists. They come from all corners of the globe, and the age span is also great.”
It was his first time in Europe when he set out solo on a 320km leg of the journey from Leon to Santiago.
He says one of the appeals of undertaking a camino is an enriched spiritual encounter.
“I cried my eyes out,” he says. The expedition enriched his spirituality in ways he had not expected. “I had a moment walking along where I realised all the things that I thought had been negative in my life, and painful, had purpose and meaning in the context of my faith. “The whole camino experience reinforced how blessed I have been with loving family and friends.”
“Camino provides a space for you to listen to your God in a number of ways – through yourself, through the community you meet, and in the landscape of what you experience.
Luke Mills would soon launch Australia’s first-ever camino, which would follow in the footsteps of Australia’s first ordained saint, Mary MacKillop. John formed part of the inaugural pilgrimage, which extends from Portland in Victoria to Penola in South Australia, only for blisters to curtail his experience. Not deterred, he returned a few months later with former colleague and friend, Bernadette Gibson in tow. “We undertook the Aussie camino with the idea that it could be a great opportunity for staff working in our schools to engage in an exploration of their spirituality,” says Bernadette, a religious education officer for the Diocese’s schools office. Bernadette, who had also experienced part of the Way of St James Camino in 2010, shares John’s vision for personal enrichment opportunities that camino presents. “Many of our staff are deeply spiritual, but because of a whole host of reasons aren’t connected to the Church in a traditional sense, and we thought this could be a wonderful experience for them,” she says. Soon afterwards, the duo led two separate groups of staff on the Aussie camino, which they describe as “an extraordinary experience”.
“People undertake camino for a variety of reasons and bring with them different levels of motivation and fear. There is a strong sense of unity that comes with the diversity of pilgrims you walk alongside.”
This favourable reception planted the seed for a Hunter-based camino, which would take in our local landscapes and make the experience more accessible to many in our community.
Back home, John was sharing his stories of pilgrimages when he was informed that
For months John and his brother, Richard, spent their days walking the countryside
to develop a route that would enable pilgrims to encounter diverse bushland, stunning coastline, and picturesque Lake Macquarie. Bernadette joined the men and taking inspiration from the sights and sounds along the way, developed reflections and guides for pilgrims. “The camino is a response to be in communion with our wounded sister, the earth; to provide an opportunity for sabbath away from the white noise of a frenetic society and to provide a moment of space for each person to be conscious of the gift of Grace,” she says. The camino took on its name of aMeN after a suggestion from one of the Diocese’s ministry co-ordinators, Fiona Duque. It is “a” “M” (Maitland) “N” (Newcastle) camino for “e” everyone. The aMeN CaMiNo was developed as an opportunity to enrich the spirituality of many, including staff teaching in our diocesan schools. Accordingly, the first official pilgrimage took place in May 2021 and included staff from various diocesan agencies as well as parishioners. “We had people tell us it has changed their lives,” Bernadette says. The aMeN CaMiNo is not simply a fiveday walk through the countryside with a steadfast focus on the destination. Rather, it is a physical journey that conjures an emotional response from within and enriches your spirituality in profound and unimaged ways. “A pilgrim expects uncertainties and even more so looks for meaning in uncertainties,” John says.
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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
Pictures from the inaugural aMeN CaMiNo.
Amen to the camino LIZZIE SNEDDEN
The Diocesan aMeN CaMiNo was officially launched in May 2021 when 11 pilgrims set off on a five-day trek after receiving a blessing from Bishop Bill at St John's Chapel in Maitland. The vision behind the Hunter-based camino is to bring together people from across the Diocese, including staff and parishioners, to take on a physical and spiritual journey surrounded by God's creation. In total, pilgrims walk almost 100km. Along the way they take in sacred Aboriginal sites and rolling vineyards in the Upper Hunter, beautiful bushland in the Watagans and Glenrock national parks, picturesque Lake Macquarie, stunning beaches, and finally the urban sprawl of Newcastle. The first aMeN CaMiNo included pre-arranged encounters with Aboriginal elders, the Bishop and Morisset parishioners. They each provided pilgrims with insightful glimpses into our Diocese's rich history, including Mary MacKillop's brief visit to Cooranbong. The aMeN CaMiNo shares many similarities
with some of the more well-known camino pilgrimages. The walk itself presents physical challenges for the body, abated by poignant reflections that soothe the weary soul. At various points, silence is observed, but mostly pilgrims take the opportunity to engage in one-on-one or small group discussions. These conversations tend to span many days and provide the foundation for new friendships to form between people whose paths may never have otherwise crossed, but who come to camino with a shared desire for renewal.
McAlister, Manager of Formation and Education in the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle, says a committed and evolving group have organised every aspect of the expedition to ensure pilgrims can fully immerse themselves in the experience.
However, unlike many other famous caminos, the aMeN CaMiNo is a guided pilgrimage. Assisting pilgrims along their journey is a leader, spiritual guide, support person, and driver. Pilgrims stay together at various accommodation points and unite for an evening meal.
The feedback from the first pilgrimage indicates their efforts have been justified.
The aMeN CaMiNo, originally conceived by Catholic Schools staff John Wakely and Bernadette Gibson, was transitioned to Pastoral Ministries in 2020 to ensure its reach was far and wide ranging. Rose
“I am grateful to the committed staff and volunteers who have created the aMeN CaMiNo team and aim to unite pilgrims from across our Diocese and deliver an offering that builds community and nourishes faith,” Rose says.
“I feel extremely privileged to be involved in the aMeN CaMiNo. I truly believe that pilgrimage leads to a trinitarian relationship with self, others, and God, and is a place where transformation occurs,” Rose says. “When pilgrims share their story, you feel honoured to be part of the experience, and feel blessed to be accompanying them on the road. Sometimes you need to empty yourself to fill full again.”
This year, the Diocese will lead five guided aMeN CaMiNo journeys, with spaces for these initial dates snapped up by enthusiastic pilgrims when first announced in 2020. Soon, the Diocese will announce plans for the aMeN CaMiNo in 2022. Interested parties are invited to visit www.mn.catholic.org.au/church-mission/ catholic-life/adult-faith-formation/amencamino/
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All we have to do is start walking. As we walk, we become lighter, leaner, looser. We see more clearly as we gradually become more empty … And the more empty we become, the more room there is for God to fill us.
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English priest, Daniel O’Leary.
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"I took many things from the aMeN CaMiNo experience. Gratitude – for the opportunity to stop for five glorious days to appreciate and be immersed in the ever-changing beauty of this landscape God created. Inspiration – from the people I met along the way. Sharing conversations, laughter, stories of challenges and triumphs, and personal histories really brought home to me that we are all on the same journey. Appreciation – for the precious gift of time, which allowed me to connect with fellow pilgrims. Reflecting and praying together each day was also very special. On our last evening together, we were blessed with the opportunity to share our feelings about our pilgrimage. The impact on all of us was far reaching."
LIZABETH WALKER
LUCY HARVEY
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"I have undertaken several pilgrimages, in Australia and overseas. Each time I walk I gain a deeper respect and love of the wonder and awe of God’s creation. I never tire of the beauty with which we are so blessed. The aMeN CaMiNo allows us to see the best of bushland, beach, lakeside, and mountains all within our Diocese. One of the best things about pilgrimage as you walk the long distances is that you have time … time to reflect upon where you are in the present moment, time to empty all the busyness in your head, time to listen to others and allow them to share their stories, time to take in the wonders of our land, and time to listen to God and the whisperings in your heart."
NICKI GRAHAM
MAREE JONES
"I have always been interested in the experiences of others who have been on a camino, especially overseas. I saw this as a wonderful opportunity to “dip my toe in”, so to speak, and experience a camino in my own backyard.
The idea of spending time in the outdoors enchanted by the wonder and awe of God’s magnificent creation resonated strongly with me. To embark on a journey that weaved a spiritual connection to Mother Earth and to our Christian faith and heritage certainly inspired me to sign up.
I knew it would be an experience that would challenge me on all levels; physically, spiritually, emotionally. I was particularly drawn to the fact that the other pilgrims were from various diocesan agencies, thus broadening my relationships and connections.
In my busy life I just don’t make enough time to “smell the roses”. I felt the camino experience was calling me to address the busyness of my life.
I thoroughly enjoyed sharing others’ life stories and believe this was a great privilege. Carrying an injury changed my experience of the camino. I was challenged physically and emotionally more than I ever expected but drew on my spiritual strength to keep going.
When the pilgrimage began, I found an unexpected bonus. I became part of a like-minded, spiritually filled, friendly group of people. Each of us had signed up for different reasons, but camaraderie bonded us along with the experiences we undertook together. I came home knowing that I had achieved a very physical feat, shared spiritual experiences along the way that were very meaningful and bonded with a group of people who I know that I can reach out to at any time in the future and they will be there for me! It’s a very comforting feeling to have in a world that can sometimes be very challenging."
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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
Bishop Bill enjoys reading in his limited spare time. Photo: Lizzie Snedden
Confronting exposure leads to positive outcome SARAH JAMES
Before Bishop Bill Wright assumed the office as head of the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle, he wrote a column for Aurora. In it, he stated: “Soon I will be ordained as a bishop in a magnificent ceremony in Sacred Heart Cathedral. The irony of this is that I’ve never been much of a one for the big ceremonial occasions, in fact I’ve always dodged the big church events when I reasonably could … “My preference is for simpler gatherings… I’ve often said that the Lord was onto something, both as to time and circumstance, when he celebrated the first Eucharist with just a few friends in the calm and hush of the evening.” It should not come as a surprise to many who have come to know the eighth Bishop of the Diocese that on his 10th anniversary at the helm, he didn’t want any fanfare. Reflecting on the transition from parish priest to Bishop, he says at first he was taken aback by the “style” and formalities involved. “I was always more comfortable with the more relaxed and informal bits of clergy life,” Bishop Bill says. In fact, before his ordination in 2011 Bishop Bill didn’t even own a black suit and he had lost his black soutane years before. “Suddenly I entered the foreign world of clerical outfitters and the finer points of mitre design, pectoral crosses, croziers and other bits and pieces I knew little about.” Shortly after he took on the role from bishop Michael Malone in 2011, a tide of change swept through the
Catholic Church across the globe. In Australia, the media’s attention was firmly squared on our Diocese’s dark history. “The Diocese experienced an excruciating public examination of its failures and, for the most part, the criticism levelled by media has been warranted,” he says. “Many times in the past decade I have said that the forensic examinations conducted into the Diocese were extraordinarily confronting, entirely justified, and invaluable to our mission as Church.” Rising to the challenge before him, Bishop Bill has since been commended for his steadfast guidance during the Cunneen Special Commission and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. He has also confronted the failures and crimes of the past head-on, meeting with many survivors of sexual abuse. “In the face of their pain and distress, and anger, there’s so little that you can say or do that can actually help. You just have to share the time, listen and respond as honestly as you can.” As one of several clergy members on the Truth Justice and Healing Council, he helped coordinate the Catholic Church’s response to the royal commission with a commitment to justice and compassion for survivors. “The Cunneen Commission and the royal commission were necessary for bringing about change, but they were challenging. They have left a reform agenda that continues to challenge us to do better in protecting children, prioritising the needs of survivors, and making lasting cultural changes.”
It is possible to think that by virtue of his position and natural leadership, Bishop Bill covets certain airs and graces, but this could not be further from the truth. He is as down-to-earth as they come. Given the option of residing in inner-city Newcastle or the aging Bishop’s House at Maitland, Bishop Bill chose the latter. Having graduated from the University of Sydney in the 1970s with a Bachelor of Arts double-majoring in history, Bishop Bill moved in hoping to re-establish the river city’s long-standing tradition within the Diocese. “At times there would have been four or five priests in this house,” he says, reflecting on the building’s past. “One of them being the bishop, as well as three nuns who cooked and cleaned, and all that sort of thing.” In 2021, Bishop’s House paints a very different picture. Now, as you enter the heritage-listed residence, rather than being met by a team of household staff, you are far more likely to bump into a tradesperson. Walking through the hallways you are surrounded by dust and scaffolding, something that doesn’t seem to faze Bishop Bill all that much. Indeed, the current state of Bishop’s House is in many ways more befitting of his character. Self-characterised as being the sort of person who takes things as they come, upon being appointed he quite famously declined the offer to have any help with chores around the home, saying he could manage on his own. In his limited spare time, Bishop Bill enjoys watching a Monty Python classic, reading the latest Tim Winton novel or taking a stroll through the streets of Maitland.
“I’m very happy on a day off to walk into town, have breakfast at a café, buy a newspaper and do the crossword sitting by the river,” he says. In that regard, it is a much slower pace than the world in which he grew up. Born in 1952 in Washington DC, Bishop Bill was raised in Sydney, with a brief stint in London in his tween years. His studies for the priesthood began at St Colomba’s College, Springwood, followed by St Patrick’s College in Manly. Before making the move to Maitland, he served as a priest “in a couple of the big parishes in Sydney”, but also in remote communities out west. “All these experiences were quite different,” he says, as he explains that he never had any grand aspirations of becoming a bishop, adding that as a general rule, “any priests who want to be bishops probably shouldn’t get the job”. In conversation, you get the distinct sense that he would be far more comfortable not being the centre of attention. Following the Nuncio offering him the role of Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle he deliberately requested that it be announced on a Sunday evening. “I hoped that by the following weekend the news would have spread, and there would be no need to formally announce it to my then parishioners in Sydney.” He believes the most unexpected part of the transition from priesthood to Bishop was the appointment itself. “Sometimes down the years people would say things like ‘you’ll be a bishop someday’ – especially when I’d been a very young vice-rector of the seminary or assistant
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secretary to the Bishops Conference – but I always thought it unlikely.” However, in the 18 months before he was offered the position, Bishop Bill started to hear more substantial murmurings that his name was in contention for the role. Then, seemingly out of the blue, he was appointed chair of the Sydney Catholic Schools Board. Bishop Bill was also given the opportunity to cut his teeth on a few “trouble-shooting jobs.” One thing he makes clear though is that the day-to-day reality of being a bishop is far different than what the public perception may be. “Many of the people who write to me imagine that a bishop can snap his fingers and make things happen,” he says. “What you learn is that church law and practice combine to make sure that everyone is consulted, [and] everyone is protected from arbitrary authority. Almost everything is a negotiation.” Over the past decade, a humble Bishop Bill has not only exceeded everyone’s expectations, but also experienced significantly more milestones than most bishops do in their entire careers. Under Bishop Bill’s leadership, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has developed three new schools: St Aloysius
Catholic Primary School and St Bede's Catholic College, both in Chisholm, and most recently, Catherine McAuley Catholic College in Medowie. Bishop Bill has also overseen the introduction of the Diocese’s newest agency, St Nicholas Early Education. Launched in 2015, the agency has now expanded to also include St Nicholas OOSH and St Nicholas Pathways. “I’m also glad we’ve been able to provide quite a lot of affordable housing and open CatholicCare centres and grassroots programs in more towns and regions,” he says. “We have certainly stretched the resources of the Diocese, but the option of standing still, looking inwards, was not palatable,” he says as he reflects on the Diocese’s commitment to serve the community in spite of, and perhaps more importantly because of, the Church’s past failures. Most significant to the life of the Church in our Diocese was Bishop Bill’s 2019 announcement that he would convene a synod, the first held locally in three decades. The synod, he said at the time, is not an event or simply an assembly of people. "It is a process by which we examine and reflect on the state of the Church, drawing on our faith to find ways to fulfil
An assortment of images commemorating the Bishop’s 10 years in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.
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our calling to be the body of Christ and to witness His gospel and His salvation in our community."
“Spending time with young people or in community gatherings. These are the good things,” he says.
Now that two of the three sessions of the synod have occurred, he projects that over the next decade the Church in Australia will struggle in an uphill battle against an increasingly non-religious society.
And while schoolchildren will often give him a rockstar reception, he too has a few people he looks up to.
However, he is still hope-filled. “We have a very small proportion of Catholics who actually go to church or are involved in the religious side of our religion,” Bishop Bill says. “An outcome I hope for from this synod is that people value the presence of Christ in the sacraments and in the community. I also expect the Holy Spirit to surprise me in a few ways. If there are to be really great things that come from the synod, I think they’re going to be the unexpected ones.” Despite the significant achievements that have occurred while he has been at the helm, it is the person-centred activities that bring Bishop Bill the most happiness. “I’m regularly asked by schoolkids what’s the best part of being a bishop, and I tell them ‘the priest parts’. Celebrating Mass gloriously on the great festivals, or more intimately with a small rural congregation – these can be great joys.
Pope Francis, he says, is an obvious choice. “At the time he was elected, I was asked what might distinguish a Jesuit pope and I responded that a Jesuit should know what is really not important. I think his clear focus on what is fundamental to Christian living, and his abandonment of some of the conventions of papacy, have borne this out.” Three priests from Bishop Bill’s youth and early ministry also continue to influence him. “I find myself wondering ‘what would he do?’ The common ground between these three quite different characters was that it was never about them. They all did what was best for the people.” Finally, he says his late parents inspire him. “My father in particular, he was a man of integrity, which really stuck with me,” he says. The apple, it would seem, doesn’t fall from the tree.
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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 rocky road from combat to classroom MENIOS CONSTANTINOU
Aaron Cornwall turned his traumatic war experiences into an opportunity to help others. Photos: supplied.
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Aaron Cornwall has a pretty good idea of what rock bottom feels like. The former combat engineer and Afghanistan war veteran thought he’d hit his lowest low when – as a young dad juggling university study with work and family commitments – he was forced to sell his furniture to put food on the table. Even now, years later, he finds it difficult to talk about. “We eventually made it through and recuperated and bought that furniture back, but yeah, it was a punch in the guts,” says Aaron from his office at Australian Catholic University’s (ACU) Brisbane Campus, where he works as a co-ordinator for Student Veteran Services. “I really thought I’d hit rock bottom. I was soon to find out there was a lot further I could fall.” Aaron came home from Afghanistan feeling relatively healthy. After retiring from the Army in 2012 he ran a small business and managed a gym while earning two diplomas. Realising he would need to pursue further study to progress his career, he found a pathway to university and enrolled in exercise and sports science at ACU – a massive step for somebody who “never had any aspirations to go into higher education”. “I really didn’t think university was on the cards for me,” he says. “I grew up in Tasmania and I didn’t complete Year 12 – I left school to become a metal fabricator. I quickly realised it wasn’t for me, so I joined the Defence Force. All through my career, it was always made clear that university wasn’t something available to me.” New beginnings Turning up on campus as a first-year student was a jolt for the former soldier. He found the relatively relaxed nature of university life was a stark contrast to the strict and regimented culture of the military. In one of his first classes, he noticed a flyer on every desk promoting tryouts for quidditch (a fictional sport played by flying wizards on broomsticks). “It epitomised the new world I was stepping into,” Aaron says. “Here I was, with an Army background, deployed overseas, very serious, and now I’m looking at tryouts for a game based off Harry Potter. It took me aback because I thought, ‘I was a soldier and now I’m a student and this is me. This is part of the university experience and this is my new brethren’.” That was soon tempered by the realisation that he couldn’t take full advantage of the activities and experiences offered at university. “That shattered me a fair bit because I thought, ‘Well, I can’t do all this stuff because I’m in full-time work, so I don’t have the luxury or the time’. I was studying part-time, so I’d spend a couple of hours on campus in the morning and then head straight to work and finish at night. All I really wanted to do was commit fully to my studies.”
After the birth of his son Oskar in 2017, Aaron decided to switch to full-time study. This required a delicate balancing of a shoestring budget, where every dollar was accounted for. “I genuinely believed we’d be OK,” he says, “but looking back, I was studying full-time, with a newborn child, and we had taken this significant pay cut. That’s when it got to the point where we were selling furniture to pay for food and bills. It was a tough time.” Healing wounds With the weight of work, study, and family commitments mounting, the mental wounds of Aaron’s time in combat began to fester. While deployed in Afghanistan, his job was to search for explosive devices and weapons caches in Uruzgan, a remote province that had been central in the
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mindset that others have had it harder, and if they’re not asking for help, then why should I? One day, while in the car with his wife, Aaron finally realised he was seriously unwell. “I broke down into an inconsolable fit of despair,” he says. “At that point, I knew something was wrong. That wasn’t normal, that wasn’t right.” He sought immediate help from Open Arms (formerly the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service) and was offered emergency counselling. When things escalated further, he was booked into a psychiatric hospital and given urgent treatment for depression and PTSD. He deferred a semester of university, was put on anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications, and had regular appointments with psychologists and psychiatrists.
“I found myself getting angry at things that just shouldn’t make you angry, and it would take hours to calm down..." conflict with the Taliban. In this hands-on role, Aaron had prolonged exposure to an environment that was riddled with risk. “When I got home, I’d tell stories about Afghanistan routinely to my friends and family, and they’d stand there in awe and say, ‘Oh, man. That’s quite a situation you’re describing. I don’t know how you’re even talking about this’,” he says. “But when you’re in such a high-risk environment for a period of time, you become quite desensitised to it. Those situations seemed quite menial to me. I definitely didn’t sit there while I was in Afghanistan and think, ‘Oh well, in seven or eight years from now, this will come back to haunt me’.” In the months after becoming a dad, Aaron’s mental health began to decline as he noticed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his time in combat. He’d wake with hot and cold sweats and suffer from night terrors. Bouts of ill-temper followed, and Aaron began arguing with his wife and self-medicating with alcohol – both of which were completely out of character. “I found myself getting angry at things that just shouldn’t make you angry, and it would take hours to calm down. I’d be in tears over the smallest of things, and just constantly bickering. What was meant to be a very happy time for me and my wife was becoming something unbearable.” While Aaron knew he needed help, it took time to take the step of reaching out. He still held the stoic, “suck-it-up” mentality that’s common among veterans – the
“It was finally an opportunity to talk about events, to process experiences and accept the hand that I’d been dealt.” Turning the corner Aaron Cornwall’s ordeal with PTSD predated ACU’s ground-breaking Student Veterans Support Program – a scheme that since its launch in 2019 has provided ex-servicemen and women with access to a range of services and resources to help ease their transition into university. It’s been established that strong social support and peer connection is important for veterans as they return to civilian life. These supports can be the catalyst for properly dealing with issues associated with military service. While Aaron had a limited peer network at the time of his breakdown, there are now at least 141 student veterans enrolled in ACU’s nine campuses – up from 21 in 2019. Not long before his stint in hospital, Aaron had a chance meeting with another student ex-serviceman at ACU. He quickly formed a connection that helped to soften his fall when his crisis escalated. “I had made lots of friends at uni, but none were Defence,” he says. “Then one day, I get to my classroom, sit down, and a guy introduces himself to the class. I see him and I’m like, ‘I know for sure that this guy’s going to be a Defence guy’.” They struck up a friendship that was unlike others he’d experienced at university.
“I could tell him what was happening to me, and he’d listen non-judgmentally and tell me about similar experiences. When I went into hospital, he became one of my points of contact on campus. He would tell the academic staff what was happening and would also let me know if there was anything I needed to know. That was really cool.” Once he had received treatment and returned to university, Aaron began to thrive. He connected with other student veterans, volunteered on campus, and travelled to Timor-Leste to participate in ACU’s Future in Youth program. Back at home in Australia, he worked closely with a diverse community of refugees and migrants in the Kicking Goals Together program. “I was actively involved with anything I could be,” Aaron says. When the opportunity came along to be involved in ACU’s Student Veterans Service, he jumped at it. “I pretty much just said, ‘What can I do? How can I help? I really want to contribute to this’. I knew there was going to be a demand for this type of support for student veterans, because it was a life-changer for me.” Now a co-ordinator for Student Veterans Services and near the completion of a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at ACU, Aaron is confident there are strong, visible networks in place to guide former soldiers in their entry and transition into university, and ongoing support through their degree and beyond. “I think ACU is uniquely placed to support student veterans in a way that hasn’t happened before, and to really lead the charge in Australia in creating veteranfriendly campuses,” Aaron says. “We want to be the institution that is setting the standard in veteran support in higher education, and in encouraging ex-serving members to consider university as an option. So that when a former soldier says, ‘University? No, I can’t do this’, we can say to them, ‘You know what? You probably can’.” Are you a current or former member of the Australian Defence Force who is keen to pursue university study? Check out ACU’s Student Veterans Support Program and explore your options. This story originally featured on ACU’s Impact and is republished with full permission.
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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
Paula McGowan celebrating her OBE from Queen Elizabeth II with students at St Francis Xavier’s Primary School, Belmont. Photo: Lizzie Snedden. Inset: Paula’s son, Oliver.
Painful beginnings for campaign Paula McGowan and husband Tom raised three children in England before migrating to Australia in 2018. Their move followed the death of their youngest son Oliver, two years before, at just 18 years of age. Paula successfully launched a parliamentary petition in England and as a direct consequence the British government announced the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism program for doctors and nurses. She reflects on Oliver’s legacy. Oliver was born a month premature and at three weeks of age developed bacterial meningitis. Doctors did not expect him to survive. Everybody who came into contact with Oliver warmed to him – there was something about him that drew people in, and this lasted throughout his life. Sadly, Oliver developed a second episode of meningitis and was again incredibly ill. Against all odds, and after many months of treatment, his determination prevailed and once again he survived. Oliver was left with mild hemiplegia, focal partial epilepsy, a mild learning disability and later on, was diagnosed with high-functioning autism. Oliver’s disabilities did not hold him back and his achievements amazed everyone. He played for England Development football squads, and as a registered athlete ranked third in England for track 200 metres. Team Bath was training him to become a Paralympian.
A natural leader, he was elected school prefect. He attended National Star College in Cheltenham, which spoke of his friendly nature, kind disposition, and support of students less able than himself. Oliver brought much happiness and fun to our lives. He always saw the best in everything and taught all of us how to look at things differently. He never failed to light up a room with his laughter. And he never complained. He accepted everything and always with a smile. His courage and enthusiasm were inspirational. A neurologist told us Oliver had a full life expectancy and would do so independently with a little support. In October 2015, Oliver was admitted to a children’s hospital, having what we and his teachers recognised as simple partial focal seizures. They caused him to be scared and confused. After weeks of tests Oliver was discharged home on antidepressant medication to treat anxiety. We were surprised as Oliver was not depressed. He loved life. Once this medication was increased, it caused a change to Oliver’s mood and escalated his seizures. As a result, in December 2015, he was admitted to the same hospital, but this time was given antipsychotic medications. Oliver did not have a diagnosis of psychosis or a mental illness. We strongly believed that doctors were misunderstanding Oliver’s normal autistic behaviours.
The effect on Oliver was catastrophic. Oliver’s seizure threshold and agitation deteriorated. We were terrified at the sudden changes in Oliver who was eventually held against his will under the Mental Health Act. We challenged this on numerous occasions, stating we felt it was the drugs that were causing the changes to Oliver’s mood and increase of seizures. A psychiatric bed could not be found, and doctors removed the antipsychotic medications. Within days Oliver’s mood and seizure activity returned to normal and he was discharged into our care. The discharging consultant psychiatrist wrote Oliver was sensitive to antipsychotic medications. In April 2016, following partial seizures, Oliver was readmitted to the same hospital. Unbelievably, he was again given antipsychotic medications. Lessons from his previous admission had not been learnt. We walked into Oliver’s room one day and found him having an oculogyric crisis, a serious dystonic side effect causing his eyes to roll upwards. He was left like this for six hours as the doctor at first believed it was behavioural. Procyclidine had to be administered to counteract this reaction. Again, Oliver’s mood changed significantly. He was hallucinating, having up to 30 seizures a day, experiencing problems urinating, and had extreme high blood pressure, all of which may well have been linked to his medication. We strongly
believed the drugs were the cause of decline in Oliver’s mood difficulties. It was obvious the doctors and nurses had little to no understanding of autism and how autistic behaviours could present in a person with ongoing seizure. When in seizure, Oliver was always fully conscious and because he had no control of them, they caused him to be frustrated and scared. He explained to me one day that it was “like having thousands of wasps constantly buzzing around inside your head and you can’t make it stop”. A neuropsychiatrist specialising in autism and epilepsy wrote that he had never come across any other patient like Oliver who had so much insight into his own condition. At my request, Oliver was transferred to a specialist adult hospital, which I thought would better understand his epilepsy. But it was intolerant of Oliver’s autistic and learning-disabled behaviours, had no understanding of sensory crisis or overload, and refused to take any direction from us or the learning disability nurse. Sadly, the use of physical restraint was increased, with up to eight staff involved. Three staff members surrounded his bed, and he was kept in a darkened room. He told me it was frightening. Oliver was again given different antipsychotic medications and consequently detained against his will for assessment and transferred to a specialist mental health
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paediatric intensive care hospital. The different approach from skilled staff allowed Oliver to improve almost instantly. Doctors and staff from the unit said Oliver was not psychotic or mentally ill and that his placement there was a total misuse of the Mental Health Act. They reduced all antipsychotic medications and Oliver was discharged into the care of a specialist learning disability team, again with a letter saying he was sensitive to antipsychotics and benzodiazepine medications. The community learning disability team was supportive and specialised in autism and learning disabilities. The community consultant psychiatrist wrote that Oliver was not psychotic or mentally ill. He believed Oliver’s behaviours were a result of autism, a mild learning disability and a busy environment that was not adapted to meet his needs. In October 2016, Oliver had a cluster of partial seizures and was admitted to a different general hospital. We provided supporting letters stating Oliver’s previous reaction to antipsychotic medications. It was written in bold red ink on Oliver’s medical care and drug charts that he was intolerant to all antipsychotic medications. The neurologist treating Oliver in A&E also emailed all doctors treating him. Oliver was intubated but later developed pneumonia. The safeguarding officer consulted on how to manage Oliver’s anxiety when sedation was reduced
advised a non-pharmaceutical approach with soft handcuffs and that his parents should be present as we would be able to reassure and comfort him. This advice was ignored. Sedation was reduced without our presence. Oliver would have felt scared waking with tubes in his throat and in unfamiliar surroundings without familiar faces. A neuropsychiatrist who had met Oliver for two, 10-minute appointments, asked us about giving Oliver an antipsychotic medication. We made it very clear she did not have our permission. Oliver had also made an advance verbal decision to ambulance staff and doctors in A&E that he did not want to be given antipsychotic medications. He said, “they mess with my brain, and make my eyes roll up”. He had capacity to remember the dystonic reaction he had incurred at the children’s hospital several months earlier.
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Oliver normally didn’t have these types of seizures. We begged doctors to scan his brain, explaining that Oliver could not afford any further damage to it. They told us they were not concerned. Two days later, doctors sent Oliver for an emergency MRI scan of his brain as one of his pupils was very slow to react. When Oliver returned, we instantly saw the worried expression on the ICU consultant’s face. Oliver’s brain was so badly swollen it was bulging at the base of his skull. The neurosurgeons and emergency doctors suspected neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a serious side-effect of antipsychotic medications.
Despite this, Oliver was given an antipsychotic medication. Over the next few days he developed a temperature of 42°. Doctors said his liver function was elevated and he was not given any medication to control the temperature other than a blow-up mattress filled with cold air. This was not effective.
Oliver’s brain was now so badly damaged we were told he would be profoundly disabled, have no speech, no understanding of language, and no way of communicating. He would be reliant on a tracheotomy and would be tube-fed for the rest of his life. Oliver was now paralysed. The dreams he once had of representing his country in athletics or football were stolen from him. That beautiful smile, sense of humour and words of wisdom were now gone forever. A week later we made the difficult decision to turn off Oliver’s life support machines.
Doctors could not understand the decline in Oliver’s condition as his pneumonia was improving and requiring far less oxygen. Oliver was now having tonic clonic seizures despite heavy sedation and paralysis drugs. This worried us because
His once promising life was wasted due to several doctors not communicating effectively with family and other practitioners who knew him well. Oliver’s death was entirely preventable. We have started the Oliver’s Campaign foundation
with a firm belief that people with a learning disability, autism or both, and their families and carers, should be consulted on treatments. It is essential that healthcare workers are educated in autism and learning disabilities. Paula McGowan is a learning support officer at St Francis Xavier’s Primary School in Belmont. As a result of her tireless advocacy for people with autism and intellectual disabilities, she was recently appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). While celebrating the bittersweet accolade with the St Francis Xavier’s Primary School community, Paula announced OBE should stand for “Oliver Behind Everything”.
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Out of Africa LIZ BAKER
Fr Camillus originally arrived in Australia as a University of Newcastle student. Photo: Peter Stoop
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
Born in Nigeria into a devout Catholic family, Fr Camillus Chinenye Nwahia attended daily Mass with his mother. This seed, nurtured over time and continents, eventually led him to a rewarding position as a Catholic chaplain at the University of Newcastle and as the assistant priest of Holy Trinity, Blackbutt North.
It was following this that she suggested I visit the university's Chaplaincy Centre."
"It was not a surprise to my parents and others close to my family when I started altar serving as a young boy,” he says. “On reflection, that was the beginning of my vocation journey."
"The chaplaincy team became a spiritual guide. I also met other people at the centre, and it wasn't long before I started to be invited to dinners and events like the Diocese's 'Pints with Purpose'. Through these contacts I was asked to play on a soccer team and in a very short time I had formed a circle of friends, and all my concerns started to settle.
Fr Camillus's early religious influences initially led him to join a religious community at age 20 in pursuit of becoming a priest. However, while in his final year at the seminary, his mother died and for the first time in his life he found himself at a crossroads. "My mother was my biggest fan. After her death, I felt I needed time to be able to reflect and gain clarity about what I should do with my life." He left Nigeria to discern his future. "I had lived most of my life as someone preparing to be a priest, and people were already seeing me as one. It was humbling, but I thought I would benefit from taking time out." Fr Camillus, then aged 30, was close to completing his theological degree at the seminary when he reached out to a friend who had moved to Newcastle. Following this conversation, he applied to the University of Newcastle to study a Master of Education (Leadership and Management). It was accepted, and within six months he had boarded a plane for Australia. "I did not know much about Australia. I knew about the kangaroos, of course, but did not bother much about the time difference and other practical things.” That life-changing flight more than a decade ago opened a world of possibilities. "I arrived in the country two days before lectures commenced, and I did not have time to make friends. Initially I struggled to understand the Aussie accent and for Aussies to understand mine." Fr Camillus spoke fluent English, but he relied on reading textbooks to get through his studies. All the while he was battling jetlag, homesickness, culture shock, differences in weather conditions, and the food. The combination of study and stress started impacting Fr Camillus's health, and an appointment at the university medical clinic was the next significant turning point in his journey. "I thought the doctor was going to prescribe some medications," Fr Camillus says. "But instead, she asked me to tell her a bit of my story. I spoke of my friends and family and about my faith.
Keen to take steps towards better health, Fr Camillus followed her advice. He credits the contact he had with the chaplaincy team as changing the trajectory of his stay in Australia.
"Life became a little bit easier for me." Fr Camillus still remained true to his intention of using his time in Australia to discern his vocation. In 2013, he approached Bishop Bill Wright to pursue once more his vocation to the ministerial priesthood, albeit in Australia. Bishop Bill was supportive of Fr Camillus's request and in 2016 he was ordained in front of a large crowd at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Fr Camillus's passion for supporting others who find themselves facing a similar plight led Bishop Bill to suggest he return to the university, but as a Catholic chaplain rather than a student. That was six years ago, and Fr Camillus still gets the same joy working as part of the chaplaincy team that supported him through those difficult early years in Australia. No two days are the same and he spends time accompanying students and staff on their own journey, supporting them and helping them find a balance between their study and the rest of life's elements. "Once I tell them I have been exactly where they are, they feel free to talk to me. Most of our discussions are not about faith and religion. Being a chaplain at the university allows me to be part of the spiritual and academic journey of so many, and I feel blessed that my experiences have served as food for others."
" I thought the doctor was going to prescribe some medications "
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St Vincent de Paul’s New Lambton conference celebrates 50 years of service. Photo: Peter Stoop
Never-ending road of service DARRELL CROKER
It was a journey that almost finished at a dead end on its first outing. On Thursday 13 May this year, the New Lambton conference of St Vincent de Paul “turned 50” and celebrated its golden jubilee with a well-attended Mass at St Therese’s church. The congregation prayed for 35 deceased members, 17 retired members, and the five remaining members. Of those five are two originals, Joy Loas, president, and Margaret Wheeler. In May 1971, St Therese’s parish in New Lambton was enduring an unusual situation. In a short timeframe, four women had lost their husbands, all at an early age. Those women faced a future of caring for 17 young children between them. Realising the need for action, Monsignor Casey arranged to support the ladies to start a St Vincent de Paul conference. “As far as we know this was the first ladies conference,” says Joy. “We started with five and it soon grew to 28.” But it almost stalled at the outset. The first “assignment” involved Joy and Margaret visiting an elderly St Therese’s parishioner at the Calvary Mater hospital. “It was quite harrowing for me,” says Joy. “This lady was only hours from death and the experience made me wonder if we would continue.” It did, and over the ensuing 50 years its
dedicated membership has helped look after God’s poor and disadvantaged. This has included visiting the sick, caring for children, transporting people to Mass, organising anointing Masses for the elderly, providing personal care for the elderly, and working at the Islington Centre “op shop”. “When clothing was scarce, we washed, ironed, and mended enough quality clothing for the needy,” says Joy. “We visited the homeless at the Matthew Talbot centre in Wickham and regularly ran the evening meal roster at the aged-care home at New Lambton. “One of the most rewarding calls to God’s care was to assist a family from Wee Waa. We met them doing interviews at Islington. The husband had lost a leg in a tractor accident, and they had a young boy with special needs. We organised the We Waa conference to assist them when they returned home but we continued to source and send medicine from Newcastle for the special needs boy. The letters of thanks in reply were heartfelt.” The biggest changes in the past 50 years relate to compliance. “There are a lot of regulations we have to deal with for our caring,” she says. “This includes police checks, working with children checks, children life-training, and a child-safe familiarisation program every two years.” The five members are proud of the new generation coming through. Mini Vinnies
at St Therese’s Primary School provides an abundance of non-perishables for the senior organisation to distribute. “The children contribute about two carloads twice a year,” says Joy. “At least eight of the St Therese’s Mini Vinnies students were at Mass recently. Their principal Duilio Rufo is a champion for our work and always willing to assist in any way.” St Therese’s reciprocates the sentiment. Anne Sturt, the teacher helping organise the school’s Mini Vinnies says: “It is with great admiration that the children of St Therese’s look to the ladies of our St Vincent de Paul Society in the parish of Holy Trinity. For many years, the children of Year 5 have been involved in Mini Vinnies, collecting groceries, and organising fundraising events for the poor. “Joy and her co-workers have shown the children Jesus’s message in action. Her hard work, generosity, and humble approach to helping others has inspired the children in their lives. How wonderful to be blessed with Joy!” Another memorable effort was helping a Sri Lankan family. The parents brought their son to the John Hunter for leukemia treatment, leaving behind an older daughter. The husband suffered a heart attack while they were living at Ronald McDonald House. The family experienced many difficulties, not the least financial, and the plight of the daughter being unable to reunite with them.
The ladies of New Lambton St Vincent de Paul offered extraordinary and long-lasting help. The boy survived and is doing well, and the daughter, who finally came to Australia aged 16, has graduated as an engineer. “We’re a spiritual organisation,” says Joy. “We fought a battle for ladies initially. It was a man’s domain at the time. I was doing talks for the Formation team then. And we’re still here doing a lot of outreach work.” The five extraordinary ladies, Joy, Margaret, Gwen Fuge, Joan Humbles and Barbara Strang would welcome some help. Anyone interested in joining should contact Joy Loas on 4952 2664 or Margaret Wheeler on 4957 1266.
" In May 1971, St Therese’s parish in New Lambton was enduring an unusual situation. In a short timeframe, four women had lost their husbands, all at an early age. Those women faced a future of caring for 17 young children between them.
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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
Kobe Duck with his classmates at St John Vianney Primary School, Morisset. Photo: Peter Stoop
Kobe bounces back BRITTANY GONZALEZ
It only takes a few minutes spent with eight-year-old Kobe Duck to be captivated by his cheeky grin and adventurous spirit. “He has a zest for life,” his mother Kristie Duck says, reflecting on her son’s rollercoaster life to date. The St John Vianney Primary School student had his life turned upside down when, aged five, he went to bed with a sniffly nose only to wake the next day, paralysed and struggling to breathe. Soon afterwards, Kobe was diagnosed with an incredibly rare disease, acute flaccid myelitis, which affects his ability to speak, eat, breathe, and swallow. It also affects the movement in his arms and the muscles that support his back. The diagnosis completely changed his life. Kobe became dependent on his mother. She was the only individual who could communicate with him through lip reading in those 18 months he was non-verbal. “It was really hard for him,” Kristie says. “The breakdown in his relationships due to his inability to speak meant he was often overlooked.” The COVID-19 pandemic intensified this feeling of isolation, with the entire Duck family having to adjust their way of life for an extended period to ensure Kobe’s compromised immune system was not placed in further jeopardy.
Their family abode was instantly transformed into an at-home rehabilitation centre, with his therapy sessions conducted via Zoom. Kobe’s father, Michael, stopped working from Sydney. Meanwhile, Kobe and his siblings quickly transitioned to learning from home. The only time the family left the house was to attend essential hospital appointments or collect groceries. Sustaining Kobe during this challenging time were small gifts, letters, and challenges he received from the Make-AWish Foundation. They were consolation for having to postpone his ultimate wish of having the opportunity to “live like a Youtuber in a mansion”. “News that his wish to stay in a mansion had to be postponed was deflating for Kobe,” Kristie says. “But the Make-AWish Foundation, through its constant flow of kindness, kept the excitement in the household up while we were in isolation.” Now, three years on from that fateful evening and, on the other side of the pandemic restrictions, things are starting to look up for the youngster. He and his family recently made their way to a mansion in Clarence Town for a short stay, courtesy of Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Amazing.” “Relaxing.” “Joyous.” “Fun.” “A disconnect.” Words that come to mind when Kristie
reflects on the quality family time the Ducks were able to enjoy together at the country estate.
Mr Devlin says since Kobe’s return to the school in 2019, he has served as an inspiration for many others.
“They [the kids] were just happy,” she says. “We switched off from what was happening in the outside world. We did not think about hospital visits or therapies. The focus was wholly and solely on having fun and spending time together as a family.”
“Kobe wants to be involved and he is determined to make sure it happens,” Mr Devlin says.
Back home, it is the little things that many take for granted, that are providing Kobe with the most joy. “It’s amazing to see him rebuild bonds with his siblings and classmates,” Kristie says. “Slowly but surely his speech is coming back and he can once again have those special little conversations without relying on me. It’s like his whole world has come back together.” Helping Kobe find his feet and use his voice is the St John Vianney Primary School community. From adjusting classroom spaces and fundraising, providing Kobe with extra time to complete tasks, to understanding not every morning will be the same, no request is too big or too small. “Despite missing almost a year of education, Kobe has made great gains,” school principal Simon Devlin says. “He has grown academically, he loves to draw, build and create, be surrounded by his friends and being active.”
“At the athletics carnival he told us he wanted to run without support. In the 200m race we placed him 20m out from the finish line so he could be part of the experience with his peers. It was a heartwarming moment to see him achieve his goal.” Through rehab, Kobe’s potential continues to be nurtured. Attending once a week, Kobe and his medical team continually set new targets, from gaining his voice back to now developing his ability to swallow larger volumes of liquid. “We don’t know where the journey is headed,” Kristie says. “We take each day as it comes, embrace every experience and opportunity that is presented to us and have fun along the way. “We’ve got lots of life to live.”
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If one word captures what is most important to Scone’s St Mary’s Primary School principal Kim Wilson, it is “community”. For the passionate Upper-Hunter-based educator, everything revolves around serving “community”: the people of Scone, her students and staff at St Mary’s, and, increasingly over the past few years, those in need in the Asian nation of Cambodia. Her journey to supporting a number of vital church-run projects overseas has been, as with much of Kim’s life, a response to concern and compassion for others. Although she grew up on a sheep farm, she always had a sense of the world beyond the Upper Hunter. “I’m a people person,” she says. “I love meeting new people and experiencing new cultures and seeing other parts of the world. While I love the Upper Hunter, I feel everyone should get out and see other places, or how the other half live.” In 2013, Kim’s passion for travel – nurtured as a backpacker after university – led her to undertaking the first of what would become several immersion trips. This particular one was organised by Catholic Mission, an agency of the Catholic Church dedicated to supporting missionaries in more than 160 countries . “Until then, I had spent a month in Japan learning to teach English, and I had been to Bali, as you do,” she says. With a group of 12, all teachers or from the Catholic Schools Office in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese, she spent 10 days in Vietnam and then 10 days in Cambodia. It was Cambodia that left a lasting mark on Kim’s heart and mind.
Immersion travel keeps giving DAVID McGOVERN
Principal at St Mary’s Primary School, Scone, Kim Wilson has led several immersion trips to Cambodia. Photo: David McGovern
“Cambodia was a whole new world,” she says. “We stayed in villages and slept on the floors, we showered by pouring saucepans of water over ourselves. You could see that these people, who had nothing, were still so happy. Their sense of community and family is just so tangible.” Among the projects that sparked Kim’s missionary zeal was St Francis School near Kampot, where they met a local bishop and some of the villagers. Nearby was the Peace Village, comprising several shacks housing members of local families who had contracted HIV or were living with AIDS. There were a couple of nuns living there, from Vietnam, and lay missionaries from other parts of the world. “The occupants all had disabilities and they couldn’t go to the state schools,” says Kim. “I felt I couldn’t go home and not do something,” Kim says. That passion and conviction eventually led her to introducing, through her school community, a concept inspired by Operation Christmas Child. Armed with
a list of names of Cambodian children, Kim rallied support from across the Upper Hunter and began collecting donations. “We had all these people who wanted to help, and we ended up packing all these bags,” she says. “However, then came the challenge of getting them there. There were lots of things against us, including customs.” The inner-travel agent in Kim kicked in. “I wasn’t planning on taking them over myself, I was going to send them over, but it all proved too hard. I tried Australia Post, I tried shipping and courier companies.” From that initial response, Kim has now harnessed support, including hosting immersion trips of her own and fundraising. Her supporters have kicked the can to the tune of $15,000 to date, allowing for a range of projects to be implemented, such as building wells to provide water. Kim says an immersion trip is different to more conventional travelling because you are not going as a “tourist”. “When we go, we stay with the people, and this gives us a real glimpse into their lives. I have two rules for anyone who comes with me to Cambodia. You have to give me 15kg of your luggage space, and we don’t spend any money here in Australia.” Much of what is packed for the trip is donated. “Everybody knows somebody and so we take anything that is for free, such as sporting equipment, clothes, and books.” Kim encourages everyone to consider taking part in an immersion trip. “It’s important to see how others live. We are part of a Catholic community and, as St Mary MacKillop said, ‘never see a need without doing something about it’.” Those who have accompanied her come back extremely grateful to have experienced the “non-tourist side of things”. “The people we visit are some of the poorest people in the world and yet they are so happy. They would give you the shirt off their back, they are so generous.” To find out more about immersion trips, or to register your interest in participating in one, contact Catholic Mission. David McGovern is the Diocesan Director for Catholic Mission in the MaitlandNewcastle Diocese
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CARE TALK
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
Care talk Stage those decisions ALICIA CURLEY
The Rosewood Centre’s registered psychologists address a new 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: The Rosewood Centre P 1800 613 155 or Lifeline 24/7 on P 131 114.
Do you have a question for us? Email your question to aurora@mn.catholic.org.au or write to Aurora-CareTalk PO Box 756 Newcastle 2300.
There's a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost ... I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I am in the same place. But, it isn't my fault. It still takes me a long time to get out. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I still fall in. It's a habit. My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it. I walk down another street. Portia Nelson Have you ever felt like you are taking a journey down this street? Maybe you enjoy the street you are on, or maybe you feel stuck? Maybe you see no way to get to a street without a hole? Or you may have even returned to the original street with the hole? Whatever the case may be for you, this is the journey of change. Change is defined as the act of transforming or giving a different direction and implies the act of moving from one state to another. Psychologists have long been interested in understanding and facilitating positive behaviour change with people. This behaviour change is understood as that transformative journey that unfolds for an individual over time. In 1983, Prochaska & DiClemente proposed “The Stages of Change” model to better
illustrate this journey an individual will move through. While the time spent in each stage, and the number of times an individual may return to each of the stages varies, the characteristics of and actions taken within each stage are quite similar. These are some characteristics of each stage. f Pre-contemplation. This is the very beginning stage where an individual has no intention to make any changes in the near future. An individual may be underinformed or unaware about any consequences of a particular behaviour, however other people often are. They may have had multiple unsuccessful attempts at change in the past, which can become discouraging. f Contemplation: There is intended action in the near future, usually within the next six months. An individual becomes more aware of the positives of changing, but they are also very aware of the negatives involved in changing, such as loss. Because of this mix, an individual may experience a strong uncertainty towards the change. f Preparation: When entering this stage, an individual has intent to take steps towards change in the immediate future. They may have already made “baby steps” towards change such as making a plan of action, joining a gym, consulting a counsellor, or talking to their GP. Those actions help the individual build momentum towards further action. f Action: An individual will begin to make obvious and considerable changes to their behaviour and/or environment, such as attending the gym regularly, using nicotine replacement therapy, or regular healthy eating choices. Every change to behaviour is not always considered action as this stage requires considerable commitment from the individual. f Maintenance: After an individual begins to take action, the focus moves to prevention of relapse. People begin to grow in their confidence, which
continues to maintain their change journey. f Relapse: Contrary to what you may think, relapse – or returning to the original street – is often a key part of learning and future success at change. There may be a relaxing of an individual’s guard or testing behaviours. People will often move through the stages a number of times. Stages of Change Model Precontemplation No intention of changing behaviour. Relapse Fall back into old patterns of behaviour.
Upward spiral learn from each relapse
Maintainence Sustained change. New behaviour replaces old.
Contemplation Aware a problem exists. No commitment to action.
Preparation Intent upon taking action. Action Active modification of behaviour.
Taking the steps to make changes, whether they are just small adjustments or huge lifestyle disruptions, can be difficult. So, whatever you may be looking to change in your own life – from tackling those extra few Covid kilos to quitting smoking, consider the support available to help you. Research suggests that any measures you can implement to help keep you accountable – from journaling your progress and setbacks, to asking a friend to help keep you on track, particularly if you suspect you may have weak moments – or seeking support from a professional such as a psychologist or coach to help you set realistic goals and plans, will all go a long way to helping you successfully embark on a transformative journey.
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ALUMNI
Lisa Tierney was recently appointed as the Diocese’s Chief Operations Officer. Photo: Peter Stoop
Lisa Tierney is a highly regarded Hunter community leader who has held senior management positions across several high-profile not-for-profit and commercial organisations. She has also been elected as a councillor on the City of Newcastle and Maitland City councils. Throughout her career Lisa has led significant organisational growth and change with demonstrable experience in developing and sustaining positive and accountable working environments. She brings this experience into her newest role as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) for the Catholic Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle. Lisa only started in May this year, but she has already made strong inroads through her commitment to undertaking work experience alongside frontline staff. It is also a homecoming for the mother of three. What Catholic school/s did you attend? St James’ Primary School, Kotara and St Joseph’s Primary School, Charlestown. Why did your parents choose a Catholic education for you? Both my parents started out their careers as teachers. My mother later went on to become the Chief Executive Officer of a charity, and my father a Federal Senator. They were passionate about pursuing a life of public service and charitable work, and I think they made the decision to send me and my siblings to Catholic schools as they felt the environment would reinforce these values.
What is your fondest memory from your schooling years? My experience attending Catholic schools in this Diocese was very positive, as was my time spent at the neighboring St James Kotara Parish, where I formed part of Fr Flynn’s choir. It was there that I made great friendships and felt part of the community. What motivated you to apply for a role at the Catholic Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle? The most recent COO role I held, at Compass Housing, opened my eyes to a different Australia that I did not know existed on such a large scale. It is one of widespread poverty, homelessness, and suffering that most people don’t comprehend unless they are heavily engaged in the social housing and welfare sectors. I want to be part of the solution and feel the Catholic Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle is making significant progress in this area, particularly in terms of prevention, as well as providing ongoing support. What has surprised you most about the COO role? While I had respected the work of the Diocese from afar, I had not realised the scale and diversity of the service offerings it provides. The Diocese is the third-largest employer in the Hunter, employing more than 4,500 staff across its schools, early education centers, social services, safeguarding, shared services and parishes. I have been impressed by
the synergies that exist between diocesan agencies, with numerous examples of staff from different backgrounds uniting to provide support and services to some of the most vulnerable people in our community, helping them to reach their potential. I quickly came to realise it is an organisation that has a feeling of kindness among its people who show genuine compassion towards those they serve. What do you expect will be your biggest challenge? All the diocesan agencies are unique, which presents some challenges in providing operational services that best support the breadth of their programs in a functional and effective manner. However, despite their uniqueness, they are united in their mission to serve the community. This is reflected in the multitude of leaders from across the different agencies coming together regularly to collaborate, which I am confident will mean that any challenges arising from the multiplicity will be outweighed by the collective wisdom present in the organisation. How would you describe your leadership style? I hope to serve the Diocese well, using a leadership approach I have developed along the way and that draws on my thirst for continual learning, from attempts and failures, more attempts and ultimate successes. Some lessons were hard lessons, which is the best kind because you don’t repeat them. Three quotes underpin my leadership philosophy. They are:
1. Seek first to understand then to be understood – Stephen Covey Gaining a deeper understanding brings about the best decision making, which can only be achieved by really listening and as much as possible, first-hand experiences. One thing I love to do is work alongside the people on the frontline, which often exposes my clumsiness in certain areas. These encounters bring me back to earth with a thud, and I can see more clearly where my focus needs to be. 2. Do anything, but not everything – David Allen I have learnt trying to control everything is unhealthy for you, your team and the organisation as a whole. It will also inevitably result in burnout. The willingness to do anything though earns respect and opens the door to new opportunities and learning experiences. This is where I draw inspiration and drive. 3. Don’t sacrifice culture for outcomes – guest speaker at Hunter Leadership Forum … or culture will come back to bite you, big time. With the best of intentions, we can want a strategic outcome so badly we become blind to the wider impact on culture. This does not mean we shouldn’t make bold decisions and strategic changes, just make sure the people come along with you. The impact on people is always number one in the planning process as a poor culture does serious harm to an organisation’s mission.
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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
On the road to education SEAN SCANLON
Spaces in early education centres across the region were sparse back in 2015 and parents were crying out for help. Recognising their need and motivated by a desire to support family life, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle responded. In 2016, the Diocese opened two childcare centres under the banner of St Nicholas Early Education – one in the Newcastle CBD and the other in Singleton. The community response was overwhelmingly positive.
2016
The St Nicholas agency was formed, and the following year two early education centres were opened
2016
Est. St Nicholas Early Education Current snapshot: 11 centres 300 staff Medium Employer of the Year finalist, 2020 NSW Training awards
2018
Est. St Nicholas OOSH Current snapshot: 29 services 3,000 children enrolled 230 staff
2019
Est. St Nicholas Pathways Current snapshot: 83 staff in training, includings 30 school-based trainees 3 Trainee of the Year finalists, 2020 NSW Training awards 4 Trainee of the Year finalists, 2021 NSW Training awards
In the years since the Diocese took those first steps, St Nicholas has grown. The St Nicholas agency collectively provides education services spanning early education, out of school hours care (OOSH) and vocational education through our Pathways program. The St Nicholas journey has been positive. We are proud to currently provide quality care to more than 6,000 children across 29 OOSH services and 11 early education centres, some in locations where there were previously no such options. Helping us to achieve this are more than 500 talented staff, including dozens of enthusiastic trainees. While not everything has been smooth sailing, particularly due to uncertainties caused by Covid, I am grateful for how far we have come. Looking to the future, St Nicholas remains resolute in its commitment to supporting
and partnering with families to nurture and inspire children and young people as they develop the skills to thrive at home, at school, and in society. With a desire to ensure sustained growth without compromising quality or ethos, the Diocese recently launched its St Nicholas Strategic Plan 20212024. The agency’s strategic direction is grounded in our purpose and guided by four intersecting themes: community and partnerships, sustainability, growth, and quality.
Reflecting the Diocese’s continued commitment to the growth of the St Nicholas and supporting families and children and students we recently appointed an Executive Director of St Nicholas, David Healy. David will oversee the implementation of the Strategic Plan across the three arms of the agency comprising St Nicholas Early Education, St Nicholas OOSH, and St Nicholas Pathways. David has extensive leadership experience and joins St Nicholas from Connecting Families, where for the past two years he was the Director of Child Protection & Family Services.
I am mindful that the generous support of our community underpins St Nicholas’ success. To the families who have entrusted us to care for your children; to the staff who have helped us to nurture and educate; to the students who have chosen to undertake vocational training in our centres; to the industry partners who have helped us enrich our service offerings; and, to the children themselves, whose energy continues to drive us to achieve more, thank you. We look forward to serving and partnering with you as we embark on the next chapter of the St Nicholas journey.
Siblings’ love celebrated on canvas Isabel Black Gracia’s portrait of her brother, Diego, currently hangs in the prestigious Art Gallery of NSW. It is a feat many artists dream of, and Isabel has achieved it at just 10 years of age. Her teachers at St Peter’s Primary School in Stockton nominated her work for the Young Archie award, and shared in Isabel’s delight when it was announced as one of
40 finalists from more than 2,100 entries. Teacher, Jane Boyd says there is something about the artwork that makes it stand out. “It’s been created with so much care and attention to detail, and it is such a beautiful reflection of her brother,” Mrs Boyd says. The portrait of Diego is a celebration of the siblings’ connection, and was
created using oil pastels, water pencils, crayons, and textas as well as a collage of newspaper and magazine clippings. The budding artist chose Diego as the subject of her portrait because she was asked to create an image of someone she loved. “I chose to do lots of colour because he is a very colourful person and always happy,” Isabel says.
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COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Social Justice Art Exhibition
NAIDOC Week: Heal Country, heal our nation
Alive in the Spirit
The Social Justice 2020-2021 Statement, To Live Life to the Full: Mental health in Australia today, provides the opportunity to better understand mental illness and how as social beings we need the bonds of family, friends, and the broader community to celebrate the joys and hopes of life.
NAIDOC Week is an occasion for all Australians to come together to show care for Country. This year's theme calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protection of our lands, our waters, and our sacred sites, to be protected against exploitation, desecration and destruction.
Alive in the Spirit is an innovative online conference, offering a next-level experience to participants through a variety of keynote speakers, home-grown workshops, and enriching prayer and worship encounters.
Individuals in our community were invited to create an artwork based on the themes found in the Social Justice Statement, which will form part of the Social Justice Art Exhibition. Come along and view these excellent pieces of art, as well as celebrate our winners.
'Heal Country, heal our nation', is a way to join together and celebrate our Country as one nation.
Exhibition date: Saturday 17 July Time: 2pm-5pm
We invite all Australians to connect to Country to join us to celebrate the beginning of NAIDOC Week in an Ecumenical Service at Sacred Heart Cathedral. It commences with music in the garden before a smoking ceremony leads us into an ecumenical service followed by soup and damper. Registration is essential for catering purposes and to comply with COVID restrictions.
Location: The Veritas Centre (San Clemente High School, Mayfield NSW)
Time: 1.30pm-4.00pm
Praying the Gospels
RSVP: mncatholic.eventbrite.com.au
You are invited to connect and pray with each other across the Diocese from your own home. God speaks to us through the words of the Gospel and then through artists’ images of the Gospel message.
KEY DATES NAIDOC Week: 4-11 July ASPIRE: 21-24 July
For more information to register for the Alive in the Spirit Conference, head to: https://aliveinthespirit. com.au/book-now/
ASPIRE – The Masked DJ
Location: Sacred Heart Cathedral and Cathedral House – 841 Hunter St, Newcastle West
For more information contact: rose.mcallister@mn.catholic.org.au
Helene's workshop Sport and Spirituality aka Faith and Fitness, will discuss ways in which parishioners can use technology to stay in touch with their community through in-home workouts.
Date: Sunday 4 July
For more information: rose.mcallister@mn.cathlic.org.au
Join us each Wednesday 5.00pm-5.45pm.
We are delighted to share that Parish-Family Liaison Officer for the Catholic Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle, Helene O'Neill, has been selected as a workshop presenter for this conference.
Alpha Online (15 July-16 September) The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is offering a 10‑week online course through the Alpha program for anyone who would like to explore questions about life, faith, and Christianity. Alpha is a relaxed online program delivered on Thursday evenings each week for 10 weeks from 6.30pm to 8pm starting 15 July. RSVP through mncatholic.eventbrite.com.au or email Natasha.Brotherton@mn.catholic.org.au by 8 July so you can be sent the Zoom link.
The Catholic Schools Office proudly presents ASPIRE’s 10th original production, The Masked DJ. The action-packed theatrical performance, staged at the majestic Civic Theatre, looks at the masks we all wear, both physical and metaphorical, whether it be in real life or on social media. Featuring a soundtrack that takes you through the history of dance music from disco and funk, to dub step and house, this show is designed to get everyone on their feet with their hands in the air. Date: Wednesday 21 - Saturday 24 July Time: Matinee and evening performances Location: Civic Theatre Newcastle Tickets: Available on the Civic Theatre’s website Cost: Range between $21 and $36 per person.
For more events, please visit mn.catholic.org.au
National Pyjama Day: 19 July International Day of Friendship: 30 July
Art for the ages St Joseph’s Primary School student Mikaela McGill was caught by total surprise when the Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley AC QC, recently announced her as the winner of a national competition. Mikaela took out the top gong for Interrelate’s Say No to Bullying poster competition, with her artwork including the words “Responsible for your actions, respect others, respect yourself”. “I’m very happy and excited,” Mikaela
says of the achievement. Each year the students attending the Charlestown school are encouraged to participate in the competition. School principal, Kate Drake says the school is very proud of Mikaela. “The artwork showcases her deep understanding of the need for respectful relationships and her hope-filled spirit has shone through in her detailed and creative poster.”
And while it was Mikaela who took out the award, Mrs Drake says the benefits of the competition apply to all the students who take part. “It gives them the freedom to illustrate the adverse effects that bullying can have on people and it also helps them to create messages of hope and positivity that challenge injustice and promote respect, fairness and kindness in our world.”
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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
Sacred Spaces: A Journey into Discovery, Truth and Right Relation JENNIFER RUMBEL
As a Kamilaroi woman I wish to acknowledge the research project I am involved in is being conducted in the country of the Worimi, Gamilleroi, Wonarua, Gweagul, Darkinjung, Biripi and Awabakal peoples. I respectfully acknowledge their Elders and their continuing connection to land, water, sea and community. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. As a Kamilaroi woman I wish to extend an invitation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics to participate in an empowering research project that seeks to address the lack of Indigenous voices in our Diocese history. This research seeks to provide a platform for the previously unheard voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to their experiences both past and present with the Catholic Diocese. This study will provide culturally appropriate Sacred Spaces in which to share our Sacred Stories and allow that which has been previously unheard and unseen to be audible, visible and visceral. The story of the project This research project came directly from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Ministry, as we began to explore the creation of our Reconciliation Action Plan in 2019.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Ministry is a collaborative group in the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese. It was established in 1975 and currently meets bi-monthly. Our membership now includes stakeholders from all services within the Diocese including the Catholic Schools Office, Aboriginal Advisers, Aborignal teaching and support staff; clergy, staff and parishioners; and Aboriginal staff members of CatholicCare. You may recall reading about the Reconciliation Action Plan in the July 2020 edition of Aurora, where it was noted: “A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a powerful tool for advancing social change. Organisations that adopt a RAP can influence the attitudes and behaviours of the people who they guide, through either employment or study.” The RAP process has become the catalyst for a renewed interest in exploring the shared histories and stories of the Diocese and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics. My story My initial thirst for knowledge began with the Sisters of St Joseph when I undertook the three-year, part-time Christian Formation Course at Lochinvar. Not long after completing this course, I discovered the University of Newcastle’s Theology degree. From the beginning I was drawn to Aboriginal Studies and made the
decision to choose all my elective subjects from this field. It was this initial decision that later allowed me to complete my Bachelor of Aboriginal Studies (Honours). Interestingly, following this initial decision to undertake Aboriginal Studies came the painful discovery and disclosure of my paternal grandfather’s full story, of his Aboriginality, removal, and relocation. To uncover this truth was painful, and it was at the time when my own father was dying and seeking answers. Through my own personal experience and research, I have become aware of what it is like to have your narrative stolen. In 2017, my Honours research examined my own Aboriginality and spiritualty, which led me in 2019 to enrol in a PhD at Wollotuka at the University of Newcastle to further explore the spiritual heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics in our Diocese. Would you like to share your story? In August 2021, I will provide an independent online survey for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics across the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese, to participate in and share their experiences and stories. The link to this anonymous survey will be accessible from the Maitland-Newcastle diocesan website. Please note, only the researchers will have access to the survey and the information contained.
From the initial online survey, I am also seeking a small number of people to participate in a single one-to-one interview. The outcome of this research will provide valuable information to support the mission of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Ministry in its ongoing efforts to develop and promote a diverse and inclusive Reconciliation Action Plan. This research will provide a Sacred Space in which our Sacred Stories can be shared, cherished, respected and upheld. I look forward with great hope and enthusiasm to hearing your stories. Contacts Should you wish to make any enquires about this project, please email: Jennifer Rumbel Jennifer.rumbel@uon.edu.au or Principal supervisor Dr Ray Kelly raymond.kelly@newcastle.edu.au Jennifer Rumbel is a PhD Candidate at the Wollotuka Institute, at the University of Newcastle. Her research project is funded by the University of Newcastle and a part scholarship from the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese through C H Davis Scholarship.
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SOLD O ows UT TIcket s selli ng
the MASKED
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DJ 21 - 24 JULY 2021 Bookings through Civic Theatre Newcastle www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au Adult: $36 Under 19: $26 Family Ticket: $92
Concession: $26 Group 10+: $30 SCHOOL GROUP: $13.50