AURORA - Summer 2022-23

Hark! The herald angels sing...

My word 4

Sharing the spirit of Christmas 6

A matter of freedom of speech? 7

In Brief 8

2022 – The year in review 10

On the road to a bright future 14

New name, same great service 15

Census figures don’t measure spirit 17

Stories from World Youth Day 18

Recalling the joys and challenges of leadership 20

Give the gift of education this Christmas 22

On the cover:

Fletcher Goodchild dressed as a Christmas angel.

PHOTO: Peter Stoop

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is located on traditional lands of Awabakal, Biripi Darkinjung, Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri, Wonnarua, and Worimi peoples. We honour the wisdom of and pay respect to, Elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge the spiritual culture of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. We have much to learn from this ancient culture.

Glory to new-borntheking...

LIZZIE WATKIN

Each December we are reminded, through the magic of carols, of the time when Christ was born in Bethlehem.

Thoughtful lyrics composed eons ago, such as ‘Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born king” serve to awaken in us a deep longing to experience the closeness of God; a desire to live in a peaceful world; and a hope to end suffering.

And yet in the lead up to this Christmas, more so than any other, I have witnessed a tremendous stress bearing down on many. Far from being the most wonderful time of the year, the juggle of meeting the rising costs of living while also fulfilling a desire to provide material gifts to loved ones is becoming increasingly challenging for more and more of us.

Recently, as I clicked my way through various shopping sites my thoughts were in constant battle. I knew that in just a few days’ time I would write this column and encourage you to embrace the ‘true spirit of Christmas’. Yet, there I was, prepared to spend beyond my means in the pursuit of frivolous objects to demonstrate how much I love my friends and family this Christmas.

And so, I took a moment to step away from my virtual shopping spree and in doing so, found myself on a Facebook forum that’s become a meeting place for thousands of Hunter-based parents and carers to discuss all manner of things.

And there on the forum, I bore witness to the words of the Gospel being bought to life. Just like those who made room for Mary and Joseph in the stable, strangers invited entire families to join their Christmas celebrations. And, not dissimilar to the kindness displayed by the Three Wise Men, there were countless offers of gifts to ensure no child would go without.

Through these simple but powerful acts, which eased the pain of others, I was reminded that the spirit of Christmas remains alive and welleven in today’s modern society which gives rise to a consumerist cultureand, that we all have a role to play in sharing the joy of the Gospel.

Editor: Lizzie Watkin

Design: David Stedman

Regular Contributors: Elizabeth Baker, Tim Bowd, Alexander Foster, Gemma Lumsden and Elizabeth Symington

Of course, the amount you spend on someone at Christmas should never be regarded as the currency for which you measure the love between two people. Despite knowing this to be true, it’s a concept I’m embarrassed to admit I still grapple with at times.

It was there I came across a post from a single mother who explained her, and her children would be alone this Christmas and with no spare funds to create any Christmas ‘magic’, she was asking for ideas of how she could make the day special for her children. A flurry of comments followed in response to this lady’s post- some from other parents in a similar position- and others wanting to help.

And so, I say, ‘Glory to the newborn king’ who showed us that while we may not always have the physical means to buy lavish gifts or prepare feasts for others, the act of reaching out to others through kind words, prayers, and actions costs nothing and can mean just as much… and may I, and others, be reminded of this altruistic love each time I grapple with my Christmas shopping list.

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MY WORD

O Come, All Ye Faithful

FR GREG BARKER

Boey Nancarrow, Alana Barnes, Pearl Adamson and Sophie Porter form part of St Josheph’s Primary School’s Choir. PHOTO: Peter Stoop

”

In spite of all the hype, I truly do love Christmas. I happily sing carols in the weeks leading up to that blessed event. Singing loudly and proudly of mangers and shepherds, kings and angels and ‘snow that lays round about, deep and crisp and even’.

Sometimes in Tasmania, where I am from, Christmas day does have snow that lays round about, but rarely deep or even!

The message in all the carols reflects the true spirit of the season - the birth of Christ. Like all births it heralds a new beginning and is a celebration of the possibility to come as a child, that child particularly, grows to maturity. It is full of promise and opportunity.

Many of us go overboard with our giving. We get caught in thinking the price tag is reflective of how much we love those we are buying for. I don’t feel we count the cost, thankfully, as much when we receive. We are generous and kind when offered a gift, knowing intrinsically that it is truly the thought that counts.

‘Good King Wenceslas’ is my favourite carol. I sing it with all the gusto that is the joy of the Christmas season. Putting all the right emphasis on the syllables of Wen-ces-las as one must!

There are elements to the carol I especially like. The noticing of someone in need and the desire to transform a ‘poor man’s’ life comes immediately to mind. The recognition that our own lives are enhanced when we do that is also important.

The poor man can offer nothing in return to the wealthy man. The generosity of the giving carries the carol. I like, too, that the servant who accompanies his king is also offered thoughtful kindness. There is effort in the giving and generosity in the sharing.

We don’t have to look far to find those who need our care at Christmas. The ‘poor man’ could easily be a family member estranged, a parent having to work on Christmas day, a family suffering the loss of a loved family member, a job, a friend or a home.

The giving trees in shopping centres, churches and community centres are perfect ways to share generously and anonymously with others. Many community centres, the St Vincent De Paul Conference and CatholicCare kitchens, together with other agencies, offer opportunities for hampers or community lunches where all are welcome to contribute or attend. And you don’t have to be alone, lonely or without to come together and celebrate with them. All you need is to accept the invitation to be present – the greatest present of all.

It is after all in the giving that we receive. As the carollers sing ‘wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing’. Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas time. Be safe.

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle invites you to celebrate Christmas, by attending one of the many Mass services held in Catholic churches across the Hunter and Manning regions. Additionally, you might also enjoy attending a Carols by Candlelight event, such as the one St Joseph’s Primary School students (pictured opposite and on the cover) will be attending on Saturday 17 December, at All Saints’ College St Peter’s Campus in Maitland. The Carols event will commence at 5.00pm and everyone is invited to join in the celebration, which will include a visit from Santa, food and drinks, market stalls and of course, carolling.

To find out more, or to see what Christmas Mass services and Carols by Candlelight events are happening in your area, scan the QR code.

Father Greg Barker is the Diocesan Administrator

“

I sing it with all the gusto that is the joy of the Christmas season...

Sharing the spirit of Christmas

The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Forster thanks to one family’s generous tradition.

For more than three decades, Greg Byrne and his family have shared their Christmas lunch with anyone who’s looking for food, support, or connection during the holiday season.

“In 1986, Father Tony Brady, who was the Parish Priest at the time was worried about people being alone on Christmas Day,” Greg said.

“So, my wife and I said to him we’ll bring our Christmas lunch across to the hall and anyone who wants to join us is welcome.

“That was the start of it, and it’s been going every year since.”

While the numbers fluctuate from year to year, Greg says they usually have about 50 people stop by to share the joy of Christmas.

“We get donations from the community and if there are any shortfalls, I go shopping and St Vincent de Paul help pay for that food.

“It’s wonderful the way it all works out –the good Lord looks after it all for us.”

Come Christmas day the hall, which now also plays host to CatholicCare’s Forster Community Kitchen throughout the year, is transformed into a festive wonderland. There along to help the Byrne family decorate are fellow Forster Parishioners, who also often stay and help prepare and share in the meal.

Greg said over the years he and his family realised that Christmas could be a sad time for people who were separated from their family and friends.

“I’ve kept it going because there is a need for it, there are people that are alone on Christmas and need the company,” he said.

“It’s also part of the meaning of Christmas – giving.

“I used to say to my children on Christmas morning, ‘you’ve got your gifts and now it’s time to give back to others, people who are less fortunate than you’.”

“Celebrating Christmas Day lunch in the Church Hall, helping to share the meal with community members (who were often strangers to them), was the only way my children knew to experience Christmas Day.

“As they grew older, they appreciated the value in that.”

Every event is special for the family, but Greg has one memory that constantly comes to mind.

“We picked up a lady from an aged care facility one year and she said Christmas Day was a terrible and lonely time for her because all the other families would

come and take their grandmothers or grandfathers home with them for Christmas,” he said.

“She didn’t have any family, so she was alone in the village, and it was a sad time for her, so she was most appreciative of being able to get together with people and enjoy lunch.”

When asked why he remained so dedicated to welcoming others, Greg’s answer was simple.

“It’s living out the spirit of Christmas,” he said.

For anyone interested in attending the free lunch, the hall at 31 Lake Street, Forster will be open from 11.30am before lunch is served at 1pm.

Volunteers, diners, and donations are always welcome.

ELIZABETH SYMINGTON

Greg invites the community to share Christmas lunch with him in Forster. PHOTO Callam Howard. INSERT: Fr Tony Brady with Greg’s son, Michael

A matter of freedom of speech?

SEAN SCANLON

When Andrew Thorburn was appointed chief executive of Essendon Football Club in October, few predicted his tenure would be so brief. After just 24 hours in the job, Thorburn resigned following criticism of his role as chair of the conservative City on a Hill church, which is part of the Anglican Diocese.

The resulting fallout led to fierce public debate regarding freedom of religious belief and free speech.

At the time, Thorburn told SEN radio that his involvement with the church related to governance.

“I’m not a pastor, my job in a governance role is to make sure it’s run well, I don’t always agree with what’s said.”

In a statement, he went on to say, “It became clear to me that my personal Christian faith is not tolerated or permitted in the public square, at least by some and perhaps by many.”

“People should be able to hold different views on complex personal and moral matters, and be able to live and work together, even with those differences, and always with respect,” Mr Thorburn said.

As the chief executive of the Diocese, I watched the Andrew ThorburnEssendon football club saga with interest. Some of my own experiences have echoed this strange affair.

I recently attended a conference in Melbourne where the journalist, Greg Sheridan, was guest speaker. Mr Sheridan has written a number of bestselling books on the place of Christianity in the world today. According to their author, the books are bestsellers because there are so few people writing on the subject.

In his speech that evening Mr Sheridan spoke of Andrew Thorburn and being a Christian in the public square today.

Some years ago, I was the chairman of the Board of Athletics NSW. This was a role I enjoyed immensely because, as a former athlete, I had the opportunity to give back to the sport I loved and that had given me many opportunities and friendships.

However, one of the things that surprised me when I came to the role was the reactions of some to having a Catholic, and a Catholic who worked for the Church, ‘in charge of the sport’. It seemed that there were a couple perspectives on this. Firstly, whilst Catholics had been on the board before me, the fact that they were Catholic was not obvious, other than perhaps by their Irish surnames. Apparently, only ‘good Protestants’ had been chairmen, and by way of that position also presidents of the sport. The mostly, grey-haired old men who attended AGMs seemed to prefer it that way.

I was rather surprised by that thinking. I had heard my father talking about the old days when there was a schism between Catholics and Masons in Cessnock where I grew up. The irony of this was that my Catholic grandfather had built many houses for Masons and our family had close friends who were from Masonic families. Interestingly, my cousin is now very involved in the Mason fraternity, and the ideas of community and service run deep with both groups today.

But getting back to my athletics experience - the other school of thought on my position seemed to be that the ‘crimes of the Catholic Church’ would rub off on the Athletics movement.

Ultimately, the role I held was an elected position and therefore that process decided whether I was on the board or not; there have been other Catholics, although not so obviously, holding the chairman’s position since. The thinking behind my experience and that of Andrew Thorburn intrigues me. If you are associated with a particular organisation, must you be the same as everyone else in that organisation and think the same way? And because you have held a certain view in the past is it assumed you will always hold it? Perhaps this is a form of punishment for an organisation’s failures to deliver to people who are associated with that organisation. But I don’t necessarily think that the reaction is about freedom of speech as people suggest. Instead, I believe it is really a form of scapegoating.

Sean Scanlon is the Chief Executive Officer of the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle

May Advent awaken us to God’s presence in our daily lives

On the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis called on us to “awaken from our slumber” and to always be aware of the presence of God and welcome Him in our daily lives.

Welcoming pilgrims in Saint Peter’s Square, the Pope emphasised that “God conceals Himself in the most common and ordinary situations in our life,” and we need to be constantly aware of this reality, not awaiting extraordinary events. This can be when we face someone in need, a chance encounter, or even in what might seem quiet or dull moments of daily life. “It is right there that we find the Lord, who calls to us, speaks to us, and inspires our actions.”

The Pope said Advent is the time we can be “shaken out” of our lethargy and awakened “from our slumber” to be vigilant always. We can ask ourselves if we are alert and vigilant, and if we “recognise God’s presence in daily situations,” saying that if we are unaware of this reality today, we will be unprepared when He arrives at the end of times.

Vee the Sheep, Bruno the Chihuahua, and Johnny Cash the Bantam Hen were just a few of the animals that had an experience as unique as their names when they were ceremonially blessed at St Joseph’s, East Maitland recently.

The group of animals on leashes, in cages or in arms or bowls gathered, alongside their owners, under the shade of a large tree for the parishes first Regional Pet Blessing.

Father George Anthicad led the Blessing with support from Father John Vien Vo and Father Graham Fullick. The pets were ‘met’ and then sprinkled with Holy Water.

“There were many people of all ages from various Regional Parishes united in a love of animals and our God who creates and blesses them,” Father Graham said.

Father George’s intercessory prayers offered a reminder of animals’ gifts to us and our role in caring for them as part of God’s creation.

The event was so successful that the parish plans on hosting a Pet Blessing at least once a year.

Going green secures gold

An initial humble effort to reduce waste at St Brigid’s Primary School in Raymond Terrace has developed into a whole school environmental action plan and the securing of the NSW Minister’s Young Climate Champions Award.

In their submission for the award, the school told of the purchase of new bins and the implementation of a radical new sorting system that separates playground waste into REDcycle, cans and bottles, and landfill.

“In the classroom, we are sorting our glue sticks and pens for recycling, and we initiated plans to overhaul our canteen waste. In the gardens, we are building a habitat for butterflies and bees and composting our scraps. Initially, this was

driven by our Year 6 students, however, this has now changed, and we have the whole school involved. As a result, not only have we halved our landfill contribution, but we have also changed behaviours!” they wrote.

As winners of an NSW Sustainability Award, St Brigid’s Primary School has automatically been entered into the prestigious 34th National Banksia Sustainability Awards. The school community is also celebrating the announcement that they are finalists in the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Awards and the Kreative Koalas Competition because of their sustainability efforts.

Why did a chicken, goldfish and sheep visit St Joseph’s, East Maitland?

Share the Christmas spirit with Fr Eugen

This Christmas, Catholic Mission is inviting you to learn the story of Fr Eugen from Romania.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, guided by the missionary spirit, Fr Eugen and a network of volunteers have opened their hearts and homes to welcome families fleeing conflict.

With the war still ongoing, Fr Eugen has said the support provided to him by Catholic Mission and its generous donors enable him to continue to provide a safe environment for the refugees who have had to leave their country under duress.

To help Fr Eugen continue this important work and assist Catholic Mission to support those in most need, please consider sharing in the Christmas spirit by donating at catholicmission.org.au

Bishops formally approve Plenary Council acts, decrees

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has formally approved the acts and decrees of the Fifth Plenary Council and they have now been sent to the Apostolic See for review.

The Bishops Conference also approved the terms of reference for the review of the implementation of the Plenary Council. The terms of reference were set out by the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council, which concluded its work at the November plenary meeting.

Plenary Council vice-president Bishop Shane Mackinlay said the work of implementation – the Council’s third and final stage – would be critical.

“There might have been a deeper sense of excitement during the period of preparation and certainly through the time of the Council’s celebration, but it will be in the implementation that the fruits of these years will be seen,” he said.

The implementation phase will see oversight and coordination for each decree of the Plenary Council entrusted to at least one of the Bishops Conference’s commissions. Those commissions will provide reports to the May 2023 plenary meeting of the Bishops Conference. Another review will be undertaken in 2025, with a final review report to be published in 2027.

You can’t put a price on stability in care, but a financial support package certainly helps

The NSW Government recently announced a suite of changes to be introduced to the out-of-home care sector, including the extension of financial support for foster carers to enable care to continue until the recipient is 21.

On the back of the announcement Director of CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning, Gary Christensen said the Your Choice Your Future package was overdue but welcomed.

“As well as benefiting these young people and their carers directly, the wider community will also bear witness to the benefits this investment in our youth is expected to yield. For example, other states already extending the support have reported a reduced risk of youth homelessness, drug and alcohol dependency, incarceration and greater engagement in education and employment,” Mr Christensen said.

“Most significantly, though, the announcement by Premier Perrottet is an acknowledgement to young people in care that their community values them and wants to support their life endeavours, whatever pathway they choose.”

To read more Catholic news from across the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle and around the world visit www.mnnews.today or scan the QR code below. There, you will also find links to upcoming events, important dates for your diary and to live stream Sunday Mass from Sacred Heart Cathedral.

2022 – the year in review

SEAN SCANLON

As each year draws to a close, it has become customary to include a reflection on the contributions of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle to our community, during the 12 months prior. Thankfully, 2022 has provided a little more stability than recent years. This in turn has enabled the Diocese, through its agencies, pastoral groups and parishes, to grow its services as we live our Mission to serve all in the community so that they may experience life to the fullest.

The Diocesan Leadership Group recognise that although each agency of the Diocese has its own unique needs, there are many aspects of our work that are common to all our agencies, we are “Many parts. One body. One mission”. As such, this year the Diocese launched three entirely new and complementary plans including a Sustainability Plan, a Reconciliation Action Plan and a Strategic Plan to guide and unify the work that we undertake across all Diocesan agencies and

parishes. The plans reflect a discernment process of formation, planning, and input from the Diocese’s leadership teams, staff from diocesan agencies as well as our parish communities and various Church councils.

Of course, working in a meaningful way that promotes, amongst other things, care for the environment and reconciliation with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is nothing new for our Diocese. However, these plans are significant as they formally identify our collective aspirations, priorities, and strategic direction for the next five years.

To that end, below is a brief overview of some of the work that the Diocese’s agencies, enacted through our 4,600 staff and valuable volunteers, have been working on throughout this year. While there is still plenty more to achieve in the years to come, I am sure you will agree we are making some good inroads.

Office of Safeguarding

The Office of Safeguarding is the organisational expression of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s abiding commitment to promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and vulnerable persons.

By the end of 2022 almost 1,000 diocesan personnel in child-related work will have attended full or half day safeguarding training courses, as well as the hundreds of personnel who undertook the safeguarding information session as part of their induction to the Diocese.

Our schools actively progressed their implementation

will have submitted approved Safeguarding Compliance Plans, with the few outstanding plans due for submission in early 2023.

More than 40 services engaged in our National Child Protection Week 2022 competition to present an artistic interpretation of this year’s theme, “Every child, in every community, needs a fair go.” Acclaimed local artist Mitch Revs will design and paint a mural in the winning schools, codesigned with the students.

public on the Diocese’s website.

The Office of Safeguarding also finalised its four-year strategic plan (2022-2025) in May, incorporating the Diocese’s strategic plan and applying the five synodal foundations.

of the complimentary NSW Child Safe Standards and National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. By the end of academic year 2022, almost all of the Diocese’s schools

The Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy was approved in October. This creates version two of the central policy statement on the ‘whole of Diocese’ commitment and approach to making the safeguarding of every child and vulnerable person, an integral part of all diocesan ministries and provision of services. The policy is available to the

Schools

As Catholics, we deeply value the gift of lifelong learning. As such, it is no surprise that throughout the year our educators have enthusiastically embraced faith formation and professional development opportunities, as well as the chance to apply what they have learned to ensure our schools are at the forefront of supporting student development and wellbeing.

Our Diocese’s participation in the Clarity journey, led by world-renowned researcher Dr Lyn Sharratt, is now into its third year. The Clarity model promotes a collaborative framework that encompasses educators, students and their families working together to strengthen student outcomes. In November, educators from across our 58 schools gathered with Dr Sharratt to assess what impact the use of consistent language, structure and processes has made on student development and the results

were incredible. It is clear our students now have a far great understanding and ownership of not only what they are learning, but why and how they can apply that knowledge.

Another highlight during the year was the launch of a Diocesan-wide, well-being framework designed to provide all schools with an evidence-based guide for everyday practices to strengthen their support of students. Entitled ‘Wellbeing Together- Student Wellbeing and Learning across the Whole School’ the framework has yielded strong results and emphasised the value of student-voice.

It was also great to see several our learning programs, particularly ASPIRE- our creative and performing arts program, take on new life in 2022. Students embraced the learning opportunities that come with these programs and were especially motivated to take part in the ASPIRE concert band and annual performance.

The Diocese announced that over the next five years, it will be renewing its approach to secondary schooling in Newcastle to ensure it best supports the educational needs and outcomes for its students. This work sees San Clemente High School, Mayfield, St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton and St Pius X High School, Adamstown each expand to become providers of quality, Catholic education to student cohorts from Years 7 – 12. The changes to school intakes and offerings will commence from 2024, and consultation regarding how this will best be achieved commenced, with valued input obtained from students, their families and staff.

Finally, our schools have continued to show their love for Creation by embracing the opportunity to transition towards more sustainable operations. Many of our schools have reduced their waste, water and energy use and we are well on our way to our goal of powering all our schools with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2023.

Photo: Peter Stoop

Pastoral Ministries

Inspired by the Five Foundations of the Diocesan Synod, the Diocese’s Pastoral Ministries team continued to imagine new ways of serving and engaging parishes and the wider community in the Church’s mission. Many opportunities were provided for people to participate in and enjoy experiences underpinned by the Five Foundations, namely: Identity and Community; Worship and Prayer; Formation and Education; Mission and Outreach; and Leadership and Structure.

This commitment to missionary renewal and unity within the Diocesan community has been particularly inspiring, given the postponement of the official Synod process while we await the

appointment of a new Bishop.

Highlights throughout the year were many and include: ongoing dialogue to come to a shared understanding of our ecclesiology and synodal process, involving Members of Synod, Parish Priests and Parish Leaders, Parishioners, Diocesan and Agency Leadership Teams and the wider diocesan community.

Advent and Lenten Reflection Programs involving the diocesan community; meetings of the various Synod Focus Groups to progress the work that incudes Foundation Guiding Principles, Discernment of Data, Diocesan Directory, Governance Guiding Principles and Documentation, Event Planning and Liturgy Planning. Meetings of various

Diocesan Councils, supported by Pastoral Ministries, continue to provide opportunities for making real the spiritual foundational principles of the diocese which guide our mission, vision, and values.

Three Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle’s Plenary Council members attended the Second Assembly of the National Plenary Council, where Council members approved a concluding statement, with the decrees having now been sent to the Holy See.

The Ecumenical Way of the Cross was held at Kilaben Bay with the theme of ‘Church without Walls’. This event inspired fourteen storytellers to share their experiences of mission and outreach across diverse spaces.

CatholicCare

CatholicCare continued in its mission to work with local communities to build a stronger, fairer and kinder society. The strength of its work in supporting children, young people and families was validated by the NSW Government, when it awarded the agency a new, five-year contract to deliver permanency support programs across the Hunter and Manning regions, as well as a brand-new program in the Manning, called Staying Home and Leaving Violence. In addition to this, the agency received 100 per cent compliance in its NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission audit, which highlights the professional standards that its staff continue to uphold.

In an exciting development, the agency launched two social enterprise ventures, including a cleaning service and café and function centre in Newcastle West. These ventures aim to create an avenue for vulnerable people to obtain meaningful employment and training while earning an income in line with the relevant award.

CatholicCare’s Refugee Hub continued to grow from strength to strength, with the addition of a migrant agent service to assist

refugees and asylum seekers with Australian Mitigation Law matters. Additionally, with the generous support of the Catholic Schools Office the Hub established a Refugee Bursary Fund, and with support from the City of Newcastle and the NRMA, it was also able to assist people from refugee and migrant backgrounds take part in driver training and get their NSW Driver’s license. These initiatives have created opportunities for the Hub’s clients to fulfil their potential and highlight the importance of collaboration.

CatholicCare’s counselling and clinical services arm, The Rosewood Centre, continued to support the community’s wellbeing, and opened new services in Maitland and Taree throughout the year.

Of course, CatholicCare also delivers programs that receive no, or only partial government-funding but also provide crucial services to the community. As such, monies raised through its annual fundraising campaign and support from the Catholic Community Fund enabled the organisation to continue its muchvalued community outreach programs including its existing community kitchens and also open a new kitchen in Toronto.

Other highlights during the year were the World Meeting of Families events across the Diocese; more than 20 participants taking part in the Christian Formation Course; the continuation of Marriage and Relationship education; liturgical formation, the Diocese’s first LGBTIQA+ Mass; a visit from the Nuncio; and an art exhibition based on the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor.

The Pastoral Ministries Team actively seeks out ways to be God’s love and mercy in and to our church and the wider community.

Catholic Community Fund

This year, the Catholic Development Fund changed its name to Catholic Community Fund. Its new name better reflects the Fund’s purpose, and you can read more about this relaunch on page 14.

The Fund generated a surplus of $7.8m

for the year ended 30 June 2022 exceeding its budget and forecast results, an exceptional result in a very challenging interest rate environment. From this surplus a $6m distribution was made to the Diocese to support its pastoral mission and the balance retained to build the CCF’s capital base.

The Fund also provided loan funding in excess of $35m during the year ended 30 June 2022, which will be utilised to construct and upgrade facilities in our schools, early education centres, CatholicCare premises, social housing and many other projects and infrastructure to support our community.

St Nicholas

While 2022 has been an operationally challenging year for the early childhood sector, St Nicholas has taken the opportunity to deliver several projects designed to improve service delivery across the network.

To cater for increasing demand in early childhood education and care services across the Lower Hunter, St Nicholas completed several projects to increase licenced capacity in our early education services across the region. Most notably, following a significant building project, Chisholm Early Education opened Stage 2 at the facility – increasing licenced capacity of the service by more than 50 per cent.

St Nicholas OOSH has continued to grow its footprint, opening a St Nicholas OOSH service at St Joseph’s Primary School in Gloucester and plans well underway to commence new services at St Peter’s Primary School in Stockton and St James’ Primary School in Muswellbrook early in the new year.

St Nicholas Pathways continued to grow throughout 2022, with a record intake of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs), a new training partner Macquarie Community College for the CONNEX program and growth in participation for the Industry Immersion program.

To better meet the needs of the families, a review of St Nicholas operations was undertaken and resulted in its Early Education and OOSH Head Office teams coming together to enable greater specialist support of all services in the key areas of operations, staffing and quality assurance. This combined team will move into a refurbished premises on Parry Street, Newcastle by the end of the year. The premises have a rich history –originally a school building, the site was more recently the home of the Newcastle Art Space. It has been wonderful to see the space being rejuvenated and used once again.

Photo: Peter Stoop

On the road to a bright future

ELIZABETH SYMINGTON

For more than 60 years, the Catholic Development Fund has given back to the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

By harnessing the financial resources of the Diocese and its broader community, the Fund has delivered effective funding strategies to build everything from schools and community housing to St Nicholas Early Education and CatholicCare facilities. Community outreach programs and various parish initiatives are also supported by the Fund.

The Fund’s team has always been passionate about its work, but now there is a new sense of excitement and renewal as a new name for the organisation is launched – Catholic Community Fund (CCF).

The new title encapsulates the Fund’s commitment to the growth of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and the communities within it.

At the launch of the new title, the Fund and Treasury Manager, Jenny Chung, remarked that the name change better reflected the future focus of the Fund.

“The community is at the heart of everything we do, so it made sense for us to represent this in our name,” Ms Chung said.

“Many people may not know that over the last ten years alone, the Catholic Community Fund, with support from its members, has provided or given back over $43 million to support the charitable works of the Diocese and its agencies.”

Diocesan Administrator, Father Greg Barker, is excited about the future of the CCF.

“Every year, through the dedication of those who work for the organisation and the support of the members, the Fund grows,” he said.

Elizabeth Doyle has been investing with the CCF for more than 30 years.

“The new name is fantastic because it portrays what the Fund is about, and who it helps.”

She said she was first motivated to invest with the Fund because it provided her with an avenue to achieve her financial goals, while at the same time, both directly and indirectly making a positive contribution to the community.

“I have my account set up so that each fortnight when I am paid my wage, money is automatically transferred to support the work of my parish and Catholic Mission.

“I’m also happy to know that the returns generated from the money I have invested with the Fund for my own future are then used by the Fund to help the Catholic community more broadly.

“Investing with the Fund is just one way we can bring forth what Jesus asks us to do in the Gospel which is to be community - to be there for one another,” Elizabeth said.

Another long-time investor with the Fund, Barry Corbett, said he had remained with the Fund for more than 20 years because he, too, was encouraging of the financial sustenance it provides to bolster community projects, particularly the development of schools.

“As well as being supportive of the work that it does, the staff at the Fund are just wonderful,” Mr Corbett said.

You can learn more about the Catholic Community Fund at www.myccf.com.au

“

You just have to push yourself towards learning something new that can help you so you can help others, ”

Photo: Peter Stoop

Fear is an emotion Malal Ahmadi is all too familiar with.

Growing up in Afghanistan she lived in constant fear for her life and couldn’t make plans for the future.

“I remember there were days when I was going to school, I would say ‘bye mum’ and think ‘today might be the last day of my life’,” Malal recalls.

Desperate to escape the war-torn nation, Malal, her mum Sonita and younger sister Amena applied to the UNHCR for refugee resettlement in another country.

After a six year wait they were finally relocated to Newcastle in 2019.

When you meet the bubbly and optimistic 21-yearold, it’s hard to believe she ever faced such hardship. The trio has been living here ever since their arrival and couldn’t be happier. While it was difficult in the beginning and some challenges remain, they’ve come to know and love their new home.

“It’s a very different country, it’s quiet and the people are friendly – I am very glad that I am in Australia,” Malal says.

It’s proven to be a place full of opportunities for the entire family. Malal is studying at university, Amena is a student at San Clemente High School and attends CatholicCare’s Refugee Hub’s tutoring program each week and Sonita is learning English.

A major achievement for Malal was getting her driver’s licence thanks to the support provided by CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning.

Through its Refugee Hub, CatholicCare runs a Learner Driving Program which is proudly supported by the City of Newcastle and the NRMA.

The initiative, launched earlier this year, is assisting a number of people from refugee, asylum seeker and vulnerable migrant backgrounds. The program provides participants with up to 10 driving lessons and covers the cost of their driving test and NSW Driver’s Licence.

Malal said her participation in the program helped her become confident behind the wheel and to comprehend the rules of the road.

“I’m the first person to get a license in my family and I’m now the person who can drop everyone,

everywhere when they need it,” she said.

Having gained her licence, Malal is now looking forward to furthering her studies at university and continuing to learn new things. She hopes to study something involving science so she can find a job that allows her to support others.

“You just have to push yourself towards learning something new that can help you so you can help others,” she said.

“I am motivated to go forward and never give up – no one is responsible for our future except us, we have to push ourselves.

For more information about how CatholicCare supports people from refugee backgrounds, please visit www.catholiccare.org.au/refugeehub

New name, same great service

Photo: Peter Stoop

“ As Catholics, our vision is to live the joy of the Gospel, and to share it with the world. ”

Students from St Columban’s Primary School, Mayfield celebrating Harmony PHOTO: Lizzie Watkin

Census figures don’t measure spirit

LIZZIE WATKIN

The latest Census figures, released earlier this year by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, reveal a decline in the number of Australians identifying as Christians.

President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, said he was not surprised by the downwards trend. “Clearly the Church does not hold the privileged position in our society that it once had,” he said.

“In such a situation, my firm conviction is that…we should endlessly propose but never impose our beliefs on others.”

Interestingly, it seems families in the Hunter and Mid-Coast regions are responding to this invitation, with the overall number of students enrolled in Catholic schools in the area rising year on year, for more than 15 years.

Across the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle there are 58 Catholic schools, spanning from just north of the Myall Lakes and down to Morriset, as well as far west from Merewether to Merriwa. More than 20,000 students attend these schools, yet not all of them are Catholic.

The Director of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, Gerard Mowbray, welcomes this diversity.

“Our focus is not to provide education only for Catholics, but to anyone who is seeking a Catholic education,” he said.

He points out that the word catholic when used as an adjective, is defined as “including a wide variety of things; all-embracing.”

“A person’s faith is not stagnant, but having faith is an incredible gift. Our schools provide us with a wonderful opportunity to share our Catholic beliefs

with anyone who is willing to embrace our love of life.”

So, what does a Catholic education look like today?

While nuns and brothers have been replaced with lay teachers, the Church’s commitment to ensuring each child’s unique qualities are known, nurtured, and valued has stood the test of time.

In school yards across this region this translates to communities that are as rich as they are diverse. People who espouse various creeds, family structures, ethnic backgrounds and sexuality gather

“So far from diluting what it means to be Catholic, embracing others because of their differences -religious or otherwise, is a celebration of our faith,” Fr Barker said.

When it comes to educational programs, student achievement, teacher professionalism, facilities and innovation, Australian Catholic schools are at parity with their public and independent counterparts. However, Fr Barker and Mr Mowbray both agree that Catholic schools are unique in their identity.

“All parents want the best for their children, and I can think of no greater

the Diocese and specialises in sharing faith formation with its schools.

He said that “attending Mass is just one aspect of what it means to be Catholic.”

“Our students are given the opportunity to see God in everyday life,” Mr Frost said

“Catholic education empowers students to identify ways they can translate what the Gospel says, into meaningful action.”

“We help our students to see the value in themselves and to imagine the contributions they can make to the common good.

“Our students are given the opportunity to be curious and critical thinkers, understand gratitude, find their passions and use their skills to help others,” he said.

together and build relationships that are underpinned by their appreciation and respect for Creation.

When asked whether welcoming students of different faith backgrounds into Catholic schools dilutes their foundational purpose, Diocesan Administrator Fr Greg Barker professes a strong view.

“As Catholics, our vision is to live the joy of the Gospel, and to share it with the world.”

“Living the joy of the Gospel means to know you are loved and have a responsibility to love unconditionally, both in the good times and in the hard times. Sharing this joy with everyone, not just Catholics, is both our privilege and responsibility!”

gift than sending your child to a school that fosters a love of lifelong learning, and that’s where Catholic schools really excel,” Fr Barker said.

Mr Mowbray agreed, noting that Catholic educators are empowered to engage the whole student through both their head and their heart.

“We not only educate the child whom sits in front of us today, but shape our lessons in a way that prepares that young person for life beyond the school gates,” Mr Mowbray said.

“Our approach is defined by sharing a values framework with our students that will guide them as they journey through life and take on various roles in their families, workplaces and in community.”

Adam Frost is an education officer for

As a result, Catholic schools across the Diocese have become platforms for student activism where a commitment to promoting social justice and protecting Creation isn’t something that’s just talked about, it is acted upon each day.

“No matter which school you visit, our students are involved in, and are leading, so many wonderful initiatives. Whether it’s fundraising for charities or visiting the aged, lobbying government regarding humanitarian causes or giving up their lunchtimes to plant native trees, they are taking action and making real and positive changes in our world,” Mr Frost said.

They say the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways and so despite what the Census data suggests, you only have to look at our future leaders that attend Catholic schools today to know that the joy of the Gospel will continue to be lived out both tomorrow and beyond.

“ Our students are given the opportunity to be curious and critical thinkers... ”

Stories from World Youth Day

ELIZABETH SYMINGTON

‘Life changing, inspiring, faith filling and intense’

That’s how three pilgrims from the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle described their World Youth Day (WYD) experience.

World Youth Day is an intense moment of evangelisation that’s hosted every three to four years. It brings together people from across the world who want to bond with others and honour their connection to the Catholic Church.

As the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle undergoes preparations for WYD 2023, Aurora met with Johanna Soo, James Elliott and Stephanie Gill who each shared how their encounter with the Pope at previous gatherings inspired their faith and enriched their understanding of the universality of the Catholic Church.

If you’re between 18-35 years of age, you’re invited to journey with the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle pilgrims as they prepare to gather for an unforgettable period of prayer, worship, and celebration. The group will depart for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in July, and then move onto Lisbon to take part in WYD festivities in the first week of August, where they will be joined by the Pope and thousands of young people as they celebrate their diversity and faith.

For more information or to apply to the once in a lifetime experience, visit www.mn.catholic.org.au/WYD2023

Johanna Soo was just 15 years old when she took her first trip overseas. However, it wasn’t like what most other people experience – she was joined by millions of travellers as they journeyed across the globe for World Youth Day.

Johanna was one of about 70 pilgrims from the Catholic Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle who visited Italy before attending WYD week in Krakow, Poland in 2016.

She recalls her favourite part of the experience as being the strong sense of community she felt throughout the trip. “We all greeted each other with smiles and hospitality, and it was really obvious that we were one family. No matter who we were, where we came from or where we are at in our faith, we belonged. I could see the face of God through the people I met and the stories of faith that we shared together,”.

hope and love for God as Jesus’ living disciples.”

She encourages anyone who can to go to next year’s WYD.

“In life there are lots of ups and downs and challenges along the way, but the experience of World Youth Day has fuelled a fire in my heart that continues to burn brightly today,” she said.

Take

the leap of faith and say yes to World Youth Day

She says the experience shaped who she is today. Johanna now works in Youth Ministry as one of the first Youth Ministers in the Diocese and is an active member of her local Parish – Holy Trinity Blackbutt North, Diocesan Council for Ministry with Young People (DCMYP), St Vincent De Paul Youth Services and Adult Conference.

“There was this one time when we caught the train back to the accommodation- the train was jam packed full of pilgrims and we all sang together loudly with great gusto and joy. It was a very special and uplifting moment when we knew the Holy Spirit was among us and within us. Through song, we proclaimed our unified faith,

“The experience allowed me to make meaningful connections other young people of faith, learn about faith and has gifted me with the mercy, strength, and confidence to overcome anything.

James Elliott has been lucky enough to attend four World Youth Days – in Australia, Spain, Brazil and Poland.

“Each World Youth Day is quite distinct, but there are common elements,” he said.

“Every trip showed me where our local faith sits within a global Church Community. I ended up recognising our similarities but also the things that make us distinct as a local church.”

James added that it motivated him to become more involved with his parish.

“After going to Sydney, it inspired me and a couple of my friends to get a youth ministry off the ground in our parish,” he said.

“And then again after Madrid, we came back and tried to get things started on a Diocesan level and that led to the creation

of the DCMYP.

“World Youth Day calls on you to be active participants instead of passive observers of religion.”

Just like Johanna, James encourages pilgrims to make the most of the opportunity.

“It’s challenging, it’s rewarding, and you’ll make some lifelong friends – World Youth Day is a fantastic experience,” he said.

“Despite the perception that it is this big, loud event there are also some fantastic opportunities for quiet reflection that lead to growth and spiritual development.

“There is something on offer for everyone and it really reaffirms what it means to be a faith community.”

For the last few weeks Stephanie Gill has been messaging every young person she knows to encourage them to take part in WYD 2023.

Ever since she attended WYD in Krakow, Poland she’s been an advocate for the worldwide encounter.

“It was a life changing experience, I only have purely positive memories from it,” she said.

“The people that you meet, the friendships that you make and the experiences that you have together as a group are amazing.

“It changes who you are for the better. It is a moment of encounter with the living Christ in our Church today.”

Her piece of advice for people who go is to get involved in everything on offer.

“Go dancing in the street until 2am with pilgrims from all

around the world – just join in and do as many different things as possible,” she said.

“Be present and take in moments to bring back to your actual life. It will fill up your spiritual cup.”

A highlight for Stephanie is the day they had Mass with Pope Francis. After a gruelling eight hour walk, he lifted everyone’s spirits.

“It was so intense and exhausting, but when we finally got to the camp and let go of the day, Pope Francis brought us all together as one as he presided the most beautiful vigil Mass.

“Pope Francis was trying to encourage us to be the change makers – he basically said get off the couch, go out and leave your mark on the world, and choose to live life fully.

“We are the protagonists in history.”

It really reaffirms what it means to be a faith community

It changes who you are for the better

Recalling the joys and challenges of leadership

LIZZIE WATKIN

Almost 50 years ago, a young Gerard Mowbray threw on his Safari Suit and took up his first teaching post at St Mary’s High, Gateshead - an all-girls school led by the Josephite Sisters.

“I was 22 years old and very green,” he said. “Very quickly I became aware of how challenging the profession was and still is but it soon dawned on me what a privileged position I was in, helping to shape the lives of young people, and that’s stayed with me ever since.”

Gerard made history that day as one of the first men ever to teach at St Mary’s and now 46 years later is just a few weeks away from concluding his career as the Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

In his final term as Director, Gerard has set his sights on meeting with every one of the Diocese’s 58 school communities.

“It’s important for me to let them each know how much I respect them and value the work they are doing,” he said.

His final lap of honour isn’t just lip

service. Having joined the Catholic Schools Office as an Assistant Director 14 years ago, Gerard’s distinctive snowwhite hair and matching beard have been a common sight for many years at schools across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie as well as further afield in the Manning and Upper Hunter.

“It’s so important to build relationships that are based on genuine interest and authenticity,” Gerard said. While Gerard currently holds the highest position in the Diocese’s education system, it was an appreciation of history that first drew him to the teaching profession.

“My first love was history, and so initially I just thought of teaching as a steppingstone on my path to becoming an academic.”

Gerard’s leadership qualities were recognised early and by age 29, he had accepted a role as assistant principal at St Joseph’s High School in Aberdeen, effectively ending his plans of becoming

an academic.

Refusing to rest on his laurels, over the next 24 years Gerard held various leadership roles in schools across the Diocese including St Clare’s High School in Taree, San Clemente High School in Mayfield, St Paul’s High School in Booragul and All Saints’ College, St Mary’s Campus in Maitland.

“As a principal you are leading the school community and I really felt that was a great honour.”

His appointment as an Assistant Director in the Catholic Schools Office in 2009 was initially meant to be temporary, but he stayed on and eventually rose to become Director of Catholic Schools in 2019.

“I always felt that I would end up, where I was intended to end up, that I would be guided by the Holy Spirit … and so I am really thrilled that I am able to finish my career at the highest level I could in Catholic education in the Diocese.”

PHOTO: Lizzie Watkin

Asked if he still experiences challenges like he did in his early years as an educator, he says that he does, but the nature of them has changed.

“The key has been to remember why I am doing the job - my love of students - and that guiding principle has always seen me through.”

“I have always been deeply motivated by a commitment to students’ learning, formation and wellbeing,” Gerard said. An optimist by nature, Gerard said he had always been passionate about seeing the ‘glass of life as half-full’ and sharing the concept with his colleagues and student leaders.

“Leadership is a life-giving experience that has the potential to positively shape the lives of others. Your world view translates into the behaviours, attitudes and values that you bring to your role and so I found the ‘glass halffull’ analogy translates into incredibly powerful, positive and relational leadership that can also influence the

moral framework that students can take into their adult life.”

The Diocesan community will farewell Gerard at a Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on 6 December, however, he is adamant he is not retiring.

“I am just moving into the next phase of my life.”

He plans to spend more time with family, undertake consultancy work, partake in spiritual formation and even write a book on the lessons he has learnt throughout his career.

“Teaching and learning are a big part of what makes me ‘me.’ It’s my vocation, and I don’t see me giving that up any time soon,” he said.

A very Catholic journey

Wearing black leather shoes and long white socks, a five-year-old Gerard Mowbray began his school life by walking three kilometres each morning to attend St Columban’s Primary School in Mayfield.

Raised in a staunchly Irish Catholic home, Gerard was the seventh of eight children born to Bill and Edna.

“Attending a Catholic school was part of ensuring we understood and remained deeply loyal to the Catholic tribe,” Gerard said, reflecting on his upbringing for an Aurora article published in 2019.

Starting kindergarten in 1959, it didn’t take the astute young Gerard long to realise the vegemite sandwiches he took from his Globite School Case each recess looked rather different to the cuisine enjoyed by his classmates.

“Many of my peers were migrants from Western Europe who had moved to Newcastle following the war.

“When I saw their lunchboxes, I was completely perplexed. There I was nibbling away at my white sandwiches, while they would be devouring salami, cheese and olives,” he said.

“It was the first time I had met anyone who wasn’t Anglo Saxon, and very quickly I knew I wanted to learn more about them and their background.”

That early curiosity and kindness towards others, honed in the school yard of St Columban’s playing marbles and hopscotch, laid the foundation for his future career success.

“Throughout life we will all meet people from all walks, and it’s so important to treat everyone with respect and dignity; from there you can build great relationships.”

Gerard later went on to study at the Marist Brothers, Hamilton and St Clement’s in Galong.

The desire to befriend and understand all his classmates later informed his leadership style and earned Gerard the respect and appreciation of so many throughout his career.

In a few short weeks Gerard will close the book on an impressive career and the Diocese is all the better for the substantial contribution he has made to Catholic education over the past five decades.

Give the gift of education this Christmas

TOM SVICH

Today, more than half a million children in Vietnam live with a disability. Even though the right to an education is mandated by Vietnamese law, thousands of school-aged children in Vietnam stay at home or sit uninvolved in classrooms because of a disability. When these children become adults, they face serious disadvantages in life due to the gap in their education. Many are trapped in a perpetual cycle of intergenerational poverty and discrimination.

39-year-old Lan* is a mother of three children and lives in the Quang Tri province in Vietnam. Her eight-year-old son, Quan*, and 12-year-old daughter, Loan*, both have a vision impairment.

“Because Quan cannot see clearly, it has been hard for him to make friends. He has a hard time keeping with his studies and because he has been afraid of using stairs, he would only use the ground floor classroom,” Lan said.

Quan and Loan were very shy and kept away from other children. Lan was often subjected to uncomfortable questions from her neighbours and fellow villagers, who would ask about her son’s condition.

“I often cried. In the past, neighbours and villagers would ask questions like ‘What’s wrong with his eyes?’ ‘Why so?’

‘Is this due to your way of living or your ethics?’,” Lan said.

As any loving mother would, Lan wanted to help create a better future for her children. Determined to turn things around for herself and her children, she joined the Empowerment of People with Disabilities project, run by Caritas Australia’s partner, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD).

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Caritas Australia supported program provides an opportunity for children with disabilities who struggle to learn at school to play and make friends with

other children while receiving help to complete their studies.

Through the program, Quan and Loan were able to join community-based classrooms so that they could interact with other children living with disabilities. Lan has volunteered to help run the classes and is now a leader of a parents’ group in her area. Her children are more confident and are looking forward to completing their schooling.

“Quan is more confident and talking more with others, responding when being asked, saying hello to someone coming to our home. Previously, he did not talk to those he did not know.”

“His first-grade teacher said he often stayed at one place in the class, not making friends. But now second-grade, his teacher has said he is talking and even joking with his friends. I am happy to hear that.”

“I believe that my kids will have a brighter and independent future, due to the hard work we do today.”

Caritas Australia invites you to make a donation this Christmas, which will go towards the life-changing work that its partner, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) is undertaking to support families like Lan’s, through its Empowerment of People with Disabilities program. Your generous contribution will support families around the world to live safe, just, and dignified lives visit www.caritas.org.au/donate/a-justworld-for-all/ to find out more.

*pseudonyms have been used to protect the privacy of program participants.

Tom Svich is a Communications Specialist for Caritas Australia

Corpus Christi Primary School, Waratah

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