CA HO IC V LIFE Diocese of Lismore

Tweed Coast to Camden Haven www.lismorediocese.org June 2015 Vol. 13 No. 2

The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy 2015-2016

The Bishop Writes The great feast of Pentecost is just past and this year I found it a more than usually remarkable time. n the Friday before, the first large celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation took place for the Cathedral parish and on the Monday after an equally large celebration at Tweed heads, all marking the commencement of the Bishop’s visits to our 22 parishes from north to south as the gifts of Pentecost flow in the coming months into the lives of eager youngsters. Confirmation at Tweed Heads 2015 (image courtesy of John Lee) Diocesan Pastoral Council The vigil and the feast itself, Saturday and Sunday, were That Constitution commences solemnly: In the Name of the marked by the first meeting this year of the Diocesan Pastoral Most Holy Trinity, from Whom is all authority and to Whom, as Council. Representatives, men and women nominated from our final end, all actions both of men and States must be referred: most parishes, meet with the Bishop over a weekend in We, the people of Éire, humbly acknowledging all our May and November each year to review and report on the obligations to our Divine Lord, Jesus Christ, who sustained experiences of parish life in our communities large and our fathers through centuries of trial... small and to prepare for initiatives ahead, such as the local The incongruity of inserting a redefinition of marriage that observance of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy announced attempts to change a truth that has been universally held by Pope Francis to begin throughout the universal Church on about marriage until very recent times, into a document that 8th December. opens on such a lofty note, is an irony that cannot be missed. Whatever has happened in Ireland? Beatification in El Salvador For a long time it has been remarked that Ireland has Two other events took place on the Saturday before been overtaken by the same relativist outlook and moral Pentecost which also focussed our attention on the life of the disorder that has flooded through western society, filling the universal Church and their significance for us in Australia. emptiness left by the vastly diminished role of the Church. The first was the beatification of Blessed Oscar Romero in Then came the humiliation and disgrace of the revelations El Salvador, Central America, in the presence of a crowd of of clerical sexual abuse in a country in which almost every 250,000 people. Romero was the Archbishop of its capital, family had a member who was a priest or a nun. The result San Salvador and assassinated by the national military at has not been that Irish Catholics have rushed to join some the altar as he was celebrating Mass on 24 March 1980. The other more ‘wholesome’ church; the majority have just Archbishop in his pastoral letters and homilies had denounced stopped practising altogether and abandoned any sort of the violence then tearing the country apart, pleading for an Christianity that proposes tenets which might determine their end of the killing and defending the Church’s independence choices and way of life. and right to challenge the political system in the light of the A recent commentator wrote: “Many Irish believe in Jesus gospel. He had a premonition that this would cost him his in the same way that Hindus believe in Ghandi, an interesting life. Pope Francis declared that Blessed Romero died a true historical figure.” martyr, whose death was brought about in hatred of the faith and to strike at the heart of the Church. At last the example ... and in Australia? and witness of this holy, humble and courageous man has Lest it be thought that this is a bit tough on the Irish, it been officially proclaimed by the Church he so deeply loved can hardly be said that we in Australia are much different. and faithfully served in her poor and suffering members. The number of young Australians who are knowledgeable, Many Salvadoran people fled their country during the articulate and practising of any semblance of recognisable 1980s and Australia was very generous in offering thousands Christian faith and way of life is hugely outweighed by of them a new home. Thirty or so families settled in Hobart those who have grown up in ignorance of who Jesus Christ during my time there. It was a great grace for our parishioners really is, what He actually taught, commanded and offers to welcome them and help them to integrate. The Church was and particularly in regard to marriage. Why shouldn’t any the common link between their former country and their relationship you prefer be made equal to marriage? – after new home. Soon Mass and the sacraments were available all, it’s all about you, about being inclusive and tolerant and to them in Spanish and places in our schools given to their different. Truth is now only your truth, my truth, no longer children. Some of them knew Archbishop Romero and had truth in itself, universal, founded in nature, reason or divine been present in the vast, shocked crowd at his funeral in the revelation apprehended in faith. cathedral square. That occasion was also marked by gunfire It soon became clear that the Irish vote was being taken from the military, sending mourners running for cover. up in Australia as an endorsing stimulant to the same The vote in the Irish Republic emotional crusade, carried out through a largely supportive The second event on the same Saturday before Pentecost public media centred on claims of rights and equality, but was in a country better known to us, the country very largely light on serious argument, reason or reflection. To bring into from which the Catholic faith was planted in Australia. The the debate claims to fundamental truths that apply to all people of the Irish republic voted by a sizeable margin in humanity and have done so for millennia has been to risk favour of redefining marriage in their country’s Constitution dismissal as a fringe-dwelling bigot, out of touch with reality. to include two people of the same sex. Continued over page

Catholic Life, June, 2015 3 The Bishop legislation and to intensify efforts to Church to find better ways to support Writes deny members a conscience vote. true marriage and the family generated Continued from previous page At a time of confusion and by the union of man and woman. I The Truth about Marriage uncertainty people with an alternative wish to thank you for your response conviction in conscience, Christians to the Call to Prayer for the Pope, the But the reality is simply that marriage and others, should not let themselves Church and the Family. Please, may it predates both the State and the Church be intimidated by the emotion-driven be intensified in every parish over these and arises from neither. Marriage arises campaign to win by numbers, to push remaining months. from the nature of human beings as across the line of a parliamentary vote male and female with a beautifully During the same time each parish a well-resourced view tenaciously designed ability to generate children now has to prime itself and its advocated by a vocal minority. We have and a unique capacity to raise them in members for the December beginning everything to offer in being witnesses the nourishing, protective and long term of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy to the truths of human life and dignity environment that is called a family. On mentioned above. The way to do this and to the basic principles on which this natural bond society itself depends is by first reading to understand what human culture is based and which for its future. Civil authorities therefore Pope Francis is calling for in the short, cause it to flourish and to reflect have the duty to protect marriage. They practical and clear document with which a unique love, goodness and beauty. have no power to redefine what is not he announced the Year. It is called These enduring realities and those who of their making. The Church similarly Misericordiæ vultus, from its opening promote them, will always be on the has the duty to protect marriage, since, statement: Jesus Christ is the face of the right side of history, the winning side. what had been from the beginning, Father’s mercy. Your Diocesan Pastoral Christ our Lord raised to the status of a The Call to Prayer Council representatives have already union which reflects His own with His A final word about Pope Francis become well acquainted with it. It is Bride, the Church. and the October Synod on the Family: downloadable from the Vatican website Taking advantage of the momentum In the preparations for the two Synods and obtainable as a slim pamphlet from generated by the Irish vote seems to the Pope has encouraged debate on the any Catholic bookshop. explain the alacrity with which moves problems and difficulties of marriage Yours devotedly in Christ, have been taken to change marriage and family life in the world of today ✠ Geoffrey Jarrett, law in Australia through parliamentary and challenged both society and the Bishop of Lismore CONTENTS Tweed Heads Coffs Harbour 11 Will Catholic Schools St Brigid’s Primary, Be Catholic in 2030? Regular Features 24 Mt St Patrick College, 14 Palliative Care 3-4 The Bishop Writes 16-17 Conservation work for 5 Editorial St. Carthage’s Cathedral St Joseph’s Primary, Laurieton 7 Vocations 18-20 Ordination to the Diaconate 25 St Mary’s Primary, Grafton 11 World View 29 Pope Francis to Parents Holy Family Primary, Skennars Head 12 Liturgy 29 A Guide to Social Media 13 Churches of the World St Mary’s Primary, Bowraville 15 Question Box School News 26 Catholic Schools Week 2015 28 Religious Art of the World 21 Mt St Patrick Primary, Murwillumbah Mary Help of Christians Primary, Features St Joseph’s Primary, Alstonville Sawtell 22 Xavier Catholic College, Ballina 6,7&28 CSO Director’s Article St Mary’s Primary School, Casino 27 St John’s College, Woodlawn 8-10 Around Our Parishes – 23 St Augustine’s Primary, MacKillop College, Port Macquarie

Cover Editor and Publisher of Parish events: Caption: “Catholic Life”: Email your planned Parish events, Image Father Peter M Karam celebrations, anniversaries, etc., for courtesy Email: [email protected] inclusion on our website and in the next of Paulist Fax: 02 6622 1771 edition of “Catholic Life”. Publications. Email to: [email protected] Strathfield. Visit our Diocesan website: NSW. 2135 Advertising Enquiries: www.stpauls. www.lismorediocese.org JFH marketing & media consultants com.au Our website contains a daily news 0478 227 806 bulletin, spiritual reflections and PO Box 42, Lismore, 2480 daily Mass readings. [email protected] Printed by: Catholic Life – A member of the Australasian Lismore City Printery Catholic Press Association and 02 6621 5371 the Australasian Religious Press Art Direction & Graphic Design: Association Inc. GPG [email protected]

4 Catholic Life, June, 2015 Editorial

A Pleading Thing

“Life is a pleading thing. We’re born. We live. We die. And sometimes we don’t Pope Francis (R) blesses a child as he visits Varginha favela in Rio de Janeiro. know why”. ©Picture Media/EPA he author escapes my memory but the words tell a story about ‘Be merciful, just as your Father is Are we prepared to make time many lives today. merciful.’ (Lk 6:36).” for the ageing, the abandoned and They could be the thoughts of a Pope Francis has been loudly the sick who cannot afford the long-distance runner who pounds a proclaiming a consistent message escalating costs of medical care and way to the horizon, self-contained of hope that stems from mercy: one attention. but aimless. They could be the that emphasises God’s great capacity It is easy to say that society must thoughts of thousands of refugees for love and never-failing desire to change to care more for the poor and ignored and dying on the waters of forgive. the disadvantaged. But we as Church a selfish humanity. Or is it the cry of Returning from World Youth are called to do likewise in our the abused or the terror of those who Day in Rio de Janeiro in efforts to reflect the mercy of Christ. suffer the daily pain and indignity of Hopefully our efforts will find domestic violence. August 2013, Pope Francis a way to engage those who are Has the moral compass been stated: ‘I believe that this is the hurting, skeptical, suspicious and switched off as anger and violence season of mercy. emotionally battle-scarred and breed more of the same? This new era we have entered and “bring them back to the Lord who Are so many destined to settle the many problems in the Church, never tires of forgiving.” for a fading life that is empty, like the poor witness given by some It will also be an opportunity flat and devoid of a higher priests, problems of corruption in the for each of us to examine the Church, the problem of clericalism, purpose? for example, have left so many people role mercy plays in our own Where has the search for spiritual hurt, left so much hurt. The Church lives. wholeness gone that lifts you up and is a mother: She has to go out to heal At the conclusion of the those who are hurting, with mercy. moves you to become a better, more announcement of the Extraordinary empathetic person? Is it time to plead If the Lord never tires of forgiving, Jubilee Year, Pope Francis said: “I for mercy? Pope Francis encourages we have no other choice than this: am convinced that the whole Church us to believe so. first of all, to care for those who are will find in this jubilee the joy needed In an announcement that was hurting. The Church is a mother and to rediscover and make fruitful the unexpected, Pope Francis declared she must travel this path of mercy mercy of God, with which all of on March 13th that the Church will and find a form of mercy for all.’ us are called to give consolation to celebrate an extraordinary jubilee In our Church, the need for a every man and woman of our time. Holy Year of Mercy, beginning on From this moment we entrust this the 8th of December 2015. turnaround is urgent. Many Holy Year to the Mother of Mercy, In his homily at a reconciliation have turned away because of that she might turn her gaze upon us service, the Pope shared: “I have the crises of indifference, the and watch over our journey.” often thought about how the Church scandals of abuse and the lack There is wisdom that says: might make clear its mission of “Everyone in their life will at being a witness to mercy. It is a of response. journey that begins with a spiritual How can we be healed and offer least once plead for mercy.” This conversion. For this reason, I have healing if we have let our faith Extraordinary Year of Jubilee decided to call an extraordinary practice slip away? Have we enough could be the opportunity for us to jubilee that is to have the mercy of generosity of spirit to hear the call understand what those prophetic God at its centre. It shall be a Holy to an extraordinary Jubilee Year words mean. Year of Mercy. We want to live this of Mercy and respond to help the Father Peter M. Karam year in the light of the Lord’s words: abused, the poor, the homeless? Editor

Catholic Life, June, 2015 5 evangelisation. Papal Evangelii Gaudium – Exhortations are not designed to teach new The Joy of the Gospel in doctrine, but rather our Schools are written to point out how the church’s by David Condon, teachings may be further enriched and Director of Catholic Schools lived. It has been said for the Diocese of Lismore that the Joy of the Gospel was intended Catholic parish schools exist to promote the saving to rouse the hearts of all Christians and mission entrusted by Our Lord, Jesus Christ, to His has been described Church. This means that every priest, parent and staff as a visionary member who is engaged in the exciting enterprise of statement about Catholic parish schooling must understand and be the kind of passionately committed to that mission. community Pope any opportunities are offered to all parents and Francis wants staff for them to deepen their understanding of the Catholic communities to Church’s continually deepening understanding of the become. mission entrusted to it. Throughout 2015 all staff in parish schools has been given The major focus in 2015 by the Catholic Schools Office a one day retreat on. As well, leading Catholic theologians for deepening the understanding and commitment of such as Fr Gerald O’Collins sj and Fr Noel Connolly ssc, have parents and school staff to the mission entrusted to the given presentations on the Apostolic Exhortation to parish Church and all in Catholic education is faith formation and school leaders. These presentations have challenged us to professional development on Evangelii Gaudium. Translated be, in the words of Pope Francis, ‘more missionary, more into English, Evangelii Gaudium means the Joy of the merciful and with the courage to change’. Gospel, which could also translate in English to mean the Change is difficult in all contexts and settings and in this joy that ‘is’ the Gospel or the joy that ‘comes’ from the document Pope Francis challenges complacency at all levels Gospel. of the church, the same challenge facing all institutions in Evangelii Gaudium is the first Apostolic Exhortation a rapidly changing world. Such a vision is obvious at the given by Pope Francis and in it he has chosen to give us beginning when he states, his thoughts regarding the church’s primary mission of ‘I dream of a visionary option, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the churches customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language can be suitably channelled for the evangelisation of today’s world, rather than for her self-preservation’. Such a vision has been influenced from his Ignatian background as a Jesuit priest that calls for a reading of the ‘signs of the times’, aware of the people and places where God is present. There is much for our parish school communities to discern regarding their evangelising mission from the text of Evangelii Gaudium, too much though, to cover adequately in this article. However, I would like to share the following key messages that I think provide salient reminders and renewed direction for our priests, staff and parents so that we might each more joyfully share the teaching of the Gospel. Firstly, Pope Francis counsels the importance of opening our hearts as well as our minds to Christ’s love, a pre- requisite to experiencing greater joy and meaning in our lives. He reminds us that our hearts are far more important for our happiness than what is just in our heads. When Francis wrote the ‘Joy of the Gospel’ he was well aware that too many people’s lives had not been touched by Jesus Christ and the Gospel way of life. Opening our hearts to the grace of God’s love for each of us in Jesus Christ revealed in the Gospel message, is a path to living free and meaningful lives unburdened by individualist values predominant in the world today. He states his belief that people cannot find happiness in following false values and shallow ways of life: “The great danger in today’s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures and a blunted conscience” (#2) continued on next page

6 Catholic Life, June, 2015 Year for Promotion of the Consecrated Life Diaconate Ordinations of As you know, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has announced that this year 2015 is a year dedicated to the Alexander Munyao and promotion of Consecrated Life (religious life). It is a time Vitalis Nyongesa for us to reflect with gratitude on the wonderful presence of religious women and men throughout the history of the Lismore Diocese. Down through the centuries consecrated life has by Fr Paul Winter changed, adapted and evolved in response to contemporary Vocations Director needs and conditions, but the one constant is its power and prophetic presence in the life of the Church. It is also true When it comes to ordinations, our diocese that, just as there are young men in our diocese whom the has been blessed this year with three to the Lord is inviting to become diocesan priests, there are also transitional Diaconate (in preparation for young men and women who are being invited to live the consecrated life of religious. eventual Presbyteral ordination). We thank God for the various religious brothers, sisters, arlier in the year we celebrated Reverend Stefan’s nuns and priests who have been present in Lismore Diocese. Diaconal Ordination and on 9th April at St. Augustine’s They remind us that we are all consecrated to the Lord by Coffs Harbour, Vitalis Nyongesa and Alexander our baptism and called to be Holy, to be Saints – to be in Munyao joined him as transitional Deacons. communion with the Lord. Vitalis and Alexander were born and raised in Kenya, Let us all continue to pray and work towards helping our where they both began their studies for the Priesthood. young people to discern the vocation that Christ is inviting They continued their studies in Rome before arriving in the them to embrace. Diocese of Lismore and completing their studies at St. John Vianney Seminary, Wagga Wagga. If – after prayer – you feel God has chosen you for a vocation then please contact: Vitalis and Alexander will now continue ministering Most Rev’d Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett as Deacons in the diocese and continue formation for Bishop’s Office, P.O. Box 1, Lismore NSW 2480 eventual presbyteral ordination. We thank God for them Fr. Paul Winter, PO Box 2450, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, and wish them every blessing. Phone: 6651 0000 [email protected]

their lives. We owe it to the students in our parish schools Evangelii Gaudium – to provide as many opportunities for not only understanding the richness of the Gospel, but more importantly to do so The Joy of the Gospel in our Schools with a pedagogical and communal approach that engages their hearts to the mysteries of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ. Then he writes that the solution for us Christians is this: Pope Francis makes the logical connection that Joy and “I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, God’s love are closely intertwined. When we know we are to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at loved we cannot help but feel a sense of joy. Love is a spin least an openness to letting him encounter them…whenever off from joy. The joy of the Gospel comes from our seeing we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realise that he in it the face of God’s love for us in the words and works is already there, waiting with open arms. Now is the time of Jesus Christ. Yet it is a source of sadness to know that to say to Jesus: ‘Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a so many people go throughout life never really believing or thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once knowing that they are loved for who they are and so quite more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me often live lives of quiet desperation. Too many young people once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming are faced with unrealistic expectations and anxieties, the embrace” (#3) result of living in a hyper-connected information economy The young people in our parish schools are searching devoting little time for personal reflection. Pope Francis more than ever for a deeper understanding of purpose in reminds us of the truth of how good and loved each of us is by the God, who created us and Jesus Christ who can lead us into that love and joy. Give a gift Secondly, Pope Francis provides a reminder to all subscription to Christians that our faith is not something we hold to ourselves, rather as we know the joy of God’s love for each of us we are impelled to go out of ourselves with CA HO IC selfless regard for others. This reaching out selflessly to IFE others is called evangelisation, or in other words sharing V the good news of how to live a full and meaningful life L through giving our hearts to Jesus Christ. He believes that all will be well in our lives if we love Jesus Christ and love our brothers and sisters. In this context, Catholic schools have a responsibility to ensure they are vibrant centres of Yearly subscription – 4 issues per year $25 includes evangelisation affording all our parents, students and staff postage Email: [email protected] to opportunity to know God’s love. continued on page 28

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• The Redemptorist Fathers who came to Tweed Heads in March 1912 built the first Catholic Church. • The first entry in the Parish Baptismal register is dated 1912. • In August 1917 Father Henry Van Riel was appointed the first Parish Priest at Tweed Heads. In the same year the parish boundaries were drawn for Tweed heads and Murwillumbah Parishes. • Catholic education was established and flourished through the efforts of the Ursuline and Presentation Sisters. Fr Michael Brady the Parish A History of the Parish can be sourced in the book; Priest of Tweed Heads The Catholic Church in Tweed Heads by Dianne Miller. Parish Priest: Fr Michael Brady Services the Parish provides include: “Lunch with Friends” who outreach to the homeless Assistant Priest: Fr Des Holm msc and marginalised each Tuesday lunch. Serving the areas of Tweed Heads, Banora Point, “Bethany Group” who keep the church open for quiet Bilambil, , Carool, Cobaki, prayer Monday to Friday after Mass till 11am , Terranora

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8 Catholic Life, June, 2015 St Joseph, Patron Saint of the Parish Interior St Joseph’s Church, Tweed Heads

Churches: Wed 9.05am Mass (College) St Joseph’s Tweed Heads Thu 9.10am St Camillus’ Bilambil Fri 9.10am Sat 9.00am St Joseph’s Parish Presbytery/Office: Mon-Fri 8.20 Liturgy of the PO Box 25, Tweed Heads Hours Phone: 07 5536 7522 Fax: 07 5536 4992 8.35 Rosary – except Mass Times: 07 5536 7800 Wednesday www.stjosephs.org.au Young Peoples Mass: Sunday Mass Times: St Joseph’s 6.00pm Vigil Last Sunday of the month Lenten Cross 7.00am Sunday Commencing 5.30pm (held at 9.00am Sunday St Joseph’s College Banora Point) 9.00am Sunday Bilambil Parish Schools Reconciliation The St Joseph’s Parish operates two primary Saturday 4.30 – 5.30pm schools and one secondary College, providing a 1st Friday 9.25 – 9.55am comprehensive Catholic education from kindergarten Weekday Mass and Liturgy Times to Yr 12. Mon 9.10am Mass We are very proud of the facilities provided for the Tue 9.10am Mass (+ exp’n) children, teachers and staff at these schools.

St. James Primary School, Banora Point

Catholic Life, June, 2015 9 St Joseph’s College News of Jesus. St Joseph’s College works closely with parents Doyle Drive, Banora Point NSW 2486 and the community to fulfill the important role of Phone: (07) 5524 9404 educating our young people. The College aims to Email: [email protected] inspire and motivate each student to do their best, moodle.bpplism.catholic.edu.au contribute to their community and be prepared for St Joseph’s Primary the next stage of their life. Doyle Drive, Banora Point NSW 2486 Through high quality teaching, St. Joseph’s Primary Phone: (07) 5524 9002 aims to instill in children values and education in the Email: [email protected] Catholic Faith. www.sjctweed.org The School strives to bring about attitudes of St James Primary concern, sharing, giving, forgiving and thanking in a St James Primary School at Banora Point, offers holistic learning environment. high quality teaching and learning facilities for 3-5 Frances Street, Tweed Heads NSW 2485 Kindergarten to Year 6 students. Phone: (07) 5536 2519 At the heart of the School’s mission is to engage in Email: [email protected] quality teaching and learning and celebrate the Good moodle.twdplism.catholic.edu.au

St. Joseph’s College, Banora Point

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10 Catholic Life, June, 2015

CCI Catholic Life Lismore - halfpage MAY15.indd 1 14/05/2015 1:52:46 PM Will Catholic Schools be Catholic in 2030? Written by Sharyn McCowen. Reprinted courtesy of the “Catholic Weekly”.

That’s the focus – and title – of a new book by two Sydney religious. uthors Patrician Brother Aengus Kavanagh and L-R: Dr. Dan White, Ursuline Sister Leone Pallisier and Ursuline Sister Leone Pallisier are among the few Patrician Brother Aengus Kavanagh religious still actively associated with Catholic A Benjamin and Br Anthony Whelan also contributed to the Schools. As almost two centuries of school leadership by religious book. About half of the new volume is devoted to prayers congregations draws to a close, lay principals are now the and reflections as a help to schools wishing to develop staff frontline leaders of the Church’s education mission. as a prayerful community. In ‘Will Catholic Schools be Catholic in 2030?’ the Sr Leone is adamant that Catholic Schools will remain authors examine the founding ethos of Catholic Schools authentically Catholic if the embedding of a spirit of prayer and identify its contemporary challenges. among staff and regular dialogue on the contemporary Intended as a resource for schools, the 325 page book mission of the church and Catholic Schools are seen as focuses on the origins a means of strengthening commitment to the mission of of Australian Catholic Jesus. Schools and the conviction The executive director of Sydney Catholic schools, Dr that faith and spirituality Dan White, who launched the book at Holy Cross College, are integral to education. Ryde, hailed it as a perceptive and prophetic insight into Sr Leone and Br Aengus, the transition that has taken place in Australian Catholic who have a combined education. experience of almost “I couldn’t help thinking as I delved into the various 100 years in Catholic readings and reflections, that this book was especially education, ask how that written for me as a system leader,” he said. original inspiration will be So, will Catholic Schools be Catholic in 2030? carried into the future. Yes, says Br Aengus, “if the present generation of system Bishop Geoffrey and school leaders is proactive and creative in the provision Robin-son and former of a range of relevant programs and experiences which education directors Br enable leaders and teachers to grow in their faith and Kelvin Canavan, Dr Anne spirituality in the changing culture of church and society”. WORLD View: A woman holds a picture of Catholic Archbishop Oscar Romero during his beatification ceremony in San Salvador, El Salvador, Saturday May 23, 2015. Romero was slain by an assassin’s bullet 35 years ago and declared a martyr for his faith this year by Pope Francis. In life, Romero was loved by the poor, whom he defended passionately and loathed by conservatives who considered him too close to left-leaning movements in the tumultuous years ahead of El Salvador’s 1980-92 civil war. (AP Photo/Manu Brabo)

Catholic Life, June, 2015 11 Liturgy

Celebrating Corpus Christi Bishop Peter J. Elliott

go out to feed the homeless from the Vinnies Van in the Fitzroy The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord Gardens. The Eucharist is the fount of charity and impetus for Each year we honour the Blessed Sacrament by celebrating service of others. The intensely Eucharistic spirituality of Mother the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord, known as Teresa’s Sisters energises their radical ministry to the poorest Corpus Christi. This popular feast day was established in the of the poor. The God who takes the humble outward form of Thirteenth Century and enriched by beautiful hymns composed bread calls us to feed the hungry and work for justice. by Saint Thomas Aquinas. The practice of carrying the Host in procession soon became a highlight of Corpus Christi. Adoration comes from the Mass and leads us back to the In Australia this solemnity is celebrated on a Sunday in Mass. Adoration deepens our desire to receive the Lord. Autumn. In the cooler Southern States that somewhat restricts However, we need to approach his Blessed Sacrament with the traditional practice of an outdoors Eucharistic procession, true contrition. As we draw nearer to the Year of Mercy that commended by the example of the Pope. Every year, on the has been proclaimed by Pope Francis, we reflect on the Mercy Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Holy Father leads a great of God in the Eucharist. procession of the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of In our times there is a tendency to be casual about Holy Rome, himself kneeling in adoration before the sacred Host Communion. Some people approach the altar in a careless exposed in a monstrance. The procession concludes when he way, as if by habit. They rarely come to confession. Yet the gives Benediction from the front steps of the Basilica of Saint secret of a good Communion is reconciliation with our merciful Mary Major. God through confession of our sins. After Communion prayer When I worked in the Vatican, I used to take part in that of thanksgiving is a powerful time for interceding, not just for procession. I can never forget the prayerful devotion of Saint ourselves, but for others. Pope John Paul II. He restored the procession to the streets of During adoration, as a community or as individuals, we come Rome, no longer limiting it to St Peter’s Square. He wished to before Jesus the Bread of Life, the “bread come down from continue what he did as Archbishop of Krakow. He wanted to heaven”. He promises that when we eat his flesh and drink bring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to the streets of Rome, so that the people might welcome and adore their Eucharistic his blood, he will live in us and we will live in him. This is why Lord where they live and work. Each year since 1979, the receiving the Eucharist is “Communion”: the loving God united numbers have grown and the procession is a major event in the to us, ourselves united to God and all of us “in communion” life of the local Church. with one another. In Sydney the same phenomenon is evident with growing However, we tend to think of Communion as “I receive crowds taking part in a prayerful procession that recalls the Jesus”. We can say at the same time, “Jesus receives me!” This processions at the Eucharistic Congresses in 1928 and 1953. In is his great mercy. The more precise words we now say before Melbourne the focus is Corpus Christi seminary, where priests Communion, “Lord I am not worthy that you should enter and seminarians lead a procession of the faithful that passes under my roof...” emphasise the divine initiative and his tender along Lygon Street, Carlton, centre of the Italian community. mercy. Across the centuries Catholic people have faithfully observed Our Lord also makes a greater promise. He reveals the this day of adoration and homage. Those from traditional ultimate effect of Holy Communion. He offers us a Resurrection ethnic communities can remember splendid processions in hope when he says “whoever eats this bread will live for cities, towns and villages. Even in times of persecution and ever…” war, the faithful have done their best to honour the Eucharist. Do we trust his words? Every Communion leads towards In one church the Communist police were puzzled why crowds of people kept praying in front of a mountain of flowers. eternal life in heaven. Being united with Him now prepares us Discretely concealed among the blooms was the Blessed to live with Him for ever. As we honour our Eucharistic King, Sacrament. Mary Immaculate, perfect adorer of her Son, helps us deepen A consolation as we grow older, the Eucharist is also this hope. the source of the eternal youth of our Church. Each World The Holy Eucharist is the heart of Catholic faith and life. Youth Day is marked by prolonged adoration of the Blessed In this Mystery of Faith we cannot separate sacrament from Sacrament. Young Catholics are finding peace and strength in sacrifice, the Real Presence from the Sacrifice of the Lord. This the silence of adoration. They embrace a free form of prayer is why the Second Vatican Council taught that the Eucharistic that is simple and flexible. Liturgy is the “summit and source” of the life of the Church. All Every Thursday night young people gather for a Holy Hour our prayers lead up to that summit and from that summit flows of adoration in Saint Patrick’s cathedral, Melbourne. Some then the sacramental fount of grace in the living Church.

12 Catholic Life, June, 2015 Churches of the World Laon Cathedral

Churches of the World during 2015, the centenary year commemoration of the landing at Gallipoli, will showcase Churches or Cathedrals in or near the battlefields of World War I.

Laon Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon) is one of the most only five are complete to the height of the base of the spires, two at important examples of the Gothic architecture of the 12th and 13th the west front, with life-size figures of oxen beneath the arcades of their centuries, earlier than the Cathedrals of Sens and Notre Dame of Paris upper portion, two more, one at each end of the transept, and a square and ranking with them in importance. It is located in Laon, Picardy, central crossing tower that forms a lantern illuminating the crossing. France, and is the seat of the Bishop of Laon. It has been listed among The west front, then with three porches, the centre one surmounted by the Monuments Historiques since 1840. a fine rose window of 1210, ranks next to that of Notre Dame de Paris The current cathedral is built on the site of an earlier edifice in the purity of its Gothic style. Because of the use of white stone in the commenced under the episcopacy of Gerfrid (774-800). That Carolingian interior, however, the luminosity is remarkably greater than at Notre- Cathedral was consecrated on 6 September 800 in the presence of the Dame. The cathedral has stained glass of the 13th century and a chancel emperor himself. screen of the 18th century. Although the cathedral suffered some The building is cruciform, and the choir terminates in a straight wall damage during the French Revolution and the Franco-Prussian War of instead of in an apse. Of the seven planned towers flanking the façades, 1870, it escaped both World Wars unharmed. The famous medieval artist Villard de Honnecourt made detailed Catholic Life, June, 2015 13 Palliative Care – putting patients back in the driver’s seat

by Debra Vermeer A diagnosis of terminal cancer or other life limiting illness is a distressing experience for anyone, but more recent advances in Palliative and Supportive Care are putting patients back into the driver’s seat when it comes to deciding how their treatment will unfold and how they and their family will experience the journey ahead of them. lthough a relatively new area of medical specialisation, Dr Maria Cigolini Palliative Medicine has developed in recent decades into a sophisticated, patient-centred, multidisciplinary now showing that good symptom control can actually A prolong life,” she says. “But what we can truly influence is approach to care. The World Health Organisation describes it as: “an how you experience your journey of care between now and approach that improves the quality of life of patients and that end point.” their families facing the problems associated with life- Dr Maria Cigolini, Clinical Director of Palliative Medicine threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, says many people’s suffering by means of early identification and impeccable fears of death and dying stem from bad experiences with the assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, death of a loved one in the past. physical, psychosocial and spiritual”. “In the past, people didn’t really talk about dying and It is this attention to the whole person that sets it apart there were a variety of problems that would occur around from other medical specialities, says Associate Professor death which would go unmanaged,” she says. Natasha Michael, Director of Palliative Medicine at Cabrini Dr Cigolini says recent decades have seen a rapid Health in Melbourne. growth in cancer medicine, as well as treatment of other “The WHO definition of Palliative Care is very explicit, chronic diseases, such as heart and renal disease, meaning that it is about providing holistic care, where you pay that people often live longer with progressive disease and attention to the physical, the psychosocial and the spiritual develop more symptoms. dimensions of support and care to patients and families “But the amount of knowledge in the management of dying living with a life limiting illness,” she says. and management of best supportive care has also expanded “And it also talks about early integration, so that you exponentially over the last two decades in particular,” she see people early on in their disease trajectory, when they’ve says. “Our role is to try to keep people symptomatically well just been diagnosed with such a condition, and you provide and controlled to get on with their life, as well as being able care through the illness continuum, and right through to the to get through their treatments to prolong their lives. bereavement period for the family. And that care is provided “And, when the disease becomes refractory to treatment, by a multidisciplinary team. then our role is to assist them in planning in advance how “I always say that for many of our patients, we can’t they want to be managed when curing the disease is no really change the end point, although we have good data longer a priority. “This would include considering such things as place of death, how they want things to be for them, as well as supporting them in the community to either achieve a death at home or to be kept at home as long as possible through community palliative nurses and doctors in cooperation with the GP and specialists. And an important role is also to support relatives, friends and carers in their role to be able to live this part of their lives the best they can until death ensues.” Dr Cigolini says that one of the most important aspects of good palliative care is that it can return a measure of control to a patient who might feel their life had spiralled out of control upon diagnosis. “With all the resources we now have and the human experience in dedicated social workers, psychologists, chaplains, therapists and wonderful nurses, this time of dying becomes a very human and whole experience,” she says. “I feel we can really say that it is definitely possible to Associate Professor Natasha Michael have a good death. It is possible and it is happening.”

14 Catholic Life, June, 2015 Q: I would like to know if not attending Mass on 2. Baptism in the Uniting Church is recognised in the Saturday or Sunday is considered a sin. Catholic Church, so it is not possible to be baptised A: Here is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has more than once. Depending on how old your daughter to say about Sunday Mass. is your local parish priest will advise about receiving “#2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and the other two sacraments of initiation, Eucharist and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the Confirmation. faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days Q: I am not Catholic but my wife and her family are. of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their We would like to baptise our daughter in the Catholic own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation Church and I was wondering if there are any issues commit a grave sin.” with this. Q: I was born and raised Catholic but have been away A: It is most appropriate that your daughter be baptised from the Church for some years. I married a Christian in the Catholic faith. There is no problem that only one lady (who had previously been divorced) in the Uniting parent is Catholic, provided the other parent has no Church and we have a lovely daughter who was also objections. baptised in the Uniting Church. http://www.catholicaustralia.com.au/page. I am feeling drawn back to the Church and have some php?pg=sacraments-infant-baptism-questions has some questions.

Questions about the Catholic Faith questions and answers that you might find helpful, about 1. Is my marriage considered valid by the Catholic the role of the non-Catholic parent, about Godparents Church? and what happens during the ceremony etc. 2. Can my daughter be baptised in the Catholic It is possible that you may be asked if you are interested Church, even though she has already been baptised in becoming Catholic. If so, please consider this as an in a Christian baptism in the Uniting Church? invitation so it is entirely your decision and does not A. It is good to hear that you are feeling drawn back to impact on the baptism of your daughter. the Church after being away for some time. 1. I think you need to consult the professional and Is there something about the Catholic friendly experts at what is called the Tribunal of the faith you want answered? Catholic Church. It is best to contact their office where you can be sure that the information you receive Contact: Catholic Enquiry Centre is reliable. Here is a link to where you will find the contact details for the Tribunal office in your Diocese. [email protected]

Question BOX http://www.catholicenquiry.com/marriage/marriage- tribunal-contact-information.html Ph: 1300 4 FAITH (1300 432 484)

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Catholic Life, June, 2015 15 conservation work for St. Carthage’s Cathedral Lismore z z

C arrying forward the vision of the Most Reverend Jeremiah Doyle, the pioneer Bishop of the diocese more than a century ago, the Most Reverend Geoffrey Jarrett has announced the commencement of the next stage of the conservation work of St Carthage’s Cathedral.

16 conservation work for St. Carthage’s Cathedral Lismore z z he six month project to restore and refurbish additional burial spaces and fix some unevenness in other the interior of one of the region’s most notable parts of the 108 year old floor. buildings follows on from the essential exterior works that were undertaken in 2010 and 2011 to “I have a deep sense that in carrying out this work we are repair extensive storm damage and repoint and doing our part to keep faith with the past generations of cleanT the brickwork. Catholics from Lismore and the diocese, onwards from the This new stage focuses on the renovation of the sanctuary, pioneers who rallied around Bishop Doyle, who had the the central altar area, including the preservation of its foresight and courage against many odds to build this Church heritage features and the eventual completion of its marble for the people of the North Coast. Their memorials and paving according to the original intention. generosity inspire us today.” “The plans for the sanctuary have been considered over ten years, to give it a beauty and permanence worthy of the The restoration ensures one of Lismore’s landmark buildings modern liturgy which at the same time remains in harmony will serve the North Coast community with renewed with the original design of Herbert Wardell, the son and youthfulness for another century and beyond. successor of Australia’s famous 19th century Gothic Revival architect, William Wilkinson Wardell,” said Bishop Jarrett. The Cathedral closed after the Easter services. Parishioners are “Based on recent engineering advice, we can make permanent invited to attend St. Mary’s Chapel adjacent to the Cathedral the later timber alterations under the sanctuary, provide while the conservation work is taking place.

An artists impression of the completed work

About St Carthage’s Cathedral W. W. Wardell, Australia’s greatest nineteenth century t Carthage’s Cathedral was built between 1904 and architect, designed among many other buildings, St Mary’s 1907. The tower was added and the peal of twelve Cathedral, Hobart, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne and bells installed in 1911. Its construction was the St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney. The influence of his famous great project of Lismore’s first bishop, Jeremiah father is clearly evident in many features of Herbert Joseph Doyle, who died two years after the Wardell’s design of St Carthage’s. Cathedral’s opening. At the dedication of St Carthage’s in 1907, Cardinal Moran, In 1892 Bishop Doyle had entrusted the design of the Archbishop of Sydney, paid a glowing compliment when Cathedral, in the Gothic Revival style, to the architects he said: “He did not know, outside the great Cathedrals Wardell and Denning. Herbert Wardell was the son of of Melbourne and Sydney, any finer Cathedral than St

William Wilkinson Wardell (1823-1899), who as a young Carthage’s had been erected in Australia.” Copyright images All architect in England was a close associate of the “father” Further enquiries contact: Greg Isaac – Diocesan Business of the Gothic Revival, Augustus Welby Pugin (1812-1852). Manager 02 6621 9444 17 Ordination to Diaconate Candidaters symbolise the offering of themselves to preach and live the Good News of the Gospel

Vitalis Nyongesa and Alexander Munyao were ordained Deacons in St. Augustine’s Church Coffs Harbour on the 9th April at 7pm by Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett. italis Nyongesa grew up in the western part of Kenyaon the outskirts of Mt Elgon in a place called V Bungoma. He is the youngest in a family of nine children. His father died when Vitalis was two years of age and his mother left her work as a teacher to raise her family in human values and the Catholic faith. Two special places in their family life was the local church ad the school. Deciding to become a priest Vitalis joined the Consolata Missionaries. He was a missionary for nine years – three in Temporal Vows. As a missionary he resided in different Vitalis Nyongesa (left) and Alexander Munyao communities including those in Italy and Uganda. (right) awaiting the call Speaking of how his interest in the Lismore Diocese came about, Vitalis said “Towards the end of my Theological studies in Rome, I felt called to become a diocesan priest. time why I want to become a priest. My response is that I This occurred as I interacted and shared much with Priests passionately believe that Priesthood is where God is leading and other fellow seminarians sent by their dioceses from me, for my own sanctification and at the same time for the around the world to study at the Urbaniana Pontifical sanctification of those entrusted to me. I yearn to be able, as University in Rome. I decided to be open to this idea and a priest of the Church,to continually sanctify the people of prayed about it as well. When I had made a resolution of God and myself by celebrating Mass as the highest offering approaching my superiors about joining my home diocese ever to be made, through Sacramental life and through my as directed by my spiritual director, I encountered Most Rev personal prayer life.” Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett, the Bishop of Lismore, through a Alexander Munyao was born on 25 February 1982 priest friend who had also acted as my spiritual director. the sixth born child in a standard African family of nine This is how I found my way to Australia and specifically siblings, five brothers and three sisters. The family lived in to the Lismore Diocese. Many people ask me from time to Machakos District in the larger administrative Province of

The imposition of hands in Ordination upon Vitalis Nyongesa

18 Catholic Life, June, 2015 Bishop Jarrett presents the book of the Gospels to the newly-ordained Vitalis Nyongesa

Bishop Jarrett with the newly-ordained Deacons Vitalis Nyongesa (left) Alexander Munyao (right) at the end of the ceremony

Catholic Life, June, 2015 19 The cutting of the cake: We celebrate! Ordination to Diaconate

continued from previous page

Eastern Kenya. He belongs to the Kamba tribe which is the fifth largest tribe in Kenya according to the 2009 population census by the Kenya Bureau of Statistics. Alexander speaks seven local languages. He comes from a small village called Muthesya in expansive Yatta plateau overlooking the great Yatta/Mt. Kilimanjaro ridge. Alexander likes to speak about his call to Priesthood: “My call to priesthood started when I was a young boy growing up in the savannah plains of Africa. My local parish was being looked after by Irish Missionary Priests (of the Holy Ghost Fathers) and I was utterly touched by their sheer determination and call of duty to spread the word of God despite the deplorable conditions under which they worked including their undeterred efforts to master my local Kambalanguage. This challenged my young heart so profoundly that I started discerning that one day I would also become a missionary. Just to put you in the picture, my local parish has a severely injured but God saved me and I just survived. population of about 50 thousand people spread over a After sometime I left the military service and continued rugged geographical area the size of the entire Lismore my journey towards priesthood by joining the Consolata Diocese with no permanent roads. The parish is served by Missionaries. Under their guidance I studied for 5 years in two priests who sometimes doubled as local teachers and Kenya and then 3 years in Rome (Italy). agricultural extension workers at the same time. As a result, Finally my journey took me from Rome to Australia we hardly got a chance to celebrate Mass once a month. where I am currently doing my final years of formation God As part of my long journey to fulfil my dreams, I joined a local minor seminary which was run by Irish Missionaries willing and through your prayers too. in Kenya. After successful completion I first had a short After this phase I would like to totally dedicate my life stint in the Kenya Police Services as a paramilitary to the service of the Church by receiving the Sacrament of soldier. In this services while on duty we were attacked Holy Orders i.e. to become a priest for the Church of God.”

Moved by the desperate plight of Christians fear as increasing poverty and growing extremism throughout the Middle East, the Catholic charity Aid threaten the survival of these ancient communities. to the Church in Need (ACN) calls on your support to ACN is helping to keep faith and hope alive throughout help the region’s beleaguered Christian population. the region by providing urgent aid to priests, religious A mass exodus of Christians from the Middle East and lay people, offering subsistence help to refugees is now taking place. For some, like the Christians of and building and repairing Churches and convents. Iraq and Syria, it is a question of their very survival Please help us strengthen and rebuild the Church in as they flee the bloody persecution of the militants of the land of Christ’s birth. the Islamic State (formerly ISIS). A beautiful, olive wood crucifix, handcrafted in For others, in parts of the Holy Land that Our Bethlehem, will be sent to all those who give a Lord Jesus Christ knew so well, the proportion of donation of $20.00 or more to help this campaign. Christians has plummeted from 20% to as little as Please tick the box below if you would like to 1.4% in the last forty years. The faithful now live in receive the little olive wood crucifix*.

Send to: Aid to the Church in Need PO Box 7246 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 Tel No: (02) 9679-1929 Email: [email protected] Web: www.aidtochurch.org I enclose a cheque/money order payable to Aid to the Church in Need OR please debit my Visa or Mastercard: Broken Bay News

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20 Catholic Life, June, 2015