CA HO IC V IFE LDiocese of Lismore

Tweed Coast to Camden Haven www.lismorediocese.org June 2016 Vol.14 No.2

Bishop John – Rest in Peace Open for Breakfast & Dinner Breakfast:Breakfast: Monday Monday – Saturday – Saturday 7am – 9am7am Sunday– 9.30am 8am Sunday – 10am 8am (Room – 10.30am Service Only) Dinner: Monday – Saturday 6pm – Late The Bishop Writes This issue of Catholic Life commemorates the death of Bishop John Satterthwaite on 23rd April. As my own tribute to my predecessor as Bishop of Lismore, I wish to contribute the homily which I gave at his Mass of Christian Burial in St Carthage’s Cathedral on 2nd May. We have received word of the more recent death in Melbourne of Bishop John’s sister, Sister Patricia Satterthwaite, of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, for whom also we pray: seminary of the Marist Fathers at Toongabbie in Sydney y dear brother bishops and priests, Bishop John’s cautioned the students to keep the house quiet over the next family and friends, all present in this assembly and week because a Father Satterthwaite was coming to make the many others who have been unable to come to his retreat in preparation for his episcopal consecration in Lismore, including Bishop John’s sisters Joan and Pat and Lismore. In fact we did not see much of him but I do recall his many of his brother bishops, but who nonetheless wish to slim figure in a black soutane pacing each evening the long join us in remembrance and prayer: front drive of the seminary, his hands behind him telling out We have come together in this large congregation this the beads of his rosary. No one could have imagined that, morning to remember, to honour and to pray for a man thirty years later, that student then approaching diaconate widely known and loved, a priest for almost sixty years and would be called to succeed him as bishop and on this day chief pastor of the Lord’s flock in this north coast diocese it would fall to him to be speaking these words at his Mass for over thirty years as its fourth bishop. Bishop John is of Christian Burial. mourned by his family, to whom we extend our sympathy, In fact, as many of you might guess, he probably would by his brother bishops and priests and by the people of the prefer that no words were said at all. He was never one for Diocese of Lismore, all of us remembering him with respect eulogies and his own homilies at funerals were known for and affection. their brevity and their focus not on the one who had died, Let us do for him with willing hearts what he would about whom everyone knew anyway, but on the wonder and want us to do, to offer this holy Sacrifice, the centre of his the truth of what Christ has made possible for us through His whole life and energies, for the repose of his soul and by defeat of death and the consolation which His resurrection our prayers assist him speedily homewards, freed from the alone can bring to the burden of those who mourn. effects of sin, to enjoy the vision of the Blessed. He was not the only bishop who worried about all the Firstly, I would like to thank Monsignor John John nice things, however true, it is tempting to say in eulogies. Kallarakal, Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature in One recalls the late Cardinal Heenan of Westminster who Canberra for his presence with us this morning and for said in advance that he wanted none of this, no gilded conveying on behalf of the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop words, since people might get the impression that there was Yllana, a message of condolence from His Holiness Pope no need to pray for him as he faced the judgement. What Francis. The message, forwarded by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, he wanted more than anything else, the most charitable and the Vatican Secretary of State, reads as follows: necessary thing that Christians can do, was that everyone “The Holy Father was saddened to learn of the death would pray and offer Masses for him, the most beneficial of the Most Reverend John Steven Satterthwaite, Bishop sign of their love and esteem. I believe Bishop John would Emeritus of Lismore and he sends his condolences to the prefer the same. So I will follow his example by being brief priests, men and women religious and all the lay faithful of and to the point, remembering what he once said that, if he the Diocese. Recalling with gratitude the late Prelate’s many were to have a long purgatory it would not be because of years of service to God’s people, Pope Francis joins you and any long sermons. all present at the Funeral Rites in commending his soul to Such is the passing of the generations that those approaching the tender mercy of our heavenly Father. To all who mourn or past their middle years will be those who best remember Bishop Satterthwaite’s passing, the Holy Father cordially Bishop John’s years in Lismore. The people of Port Macquarie imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation of course will best remember him in the fifteen years up and strength in our Lord Jesus Christ. Cardinal Pietro to the time of his passing. One way or another in this past Parolin, Secretary of State.” week we have all felt a sense of loss. The priests who worked His Excellency Archbishop Yllana, who was present with closely with him in the times of change and uncertainty in us recently for the dedication of the cathedral altar, sends his early years, the older men ordained by Bishop Farrelly, his apologies with the following message: the 45 priests he himself ordained will feel a special loss; and “I also express my sentiments of communion with God’s those of us who have come since: we all came to love and people of Lismore as they pray to the Lord to grant Bishop respect him for his good sense, his sharp mind and balanced John Steven Satterthwaite eternal rest and peace in his judgement and his faith, simple, straightforward and unafraid. heavenly kingdom.” The priests, the brothers and sisters in consecrated life, all Dear brothers and sisters: yesterday was the forty- worked with him readily because he was vitally interested and seventh anniversary of the ordination of Bishop John encouraged them, in their work. Satterthwaite as a bishop, here in this Cathedral, by Norman Thomas Cardinal Gilroy. Not long before, the Rector of the Continued over page

Catholic Life, June, 2016 3 The Bishop Everyone knew ourselves simply dwell with memories of the past, going Writes that his leadership home after a funeral to let time heal our sense of loss. We Continued from previous page was directed to the have heard St Paul remind us that the troubles and sad good of the Church, partings of this life, which of its nature falls constantly into the Church first and above all. It was not easy steering the decay, are there to train us for the carrying of a weight of ship of the faith through the rips and tides and undertows eternal glory which is out of all proportion to them. of those two decades following the Second Vatican Council When Bishop John was ordained a priest it was to preach and it was due to Bishop John’s steady leadership and stable the Good News of Christ’s Kingdom which is not of this judgement that the Church in this Diocese weathered the world, to train the eyes of believers to see past what is time so well and built up a new generation to face what is visible, the things that last only for a time, to rest upon the now upon us. invisible things that are eternal. Through his hours of early Aware of his own limitations, Bishop John drew from morning prayer day by day in this cathedral, in this house among the faithful men and women of the Church those built by human hands as a sign of the heavenly Jerusalem, who could advise and assist him in various areas. He trusted his determined faith in the house built by God for us in the them and they responded in placing their professional heavens must surely have been nourished, to be given in experience and acumen at the service of the Diocese, to witness in his ministry to guide others safely homewards. build up its resources for mission, to ensure that the works For this reason we cannot be sorry that Bishop John has of education, charity and health care could be extended in been called home by God, nor would he want us to be. It is the name of Christ. This collaboration was built around a for us now to thank God for his life and ministry and join leader whom they knew placed the good of the Church and together in prayer, invoking the intercession of our Blessed her work in Christ’s name above all other considerations. Lady and all the saints, to speed him happily on his way. Recalling their close association with Bishop John in that Eternal rest grant to him O Lord and may perpetual light foundational and enduring work will I am sure bring to shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. those men and women a particular sadness at his passing. Yours devotedly in Christ, But because we are followers of Christ we do not let ✠ Geoffrey Jarrett, Bishop of Lismore CONTENTS School News 25 St. Joseph’s Primary School, South Grafton Regular Features St. Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballina St. Brigid’s Primary School, Kyogle 3-4 The Bishop Writes 26 St. Mary’s Primary School, Casino 5 Editorial St. Patrick’s Primary School, Macksville 6 CSO Director’s Article Mt. St. John’s Primary School, Dorrigo 7-8 Father Alexander Munyao 27 St. Joseph’s Primary School, Maclean 14 Religious Art St. Joseph’s Primary School, Mullumbimby St. Agnes Primary School, Port Macquarie Features Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School, Sth Lismore 28 St. Mary’s Primary School, Grafton 9-12 Around Our Parishes – Macleay Valley St. Augustine’s Primary School, Coffs Harbour 13 Fr Tom Maloney Portrait Unveiled at 29 Trinity Catholic College, Lismore St. Vincent’s Hospital St. Joseph’s Primary School, Woodburn 14 Year of Mercy Pilgrimages 30 St. John’s College, Woodlawn Holy Family School, Skennars Head 15-22 Centre feature – 31 St. Ambrose Primary School, Pottsville Bishop John Satterthwaite Mt. St. Patrick College, Murwillumbah 23 Lismore Diocese World Youth Day St. Joseph’s Primary School, Tweed Heads 2016 Pilgrimage 32 Mary Help of Christians Primary School, Sawtell 24 The Choir of St. Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore MacKillop College, Port Macquarie

Editor and Publisher of Parish events: “Catholic Life”: Email your planned Parish events, Father Peter M Karam celebrations, anniversaries, etc., for Email: [email protected] inclusion on our website and in the next Fax: 02 6622 1771 edition of “Catholic Life”. Email to: [email protected] Visit our Diocesan website: Advertising Enquiries: www.lismorediocese.org JFH marketing & media consultants 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 – Quality Plus Printers A member of the Australasian (02) 6686 7488 Catholic Press Association and the Australasian Religious Press Art Direction & Graphic Design:

Bishop John – Rest in Peace. Image by John Bortolin Association Inc. GPG [email protected]

4 Catholic Life, June, 2016 Editorial The Passing of an Era

The death of Bishop John Satterthwaite marks the passing of an era. e had been a respected leader and teacher in the diocese for thirty years during difficult times in the church and society. At the end of the Second Vatican Council, there was a new conversation. The Church sent out the message that it was part of the modern world, to engage not condemn, to listen and understand. By its teaching and discipleship, the council Unfortunately there is a downside to the changes... that we documents encouraged the church to listen to a changing will lose reverence for what is sacred and our appreciation world and to be strong and fervent in its response to the of Christ’s real presence in the Blessed Sacrament. We must challenges set before it. always remember that the Mass is a sacred act of worship and At this time there began a shift away from long accepted not a popular concert at which we expect to be entertained… moral norms and traditional family structures. Society the Mass is the highest act of worship by which we honour worldwide had started to destabilise. God. It is also the greatest source of spiritual nourishment to New nations in Asia and Eastern Europe had begun help us love God and to resist temptation. It is to the Church to “flex their muscles” and a new world order surfaced. what the heart is to the body. Without it we have nothing.” Emerging forms of electronic media began to build their Bishop John believed unity was the strength of the diocese. He “Global Village”. took every opportunity to gather his people together. The 1960s was a decade of change, with protests against One special occasion was the annual Chrism Mass. In racism, war, the status quo and authority in general. It was his homily at the Chrism Mass celebrated on the 11th April into this environment that John Steven Satterthwaite was appointed and then ordained the Coadjutor Bishop of Lismore 2000 he said: “This evening it is good to see so many here with the right of succession. He was not widely known in and to see representatives from all over the diocese. You are our diocese even though he was a priest in the neighbouring all most welcome.” He took the opportunity to again speak Diocese of Armidale. On the retirement of Bishop Farrelly on of the Priesthood, a favourite topic: “We all have a vocation the 31st August 1971 Bishop John was installed as the fourth and a part to play in God’s plan. Married couples often renew Bishop of Lismore. their vows on their wedding anniversaries. Religious do the With great energy and commitment, he commenced his same on the anniversary of their profession. This evening the ministry visiting his priests, religious and people identifying priests of the diocese and the Marist Fathers who are with us the pastoral needs of the diocese. will renew their commitment to the priesthood. I ask you to He fostered confidence for the tasks ahead. He set out pray for them. When Christ founded His Church he did not to implement the reforms of Vatican II. With the assistance appoint angels to lead it. He chose weak men. All the priests and advice from those he had gathered around him, he here with me this evening ask you to pray that they will be put in place structures that served Education, Governance, given the grace to live up to their high calling.” Welfare, Health, support for our Indigenous people, Aged Then turning yet again to the topic of Unity he said: Care and support for Youth. Extensive building projects were “Tonight we are reminded of the unity of the diocese. There undertaken, underpinned by the Diocesan Investment Fund. are present among us members of Religious Congregations, On September 5th 1997, Bishop John commissioned the representatives from most of the parishes, from the Koori Diocesan website. In his media release he wrote: “It signals communities of the Macleay and Nambucca districts, the a new vision of communication and education. It opens our St. Vincent de Paul Society and other groups. We form one diocese to anyone in the world. It has the potential to be a family. We ask God to bless us all.” vital force in proclaiming the Good News and an avenue It is said that time eventually turns life into memories. for youth to learn about the Church and what service it That has already begun for Bishop John. In the days provides.” following his death, memories are being recalled and shared His homilies were easy to understand and to the point. throughout the diocese. That was his life. That was his time. On the 25th June 1997 he wrote of the Vatican II liturgical I believe that his legacy will endure in the hearts of the changes enacted throughout the diocese. people of the diocese and beyond, in those he befriended, “When the Bishops of the World met in Rome in the mid loved and respected in his own inimitable way. 1960’s they, like the Bishops who met in Trent four hundred years before, saw the need to reform the Mass. We were encouraged by the example of his prayer life, the efforts he made to “keep in touch” and a rare humility to If the people were to be more than spectators, then the accept rather than harshly judge. Mass would need to be offered in a language they understood. We now have the Mass in English with the congregation He slipped away quietly with little ceremony as a faithful answering the responses and reading the Scriptures. People are servant would do. encouraged to receive Communion more frequently, the altar Bishop John – rest in peace. is closer to the congregation and the priest faces the people. Father Peter M. Karam – Editor

Catholic Life, June, 2016 5 for each human being, namely, to enjoy a life of fullness and meaning. Every parent and caregiver also wants the best for their Living Life to the Full children. This is one of the reasons why they place their children in the care of a Catholic school because they believe that here they can achieve their full potential. What might achieving ones full potential look like? Essentially it means as Father William Goh outlines, ‘fulfilling our physical, by David Condon, material and emotional, aesthetic and spiritual needs. To live the Director of Catholic Schools fullness of life is more than just acquiring wealth, status and for the Diocese of Lismore power. It means to live a meaningful and purposeful life’. He further states that Jesus cautions us against trying to find It was mentioned to me in conversation the other day life through the way of the world. He states that ‘we must not be deluded by the world because what the world can offer is external that simply referring to the glass being ‘half-full’ is a happiness, not the happiness of the soul. The world might be able nothing statement. to satisfy the body but not the spirit. We are not mere body; we always thought it was a good way to look at life, but the person have a soul, a heart and a mind that desires to be satisfied’. I was speaking with went on to point out that simply saying the Goh further reasons that life cannot be acquired directly. The glass is ‘half-full’, is too limiting in its consensus on how good more we try to acquire life the more it eludes us. Such a paradox life might be, or how well a life is being lived. Acknowledging can sometimes best be explained with the rich and successful. and focusing on all the things we have in life that we can Some of these people get the greatest satisfaction and joy through be grateful for and appreciative of, allows us to more sagely service and love, particularly to the poor. reference the good things we have in our lives and the rich fabric For all people, meaning is usually found in service to others of which the mystery of life is comprised. especially in love and relationships. He states, ‘there is no life, Gratitude, according to Beattie, ‘unlocks the fullness of life. It even if we are rich and successful in worldly terms, if there is turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into no love in our lives, when we have no friends and no one whom acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal we can share our love. Life is also not full even if we have good into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend’. Such friends, unless we find a purpose for living, now and hereafter’. reflection and awareness attunes our consciousness to the gift of We all need love. We are all faced with challenges that affect lie affirmed in the tenets of our Catholic faith. us at some time in our lives. Love brings hope and resilience, the We all desire to live a full life, one that brings meaning to our ability to adapt to challenges that may include stress, tragedy, lives, to the lives of those we form close relationships with and trauma, threats, setbacks and loss. By developing resilience and to those we come into contact with in a more peripheral sense. love, through the love of God and others, we are able to better Central to this notion is found in John’s gospel when Christ stated manage stress or feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. The ability “I came that they might have life and have it to the full” (John to pray, work together, navigate problems and thrive despite what 10:10). As Christians we believe that this is what God intends challenges confront us arise from thoughts and actions found in Christian living. In providing for a fullness of life for students in our schools that is moral, caring, resilient and loving, Pope Francis asked in May of last year that teachers become ‘formators’. To do this they too need their own formation to witness to their faith. ‘You must not teach just content, but the values of life. A computer can teach content. Instead there are three things that you must transmit: how to love, how to understand values and the ways that these influence a society”. In a society that struggles to find points of reference, the Pope continued “young people need a positive reference point in their school”. However, the school can become this only “if it has teachers capable of giving meaning to the school, to study and culture, without reducing everything to the mere transmission of technical knowledge”. The influence of a Catholic educator depends more on what he or she is as a person and the way they live than what they say. As I have written earlier, ‘When our teachers are ‘present’ in the classroom, when they build healthy respectful relationships with our students, a precursor to any effective learning environment, as Catholic teachers, they are also extending the loving mercy of God and providing optimum opportunities for our students to flourish and develop fully. This vision is grounded in the conviction that a relationship with God is basic to being able to build a happy, successful and purposeful life and an education that fails to incorporate a ‘God – dimension’ is one that can only ever be incomplete. A relationship with God can enable a person to make a sense of life and live it fully; a relationship with Christ can lead into the richness of a relationship with God; and life within the Church community can enable and deepen a relationship with Jesus. The glass is more than half full, it is overflowing. The everyday challenge we all face is living life to the full the way Christ intended for us to do. An even greater challenge as Catholic educators is to nurture such points of reference that Pope Francis speaks to within our own schools’.

6 Catholic Life, June, 2016 A Remarkable Priestly Ordination – 4th March 2016 in Machakos Kenya

I am still not sure whether I am the most qualified person to announce that my lifetime dream to become a priest is now a reality. evertheless, on a sunny day on 4th March, 2016 in the middle of Savannah Plains, Yatta plateau Kenya at exactly 6pm I was ordained a priest after twelve good years of formation. My formation journey began in 2004 with five years of Philosophical studies at Consolata Institute of Philosophy and Novitiate in Kenya under the Consolata Missionaries. Deacon Alexander processing with Bishop Jarrett and Fr Peter Woods (Master of Ceremonies) for the Ordination Mass. Next I undertook three years of Theological studies in the Pontifical Urban University Rome. Fr. Michael the Parish Priest of St. Francis Xavier, Ballina Finally I underwent 4 years intensive study and pastoral had the following to say: “The strength of faith of the experience in Australia under the guidance of both the people of Kenya was evident in their relentless songs and Good Shepherd Seminary Sydney and Vianney College rhythmic movements throughout the three-hour Mass and Wagga Wagga. My thoughts at this time were from Isaiah one hour of speeches!” 6:8, then I heard the voice of the lord saying, “Whom shall “Deservedly, a special mention goes to the Choir and the I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here I am. Liturgical dancers (children). Africans sing with both their Send me” voices and magnificent body rhythm to mesmerising effect” With my Ordination day approaching, Bishop Geoffrey observed Fr. Michael. Jarrett of the Catholic Diocese of Lismore, travelled to Bishop Geoffrey in his Homily profoundly thanked Fr. Kenya with the permission of Bishop Anthony Muheria, Raphael Kimeu the host and the Parish Priest at St. Zeno the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Parish Ndithini, his two assistant priests and the Sisters of Machakos to ordain me a priest. the little daughters of St. Joseph for the warm welcome The spectacular Mass was conducted in English graced and for the beautiful liturgy, singing and for many smiles by a mixture of angelic liturgical songs in Swahili (Second from all the Parishioners. He also thanked God for having national language) and Kamba (my native mother tongue) granted him the opportunity to ordain me in Kenya where one of the 42 tribal languages spoken in Kenya. he witnessed a very rich culture and a strong faith. He went With hundreds of people in attendance, even our best on to say: “I am very moved by this very large and joyful effort to hire marquees, a public address system and chairs assembly and the beautiful and impressive preparations was not enough. So rare are such ceremonies at a parish that have been made for today’s celebration. level, the locals and the visitors were left mesmerized, if not What is it that makes an ordination such a happy asking for more. It is no wonder Bishop Geoffrey started occasion? It is more than just the joy of seeing a man from by saying that “let’s hope a time will come when it will your family and parish becoming a priest. I think the joy happen again!” really comes from our Catholic faith, the universal faith we The protracted Ordination ceremony went for three share in Kenya and Australia and all over the world with hours not to mention an additional one-hour for the Continued over page speeches. At the end of it all, one of the special envoys Bishop Jarrett imposes his hands... Offertory Procession. the sign of acceptance and ordination.

Catholic Life, June, 2016 7 A Remarkable Priestly Ordination – 4th March 2016 in Machakos Kenya

Continued from previous page

millions of brothers and sisters. We see an ordination as a wonderful sign of hope for the future of the Church, as a blessing for our community and families, a sign that God is with us, that His Spirit continues to lead and guide His Church, that He remains with us, as the Lord has promised, until the end of time. Each ordination is also a beautiful reminder that the Fr. Alexander greets the congregation. voice of God continues to be heard deep in the hearts of His sons, making them respond with love and generosity. Like two people getting married, a priest also makes a life-long Finally, I feel indebted to those who love historical decision to love and serve a family, to be a real father in backgrounds. I come from a typical large African (Kenyan) the great family of the Church. He takes as his example our family of nine siblings and I am the sixth born with five Lord Jesus Christ, the High Priest, who embraces His bride, brothers and three sisters. Both of my parents are alive the Church and brings into the world new life, life to last and retired. for eternity. It’s the life the priest conveys through the font My call to the Priesthood started when I was a young of baptism, at the altar of the Eucharist, in the sacraments boy growing up in the Savanna Plains of Kenya. As it of reconciliation and anointing, through teaching the Word were, my local parish was being looked after by Irish of God. missionary priests (of the Holy Ghost Fathers) and I was This is your calling, Deacon Alexander, to a life that utterly touched by their sheer determination and call of will be full of all sorts of tests and challenges. We pray that the life which commences today with this laying on duty, to spread the word of God despite the deplorable of the bishop’s hands, will be a life also of unfailing joy in conditions under which they worked, including their the Lord, whose strength will support you at every moment undeterred efforts to master my local Kamba language. along the way, a way that leads to your mission in distant This challenged my young heart so profoundly that Australia and to the warm welcome which you already I made that important decision that one day, one time I know awaits you in our Diocese of Lismore.” would also become a missionary. Unlike the celebration of the Mass in Australia, Just to put you in the picture, my local parish has a the Offertory here is often accompanied by the literal population of about 50 thousand people spread over a presentation of gifts. Everyone takes turns to present his or rugged geographical area the size of the entire Tweed her offertory and gifts to the Lord at the altar. Gifts range Valley with no permanent roads. Three priests who from animals, groceries to farm produce! It took Bishop sometimes doubled as local teachers and agricultural Geoffrey more than half an hour to receive all the gifts from the faithful. extension workers at the same time serve the parish. As a Bishop Geoffrey referred to the Kenyan Church as young, result, we hardly got a chance to celebrate the Holy Mass full of life and vibrant. once a month. Fr. Alexander with his parents, Father Alexander Munyao Stephen Munyao & Anne Kalekye Munyao View of the congregation assembled

8 Catholic Life, June, 2016 Proudly supporting Catholic Life and ‘Around Our Parishes’

catholicinsurance.org.au 1300 655 003

Home Contents Car Personal Accident Travel Landlord Caravan

CCIYou...You Catholic Life where Lismorewere Sponsorship asking askingprintAd APR15.indd about 1 about Bellingen maclea Parishy ...valle y Parish 16/04/2015 8:24:49 AM

In the green and lush rainforest area of the Bellinger Valley lies Gabrielle Waterworth the heart of the Bellingen Catholic faith community. This Parish and Michael Casey – comprises three very diverse communities linked by their common High Distinctions in faith: St Mary Immaculate Mother Of God Church in Bellingen Religious Education which adjoins the presbytery and Parish office, Holy Name Church in the seaside village of Urunga and Sacred Heart Church in the mountaintop township of Dorrigo. Between these three centres there are around 150 parishioners regularly participating in the weekendThe MacleayMasses. Valley Catholic Parish now Ourserves Parish the P riestcommunities Fr Amila Rajasekara of Grassy has Head, a busy schedule servingStuarts these Point,three communities South West as he Rocks, not only Smithtown/ celebrates the Holy Eucharist with weekend Masses in each of the three churches but alsoGaldstone, conducts a regular Crescent program Head, of weekday Kempsey, Masses. The Sacrament of WillawarrinReconciliation isand offered Bellbrook. once a week in each community and St. John’s, Willawarrin EucharisticIt has Adorationa mass going and populationBenediction of are 500 celebrated and is growing. in all This three All Saints, Kempsey churches once a month. community supports St. Joseph’s Primary School, St. Paul’s Star of the Sea, Crescent Head College and Vincent Court Aged Care facility. The community St Patrick’s, Smithtown Stalso Mary supports Immaculate the following: Mother children’sof God, Bellingen liturgy, youth group, Our Lady Star of the Sea, South West Rocks OOSH, RCIA, State School Cathechists, family groups, gardens and mowing group, Men Alive, Real Women and all the various 52-58 Marsh St (P.O. Box 3007), ministries associated with the celebration of the Eucharist. West Kempsey NSW 2440 Phone: 6562 5182 Fax: 6562 5716 Our mission is to help others and ourselves to enter deeper Email: [email protected] into a relationship with Jesus Christ to the point that we Website: www.midcoast.com.au/~cathkemp become actual Disciples of Jesus and then like the Disciples we go out to those around us and be living examples of Christ to Fr. Paul Gooley others. This example then causes others to seek out Jesus Christ Assistant Priest Fr. Joseph Holloway in their own lives.

The Catholic Precinct, West Kempsey, circa 1928. Interior of St. John’s Church Mullumbimby

89 Catholic Life, June, 2016 Catholic Life, September, 20159 Parish History ◗ The Macleay Valley was originally ministered by travelling priests from East Maitland as part of the Maitland Diocese. ◗ Father Quinlivan opened the first Church on the Macleay at East Kempsey on 21 July 1861. ◗ The parochial district of West Kempsey was established in 1864. ◗ On 20 May 1871, Father John O’Sullivan arrived in Kempsey and became the first Catholic Priest to reside in the Macleay Valley. ◗ The first Presbytery was erected in 1882. It was located where the present Church is now situated. ◗ The new 750 seat St Patrick’s Catholic Church at Smithtown was opened by Bishop Torreggiani on 24 October 1886. Fr. Paul Gooley enjoys some “break time” with school pupils. ◗ It was decided in 1886 to establish a new Parish in the Lower Macleay. The new Smithtown Parish was formed in 1886. ◗ The Smithtown Presbytery construction had just started in August 1887. This building survived dozens of floods before it was replaced by the present building in 1961. ◗ On 5 January 1896, Father Buggy opened St. John’s Church at Willawarrin. ◗ St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Bellbrook was the second up-river Church established. The Church opened and blessed by Father Buggy on Sunday 5 March 1899. The Bellbrook Church was sold privately in January 2013.

Kempsey Principal Mr Mark Priddis, Father Paul Gooley and All Saints Assistant Principal, Ms Karen Foley and St Joseph’s school leaders at the opening school Mass. The school leaders are Kemp Street, West Kempsey James Walker, James Sutherland, Bailey Kerfoot, Dimik Parish Office/Presbytery, Marsh Street, Kempsey Pilbeam, Brooklyn Lawrence, Abby Jenkins, Liana Tyne and Parish Postal Address: PO Box 3007 West Kempsey Erin Whalen. NSW 2440 Phone: 02 6562 5182 Fax: 02 6562 5716 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mvcp.org.au Weekend Mass Times Saturday Night Vigil Mass 6.00pm Reconciliation – Saturday at 5pm until 5.45pm Sunday 9.30am South West Rocks Our Lady Star of the Sea Sunday 7.30am. Reconciliation before Mass Weekday Mass Monday – No Mass Tuesday – 5.30pm Mass followed by Adoraton and Benediction. Wednesday at 8am at St Patrick’s – Smithtown. Thursday at 9.30am at All Saints – Kempsey. Friday at 9.30am at All Saints – Kempsey Willawarrin St John’s contact the Parish Office 02 6562 5182 Crescent Head Star of the Sea contact the Parish Office 02 6562 5182 150 Year Celebrations

10 Catholic Life, June, 2016 Mr Warren Clarke, Fr. Joe Holloway and Fr. Paul Gooley Sr. Margaret Bannon (left) and Sr. Cabrini with arriving on horseback for the celebration Sesquicentenary Mass. the restored parish bible

◗ The Sisters of Mercy to Kempsey arrived in Kempsey just in ◗ The tender for the construction of the new Church at the time to organise the floral arrangements that surrounded the “Rocks”, which closed on 15 December 1924, was let to Mr coffin of Father Buggy for his funeral at All Saints’ Church Alfred Taylor. The foundation stone was laid and blessed by on Thursday 11 January 1900. The Convent School was Bishop Carroll on Sunday 8 February 1925. The new Church re-opened on 15 January 1900. was blessed and opened by Bishop Carroll on 11 April 1926. ◗ The foundation stone of the new Presbytery in West ◗ St Paul’s College was officially opened and blessed by Kempsey was laid by Bishop Carroll on 29 January 1911 and Bishop Farrelly on 18 July 1965. opened by him on 3 September 1911. ◗ Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Crescent Head ◗ A new School and Convent were erected at Smithtown in was blessed and opened by Bishop Farrelly on Sunday 30 1911. Bishop Carroll blessed the cornerstones of the Convent July 1967. and School buildings on 31 January 1911 and opened them ◗ The Christian Brothers were farewelled on 28 November 1987. on 21 January 1912. At the end of the 1983 school year the ◗ Bishop Jarrett notified Father Gooley by pastoral letter School was closed. on 29 April 2013 and then by official decree dated 8 July ◗ Tenders were called for the erection of a new Catholic 2013,that the Smithtown and Kempsey Parishes were to be Church at West Kempsey, with tenders closing 13 August re-joined and amalgamated as the Macleay Valley Parish. 1921. The foundation stone was blessed and laid by Bishop After 127 years apart the entire Catholic Churches of the Carroll, with the assistance of Bishop Dwyer (Maitland), on Macleay Valley are again administered from the Kempsey 15 January 1922. The Church was opened on 12 July 1922. Presbytery.

Finishing Crew – 1922 – Kempsey Church Mother’s Day Blessing at All Saints, Kempsey

Catholic Life, June, 2016 11 You where asking about macleay valley Parish

Names of various churches and parish entities Sesquicentenary Celebrations over the past 150 years

WIN THE KEY TO A MAZDA3 Take out a new CCI Personal Insurance comprehensive car insurance policy before 1 July 2016 for your chance to win the acclaimed Mazda3 Maxx, valued at $28,000*. Plus, when you choose CCI Personal Insurance, your policy, no matter which level of cover you choose, will contribute towards helping the Catholic community. It’s insurance that is good for you and good for the Catholic community.

1300 657 046 catholicinsurance.org.au/winamazda3 facebook/catholicinsurance

Home Contents Car Personal Accident Travel Landlord Caravan

Catholic Church Insurance Limited ABN 76 000 005 210, AFS Licence No. 235415 (CCI) arranges personal insurance as promoter of the underwriter Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 (Allianz). We do not provide any advice on this insurance based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Before deciding please consider individual product disclosure statements available by calling 1300 655 003; or from www.catholicinsurance.org. au. If you buy this insurance CCI may be paid a commission that is a percentage of the premium depending on the product. *Competition runs from 02/05/16 – 01/07/16. Prizes are drawn on 6/07/16 at Level 13, 2 Market St Sydney. Winners’ names published in The Australian on 9/07/16. Authorised under NSW PERMIT NO. LTPS/16/01549; ACT PERMIT NO. TP 16/00377, SA PERMIT NO. T16/322. Promotion terms and conditions available here or at allianz.com.au/prize. Promoter is Allianz.

12 Catholic Life, June, 2016 Fr Tom Maloney Portrait Unveiled at St. Vincent’s Hospital

Unveiling of portrait of Fr Tom Maloney former Chaplain at the Hospital. he former Chairman of the Board, Mr Frank Hannigan, commissioned T the portrait of Father Maloney, on behalf of the Friends of St Vincent’s Hospital. Following prayers by the Ann Spillane, Geoffrey Jarrett, Bishop of Lismore and Frank Hannigan Most Revd Geoffrey Jarrett, Bishop upon reading the inscription below the of Lismore and the unveiling of the portrait of Fr Tom, commented “this is portrait by Frank Hannigan and Ann what a priest is, it is more important Spillane. The Friends gifted the portrait than the portrait itself.” to the hospital with the request that it be hung in the foyer of the hospital. Give a gift On his tour of the hospital on subscription to the 23rd February, the Papal Nuncio, CA HO IC V LIFE

Yearly subscription – 4 issues per year $25

includes postage Email: [email protected]

h

a

r

a

F

l

A

e

l

o

r

a

C

Catholic Life - Lismore

AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED...a Catholic charity dependent on the Holy See, providing pastoral relief to needy and oppressed Churches

Catholic Life, June, 2016 13 Year of Mercy Pilgrimages

With Pope Francis’s inauguration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy (8 December 2015 – 20 November 2016), Bishop Jarrett has Photo: Mrs Zelinda Brown chosen the Cathedral’s Tower Door as the Father Nicolas Maurice conducts a tour for students of Trinity Holy Door for this College, Lismore, after they had passed through the Holy Door. special year. A regular tour of the Cathedral is being offered during the Year of Mercy on Saturday mornings starting at 11.30am. assage through the Holy Door is a powerful reminder of the mercy of the Heavenly Father who is always Bookings can be made by contacting the Parish ready to receive those who approach Him. A small P Office to reserve a suitable date via: stream of pilgrims from local schools and from the general public have been coming to pass through the Holy Door. Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 6626 0200 It has also been an occasion to see the completed marble- Please find information on the Year of Mercy pilgrimage work and the new altar. opportunity at the following website: http://www.stcarthages.org.au/year-of-mercy-pilgrimages.html Parishes and schools can book a pilgrimage to the Father Nicolas Maurice Cathedral and be guided in a tour through the Cathedral Administrator of St. Carthage’s Cathedral and avail themselves of the Sacrament of Confession.

THE BLACK MADONNA who, in their confusion, began attacking OF POLAND – Our Lady of one another. Ruthenia was saved as a result of this intervention by Our Lady. In Czestochowa and Jasna Gora the fourteenth century, it was transferred Religious Bryan J Walsh to the Mount of Light (Jasna Gora) in The Black Madonna is a painting of the Poland in response to a request made in of the Madonna and Christ Child which legend a dream of Prince Ladislaus of Opola. Art World states was painted by St. Luke the The legendary history becomes better Evangelist. St. Luke is believed to have documented with the painting’s used a tabletop from a table built by the ownership by Prince Ladislaus. In 1382 carpenter Jesus. It was while Luke was invading Tartars attacked the Prince’s painting Mary that she told him about fortress at Belz. In this attack one of the the events in the life of Jesus that he Tartar arrows hit the painting and lodged eventually used in his gospel. in the throat of the Madonna. This same legend states that when St. The Prince, fearing that he and the Helen went to Jerusalem to search for the famous painting might fall to the Tartars, true cross in 326AD, she happened upon fled in the night finally stopping in the this portrait of Our Lady. She gave it to town of Czestochowa, where the painting her son, Constantine, who had a shrine was installed in a small church. The Prince built to house it. In a critical battle with subsequently had a Pauline monastery the Saracens, the portrait was displayed and church built to ensure the painting’s from the walls of Constantinople and safety. In 1430, the Hussites overran the the Saracens were subsequently routed. monastery and attempted to take the The portrait was credited with saving the portrait. One of the looters twice struck city. The painting was eventually owned the painting with his sword but before he by Charlemagne who subsequently could strike another blow he fell to the presented the painting to Prince Leo of floor writhing in agony and died. Both the Ruthenia (northwest Hungary).It remained sword cuts and the arrow wound are still at the royal palace in Ruthenia until an visible in the painting. invasion occurred in the eleventh century. There have been reports for centuries of The king prayed to Our Lady to aid his miraculous events such as spontaneous small army and as a result of this prayer healings occurring to those who made a a darkness overcame the enemy troops pilgrimage to the portrait.

14 Catholic Life, June, 2016 he ost everend T M R John Steven Satterthwaite DD BE ourth ishop of ismore F B L The Most Reverend Geoffrey Jarrett, Bishop of Lismore, announced with sadness the news of the death of his immediate predecessor, the Emeritus Bishop of Lismore, John Steven Satterthwaite.

The bishop died in Port Macquarie, NSW, in the south of the Diocese, on Saturday 23 April, 2016.

He was 87 years of age.

ishop Satterthwaite was born at Randwick in Sydney, on 11 August 1928. His primary education was at Ashford State School and his secondary education was entrusted to the Marist Brothers at St Joseph’s College, Hunter’s Hill.

Having gained entrance to university, he enrolled in the faculty of Engineering, Civil Division and took up residence at St John’s College, Sydney, in 1946. Academically brilliant he graduated in 1949 with a degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Division) and thereafter was employed as a junior engineer with Australian Iron and Steel, Port Kembla.

Two years later, however, John Satterthwaite was accepted by Bishop Edward Doody to study for the priesthood for the Diocese of Armidale, NSW. He studied philosophy at St Columba’s College, Springwood, but shortly after commencing theology at St Patrick’s College, Manly, in 1953, he left for Rome to study at the Irish College and at the Lateran University.

Father Satterthwaite was ordained a Priest in Rome on 16 March 1957, by Archbishop Luigi Traglia. On his return to the Diocese of Armidale, the young priest was appointed as assistant in the parish of Glen Innes. In 1962 Bishop Doody brought him to the Cathedral city to be his secretary and Chancellor of the Diocese, with the added responsibility of Rector of St Mary’s Minor Seminary.

16 Bishop Satterthwaite Anne Baillie, the niece of Bishop Satterthwaite gives the first reading.

St. Carthage’s Cathedral Choir. Bishop Satterthwaite 17 On 6 March 1969 John Steven Satterthwaite was named by Blessed Paul VI as Titular Bishop of Tignica and Coadjutor Bishop of Lismore. His Episcopal Ordination took place in in St Carthage’s Cathedral on 1 May 1969, the principal Consecrator being His Eminence Norman Thomas Cardinal Gilroy, Metropolitan Archbishop of Sydney, assisted by Archbishop Thomas Cahill (Canberra and Goulburn) and Archbishop James Gleeson (Coadjutor, Adelaide). With the retirement of Bishop Farrelly on 31 August 1971 the Coadjutor Bishop succeeded to the See as its fourth bishop. From the beginning Bishop Satterthwaite maintained the traditions of of his predecessors in a demanding programme of parish visitations and the oversight of existing ecclesial structures, diocesan, parochial and lay. Early in the thirty years of his Episcopate, Bishop Satterthwaite initiated a reassessment the pastoral needs of the diocese. He established a Diocesan Pastoral Council and a Council of Priests. A diocesan pastoral plan was established which led to the erection of new parishes and the amalgamation of others. During his term in office he ordained 45 priests. Bishop Satterthwaite, at a time of considerable change following the Second Vatican Council, encouraged and directed by teaching and precept the implementation of the renewal of the Sacred Liturgy throughout the diocese. Within his own Cathedral in 1977 he supervised the rearrangement and extension of the sanctuary for the Deacon Chris Wallace reads the Gospel.

Mr. Peter Bortolin presents the ciborium to Bishop Jarrett.

18 Bishop Satterthwaite better provision for Mass facing the people. He greatly The Final Commendation loved the Cathedral, spending early hours of prayer each and farewell. day before the Blessed Sacrament and making it the centre of his pastoral ministry. In the field of Catholic school education the Bishop approved the reorganising of the Catholic Schools Office in Lismore. Among notable decisions were the appointment of an Episcopal Vicar for Education and of a lay Director of the Schools Office. In 1982 he instituted the annual meeting over several days of the parish priests, school principals and key lay staff, which has proved immensely beneficial to the progress and Catholic identity of the parish schools. The diocesan policy to support charitable works was a continuing preoccupation of the Bishop. He arranged for the diocese to become responsible for the management of St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Lismore; the St Joseph’s Cowper Children’s Home and two Homes for the Aged. The Bishop encouraged parishes to provide care for the Aged and supported the Sisters of Mercy and the Society of St Vincent de Paul in similar projects. On 1st December 2001, the Holy Father St John Paul II accepted Bishop Satterthwaite’s resignation as Ordinary. He was succeeded by his coadjutor bishop, the Most Reverend Geoffrey Jarrett. In retirement Bishop Satterthwaite assisted in the pastoral work of St Agnes’ Parish for some fifteen years until the time of his death.

Bishop Satterthwaite 19 TEstimonials His Legacy I came to know Bishop John Satterthwaite when I began working in the Bishop’s Office in August 1970. At that time Bishop John was the Coadjutor Bishop and resided in Grafton. However in 1971 upon the retirement of Bishop Farrelly he became Bishop of Lismore and moved to Lismore. He became a much loved friend of our family over many years. He was always a prayerful man of simple tastes and was available to anyone who needed a word with him or a dollar to help them along. He formed a very close relationship with his priests and encouraged them to be supportive of each other, forming a bond which was envied by priests in other dioceses. He was eager to help them out in their parishes – if he didn’t have a prior commitment he would relieve priests in their parishes for Sunday Masses etc. Bishop John with Clergy In my opinion, the things he will be on Annual Retreat most remembered for are his simple lifestyle, his ability to never forget a face or name and his energy for so many years building up the diocese at a time when there was so much change in education and within the Catholic Church itself. Gae Daley

Arrivederci Bishop John It was one of life’s great privileges to have known Bishop John. The very first time we met him what struck us most was his ordinary, everyday, genuine approach to life and people. He had no airs and graces. His usual comment when he entered the room was “don’t get up, its only me!” While he was very bright and highly intelligent, he was humble to the core. As the new Bishop in the early 1970’s, he joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Care of the Aged Holy Spirit Conference in Lismore. My husband Peter was part of the same conference and met with him and a handful of others every Tuesday evening for some thirty years. We saw first- hand his remarkable pastoral care for the Aged, which was just a glimpse of the broader dedication and care that characterised his life. Having studied for the priesthood in Italy, he spoke fluent Italian. He came to our house every Tuesday evening after the meetings to practice his Italian with Peter over a glass of vino and some salami. We will miss him dearly. Arrivederci Bishop John. Peter and Joan Bortolin Lismore Hts. Launching the Diocesan website – 5.9.97 20 Bishop Satterthwaite Remembered with Gratitude My friendship with Bishop John Satterthwaite began at St. John’s College, University of Sydney, when he was finishing his Degree in Engineering. In those days he was simply known as “Smithy” because he was a “Fresher” and everyone thought Satterthwaite was too long a name to pronounce. By the way at College, he was quite a good rugby front rower. Years later when he was appointed Bishop of the Lismore Diocese, he became part of our family. We shared many a Sunday spaghetti (with an occasional glass of red), Christmas dinners and, with his engineering expertise, he was able to fix our coffee grinder. On another occasion, he rushed out to our home in the bush to help put out a flaming grass fire. He was a straight forward no nonsense person who enjoyed being one of us. Our family, like so many in the diocese, will remember him with gratitude. Michael Best

Retirement well lived One of the smartest things I think I have done was to invite Bishop John to retire to Port Macquarie as the Aged Care Chaplain. What a blessing he has been. Nothing was ever a trouble to him… Masses, Funerals, Baptisms. I think he really loved this part of his life where he was close to people after thirty years enduring the relative isolation that is the lot of Bishops. He was truly a pastor of souls. He carried on practically to the end although his health was obviously failing. There is a line from Sacred Scripture that I think is fitting: “Well done good and faithful servant – enter into the joy of your Lord.” I make my own the words of Geoffrey Chaucer in the ‘Canterbury Tales’ speaking of a pastor of his acquaintance. He said: “I do not think I ever knew a better man.” I do not think I ever met a better man than John Steven Satterthwaite. Fr. Leo Donnelly

Bishop Satterthwaite 21 Bishop Satterthwaite – Friend of Catholic Education

Bishop Satterthwaite’s greatest gift to Catholic education in the Diocese of Lismore was his faith in God and humility. The Bishop had a deep trust that God would make all things right, no matter how often our human failings let us down. He was ever quick to talk straight, forgive and offer sound, practical advice. Many of us in leadership would often go over to his house for an informal yarn about what we were doing and listen to his wise, home spun wisdom. One piece of advice he often gave was “son, just watch what they do, don’t bother too much with what they say”. He was a man who gave his best to living a life founded on Jesus Christ and the Gospel and he inspired each of us to do the same. There is a belief in the business world that humility goes hand in hand with greatness. Bishop Satterthwaite knew his strengths and limitations. Once he hired you, then he trusted you and believed that you could do the job at hand. If you needed support then he was always there for you. He believed in Catholic education and gave unqualified support to all who were in it. There was a deep integrity to everything Bishop Satterthwaite did. One good example of this was when the Bishops of NSW and ACT decided in the mid-1990s that every diocese would have a parent body for Catholic education. He contacted the Catholic Education Office and asked that such a body be formed for the Diocese of Lismore, but his explicit instruction was “I don’t just want something jacked up, make sure that it serves the real needs of parents with their children’s education”. We miss the Bishop’s kindness, deep faith and genuine support. David Condon – Director of Catholic Schools and CSO Executive

Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett extends his condolences to Bishop John’s niece Anne Baillie

22 Bishop Satterthwaite Lismore Diocese World Youth Day 2016 Pilgrimage by Matt De Dassel

Krakow, Poland, is the venue for The pilgrimage consists of clergy, World Youth Day 2016 with Bishop parish members and school staff. Participants between the age of 18-35 Jarrett leading the Diocese of Lismore have been selected through a rigorous Pilgrimage departing Australia on 19 process of application and referral. July and arriving back on 5 August. The key element of the pilgrimage is a personal formation program that will Weltjugendtag strengthen parishioners as both witnesses World Youth Day to Jesus Christ and communicators of the Catholic faith to “God, merciful Father, in your Son, Jesus Christ, others. you have revealed your love and poured it out World Youth Day 2016 will be held from 27 – 31 July. upon us in the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, The highlight of this week will be participation in the celebration of Mass by His Holiness, Pope Francis. Prior to We entrust to you today the destiny of the world the WYD week the pilgrimage will include a guided tour of and of every man and woman”. Warsaw, a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, We entrust to you in a special way young people excursions to Auschwitz and Wadowice (the Museum of every language, people and nation: dedicated to St John Paul II). The pilgrimage will conclude guide and protect them as they walk the with a retreat day in Vienna before departing for Australia. complex paths of the world today and give them the grace to reap abundant fruits from their The pilgrims from Lismore Diocese will join an expected experience of the Krakow World Youth Day. 3000 Australian pilgrims who will meet together at the start of the World Youth Day week with a special Australian Heavenly Father, grant that we may bear witness gathering. In preparation for the pilgrimage the Lismore to your mercy. Teach us how to convey the faith Diocese pilgrims have met together for prayer, catechesis to those in doubt, hope to those who are and orientation to pilgrimage and will join together again discouraged, love to those who feel indifferent, on June 25 with Bishop Jarrett for further formation. forgiveness to those who have done wrong It is with great excitement and a deep sense of and joy to those who are unhappy. gratitude that the Lismore Diocese pilgrims are Allow the spark of merciful love that you have preparing for this opportunity and adventure. Support enkindled within us become a fire that can for the pilgrimage from Parishes, Priests, Parish School transform hearts and renew the face of the earth. Communities and the Catholic Schools Office has been Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for us Saint John resolute. The members of the pilgrimage are keen to Paul II, pray for us Saint Faustina, pray for us return and repay this support upon their return from PRAYER Poland. Please pray for the success of the pilgrimage.

JOURNEY ALONG SACRED PATHS

FROM* JOURNEY OF CHRIST

$4690 A 16 day pilgrimage departs 4th September 2016 *PLUS AIRFARES with Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett DD

Experience the very land where Jesus lived and worked His ministry and gain a privileged insight into His life as the child of Nazareth, healer of Galilee and our Saviour on Calvary. Featuring: Dead Sea • Bethlehem • Nazareth • Sea of Galilee • Jerusalem

Also departing 14th October 2016. Petra extension available.

*Costs have been based on prices as at 30 September 2015 and must remain subject to change without notice based on currency exchange rates, departure city and minimum group size contingency. Prices are based on twin share or double rooming. Lic. 2TA 003632

CALL: 1800 819 156 VISIT: harvestjourneys.com

Catholic Life, June, 2016 23 The Choir of St. Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore

Music has always played an important and Nine Lessons and Carols at Christmas. This celebration integral role in the Cathedral and has alternates each year between the Cathedral and St. included choirs in various forms to sing Andrew’s Anglican Church. and lead the congregation for masses With the re-opening of the Cathedral this year, 2016 and other liturgical celebrations. A most has proved to be a busy time for the choir. valuable contribution in past years also was made by Lismore’s Presentation Sisters. Three significant masses have been the Blessing of the New Cathedral Altar, the Chrism Mass and the recent More recently, over the last 35 years, the choir has Funeral Mass for former Bishop John Satterthwaite. been directed by the Principal Cathedral Organist, Special music was rehearsed and sung with distinction on Warren Whitney. As well the singing of an SATB choir these three occasions, as well as the music for the 2016 on major occasions, groups of singers, led by a cantor, Easter Ceremonies. regularly sing at most weekend masses in the Cathedral. Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett has affirmed the role of the During the past two years, a major focus has been choir by saying that the music of St. Carthage’s Cathedral given to the role of male cantors leading the singing has grown in quality over recent years and stands as one at the Vigil Mass and they then form a major part of the better Cathedrals for music and liturgy in country of the male section of the choir for larger cathedral Australia. celebrations. We are indeed fortunate to have such a dedicated The choir in recent years has also been strengthened group of musicians and singers to enhance the Liturgy at with the assistance of other choral groups, as well as the Cathedral church of the Diocese. individuals, including St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Choir and Spiritsong. This increase in membership allows Fr. Nicolas, Cathedral Administrator, has summed up the choir to present larger works, such as Parry’s I was the role of music in the Cathedral :- “I am most grateful glad, at ceremonial events such as the altar dedication to Warren and our singers for their tireless effort to in February, 2016. It also enables a wider repertoire, enrich worship with beautiful execution of liturgical including chant as well as polyphony, of music from all music. They strive for excellence and achieve the purpose periods. of sacred music: the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful.” Over the years, the choir has sung at a number of Ordinations, funerals and special masses, as well as the Chrism Mass and Easter Ceremonies. At all times the choir is ably supported by the Cathedral Pipe Organ. Over the past 15 years, the choir has also combined with St. Andrew’s Choir to present The Festival of

24 Schoolsacrossthediocese St. Joseph’s Primary School South Grafton Mother’s Day Celebrations To celebrate Mother’s Day, St. Joseph’s held a special liturgy to give thanks to God for the gift of our mums and the special people in our lives who love and care for us. During the liturgy, each Stage shared special thoughts of their mothers. Stage 2 is pictured sharing their favourite traits of their mothers e.g. best meal, saying, outing, etc. Following the liturgy, parents, carers and friends stayed to share lunch with their children in our beautiful school grounds.

St. Francis Xavier Primary School Ballina Mother’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy We celebrated Mother’s Day with a breakfast barbeque followed by a liturgy. The morning was very well attended by families with many grandmothers joining us as well. A huge breakfast of bacon and egg rolls was prepared by school staff and helpers. A beautiful liturgy was celebrated by Father Alex Munyoa. The children presented reflections about what makes our mums special. A great video of “Mum Goggles” was shown and the liturgy was completed with a beautiful song. It was a wonderful morning to celebrate the mothers in our school community and we thank them for sharing their children with us.

Happy Mother’s Day St. Brigid’s Primary School Kyogle On Friday 6th May, the children invited their Mothers to come along to school for a special Mother’s Day Liturgy and Morning Tea! Our special Mums, Grandmas, Nannas, Aunties and Carers all enjoyed a wonderful morning. The students presented a heartfelt Liturgy and the school choir sang a wonderful song called ‘One Call Away’ which was beautifully received by the ladies in the hall. A very funny skit from two of our Year Six students called ‘Mother Patrol’ added some humour to the morning before a few tears were shed as a number of students shared ‘Why Their Mum Was The Best’. We rounded off the morning with a special edition of Making Jesus Real Radio, hosted by the Kindy Kids which featured messages for their Mums! After the ‘official’ part of the morning was over, high tea was served to the special ladies in the audience, who enjoyed a lovely morning tea complimented by cake stands full of freshly made sandwiches and scones with cream! “It was a great morning for all of our school community to honour and pay special tribute to these outstanding women who make our lives so special. The students certainly loved having their mums and grandmothers present to celebrate” said Tony Hunter, Principal.

CATHOLIC LIFE JUNE 2016 25 SchoolsacrossthediocesE Abbie Watson. The students and staff members met in St. Mary’s Primary School Casino the holidays to refine their skills and did an amazing job leading the returned soldiers, community groups and school groups through the streets of Casino. It was a humbling experience for all involved with many positive reviews and comments from the crowds in the street and the dignitaries that attended the parade and service.

A very large contingent of staff and students backed up the drumming group by marching proudly and attending the Dawn Service – another way SMP is a ‘witness’ in our community. Mr Luke Collings leading the Casino ANZAC March alongside our student ‘Junk Drummers’. SMP Staff and students marching on ANZAC Day. We had Leading the Way in Casino approximately 200 students overall attend the Dawn Service and March. ‘Junk drumming’ is a popular passtime at St Mary’s in Casino. Students meet on a weekly basis and are taught the skills of drumming on everyday items that would normally end up as garbage. These items include empty water cooler bottles, paint tins and old buckets.

This year the drumming group was honoured to be invited to lead the ANZAC parade in Casino. The group was very ably led by Mr Luke Collings with assistance from Mrs Nikki Hammond, Mrs Paula McIntyre and Mrs

St. Patrick’s Primary School Macksville Mt. St. John’s Primary School Dorrigo

St Patrick’s School Choir entertain during the blessing of the buildings. Richard Harrison working with students Myra, Jade and Charlie. Opening & Blessing Stewards of Creation We held our Opening and Blessing on March 17th, St We are called to be Stewards of Creation. We are Patrick’s Feast Day. The Most Reverend Geoffrey Jarrett, responsible for taking care of the world we live in and for Bishop of Lismore and Mr Luke Hartsuyker, Federal sharing the wonders and resources the earth gives us. Member for Cowper performed the official opening. Over At Dorrigo, this is especially important. Our community 300 people attended the Opening and Blessing including cherishes the diverse landscape and natural environment past Parish Priests, past principals, teachers and students, we live in. The Dorrigo Plateau is home to a rich farming staff from the Catholic Schools Office, principals from landscape. The World Heritage Listed Dorrigo National diocesan schools, parishioners, staff, students and families. Park is just a few kilometres away from Mt St John’s.

Plans for the new school began in 2007 and land was Mt St John’s staff member, Richard Harrison, is assisting finally acquired in 2013. Once funding was secured, the students to learn how to care for our environment. For building began in late 2014. The new school was officially a number of years, Richard has developed a sustainable handed over in December 2015. The doors were officially garden by teaching the students to plant, dig, weed and opened to students in January of this year. The school is a manicure the land to produce crops. Through our garden contemporary design with Coffs Harbour architects DRA project students develop an understanding of the needs of responsible for the project. Vin Butler– Principal other living things.

26 catholic LIFE JUNE 2016 Schoolsacrossthediocese St. Joseph’s Primary School Maclean St. John’s Primary School Mullumbimby

Fr Lyall in the outdoor prayer space Jai Adamson (as Jesus) breaks bread and gives it his disciples. Celebrating Lent Continuing to Flourish Living a life to be proud of, following in Jesus’s footsteps We celebrated Mother’s Day in a special way this year. and reaching out to others was the focus at St Joseph’s We held a beautiful liturgy in our outdoor prayer space Maclean in Term 1. Students and teachers were engaged and invited all Mothers, Grandmothers and friends to in ‘taking up’ rather than ‘giving up’ throughout Lent. This join us in prayer and celebration. The staff organised a whole school approach culminated in an Easter Liturgy on lovely afternoon tea and our visitors were invited to join Thursday 24th March when the students joined with our us for a picnic in the playground. Children presented parent community to celebrate Lent and the Easter Season. cards and artwork to their Mums on the day and as part Each Stage had the responsibility of re-enacting one of the key events of these important Church seasons. This dual of the liturgy. It was a glorious autumn day and the school approach of service and worship allowed all involved to had never had such a well-attended event in many years. access this pivotal time in the Church year in an authentic Plans are already underway for celebrating Father’s Day in and meaningful way. similar fashion.

St. Agnes Primary School Port Macquarie Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School Sth Lismore

Parish Priest Fr. Peter Karam washing the feet of children and parishioners at Holy Thursday Mass.

St Agnes’ Primary School student Emily Moloney (Year 6) plays the role Unique Holy Thursday Experience of Veronica in Stations of the Cross. For the first time at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish South Lismore, First Communion candidates were given Stations of the Cross the opportunity to receive the Blessed Sacrament during On Good Friday, our Parish commemorated the Passion the Holy Thursday Mass. Nine candidates and their families of Jesus by walking the Stations of the Cross on Oxley chose to accept this as a significant connection to the Last Beach, Port Macquarie. This has been running on Good Supper. During the Mass four candidates were also invited Friday for a number of years and is a highlight of the St to come forward and take part in the Washing of the Feet Agnes’ Parish calendar. Students and Youth from across all ritual with other parishioners, further deepening their schools of the Parish participated in this prayerful event. understanding of the Sacrament. The families and children St Agnes’ Primary School had over 40 of our own students felt their participation in this way filled them with a greater involved. It was a beautiful way to begin the Easter sense of our special invitation to communion with Jesus Weekend. and the Church community.

CATHOLIC LIFE JUNE 2016 27 SchoolsacrossthediocesE

St. Mary’s Primary School Grafton

Students, staff and parents from St Mary’s Primary Grafton celebrated learn that not only do they share common ground with Harmony Day making a memorable statement about diversity. other cultures but also that our differences make Australia Our Differences Make Australia Great! a special place to live. Our senses were treated to a sea of orange, the official Students, parents and staff marked Harmony Day in colour for Harmony Day, as well as cultural dress making a a special way last week by participating in activities memorable statement on the day. Mrs Muppala and Mrs communicating the importance of cultural diversity. Ghotra really added to the day through their presentation Students were helped to focus on being inclusive, showing of the diversity of India. respect and celebrating our differences and supporting the message of ‘everyone belongs’. Bringing together the minds of many cultures and the experiences of people from all over the world has helped This annual event is a great opportunity for students to Australia become a better nation.

making sure that their fruit and vegetables are well St. Augustine’s Primary School Coffs Harbour watered and producing lots of delicious produce for us to eat. The students recently entered much of their produce into the Coffs Harbour Show. They received 7 first places and a second place. A fantastic achievement for such young gardeners and a wonderful reward for their hard work.

The students have been learning about natural ways to keep caterpillars off the leaves of our spinach and lettuce, using a garlic spray to keep them away, rather than chemicals which will poison or hurt them.

The enthusiastic group also catch the rain that God sends from the clouds and store it in our water tank, which is then used to assist with watering our gardens. Scraps from fruit break are collected and used to feed the worms in the worm farm, which are then used to fertilise the garden.

Everything that is grown in the garden students get to eat. They enjoy learning about where food comes from and how important it is to not waste anything. A big focus for the students is looking at plants which they can explore Pictured is Charlie with a prize winning pumpkin from the their five senses through, smelling herbs, tasting what we St Augustine’s garden. grow, feeling the textures of rough and smooth leaves, listening to the bees and birds that often visit the garden, Stewards of God’s Creation as well as admiring the beautiful colours of flowers which grow in the garden. The Gardening Club are very positive role models in their endeavours to be stewards of all God created. This We love our sustainable garden and caring for all aspects year they have been very busy in their sustainable garden of creation we find there.

28 catholic LIFE JUNE 2016 Schoolsacrossthediocese The teachers stayed with staff members of Trinity as well as Trinity Catholic College Lismore with our Marist Brothers’ community in Lismore.

The students and teachers visited classes during the day as well as exploring the Lismore region. On ANZAC Day our visitors marched with our students and staff in Lismore, a highlight for all involved. Following the march a welcome BBQ was held which was attended by billeting families, staff and students.

The relationship between Trinity and St Jospeh’s Tenaru has been strengthened by this visit and we look forward to continuing the friendship with the community of Tenaru, Solomon Islands. Tenaru students and staff depart Australia after the visit with Trinity. St Joseph’s Tenaru – Immersion 2016 Take the Diocese with you! We were very fortunate to have an Immersion group from St Joseph’s Tenaru in the Solomon Islands visit Australia Download the app! and Trinity.

Two teachers, Mr John Nuu and Madame Salome Lagafoli, along with four students spent a week at Trinity. The students were billeted by Trinity students who had been on Immersion to the Solomon Islands both this year and last. Our website: St. Joseph’s Primary School Woodburn www.lismorediocese.org

Quality Plus Community Fair! In order to build community and strengthen family, community and parish ties St Joseph’s School Woodburn is preparing to celebrate their Community Fair and Fireworks Night. The Parent Forum are organising the school’s major fundraising function for the year. The Fair will include bonfire, stalls, rides, auctions, monster raffle with prizes totalling $3000 and entertainment featuring Vanessa Lea and the Road Train. Last year the St Joseph’s Woodburn Parent Forum decided to resurrect the previously highly successful event and the decision proved immensely popular throughout the community.

All members of the school community have been encouraged to make the 2016 function a wonderful St Joseph’s Community celebration of fun and enjoyment. The event is truly a “gift” to the local community.

CATHOLIC LIFE JUNE 2016 29 Schoolsacrossthediocese St. John Vianney Seminary Year 10 student Eloise Thomson said there were mixed St. John’s College Woodlawn emotions ahead of the hike as it was one of the most advanced tracks many of the students had attempted. “We have all signed up for the India tour which includes a 5-day trek so we knew the one day hike ‘not negotiable’, by Fr Paul Winter and once we got going all doubts were cast aside as we Vocations Director admired the almost 360 degree views. “Most of the climbing involved carefully navigating our Early in August, I was able to spend some time with way through rocky clearings – sometimes even using our our seminarians at St. John Vianney Seminary, Wagga Our seminarians (pictured above L-R) Roger Delmonte, arms to haul ourselves up and over nearly vertical surfaces. Wagga. It was wonderful to catch up with our young men Anselm Okeke, Deacon Stefan Matuzsek, Solomon Okovido, who are preparing to be the future priests of our diocese. Emmanuel Okparanaku and Wilber Tobe. Please keep them “We chatted together during our ascent and our teacher was also lucky to be with them as they celebrated the in your prayers as they continue their studies. and tour guide retold death-defying experiences from feast day of the patron saint of the seminary, St. John There are young men in our diocese who Christ is calling their previous travels. That kept us thoroughly entertained St John’s College, Woodlawn students taking part in a 2-day camp at Vianney. St. John Vianney (otherwise known as the Curé to enter his Priesthood, to proclaim the Gospel and to serve and also got us thinking about the Antipodean Abroad I theMount people. Barney Let Lodge us all in keepQueensland our young in preparation people forin theirprayer India and trip in of Ars) is a very apt Patron Saint for the seminary as he is adventure ahead. September. also the Patron Saint for all Priests. let us seek to cultivate a culture in our homes and parishes “The feeling once we reached the summit was that of St. John Vianney was a French Diocesan Priest who lived that encourages our young people to listen to what the Lord from 1786-1859. St. John found study difficult. He found isWoodlawn inviting them to A be.broad, To our young Destination people I simply I ndiasay, do extreme accomplishment and satisfaction; every person Latin very difficult to learn and his studies were interrupted not be afraid to seek the Lord’s will in your life. If you are a was smiling from ear to ear – invigorated by the crisp young man wondering about priesthood or religious life, or by military service. After much perseverance, he was finally In March, a group of 15 staff and students took part in mountain air. ordained in 1815 and was an Assistant Priest for three years a young woman wondering about religious life, I encourage a 2-day camp at Mount Barney Lodge in Queensland to “As we headed home it was clear that friendships in Écully. He was then appointed Parish Priest in 1818 at you to contact me, or your local parish priest. Explore the possibilities!begin preparation You will for never a 3-week regret trip saying to I ndia‘yes’ plannedto Christ! for had been renewed, greater trust had been formed Ars. September this year. In Ars, a remote village, he became famous throughout and we all had a clearer understanding of the lifelong If – after prayer – you feel God has chosen you for a vocation memories beginning to take shape as we look forward to the world, not that he sought fame. He came to be known Overthen the please course contact: of the Most weekend Rev’d Bishop the Year Geoffrey 10 and Jarrett Year September,” Eloise said. for his pastoral care, catechesis and deep prayerfulness, 11 studentsBishop’s set Office, up camp, P.O. Boxenjoyed 1, Lismore a bonfire, NSW 2480 undertook holiness and the ability to read people’s hearts. People leadershipFr. Paul Winter, activities PO andBox 2450,set off Coffs an almostHarbour all-day NSW 2450, hike up The St John’s College, Woodlawn India Trek will take place began to seek him out for advice and confession, first from Mt Maroon.Phone: 6651 0000 [email protected] from September 25th through to October 15th, 2016. neighbouring parishes, then from all over the nation and ultimately from all around the world. By 1855, he was receiving an average of 20,000 visitors a year and spending 12-13 hours a day in the confessional. He was beatified in A tasty Holy Family School Skennars Head 1905, canonised in 1925 and made the Patron of all Priests treat all year in 1929. round! His deep life of prayer, his pastoral practice of speaking the truth in love to his parishioners and all who sought him out; his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady and the Sacrament of Confession are a great example and inspiration to our Seminarians and to Priests. St. John’s life and ministry is a living invitation to all of us to respond to the grace of God and seek a life of holiness and wholeness. More than one good reason Laudato Si' – ‘Praise be to You’ – to buy a Father Mac’s On the Care for our Common Home Heavenly Pudding

A Father Mac’s Heavenly Pudding adds a Such a paradigm shift requires a different way of delicious treat to your table. Handmade, Kindergarten students making their way to Sharpes Beach. thinking and living which can only be achieved through with quality ingredients and gluten free education and training. Laudato Si' offers pragmatic ways option, the Puddings also make for people to act such as reducing their own carbon perfect presents. Caritas K’s footprint at home through greater austerity in their own All surpluses go to much In Catholic Schools Week, the Holy Family School energy use. Living within our means can also liberate many needed communities Community acted in solidarity with those who have to people as materialistic pursuits alone will not necessarily and charities, locally travel long distances for basic necessities by taking part in bring happiness and fulfilment. With a contemplative and internationally. outlook grounded in our faith, Francis challenges that ‘we the Caritas K’s walk. Here, the students carried buckets of must regain the conviction that we need one another, that water, for up to 2km to one of our local beaches and back. we have a shared responsibility for others and the world and Order directly through On this day, students donated a gold coin, which was a that being good and decent are worth it’. our Alstonville Kitchen part of the Project Compassion Campaign for 2016. The Having spent considerable time in rural and regional on 02 6628 5474 amount raised of $1439.10 will empower the world’s parts of Australia, I have experienced first-hand the or buy online at poorest communities, giving them access to better health vagaries of life on the land for our farmers dependent on www.fathermac.org.au. services and education, increased food security, clean continued on page 29 water, sanitation facilities and much more.

CatholicCatholic Life,Life, September,September, 20152015 30 catholic LIFE JUNE 2016 77 Schoolsacrossthediocese St. Ambrose Primary School Pottsville Taking Recycling Seriously We have many innovative practices being implemented within this new school. One strong focus being promoted is that of sustainability and recycling. The students at the school have been actively involved in the Clean Up Australia campaign and promote recycling and composting. In addition to this, St Ambrose is a Nude Food School. Nude food is primarily an attempt to minimise food and packaging waste, which is the main component of school waste that has to go to landfill. As a result, the school has only one general waste bin the school!! Recently the school has undertaken a school waste and recycling audit carried out by the Tweed Shire Council. Following this audit, the whole school was involved in the Trip to the Tip initiative. This initiative takes students from Year 3 through to Year 6 to the local recycling depot and tip, to watch first hand the process of recycling. In addition to this Kinder through to Year 2. Were able to view a presentation at school which again focused on the importance of recycling. As a result, the student body is in the process of writing to the Parent Forum in an attempt to request funds so as to colour code all bins within the school (recycling, compost and general waste). Two Year 3 students (Ash and Felix) are now working with the local Neighbourhood Community in an attempt to introduce and promote Boomerang Bags within the local community!

Mt. St. Patrick College Murwillumbah St. Joseph’s Primary School Tweed Heads

Solomon Island Student Visit St. Josephs Primary School, Tweed Heads 2016 Mini Vinnies leaders. For over six years Mt St Patrick College has worked 2016 Mini Vinnies Team in partnership with Bishop Epalle Catholic School in We embrace the Mini Vinnies program which encourages Honiara, Solomon Islands. On Thursday May 5 twenty students to be actively involved in social justice issues one students and five teachers from Bishop Epalle arrived while developing empathy and compassion for others in Murwillumbah excited about a week of immersion within the global community. The Mini Vinnies program activities that awaited them. incorporates the school values of MJR (Making Jesus Real) After spending a night on mattresses in classrooms the and it is through this that the students are able to create school was treated to some traditional dancing during a a very real and practical relationship with Christ. This year welcome assembly. The remainder of our guests’ first full day we are happy to announce that we have 61 members in was spent attending classes. Host families took the students our Mini Vinnies team. and staff home to more comfortable accommodation for the In term 2 we are looking forward to the annual Can-Can weekend and remainder of their stay. and Pyjama day. The students are encouraged to bring in Some highlights of the visit were the NOVO Evening, the cans of food for the local charity ‘You Have a Friend’ which Youth Mass and cultural evening, the visit to Dream World, cares for the homeless in our community and a gold coin the shopping and the generosity and welcome provided donation for the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. by the host families and Mt St Patrick College students. Anastasia Scott – Student welfare worker

CATHOLIC LIFE JUNE 2016 31 Schoolsacrossthediocese Mary Help of Christians Primary School Sawtell

All the children were treated to a variety of healthy fruit and vegetables The Ministers for Social Justice held a “Flowers for Fiji” Day, prepared by school leaders. where hand-made paper flowers were sold to raise money for a school damaged by the cyclone. Our Mother’s Day Crazy Crunch & Sip Day liturgy and morning tea was a beautiful tribute to our mums & was a combined effort of the Ministers for Community & At Mary Help of Christians, we instil in our students a Evangelisation. The Ministers for Health have been involved Christian understanding of leadership as service. Through with promoting healthy eating through the Crazy Crunch & our school parliament (modelled on real parliamentary Sip Day, where everyone had the opportunity to enjoy fresh structures) Year 6 students are provided with opportunities fruit & vegetables prepared by the Ministers. to implement initiatives aimed at making our school a happy & fun place for all our children. This year the It is wonderful to see the initiative and responsibility Ministers (Year 6 students) have been busy organising, these young people are showing to make our school a promoting and implementing many events with the better place. They have no shortage of ideas, so we know support of the Senators (teachers) and members of the there will be more great things happening at our school electorates (classes). throughout the year.

immersion program coming through. Students, staff and MacKillop College Port Macquarie families learnt much about how different it is to live in the Solomon Islands and those from Visale learnt much about the pros and cons of first world living. A range of activities were organised for staff and students including attending classes, sharing education resources, discussions and planning for future visitors, an excursion to Billabong Zoo, trips to the beach and local parks and a general tour of everything that the Port Macquarie area has to offer. The “Make a Difference team” would like to acknowledge the following staff, students and their families for opening their doors and billeting our friends from Visale: Mrs Watson, Mrs Palmer, Mrs Gobius, Mrs Penson, Jorga Attard, Sarah Gainsford, Joel Waters, Chloe Boller and Visale students with MacKillop College students enjoying time at Jade Horton. Billabong Zoo. In June this year MacKillop College will embark upon the next phase of the Cultural Immersion program Christian Outreach Program when we return to Visale. In 2015 the aim of the trip to On Thursday 5th May four staff and five students from the Solomon’s was to set-up a relationship with Visale Visale Community High School in the Solomon Islands Community High School. In addition, students and staff arrived in Australia ready to travel to Port Macquarie to from MacKillop College worked on building projects and spend a week with staff, students and their families at delivered donations from our school community. The 2016 MacKillop College. This school has an association with trip will have an educational focus. Students and staff will Mount St Patrick’s College. spend time in classrooms learning and sharing educational Much was learnt throughout the course of the week programs. In addition, they will experience what it is like to with the true nature of the “Make a Difference” cultural live and learn in the Visale community.

32 catholic LIFE JUNE 2016 Pope Francis invites children all over the world to join peace prayer for Syria

by Eva - Maria Kohlman

uring the Angelus prayer on Sunday (29th May) in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope Francis drew Dattention to the fact that the children in Syria will be holding a prayer day for peace in Syria on June 1st, the “International Children’s Day”. Children all over the world should take part in this campaign. His exact words were, “Syrian children invite the children of the world to join Melkite Archbishop Jean Abdou Arbach holding an icon vandalised by extremists in Syria ©Aid to the Church in Need their prayer for peace.” the “patron” of this day of prayer for peace because He In a joint message, the Catholic and Orthodox patriarchs “came to bring peace” and was heralded by the Prophet of the country took up the initiative of Catholic charity Isaiah as the “Prince of Peace”. They said that children Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) to observe this day as a all over the world – especially in schools and parishes – children’s day of prayer for peace. Father Andrzej Halemba, should participate in this campaign. head of the Middle East section of Aid to the Church in Need, said, “Children are the most pitiful victims of this Aid to the Church in Need has a joint letter written war, but they’re also the ones who are closer to God, their to Pope Francis by Archbishop Abdo Arbach, the Melkite appeal will be heard by God and hopefully it’ll move the Catholic bishop of Homs and the Orthodox Bishop hearts of those waging this war.” Selvanos of Homs in the name of all of the city’s children. In this letter, the children thank the pope for his efforts for “Several hundred children will gather in each of the peace in Syria and ask for his prayers and “to save them cities Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Marmarita and Aleppo from the maelstrom of hate, from the behemoths of wrath to pray together for peace. Throughout the day, various and from those who deal with human organs,” because events and joint prayers will be held, including processions they, the children, are “the first victims of these crimes.” for peace, during which the children will carry pictures They also wrote, “We would like to see our country once and statues of the Christ child dressed as a king, bearing again become the country of happiness and love it used to a globe in His left hand and blessing the world with the be, in which we will plant olive trees and sow wheat and right.” The patriarchs have chosen the Christ child to be in which there is no burnt soil on which the canons and May 15th 2016 First Holy Communion celebration for 40 rocket launchers of hate stand.” children inside the shell of the destroyed Church of “Our Lady of Peace Church” in Homs (Syria) with Archbishop Jean Abdo Arbach The link to this story can be found at http://members4. ©Aid to the Church in Need boardhost.com/acnaus/msg/1464672967.html Directly under the Holy See, Aid to the Church in Need supports the faithful wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need. ACN is a Catholic charity – helping to bring Christ to the world through prayer, information and action. The charity undertakes thousands of projects every year including providing transport for clergy and lay Church workers, construction of church buildings, funding for priests and nuns and help to train seminarians. Since the initiative’s launch in 1979, Aid to the Church in Need’s Child’s Bible – God Speaks to his Children has been translated into 172 languages and 50 million copies have been distributed all over the world. For more information or to make a donation to help the work of Aid to the Church in Need, please contact the Australian office of ACN on (02) 9679-1929. e-mail: [email protected] or write to Aid to the Church in Need PO Box 7246 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153. Online donations can be made at www.aidtochurch.org

Catholic Life, June, 2016 33 Business Around Showcase the Diocese

100% Australian Owned www.stonesmith.com.au Covering the Richmond Valley with our three convenient locations: Monumental 43 Holland St, Goonellabah & General 107 Barker St, Casino Stonemasonry 21 Kalinga St, West Ballina Freecall: 1800 809 336 24 hour serviCe Call Warren: 0421 76 76 55 Anderson’s Treasure Shop Peter G. Anderson FGAA • Manufacturing Jeweller • Gemmologist • Registered J.A.T.V.C. Valuer No. 121 • Certificate in Diamond Grading 100 Main Street, Murwillumbah 2484 Phone (02) 6672 2794 Fax (02) 6672 5300

BOLSTER & CO. • SolicitorSs •New South Wales & Queensland Accredited Specialists in Wills and Estates Telephone: (07) 5536 1188 PoO Box 52, tWTweed headSs NSW 2485 FacSsimile: (07) 5536 1505

Murwillumbah & Billinudgel (02) 6672 2144 McGuiness Funerals A tradition of care Refer to our website for funeral notices is supported by the Catholic Education www.mcguinessfunerals.com.au Office of the Diocese of Lismore 100% A u s t r A l i A n F A m i ly O w n e d HAIGH’S CONSTRUCTION Builders & Joiners • Est 1960 Ph 02 6672 1636 Mob 0427 458 341 Email [email protected] Lic no Qld 009411 NSW 163540C

3034 CatholicCatholic Life, September, Life, June, 20152016 Your Regional Employment & Training Services Provider NO Choose TURSA as your jobactive organisation: FEES

Proudly providing employment services to WIDE BAY & SUNSHINE employers and job seekers for 20 years and from COAST 1 July 2015 under the Australian Government’s new employment services programme, jobactive, TURSA will now be providing services from Forster, NSW to Noosaville, QLD from 30 more offices. SOMERSET

WIVENHOE

BRISBANE SOUTH EAST Tursa Employment & Training GOLD COAST Need Staff? NORTH COAST Need Work? Call 1800 670 914 MID-NORTH COAST for the office nearest to you

www.tursa.com.au connecting business and workers