CA HO IC V IFE LDiocese of Lismore

Tweed Coast to Camden Haven www.lismorediocese.org March 2019 Vol.17 No.1

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What are you doing for Lent?

hat’s the question Catholics often ask each other in the 40 days Tleading up to Easter. I would like to ask a different question – “Why do something for Lent?” So often from Ash Wednesday until Easter, we take on a regime of self- denial or active charity, but why? We are about to celebrate the most important event in world history; the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What made his death so important was the freedom with which he went to this death. It was not forced on him, he chose it. This freedom made his death a paramount act of Love. Without selfishness and in total dedication to his father and to those around him, he gave up his life. He had a radical freedom to die. His resurrection comes in the wake of this freedom. is slavery to desires and is the epitome denial is not sufficient. We cannot We don’t have this kind of freedom, of selfishness. We don’t choose, instead achieve freedom by ourselves. An we are not able to love as Jesus loved. others tell us what we want and we acute experience of our own weakness Yet love is what defines and gives follow them. and impossibility leaves us with two meaning to life. Lent is a time when How can I establish or re-establish choices. We can give up, or turn to we focus on our lack of freedom and my freedom? When I was the novice God. our struggle to love, because the fruits master in the Discalced Carmelite Prayer and spirituality demand that of Our Lord’s resurrection are within Order, I asked the novices to each we turn to God, to Jesus who like us our reach in proportion to our freedom day deny themselves something which struggled with his weaknesses. If we to love. In answer to our question; we they wanted. Only in self-denial can open ourselves to God in the silence of engage in a regime of self-denial and we know that we are free. The ability our souls, we will find that Jesus is on charity so as to grow in freedom and to say ‘no’ to myself is a sign of my the other side of our difficulties. The love. freedom. This does not mean that I end point of our enterprise is God, who The traditional components of must live my life saying ‘no’ to myself. alone can give us freedom. Lenten practice are ‘prayer’, ‘fasting’ Simply, I must be able to say ‘no’ to This Lent, I pray that we will all and ‘almsgiving’. Today these words myself, otherwise I am not really free. take one further step on our path to seem distant and rather harsh. A Self-denial is not expressed solely freedom, the freedom of the children of more contemporary expression is by denying myself something that God and so experience more fully the ‘spirituality’, ‘self-denial’ and ‘love’. On I want or want to do. It can also be grace of the resurrection. account of failings in love, the Church expressed by doing something loving, So, what are you doing for Lent? proposes self-denial and spirituality as which I would prefer not to do. This is a means to freedom. What in practice sometimes a harder form of self-denial. With my prayers and best wishes, should I do? The path to human freedom is easily ✠ Bishop Greg Homeming OCD We begin by looking honestly at spoken but most difficult to follow. Our ourselves. Where in my life do I weaknesses and failings are so close to react rather than respond in love. us that they are a part of who we are. Can I identify any places where The achievement of authentic human circumstances choose for me, where I freedom is like lifting ourselves up by do not actively choose my response? our own bootstraps. In spite of this Without realising, there are often many we should not despair because it is places in my life where I lack freedom. important that we never give up. Many Australians equate freedom with Jesus tells us that what is impossible being able to do what we want to do. for us is not impossible for God. We I strongly disagree with this. Always move now to the third component doing what we want is not freedom, it of Lent, spirituality or prayer. Self-

Catholic Life, March, 2019 3 Religious ART ANTWERP, BELGIUM Commemorative triptych The resurrection of Christ by Peter Paul Rubens in the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp on May 10, 2006 in Antwerp. Editorial credit: Pecold / Shutterstock.com

Regular Features Editor, Publisher and Advertising Enquiries for “Catholic Life” 3 The Bishop Writes Father Peter M Karam 4 Religious Art Contents Email: [email protected] 5 Editorial Mobile: 0419 401 258 Fax: 02 6622 1771 7 Book Review Parish events: 18 Liturgy Email your planned Parish events, celebrations, 27 News Pic anniversaries, etc., for inclusion on our website and in 28 Chapels of the World the next edition of “Catholic Life” 29 Question Box Email: [email protected] Printed by: Quality Plus Printers (02) 6686 7488 Features 6-7 A New Governance model for schools in the Lismore Diocese Art Direction & Graphic Design: Johanna Evans – [email protected] 7 help bring epilepsy out of the shadows 8-9 Kalumburu Visit our Diocesan website: www.lismorediocese.org 9 proclaim Lismore YOUTH Ministry Equipping School Our website contains a daily news bulletin, spiritual 10-11 Visionary Parish Priest Father Donnelly passes away reflections and daily Mass readings. 12 National Redress Scheme Catholic Life – A member of the Australasian 13 Martyred Seminarians Catholic Press Association and the Australasian 14-17 WYD Panama 2019 Religious Press Association Inc. School News 19 Tweed Cluster Celebrate Catholic Schools Week 20 st. Augustine’s Primary School, Coffs harbour Cover Mary Help of Christians Primary School, Sawtell CAPTION 21 st. Mary’s Primary School, Grafton Pope Francis attends the st. Joseph’s Primary School, South Grafton welcoming ceremony of 22 st. Joseph’s Primary School, Laurieton World Youth Day at the st. Patrick’s Primary School, Macksville Santa Mariala Antigua 23 st. Brigid’s Primary School, Kyogle field in Panama City 24th 24 st. Joseph’s Primary School, Alstonville January 2019 st. John’s College, Woodlawn AAP Image 25 our Lady Help of Christians Parish School, Sth Lismore 26 Mary Help of Christians Primary School, Sawtell

4 Catholic Life, March, 2019 Where have all the prophets gone CARRIERS OF THE MESSAGE As modernity continues to take pace, a lot is being I believe prophets are returning to lead the way. The left behind. Social institutions are struggling to Laity are coming forward to again participate in the Plenary Council 2020. This is now acknowledged as a landmark keep up and provide stability in people’s lives. moment for the Catholic Church in Australia. he main stream churches, including our own, are Plenary Council 2020 president Archbishop Timothy struggling to bring a sense of security, calm and Tgenuine belief back into the fold. Costelloe SDB expressed his gratitude for the faith, energy Once prominent Catholics are in short supply when and generosity of people everywhere who have shared so tenets of faith are challenged in the market place. And the honestly. preachers in the park who shone light on the “Stairway to “The bishops and the Plenary Council team are deeply Heaven” for many, conflicted life has become their passing grateful to all people who have participated,” he said. parade. “It is important to stop and acknowledge the significant Have our prophets vanished or been warned off? Or have moment that this is for the entire Catholic community. I we taken our religious freedom for granted in a malaise of have been very moved by the stories of faith, hope and indifference? resilience I have heard.” According to Australia’s most recent census data those Plenary Council Facilitator Lana Turvey-Collins, who reporting no religion increased from 19% in 2006 to 30% in has travelled to every state and territory – most on several 2016. Sectarianism, racism and sexism have become quite occasions – said people have been very willing to share militant. A hateful expression of Christianity to the point their stories. of damaging or burning down churches and schools has “One of the common themes we have heard is people feel sparked fear and disbelief. that the Listening and Dialogue encounter was invaluable,” We have always been proud of our long Australian tradition she explained. “Many people have mentioned that they of ‘live and help live”. Freedom of religion has been an haven’t really been asked to participate in anything like accepted given in our way of life. this before and that experiencing it together has been empowering because it has provided a platform for all voices It is beginning to wane. There is a rising secularism that to be heard.” wants to exclude people of faith and punish faith-based schools. We can no longer take our religious freedom for Ms Turvey-Collins said most have understood the need for granted. prayerful engagement in considering what God might want. When the Church is passing through troubled times “I am delighted that so many people from diverse parts of the experience is mental pain and a challenge to one’s the Australian community have been a part of this process. faith. That is what we are facing in every parish in It is a great sign of God with us on this journey.” Australia at present. The Royal Commission’s findings into This is a decisive time of opportunity as we ask: Will the historical sexual abuse, their recommendations and their participants assume the leadership to create new forms of condemnation. There is so much anger and grief around the Church that will carry the light of Justice, Truth and this issue. eventual peace in a committed faith practice? There needs to be more radical redress in reaching out to Could this Plenary Council be a revitalised Gospel in the victims. There needs to be prompt structural change in our darkening world? Could it be the new sign of faith the church to ensure this will never happen again. nourished, reborn and quite courageous? With all the necessary commentaries, the apologies, We hope and pray that in the 2020 Plenary Council, and the honest discernment of how victims lives will be Prophets will be recognised and be heard again in our land. consoled and healed, who will lead this redemption? Father Peter M. Karam – Editor.

Catholic Life, March, 2019 5 commitment to this critical work of the Catholic Church. Currently we are in an era when education is even more A New Governance important, relevant and necessary than before and, as for schools in the always, it remains a vital point of evangelisation. Lismore Diocese As history has taught us, our schools and their organisation have been required to adapt and respond to the needs and demands of particular times while at the same time keeping faithful to God’s mission in the by Ross Tarlinton OAM world. As our contemporary world changes, schools must Diocesan Director – meet changing demands and to meet those demands Strategy & Governance our schools need to change. This calls for adaptability and agility in both planning and response. Thus, in the In a recent Parish Bulletin, I read of the near future, there will be some necessary changes to the organisation and governance arrangements for diocesan upcoming centenaries of two diocesan Catholic schools. schools – St Joseph’s Alstonville and St In May 2018, Bishop Greg wrote to the priests of the Diocese saying: ‘Since my ordination as bishop I have Patrick’s Macksville. been learning about our diocese. I have been confronted know that some schools have already reached this with many issues, some of which are quite complex. After milestone and that others are approaching it. Reflecting our parishes, our system of Catholic schools is the major Ion this reminds me of the extraordinary commitment work of the diocese and is perhaps the most complicated. It became clear to me that the present system of parish of so many who have gone before us. Religious women and men, priests and parishioners, all of whom have administered schools was not sustainable… made it possible for our Catholic communities to provide I acknowledge that the strength of our present school the opportunity of Catholic education to so many system is the fruit of the foresight and dedication of parish generations. priests and of the financial generosity of parishioners and parents over many decades… Over time and not without some setbacks, diocesan schools have grown, prospered and new schools have However, since the establishment of our system there opened; as population changes and parish needs have have been significant changes which, in my opinion, demand a radical restructuring of school governance. determined, some schools have closed. Nevertheless, their history is a legacy of courageous and generous The changes referred to by the Bishop include: • developments in Civil Law which have placed increasing demands on our priests; • the increasing complexity of regulatory and compliance obligations: it is of paramount importance that compliance practice in schools and across the diocese is both efficient and consistent; and, • the current and future needs for school planning and the allocation of resources across the diocese call for judicious and enlightened management in the area of governance. Bishop Greg recognised that the current model of parish administration of schools was not adequate to meet the challenges we are facing. Consequently, he appointed a taskforce to examine the existing model of governance and to make recommendations as to how future governance might be structured. The Bishop then advised: ‘…the taskforce has considered what other Australian dioceses are doing and is taking civil and canonical advice and at this point suggests a new model in which a company will be the vehicle for governing and delivering Catholic education in the diocese.’ Since May 2018, considerable work has been completed by a Steering Committee, appointed by Bishop Greg to take up the recommendations of the taskforce, to develop a model of governance for his final approval. Later this year, a Company Limited by Guarantee will be established for the governance and administration of all diocesan Catholic schools. continued...

6 Catholic Life, March, 2019 Help bring epilepsy out of the shadows During March, join Epilepsy Queensland Patron Wally Lewis and thousands of other Queenslanders, businesses and schools to support Purple Day for Epilepsy. urple Day (26 March) is a highlight event of the national epilepsy awareness campaign throughout P March. It is an opportunity to have fun with all things purple, the internationally recognised colour for epilepsy and at the same time help raise funds and increase understanding of one of the world’s most common serious brain disorders. This year, Epilepsy Queensland hopes to raise $100,000, which represents $1 for every Queensland child and adult living with epilepsy. Funds raised will help Epilepsy Nickayla with Wally Lewis Queensland reach out to more people with epilepsy and Anyone can get involved by wearing purple on Purple their families to provide ongoing support, information and Day and sharing a ‘purple selfie’ featuring one of the many advocacy services. purple illuminated landmarks across the State or at our To help achieve this target, people are encouraged to get involved by hosting purple themed fundraising events Purple Day celebration event. such as morning teas, buy or sell merchandise or collect To get involved or for more information: visit and register donations. In addition, they can also raise funds to climb online at www.epilepsyqueensland.com.au/purple-day, call Brisbane’s Story Bridge on Purple Day. 1300 852 853 or email [email protected].

A New Governance BOOK REVIEW for Schools in the The YOUCAT Project Lismore Diocese

continued... The YOUCAT Project, with its range of books and media is one of the most valuable and exciting tools the Church has at its disposal for teaching and information. In the interim there continues to be a consultative and advisory process with parishes and schools to inform the “I entrust YOUCAT for kids to you. Never tire of asking direction taken and to assist in determining the nature questions and talking about your faith. Do not and the operation of the Company. In what is a detailed remain silent when your children come to you with and complex process there is a commitment by the questions, be strong sharers of the true faith you have Steering Committee to ensure that the new structures, received from your parents. Be a living chain which while responding to statutory demands, reflect where makes it possible for the Good News of the Gospel to possible the best of what we have valued in Catholic always be present in our families, communities and education as a work of the Church expressed in our the Church” Pope Francis respective parishes over many years. There will, of course, be changes in the way schools “The YouCat for kid is excellent. The section on the operate. This does not mean, however, that we cannot Sacraments alone is a must for all primary teachers. It find ways of including those long-valued aspects of succinctly presents the key elements of the sacrament parish-based commitment to Catholic education, which in a very readable format. The questions excellently have been a particular feature of our diocese. The lead into the content. And the images are to die for.” relationship between the parish and the schools within Australian Education Expert the parish is central to the mission of Catholic education, organisational structures notwithstanding I am trusting in your prayerful support at this critical YOUCAT for Kids is for Parents, time in the development of education in our diocese and Grandparents, Teachers and Catechists alike. I know that this will assist in ensuring the successful Available via www.freedompublishingbooks.com.au implementation of timely and necessary change.

Catholic Life, March, 2019 7 Kalumburu

Dear reader, I would like to share with you Group in culture dress participated in the Liturgy for the Feast of the Assumption. one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. ome time ago I was visiting Healesville in Victoria The mission looks after the volunteers very well and we have and while at Mass there I saw an advertisement nice little comfortable units and all meals are supplied. S asking for volunteers in the Kimberley area for six I volunteered at Kalumburu for six months, serving months. The length of time had me a little worried, but I in the shop and doing other tasks around the mission. figured that nothing would be lost in finding out about it, Because of the shortage of volunteers, the work is quite so I made the phone call and after discussing it with my constant, but I felt really privileged and blessed to be there. family I decided to give it a try. This volunteer service is I found the Aboriginal people warm and very welcoming under the bishop of Broome, Bishop Christopher Saunders. and I made a lot of friends during my short time. It was There are many communities in the Kimberley under the wonderful to share some time with them and to see for Broome Diocese and I was to be placed at the mission at myself the life they live. Kalumburu. It’s not an easy life for the Aboriginal community as In April 2018 I flew to Broome where I was met by there is not a lot for them to do. They often go fishing Anneliese, the volunteer coordinator who organised my and it is amazing to see how well they do with only a flight on to Kalumburu. hand-held line and no bait. They were also very generous with their catch and often shared it with us. They also do Kalumburu is an Aboriginal community of around 450 Aboriginal art and several of the artists are well known people. It is the most northern town in Western Australia. around Australia. It is very remote, with rough “roads” and an airstrip providing the only transport options. The only shops are Whenever the locals came into the shop, they were the mission’s take away and grocery store and another always friendly and had a little conversation with the small supermarket. volunteers. They love the mission and although they don’t all practice, they are all Catholics and have great respect There are a number of dongas which provide for Fr Simon, their parish priest. accommodation for visiting service and trades people and The parish church is the church of the Assumption and tourists who make the arduous journey through the outback. the 15th of August is celebrated as their very own feast Hello my gombalee. day. I was lucky enough to be there for the feast day last year and the celebration started early morning and went late into the night. The bishop attended and we had Mass outside with the whole town in attendance. We started with a procession led by the Aboriginal people and we all walked through smoke as part of the tribal smoking ceremony. Everyone was dressed in their Sunday best, the men put on their tribal dress and painted their bodies and after mass we had a corroboree. Mass was held every afternoon at 5.30 and when you consider that there are only 450 people in the whole community, we had quite a large turnout and sometimes there were as many as five young men at Mass. The locals would always come about a half an hour early for Mass and that gave us the opportunity to spend some time with them and get to know them.

8 Catholic Life, March, 2019 but I would really like to. He said and I quote “I will always remember everything you taught me”. I have to tell you that even now, when I think of it, I get a tear to my eyes. The locals are a very sharing people and if one of them was shopping and didn’t have enough money anyone else who happened to be in the shop would pay the difference and I never heard any of them say “you owe me”. I recall one occasion when I was talking to my daughter on FaceTime, some of the children came to see what I was doing. All of a sudden, I was literally surrounded by little children, all wanting to talk to my daughter and asking her Community dinner all sort of things. They were delightful and she snapped a photo of it all on FaceTime. One of the women had the same name as me and when Father introduced us she said “Oh, my gombalee”, I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to be at (meaning someone who shares the same name). Well after Kalumburu. How true is the saying, “when you give you that whenever she saw me she would take both my hands get so much more in return”. I am going back again this in hers and say “hello my gombalee”. year and I highly recommend you have a think and see if While I was there, I used to clear the altar after Mass and it could be something you could do too. The great thing one of the young men who attended mass used to stay and about giving it a try is, if you do go to volunteer and you chat with me. I decided to show him what I did and he was find out it’s not for you, then you just come home. But I really grateful to learn. One day, just before I left, he asked bet you will love it! me if I would ever go back. I told him that I wasn’t sure Matilda Fittock, Parishioner of Camden Haven Parish

The above scriptural theme challenged the group to go beyond their expectations of the role and seek wisdom Proclaim from Our Lady who boldly said ‘yes’ when asked to respond to God’s call to her. The contemporary Australian culture Lismore doesn’t look favourably on structured Christian values. YOUTH Ministry However, we can all agree on the innate goodness in all Equipping School people. This can be a platform into deeper discussions of faith, truth, purpose and love. The focus of the 23 YMOs is to accompany students of by David Condon, the 12 Catholic Secondary Colleges across the diocese as Director of Catholic Schools they continue on their journey of faith. With the exception for the Diocese of Lismore of Casey Asket who initially came from America to the – through NET Ministries, our YMOs are all graduates of An incredible new adventure for the Diocese of Lismore. Catholic Secondary Colleges across. “The equipping school was a great way to learn a new n early February, 23 faith filled young adults gathered set of skills and gain a lot of knowledge that we can use this in Lismore for the first Youth Ministry Officer (YMO) year in our schools,” said John Kearney, YMO at Xavier Equipping School. Evolving from Bishop Greg’s vision for Catholic College, Skennars Head. young adult formation, the Catholic Schools Office School “It’s been such an awesome experience meeting the team Evangelisation (SE) Staff and Parish Youth Coordinators for this year. It reminds me of Pentecost where the Holy guided the YMOs in a six-day formation program centred Spirit came down upon the disciples as they were getting around the Gospel, Carmelite Spirituality and topic areas ready to go out and spread the Good News. Which is what prescribed in the ACU Signum Fidei Certificate implemented we’re doing at our schools.” John was inspired to become a YMO by his sister, by Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA). Amelia, who was a YMO in 2016 and 2017. Bishop Greg and Fr Joe DSouza led the eager group The role is generally a year-long commitment of in Spiritual Formation, while the SE Team developed formation and mission. The majority of the group are 2018 an understanding of pastoral care and practical youth Year 12 graduates who were inspired by their respective ministry skills. The group was blessed to have Pat Keady, school’s previous YMO. It is wonderful to see the sustainable from the Brisbane Emmanuel Community, deliver on the impact the YMO role is having in our Parish schools. The Proclaim Lismore YMO Equipping School begins role of Youth Ministry in the Australian culture. a year of formation, with key elements and spiritual “Here I am, formation practices to be maintained by monthly visits servant of from the SE Team and the support of the Leaders of the Lord. Be School Evangelisation. The YMOs will also get involved in the array of Proclaim Staff and Proclaim Students it done to me opportunities across the Diocese of Lismore. according to Please pray for these young people in their year of your word.” service to the Church in Catholic Schools of the Diocese Luke1:38 and the Mission of Jesus Christ.

Catholic Life, March, 2019 9 Visionary Parish Priest Father Donnelly passes away aged 91

Reverend Father Leo Donnelly, Emeritus Parish The entry processional at the commencement of the Mass (photo credit Paul Dawson) Priest of St Agnes’ Parish of Port Macquarie, passed away aged 91 at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney on 23 January and was laid to rest after a Requiem Mass attended by more than 1,500 people on 1 February, 2019. ather Leo Donnelly was Parish Priest at St Agnes’ “He also recognised the local need for vocational education Catholic Parish, Port Macquarie from 1970 until his by establishing the Vocational College in 1979. That idea retirement in 2018. His vision and guiding influence saw evolved into the world-class facilities we now see at Newman the Parish grow into a leading aged care, disability services Senior Technical College and is a great example to other and educational provider in the Mid North Coast region. He providers of vocational education.” was renowned for his enterpreneurial and altruistic spirit “We will miss Father Donnelly’s visionary leadership, focused on helping those in need, effectively touching the his wisdom and problem-solving ability, his no nonsense lives of thousands from the youngest to the oldest residents pastoral approach and his extraordinary ability to identify of the Port Macquarie/Hastings area. a need and reach out to so many in our community,” Father Father Donnelly credited his fellow parishioners with the Paul said. achievements of St Agnes’ Parish. Although always modest and reluctant to receive any “I can think of no greater privilege than to be called to lead recognition for his contributions, he was the recipient of a faith community, but with that comes the responsibility to the Croce Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (the Cross for the Church do your very best for the people of that community,” he said and Pontiff) in 2018 for distinguished service to the Church, at his retirement Mass in March 2018. which is only awarded by the Pope. “Looking back, I think we can claim that, together, we The Order of Australia medal in 2002 in recognition of have kicked a few goals, but none of it would have been service to the development of a broad range of social welfare possible without the loyalty, support and deep faith of this and education programs under the auspices of the Catholic faith community.” Church and to the community of Port Macquarie the Perkins Current Parish Priest Father Paul Gooley said the Awards for Individual Excellence in Service in 2010, Rotary community will feel the benefit of Father Donnelly’s legacy District 9650, “Vocational Excellence Award” in 2007, the for many decades to come. Centenary Medal in 2003 and Hastings Citizen of the Year in “He first recognised the need to care for the aged in our 1991. Additionally in 2017, he was made a Life Member and community with the opening of Lourdes House in 1973. Now Patron of the Port Macquarie Touch Football Association in St Agnes’ Parish is the largest provider of aged care on the recognition of his extraordinary effort to secure the Tuffins Mid North Coast.” Lane sporting complex for the community.

10 Catholic Life, March, 2019 Above: The current national Drumline champions, Port Macquarie Vanguard, made up of students from the combined St Agnes’ Parish Schools, at the head of the cortege. (photo credit Paul Dawson)

Right: Father Donnelly presented with Croce Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (the Cross for the Church and Pontiff) in 2018 for distinguished service to the Church, which is only awarded by the Pope (contributed)

Bishop Homeming said Father Donnelly’s impact on the community was evident in the diversity of people who came to pay their respects at his funeral. “Father Donnelly was a driving force behind improvements to education, training, aged care, welfare and sport in the community. “I think part of his legacy is visible in the people here today; so many of the charitable works, the works of care and love are here because of him.” “Where he could find a need, he would do something and, correctly, it wasn’t simply for Catholics, it was for everybody.” “I was impressed by the humility of the man. There was no sense in him that anything he did was about himself. He was just helping people who needed to be helped, and did community, he was a great man, an exemplary pastor and what he could,” said Bishop Homeming. friend – he will be sorely missed by all of us.” Adam Spencer, Chief Executive of St Agnes’ Parish and The final word belongs to Father Donnelly: “This Parish close friend, said Fr Donnelly would be a great loss to the has always meant so much to me. I was an altar boy at community. the opening of the church. I was the first priest from Port “If you think about what he’s achieved in the areas of aged Macquarie. I was only ever in two places, Port and Lismore. care, early education, vocational education and training, I have been uniquely blessed and at the heart of that blessing community services, a whole range of things... I think he’s without peer in all of Australia to have achieved what he’s are the people who have accepted me, encouraged me, over achieved in all of those domains,” said Mr Spencer. those years. I am and always have been in your debt.” “An outstanding leader of the church and the wider (sourced from Steve Bryant and Megan Barber)

Catholic Life, March, 2019 11 National Redress Scheme THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE NATIONAL REDRESS SCHEME In December Social Services Minister Paul Fletcher announced that Lismore Diocese is now a participating institution in the National Redress Scheme and The diagram above outlines how applications for redress that relate to diocesan entities applications to the Scheme are processed. related to ministries run by the child sexual abuse. Church leaders between the Scheme and dioceses – confirmed their commitment to the and the approximately 5,000 Catholic Diocese can now be processed. Scheme during the final hearings of sites for which they are (or have been) he Diocese entered the Scheme the Royal Commission. responsible. via Australian Catholic Redress The Commonwealth Government Australian Catholic Redress is T Ltd, a company established has established an independent agency the formal representative of Church by the Australian Catholic Bishops to manage the Scheme. On 1 July authorities in the Scheme. The Conference to represent dioceses in 2018, the National Redress Scheme company will also help ensure all the Scheme. commenced, with survivors of child diocesan obligations under the Scheme The Department of Human Services sexual abuse able to approach the are met, including the delivery of a sends requests for information (RFI) Scheme at any time until 30 June personal direct response (if requested). for redress applications that relate to 2027. Social Services Minister Paul diocesan entities – parishes, diocesan Under the Scheme, applications Fletcher announced in December 2018 schools and diocesan ministries – to for redress are considered by that 27 archdioceses, dioceses and Australian Catholic Redress Ltd, which independent assessors who decide on eparchies had formally entered the directs the RFI to the relevant church the appropriate levels of financial and Scheme. authority, e.g. Lismore Diocese. The other support, such as counselling As of 1 February 2019, 34 of the diocese then provides information it services. The Catholic Church and 35 Australian Catholic archdioceses, holds that is relevant to the application other institutions participating in the dioceses and eparchies are now to the Department to enable an Scheme will meet the costs of redress participating institutions in the Scheme, independent assessor to make a that the Scheme determines, as well under the purview of Australian determination of the appropriate level as administration costs to support the Catholic Redress Ltd. More than 99.8 of redress. Applicants have six months Scheme’s operation. per cent of the parishes, diocesan in which to decide whether or not to On 19 October 2018, Australian schools and diocesan agencies across accept the determination. Catholic Redress Ltd was registered as the country are covered by those 34 dioceses. Among the roles of Australian a company that will oversee Catholic Several religious orders have Catholic Redress Ltd is ensuring timely dioceses’ engagement with the and thorough responses are provided National Redress Scheme. Australian also entered the Scheme, with more by dioceses to facilitate efficient and Catholic Redress Limited provides a expected to join in the first quarter effective operation of the Scheme. single access point for interaction of 2019. For several years, the Catholic Church has supported the creation of an independent process that would allow survivors of child sexual abuse to seek redress. One of the key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was the establishment of a National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional

12 Catholic Life, March, 2019 Pope Francis meets with seminarians in Rome.

Christ. We need seminarians, priests, consecrated persons, generous pastors like these martyrs of Oviedo,” the cardinal Spanish Seminarians continued. MARTYRED WERE RECENTLY “We need honest and irreproachable priests who bring BEATIFIED IN OVIEDO, SPAIN souls to God and do not cause suffering to the Church and disturb the people of God,” he said. In his Angelus address, Pope Francis reflected on Sunday’s Gospel narrative of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. After fasting for forty days, Jesus is tempted three Pope Francis said on Sunday March 10 that the times by the devil. The three desert temptations to turn a stone into bread, nine Spanish seminarian martyrs beatified on to rule over all of the kingdoms on earth, and to tempt the weekend provided a witness to priests and God’s providence by jumping from the highest point in bishops to remain pure and generous. Jerusalem indicate “three roads that the world continually proposes, promising great success,” Francis said. lessed Ángel Cuartas Cristóbal and eight of his These three paths are the road of greed, the road of seminary classmates were martyred amid the “Red Terror” persecution of the Church during the Spanish human glory, and the road of “instrumentalisation of God,” Civil War in the 1930s in which more than 6,800 clergy or he explained. religious were killed. “These are the paths that are set before us, with the “These young aspirants to the priesthood loved the Lord illusion of being able to achieve success and happiness. But, so much as to follow Him on the way of the Cross. Their in reality… they separate us from God because they are the heroic witness helps seminarians, priests, and bishops to work of Satan,” Francis said. remain pure and generous, faithfully serving the Lord and “This is always the insidious logic of the devil. He starts the holy people of God,” Pope Francis said March 10. from the natural and legitimate need to eat, to live, to be In the martyrs’ beatification Mass in Oviedo, Spain the fulfilled, to be happy, and pushes us to believe that all of day prior, Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Vatican this is possible without God, even against Him,” he said. Congregation of Saints expressed a similar sentiment. Pope Francis explained that “the remedies” for these “With the sanctity of their lives, the newly beatified speak above all to the Church of today. With their blood, three temptations are also threefold: the interior life, faith they have made the Church great and have given splendor in God, and the certainty of God’s love. to the priesthood,” Becciu said. “Let us therefore take advantage of Lent, as a privileged “We are all troubled by the scandals that seem to time to purify ourselves, to experience the consoling have no end and that disfigure the face of the Bride of presence of God in our lives,” he said.

Catholic Life, March, 2019 13 Pope Francis holds the Monstrance during Benediction at the evening vigil with an estimated 700,000 pilgrims AAP IMAGE 14 CONCLUDING MASS FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY PANAMA CITY, JAN 27, 2019

SERVING GOD AND HIS MISSION IS NOT Not everyone in the synagogue was ready to listen to A PASSING THING, BUT CAN AND SHOULD Jesus, Francis said, and the same can happen to Catholics today, when people do not believe that God can be “that BE PURSUED IN THE PRESENT, WITH ONE’S close and real.” ENTIRE LIFE, POPE FRANCIS SAID AT THE He said, “You too, dear young people, can experience CLOSING MASS FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY IN this whenever you think that your mission, your vocation, PANAMA CITY. even your life itself, is a promise far off in the future, having “Brothers and sisters, the Lord and his mission are not nothing to do with the present.” a ‘meantime’ in our life, something temporary; they are our “We do not always believe that the Lord can invite us to life!” the Pope said Jan. 27. “Not tomorrow but now, for work and soil our hands with him in his Kingdom in that wherever your treasure is, there will your heart also be.” simple and blunt a way,” he continued. So instead, people Jesus “wants to be our treasure, because he is not a prefer “a distant God: nice, good, generous, but far-off, a God ‘meantime,’ an interval in life or a passing fad; he is generous who does not inconvenience us.” love that invites us to entrust ourselves,” he continued. “You, But that is not who God is, he said, “He is concrete, dear young people, are not the future but the now of God.” close, real love. Indeed, this ‘concrete manifestation of love is At the end of the Mass, which officially closed one of the essential elements in the life of Christians,” he World Youth Day 2019 in Panama, Cardinal Kevin said, quoting a 2006 homily of Benedict XVI. Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Jesus “invites you and calls you in your communities and announced that the next international youth gathering cities to go out and find your grandparents, your elders; to will be in Lisbon, Portugal in 2022. stand up and with them to speak out and realise the dream “At the conclusion of this celebration,” Pope Francis said, that the Lord has dreamed for you,” he said. “I thank God for having given us the opportunity to share “Do you want to live out your love in a practical way? May these days together and to experience once more this World your ‘yes’ continue to be the gateway for the Holy Spirit to Youth Day,” adding that the “faith and joy” of the young give us a new Pentecost for the Church and for the world,” people present “made Panama, America and the entire he concluded. world shake!” By Hannah Brockhaus / CNA “I ask you not to let the fervor of these days grow cold. Go back to your parishes and communities, to your families and your friends, and share this experience, so that others can resonate with the strength and enthusiasm that is yours.” In his homily at Mass in Campo San Juan Pablo II, the Pope reflected on the day’s Gospel passage, which speaks of the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, when he returned to Nazareth where he had grown up and preached in the synagogue.

15 Pope Francis during his visit at the Casa Hogar (House of the Good Samaritan) in Panama City AAP IMAGE

In the Popemobile Pope Francis arrives to celebrate Mass for World Youth Day at the Campo Metro Park in Panama City AAP Image

16 Fr Mick Lowcock (back right) with members of the Mt Isa World Youth Day group shown ready to move off to Panama CATHOLIC LEADER IMAGE

THE WORLD AS IT SHOULD BE

21 PILGRIMS FROM GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH IN the Pope and his eight Cardinals. We joined the multitudes MOUNT ISA JOINED 14 FROM BATHURST DIOCESE TO lining the streets to welcome the Pope and the following night attended his Welcome Mass. ATTEND WORLD YOUTH DAY IN PANAMA. THE GROUP The following night we met one of the Cardinals and SPENT THE WEEK PRIOR IN LOS ANGELES AS GUEST managed a photo with a boxing kangaroo perched on his OF THE ST EUPHRASIA PARISH AND ITS WELCOMING shoulder. The Stations of the Cross was a solemn occasion PRIEST FATHER JIM GEHL. and the next morning we began the walk to the vigil site. Nestled in the San Fernando Valley we visited the San The vigil was brutal, both physically and mentally. It is all Fernando Mission, marveling at the determination of those worthwhile though when you see your children teaching a who built it and the care with which it has been restored. Uruguayan Priest how to play a card game and see young men, who began the trip as shy and reclusive, speaking with a group Our enduring memory of Los Angeles is the Parish’s from Mexico; despite limited English. generosity. They were so proud that we had chosen their Parish and could not do enough for us. Bathurst did The people of Panama were wonderful hosts. If you stood home stays but Julie and her 86-year-old mother Gretchen on the side of the road, they would simply stop and allow you accommodated Mount Isa in Gretchen’s house. to cross (even on the highways). My daughter and I got lost once and a young lady asked if she could give us a lift. She told They threw a neighborhood block party and the St us how she had been looking everywhere for the opportunity Euphrasia Youth Group took to our Youth as if long lost to help someone. She, like all the people, were so glad that we brothers and sisters. With the barriers down they mixed were in their country. and when we returned after Panama several joined us at Disneyland and contact details have been exchanged. The Pilgrimage changed our children; the Pilgrimage On our first day in Panama we attended the Australian changed me. I saw the World as it should be. Youth full of joy, gathering and noticed a past teacher at Mount Isa reading on faith and promise would burst into song and dance with the stage; when she left the stage a small reunion ensued. pure elation of being alive. Sometimes at night I would sit in the street and watch them go past, singing and dancing with At the gathering’s conclusion, the first example of the joy not a care in the world. WYD brings occurred. As the crowd flowed out the Good Shepherd Parish pilgrims took to the stage and danced up They were safe and felt free to express the joy and faith a storm with a number of volunteers. During our long walk that filled their hearts. The Pope’s message to them was not home, we stopped for a drink outside a small restaurant and to wait, “Your time is now.” celebrated the birthday of several staff. Famed throughout For our church to survive we must embrace our youth Panama the restaurant’s owner was cooking for the Pope. and their youthful ideas and energy. In doing so we may move We returned the following day to eat magnificent food and closer to a World as it should be; not as it is. see the clay plates, bowls and jugs especially made for use by James Coghlan © February 2019

Evening debrief Returning home

17 by Elizabeth Harrington One of Australia’s best known liturgists. Elizabeth has written over Liturgy is a Window 1,000 Liturgy Lines. These pithy 500 word articles on everything liturgy have appeared in publications all over the world. Elizabeth was previously engaged as Liturgy Brisbane’s Education Officer.

IT IS EASY TO THINK OF LITURGY AS SOMETHING THAT WE DO: PRAYING, SINGING, READING, MAKING GESTURES, ENGAGING WITH SYMBOLS. PREPARING THESE THINGS IS THE WORK OF THE PARISH LITURGY COMMITTEE AND PASTOR. BUT THE LITURGICAL ACTIVITIES IN WHICH THE CHURCH IS ENGAGED ARE IN FACT THE ACTIONS OF CHRIST: CHRIST IS THE TRUE CELEBRANT OF THE LITURGY.

God acts in the liturgy. In the It was for this very reason that the symbols prepared by the liturgical waters of baptism, God plunges us Council highlighted the importance artists are not designed to draw into the saving mystery of Jesus’ of the sacramental signs – baptising attention to themselves but rather death and resurrection. As we eat by immersion, taking and breaking are works of art which lead to the and drink at the Lord’s table, God real bread, receiving communion discovery of new spiritual depths. joins us to Christ and we share in from the cup, proclaiming the Ministers reviewing their liturgical the great Passover from death to word of God – not as an end in roles should not just ask whether eternal life and in the banquet of themselves, but as a means of they performed their tasks correctly heaven. As the celebrant anoints realising what the liturgy actually but seek to understand how their does. with holy oil, God seals the words and actions served to open confirmand with up the reality of the gift of the Holy God’s saving work. Spirit or raises up the person who is Liturgical sick. innovation does What a pity, not necessarily then, that so often lead to a renewed we concentrate on spiritual experience. the window itself The unfamiliar instead of looking often catches our through it. The attention and liturgy is boring, distracts from what teenagers say. The is really taking liturgy committee place. Liturgical decides to respond rites belong to the by having a ‘youth Church. Liturgy Mass’ with praise is the corporate music and special worship of the lighting effects. whole body of This solution is a Christ, united case of looking around the globe at the glass and and down through the window frame the centuries. instead of the view. When parishioners Preparing complain about creative and vibrant minor rubrical liturgy is about infringements, they ensuring that the are concerned with preaching, praying, smudges on the music, gestures, window. environment, Of course, the symbols and window itself is neither irrelevant When liturgy committees ministers of the liturgy all enable nor unimportant. A dirty or foggy evaluate the effectiveness of their the people of God assembled window will distort or obscure the preparation for a feast or season, for worship to see beyond the view. The reform of the liturgy their questions should not centre liturgical forms and to participate promoted by the Second Vatican on the drama, decoration or fully, consciously and actively in the Council was intended to clean the liturgical forms but rather on their saving mystery that lies beyond windows after centuries of grime. transparency. The hangings and them.

18 Catholic Life, March, 2019 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE

Tweed Cluster Celebrate Catholic Schools Week

Pictured are the school leaders and Principals of the six Primary Catholic Sown in Rich Soil Schools of the Tweed celebrating Catholic Schools Week. The eight Catholic Schools within the Tweed Cluster College students from both Mt St Patrick College, joined together in celebration. The first Catholic School in Murwillumbah and St Joseph’s College, Banora Point. Each the Tweed was built 114 years ago and the most recent – 5 school received a “Lime Tree” blessed by the Bishop to years ago!! take back to plant in their school grounds “in rich soil” as a symbol of the theme for Catholic Schools Week. This is The Yr 6 students from all the Catholic Primary Schools the 14th year that the schools have celebrated Catholic within the Tweed came together to celebrate a Catholic Schools Week in this way. “This Catholic Schools Week Schools Week Mass. This year the Mass was celebrated Celebration provides an opportunity for students to come by Bishop Gregory Homeming OCD and Father Paul together and this event is an example of how Catholic McDonald, Parish Priest at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Schools within the Tweed Cluster work together and Kingscliff. Following the Mass, the students joined for support one another across all aspects of education, be it lunch and engaged in a variety of activities run by the spiritual, academic, social or emotional well being.”

CATHOLIC LIFE MARCH 2019 19 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE

St. Augustine’s Primary School Coffs Harbour

Our school community gave an overwhelming response to Christmas Giving the appeal. Children even donated from their own money boxes and a total in excess of over three thousand dollars Last Christmas, St Augustine’s school community under worth of gifts were purchased. the direction of Mini Vinnies decided to approach our Christmas Giving Appeal a little differently. Each class was The gifts were brought to the altar as part of “The given the age and gender of a child whose family was Nativity” presentation for the whole school and parent in need of support and as a group they worked towards community in the church before Christmas. The procession saving money for a gift for the child for Christmas. of gifts was lengthy indeed and filled the entire left side The children had a few weeks to collect donations. This of the church. Members of the St Vincent De Paul Coffs proved invaluable in the classroom, supporting maths Harbour Conference were present to accept the gifts for strategies of estimating, adding and use of money. The the children and were ‘gobsmacked’ at the enormity of children were then able to present gift ideas, suitable for what we were able to achieve as a school. The gifts were a child that age, taking into consideration the amount of gratefully accepted and taken to SVDP to be redistributed money available, they decided on a gift list. The students to families. We look forward to what we can achieve next knew first hand which gifts each child would like to receive. Christmas.

Mary Help of Christians School Sawtell Father Kelly Award Winners

Father John Kelly was the first Parish Priest of Mary Help of Christians, Sawtell. An award, named in his honour, is presented to two Year 6 students each year.

The award recognises effort in three domains: academia, citizenship and sport. The students’ names will be added to the honour board Father Michael was very pleased to present Archie Wright which lists the many worthy recipients of the Father Kelly Award over the school’s 39 year history. and Aliesha Slaviero with the perpetual trophy at the end of year awards ceremony. Liz Watts, Principal

20 CATHOLIC LIFE MARCH 2019 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE

St. Mary’s Primary School Grafton

Principal of St Mary’s Primary Ms Jacqueline Moore welcomed We Welcome Fr Joe Father Joe Holloway Parish Priest of the Clarence Valley Parish At St Mary’s Primary School we have warmly welcomed St Mary’s continue to experience the fullness of life. many new and returning families to our parish school Our Learning Expo held last week in the school hall community this year. A significant welcome was made to provided parents with opportunities to meet the school Father Joe Holloway, as Acting Principal Ms Jacqueline staff and other parents to discuss teaching and learning at Moore introduced him to the assembled students recently. St Mary’s. This was our first Learning Expo and was such a Fr Joe is the new Parish Priest for the Clarence Valley positive evening that we plan to offer similar events in the Parish. The St Mary’s community looks forward to getting future. to know Fr Joe as we work together in developing our The Opening School Mass was celebrated at St Mary’s faith and guiding the students in their spiritual formation. with the Parish community. Fr Joe blessed the leadership In classrooms, the teachers have started the year with a badges for each of our Year 6 students and suggested focus on using student data to ensure learning experiences we use our heads, eyes, mouths and hands to make good are tailored to each student’s individual needs. This focus choices and to be helpful to others. The school community on the needs of each student ensures that the students of congratulates these students!

St. Joseph’s Primary School South Grafton Warm Welcome for Fr. Joe We warmly welcomed our new Parish Priest, Fr Joe Holloway. Fr Joe has come to us from Bellingen and we look forward to having him visit our school to enrich our faith and knowledge and to bring the children into a closer relationship with Jesus.

As was the practice with Fr Paul Winter, our school will continue to transport one class each week to St Patrick’s this tradition. We take this opportunity to sincerely thank Church, South Grafton, to attend the Parish Mass. The Fr Paul for all his work in our school and we pray that God students remain at the conclusion of Mass for church tours continues to bless him in his ministry in his new Parish at and discussions. We are grateful that Fr Joe will continue Bellingen.

CATHOLIC LIFE MARCH 2019 21 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE St. Joseph’s Primary School Laurieton

emotional behaviours and interactions. This in turn allows Global School Play Day us the opportunity to structure our learning experiences accordingly. On Wednesday 6th of February, we took part in Global School play day. Global School Play day is a day of Last year the Fourth Annual Global School Play Day for promoting the importance of regular, unstructured play for students continued to spread around the world. Over the best development of children. We value unstructured 385,000 young people from 58 nations were registered play in our school due to the overwhelming benefits it by their administrators or teachers to participate. can have on children’s social, emotional and mental well Schools from around the world stood together to being. We also appreciate the insight it can give us as say, “Unstructured play is a vital part of proper child teachers regarding students’ interests and social and development!”

St. Patrick’s Primary School Macksville

Mass for the Beginning of the Year On Thursday 7th February the St. Patrick’s community came together to celebrate Mass. The students, staff and parents reflected on the beginning of another school year and how we can continue to move forward together in our faith and learning. At the conclusion of Mass, our 2019 school leaders were commissioned and presented with their badges.

St. Patrick’s Primary School community joining together for Mass with Fr. Paul Winter, PP TakeBellingen the Parish. Diocese with you! Download the app!

Our website: www.lismorediocese.org St. Patrick’s Primary School community joining together for Mass with Fr. Paul Winter, PP Bellingen Parish.

22 CATHOLIC LIFE MARCH 2019 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE St. Brigid’s Primary School Kyogle Student Leaders 2019 On Thursday 14th February, the students of St Brigid’s Primary School welcomed in the new school year with their parents and parishioners at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Kyogle. Students presented the readings and offered prayers for the year ahead with the songs of Andrew Chinn featuring throughout our Mass. Our 2019 Kindergarten class were St Brigid’s School Leaders 2019 – presented to the congregation, as was our 2019 Mini Nate Walters, Jed Mulchay, Karli Pratt, Ava Smith Vinnies team of 54 students. Each class received a class candle and journey rocks for their classroom prayer space. Before going an appeal was sent out to the St Brigid’s and Kyogle parish community calling for donations. Through their Following Mass our School Leaders, Sports Captains and generosity the Hunter’s took nearly 50kgs of clothing and Student Representative Council (SRC) were presented footwear with them and with the help of monetary donations with their badges and took the pledge, promising to wear were able to purchase 2 wheelchairs for the Bethlehem their badges with pride and accept the responsibility Learning Centre, allowing parents to no longer have to carry that comes with leadership. All student leaders asked their children to and from school. They also arranged for the the whole school and parish community to support and purchase of 160 new food bowls for the BLC. encourage them in their tasks during the year ahead. Other institution to benefit from the generosity of the Our School Leaders for this year are Ava Smith, Karli Pratt, Kyogle Parish community were Gualandi Mission for the Jed Mulcahy and Nate Walters. Our Sports Captains Deaf, Santa Cruz Village (a shanty town), Betania Retreat are Elsie Pratt and Lachlan Kennelly (Colahan-Gold), Eva Centre, Carmelite Monastery, Samaritan House for the McErlean and Jai O’Reilly (Sutton-Red), Charlotte Davis Homeless Youth and Lapu Lapu Elementary School. and Lachie Beetge (Doyle-Blue). This school has an enrolment of 2 200 students and Mass was followed by a picnic lunch on the lawn for from the funds donated a weekly feeding program was students and their families. established that will oversee a fully nutritional meal for 320 underprivileged children at Lapu Lapu Elementary School. A Real Immersion in Faith Whilst in Cebu, the Hunter’s were able to take part in the “Walk for Jesus” which commenced at 4am on the 9th of In January of this year, the Principal from St Brigid’s January. A mammoth crowd of 300,000 transformed the Kyogle, Tony Hunter and his wife Helen travelled to the streets into a river of light as they joined the penitential Philippines city of Cebu where they spent 8 days working walk which, for the first time, started in the Our Lady of and visiting many educational institutions and villages Guadalupe Church, passing by Fuente Osmeña, all the way that were established to assist the poorest of the poor. to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. Here at the Basilica One of those was the Bethlehem Learning Centre. The a mass was said with almost 200,000 people in attendance Centre was established by Australian priest Fr John Iacono paying homage to Santo Nino. and supports children of families who survive day to day scrounging through rubbish from the city dump. These Everyone that Tony and Helen came across where so families homes are put together with bits of tin, wood, old appreciative of the kindness and support of the school car tyres, in fact anything that they can find at the dump. and parish community and they would like to thank all These people have nothing but are so generous and just those who helped to make a difference in the lives of the want to share what they do have. Helen and Tony were families they encountered on this truly challenging but blown away that the children started every day at BLC very rewarding experience. Tony and Helen were certainly by praying all 5 decades of the Rosary and it was led by blown away with the way in which the Philippine people children as young as 4 and 5 years old. explicitly expressed their faith.

Tony and Helen Hunter distributing donations from the Tony at the Bethlehem Learning Centre St Brigid’s School Community

CATHOLIC LIFE MARCH 2019 23 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE St. Joseph’s Primary School Alstonville Centenary Time This year St Joseph’s Alstonville celebrates their School Centenary. Opened in 1919 by the Sisters of St Joseph the school has grown and developed over the years.

In January 1919 Bishop Carroll led a procession into Alstonville. Following were the first sisters, Sr Marie- Therese, Sr Dara and Sr Dunstan. The crowd that followed were served morning tea at the convent.

The next day the sisters used the church as their classroom for 50 pupils. Arthur Daley, former Parish Priest of Bangalow was one of those pupils. Sunday 1st September. This Mass will be celebrated by After school and on weekends the sisters used to visit Bishop Greg Homeming. The school community is looking families, usually in a borrowed horse and buggy. The same forward to the celebration of 100 years. Planning is well three sisters were together in Alstonville for six years. underway for our big weekend.

Over time an annex was built to accommodate boarders. If you know of anyone who has been involved with St Eventually more classrooms were added until we have the Joseph’s School Alstonville over the years please alert school we know today. them to this celebration. Further information is available from the school on phone: 66281009 or email: alstp@lism. Our Centenary celebrations will include our traditional catholic.edu.au Family Day on Friday 30th August, a Centenary Dinner on Saturday 31st August then a Mass and open day on Therese Seymour, Principal

St. John’s College Woodlawn Welcoming Ceremony Signals New Chapter The arrival of Year 7 students into the College community at the commencement of each school year brings with it the perennial reminder of the significant journey secondary students take in their six years at the College – from young adolescents to young adults.

To commemorate and celebrate this milestone St John’s College, Woodlawn hosts a Year 7 Welcoming Ceremony attended by the students, their families and carers and the whole school community serving as support crew. Woodlawn College Captains with Year 7 students College Principal Chris Comerford said it is an important aspirations to the liturgy and among the many aspirations foundational event for the students as the commencement to be doctors, nurses, teachers and sportspeople, was the of secondary school can be particularly overwhelming for desire to ‘follow my beliefs and stay strong no matter what new students, as well as for parents and carers of first-time pressure comes at me’,” she said. high school students. Despite the hot night over 300 attending the prayer “St John’s College tries to allay the fears and insecurities service and were blessed by the Cathedral Administrator as early as possible with its annual Year 7 Meet and Greet, and College Chaplain Fr Bing Monteagudo and adjourned not a time for formal interviews, but an opportunity for to the College Dining Room for shared supper prepared parents to meet other parents and put faces to teachers’ by the Canteen staff and volunteers. names,” Mr Comerford said. Ms Whiton, the Year 7 Welfare Coordinator described the The College Leader of Evangelisation, Annette Reen, evening as a success and a reminder that community and said the theme for the prayer this year was pilgrimage; prayer are at the heart of a successful life at the College. focussing on the journey ahead for the new students. “It is from both of these that our unique and recognisable “The students were asked to bring their hopes and College spirit emanates,” she said.

24 CATHOLIC LIFE MARCH 2019 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School Sth Lismore

Our Lady Help of Christians Parish Primary School received Out of School Care for OLHC Families $30,000 to deliver important infrastructure work to expand its out of school hours care program by an additional 30 Families in Lismore will have access to more flexible before places and 150 before and after school care sessions. and after school care, following the announcement that Our Lady Help of Christians Parish Primary School, South Minister for Early Childhood Education and Assistant Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell joined Member for Lismore, has been successful under the NSW Government’s Lismore Thomas George and NSW Nationals candidate $20 million Before and After School Care Fund. Austin Curtin to visit the school today and said the funding will provide more opportunity and flexibility for parents in Lismore.

“Our Lady of Help of Christians received its first $30,000 Before and After School Care grant in 2017. Their dedication to continue to apply for these grants shows how committed they are to ensuring their families have as much flexibility as possible when it comes to the care of their children,” Ms Mitchell said. Got something Mr Michael Piccoli, OLHC Principal, acknowledged that, to send to print? Parish Priest, Father Peter Karam, is a strong advocate for ensuring that our parish school has everything we need for our children and their families. Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School is extremely grateful for the strong partnership and support from the NSW Government and FOR A NO OBLIGATION our Lismore Catholic Schools Office as we continue to be innovative in our service and meet the needs of our FREE QUOTE community. Go to www.qpprinters.com.au or email your request to [email protected] Take the rinters p .c Diocese with you! p o

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Phone: (02) 6686 7488 Our website: www.lismorediocese.org

CATHOLIC LIFE MARCH 2019 25 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE Mary Help of Christians Primary School Sawtell Home Again 2018 was a huge one of change for our parish. Since our foundation in 1983, our church has played an important role as a gathering place and focus for our faith community. From the stars on the ceiling, to cuppas after Mass and all the support and celebrations experienced by parishioners and visitors alike, Mary Help of Christians Parish has always been a welcoming community. Consequently, there was a lot to consider when discussing the rebuilding or renovation of our church. Over the years many plans have come and gone but work finally commenced after Easter last year. For over eight months Maione (the builder) ascend the bell tower in a scissor lift the building was closed for business and Masses were held for the blessing. A big morning tea followed in our newly in the primary school hall. The community followed the appointed kitchen and annexe. We now have a beautiful renovation progress with anticipation and patience (most and functional place to worship and gather as a faithful of the time!). community. We are very grateful to everyone involved with In mid-January, the work was finally completed and we bringing this project to fruition. were able to return to our church. The reopening was celebrated with Masses, champagne and a lotto draw Now our eyes are looking across the carpark; following of the priceless plaster STARS, salvaged from the old the final stages in the construction of our new office and ceiling. Several weeks later we were pleased to welcome presbytery. Never a dull moment in Sawtell! Bishop Greg to our parish to bless the new bell. It was quite a sight to see Bishop Greg, Fr Michael and Frank by Carmel Tumminello

CRYListening OF THE to the EARTH AND THE POOR

In an international Conference on “Religions and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Listening to the cry of the earth and the poor” was held in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall on March 8, 2019. “Indeed, we should all commit ourselves to promoting and ope Francis urged that global development goals need to implementing the development goals that are supported by be supported by ethical objectives stemming from personal our deepest religious and ethical values,” he urged. “Human conversion and recognition of one’s failures. development is not only an economic question or concerns only “The economic and political objectives must be supported by experts, but is above all a vocation, a call that requires a free ethical objectives, which presuppose a change of attitude, the and responsible response.” Bible would say a change of heart,” the Pope said. “Already St. The Pope also underlined the importance of including in the John Paul II spoke about the need to ‘encourage and sustain an discussion the voices of indigenous people, who he said, though ecological conversion,’” he said, referencing a 2001 catechesis a very small percentage of the world’s overall population, “take of one of his predecessors. “Religions have a key role to play care of almost 22 percent of the earth’s surface” and “protect here.” about 80 percent of the planet’s biodiversity.” Pope Francis emphasised that “for a correct transition to “Their voice and their concerns should be at the center of a sustainable future, it is necessary to recognise ‘one’s own the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and at the center of mistakes, sins, vices or negligence,’ ‘to repent of heart, to the search for new roads for a sustainable future,” he stated, change from within,’ to be reconciled with others, with creation adding that he and other bishops will be discussing the topic and with the Creator,” as he wrote in his 2015 encyclical on the at the Synod of Bishops on the pan-amazon region, being held environment, Laudato si’. in October.

26 Catholic Life, March, 2019 News PIC Solemn Procession in Macau as a prelude to Easter Ceremonies 2019

On the 10th March 2019 hundreds of Catholics took part in a solemn procession through the streets of Macau following the form of The Way of the Cross, recalling the passion and death of Jesus. The procession began from the Cathedral and finished at St. Augustine’s Church. A two day Novena led up to the procession which is a local version of a global annual religious procession that can be traced back to the 18th century. The procession was escorted through the narrow streets by guardians in magenta robes. AAP IMAGE.

Catholic Life, March, 2019 27 leader. Pelayo’s father had been a dignitary at the court of the Visigoth King Egica. Pelayo gathered a band of OF THE WORLD warriors to resist Islamic encroachment. When in 722 the Chapels Arab commander of Spain sent an army to eliminate this Our Lady of Covadonga resistance, the Christian army made its stand at a place of many caves known as Covadonga. ur Lady of Covadonga is a title of the Blessed According to tradition Pelayo retreated to a cave where Virgin Mary and a Marian shrine devoted to her at a hermit had secreted a statue of the Virgin Mary, saved O Covadonga in the province of Asturias in north west from the Muslim conquest. He prayed to the virgin for Spain. The Spanish shrine rose to prominence following the victory. In the subsequent battle the Christians made use Battle of Covadongac, 720, at which the Moorish invasion of the natural defences. The Moorish Commander fell in of Spain was first resisted. A statue of the Virgin Mary, the battle and his soldiers fled. This victory, considered the secretly hidden in one of the caves, was believed to have first of the Christian reconquista of Spain, established the miraculously aided the Christian victory. independence of the Kingdom of Asturias in north west Our Lady of Covadonga is the patron of Asturias and a Spain. basilica was built to house the current statue. St. Pope John The Shrine Paul II visited the shrine at Covadonga to honour the Virgin The Holy Cave, place where Our Lady of Covadonga Mary. The feast of our Lady under this title is 7 September. appeared to Pelayo. Pelayo credited the intercession of Covadonga is a mountainous region in the province of the Virgin Mary for his victory. And in recognition of this Asturias in the extreme north west of Spain. Following the miraculous intercession, King Alfonso I, the Catholic (739- Islamic Arab invasion of Spain in 711, Roderic, the Christian 757) commanded that a monastery and chapel be built on Visigoth King of Spain was defeated and killed at the Battle the site in honor of Our Lady of Covadonga. of Guadalete. The battle was decisive and led to the swift The sanctuary came to be run by Augustinian canons conquest of most of Visigothic Spain. but was destroyed by fire on 17 October 1777. The shrine The remnant of the Visigoth nobility retreated to the was rebuilt piecemeal, until replaced by a great Basilica remote mountains of northern Spain. According to texts that was consecrated in 1901. The basilica houses the written in northern Iberia during the ninth century, they current statue of Our Lady of Covadonga, dating to the elected in 718 a man named Pelayo, or Pelagius, as their 16th century.

28 Catholic Life, March, 2019 Can you please advise how my wife can convert QUESTIONS BOX to Catholicism? Questions about the A: Becoming a Catholic involves both the Catholic faith heart and the mind. Each person experiences a personal journey as they discover God’s Q: I am Hindu. Many years ago, I was married personal call for them.

in a Hindu wedding to a Presbyterian. During the reception, we received a blessing within The Catholic Enquiry Centre has a series of 18 the Presbyterian hall. However, the marriage brochures that provides information about the broke down when my wife left. Then I formed Catholic Faith. These can be downloaded at a relationship with a Maltese lady who is a no cost from http://www.catholicenquiry.com/ course/course.html devout Catholic. We were never married but I have always encouraged my wife to practice her If you are regularly attending Mass, your wife, religion as it means a lot to her. We have three could come with you and maybe speak to one children, the oldest of whom is 10. I go to Mass of the priests after Mass. She would be able to with my family but do not receive Communion. work with you as you take the next step. We would like to become closer through a Many parishes which have a program called shared religion but have received conflicting Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) – a advice as to whether or not we can be married program for people preparing to be received in a Catholic ceremony. into the Catholic Church. This program may I need to talk to someone about my situation. last for a few months. Many find this a very Who can I contact? satisfactory approach. A: The Catholic Church has what is called a Of course the most essential element involves Tribunal which has been established to assist growing in one’s relationship with God. people with such matters as you have described. Therefore prayer is important – just talking with God and listening to God speak to you. For each diocese you should be able to find a When a person grows in faith, he or she wants listing for the Tribunal Office who will connect to grow in that relationship. Participation in the CATHOLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE ENQUIRY CATHOLIC with the best person in your area. I am sure Eucharist is a very real means of helping this to that you will find the staff at the Tribunal him happen. Therefore, people want to celebrate welcoming and approachable. the Eucharist with the community on Sundays. It Q: I am a Roman Catholic. My wife would like is not so much a matter of obligation as wanting to become a Catholic. We were married about a to do so. year and a half ago. She is an Anglican (Church When the time is right to be received into the

[email protected] Ph: 1300 4 FAITH (1300 432 484) Ph: 1300 4 FAITH [email protected] of England) and has received the sacraments Catholic Church, your wife would profess her

Is there something about the Catholic faith you want answered? something about the Catholic faith you want answered? Is there of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist faith and be confirmed as a Catholic. Anglican through the Anglican Church. Baptism is recognised in the Catholic Church.

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FOR displaced Iraqi Christians forced from their homes and living in displacement camps, the moment they have been longing for has finally come. After three years of occupation, the terrorist group Islamic State (IS) has been driven out of the area. Now, thousands upon thousands of people have the chance to go back to their villages in the Nineveh Plains – their families’ homeland since before the time of Christ. But the task of repair and renovation is huge and the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) – the largest contributor of assistance help since their escape from the Nineveh Plains – is determined to continue to stand with them. It is now or never. Their future is in your hands. With your help, we can assist the work of the Christian Churches to roll out plans to restore thousands of homes devastated by IS, and continue to provide emergency and pastoral aid for Christian families awaiting resettlement. Archbishop Mouche of Mosul, A beautiful olive wood Comfort Cross made in Bethlehem, will be sent to all those who assist holding a broken this cause with a donation of $20.00 or more and tick the box in the response coupon. statue of Our Lady, desecrated The Comfort Cross is designed to fit comfortably into the palm of one’s hand as an aid to prayer by IS. or meditation. It is ideal as a spiritual companion for yourself or for someone you love or care for. Cath Life Lis I/We enclose $...... to help Iraqi Christians return to their ancient homeland

A Comfort Cross will be sent out to all those who can assist this cause with a donation of $20.00 or more and tick this box