CA HO IC V IFE LDiocese of Lismore
Tweed Coast to Camden Haven www.lismorediocese.org September 2019 Vol.17 No.3
A Rosary for You NO FEES
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Ballina Land Marketing 02 6686 2711 THE BISHOP Writes
On the Feast of the Assumption, 15 August, I gave the Campion Lecture at my old high school.
flew to Sydney from Ballina and arrived at the school a few hours before the lecture. This gave me the Iopportunity to spend some time in the school chapel preparing my talk. It was surprisingly difficult for me to focus my thoughts because as I sat there memories filled my mind. Memories of happy times, of family and friends, A decision about the kind of person I would like to be of teachers, of childhood and growing up. I remembered is already specified by what it means to be human and being challenged to higher things and of what I had hoped made in the image and likeness of God. Virtuous, honest, to do with my life. As a high school student I dreamed of good, forgiving and compassionate are examples of what what I might do with my life and of the possible professions a flourishing human being is. Indeed this is what God is. available to me; a good degree, a wife, children, and all the Perhaps the only choices over which I have some control things a young man hopes for. The world was my oyster. are the choices towards being such a person. This is the My life somehow took a different direction. As a year correct use of freedom. 12 student I would never have believed that I would one Looking back over my life, I can say that I have striven day return to my school as a monk, and certainly not as to become a good person. As to whether this has happened, a bishop. In spite of intense study and hard work in the I don’t know. Yet it remains my desire. How can a young job of my choice my life did not unfold as I had expected person achieve such desires? Indeed how can anyone and planned. As I sat in the chapel I thought “I might be a facilitate these profound human possibilities? bishop but I am the same as the 17 year old boy who left this school in 1975”. I believe that our lives are crafted by our deepest desires and that these desires can fashion us if we allow them to I began to realise that while I had freedom to make determine how we live our lives. The noise of influences choices about the direction of my life, I had no control external to us should not direct our lives, rather the deep over how my life would proceed. My capacities and abilities desire concerning the kind of person that I want to be, are set and there is nothing one can do to change them. should respond to the world in which I live. Opportunities cannot be contrived, they are outside our control. Part of my life was within my choosing but the The way of life which I choose, the rhythm and discipline greater part was outside the determination of this young of daily life should accord with the kind of person I want to man. In hindsight I had to grow into my own life before I be. It is very obvious that some ways of living are contrary could make realistic choices. to the kind of person we want to be, and should therefore be rejected. The real challenge is choosing to live in such a Some people seem to have lives which are well within way that I will become the person that God has created me their control, but for most of us, so much of life is outside to be. This is why I have freedom. Simplicity according to our control. We cannot plan and determine the whole of the Gospel and a regular review of life will help. our lives, and certainly not the final outcomes. As I sat in the chapel I asked “do I really have the freedom to make As yet, I haven’t got there, but hope that with perseverance choices about my own life?” and the assistance of your prayers, I will one day make it. Memory is a funny thing. One thought leads to another I will pray for you also. and prayerful pondering often delivers wonderful treasures With my prayers and best wishes, from within. As a school boy I not only had aspirations ✠ Bishop Greg Homeming OCD with respect to the life I would have, I also had desires as to the kind of person I would be. My parents, in true Confucian tradition, placed virtue ahead of success and constantly taught me to strive for goodness and integrity. The priests at my school reinforced this by their teaching and example. While we have little control over the way our life will unfold, I believe that we do have significant input into something which is far more important. In terms of my life, I do have some real choice about the kind of person I want to be.
Catholic Life, September, 2019 3 Religious ART Cussignacco, Italy. Interiors of catholic church in Cussignacco Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo. Denis Vostrikov | Dreamstime.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 11 Question Box Parish events: 13 Liturgy Email your planned Parish events, celebrations, 28 Unusual Churches of the World anniversaries, etc., for inclusion on our website and in the next edition of “Catholic Life” Features Email: [email protected] 6 CEO Dr Sally Towns: Looking to the Future Printed by: Quality Plus Printers (02) 6686 7488 7 Notre Dame’s Crown of Thorns 8 New CRA President and Council Members Art Direction & Graphic Design: 9 Australian Bishops meet Pope Francis Johanna Evans – [email protected] 10 Empowering student military veterans 11 Don’t Be Scared Says Pope Francis Visit our Diocesan website: www.lismorediocese.org 12,27,29 Aged Care Update: What to make of the Aged Care Our website contains a daily news bulletin, spiritual Royal Commission to date reflections and daily Mass readings. 14-16 Sawtell Coffs Harbour Cambodia Visit Catholic Life – A member of the Australasian 17 Plenary Council Catholic Press Association and the Australasian 26 Seeing double to improve inclusivity in the classroom Religious Press Association Inc. 29 New guidelines will inform Church’s response to abuse School News 18 St. Joseph’s Primary School, Kempsey St. Joseph’s Primary School, Alstonville Cover 19 Mary Help of Christians Parish School, Sawtell CAPTION Holy Family Primary School, Skennars Head St. Patrick’s Primary School, Macksville Pope Francis presents a 20 St. Brigid’s Primary School, Kyogle rosary to a child during St. Mary’s Primary School, Grafton his visit at Zimpeto 21 St. Joseph’s Primary School, Wauchope Hospital, in Maputo, Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School, Sth Lismore Mozambique, Friday, 22 Trinity Catholic College, Lismore Sept. 6, 2019. 23 Xavier Catholic College, Ballina Alessandra Tarantino | AP 24 St. Paul’s College, Kempsey 25 St. Joseph’s Regional College, Port Macquarie
4 Catholic Life, September, 2019 Empty Tabernacles
There are many issues in our church in recent the current reality of the Catholic Church in Australia. This years that have caused confusion, scandal gathered data also reveals some deeper hopes, questions, and the diverse yearnings that we are now challenged to and sadness. We no longer have a tidy church, consider together. (cf. Report page 17) predictable and comfortable in the status Many are looking for a way back, trying to find quo. meaning in what seemed meaningless. There any survivors are asking: “Is Christ still here are those who have been hurt deeply by fellow with us?” We are left with an empty tabernacle, parishioners and church representatives. Ma symbol of an empty world... like the women at At times when they needed help and kindness there the empty tomb on the first Easter morning. Do we debate was none. There are others who have been turned away the existence of God or seek comfort and answers in his because there was no place for their ideas and inspiration... abiding presence? Sunday worship has declined; there is a not even a place around the table, when all they wanted to loss of moral credibility replaced with a hateful intolerance hear was: “Good to see you again” and not “where have you of religious practices. been?” Each of us needs to be convinced that social and Where are our watershed moments where we can get church renewal has to come from individuals. a breath of fresh air and ponder the need for renewal These days the question frequently asked is: Why stay and transformation? when there are so many issues unresolved? The ongoing I don’t believe that our faith response is to be hiding in crises of abuse cover up, the cry for more representation inhospitable environments, fearful and looking for exile. of women in leadership roles, persisting clericalism that Pope Francis tells us to be realistic and see that the walls stands in the way of lay peoples’ empowerment, more of our church have been blown away and our salvation lies concern for the elderly who are often left out of the in meeting God among the sick, homeless and lost. “Mercy discussion and making children safe and valued. is the very foundation of the Church’s life. It is her mission I believe we stay because of how we gather for our to announce God’s mercy based on the love of Christ. On liturgy and sacrament, with people we know who are it depends her credibility.” (The Face of Mercy 4). No more friends, who read God’s word in their own way often clericalism, dominance and privilege. Change the language leaving out words and putting some in. We stay because of to speak of affirmation, compassion, welcome and mission. the way we sing those old favourites like “Yahweh is the In October 2020, the Catholic Church in Australia will God of my Salvation” and “Amazing Grace.” gather for the first Plenary Council to be held since the We stay because we look around our church second Vatican Council. community and respect those who are older or In 2018, a gathering was called to prepare for this younger, happier, sick or in sadness. We stay because historic Council by listening to God, by listening to one we are with others who have fought for justice to be another’s stories of faith. given a fair go at work or at school... and we can learn More than 222,000 people participated in listening and from them. dialogue encounters and contributed 17,457 submissions And when all is said and done we stay because the during the first stage of preparation for the Australian Plenary Council. The voices of the faithful help all of us church is our own and the Tabernacle is not empty. to understand something of the historical experience and Father Peter M. Karam. Editor.
Catholic Life, September, 2019 5 equity and excellence to encompass the Gospel imperative to be the light in the world. This requires us to have at Looking the forefront the message of Jesus Christ – we are created TO THE FUTURE in the image and likeness of God and we are known and loved. There are many challenges for Catholic education in Lismore, many of them similar to the challenges faced by other Catholic education authorities across the country. by Dr Sally Towns As Pope Francis said, “We are not living an era of Director of Catholic Schools change but a change of era”, and this is certainly true for for the Diocese of Lismore Catholic education in Australia. A society characterised by increasing pluralism, changing parental expectations At the time of writing I have just completed and rapid developments in technology (to name a few) poses many opportunities and challenges for us in Catholic my first six weeks in the role. education. hat a busy six weeks it has been. I have been Looking to the future, a major priority for the diocese is fortunate to have attend and address meetings in the transition to a new model of governance and I will be W all six clusters in the diocese, which have been focussed on ensuring that this is as smooth a process as attended by school leaders in our Parish Schools. I have possible for everyone within the diocese. also had twenty school visits. These visits take on various Furthermore, ensuring that, as a system of Catholic forms, but I have been energised by the conversations with schools, we continue to provide quality education and school leaders and Parish Priests and the learning that is opportunities for school communities to engage in the taking place in all of the schools I have been privileged to mission of the Church through daily active living of have visited. the Gospel, nurturing and celebrating God’s presence in I am delighted to have returned to the diocese and people, community and creation. am grateful for the warm welcome I have received. It The position of Director of Catholic Schools, Diocese has been almost 12 years since I left the diocese and my of Lismore is a privileged position and I acknowledge the initial observation is that, while much has changed, there responsibilities and accountabilities of stepping into the have been some constants over time. Of particular note role. I am excited about the opportunities and challenges is that our Catholic schools continue to be faith-based ahead. As I continue to make my way around the diocese communities of learning. They extend beyond the goals of I look forward to meeting you all.
6 Catholic Life, September, 2019 Notre Dame’s Crown of Thorns PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER SURVIVING THE INFERNO
A venerated relic saved from flames during the April fire at Notre Dame Cathedral has been presented to the public in Paris. he Crown of Thorns is purported to be the woven crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus Christ T at his crucifixion, estimated to be sometime between AD 30-33. The crown is considered one of Christianity’s Instruments The Crown of Thorns was purportedly placed on Jesus Christ at of the Passion (otherwise known as Arma Christi) — objects his crucifixion. AP: Christophe Ena associated with Jesus’s Passion in Christian symbolism and art — and was believed to have been employed by his King Louis IX brought it to Paris in the 13th century, captors to mock his claim of authority and to cause pain. following an offer by Constantinople’s Baldwin II in 1238. “And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put It stayed in the French Royal chapel of Sainte-Chapelle it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand,” according until the French Revolution when it was deposited in the to the Gospel of Matthew (King James Version translation). Cathedral of Notre Dame. “And they bowed the knee and mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, During Notre Dame’s April inferno, firefighters rescued King of the Jews!’” the relic and other treasures as the cathedral’s spire The relic is further referenced by the Church fathers — collapsed and roof burned away. ancient and influential Christian theologians and writers Full story: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09- — and has become synonymous with artistic interpretations 07/the-crown-of-thorns-relic-is-on-display-during-a- of the Passion. ceremony-in-st/11488612
The book draws an easily understandable continuous thread through the history of mankind BOOK REVIEW with God: from the first ray of light in Genesis to the vision of the second coming of Christ. This 400 page text offers an introduction to each Book of the Catholic Bible. The layout and Illustrations are excellent with hundreds of quotes The YOUCAT project, with its range of books that border the bible text. Apart from the usual and media, is one of the most valuable and suspects of saints, mystics, theologians and exciting tools the Church has at its disposal scholars, the quotes include composers, novelists, for teaching and information. The newest poets, playwrights, politicians and philosophers. The pages of the Bible have 8 different icons that addition to this range is the Y-Bible. offer scripture parallels, explanatory notes, and links to the other YOUCAT texts. The Bible “Surprises” icon has some very clever comments and the occasional humourous note – a laugh from a scripture text! The genius of this taster to the Scriptures is the selection of a few key chapters to read. These choices serve as a ‘101’ introduction to the whole Bible and whets the appetite for further reading. Apart from some texts (Matthew’s Gospel) the selections from each book is limited to three chapters. The 34 Old Testament and 23 of the New Testament books that comprise this YOUCAT Bible are manageable. This Australian Edition is NRSV with quotes from prominent Australian Catholics.
WWW.YOUCAT.ORG
Catholic Life, September, 2019 7 New CRA President and Council Members ELECTED TO CARRY FORWARD THE VISION OF RELIGIOUS ACROSS AUSTRALIA
The 43rd National Assembly of Catholic Religious Australia began on Tuesday, 18 June 2019 exploring the theme of “Communio: Stewarding a life Members of the Council L-R: Back row: Peter Jones osa, Sue Flood osu, David Hawke fsc, Lucy Van Kessel pbvm, Peter Carroll fms, Catherine Reuter rsm, Noreen Reynolds op, that belongs to the Church and William Matthews sdb, Tom McDonough cp Front row: Patty Fawkner sgs, Clare Nolan rsc, Mary-Clare Holland op, Paul O’Keeffe fsp, Eveline Crotty rsm, Anne Boyd csb the World,” creating a deepening awareness of coming together in Gospel message. Council members • Lucy Van Kessel pbvm Presentation come from across Australia, from Sisters, Western Australia relationship and transformation. small and large congregations. The • Monica Cavanagh rsj, n important part of the National 2019 Council comprises the President Congregational Leader for the Assembly is the election of the and the following Council members: Sisters of St Joseph and outgoing ACRA President and Council • Anne Boyd csb, Brigidine Sisters members. Br Peter Carroll fms, President, is confident in the new • Eveline Crotty rsm, Institute of the team. Provincial, Marist Brothers Australia Sisters of Mercy of Australia and was enthusiastically elected as the Papua New Guinea Sr Monica said, “Serving as new President of CRA on Wednesday, • Patty Fawkner sgs, Sisters of the President for the past year has been 19 June. Good Samaritan both gift and challenge. I know the CRA is one of the few conferences • Sue Flood osu, Ursuline Sisters Council will continue the important of religious leaders in the world which • David Hawke fsc, De La Salle work of being a prophetic voice at this represents both female and male Brothers of the District of moment in history. I wish Br Peter and religious. The Vice President will be Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan the new Council every blessing.” elected at the first Council meeting and Papua New Guinea and will be a female religious leader. Br Peter is deeply grateful for the CRA values the gifts of women and • Mary-Clare Holland op, Dominican leadership of his predecessor. He men and its statutes require that the Sisters of Eastern Australia and the acknowledges the task ahead. Solomon Islands roles of President and Vice President “A President is only as good as represent each gender. • Peter Jones osa, Augustinian Fathers his or her team and I am delighted to “I thank my peers for giving me • William Matthews sdb, Salesians of have people of such calibre as those the opportunity to serve them and who are in our new Council and in the the Church at this time. There is no Don Bosco Secretariat. Our call is to be servant doubt in my mind that the voice of the • Tom McDonough cp, Passionist leaders, particularly at this time in Gospel is an absolute imperative in Fathers our society today. CRA’s role is to help • Clare Nolan rsc Sisters of Charity our Church. A gift of this community amplify that voice within our Church Australia is to walk together as pilgrims of the and broader community,” said Br Peter. • Paul O’Keeffe fsp Patrician Brothers Gospel,” said Br Peter. New members were also elected to • Catherine Reuter rsm, Sisters of Sylvia MacRitchie-Hook E: comms@ the Council and will address issues of Mercy, Brisbane catholicreligious.org.au M: 0410 644 importance to religious, the Church • Noreen Reynolds op Dominican 356 www.catholicreligiousaustralia. and society through the lens of the Sisters of North Adelaide org.au Give a gift subscription to CA HO IC V IFE Yearly subscriptionL – 4 issues per year $25 includes postage Email: [email protected]
8 Catholic Life, September, 2019 Australian Bishops MEET POPE FRANCIS
Pope Francis has given his apostolic blessing to Petrine ministry, “of being our solid ‘rock’ and ‘confirming the Australian Catholic bishops and encouraged the brethren’”. “The Holy Father clearly understood our situation in them to explore new ways of being missionary in Australia. It was a real moment of grace,” Archbishop Australia at this time. Fisher said. lmost 40 Australian bishops met with Pope Francis Bishop Charles Gauci, the most recently ordained of for more than two hours as part of their Ad Limina the Australian bishops, having become Bishop of Darwin AApostolorum visit, translated as “To the Threshold last September, said he was “deeply impressed” by Pope of the Apostles”. Francis. It was a high point of a memorable first day of the Ad “I was impressed by his humanity, his compassion, Limina, which began with the bishops celebrating Mass at his sense of collegiality, his passion for working with the tomb of St Peter. all the people of God in a synodal Church and his true “To celebrate the Eucharist at the tomb of Peter and commitment to the Gospel,” Bishop Gauci said. then to engage in pastoral dialogue with his successor “I felt a deep sense of connection with the Holy Father was a unique and grace-filled way to start our week in as a fellow member of the College of Bishops, as bishops Rome,” Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president in service of the People of God and in partnership with the Archbishop Mark Coleridge said. People of God.” The bishops raised with Pope Francis a number of Melbourne Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli posted on topics that are of deep concern to the Catholic Church in social media that the meeting with the Holy Father was Australia. “an extraordinary conversation, brother to brothers”. He Among them were the Church’s work to eliminate child said it was “spiritually intense, deeply honest, pastorally sexual abuse and to accompany survivors of abuse, the astute, free and frank”. bishops’ desire to support and minister to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the hopes for the Plenary Council and the need to find new ways of witnessing to VISIT OUR WEBSITE: Jesus Christ in Australian society in a time of change. “There was an ease and a fraternal warmth in the way Pope Francis spoke and an attentiveness in his listening to the questions the bishops asked,” Archbishop Coleridge said. “For a man of his years, the Holy Father’s energy through a long and complex conversation was amazing.” Conference vice president Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP said the meeting with Pope Francis was “moving and www.lismorediocese.org deeply encouraging”. He said it showed the benefit of the
Catholic Life, September, 2019 9 ACU over other institutions because of its welcoming and inclusive culture.” ACU is part of a network of Australian universities that work to support students who are also Australian Defence Forces (ADF) veterans. The University has partnered with the Australian Student Veterans’ Association (ASVA) and several other Australian universities on a major national project to increase access to and support of younger military student veterans in higher education. The project builds on findings from previous research by La Trobe University’s Centre for Higher Education Equity and Diversity (CHEEDR) with the ASVA, which found that most student veterans were not identified within higher education institutions, and many felt marginalised and unsupported. As part of its initiatives to support student veterans, ACU and the ASVA sponsored Michael to attend the 2019 US Student Veteran Association’s National Conference Student military veterans (NatCon) in Orlando, Florida. NatCon is the largest annual EMPOWERED THROUGH gathering of student veterans, advocates, thought-leaders, HIGHER EDUCATION stakeholders, and supporters in higher education in the world. Michael said that he planned to implement much of what he had learnt at the conference and that there were It was during his tour of Afghanistan during common experiences with the US Student Veterans that 2015-2016 that Australian Army veteran Michael transcended national boundaries. “They described how they felt under prepared and Addis decided he wanted to be a nurse. isolated once commencing higher education. This is an hough the bases he was stationed at in Kandahar issue I also experienced and seek to overcome for future and Kabul were subject to shelling and rocket fire, Student Veterans at ACU,” said Michael. TMichael didn’t fight on the front line against the Michael is now President of ACU’s Student Veterans Taliban forces. However, the 20 year-old saw the horror of chapter and ACU’s first Veteran Administration Officer, war first hand in the hospitals and clinics where he worked located within ACU Engagement Brisbane. In an initiative as part of a security detail tasked with protecting coalition supported by Pro Vice-Chancellor Engagement, Vice- trainers. President, Chief Operating Officer, and Deputy Vice- It was while observing the trainers that he became Chancellor Education and Innovation, Michael is working inspired to pursue nursing as a profession on his return to with Kimberley Fort in the ACU Engagement team to Australia. After considering his options, Michael decided develop and implement a comprehensive program to to enroll in a Bachelor of Nursing at Australian Catholic support student veterans at ACU. University (ACU) Brisbane Campus. “I hope the program can offer a range of benefits “In war, it’s the civilian population that really suffers. alleviating transitional issues for veterans within higher But watching how much the coalition trainers made a education,” said Michael. difference in the lives of the local population gave me the “The goal is for more veterans to enjoy success at desire to want to help people,” said Michael. university.” “After I was discharged from the army, I started to look Georgina Bible 0475 963 606 around at different universities in Brisbane. I finally chose [email protected]
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10 Catholic Life, September, 2019 Don’t Be Scared SAYS POPE FRANCIS
Pope Francis told his general audience Wednesday that people should not be scared of those who tell them to shut up. We too ask the Holy Spirit for the strength to not be afraid before “those who command us to be silent, malign us and even make attempts on hold a privileged role in the Church His wounds, is always there,” he our life,” he told the weekly gathering and in the priestly heart of all the added. “Jesus calls each of us to look in St Peter’s Square. faithful,” said Pope Francis. “They are after them, to support them, and to Continuing his catechesis on the not to be cast aside. On the contrary, heal them.” Pope Francis said the Acts of the Apostles, Francis recalled they are to be cared for, to be looked healing power of the apostles incited the teaching of St Peter: “I obey God after. They are the objects of Christian envy and hate in the Sadducees, who before men, it is the great Christian concern.” The Holy Father said Peter imprisoned and beat them. response”. emerges as the head of the apostles, as Peter’s response to their threats, Francis also reflected on how his Pentecost preaching and ministry said the Pope, was that “we must obey Jesus strengthened the early Christian of healing shows. God rather than men. This is the great community to serve those in need, Peter, like Jesus, is drawn to people Christian response,” he said. “It means especially as seen in the ministry of suffering illness and infirmity, so he listening to God without hesitation”. St. Peter. acts in persona Christi, allowing Christ Finally, the Holy Father invited The Lord, said the Pope, was to operate in his actions. the pilgrims present at the General generous with Jesus’ disciples, who “Peter carries out the work of the Audience to ask the Holy Spirit for the worked “many signs and wonders” Master,” said Pope Francis. “Looking at interior strength to know that God is (Acts 5:12,15-16). him with faith, we see Christ himself.” always at our side as we carry out His He said the early Church is depicted “In the wounds of the sick and in the healing work. as “a field hospital that takes in the diseases that impede us from moving All Rights Reserved weakest people: the infirm.” “The sick forward in life, Jesus’ presence, and ©ANSA Vatican City, August 28
As a Sacrament of healing, Penance is for the The Questions good of the person participating and brings you ask about the many graces. “Christ instituted the sacrament of Penance Catholic Faith for all sinful members of his Church: above all for those who, since Baptism, have fallen into Q: What are the holy days of obligation in grave sin and have thus lost their baptismal Australia? grace and wounded ecclesial communion. It is to them that the sacrament of Penance offers A: Christmas Day and Assumption (15 August) a new possibility to convert and to recover are the holy days of obligation in Australia. the grace of justification. The Fathers of the There are several days which used be Church present this sacrament as “the second celebrated on the day of the feast but which plank [of salvation] after the shipwreck which is have now been moved to the nearest Sunday. the loss of grace.” (CCC, 1446) Q: It has been many years since I’ve been to The Catechism of the Catholic Church Mass and I have a family wedding coming provides helpful instruction on the place of the Sacrament of Penance in relation to up that I want to go to. Do I need to go to Communion: “Anyone who desires to receive confession before I go to communion or is Christ in the Eucharistic Communion must be that now out of date? in a state of grace. Anyone aware of having
(1300 432 484) A: The Sacrament of Penance is still an integral sinned mortally must not receive Communion part of the Catholic faith, although there are without having received absolution in the some Catholics who do not participate as Sacrament of Penance.” (CCC, 1415) often as they could. The Sacrament of Penance We have a little pamphlet on the Sacrament of is about God’s love for us and his desire to Reconciliation, with prayers etc that you might heal us and set us free. This he does when we find useful in your preparation. Please contact
[email protected] Ph: 1300 4 FAITH Ph: 1300 4 FAITH [email protected] turn to him and tell him of our sins. us if you’d like a copy. CATHOLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE ENQUIRY CATHOLIC want answered? Is there something about the Catholic faith you something Is there
Catholic Life, September, 2019 11 Aged Care UPDATE: WHAT TO MAKE OF THE AGED CARE ROYAL COMMISSION TO DATE
The $104m Royal Commission into Aged Residential aged care A major focus of the Commission to date has been on Care Quality and Safety is gradually aspects of substandard care in residential aged care. working its way through its terms of In particular, the inappropriate use of chemical and reference. physical restraints; substandard dementia care and behaviour management practices; challenges in managing t the time of writing this article, the Royal the intersection between the health and aged care sectors, Commission had conducted 39 days of Hearings and including in relation to palliative care; substandard A six community forums across Australia, published medication, pressure wound and continence management seven Background Papers, held a number of invitation-only practices; inadequate attention to oral health; poor nutrition Roundtables, and was embarking on five days of Hearings and hydration; challenges aged care providers in rural and focusing on the operation of the aged care quality and regional locations face; and the challenges regarding safety regulatory system. access to culturally safe and culturally appropriate care by The key matters that the Royal Commission is required Indigenous communities. to inquire into, and make recommendations on, include: With regard to restrictive practices, Counsel Assisting the extent of substandard care being provided, the causes the Commissioners has observed that medications to of any systemic failures, and any actions that should be control behaviour are being over prescribed in residential taken in response; how best to deliver aged care services aged care, with psychotropic medication justified in only to young people with disabilities living in aged care homes about 10% of cases, and that restrictive practices can be and people living with dementia; the future challenges associated with increased risk of falls and strokes. Counsel and opportunities for delivering accessible, affordable Assisting also observed that aged care providers should and high quality aged care services; what the Australian obtain and retain documentary records that informed Government, aged care industry, families and the wider consent has been obtained. The Commission will be community can do to strengthen the system of aged care subjecting the recent changes to regulations introduced by services; how to ensure aged care services are person- the Australian Government intended to tighten the use of centred, including through allowing people to exercise chemical and physical restraints to further scrutiny. greater choice, control and independence in relation to With regard to dementia care, Counsel Assisting noted their care; and how best to deliver aged care services in a the consensus from experts that dementia care is not sustainable way, including through innovative models of meeting community expectations, and that the evidence care, increased use of technology, and investment in the suggests that a lack of understanding of dementia is aged care workforce and capital infrastructure. common in the health and aged care sectors, and is likely The Commission’s main approach to date has been to to lead to substandard care. Key systemic contributors to use case studies at its Hearings to examine instances of substandard care identified by the Commission include substandard care and service delivery issues identified a lack of respect for the person with dementia and for through public submissions, and to call expert witnesses their choices and ability to express them, and a lack of about how more appropriate care can be delivered, willingness to partner with the person’s family or informal including providers who are pursuing innovative models carer. of care. Counsel Assisting also drew attention to the challenges In undertaking its inquiry, the Commission has also presented in managing the intersection between the health recognised that quality aged care has multiple dimensions, and aged care sectors, including in relation to palliative namely: safety, various domains of clinical and personal care. There is also evidence of a lack of appropriate wound care, and quality of life, including cultural, socioeconomic management skills in aged care which has resulted in and geographical factors. misdiagnosis and treatment. continued on page 27
12 Catholic Life, September, 2019 by Elizabeth Harrington One of Australia’s best known liturgists. Elizabeth has written over Blessings 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.
SOMETIMES PEOPLE IMAGINE THAT WHEN A PRIEST BLESSES A ROSARY, CAR OR HOUSE IT IS LIKE STICKING A LABEL ON IT TO MAKE IT HOLY. THAT IS NOT THE BEST WAY TO THINK ABOUT BLESSINGS. BLESSING STARTS WITH GOD AND INVOLVES A TWO-WAY MOVEMENT – FROM GOD TO US AND US TO GOD.
We start with God’s goodness God’s goodness. When we bless or thing will be an occasion to and care for us. So the first another person we invoke divine experience God’s love. This meaning of blessing is the praise help upon them; we pray that adds a communal dimension to and thanksgiving we offer God they may be placed under God’s the blessing. Sometimes these in worship. Blessed are you Lord loving care. When we bless blessings are formal and involve God of all creation… We praise water, we ask that it will serve as a full liturgy with Scripture and you, we bless you, we give you a reminder of our baptism and a gathering of people (the thanks… We acknowledge that a reminder that we are saved in blessing of the oils at the Chrism God cares for us. We rejoice in the death and resurrection of Mass, for example). However God’s providence. This is the Christ. Holy water is precious blessing is not the exclusive movement from us to God. because through the blessing domain of the priest or the When we celebrate blessings it becomes an eloquent sign of church building. Families bless – whether it be the blessing of God’s gracious kindness; but God and bless their food at the a rosary, a wheat crop, a mother it doesn’t change the water as meal table. Parents bless their or a bridge – the person or thing consecration changes the bread children as they go to bed or set or event that we bless becomes and wine. When we bless a off for school. an opportunity to praise God rosary or image, we ask that it for creation and to invoke the will open our hearts to God’s So blessings are not like protection of God’s mercy upon grace. Thus blessings are really magic or Harry Potter spells that our world. Our blessing is a way for people. We bless objects or would assign spiritual power of saying that God is the source places primarily in view of the to a mere object or place. of all blessing. people who use them. All good comes from God. A blessing brings people into the When a priest blesses, he Blessing also involves a orbit of God’s loving kindness, does so as a representative of movement from God to us. It sometimes through a particular is an invocation upon a person, the Church. The whole body place or thing. thing or event asking that it of Christ joins in praising God will become a sign, a sign of and in asking that the person God bless!
Catholic Life, September, 2019 13 SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL FOR CAMBODIA
Fr. Colin and visitors with the team for the rice project.
In July this year we remembered the first landing on the moon as part of the Apollo mission to fulfil President John F. Kennedy’s challenge to put man on the moon by the end of the decade. The Apollo flights that preceded this historic event changed the way we look at the world. In particular the photo of the earth rising over the moon’s horizon. We developed a consciousness that this planet looked so fragile in space, apart from the birth of the environmental movement, another concept was coined that of the “global village”. This concept saw humanity as connected and that we have a common life. Also the challenge given to us by St Mary MacKillop “Never see a need without doing something Rice Intensification Project: This lady was one of the first and now has about it” prompted the parishioners to raise funds for the a house. work of the Jesuit Mission in Cambodia. Pre-School Children A number of parishioners from Coffs Harbour and Sawtell parishes travelled to Cambodia in May/June of this year to visit the two projects that they have raised funds for over the past 12 months. These two projects were a rice storage shed for the Rice Intensification Programme and a Multi-Purpose Hall for St Mary’s Parish in the Village of Piak Snaeng Chas outside Siem Reap. The Rice Intensification Programme, near Pursat, is a rice growing method that is changing peoples lives. Less rice is used for a greater yield, it is sustainable and environmentally friendly in that the farmers use only organic fertilisers (no chemicals). It is a simple method that was first developed
14 in Madagascar, taken to India and introduced into Cambodia from loan sharks to buy seed to plant next season’s crops. by the Jesuits. The numbers of farmers using this method is This method of rice growing, because of the increase in gradually growing from three farmers three years ago to fifty yield, enables farmers to have extra income that is helping this year. Throughout Cambodia it is estimated that nearly to break this debt cycle in which they are trapped. three thousand farmers are taking up this method. One Br Noel Oliver s.j. is an Indian Jesuit who introduced this of the original farmers has been able to purchase a house programme into Cambodia from India. He was in Australia instead of living is a shelter made of plastic sheeting. Because recently for his nephew’s wedding anniversary. During that of the increased yield from her rice crop she is paying off time he came to Sawtell Parish to thank the parishioners the loan at a faster rate. This method has the potential to break the poverty cycle that so many Cambodian farmers for their support. At a fund-raising dinner, Br Noel gave an find themselves in. address to those present on the rice growing method. The farmers are gradually taking up the method because they can The demonstration farm being developed will have a see the financial and environmental benefits. learning centre to teach farmers this method of growing rice, it will be an outlet for their produce and a café run The second project was to build a Multi-Purpose Hall for by the farmers to supplement their meagre income form St Mary’s Parish in the Village of Piak Snaeng Chas outside rice growing. Most Cambodian rice farmers earn between Siem Reap. The local parish runs a small two-class room $US1,200. 00 to $US1,400.00 annually. They have to borrow school. One classroom is used as a pre-school and the other
The Multi-purpose Hall
15 Official Ribbon cutting with Village Leaders.
is used as “catch-up class” for the children who are struggling preparation and serving area, a place for the dishes to be at the local government school. cleaned, for the children to wash their hands and a new The request for the hall came from the local community water purification system to provide safe drinking water. when a group from the parish visited in 2018. The local The villagers were very grateful and appreciative of the gift parish was offering a rice soup programme for children to of this new facility, the way the leaders spoke, the hall will be supplement their poor diet. The programme feeds between an integral part of village life. The community will be able to 120 to 140 children each week. The conditions around this have meetings, celebrations, teach the children their cultural programme were not the best hygienically and this was the stimulus for the request. Funds were raised and the building dances and songs, be a place where adults can be taught skills was constructed using local resources. where they can supplement their income. The local parish On the 6th June this year the building was blessed and can use as a place to celebrate the Mass and sacraments officially opened. The local villagers gathered, the children as well as catechetical class. It is amazing how little can go sang and danced, the village leaders gave speeches. It was so far in Cambodia. Total cost of this project was less than a grand event. The new facility consisted of a new food $AU10,000.00.
Children at lunch in the hall being served rice soup.
16 The Plenary COUNCIL
In October 2020, the Catholic Church in Australia will gather for the first Plenary Council to be held since the second Vatican Council. n 2018, the People of God in Australia were called to begin preparing for this historic moment by listening to IGod and to one another’s stories of faith. More than 222,000 people across Australia participated in listening and dialogue encounters and the Lismore Diocese contributed 266 submissions during the first stage of preparation for the Australian Plenary Council. phase recently opened and a guide has been developed to Our submissions were drawn from the Plenary Council encourage groups to take part in communal discernment Listening and Dialogue Encounters held through the on the National Themes for Discernment. Learn more about deaneries of the diocese and from individuals, families, the Christian practice of discernment and download the Lismore Catholic Schools Parent Assembly parent events guide, “Let’s Listen and Discern”, at www.plenarycouncil. and small groups of parishioners who gathered to listen catholic.org.au and talk together about what it is God is asking of the Catholic Church in Australia. This gathered data revealed The online portal has been launched to allow people the hopes and questions, and the diverse yearnings, to submit their discerned response to the Plenary Council and the challenges that we are now called upon to for the Listening and Discernment phase, consider together. which we opened recently. People The National Themes for Discernment are invited to participate in group named below are inspired by the discernment one on of the six data and call us toward the National Themes for Discernment future. The six themes explore – a process that can be different aspects of how we facilitated by the Listening and are being called to be a Discernment guide, “Let’s Christ-centred Church that is: Listen and Discern”. • Missionary and “Let’s Listen and Evangelising Discern”, as well as • Inclusive, other resources for Participatory and this new phase, can be Synodal accessed on this page of • Prayerful and the Plenary Council website: Eucharistic https://plenarycouncil. • Humble, Healing and catholic.org.au/listening-and- Merciful • A Joyful, Hope-filled, Servant Community discernment/ • Open to Conversion, Renewal and Reform Additional resources to help As we enter in the next phase of preparation for the people understand the practice of Plenary Council 2020, people in faith communities within discernment can be found on this the Lismore diocese are called to participate locally in their page: https://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/introduction- own communal Listening and Discernment encounters. to-discernment/ Further information and details about the National Themes You can also access a range of social media images for Discernment and the resources to host Listening and and a video banner in this Google Drive for use on your Discernment Encounters can be found at the Plenary various online platforms: https://drive.google.com/drive/ Council website https://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au folders/1oqXW- The Plenary Council invites HL6tRgkQtYT0cLR people to continue tseMggpAqjEq?us to participate p=sharing in the journey If there are towards the other resources Council sessions you’d find useful, in 2020 and 2021. please let us know The “Listening and we’ll see and Discernment” what’s possible.
Catholic Life, September, 2019 17 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE
St. Joseph’s Primary School Kempsey
Parent Partnership Pilot Program Participants enjoying the Lego Masters challenges. night was hailed a huge success by all and extremely well As part of our 2019 SIP, we were successful in our attended by nearly 100 men and boys from our school application to be included in the Parent Partnership Pilot community. It was so wonderful to see dads, granddads, Program to work towards strengthening the school- uncles and male siblings all sharing in this night and we family-community relationship. As part of our inclusion received positive feedback on the welcoming atmosphere, in the program we have been working with Dr George fun activities and worthwhile conversations that took place. Otero from the Centre for Relational Learning, who is The men and boys engaged in a community conversation an internationally recognised speaker and writer in this around what it takes to be a good male citizen in society field. Throughout the year staff, parents and community in this day and age. Ideas were harvested and shared and members engaged with George in small group facilitated together with CSO support, a team has been working conversations around ways to build this initiative within on implementing these ideas and creating a sustainable our school and community. In March we hosted a action plan to ensure our school continues to thrive in this ‘Harmony Day’ evening which comprised of a shared area, and we look forward to hosting the Women and Girls meal celebrating multicultural cuisines and a community Night scheduled for Term 4 this year! conversation about the power of positive relationships and ways to enrich and connect families and schools. Mrs Melissa Turner, Principal of St Joseph’s Kempsey remarked that “It was great to see the genuine interest in During Week 2 of Term 3 we held our second community the lives of our young people, and so heart-warming to conversation evening, a Lego Masters themed ‘Men hear the positive stories of this community event for our and Boys Night’ followed by a shared BBQ dinner. This families”.
St. Joseph’s Primary School Alstonville Empathy for the Homeless Our Alstonville school recently hosted their 4th Annual Winter Sleepover which is an optional event held for any student in years four, five or six who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the plight of the homeless and the works of St Vincent de Paul in supporting the community through the Winter Appeal. Students engage in a rotation of activities including packing hundreds of care packages, eating soup for dinner and sleeping on cardboard on a hard wooden floor. This cardboard for an hour to gain an awareness of life on the develops empathy as well as a greater gratitude for all the streets. We are extremely proud of our students who take gifts they currently receive in their own lives. on all these opportunities and we are certain that their During the day students have the opportunity to partake in faith journey going forward can only be strengthened by a Homeless Challenge where they are sponsored to sit on these social justice activities.
18 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE
Mary Help of Christians Parish School Sawtell
Students from Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Bellingen, Dorrigo Aboriginal Children’s Day and Woolgoolga enjoyed music, food, games, art and language classes led by our Indigenous Education Workers Aboriginal children from our local Catholic primary and a variety of a local aboriginal leaders. schools came together on the 5th August to celebrate What a great day! National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s day. Aunty Kelly, MHOC Sawtell Indigenous Education Worker
Holy Family Primary School Skennars Head NAIDOC Week This year our Holy Family community celebrated NAIDOC week through various activities and celebrations. This years theme was VOICE, TREATY, TRUTH, “Let’s work together for a shared future.’’
We were lucky to have 6M and the Indigenous students at our school lead us in a beautiful prayer celebration for our NAIDOC day. After the prayer celebration, all students from Kinder – Year 6 were involved in further activities with their classroom teacher. It was lovely to see the Indigenous students and their families at our school, who came together to share stories and enjoy a lovely lunch together.
St. Patrick’s Primary School Macksville Celebrating NAIDOC Our school celebrated NAIDOC week. We had a day full of faith, fun and learning about our local Gumbaynggirr culture. Each student got to experience our local Gumbaynggirr culture through storytelling, games, language and faith. The theme for NAIDOC week this year was ‘Voice, Treaty, Truth’. Fr. Shelwin celebrating Mass with our School Community.
CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019 19 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE
St. Brigid’s Primary School Kyogle
Sharing cupcakes and a thank you certificate with Sylvia from Sylvia’s Barber Shop
community, Year 4, their teacher and a band of helpers, Making a Difference made hundreds of cupcakes to share with them. It was a Students took time to reflect and consider the massive job but the students were excited to be able to importance of others and the support offered to our say thank you, to smile, to present a certificate, and to give school and our local community. Businesses generously without expecting anything in return. Our students made a assist our fundraising efforts and parishioners give their positive difference with their actions that day – just taking time to support the learning needs and wellbeing of the time to acknowledge the good in others and to show our students. To show our appreciation to the people their appreciation and care. Congratulations Year 4 – You of Kyogle for the difference they make in serving our made a difference!
St. Mary’s Primary School Grafton
Caritas. This tremendous day raised a total of $180.65. The Making Jesus Real team also placed Mission boxes throughout the school and We are bringing Catholic Social Teaching to life for the raised a total amount of $169. Our community raised a students, to not only deepen our students’ understanding grand total of $349.65 to go towards ending poverty and of the principles, but also to enrich their understanding of to promote justice so the world’s poor won’t need to rely how these principles can be enacted in real-life situations. on charity. During Lent, The Making Jesus Real team promoted and The Making Jesus Real team thanked the community for organised a dress in purple or blue day to raise money for their generosity towards giving to others.
20 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE
St. Joseph’s Primary School Wauchope
The next week the students visited the Wauchope St Winter Appeal Vincent De Paul shop and the dedicated volunteers showed the students the incredible systems in place to The St Joseph’s Mini Vinnies team have been working ensure that almost everything donated is sold, re-used or hard this year and the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal sent to people who can use it. Students were surprised is always on the calendar. But this year they did things to learn that old woollen jumpers are sent overseas differently. On the night of their annual winter sleep-out to be unpicked and turned into woollen rugs, ladies’ the students gathered all the donated goods from the undergarments are sent to Africa to be re-used, cotton Winter Appeal and, with the help of local St Vincent De and linen that is too worn gets turned into rags and resold Paul Shop manager, Jenny O’Rourke, learned how to sort to businesses like mechanics and all the clothes that are the clothes and blankets as they would down at the Vinnies of good quality are sold in Wauchope and the money shop. They then listened to a very interesting talk by gets put back into the community in the form of financial Lindsay Hobson from St Vincent De Paul Accommodation support for struggling families. and Support Services to learn about why people become homeless, what the service does for our local community Nationally, the St Vincent de Paul Society offers in excess and how they can help. The biggest message: never judge, of two hundred programs and services designed to help there are so many reasons why people end up homeless those who are socially excluded and marginalised. They and many of the reasons are not within their control. We do this by respecting people’s dignity, sharing hope, and need to support our struggling families and individuals. encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.
Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School Sth Lismore Tournament of Minds – HONOURS! On Sunday 25th August, seven children from OLHC attended the 2019 Tournament of Minds (TOM) Regional Challenge held in Terranora. The children competed in the Language Literature category on a communication challenge. For five weeks prior to the tournament day, the children worked tirelessly, through lunchtimes and over weekends, to collaboratively solve their challenge and to create props from recycled materials and a multimedia presentation to support their performance. On Sunday, tournament day, the team had to present their challenge solution to the judges in a ten minute, dramatic presentation as well as a spontaneous and unrehearsed 10 minute challenge on the day. At the end of the day the OLHC TOM Team was awarded The children presented a creative and entertaining solution to their six-week challenge. Throughout the day they Honours! We congratulate all of the competitors for their represented our school proudly both on and off the stage. outstanding efforts.
CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019 21 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE
Trinity Catholic College Lismore
L-R Tony Puglisi, representative from St. Vincent de Paul, Claire Lawrence.
Winter Appeal 2019 goods such as socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap that would help those living with disadvantage in our The Winter Appeal for 2019 has now come to a close. community. It was not until Friday when the Year 9 CSYMA As I write this article I feel overwhelmed with pride to be class sorted these goods and packed them into containers a part of the Trinity community. For the past few weeks, that we actually saw how much was donated. Four full the school has come together and truly encompassed our containers of donations were packed and will now be schools mission – the spirit of service and contribution to delivered to the Winsome Hotel. The Winsome Hotel will the community through “In Word and Deed”. be able to give these donated goods to those in need in our local area. We started of the Winter Appeal several weeks ago by asking each year group to make a contribution of small Our Harmony Seconds Sale was new for us this year. With the help of the Ministry Captains, House Captains and our YMO Alex, we got together and came up with a plan of asking students to bring in their pre-loved clothes to have our own seconds sale at school. Again, it wasn’t until we laid everything out at the commencement of the sale was I blown away by the amount of goods that were donated. We had many students come in and purchase pre-loved clothes, raising approx $160. All clothes not sold have been folded and packed and are being donated to our local St Vincents de Paul clothing bins. Got something Friday 14th June brought us to our plain clothes day to send to print? which was themed ‘Op Shop’, promoting students to buy their clothes from local charity stores or wearing recycled clothes. This was a great opportunity to raise awareness about sustainability of recycled clothes and giving students a greater understanding of how donating clothes can provide affordable clothing for those living FOR A NO OBLIGATION with disadvantage. FREE QUOTE We then finished the day off with the Winter Sleep Out. 150 students participated in our event that ran from 6pm Go to www.qpprinters.com.au or email your request to [email protected] until 7am on Saturday morning. It was a great opportunity for students to learn more about homelessness in our local area. We are thankful to Mieke Bell from the Winsome rinters p .c Hotel, who presented as our guest speaker for the evening. p o
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NOW a A very special thanks is in order to our Ministry Captains;
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w ONLINE Tory and Claire and our YMO Alex. They have not only assisted with leading and establishing these events but they have advocated, inspired and encouraged the Phone: (02) 6686 7488 community to continue to instil the spirit of service in our hearts. Thank you! Miss Angela Geoghegan
22 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE
Xavier Catholic College Ballina
Ms Cara Coles with students celebrating NAIDOC Week. Jesuit Companion School Schools Immersion to East Timor. A wonderful NAIDOC WEEK celebration was held at the College in the first week In 2016 we became a Jesuit Companion School. As part of this term. A beautiful liturgy, an assembly presentation of the process of moving to adopt the Jesuit charism of involving performances by students and an extended Cura Personalis, having concern and care for the personal lunchtime with many hands-on activities were a highlight. development of the whole person, the College developed a House system which has been implemented this year. It is with much excitement that Xavier Catholic College announces that their First XV Rugby team has made it As part of this House system a number of patron saints through to the State Final of the Waratah Cup to be have been assigned to each of the six houses. MacKillop played on the 28th of August at TG Oval, North Sydney. House has St Mary MacKillop as its patron saint and celebrated the feast day with a liturgy and students The Waratah Cup is a state-wide schoolboy rugby combining to construct an art work with the motto of competition. This year, at the semi-finals alone there were Challenge with Courage as its focal point. more than 500 schoolboys from 28 schools who battled it out as part of the Waratah Cup Finals at The Kings School Ignatius House takes St Ignatius of Loyola, Catholic priest in Parramatta. The teams were from the Far North Coast and theologian, who co-founded the religious order called through to Kiama, and all were keen to secure a spot in the Society of Jesus, as its patron saint. The Ignatius House the prestigious Waratah Cup Final. Mr Pat Kennedy, Sport also celebrated their patron’s feast with a liturgy and the Coordinator and Rugby coach, remarked on the dedication planting of tree saplings, one for each Home room. of the team in getting to this point and the magnitude of Our College student leadership team have been actively reaching this elite level in such a competitive field. involved in a number of activities. Six Year 11 students The College community wishes the team the best of joined with students from across the Lismore Diocese for luck. The College also extends its prayers to the Year 12 the annual Street Retreat in Brisbane while Lily Murphy students who are at present undertaking their Trial HSC and Kailani Tiernan, also of Year 11, took part in the Jesuit examinations, with many students completing practical MacKillop House Leader, Mrs Rebecca Kennedy with the House Leaders based subjects finalising their projects at this time.
CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019 23 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE St. Paul’s College Kempsey
Decathlon Champions & World’s Greatest Shave State Finalists On 6th June, 2019 St Paul’s College teacher Angus Crowley and senior students Jarrod Taylor, Jack Rowe, Our Year 8 team has won the Year 7/8 Mid North Coast Jarrod Prosper, Ben Pierce, Isaiah Hoskins, Corey Crotty da Vinci Decathlon held at St Columba’s Anglican School in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 7th May! and Brayden Passfield shaved their heads in front of family, friends and students to help raise funds for blood cancer The victorious team included Tristan Ardetti, Nat Fletcher, research. Olivia Connor, Olivia Dunbar, Isabelle Capararo, Ebony Vella, Samantha Brenton and Lily Rafton. The team doubled their original fundraising goal of St Paul’s were victorious in a field of 25 schools ranging $5,000, with their final total sitting over $11,000. Students, from Coffs Harbour down to Taree. It was a great team family and friends were given the opportunity to bid to effort with St Paul’s winning four of the ten Academic see who would get the honour of shaving one the team Categories which included Science, Creative Producers, members’ hair, with the bidding reaching well into the English, Ideation, Engineering, Art and Poetry, hundreds of dollars. Mathematics, Cartography, Code Breaking and General Knowledge. The World’s Greatest Shave event has become a significant Our team, with Patrick Preston replacing Tristan Ardetti, event in the calendar of the College in recent years, then travelled to Sydney on Monday, 27th May, to particularly as cancer (including blood cancer) has touched compete in the State da Vinci Decathlon Final at Knox the college many times over the last decade with 4 Grammar School, Wahroonga. staff members having passed away. It has evolved in an The entire day at Knox was spent in an exhaustive pursuit authentic opportunity for students to show leadership, of academic excellence and was a fantastic learning solidarity and selflessness in the support of people and experience for all involved. The team have represented St families, some of whom they will never meet. Paul’s College with distinction in a field of eighty Year 8 teams from across NSW.
Lismore Diocese has a dedicated YouTube channel
The Lismore Diocese has a YouTube channel that can be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ The Year 8 students who were victorious at regionals. UCYxOjNyku4JCI08vfeTq-fQ
24 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE St. Joseph’s Regional College Port Macquarie
Sr Marjorie pictured with Year 11 students: Hannah Sanders, Eve Slater, Street Retreat Courtney Fyffe, Serena Boorman and Ella Ippaviz Students Ella Ippaviz, Matthew Strumolo, Chelsea Chelsea Beecroft and Matthew Strumolo – It was a Beecroft and Cameron Hunt recently attended the Street privilege to visit St Andrew’s Church and be able to serve Retreat in Brisbane and, below, they offer their reflections lunch to men and women living on the streets, residing on this experience, after spending time with the homeless in boarding houses and in cars around Brisbane. When and marginalised. visitors walked in, Matt and I were two of the first people they interacted with that day. It was here where I met Student Reflections: some of the most graceful and wholesome people. Their Ella Ippaviz – The best part of the experience was the stories were captivating and their enthusiasm inspirational. humanity shown by the 80 Year 11 students in attendance, Year 11 Mass – ‘Call To Service’ spending four days in Brisbane, purely just to serve. I will never forget the smiles. We recently celebrated a Year group Mass of Service with Fr Paul Gooley, Parish Priest in the College Chapel. Cameron Hunt – Street Retreat was by far the best Students and staff welcomed special guest, Sr Marjorie experience of my whole schooling life. Being able to McLachlan, who has run the St Agnes’ Soup Kitchen for discover a new and confronting aspect of this world that the last 24 years. I’d never seen in my sheltered Port Macquarie life was truly eye-opening. Annually, this Mass of Service has become a tradition, focusing on our purpose as a ‘Faith’ community, assisting Chelsea Beecroft – Street retreat has been the most local people in need. Year 11 students offered donations meaningful and inspiring experience I have had the chance of canned soup and vouchers to purchase fresh fruit and to encounter. I had never felt so defeated and taken vegetables to assist further the selfless work Sr Marjorie’s back before, I experienced the world we are so isolated does at the St Agnes’ Soup Kitchen. So moved by Sr from. The world of living without, the world of living Marjorie’s work, Year 11 students, Cameron Hunt and marginalised from society and the world of grief. Matthew Strumolo have been proactive in pledging an ongoing association with the soup kitchen to continue to help those in need.
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Street Retreat, Back row: Matthew Stumolo, Mr Inatey, Cameron Hunt, Our website: www.lismorediocese.org Front row: Chelsea Beecroft and Ella Ippaviz
CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019 25
IMPROVESeeing INCLUSIVITY double to IN THE CLASSROOM: NEW RESEARCH
Well-intentioned people are failing to see the entire child and that child’s immense potential because they see the child’s disability first, according to an inclusive education researcher. r Melissa Cain is an inclusive education researcher and lecturer at Australian Catholic University (ACU). D She is also mother to a 12-year-old son with a rare genetic vision impairment. Depending on their level of vision and their location within Her son attends a mainstream high school which has taken the classroom, students with vision impairments may find it positive and proactive measures to cater for his disability. difficult to see the whiteboard. Glare from the windows may Remarkably, Cain’s research partner, Melissa Fanshawe, impact their viewing of books, computers, or the whiteboard. not only carries the name ‘Melissa’, she is also mother to a Trip hazards may exist with chairs and bags that are in 12-year-old son, with the exact rare vision impairment. pathways and can’t be seen. Fanshawe, who is an inclusive education researcher and a But for those with a vision impairment the future is actually maths lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), looking very bright. said, “In my work with students with vision impairment, I have Due to technological advances on speech-text software, learnt that students are children first with their own talents, interests and passions. The vision impairment impacts the way there are a range of software devices that are built-in to they access things, not who they are.” mainstream devices as well as specific tools to assist students Vision impairment can be classified as damage or disease with how to ‘read’ the documents on their screens. to the eye or visual system and is considered a disability when The two researchers say that students with a vision it cannot be corrected with the use of glasses or medication. impairment also find novel solutions to navigating the In Australia, it’s estimated there are around 3000 school- environment and are usually only hampered by others who aged children with a vision impairment, and 300 have a severe place restrictions on them. vision impairment or blindness. “With some assistance, children with a vision impairment Although some children with vision impairment may can do everything that everybody else can,” Cain said. “However have other disabilities and attend special education units, the majority of students with vision impairment attend each student has individual needs, depending on their unique mainstream schools throughout all geographical areas of qualities and interests, and whether they were born blind or Australia. Creating a culture of inclusive, safe, and supportive have acquired sight loss.” environments is not just best practice, it is now an ethical and Fanshawe concluded, “Ultimately we want parents to know legal requirement for all educational contexts in Australia. that independence is the best skill you can give your child. Inspired to remove barriers, Cain and Fanshawe have quite It’s easy to want to do everything for them and have teachers literally doubled their efforts to research ways to improve the provide everything, but for future employment and interacting mainstream schooling experience for those students with a in the community, they need skills to access information through vision impairment. adaptive technology and play sport, travel independently and It’s easy to imagine the boys’ disability could result in an over-protective parenting style but Cain and Fanshawe have social groups.” explain that developing the boys’ independence is key to a “These skills take a lot of time, perseverance and some self-sufficient future. tears, but ultimately social and community participation and “Parents of children with a vision impairment need to inclusion is the goal.” advocate for their children more than parents of sighted Cain and Fanshawe have been researching the voices children but this approach is essential, particularly at the of students with vision impairment and their parents and early childhood level. The parents’ advocacy builds confident teachers to see what works best in the classroom. The research children who are resilient and capable and they then learn to is intended to be used to assist teachers, preservice teachers advocate for themselves,” Cain said. and health professionals to embed evidence-based practice. The two experts agree that students with a vision impairment Students with a vision impairment, parents or teachers who should be held to the same academic, social, and behavioural standards as students who are sighted. But they explain that would like to be involved in the research can email: melissa. vision impairment is a low-incidence disability which means [email protected] many teachers are unaware of how to cater for these children’s ACU researcher/lecturer Dr Melissa Cain and needs. USQ researcher/lecturer Melissa Fanshawe
26 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019 Do they play THIS GAME IN HEAVEN? Pope Francis greets priests participants to the Clericus Cup of football during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s square at the Vatican on May 29, 2019. PHOTO : ABACAPRESS.COM.
In summarising proceedings of these Hearings, Counsel Assisting highlighted the importance of culturally safe care Aged Care UPDATE: WHAT TO which involves having an awareness of underlying community MAKE OF THE AGED CARE ROYAL issues and cultural and social and emotional issues, as well as COMMISSION TO DATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 historical issues that affect the person’s relationship with the care provider (such as the Stolen Generation experience). The Hearings also drew attention to inadequate expenditure Counsel also observed that culturally safe care requires by aged care homes on food, and homes that are following an understanding of Country and the people who live there, inappropriate food re-use and storage practices. It was noted including the role of the Elders within the community and that malnutrition and inadequate attention to oral health can their responsibilities towards the community. Services also have serious consequences for an older person’s overall health, need to respond to the particular needs of the community, including increased risk of falls, osteoporosis and fractures, recognising that the community is likely to have an embedded slowed wound-healing, extended hospital stays, cognitive collectivist culture, where there are obligations owed by and impairment, increased risk of infection, and increased to the Elders. morbidity and mortality. Person-centred care: The Commission noted that the consensus Home care: The Commission has also focussed on aspects of expert clinical witnesses supports inter-disciplinary person- of the home care package program, highlighting the centred and relationship-based care as being the approach that “unacceptable waiting list for home care packages” that raise best enhances quality of life, recognising however a distinction safety risks, including for informal carers; high administrative between clinical and non-clinical care needs, noting that charges; unspent package funds held by providers that could person-centred care has to be around the whole experience, be used to help address the waiting list; and concerns about not just the clinical experience. the robustness of approved provider approval processes and Both the Whiddon Group and Wintringham were cited as processes for quality regulation. aged care providers who are using good models of person- The Department of Health’s advice that it would cost up centred care that are able to work successfully under the to $2.5 billion per year just to address the current waiting current system. list was highlighted by the Commission, along with the Workforce: Perhaps in contrast with the observation above, Commission’s observation that the recent announcements of the biggest single issue arising from the Royal Commission’s additional packages do not come close to meeting current and Hearings to date has been the implications of workforce for projected demand. the quality of aged care services, including staff numbers, Aged care for Indigenous communities: A good deal of the their skill levels, attraction, retention and remuneration, and Broome, Darwin, Cairns and Perth Hearings was directed at timely access to medical services. inquiring into access to aged care services by Indigenous Overall, observations by Counsel Assisting are pointing to communities, especially remote communities. significant deficiencies in the current workforce.
Catholic Life, September, 2019 27 Unusual CHURCHES Camp St Malo, Denver
The Archdiocese of Denver is priest and he remembered Jesus’ words In 1993, Pope John Paul II visited to Peter: “Upon this rock, I will build pleased to announce progress the chapel during his trip to Denver for my Church.” (Matt 16:18). the World Youth Day and bestowed his in restoration and preservation Vowing one day to build a chapel personal blessing on the chapel. of the beauty and rich history of here, Msgr. Bosetti prayed for nearly 20 years to acquire the funds. During time, More info: http://www.saintmalo. Chapel on the Rock (St. Catherine he found himself in a constant battle org/chapel.htm of Siena Chapel), the Pope Saint with the Colorado Highway department which had plans to dynamite the John Paul II trail and a new enormous piece of granite to both visitor and heritage center. widen and straighten the curve in the he founder of Camp St. Malo, road. Monsignor Joseph Bosetti, had for Eventually, Msgr. Bosetti won the Tyears entertained an idea that one battle and years later, when the chapel day he would build a chapel on this site. became a reality, it was reported that In 1916 he and two friends observed a a group of engineers who laid out falling meteor during the night and in the road came to the dedication and his search for the remnants the next thanked him for his perseverance. morning, he came across a large rock. The chapel was designed by noted The beauty of the land inspired the Denver architect Jacques Benedict.
28 Catholic Life, September, 2019 remain paramount throughout the new national guidelines. WILL INFORM Prioritising children’s safety and wellbeing will ensure that New guidelines Church authorities’ responses to concerns or allegations CHURCH’S RESPONSE TO ABUSE effectively address existing risks and do not create further risk to children. The Catholic Church is developing new national policy The guidelines will be considered in conjunction with the guidelines to strengthen and standardise Church new National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, approved and launched by Catholic Professional Standards Ltd earlier this authorities’ responses to historical and contemporary year. concerns and allegations of abuse of children and “The national guidelines and the Safeguarding Standards will vulnerable adults. become two focal points for the Church’s work in protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and ensuring rchbishop Mark Coleridge, president of the Australian survivors are at the centre of our response to allegations that Catholic Bishops Conference, said the development of the arise,” Archbishop Coleridge said. guidelines is a critical step forward in the Church’s ongoing A The guidelines will address all forms of child abuse, including response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into sexual, physical and psychological abuse, and neglect and Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. maltreatment. The development of the guidelines will include “The bishops are following through on our commitments made extensive consultation, inviting abuse survivors and their last year, and having a consistent approach to the management supporters to participate. of allegations of abuse of children and vulnerable people is “The lessons we have learned over more than 20 years and central to our reforms,” he explained. the best practice employed in other parts of the community will The Implementation Advisory Group, set up in May 2018 to inform the new national guidelines,” Archbishop Coleridge said. monitor and advise Catholic leaders on the Church’s response “The development and implementation of these guidelines will to the Royal Commission’s recommendations, is overseeing the help to embed a more transparent and accountable culture in the development of the policy guidelines. way the Church seeks to prevent abuse and responds appropriately The guidelines will serve as a public commitment to integrity to allegations of the abuse of children and vulnerable adults. and accountability in responding to allegations of abuse. They “They will be a blueprint for Church authorities to assist and will make clear the obligations of all Church authorities to guide them at a local level, seeking a consistent and just response respond with processes that are fair and effective, and which across the country. They are about integrity and accountability.” comply with all Australian laws. Media enquiries: Anna Tydd, Executive Officer, The assessment and management of risk to children will Implementation Advisory Group: 0437 745 325
document the systemic causes of substandard care and signal the direction of the reforms that will be needed. UPDATE: WHAT TO Aged Care The Commission so far gives every indication that it is MAKE OF THE AGED CARE ROYAL looking to increased regulation to help address the above COMMISSION TO DATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 matters, especially in relation to workforce, but it must be remembered that increased regulation mostly comes at a cost These include the lack of mandatory qualifications and which must be resourced. training requirements, particularly in relation to dementia and The perverse incentives compromising medical and clinical mental health issues, and evidence that a lack of understanding services for older Australians in aged care homes arising from of dementia is common in both the health and aged care systems the current separate private, state and Commonwealth funding which is likely to lead to substandard care. More is needed to of health and aged care services will also need to be addressed. improve training of aged care management and staff in the What is clear is that the full value of the Royal Commission proper assessment of the clinical and other circumstances of will not be realised unless it can identify the additional funding residents exhibiting behavioural and psychological symptoms sources that are acceptable to the community and affordable of dementia. for the Australian economy. Counsel has also observed that good dementia care seems If the current Government is serious about addressing aged likely to be more time-consuming and intensive. care in this term – and one would assume it is given that Reflecting on the Hearings to date, Counsel Assisting has calling an expensive Royal Commission that raises community commented that “the solution must lie with organisational expectations is no trivial matter - the framing of the 2020- leadership and in particular supporting the workforce”, and 21 Budget and forward estimates will need to have regard to what is immediately clear is the need to foster the adoption of the potential Budget implications of the Royal Commission’s organisational leadership and a culture of care which places recommendations. the interests and dignity of residents first. It will also need to have regard to the financial pressures Looking ahead: Announced in September 2018, the Royal currently being experienced by residential care providers, Commission is fast approaching its reporting deadlines, with with no prospect of sustainable relief under the current ACFI an interim report due by 31 October 2019 and a final report funding model. Hence the Royal Commission’s report will need by 30 April 2020. to be considered in association with the introduction of a new Counsel Assisting has indicated that questions remain for the funding model for personal care and nursing in residential care Royal Commission, including whether concerns about quality based on the new Australian National Aged Care Classification and safety in aged care will be addressed by current funding (AN-ACC) classification tool, which is about to be trialled. models, the current workforce and existing accreditation and Disclosure statement: The author of this Update, Nick Mersiades, is a member of the Aged standards. Care Financing Authority. The opinions in this Update should not be read as being an It is anticipated that the Commission’s interim report will expression of the views of the Aged Care Financing Authority.
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