Archdiocesan News A PUBLICATION OF THE OF CAPE TOWN • ISSUE NO 98 • OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2020 • INTERACTIVE EDITION*

*In this interactive edition, all hyperlinks are highlighted in blue. Be sure to click on them for additional information. Celebrating the Year of the 2021 The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Region will celebrate 2021 as the Year of the Eucharist. It began on the Feast of Christ the King (22 November 2020) and will conclude on Sunday 12 September 2021, which is the closing date of the International Year of the Eucharist celebration in Budapest. The Archdiocese of Cape Town has planned various events to celebrate this year. These are outlined below. As details, times and venues have not yet been finalised, we ask you to take note of announcements of these through our website (https://adct.org.za), our online calendar (https://adct.org.za/calender/2020-calendar/), Facebook (https://www. facebook.com/archdiocesecapetown) and other social media. In line with the suggestions sent out by the SACBC concerning the Year of the Eucharist, our Bishops have planned a number of initiatives in the Archdiocese of Cape Town: Ecclesia in the Year of the Eucharist: An Ecclesia season on the Eucharist will run as a six-week programme during . It will include refer- ences to the Year of the Eucharist and input from Pope Benedict XIV’s Sacramentum Caritatis. The material will be arranged for use in multiple formats (a single person using it as personal study; families using it in their homes; small groups meeting to discuss and share – Covid-19 permitting; Zoom meetings and WhatsApp groups). The material will be available in soft copy to download from the Archdiocesan website, thus avoiding the cost and logistics of printing and distribution. Any video material used will be available for download, rather than copied onto CDs. Meeting of Archbishop and Bishop with Priests and : This meet- ing, which will be actual or virtual, will focus on the Eucharist, with input from the Archbishop and the Bishop, and will incorporate Adoration and Benediction. Archdiocesan and Benediction: A Eucharistic procession will be planned, if allowed and advisable. This will take place actually or virtually in the Cathedral (with representatives from parishes). The International in Budapest, Hungary takes place from 5–12 September 2021 Corpus Christi 2021 Celebrations: At parish level, Adoration and Benediction will be arranged around this solemnity. Commissioning of EMHC and First Holy Communions could be incorporated into the parish celebrations. The Eucharist as a Memorial Archbishop’s Pastoral Letter on the Eucharist: As recommended by the This reflection focuses on “memory” which is a key con- tice of the Church in celebrating the Eucharist is deeply SACBC, the Archbishop will write a pastoral letter on the Eucharist to all cept in our . Hopefully it will assist rooted in Scripture. us as we go through the year of the Eucharist. the faithful of the Archdiocese. Jesus commanded his followers to celebrate Eucharist for the 17th – 21st Sundays of the Year in Year B (2021): On Memory is a key concept in the Bible. When the in his memory. What exactly is memory? What did a Israelites reached the shore of the Sea they were ter- these Sundays, the readings are from John 6, offering the oppor- Palestinian man in the first century mean when he said: rified to go forward. The sea with its relentless waves “do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19)? Memory for tunity for a sustained and comprehensive catechesis on the Eucharist in reminded them of the waters of the great flood. And the ancients was not a static reality such as looking at parishes. Materials and suggestions will be given to the priests and deacons then there was the army of Egypt behind them. With a photograph and calling someone or some event to of the Archdiocese for preaching homilies on those Sundays. the sea in front of them and the Egyptians behind them mind. It was dynamic. It is a dynamic force inside each they panicked. What was their failure? It was a failure of Year of the Eucharist Logo: The logo (below) will be used on our websites of us. memory. They had forgotten that the leader God gave and letterheads and as part of the email signature of priests and pastoral them was someone who passed through the waters (for We have recently celebrated All Souls day and we called workers. It is hoped that parishes will also use this logo in the same way. that is what the name Moses means) and also someone to mind our loved ones. Let us therefore use an example who held rank in the land of Egypt. They had also for- from that celebration. Every time I do something good gotten how helpless Pharaoh was when God intervened which my mother approved of, how do I feel? I feel and visited him with plagues. affirmed. And every time I do something not so good that my mother disapproved of how do I feel? I feel Memory is indeed important for the people of faith. less than happy. So, the memory of my mother is not When Jesus gave the bread at the he specifi- something carved onto a tombstone. It is a veritable cally requested that the action be done repeatedly (Luke force inside of me affirming me when I do well and 22:19) and in his memory. The verb is in the continuous challenging me when I am not doing well. If that is tense and also in the imperative form meaning that the true of my earthly mother, how true it be of the Christian community simply has to do the action. Lord who promised to be with us until the end of time When Paul recounts what Jesus had done at the Last (Matthew 28:20). Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:23-27 he too includes the Memory is indeed dynamic, not static and it is an aspect of memory. He also describes the command important facet of our faith. In the words of the late Fr to celebrate Eucharist as a tradition given him by the Johann Baptist Metz, we must keep alive the “danger- Lord himself. In doing this he demonstrates that to the ous memory” of Jesus. It is dangerous because it pulls extent that the Eucharist is a tradition it is entirely a us out of our hiding places and challenges us to share biblical tradition. The root of the word for “tradition” is and to care. seen four times in verse 23. This is an indication that the Bible is insisting on the tradition which Paul received Bishop Sylvester David OMI from the Lord himself (1 Corinthians 11:23). The prac- VG: Archdiocese of Cape Town

YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST From the Eucharist, grace pours

on us like a fountain “Do this in memory of me” – Leonardo da Vinci’s depiction of the Last Supper, 1495-6 (cropped)

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS January-MarchVisit the Archdiocese 2021 of Cape Town’s website on https://adct.org.za / Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/archdiocesecapetown 1 Greetings from the Youth Office This marks the start of a new year in our church and even more so in our Youth Office as we embark on a new journey and embrace different ways of fulfilling our mis- sion to serve the young people of our Archdiocese. One of our biggest changes is that Fr Charles Prince has been appointed as the Vicar of Property and Consultor to the Archbishop which means he is no longer our Youth Chaplain. Fr Charles has been a tremendous influence and we truly appreciate the passion, dedication and endless commitment he has given to the position over the past 10 years. He started our team from scratch and played a huge part in the growth of pro- grammes like Life Teen and Youth Alpha. This all while being the driving force behind our mission team, NET and an integral part of the leadership and spiritual growth of so many young people and leaders, not only in our Archdiocese, but throughout our country and internationally as well. We shall miss him dearly, but wish him all of the best in his new mission! Hike and On Sunday 13 December a group of young adults from various parishes across Cape Town met for a social hike and Mass celebrated by Fr Charles Prince.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS January-March 2021 2 Big Falsebay Beach Clean Up God has called us to care for crea- tion and we were a part of organis- From ing a big clean up with people from other churches as part of a movement called #together4creation while meet- ing covid protocols. We picked up the plastic litter as well as tiny pieces of plastic called “nurdles” on Saturday 5 December at five different beaches along the False Bay coast, including Muizenberg, Mnandi, Monwabisi, HEART Macassar and Strand. Our aim is to protect the plastic from getting into the ocean and being The Christmas Season is almost living as us in every respect eaten by fish, ocean creatures and sea on us, as we come to the end – with the exception of sin. birds. (and eventually us when we eat of what has been one of the In short, Christmas is about the fish!) most difficult years in recent the birth of the Baby Jesus in This ecumenical group started human history. Everyone Bethlehem. But being a mys- during the Season of Creation and has suffered because of the tery, it is much deeper than we shall be doing more initiatives Corona virus and the accom- that simple statement. Its is together in the new year! panying lockdown, especially about salvation – the Saviour “This morning honestly inspired me! All of our actions play such a fundamental part in either building those who have been infected has come into the world to our world for a fruitful future or destroying it with our negligence! Our actions, no matter how small can and struggled through severe liberate us from sin and death definitely save OUR world!” – Janine Leo symptoms, those who passed and to open for us the gates of away, the thousands who are heaven. It is about the restora- bereaved. Many are suffering tion of Creation to its original from severe economic hard- goodness, so that Man can ship, others are struggling with rediscover his original inno- mental health issues, loneli- cence and beauty. In short, it ness, family tensions, abuse, is about life in all its fullness – and so the list goes on. just as Jesus said, “I have come We really need to celebrate so that they may have life and and enjoy Christmas this year, have it to the full” (John 10:10). and to celebrate it well. We The true enjoyment and joy need a boost and we need to of Christmas is only found be filled with happiness and in seeking deeper friendship joy. Some may interpret this and with God. It as “letting ourselves go” and does not lie in food, alcohol or an encouragement to over- indiscriminate spending or the indulge in good food, alcohol other trappings of the com- and going on spending sprees. mercialization of Christmas. If Celebrating in that way is not we are going to celebrate well, going to give us the spiritual and in a way that will nour- or emotional boost that we ish us for whatever the New need. It will come back to bite Year will bring, we will do so us through indigestion, hango- by turning our faces fully to vers, debt and a shortage of God and making him our focus. money. It will leave us with He is our life and can fill us a hollow feeling inside our- with life with all its fullness, selves. Celebrating in that way enabling us to shake off the is an attempt to escape from negativity and pessimism that reality, rather than finding can cling so easily. It gives us the nourishment and meaning meaning and understanding that enables us to persevere that all shall be well, and all in strength with the flame of shall be well, and all manner of hope alive in our hearts. things shall be well (Julian of Celebrating Christmas in a way Norwich). May you, and your Life Teen and Edge Catechetical that will be beneficial for our families, have a most blessed wellbeing lies in celebrating and joyful Christmas. the true meaning of Christmas. Youth Programmes We all know that Christmas Are you struggling with a Youth is about the mystery of the Program at your parish? Is your class- Incarnation, the mystery of + Stephen Brislin room style Catechism getting a bit God taking human flesh and Archbishop of Cape Town boring? Do your teenagers seem to be a bit disinterested in learning about the Church and or coming to Mass? Even more from the Youth Chaplaincy on the next page ➸ If the answer is Yes to one or more of these questions, then we have just the solution for you and your parish. Life Teen and Edge brings Fun, Learning, Spirituality and Personal Growth together into phenom- enal programs that will change your Catechism Youth Group to one that Articles, letters and advertisements should reach us by 29 January 2020 young people would want to come for the January-March 2021 edition. to. They are focused around the source and summit of the Eucharist Please address all correspondence to: Archdiocesan News, PO Box 2910, Cape Town, 8000. and use Christ as the main goal of Tel: 021 462 2417. Fax: 021 461 9330. E-mail: [email protected] all sessions. Relational Ministry is a Website: https://adct.org.za fundamental part of its success in a Also find us on: https://www.facebook.com/archdiocesecapetown parish, as it is all about growing into Stephen Docherty a relationship with your Youth so Editor: Stephen Docherty that together you can be lead closer Layout, Production & Advertising: Archbishop Stephen Brislin, Bishop Sylvester implement and can be changed to fit encourage Vocations, then this is your Regular Contributors: to Christ. David OMI, Mgr Andrew Borello, Fr Ralph de Hahn, Centre for Pastoral the dynamics of your parish. answer. If you are interested, contact Life Teen and Edge has a fantastic Development, Catholic Parliamentry Liaison Office, Catholic Schools’ Office, team of people who create endless If you are interested in a chance to our youth office at youthchaplaincy@ Youth Chaplaincy, St Joseph’s Home. topics and resources that are easy to grow the Youth in your parish and to gmail.com to find out more! ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS January-March 2021 3 Meet our team! – Transforming young lives through Christ The Youth Chaplaincy has gone through some changes within our team as we’ve recently had to say goodbye to two of our mem- bers: Danilo Aquisto is a public figure but best known to us as the original chairman of our team and speaker at many of our events; and Monica Goemans served as part of our first NET missionary team and joined our Chaplaincy Team earlier this year. We are grateful for all that they have contributed over the past few years and wish them well in their future endeavours. Fortunately, it won’t be the last time we see them as they will still assist with particular events! Due to all of the above, we have been recruiting members and are extremely excited to announce our current Youth Chaplaincy Team co-ordinated by Dominique Yon from our Youth Office. We look forward to what lies ahead by offering sup- port, training and networking opportunities to young people in all parishes with a focus on evangelisation, leadership and service in order to nurture effec- tive youth ministry! SAVE THE DATES! Please save our dates for 2021 (see below) and include them in your planning for the upcoming year. Regardless of the pandemic’s situation at the time, we aim to stick to our planned events and will continuously look at the best ways to make the events accessible to as many people as possible. They will therefore take place in person, online or with hybrid set- ups at homes or parishes, depend- ing on the restrictions at the time. Don’t forget to follow us on social media @CatholicYouthCT and website www.catholicyouthct.co.za for updates, or email us at [email protected] to subscribe to our newsletter! Wishing you all a blessed Advent Season and amazing Christmas spent with loved ones! Peace and Blessings The Youth Chaplaincy Team

Day Date Event Saturday 23 January Foundations for Ministry Sat + Sun 20+21 February Youth Chaplaincy Team launch Saturday 20 February Life Teen Leadership training Saturday 27 February Training for new youth leaders Saturday 6 March Ecclesia Launch Sunday 7 March Xhosa Youth Project Saturday 20 March Youth Forum Saturday 10 April Youth Music Ministry Workshop Saturday 24 April ‘Reconnect’ Young Adults Retreat Saturday 15 May ‘Faithfully Fit’ Leadership Training I Thursday 27 May Young Adults’ Theology on tap Wednesday 16 June Youth Day Mass Saturday 10 July ‘Faithfully fit’ Leadership Training II Sunday 25 July Post-Confirmation Retreat Thursday 5 August Young Adults’ Theology on tap Saturday 21 August Xhosa Youth Project Wednesday 1 September Season of Creation Service Sunday 5 September Laudato Si Youth project Saturday 18 September Empower Conference Thursday 24 September Shrine to Shrine Pilgrimage Saturday 9 October ‘Faithfully Fit’ Leadership Training III Fri+ Sat 4 December Youth Project Saturday 11 December Young Adults Hike and Retreat

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS January-March 2021 4 SVP helps to fight Covid-19 The Society of St Vincent de Paul and Eugene Jackson were asked to has played an active and key role in spearhead this project of procuring, the fight against Covid-19 in the packing and delivering food parcels Archdiocese of Cape Town and local to the communities affected by the farming communities in the Western lockdown. Cape. Thus far, starting from mid-April Through its membership it has rolled to mid-August, six phases (rollouts) out several programmes through its have been completed. About 80 mem- soup kitchens in communities, deliv- bers were engaged per rollout to do ering clothing and blankets to the the packing. Thus far 16029 parcels elderly and giving financial support were distributed to communities all where it was required. over the Western Cape. Permits had It was also instrumental in helping to be arranged to allow members to roll out the Archbishop’s Covid-19 to deliver with strict instructions to Food Parcel Campaign to parishes adhere to the Covid-19 regulations. and various organisations. Despite shootings and gang fight- Naturally, the Archbishop was ing in Bonteheuwel, Hanover Park very concerned about how people and Manenberg the courageous work- ABOVE: SVP member Br Carlo Horsewell, and Michelle will manage and be able to sustain ers of St Vincent de Paul carried on and Charlene of St Gerard’s, Parkwood busy packing and loading the precious gifts. themselves during the pandemic. with their mission of delivering the Many household incomes were food parcels. kitchens and Durbanville supports and the sub-economic immediately affected by reduced Furthermore, conferences are con- 35 soup kitchens. In total the SVP, areas on the Cape Flats salaries, retrenchments or even job tinuing with their feeding schemes in through its conferences, services 70 where the pangs of pov- losses when the lockdown was imple- their communities because the chil- feeding schemes or soup kitchens all erty are the harshest. mented. In an effort to alleviate the dren are not at school and the parents over the Western Cape. On 18 July, when situation and to combat the suffer- are unable to provide for them. On We have also embarked on a Winter news broke of the fire ing of the people he launched his the West Coast St Jude, Vredenburg Warmth Campaign whereby we col- at the Holy Cross Orphanage in parish priest in his responsibility of Covid-19 Food Parcel Campaign. are running three feeding schemes lect or appeal for blankets or warm Modderdam, our members were at providing for the poor. It will avail The President of the Society of St and assist 600 people. Atlantis (St clothing. Members, and their fami- the forefront to deliver provisions and its members and resources to do this Vincent de Paul (Achmat Satardien) John the Baptist ) supports five soup lies and friends, are asked to donate blankets to the Holy Cross Sisters. work of the Gospel. towards an SVP Blanket Drive Fund More collections of the most neces- Currently the Society has 470 mem- whereby persons can donate R50 sary items are being delivered and a bers and is present in 45 parishes in towards buying a blanket for a needy substantial financial contribution has the Western Cape. It has training or homeless person. A Zoom quiz been made to the Fire Fund that was programs available in place to upskill was arranged by members and friends established . and to assist the youth, and its aim is and the proceeds went to the Blanket The Society and its members feels to empower the youth or unemployed Drive. The donation to take part was honoured to help and assist in its com- person with the necessary skills to R100 per team and over 1000 blankets munities as it carries out its mission of find a job. were ordered. serving God by serving the poor and The Society can be assisted to Food parcels were also ordered via the destitute. achieve its mission through financial Pick n Pay and delivered to outlying We are grateful to Archbishop assistance or donorship by anyone areas like Graafwater and Lambert’s Stephen Brislin and Bishop Sylvester who feels they want to make a differ- Bay. We are currently busy with David for engaging with us to do ence to somebody’s life. a Covid-19 financial support pro- this work and we thank them sin- Contributions can be made to: gramme via our Central Council to cerely for this opportunity in allowing Central Council support rural areas like Vredenburg, our members to play their role in Society of St Vincent de Paul Saldanha, Atlantis and Lambert’s Bay Society and to help fight the scourge Standard Bank of Covid-19. Account no: 070040303 The Society of St Vincent de Paul Branch code: 020009 seeks to work with greater zeal with Little Company of Anawim parish priests, PPC’s, sodalities and Yours in Service to the Poor, organisations in a joint effort to arrest Achmat Satardien celebrate Final Profession and combat poverty in our communi- President, CT Central Council ties. We are available to support the Society of St Vincent de Paul On Saturday 26 September 2020, the Little Company of Anawim celebrated the Final Profession of Hazel Goddard during a Holy Mass by Fr Ivanhoe Allies at Good Shepherd Parish, Bothasig. A Final Profession is when a Sister makes vows for life, consecrating herself to God with the vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience. Members of the Little Company focus on faithfully living their family and parish responsibilities. They commit themselves to daily prayer and adoration, praying for the needs of the church and the world. Anyone interested in joining the Little Company of Anawim or who wants to find out more about the Little Company can phone Sr Cecilia Bailey on 081 270 8424 or send an email to [email protected].

ABOVE L-R: The Presentation of Hazel Goddard for Final Profession, with Sr Cecilia Bailey; receiving the ring of commitment from Fr Ivanhoe Allies, parish priest of Bothasig; making it official – signing her vows of consecration; Hazel with some of her family who were present at the Final Profession. LEFT: Hazel Goddard with the Sisters of the Little Company of Anawim. INSET: Unity Cross of the LCA Sisters of the Little Company of Anawim

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS January-March 2021 5 Video and Podcast Series The Mini Budget & SA’s Huge Fiscal Headache Please click on the images below to listen to these and other podcasts. Economic Digest 18 of 4 Nov 2020 When Finance Minister Tito Marianne Merten, the medium term The National Treasury argued that Mboweni delivered his Medium- budget was a political balance sheet. the funds allocated to the SAA will Term Budget Policy Statement “Trade-offs juggle the SAA bail- help to meet its financial obligations (MTBPS) last week, he did not have out billions, a public wage chill and and assist in finding private inves- a lot of room to manoeuvre. He had legislative changes to allow workers tors. to cut the budgets of a few ministries early access to retirement savings. Is it worth saving SAA? The future Please click on the image below to listen to watch this and other videos. and push ahead with a public sector Political trade-offs dominated – oth- is uncertain wage freeze. While these measures erwise, it was much ado about noth- Some in the airline industry believe were expected, a further bailout of ing”. https://tinyurl.com/y4h3hcpq that it is not worthwhile saving SAA took some observers by sur- A big chunk of the R10.5bn to SAA. Others argue that rescuing prise. The articles below explain save SAA will come from police, the beleaguered national airline may what the MTBPS entails, what the university budgets contribute to supporting an aviation fuss is about SAA, and what the “In the medium-term budget, industry that has been battered by political trade-offs are. announced on Wednesday, Mboweni the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what’s in Tito Mboweni’s finally confirmed that SAA will get Mboweni doubles down on wage medium-term budget the R10.5 billion as outlined in its freezes for public servants “The National Treasury has put business rescue programme”. https:// “In the Medium-Term Budget the brakes on the onerous debt con- tinyurl.com/y3trheug Ministers Policy Statement (MTBPS) Mboweni solidation plans it outlined in June, Tito Mboweni and Pravin Gordhan set the cat among the pigeons when reducing its planned expenditure cuts defend SAA bailout he proposed a wage freeze for public by R83bn to R307bn over the next According to the Finance Minister, servants over the next three years three years with public servants set to “the R10.5-billion allocated to SAA to support his ambition of cutting bear the brunt of the fiscal squeeze”. [...] is not a bailout because the funds government expenditure and debt, CPLO videos can also be viewed on the CPLO YouTube channel. https://tinyurl.com/yxmvxxjw will bankroll the airline’s business which is crucial to avoid a full- When political spin and numbers rescue process.” https://tinyurl.com/ blown debt crisis”. https://tinyurl. Responses and Digests on Covid-19 don’t add up: mini budget leaves y5qtvmup com/y6tq9y3u Below are links to various Briefing Papers, Responses and Digests published most cold SAA bailout will pave the way for Kenny Pasensie on the CPLO website since the previous edition of the Archdiocesan News. According to the Daily Maverick’s private investors Project Co-ordinator Follow up on the topics that interest you the most by clicking on the rel- evant topic/s (in blue) below. Briefing Papers St Kizito Children’s Programme • The State of SA’s Political Opposition • The Signs of the Times: Gender-based Violence, Corruption, Poverty and It is hard to believe that we are already Inequality circulating our third newsletter for the • Hunger and Malnutrition in a Food Secure Nation year. How quickly time has gone! We • Many Moving Parts: A First Look at the NHI launched our 20/2000 Campaign in • The Cost of Staying at Home-The psycho-social consequences of the our last newsletter. This was incred- lockdown for families ibly successful. Responses: Reflecting on what has happened • A Cautious Opening of Borders at St Kizito since our last newsletter • COVID-19 and People on the Move. highlights the dedication and enthu- Economic Digests: siasm of our members and donors. • The Mini Budget & SA’s Huge Fiscal Headache The season of spring is a reminder of • The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan how beautiful change can truly be. St Family Digests: Kizito, as a Movement, has certainly • Homelessness during COVID-19 adopted the enthusiasm of spring and St Kizito 20/2000 Campaign Refugees Digests: shown just how resilient and adaptable • Refugees, Migrants and Displaced Persons we can be. In our last newsletter we highlighted are via EFT or cash. You can make A member was recently asked to the fact that our members have been monthly payments or an annual assist a young teenage girl who had saying that the need to assist more payment. Our banking and contact been raped. A wonderful relationship families is growing by the day. This details are at the end of this newslet- Thandi’s Story has grown between the member and resulted in the launch of our 20/2000 ter. A contributor remarked “It is a I am Thandi. I am 16. I am a mother. I am a survivor. I am a Christian. And teenage girl. The girl is an aspiring campaign. no-brainer. For R20.00 a month I this is my story. The ultimate aim is to have 2 000 can help a worthy cause”. journalist and wanted to share her I was raped by three gang members. My payment for attending a “privi- people donate R20.00 per month, Thank you to all our wonderful story. We agreed to include the story leged” high school outside of my community. The result? A baby girl and a which will enable us to continue help- donors who have risen to the chal- in our newsletter. Her story will give baby boy. Twins. ing those living in desperate situa- lenge. Your commitment helps us you some insight as to some of the At first I was ashamed to tell anyone what had happened and instead lived tions. Although we have a long way to assist the many children in our ordeals some of the children in our in fear of people finding out. My mother is a drug addict, my father is in to go before reaching our target of 2 Movement. Movement face on a daily basis. Her prison and I am raised by my grandmother. 000 people, we are delighted with the One less on-the-go coffee On my way home from school I was raped because I dared to accept the positivity and cheerful manner serves response received. is someone’s need! generosity of a kind lady who saw my thirst for education, and paid for me as a reminder of the power of a rela- The campaign is steadily growing to attend an academic school outside of my community. When I realised tionship with God. with the majority of donors pledging that I was pregnant I approached our counsellor at school. She taught me The best time for new beginnings more than R20.00 per month. Please to love myself and that I was not responsible for the rape. is now. We wish you all a wonderful continue to promote and encourage Many people wanted me to abort the babies but why? They are not journey as we approach the last quar- family, friends and your community at responsible for the deed, they are just a by-product. My babies give mean- ter of the year. large to be part of the campaign. ing to my life. I love them. God bless you and your loved ones. A reminder that payment options I will return to school next year, with the generosity of my sponsor, and become a journalist. My grandmother is my guiding light, my strength in life. She is my hero. We struggle and most times only eat once a day but I will survive because I am Thandi and I have a right to live my dream. (Story submitted by Thandi - pseudonym)

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS January-March 2021 6 THEOLOGY Theology Classes resume again on 3 February 2021 and consists of six mod- ules, covering such topics as Ecclesiology CPD ONLINE To help us grow in our faith during this time of Covid-19, the Centre (presented by Fr Zane Godwin), Moral Theology (Fr Hugh O’Connor), Dogma for Pastoral Development offer a variety of online programmes and – Sacramentology (Fr Robert Bissell), materials to parishes and families. Please read further. Scripture – Pauline Theology (Bishop Sylvester David OMI), Liturgy – the Sacraments (Fr Thomas Plastow SJ), and Church History – Middle Ages to Family Life Ministry Present (Fr Wim Lindeque). Please consult the Theology Class One of the functions within the Centre lar marriage preparation programs are Schedule on our website for registration for Pastoral Development is to support available on the ADCT website. https:// and further details: https://adct.org. the parish ministry to family life. We are adct.org.za/marriage-training-courses/ za/ministries-2/ or click on the assisted by many volunteer couples who In these strange times we are increasing- image on the left. run marriage preparation and enrichment ly focussing on the online platform and so programs, as well as those who minister to we have the Engage marriage preparation the divorced, those in hurting marriages, course now available from Smart Loving the bereaved and single parent families. https://members.smartloving.org/prod- EĞǁ^ŵĂƌƚ>ŽǀŝŶŐŽŶůŝŶĞĐŽƵƌƐĞƐ CATECHESIS We will be running various workshops uct/cape-town-registration at AU$ 5, DĂƌƌŝĂŐĞWƌĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶĂŶĚŶƌŝĐŚŵĞŶƚ The General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) very clearly and beautifully during 2021 to highlight these various which is about R55. This is a wonderful who cannot attend a parish based program. areas. Our schedule of dates for the regu- resource for busy couples as well asĂƚĞƐĂŶĚĚĞƚĂŝůƐĨŽƌ&ĂŵŝůLJ>ŝĨĞ those explains that: Each session takes about 1½ hrs to com- plete. It consists of a series of short videos ŚƚƚƉƐ͗ͬͬŵĞŵďĞƌƐ͘ƐŵĂƌƚůŽǀŝŶŐ͘ŽƌŐͬƉƌŽĚƵĐƚͬĂĨƌŝĐĂͬ • The childhood religious awakening which takes place in the family is followed by exercisesDŝŶŝƐƚƌLJ and questionnaires irreplaceable. completed by the couple both as indi- • It is most powerful when parents take the time to explain to their children ǀĞŶƚƐĂŶĚWƌŽŐƌĂŵƐϮϬϮϭviduals and together. Various relationship the religious significance or meaning of certain events, including holydays ‘tools’ are also taught to the couple. Once and family moments and of social, political or moral questions. the couple have completed each session • The Christian community must therefore help parents, by whatever they are given a summary of their course means work best, to prepare for and assume their responsibility which is ŚƚƚƉƐ͗ͬͬĂĚĐƚ͘ŽƌŐ͘njĂͬŵĂƌƌŝĂŐĞwork. At the end of the nine sessionsͲƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ the ͲĐŽƵƌƐĞƐͬ especially delicate today – of educating their children in the faith. composite summary is sent to the priest along with their certificate of completion. (GDC: 226 – 227) It is a very comprehensive course com- These words have never been more appropriate than during the period of bining the important relationship building Lockdown in this time of Pandemic, where formal catechesis in the parish has tools for a successful marriage together been closed for many months, leaving the invitation and the opportunity open with an appreciation of the richness of for catechesis in the home, among parents, children and the family as a whole. the Sacrament, and reflective insights on At this time, Fr Eoin Farrelly SDB, realizing the need to “help parents to the Theology of the Body. The couple assume their responsibility for educating their children in the faith”, developed will require access to the internet and the a series of materials for use in the home. course is better done on a Computer or tablet than on a mobile phone. These materials consist of short and simple sessions to help parents and https://members.smartloving.org/ families catechize their children: product/cape-town-registration This can be done in addition to, or instead of, the Engaged Encounter week- end. In addition to the marriage preparation program Engage, there is an excellent marriage enrichment course called The Marriage Kit. This course is similar to the Engage course in the material but is designed for married couples. Personally, I can recommend this for all couples even those who have been married for 40 years, as is the case for my husband and I. We have derived great benefit from the course and it has given our marriage a ‘lift’. There is also a really effective course called Breakthrough which is for hurt- ing marriages that have reached breaking point. Many couples have reported that The materials include sessions to help parents in the catechetical preparation this course helped them to start the pro- of their children for: cess of rebuilding their marriages when • Baptism there seemed to be little hope. • First Reconciliation Please feel free to contact me any time at • First Holy Communion [email protected] • Confirmation Regards and blessings REGISTRATION LINK: https://forms.gle/aaoYREGMKrT6Z4i6A Joan Armstrong &ĂŵŝůLJWƌĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶĨŽƌƚŚĞ ĂƉƚŝƐŵŽĨƚŚĞŝƌŚŝůĚ ZĞĨůĞĐƚŝŽŶϭ^ĞƚƚŝŶŐƚŚĞ^ĐĞŶĞĂƚŚŽŵĞ /ŶǀŝƚĞĂůůŵĞŵďĞƌƐŽĨƚŚĞĨĂŵŝůLJƚŽƉĂƌƚŝĐŝƉĂƚĞ 

WĂƌĞŶƚƐ͗tĞůĐŽŵĞĂůůĂŶĚĞdžƉůĂŝŶƚŚĂƚŽǀĞƌƚŚĞŶĞdžƚĨĞǁǁĞĞŬƐƚŚLJǁŝůůďĞ For all other queries please call  ƉƌĞƉĂƌŝŶŐĂƚŚŽŵĞĨŽƌƚŚĞĂƉƚŝƐŵof… name of the baby.   CPD at 021 462 2417. ϯ͘What do you ask of God’s Church for your Child? Let’s begin: We will be asked:  ϭtŚĂƚEĂŵĞŚĂǀĞLJŽƵŐŝǀĞŶLJŽƵƌĐŚŝůĚ͍ . dŚĞĂŶƐǁĞƌLJŽƵǁŝůůŐŝǀĞŝƐŝŶŽŶĞǁŽƌĚ͗Wd/^D͘ CPD Training Courses  . ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌƚŚĞƌĞŝƐĂĨƵƌƚŚĞƌƋƵĞƐƚŝŽŶ͘/ƚůŝƐƚƐǁŚĂƚLJŽƵĂƌĞ  ZĞĐĂůůƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌƚŚĞŶĂŵĞǁĞŚĂǀĞŐŝǀĞŶŽƵƌĐŚŝůĚĂŶĚt,z ƵŶĚĞƌƚĂŬŝŶŐƚŽĚŽĨŽƌLJŽƵƌďĂƉƚŝƐĞĚĐŚŝůĚ͘ Times have purposely been left out of most entries due to ongoing changes in Covid-19 protocols. Please   ^ĞƚƵƐƐŚĂƌĞǁŝƚŚŶĞĂŶŽƚŚĞƌŚŽǁƉƌĞĐŝŽƵƐĂŶĚŵĞĂŶŝŶŐĨƵůĞĂĐŚŽĨ  ŽƵƌŶĂŵĞƐŝƐ͘ consult the Google calendar on the Archdiocese of Cape Town website https://adct.org.za/calender/2020- dŽŐĞƚŚĞƌǁŝƚŚLJŽƵƌĨĂŵŝůLJ We have called you by your name ŵĞŵďĞƌƐƐŚĂƌĞŽŶǁŚĂƚLJŽƵ calendar/ closer to the time of the event to check for changes in times and details. you are ours  ƚŚŝŶŬƚŚĞƐĞƵŶĚĞƌƚĂŬŝŶŐƐĂƌĞ͘  WĂƵƐĞĂŶĚƚŚŝŶŬĂďŽƵƚLJŽƵƌƐĞůǀĞƐĂŶĚLJŽƵƌĐŚŝůĚ͘ Sat 16 January Catechetical Trainers’ Meeting St John’s Maitland   zŽƵŵŝŐŚƚůŝŬĞƚŽƐŚĂƌĞǁŝƚŚŽŶĞĂŶŽƚŚĞƌǁŚĂƚƚŚŝƐŵĞĂŶƐĨŽƌLJŽƵ  dŽŐĞƚŚĞƌǁŝƚŚLJŽƵƌĨĂŵŝůLJ ĂŶĚLJŽƵƌĐŚŝůĚ͘  ŵĞŵďĞƌƐƐŚĂƌĞŽŶŚŽǁLJŽƵ Sat 23 January Foundation for Ministry St John’s Maitland ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌĐĂŶĨƵůĨŝůůƚŚĞƐĞ Ϯ͘tŚĂƚĚŽǁĞĂƐŬĨŽƌŽƵƌĐŚŝůĚ͍  ƵŶĚĞƌƚĂŬŝŶŐƐ͘ Sun 31 January Commissioning Sunday for Catechetics In parishes  >ĞƚƵƐ“imagine” the future for ŽƵƌĐŚŝůĚĂŶĚĨŽƌŽƵƌƐĞůǀĞƐ–  DŽŵĞŶƚŽĨ&ĂŵŝůLJWƌĂLJĞƌ͗ tŚĂƚǁŽƵůĚ/ͬǁĞǁŽƵůĚůŝĞƚŽbe…What are our hopes for….  Wed 3 February 19.00 Theology Lecture by Fr Zane Godwin St John’s Maitland  /ŶĂŶĐŝĞŶƚƚŝŵĞƐ͕ƚŚĞŚƵƐďĂŶĚƐŝŶ/ƐƌĂĞů͕ĐĂƌǀĞĚƚŚĞŶĂŵĞŽĨƚŚĞŝƌ KŶƚŚĞĚĂLJǁŚĞŶǁĞďƌŝŶŐŽƵƌĐŚŝůĚƚŽĐŚƵƌĐŚƚŽďĞďĂƉƚŝƐĞĚǁĞǁŝůůďĞ ǁŝǀĞƐŽŶƚŚĞƉĂůŵƐŽĨƚŚĞŝƌŚĂŶĚƐ–ĂƐŝŐŶŽĨůŽǀĞĂŶĚĨĂŝƚŚĨƵůŶĞƐƐ͘'ŽĚ Sat 6 February 10.00 Xhosa Ministries opening retreat Khayelitsha ĂƐŬĞĚ͗tŚĂƚŶĂŵĞŚĂǀĞLJŽƵŐŝǀĞŶLJŽƵƌĐŚŝůĚ͍ ƌĞŵŝŶĚƐŚŝƐƉĞŽƉůĞŽĨƚŚŝƐ͘    'ĂƚŚĞƌƌŽƵŶĚLJŽƵƌĐŚŝůĚƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌĂƐĂĨĂŵŝůLJ͖ Wed 10 February 19.00 Theology Lecture by Fr Zane Godwin St John’s Maitland WĂƚƌŽŶ^ĂŝŶƚ͗DĂLJďĞǁĞŵŝŐŚƚůŝŬĞƚŽĂĚĚƚŚĞŶĂŵĞŽĨĂƐĂŝŶƚĂĨƚĞƌŽƵƌ  ZĞĐŝƚĞƚŚĞĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐǀĞƌƐĞƐĨƌŽŵƚŚĞŝďůĞ͗ child’s name. Talk about this with your family. “/ŚĂǀĞĐĂůůĞĚLJŽƵďLJLJŽƵƌŶĂŵĞ͖LJŽƵĂƌĞŵŝŶĞ.”;/ƐĂŝĂŚϰϯ͗ϭͿ Sat 13 February Proclaimers of the Word Co-ordinators Meeting “I have carved your name on the palm of my handͰ.” (Isaiah 49:1)  tŚLJŝƐŝƚŐŽŽĚƚŽŶĂŵĞĂWĂƚƌŽŶ^ĂŝŶƚ͍ Sat 13 February 10.00 Xhosa Ministries opening retreat Wallacedene  tŚŝĐŚ^ĂŝŶƚǁŽƵůĚǁĞŶĂŵĞĂƐyour Child’s patron before >>ƐŚĂƌĞƉƌĂLJĞƌƚŚĂŶŬŝŶŐ'ŽĚĨŽƌƚŚĞďĂďLJĂŶĚĂƐŬŝŶŐďůĞƐƐŝŶŐƐŽŶ 'ŽĚ͍ ƚŚĞďĂďLJĂŶĚŽŶĞĂĐŚŵĞŵďĞƌŽĨƚŚĞĨĂŵŝůLJ͘ Sat 13 February Catechetical Formation Programme 1 TBC Thu 18 February RCIA Rite of Election Lansdowne There are also materials to help families prepare for and celebrate Advent Fri 19 February RCIA Rite of Election Cathedral meaningfully in their homes: Sat 20+21 February Youth Chaplaincy Team launch In parishes Sat 20 February Life Teen Leadership training Parow Wed 24 February 19.00 Theology Lecture by Fr Zane Godwin St John’s Maitland Sat 27 February Training for new youth leaders Chancery Sat 27 February EMHC Co-ordinators Meeting Sat 27 February RCIA Training Session 1 TBC Wed 3 March 19.00 Theology Lecture by Fr Zane Godwin St John’s Maitland Sat 6 March 14.00 Proclaimers of the Word Gugulethu Sat 6 March Ecclesia Launch Maitland Sun 7 March Xhosa Youth Project St Kizito’s TBC Sun 7 March RCIA First Scrutiny in parishes Wed 10 March 19.00 Theology Lecture Fr Zane Godwin St John’s Maitland Sat 13 March Servers Co-ordinators Meeting Sat 13 March Catechetical Co-ordinators’ Meeting St John’s Maitland Sat 13 March 14.00 Proclaimers of the Word Gugulethu Sun 14 March RCIA Second Scrutiny In parishes Wed 17 March 19.00 Theology Lecture by Fr Hugh O’Connor

 Sat 20 March Youth Forum Maitland TBC All these materials can be found on the Archdiocesan website: Sat 20 March Catechetical Formation Programme 2 TBC https://adct.org.za/catechetics-3/ Sun 21 March RCIA Third Scrutiny In parishes Let us hope that during this time of Lockdown we will learn that catechesis 24 March 19.00 Theology Lecture by Fr Hugh O’Connor Sat 27 March Funeral Minister Co-ordinators Meeting is made “even more powerful when parents connect to the methodical catechesis Sat 27 March RCIA Training Session 2 TBC their children will (one day, again) receive in the parish program.” (GDC: 226) ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS January-March 2021 7 COVID Schooling The Catholic Schools Office is nes- Augustine’s, if I could chat to two of tled between Corpus Christi Catholic her learners. She kindly agreed and Church, St Augustine’s Primary, two delightful young ladies appeared Dominican School for Deaf Children at the door of St Dominic’s House and Immaculata. We often jest that (Our Catholic Schools’ Office) a few our little precinct is the Vatican City days later. Both learners are in Grade of Catholic Education. The office’s 6 and are poised, confident and artic- close proximity to these schools ulate. Rebecca-Leigh Torien lives in gives us the perfect vantage point to Mitchell’s Plain and attends St John observe COVID schooling. The sup- Bosco Parish. The other young lady, port staff are on duty before six. Madrine Chizipi, lives in Wynberg The teachers arrive shortly there- and is a parishioner at Corpus Christi. after and the laborious process of Both girls are very happy to be back screening each child begins. During at school. They said they missed recess staff keep a vigilant eye on their teachers and friends and did the learners ensuring that they not realise how lonely remote learn- maintain physical distancing and ing would be. In order to comply remain in their square or circle. This with the 50% attendance cap that is hard for the children, especially schools are forced to comply with, the younger ones. It is hard for the the learners have been placed in older ones, too. I watch the Matrics groups and attend on alternate days. at Immaculata lining up to take their The class sizes have decreased con- places in their exam venue. A couple siderably which teachers are pleased of hours later they exit the school with. Many teachers have stated that and as soon as they are beyond the classroom management is a ‘breeze’ confines of the school, they clus- and that they are teaching optimally ter together to discuss the paper. under these conditions. The girls Some with exuberance, others with reported that their class is very quiet lamentation. Upon visiting many of and well behaved. ‘Even the naughty our schools, it is obvious that rigor- boys are good’ remarked Rebecca. ous COVID compliance is enforced at They chatted to me about their schools but beyond the gates of the experience of remote learning. Religious Education Course Graduation Ms Glynis Rippenaar, the Principal of St Ida’s School who retires school there is little adherence. Initially they found it great fun. They they are both diligent students but for his report results again. It took I have been interested to know slept late, spent the day in their pyja- after 44 years of service to the they confessed to battling to keep to me weeks to figure out Grade Five school. This is a much beloved how our children are experiencing mas and made snacks whenever they a routine and remain focused. Most Maths. School was definitely easier school in Ida’s Valley, with a the ‘new normal’ and asked Rene felt like it – but the novelty soon of our Catholic public schools posted in my day.’ vibrant Dominican charism. Carter, the Deputy Principal of St wore off. I got the impression that lessons and tasks on WhatsApp Madrine and Rebecca also spoke to physical abuse, sexual abuse and which presented challenges for me about their parish and prayer life. neglect is on the increase. We hope poorer families. Many schools went They said they missed their parish, and pray that our children will be the extra mile to provide learners catechism classes and youth group. safe over the long Christmas holiday. with data bundles so that they could They had received resources from For many families it is going to be have access to learning materials. In their faith level teachers. Their fami- a bleak Christmas. This has been a other instances learning packages lies spent time praying together and stressful year for all. I feel particular- were made available for collection watching the live-streamed masses ly sorry for our Grade 7s and Matrics at the school. It is evident that the but it did not feel the same. They who have missed out on all the fan- girls missed social interaction. Many were particularly concerned about fare that normally accompanies their parents that I have spoken to say their older family members and final year in the Primary and High they have a renewed appreciation prayed that God would keep them School. I am also very concerned for the teaching profession. They safe. about the several Matric Paper leaks spoke with gratitude of the care that Teachers in our most vulnerable and the additional stress that the the teachers showed during lock- communities have expressed con- ‘re-writes’ is going to place on our down and commented that home- cern about the safety and well-being Grade 12s. We need to hold the Class schooling their children set them on of their learners. Many schools con- of 2020 in prayer. a steep learning curve. One Mom tinue to run their feeding schemes, What I learned from my chat with told me, “I will never berate my child which helps, but the incidents of Rebecca and Madrine is that young people are resilient and optimistic. They have adapted to the masks and the sanitisers and are confident that a vaccine will be found and that all will be well again. I also learned that, for our children, school is less about the transmission of knowledge and more about the sense of connected- ness and belonging. Even under the shadow of COVID, schools can be joyful places. Schools are weathering a rough COVID storm. Our Independent and Public schools alike have seen a steep decline in fee collection. Retrenchments have taken place and many staff have had to cope with salary cuts. Increases and bonuses are a thing of the past. Deputy Principal Mrs Rene Carter, Rebecca-Leigh and Madrine Fundraising has ground to a halt. Many of our schools are facing an St Vincent’s, Koelenhof honours past principals at the opening of the uncertain future and whilst a pasto- Admin Block ral approach is always encouraged, principals and bursars have had to make tough calls in the interest of the survival of the organisation. Over the past few weeks I have attended many Board Budget meetings and it has been sobering. On a lighter – but expensive note – are the number of maternity post substitutes that are required in the first quarter of 2021. The stork is going to be very busy delivering ‘COVID’ babies! Until the next edition of the AD News in 2021, may we all be remain optimistic and safe. Wishing all our readers the peace and joy of Christmas that our souls yearn for. Evona Rebelo Madrine Chizipi and Rebecca-Leigh Torien Catholic Schools’ Co-ordinator

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS January-March 2021 8 From the

Take Heed, Watch and Pray: This was the message of Fr Emmanuel Okika on the First Sunday BOOK of Advent at St Catherine of Siena Parish, Kleinvlei. The liturgical symbols of the Advent Wreath and the Jesse Tree help us in our preparation and anticipation for Christmas. A Jesse Tree is a decorative tree used during Advent to retell the stories of the Bible that lead to Jesus’s birth. Since Advent is a season of wait- ing, a Jesse Tree will help to build joy as we wait for Christmas. The mystery of the incarna- of humility. The proud Herod Annually the Little Company of Anawim prepares the Widow’s Mass in our parish during the month of tion cannot be understood did not see Jesus. The proud November. During Holy Mass, a special blessing was given to all widows present. Each widow received a by attending a single Mass religious people who quoted miniature luminous statue of Our Lady. at Christmas. The Church fol- chapter and verse from the lowing the Jewish tradition of Prophet Micah when Herod celebrating major feasts for an asked them where the Christ St Clare’s opens new Hall Project octave takes us through the was to be born (Mt 2:3-6) did On Sunday 22 November, the Feast mysteries of the Incarnation absolutely nothing about it. of Christ the King, parish priest and the Resurrection over the They were totally indifferent. of St Clare’s, Elsie’s River Fr Job period of eight days. Why eight The Baptism of Jesus: Here Kaleekaparampil MSFS opened and days? Eight days is a day longer we have to try and see why blessed the new wing to the parish than calendar time. It is an Jesus who was sinless had to hall – a dead space that has now been given new life as additional class- indication of God’s time. Every go for John’s baptism which rooms for our catechetics. The new day of the Octave is Christmas was a baptism of repentance. area can also be used for meetings as day. In fact for the octaves we Many spiritual writers have well as smaller parish functions. say the same morning prayer given beautiful answers and all As a gesture of goodwill and grati- (that of Sunday week one) for of them are true but they still The new wing to the parish hall tude, all parishioners and especially eight days. This indicates that do not answer the question the ministries team were invited to eternity has already begun. It of why Jesus was baptized. St refreshments to celebrate this achieve- ment. Fr Job thanked the generos- is God’s eternal Sunday. Maximus of Turin noted that ity of the fundraising committee and But even beyond the Jesus went into the Jordan the ministries team, who unself- Octave, to deepen our under- to make the waters of bap- ishly worked hard every Friday raising standing of the mystery the tism holy. As beautiful as this funds during the lockdown by means Church gives a trilogy of thought is, it does not answer of “drive thru” fundraisers. As this feasts for Christmas viz. the our question. The answer in was our bazaar project, the eight- week drive saw massive support from Nativity (combined with the fact lies in the queue wait- the community and a well deserved feast of the Holy Family), the ing for baptism. They were financial target was raised. Epiphany and the Christmas people who were turned away A special thanks goes to Fr Job, season closes with the feast from the official religion of our Finance Council and Mr Oscar Fr Job blesses the new wing of the Baptism of the Lord. the Jews. For example, shep- Cornelius for managing the project One needs an overview of the herds were not allowed in the effectively.We have truly been blessed span of many days and feasts Temple because they were even in this time of Covid 19, that when the chips were down there was to understand the mystery of considered to be unclean as still light at the end of the tunnel. On the Incarnation. Let’s see what they handled animals. Imagine behalf of the PPC a huge thank you theme or common thread runs that – they produced lambs to all who made this project possible through these feasts. for the Temple sacrifice but for our enjoyment and for the build- The Nativity: Jesus was born could not worship themselves. ing up of our children and parish life. as a refugee in a borrowed Those born blind (as in John 9) May we, through the intercession of St Clare, grow and enjoy new bless- stable. There was no room for were considered to be sinners ings in Faith, Love and a new Hope. him in the houses of other and were not allowed into the Amen. people. sacred space of the Temple. Wayne Carolissen The Epiphany: The wise men When Jesus joined this queue, Fr Job enjoys refreshments with some of the Elsie’s River parishioners Parish Council Chairman who came form the east had he said once and for all that no GPS and had to humble he was on the side of the CONFIRMATIONS The St Clare’s themselves by asking for direc- marginalised. This is decidedly Confirmation tions. In order for them to an act of humility and only the class of 2020 was get off the camels the camels humble can see Jesus. Confirmed by Archbishop Stephen had to kneel – a symbol of Brislin. Seated humility and in order to enter with him are par- the stable doorway the men Bishop Sylvester David OMI ish priest Fr Job had to stoop – another symbol Archdiocese of Cape Town Kaleekaparampil MSFS and Joseph Arulandu, as well as Confirmation teacher and Catechist co- ordinator Anthony Kashorte. A trying year for this class during a pandemic year but nothing stopped them from continuing their classes through the inspiration of Mr Kashorte who held online lessons week after week to thor- oughly prepare them for this great sacra- ment. We thank him and congratu- late these young men and women and wish them all the best on their Christian journey – Wayne Carolissen ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS January-March 2021 9 Theology Today Mgr Andrew Borello

One of the essential truths we are not. Equally, in our vul- about God is the fact that He is nerability before Him, we need always present to us, even if we to know that we cannot hide do not always experience that from Him and we do not need presence. There is a wonderful to hide. image of this presence – His eyes I will say, ‘Let the darkness are always upon us – He knows cover me, and the night wrap every detail of us and our lives. itself around me,’ even darkness In fact He knows us far better to you is not dark, and night is FAMILY LIFE and SPIRITUALITY than we know ourselves for He as clear as the day. Ps 139: 11-12 is able to penetrate the hidden Why would we want to hide These are the two themes which emerged from Kolping South Africa’s two day depths of who we are and knows from God? Probably because we Membership Strategic Actioning meet- why we do what we do. are ashamed that we are not ing which took place on 25 and 26 Yahweh, you examine me and who we should be – not good November at the CWD building, 146 know me, you know when I sit, enough and not worthy. So we Lawrence Rd, Athlone. An important when I rise, you understand my cling to our sinfulness and try to two days this was as the members, board thoughts from afar. You watch hide ourselves from Him in the and staff workshopped together with the help of the facilitator, Imelda Diouf, when I walk or lie down, you darkness. In a way our sins are from Sekwele Centre for Family Studies, know every detail of my con- a convenient excuse why not to working through the issues that face us duct. Ps 139:1-3 become present to Him. Jesus as society today. Blessed Adolph Kolping Because we cannot always comes to seek out sinners so said: “The signs of the times will teach ‘feel’ His presence, we tend to that might bring them to know you what to do.” Today we experience the breakdown of Family Life and we realise doubt the truth that He is always God’s mercy, love and forgive- that in order for people to become happy present to us. Faith believes in ness – to bring us into his pres- and healthy adults, they need to experi- His presence beyond the expe- ence and into encountering God. ence happy and healthy Family Life. rience of presence and it is The great theologian Karl The different types of family life, e.g. precisely this that faith is all Rahner defines spirituality as single parents, child-headed households, divorced parents, widowed parents, etc, about. Even in the experience of reaching out of, and beyond our- are our reality today. Kolping will focus the absence of God faith knows selves, to form a love relation- for the next two years on helping families that He is present and responds ship with God and love relation- to grow and become resilient. accordingly.A ‘pure’ faith does ships with others. Relationship Our Spirituality is linked to everything not rely on or demand the expe- requires presence and encoun- we do. Spirituality is how we live out rience of presence. ter. With God, this means being our faith. We live it out in our personal lives, with our families, our friends, our Since God is always present present to Him in faith and, in colleagues and with our neighbours in to us, we need to learn to be turn, being present to those society. During the next two years Kolping present to God. Unfortunately, we encounter in our lives. How South Africa will focus onDEAFBLIND deepening FR CYRIL AXELROD CELEBRATES HIS this is easier to say than to actu- many of us are present to the and strengthening the Spirituality of it’s GOLDEN JUBILEE OF PRIESTHOOD ally achieve.We are often so other person? Being present members as Christians and as Kolping members. BY PUBLISHING A BOOK OF HIS PAINTINGS absorbed with ourselves and our means that in that moment the issues, preoccupied, distracted, other person is all that matters Fr Larry Kaufmann CSsR anxious and fearful that we to us and giving them our undi- FatherLooking Cyril Axelrod CSsR for was due the to travel toPerfect South Africa to celebrate Gift? his Golden Jubilee of Ordination are simply not present. To be vided attention and involvement this month, with public Masses in Cape Town and Johannesburg (where he was ordained). As for so many present to God requires going – being totally available to them. of us, Covid-19 put an end to the best-laid plans. beyond ourselves and all that If we learn to be present to Being both Deaf and Blind, Cyril knows a thing or two about the “lockdown” of his disability. keeps from Him. We need to God, we will come to be present DeafblindCovid-lockdown Fr Cyril has A doubledxelrod Cyril’s sense of isolation. Yet not one to revel in self-pity, he has become ‘naked’ before God, no to others and be able to give continued to paint and write. Yes, a blind man longer pretending to Him (and ourselves to them completely in celebratespainting! his Golden Jubilee ourselves) to be someone whom loving service. Convinced of the miraculous gift of his artistic skills, I have spent the past six months of Priesthoodcollating Cyril’sby publishingdrawings and paintings and allocating them to different individuals to write reflections. The book is now published. In this a book ofway his Cyril paintingshas indeed come to South Africa to celebrate his Golden Jubilee! His humanity, Fr Larry humour,Kaufmann spirituality, CSsR pastoral wisdom and 50 years of dedicated priesthood are truly present in this book. Listen to comments from some who KOLPING ather Cyril Axelrod CSsR was due to travel to South Africa to already have a copy: Fcelebrate his Golden Jubilee of Ordination last month, with public Masses in Cape Town “Itand is Johannesburg so profound, (whereso inspiring, he was that ordained). I have decided to dedicate three days at a time to each Guest House & As for so many of us, Covid-19painting putand anthe end written to the reflection best-laid plans.on it.” Being both Deaf and Blind,“I had Cyril a knee knows op that a thing when or wrongtwo about and thehave been Conference Facility “lockdown” of his disability.in agony, Covid-lockdown and the minute has I sawdoubled his painting Cyril’s ‘Pain’ sense of isolation. YetI notblurted one out,to revel ‘That’s in self-pity, exactly howhe has I feel’.” continued to paint and write. Yes,“Father a blind Cyril’s man painting!‘Desert Scene’ sums up my whole life as I reach the end of my journey and head Situated in a tranquil garden setting in the centre of Durbanville, Convinced of the miraculoustowards gift the of final his artisticoasis.” skills, I have spent the with pool and braai facilities, we offer both tastefully deco- past six months collating“18-year-old Cyril’s drawings Christopher’s and paintings meditation and onallocating the them to different individualsflamingo to flyingwrite reflections.through a darkThe booksky is isincredible. now rated Bed and Breakfast rooms and Self-Catering units, as May Cyril continue to inspire young people like published. In this waythat!” Cyril has indeed come to South Africa to celebrate his Golden Jubilee! His humanity, humour, spirituality, pastoral wisdom and 50 years of dedicated priesthood are truly well as a full English breakfast and dinner by arrangement. Finally, when Cyril himself received a hard copy of the book of his paintings – which of course he present in this book. Listen to comments from some who already have a copy: cannot see – this is what he emailed: Conference facilities, wheelchair facilities, within walking “It is so profound, so inspiring,Wow! The that book I have arrived decided today to at dedicate my home three in London.days at a Hester time to my each gui paintingde, through and signthe writtenlanguage, reflection reads the on it.” comment on each painting. We are now halfway through. It is a slow process smile. “I had a knee op that when wrong and have been in agony, and the minute I saw his painting ‘Pain’ I blurted out, ‘That’s exactly how I feel’.” distance of shops, restaurants, banks and close proximity to I am overwhelmed, the contributors to the book have somehow seen into my soul. “Father Cyril’s ‘Desert Scene’ sums up my whole life as I reach the end of my journey and head towards the final oasis.” Catholic Church, tennis courts, golf course and wine route. I owe my gratitude to you, Larry, for editing and publishing the book. I hope it will encourage readers to open “18-year-old Christopher’sthe eyes meditation of their heartson the and flamingo minds flyingand to throughacquaint a themselves dark sky is with incredible. those like May me Cyril who cannotcontinue hear to and inspire see. young We would like to be your people like that!” The book, given its high quality to reproduce Cyril’s paintings, goes for R300. It would make a wonderful Finally, when Cyril himselfChristmas received gift. a hardIt is copyavailable of the in book of his paintings – which of course he cannot see – this is what he emailed: home away from home Wow! The book arrived today• Cape at my Town home from in London. Carmen, Hester cell and my WhatsApp guide, through 082 949 sign 004, language, reads the comment on each painting. We are • nowEastern halfway Cape through. from Bonnie,It is a slow cell process and WhatsApp smile. 083 357 2610 • From Janet at RPP, cell 083 228 0297 or email [email protected] CONTACT I am overwhelmed, the contributors• Or simply to orderthe book online have at somehowwww.rpp.org.za seen into my soul. I owe my gratitude to you, Larry, for editing and publishing the book. I hope it will encourage readers to open the Sandy De Villiers eyes of their hearts and minds and to acquaint themselves with those like me who cannot hear and see. 7 Biccard Street Durbanville 7550 The book, given its high quality to reproduce Cyril’s paintings, goes for R300. It would make a wonderful Christmas gift. Tel +27 21 970 2900. It is available in • Cape Town from Carmen, cell and WhatsApp 082 949 0044, Fax +27 21 976 9839 • Eastern Cape from Bonnie, cell and WhatsApp 083 357 2610 E-mail: [email protected] • From Janet at Redemptorist Pastoral Publications, cell 083 228 0297 or email [email protected] • Or simply order online at www.rpp.org.za www.kolpingguesthouse.co.za

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS January-March 2021 10 The Saving Power of Christmas A short story by Fr Ralph de Hahn

It was the year 1940, and a men- The family used their large laundry acing terror gripped all of Europe. as a public front, and at times were War was in the air. Holland cried and hiding about 27 frightened Jews. The prayed for neutrality but it was not ID cards were easily forged but not to be. Heavy Nazi armour and well- the food ration cards; the feeding of equipped troops crushed the Dutch the hidden Jews was no easy opera- resistance within days. Yet, out of the tion. Nerves of steel stood up to the dark pages of history comes stories Nazi inspectors and the Gestapo as of untold heroism and courageous they raided home after home. And the colonel and gently spoke, “Good Christian love. how they prayed to the one same evening officer… but are we not all Else and her three daughters oper- God! God’s people?” ated a laundry business on Kortstraat Opa Koos reminded his family they The colonel gazed angrily at the in Utrecht. Living with them was their were serving God’s chosen people. He bearded man and turned his pistol aged father, Opa Koos. There were himself was prepared to hide anyone at his head “Quiet, old man. I am very few people in the region who from the Gestapo despite the prevail- Colonel Bauer… you know nothing… did not know and respect this family. ing law and the sure penalty of death. I am under orders… my orders come Despite the Nazi occupation and the It was Christmas eve. The Jews some- from Berlin!” nightly curfew, the Dutch strived to how felt liberated as they sat together The old man smiled “my orders live their normal lives. with the Christians to celebrate the come from God.” But normal it was not! Booming birth of the greatest Jew who ever The officer stared at him with gunfire, overhead aircraft in dogfights walked the earth. The rations that eyes on fire but lowered his pistol. or bombing raids, screaming sirens adorned the long table were simply “Are you people so ignorant. Do you through day and night – all so scary black coffee and Dutch chocolate not see that God hates the Jews” he and threatening. However the most cake. A beautiful spirit of brother- raised his voice. “See what they did to fearful cries and screaming came hood and sisterhood prevailed within your Jesus… and my Jesus!” from the streets where men, women those walls while one could still hear Nobody moved, nobody spoke, and children were dragged from their the gunfire and occasional screams until Else moved cautiously forward, homes and bundled into huge trucks coming from the nearby streets. unafraid. “No Colonel… we believe for discharge to labour camps or to The night moved on toward the that God loves the Jews. He sent his the infamous extermination centres. morning hours. Prayer was led by own son to us as a Jew.” The relentless persecution of the Opa and Else; the daughters hummed The Colonel burst out once more, Jews had begun. The occupying forces “Silent Night” ever so silently. There “But look what they did to Him.” demanded that every Jew display the was a quiet time for meditation. Then It was then that Opa Koos, making star of David on his or her sleeve, suddenly gunfire not too far from the eye to eye contact with the officer and carry a valid identity document. front door. Two underground fighters gently spoke “Colonel, what you are ACCOUNTANT NEEDED Deeply offensive notices were plant- who defied the curfew were shot doing today to us, to the Jews, and Well known city Catholic NGO requires the services of a quali- ed all over the region such as “No Jew dead on the street. to all Europe, THAT is what put our fied accountant to sit on their Management Board. The position need apply” or “no ration cards issued The house alarm clicked in. The Jesus on the cross.” There followed requires oversight of the finances of the organisation, which are to Jews” or “This store is shut to Jews” celebration ended abruptly, a scurry an eloquent silence. All eyes fixed in good order and managed by an experienced bookkeeper of 30 on the officer, waiting for his violent years standing, audited annually. The board meets quarterly. The and so forth. There was no place to to their shelters. A heavy thumping on opportunity would well suit a retired professional who wishes to hide from the Nazi terror. Soldiers the front door, “Open at once... the response. give the benefit of their experience to an organisation running and spies were everywhere, some of police” came the voice with a heavy But it was Else who smilingly spoke, development programmes in rural areas. the frightened local men were even German accent. The door shook with “It’s Christmas day, Colonel… It’s the If you are interested please send a brief CV to Rural Development collaborating with the enemy. a rifle butt crashing against it. All clear birthday of Jesus the Jew… are you Support Program on [email protected] But the Dutch underground “Het inside! not a Christian?” Verzet” were very active in harass- Else doubled checked, then hurried The officer cleared his throat, ing and sabotaging the Nazi network, to answer the door. A Nazi colonel looked around at all the family, “Yes I hundreds upon hundreds offering hurriedly stepped inside while a sol- am… but I am also an obedient officer their lives in the struggle for freedom. dier with rifle stood guard at the door. of the German army.” Now while the enemy hounded the The officer at once pointed his pistol It was now the right opportunity Jews in every corner of the city, heroic at Else’s head, “You are hiding those to challenge the officer on faith. “I Christian families were hiding Jews of cursed Jews… speak the truth or you agree, Colonel. And I am an officer every age in chambers, con- die” he yelled, his wild gaze searching and disciple of his kingdom, of his cealed basements, in dark attics and the entire room. Christian army! And you, Colonel, as a behind false walls cleverly designed. Opa Koos moved slowly towards Christian are you not obedient also to His commands?” The embarrassed officer felt him- self corned. Quietly, almost inaudibly, he muttered “Yes, I am.” He had no further answer. Else dared to touch his arm. “Look, we are all one family in Jesus, broth- ers and sisters, Jews and Christians, the rich and the poor. That is why He died.” The message hit the mark. The German officer returned his The Liturgical Calendar for Southern Africa 2021 pistol to its holster, gazed around at 13 full colour pictures featuring South African every waiting face and said, “I must church life and sacred art by local artists. leave, there is a Holy Mass in the Liturgical information for the Church Year: feasts early morning”. He began to move and memorials, colours and to the door, but suddenly stopped, references for every day. turned on the family and with his final A4 Calendar R20.00 words, “IF you are hiding any Jews, be careful. Happy Christmas!” and he Scripture Reflections was gone. for Sundays 2021 That morning at 7am the lovely by Fr Nicholas King SJ church was packed. Among the enthu- A5 64 pages R20.00 siastic congregation were many mem- Calendar & Scripture Reflections set R38.00 bers of the German army. As Opa, Else and all the family genuflected before The Liturgical Diary for the , their eyes Southern Africa 2021 caught the beloved Colonel Bauer One week per opening, includes feasts and daily awaiting his turn in the confessional lectionary references as well as planners for 2021 queue, his cap under his left arm. He & 2022. Handy for your desk or brief case. saluted them with a slight bow. A5 Wire bound R140.00 The choir burst forth in joyful Prices do not include packing and postage / praise, “O come let us adore Him.” courier charges. The colonel vanished behind the pur- ple curtain to find the peace of Jesus THE CATHOLIC BOOKSHOP awaiting him. P O Box 379 Cape Town 8000 Grimley Building 14 Tuin Plein Kneeling in prayer and adoration Tel: 021 465 5904 a thought flashed across Else’s mind, Cell 063 222 2724 “There is so much good in the worst [email protected] of us, and so much bad in the best https://www.catholicbookshop.co.za/ of us!”

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS January-March 2021 11 A story of hope Vanessa Masungunye (17) and her extensive occupational – and physi- Campaign News two younger sisters, Tatenda (7) and otherapy. A large portion of the With the generous help of donors and Friends of St Joseph’s we were Michaela (2) survived a fire in Paarl therapy focused on the mobilisation able to raise much needed funding to help us tackle the enormous but they lost both their parents and of her affected limbs. Vanessa’s condi- challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic – keeping our children and two siblings. tion continued to improve and had no staff in safe hands. Thank you to each one who made a donation and to the following donors: The German Government, National Lotteries Vanessa suffered 65% flame burns to complaints of pain, her wounds had Commission, Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation and the Ryan her face and body and after emergency healed, and she experienced fewer Foundation. surgery at Tygerberg Hospital joined anxiety attacks. her two siblings at St Joseph’s Home. Vanessa showed a positive, assertive Our generous Initially Vanessa required wound attitude, was a great inspiration, and care to her foot and pain and scar a team leader to the children and the community management, but was quite independ- staff in the ward. Despite suffering Felicity Mbambani (left), In-kind ent in other areas. Nursing staff mas- from full body and face scars she donations Co-ordinator at St Joseph’s receiving a donation of saged her scars with coconut oil and keeps wearing shorts, mini skirts and summer flip-flops from Edwina encouraged Vanessa to slowly take dresses with pride. She did not allow Vanessa Masungunye and her two Wakefield. The children were responsibility for this. She was also her scars to hold her back. sisters, Tatenda and Michaela very excited and we wish to referred for a psychological assess- The siblings share a close bond and thank Edwina for her enormous, ment followed by regular therapy and her role as the big sister to Tatenda generous heart. counselling sessions and participated and Michaela (see picture above) has A big thank you also to Dr in the psycho-social groups facilitated always been evident. Vanessa reached Hendrick’s Surgery for the by the counsellor and occupational her rehabilitation goals sooner than donation of clothes and PPE and the Hebrew Order of David therapy. This gave her emotional sup- her siblings and was discharged into International for baby products port and taught her new coping skills. the care of their paternal uncle in and clothing. Vanessa engaged well during these September 2020. We hope to have sessions and would often encourage the family reunited by December! We her peers in these sessions. were sad to say goodbye but happy for Her integrated care plan included her to start a new life.

Father Nkululeko Qokolo led St Joseph’s annual Thanksgiving Mass this year for staff members and children under strict Covid regulations, offering a message of hope during these uncertain times.

Caring for our healthcare workers Sister Prescilla Rego (left) checking the glucose levels of a nursing staff member as part of awareness and testing on World Diabetes Day

Building blocks for the future How you can help Thanks to the Harry Crossley Foundation, St Joseph’s has been able to If you wish to make a donation to St Joseph’s, you can make a secure online continue its multi-year strategy to identify changing needs in patient payment by clicking on the donate button above. Your contribution will help us care and building the capacity of our nursing and rehabilitation team. to provide 24-hour nursing care to vulnerable and chronically ill children from Pictured here, are healthcare workers/carers (Level 2 and 3) being disadvantaged communities in and around Cape Town. For more information, upskilled to Level 4. Seen here are Ebeth Petro, from the Glen Lilly please feel free to reach out to the Resource Development Department: christa@ Training College and Matron Audrey Gourrah (front second left) dur- stjosephshome.org.za ing one of the training sessions.

ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS For information about St Joseph’s Home you can phone +27 21 934 0352, email [email protected], visit our website www.stjosephshome.org.za or our Facebook page www.FaceBook.com/stjosephshome January-March 2021 12