CA HO IC V IFE LDiocese of Lismore

Tweed Coast to Camden Haven www.lismorediocese.org September 2018 Vol.16 No.3

Grandparent’s Day at St. Mary’s Grafton NO FEES

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Find us at THE BISHOP Writes

Since Easter I have travelled the length and breadth of the diocese visiting our parishes and schools and conferring the sacrament of confirmation in 26 churches. It has given me the chance to view the diocese, meet people, become more familiar with schools and to spend time with priests.

round 800 children were confirmed. Most of the children Awere in grade 2 and as a consequence many, though eager to be confirmed, did not have a rounded understanding of the sacrament. I wondered what I could say to them to help them understand what God our Father was giving them through the The gifts of the Holy Spirit are gifts are useless. Indeed the gifts of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. After a while different aspects of the Love of God Holy Spirit help us receive the Love of I decided to concentrate on 3 gifts which is poured into our souls as God and to give that Love to others. and to speak of these in a way which baptised persons. They work together, In a practical way, love is about would help them think about life as each reinforcing the others so as being kind and caring. I asked the an 8 year old. I chose Understanding, to achieve the human and spiritual children to grow in the ability to be Fortitude (or Strength) and Piety (or integrity of the children of God. kind and caring to their family and Love). Holiness, which is our goal while on friends; to be kind and caring to those Every parent wants their children earth, is possible because of these gifts. who have no one to care for them; to to be good in the fullest sense of the care for themselves; and, to love God. word. Good not because of a reward Every parent knows that their for being good, or a punishment for children need a humane self-control As each day passes, the gifts of doing wrong, but good for the sake of and discipline to do what is right, the Holy Spirit help us grow in our goodness itself. Virtue is the reward avoid the wrong and to tell the truth. appreciation of right and wrong and of a virtuous life, just a truthfulness God also knows this. The gift of of the truth. They help us grow in is the reward of living by the truth. Strength or Fortitude strengthens the strength to do what is right, avoid The gift of Understanding is that gift will so that in the exercise of our what is wrong and to live the truth. of the Holy Spirit which guides our freedom we will do what is right and They help us grow in divine Love so as children to grow in knowledge of good. With this gift, our minds and to be Jesus Christ in our world. what is right and wrong and what is our actions are integrated so that our With my prayers and best wishes, true. We want them to know this from actions express inner truths. We “walk ✠ Bishop Greg Homeming OCD within themselves rather than as a the talk”, so to speak. consequence of being told. Working In a mysterious way, we only learn with God, as each year passes, they the truth by living it. Truth is not learnt, will grow in understanding of right it is treasured in the heart which lives and wrong. the truth. You know the truth by living Sadly knowing right from wrong it. Truth is loved. Authentic growth in is not a value in itself; it is not good virtue is measured by growth in love. enough. Our children must do what The last gift which I spoke about was is right and avoid what is wrong. The the gift of Piety or Love. As St Paul point of knowing right is so that we and St Therese of Lisieux say, Love might do what is right and in doing is the greatest gift, it perfects all the this become good. other gifts. Without Love the other

Catholic Life, September, 2018 3 Religious ART Renaissance Fresco depicting Jesus and Mother Mary in the Collegiata or Collegiate Church of San Gimignano, Italy by jorisvo

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 14 Liturgy Parish events: 26 Chapels of the World Email your planned Parish events, celebrations, 27 Question Box anniversaries, etc., for inclusion on our website and in the next edition of “Catholic Life” Features Email: [email protected] 6 Survey explores young people’s hopes and challenges 7 Drought is a Sneaky Natural Disaster Printed by: Quality Plus Printers (02) 6686 7488 8 Manus Island: Five Years On Art Direction & Graphic Design: 9 Momentum building as Plenary Council marks Johanna Evans – [email protected] two-month milestone 10 Canadian parish coach says stop catechising, start Visit our Diocesan website: www.lismorediocese.org evangelising at Proclaim Our website contains a daily news bulletin, spiritual 11 The Continuing Miracle of Fatima reflections and daily Mass readings. 12-13 Crowley Care 15-17 Catholic Schools support drought-affected families Catholic Life – A member of the Australasian and communities Catholic Press Association and the Australasian 25 Cambodia Pilgrimage Religious Press Association Inc. 25 Legion of Mary Celebrations 28-29 Pope Francis: Letter to the People of God School News Cover 18 St Augustine’s Primary School, Coffs Harbour CAPTION 19 Trinity Catholic College, Lismore 20 St. Anthony’s & Ambrose Primary Schools, Avah and Macey Whyte Kingscliff & Pottsville were excited to have St. Brigid’s Primary School, Kyogle their great grandmother 21 St. Ambrose Primary School, Pottsville and their grandparents St. Joseph’s Primary, Coraki 22 Mackillop Catholic Colleg, Port Macquarie attend the Grandparent’s St. James Primary School, Banora Point Day at St Mary’s Grafton. 23 St. Joseph’s Primary School, Alstonville 24 Xavier Catholic College, Ballina St. Finbarr’s Primary School, Byron Bay

4 Catholic Life, September, 2018 Repair AND RESOLVE

When something precious is broken what do we do? First impressions are that we clean up the mess. What do we do with the pieces? Do we throw them away or do we try to bring the pieces together in a shape and form that is different.

erhaps new beauty, new purpose. This is the philosophy behind the Japanese pottery art of Kintsugi. Instead of Pthrowing away the pieces, they’re put back together with gold or silver lacquer. The flawed or broken is given a new expression, a new form of beauty.

If only mending the broken, the confused, the lost and those The Prodigial Son by Rembrandt wanting to be lost could be so easy. apologised for the lack of care, attention and protection Every news bulletin carries the pain and fear of not that should have been given by Church representatives to knowing why tragedy and trauma are becoming so “the little ones”. widespread. If we look at the many protest marches up and At this time we feel a great need for the ministry of Pope down the streets of our cities, do you notice that banners are getting fewer but the shouting is getting louder? Social Francis. Despite the moralising narrowness that persists media is filling up with the cries of what’s wrong? Who is and detracts from the Catholic way, he encourages us to prepared to tally up the gains and losses of a humanity that rediscover a humble sense of faith that will help us fulfil the suffers in so many ways each day? mission of Christ. The year so far seems to have been like living in a Subsequent to these events with so many devastated holding pattern. The big and the rogue nations started with shock, shame and confusion, it is time to stand back talking about weapon arsenals. The political life in our and take a good look at the Institutional Church. Let us get country appeared to be a butter churn with many being back to the recognition of the Church as a humble service inexplicably hurt in the fracas. given every day and being responsible for administering The economics of living continued to cast shadows and the sacramental presence of Christ for the baptised. The domain of omnipotence should be left with God. uncertainty. Easy-to-get drugs are scourging our youth It is time now to shake off the holding pattern and come and their families. Many still continued to suffer from the down to hear the multi voices of the faithful, demanding to ravages of flood, drought and bushfires. be heard. That needs to happen at the forthcoming Plenary The judgements and recommendations from the Royal Council in Australia in 2020 with the call: “Listen to what Commission weigh heavily on our Church, other Churches the Spirit is saying.” and institutions. The call to respond to the victims of As we face this challenge, our constant will be how we were institutional sexual abuse is now an urgent priority. reared in the faith, what we learnt and what formed our Redress is happening and is being given impetus in the practice. No changes can turn that around. It is who we are wake of Pope Francis’ letter to the People of God. (The full text is printed in this edition of “Catholic Life”.) as Catholic. Christianity is a religion based on freedom. We need to Pope Francis has responded to new reports of clerical sexual recognise that the spiritual power of faith is grounded in abuse and the ecclesial cover-up of abuse. He calls on the humility, justice and peace. This is what St. Paul wrote to Church to be close to victims in solidarity, and to join in acts the Philippians centuries ago: ‘Are you humble enough to of prayer and fasting in penance for such “atrocities”. recognise others as superior to yourselves?” (Phil 2:3). For many, the poem of our faith no longer rhymes. He These are troublesome times and changing times. We encourages us not to join the ranks of the pessimists but can’t rewrite our Church or our country. What we can to recall the words of Saint Paul: “If one member suffers, do is to learn from our mistakes, delve more into prayer, all suffer together with it”. The Pope continued: “By an and believe more deeply that the Church’s structure of attitude of prayer and penance, we will become attuned communion will help us move forward. Changes are as individuals and as a community to this exhortation, coming in our Diocese and have already begun in many so that we may grow in the gift of compassion, in justice, Dioceses in Australia. prevention and reparation.” How we will respond is up to us. As we sat and listened to the humble and pain-filled Father Peter M. Karam voice of Pope Francis on his recent trip to Ireland, he Editor and Publisher.

Catholic Life, September, 2018 5 Survey explores YOUNG PEOPLE’S HOPES AND CHALLENGES

Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, the Bishops’ results highlighting some of their key concerns: mental Delegate for Youth, says the largest survey of young health issues; questions around identity – ethnic, spiritual Catholics ever conducted will further shape the and sexual; loneliness; relationships and friendships; the direction of society, politics and the Church; and living out Church’s engagement with young people and help their faith in a secular world. the bishops tackle some of the many challenges “These are big issues that affect us all and they are all young people face in contemporary society. things about which the Church cares deeply and on which it has much to say,” Archbishop Fisher said. he Australian Catholic Bishops Conference last year “Even amidst the challenges raised in the survey, there initiated a survey of people aged 16 to 29 as part of is cause for great hope. For millennials, there has never T international preparations for the Synod of Bishops on been a more important time to rededicate themselves to the Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment, which message and life of Jesus Christ. If ever we needed new John will be held in October this year. the Baptists to call people to repent and believe, to offer More than 15,000 young people responded “passionately some really Good News amidst all the bad, and to point and earnestly”, Archbishop Fisher said, with the survey people to Christ, it is right now. “Never in history have young people been more necessary. Never have young people had more opportunities to be the spiritual heroes our nation and our world needs.” Trudy Dantis, director of the Pastoral Research Office, which conducted the survey, said the overwhelming response from young people created rich data that can help the Church understand where its ministry is bearing fruit and where additional efforts might best be directed. “It’s clear that many young people highly value what the Church has done for them and is doing for them, while others were willing to share their disappointment in the Church, which is sometimes harder to capture and analyse,” Dr Dantis said. “This survey sought to really listen to what young people are saying. “The bishops and all who work in the Church will better understand the views of young people after considering the findings of this survey and assessing how they can renew and energise the Church.” Malcolm Hart, director of the ACBC’s Office for Youth, said the youth survey will help inform the Church’s ongoing ministry to young people through schools, parishes, youth groups, ethnic communities and other less formal settings. “We heard that many young people enjoy gathering in a structured setting, like Mass and liturgical events, others liked the ‘big event’ approach to their faith and others still preferred the casual nature of meeting in cafes and pubs to consider the big faith and life questions,” Mr Hart said. “The Church wants to continue to engage with young people wherever they choose to gather and help be a focal point for their personal and spiritual growth.” Access the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Youth Survey at: www.catholic.org.au/youthsurvey

6 Catholic Life, September, 2018 Grandparent’s DAY

During the annual Grandparents Day event held at St Mary’s Primary Grafton, we reflected on the influence our grandparents have on all members of our school community. e showed appreciation for all the grandparents who Geoff and Janine Turner enjoyed the Grandparent’s Day care for and protect us; just like the grandparents celebrations at St Mary’s Primary Grafton with grandson, Clancy, W of Jesus, Joachim and Anne, did. daughter Tarnya and son-in-law Frank Jones. We all know how influential our grandparents can be in Grandparents’ Day celebration when a heartfelt thank you our lives. They provide occasional services and maintain an is offered. interest in us; they have more time for leisure and provide During our Grandparent’s Day this year Mr Frank Jones quality moments of love and togetherness; in many cases welcomed more than 200 guests to our prayer ceremony where they take over the caretaking role of the child; they are a the students participated in the celebration, presented musical reservoir of family wisdom; they offer advice; and they and Eisteddfod items, guided the visitors to the learning connect the family with the traditions of our faith. spaces, created artworks in honour of their grandparents and The students and staff of St Mary’s Primary School invited them to a light lunch in our lovely grounds. There Grafton appreciate the integral part that our grandparents were smiling faces and happy people everywhere! play in our lives prompting us to host the annual By Sharon Cannon

BOOK REVIEW The Catholic Grandparents Handbook Creative Ways to show love, share faith and have fun

What’s the difference between challenging all too common modern- being a grandparent and being day family situations. a Catholic grandparent? For those Catholics whose grandchildren are not baptised, or You’ll find the answer to this question not being raised in the Catholic faith, and much more in The Catholic Lorene offers useful insights on how Grandparents Handbook. Author the Catholic faith have supported and Lorene Hanley Duquin offers ideas and nourished many others that have faced inspiration on how you can incorporate such a painful reality. faith, hope, fun and even more love into your relationship with your Short-sharp chapters on these many grandchildren. and varied topics are structured with Topics such as the importance of personal stories, advice, questions for prayer, sharing passing on family reflections, a grandparent prayer and history, preserving family traditions and insights from Pope Francis. The book much more are explored. ends with fun activities to do with grandchildren—things like prayer Valuable advice is provided to help services, outings, cooking projects and professionals’ alike and is an inspiration grandchildren through difficult even a Nativity play script to all. Readers will be moved to better times including family separations and divorces, the loss of loved ones, This handbook is recommended for understand God’s plan for this phase of struggles with in-laws and other new grandparents and ‘seasoned their lives and strengthen the bonds.

The Catholic Grandparents Handbook: Creative Ways to show love, share faith and have fun is available from Garratt Publishing at www.garrattpublishing.com.au or by calling their friendly team on 1300 650 878.

Catholic Life, September, 2018 7 Manus Island: FIVE YEARS ON By Fr Maurizio Pettena, CS, Director, Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office

Beautiful Manus Island, north Papua New Guinea

On 19 July 2013, the then Prime Minister, Kevin which would see around 1200 refugees relocated to the Rudd, and Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, US. However, this avenue will not be available for all. For Peter O’Neill, signed the regional resettlement many, it remains a protracted situation. Permanent and agreement between Australia and Papua New durable solutions, respecting the dignity of the human Guinea. person, must be found, exploring and enacting alternative he agreement, a follow-up on the Joint Partnership humanitarian channels. Declaration signed in May 2013, was for any future This date reminds us that the history of migration has T maritime arrivals entering Australian waters to be now reached dramatic and tragic heights. Every day, we transferred to Manus Island for processing and resettlement witness the flight of millions of people, many of whom are in Papua New Guinea. children and youth. Every day, we witness their rejection. Today marks five years since the Australian and Papua New Guinean governments signed this agreement. In this This may still have the power to move public opinion; time, we have heard and seen many tragic consequences of above all, this shows the limits of the systems of protection our government’s harsh policy of indefinite and inhumane of the international community. detention of asylum seekers at Manus Island, and the The Catholic Church has always advocated for and subsequent transit centres in Lorengau. insisted on the importance of taking a holistic and In these five years, we have seen riots take place and integrated approach, focusing on the dignity of the human have seen the death of seven asylum seekers on Manus Island – with some taking their own life. The deteriorating person. The human rights and dignity of these refugees mental health of these men is of the utmost importance. must always be respected, and be the first consideration, Inadequate access to healthcare as well as substandard for decision-makers. Australia must also look at adopting living conditions have all added to the hardships endured national policies that prefer alternatives to detention.1 by these men. The indefinite nature of their situation Pope Francis echoes the words of the Gospel: “Every continues to negatively impact their mental wellbeing. stranger who knocks at our door is an opportunity for In 2016, we saw some hope with the announcement of an encounter with Jesus Christ, who identifies with the the agreement between Australia and the United States, welcomed and rejected strangers of every age”. (Matthew 25:35-43).2 The Holy Father qualifies this “encounter” with four VISIT OUR WEBSITE: verbs and actions: “Welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating migrants and refugees”3 and calls on all people to promote the culture of the encounter. For media enquiries, please contact Gavin Abraham, 02 6201 9859.

1 Point 3.d, Towards the Global Compacts on Migrants and Refugees 2018: 20 Action Points, Migrants and Refugee Section, Integral Human Development, Vatican City. www.lismorediocese.org 2 Francis, Message, 104 World Day of Migrants and Refugees 3 Idem.

8 Catholic Life, September, 2018 Momentum building AS PLENARY COUNCIL MARKS TWO-MONTH MILESTONE

Thousands of people from across Australia have taken time in the two months since the Plenary Council 2020 officially launched at Pentecost to consider the future of the Catholic Church. n May, the Listening and Dialogue phase of the Plenary Council began, with resources created to help people across the country participate in a prayerful conversation to consider the question: “What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?” Plenary Council facilitator Lana Turvey-Collins, who has travelled to every state and territory in recent weeks to promote the Listening and Dialogue process, said enthusiasm has been high. “As people learn they are central to this process, that the stories of their experiences of faith and the Church will shape the agenda for the Plenary Council sessions in 2020 and 2021, they understand how important it is that their voice be heard and listened to,” Ms Turvey-Collins said. “There are many Australians who may identify as “People see that the Church is moving into uncharted Catholics who have little or no contact with the Church,” territory by engaging so significantly with all parts of the she said. “Their views are critical to helping us understand Church – young and old, women and men, all cultures, all what people find spiritually nourishing and how the Church languages, all abilities, lay, religious and clerical. Many could rebuild trust and renew connections with them once find that very empowering.” again.” Trudy Dantis, director of the National Centre for Ms Turvey-Collins said the Listening and Dialogue Pastoral Research (formerly the Pastoral Research Office), is supporting the facilitation team by working with a research process, which she emphasised must be grounded in group and providing expert analysis of the responses that prayer and openness to the Holy Spirit, will run until Ash have been submitted. Wednesday 2019. “Our work as researchers is to collate and sort the data “The program for the Plenary Council sessions will and to present it in the clearest manner possible without develop from the grassroots, beginning by meeting people assigning any value judgement to the responses that are where they are at and listening deeply to the story of their being received,” she said. “We are looking for trends and experiences. The website has all the information to promote convergence in the responses to highlight the issues that engagement and participation in the process and everyone are being discussed widely, while also noting the important is welcome” she said. individual experiences of Catholics.” “This is not about large gatherings or events. All people Dr Dantis said some examples of topics being mentioned are encouraged to come together with friends and family in submissions include a greater role for women, the need for more faith formation and the desire for liturgy that is to consider the Council’s central questions and help the nourishing and inspiring. Church consider how it can reflect the face of Christ in Australian society today.” She said the Plenary Council is also attracting responses from people who acknowledge they are no longer closely Contribute to the Plenary Council by visiting: http:// affiliated with the Church. plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/resources/have-your-say/ Give a gift subscription to CA HO IC V IFE Yearly subscriptionL – 4 issues per year $25 includes postage Email: [email protected] Catholic Life, September, 2018 9 Canadian parish coach SAYS STOP CATECHISING, START EVANGELISING AT PROCLAIM By Emilie Ng

Evangelisation expert: Ron Huntley. Photo: Emilie Ng.

Convincing an atheist or lapsed Catholic to fall in a leader at St Benedict’s Parish, Halifax. Photo: Emilie Ng love with Jesus Christ begins with recognising that However, many parishes and ministries defined “people don’t care” about catechesis, Canadian evangelisation by any task facilitated by the Church, parish coach Ron Huntley said. whether it’s Catholic education, hospitality, or even planning a funeral. peaking at the 2018 Proclaim Conference in Brisbane, “Here’s the definition from the disciples – the disciples Mr Huntley said the reason why the Church was not become a disciple when they have a transformation and S growing boiled down to a fundamental truth, that encounter with Jesus Christ,” Mr Huntley said. people don’t care about being taught more information on “That’s when you go from not being a disciple to being the Church. a disciple.” “We’re teaching people things as if they don’t have Despite the richness of the sacraments that the Church enough information but really they don’t care,” Mr Huntley offers, especially the Eucharist, Mr Huntley said the Mass said. was “not a great place to interface” with people who were “People actually don’t care but we think they need more sceptical of the Church. information so we catechise them.” “Church doesn’t make sense until we fall in love with Drawing on his own experience as a coach for parishes Jesus Christ,” Mr Huntley said. around the world, the Canadian lay leader at St Benedict’s “I believe a person requires three conversions – a Parish, Halifax, said changing the culture of apathy or conversion to Jesus, a conversion to the Church and a indifference to the Catholic Church meant leaning into conversion to its mission.” evangelisation and leadership. Bringing a person to Christ is what God expects from the Mr Huntley encouraged parish and ministry leaders to Church and the only way to be fruitful. talk with their team about the difference between a toxic This, Mr Huntley said, was the mission of a Church and a healthy group. struggling to retain its numbers. “Who wants to belong to a toxic team?” Mr Huntley “Ninety per cent of self-proclaimed Catholics don’t go to asked delegates at Proclaim Conference. church,” Mr Huntley said. “Everybody wants to belong to a healthy team.” “If you were in sales business and you worked for me, Bringing more people into the healthy team is and you’ve lost 90 per cent of your business, we’re going to evangelisation, Mr Huntley said. have a talk.” A healthy Church: Canadian parish coach Ron Huntley (Image and report with permission of Catholic Leader said more people would enter the Catholic Church if leaders Brisbane. Approximately 40 representatives from the worked on building a healthy parish team. Mr Huntley is Lismore Diocese attended)

10 Catholic Life, September, 2018 While men in the trenches of World War I faced chemical gasses and industrialised weaponry that wrought unprecedented human carnage, an Angel of Peace appeared with a message. Do not be afraid. I am the Angel of Peace. Pray with me: My God I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You. I ask “ pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You,” the angel told three children in rural Portugal in that first of several supernatural encounters that would take place over the course of 1916 and 1917. When the Virgin Mary appeared to Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco on May 13, 1917, she requested, “Say the Rosary every day, to bring peace to the world and an end to the war.” The Great War did come to an end in 1918, but the story and secrets of Fatima continued to unfold after the first world war until the fall of Communism in 1989. The Virgin Mary entered into the bloodiest century in human history with a message of peace and prayer. In many ways the events at Fatima encapsulate the history 20th century and in the long history of the Church, they will be remembered for their deep connections to the most important milestones of the last century. Today a piece of the Berlin Wall stands in the Fatima square as a permanent monument to the apparition’s connection to 1989. The Bolsheviks’ October Revolution took place the same year as Fatima’s “Miracle of the Sun,” and the Virgin Mary specifically requested that the pope The Continuing consecrate Russia to Mary, in union with the bishops of the world. MIRACLE OF FATIMA In Fatima’s museum, there is a rosary made from pieces of the Berlin Wall, a gift made by a Portuguese emigrant finally the prediction of the immense damage that Russia on May 13, 1991. There is also the ring that Pope John would do to humanity by abandoning the Christian faith and Paul II donated to Our Lady of Fatima in gratitude for her embracing Communist totalitarianism,” wrote the former protection during the attempt on his life on May 13, 1981, Secretary of the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith a date that coincided with the anniversary of the Fatima apparitions. The ring had a special meaning to the pope; Tarcisio Bertone. Cardinal Stephen Wszynski had given it to him at the Lucia dos Santos, the principal Fatima visionary died in beginning of his papacy in 1978. The pope also offered the 2005. Her niece, Maria dos Anjos, is still living across the bullet from the assassination attempt, which fit perfectly street from Lucia’s little house in Fatima. Now 98 years into Our Lady of Fatima’s crown. old, Anjos’ life has spanned all but three years of Fatima’s World War II was also predicted by Our Lady of Fatima. “God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my modern history. Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls “When she visited us Lucia always said ‘Pray the rosary will be saved and there will be peace. The war is going to every day. That is what Our Lady asked,” Anjos told CNA. end: but if people do not cease offending God, a worse one Anjos also told CNA how much the city of Fatima has will break out during the Pontificate of Pius XI,” recorded changed in her lifetime. Life across Europe has changed Lucia in her third memoir. “Fatima is undoubtedly the most prophetic of modern completely since 1917, she said. For one thing, children no apparitions. The first and second parts of the ‘secret’... longer work as shepherds. refer especially to the frightening vision of hell, devotion to Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto did not travel far the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Second World War and within their short lifetimes. They lived simple, austere and faithful lives. Both died of the Spanish flu pandemic that killed between 50 and 100 million people in the early 20th century. In perhaps the most poignant symbol of a changing world, what was once the pasture of poor shepherds is now an international pilgrimage destination where people from South Korea, India, Australia and all over the world come together seeking the sacred. by Courtney Grogan. (Source: CNA News)

Catholic Life, September, 2018 11 Crowley CARE Standard of new facilities.

Crowley Care CEO Michael Penhey reflects on of accommodation for the aged. From that vision Crowley the development of one of the Diocese’s most has grown from a traditional retirement village to a full service aged care provider supporting over 500 residents significant aged care providers. He has been the and clients. CEO at Crowley Care in Ballina for 18 years. Crowley Care is a ministry of St Francis Xavier Parish, Ballina, Crowley is set on 25 acres of picturesque waterfront property in Ballina and we offer a range of services including on behalf of the Trustees for the Diocese. It is one of Residential Aged Care, Independent Living apartments and the region’s largest employers. villas, Home Care, Veterans Nursing and Home Care and Meal Deliveries across our local community. hen I started working in aged care it was an industry that was rarely recognised. Today aged We place great emphasis in the quality of our people W care is one of the most dynamic sectors in and now employ 250 staff. Recruiting and keeping the healthcare and I believe Crowley Care, building on 40 years right individuals working in the right jobs it critical to our of innovation and delivering high quality care is playing success. We call our recruitment “The Crowley Fit”. These its part as we transition to better service the needs of our are staff who are passionate about Crowley, their work and Parish and beyond. the difference they make each day to the lives of others. Crowley was established in 1979 by Ballina Parish to Our residential aged care facility is designed around the address the needs of the aged in our local community. lifestyle needs of our residents. Our recent redevelopment We are named after Jim Crowley of Ballina, who in 1976 has taken this to an even greater level with the creation donated land to the Ballina Parish to fund the construction of beautiful spaces that offer a range of experiences in an atmosphere of care and comfort. Our Independent Living apartments and villas offer a variety of accommodation options enabling access to a diverse group of aged residents and creating the loving Crowley community that only such a diverse group can share. Our Home Care services continue to have our aged members of the community who have chosen to stay in their own homes as our focus – ensuring their independence, wellbeing and safety are key to the service we provide. Major redevelopment and new chapel To cater for the expanding needs of our Parish and community we recently completed a significant redevelopment at Crowley. It was recently blessed and opened by Bishop Gregory Homeming, Bishop of the Lismore Diocese. The 22 million dollar construction marks a milestone in our history because we have created new buildings and spaces that build on our strong foundations and Michael Penhey CEO. reputation as a trusted Catholic provider of quality care and accommodation.

12 Catholic Life, September, 2018 Entertainment Room for residents. The new Foyer and Administration, Cafe, Hair & Beauty Salon surround the new central Plaza with improved landscaping, pathways and way-finding all designed to maximise resident enjoyment and lifestyle. It’s a pretty significant improvement. Whilst it is incredibly exciting seeing this large project The blessing of the St. Mary MacKillop Chapel come to fruition, what’s more important is the quality by Bishop Homeming. of care we provide each day to our residents and clients. Over our history and in my time as CEO we have received The redevelopment includes a new Chapel named after wonderful support from our community in so many ways. Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop and is situated right in the heart of the new buildings. The Chapel is a welcoming They have been very patient as we created these special new and unmistakeable statement of our faith and care delivered spaces. It’s a transformational project providing a lasting through our Catholic ethos. Maintaining a connection to the legacy for our community making Crowley an even better past, the new Chapel features elements from the previous place to live and work. Chapel including feature stained glass windows and an altar For those of us who work here, our reward is seeing this built from the salvaged timbers. come to life and having the opportunity to interact with our We have also built two stunning new residential care community every day, that is how we know we are making wings that make the most of water views, an Education a difference. Centre with Library and conference rooms and a larger by Michael Penhey, CEO

Catholic Life, September, 2018 13 by Elizabeth Harrington One of Australia’s best known liturgists. Elizabeth has written over 1,000 Liturgy Lines. These pithy 500 word articles on everything Who Ministers? liturgy have appeared in publications all over the world. Elizabeth was previously engaged as Liturgy Brisbane’s Education Officer.

A PARISH COMMUNITY great pastoral sensitivity. Perhaps I have been at a Mass when RECENTLY ASKED FOR MY the experienced organist could be visiting musicians have sung hymns asked to mentor one or two young and Mass settings that the assembly ADVICE ON HOW TO DEAL musicians? does not know and ignored regular WITH A PARISHIONER WHO Around the same time I was – and correct – parish practice. HAD FAITHFULLY PLAYED contacted by a parish musician The question “Whose Mass is it?” springs to mind. THE ORGAN AT MASS FOR who had been removed from her role and replaced by a musician Two further matters need MANY YEARS BUT WAS from outside the parish. She was addressing here. Firstly, how can NO LONGER ABLE TO particularly hurt because the new the knowledge and skills of existing person was being paid whereas she FULFIL SATISFACTORILY THE and potential parish liturgical had never been. Does the Rule of ministers be improved? Is the parish REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE. Benedict suggest that she should prepared to pay for formation and Members of the parish were happily make way for a more skilled suitable resources? becoming increasingly frustrated by musician? The issues here goes Secondly, should people her refusal to play any music other beyond skill alone. who have not been part of the than the repertoire she had used One consideration is whether worshipping community be for the last 40 years. outsiders have been brought expected to attend some parish The rule of St Benedict written in because parishioners have liturgies and be well informed early in the 6th century contains expressed dissatisfaction with about parish liturgical practice a passage which remains relevant the current musicians or whether before taking on any liturgical after all this time: “The members the decision was made by the ministry roles? of the monastery will read and parish priest alone. I once heard sing, not according to rank, but a priest comment that a certain Dealing pastorally with according to their ability to benefit cantor should be taken off the these situations requires an their hearers”. In other words, the roster because “He will never cut understanding of liturgical ministry, liturgical ministries of music and a CD”. The person concerned has open communication with and reading are based solely on skill, a very pleasant, tuneful voice and co-operation between liturgical aptitude and competence and not a manner which encourages the ministers, sensitivity to the needs on claims of age, rank or seniority. assembly to sing. He does not of the assembly and commitment Sometimes one person has to be sing over the top of the assembly to the liturgical principal that “full ‘hurt’ for the sake of the rest of the like those cantors who consider and active participation by all the assembly and their worship. The themselves to be performers rather people is the aim to be considered situation has to be handled with than animators. before all else”.

14 Catholic Life, September, 2018 Catholic Schools support drought- affected families and communities

atholic schools offices across NSW are supporting drought-affected families through a combination Cof fee relief, counselling and donations, Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) said today. CSNSW Chief Executive Officer Dallas McInerney said Catholic schools offices in the Armidale, Bathurst, Canberra-Goulburn, Lismore, Maitland-Newcastle, Wagga Wagga and Wilcannia-Forbes dioceses have moved quickly to ease the financial strain on families by offering concessions on fees and other costs.

“Catholic school principals have always had the freedom to provide fee relief or exemptions to families who are doing it tough,” Mr McInerney said.

“Families feeling the strain because of the drought should approach their school principal to seek fee relief; all requests are always treated with absolute discretion, care and sensitivity.”

Mr McInerney said Catholic education has had a longstanding presence in regional NSW, with more than 88,000 students currently enrolled in 266 Catholic schools outside the Sydney metropolitan area.

“Catholic social teaching and the Gospel imperative of a ‘preferential option for the poor’ means that families who support the Catholic ethos and seek a Catholic education for their child are not denied a place at one of our schools because of a family’s genuine financial hardship.

“Our Catholic Schools Office in Armidale, for example, has set aside a $200,000 Drought School Fee Relief Fund to help schools offering fee relief to parents affected directly and indirectly by the drought and to help students with excursions, retreats and sporting activities.”

Wilcannia-Forbes Bishop, Columba Macbeth-Green, who grew up on a farm near Forbes and experienced droughts first-hand, urged families in difficult financial circumstances to approach their school principal to arrange relief in regard to their school fees.

Catholic Life – September 2018 15 Catholic Life, June, 2018 15 In a letter to his principals, Bishop Columba said that by Jane Munro economic conditions across the diocese – which covers the western half of NSW – are difficult and families are struggling.

“My intent is that no student be excluded from school due to a genuine inability on the part of parents to pay full fees as a result of this drought,” Bishop Columba said. The Bishop of Bathurst, Michael McKenna, also Supporting Our Farmers urged families in difficult financial circumstances At Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School, – for any reason – to speak with their school South Lismore, we never see a need without doing principal. something about it. On Wednesday 8th August, our “We certainly do not wish to add to the financial parish school community stood together to support burden families are currently experiencing, as our struggling farmers, who are experiencing hardship money should not be a barrier to children attending and painfully tough times due to severe drought. Catholic schools,” he said. At OLHC we have been focussing on small acts of kindness. So many times in our day, week or month In Maitland-Newcastle, CatholicCare has been we have the opportunity to help other people and providing free mental health counselling to it is the little things that we do that can have the the region’s drought-affected farmers and their biggest impact. As we continue to make Jesus real families since February while its schools have been in our community, we are all working towards raising thousands of dollars for drought projects being a living God moment. coordinated by the St Vincent de Paul’s Society. Due to the incredible generosity of our students, Catholic Schools NSW represents the state’s 595 staff and families, together we raised $1,080 for our Catholic schools and their 255,000 students. farming families. Through the power of our prayer, Jim Hanna, we keep our struggling farmers in and thoughts Senior Manager – External Relations and pray that they may receive the rain they so desperately need in the very near future.

“Never see a need without doing something about it” At St Joseph’s Primary School, Laurieton, we always acknowledge the foundations of our St Joseph’s school with the blessed Saint Mary MacKillop on her Feast Day each year. This year we held a liturgy remembering the sacrifices she made in giving poorer families especially those living on farms in rural areas, a fair go at education. We also learnt about her dedication to Catholic Year 1 presented a song about going out to serve our social teachings of ‘solidarity’ and ‘preferential world in ‘God’s big backyard’ – the connection that we options for the poor or disadvantaged’ or in her own are all one people in faith. We had an overwhelming words ‘seeing a need and doing something about it’ response from families to donate to the Buy a Bale throughout her life. In this spirit, we acknowledged the of hay campaign to help in some small way, those plight of the farmers in drought stricken New South who dedicate their lives to God’s creation and serving Wales and decided to support the ‘Buy a Bale’ Appeal. others through their commitment. Mufti Day for Bale Out Appeal On Thursday, 2nd August, Holy Family School Community at Skennars Head stood in solidarity with struggling farmers and their families affected by drought in the Diocese of Armidale. Each student and staff member donated money to wear either Aussie colours of green and gold or dress as a farmer. From this fundraising event, we raised just over $2,000.00 for the Bale Out Appeal. The generosity from students, families and staff was wonderful in wanting to lend a helping hand to our fellow Australians doing it tough. Pictured: Holy Family Children helping to raise funds for the Bail Out Appeal

Catholic Life – September 2018 17 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE

St Augustine’s Primary School Coffs Harbour

‘Get a Jump on Winter’ was the focus of our Winter Jump on Winter Appeal. The school community was asked to donate “Love is shown more in deeds than in words.” second hand jumpers to help keep someone warm for Ignatius of Loyola Winter. This has certainly been the case for the Mini Vinnies On a day in Autumn students hung the jumpers on the team at St Augustine’s School Coffs Harbour this year. school fence to create a visual representation of just how The group have run two major campaigns to date where far our help would reach. We collected over 300 jumpers they have made a huge difference to those in need in the that lined the entire school fence of Gordon Street. Local local community. community members also added jumpers to the fence in support of our campaign. The staff and students then sorted and bagged all of the jumpers and donated them to the St Vincent De Paul Society to be distributed to families in need via Pete’s Place, The Women’s Refuge and The Soup Kitchen. ‘2 Day Food Packs’ was the second big campaign we ran in Term 2. As a committee, the team decided which foods would be suitable to collect and organised cohorts to donate various items to pack into the bags. We needed items that could easily be prepared with minimal organisation – perishable, portable and easy to open. There was enough food in each bag to cover two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners as well as snacks, cutlery, napkins and water. We were so amazed at the number of donations that we received from our school community and in total donated over 70 ‘2 Day Food Packs’ to our local St Vincent De Paul conference for distribution to people in need. Whilst we have run other smaller fundraisers within the school this year including ice cups and lolly guessing competitions, we feel that these two large campaigns have had the greatest impact in helping those in need. We are in the process of planning our next big initiative – a ‘Sleep out’ for our Mini Vinnies members... watch this space!

18 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2018 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE

Trinity Catholic College Lismore

that dominated the atmosphere. We then travelled 5 or Cambodia Immersion 2018 10 minutes to a waterfall which proved to be an excellent release from the incessant heat and humidity. We played On Wednesday, 4th July a group of nine students and two tirelessly in the water with all of the children; quickly re- teachers set out from Trinity Catholic College to Cambodia locating and re-embracing our own inherent childishness. with one single goal in mind – to build two fully functional classrooms, a concrete path and to create meaningful We commenced work once again on the Monday. We bonds with the local children. We departed the airport finished the construction of the classroom by the Thursday at 8:00pm and after an eight-hour flight we arrived for a of that week, leaving us with a whole day to spare. This quick four-hour stop at Kuala Lumpur airport, after which allowed for some goodbye-festivities which entailed 12 we took another two-hour flight that brought us to Phnom bowls of fried rice, 8 plates of chicken, 50 water balloons Penh – the capital of Cambodia. We were immediately and a lot of tears. shocked out of our rather extreme jet-lag by the chaotic traffic in Phnom Penh, which we experienced first-hand in our first of many tuk-tuk rides. Upon arrival, we met the first two children from the organisation – Sin and Ouk. We stayed in Phnom Penh for Friday and Saturday. We spent Friday immersing ourselves in the dark history of the Pol Pot regime by visiting the S21 prison and the Killing Fields. The visit gave us a deeper insight as to why Cambodia was in its current state. Saturday was a 7-hour bus ride to Siem Riep. Sunday was spent visiting the three main temples in Cambodia – Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple. During these tours, we were given insight into the Cambodian (or Khmer as it was called) empire at its prime, the war between Hindus and Buddhists and the splitting of Thailand.

On Monday, we woke up at 6:15am to catch a 7.00 Our experiences on the Cambodian Immersion have o’clock bus ride to the worksite. The work was hard, but provided us all with a renewed perception on life. In we powered through and by Friday we completed the accordance with the Trinity Immersion ethos, we were framework, roofing and cementing. all inspired to act justly, walk humbly and love tenderly; The weekend provided much needed rest and relaxation. and this is something that we intend to carry with us for On the Saturday, we were afforded the luxury of sleeping the rest of our lives. We thank everyone involved in the in until 6:45! With bounce in our step and minimal sleep in Immersion program and implore anyone that may be our eyes we set off to visit the ‘Resting Buddha’ which is a considering applying for an Immersion to do so, because it sacred Hindu site that sits atop the only mountain in Siem truly is a life-changing experience. Reap. We were overwhelmed by the spiritual reverence Charlie Burton, on behalf of the 2018 Cambodia Immersion Team

CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2018 19 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE

St. Anthony’s & Ambrose Primary Schools Kingscliff & Pottsville

School/Parish Family Sunday Mass as well as Sacramental To Sing is to Pray Twice Celebrations.

Harmonies, rounds and ‘Banana Songs’ kicked off a day LA Congress, earlier in the year, highlighted the of fun and excitement, learning and celebrating liturgical importance of using music in prayer, liturgy and songs. Students from Years 3 to 6 at St Ambrose combined celebration, especially with children. The children’s School forces with students from St Anthony’s Kingscliff to Church Choir is an example of how we can use music as hold a full day Church Choir music retreat. St Anthony’s Parish encourages young students to be involved in a language of our hearts and emotions, to share the faith music ministry. As a result, primary students have formed in ways that are particularly relevant to children. It has a Church Choir that lead the music and the singing of enlivened liturgy and made it more meaningful for our the parts of the Mass at weekly School Mass, monthly students, parents, family and parish communities.

St. Brigid’s Primary School Kyogle We Went Green! Friday was Planet Ark’s ‘Schools Tree Planting Day’ and the student’s at St. Brigid’s Primary School Kyogle dug in and got involved! Kyogle Council, who is a supporter of the event, dug the holes for the students to then go ahead and plant 150 trees alongside the Richmond River, behind the Kyogle Bowling Club, just along from where we planted 200 trees last year. The trees were kindly donated by Southern Cross University’s Koala Nursery and were a mixture of lemon, Students from St Brigid’s planting trees.

Conner McCormick. scented and spotted gums. The trees will rehabilitate the area and provide a habitat for sugar gliders that are known to populate the area.

It was a great activity for the students to be involved in and created awareness about the importance of the environment and the community!

Our Holy Family mothers and grandmothers were then treated to a beautiful breakfast cooked by the award winning Chefs from Quattro, Lennox Head. A wonderful morning was had by all.

20 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2018 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE

St. Ambrose Primary School Pottsville

L-R: Emily Gronholt (Student Support Worker), Hannah, Jasmine, Lucy, Ethan & Jacob getting ready to sample the menu, home cooked Kitchen Gardens, Dune Care and as part of the St Ambrose Kitchen Garden Program

Green Innovation Awards As part of our commitment to social and environmental It is always a colourful day at St Ambrose Pottsville issues St Ambrose has established a long-standing with lots of exciting extra-curricular fun for students to partnership with the local Dune Care community volunteer participate in. groups. Years 4 and 6 have both worked with Dune Care this year to participate in National Tree Planting Day. The school gardens were in full bloom with an abundance of parsley, basil, lettuce, rocket and tomatoes. Students In Term 2, our Year 5 students were selected as finalists harvested the produce and transformed it into a mouth- in the annual Green Innovation Awards Northern Rivers watering 3-course menu. The kitchen was prepped, the for their innovative recycling garden watering system table was set and the cooking began. Delicious aromas of passata, potato and rosemary pizza, parsley pesto, salad of project. The students were recognised and congratulated the imagination and tabbouleh scented across our school in the NSW Parliament by the Honorable Ben Franklin for as Year 3 to 6 participated in the first Stephanie Alexander their proven leadership and innovation in regards to the Kitchen Garden Cooking Day at St Ambrose. environment and sustainability.

St. Joseph’s Primary School Coraki Joey’s Helping Hands St. Joseph’s Coraki hosted a pyjama day in order to support the Streets Swags – Winter Appeal this year. As the weather started to cool students were asked to think about how those people sleeping rough on the streets would keep warm. Our senior students were challenged by their teacher and Leader of Evangelisation, to come up Difference’ to show that we care for others and want to with a way that we could help. make a change.

After holding our school pyjama day and raising enough The challenge was then put to our Parishioners to match money to donate three swags, some additional blankets our target of one street swag. We were absolutely and the remaining funds were donated to the St Vincent flabbergasted to hear that our Parishioners have De Paul Winter Appeal. The day began with Parishioner, completely smashed our target! They raised enough to Linda Barney, demonstrating to the students how to use purchase a further nine swags!!! This meant we were able plastic bags to create a warm blanket that can easily be to purchase and donate 12 swags. A massive thank you folded up and tucked into a swag. The students then and congratulations to our Parishioners and families who placed their donations on a heart titled ‘Let’s Make A have donated so generously.

CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2018 21 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE Mackillop Catholic College Port Macquarie

security will go a long way to help local families achieve Legal Justice Fund physical and emotional security. This year’s students feel very strongly that these will make a real difference, and The Mackillop Legal Justice Fund was set up in 2016 as a response to the very prevalent issue of domestic are focussing their fundraising efforts on this drive. So far violence in the Hastings area, and is the brainchild of this year they have held an out of uniform day at Mackillop the Legal Studies teacher, Mrs Nicole Bailey along with College, a cake stall, volunteered at the Ironman and were her dedicated HSC students. Since its’ inception, the the recipients of the TAB Editor’s Challenge – receiving fund has raised over $25,000, which has been spent on $5,000 towards the cause. They will continue with some providing women who are leaving unsafe situations with school based fundraising, but have also set up a Go Fund an appointment with a lawyer. These appointments are essential for women to understand their legal rights and Me page on Facebook for anyone wishing to donate. any potential family court requirements. Please like their Facebook page “MacKillop Legal Justice Fund”, and help them to achieve their goal of raising a 2018 has seen the fund focus on raising money to put further $5,000 by the end of the year! Congratulations to towards preventative safety measures – to allow victims peace of mind when staying in their own homes. Products everyone for this amazing initiative! such as personal duress alarms, and updated property by Karen Saichney

St. James Primary School Banora Point Science & Technology Enrichment The beginning of this year heralded in an exciting new era for the St James Primary School Science Community with the inception of the Science and Technology Program headed by our very own Megan Robinson and Kate Quinton. With this new initiative came a scurry of stimulating new activities and programs which our students have had great fun exploring. To facilitate the expansion of the science department, half of our existing unused library space was re-purposed into needed for our first 3D printing experiment – Christmas three dedicated science specific spaces; the “Discovery decorations! Zone”, the “Makerspace” and the “Lab”. To further enrich Another exciting focus of the department is the the program our team applied for and was awarded two introduction of robotics which has been a large focus of valuable grants which were won with the help of our Year the program. Students have been lucky enough to be 6 students who recorded a science themed rap. The first, supplied with 12 “Spheros” (app enabled robotic balls a $10,000 grant, will see the science and technology valued at $3,000) with coding capabilities. program supplied with 28 new touch screen ‘Chrome’ books to aid in the students’ technology development. We are so incredibly blessed here at St James Primary to The second grant, is in the form of a brand new 3D printer, have such progressive and stimulating opportunities for all complete with all the filament (plastic fibre cable material) of our students.

22 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2018 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE St. Joseph’s Primary School Alstonville

develop students with skills for contemporary learning. What are Flexible Learning Spaces? Flexible learning spaces help children collaborate and learn in group settings, yet can be adapted to suit quiet, We have spent the last few years adapting our practice independent learning when the situation requires. to become a flexible learning school. We did this as we firmly believed we needed to move away from a model Q: What are flexible learning spaces? of schooling that could no longer meet the needs of our A: Flexible learning spaces are designed to be communal learners. We know this change of learning can create spaces which can be configured in a number of ways for questions from parents. Why do this? How does it work? Is specific learning experiences. This means they provide it for all students? opportunities for people to work together in collaborative There are also the usual questions like: Is it too noisy? Do and exciting ways. In our case at Joeys we work in stages children get missed? How do you know that children are (S1 – Years 1 & 2, S2 – Yrs 3 & 4, S3 – Yrs 5 & 6) with learning? increased staffing to support flexibility and intervention.

So we have put a few ideas and photos together to create Q: How do students use flexible spaces? a greater understanding of how flexible learning works A: Students can be grouped in a variety of ways that here at Joeys. take advantage of both indoor and outdoor learning environments. They enable students to work in a variety If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about flexible learning of areas enabling them to move around, work at tables, spaces and how they operate, please read on… on the floor, in small group settings, as well as standing. All over the world, leading Schools are utilising flexible Flexible learning spaces empower students to understand learning spaces to educate children for an exciting future. themselves as learners so they can apply different learning Gone are the days of one teacher, one class as we try to techniques depending on the task and outcome.

CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2018 23 SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE Xavier Catholic College Ballina An Overview Term three is off and racing as our Year 12 students complete their Trial HSC examinations. Many students who have studied subjects such as Drama, Dance, Art, Music have also sat the practical component of their subject and many students completing projects in Art, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology (Multimedia/ Timber), Textiles and Design are working steadily to meet deadlines. Each year students complete work which is truly of a professional standing. Xavier Catholic College has as its designated charity the schools and communities in Timor Leste. In order to raise funds for this charity Xavier Catholic College will be holding a non-uniform fundraising day. Year 11 students travelling to Timor Leste in September will be undertaking our third Student Immersion experience. Donations of cash and goods are made directly to beneficiaries in one of the world’s poorest nations – typically schools. Last week our Bishop spoke with classes as part of his visit to the Ballina Parish. Bishop Gregory hopes to make such visits part of his annual schedule – with the ambitious target of speaking with all senior classes in all twelve secondary colleges in the diocese in future years! The students who spoke with Bishop Gregory were very appreciative of his time and wisdom. Year 11 Hospitality students Tahlya Dalby and Fleur Lasser.

Our Year 10 students have had the opportunity to The Concert Band have been busy performing at the participate in a number of Well Being workshops which will opening of the new buildings at Crowley Retirement culminate in a retreat experience, giving them time to reflect Village. Students in the bands and choir are preparing on their lives and to set themselves direction for the future. repertoire for the Lismore Eisteddfod and other An exciting announcement is that the Xavier Catholic community performances later in the term. College Leo Club has been awarded the Lions District 201 Q1 Leo Club of the Year Award. Leo Club has also been With the Writers Festival, English and Mathematics busy coordinating some in-school community building competition, STEM activities, Chess Club and Environment activities such as the Children of Courage Awards and Groups all running at this time of year, there is plenty for Pastoral Care activity. students of all ages and interests to involve themselves.

St. Finbarr’s Primary School Byron Bay The Feast of St. Mary of the Cross St Finbarr’s celebrated the Feast of St Mary of the Cross in a way to remember this year. Fr Gilbey celebrated Mass with the whole school and parishioners coming together in celebration of the life of Australia’s first saint. After Mass parents were invited to join the children for morning tea in the school grounds.

As a special treat this year teachers walked the children through the track leading to the beach where everyone spent time playing and enjoying the sand and sun. An impromptu sandcastle building competition began with a creative array of mermaids, dolphins, turtles and more. Overall it was a special day and one that will go down as a highlight at St Finbarr’s in 2018.

24 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2018 Cambodia PILGRIMAGE 2018

Visit to Peak Sneang Primary School, near Siem Reap he children are in kindergarten and primary, just two rooms, the primary class also attends a government in the open by volunteers and we all sat at a long table on T school for half a day. We saw congee being cooked, the edge of the jungle to eat our lunch of rice, BBQ pork, open fire, by an employee of the farm and his wife who is morning glory and papaya, both boiled with a chicken soup a volunteer. This was then ladled into huge dishes which and sardine salsa. It was so peaceful. Father Totet thanked we then helped to spoon into plastic bowls. The children all lined up, sat down and patiently waited till 10.30 when the us for coming and apologised that they had nothing to give bowls were distributed. Mothers and small children came us! They, the whole community gave us something money from the village and were served too – up to 150 are served can’t buy! Hope, peace, joy. He then invited us to join him every Thursday. 2nd helpings were available. in a Buddhist meditation, which is below. We then drove to the farm and saw tapioca, lemongrass, corn, cucumbers, snake beans growing. Lunch was cooked Jenny & Russell Murchie

Legion Of Mary CELEBRATIONS

The Legion of Mary gathers with parishioners at Kingscliff to pray the ‘rosary in the park’ as part with the sea breeze and sun on our faces. A good cuppa is of a nation wide campaign to pray for each other always welcome, as we all know, praying is thirsty work!!!! The intention of these prayerful rallies was to ask Our and for our beautiful country Australia. Lady of Fatima to intercede for God’s merciful blessing upon ll over Australia people are getting involved & it Australia. keeps on growing. Who could ask for a better place Fr. John Derbyshire is always encouraging our members A than on the grassy park area at Kingscliff beach? to grow in love of God together with Mary our Mother, to Everyone enjoyed the experience of praying outdoors find Jesus in our hearts.

Catholic Life, September, 2018 25 Little Chapel (Brother Deodat, 1914) in Saint Peter Port is possibly the smallest chapel in the world – miniature version of famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes in France. Guernsey, English Channel.

The building lacked proper maintenance for many years. OF THE WORLD In 1977, a Committee was set up to restore the Chapel. It is Chapels recorded that they stabilised the foundations and renovated The Little Chapel, Guernsey the roof. The Little Chapel was then placed under the care of Blanchelande College Trustees. Under terms of their lease, he Little Chapel was substantially the work of one they were responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of man, Brother Deodat Antoine who arrived in Guernsey the chapel. in December 1913. When he saw the wooded slope, T In August 2016, The Little Chapel Foundation was he perceived the idea of building a grotto similar to that in Lourdes. The current chapel is the third one that he built. established and the site was gifted to the Charity by the De la Salle Brothers. He built the first one soon after he arrived in Guernsey in 1913. It was very small and after receiving some caustic http://thelittlechapel.gg/ criticism he pulled it down. The second chapel was built during the First World War and could accommodate 4 people. In 1923, it was visited by the Bishop of Portsmouth. He was so fat he could not get through the door so Brother Deodat decided to destroy this chapel as well. He began work on the third chapel, a laborious task. Each day he would collect pebbles and broken china to decorate the shrine. The Little Chapel became famous due to an illustrated article in the Daily Mirror. Islanders brought china, the then Lieutenant Governor donated mother of pearl and gifts arrived from all over the World. The current Chapel was almost complete when the Second World War broke out. Brother Deodat returned to France in 1939 due to ill health. He died there without ever having seen his work completed. The care of The Little Chapel was entrusted to Brother Cephas who continued to decorate the building until his retirement in 1965.

26 Catholic Life, September, 2018 QUESTIONS BOX https://www.catholic.org.au/bishops- Questions about the commission-for-pastoral-life/dioceses Catholic faith When you contact the parish, provide them with an approximate date (month/ year) of the Baptism together with the Q: My husband and I are in the process names of both parents and name and of enrolling our son, in a catholic school. date of birth of your son. Unfortunately we cannot find her baptism certificate We remember where he Q: I am a Catholic but I am wondering was baptised. How would we go about if I offend God by not following the getting a new Baptism Certificate? Jewish faith instead of the catholic faith considering that Jesus was the King of A: This is a very common question, the Jews. What is the true religion that I especially when children are enrolling should be following given Christ’s Jewish in a new school or preparing for the background. sacraments. However, there is no central of Baptisms kept anywhere. You need A: The Jews were the chosen people to contact the parish priest or parish who had been taught to look forward secretary at the parish where your to the coming of the Redeemer. But son was baptised. They will be very when He came they did not recognise CATHOLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE ENQUIRY CATHOLIC accustomed to this type of request. him. They wanted a king who brought Here is a link to the Catholic Church temporal gifts. Instead, Jesus was a King in Australia. Choose the State where who brought spiritual gifts. Christianity is the baptism took place, then the the perfect development of the Jewish

[email protected] Ph: 1300 4 FAITH (1300 432 484) Ph: 1300 4 FAITH [email protected] diocese where you will find a list of all religion as Jesus is the fulfillment of the Is there something about the Catholic faith you want answered? something about the Catholic faith you want answered? Is there parishes including their contact details: Old Testament promises.

Lismore Diocese has a dedicated YouTube channel Got something The Lismore Diocese has a YouTube to send to print? channel that can be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCYxOjNyku4JCI08vfeTq-fQ

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Catholic Life, September, 2018 27 Pope Francis has responded to new reports of clerical sexual abuse and the ecclesial cover-up of abuse. In an impassioned Pope Francis: letter addressed to the whole People of God, he calls on the Church to be close to victims in solidarity, and to join in acts of Letter to the People of God prayer and fasting in penance for such “atrocities”.

“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it” (1 Cor 12:26). These words of Saint Paul forcefully echo in my heart as I acknowledge once more the suffering endured by many minors due to sexual abuse, the abuse of power and the abuse of conscience perpetrated by a significant number of clerics and consecrated persons. Crimes that inflict deep wounds of pain and powerlessness, primarily among the victims, but also in their family members and in the larger community of believers and nonbelievers alike. Looking back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient. Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such shame when we realise that our style of forging present and future history. And situations from happening, but also to life has denied, and continues to deny, this in an environment where conflicts, prevent the possibility of their being the words we recite. tensions and above all the victims of covered up and perpetuated. The pain every type of abuse can encounter an of the victims and their families is also With shame and repentance, we acknowledge as an ecclesial community outstretched hand to protect them and our pain, and so it is urgent that we rescue them from their pain (cf. Evangelii once more reaffirm our commitment to that we were not where we should have been, that we did not act in a timely Gaudium, 228). Such solidarity demands ensure the protection of minors and of that we in turn condemn whatever manner, realising the magnitude and vulnerable adults. endangers the integrity of any person. the gravity of the damage done to so A solidarity that summons us to fight all many lives. We showed no care for 1. If one member suffers… forms of corruption, especially spiritual the little ones; we abandoned them. corruption. The latter is “a comfortable In recent days, a report was made public I make my own the words of the then and self-satisfied form of blindness. which detailed the experiences of at Cardinal Ratzinger when, during the Everything then appears acceptable: least a thousand survivors, victims of Way of the Cross composed for Good deception, slander, egotism and other sexual abuse, the abuse of power and Friday 2005, he identified with the cry of subtle forms of self-centeredness, of conscience at the hands of priests pain of so many victims and exclaimed: for ‘even Satan disguises himself over a period of approximately seventy “How much filth there is in the Church, years. Even though it can be said that as an angel of light’ (2 Cor 11:14)” and even among those who, in the (Gaudete et Exsultate, 165). Saint Paul’s most of these cases belong to the past, priesthood, ought to belong entirely nonetheless as time goes on we have exhortation to suffer with those who to [Christ]! How much pride, how much suffer is the best antidote against all our come to know the pain of many of the self-complacency! Christ’s betrayal by his victims. We have realised that these attempts to repeat the words of Cain: disciples, their unworthy reception of his “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9). wounds never disappear and that they body and blood, is certainly the greatest I am conscious of the effort and work require us forcefully to condemn these suffering endured by the Redeemer; it being carried out in various parts of the atrocities and join forces in uprooting pierces his heart. We can only call to world to come up with the necessary this culture of death; these wounds him from the depths of our hearts: Kyrie means to ensure the safety and never go away. The heart-wrenching eleison – Lord, save us! (cf. Mt 8:25)” protection of the integrity of children pain of these victims, which cries out to (Ninth Station). heaven, was long ignored, kept quiet and of vulnerable adults, as well as or silenced. But their outcry was more 2. … all suffer together with it implementing zero tolerance and ways powerful than all the measures meant of making all those who perpetrate or to silence it, or sought even to resolve The extent and the gravity of all that cover up these crimes accountable. We it by decisions that increased its gravity has happened requires coming to grips have delayed in applying these actions by falling into complicity. The Lord heard with this reality in a comprehensive and and sanctions that are so necessary, that cry and once again showed us on communal way. While it is important yet I am confident that they will help to which side he stands. Mary’s song is and necessary on every journey of guarantee a greater culture of care in the not mistaken and continues quietly to conversion to acknowledge the truth of present and future. echo throughout history. For the Lord what has happened, in itself this is not Together with those efforts, every one remembers the promise he made to enough. Today we are challenged as the of the baptised should feel involved in our fathers: “he has scattered the proud People of God to take on the pain of our the ecclesial and social change that we in their conceit; he has cast down the brothers and sisters wounded in their so greatly need. This change calls for mighty from their thrones and lifted flesh and in their spirit. If, in the past, the a personal and communal conversion up the lowly; he has filled the hungry response was one of omission, today we that makes us see things as the Lord with good things, and the rich he has want solidarity, in the deepest and most does. For as Saint John Paul II liked to sent away empty” (Lk 1:51-53). We feel challenging sense, to become our way of say: “If we have truly started out anew

28 Catholic Life, September, 2018 from the contemplation of Christ, we one people. We are never completely forgiveness for our own sins and the sins must learn to see him especially in the ourselves unless we belong to a people. of others. An awareness of sin helps us faces of those with whom he wished to That is why no one is saved alone, as to acknowledge the errors, the crimes be identified” (Novo Millennio Ineunte, an isolated individual. Rather, God and the wounds caused in the past and 49). To see things as the Lord does, to draws us to himself, taking into account allows us, in the present, to be more be where the Lord wants us to be, to the complex fabric of interpersonal open and committed along a journey of experience a conversion of heart in his relationships present in the human renewed conversion. presence. To do so, prayer and penance community. God wanted to enter will help. I invite the entire holy faithful into the life and history of a people” Likewise, penance and prayer will help People of God to a penitential exercise (Gaudete et Exsultate, 6). Consequently, us to open our eyes and our hearts of prayer and fasting, following the the only way that we have to respond to to other people’s sufferings and to Lord’s command.[1] This can awaken this evil that has darkened so many lives overcome the thirst for power and our conscience and arouse our solidarity is to experience it as a task regarding possessions that are so often the root and commitment to a culture of care all of us as the People of God. This of those evils. May fasting and prayer that says “never again” to every form of awareness of being part of a people open our ears to the hushed pain felt abuse. and a shared history will enable us to by children, young people and the acknowledge our past sins and mistakes It is impossible to think of a conversion disabled. A fasting that can make us of our activity as a Church that does with a penitential openness that can hunger and thirst for justice and impel not include the active participation allow us to be renewed from within. of all the members of God’s People. Without the active participation of all us to walk in the truth, supporting all the Indeed, whenever we have tried to the Church’s members, everything being judicial measures that may be necessary. replace, or silence, or ignore, or reduce done to uproot the culture of abuse in A fasting that shakes us up and leads us the People of God to small elites, we our communities will not be successful to be committed in truth and charity with end up creating communities, projects, in generating the necessary dynamics all men and women of good will, and theological approaches, spiritualities for sound and realistic change. The with society in general, to combatting and structures without roots, without penitential dimension of fasting and all forms of the abuse of power, sexual memory, without faces, without bodies prayer will help us as God’s People to abuse and the abuse of conscience. and ultimately, without lives.[2] This come before the Lord and our wounded is clearly seen in a peculiar way of brothers and sisters as sinners imploring In this way, we can show clearly our understanding the Church’s authority, forgiveness and the grace of shame calling to be “a sign and instrument one common in many communities and conversion. In this way, we will of communion with God and of the where sexual abuse and the abuse of come up with actions that can generate unity of the entire human race” (Lumen power and conscience have occurred. resources attuned to the Gospel. For Gentium, 1). Such is the case with clericalism, an “whenever we make the effort to return “If one member suffers, all suffer to the source and to recover the original approach that “not only nullifies the together with it”, said Saint Paul. By an character of Christians, but also tends to freshness of the Gospel, new avenues attitude of prayer and penance, we will diminish and undervalue the baptismal arise, new paths of creativity open up, grace that the Holy Spirit has placed in with different forms of expression, more become attuned as individuals and as a the heart of our people”.[3] Clericalism, eloquent signs and words with new community to this exhortation, so that whether fostered by priests themselves meaning for today’s world” (Evangelii we may grow in the gift of compassion, or by lay persons, leads to an excision Gaudium, 11). in justice, prevention and reparation. in the ecclesial body that supports and It is essential that we, as a Church, be Mary chose to stand at the foot of her helps to perpetuate many of the evils able to acknowledge and condemn, Son’s cross. She did so unhesitatingly, that we are condemning today. To say with sorrow and shame, the atrocities standing firmly by Jesus’ side. In this “no” to abuse is to say an emphatic perpetrated by consecrated persons, way, she reveals the way she lived her “no” to all forms of clericalism. clerics, and all those entrusted with the entire life. When we experience the It is always helpful to remember that mission of watching over and caring desolation caused by these ecclesial “in salvation history, the Lord saved for those most vulnerable. Let us beg wounds, we will do well, with Mary, “to insist more upon prayer”, seeking to grow all the more in love and fidelity to the Church (SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, Spiritual Exercises, 319). She, the first of the disciples, teaches all of us as disciples how we are to halt before the sufferings of the innocent, without excuses or cowardice. To look to Mary is to discover the model of a true follower of Christ. May the Holy Spirit grant us the grace of conversion and the interior anointing needed to express before these crimes of abuse our compunction and our resolve courageously to combat them. FRANCIS Vatican City, 20 August 2018 (Source: Vatican News)

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