TOGETHERIn the Diocese of wagga.catholic.org.au FREE DECEMBER 2019

2 FROM THE APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR TOGETHER IN THE DIOCESE OF Awakening to Christmas is published monthly, eleven times per year, and is available free at parish churches, schools, presbyteries and religious houses and the Plenary Council throughout the Wagga Wagga Diocese.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse - Apostolic Administrator of the Wagga Wagga Diocese Publisher The Diocese of Wagga Wagga I have observed some theologians use themes need to be considered individually. people of Bethlehem “treasured all these McAlroy House the word AWAKENING when they refer to There is time for reflection, sharing on things and pondered them”(Luke2/19), may 205 Street the encounter of biblical figures with the scripture, discerning nationally and locally, we all do the same. Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 new life experienced in the Risen Jesus. and giving thanks. Brief outcomes of these Australians are often seen as very practical Editor/Designer For example, there are the Emmaus discernment groups are compiled and then and functional in their discernment. This Karene Eggleton disciples (“And their eyes were opened and sent to the appropriate Discernment and is something good. However, without this they recognised him” Luke 24/31) and Mary Writing Group via the plenary council transcendent dimension focussed on the Printer The Media Group webpage. Child Jesus within us and animating this Magdalen (“Rabbuni !” John 20/17). Peter Street Wagga Wagga 2650 Even the Pentecost experience of the early Let us all make these groups a real Advent/ discernment, then the awakening to the Holy Church moved them from fear and awakened Christmas Season priority for our parishes Spirit is eclipsed. Submissions them to faith (“They were all filled with the and communities. Let us carefully discern the I pray that this Advent and Christmas TOGETHER would not be key question: “How is God calling us to be a season be a real blessing for you, your family possible without the voluntary Holy Spirit” Acts 2/4). labour and cooperation of many The Advent liturgical season prepares us for Christ-centred Church?” and loved ones, and all in our troubled world. contributors from within the the great Solemnity of Christmas. It is a time As Mary, St Joseph, the shepherds and the Happy Christmas and New Year 2020! diocese and beyond. Submissions of awakening too. Indeed, we celebrate “the for publication are welcome but not Word became flesh and He lived among us” always guaranteed to be printed. (John 1/14). This the Mystery of our Faith Advertisers that is absolutely central to all our hopes and TOGETHER acknowledges joys. We need every day of Advent to prepare with gratitude the generous for Christmas. The Christmas liturgical support of advertisers. Please season then helps us to savour its incredible show your support to our advertisers where possible. Please beauty and Eucharistic nourishment for our note that products and/or services Christian lives. advertised in this publication are The lowly shepherds become the first not necessarily endorsed by this Christian evangelisers. It is a twofold saving publication nor by the bishop of awakening. There is the impulse to “go to this diocese. Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord Copy deadline has made known to us” (Luke 2/15). Then 15th of the month prior to there is the telling to others of Jesus, our publication Emmanuel – Mary’s child. Their testimony was convincing: “everyone who heard it Contact Us All news stories, advertising was astonished at what the shepherds said to enquiries, correspondence and them” (Luke 2/19). subscriptions to: It is during this high liturgical season that Together Australian Catholics are also engaging in PO Box 473 the second phase of the Plenary Council of Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Australia – Let’s listen and discern. Email My prayer is that our fulsome involvement [email protected] as a diocese in this second phase will be an awakening in faith for all of us too. Facebook I encourage strongly that our parishes and www.facebook.com/ togetherwagga communities become directly involved in these discussions. Indeed, it is a wonderful Phone 0437 738 726 way of bringing together both our awakening to Christ born afresh in us all and our Member of the awakening to what Jesus is doing in our Australasian Catholic Press Assoc. midst in our ancient but new land. Annual Subscriptions Some parishes are showing leadership in $33 Australia $44 Overseas organising small groups to ponder upon the six national themes for discernment. These Front cover: freepix.com Prayer Intention for December - Pray with Pope Francis Prayer for the There are few British winter traditions Lord of all, now weak and vulnerable, is election of a The Future of the Very Young more famous than the service of Lessons enwrapped in the loving care of Mary. Bishop and Carols held on Christmas Eve at The same Mary is not only our mother That every country take the measures Kings College Cambridge and broadcast but also our model. So many children O God, eternal necessary to prioritize the future of the very throughout the country on the BBC. Since throughout the world today, likewise shepherd, who govern 1919 the choir at Kings College has opened weak and vulnerable, are also subject young, especially those who are suffering. this service with the same hymn, “Once to poverty, injustice, and violence. In Your flock with unfailing in Royal David’s City,” the simple lyrics of them Christ comes to us anew, albeit in care, grant in Your Visit this link to hear the Pope deliver his monthly prayer: which speak to the profound paradox of the “distressing disguise.” As we enjoy the mystery of Christmas. “He came down to beauty of Christmas creches and hear the boundless fatherly love a Bishop for http://popesprayerusa.net/category/pope-video/ earth from heaven, who is God and Lord old, familiar carols, let us pray that these the Diocese of Wagga Wagga who will of all. And his shelter was a stable, and His venerable traditions may really move us to please You by his holiness and to us show cradle was a stall. With the poor, and mean, become more like Mary, to set aside our Pope’s Worldwide and lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy.” own interests and preoccupations to tend to watchful care. Through our Lord Jesus By the mystery of the Incarnation, God those of Christ, the Christ who beckons us Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with Prayer Network became a little child. There are few religious to care for the vulnerable and needy among APOSVLESHIP OF PRAYER scenes more moving and tender than the us, prioritizing the “very young, especially You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one http://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/ infant Jesus in the arms of his mother. The those who are suffering.” God, for ever and ever. Amen.

TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 VALE 3 Eulogy for John Turibius Loth CFC 13th August 1930 to 20th November 2019 by Br Mike Walsh CFC

I am indebted to a dozen or so years in 1965. John is the only Brother Brothers, some of them quoted here, who I've known who adopted bee keeping as contributed their memories of John for a serious hobby. This was while teaching the composition of this eulogy for his in his home town in 1978 where his funeral held on 29th November. community appreciated the beautiful Born: honey his bees produced. He maintained 13th August 1930 this when in other places too until late in Entered Christian Brothers: 2001 when a bushfire at Mulgoa badly 25th January 1945 damaged his hives then situated there. Entered Novitiate: John brought a raft of talents to his 15th February 1948 teaching. His Leaving Certificate First Profession: results indicate an above average 25th December 1949 ability at English and the Maths and Final Profession: Sciences. He was artistic and had a good 25th December 1955 understanding of music notation and John was born in 1930 into a large choir work and later a self taught but family of eight children, growing up very proficient player of the recorder. He in Wagga Wagga - his father was the was totally committed to his preparation ambulance superintendent and his of lessons, spending many hours at mother, apart from many domestic night on this. And yet the classroom did duties, also attended to ambulance not give him much joy. His difficulties laundry. His parents were very kind and related to aspects of his personality and supportive of the Brothers' community probably his health too. John was intense, at St Michael's school, as was his sister, a perfectionist, and sensitive. Australians Ann, in later years. John entered the are adept at attaching ironic nicknames to Juniorate at Strathfield in 1945 but people – Turibius Loth was humorously always maintained close contact with dubbed by Br Eric Hyde as “Terrible his family. Br Pat White, with him Sloth," The exact opposite of his nature at Waverley College in the nineties, as an intense, relentless worker, a remembers him talking proudly about perfectionist, devoted to routine and Cathedral concert he had his choir draped his parents and his early days in Wagga orderliness, who cared greatly for his out in relaxing poses all over the stage He possessed a Wagga. His father died in 1962 but his students and wanted what was best for for a medley of popular songs -sounds conviction of God being mother lived on until 1979. At that time them. However, those same students, good, but somewhat less inviting when ‘ John was stationed in his home town being boys, and young teenagers at that, commencing at 11.00pm!! From this present in all people, a and Brother Chris Rafferty recalls his had less enthusiasm for hard work and one might determine he had no sense marvellous devotion to her, with daily perfection and orderliness. Some of his of humour and yet that was not quite great compassion for morning and evening visits to Calvary students in Wagga Wagga and elsewhere true. The same Brother Rod, remembers the outsiders in our hospital during her last illness. John learned how to push his buttons and visiting John in hospital after an accident fitted in these visits despite his busy sidetrack and frustrate him which used at Waverley where late one night, in society backed by a school schedule and walked the several get him down somewhat. bizarre circumstances, he had snapped deep spirituality and kilometres there and back- he relied John was gifted in preparing choirs both the tendons of his quadricep a lot on “shanks pony" as they say and concert items and would throw muscles and lay in the quadrangle faithful life of prayer. because he never held a driver's licence. himself into such work. He looked to unable to move. John related how the Unfortunately the one day he missed she have presentations perfect but often on incident occurred in hilarious fashion. some of his class prepare cardboard passed away and he was inconsolable, the night things would go wrong. Any of Others, including myself recall his telling borders for a St Mary's Cathedral display’ unreasonably blaming himself for not us with much experience of producing humorous stories of his teaching years in 1987. Having duly instructed them being there for her passing. Brother Rod concert items with kids knows about and prison ministry. He liked to laugh, he on what to do he cheerfully told them: Shoebridge went through the training that and maybe even welcomed an just didn't do it often enough perhaps. "OK, now I have to go off to gaol” – the years with John and recalls his love of unscheduled laughter-launching mishap Many Brothers remember how his mystified kids had to be told by Charlie order and attention to detail and also his that professionals performers don't give artistic and creative ability found what he meant by that. This brings me laughter. John was given in Religious us. They were great for the audience. expression in the beautiful large banners to his ministry as a prison chaplain life the unusual name of Turibius. Rod Not so John, and Chris Rafferty recalls he prepared for liturgies with colours, beginning in 1982 while at Lewisham noted that for many years, he kept the several instances where he has stopped symbols and texts affixed to hanging and continuing until March 1999 while group together by invitations and letters the show on such occasions and berated cloths capturing aspects of the liturgical residing at Waverley College. informing members with relevant news the audience for not appreciating how calendar or saints feast days and these This sensitive, cultured gentleman regarding their confreres. Like most much hard work the boys had put were hung in churches and cathedrals and moved among some of the perceived of us John began his school ministry into their production and declare the schools. He had a great devotion to Our roughest and toughest people in the in teaching primary classes, firstly in audience disrespectful in their laughter. lady and his May altars, very traditional country and thrived on the experience. In Warwick in 1950 followed by three other And then he'd recommence the item, in all Christian Brothers' schools, were this ministry he was faithfully following Queensland schools, by then teaching from the top! For John it was a case outstanding. Many Brothers too would Blessed Edmund Rice our Founder who junior secondary classes. He returned to of defending the boys' efforts. In his remember the decorated candles he gave had a wonderful way with prisoners in NSW in 1962. That year he taught at St enthusiasm he sometimes overloaded them for their jubilees. He had a gift also his day. John had a gift for this apostolate Edmund's, at Wahroonga teaching blind a concert programme. Brother Rod for Floral Displays. Charlie Smith, when because, like Blessed Edmund, he boys & later returned there for three Shoebridge described how at one at Lewisham, remembers John having continued on page 27...

DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 4 NEWS Come to Bethlehem by Fr Gerard Ryan CCS West Wagga Wagga Catholic Parish

Planning for school and Christmas holidays can sometimes need imaginative input. Time, cost, family suitability, parking and accessibility, and the need for fun can all be matters of genuine pre-planning. Fortunately, there is one event that has been a real winner for many families over the years, and its in Wagga Wagga. The City of Bethlehem comes alive, complete with camels and children’s crafts each December with a re-creation of the times of Jesus’ birth. This reenactment occurs in the grounds of Holy Trinity Primary School, Ashmont. It takes about an hour to as such many of the scenes are interactive. enjoy, its only $2 for adults and all children are free. The young, the not so young, and the young It is suitable for all the family (even dads enjoy it), at heart are invited to try their hand at parking and accessibility are not a problem, and it’s activities including cane basket weaving, fun all-round for everyone, even teenagers. mosaics, and writing in Hebrew. Come to Bethlehem has attracted approximately After walking through the City of 35,000 patrons since its inception at Christmas 2003. Bethlehem, visitors are invited to step The Come to Bethlehem display reconstructs the into the school hall to see a display of the history of ancient surrounds of Bethlehem. The various scenes various Christmas symbols including the Christmas depicted among its many exhibits are a synagogue, tree, mince pies and nativity displays. a carpenter’s shop, a pottery shop, and a mill, and All are invited to attend the display and are most on the outskirts of the city is a small baby lying in a welcome. Come to Bethlehem can be included when manger. out and about looking at the Christmas lights. The event is a unique celebration of Christmas that Come to Bethlehem will be operating focuses on that time long ago when a small baby on the evenings of Sunday through to was born. Come to Bethlehem is aimed at keeping Tuesday (Christmas Eve), December 22, the rustic baby Christ in Christmas festivities. Over fifty people dressed in costumes will take part in 23 and 24 from 8.00 pm to 9.45 pm. the display, participating in the various scenes, they Admission is $2 for adults and children are free. recreate the atmosphere of the bustling marketplace Come to Bethlehem and see the wonder of a great of a time long ago. event. The display is designed to appeal to families and

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TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 NEWS 5

We are urgently in need of volunteers to work in the Vinnies shop at Turvey Tops. If you have some spare time in your week we would love to hear from you. Please phone Kerry on 0426 113 991 or Turvey Tops shop on 6925 2335

Grandparents Doing It Tough

A Monthly Support Group for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren & Grandparents Seeking Access to Grandchildren

A Monthly Support Group for Grandparents Grandparents face many challenges • Dealing with schools and Raising Grandchildren & Grandparents when confronted with the advocating for children unexpected responsibility of caring • Grief and loss Seeking Access to Grandchildren as a result of: for young children or teenagers, • Holiday care activities / respite care including: • Family Law Court Decisions • Illness / Disability • Accessing community resources, • Loss of independence, and especially for young people with • Separation / Divorce • Death / Suicide retirement plans disabilities • Drug or Alcohol Addiction • Mental Health • Emotional and psychological issues The Grandparents Group offers you: • Behavioral problems / lack of • Understanding

behavioral strategies • Friendship • Challenges with setting boundaries • Shared experiences and knowledge or establishing routines • Social Activities • Social isolation • Parenting Strategies  Family Counselling Services  Natural Fertility Awareness • Dealing with courts and the legal  School Wellbeing Program  Settlement Grants Program • Support and advocacy  system Personal Helpers and Mentors  Recovery Approaches to • Education Program Dementia • Increased stress & financial hardship  Employee Assistance Program  Pre Marriage Education • Guest Speakers  Family Education Services  Partners in Recovery • Decreased energy  Complex Case Services  Clinical Clergy Assessments • Child development issues Centacare Office Locations: FINLEY GRIFFITH WAGGA WAGGA 440 Wilson Street 2 Corree Street 140 Yambil Street 201 Tarcutta Street Centacare South West NSWCentacare South West NSW 02 6051 0222 02 6051 0222 02 6964 1447 02 6923 3888 Wagga Wagga | Albury | GriffithWagga | Finley Wagga | Albury | Griffith | Finley

Phone 1300 619 379 Phone 1300 619 379 www.centacareswnsw.org.au www.centacareswnsw.org.au www.centacareswnsw.org.au DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER BRINGING BRINGINGUP GREAT UP GREATKIDS KIDS

A PARENTING PROGRAM FOR BUILDING GOOD RELATIONSHIPS A PARENTING WITH CHILDREN PROGRAM FOR BUILDING GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN

Bringing Up Great Kids!

What is “Bringing Up Great Kids”?? The “Bringing Up Great Kids” Parenting Program and resources is underpinned by a philosophy of promoting and supporting respectful, caring and nurturing relationships between parents and their children. Parents are encouraged to become more reflective and Bringing Up Great Kids! mindful in their parenting approach. This six session group program uses ideas of mindfulness and reflection to support parents and carers to review and enhance their communication and interactions with their children. What is “Bringing Up Great Kids”?? The “BUGK” Program: The “Bringing Up Great Kids” ParentingPromotes Program respectful and resources interactions is betweenunderpinned parents/carers by a and children, while assisting children in philosophy of promoting and supportingdeveloping respectful, a positive caring self-identity and nurturing and self-esteem. relationships between parents and their children. ParentsBUGK looks are at encouraged “messages from to the b ecomepast”, understanding more reflective early bra andin development, barriers to mindful in their parenting approach. communication and how messages from our own past can impact our reactions to our children’s behaviours. This six session group program uses ideas of mindfulness and reflection to support parents and What will I learn in “BUGK”? carers to review and enhance their communication and interactions with their children. “BUGK” is delivered over 6 sessions. Each session will build on the session before, and allow time to The “BUGK” Program: reflect on your learning. Promotes respectful interactions between parents/carers and children, while assisting children in developing a positive self-identity and self-esteem. BUGK looks at “messages from the past”, understanding early brain development, barriers to communication and how messages from our own past can impact our reactions to our children’s behaviours. What will I learn in “BUGK”? “BUGK” is delivered over 6 sessions. Each session will build on the session before, and allow time to reflect on your learning. 6 ALL SAINTS All Saints Debutante Ball 2019 The All Saints’ Debutante Ball was held in on 26th October 2019. This year was their 20th Anniversary.

To mark this special occasion four SABRINA WU partnered by debutantes from their very first ball ALEX SPEECHLEY attended. They were Hilary Richards, Sabrina is wearing a gorgeous scoop Amanda Caunt, Aleishe McKay and neck A-line floor length dress with lovely BJ Brown. Eight debutantes and their tulle and lace detail. partners participated this year. Sabrina is the daughter of Coco and Special guests were Mr Justin Clancy, Stepdad Craig. She has five siblings – Reverand Dr Thomas Brancik, Mr Daniel Oscar, Catherine, Mitchell, Erin and Francis and Ms Kylie Bradley. Rylee. Sabrina’s favourite subject is The Debutantes of 2019 All Saints Ball Maths and after High School she would were: like to be a Nurse or Midwife. McDermott and Rebecca McKay step off the rounded neckline and creating a TRINITY HUSSELL partnered by Alex is the son of Jessica and Jamie, he daughter to Matthew McKay, she has delicate peep at the back of the dress. CONNOR MARTIN has one brother Akira. four siblings, John, Maya, Pippa and Jacquine is the daughter of Daragh Trinity is wearing a gown by Nicolina. If he could travel anywhere in the world Ayla. Her favourite subjects at school are and Scott she has one brother Lachlan. The bodice features a lovely high neckline he would like to visit Ireland, where his Maths and Sport. After school she would like to study and bold floral lace which continues down Grandfather came from. His grandfathers Edward is the Son of Mont & Anita Occupational Therapy and hopefully find to meet a full skirt of tulle over satin. are also his hero’s, he admires that they Waters, he has 4 siblings, James, Bridget, time to visit Italy. Trinity is the eldest child of Rebecca faced challenge after challenge and never Emily & twin brother Henry. Henry is son of Mont and Anita Mcauliffe and Levi Hussell she has two quit. Edward follows the AFL Swans and Waters, he has four siblings, James, younger siblings, Preston and Shelby. KELLY DUFFEY partnered by If he had $1,000,000 he would live the Bridget, Emily and twin brother Edward. Trinity says her hero is her mum who JYDEN ROSS dream, buy a big boat and a Land Cruiser He follows AFL North despite working hard still manages to Kelly is wearing a round neck lace to tow it. Kangaroos and is thinking about dedicate lots of time to her family. bodice dress, with a deep V back that has AMELIA MURRAY partnered by becoming a Carpenter after High School Connor is the son of Dan Martin and covered buttons, a full skirt with Tulle WES MCAULIFFE but currently enjoys the practical studies Helen King he is the younger brother of overlay and diamante band at the waist. Amelia is wearing an elegant white of PASS/PDHPE. He says he hasn’t been Amelia and Jackson. Connors favourite Kelly is daughter to Melissa and halter neck dress, with intricate lace on inspired yet and is still looking for a hero subject at school is art and he would like Warren, has two brothers Toby and Oliver both the front and back. to inspire him. to attend university after High School. and also has two dogs. After high school Amelia is the daughter of Mark Murray, LILY PETTERWOOD partnered by HOLLY GIDDINGS partnered by Kelly would like to move to the beach Keesha Bremder and Step Daughter to JACK JONES BRAYDEN WOODEN and if she gets to travel she would love Cameron Bremner. She has six siblings: Lily is wearing an A-line princes dress Holly’s gown features a soft layered to go back to San Francisco because she Callum, Campbell, Adeline, Lillian, that has a v-neck with lace overlay bodice chiffon skirt and a high neckline with finds it amazing and beautiful. Reece and Casey. Her compassionate that wraps around the shoulders leaving sweetheart illusion. Lace frames and Jyden Is the son of Steven and Elle, nurturing nature has her wanting to the back bare. A silk ribbon tie a the waist softens the bodice, neckline and stunning brother to Angus, Bella and Caitlyn. become a Paediatric nurse after school. leads to the two layered tulle and silk open back for a delicate and modern look. His favourite subject is Agriculture, he Wes is the son of Bede and Lisa, skirt Holly’s Dad is Daniel and Step-mum follows the NRL St George Dragons and brother to Brianna and Ruby, he likes Lily’s mum is Jess and Step-father is is Sabrina, she also has two brothers if he had $1,000,000 he would do a round studying Metal work and follows the Andrew she has four siblings Maddy, Tyler and Lachlan. She lives here in the world trip. NRL Bulldogs. He would like to be a Violet, Zoe and Orlando. Tumbarumba with her Nan Julie Giddings AMILLEA METCALF-MCDERMOTT tradie after school and perhaps travel She looks up to her mum who has and Julie’s partner Ken Dale. After high partnered by EDWARD WATERS to America to see the Pro motorcross been through so much in her life but school Holly would like to do a gap year Tonight Amelia is wearing a Nicolina events. manages to always stay strong and in the Defence Force. gown from Jack and Jill Bridal. The JACQUELINE PEARCE partnered by would do anything for her children. Lily Brayden is the son of Heath and Stacey, gown has a gorgeous sequined and lace HENRY WATERS likes English and would like to study he has a brother Tyler and Sister Brooke. bodice that is fitted at the waist. The skirt Jacqueline is wearing a stunning dress Photography after High School. His favourite subject is Metal Work and is gathered at the waist and then falls which has a full satin skirt, gathered at Jack is the son of Amanda & Brett and he follows the NRL St George Dragons elegantly as a full satin skirt with a Tulle the waist with an overlay of organza. The brother to Brady. Jack likes Metalwork and he thinks that America would be an overlay. bodice is made from satin with equisite and Woodwork and thinks this would interesting place to visit one day. Amelia is the daughter of Kenny lace and silver beading detail setting perhaps lead him to becoming a Tradie after High School. He follows the NRL Melbourne Storm and his favourite Music of the moment is by Marshmellow. Father Brancik blessed the Debutantes and their partners who then performed their dances which had all been wonderfully choreographed by Jorg Ernst. The Principal of All Saints School, Daniel Francis spoke as did Mr Justin Clancy. Triniti Hussell and Holly Giddings made a speech on behalf of the 2019 debutantes then Sabrina Wu and Kelly Duffey had the honor of cutting the cake. Congratulations to everyone involved.

TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 NEWS 7 The importance of religious freedom examined at interfaith breakfast The importance of championing diversity and inclusion were key themes at Australian Catholic University’s (ACU’s) fifth Parliamentary Interfaith Breakfast at Parliament House in Melbourne on 26th November.

Over 150 guests attended, including more than 45 faith leaders and 40 parliamentarians. A harmonious, Former NSW Premier and ACU well-functioning Chancellor the Hon John Fahey ‘ AC, GCSG welcomed guests, while multicultural society Victorian Deputy Premier the Hon requires a genuine James Merlino MP and Leader of the Opposition the Hon Michael appreciation of O'Brien MP gave speeches that noted our differences. our strength as a community rests in our shared values of diversity and Our different inclusion. The leaders of five different faiths birthplaces, our delivered readings on the importance different languages of religious freedom, leadership, service and community harmony, and and ancestries, our prayed for wise deliberations and good life journeys and governance. Deputy Premier Merlino said, “One experiences as well as of Victoria’s greatest strengths is our different beliefs. its history of multiculturalism and religious diversity. We are uniquely home to a culture that aims to ensure “Together it is our responsibility ’to people of all backgrounds and beliefs foster this interfaith understanding can freely and proudly practice their and to protect religious freedoms faith. as an essential element of ensuring Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne Philip Freier and Catholic Archbishop “That is why a breakfast like this is community harmony.” of Melbourne Peter A Comensoli so important. We know that our state is Australian Race Discrimination similarities and build respectful 17 faiths - including various Christian, infinitely stronger because we refuse to Commissioner Mr Chin Tan said, understanding of our differences. Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, let those differences divide us - we use “Events like this Parliamentary These differences are the colourful Sikh and other communities – with the those differences to unite all of us.” Interfaith Breakfast play an important threads in the tapestry of modern intention of celebrating shared values. Opposition Leader O'Brien said, role in shaping the framework multicultural Australia. Sharing in the ACU Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg “A harmonious, well-functioning of rights protection in Australia. diversity of Australia’s faith groups Craven AO, GCSG said Australians multicultural society requires a genuine Interfaith dialogue is a powerful is an opportunity to better understand were extremely fortunate to live in a appreciation of our differences. Our tool for overcoming bias through not only our community but the wider country that valued human rights and different birthplaces, our different open communication, empathy and world in which we live.” the ability to observe our own faiths. languages and ancestries, our life education. Archbishop of Melbourne Peter A “These should not be privileges; they journeys and experiences as well as our “Ongoing conversations between Comensoli, who was also a guest at should be fundamental to our existence different beliefs. different faith groups highlight our the event this morning said, “This as individuals, and collectively as morning’s breakfast at the Victorian a community,” Professor Craven Parliament was a simple and joyful said. “Religion should always be a celebration of our freedom in Australia legitimate voice as a source of values to practise our religion. It is inspiring within public life and within public to see members of Parliament sharing affairs. People of faith should be able a coffee with religious leaders and to express their religious freedom, to listening to them with respect. We explore our differences, and to rejoice need more moments like this in in our shared beliefs. contemporary Australia. “And as leaders – whether in law, “We can all be thankful to Australian government, faith, industry, education Catholic University for taking the lead or society – it is our responsibility in bringing different faiths together to to champion, uphold and protect pray and to talk with one another.” these important freedoms, so we can ACU’s parliamentary interfaith continue to express our faith, and live breakfasts have become a popular in harmony and mutual respect.” event on the calendars of both ACU held its inaugural Parliamentary parliamentarians and the leaders Interfaith Breakfast in in March of faith communities. This year, 2014. Subsequent breakfasts were held ACU Chancellor the Hon John Fahey AC, GCSG and ACU Vice-Chancellor parliamentarians had the opportunity in Canberra in 2015 and 2017, and in Professor Greg Craven AO, GCSG to meet with leaders from more than Sydney in 2018. DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 8 NEWS Mini-Vinnies The Mini-Vinnies members of the St Vincent de Paul Conference organised a barbeque and cake stall after Sunday Mass at St Patrick’s Church in Albury recently.

The stall was supplied with a variety of cakes, slices, plants and a sausage sizzle. We wish to thank GOSPEL REFLECTIONS the donors and all the workers especially the young people for their great effort. Perfect love It was generously supported by the Parishioners and was casts out all fear completely sold out after the 8am Mass with the Have you ever looked at your not good enough. Today’s reading total raised amounting to friends’ social media page and speaks to this reality and presents a $1080.40. left with a feeling that perhaps vastly different possibility. These funds will be your own life is not quite up to While we may fear that we are not used to supply gifts scratch? They seem to have life good enough, God has a different for the disadvantaged more together and seem to have perspective. God desires us to know children at Christmas. more fun. that he loves us and that we are Thank you all very Comparing our lives to the those loveable. We read again today that much. who display theirs through social Jesus has died for us and that he Helen Sandral media can often make us feel has given us his Spirit. The Holy President insecure. We can be fearful that Spirit given to us is God’s very somehow we are not quite doing self, and he dwells within us. If we life right. Perhaps the biggest fear try and see ourselves from God’s we face is that somehow we are perspective, what would he say to us? He would say as he does today that there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out all fear. As we allow God to love us, the fear of failure, of not being good enough will subside. Then we will be in a better position to claim scripture’s promise that we are God’s children.

The entire team at Swimwear, Summer Fashion, Smart Casual to After Five and TOGETHER would like to wish you a very Mother-of-the-Bride 4/209 Baylis Street Wagga Wagga Ph: 0435 838 654 Merry Christmas and to thank you for your support throughout the year. Please remember that there will be no issue of Together in January 2020 with the next issue CLASSIC FASHIONS being available in February 2020.

TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 ST MICHAELS PRIMARY SCHOOL - COOLAMON 9 First Reconciliation St Michael's Primary School Coolamon celebrated First Reconciliation for Stage Two students on Monday 21st September at St Michael's Church.

First Communion First Communion was celebrated for Stage Two students at St Michael's Church Coolamon, with Monsignor Doug George celebrating the Mass.

ErinEarth opening times

ErinEarth is open Wednesdays and also every Friday night during Daylight Savings time from 5pm – 7pm. The Garden is looking particularly good at the Christmas Mass Times 2019 moment so come on in for a look. Turn to page 21 for Christmas Mass Times across our Diocese. ErinEarth - 1 Kildare St, Wagga Wagga

DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 10 NEWS Marian Catholic College's Project Samoa Team of 2019 Marian Catholic College recently offered their students a choice of attending schoolies or providing a service over self. What was achieved was purely amazing.

Approximately 80,000 Year 12 graduates will attend schoolies Days before we celebrations in 2019 around Australia. This so called ‘rite of were scheduled to passage’ remains as popular as ever, ‘ and for many will be the chosen option arrive, the Samoan to celebrate all that they have learnt government declared a over 13 years in the education system – one big party all about the indulgences national emergency in of the self. At our College we decided to offer a choice, service or schoolies? the form of a measles Teneeka Andreazza, Julian Davidge, epidemic. 44 deaths Joshua Golden,Tarnpreet Kaur, Manvir Singh, Lauren Bertolin, Isabelle have been recorded Eldridge and Shanuille Parsa were the nine successful applicants assisted with 40 of those under by Mrs Sanita Lole and myself who the age of 4. travelled overseas to Samoa on the 19th of November. This was the fourth trip for MCC aiding St Paul VI College, been recorded since October.’ Samoa Leulomoenga and St Peter’s Primary is a country in crisis and needs help. Falefa. Days before we were scheduled All schools had been shut down (mid to arrive, the Samoan government HSC), youg people were banned from declared a national emergency in the public gatherings and were given a form of a measles epidemic. 44 deaths curfew across the island. It was a tense have been recorded with 40 of those situation to be in but the need for under the age of 4. 3,357 cases have continued on page 11...

TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 NEWS 11

continued from page 10... like this and we pledged to continue to friendly faces, compassion and care help and assist as much as we possibly was clearly evident. The students were could in order to continue to improve choosing service over self and what the opportunities for children in Samoa. they achieved was purely amazing. This article is another step towards We visited the two schools that we awareness and opportunity for others annually fundraise for and completed to be involved. It is rewarding, it is different service work in both. necessary and it is a part of who we The team organised and cleaned an are as human beings to help and assist abandoned library. Sorting books and our fellow man. The world is in need sanatising classrooms with shelving and of more people that choose service learning spaces established. We used over self and I was fortunate to lead a our creative ability to create murals team that made this choice and made a and educational art work producing a difference in doing so. welcoming sight for returning students. Marian is extremely proud of the We had designed walls regarding time, Project Samoa team of 2019. They have science and inspiration to graduate. We truly demonstrated the values of their had also repaired laptops the school 13 years of education by choosing to had sent over in previous years. Both serve others. We can only hope and schools were left with gifts including encourage more do the same in such pens, stationery, educational resources, times of need at home and abroad. clothing and sporting equipment. It was a humbling reminder of how so little For more info about the trip visit can mean so much to those who need the Marian Catholic College website it. In return we were offered sincere where a day by day live blog was prayer and thanks which was more than created around the experience. enough. https://www.mccww.catholic.edu. The trip involved many moments au/samoa-trip-2019/

Sanita Lole and Josh Golden assisting staff at St Peters Falefa with their student computers from MCC.

Women of Healing Nurturing relationshipsand of compassion, Hope justice, mutuality and healing

Email [email protected] www.sosj.org.au The staff at St Peters Primary accepting their school gifts in their staff room. DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 12 MAINLY MUSIC A special celebration at Sacred Heart Kooringal Sunday November 24th saw a special birthday party at Sacred Heart Church Kooringal at 9.00am Mass, to mark the 5th birthday of Mainly Music in the parish.

Mainly Music is a Christian program for families with pre-school children, involving weekly sessions of music, play and food for the children and a special morning tea for parents. As well as developmental play, children sing songs around religious themes. It is a chance for young families to connect with the parish, and is sponsored by the Parish Priest. Father John celebrated the 5th birthday with a Children’s Mass. Parents were special ministers, and the children sang some of their songs for an appreciative congregation.

Australian Trainee of the Year Finalist the Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga after recently completing his traineeship. In September, he was named as the Trainee of the Year at the NSW Trainee Awards, after taking out the award of - Book now for Christmas - the same name at the Riverina Training Baklava • Turkish Delight • Mamoul and more Awards in June. LIMITED Sam enjoyed the experience of being a COPIES OF finalist. "It's been inspirational hearing NABIHA'S from the others on how they've gotten to 'RECIPE OF where they are, there are some amazing MY LIFE' stories." AVAILABLE "The biggest thing is that [vocational Great After receiving the top honour at the education] has opened all sorts of gifts for NSW Trainee Awards earlier this year, avenues for me to pursue my passion Christmas! Sam Heffernan became a finalist for both professional and for myself," Mr Australian Trainee of the Year. Heffernan said. The 19 year old regional sports Congratulations on your huge Shop 10 Neslo Arcade, 117 Baylis Street Wagga Wagga Ph 6921 7813 co-ordinator has found employment with achievement Sam! TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 CARITAS 13 Climate action needed at the heart of Pacific Step Up Ahead of the UN climate summit, Pacific Island voices are highlighting the need for climate action to be front and centre of the Australian government’s Pacific Step Up.

The 2019 Caritas State of the poisoned, we know we are facing a true Environment for Oceania Report emergency in our region,” Mr Nelson shows that in the last year, extreme said. weather events such as cyclones “If Australia wants to be seen as a good and floods destroyed hundreds neighbour in the Pacific region, then it of homes, displaced thousands of needs to step up in this regard, putting people and created food shortages. words into action by committing more Communities saw the ongoing erosion funding to climate change adaptation of their coastlines and infrastructure due strategies.” to rising seas. Each year, the Caritas State of the “When coastlines are being Environment for Oceania Report gathers eroded, hospitals and other essential personal accounts of Pacific people and infrastructure being destroyed or communities experiencing changes in damaged, and water sources being their climate and environment. Caritas Tonga staff distributing water to climate change affected communities Photo: Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand

It examines five issues affecting said Mr Nelson. people’s lives: extreme weather, impacts One of the key issues at next week’s on food and water, coastal erosion and climate summit will be climate finance. sea level rise, offshore mining and In 2019, the Prime Minister announced drilling, and climate finance. that Australia would stop contributing The report also highlights actions to the Green Climate Fund, the globally needed from the Australian Government agreed vehicle for providing climate and others to respond to climate change. finance. This puts us at odds with “We are in a critical year for action almost every other country in the Paris on climate change, “says Nic Nelson, Agreement. Caritas Australia urges the Caritas Australia’s Director of Advocacy Australian government to re-instate its and Communications. “Australia needs funding for the Green Climate Fund. to step up our leadership on climate. We The report was published by the need to deliver on the commitments we Caritas agencies of Australia, Aotearoa made under the Paris Agreement.” New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, “Firstly, our Pacific neighbours are Samoa and Tonga. looking to us for real action to reduce For an interactive map of this year’s emissions at home. Secondly, we should stories, visit www.caritas.org.au/ be providing Australia’s fair share of oceania global climate finance – that’s funding to help countries like our Pacific neighbours tackle climate change. These are two basic aspects of climate justice. A house in Pa Tangata scene of frequent flooding Photo: Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand It’s also just being a good neighbor,”

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Ethiopia God that they are able to cope with all the A new village chapel difficulties of their lives." The parish of Our Lady, in Shebo, In addition to this, it is impossible to lies within the apostolic vicariate of provide catechetical instruction during Gambella in the far west of Ethiopia. the rainy season, since there is no place of During the devastating drought of 1985 shelter for the people to gather in. the Marxist regime of Mengistu Haile ACN has promised the parish a Mariam resettled much of the population contribution of $48,500 AUD, so that from other regions of the country here, they will now at last be able to build a Construction of outstation chapel at Shebo Village Nine in favour of St Mary Parish Ethiopia. including in the territory of the present new and permanent chapel of their own. Copyright: Aid to the Church in Need. parish of Shebo. The people were Central African Republic If the country is ever to be restored, it Testament, and at Easter 2020 many of promised a better life here, but their Success Story: 30,000 copies of will be necessary not only to rebuild all them will now receive this precious gift expectations were bitterly disappointed. the New Testament in the Sango the ruined houses and public facilities, of the “Word of Life”. It was to help these suffering and language but above all the spirits and souls of the Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who disillusioned people that the parish of At last, the new edition of the New people. There can only be a better future helped! Shebo was established in fact. Testament in Sango, the national if hatred is overcome and a new chapter Sri Lanka Today the parish has five outstations, language of the Central African Republic, opened, in a spirit of reconciliation and Help for the continuing care of the one of which is poetically named Village is finished and ready for distribution! Fini forgiveness. And in any case it is vital for traumatised survivors of the terrorist 9… It is situated around 10 miles (16 km) Mbuki – “Good News“ – is the title on the faithful to have a sound knowledge attacks of Easter 2019 and their from the main centre of the parish and is the red dust cover of the newly printed of the Good News of Christ. For families a dynamic community, with 700 Catholic books. For many years before this, the although two thirds of the population are The morning of Easter Sunday 2019 faithful, plus an additional 62 people who old edition was unavailable and out of Christians, nonetheless in many places will ever remain a horrific memory for so are currently preparing for baptism. print. Now everyone is happy, however. superstition and belief in witchcraft are many people in Sri Lanka. On that day a 15 years ago the Catholic community It is thanks to the generosity of our still deeply entrenched. series of suicide attacks in three Christian built a small mud chapel here with a benefactors that ACN was able to provide The vicar general of the diocese of churches and three hotels claimed the timber roof. Over the years, however, it the 37,000 Euros that were needed – Bouar, Italian Carmelite Father Marcello lives of some 300 people, with a further has been eaten away by termites, and the enough to print 30,000 copies. These Bartolomei was the man responsible for 500 or more injured. roof was recently torn off by the wind. will now be distributed among the nine the revised translation and publication of Hundreds of people had gathered that The building is so dilapidated, it is no Catholic dioceses in the country – above the new Testament. It was a painstaking day, in the Catholic church of Saint longer usable. all for the use of the catechists, who play and difficult undertaking, but now there Sebastian in Negombo, in the Catholic And yet, for the Catholic faithful here a crucial role in the transmission of the is great joy at its success. He writes: "We church of Saint Anthony in Colombo – their chapel is a place dear to their faith. thank the Lord and all our benefactors, also a popular place of pilgrimage – and hearts. For them a church is like a bridge A sound knowledge of the Scriptures is and ACN above all, for having supported in a Protestant church around 160 miles between life on earth and eternal life one of the fundamental preconditions for us in this precious work for the spreading (250 km) from the capital, in the town in heaven. They have been constantly establishing a strong faith. In this country, of God's Word. Now that we have in of Batticaloa, to celebrate the Easter pleading with their parish priest, Father which has been plagued ever since its our hands the writings of the New liturgy. It was here in these tightly packed Netsanet Yadeta, to build a new chapel, independence in 1960 with political crises Testament, and above all the Gospels, churches that most of the victims were but so far nothing has come of it, since and violence, the inner renewal of the it will strengthen our faith and give killed. the people cannot afford the cost. Father human person is the key to a better future. encouragement to our catechists, our The Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo Yadeta writes, "They are poor, but rich in Since the bloody civil war, which began Catholic faithful and all those seeking immediately came to the aid of the faith. They have a strong faith and they in 2013, vast sections of the country are baptism. It is in fact our custom to give injured and the bereaved, tending their insist that it is only thanks to the help of still under the control of armed groups. the newly baptised a copy of the New continued on page 15...

The new edition of the New Testament in Sango, the national language of the Central African Sister Remoshini with victims of the Easter Sunday attacks in Colombo. Psycho-social assistance Republic, is finished and ready for distribution! Copyright: Aid to the Church in Need is needed for the families affected by the church attacks on 2019 Easter Sunday. TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED 15

continued from page 14... patronal festival, a team of evangelisers wounds, burying the dead and providing goes round visiting the Catholic faithful such emergency assistance as was in their homes and speaking to them necessary. However, the spiritual and about the Gospel and the Catholic faith. psychological wounds still go very An indispensable part of this is the work deep. Those who survived the attacks of the catechists, who bear the main are in many cases deeply traumatised burden of the faith life of the community and the bereaved family members of when the two priests, who have to cover those who were killed continue to go the whole vast area, cannot be present in through profound hurt and grief. On person. top of this there is the nagging fear that The priests regularly visit the more attacks could happen again at any communities in order to celebrate Holy time. Many are living in a state of deep Mass and administer the sacraments. angst. The Archdiocese of Colombo The people look forward to their visits wants to help these suffering people with and wait eagerly for them. However, counselling, trauma therapy and personal most of these settlements are accessible accompaniment, so that they can find only in the dry season between January healing for their spiritual wounds. Above and April, since the remaining months Formation of 12 seminarians in Huaraz and 4 in Trujillo. all, the children who survived the attacks experience heavy rainfall, the rivers Copyright: Aid to the Church in Need. need help to recover their confidence burst their banks and transform many urgently needed. In order to promote which in its heyday had also housed a in life and not be condemned to living of the dirt roads in this relatively hilly vocations, the diocese of Huaraz boarding school, a hospital, a home for forever under the shadow of these horrific region into treacherous mudslides. In any has launched an intensive vocations the homeless and a publishing house – events. case, the two priests only have one old apostolate, offering retreat days, holiday was now converted into a “museum of The plan is to train up 300 counsellors vehicle at their disposal which can no activities, talks and meetings for atheism” with a prison, interrogation who can provide professional help to longer really cope with the challenging interested young people in the schools rooms and a cinema. Later, a music the affected families. At the same time road conditions and now urgently needs and parishes. For any who show an school and a sports hall were also added. youth group leaders and others working replacing. ACN has already promised interest in the priesthood or religious life In 1989 the people of the city of with those affected will be trained in an AUD $33,600 for a robust all-terrain there is guidance and accompaniment, Berdyciv demonstrated publicly for the understanding of the problems and taught vehicle. It will make it possible to provide and visits to their family homes. Both return of the monastery and its church to recognise the symptoms of trauma. a much better and more intensive pastoral the priests in the seminary and the local to the Carmelite Order. Remarkably, the ACN is helping with AUD $133,000. ministry to the people here in the Rio parish priests make every effort to offer demonstrations were led by an Orthodox Panama Congo mission zone. help and guidance both to the young priest, for the Carmelite Fathers had been A car for mission work Will you help us? people and their families and accompany very active in working for ecumenical Rio Congo is the newest of the 10 Peru them in reaching a decision. The nine reconciliation. Success finally came mission zones in the apostolic vicariate Help for the training of nine young seminarians in the diocese are one in 1991, and the discalced Carmelites of Darien, in the region adjacent to the seminarians in the Andes fruit of these efforts. were allowed to return. However, the frontier with Colombia. Some 3500 High in the Andes, at an altitude of over The rector has written to us, saying that repair and renovation of the monastery people live here, scattered across more 10,000 feet (3000 m) lies the town of his seminarians are “growing in their and church was, and continues to be a than 38 small communities. 18 of these Huaraz. It is the seat of the diocese of the friendship with Jesus Christ” and have Herculean task that is still not finished communities already have a chapel, while same name, and the diocesan seminary already proved in their lives so far that today. In fact some parts of the building in the remaining 20 the Catholic faithful is also in the same city. There are nine “in an environment that tempts men away have still not been returned to the Order are currently also striving to build chapels young men here, currently preparing from God, they have kept their faith and to this day. Nonetheless, over the years of their own. for ordination to the priesthood. A learned to give their lives without asking – and partly also with the help of ACN The people are extremely poor. Most respectable number when one considers anything in return”. which has so far contributed a total of of them are simple peasant farmers who that there are not many more than The diocese has asked our help, so that 110,000 Euros – a great deal has already have migrated here from the interior and 227,000 Catholics in the entire diocese. these nine young men can continue on been achieved. In 2012 they were finally who just about manage to make ends The Catholic faithful live scattered their path to the priesthood. We have able to re-consecrate the Basilica. meet by growing rice and bananas. But over a region of some 5000 square miles given AUD $4200 towards the cost of Now they have turned to us once again what matters most to them is their faith, (13,000 km²) and are ministered to by 58 their formation. for help, this time in order to refurbish the and they bring with them a rich treasure priests. In fact Catholics make up only Ukraine kitchens and the two large dining rooms, of popular piety. Of great importance to a little over half of the total population Help to complete the pilgrim as well as the sanitary facilities – all of them is their local patronal feast. In order in the diocese of Huaraz, far fewer than accommodation at the Marian shrine which are urgently needed in order to be to make this event into an occasion for the average in Peru as a whole, which is of Berdychiv able to accommodate the many Catholic confirming and deepening the people’s nearer to 80%. Since the year 2011 the image of Our faithful who come here in pilgrimage faith, the diocese some years ago Peru is one of the countries with the Lady in the Carmelite monastery Church to the image of Our Lady of Berdychiv, established an evangelization campaign most acute shortage of priests in Latin in Berdychiv has been the national shrine or to take part in retreats here. We are whereby, immediately after the local America. So these future priests are for the Latin-rite Catholic Church in hoping to be able to help once again with Ukraine. The monastery and its attached a contribution of AUD $72,800. church were built in the year 1630 by a Polish nobleman’s family, who also Important note: The projects above are just donated the image of Our Lady. Ever a small sample of the project requests Aid to the Church in Need receives. Therefore when since then it has drawn large numbers of making a donation we recommend you specify the Catholic faithful, who have brought your gift to "projects most in need" that way their cares and concerns to the feet of your donation will be allocated to a project that the Mother of God. One of the most desperatley needs funding. We greatly appreciate when you specify your significant moments in the history of the donation in such a way. However if you would shrine was in 1998, when the image was like your donation directed to a specific project crowned by the local bishop with a crown area or country, you can leave a comment in the that had been previously blessed by Pope online donation form. To avoid overfunding of individual projects, if a project has been fully John Paul II. funded your donation will be directed towards a similar project in that region. However, in the 20th century the If you have the means and would like to shrine suffered the same fate as so many "adopt a specific project" please call 1800 101 201 during business hours (AEST) and we can other holy places. Under Soviet rule the match you with a project that you can fully or Purchase of a car is needed for pastoral work at the mission area of Rio Congo. monastery was closed, and the centre – partially fund. Copyright: Aid to the Church in Need. DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 16 NEWS Couple from The Haven celebrate 72nd wedding anniversary A couple at The Haven in Wagga Wagga, Harold and Dossie Corben, have celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary with family and friends.

Harold and Dossie were married in Wagga Wagga on 25 October 1947. When asked what They met when they were 15 years the key is to their old while still attending school; ‘ Dossie at Wagga Wagga High School successful marriage, and Harold at Christian Brothers. Dossie’s family insisted that they had they both answered, to wait to be married until she was 21 “enjoying each other’s on 2nd December, but the family were persuaded that December in Wagga company and being Wagga was much too hot and the understanding of one wedding was brought forward. The couple have lived in Wagga another.” Wagga their whole lives. They have two daughters, Beverley and Wendy, service with the Wagga Wagga Fire five grandchildren and 12 great Brigade, and Dossie worked’ with many grandchildren. groups including the Junior Eisteddfod Both had various occupations. Harold Committee, The Haven Blue Birds enjoyed carpentry and joinery and then and the Girl Guides Trefoil Guild who later was a flight engineer in the Royal recently awarded her recognition for her Australian Air Force. He was part of the long years of service. B-24 liberator crew based at Morotai in Throughout their life, Dossie and the Maluka Islands in Indonesia. The Harold have loved travelling around liberators were used in the evacuation Australia in their caravan, particularly of Australian POWs in World War enjoying Western Australia and the Two. He then worked in technical challenge of dirt roads through the and administrative roles with the Post centre of Australia. They were also Master General until his retirement. avid sportspeople, playing social tennis Dossie performed clerical work with for many years, and upon retirement the Peters Ice Cream company and became keen golfers. Harold even various local businesses. became President of the Wagga Wagga Both say the highlight of their lives Country Club. has been having their wonderful When asked what the key is to children. their successful marriage, they both Dossie and Harold were very active answered, “enjoying each other’s in their local community. Harold was company and being understanding of acknowledged for his 35 years of one another.” Dossie and Harold Corben celebrating their 72nd wedding anniversary at The Haven

TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 NEWS 17 Fr Francis is a man of the people Archbishop Emeritus Francis Carroll has been a Bishop for more than 50 years which is an extraordinarily long time to lead in our Australian Church. He led two Dioceses and was also President of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

by Philomena Billington

The theme of leadership is reflected theology coupled with his generous contribution strongly in a new book about the Archbishop, of time, has given this gift to the Church and or Fr Francis as he prefers to be known. broader community. His leadership and contribution to Catholic SAIGON restaurant education through his role as the inaugural Chair Copies of the book are available for purchase of the National Catholic Education Commission at the following venues for $20 per copy: (NCEC) until his retirement is unparalleled and is Specialises in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine also a strong theme in the book. Newsagency • Open 6 days - lunch & dinner The author, Dr Kevin Lawlor has curated the • BYO reflections of Fr Francis with skill, deep respect Coolamon Newsagency • Banquets and group bookings and knowledge. He has highlighted the voice • Takeaway and business lunch menu of Fr Francis as he reflects on the Early Years Our Lady of Fatima Presbytery Wagga Wagga [P] 6921 2212 89-91 Morgan St, Wagga Wagga through to his Legacy, which was penned by a (Fr Paddy Sykes) variety of people. Fr Francis’ own words in the Preface entitled Canberra Catholic Bookshop Would you like to receive your copy ‘Nova et Vetera’, his episcopal motto, set the tone 55 Franklin St of Together via email? for the book. His reflections reveal the person of Manuka ACT 2603 Just email us at: [email protected] Frank Carroll – son, brother, priest, bishop, friend and we will add you to the mailing list. and man of the people. His family is at the heart The following options are available for of who he is and the Carrolls of Ganmain are postal orders at $25 per copy: legendary not only in their local district but well beyond – well-chosen photos reveal this. Please send a bank cheque for $25 The story is presented in a very accessible with your information to: form with well annotated endnotes revealing the variety and breadth of sources, including Philomena Billington extensive interviews with Fr Francis. The PO Box 3007 historical background to the times prior to Batehaven NSW 2536 the Second Vatican Council to the present are both informative and reveal the breadth or contact Philomena at: Open every Open the first and complexity of the times which Fr Francis [email protected] Tuesday and Wednesday Saturday of every month navigated in his leadership. His insight and for direct debit banking information. 10am to 2pm 10am to 2pm and also by appointment wisdom were sought by politicians, leaders of other faith traditions and the broader community. Parking: Please use Mt Erin Boarding School entrance or Kildare Ave entrance. This is a timely book, not only to capture the wisdom of Fr Francis in his reflections but to inform us as a Church. His abiding commitment to a Church of the Baptised is prevalent throughout the reflections and his pastoral leadership is instructive during this time of discernment as the Church prepares for the Plenary Council. The admiration and appreciation of the legacy of Fr Francis inspired the author, Kevin Lawlor who with his scholarship in Church history and

DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 18 KiDs Saint Ambrose corner

1 Make an Family Advent wreath for & your home Send your coloured picture, word search or Advent joke ideas with your name, 2 3 age and school to: Draw your Donate family Together Editor Poster a toy PO Box 473 4 5 6 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Make a Read a story Do a random Christmas about St act of We’d love to hear from you! decoration Nicholas kindness 7 8 9 10 DECEMBER SAINTS & FEAST DAYS Say the Call or skype Write Bake Christmas Hail Mary a loved one Christmas cards cookies 12 13 Tell the story 14 Word Search 11 Sing “Silent & Find all of the words or phrases in Special of Our Lady of SMILE people we Guadalupe :) Night” the puzzle that are in BOLD in the pray for word bank below: 19 St. Francis Xavier 18 Tell your 15 16 17 St. Nicholas Visit Help clean Encourage family you Mend a love them St. Ambrose someone who the house someone is lonely quarrel Feast of the Immaculate 24 Conception 22 St. Juan Diego 20 Visit the 23 Read the Name gifts 21 Christmas Christmas What gift Our Lady of Guadalupe your family Make peace story display at will you give St. Lucy members today (Luke 2.1.20) church Jesus? share St. John of the Cross Nativity of the Lord St. Stephen St. John Holy Innocents St. Thomas Becket Holy Family 2019 St. Sylvester I

TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 KIDS CORNER 19 Recipe... Melted Spot the Snowmen Differences

Cookies Amelia Church from Holy Spirit School in Lavington coloured this image of Saint Joseph the Worker.

These melted snowmen cookies are the perfect Can you find and circle the Christmas cooking activity for kids. Get playing now! seven differences? Method: Ingredients: • To make the dough; Preheat oven to 180C (160C fan-forced) 1/3 cup (80g) unsalted butter, and line two trays with baking paper. Cream the butter and softened sugar together with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well. Fold in the vanilla, flour, baking 1/2 cup (115g) caster sugar powder and salt. Mix into a dough, shape this into a disc, then 1 egg wrap in plastic and let rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. Roll out and cut into circles (using a cookie cutter or the base of a 1 tsp vanilla extract glass tumbler). Transfer these to a baking tray and bake for 10 1 1/3 cup (200g) plain flour minutes or until golden. • Let cool completely. Slice up a few licorice strips into thin differences 1/2 tsp baking powder strips for arms, scarves, etc. Tiny dots for eyes or triangles for pinch of salt bow ties. to find...

• Make up a basic white icing (just add a tiny bit of boiling 7 To decorate:

water to pure icing sugar and stir, then add more water until missing sleeve yellow 1 cup (150g) pure icing sugar you reach the desired consistency - should be fairly thick). on lines bunch, in flower extra

Decorate the marshmallows with eyes, noses, mouths etc. You licorice strips colour, change has hair missing, is

can use an icing pen here, or just use the white icing as glue

red cachous for the cachous. moustache missing, shirt on green

icing pens • Decorate the cookies, spoon on a little white icing and spread near line pink, to changed has flower over the surface of your cookie, then press the marshmallow colour, changed has hand ANSWERS: small coloured sweets down in the middle and decorate at will!

Holy Spirit Parish Lavington th Download the most ANNIVERSARY popular kids Bible app for free, and help CELEBRATIONS your kids fall in love with God's Word. Learn more at 50 bible.com/kids

The Bible App for Kids Storybook Bible From bedtime stories to long road trips to reading together as a family, the Storybook Bible is the perfect companion to the app they already love. • 400+ pages • 28 Bible Stories • Learning questions • Part of the Bible App for Kids suite that includes the app, Storybook Bible, episodes, and the free church curriculum Friday 21st February to Present it at your child's dedication, send it as a gift, or make it your go-to baby shower Sunday 23rd February 2020 gift. However you choose to share it, sign the presentation page and give the little All past students or parishioners are most welcome ones in your life the thing that matters most: to attend the three days of activities. the Word of God. Full program in next month's edition...

DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 20 PRESENTATION DAY Feast Day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Last week the St Joseph’s Lockhart school community celebrated the Feast Day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and acknowledged the wonderful contribution the Presentation Sisters have made to our school.

Students were fortunate enough to Nano Nagle artworks by Miss Smith have four Presentation Sisters visit and other students provided an excellent and help celebrate the day. backdrop for these interviews. These The Sisters, along with our school artworks now adorn the school and are community participated in a Liturgy a reminder of our inspiring Faith story. that acknowledged Nano Nagle’s Staff and students would like to thank story and enjoyed a variety of learning Sisters Mary Walsh, Susan Miller, activities throughout the day. These Noela Fox and Philomena Sewell for included a Presentation Day Kahoot, making the effort to share their stories Nano Nagle research and lantern and be a part of the day. making. All students prepared interview questions for the Sisters to get an insight into the St Joseph’s school history, the life of the Presentation Sisters and the impact they have had on our school. Our special guests were kind enough to let Stage Three students record these interviews and piece together a WeVideo that was shared at the conclusion of the day. The amazing

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TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES 21

ChristmasLatin Adoration Chapel MassMarian Catholic College Chapel TimesGrong Grong 2019 Cathedral Parish St Michael’s Cathedral 25 December - 12:00am (Midnight Mass) & 7:00am 24 December - 6:00pm 24 December - 8:00pm 24 December - Vigil 6:00pm, 8:00pm and 26th December - 9:30am St Stephen, 1st Martyr 25 December - 9:00am Galore Midnight - Carols commencing at 11:30pm 27th December - 9:30am St John, Evangelist Confessions 25 December - 8:00am 25 December - 8:00am, 10:00am & 5:30pm 28th December - 9:30am Holy Innocents Every Friday - 4:30pm-5:30pm Mt Erin Chapel New Year's Day - Tuesday 1st January - Mary the Every Saturday - 11:30am-12:30pm North Albury Parish 24 December - Midnight Latin Mass Mother of God - 9:30am 23 December - 7:30pm Second Rite St Anne’s Primary School Hall 25 December - Mass 10:00am Reconciliation 30 minutes prior to Christmas and 24 December - 6:00pm Vigil St Mary’s Chapel - Vianney College New Year Masses. Holbrook Parish Sacred Heart Church 25 December - 9:00am 24 December - 9:00pm St Michael’s Cathedral Reconciliation Coolamon Parish 24 December - 6:00pm 25 December - 9:30am 19 December - 12:00pm-12:40pm Marrar - St Patrick’s Church Holbrook 20 December - 12:00pm-12:40pm 24 December - 6:00pm 24 December - 8:00pm Tarcutta Parish 21 December - 12:00pm-12:40pm Coolamon - St Michael’s Church 25 December - 8:00am Ladysmith and 4:30pm - 5:30pm 24 December - 7:30pm (School Grounds) 24 December - 6:00pm 23 December - 11:00am-12:00pm 25 December - 9:00am Parish Tarcutta 24 December - 12:00pm-12:40pm St Brigid’s Howlong 25 December - 8:30am Parish 24 December - 6:00pm Vigil 24 December - 6:00pm Vigil The Rock Parish Kooringal Parish 25 December - 9.00am 25 December - 9:00am Sacred Heart Church The Rock - St Mary’s Church 18 December - 7:00pm 2nd Rite of Reconciliation Parish Parish 24 December - 6:00pm Carols; 6:30pm Vigil Mass 24 December - 8:00pm Vigil Mass Culcairn 25 December - 8:00am Latin Mass 25 December - 9:00am 22 December 10:30am - Weekend Parish Mass 25 December - 10:00am 24 December - 8:00pm 25 December - 9:00am Mater Dei Primary School Hall Henty Thurgoona Parish 24 December - 6:00pm Vigil Mass 25 December - 9:30am Parish Walla Walla 24 December - Vigil 7:00pm, Midnight Mass St Joseph’s Church Junee South Wagga Parish 25 December - 11:30am 25 December - 9:30am 24 December - 6:00pm Christmas Eve Mass Our Lady of Fatima Church 25 December - 9:30am Christmas Day Mass 23 December - 10:00am 2nd Rite of Parish Parish Reconciliation 24 December - 8:00pm Vigil Mass 24 December - 8:00pm Christmas Vigil Lavington Parish 25 December - 8:30am 24 December - 7:00pm Outdoor Family Mass - Holy Spirit Church Lavington Henschke Primary School Oval; Darlington Point 24 December - 6:00pm Christmas Vigil 24 December - 6:00pm and 9:00pm Tumbarumba Parish 9:00pm Our Lady of Fatima Church; and 25 December - 9:00am 24 December - 6:00pm Vigil 10:30pm Syro Malabar Rite St Mary’s Church Finley Parish Midnight Mass 12:00am 25 December - 10:30am (in Church) 24 December - 6:00pm 24 December - 6:00pm Family Mass 25 December - 9:00am St Patrick’s Church 25 December - 9:00am 25 December - 8:30am 25 December - 10:15am Parish Ganmain Parish Leeton Parish St Fiacre’s Church Urana West Wagga Parish St Joseph’s Church Leeton Holy Trinity Church Ganmain 24 December - 6:00pm 24 December - 6:00pm Vigil 24 December - 6:00pm - Christmas Vigil Confessions: 20 December - 7:30pm; and 21 25 December - 10:00am December 11:00am 24 December - 12:00am Midnight (During the Night) Hanwood Parish 25 December - 9:00am (Dawn) St Patrick’s Church 24 December - Christmas Vigil 6:45pm; Midnight Yoogali Ganmain Confession Times: 24 December - 8:00pm Christmas Vigil Mass 12:00am 24 December - 7:00pm 24 December - 5:00-5:50pm; 11:30-11:55pm 25 December - 9:00am; and 5:30pm 25 December - 9:30am 25 December - 8:30-8:55am Lockhart Parish San Isidore Hanwood SPECIAL TIMES FOR CHRISTMAS St Mary’s Church Lockhart 25 December - 8:00am 24 December - 5:00pm Confessions: 30 minutes before every Mass & 24 December - 8:30pm Vigil 25 December - 8:00am 9:00am-10:00am Sat. before Christmas (visiting 25 December - 8:00am 25 December - 9:30am Yenda priest) Loretto Home of Compassion 24 December - 5:00pm 25 December - 10:30am Masses: 6:00pm (Vigil); 12:00am Midnight Parish (During the Night); 9:00am (Dawn) 24 December - 8:00pm Vigil Come to Bethlehem Please note that Christmas Mass times 22, 23 & 24 December - 8:00pm - 9:30pm Holy Christmas Liturgy Practice: for servers & readers 25 December - 8:00am Trinity School Grounds 24 December (Christmas Eve) 10:00am were true and correct at the time of Parish printing. For further clarification, please Albury Parish Griffith Parish Narrandera check parish bulletins and noticeboards Sacred Heart Church Griffith 24 December - 6:00pm, 12:00 Midnight Mass St Patrick’s Church closer to the date. 24 December - Christmas Vigil - 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 24 December - 6:00pm & 10:00pm (with Carols commencing at 11:30pm) and 12:00am (Midnight Mass) 25 December - 7.30am,9:00am (Italian), 10:30am 25 December - 9:30am 25 December - 8:00am and 10:00am & 6:00pm

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DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 22 SCHOOLS IN OUR DIOCESE St Joseph’s Primary, Narrandera Congratulations to our Year 2 students for making their Sacrament of First Reconciliation! It was a lovely evening with great support from the parent community. Many thanks to Mrs Smith for her hard work in preparing the students. St Patrick's Primary School, St Anne's Primary, North Albury St Anne's Primary Holbrook had two VEX teams Holbrook Men's Shed completed attend the Australian the second of the Cubby Houses. Championships in The effort and skill is much Adelaide. At the end appreciated and we thank the of qualifying 2640M Holbrook Men's Shed for the finished in 23rd place and 2640V in 19th wonderful work they do in our position. ARCBOTS community. placed in 13th position. Top 20 teams go through to finals. Congratulations to Belinda and Ben awarded Teacher of the Year and Mentor of the Year, respectively, at the VEX Robotics Nationals!

Kildare Catholic College, Wagga Wagga St Francis DeSales Regional Well done to both Kildare Catholic College's Boys and Girls year 7/8 College, Leeton Touch Football teams competing at St Francis DeSales Regional College Year 7 2020 Boarding Students. the NSW All Schools Champs in Penrith recently. Girls - 2 wins, 1 Draw and 1 loss. Boys - 3 Wins, 1 Draw and 1 loss.

Both teams just missed out on the finals by percentage. Great effort. Well done!

TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 SCHOOLS IN OUR DIOCESE 23 Marian Catholic College, Griffith St Patrick's Primary, Griffith

Marian Catholic College, Griffith Community Action Team had their last Year 4 kindly invited Year 1 cooking day for 2019 for Carevan. into their learning space to make Great work Team! Thank you to staff Christmas decorations together and students for volunteering your for the Christmas Tree at Griffith time. Central.

St Peter's Primary, Coleambally Henschke Primary, Wagga On 22nd November St Peter's had a fundraiser for Year 6 clubs day later this term. This involved taping Mr Smith to a pole. All the students thoroughly The entire school enjoyed the opportunity to tape Mr Smith to the pole. enjoyed the Infants led Advent Liturgy on 29th November.

DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 24 SCHOOL GRADUATIONS Mater Dei Catholic College Wagga Wagga

Seek out the opportunities, celebrate the successes, learn from your mistakes and most of all, keep our College motto in your heart to live God’s message every day. Kildare Catholic College Wagga Wagga Friday evening 15th November, Mater Dei Catholic College and Kildare Catholic College formally farewelled Year 12 at their 2019 Graduation. Perfect weather greeted the glamorous students at the Victory Memorial Gardens before they went on to celebrate their graduation.

Right: Kildare students Savannah Collins, Mikayla Kapel, Ava Manning, Millie Flynn, Ella Hunter and Emmerson Petit. Bottom right: A number of students from Kildare Catholic College looking sharp. Bottom left: Kildare's Shaelyn Jones in her combined Indigenous and Maori dress. Pictures by: Toby Vue

TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 SCHOOL GRADUATIONS 25 Marian Catholic College Griffith Graduation is the culmination of 13 years of In what was a fantastic event that celebrated schooling and Marian Catholic College had its the success of each student, there is a huge largest ever group of graduates this year with thank you to everyone that assisted in ensuring 102 students. The night was celebrated with the night was one to remember. From the family, friends and some College staff in an organising, to the decorations, the food, the event that saw 660 people attend the Yoogali music by Groovology and most importantly the Club. Prior to the Yoogali Club a beautiful guests, the night was a hit. The MCC class of mass was held at MCC to officially farewell the 2019 will be missed but there are bigger and students. better opportunities waiting. Good luck.

St Francis De Sales Regional College Leeton

DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 26 SCHOOL GRADUATIONS Xavier High School Albury On 12th November Xavier High School bid a final farewell to their Class of 2019 with their graduation. It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all. Special thanks to the staff and music students for their efforts on the night.

It’s time to get Australia’s offshore detainees to safety Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv has expressed deep concern over the repeal of legislation that gave doctors decision-making power in the transfer of refugees and asylum-seekers requiring medical treatment from offshore detention facilities to Australia.

“These arrangements were essential the physical and mental health of in ensuring sick people received people already harmed by the offshore the medical care they desperately detention system,” he said. “It is the needed. The ‘Medevac’ legislation put result of systematic cruelty. Detainees are an end to needless deaths – 12 occurring malnourished and not getting basic food, prior to the legislation. It operated medical treatment and other support. without a massive influx of asylum- Some have been in detention for up to seekers and without undermining the seven years. Government’s control of Australian “With the repeal of Medevac, the onus borders. is on Minister Dutton and Prime Minister “The lives of a very vulnerable group Morrison to explain how they will ensure of people are now placed at risk once that these people will have their human more,” said Bishop Long, the chair of the right to medical treatment respected. Australian Catholic Bishops Commission “Australians do not want this kind “It all begins with seed” for Social Justice, Mission and Service. of treatment meted out to sick and • Insist on Hart Bros quality assured seed • Growing, cleaning, sales and distribution of all broadacre seed varieties Bishop Long was part of a recent vulnerable people in our name. Australian Catholic delegation to Papua “I join with a growing number of New Guinea to express solidarity with Australians who are calling on the refugees and asylum-seekers who have Government to reconsider New Zealand’s • Cleaning, treating and sizing farmer’s retained canola seed been detained indefinitely in inhumane offer to receive 150 refugees. For the sake conditions in places such as the Bomana of the God-given dignity of more than Immigration Detention Facility. The 500 men, women and children detained Catholic Church, through its agencies offshore, the Catholic Church calls for the Government to ensure timely and [email protected] • www.hartbrosseeds.com.au like Caritas, is rendering assistance and Phone: 02 6924 7206 • Fax: 02 6924 7271 support to those men. durable resettlement options in Australia Coffin Rock Lane, Temora Rd Junee 2663 “What we witnessed and heard and other secure countries,” Bishop Long “Remember: Hart Bros Seeds Spring Field Day is 2nd Wednesday in October” confirms an alarming destruction of concluded.

TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 VALE 27

continued from page 3... and he's your brother." Br Charlie Smith year his health collapsed. A swift decline passed peacefully our Brother John possessed a conviction of God being was another who saw first hand John's occurred after he had to be taken to Loth, known and respected by those present in all people, a great compassion wonderful rapport with the prisoners and Prince of Wales hospital following cuts who had lived and taught with him, a for the outsiders in our society backed also the many rehabilitation personnel to his head and a broken arm through a faithful Religious, earnest, dedicated and by a deep spirituality and faithful life of working within the system. He wrote "I fall he had. He had successful surgery talented, a complex man and somewhat prayer. Denis Sullivan recalled his carry was amazed at the respect the prisoners and insertion of a stent to assist blood unfulfilled in his teaching ministry. bag which he used for this ministry with had for John and how much they flow. On his return, however, he slipped But the complexities faded when in compartments set aside for his Liturgical appreciated his help and support.” John into a very depressed state and gave up ministering to many consigned to prison. prayer book, meditation books and other was tireless in also visiting their relatives eating and drinking and wouldn't get John, through his selfless and unstinting spiritual reading and aids for certain and then also supporting in friendship out of bed. Doctors tried to alleviate his service to them became simply, a Brother prayer services he led. He depended on many once they left gaol. It was right that depression and he was admitted to the radiating the presence of the love, public transport and prayer occupied him the Dept. of Corrective Services in 1996 Mental Health ward at Prince of Wales understanding and compassion of Jesus in much of his travel time. Of course he acknowledged his great work with the but John declined further treatment Christ. I am sure he was welcomed was devoted to community prayer and Ministers Commendation and later with knowing the risks that he was taking in home by the Risen Lord with: "I was often also seen praying in our house the Meritorious Service medal in 1999. his weakened state but accepting their in prison and you visited me John, chapels at other times. He told someone We do well to remember that John consequences. He was kept comfortable many, many times, come, you whom he had a long list of people for whom he suffered several painful maladies causing and received a Last Anointing. Thus my Father has blest." prayed daily. him chronic pain, he suffered from a Br Pat White asked him one day if form of spondylitis that made his back he could accompany him for a day in stiff causing a rigid gait. In addition he his ministry at Parramatta Gaol. The had corneal grafts to address problems experience moved him and he wrote: he had with his vision. Ultimately “My conclusion was that the inmates arthritis forced him to give up playing the recognised in John, a Brother who was as recorder at which he had become quite close to Jesus Christ as they would ever expert. No one seems to have heard John meet. He certainly showed me a different bemoaning his poor health, he seemed side of personality in that gaol ministry." to have disregarded it while being so Br Tim Barnes told me that one day generous with demands on his time and that John, when leaving a gaol was ever ready to help others. cleared at the first of two checkpoints He retired to Charingfield in 2012 and by phone passed on to the next by and he had some good years there but the warder saying loudly: "Brother is gradually withdrew into himself and kept coming to you checking out." The reply to his room a lot where he had the solace came back “What brother ?" Then came of what Frank Cruice called "his treasury the extraordinary words in reply - "He's of religious literature and his collection my brother, he's the prisoners' brother of classical music." It wasn't until this The chapel at Parramatta Gaol where Brother John served as a Prison Chaplain. Photo by Geoff King

Have you ever thought about teaching SRE?

Over 100 volunteer SRE Teachers generously donate their time each week to teach SRE in public schools in our diocese. for All Ages and Stages 9:30am to 3:00pm every Tuesday Together But classes are growing & we need more help. Sacred Heart is now on If you are able to help an hour or Come and go or two a week please contact Parish, Griffith Facebook..! Trevor Dal Broi 0407 537 994 stay all day or [email protected] We’d love you to drop Training is provided. by our new page at: COME & JOIN US Parishes urgently www.facebook.com/ needing SRE volunteers: Majellan Room Bring your own togetherwagga/ • Henty lunch. Church Hall • Darlington Point and Colleambally and like our page. ?• Berrigan and Mulwala

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DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 28 BOOKS A book for all those who went to school at Perthville A new book on the history of St Joseph’s College Perthville near Bathurst will be launched at the small village on 21 March 2020.

St Joseph’s Perthville 1872 – 2017 farming family. Her own experience as a by former student Marie Crowley boarder and careful research has enabled includes recollections from past her to bring to life the memories and boarders – some serious, some experiences of other students. Numerous funny, some nostalgic and some photographs add to the story. sad. There are stories of tough times In the Foreword to the book another during the Depression and the Wars, of former Perthville student, Ursula Paul the freezing cold of Perthville winters, (nee Cahill), praised the book and its of frugal meals and basic sleeping role in providing a comprehensive accommodation. history of St Joseph’s. The book begins in 1872 with the first ‘As we open and read the 145 year small Catholic primary school in the life of St Joseph’s, we can see that village. It then traces the history of St Marie Crowley has not only captured Joseph’s College, a boarding school the history of the period, but has also Artist impression of first purpose built Convent at Perthville for girls with most coming from rural shown the spirit of those years,’ Mrs will be launched at 11 am on Saturday Phone: and remote parts of . Paul wrote. 21 March 2020 at Perthville. All former 02 6334 3488 or 0439 938 504 It concludes with the final years of the Whether you boarded at the College, students and friends are warmly invited. Email: College when it served as the boarding attended the primary school as a day girl RSVP by 12 March 2020. A light lunch [email protected] facility for MacKillop College – the or boy or are connected to the Sisters of will be available for $20 (no EFTPOS) Post: Catholic Girls’ High School in Bathurst. St Joseph, this book is for you. but bookings are essential for catering 1/271 Rankin St Ms Crowley came from a Trundle St Joseph’s Perthville 1872 – 2017 purposes. Bathurst NSW 2795 The launch of A Daily Cuppa with Mary and Julian Mary MacKillop Place Café and St Paul’s Publications are proud to offer the latest work from Sue and Leo Kane: A Daily Cuppa with Mary and Julian, which hit bookshelves on Friday 15 November 2019.

Inspired by the lives and legacies of Saint Mary leaders, and I wanted share it with others.” MacKillop (the first Australian canonised saint) and This publication follows the very successful The Little Father Julian Tenison Woods, A Daily Cuppa with Brown Book and The Little Brown Book Too from Sue Mary and Julian invites the reader to take a moment and Leo Kane, which had numerous reprints to keep up and pause throughout the day, allowing their mind with demand. and soul to catch up with the hustle and bustle of A Daily Cuppa with Mary and Julian book was daily life. launched in the Tenison Room at Mary MacKillop The book contains a series of meditations, which can Place in North Sydney at 2pm on Friday 15 November be followed according to the calendar or dipped into at hosted and entertained by young students from Mount St random as the reader pleases. Joseph College at Milperra. Each meditation draws an insight from the wisdom of Complete with a foreword by Sister Monica Cavanagh, Saint Mary and Father Julian, the co-founders of The Leader of the Congregational Leadership Team for Sisters of Saint Joseph, whose writings and teachings the Sisters of Saint Joseph, beautiful sketches by Judy continue to resonate in the hearts of people today. Mitchell, and vibrant cover art by Brother John Mahon After extensive careers in Catholic education, Sue and FMS, the book makes an ideal Christmas gift. Leo Kane have long been inspired by the spiritual legacy Right: Sr Monica Cavanagh, of Mary and Julian, and more recently by the experience Congregational Leader, of helping raise their four grandchildren. A Daily Cuppa Congregational Leadership with Mary and Julian reminds the reader to remain Team for The Sisters of Saint grounded in the everyday, and that there is always room Joseph in our lives for a cup of tea and a moment of reflection. Far right: Kathleen Norman, Communications Manager, “It has taken us almost three years to be able to launch Sisters of Saint Joseph, Sr Jan this book, gathering insights to help our readers take Barnett, Josephite Justice a moment to pause, reflect and re-energise throughout Co-ordinator, Sisters of Saint the day,” said Sue Kane. “Everything within it is very Joseph and Sue Kane, Author of ‘A Daily Cuppa with Mary close to my heart, inspired by two extraordinary spiritual and Julian’ TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 NEWS 29

Encounter the Mystics of Europe

POSITION/S VACANT If you are interested in being active in the pro-life apostolate and have The Life & Spirituality of: ​ ​ hospitality experience then you may consider whether you are suited to ● Julian of Norwich volunteer work or if you are in the position to take on the responsibilities The Beguines of Norwich of management in the Esencia Cafe in Lavington. ● Although up to now the role of the manager has been a full-time ● Ignatius of Loyola - Manresa, Montserrat, position we are open to creating two part-time positions if it is more ● Teresa of Avila suitable. ● John of the Cross in Segovia The role of the manager consists of: ● Hildegard of Bingen, Germany Opening and closing of the Cafe (set up of food, til, seating and coffee machine) - 8.30am-3.30pm Tuesday to Friday and Saturday 8.30-2.30pm Pilgrimage: Depart Australia Wednesday 6 May • Customer service ​ Return from Madrid, Spain on Sunday 17 May 2020 • Barista ​ • Food preparation, and plating up, food service and cleaning up. Cost: $7,490.00 per person / twin share - ​ • Taking orders, cash and card handling • Organisation and direction of volunteers Optional extension to UK: Flight to UK – Norwich Sat 16 May 2020 • Cafe supplies - maintenance and ordering ​ ​

• A desire to work within a pro-life team/apostolate - an understanding Return from Heathrow UK Thursday 21 May 2020 of abortion and related issues ​ Cost: $2,350.00 per person / twin • Merchandising of stock/sales of clothing, piety and books ​ ​ Please feel free pass on this information to anyone you think may be interested in applying for the position. Co-ordinator: Sr Margaret Walsh pbvm As we are a charitable organisation we would LOVE anyone with a pro-life heart who is happy to simply be committed Volunteers who we NB: Contact Margaret Walsh pbvm for further details about the ​ ​ can rely on each week. We understand that a paid position is most likely pilgrimage and for the application form and information brochure. necessary but it would help the work of the Women's Life Centre if there Email: [email protected] Ph: 02 6971 7140 0429 171 400 are generous-hearted people who can give their time and help for free. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ We appreciate that we are indebted to many good souls who 13 Marns St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 already volunteer and thank them for the valuable contribution. Please get in touch if you are interested, my mobile is 0427 254 809 The Travel Agent we deal with is Harvest Journeys and they organise ​ ​ the tour.

Harvest Journeys-11th Floor, 133 Liverpool St. Sydney NSW 2000 l Cars Monica Mansour Operations Manager – Private Groups Pilgrimage: Ref No. PV8220 tel: +61 2 9390 5460 l Trucks ​ ​ toll free: 1800 819 156 www.harvestjourneys.com l Buses l Utes 6921 9977 TRIBUNAL OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH - Diocese of Wagga Wagga - 6-10 Edward St, Wagga Wagga www.avis.com.au Outreaching to all those who have experienced a marriage breakdown and would like the Church to look into the validity of their marriage. Enquiries to the Tribunal Office at McAlroy House PO Box 473 Wagga Wagga 2650 Phone: 6937 0017 Email: [email protected]

plus LIQUOR

LOCKHART • EAST ALBURY JINDERA SPRINGDALE HEIGHTS

DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 30 MASS TIMES

St Michael’s Church Thursday - 10.15am Weekday Masses Thursday - 9:30am (Assumption Villa) Mass timesLinton Street Collingullie acrossSaturday - 9.00am Mondayour - Friday - 7.00am, 5.30pmDiocese Friday - 9:15am and 5:30pm Wagga Wagga - Cathedral 2nd Sunday - 9:30am (Christmas Day & Marrar Confessions Sacrament of Penance Easter Sunday) Saturday Vigil - 6.00pm Friday - 4.30pm to 5.30pm Friday - 4:45-5:15pm St Michael’s Cathedral Confessions Confessions Saturday - 11.30am to 12.30pm Saturday - 5:30-5:50pm Church Street, Wagga Wagga Sacrament of Penance 1st Saturday - 5.30pm Marian Catholic College Chapel Eucharistic Adoration Monday - Friday 7:00am, 12:45pm Saturdays - 11:00am-12:00noon Allawah Village 185 Wakaden Street Griffith St Joseph’s Church Leeton Weekend Masses Prior to weekend Masses or by request First Thursday of each month. Sunday - 9.00am Friday - 4:30pm Saturday - 12:15pm Mass at 9.15am Saturday Vigil - 6:00pm Sunday - 8:00am, 10:00am and 5:30pm Holbrook Lockhart Confessions Albury Corowa Monday - Thursday 12:30pm - 12:40pm Our Lady of Sorrows St Mary’s Church Friday 12:00-12:40pm & 6:30pm-6:45pm St Patrick’s St Mary’s Star of the Sea 125 Albury Street, Holbrook 55 Ferrier St, Lockhart Saturday 11:00am-12:00noon & 515 Smollett St, Albury Saturday Vigil - 6:00pm 1st & 3rd Sunday - Saturday Vigil 6.30pm Weekend Masses 4:30pm-5:30pm Weekend Mass Times Sunday - 9:00am 2nd Sunday - 8.00 am 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturday (Vigil) - 6:00pm Rosary times Saturday - 9:30am Weekday Masses 4th & 5th Sunday - 10.00am 2nd & 4th Sunday - 8:00am Monday to Thursday 12:25pm and Vigil (Saturday) - 5:00pm Refer to Parish Bulletin available in the Weekday Masses Weekday Masses Saturday 11:55am (before Mass) Sunday - 8.00am, 10.00am, and 5:30pm Church or on the parish website Phone parish for details Tuesday - 9:00am & Friday - 10:00am Carmelite Monastery Latin Mass - Sunday 12 noon Confessions/ Reconciliation Confessions Confessions Up to 5 mins before Mass. 10 Morshead Street, Wagga Wagga Weekday Mass Times Saturday - 11:00am-12:00, 5:30-6:00pm Before Mass on weekends Urangeline St Terence’s Church Monday - Friday - 7:30am Monday to Friday - 7:00am St Pius X, Coreen, St Francis De Sales Church of the Currently no Masses. Saturday - 8:00am Tuesday & Thursday - 9:30am Urana Road. Pioneers Sunday - 9:30am Latin Mass Mondays - 7pm in the 1st, 3rd Sunday - 10:45am Mass Hume Highway, Bowna St Mary’s Chapel Adoration Chapel 2nd Sunday - 11:30am Mulwala Vianney College, 17 Durack Circuit First Friday - 5:30pm St Brigid’s Sunday - 9:00am Rosary before Mass Culcairn Havelock Street, Mulwala Mt Erin Chapel Saturday - 9.10am and 4.30pm St Patrick’s Culcairn Howlong Weekend Masses Kildare Catholic College Sunday - 7.40am and 9.40am 1st, 4th Sunday - 8:00am 1st, 3rd & 5th Sunday - 8:00am Edmondson Street, Wagga Wagga 2nd, 3rd Sunday - 10:00am St Brigid’s 2nd, 4th Sunday - 6:00pm Saturday Vigil Sunday - 10:00am (Extraordinary Form) 5th Sunday - Vigil Mass 6:30pm (Saturday) Hovell St, Howlong Weekday Masses Albury - North Albury Henty Church of the Good Shepherd Refer to parish notices Wagga Wagga 2nd, 4th Saturday Vigil - 6:30pm Queen Street, Walbundrie St Joseph’s Sacred Heart Mate Street, North Albury 1st Sunday - 10:00am Weekend Mass Times - Kooringal Saturday Vigil - 6.00 pm 3rd, 5th Sunday - 8:00am Howlong Weekend Masses Sunday - 9.30 am Walla Walla Saturday Vigil - 6:00pm 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday - 10:00am Sacred Heart Weekday Masses 1st & 4th Sunday - 6:00pm (Sunday) Walbundrie 2nd, 4th Sunday - 8:30am Lake Albert Road, Kooringal Tuesday to Friday 9.30am or as printed in Weekday Masses Sunday - 9:00am Weekday Masses Refer to parish notices Weekend Masses weekly newsletter Vary according to needs and are Masses Before weekend Masses Saturday Vigil - 5:30pm Confessions First Tuesday of month – Mercy Place announced in the Sunday bulletin Howlong Sunday - 9:00am and 5:30pm 11.00am – Includes sacrament of anointing Confessions 1st & 3rd Tuesdays - Oolong Nursing Children’s Liturgy during 9:00am Mass Confessisons Before each weekend Mass Home 10:00 am Narrandera Weekday Masses Saturday - 5.15 - 5.45 pm Saturday 9.00 am - Howlong Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 7:00am For other Masses during the week, see Narrandera Tuesday and Thursday - 5:45pm Darlington Point the parish website. St Mel’s Church, Audley Street Saturday - 9:30am Reconciliation Saturday Vigil - 6.00pm Confessions Albury - Lavington Oliver Plunkett Howlong Sunday - 9:30am Saturday - 10:00am - 10:30am Hay Road, Darlington Point Weekday Masses Holy Spirit Saturdays 9:30am (after 9:00am Mass) 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday - 8.30am Tuesday - 5:30pm Saturday Vigil - 6.00pm 5:30pm - 5:55pm 2nd, 4th Sunday - 6:00pm (Saturday Vigil) Wednesday, Thursday - 7:30am Sunday - 8.00am, 10.00am Walbundrie Wagga Wagga Weekday Masses Friday - 5:30pm St Mary’s Jindera - 9.00am Sundays 8:30am - 8:55am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, (subject to changes announced in the - South Wagga Weekday Masses Friday - 8.30am - Darlington Point Sunday bulletin) Monday - Friday - 7.00am Our Lady of Fatima St Peter’s Jerilderie Confessions Saturday - 9.15am Bourke Street, Wagga Wagga Cnr of Currawong Crescent and Friday - 4:30-5:20pm; Confessions Weekend Masses Kingfisher Avenue, Coleambally St Joseph’s Saturday - 9.30-10:00am Saturday - 8.15am, 5.00pm Saturday Vigil - 5:00pm 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday - 10.30am Coreen Street, Jerilderie and 5:00-5:45 pm St Mary’s Jindera - Sunday 8.30am Sunday - 8:30am, 10:30am & 5:30pm 2nd, 4th Sunday - 8.00am 1st, 3rd, 5th Saturday Vigil - 6:00pm (Syro-Malabar Rite) Weekday Masses 2nd, 4th Sunday - 10:30am 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday - 8.00am St Patrick’s Uranquinty Thursday - 8.00am Coleambally Weekday Masses Galore Sunday - 8:30am Albury - Thurgoona Holy Hour - Friday 5.00pm - 6.00pm at Are announced in the Sunday bulletin St Kevin’s Church Weekday Masses - Our Lady of Darlington Point 2nd & 4th Sunday - 8:00am Fatima Immaculate Heart of Mary Confessions Junee Wednesday - 10:00am Weekend Masses 15 minutes before 10.00 am Mass on Saturday Vigil - 6.00pm Thursday - 11:00am (Ethel Forrest Centre) Sunday or by request St Joseph’s Tarcutta Friday - 5:45pm Sunday - 9.30am, 5.30pm 21 Kitchener Street, Junee Anointing Mass Weekday Masses Finley Saturday Vigil - 6:00pm St Francis Xavier Marian Foyer, Henschke Hall Monday - 8.00am Sunday - 9:30am Sydney Street, Tarcutta 4th Tuesday of the month - 10:30am Tuesday - 10.00am Sunday - 8:30am St Mary’s Weekday Masses Weekday Masses - Calvary Hospital Wednesday - 8.00am Ladysmith 1 Denison Street Finley Monday - 9:00am Monday-Friday - 8:00am (except public Thursday - 7.00pm (Mass Novena and Saturday Vigil - 6:00pm Sunday - 10.15am Tuesday - 7:00am holidays) Benediction) Confessions Weekday Masses Wednesday - 9:00am Aged Care Facility Masses Friday - 8.00am Before all Masses Are announced in the Sunday bulletin Thursday - 7:00am Forrest Centre Confessions Confessions Friday - 9:00am Every Thursday - 11:00am Prior to Masses Saturday - 10.30 - 11.00am Confessions The Rock Nan Roberts Nursing Home Saturday - 5.30pm-6.00pm Saturday - 10:30-11:00am; - The Haven Sunday - 5.00pm-5.30pm 6:00-6:15pm or by appointment Thursday - 7.00pm following Novena St Mary’s 3rd Tuesday of the month - 10:30am Ganmain and Mass of the Immaculate Heart of Mary 102 Urana Street The Rock RSL Rememberance Village Alternate Sundays - 8:00am Weekend Masses 2nd Tuesday of the month - 10:30am St. Brendan’s Ganmain Sunday - 8:00am (Extraordinary Form) Confessions Weekend Mass Times Sunday - 10:00am Saturday - 10:30-11:30am Berrigan 6:00pm (Saturday Vigil); 10:00am Weekday Masses Weekday Masses St Columba’s Church of St Joseph the Worker Monday - 7:00am Monday to Friday: Tuesday - 6:00pm Wagga Wagga 4 Corcoran Street, Berrigan December-February 7:30am (Tues., Sunday - 9.00 am 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday - 6:00pm Saturday Weekday Masses Wednesday - 7:00am (Extraordinary Form) - West Wagga Thurs.) & 5:30pm (Mon., Wed., Fri.) Thursday - 7:00am Vigil March-November 5:30pm 9.00 am 2nd, 4th Sunday - 10:30am Confessions Confessions Holy Trinity Church Sat.: 8:00am (usually in the convent Up to 5 minutes before Mass. Bardia Street Ashmont Savernake except 1st Sat. in the church). Prior to Sunday Mass Monday-Saturday - 7:00am 1st Sunday - 5:00pm Confessions Friday - 10:15am Weekday Masses are announced in the 30 min. before every Mass each day & Leeton Tocumwal Sunday - 9:00am and 5:30pm Sunday bulletin 5:00pm-6:00pm Sat. Loreto Home of Compassion Confessions before Saturday Vigil Masses St. Patrick’s St Joseph’s Leeton St Peter’s Sunday - 10:30am Sunday - 8:00am Wade Avenue, Leeton Charlotte Street, Tocumwal Monday - 5:45pm Confessions 30 min before Sunday Mass Saturday Vigil - 6:00pm Saturday Vigil - 5.30pm Tuesday - 10:30am Coolamon Sunday - 10:00am (First Sunday of the Sunday - 8.30am Thursday - Eucharistic Adoration - 5:15pm Griffith month is Italian) Weekday Masses Thursday - 5:45pm St Michael’s St Patrick’s Yanco Thursday - 9.30am Our Lady of the Blessed Eucharist Confessions Sunday - 9.00am Sacred Heart Sunday - 8:00am Church Half an hour before weekend Masses Confessions Warrambool Street, Griffith Tuesday - 9:00am Benedict Avenue San Isidore Saturday - 4.45 - 5.15pm Saturday Vigil - 6.00pm Weekday Masses in Leeton Vigil Saturday - 6:00pm Masses Saturday - 8.00am Monday - 9:00am Wednesday - Eucharistic Adoration - 5:15pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday - 7.30am, 9.00am, (Italian), Tuesday (Yanco) - 9:00am Wednesday - 5:45pm continued on page 31... Friday - 7.30am 10.30am, 6.00pm Wednesday - 9:00am TOGETHER - DECEMBER 2019 MASS TIMES 31

Tumbarumba Yenda - Yoogali - Hanwood Please pray for those priests whose anniversary of death occurs in December: All Saints’ Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii 40 Murray Street, Tumbarumba 17 Edon Street, Yoogali 4 December 1991 Mgr Leo Cecil Hatswell Saturday 9.15am Sunday - 9:30am Saturday Vigil - 6.00pm St Anthony’s - Hanwood 10 December 2016 Fr Jan Stankiewicz Sunday - 9.00am Saturday Vigil - 5.00pm Weekday Masses Sunday - 8.00am 11 December 1952 Fr Robert O’Dea Monday - Friday - 5.30pm St Therese’s - Yenda Confessions Saturday Vigil - 6:30pm 17 December 1993 Fr Thomas Michael Buckdale Friday 4.30pm - 5.15pm Weekday Masses 19 December 2015 Fr Rafe Beltrame Saturday - 8.00am - 9.00am Tuesday - 5:30pm - Yoogali And 30 mins before weekend Holy Masses Wednesday - 8.00am - Hanwood 20 December 2009 Fr Robert Leaver Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Tooma Thursday - 5.00pm - Yenda 4th Sunday - 7.30am Friday - 9:30am - Yoogali 21 December 1975 Fr John Leighton Edwell Exposition and Benediction of the Confessions Blessed Sacrament Yenda - Thursday, before Mass 21 December 2017 Fr Kevin Flanagan Friday - 4.30pm & Saturday - 8.00am Yoogali - Sunday, before Mass Hanwood - Saturday - 4:30pm 22 December 1930 Fr John Bonnar Or by arrangement with the priest. Urana 23 December 1960 Fr Edmund Bernard Ryan

St Fiacre’s Church 24 December 2002 Fr Maurice James Carse 5 End St, Urana Please note that Mass times Weekend Masses were true and correct at the 27 December 1952 Mgr Patrick Joseph Hartigan 1st, 3rd & 5th Sunday - 8:00am 2nd & 4th Saturday (Vigil) - 6:00pm time of printing. For further 28 December 2015 Fr Warren Thomas Mossfield Weekday Masses clarification, please check parish Thursday - 12:30pm 31 December 1948 Fr John Corbett Glover Confessions Up to 5 mins before Mass. bulletins and noticeboards closer Oaklands to the date. These faithful servants, Lord, put their wholehearted 1st, 3rd & 5th Sunday - 10:00am trust in you - Grant that they may live in your love.

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South City Shopping Centre 74 Baylis Street Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 www.southcitynews.com.au www.cignall.com.au Laugh... Monthly Call (02) 6971 3944 Call (02) 6931 7994 Family reflections for: 1st December - First Sunday of Advent the people that they prepare for the reign of God by reformingDecember children trust the adults in the family as well as the ways in Many of us feel the pressure early in the holiday their lives. As a family, prepare a simple reconciliation which the adults trust the children. Then read today's Gospel. season to be ready for Christmas. But today's Gospel service in preparation for Christmas such as the following: Talk about Joseph's trust of God and reflect together on how challenges us to be ready for something other than the gift- Gather in a prayerful space, perhaps around your family your family trusts in God. giving of Christmas. Advent wreath. Read again today's Gospel: Matthew 3:1-3. Pray together that your family life will be built on trust, Read together today's Gospel reading. As a family, talk Invite each family member to pray silently, asking God to as was the family life of Joseph and Mary. Pray and sing about what it means to be ready for the day of the Lord. forgive their sins. Pray together an Act of Contrition. Then together an Advent song, such as “O Come, O Come, One of the roles of the family, the domestic church, is to be celebrate God's forgiveness by sharing a Sign of Peace with Emmanuel.” a school of faith leading one another to salvation. Reflect each other. Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalm 24:1-2,3-4,5-6 together as a family on how your family helps one another Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-24 to be better Christians. Commit to one thing that your family Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12 29th December - The Holy Family will do this Advent season to help one another be better 15th December - Third Sunday of Advent of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Christians. You might choose to write this commitment down It is easy to look at our world and become discouraged In the midst of the Christmas season, it is quite and post it in a prominent place in your home, perhaps near by the apparent absence of God and signs of God's appropriate that our liturgy asks us to pause to consider your family's Advent wreath. salvation. Advent, however, is a season of hope, in which the Holy Family. In today's Gospel, we hear about how Pray together that God will help you in this Advent we acknowledge that salvation is both mysteriously present, Joseph protected Jesus from danger by relocating the commitment. Pray together the Lord's Prayer or today's even in our world, and yet to be fulfilled. family to Egypt in obedience to God. Following the model Psalm. Read together today's Gospel. Think about John's question of the Holy Family, we might use this feast to recall the Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122:1-2,3-4,4-5,6-7,8-9 to Jesus: Are you the One? Jesus does not answer directly, but responsibility that each family member has to contribute to Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:37-44 points to the signs of the kingdom present in his midst. the good of the family and recommit ourselves to one another. 8th December - Second Sunday of Advent Together as a family, look through the newspaper for signs Gather together as a family to work on a common project. We do many things to get ourselves ready for our of hope that God is at work in our world. Pray that the world You might prepare a meal together, prepare a special dessert, celebration of Christmas: purchase gifts, prepare will know God's salvation by praying together the Lord's or perhaps do a craft together. When you finish, talk about Christmas cards, decorate our homes. John's call of Prayer. how each family member contributed to the common repentance in preparation for Jesus reminds us that our Isaiah 35:1-6,10 Psalm 146:6-7,8-9,9-10 project. Remind one another that each member of the family repentance is another way in which we can prepare for the James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 contributes to the good of the whole family. Recall that Jesus Lord's coming and our celebration of Christmas. Parish 22nd December - Fourth Sunday of Advent was also part of a family and that this Sunday we celebrate communities often offer a communal celebration of the Joseph and Mary are our models for family life and the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Read together Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Advent season. for service of God. Even when the circumstances seemed today's Gospel, Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23. Pray together that Your family might choose to participate in the communal unclear, Joseph trusted God. Healthy family life is built upon your family will continue to protect and care for one another celebration of the sacrament, or you might seek out the trust, trust in God and trust of one another. as Mary and Joseph protected and cared for Jesus. sacrament on an individual basis. Spend some time talking as a family about the importance Sirach 3:2-7,12-14 Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5 Read together today's Gospel. Talk about how John reminds of trust in your family life, including the ways in which the Colossians 3:12-21 Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

DECEMBER 2019 - TOGETHER 32 ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

Vinnies Christmas Appeal This Christmas your donation can make wishes come true. Please make a donation today. For many people, Christmas is a joyful time of year. However, the sad reality is that 13.3% of Australians are living in poverty. Of these, 731,000 are children who may not get their Christmas wish. But your support can make a difference.

Meet Sharon and Ollie Young mother Sharon has faced many Maria helped Sharon and Ollie find challenges throughout her life, but she is a stable home, and ensured that young determined to provide a better future for Ollie had everything he needed for her son, Ollie. school. But more than that, Maria Through no fault of her own, basics like provided the emotional support that holding down a job or finding long term Sharon and Ollie so desperately needed. accommodation left Sharon on the brink Your donation today to the Vinnies of collapse. She eventually turned to Christmas Appeal will help more Vinnies for help. Volunteer Maria arrived wishes, just like Ollie’s, come true. the next day. Please consider making a donation to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.

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