Padua News Padua News is the official quarterly Newsletter of St. Anthony of Padua Cnr Exford & Wilson Roads, Melton South, VIC 3338 Tel: 03 9747 9692; Fax: 03 9746 0422; Email: [email protected]

This issue of Padua News is also published on the Parish Website http://stanthonysmeltonsouth.wordpress.com/padua-news/ Issue 46 December 1, 2017

From our ParishMessage Priest….. from Father Fabian

In December 2010, we pur- generous donors, the figures were not exempt from the chased our present magnifi- arrived from Rome. We un- cares and trials of everyday cent nativity set. I can re- boxed them and set them life; from the moment of her up in the Holy Family conception, through her Father Fabian Smith member when I told the pa- Parish Priest rishioners in November Room and invited some pregnancy to journeying to 2009 that this nativity set children who were being Bethlehem to giving birth to cost $24,000, I heard a loud picked up by their parents Jesus in a stable, to finding gasp. But that gasp did not after school to come and refuge in Egypt, to living a have the first look. Each simple life in Nazareth, to deter us from going ahead to plan to purchase it at this one of them gasped in awe following Jesus to the foot of amount. I had asked for a upon seeing them. When the cross. Mary and Joseph’s sign from God as to whether God makes a promise he strong faith and deep trust in or not I should go ahead keeps it. God enabled them to be the Father John-Paul Mount Assistant Priest with this plan. best parents that God wanted This Christmas, when we them to be to Jesus. This was the plan: I was go- come and see the Christ- ing to take up a special col- Child in our manger, we What an amazing God we remember the promise ful- have! He chose Mary and lection at the Christmas masses and if the collection filled - God has come to be Joseph for Jesus to be ‘The amounted to $2000, which with his people. While we Holy family’, as an inspiration in itself will be ‘a miracle’ – look at the figure of the for all families. I know for a then I would go ahead to Christ-Child lying in the fact that though my parents Father Patrick Bradford manger, let’s not forget the are far from being compared Assistant Priest purchase this beautiful nativ- ity set, knowing that God two very important figures to Mary and Joseph, by the will provide the rest. If on on either side of him; Mary grace of God they have been the other hand the collection and Joseph. Of all the peo- perfectly suitable parents for amounted to less than ple in the world, God chose my sister and me. God want- $2000, even if it was a dollar Mary to be Jesus’ mother ed us to be loved and cared short, we would not pro- and Joseph to be his foster- for by these two very special ceed. After the last Mass on father. Two very specially people. Through every trial Christmas day with some graced people who will lov- and hardship in their lives, help the collection was ingly care for Jesus and their faith has never wavered counted. It amounted to watch over him as he grows and their love always con- Padua News Committee $2003. The sign could not into adulthood. stant. Their love for each Dolores Turcsan have been brighter! other and their faith in God Edwina La Rose Although chosen by God have helped us grow in our Lorraine Tellis After much fundraising and the Father, Mary and Joseph Rebecca Comini Continued on the next page Ken Dumandan

Imalsha Silva Kim Barton The Padua News Committee Godwin Barton wishes all readers If you are interested in helping with any of the tasks in the a very joyful and blessed Christmas production of the Padua News, please contact any one of the and committee members or email: [email protected] a Happy New Year! Thank you. Issue 46 Page 2 Padua News

Message from our Parish Priest (Continued from previous page) own faith and love towards holiness. The Nativity Scene at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Melton South

Christmas is especially a time to cele- brate God’s generous grace-filled love in our lives and homes. In this joyous season of grace and goodwill, we are challenged in new and ever surprising ways to share the light, peace and love of the Christ-Child with all our loved ones. May Jesus bring each of you his peace and may his love for you be experienced in ever wondrous ways this Christmas.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas! Father Fabian Smith

Thanks to the dedication of a few men at St Anthony’s, at the start of Advent every year, the life-size Nativity Scene is set up for the reception of the baby Jesus at Christmas. The stable is dismantled for storage after the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord.

First week - Mary and the angel. Mary listening to the angel. Second week - Joseph is added with the empty crib both awaiting the baby Jesus. Third week - the ox and ass is added. Fourth week - the shepherd and sheep is added. All awaiting the arrival of the Christ-Child. Epiphany - the arrival of the three kings.

The Christmas Crib – a Catholic and family tradition

Faith can be passed on through im- features in their windows, though cotton wool (to remind us of the miniature figures and animals still snow that fell, possibly in Bethlehem agery and simple words. The nativity appear, with one theme or another and in Saxony where she lived as a scene, a case in point, has come again unrelated to the birth of Christ and child, but never in summer in Mel- to St Anthony’s, inviting us to enter carrying the same invitation to enter bourne). and pray. the store and buy.

Was the manger a poor, down-at-heel Tradition holds that St Francis of As- There was always a beautiful crib too place, as tradition might imply? sisi created the first crib in a cave near in our parish church in Gardenvale, “Certainly not”, Peter, my eldest Assisi using live animals and people. St James, to which we, the few Cath- brother (and Jesuit priest) would say His idea then spread rapidly across olic children in our street, would with confidence: Mary would not Europe and beyond, each culture mak- bring our non-Catholic friends to have been dismayed on arriving at ing its own creative reconstruction of come, look-see and pray. the manger. Far from it. She would the gospel narrative. have been full of gratitude in finding

Christmas at home was always a hap- a clean, well-kept, sheltered warm A crib used to appear, when I was a py family affair, though I cannot re- place, so comfortable and adequate child, in the Myers window on Bourke member a crib. My mother, with her for their needs, specially prepared for Street in . Queues formed German background, would bring her and her family by her loving to view it. It was cleverly built and into our front living room a large Father. And praising Him for so wondrous - certainly an enticement to potted plant for us to decorate with providing… enter the store! The crib no longer Continued on next page Padua News Issue 46 Page 3 The Christmas Crib – a Catholic and family tradition (continued from previous page)

My family tradition The Origins of the Nativity Scene has its Catholic roots in London Nativity scenes have been a popular Advent 100 year ago, on a and Christmas decoration for centuries, and day in December – like most things glorious, time-honored, and holy – it originated with a Catholic 1917 when my par- Saint. ents first met. My father, a Catholic The Nativity scene tradition originated with and raised in Bac- St. Francis of Assisi in the year 1223 on Christmas Eve. A nativity scene, also called chus Marsh, was on a crib, or crèche, or manger scene, refers to leave from the any depiction of the birthplace of Jesus. front lines of WW1 It is believed that St. Francis was first in- following the great battle of Ypres; my later, a rosary, passed the love of the spired by this idea after visiting the histori- mother, an 18 year old girl of Lutheran Catholic faith she was given to each cal place of Christ’s birth on a pilgrimage to background, was fresh from boarding of her seven children. The daily ro- the Holy Land – the humble stable in a Beth- school. Their meeting resulted in her lehem cave. It is likely this event which sary was our lot, and a special time deepened his devotion to the Child Jesus, becoming a Catholic. She told of her was clearly given to Christmas. Its who was born into the world in such pov- conversion to a gathering at the Mel- Eve was our time of sharing presents erty, humility, and simplicity. In fact, Fran- bourne Catholic Library in 1948. The and the day itself was for Mass fol- cis founded his new religious Order to imi- first part of her talk tells of the im- tate these very virtues. lowed by a generous family lunch. St Francis recreated the scene of Christ’s portance of seeds planted by Catholic Boxing Day was a great festival of birth in a special ritual and Mass he held imagery and words: food and fun with relatives. inside of a cave in Greccio, Italy, inviting both his fellow friars and the townspeople to join in the celebration. I was ten years old when we all went to For us children, Christmas Eve was live in Saxony, near the Bavarian border. filled with wonder and excitement - He set up an empty manger (the feeding My father had bought a property there, the expectation of receiving presents, trough of farm animals which served as and we all lived there for five years when Jesus’ crib) inside a cave, and even included of hearing Father Christmas knock at a live ox and donkey beside the manger just my father died. We’d go to the Lutheran the front door as we hid out of sight, as it was believed to have happened on that Church on special occasions – Easter and of overhearing our father tell him we first Christmas night. Through these visual Harvest Festival, but again had practi- had been good children; and his en- aids he wanted everyone to impress more cally no religious education. I had a little deeply into their understanding how Christ tering to place presents on chairs came into the world in such poverty and girl friend there, a Bavarian, and there- marked out for each of us and having simplicity. This was a typical perspective of fore, a Catholic. One day, she showed me the beer that Dad had offered him; St Francis’ unique charm of simple, poverty- a holy picture. I said, “Who is that?” and then, in opening our presents! centered spirituality. It is also said that St. and she answered, in astonishment, “the Francis – who was radically devoted to the virtue of evangelical poverty – was inspired Holy Mother of God” and all I knew Today, Mila and I also decorate a tree to recreate the original nativity scene to about her was that she was the mother of and a crib at Advent and delight in overcome the rampant greed and material- Jesus – an historical figure never men- ism prevalent at that time in Italy. placing presents around it for our tioned to us, dead so long ago. Of no grandchildren. It recalls my child’s Later he told a friend why he desired to cre- interest to us at all. I wanted to love her, wonder and, now, my growing grati- ate the first nativity scene in his town: too. I can remember that, but I knew, or tude for what has been kept alive in “I want to do something that will recall the thought I knew, that I never should – as memory of that Child who was born in history – a promise from God af- Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the in- my father was very bigoted. We had a firmed, and a mysterious hope conveniences of his infancy, how he lay in Catholic governess at the time, but she strengthened. This child of the crib has the manger, and how the ox and ass stood was never allowed to speak religion to us. invited us to be one with him, at by.” When she left, I found a pair of rosary whatever age, now and forever, in new Traditionally, the figures in the nativity set beads in her room, and came downstairs life. are added gradually to recount the historical very excited, but they were immediately Christmas story. On December 24th the taken from me as if they were something We can be grateful to Fr. Fabian for Baby Jesus is placed in the manger, and the terrible and superstitious. I remember following days the shepherds are added. On bringing this well formed crib to St January 6th, Three Kings Day, the magi are crying, and so you see, the Catholic Anthony’s, and to his father for its also added near the manger scene. It is cus- Church came into my life; first Our La- fine construction. Might it help us all tomary to keep the Nativity set on display dy, and then her rosary. until February 2nd, which is the end of the deepen our faith and gratitude for Epiphany. what it brings to us. My mother, touched as a child by a holy card, the words of her friend and, Submitted by: John Little Source: https://www.catholiccompany.com/ Issue 46 Page 4 Padua News Our Lady of Fatima - 100 years on…..

Are you willing to offer yourself? At the offertory, offer ourselves with the bread and the wine, so that when Christ transforms the bread and wine at the consecration, and transubstantiates it into his Body and Blood, so also he may take our offering of ourselves and transform it to him, unite our self-offering with his offering on the cross.”

‘Yes, we do!’ “They lived life, with She enveloped them in the mantle of its share of joy and suffering, as an Light that God had given her.” offering to the Lord. I invite those “According to the belief and experi- of you who are sick to live your lives ence of many pilgrims, if not of all,” as a gift. Like the shepherd children, he continued, “Fatima is more than tell Our Lady that you want to offer anything this mantle of Light that yourselves to God with all your protects us, here as in almost no oth- On Saturday, May 13, 2017, Pope heart,” Pope Francis said. er place on earth.” All we need to Francis presided over Mass with do, he explained, is to “take refuge” around 500,000 pilgrims, during his The Pope’s words were said during a in the protection of the Virgin Mary, two-day pilgrimage on May 12-13, for special greeting to the sick during asking her, as it says in the Salve Re- the 100th anniversary of the Blessed Eucharistic adoration immediately gina prayer, to ‘show unto us… Virgin May’s appearance to the three following the canonization Mass of Jesus.’” shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima The Pope thanked everyone for be- He told the congregation, to follow in Portugal. ing with him in Fatima, saying that the example of the newly canonized he “could not fail” to come and ven- saints Francisco and Jacinta, who of- “Do not be ashamed of being a pre- erate the Blessed Virgin Mary and fered their lives – both the joy and cious treasure of the Church.” En- entrust them all to her. Under her suffering – as a gift for God. trust your sorrows, sufferings and mantle, we are not lost, he said, and “Today the Virgin Mary asks all of us weariness to Jesus, who is hidden but “from her embrace will come the the same question that, a hundred still present in the Eucharist, just as hope and the peace” that we require. years ago, she asked the shepherd chil- he is also hidden in the wounds of Newly canonized, we take St. Fran- dren: ‘Do you want to offer yourselves the sick and suffering. “On the altar, cisco and St. Jacinta as our examples. to God?’ The children answered – we worship the flesh of Jesus; in They were taught by Mary to adore these our brothers and sisters, we Jesus and this became their strength encounter the wounds of Jesus.” in suffering. “God’s presence be- came constant in their lives, as is evi- Jesus knows the meaning of sorrow dent from their insistent prayers for and pain, he said, because in his pas- sinners and their desire to remain sion and death, Christ took all of our ever near ‘the hidden Jesus’ in the suffering upon himself. He will com- tabernacle.” fort us and give us strength, just like he did for St. Francisco and St. Jacin- Therefore, “with Mary’s protection,” ta and for every saint, he said. he concluded, “may we be for our world sentinels of the dawn, contem- Before giving his message to the sick, plating the true face of Jesus the Sav- the Pope said in his homily for the ior, resplendent at Easter.” “Thus canonization Mass that we don’t may we rediscover the young and The children, brother and sister Francisco and climb the cross to find Jesus, Jesus beautiful face of the Church, which Jacinta Marto (middle and right), who were comes down to us “to dispel the shines forth when she is missionary, nine and seven at the time of the apparitions, darkness of evil within us, and to welcoming, free, faithful, poor in died of influenza two years later. They were bring us back to the light.” means and rich in love.” canonised in May 2017 In Lucia’s account of the apparitions, Their cousin, Lucia dos Santos (left), who he noted, the three children found became the main raconteur of their tale, is on themselves “surrounded by God’s track for beatification, the first step toward Source: Extracts from becoming a saint. Lucia died in 2005. light as it radiated from Our Lady. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/ Padua News Issue 46 Page 5 Journey of Faith

Most journeys have a beginning my naked finger on an and an end. You look forward to empty pillar and I be- your holidays, start-your vacation, gan to understand the but all too soon it's a distant significance and memory. Maybe a collection of ma- strength of these wom- terial trinkets, a whole bunch of pho- en in salvation history. tos, that have a limited time span, And that magnificent remind you of what you have done mural size painting,in and where you have been but the the Encounter Chapel, impact soon fades. painted by Daniel Cari- ola depicting the en- A journey of faith ( which all believ- counter between Jesus ers are on, we are just at different places along the road) is something quite different. Recently I embarked on a journey to the 'Holy Land' un- der the spiritual guidance of Fr Fabi- an and Fr John Paul.

This recollection is not about histo- ry, theology or archeology, although we had lashings of all three, it's about a personal response to such a and the haemorrhaging journey. I have stated this many women. This was my pray- times, I am not an emotional person. er, I pray it every Sunday at I was brought up on the old English Mass, 'let her touch the hem 'stiff upper lip'. of your coat and she will be healed' literally brought tears to my Visiting the Mount of Olives where eyes. But standing in the shoes of Moses, Jesus cried over Jerusalem. The Way gazing-over the Promised Land from of the Cross (the unmeasurable pain The renewal of wedding vows at Ca- the top of Mt Nebo, however, and and suffering in what seems to be na, sailing on the Sea of Galilee, the realising that after forty years (a gen- such a short distance) brought tears eration) in the desert he of compassion and guilt - did we tru- would never feel the prom- ly crucify my Lord? Then Mass at ised earth under his feet, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, made me gasp at the almost The Tomb, The Anointing Stone, injustice of it. and the the glory of the Resurrec- tion. The beauty of the church at Magdala dedicated to the It must be said that at every site and women of the bible. Where I every day, we attended Holy Mass. I traced my wife' s name with have always loved the Mass, the per- fect prayer, as Fr Fabian calls it, but this was (if it is at all possible) more graceful, holy and empowering. And baptism service on the this was due to our Celebrants Fr banks of the river Jordan, Fabian and Fr John Paul by the me- the Room of the Last Sup- ticulous, dedicated, holy, and graceful per where Jesus had his fi- way they celebrated the Eucharist. nal meal with his disciples, also the room where Pente- cost took place: were mo- ments of introspection and emotional insight. Submitted by: Michael Higgins Issue 46 Page 6 Padua News What did you miss out on in 2017?

Many activities were held at St Anthony’s throughout the year. In the next few pages (Page 6-8), we share some write -up/photos of the activities held. Please come and join in the activities which will be held next year!

Visit of the International Centennial Pilgrimage Image of Father Patrick Bradford’s first Mass at Our Lady of Fatima St Anthony’s Melton South

International Food Fair World Prayer Day hosted by St Anthony’s Parish Pre-Valentine’s Dinner Dance

Women’s Retreat held by the Dominican Sisters of St Cecelia Samoan Fundraiser event Issue 46 Page 7 Padua News

Country & Western Dinner Dance - Indian Community Fundraiser

The Parish of St Anthony is in the process of fundraising in order to renovate our Church and Fr. Fabian has decided on a unique way of fund- raising. Over the next three years a Calendar of Events was proposed by Father who then requested the vari- ous cultural communities within the parish be responsible for individual fundraising efforts. Father requested that I coordinate and organise events over the next three years on behalf of the Indian parish community.

The first of these events was the “Country and Western” Dinner dance which was held on the 16th of September 2017. Initially I was a bit The night would not be possible, if I hesitant, but once we were closer to didn’t have these wonderful women Thank you all for your generosity of July, I decided it was time to start on my team and everyone else who spirit, it made our fundraising efforts coordinating the event. I invited helped on the day. The women who easier. To the people I have forgot- Kim, Gladys, Priscilla and Judy to cooked all the food for the night and ten, a big thank you to you too. But form a team. Due to unforeseen cir- the unexpected delivery of food most of all a massive thank you to all cumstances, the team came down to items. The people that helped our of you who attended, for making it four members. Together we decided team with the setting up and serving such an overwhelming success, I am on every aspect of the planning; mu- of dinner, even though they had paid pleased to announce that we made a sic, Master of Ceremonies, menu, to attend, the parishioners who clear profit of $4,030.00 on the night. table decoration, sponsorships etc. helped with the setting up of the hall. and the extra hands we would need Joel, the graphic designer, who print- I will keep you posted with the next on the night. At this stage I started to ed our tickets and calmly listened to event in 2018, run by the Indian feel more comfortable. my every suggestion and complied. community of St. Anthony’s Parish, Lester and his band members Melton South, and we look forward The day arrived, the tables looked (Double Take), for the music that to your support. beautiful, the food on the night was made the night. The parishioners delicious and plentiful, the music was who helped selling our raffle tickets, Thank you. awesome and most of all the most all our sponsors who supported the amazing thing was that we had 160 night, Natalie for the snacks, Kevin people attend. Parishioners with their for the donations of tableware and friends and families outside our par- alcohol that was raffled on the night. Submitted by: Liza Fernandes ish attended as well.

Child Safety Workshops

Three Child Safety workshops were held in 2017 to bring awareness to our volunteers in the Parish.

The Child Safety Committee requests that all vol- unteers who are yet to attend the workshop to kindly do so when the next workshop is organised early next year.

Your input is essential to ensure our Parish is a Child Safe environment for all children.

Submitted by: The Child Safety Committee Padua News Issue 46 Page 8

Mass at Our Lady Help of Christians Church at Korobeit - November 12, 2017

Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Korobeit comes under the jurisdiction of the Bacchus March Parish, and Mass is celebrated every Saturday at 6.00pm. Patrick Sha- nahan , one of the parishioners, has kindly sent us some interesting history of this 114 year old church, and this will be published in the next issues of the Padua News.

On Sunday, November 12th, parishioners from St Anthony’s Parish, Melton South, visited Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Korobeit for Mass celebrated by Fr. Fabian Antony Smith PP. Singing of the Mass was provided by the Mis- sionaries of Love and Peace of the Most Blessed Trinity Two Hearts Centre Greendale.

A picnic lunch was held in the grounds “of the church in a paddock” after Mass. Various sport programs were held during the afternoon. Fr John-Paul Mount arrived in the afternoon and took part in the activities.

A very pleasant Sunday afternoon was enjoyed by all those who attended. Our Lady Help of Christians Church Korobe- it thank St Anthony’s Parishioners for coming and we hope that you come back to visit us in the not too distant future.

The Korobeit community take this opportunity to wish you all the best for Christmas and the New Year.

Archbishop Barr said at the opening of the Church in 1903:- “May God Bless them all and bless their children, might they always remember the noble heritage they had received from the generations which had passed away, so that the living faith would never die out in the district until the crack of dawn”.

Thank you

Yours faithfully, Patrick Shanahan

Padua News Issue 46 Page 9

Parish Picnic at the grounds of Our Lady Help of Christians Church at Korobeit

Issue 46 Page 10 Padua News

Year 5 Sacrament of Confirmation

The Year 5’s received the sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday, September 7, 2017. We would like to share some of their reflections about their chosen Saints from that evening.

Submitted by: Lauren Milledge, Year 5 teacher St Anthony of Padua Primary School Issue 46 Page 11 Padua News Neocatechumenal Way celebrates 40 years anniversary in

The Neocatechumenal Way, com- monly known as “The Way”, cele- brated 40 years from its inception in Australia on the 9th June 2017 with a celebration of the “Word” by at St. Pat- ricks Cathedral in Melbourne. The Neocatechumenal Way is one of the numerous new ways or movements in the Church, which focuses on Clockwise, Top Left to Right: giving Catholics an adult-as opposed Archbishop Denis Hart congratulating mem- to merely nominal-faith. It forms bers of the “Way” at St.Patrick’s cathedral communities in parishes focused on Michael McKenna sharing his experi- Scripture, prayer and praise of God ence of the “Way” at day convivence(Retreat) and which engage in long-term pro- Together with Archbishop Mark Coleridge gram of catechesis in the Christian faith. ternity,” Archbishop Hart said. “I thank you…for allowing the Word “It is an opportunity to find rich of God to touch and burn in your meaning in our daily lives, to redis- Like the early Church we give free hearts, so that the privilege of bringing cover the Sacraments and conver- what we have received gratis. Today God’s living word to people shines sion, and to rediscover and live the this is still our strength. The Re- from you beautifully and humbly, and meaning of our baptism.” demptoris Mater Seminaries in Perth brings life to the world,” Archbishop and Sydney, a fruit of the Way, live Hart told the 600 or so people in at- This process or, as it is sometimes entirely on Providence, on God who tendance. Also, present were Emeri- called by members of the Neocate- provides. tus Bishop Hilton Deakin, Bishop Mi- chumenal communities, an itinerary, chael McKenna, Itinerant Catechists has reached some 40 Australian par- The team of catechists who evan- for Australia Fr. Tony, Toto & Rita ishes over the last four decades. In gilise in the parishes are not paid. We Piccolo, Miguel, priests & seminarians. recent years we have seen the crisis live in the same precariousness as of vocations, the breaking down of Christ, who assured our salvation by It was a moment of joy and gratitude the family structure, and the underly- his Blood freely shed for us-which to God: his Word proclaimed and ing lack of faith formation necessary makes any thought of remuneration made flesh by a small team of cate- for the church to bear fruit. The 40 for the Gospel totally out of place. chists has borne fruit in the 80 Neo- years of the Neocatechumenal Way “The work is not complete,” Arch- catechumenal communities around in Australia represent a significant bishop Hart concluded, “because Australia. proportion of the Church’s history in (the Lord) invites you and me to fur- Australia, focusing as it does on ther conversion and to present the It is only 50 years since God entrusted bringing the power of the Risen riches of the Gospel to the people of to Spanish layman Kiko Arguello and Christ to ordinary people in parishes. our time.” his collaborator, the late Carmen Her- But the proclamation of the Keryg- nandez, a charism which has grown ma – the Good News -can bring On Saturday, 10th June, a Con- like a tree to reach all people. It has people out of impossible situations. vivence (day retreat) was held at At- brought to the world, where faith was Such as the traps of vice and slavery wood Hotel. Bishop McKenna pre- disappearing, the chance to discover to sin and restore them to their bap- sided over the Morning Prayer fol- again the wealth and riches of our tismal life. Experience shows that lowed a sharing of experiences of the baptism. this bold proclamation brings a radi- Way since 1977 when the first initial cal response in both young and old. catechesis was held at All Saints What began among the poorest of the Church, (Anglican Parish), in Mel- poor in the slums of Madrid has “The thing that I have always bourne. Archbishop Mark Coleridge proved to be a life-saver for people thought powerful and remarkable of Brisbane was then the assistant from every background. about the Neocatechumenal Way is priest at St. Michael’s, Ashburton. In the ability of God’s Word to inflame his own words, Archbishop Cole- “What I know of the Way is the won- our hearts so that we proclaim it al- ridge said, “that was the best catech- derful relationships, the wonderful ways and everywhere,” Archbishop love, the challenges of family and fra- Hart said. Continued on next page Padua News Issue 46 Page 12

Neocatechumenal Way celebrates 40 years anniversary in Australia (continued from previous page)

Top Left: Ben & Joan Antony being introduced Top Right: Members from St. Anthony’s parish being welcomed esis I have ever heard in all my years pick up snakes in their hands and be chist together with their six children as a priest!” He praised the efforts of unharmed should they drink deadly crossed Australia back and forth for the itinerant team for continuing in poison; they will lay hands on the the past 40 years. “Truly we have not their faith to evangelise despite the sick, who will recover” (MK 16:15- been disappointed”. many hurdles and difficulties they 20). And so the Lord Jesus, after he faced in the early days. He later pre- had spoken to them, was taken up Today, the Neocatechumenal Way is sided over the Eucharist that evening. into heaven; there at the right hand present in 13 dioceses, in 5 states and of God he took his place, while they, 2 territories; in 42 parishes, with 77 “Go out to the whole world; proclaim going out preached everywhere, the Neocatechumenal communities, 2 the Gospel to all creation. Whoever Lord working with them and con- Redemptoris Mater Seminaries believes and is baptised will be saved; firming the Word by the signs that (Perth & Sydney), almost 50 presby- whoever does not believe will be con- accompanied it . ters already ordained and 4 Missio-ad demned. These are the signs that will - Gentes. be associated with believers: in my Obeying this command of the Lord name they will cast out devils; they and leaning on the promise of his Submitted by: will have the gift of tongues; they will constant presence, the Itinerant cate- Fr Anthony Trafford and Ben Antony

St Vincent de Paul

On behalf of the Melton Confer- and the wider community of Melton ence of St Vincent de Paul, I would South and it is good to see the impact like to thank you, the parishioners at on the families we support. All our St Anthony’s Parish and the Staff and members feel very privileged to be Students at St Anthony’s School for involved with this Corporal Work of In January 2017, we were in a posi- your continued support of donations Mercy, an opportunity made possible tion to send two children from our of non-perishable food items which as members of the St Vincent de Paul Parish to the kids camp, organised by has been a fantastic contribution to- Society. the Society. On the next page are wards our mission in assisting fami- the experiences of Sayuri Peramuna lies in need. Unfortunately, this past year there and Annie Bastiaan, who attended has been a decline in our number of the camp. In addition, very sincere thanks and members as a result of illness, work appreciation to the Staff and Students commitments and change of address. I also take this opportunity, on be- at St Anthony’s School, for their mas- We would love to see an increase in half of our members of the Melton sive effort in assisting us with the So- members and warmly extend a hand South Conference, to wish you all ciety’s ‘Winter Appeal’ once again, of welcome to interested parishioners the Blessings of the Christ Child and this year. Over two thousand items to help rectify, strengthen and build His Holy Family at Christmas and were collected; non-perishable food on our Conference membership. through the New Year 2018 . items, blankets, clothing, etc. For information call: We have had a very active and busy Lorraine Tellis on: 0437658423 or year, assisting families from the Parish Ineke Allen on: 0400120401 Submitted by: Lorraine Tellis Padua News Issue 46 Page 13 St Vincent De Paul Summer Camp 2017

I got an exciting opportunity to visit to bed to sleep. The next morning Golden Valleys Lodge campsite early we had yummy toast and cereal for this year. I was so excited as this breakfast. Then my group went to would be the first time I was going to the giant swing which was really fun. stay overnight. The camp was set for We also played archery and made five days. However I missed the first scare crows at the barn. After that day as I was injured and joined the we all went to have lunch and after group on the second day. This was a lunch we changed into our bathers very long drive, but on my way there I for the messy activities. As we were saw the beach and many interesting all feeling cold after the activities, we places. took a warm bath and got changed into our pyjamas to go to bed after before dinner and then watched a When I arrived at the camp site, I was dinner. movie by the name “Tangled” before welcomed by two lovely people - Bec bed. and Alex. They showed me the di- The next morning which was the rections to the cabin where alot of third day of the camp, after breakfast, The final morning of the camp, we bunk beds had been set up where we we went on the flying fox which was woke up at 6am. After the breakfast, were to sleep. I kept all my bags near awesome! We also went to the barn we watched a movie called “Mr my bed and ran to the place where to play sumo wrestling. Later we Pee!”. Then the bus came to pick us, they served lunch. After lunch, I went to the creek and I saw some we all felt really upset to say goodbye played with two lovely girls whom I shrimp eggs. When we were playing to our friends and the staff at the met in the kitchen. In the evening we near the creek there was a big snake Lodge. I had a really great experi- were assigned to do three fun activi- and I got really scared. After these ence. ties before dinner. For dinner they activities we all had lunch. Then we served us sausages and potato which had free time to play with our Submitted by: Sayuri Peramuna was delicious. After dinner we went friends. We played some fun games

In January, I went on the St Vincent There was a giant swing and a flying De Paul’s summer camp. I had never fox, the biggest I have ever seen and been on one before and was a little bit these really tested our nerves. We unsure and shy because I didn’t know went bug collecting at the river with a anybody except Sayuri. I am really magnifying glass, a net, a tray and a glad that I did go because I had so checklist of different kinds of bugs much fun during the five days. I and we had to find as many as we made some new friends and some of could. The only thing was that my the activities we got to do were so shoe got absolutely soaking wet, but much fun. Some of these activities it was still fun. were Giant Soccer where the soccer ball was bigger than me, Archery On the last night we had a disco and even when I didn’t want to do it. and where we had to hit the target and I was wearing my Australian onesie I’m glad because it was one of the Sumo wresting. We had to wear big and they played lots of good songs best experiences that I have ever work suits that were filled with bal- and everybody danced the night had. loons and if you were pushed out of away. At first I didn’t really dance, the circle you were out. then I decided to join in and I’m glad If you are ever asked to go on the St I did because it made the last night Vinnie’s Summer camp or if you Mess time was really fun, and we got really worth it. have thought about going, I say have to get really messy! There were dif- a go, even if you are not sure, shy or ferent stations with a heap of differ- At the end of the camp on the last scared because I can guarantee that ent messy activities and did we get day just before we headed home, the you will have the time of your life! I messy. My favourite messy activity camp leaders awarded people with wish I could go again. was when we got to go down the slip prizes and then they awarded the and slide that was covered with green Camp Champs, and I was one of Submitted by: Annie Bastiaan soapy slime. them as I had a go at everything, Padua News Issue 46 Page 14

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY - Give Peace a Wreath

 Paint clothespins and an embroidery hoop.  Glue clothespins onto the hoop.  Cut two felt leaves and glue near the top of the hoop.  Glue small felt circles and buttons to the leaves.  Thread a string through the top of the hoop.  Cut a dove shape out of felt. Glue a teardrop wing to each side. Decorate with feathers.  Add a black-marker dot eye to dove.  Pierce the beak of the bird with a scissor tip and slide a one-inch piece of white floral wire through the slit to make an olive branch.  Attach two felt leaves to each end of the wire.  Glue dove to the wreath. Source: http://www.parenting.com/gallery/christmas-crafts-kids?page=6

Everyday life situations in pictures….

+

Submitted by: Imalsha Silva Issue 46 Page 15 Padua News

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY PAGE - COLOURING PAGE y-in-cartoon-depiction-coloring-page/ Source: http://www.colorluna.com/jesus-nativit Padua News Issue 46 Page 16

Suppliers of dress fabrics & patterns, patchwork fabrics, haberdashery, knitting yarns & accessories. Sales & service of Janome and Elna sewing machines, embroi- dery machines & overlockers.

WARRAWONG WOOLSHED 1200 Exford Road Eynesbury district

Available for hire Unique heritage features and friendly environment - arrange and set up to suit your own needs for up to 120 people for a sit-down meal/family gatherings.

For further details, or to arrange a visit and inspection, contact John Little at 0412 078 543

St Anthony’s Bingo St Anthony’s School Hall CNR Wilson and Exford Road Melton South (Melways Reference: 342-J-4) Tuesday Night Eyes down - 7.00pm

Come along and have some fun and support your Parish!

Editorial Policy Please support our sponsors! Without their generous support, Padua News would not The Padua News is approved by Fr Fabian Smith prior to print- ing. The editors and Fr Fabian reserve the right to edit all articles be possible. Mention you saw their business in submitted. Articles may be reproduced with permission from the our newsletter and let them know writer and editor. we are working for them.

AdverƟsers for Padua News Wanted! Submissions for next newsletter Would you like to advertise your business? All Parishioners are welcome to give their suggestions. If you Do you know someone who runs their own business? have any article of interest for the next newsletter, please submit Wide circulation, including publication on the WEB. them to the Parish Office or email to: [email protected] by January 31, 2018 Next issue due in March 2018 Email [email protected]