TOGETHERIn the Diocese of

wagga.catholic.org.au FREE MAY 2020 #2

WelcomeBishop Mark

Meet the new Elect of Wagga Wagga, the Most Reverend Mark Edwards OMI 2 BISHOP ELECT Bishop Mark Edwards OMI appointed to Wagga Wagga His Holiness has appointed the Most Reverend Mark Stuart Edwards, OMI., Bishop of Wagga Wagga, who until now has been of the Archdiocese of .

Pope Francis has appointed school and seminary education, Bishop Mark Edwards OMI the including serving as of sixth Bishop of Wagga Wagga. Iona College in Brisbane and as a Catholic in Wagga Wagga. Keen to welcome the appointment, Bishop Edwards, who will aspirants’ master and novice master to listen to your stories and those of especially after such a long wait”. turn 61 next month, was born at St Mary’s Seminary in Mulgrave. the Diocese, I come humbly, with He said Bishop Edwards’ in Indonesia and grew up in In addition to his priestly deep interest and love. background in ministry will stand Adelaide, Darwin and Melbourne’s formation and theological training, “Please pray for me that I may him in good stead, saying he has southeast, attending St Leonard’s Bishop Edwards completed offer the service that the Diocese “both a feel for the local Church and Primary School and Mazenod a science degree at Monash needs. I will pray for you.” a missionary awareness”. College. Mazenod was founded by University, where he also obtained a Bishop Edwards paid tribute to “Like many of his Oblate the Missionary Oblates of Mary doctorate in philosophy. Bishop Gerard Hanna for his more confreres, Bishop Mark brings to the Immaculate, the order he would In a letter to the faithful of Wagga than 14 years of leadership in the episcopal ministry a combination of eventually join. Wagga, Bishop Edwards described Diocese before retirement due to simplicity and sophistication, and He was ordained to the priesthood his appointment “as a call from God ill health in 2016. He also thanked that will equip him well for all that in 1986 and has held leadership to be with you and journey with you of awaits him in Wagga,” Archbishop positions within the Australian as disciple, brother and bishop”. Canberra and Goulburn, who has Coleridge said. Province of the Oblates of Mary “Together, as a community of served as apostolic administrator of “I join with the of Immaculate. He was appointed missionary disciples, we will Wagga Wagga for almost four years in pledging our prayers Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne on worship, love and evangelise,” he – and will continue to do so until as he prepares to take office and November 7, 2014 and ordained said. Bishop Edwards’ installation. our fraternal support in the years bishop the following month. “I am aware that I have much to Australian Catholic Bishops ahead.” Bishop Edwards’ priestly ministry learn, particularly about parish life Conference president Archbishop A date for Bishop Edwards’ has largely centred on secondary and the joys and challenges of being said it is “a joy installation is not yet known. Bishop Edwards letter to the Diocese of Wagga Wagga Dear people and clergy of the continue to serve as Apostolic worship, love and evangelise. to me, I will come to you. I do plan Diocese of Wagga Wagga, Administrator until my installation, I am aware that I have much to to move around and be in various Greetings in the Risen Lord. Pope and Fr Kevin O'Reilly and Msgr learn, particularly about parish life parishes and meet as many of you Francis has asked me to be the Douglas George, the delegates of the and the joys and challenges of being as possible, as quickly as possible. bishop of Wagga Wagga Diocese and Apostolic Administrator. They have a Catholic in Wagga Wagga Diocese. I look forward to meeting you I want to commence our friendship almost certainly served for much Keen to listen to your stories and personally, learning the stories of and relationship. I am grateful and longer than they expected. I join with those of the Diocese, I come humbly, your communities and working am looking forward to being among you in gratitude to them and to the with deep interest and love. collaboratively with you in living out you. staff of the Diocese. Finn our mission as disciples of Jesus. Archbishop Prowse has told me This Diocese was here long before As the people and clergy of Wagga Please pray for me that I may offer of your love for the Lord and your I was called to be Bishop and will be Wagga Diocese, we will face many the service that the Diocese needs. I generosity and faithfulness to Him. around long after me; that reminds us challenges together and can do so will pray for you. You have waited a long time for a that this is God's work. Each Sunday with hope and confidence as Jesus is Mary Immaculate, pray for us. new bishop. I thank you all for your we recite that we believe in the Holy, with us to the end of time. St Michael the Archangel, pray for perseverance, your patience and Catholic and Apostolic Church. One COVID-19 restrictions will make us. your good will, which have enabled meaning of this is that we trust that having a large number of people St Mary MacKillop, pray for us. the Diocese to function so well over God is working in and through the present at the installation of the new St Philip Neri, pray for us. these last three-and-a-half years. Church. For this reason, I experience bishop impossible, so we will have a St Eugene de Mazenod, pray for us. With you, I acknowledge and thank this appointment as a call from quiet beginning after the long wait. Blessed Joseph Gerard, pray for us. Bishop Gerard Hanna, who served God to be with you and to journey Perhaps later we will be able to have Yours in Jesus Christ the Diocese for over 14 years. with you as disciple, brother and a larger formal gathering to celebrate and Mary Immaculate Thank you, also, to Archbishop bishop. Together, as a community this moment. Mark Edwards OMI Christopher Prowse, who will of missionary disciples, we will Because many of you can't come Bishop Elect of Wagga Wagga

TOGETHER - MAY 2020 ISSUE #2 BISHOP ELECT 3 We are delighted to welcome our Bishop

Dear Friends in Christ, a special way I thank Fr Kevin In these days before the great O'Reilly and Mons. Doug George for Solemnity of Pentecost, in joy I their pastoral service to the diocese convey to you all that the Holy over these intervening years as my Father has appointed Most Reverend Delegates. Mark Stuart Edwards OMI, presently Bishop Mark Edwards OMI Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese Succeeds Bishop Gerard Hanna of Melbourne, as Bishop of the who faithfully served this diocese as Diocese of Wagga Wagga. Bishop from 2002 till his retirement Our long wait and perseverance in in 2016. We renew our thanks for his prayer for a new Bishop is now over. pastoral zeal over those years. We are delighted to welcome our The Office and responsibilities of new Bishop and assure him of our the Apostolic Administrator continue prayers. until the installation of the new In offering prayers of thanksgiving bishop. Further details will be made Congratulations to the Lord and His Mother, Mary, known soon. for the upcoming 6th Bishop of the Yours sincerely in Christ. Diocese of Wagga Wagga, I sincerely Archbishop Christopher Prowse thank the priests and people of the Catholic Archbishop of Bishop Mark diocese for their incessant prayers Canberra and Goulburn Apostolic We look forward to welcoming you to the for a new bishop and their patience Administrator of the Diocese of Diocese of Wagga Wagga in this long time of transition. In Wagga Wagga Appointment of the Bishop of Wagga Wagga Curriculum Vitae of the Most Reverend Mark Stuart Edwards, OMI., Bishop of Wagga Wagga.

The Most Reverend Mark Stuart of Mary Immaculate from 2001 to Edwards, O.M.I., was born in 2012. Balikpapan, Indonesia, on 14th Bishop Edwards was appointed June 1959. He attended St Leonard's Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese Primary School, Glen Waverley, of Melbourne and given the Titular Mulgrave and then Secondary School See of Garba on 7th November 2014. at Mazenod College. He obtained He received the Episcopal a Bachelor of Science Degree from on 17th December 2014. Monash University in Melbourne. At present he is a member of the Having entered the Novitiate of Bishops Commission for Catholic the Missionary Oblates of Mary Education of the Australian Catholic Immaculate in 1980, he made final Bishops' Conference. profession on 17th February 1984. Appointments: He studied for the priesthood at 1986 - 1989 Teacher, Mazenod Catholic Theological College within College, Mulgrave the and was 1990 - 1997 Teacher, Iona College, ordained priest on 16th August Brisbane. 1986. His priestly ministry has 1998 - 2004 Aspirants' Master, Saint seen him engaged in wide-ranging Mary's Seminary, Mulgrave. appointments in education and 2004 - 2007 Novice Master, Saint formation. Mary's Seminary, Mulgrave. He pursued higher studies at 2005 - 2010 Lecturer, Catholic Monash University where he Theological College, Melbourne. obtained a Bachelor of Letters and 2007 - 2010 Director of Scholastics, a Doctorate in Philosophy in 2007. Saint Mary's Seminary, Mulgrave He served as a Counsellor of the 2010 - 2014 Rector, Iona, College, Australia Province of the Oblates Brisbane

MAY 2020 ISSUE #2 - TOGETHER 4 BISHOP ELECT Melbourne congratulates new Bishop ‘On this Feast Day of St Philip Neri, it is with great pleasure, and a twinge of sadness, that I welcome the appointment of Bishop Mark Edwards OMI as the next Bishop of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga,’ Archbishop Peter A Comensoli said.

‘St Philip was a 16th century Youth He also currently serves on disciple well-known for his the Bishops Commission for the natural ability to connect with Plenary Council and the Bishops people and invite them to an Commission for Catholic Education. encounter with the risen Jesus. With a heart for the young, Bishop As Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, Mark has dedicated much of his Former Auxiliary Bishop Mark Stuart Edwards of Melbourne, Australia, talks with Bishop Mark has shown this same time to the ongoing development Indonesian youth delegate Anastasia Indrawan before a session of the Synod of missionary zeal, especially in his of youth ministry within the Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment at the Vatican Oct. 9 2018. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) work with our young people and Archdiocese, encouraging a deeper tertiary communities, and with sense of discipleship and vocation and humility to the Holy Father: to meeting with and listening to the the people of the Western Region among youth leaders. He has ‘I am deeply humbled by this People of God in the Diocese of of the Archdiocese for whom he been instrumental in establishing appointment and wish to express my Wagga Wagga as we seek to address has cared for these past years as stronger networks with tertiary thanks and good wishes to all the these questions. their Regional Bishop. He will be chaplains, encouraging their people of Melbourne, with whom I ‘My episcopal motto is “Learn well-placed to listen to and lead the ongoing formation and enabling have been for the last six years. who you are in the eyes of God”. people of God in Wagga Wagga.’ their accreditation within the ‘As Pope Francis often reminds us, This line from the first homily of St In 2014 Bishop Mark was Archdiocese. we stand at the edge of a new era. Eugene de Mazenod is a reminder consecrated Bishop, and was In 2015, Bishop Mark attended the We must continually ask ourselves, that God loves each of us and appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Synod on Young People, the Faith “How are we to be Church? How invites us into a relationship with Melbourne. As part of that role, he and Vocational Discernment and in are we to be effective missionary him. God gives us what we need and was appointed Regional Bishop 2016 led the Victorian pilgrimage to disciples and share the Good News I know He has been preparing me for the Western communities of the World Youth Day in Poland. in the context of 21st century for this next mission. I experience Archdiocese and became Episcopal In accepting his appointment, Australia?” this as a call from the Lord.’ Vicar for Tertiary Education and Bishop Mark expressed his gratitude ‘I am very much looking forward Bishop Mark Edwards appointed to Wagga Catholic Diocese by Rachel McDonald "I am aware that I have much to good will, which have enabled the Wagga Daily Advertiser learn, particularly about parish life Diocese to function so well over these The Wagga Catholic Diocese is and the joys and challenges of being a last three-and-a-half years," he said. set to welcome a new bishop, over Catholic in Wagga," he said. Bishop Edwards said he expected his three-and-a-half years after his "Keen to listen to your stories and installation to be a small event due to predecessor's retirement. those of the Diocese, I come humbly, coronavirus restrictions, but indicated Pope Francis appointed Bishop with deep interest and love." he would be personally visiting Mark Edwards OMI as the sixth His appointment comes after almost members of the parish when possible bishop of Wagga this evening. four years without a bishop in Wagga and possibly holding a larger formal Bishop Edwards, 61, was born following the retirement of Bishop gathering to mark the occasion when in Indonesia and grew up across Gerard Hanna in 2016 due to ill health restrictions ease sufficiently. Adelaide, Darwin and Melbourne. after more than a decade in the role. Archbishop of Melbourne Peter He was ordained to the priesthood Bishop Edwards paid tribute to Comensoli praised Bishop Edwards risen Jesus," Archbishop Comensoli in 1986, and ordained as a bishop in Bishop Hanna and Archbishop ahead of the announcement. said. 2014. Christopher Prowse of Canberra "It is with great pleasure - and a "As Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, At that time he was appointed an and Goulburn, who has overseen the twinge of sadness - that I welcome Bishop Mark has shown this same Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne. Wagga diocese since 2016. the appointment of Bishop Mark missionary zeal, especially in his Through the years Bishop Edwards He will continue in that role until Edwards OMI as the next Bishop of work with our young people and has had various roles in secondary Bishop Edwards officially takes on the Diocese of Wagga," he said. tertiary communities, and with the and seminary education, as well as the role with a date yet to be set for The announcement coincided with people of the Western Region of the studying science and philosophy his installation. the catholic Feast Day of St Philip Archdiocese for whom he has cared at Monash University, obtaining a The new bishop also praised the Neri. for these past four years as their doctorate in the latter. people of the diocese for their "St Philip was a 16th century Regional Bishop. Bishop Edwards addressed the patience in the absence of a bishop. disciple well-known for his natural "He will be well-placed to listen people of the Wagga diocese in a "I thank you all for your ability to connect with people and to and lead the people of God in letter following his appointment. perseverance, your patience and your invite them to an encounter with the Wagga."

TOGETHER - MAY 2020 ISSUE #2 BISHOP ELECT 5 The Diocese of Wagga Wagga welcomes Bishop Mark I had the honour of meeting with Bishop Mark on his recent visit to Wagga Wagga where he discussed his goals for the Diocese. by Karene Eggleton The Diocese of Wagga Wagga As our conversation unfolded, is abuzz with excitement. After Bishop Mark discussed his nearly four years of waiting, strengths in secondary education prayer and hope, a new bishop and formation, yet was humble in has been named for the Diocese, divulging his lack of knowledge and many are now asking about primary education and our involved in the working group for be a missionary thinking this meant when we will see him based parishes. “I don’t know anything the theme ‘A Joyful, Hope-Filled travelling to another country. He was permanently in Wagga. about what it feels like to be a and Servant Community’. He worked surprised to be sent to a Catholic While Bishop Mark is looking Catholic in the Riverina.” alongside Bishop Columba Macbeth- school in Queensland, and so began forward to his new appointment, he Despite acknowledging this gap, Green with ten other members. his journey of learning what a true confirmed he has many projects in Bishop Mark inspires with his One of the responses to the missionary is and the importance of Melbourne that need completing, forward-thinking approach. He plans discernment states: excellence. He spoke of excellence and many emails of congratulations to read the Diocese as individuals If the Spirit of God is within us on a holistic level, rather than just to respond to. Upon completion of rather than a whole, stating he’s, and our parishes, and if we allow excelling at a single subject. He also his responsibilities, he will spend "not teaching a diocese but reading the God in us to greet the God in reflected it was not good enough that five days on retreat and is hoping individuals." the other, we will be joyful, hope- a school excels only at academics, to arrive in the Diocese at some He continued, "Two goals you filled and servant communities. rather they also need to excel at time later this month . He will have to have as a Catholic are To achieve this we need to allow with spirituality, pastoral care, and spend the time until his installation to be disciples and missionaries. the space for Jesus to be in their other areas that underpin a student’s on 22nd July visiting each parish That involves community and lives. The primary need therefore is wellbeing. and offering Mass. Bishop Mark sacrament—you can’t be a disciple education in how, when, and where My discussion with Bishop Mark acknowledged that visiting thirty- on your own. You’re a community to pray, including contemplation and extended to his time in formation, one parishes in three weeks is a tall of missionary disciples. This is said meditation on the scriptures, and where he learned how much he order, and COVID-19 restrictions as an undifferentiated goal, and how the formation of prayer groups in needed friendship with Jesus, the mean he may not be able to meet all to get there will be helped by the parishes and Catholic organisations. importance of reading, and how parishioners during this time, but it Plenary Council." Prayer must be at the centre of it becomes the food for prayer. is an ideal he hopes to achieve. Bishop Mark sees the Plenary our Catholic life. In this way we He admitted to not being much of No doubt coronavirus restrictions Council as a gift, both for him become oriented to God’s mission a prior to formation. “As will also affect how many can personally and to the Church. He and allow space for God to take priests if we don’t read not only attend his installation, and Bishop will be looking to the Plenary over and generate the energy for does it handicap our praying but it Mark suggested that live streaming Council’s discussions, deliberations, our ministries. Small Christian handicaps our preaching.” the event was a possibility to make and resolutions to help steer the Communities, from prayer and Having been an Auxiliary Bishop it accessible to all. goals of the Diocese of Wagga reflection groups to full service since 2014 he has learned how I asked Bishop Mark what he Wagga, and is hopeful the Diocese groups, can lead parishes to become wonderful it is to administer the intends to achieve as Bishop, and gets on board with interest and servant communities. We need to Holy Spirit. "To be there in front of a he spoke of the importance of enthusiasm. commit to finding better ways to young person going to be sealed with wanting to just listen to people Bishop Mark sits on the Bishops engage with all our stakeholders, the gift of the Holy Spirit is a very initially and really hear what they Commission for the Plenary Council both within and outside our parishes, special moment." have to say. and had the privilege of being to truly be missionary, to truly be Bishop Mark acknowledged the servant communities. great sadness amongst parishioners It's clear from this heartfelt that their children and grand-children response why Bishop Mark feels were no longer attending church the Plenary Council will assist the and spoke of this being a new era Diocese of Wagga Wagga. of discovering the paths by which I asked Bishop Mark how he knew young people are happy to come to Catholicism was his path, and he Jesus. recalled the day he knew he wanted As our conversation drew to a to be a priest. He was in Year 12 close, Bishop Mark reiterated his filling out his university admission excitement to be joining the Diocese form and wondering what to do yet his sadness at the people he is the following year. It was at this leaving behind in Melbourne. point he realised he wanted to be a On behalf of the Diocese of missionary. He stated God helped Wagga Wagga, we are very him see ‘what his dream for him was excited to welcome you, Bishop and what Bishop Mark's dream for Mark, and we look forward to himself was’. setting goals and achieving Bishop Mark joined the seminary to excellence together.

MAY 2020 ISSUE #2 - TOGETHER 6 NEWS A word of encouragement to the Catholic people of Australia - From The Catholic Bishops of Australia - Dear brothers and sisters, At the heart of the community of an unceasing prayer of intercession. We urge people to abide by the best Grace and peace to you in these Easter disciples, there is always Mary the So we ask you all to continue praying advice on how to keep themselves and days. We write to you from a plenary mother of Jesus (cf Acts 1:14). In in the power of faith for those who others safe physically, emotionally meeting of the Bishops Conference this month of May, Pope Francis has have died, who are sick or at risk and spiritually, especially the which is like no other. Unable to meet urged us to look to her to intercede from COVID-19, for our healthcare vulnerable elderly. That is why face-to-face as we normally do, the for us in this time of affliction; and to professionals, essential service we recommend the live-streamed bishops are meeting online for a week. Mary we will entrust our homeland providers and researchers, for all who Masses and the many other resources We are intensely conscious of our later this month, looking to a mother’s are isolated and anxious, and for our offered on diocesan websites, our isolation – not only from each other unfailing love. May she who is Health civic leaders and health authorities. Catholic counselling services and the but also from you, the people whom we of the Sick and Help of Christians In the hope born of faith we look COVIDSafe App. serve in the name of the Risen Lord. pray for us now, that we may see Jesus forward to the time when the crisis The season of Lent may be behind As we think of you, we make our own with her eyes, the eyes of Easter, and will pass and we will be able to us, but this time of shutdown has the words of St Paul: “So deeply do we love him with her heart, which is the resume fully the Church’s worship been a kind of long Lent. Now, we care for you that we are determined to heart of faith: “O Mother of the Word and mission, even in a landscape pray, Easter is dawning as our country share with you not only the Gospel of incarnate, despise not our petitions which may be quite changed. In the recovers from the pandemic and looks God but also our own selves, because but in your mercy hear and answer us” meantime, we are talking with the to build the future. There is no room you have become very dear to us” (1 (Memorare). states and the federal government for complacency but there is certainly Thessalonians 2:8). The experience of shutdown has about the reopening of churches and room for the hope that Easter brings Australia has certainly suffered stirred great energy and creativity the gradual relaxation of restrictions. to birth, the hope that “after you have because of the COVID-19 pandemic, among people and pastors; this is We will work with governments and suffered a little while, the God of all but not as grievously as some other producing unexpected gifts which we local authorities at each stage of grace, who has called you to his eternal countries. For that we thank God will take with us into the future. No any resumption of Church life. We glory in Christ, will himself restore, and we congratulate public health locked door can keep the Risen Lord commit to keeping ourselves and each support, strengthen and establish you” authorities and governments on out; he is everywhere, even in this time other safe by observing strictly the (1 Peter 5:10-11). their prompt and prudent responses. of distress. “I stand at the door and advice regarding numbers, distancing Looking to the God of all grace, we Australians in general have also knock,” he says. “If you hear my voice and hygiene when the reopening of send to you our blessing of peace shown the solidarity and good sense, and open the door, I will come to you” churches is permitted. and all consolation. the generosity and kindness needed (Revelation 3:20). We have heard his in such a time. In our healthcare voice and opened the door to him who workers particularly we have seen an has come to us. That is the reason for exceptional spirit of self-sacrifice, and our hope, even our rejoicing. for that we are all grateful. One important service The Churches and other religious which people of faith communities have played their part, provide to the wider which has meant the suspension of community in public worship and the closure of this time is places of worship. This has been a real deprivation, and the bishops understand not only your anxiety about the virus and shutdown but more especially your deep desire to return to the sacraments and to resume public worship. There is a real hunger in this. It is something we all feel, and we long for the time when our hunger will be satisfied as together we return to the feast of the Lord. Even when our doors are closed, our hearts are still open. The churches may not yet be fully open, but the heart of the Church, which is the heart of Christ, is wide open. The celebration of Mass has never ceased. Though we and our brother priests cannot yet offer Mass with the people, we are still offering Mass day by day for the people – for all of you who are “flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone” (cf Genesis 2:23). The Church which is the Body of Christ still glows with the life of Easter, “thought to be dying, yet we are alive... to be sorrowful, yet still rejoicing... to have nothing, yet possessing everything” (2 Corinthians 6:9-10).

TOGETHER - MAY 2020 ISSUE #2 NATIONAL SORRY DAY 7 National Sorry Day: Aboriginal elders connecting community In 2012, four Aboriginal elders in Western Sydney, founded the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation. Originally from other areas of NSW, their aim was to connect with families in the local community and to provide them with support and links to services they might need.

Grandmothers themselves, they the community come to Baabayn for wanted to help community members advice, they have respect for us,” Jenny to heal from the past and connect says. with culture, whilst nurturing Baabayn’s directors say that dealing confidence and a sense of pride. with COVID-19 has been challenging. The work of Baabayn (which means “We’re not used to being apart, away ‘ancestral woman’) involves initiatives from each other for a start and because such as a Family Group gathering, we’re all older generation people, and Torres Strait Islander people. on now,” she says. I was brought up Healing circles, Homework Club, Youth technology got us a bit bluffed but thank Although there has been some on the river bank in poor housing and Group and a Mums and Bubs group. goodness we’ve all got children who are progress in this time, including greater often hungry and with no shoes. This It also provides advocacy, counselling a bit techno. I think the main challenge acknowledgement of Aboriginal and made schooling difficult for me. Taking services and links to government is we can’t be in at the office to help Torres Strait Islander land and sea children away caused families to be departments, nurturing knowledge of our mob but we’ll get through it,” says rights, better understanding of the broken up and the trauma and suffering spirituality and culture and bringing director, Elaine Gordon. impact of government policies and of broken families continues to this families together for special events, such Caritas Australia has been working acknowledgement of Aboriginal day. I think that a lot of people do not as the ‘Say No to Ice Day.” with Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation achievements, Baabayn’s directors understand what we went through.” Caritas Australia has been working in to adapt its programs, in light of believe there is still a long way to go. “I don’t think we’ve had enough partnership with the Baabayn Aboriginal COVID-19, so that it can continue “We were in Canberra the day before acknowledgment and I think it needs to Corporation since 2019. to help the community, by providing the apology, for me being Stolen be talked about more in this country,” Eight years on, Baabayn’s directors, phone counselling and reaching out to Generation, I don’t think it was enough says Elaine. “You know, as Aboriginal Margaret Farrell, Jenny Ebsworth, Elaine community members through various for myself,” says director, Margaret people, we’re still not getting a fair go Gordon and Daisy Barker reflect on forms of multimedia. Farrell. “I was a bit disheartened… and we’re there to offer support for those their achievements, as Australia marks In addition to National Sorry Day because I don’t think anything came out families.” National Sorry Day on May 26. on May 26, this year also marks of the Apology myself, I mean it’s still Baabayn’s directors say that working “We’ve got Sydney’s largest Aboriginal the twentieth anniversary of the going on. with Caritas Australia is helping to create population here, so I think people need Reconciliation walks of 2000, when “My family was split up. Everyone a sense of hope amongst families and the to know that there’s a place that they can people came together across Australia to started coming back in the ‘80s but community. come to and they’re welcome. I just love walk on bridges and roads to show their we never really had that connection as “We really appreciate that Caritas is this place, I just love the whole concept support for a more reconciled Australia. siblings growing up together. So that had willing to work with Baabayn and it’s of what we do here,” director, Jenny The theme of this year’s National a deep impact on my life. And it’s a cycle really opened doors for us,” says director, Ebsworth says. Reconciliation Week, which runs from that keeps repeating itself. Now we’re Jenny Ebsworth. “It’s very important “With the Homework Club, it’s really May 27 till June 3, is #InThisTogether bringing up our grandchildren and so it’s work and we really appreciate that you to important because our kids really need – a hashtag conceived long before the an ongoing cycle, so we try and break be able to walk alongside us.” that support because some of them don’t onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. that cycle but it’s just continuing with our have computers. We also want to bring Reconciliation is a journey for all younger ones,” Margaret says. our elders out of isolation and give Australians – it’s about building Daisy Barker agrees. them a bit of hope. We really created relationships between the broader “Well my father was taken in 1924 and something here and a lot of people from Australian community and Aboriginal nothing’s changed and it’s still going

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MAY 2020 ISSUE #2 - TOGETHER 8 CATHOLIC MISSION A local message with a global impact Just four simple words are comforting the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, as they face the devastating impacts of the global COVID-19 crisis.

#WeAreStillHere is the message current global emergency.” of an awareness and fundraising The organisation is also running an campaign launched last week across appeal for funds to ensure the critical social media by Catholic Mission, work for children, communities and quickly becoming an international future church leaders can continue. rallying cry for Catholic missionaries At the Eden Gardens Children’s Home around the world. in Nagaland, India, eight-year-old “In times of hardship, it’s important Nathaniel and sixteen other vulnerable that we stick together,” says Catholic children have no family or safe place to Mission National Director Fr Brian return to during the crisis. Meanwhile, “They are there, supporting with For more information and Lucas. their friends have returned home. solidarity and compassion, saying we to support the appeal, visit “COVID-19 is having a significant “For those children who have nowhere are still here, doing our best to keep catholicmission.org.au/Nathaniel impact on our mission partners and to go, Eden Gardens remains open all vital, life-changing projects running or contact our local Diocesan the Church, and it’s vital that we help day, every day. Our mission is to help despite COVID-19 restrictions.” Director, Jane Plum: support the work of mission to the most the kids, whoever is here, under any Fr Lucas says Catholic Mission will Tel 69370013 Mob 0400 445 605 vulnerable in this time. circumstances,” reported Fr Rajesh remain in service to those in need Email [email protected] “Just four words—we are still here— Lobo, director of the home. around the world. “We are still here for constitute a simple message with great Fr Lucas says missionaries around the our project partners in the same way impact. It’s saying that those most world, like Fr Rajesh, remain dedicated that they are there for the children, in need are still being given the best to serving their communities despite the communities and church leaders that practical and pastoral support during the COVID-19 impact. they serve.” Recipes for a good, healthy life For years Nabiha Koriaty has served up words of wisdom and platters of Lebanese food in her tiny restaurant on Baylis Street in Wagga Wagga. Now, she has published a book full of recipes for a good, healthy life.

by Kenji Sato - Wagga Daily Advertiser

The 79-year-old insists she isn't of life advice for those who have lost afraid of the coronavirus in the their way - people battling depression, slightest, saying she has a clean bill suicidal thoughts, and drug addiction. of health and has never needed any "Don't worry about what kills the form of medicine her entire life. body, worry about what kills the soul," Mrs Koriaty attributes her good she said. health to her active lifestyle and her "Drugs kill both the body and the soul faith in Christianity, which allows her together." Nabiha Koriaty says the ingredients to a good and healthy life are an active lifestyle, a faith in to power through during the tough On one occasion, a 16-year-old God, and plenty of pomegranate juice. Picture: Emma Hillier times in life. Albury boy who suffered from drug "God renews your strength on the addiction came begging for food, and The book contains all the knowledge inside. Not on the outside, though, I she helped turn his life around with she's accumulated over the years - her look old on the outside," she said. some choice words of wisdom. best-known Lebanese recipes, her "God put me here for a reason and he On another occasion, a man told her advice for staving off colds, and her keeps me alive for a reason." that he beat his wife and children on a experience as a Lebanese refugee. Even in her old age she works busy daily basis, but soon Mrs Koriaty got It also describes her recipe to living 13-hour days, growing vegetables in him to see the error of his ways and a good life, which include an active her garden, cooking in her restaurant, change for the better. lifestyle, a desire to serve others, and and sharing life advice to those who She has helped countless people plenty of pomegranate juice. come through her shop door. overcome their life struggles over the Mrs Koriaty says the book is now Since opening restaurant in 1989 she years, and she has written down some available for sale in her restaurant, become renowned as the go-to source of her memories into her new book. Nabiha's Kitchen.

TOGETHER - MAY 2020 ISSUE #2 SCHOOLS IN OUR DIOCESE 9 St Michael's Primary, Coolamon

Stage One have been busy recently creating some finger puppets to assist with the retelling of “The Journey to Emmaus.”

Sacred Heart Primary, St Joseph's Primary School, Jerilderie Wagga Wagga Another lovely week at St Joseph's! Was great to have everybody back!

The wonderful nature playground was finally availablefor the first time with students having watched its development for months. Our thanks to Katrina Nightingale for her tireless efforts managing the work. And thank you to the many families who have assisted in any way. We are forever grateful.

Mater Dei Primary, Wagga Wagga St Joseph’s Primary, The new building is now open! Wagga Wagga At the end of last term the students, who were attending school, designed thank you certificates to all the essential workers in our local area. This week the staff at Woolworths Gurwood Street returned the favour and gifted the students with some special treats.

It has been great to see these contemporary learning spaces come to life with staff and students now filling it. We look forward to having all students back next week.

MAY 2020 ISSUE #2 - TOGETHER 10 AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED Featured projects in May • Help for the youth and family apostolate of the Salesian brothers in the parish of Adwa • Help for the families of 18 catechists in the diocese of Dori, forced to flee from their homes by Islamist terrorists • Mass stipends for the 32 priests of the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba • Help for the training of catechists in the territorial prelature of Chuquibambilla, in the Peruvian Andes • Success Story: 10 Mopeds for pastoral work in the Andaman and Nicobar islands

Help for the youth and family The average monthly income of most apostolate of the Salesian brothers families is equivalent to between 35 and in the parish of Adwa 70 US dollars, which is barely enough Financial aid for pastoral activities in favour of Mary Help of Christian parish in Adwa - 2020. Copyright Aid to the Church in Need. Sitting in the east of the continent, on to survive on. In addition there are many the so-called Horn of Africa, Ethiopia problems in the families and they need a other dioceses of the country, but a needy entrusted to their care, who come is a country filled with contradictions. great deal of support. number of them speak only the regional knocking at their door. For in many On the one hand the country is showing The Salesians base their work upon Gourmantché language, which is spoken such countries the faithful turn to their strong economic growth, yet on the three main pillars – helping the children, only in a few regions of the country, priests for everything, seeking their help other there is widespread deep poverty. the young people and the families. and they are thus unable to work in in every need, including their material Within the national territory there are It is crucially important work, and the other regions. 18 of these families needs. The priest is seen as a father and around 80 different ethnic groups, with ACN is proposing to help with a now need help to rebuild their lives a shepherd and is expected not only to widely differing cultures and languages. contribution of AUD $25,000 for the here in the diocese of Dori. Among comfort souls but also to provide the Some 58% of the 100 million or so current year. them is the family of one catechist, people with food, medicines, clothing, population are Orthodox Christians of Philippe, a father of seven children schooling for their children and the Ethiopian rite. Catholics make up Help for the families of 18 catechists who was murdered in a massacre in vocational training for the young. All barely 2% of the population, although in the diocese of Dori, forced to February of this year. ACN is proposing of these people look with hope towards the maintains a great flee from their homes by Islamist to help these 18 families with a total of their priests. many schools, kindergartens and social terrorists AUD $50,000, for food and lodging, Every year, thanks to the Mass stipends care centres. The diocese of Dori lies in the far north medical care and essential help to offered by our benefactors, ACN is To take one example, the Salesians of of Burkina Faso, in the Sahel region. rebuild their lives – for example able to support around 40,000 needy Don Bosco are providing their important 95% of the population here are Muslims, by providing livestock so they can priests around the world. Among these work of service in five different regions while Christians make up only a tiny support themselves. For Church life are the 34 priests of the Archdiocese of Ethiopia. The congregation has been and widely scattered minority. today, in Africa in particular, would be of Santiago de Cuba. For the profound present in Ethiopia since 1975, and is Since 2015 the north of the country unthinkable without these lay catechists. economic crisis which affects the Cuban engaged particularly in working to help has been plagued by a wave of Islamist They fulfil a vital function in the people has likewise had a painful impact disadvantaged young people, such as terrorism, leaving over 750,000 people parishes, especially where the faithful on the Church. The ordinary faithful are street children for example, providing homeless and over 1000 schools closed. live scattered across wide regions. Will generally too poor to be able to support them with a safe refuge, supporting and And the crisis is continuing, with an you help us to help them? their priests, or the various activities in educating them and providing them with average of 4000 people still fleeing the parishes. some form of vocational training. every day from the continuing terrorist Mass stipends for the 32 priests of We are consequently proposing to The parish of Our Lady Help of attacks. There have been a number of the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba provide Mass stipends for these 32 Christians in Adwa, in the northern massacres and abductions. It is an ancient tradition in the Catholic priests of the diocese, to a total value of regional state of Tigray, was established Among the many people who have Church to ask a priest to celebrate AUD $18,000 – which represents just in 1990 and is run today by the been forced to flee are the lay catechists the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for a AUD $560 for each priest, for the entire Salesians. It serves a community of of the diocese, together with their particular intention, or for the soul year. around 220 Catholic faithful, most of families. Some of them have been of a departed loved one. The offering whom live a hand to mouth existence. able to find shelter and work in the or stipend given to the priest by the Help for the training of catechists individual concerned is in no sense to in the territorial prelature of be seen as „payment“ but is instead Chuquibambilla, in the Peruvian a gesture of love and gratitude and Andes support for the priest who, through the The territorial prelature of words of , again makes Chuquibambilla lies high up in the present the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Andes at an altitude of up to 16,000 feet the altar. (5000 m), in one of the poorest regions For priests living in many of the of Peru. 14 diocesan priests are currently poorest countries of the world, such working here in very difficult conditions Mass offerings are often a vital – given that the close on 100,000 support for their material survival. Catholic faithful within the prelature These priests receive no salary or live widely dispersed in many small and regular remuneration, and the faithful often isolated settlements. The distances themselves are frequently too poor to be are large, and the roads bad. In many able to support them. Hence, these Mass places there is no electricity, telephone stipends are often the only means of service or Internet. In the rainy season many of the roads are impassable BURKINA FASO: Social reintegration of 18 families of catechists from the diocese of Dori victims of support for these pastors – means which terrorism. Copyright: Aid to the Church in Need. they also generously share with the continued on page 11... TOGETHER - MAY 2020 ISSUE #2 AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED 11

continued from page 10... Success Story: 10 Mopeds for and many are flooded. Consequently, pastoral work in the Andaman and many of the villages can only rarely be Nicobar islands visited by the handful of priests who are The Andaman and Nicobar islands available. All the more important, then, are a chain of some 572 islands in is the work of the lay catechists, who live the Indian Ocean which belong to the in the villages and are responsible for a Indian union, only 37 of which are major part of Church life in them. They actually inhabited, however. Even on prepare the faithful for the reception the inhabited islands, over one-third of the Sacraments, instruct them in the of the area is a rainforest reserve, and Faith and pray together with them. there are many different aboriginal First of all, however, these catechists tribes, including some entirely isolated need to have a sound knowledge of ones who reject almost all contact with the faith that they will then pass on to the outside world. Since the 1980s the others. Yet most of them are simple population on these islands has been country people. And so the prelature has growing, as a result of migration from established a series of training courses the Indian mainland. Today the total in order to equip these catechists, population is approximately 380,000 who are simply committed volunteers people – one-third of whom live in the and offer their services freely and for capital, Port Blair. 1,200 Ordinary Masses have been requested for the 33 diocesan priests and the Archbishop this will help them to provide for their living costs. Copyright Aid to the Church in Need. nothing, with the necessary knowledge The Catholic diocese of Port Blair to carry out their important work. Some has approximately 34,000 Catholics, now been purchased. So now the priests need" that way your donation will be of them cannot even read and write and almost all of whom are Nicobarese. The can once again reach the Catholic allocated to a project that desperatley must therefore first follow a course in 16 parishes of the diocese are scattered faithful in the scattered villages of the needs funding. basic literacy. And at the same time across several islands, and there are islands. We greatly appreciate when you teaching materials have to be produced over 500 small Christian communities. The ten priests who have benefited specify your donation in such a in the local Quechua language, which To travel between islands the priests from these new mopeds have expressed way. However if you would like your is spoken among the majority of the need boats, of course; on the islands their heartfelt gratitude, and the people donation directed to a specific project population, most of whom cannot speak themselves, however, what roads there are happy too. For thanks to your help, area or country, you can leave a any Spanish. are are long and difficult to negotiate. the diocese can now intensify its youth comment in the online donation form. The last course of this kind was given Almost none of the parishes has a outreach, for example, and generally To avoid overfunding of individual 11 years ago. So now it is high time car, and the old bicycles and mopeds reach out more easily and more often to projects, if a project has been fully for a new course to be given. All the that are commonly used take a heavy the Catholic faithful. funded your donation will be directed parishes of the prelature are sending battering from the rough roads and Our heartfelt thanks to all our towards a similar project in that candidates for these courses. This is do not last long. And so, last year the benefactors! region. vital work, since the life of the Church diocesan administrator asked ACN for Important note: The projects above If you have the means and would like in this region would be unthinkable help to purchase 10 new mopeds for are just a small sample of the project to "adopt a specific project" please call without the work of these lay catechists. pastoral work. Thanks to the generosity requests Aid to the Church in Need 1800 101 201 during business hours ACN is proposing to support these of our benefactors, we were able to receives. Therefore when making (AEST) and we can match you with a important training courses with a respond quickly with a donation of a donation we recommend you project that you can fully or partially contribution of AUD $25,000. AUD $15,000, and the mopeds have specify your gift to "projects most in fund.

Ongoing formation of the catechists: First communion catechists - missionary children of a Purchase of 10 motorbikes for Missionaries working in the diocese. Gifts from Aid to the Church community Campesina. Copyright: Aid to the Church in Need. in Need to the Diocese of Port Blair. Copyright: Aid to the Church in Need. Have you ever thought “It all begins with seed” • Insist on Hart Bros quality assured seed about teaching SRE? • Growing, cleaning, sales and distribution of all broadacre seed varieties Over 100 volunteer SRE Teachers generously donate their time each week to teach SRE in public schools in our diocese.

But classes are growing and • Cleaning, treating and sizing farmer’s retained canola seed we need more help. If you are able to help an hour or two a week please contact Trevor Dal Broi 0407 537 994 or [email protected] Training is provided. [email protected] • www.hartbrosseeds.com.au Phone: 02 6924 7206 • Fax: 02 6924 7271 Parishes urgently needing SRE volunteers: Coffin Rock Lane, Temora Rd Junee 2663

• Henty • Darlington Point & Colleambally • Berrigan & Mulwala “Remember: Hart Bros Seeds Spring Field Day is 2nd Wednesday in October” ? MAY 2020 ISSUE #2 - TOGETHER 12 - Saint Joseph KiDs The Worker - corner

& Spot the Send your coloured picture, word search or joke ideas with your name, age and school to: Together Editor Difference... PO Box 473 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Can you spot the 7 differences? We’d love to hear from you! A huge thank you to Kate from St Mary's at Corowa for sending in this fantastic colouring in. MAY SAINTS & FEAST DAYS We hope you enjoyed your prize pack. Word Search

& Find all of the words or phrases in the puzzle that are in BOLD in the word bank below: St. Joseph the Worker St. Philip St. James Our Lady of Fatima St. Matthias St. Isidore the Farmer St. John I St. Bernardine of Sienna St. Rita the Cascia St. Gregory VII St. Bede St. Philip Neri St. Augustine of Canterbury

St. Joan of Arc

on right hand side, age missing, sleeve changed colour. changed sleeve missing, age side, hand right on Visitation of the Blessed Differences: Floor tile changed to blue, flame missing, robe changed to pink, hair colour changed, extra tiles tiles extra changed, colour hair pink, to changed robe missing, flame blue, to changed tile Floor Differences: Virgin Mary

TOGETHER - MAY 2020 ISSUE #2 SUPPORTERS 13

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 Family Counselling Services  Natural Fertility Awareness  School Wellbeing Program  Settlement Grants Program  Family Counselling Services  Natural Fertility Awareness  Personal Helpers and Mentors  Recovery Approaches to  School Wellbeing Program  Settlement Grants Program Program Dementia  Personal Helpers and Mentors  Employee Assistance Program  Pre Marriage Education  Recovery Approaches to  Family Education Services  Partners in Recovery Program Dementia  Complex Case Services  Clinical Clergy Assessments  Employee Assistance Program  Pre Marriage Education  Family Education Services Centacare Office Locations:  Partners in Recovery ALBURY FINLEY GRIFFITH WAGGA WAGGA  Complex Case Services  Clinical Clergy Assessments 440 Wilson Street 2 Corree Street 140 Yambil Street 201 Tarcutta Street 02 6051 0222 02 6051 0222 02 6964 1447 02 6923 3888 Centacare Office Locations:  Family Counselling Services  Natural Fertility Awareness ALBURY FINLEY GRIFFITH WAGGA WAGGA www.centacareswnsw.org.au 440 Wilson Street 2 Corree Street 140 Yambil Street 201 Tarcutta Street  School Wellbeing Program  Settlement Grants Program 02 6051 0222 02 6051 0222 02 6964 1447 02 6923 3888  Personal Helpers and Mentors  Recovery Approaches to Program Dementia www.centacareswnsw.org.au  Employee Assistance Program  Pre Marriage Education 4/41-43 Moorong St  Family EducationLillypilly Services Wines  Partners in Recovery Wagga Wagga  Ph: 6921 6366 Complex CaseFamily ServicesOwned Boutique Winery  Clinical Clergy Assessments Fax: 6921 6493

Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm Centacare Office Locations: We sell Cattle at the Wagga Livestock Marketing ALBURY visit us andFINLEY have a taste GRIFFITH WAGGA WAGGA Centre every Monday and Sheep and Lambs every Thursday and also offer a range of services: 440 Wilson Street47 Lillypilly Rd, Leeton2 Corree NSW 2705 Street 140 Yambil Street 201 Tarcutta Street • Paddock sales, over the hook sales 02 6051 0222Tel: 02 6953 406902 6051 0222 02 6964 1447 02 6923 3888 www.lillypilly.com and direct to feedlot sales www.facebook.com/lillypillywines • On farm Stud Sales • Auctions Plus Sales www.centacareswnsw.org.au • Clearing Sales • Rural property sales ROB GEDDES MW Australian Wine Vintages 2015 For any of your livestock or property Lillypilly Noble Blend needs contact one of our friendly agents: Tim Francis 0428 263 852 Alex Croker 0428 326 810 JAMES HALLIDAY -5 STARS Matt Hawker 0418 861 320 Australian Wine Companion 2015 Sam Sutton 0448 080 607 David Kosa 0432 064 188 Helen De Costa 0448 353 764 Email: [email protected] Lillypilly 2011 Noble Blend www.hfrancisandco.com.au

MAY 2020 ISSUE #2 - TOGETHER 14 NEWS

WORKING TOGETHER FOR OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO PROJECT COMPASSION lent.caritas.org.au 1800 024 413 #projectcompassion

TOGETHER - MAY 2020 ISSUE #2