based adoption agencies to facilitate Creating a future full of Same-Sex Marriage: same-sex adoptions? Extending marriage to include Hope Conference A Pastoral Reflection same-sex couples would unjustly continued from page 6 continued from page 10 discriminate against opposite-sex couples who are married. However, by Bruce Ryan – Executive Secretary legislation that marriage is between by Dr Anne Wenham of the Australian Commission and man and a woman does not Director of Catholic Schools for Pastoral Life discriminate unjustly against same- sex couples. Fr O’Collins’ message was clear But, where would that leave Not all discrimination is bad; throughout the Conference that children? the law provides many forms of we are called to share Jesus with Children have a right to be discrimination for the good of everyone. He concluded with the conceived and brought into this society – eg consanguinity laws for following quote from Benedict world naturally, and to know of their marriage (note again the link to XVI, “If we let Jesus Christ into biological origins wherever this is children inherent in society’s notion our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, feasible. Children have a right to the of marriage). nothing”. chance to be nurtured and cared for There are many sensible and In responding to the key messages by a mother and a father. We know compelling reasons for opposing of the Conference, one participant that life often intervenes to deny legislative support for same-sex summed them up as follows: these rights, but we start from the marriage. However, homophobia “What is the image of our Catholic potential for them to be satisfied. is not one of them. The Catholic schools that we want to promote? With same-sex marriage, Church is firm in its teaching on What do we stand for? however, adult needs, desires, hopes this. Do we live our faith till it hurts? and aspirations become the focus The belief that every individual Why can’t we simply live our to the exclusion of the rights of the person is made in God’s image is at faith, if people feel uncomfortable, child. the very heart of Christian teaching. let’s not water it down to make them And where else may this lead? Every human person is loved by God feel comfortable. Would the law eventually oblige: and personally saved and made holy We make them comfortable living teaching homosexual preference by the life, death and resurrection of and teaching what we believe and and lifestyle in schools? Requiring His Son, Jesus the Christ. From this inviting and welcoming them to join ministers of religion to perform we cannot resile; it is central to our us”. same-sex marriages? Or Church- faith, the core of our belief.

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18 Catholic Life, September, 2011 Schoolsacrossthediocese Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School Sth Lismore St John’s College Woodlawn

Blessing and Opening The Parish Community of Our Lady Help of Christians, L-R: Glenn Roff, Brian Croke and Barry Bermingham South Lismore, have celebrated the opening and blessing of their new school library and classroom block. Woodlawn Principal Excellence Award The double-storey facility was officially opened by Ms Lee Duncan on behalf of Ms Janelle Saffin MP, who was called On Wednesday the 27th July the school community of away to address other political matters at short notice. St John’s College Woodlawn, along with many esteemed Most Rev Geoffrey Jarrett commenced the celebration guests in educational circles, assembled to congratulate by blessing the building and all those present. Mr Glenn Roff as the co-recipient of the Brother John The celebrations continued with the unveiling of a Taylor Award. The Brother John Taylor is a prestigious commemorative plaque and an address by Parish , award which is difficult to achieve. To qualify, one must Rev Fr Peter Karam. need to be able to show that the work of the recipient has made Catholic education stronger; enhanced it generally – The $2.2 million facility was provided to the school not just in one area. through the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution scheme. It was built by local company It was not just an amazing experience for Mr Roff; it was Bennett Constructions, with numerous local businesses a proud moment for everyone who knew him. Dr Brian subcontracted to complete the fit-out. Croke, Executive Director of the Catholic Education The school’s principal, Mr Daniel Gubby, said: “The Commission of NSW, described Mr Roff as “One of the school’s 244 students have already made great use of this giants of Catholic education.” When Dr Croke presented fantastic facility. The wonderful new resources in this 21st Mr Roff with the award, the whole audience erupted in Century library complement the other digital resources a standing ovation; every teacher, student and guest already being used within the school. The opportunities standing up to show their pride. It was some time before it this creates for our children to continue to engage in was quiet enough for Mr Roff to speak. contemporary learning activities are limitless.” Despite his achievements, he was still humble in The main features of the new facility are two classrooms, responding “You do me great honour and more than I a state-of-the-art library and a multi-purpose room. The deserve.” Throughout his speech, Mr Roff was constantly library and the multipurpose room are separated by bi-fold paying homage to everyone around him for the support doors, which can be opened up to enable the space to be network required to gain such an achievement – used for whole-school activities such as assemblies. effortlessly managing to make every individual feel as “Another great feature of the building designed by though they had been a part of the award. architects Fulton Trotter is the expansive sheltered play area underneath which has quadrupled the outdoor play space Dr Brian Croke was presented in return by Mr Roff with for our students during wet weather,” Mr Gubby said. an award of his own; the most sought after reward in Woodlawn; a Glenns Pen – the Woodlawn Principal’s personal award usually reserved for students offering “extended commitment”. This produced an appreciative giggle, not for the first time, from everyone present.

Adam McNamara, male Vice-Captain of Woodlawn said, “Today made me realise how lucky I am to go to such a great school. I feel as though I am getting the best opportunities available because I have the best Principal.” This is a view reflected by every student asked and there is Website for Diocese no doubt how proud everyone is of Mr Roff and how lucky Visit the Lismore Diocese website: we all feel to have known him. By Amanda Griffin – Student Journalist www.lismorediocese.org Woodlawn Media Centre (S.N.AZZI Unit)

CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2011 19 Mary Help of Christians Primary School, Toormina Jarrett blessing the new addition Mary Help of Christians School, Sawtell

Schoolsacrossthediocese school building projects in the Building the Education Revolution CEO Diocese of Lismore. In February 2009 the Federal As is the current practice, the government announced a $42 Diocesan Schools Planning & billion Nation Building and Priorities Committee (DSPPC) will Jobs plan Stimulus Package in be responsible for considering response to what became known project applications and cost as the global financial crisis. The standards, endorsing projects funding for education totalled for funding and redistributing $14.3 billion and was distributed BER funds as required, drawing under the Building the Education upon the principles of equity and Bishop Jarrett blessing the Revolution program which had the common good. Endorsed new addition to Mary Help of three elements; Building Primary projects will be referred to the Christians School, Sawtell Schools for the 21st Century, Bishop for approval.” At the same Mary Help of Christians time Bishop Jarrett wrote to members of the Diocesan National Schools Pride (Renewing Primary School, Toormina Australia’s Schools) and Science School Planning and Priority Committee (DSPPC) advising and Language Centres for Secondary Schools. that, “this unprecedented funding also calls us to consider its wise and appropriate use in terms of the principles of All 46 parish schools in the Lismore Diocese were to receive subsidiarity and the common good. funding for minor Capital works under the National Schools pride element, while the thirty four Primary schools were Accordingly, in order to ensure that all applications eligible for funding under the Primary Schools for the 21st for Element 1 of the BER (Primary Schools for the 21st Century element. The funding was based on a notional Century) are properly scrutinised and assessed to ensure allocation to each school according to the enrolment of maximisation of the Federal Government funding for the the school. Funding under the Science and Language common good of all parish primary schools of the Diocese Centres for Secondary Schools was based on a competitive of Lismore I am calling an extraordinary meeting of my application process. DSPPC to be held on Wednesday, 1 April 2009, at the CEO.” In March Bishop Jarrett wrote to all parish and principals of Primary schools advising of the arrangements At that time, the Director of Catholic Schools Dr. Anne for the assessment and endorsement processes for projects Wenham emphasised the unprecedented nature of the in the Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P21) program. funding under the BER and endorsed Bishop Jarrett’s desire that there be wise and appropriate use of the funding Bishop Jarrett noted that “the overall management of drawing upon the principles of equity and the common Building the Education Revolution (BER) program will be good. In this context she noted that there was a critical according to the existing management structure for parish issue around the matter of the reallocation of funding from schools that did not need to spend their full notional allocation to other schools having identified needs. The DSPPC determined that projects were to be assessed individually in the context of the needs of the schools. The Committee was to make judgements on what was an appropriate response to the needs of the school in terms of the notional allocation available to each school. While the School Building Code did not strictly apply to the assessment of BER projects, it was used as a guide in the assessment process. It was emphasised that the projects being assessed were for parish schools. The setting of the school within the parish and the Bishop’s desire for the program to be managed according to the existing management structure for parish school building projects in the diocese set the St Pauls Kempsey context for project development. With advice, support and assistance from the Catholic Education Office local project management teams developed the scope of works for projects. All parishes engaged a consulting architect and worked collaboratively with parish and school communities to develop projects. The Committee respected the integrity and professional work of the local teams. By the end of August 2011 all projects in 2 of the 3 elements of the BER are now complete. All 46 parish schools benefitted from the minor Capital works funded under the National Schools Pride program; $7.2 million has been spent on minor refurbishment of school buildings and grounds. The five Secondary Science and Language Centres projects are also complete for a total expenditure of $10,276,291. 29 of the 34 primary schools for the 21st Century projects are now complete and the total expenditure on this element will be over $70 million when all projects are completed.

20 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2011 Schoolsacrossthediocese St ’s School Alstonville St Mary’s Primary School Casino

L-R: Victor Murgha, Kailis Fourmile-Bolt, Connor Everson and Tjupurru Peter Mitchell MJR and Stage 3 Celebrating NAIDOC Week Making Jesus Real for Students The school Parish School Forum NAIDOC group planned Peter Mitchell, creator of the ‘Making Jesus Real’ a week of fun for the whole school from Monday 25th (MJR) program, recently visited the school, working with July. The week began with a beautiful liturgy in the Hall students and teachers. He reminded us that MJR has with visiting Elder, Lester Moran addressing the school on a simple message – Jesus is part of our lives and can acceptance, using our talents and being aware of each change the way we live; that we can make Jesus real other. through our daily actions and words. An important aspect of MJR is learning how to recognise God Moments in an Each day a different stage participated in Indigenous encounter with a friend, a cheerful greeting, a smile, a games, beading, traditional music and ICT activities wink of encouragement, an offer of a helping hand or an relating to NAIDOC Week. On Tuesday we received a visit unexpected compliment. MJR leads us to be ‘winners and from the indigenous Titans Rugby League players to share grinners’ rather than ‘moaners and groaners’, to look for their skills in sport and the classroom. On Friday morning, positives in each day and to make sure we let others know 29th July the school community came together again for a how much we appreciate them in our lives and how to bush tucker experience of kanga mince balls, lemon myrtle pass on the Good News each day. shortbread and possum potion. After that we were treated to Tjupurru, the didjeribone performer. Without a doubt Sporting Highlights his concert captivated the audience in the packed hall with Both the Open and Under 10 rugby league teams an extraordinary interactive performance. Well done to the qualified to compete in the All Schools Rugby League children who also assisted Tjupurru. Carnival held in Sydney. Thanks go to the parent group Thanks to the wonderful NAIDOC committee: Mrs Cathy who took on an amazing fundraising venture and to McWilliam, Mrs Kris Pereira, Mrs Karen Freebody and Mr the parents and families who accompanied the boys, Victor Murgha. Thank you also to the class parents who providing much appreciated support to the teams and were able to offer their time to serve food at the bush to the school coaches – Jason Holmes and Luke Collings. tucker morning tea. It was great to see so many parents Congratulations also go to Hayden Scurr for his selection involved in our 2011 NAIDOC celebrations. in the victorious NSW PSSA Open Primary Hockey Team. Hayden who scored his team’s first goal of the competition Jan Seymour, NAIDOC group coordinator enjoyed coming home as an Australian Champion!

We recently hosted a visit from internationally renowned St Augustine’s Primary School Coffs Harbour Professor of Education, Dennis Shirley. Prof. Shirley is based at Boston College in the USA and has advised Ministries of Education extensively throughout the USA, Japan, Germany, Travelling Scholar South Africa and Canada. He co-authored the book “The 4th Way: The Inspiring Future for Educational Change.” Dr Jake Madden, Prof. Shirley is the travelling scholar for the Australian Principal and College of Educational Leaders for 2011 and spent a day Professor Dennis Shirley at St Augustine’s visiting classrooms and working with teachers on fostering inquiry to improve student learning. “Prof. Shirley saw and read about St Augustine’s innovative teaching and learning practices and was keen to come and support the educational journey within the school” said Dr Madden. The visit by Prof. Shirley supports the vision of St Augustine’s in providing excellence in 21st Century learning.

CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2011 21 Schoolsacrossthediocese Trinity Catholic College Lismore Foundation Day 2011 Monday 15th August, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mary, marks Trinity Catholic College’s Foundation Day. This was a significant milestone for the College marking 3 very significant events: the 125th anniversary of the Presentation Sisters commencement of their ministry in education; the centenary of the Marist Brothers’ presence in the Diocese of Lismore and the 25th Liturgical Dancers at the Foundation Day Mass anniversary of the commencement of Trinity Catholic College. The celebrations were marked by a Mass celebrated by Fr On 6th August, 1886 a band of courageous and hardy young Anthony Lemon, an ex-student of the St Joseph’s Marist women arrived in Lismore from Ireland. The group comprised Brothers’ High School. At the end of Mass, students of the Mother Stanislaus D’arcy, two professed Presentation Sisters College gave a standing ovation to the Presentation Sisters and eight young women aspiring to become Presentation and the Marist Brothers for their commitment to Catholic Sisters. Father Doyle (later to become the first education in Lismore area over the past 125 and 100 years Bishop of Lismore) asked the Presentation Sisters in Lucan (consecutively). It was fitting that this Mass was attended by near Dublin to help educate the Catholic children in his parish the Lismore community of Marist Brothers and the Lismore of Lismore. Soon after their arrival, on 15th August, congregation of the Presentation Sisters. Mary’s College commenced in the very place of our current The Mass also marked the unveiling of two new banners Saint Mary’s Site of Trinity Catholic College. depicting iconic images and values of St Marcellin Similarly, in 1911, at the request of Bishop Carroll, the Marist Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers and Nano Brothers started their school in Lismore – St Joseph’s Marist Nagle, founder of the Presentation Sisters. These banners Brothers’ High School operating on the same piece of land were designed by a local iconographer Scott Harrower. that our current Saint Josephs’ Site of Trinity Catholic College. After Mass, students and staff enjoyed a BBQ lunch together, In 1985, the two schools amalgamated and formed what we followed by students participating in various activities have today, Trinity Catholic College Lismore, a school rich in organised by the Year 11 students of the College. In all a history and tradition. fitting day to mark such a special occasion.

22 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2011 Schoolsacrossthediocese St Joseph’s Primary School Kempsey Our Lady of Lourdes Lismore

St Joseph’s Enrichment Teacher, Mrs Bernadette Holdt, with the overall winning debating team at the Kempsey Eisteddfod, Franchesca Thackray, Sydnee Tyson and Abigael Baker. Yr 2 student Caitlin Richardson pictured with our first Saint, Mary of the Cross St Joseph’s Debaters St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Franchesca Thackray, Sydnee Tyson and Abigael Baker We celebrated our First Australian Saint with a Liturgy of were elated to be the overall winning debaters at the the Word. The liturgy focused on the charism of Mary of recent Kempsey Eisteddfod. The adjudicator, Mr Phillip the Cross namely ‘Trust in God’. We utilised the Interactive Sketchley OAM, praised the team for their confident Whiteboard to tell the life story of Mary. This reflection was delivery, persuasive argument and organised rebuttal. Each enhanced by a display that focused on the human qualities year, approximately eighty students are taught debating she portrayed. ‘Helping Hands’ awards were given out to skills as part of St Joseph’s Enrichment program. Selected further remind students that they can be like Mary of the Cross. Our Year 2 students reflections showed that they are students from Years 5 and 6 are then chosen to participate developing an understanding of Mary and her contribution to in the Debating section at the Kempsey Eisteddfod. The our Australian Church. “We loved celebrating Mary because children learn valuable skills including public speaking, she is our First Saint; Mary of the Cross started Catholic team work and cooperation. schools for poor families; Mary of the Cross trusted in God.” MAGAZINE PRINTING WE ARE THE MAGAZINE SPECIALISTS We are set up to create the perfect coffee table magazine that will promote and give class to your advertising, quality to your photography and articles. • High Speed Heidelberg Full Colour Press • High Speed Collating & Finishing SELF-PUBLISHED BOOKS ALL-INCLUSIVE RATE INCLUDES: • Initial consultation & preparation • Design & production of the book cover and text section • Free scanning & insertion of all photographs/illustrations • Normal copy-editing, photo retouching & proofing • Standard indexing in non-fiction books • ISBN & National Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data • Quality Printing • Saddle Stitching, Perfect & Wiro Binding • Environmentally Friendly Papers • Small & Large Print Runs

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CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2011 23 Schoolsacrossthediocese St Paul’s High School Port Macquarie St Mary’s Primary School Grafton

‘Vinnies Day’ Have you slipped that geriatric but ever so beautiful Brad Chapman, Suzanne Lynch and Cox planting a tree at St Mary’s sweater on this winter and found you felt a little more constricted than last year? Why not donate your pre-loved National Tree Day winter woollies to a wonderful cause? That’s exactly what St Paul’s High School decided to do. On Friday 29 August, students from Stage 2 planted On Friday, 27th May the students of St Paul’s rugged trees for National Tree Day. The children were enthusiastic up for a good cause on their Vinnie’s Winter Woollies about learning about their environment, knowing and Day. The students came dressed in their winter best and understanding that they have the responsibility of caring donated many bags of warm clothing to St Vincent de for the trees that they planted. The class spoke to Mr Col Paul. In doing this, they gave many the opportunity to be from the RTA who answered questions about warm and cosy for the winter season. St Vincent de Paul looking after the habitat when they build new highways. We helps countless individuals through their winter appeal. thank Mr Solomon for taking the time to talk to us and also They have a store in Port Macquarie and would accept the Clarence Valley Council who provided funds to purchase and appreciate all donations of good quality second hand plants for our school. Some of the children made comments clothing. on what they had learnt during the lesson. Gabe said, Katie McCosker – Year 10 Student and School Captain “When we planted the trees we firmly pushed the soil down so that there were no air bubbles”. Mary commented, “It is Back Row: L-R: Sarah Carroll, Alexander Knox, Sophie a good idea to dig a hole bigger than the plant, so that it is Freeman, Annabelle Thorne, Tyler Smith, Roland Bullock, given the best chance to grow”. Thank you to Mr Aspinall Middle Row: Ella Roberts, Laura Coleman, Ben Woodward, and Mr Cannon for digging all the holes. Katie McCosker, Jack McDonald, Patrick Johnson, Benjamin Knight, Olivia Lawrence. Front Row: Annabel St Carthage’s Primary School Lismore Ratcliffe, Ellen Goulding, Eliza Grose, Scott Grant, Jamie Carroll, Tom Dickson.

St Paul’s High School Sleepout For The Homeless Teaching and Learning As part of the Religious Education Community Service We live in a rapidly changing world and so our schools Program, Year 9 students at St Paul’s High School, Port have to face the challenges of educating our students as Macquarie held a ‘Sleepout For The Homeless’ on Friday, part of this changing environment. St Carthage’s is in a 29th July which was a great success. While all those who good place having undergone our recent refurbishment participated learned how hard the floor of the Multi- that has provided us with flexible learning spaces and Purpose Centre can be and how cold it can get in there contemporary technology. As part of our dynamically at 4 in the morning, they also learned to empathise with a changing world, we as teachers have to reflect on our marginalised section of society and to recognise how small current practices, ensuring that our students are engaged actions on their part can make a difference in our world. in an optimal learning environment. The Catholic Students were addressed by Warren Dinsdale from Education Office is developing a Contemporary Learning McCosker House and also by two Year 11 students from Framework for all schools to support this approach to MacKillop Senior College, Dominica Roebuck and Claire teaching and learning in the 21st century. Our teaching Johnson who recently experienced a ‘Street Retreat’ in staff have participated in the on-line survey to assist this Brisbane. Students collected a crate full of warm blankets development. and winter clothing which will be donated to St Vincent de Paul. This event raised $608 which will be donated to This is an exciting time for students in our school. In 2011, McCosker House. Year 6 has operated within one learning space in three McCosker House is a homeless Refuge that is a special class groups, as a whole group or in learning groups. As work of the St Vincent de Paul Society, providing crisis part of the changing environment they have begun to accommodation to men, women and children use the Inquiry Method of Learning and are engaged in Jennifer Campbell – Year 9 Coordinator ‘exciting’ experiences – both students and teachers!

24 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2011 Schoolsacrossthediocese Mt St Patrick College Murwillumbah St John’s Primary Mullumbimby

NAIDOC Celebrations 125th Anniversary St John’s Mullumbimby celebrated NAIDOC week this term with an exciting day of activities. Beginning with a We celebrated the 125th Anniversary of the Lismore special liturgy children proceeded to enjoy traditional Presentation Sisters with Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Indigenous games, storytelling and art activities. A local Murwillumbah on the foundation day of the sisters, Aboriginal artist is working with students over the next few Monday August 15th, 2011. On this date in 1886, Bishop E weeks in creating a mural at the entrance to the library. Torregiani blessed and opened St Mary’s Convent, Lismore Students also attended a performance from Tjupurru who the home of the first community of Lismore Presentation entertained the students with his music and storytelling. Sisters. Mt St Patrick College was founded by the sisters in 1926 and was administered by them for 64 years until Tim Bleakley the end of 1989. The sisters maintained a presence in the College until 1995. Students from both the College and Primary school attended the Mass.

On St Patrick’s Day this year, nine sisters attended a special Assembly at the College to mark the 125th anniversary. The longest serving member of staff, Mr Peter Storey, presented each sister with a gift as their years of service in Murwillumbah were acknowledged. Sr Jill Kennedy, the Congregation Leader, responded by referring to the challenging words of Mother Stanislaus D’Arcy, the foundress of the Lismore Community, ‘to do more than what we are obliged to do.’

The 2011 College theme, ‘not words, but deeds,’ was specifically chosen this year in honour of the 125th anniversary of the sisters. The theme was the motto of their foundress, Nano Nagle, who dedicated her life to the education of the poor.

In the 85th anniversary year of the College and the 125th anniversary of the Presentation sisters, we wish the sisters every blessing and thank them most sincerely for everything they have done and for the many lives they have touched during their years in Murwillumbah. Pictured above: Presentation Sisters who attended the 125th Anniversary Assembly held at Mt St Patrick College on 17th March, 2011. L-R: Sr Mary McFadden (MSP Primary 1970-75); Sr Jill Kennedy (Congregation Leader, MSP College 1963, 66, Deputy Principal MSPC 1976-77); Sr Mary Cogan (MSPP 1952-55); Sr Marie Jean Akers (MSPP 1955, MSPC 1958-61, Deputy Principal MSPC 1975); Sr Betty McKerrow (MSPC 1951-53; Principal MSPC 1978-83); Sr Patricia O’Brien (MSPC 1976, MSPP 1989-95); Sr Mary Bruggy (MSPP 1981-82); Sr Joan Reynolds; Sr Patricia Thomas (MSPP 1983-94).

CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2011 25 Schoolsacrossthediocese St James Primary Banora St Brigid’s Primary School Kyogle

An outline of an eye was drawn for Joey Henthorn, Georgia Cusbert, Sarah Ford students to place a gold coin donation Mufti Day around. A total of $320 was raised. Year 6 Students Win National The school was a rainbow of colour on Friday, 17th June Design Challenge 2011. The Student Representative Council held a colour mufti day to raise funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation. Fred Inquiry-based learning has proven triumphant this week, Hollows worked in over 18 developing countries, including after students of St James Primary, Banora Point took out remote communities in the Northern Territory to perform first prize in the 2011 National School Packaging Design surgery on people who were unnecessarily blind. The cost Challenge. Hosted by the Packaging Council of Australia, of performing this life changing surgery costs around $25 the challenge saw students around the nation design new and the students of St Brigid’s raised a total of $320 which packaging solutions to address current sustainability and will enable 12 people to have this operation. As always, waste management issues. the children got into the spirit of the day and dressed in a variety of colours. We were very fortunate to be able to meet Sarah Ford and Georgia Cusbert, both in Year 6 at St Cam Hollows, Fred Hollows’ son; when he attended our last James Primary, took out the major prize after approaching assembly in Term 2 to accept the cheque on behalf of the the Packaging Design Challenge as they would any other Fred Hollows Foundation. Cam spent time with staff, students classroom project, where learning occurs using an inquiry and guests discussing the work of the Foundation and process. recounted many wonderful stories about his late father. Cam Hollows is currently training to be a doctor and was recently Principal, Mrs Vicki Whittaker explains learning at St James completing a rural placement at Lismore Base Hospital. Primary is primarily inquiry-based; a student focused approach designed for the 21st century classroom. St Mary’s School Bellingen “Inquiry-based learning is where students learn how to learn… they are taught strategies and tools to enhance their learning. The packaging design challenge provided our Year 6 students with a fantastic opportunity to use their inquiry skills and strategies to design, collaborate and create a solution to a real-life problem,” said Mrs Whittaker.

Sarah and Georgia worked diligently over eight weeks guided by their teacher Mrs Rhonda Cree, to put together their winning presentation that provided an environmentally-friendly packaging solution for bread, St Mary’s past and present staff including a recyclable clasp to lock in freshness. Classmate Joseph Henthorn is also celebrating a win this 100 Years of Memories week, after being awarded 10th place in the challenge for his packaging solution for pasta. Bellingen recently celebrated its centenary with a Back to Bellingen Weekend Celebration including an open day, “We are very proud of all our Year Six students who took dinner for 100 in the parish hall and a Mass and BBQ on the part in the challenge” said Mrs Whittaker. Sunday of the June long weekend. Guests travelled from as far away as Alice Springs, however our oldest ex student Sarah and Georgia will attend the official awards ceremony (old) Pud Lee is still a local. Hospitality was abundant with in Melbourne this October, where they will receive $200 morning tea, dinner and a BBQ looked after by the centenary cash each and $750 cash for St James Primary to be spent committee, school staff and parents. Principal, Jenny Triglone on design and technology learning resources. was delighted with the success of the weekend and wishes to Mrs Vicki Whittaker, Principal thank all for their participation and support.

26 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2011 Photos of the Rumanian bishops made at the time of their imprisonment wrote: “Churches were occupied by the state militia, priests were arrested or murdered at the altar, nuns were deported at night in police lorries, jailed and mistreated, hundreds of priests and bishops were installed in a monastery pending their deportation”. Seven Greek Catholic bishops died in prisons and internment camps, including Cardinal Iuliu Hossu. He was kept in the Orthodox monastery at Caldarusani until his death. Although various methods were applied in an effort to convince him to renounce unity with , Bishop Hossu consistently refused, saying: “I cannot, because our faith is our life.” The clock glass paten Amidst the persecutions, the Greek World View endeavored to secretly surround its faithful with at least a modicum of pastoral care. Holy Mass was celebrated in : Faithful to a Martyr’s Death hiding, in private homes with curtains drawn, in silence. Msgr. Alexandru Mesian, bishop of Lugoj, remembers that By Magdalena Wolnik & Johannes Habsburg as a priest he had to be prepared for interrogation and security searches at any time. Accordingly the chalice used In 1950 a prisoner of the communist authorities, held in a for Holy Mass was a stemmed glass that stood in his room Franciscan monastery, Bishop Janos Scheffler managed to amongst many other glasses. “Only I knew which one was send one last message to his flock: “Remain faithful… even the chalice that I used to celebrate Mass. The paten was a up to a martyr’s death.” Two years later the unbreakable glass front removed from a laboratory clock. I used to work man of Satu Mare, Romania, was dead. A bishop who lead in a chemical laboratory at the time.” He put the wine into by example remained true to his word. laboratory phials, which he would later cut open to pour the At the end of the Second World War Romania found itself wine into the chalice. This ensured that the state authorities among those countries dominated by imposed communist never found any physical evidence. regimes. In keeping with communist methodology Georgiju Msgr. Florentin Crihalmeanu, a young engineer at the time Dej’s dictatorship and later that of Nicolae Ceausescu, was employed in the production of tools for the food processing characterized, amongst other things, by an intense stifling industry, participated in such underground Masses. of all manifestations of religious life. The main aim of its Convinced of a vocation, in 1987 he began studying in a religious policy was the wholesale nationalization of all clandestine seminary. “I worked from morning until 15:30, Churches. In 1948 Romania broke off diplomatic relations whilst covert lectures lasted from 16:00 until 20:00”. with the Holy See. He took his Holy Orders in 1990, the same year that the As so often under communism, the worst repressions befell Greek Catholic Church regained its freedom. From among the Greek Catholic Church, in full communion with the forty course participants he and a companion were the first Bishop of Rome by virtue of the Act of Union of 1700. In two to be ordained following the bitter years of persecution October 1948 the authorities rounded up thirty-six Greek – a persecution that only ended with the final collapse of Catholic priests from Transylvania in the town of Cluj and communism. “These were the first in our Church, induced them to sign a document pursuant to which the in a free country. Of course, because we had no cathedral, Greek Catholic Church would “return” to the Orthodox (they) took place in the open air, in Freedom Square.” Church. All of Romania’s Greek Catholic bishops were arrested and on December 1st the government issued a Msgr. Florentin Crihalmeanu decree by which the Greek Catholic Church officially ceased celebrating the Holy Liturgy to exist. Over five hundred priests, nuns and members of the laity were imprisoned. The state confiscated all Greek Catholic churches and property, handing most of it over to the Orthodox Church. It was at that time that the government also banned the Roman Catholic Bishop Janos Scheffler (1887-1952) of the Satu Mare Diocese from performing any public duties. Two years later, he was interned in a Franciscan monastery, though he still managed to maintain contact with his diocese, secretly appointed several replacements and was able to send a final message of consolation to his faithful. Because of his moral strength and unbending attitude, in 1952 he was transferred to a secret underground prison in . While bathing, guards released boiling water causing serious multiple burns. He died from his wounds on December 6th 1952. Non Possumus – we cannot Of the few voices of protest at the time, one testimony survives as a dramatic witness of the suffering of the Romanian Greek Catholic faithful. In Paris, in 1949, the Romanian Orthodox religious affairs expert Mircea Eliade

Catholic Life, September, 2011 27 As It The Presentation Sisters Was Foundation in Lismore Mother Stanislaus D’Arcy, Foundress of the Presentation Sisters, Lismore

Presentation Sisters pictured in the 1950’s. (L toR) Sister Marie Therese Bohane, Sister D’Assisi Newell, Sister Norbert Meurer, Sister Kostka McKairnan, Sister Dolores Buckley

Above: St. Mary’s Convent and Boarding School 1886 and 1895 Left: Pro Cathedral and First Presentation Convent Lismore 1886 Below: the Headstone marking the burial place of Mother Stanislaus D’Arcy in St. Mary’s Chapel, Lismore

28 All photos and images used in “Catholic Life” are copyright. No permission to reproduce these photos or images is given. Catholic Life, September, 2011