Outdoor Recreation Club One of Campion’s latest student-led initiatives has been the formation of an Outdoor Recreation Club. Its purpose is to offer bushwalking, camping, four-wheel driving, fishing, and sightseeing opportunities to wanderlustful students. Several 4WD owners have volunteered their vehicles (conditions apply), with a dozen students having made bookings for the first trip to Sofala (via the upper Turon River) and Sunny Corner State Forest on May 3. Trips will be held monthly, according to demand, with overnight options available. Equipment will be BYO or shared, with fuel costs, camping fees etc to be divided amongst the group. Please contact our adventurous chef, Neil Simpson, for more information. Education reforms questioned

By Dylan Littler would then be allocated to schools with solution, but also because it requires a greater needs. higher number of teachers, increasing In the last ten years Australian literacy The aim of this increased financial strain on the teaching body, which is has gone from second place support is to bring Australia within the already significantly compromising the internationally to seventh. This has been OECD's (Organisation for Economic Co- acceptance level of teachers, in some accompanied by similar drops in operation) top five countries for literacy. cases lowering the ATAR below 50. mathematics and science. In November Disadvantaged areas have been targeted The threat to teaching standards in 2011, David Gonski submitted a report to in proposals as needing most attention. university graduates is the result of the government on the education system For this reason the Report has suggested another education goal the government known as the Gonski Report. This report neighbourhood based planning for has been driving: to give at least two made a number of findings concerning funding, in which locations where parents fifths of Australians degrees. To achieve the current funding for education, are deemed more capable of supporting this, enrolment at public universities has followed by certain recommendations, their children's education will receive been uncapped. Now the enrolment level which the Labor Government is now less assistance than more disadvantaged is unlimited, meaning that, while funding attempting to implement. areas. was increasing for universities, the The strongest indictments made This has raised concerns regarding enrolment growth was so rapid that the against the current state of educational the fees at private schools, which have funding per student was decreasing. That funding in Australia centre around the been maintained at a lower level until is, until this year, when government lack of coordination between state and now to enable disadvantaged students to assistance for universities was cut by Commonwealth bureaucracies, and the receive a higher standard of education. $2.3 billion. growing divide between rich and poor. Official statements on this topic have These cuts place Australia as the 25th The Gonski system proposes an increase vaguely insisted that no fees will change ranking country for university funding of funding in the order of A$5-6 billion as a result of new policies. out of the OECD's 29. Outrage has for elementary education, bringing the The Report has also recommended immediately resulted throughout the standard funding per student to about reducing class sizes. This alone has educational world as institutions insist $8,000 per primary student and $10,500 sparked significant debate, not just that the improvement of elementary per secondary student. Specific loadings because smaller class size is not education should not come at the expense completely accepted as an effective of tertiary institutes. cont’d pg. 2 1 Disclaimer: The views expressed within are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sextant Editorial Board, the CCSA, or Campion College Australia. Education reforms questioned One of the most common objections (cont’d from pg. 1) The government has made to Gonski's proposal is that its responded that raising the standard of financial demands, apart from being quite education for a child's early years is unrealistic, are by no means sure to be currently a priority that will bring dividends effective. Is pumping more money into the system necessarily going to improve the later. David Gonski, the writer of the Report standard of education? Aren't there ways to and Chancellor of UNSW, has expressed achieve the same result simply by increasing disapproval, claiming that he was never efficiency? asked about where the funding would come Two further considerations on this topic from to implement his proposals. seem pertinent for Campion students. The response to the Labor Firstly, should Australia pursue egalitarian Heavenly Father, Government's actions has not been positive policies in its education? Clearly You inflamed your priest and martyr, from other sectors of government, primarily disadvantaged students deserve an Saint Maximilian Kolbe, the states. In order to achieve proposed opportunity, and their situation should be with love for the Immaculate Virgin financial targets a significant burden has addressed, but can this be done at the cost of and filled him with zeal for souls and more talented students? It is not evident that been imposed on the state governments. The love of neighbour. Federal Government has offered to match taking funding from private schools is the state contributions quite generously, but best way to improve elementary education Through his prayers grant that we may certain states have not seen this as being in for the disadvantaged. Secondly, is it work unreservedly their interest. Since the state of education in acceptable to use university funding for this for your glory NSW and Victoria, where the population is end? What are the implications when in the service of men greater, is in a much poorer condition than Australia becomes complacent as the 5th and thereby become like Christ your Son that of WA, which has funded its own lowest OECD country for university education quite actively, these states will be funding? What aspects of higher education until death. receiving billions of dollars of assistance, will need to be cut as a result, and what Amen. where WA will only be eligible for $300 attitude will this foster towards the Western million. The Coalition have declared that values already so straitly threatened in this Correction: In our March issue, The Sextant they will only retain changes made by the country? These can become questions for mistakenly stated that Eileen Reyes held a Bachelor Labor Government if all states accept the continuing debate. of Science degree. In actual fact Mrs Reyes holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. We changes. apologise for the confusion.

AT HIS DESK

I've been reading in the London Review of Books A review of Martin Rees's Before the Beginning And Lee Smolin's The Life of the Cosmos. Full of dark matter, it is heavy going.

Dark matter makes up ninety-percent of the galaxy And dark matter holds our universe together. Although made of stuff we cannot see, Like reading between the lines, we know it's there.

By comparison: protons, neutrons and electrons That form trees, rabbits and stones, are quite rare. To that modest list one could add these lines, The look when he's angry, a strand of her hair.

One could add just about anything in fact, Except dark matter itself, which, of course, Keeps these seemingly random things intact. Like this wedding snap, years after the divorce.

Stephen McInerney Dr Amitavo Islam relaxing in one of the common room’s recent acquisitions. Published by the Campion College Student Association 2 8-14 Austin Woodbury Place, Old Toongabbie 2146 NSW Australia Keys to the New Evangelization

By Fr John Corrigan and conferences and columns. (Columns Literal fasting is conspicuous. It’s better to like this one!) take a leaf out of St Thérèse’s Little Way, The Catholic Church is presently afflicted The Holy Father’s task is to save us from and be invisible. by a great crisis of faith. Pope John Paul II this. To get out there and evangelise. conceived of the New Evangelization, a One of the great legacies of Pope John ~ Act ~ targeted missionary effort, as its remedy: Paul and Pope Benedict is that your “Entire groups of the baptised have lost a generation and mine (I’m a bit older than Only in the third place should we act. sense of the faith — or even no longer most readers) are primed for this task. Our Sometimes, when you are diligent in prayer consider themselves members of the Church peers, after all, are the very people whom and fasting for a particular person, the Holy — and live a life far removed from Christ the New Evangelization targets. Spirit will act for you! A conversation takes and His gospel. In this case what is needed an unexpected turn, and you can speak of is a ‘new evangelization.’” So, what do we do? deeper things. Since then, volumes have been written Other times — more often it seems — the about the New Evangelisation. Libraries ~ Pray ~ ‘act’ of evangelising is much harder, and even. Dioceses all over the world have awkward. Evangelization demands courage. erected Commissions and Offices of the In the first place, we must pray. In the It’s not easy to declare, for example, “I’m New Evangelization. Pope Benedict words of the Holy Father, the first step is going to confession on Friday. Would you established a Pontifical Council for “the contemplation of Jesus Christ and the like to come too?” Promoting the New Evangelization. The adoration of Jesus Christ.” You will almost certainly be refused, theme of last year’s Synod of Bishops was, This is very important. The work of especially if your interlocutor doesn’t ‘The New Evangelization for the evangelization is God’s work. Good frequent Mass, much less confession. But Transmission of the Christian Faith.’ In missionaries are channels of grace; it’s unlikely you will cause offence. their assembly before the conclave, the instruments of the Holy Spirit. They preach People are rarely offended if you only ask cardinals were preoccupied by the Christ, not themselves. The saints show us of them what you demand of yourself. challenges and urgency of the New that. But we can’t give what we don’t have. People are never offended if you’re a Evangelization. So much so, that the Bring a notebook with you to Mass, to sincere friend. Friendship is the greatest cardinal who focused his remarks upon it Adoration, to your prayer. The moment you apostolate. was elected pope! are seated, write down the name of someone Moreover, if that awkward exchange was Cardinal Bergoglio reminded his brothers for whom you can offer the time. Even if preceded by prayer and fasting, invisible that evangelization demands the Church they elude your thoughts for the rest of your grace is at work. Be content to sow seeds. “come out of herself and go to the prayer, you’ve made that act of the will, Let others reap the harvest. That person peripheries.” When the Church does not ‘enfleshed’ by the jotting of your pencil. (Or might never join you in the confessional evangelise, “she becomes self-referential the swipe of your finger on your queue, but who knows what conversations and then she gets sick.” smartphone. Whatever.) might occur in the future? The next pope, Bergoglio suggested, Perhaps you’re thinking you don’t know should make this the project of his ~ Fast ~ enough of the Faith yet. You don’t have all pontificate. He should be “a man who, the answers. Good! Please jump to the head through the contemplation of Jesus Christ In the second place, we must fast. Our of the queue. Nobody likes obnoxious and the adoration of Jesus Christ, may help Lord himself attests in the Gospels to the know-alls. Especially religious know-alls. the Church to go out from itself toward the power of prayer and fasting. Evangelization is a matter of winning existential peripheries.” By fasting, I don’t mean only restricting souls, not arguments. If you pray to the This is the sense in which Francis is the one’s meals. I mean fasting in the broader Lord sincerely, and permit Him to work in Pope of the New Evangelization. He has sense — any act of self-denial, any ‘death to and through you, then He will do the rest. declared it his first priority. self.‘ It’s an excess of our age to swamp product In my experience, keeping good order and Fr John Corrigan was ordained to the with process. In this case, to reduce the using time well are the most effective priesthood for the Diocese of Ballarat in New Evangelization to plans and paradigms means: opportunities arise often, they’re 2011. His topical ‘Blog of a Country Priest’ often quite costly, and they’re invisible. can be found at www.boacp.com

Euthanasia Talk Culture and Pope Francis Campion Cafe Conversations: Does God exist? The Hon. Greg Donnelly MLC spoke Fr David Callaghan, MGL, presented a talk on April 22nd regarding the On April 18th, lively debate on this on April 18th concerning the influence that our newly elected question took place at Mars Hill Café proposed euthanasia and abortion pontiff is having upon the media, in Parramatta. David Chua (Campion legislation being advanced through Catholic religious, and the Church alumni, studying Masters in the Tasmanian parliament. Former laity. He proposed that culture is being Philosophy at Sydney University) increasingly secularized due to the discussed this question with Nicola College President Dr David Daintree, Church no longer having the direct Bodhill (completing her Honours in having contacted members of the influence it once possessed. For any Philosophy, member of the Atheist Tasmanian Senate, holds out hope positive Christian good to be society, USyd). Although obviously achieved, said Fr Callaghan, Catholics that the abortion-related bill will face no conclusive case could be made by must directly impact the culture of either speaker, the topic engaged a stiff opposition. their personal sphere. Fr Callaghan diverse and passionate audience, noted culture as the most dominant making for one of Campion’s most force of our time, giving practical successful “conversations”. advice on spiritual and apologetical approaches to evangelization. 3 But this doesn't excuse sellers of food, treatment which says that if you have acne Contra Advertising drink, and cars when they invade radio, you aren't confident, and if your skin is television, newspapers and bus-stop clear, you are confident, so use this product! By Catriona Bisits billboards to evangelise you to the cult of Thanks, now I know where all my their product. They invade places of private psychological problems come from, it's my If you are like me, you are a snob, and life, such as email, social media, and the face! That makes me feel better about anything that offends your inherent back of toilet doors. They treat you, not as a nothing. superiority as a person makes you angry. human, but as a consumer at all times. They And one of the things that offends my are boring you, grinding away your Advertisers, as well as lying about the buyer inherent superiority in this way is resistance, even trying to delight and and the seller, also steal. They steal mottos, advertising. Advertisers operate on the beguile you, and it is shameless. names, words, and stories from their rightful assumption that every person is an idiot: places; images of the heavens and earth and somebody who is taken in by mottos and Advertisers don't even respect the all in between, to convert the language of logos and jingles and theoretically-attractive companies they work for. Think of nature into the language of profit. There's a models draped over everything from advertisements for milk on television, with brand of chocolate that has trademarked the primary schools to carpets; somebody who the farmer wearing his hat, his two children, colour purple. There are fruit juice responds happily to the tactic of having their broad accents and their pretty farm full companies which have adopted and defiled aforementioned mottos, logos etc. shoved in of cows. The consumers are supposed to the tale of the Fall. It's a twisted reverse of the eyeball repeatedly until they buy it, and buy the product because of how nice this iconoclasm, a perversion of images for probably repeatedly after purchase as well; farming family is. But what about real godlessness and monetary gain, rather than and somebody who actually wants to buy farmers? Do they get a say in representing seeing them as they are, or even idolizing the products being advertised, most of their business as it truly is? Do farmers them. (Idolatry of words and images is more which already grate against my inherent really wear hats like that? What about the noble than plastering them over a bus-stop superiority anyway. suicide rates of farmers and their difficult to sell shoes.) lifestyle? By perpetuating myths with their Human life is full of tragedies, shame and advertising, advertisers can hide the truth. Then there's the desperation of it. All these pathos. The fact that people fall for (When dodgy governments do this, it's little companies who can't afford a three advertising is one of them. Why? Because called propaganda.) trillion dollar advertising campaign, trying advertising is designed convert people. Its to get noticed. Most of them don't get mantras imbue ideas as successfully as the The consumers soak up the lies too, not only noticed, and their company never achieves Sign of the Cross transmits the Trinitarian about the producers, but about themselves. ‘greatness’, or folds and dies if their product formula. Also, the hammering in of mottos Picture a starved, digitally edited, thirteen- isn't really desirable. It's the rich ones who like 'I before E except after C' helps a little year old 'woman': she's beautiful and get anywhere in advertising. There are more with spelling English correctly. In the case wearing Something Lipstick and it’s implied dignified alternatives for those who can't of the Trinity, the use of the undignified, that if you wear Something Lipstick you'll afford it. It’s better, I think, to grow slowly frequent repetition of 'Father, Son and Holy look like her too. What if you don't want to and steadily (or not at all, if your product is Spirit' is elevated from tedium by the look like an underfed computer-generated unnecessary), than to die with a logo, a greatness of the chasm between the teenager? Too bad! That's what true beauty motto, and thirty seconds on YouTube. lowliness of the repeater and the nature of is, fool! It's so stupid, but many women the persons being referred to. In the case of (and to a lesser extent, men) either feel People are willing to put up with a lot of spelling-rules, slogans are made excusable miserable about their appearance, or advertising. They are wrong. There's more out of simple utility and the fact that develop disordered and dangerous eating to life than being a consumer. Let's indulge spelling in our language is very confusing. habits. They wish to rectify their inferiority, in our innate snobbery and gently alert This sort of promotion is excusable and it is because they don't conform to the artificial people to the fact we don't want to be from such that advertisers derive their ideal of beauty. Another factor is the treated like idiots with wallets. tricks. advertisements showing how to repair one's ugliness. There is one seller of acne

A habit of theology applied Passionflower: Spanish missionaries saw more than calculate numbers. Father Busa by Jean Seah the various parts of this American blossom convinced him otherwise. The world has (from which we get the passionfruit) as this Jesuit priest to thank for the Internet. We learned in Theology 101 that all symbols of Our Lord’s Passion: Pointed creation elicits theological wonder. leaves represent the Holy Lance; the Fillet-O-Fish: In 1962, the first Looking at the etymology or provenance of tendrils, whips; the ten petals, 10 faithful McDonald’s opened in Cincinnati and everyday things, we see how this was true apostles, excluding St Peter the denier and floundered because the customers were for Catholics of yore. Today, let us recall Judas the betrayer. mostly Catholic. The franchisee, Lou some examples of our Catholic cultural Additionally, the radial filaments, the Groen, himself a Catholic, created this fish heritage! Crown of Thorns; the chalice-shaped ovary, burger (beating a pineapple burger for its the Holy Grail; the 3 stigmata, 3 nails; the place on the menu). About 23% of Filet-O- Ladybird: This insect was called “Our five anthers, five Wounds. Fish burgers are sold during Lent. Lady’s beetle”, with the seven spots Other European terms for this flower representing The Seven Sorrows or The include the Spanish espina de Cristo Tempura: This tasty Japanese dish was Seven Joys. Other European languages (“Christ’s thorn”) and the German names invented by Portuguese missionaries have the same holy appellation for this bug, Christus-Krone (“Christ’s crown”), abstaining during the Ember Days. e.g. German: Marienkäfer. Christus-Strauss (“Christ’s bouquet”), “Tempura” and “ember” are derived from Dorn-Krone (“crown of thorns”), Jesus- the Latin Quatour Tempora, “the four The EU Flag: Arsène Heitz designed the Leiden (“Jesus’ passion”), Marter seasons.” The shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, flag with Our Lady’s twelve-starred crown (“passion”) or Muttergottes-Stern (“Mother who banned Catholicism, died from in mind (Rev. 12:1). Paul Michel Gabriel of God’s star”). overeating tempura. Poetic justice/divine Lévy, who picked Heitz’s design out of all retribution? the submissions, was a Jew who had vowed Hypertext: Father Roberto Busa SJ to convert to Christianity if he survived invented hypertext while lemmatising the For the invisible things of Him, from the World War II. Incidentally, the date the flag complete works of St Thomas Aquinas by creation of the world, are clearly seen, was adopted happened to be the Feast of hand on 10,000 cards. Thomas Watson, the being understood by the things that are the Immaculate Conception. founder of IBM, said it would be made; His eternal power also, and divinity. impossible for computers to do anything —Romans 1:20 4 I use social networking as a means to deposit ideas that I can Enter the Theoblogian? feed back into my teaching or research at a later date. Alternatively, my work I believe also fits a niche of folks who want to see a radical cultural edge given to some of the things that they normally do as faithful Christians but are often dismissed as This is an edited version of a fuller interview with Dr Matthew Tan being socially or culturally irrelevant. entitled “A Digital Body of Christ”. That interview forms part of an upcoming e-book published by the Australian Catholic Bishops Q: Why did you call your blog ‘The Divine Wedgie’? Conference, entitled Word Made Flesh and Shared Among Us. The ebook will be released later this year. I often get that question. One vital element in the task of social networking is a thumbnail that sticks to one’s mind long after it is Q: How does the task of “using social networks to proclaim the displayed or uttered, and I have it on good authority that anything Gospel” fit into your role? that immediately associates heavenly things with those more… incarnated…can do just that. I think internet based networking has created a lot of pressures I also chose the title because of its important theological on everyone to become more transparent to audiences whose qualities. As a researcher in theology and pop culture, the scope often goes beyond what we imagine or desire. This is no sacramental nature of the Church means that Christianity has a different in academia, and the networked age has indeed prompted very real contact with the culture around us. More importantly, a lot of academics to go beyond the confines of the ivory towers Christianity challenges the logic by which our culture operates, many think they inhabit. since the Church communicates the Christ who “overturned the For me as an academic theologian, the networked age has meant existing order” (1 Cor 1:28). As Christ challenges the existing that my role as a lecturer has to be supplemented with having a order, the things of Christ, like theology, ought to give a wedgie to parallel role as popular intellectual (though I hate that term, as it the secular status quo, and like a wedgie, challenges can be implies that one was popular to begin with), both as a means to uncomfortable and completely upset our sense of complacency. disseminate my academic work, and as a means to keep the intellectual tenor of public discourse and maintain a depth of Q: What are some of the challenges of Catholics who use social vocabulary within the Church. media as a form of evangelisation? This is why my work as a lecturer and researcher is supplemented by my work as a blogger. I run ‘The Divine The practice of online evangelisation touches upon what it means Wedgie’ (divinewedgie.blogspot.com), which is a theological blog to belong to the church. The way I see it, online evangelisation that acts as my reflective outlet on the Church’s engagement with presents two sets of challenges for the online missionary. the manifestations of postmodern culture, including matters like The first set of challenges consists of two interconnected prayer, monasticism, liturgy, pop culture, politics, romance, and elements: atomism and virtualisation. A large part of online beer (not necessarily in that order of importance). More evangelisation works on an individualistic basis, in that it is specifically, I try as much as possible to bring to bear on these presumed that we evangelise primarily as self-driven individuals, issues some of the resources that are quintessentially of the when in fact, our evangelisation is but a participation of the spread Church, showing how these provide powerful ways to show of the Gospel by none other than Christ Himself. When we solidarity with, as well as critique, postmodern culture. I also do evangelise, we do so not on our own but as part of His body. Thus, regular posts for CathBlog. evangelisation cannot be atomistic. It must always retain its link to the Church. Q: What social networking do you use, and why do you use it? There is also the challenge of virtualisation. One temptation with online missionary activity is to be content with leaving the Church The blog is disseminated through, and supplemented by, a community online. The theological problem with that is that while number of social networks, primarily through Facebook and the missionary is supposed to spread the Word, the Gospel of John Twitter. Some of my writing gets reposted on the American reminds us that the Word became flesh. The Word was an evangelical social networking site Faith Village. Another fun enfleshed being, a person who occupied real space and time. One extension to the task of blogging has been reformatting blogposts is not able to meet persons in their fullness online, and so the into audiocasts, so that the material on the blog can be distributed experience of the Church requires that missionary activity online on the internet radio station Cradio. pulls those it reaches out of the web and into the real embodied space of the Church.

The Death of Ronald Opus: suicide even though the mechanism might be not wife with an unloaded shotgun. He had no intent what he intended. That he was shot on the way to to murder her; therefore, the killing of the Suicide or Homicide? certain death nine stories below probably would decedent appeared then to be accident. That is, not change his mode of death from suicide to the gun had been accidentally loaded. The following fictional story was originally told by Don Harper Mills, then president of the homicide, but the fact that his suicide intent American Academy of Forensic Sciences, in a would not have been achieved under any But further investigation turned up a witness speech at a banquet in 1987. circumstance caused the medical examiner to that their son was seen loading the shotgun feel that he had homicide on his hands. approximately six weeks prior to the fatal On March 23, 1994, a medical examiner accident. That investigation showed that the viewed the body of Ronald Opus and concluded Further investigation led to the discovery that mother (the old lady) had cut off her son's that he died from a gunshot wound of the head the room on the 9th floor from whence the financial support, and her son, knowing the caused by a shotgun. Investigation to that point shotgun blast emanated was occupied by an propensity of his father to use the shotgun had revealed that the decadent had jumped from elderly man and his wife. He was threatening her threateningly, loaded the gun with the the top of a ten-story building with the intent to with the shotgun because of a domestic spat and expectation that the father would shoot his commit suicide. (He left a note indicating his became so upset that he could not hold the mother. The case now becomes one of murder on despondency.) As he passed the 9th floor on the shotgun straight. Therefore, when he pulled the the part of the son for the death of Ronald Opus. way down, his life was interrupted by a shotgun trigger, he completely missed his wife, and the blast through a window, killing him instantly. pellets went through the window, striking the Now comes the exquisite twist. Further Neither the shooter nor the decedent was aware decedent. that a safety net had been erected at the 8th floor investigation revealed that the son, one Ronald level to protect some window washers, and that Opus, had become increasingly despondent over the decedent would most likely not have been When one intends to kill subject A but kills the failure of his attempt to get his mother able to complete his intent to commit suicide subject B in the attempt, one is guilty of the murdered. This led him to jump off the ten-story because of this. murder of subject B. The old man was building on March 23, only to be killed by a confronted with this conclusion, but both he and shotgun blast through a 9th story window. Ordinarily, a person who starts into motion the his wife were adamant in stating that neither events with a suicide intent ultimately commits knew that the shotgun was loaded. It was the The medical examiner closed the case as 5 longtime habit of the old man to threaten his a suicide. Editorial Letters The NSW Political Reporter for The Sydney Morning Re: Mr Hackett’s piece, ‘Ladies and Gentlemen; The Queen.’ Herald, Anna Patty, recently described Premier Barry It is a very weak argument to suggest that Catholics ought to toast the O’Farrell’s deal with the federal government - in which he head of a Protestant sect because she is titled a "Defender of the Faith". agreed to implement the Gonski education reforms - as a Firstly, that title was officially removed from the Monarch in 1973 “master-stroke”. Really? Less than a week after every state (with respect to Australia) and thus Hackett's argument falls flat on its had declined the funding deal put to them at COAG - thus Protestant face. When the Monarch actually defends the Catholic faith perhaps then we'll toast her. Until then let us pledge our devotion to the wedging the desperate and fiscally irresponsible federal College’s patron, St Edmund Campion - a martyr; remember the Labor government – all it took for O’Farrell to cave was a sacrifices of our Irish ancestors to protect the faith; and recall the minor cash inducement, courtesy of the indebted national deplorable history of the British Empire in 'defending' our faith. As an purse. But the poor standard of education, like poverty, isn’t Australian Catholic college, toasts to the Queen should be met with a simply fixed with a handout. The other states knew this, but dignified, disapproving silence. even so, their own resistance will now likely crumble after - From one who will always remain seated. O’Farrell’s fall and education policy will become the domain New Sextant Board of a hulking federal bureaucracy. His insipid compromise is As a graduate who witnessed The Sextant come into being and just yet another example of confused and irresolute centre- subsequently evolve, I have waited with some anxiousness for this issue Right politicians, the world over, ceding momentum and and am glad to say I was not disappointed! Despite the new team being culture - from a position of strength – to the Left. We see it across the Pacific, where the “fiscally made up of only one year level, I am impressed by the new layout, find conservative” US Republicans decry the need for cuts in the more newsworthy articles a welcome addition and truly enjoyed the government spending yet invariably vote with the Democrats contributions from the College staff. Well done and best of luck! - after some ritual bluff and bluster - to raise America’s - Carmel Biddle federal debt ceiling. Previously, such bipartisan agreement Foyer Mirror was uncontroversial but these days, with debt reaching an Large mirrors have the effect of brightening and opening up a dull, dark unsustainable US$16,396,000,000,000, those in the Grand or seemingly small area. A decorative mirror goes a step further by Old Party know they’re forestalling, and worsening, the adding a certain class and charm. They also have a practical global reckoning which is to come. In contrast, ninety application: appearance is important, and mirrors allow one to fix ones percent of them united against - and defeated - a recent hair or tie. attempt by Obama to tighten America’s gun laws. It’ll The mirror at the reception foyer did all these things and more: it was undoubtedly be a source of comfort then, that when the so much a part of our daily experience that heads still turn out of habit, proverbial finally hits the fan, everyone will still have the but alas, in vain. The present wall-hanging is no substitute for a thing ability to shoot their own food, or shoot others for theirs, of such beauty and utility. Thus, let the mirror be swiftly returned! with automatic weapons. - Miriam Thompson In Britain, about half of the “socially-conservative” Tories, led by David Cameron, voted the Marriage (Same-Sex) Couples Bill 2013 through the House of Commons on Send your Letters to: February 5. The behaviour of Cameron, a champion of the [email protected] Bill, is more perverse than simply imposing minority “rights” or upon the broader community for some imagined electoral drop them into our advantage; he actually believes that, in the case of marriage, Letters To the Editor Box it’s requisite for him “as a conservative” to redefine it. Why? near the Mail Tray Because public expressions of “commitment” serve the common good. Here, even as the Coalition sits poised to take federal office, initial hopes among religious and social conservatives Poverty calls for a wholehearted response are also waning. Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition and by Ben Uphill a practising Catholic, is showing signs of becoming something of a John F. Kennedy or Joe Biden Catholic; a “If you are living comfortably while others are hungry or dying from man who, for fear, shackles his faith to the private sphere; a easily preventable diseases, and you are doing nothing about it, there is man who, for fear, tergiversates “I’m personally opposed to something wrong with your behaviour.” -Peter Singer abortion but…” (He’s actually gone further, adopting Bill Peter Singer is a secular, preference utilitarian, serving on the board of Clinton’s ‘safe, legal and rare’ mantra). While Abbott Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP) and an Australian citizen. certainly promises to be a better Prime Minister than the Patriotism does not endear me to the man and I would, with contumacious present one, his “small-target” pre-election strategy and joy, stand in opposition to him on an abundance of topics. Singer’s appeal evolving principles are troubling. Additionally, he remains lies in his unapologetic delivery. His arresting and judgemental committed to social democratic policies such as his paid proclamations charm my secret partiality for aggressive tyranny. parental leave scheme, which would further entrench the Unremorseful defiance is attractive. welfare state. As for the quote itself, who can disagree? Who is not condemned? Now if These four instances bring me to Margaret Thatcher, about a secular, preference utili-blah-blah-blah can live by this (and Singer does the only true statesman the world has known in recent so, increasingly) what does this say of us who profess counter-cultural decades. She died on April 8 of a stroke, having fought a charity as the mark of our distinction? We, who are the light to the world, long battle with dementia. Between her election as the the perpetual springtime and God’s gift to humanity? (Shame on you, British Prime Minister in 1979 and her stepping down in hypocrite!) 1990, Thatcher not only saved Britain from the brink of economic collapse, but returned it to prosperity with a series No man lives without leaving a mark, none’s influence is confined only to of monumental and difficult reforms. There is however, no smoko; whether he sit in plush high-backed leather chairs within a high- escaping the fact that she consistently voted in favour rise, marring the skyline, or on eskies in a half-built house surrounded and covered in dirt. Man’s influence, both yours and mine, reaches out to all abortion. For Catholics this somewhat tarnishes her record, humanity. I inhibit myself when my life is indistinguishable from my and without overlooking it, we can nevertheless admire her neighbours, when my life is a photocopy. exercise of particular virtues: prudence in spending, justice in the workplace and fortitude in public policy. Right or wrong Fighting poverty requires more than sitting on boards and giving money as she may have been on some of her positions, there is here and there. And for a confessing God-fearer it demands my life as a something to be said for matching principle with resolve in response. My life – every second of it – must be spent clawing toward the the face of daunting opposition. perpetual springtime that as a romantic I hold as an unquestionable Concerning those forgettable folks who’ve rejoiced in her possibility. Giving to charity has been done before and will be done again. death; they ought to be reminded of her famous words, “You But when people see me do they see a man standing against the tide? Does my life emanate a counter-cultural-love? Does my life make the world the turn if you want; the lady’s not for turning” - in the grave, as best place it can be, or just a nice place for me and my peeps? in life, the Iron Lady remains unperturbed. 6 The Sartorialist Dr Ryan Messmore Let’s Not Forgive and Forget I commend the young gentlemen of Campion College for their recent initiatives regarding the now-popular Tweed Tuesdays. In the Core Conversations blog I raised the question However, it has become increasingly clear that some of you have about forgiveness in relation to the Boston bombings: is not been paying attention. Therefore I have taken it upon myself to the father of an 8-year-old boy who was killed by the instruct you all in the art of wearing tweed. bombs called to forgive the terrorist who planted them? I have an 8-year-old son; I would struggle immensely with The word “tweed” has origins as a corruption of “wool twill”. such a suggestion if this tragedy hit my family. What Tweed may consist of a wide variety of colours and patterns, but of would this kind of forgiveness even look like? essence must be made of woven wool. Synthetic materials are inferior and unacceptable and should be burned in order to save Here’s another question concerning a Father and Son. On one’s dignity. Tweed is traditionally a country material with worsted the cross, looking down on those who drove nails through wool being appropriate for city-dwellers. However, tweed has his hands, and likely thinking about all sinners, Jesus become acceptable for a town gent who wishes to appear relaxed, prayed “Father, forgive them...” Did the Father answer but still cuts a bit of a dash. Jesus’ prayer? If so, what does that mean? The core of forgiveness has to do with its purpose. The Illustrated for you here, is an appropriate outfit which may be worn goal isn’t simply to improve a wounded individual’s in either town or country, and is perhaps most appropriate for the psychological health (although that is certainly outer suburbia of Old Toongabbie. The shirt should be of a light important). It’s not just the release of negative feelings colour. White, blue, beige or pale green are all acceptable. Trousers and the desire for retaliation. And it isn’t to forget the may be of any colour, but should not be white or black. Matching offense and let the offender off the hook. tweed trousers are ideal for the gent, but moleskin or corduroy trousers are also excellent. (Mine are navy-blue corduroy). Worsted Rather, the telos of forgiveness is a right relationship. wool, preferably of a subtle pattern is also appropriate, but more for when in town. A waistcoat may also be worn but a knitted wool When someone gives us reason to walk away, deciding to sleeveless sweater (also known as a “sweater-vest”) is often a more forgive means committing to continue moving toward practical option. them in the hope of a better relationship. Forgiveness isn’t something that takes place solely in the victim’s King Edward VIII made it acceptable for gentlemen to be a little heart; it is something to be embodied or lived out in a more colourful in their dress. Hence I am wearing a maroon changed relationship between both parties. sleeveless sweater, a nod to my association with both Fort Street High School and with Campion College. And, of course, when We can think of forgiveness as a multi-step process. The wearing tweed, one ought to aspire to the appearance of a country first step involves offering forgiveness to a wrong-doer— squire. Otherwise, one may carry off the appearance of an uncouth that is, inviting the wrong-doer to recognize his action as game-show host. hurtful and to repent from it.

Now, onto the subject of ties. One should never wear a club-tie If the wrong-doer refuses to do this, the journey toward merely for the pattern. One should either wear a tie of a single plain reconciliation remains forestalled. If the wrong-doer colour. Ties which show your affiliation with a club, society, school, accepts the invitation and confesses his sin, the next step college, university, employment, guild, fraternity or other similar can take place: unlearning the harmful behavior. Once group are acceptable if and only if you have a legitimate association this is underway, the two parties can work toward a with the same group. Hence, I wear my college tie, although I am reconciled relationship. known to occasionally wear my old maroon school tie. In this light, forgiveness isn’t about forgetting a particular incident—as in “forgive and forget”—but So there you have it. An introduction to the wearing of tweed. Upon remembering it in a certain way, such that it doesn’t the Tuesday following this publication, all gentlemen will present continue to sever the relationship. themselves in tweed and be submitted for sartorial inspection. This understanding of forgiveness sheds light on Jesus’ prayer on the cross. Rather than suggesting that God forget about the crucifixion and not get angry, Jesus asked the Father to continue moving toward sinful humanity with the offer of reconciliation. In breaking our relationship with God by rejecting His Son, we give God every right to punish us and walk away. Jesus acknowledged this truth, but he nevertheless asked the Father to keep loving and working with us so that we might unlearn our destructive behavior. The Father answered Jesus’ prayer: God has offered forgiveness. We must respond with confession and repentance and continue to move ever closer to right relationship with Him. Notice that confession and repentance do not earn forgiveness; they are a response to forgiveness already offered out of grace. Notice also that forgiveness isn’t a one-time thing that takes care of sin in a single instance; forgiveness is an invitation to the long path of discipleship. One way to embody God’s forgiveness toward us is to extend the offer of forgiveness toward others—to continue moving toward those that hurt us in the hope of reconciliation. My prayer is that your family, Church and Campion College will be characterized by this kind of forgiveness.

7 exaggerates the social situation in France. the law, embodied in the ruthless inspector Les Misérables The other criticism levelled at the story Javert. Book Review by Dylan Littler argues that the digressions filling the book Javert initially appears to be a mono- with information on Parisian streets and faceted personality, unable to perceive good Now that you've all stopped singing other obscure cultural background break up in any former criminal, and unable to the musical, it seems like an appropriate the narrative, making the story incoherent imagine corruption in any representative of time to bring to your attention the and ruining the plot. the law. His final realisation that this may marvellous novel all the movies are based The second criticism is the more not be the case brings about such a turmoil on. Written by Victor Hugo, author of the damaging for anyone wanting to read the in his mind that his response is equally renowned Hunchback of Notre novel for entertainment, and is a serious one incomprehension and... but I will leave it to Dame, this is a tale of social oppression and that can be sustained by pointing to the you to find out what he does. a search for justice. The title, 'The Wretched enormous digressions in the story, many of Immense personal sacrifice makes Ones', suggests the theme: the miserable which don't enhance the plot. The only the main characters in this story so lives of an ex-convict, a woman forced into reason why I overlook these faults, and still engaging. Fantine, the mother of Cosette, prostitution by poverty, her cruelly enslaved recommend the story as one of the most gives everything to ensure Cosette's daughter, a group of doomed but passionate enjoyable novels I have read, is because the wellbeing, to the point of turning to revolutionaries, and a ruthless inspector splendour of the plot is sufficiently great to prostitution to provide for her, thus who doggedly pursues justice in the face of permit the reader to overlook these becoming almost as morally perplexing as their wretchedness. These characters, digressions. I know of several other Sofia in Dostoevsky's Crime and wretchedly poor physically and morally, the students who have also made their way Punishment, another book I would urge you lowest stratum of society, struggle for through this story, and never regretted it. to read for personal edification if you survival in the harsh world of 19th century Besides, while these digressions do weren't already expected to for LIT202. Paris, but end up caring more for justice interrupt the plot, the claim that they make The evangelium, or joyful resolution than happiness. Jean valJean, the main it incoherent is not sustainable. The most that brings happiness to the sacrifices made character, dedicates his life to caring for a dramatic theme which unites this story is by certain characters is made all the sweeter little girl, the daughter of a stranger, whom that of the moral dilemmas faced by the by the fact that they truly intended to give he protects out of a sense of right. In the characters. These dilemmas are made all. The story creates characters whose end the devotion the two develop towards possible by the grey characters involved, readiness to give all makes them admirable, each other changes their lives. many of whom constitute morally even when they are saved from misery. This story has gained global ambiguous personalities. Jean valJean is an Though the digressions in this story popularity due to the strong appeal it makes ex-convict whom the law is convinced will can become tedious, swelling the page to sympathy. Written as an attack on never turn from his old occupation of theft. number to over 1,000, if one approaches oppression of the poor, this novel stirs a This conviction is born out twice in the them with interest, they can become basic emotional response. As a result the early stages of his release, when he steals fascinating and even exciting, especially in story has received an enormous amount of from the most innocent people for a the case of the Battle of Waterloo. I negative criticism. This is largely directed at seemingly senseless purpose. When he encourage readers to pick up this book with its cheap polemic against the French legal reforms his character, however, and a willingness to appreciate the peculiarly system. The story, it is argued, makes an becomes the well-loved benefactor of an French character of this tale of universal attack that is not entirely relevant, as it entire village, he becomes an anomaly to values.

Album of the Month: Paramore- Paramore you may need to replay this album a few times before you can [Released April 9, Fueled by Ramen] accept that this is who they are now. Paramore want a new future. They are ready for a new future. And they want it now. “If there's a future, we want it now.” Rating: 4/5, reviewed by Chanel de Bono So chants the leading frontwoman Hayley Williams of Tennessee rockers Paramore in their hit single “Now”. Fans of the trio have waited four long years for the release of their fourth album and it does not disappoint. After the departure of Josh and Zac Farro in late 2010 and the misfortune that was the Singles Club, released late 2011, many began to have their doubts about where the band was heading. But, oh, did jaws drop. The album is a blast of genres, unseen on any of their previous albums. From the new-wave synth beats of “Fast in My Car”; the gospel choirs in the funky hit “Ain't it Fun”; the radio friendly upbeat love song “Still Into You”; the aggressive head banging song that is “Anklebiters” and the ukulele interludes, it seems that Paramore has completely changed and revamped who they are. Williams states, ‘I felt like it’s not only reintroducing the band to the world but to ourselves... I felt like we're a new band.' There is a song for everyone. It is fun. It is upbeat. It is crazy. It is the new Paramore. Jeremy Davis, bassist, and Taylor York, lead guitarist, have picked up their game and have showed the masses that they don't need the Farro Brothers to create an album that has become No. 1 on every major chart around the world. For the hardcore fans, ! 8 Trance To the Wonder [Rated: MA15+ (moderate violence, brief sex scene, nudity] [Rated M: Sexual content and nudity]

For your consideration, the newest At face value Trance appears to title in Terrence Malick’s unique be another crime flick with a filmography. I’ll preface this psychological twist. For those who review with some context at least know this is a Danny Boyle concerning the director, then list film, it may seem like a crime flick the minimal plot details. Malick’s with a big heart. But I assure you, vision is a singular one in the it is not even close to either of world of popular film, he manages these preconceptions. Trance to actually make money out of follows the journey of Simon “artsy” films. Recall his previous (James McAvoy), an inside man film, The Tree of Life, which working at a fine art auction house. starred Brad Pitt and got Malick During the heist of Goya's painting, enough Oscar nods to make him a "Witches in the Air," Simon force in cinema today. Anyone receives a blow to the head. who has seen The Tree of Life Waking up with neither the doesn’t necessarily have to have painting nor his short term understood or even enjoyed it to admit a grand and brave reach of memory, Simon must seek the help of a hypnotherapist to retrieve narrative. This is important when considering To The Wonder. A the painting, locked somewhere in his damaged mind, for his simple story of a love triangle, involving Neil (Ben Affleck), an partners in crime. These events all happen within the first twenty American who brings home his foreign lady love Marina (Olga minutes. From there, the story and characters spiral into each- Kurylenko) and her child. As their relationship begins turning others minds, as Simon slowly and painfully uncovers more sour, past flame Jane (Rachel McAdams) steps in. This love story memory than he bargained for. tangles and untangles itself between the three, with a priest (Javier Bardem) advising from the fringes. This movie contains Usually, Danny Boyle's directing creates some cheap, pop-art minimal dialogue and relies more upon suggestion and narration. style cinematography which feels odd in the scheme of his rather Ultimately, one can only take so many dramatic lighting shots of sentimental plots. But when it comes to Trance, no other man happy or sad couple moments replete with voiceover narration. could have a more appropriate style. The visuals themselves As a purported companion piece to the impressively expansive produce a trance-like affect on the viewer, which, if one listened film The Tree of Life, To The Wonder leaves something to be to Boyle's interviews earlier this year, is what he believed to be desired. You could give it a chance, but you could also probably one of the principles of an engaging film. Even if you don't feel find a more coherent and better articulated romance in something brave enough to engage in this experience, at least download the hacked up by Nicholas Sparks. Trance soundtrack; such a beautifully hypnotic score is rare in any genre of film. But it is not Boyle alone who brings the intricate story alive; a trio of fine actors, in which McAvoy and Please note that this film has only been released in American and Dawson play their most difficult roles yet, complete a well- European cinemas since mid-April. A release in Australian rounded cinematic experience. The French veteran Vincent cinemas has not been announced. Cassel’s seductive voice and cold gestures make him one of the most watchable actors to date. Verdict: 4/10 stars ! Reviewed by Kaitlyn Bryans

As you're probably aware by now, I must have my rant on story depth and character development. For I would, without question, refuse to consider Trance a great film based purely on its ability to initiate a hypnotic effect. I have re-watched this movie several times now, and each viewing illuminates another aspect of the its central message. It is an exploration of the role memory plays in our identity; it is an exploration of our connection to aesthetic beauty; it is a tale of revenge, a tale of love, a tale of greed. It is also a tale of redemption, but not in the clichéd sense, which seeks purely to vindicate viewers' wishful thinking; in Trance, no one character manages an obvious shift from villain to hero, or vice versa. Rather, all three leads begin as regular people, and end not as changed people, but as developed and deepened men and women - a near perfect example of what films should be striving ! for in regards to character. Northlane – Singularity [Released March 22, 2013 (UNFD)] And finally, to those who may claim this is simply another movie about misconceptions of reality, it is not. The protagonist is not Second full-length record from Aussie metal stars Northlane, wresting with illusions, but recalling very real memories. Thus, originally hailing from Western Sydney, now internationally as I and my dear movie-going friends concluded, this is not renowned as innovators of the genre. Combining beautiful, another advocation of postmodern meaninglessness and ultimate sweeping soundscapes of ambience with progressive metal relativism. Unfortunately, due to competition with other high instrumentation, the freakishly tight Nic Petterson on drums and budget epics, Trance has had a limited release in most cinemas; the thick voice of lead singer Adrian Fitipades, Singularity but it is certainly worth the effort to find it on the big screen could very well be metal album of the year. Go support the before it's completely erased from the cinemas’ memory. locals and check it out!

Verdict: 8.5/10 Reviewed by Georgina von Marburg Check out: “Quantum Flux” Rating: 4.5/5 Reviewed by Josh Woolnough 9 "I thought I said it the first time?" Coffee Time "No." By Thomas Westenberg "Well, I thought it the first time." "That's nice." She really did think it was. (Part Two of Three) The coffee reminded Him of mud. Editor’s Note: No changes have been made to grammar and "Remember our first History class together?" punctuation at the author’s request. "The first day of our history." Coffee, he felt, was something he needed. "We made history." They were in the middle of the line, holding hands, which was She thought this was very clever of Him, and said so. He knew this Cute. was a good time. They took no notice of the Hipsters, Yuppies, Trendies, various other Coffee Drinkers. "I finally finished that poem." She was not so keen on the coffee, but She liked the Café, She "What poem?" thought it was Nice, She thought it was Different, She thought it "The one that says you have eyes like the wine-dark sea. I've been was Unusual, and had long since decided that Unusual was Good. writing it since we met." He was happy, and smiled at people, thought about how happy he This, she suspected, was the Sweetest Thing. She smiled. When all was, and smiled at Her. She hoped someone She knew would walk is said and done, it was a pretty smile. past and see Her, they made such a Nice Couple. "Read it to me." The decor was all brown wood, like a cappuccino, the decorator had thought. They gave you coffee in tea cups, and tea in coffee He took out the paper, folded, from his pocket, spread it over the cups, and added an aspirated 'h' to coffee. table, spilt his coffee, stained the paper, smudged the ink, tried to They ordered, sat down, held hands over the table, touched feet fix it, tore the paper. underneath, which was Sweet. "It's ruined." He was upset. He said to Her: "Remember when we met?" "I don't mind, I'll just imagine it." "Yes." This wasn't the way he had imagined it. "I said your eyes looked like wine-dark sea." "No. You said that the second time, and the third." "Will you marry me?"

Recently I organised a trip to a hedge maze Speck the Altar Boy Dear Catullus ... garden and only I, Penelope and Odysseus turned up. They used to be unofficially official, by Margaret Ahern but now they're officially not, but I still suspect something unofficial. Penelope and I emerged from the final maze first, but Odysseus didn't, ever. We looked for him everywhere. After an hour Penelope got grouchy, said it was unfair to invite Odysseus because he can't navigate without a GPS, and went home early to sew a tapestry. Two hours later, it started raining, and I discovered him trembling, curled up, beneath a large mushroom in the adjacent childrens’ maze. Yesterday, we three were assigned to do a tutorial presentation together about ancient Crete from a bio-pyscho-sociological perspective. I'm really worried because neither of them is talking to me nor to each other. Penelope is always carrying a GPS with her for him, and Odysseus twitches anytime someone says 'maize' or even 'amazing'. How do I make this work? Regards, Ariadne

Greetings Ariadne, I assume 'tutorial presentation' means some educational oration, which must be hard, if you three aren't talking. So: don't talk! Instead, sing or shout. This will break the tension either making everyone annoyed, angry, or happy. Then get to work. But I suspect you must resolve more than a mere oration. Penelope needs to give Odysseus the GPS, because it will probably make him less jumpy. If she won't, then borrow it and give it to him (say you're looking for Atlantis or the essay box, doesn't matter what). Put many maps in your presentation for the same reason. Play 'Amazing Grace' on repeat during study sessions. It doesn't matter whether they'll talk to you, but they must talk. Assume leadership and give them the hardest task. Yes, the required readings. They should take notes, but only give them one pen, and one piece of paper – no laptops, because you're in the JTW tute room and the power outlet is dodgy. It'll be an all-nighter. Work until 1am then announce a sushi and piccolo latte run. HOUSEMATE WANTED You drive, they go in the back seat. Sneakily put dodgy batteries into the GPS, so that it dies quickly, then get terribly lost. When those two are in the depths of despair, Two Campion alumnii are seeking a tidy chuck them the Sydways which you have concealed in your handbag, and let them respectful and responsible housemate for a 3 fight over it. By the time you're back at the JTW, it will be clear whether they are bedroom, 3 bathroom house in Homebush West. doomed or not. House already furnished except vacant bedroom. Good fortune, Close to public transport, centralised location. Catullus. Rent: $186 p/w.

Romantically afflicted? Ask Catullus. Email [email protected], Contact: Anthony Day, 0404293829 or, alternatively, a marked envelope in the ‘Letters to the Editor’ box. or [email protected] 10 No questions asked. Mark Makowiecki and Matty Khoury participate in Tweed Tuesday. Finger Lakes area, New York. Photo by Dylan Littler

Baker Company: Ben Uphill, Frank Winkels, Liam Reeves, Ben McCabe, Mark Makoweicki and Robert Van Gend at the Rausch Street house.

11 W h a t - c o m e s - n e x t ?

Ellen McCumstie and Cara Hladik chalk up the asphalt

Clockwise from left: Liam Reeves, Christian Bergmann, Marie Yeo, Sam Rebbechi and Evelyn Ballard on their camping trip to the Blue Mountains. Photo by Kaitlyn Bryans 12