Catholic Life December 2018

Free

Catholic Life Publication of the Diocese of Sale

ISSUE 208

December 2018

Two ordinations

TWO more priests will be seminarians from our diocese ordained for Sale Diocese are travelling to India for the ordination on January 5. over the next month.

Fr George will return to our

They are Deacons Hiep Nguyen and Avinash George.

The first will be Deacon Nguyen who will be ordained a priest by Bishop of Sale, Bishop Pat O’Regan at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, this Saturday, December 15.

The service begins at 11am and will be followed by a light lunch and refreshments.

Those attending from the western end of the diocese are asked to factor in a 15 minute longer journey because of roadwork speed limits, particularly between Traralgon and Sale.

The newly ordained Fr Nguyen will celebrate his first Mass at St Joseph’s Church, Warragul, at 9am Sunday. He has been serving in the parish since being ordained a deacon last year.

That evening he will celebrate Mass in Vietnamese at the St Vincent Liem Centre, 95 Mt Alexander Rd., Flemington.

Deacon Avinash George is already back in India and will be ordained in the SyroMalibar Rite in Kerala by the Archbishop of Tellicherry, Archbishop George Njaralakatt.

Bishop O’Regan and several priests, deacons and

Catholic Life wishes all its contributors, advertisers and readers a happy, holy and safe Christmas and New Year.

Take time to remember those less fortunate at this time, especially those who may have experienced the death of a family member during the past year and will be reminded of their loss again when the family gathers.

Above all, we ask you to find some time for Christ this Christmas - He is the reason for the season.

Trinity FAMILIES

diocese in February.

Bishop O’Regan has yet to announce which parishes the newly ordained priests will be placed as their first permanent appointment.

This issue highlights

Celebrating the Saviour’s birth Looking Forward, Looking Back - Page 2 Trinity Families gives $108,544 - Page 3 Suspended gaol for priest - Page 4 Serra Club is turning 40 - Page 4 Diocese on track for Plenary - Page 5 Deacon’s 17 year journey to priest - Page 8

AT this busy time of year we should be excited, not for the parties and festivities which abound, but for the recalling of the birth of Jesus some 2000 years ago. It all began in a humble stable next to an inn in Bethlehem where the Christ child was born. The shepherds and wise men were witnesses to this miraculous event and we too can bear witness by attending Advent and Christmas celebrations in our local church in coming weeks. - © 123RF Stock Photo

Photos from around diocese - Page 13

Think of all the families you can help

This Christmas you can assist families in the Diocese of Sale for years to come by supporting Trinity Families. We direct funds to programs where there is the greatest need. Please give generously.

To donate visit www.trinityfamilies.org.au or phone (03) 5622 6688 for a credit card deduction form.

Page 2 - Catholic Life, December 2018

Looking forward and looking back IN July 2000, Slim Dusty, the Australian country music singer, released his 100th album.

It was entitled Looking Forward, Looking Back.

The album echoes its title track of the same name. The refrain goes like this, Looking forward, looking back I’ve come a long way down the track Got a long way left to go Making songs, from what I know.

These are rather straightforward lyrics on first read, and something helpful when we come to the end of any year, especially when we sit down and recall what has happened in the course of a year.

Looking back gives us pause to be thankful for so many good things that have happened in 2018; looking forward reminds us that there is indeed a long way to go.

In fact each time we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we do these two things: look back and enter once again into the great Paschal mystery of Christ’s Passover, and look forward to the second coming of Christ in glory.

It is what we Christians do, look back and look forward so we can live more fully in the present.

If, however, we remain simply looking back we become trapped in nostalgia.

If we are orientated only toward the future, we risk simply tilting at windmills.

As always we can only live in the present, informed by the past and inspired by

what might be, and in our case as disciples of Christ, live under the watchful gaze of our heavenly Father, and in the grace of God and promptings of the Holy Spirit.

And that is where the last line of the above quote is the most challenging. “Making songs, from what I know” We humans need songs to sing; as disciples of Christ we also need to sing the Lord’s song.

As I look back over 2018, what songs might I sing?

I take deep delight in being able to see so many examples of God’s grace at work in our Diocese in 2018. Of course it has not been without its setbacks and challenges, no year ever is.

Yet taking St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s oft quoted phrase, “See the hand of God in everything”, seriously, it gladdens my heart, for there is so much for which to be glad in 2018.

I see this in say, the experience of the Plenary Council. At the beginning of 2018 we had little idea of what a Plenary Council looked like, and what shape a process of getting ready for it might be.

Our Diocesan GPS didn’t seem to be able to register it as a destination just then.

And yet, as we come toward the end of 2018 we have a much better idea, thanks be to God, the Divine GPS called the Holy Spirit is guiding us.

We have learnt that the actual formal Plenary Council sessions, to be held in 2020 and 2021, are only a

Catholic Life PO Box 1410, Warragul Vic. 3820 Phone: (03) 5622 6688 colinc@sale.catholic.org.au www.sale.catholic.org.au

The Diocese and

by Bishop Pat O’Regan part of the process.

In a profound sense the Plenary Council has already begun. As the Diocese of Sale, we are part of it now.

In experiences like this, the journey is as important as the destination. We have found that the song is easy to make and sing, and there are a lot of voices.

Over 2018 I have seen a growing maturity in how people are engaging in this process in our Diocese.

Many have raised important questions and many are rediscovering what they ought to be have been doing all along, namely modelling the kind of Parish we would all wish to live in.

Many may remember the first image I used at the open Parish meetings. It was a bridge. It is a good image of what the Plenary Council is seeking to do, to make sure we build a bridge between our God, the Church and the world and culture of our time.

This is not a time to abandon this task but a time to engage more deeply in how we can preach the Gospel to our brothers and sisters of our time.

This initial phase of the Plenary Council is the Listening and Dialogue phase.

Latrobe alley Vunera FServicesl

DAVID HASTIE General Manager

Editor: Colin Coomber Published 6 times a year Deadline for advertising copy and editorial contributions for our next issue is February 4.

Issues distributed free through parishes and schools from February 14.

Published by the Catholic Diocese of Sale.

Printed by Express Print, Morwell.

Member of Australasian Catholic Press Association

Beyond

❏ Qualified, experienced and caring staff ❏ Modern chapels ❏ Refreshments and catering facilities available ❏ Secure, guaranteed, pre-paid and pre-arranged funeral plans ❏ Over 70 years of service to the Latrobe Valley MOE 5126 1111 MORWELL 5134 4937 TRARALGON 5174 2258 Proud member of the Australian Funeral Directors Association and the Australian Institutes of Embalming

JOHN GALBRAITH Consultant

MARK RIDDLE Consultant

ALLAN WORTHY Consultant

GP1464493

It continues until Ash Wednesday, 2019, March 6. Once again I encourage you become involved. If you are not sure how to do this contact your local parish or go to the website www. plenarycouncil.catholic.org. au Looking forward to 2019, our aim is to hold a Diocesan assembly on September 1314, 2019. Please continue to pray for this important part of the Plenary Council journey, it will be our first in more than 15 years.

So part of the song we have learned to sing in 2018 is to “Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the Church”.

Of course there have been many other things that have been happening besides the Plenary Council, many more songs to sing (note Looking Forward, Looking Back mentions songs not a song).

We recently celebrated the end of the Year of Youth with several gatherings of our young people throughout the Diocese, all of whom asked that each year be a “Year of Youth”. Our song has a youthful beat to it as well.

In continuing to respond to the Royal Commission and its final report, we are seeking to embed into our Diocese and Parishes, a

culture of safety for all, while at the same time treating with dignity and respect all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

Recently Catholic Social Services Victoria, produced a book entitled, Hearing, Healing, Hope. It is a great title and an even better read.

It also helps describe part of the song we are singing when we engage deeply in the Plenary Council process; with our Young People and in continuing to respond to the challenge of the Royal Commission.

In each dimension of our lives, we seek to make ourselves heard and we hear; we seek to heal and are healed; we seek to become more hopeful ourselves and be a source of hope to our world.

Christmas is above all a time when we sing particular songs, Christmas Carols.

As we look forward to this Christmas, as we look back over 2018 in gratitude, may each of us make songs, from what we know, which can include the joy that God is truely Emmanuel Godwith-us.

May the songs we sing also be a source of Hearing, Healing and Hope to our families, friends ourselves and our Parishes and our world. A Blessed Christmas to all!

May the song we sing as we look forward to 2019 include the abiding reality that God is Good, Good indeed.

- Bishop Pat O’Regan Bishop of Sale

Religious leaders respond to apology THE leaders of Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) and the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference have welcomed Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s apology to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and recommitted to working with the community to eliminate the scourge of child sexual abuse.

“The National Apology and the apologies made by institutions during the life of the Royal Commission and since have been an important validation of the courage of survivors of abuse in seeking truth, justice and healing. We think first of them at this time,” said CRA president Sr Monica Cavanagh RSJ. “On behalf of the Catholic bishops and religious leaders of Australia, we renew our profound and heartfelt apology

to all victims and survivors of abuse and to their families, friends and supporters, who have shared their suffering.”

Archbishop Mark Coleridge, president of the ACBC, said abuse perpetrated by priests, brothers, sisters and lay people was “an utter betrayal of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and it should never have happened”.

He said the Catholic Church acknowledged that the apology was for survivors and their supporters, not for representatives of institutions.

Many Catholic dioceses, communities, schools, ministries and agencies are holding local events to mark the National Apology – something Archbishop Coleridge called “a significant moment in our ongoing efforts to make Australia safe for all children and young people”.

Catholic Life, December 2018 - Page 3

Trinity Families gives $108,544 to charities EIGHT charities operating in Gippsland have shared $108,544 in funding allocated

by Catholic Diocese of Sale charitable fund Trinity Families.

The allocation brings the total amount distributed by Trinity Families to $1.5 million over the past 14 years.

Cheques were presented to representatives of the various charities at a small function at Warragul on November 20 by Bishop of Sale, Pat O’Regan.

Major recipient was again CatholicCare which provides family counselling services in Sale, Pakenham and Warragul.

The $50,000 cheque was accepted by CatholicCare director of community services Tony Newton and Gippsland regional manager Denise Lacey.

The Uniting Church’s Frontier Services received $20,000 for its family support and drought relief work in East Gippsland and the High Country. The money was accepted by the Rev Rowena Harris and Jackie Evans.

Warrina Counselling representatives Jenny and John Henshaw accepted $2544 for an early intervention program for young people in the Latrobe Valley.

Bass Coast Health, in

TRINITY Families patron Bishop of Sale Pat O’Regan with the happy recipients after the cheque presentation ceremony at Sion House, Warragul. conjunction with the Wonthaggi Inter-church Council received $6000 for its volunteer pastoral program which operates in the hospital and nursing homes.

Accepting the money was Kim Bolding from Bass Coast Health of providing basic needs for and Geraldine Heffernan from children placed in foster care. the inter-church council.

In accepting the cheque, Sale-based charity A Better founder Heather Baird said that Life for Foster Kids received the money came at a good time $6000 towards its program because funds were short and there were many children in out of home situations who were not receiving any support.

It was planned to use the money to distribute crisis bags and to provide ongoing support for foster children with items such as shoes, toiletries and school uniforms.

FareShare Australia received CATHOLICCARE regional manager Denise Lacey receives a $6000 towards its program $50,000 cheque from Bishop O’Regan, watched by director of of cooking and providing community services Tony Newton. nutritious meals for the needy. alcohol rehabilitation program received $10,000 for its work In receiving the money at Nyora. He praised the support with young people with Marcus Godinho said that last received from Trinity Families disabilities in the Latrobe year FareShare had provided over several years and said that Valley and South Gippsland.

80,000 nutritious frozen meals the money enabled the centre The cheque was accepted by to 20 different charities from to keep providing a valuable Shilo Wilson and Interchange Sale to Narre Warren for service to those in need. participant Corey Townley. distribution to those in need.

Interchange Gippsland Meals were made from ADVERTISEMENT surplus produce supplied by farms and supermarkets and MARCUS Godinho from FareShare Australia receives a $6000 were delivered monthly.

Luis Brito from Remar cheque from Bishop O’Regan. The money will help it to continue providing more than 80,000 nutritious meals to needy families in Australia accepted $7000 towards its residential drug and our diocese.

CWL branches working hard

By Moira Kelly DURING the past two months the Catholic Women’s League branches of the Sale Diocese held their annual general meetings.

Diocesan members attended each AGM and are continually

amazed at the work done by all branches.

The majority of members are getting older but the work still goes on.

All branches continue their work in their parishes, cleaning the church, flowers for the alter, reading and communion at

Mass, taking communion to the sick and catering for funerals among other things. We support charities within Australia and overseas.

We are continuing to look for new members.

The league was founded by young women who sought to change the world through prayer and action. We are still working to make the world a better place.

If you would like to help us make a difference please contact a branch in your area. Maybe if you cannot attend meetings on a regular basis you may wish to join as an associate member.

Wishing you all a happy and holy Christmas and happy New Year.

John Lania & Associates John Lania & Associates Professional Security Protection

• Building Security Patrols • Emergency Security Guards • Traffic Management Officers

Ph: 0411 710 924

• Alarm Response Services • Alarm Bureau Monitoring • Accredited Security Advisers

Fax (03) 5608 0544

watching@dcsi.net.au

Guardwatch Security Services Helping protect our community ABN 25 545 277 519 Member of Australian Security Industry Assoc. Ltd

Police Lic. 634 249 50S

3XWWLQJ ORFDO ILUVW

3XWWLQJ ORFDOV ILUVW ORYHJLSSVODQG FRP DX

BARRY AND ANNETTE LETT

Funeral Directors

Barry and Bradley Lett offer care, compassion and service with dignity for the people of Gippsland.

Caring and personal 24-hour service.

Prepaid and prearranged funeral plans available.

67 Macarthur St., Sale 3850

(03) 5143 1232

Page 4 - Catholic Life, December 2018

Holy Smoke Sign of the times SOCIETY has gone sign mad.

It seems you can’t go anywhere outdoors without seeing signs telling you what you can and can’t do.

VicRoads, or whatever it calls itself this week, is one of the worst offenders.

There are literally dozens of signs alongside roads and when you get into towns the local councils add their own deluge to the mix.

Is it any wonder motorists miss one of those sneaky speed zone changes which we suspect are designed as revenue raisers rather than for safety?

And, no, I haven’t been booked lately.

Christmas lights

FOR many years it has become an Australian fad to festoon your house with Christmas lights.

There are some magnificent displays but others are overdone, no doubt in an

attempt to outshine the neighbors or do better than Chevy Chase in the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Some people spend days getting the lights set up, complete with singing Santas, prancing reindeer and flashing candy canes.

Of course, there are always a few who leave their lights up all year round and then find they don’t work when switched on because the corellas or cockatoos have munched through the wires.

The only pity with all the wonderful Christmas displays is that a few more homes don’t have a nativity scene.

Have a good break

WE hope everyone gets the opportunity to have a bit of a break over Christmas and New Year.

However, spare a thought for those who have to work, especially the police, ambulance, firemen and other providers of essential services.

Suspended gaol for priest RETIRED priest Fr Bernard Mahony pleaded guilty in Latrobe Valley Magistrate’s Court last month to two charges of indecent assault which occurred between 1978 and 1981 while he was parish priest at Neerim South.

The court heard the incidents which led to the charges involved two sisters, aged 13 and 17 years at the time.

Magistrate Rodney Higgins gaoled Fr Mahony for three months on each charge, to be served cumulatively, then ordered that the sentences be wholly suspended for 24 months.

He further ordered that Fr Mahony submit to having his DNA taken and that he be placed on the sexual offenders’ register for 15 years.

The magistrate said that if it were not for the guilty plea, the sentence would have been 12 months gaol.

The court heard in summary that Fr Mahoney held hands with the younger girl, touched her leg

and kissed her on the cheeks and lips.

The incident involving the elder sister occurred when she was asked to sit on his knee and then he kissed her passionately on the lips.

After the case, Bishop of Sale Pat O’Regan said Fr Mahony had been placed on administrative leave as soon as the charges were brought to his attention and the priest had not engaged in any public ministry while the matter was processed.

“As a diocese we continue to be shocked and saddened by the ongoing revelations of matters of this nature and appreciate that every incident must be brought to our attention if we are to genuinely atone for the harm that has been done over many decades.”

Support is available to victims through a range of avenues including Towards Healing and the Diocesan Professional Standards Office. The diocese will also work with legal representatives of victims to provide information as requested.

Serra Club to celebrate 40 years with sports day THE Serra Club of Sale will be celebrating 40 years of service to the priests and religious of Sale Diocese at its annual sports day and dinner in April.

The event has been held on the Monday of Holy Week for the past 29 years and the club hopes to attract good attendances to its golf and bowls events on April 15.

While golf has been held for many years, last year the club

Of all the decisions we make in our lifetime, making a valid will is among the most important.

introduced a Crackerjack-style bowls day suitable for bowlers and non-bowlers alike.

The sports day is a highlysuccessful fundraiser and helps to promote religious vocations.

A highlight is always the annual dinner afterwards where prizes are handed out to the various competitors.

The golfers vie for three different perpetual trophies.

The Fr Frank Carroll Shield began in 1989 and is awarded to the winners of the Diocesan Priests v Serra.

The Neville McLeod Plaque began in 1998 and is awarded for the best individual score of the day. The late Neville McLeod was a foundation member of the club and the plaque was donated in his memory by his wife.

The Jeremiah Coffey Perpetual Shield was donated in 2008 by the late Bishop John McIntyre, Anglican Bishop of Gippsland, as thanks from the Anglican Church for the stained glass window in St

Paul’s Cathedral, Sale, which was donated by Bishop Coffey.

The shield is awarded to the winners of the aggregate score between Catholic clergy and clergy from other denominations.

Readers are asked to the pencil the date in their diaries for next year to ensure a good attendance at the bowls and golf events and the dinner which are held in Sale. More details will be forthcoming early next year.

The Serra Club was established in the United States by lay people to foster and promote vocations to the priesthood and to support priests in their ministry.

It is named after St Junipero Serra, an 18th Century Franciscan missionary who was canonised in 2015.

Serra International also aims to encourage and affirm vocations to the consecrated life and to assist its members to recognise and respond to God’s call for holiness in their own lives.

This final testament speaks loudly of the values, causes and possessions we hold most dear. We bequest personal treasures and mementos to special friends and loved ones and ask them to care for them after our passing.

If you hold the Church dear, you may consider leaving a percentage of your estate or a specific amount to the Diocese of Sale.

The Diocese is grateful for the support of its benefactors, who have enabled the Church to grow in its service of its people, and invite you to share in this rich heritage.

FR Solomon Okeh tries lawn bowls for the first time at this year’s Serra Club day in Sale.

Catholic Life, December 2018 - Page 5

Our diocese on track preparing for Plenary Council

By Sophy Morley Diocesan Plenary Convenor

IT has been a privilege for me to travel with Bishop O’Regan around the diocese and see how people are engaging with the preparation process for the Plenary Council.

We recently held five regional Listening and Dialogue Sessions with the bishop with around 400 people attending.

Lots of questions were addressed to the bishop and some good discussion ensued.

Parishes, schools and small groups are also gathering for their own local Listening and Dialogue meetings to listen with open hearts and to sharing their thoughts.

I encourage you to take the opportunity to go to several of these gatherings so that you come into contact with different groups of people and have the opportunity to hear and reflect on faith perspectives that are different to your own.

Fr Noel Connolly SSC, a member of the Plenary Council 2020 Facilitation Team, reflects on the importance of offering people several opportunities for engaging in the Listening and Dialogue sessions.

“As we prepare for the Plenary Council 2020, we are being encouraged to speak boldly and to share what is in our hearts.

“One of my concerns is that I do not think it is easy to know what is deep in our hearts and it is even more difficult to express

it adequately.

“Also speaking is an art, and it is learnt only with practice.”

For most people, this will be either their first time or a relatively rare time when they have been asked to share their faith and offer their opinion.

Acknowledging this, we must then expect that it will take them some practice to speak with confidence and from deep within their hearts.

“People who have not been encouraged to speak up for decades, will probably speak clumsily, angrily or shallowly the first time around. It is only over time that we eventually learn what we most deeply want to say.”

Listening and dialogue also takes each of us on a journey, so that when we reach the time of the Plenary Council in 2020, we will have travelled that journey of discernment and prayer, will have become practised at it and more comfortable with the whole process.

That is why I urge you and your communities to meet several times before Ash Wednesday 2019 so that each time, hopefully, you will be able to engage in deeper reflection, be more open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and perhaps be challenged to think about things in a different way.

Next year, after the Listening and Dialogue submissions have been processed, we will receive from the national Plenary Team the themes for discussion that have emerged from all the

Plenary submissions.

We’ll be asked to engage in further dialogue and discernment within our communities and we reflect on these areas of church faith and life. So the process of listening and dialogue will begin once more.

This process will also assist us in our preparation for our Diocesan Assembly on September 13-14, 2019 at Marist-Sion College in Warragul.

At the assembly we will together be discerning the future path for our Diocese.

So you can see how, in Australia, the bishops are encouraging us to follow Pope Francis’ urging to for us to become a synodal church where we journey with each other and where we all have something of importance to contribute.

The pattern of Listening and Dialogue, of Reflection and Discernment offers us that way in which all of the baptised, not just the clergy, are called to be co-responsible for the building up of God’s kingdom and spreading the joy of the Gospel.

Are we ready for that?

A Plenary Prayer Be still, Be still and know that I am your God. God of this Advent time As we watch, wait, long and hope, Awaken our hearts to your presence Encourage us in our efforts to listen humbly to each other.

Inspire in us the words to speak boldly with each other.

Create within us a spirit of discernment.

Give us hopeful hearts as we continue our journey to the Plenary Council.

We ask this in the name of Emmanuel: Godwith-us.

Amen.

Prayer from Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Advent resources http://www.cam.org.au/evangelisation

Plenary Council update

By Lana Turvey Collins National Plenary Facilitator

Much of the focus for the Plenary Council so far has been on the primary question that the Council is considering: “What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?”

That is the first of three pieces of stimulus that people are invited to reflect upon when making a submission to the Council.

More than 21,000 voices have now contributed to this phase of the three-year process, and that number is growing quickly as more young people, families, priests and parishioners, school staff and students, agency leaders and staff, men and women working for the Church in dioceses and many other groups of people continue to listen to one another’s stories of their faith, God in their lives and their encounters with the Church.

Topics that are passionately and frequently raised include leadership and governance within the Church, the place and role of women, the importance of young people, the living tradition, liturgy and music, the priesthood and other vocations, inclusion and welcome, the sacramental life of the Church, ecology and creation, and social justice.

The stories and reflections that people are

Scott and Sharon Anderson With care & dignity we serve South Gippsland and Phillip Island Main Office: WONTHAGGI/INVERLOCH 176-178 Graham Street, Wonthaggi, 3995

taking time to write down are truly inspirational.

They reflect people’s joys and challenges, their hopes and fears, the deep faith of some and the wavering faith of others.

More stories and submissions will be shared over the coming months, with the Listening and Dialogue phase running until Ash Wednesday -March 6, 2019.

(03) 5672 1074 Fax: (03) 5672 1747

PHILLIP ISLAND (03) 5952 5171 15 Warley Avenue, Cowes, 3922 (by appointment only) email: enquiries@handleyandandersonfunerals.com.au Pre-paid & pre-arranged funeral plans available.

CARING & PERSONAL 24 HOUR SERVICE www.handleyandandersonfunerals.com.au MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

Page 6 - Catholic Life, December 2018

OUR FAMILIES NEED YOUR HELP Times are tough for many families in our region with many suffering uncertain employment prospects. Government assistance only goes part-way to easing their burden. © 123RF Stock Photo

What happens when a family member has special needs, requires drug, alcohol, family or relationship counselling, needs bereavement support, suicide prevention, emergency accommodation, or assistance with an at-risk adolescent?

Trinity Families has invested more than $1.5 million in funding other charities who run such projects and we could have given three times that amount if we had access to the funds.

We are appealing to all families and businesses to donate generously to boost our trust fund so that we can assist even more families.

Trinity Families only allocates funds for projects run by charities in this region, so you can be sure that your donation is giving great value to our families. Your donation goes on earning funds to distribute year after year – a gift that goes on giving!

Make a donation by visiting www.trinityfamilies.org.au Or send your cheque or credit card donations on the form below to: Trinity Families, PO Box 1410 FAMILIES WARRAGUL 3820

Trinity

You can also visit us on Facebook or Phone 5622 6688 All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sale Charitable Fund ABN 85 334 135 693

✄

Donation form: Trinity Families I/We enclose $............ towards the work of Trinity Families Please find enclosed a cheque/money order payable to the Trinity Families or debit my Visa or Mastercard.

❑❑❑❑ ❑❑❑❑ ❑❑❑❑ ❑❑❑❑ /

Expiry ............ ...............

/

/

Signature ................................................................................. Date ......... ......... .........

Name ....................................................................................................

Address ................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................

Postcode............................

Please provide address so receipts can be issued

Reminders of the real Christmas

Reflections

by Jim Quillinan

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus.” Luke 1:30-31 EVERY year, as we prepare for Christmas, we can put up decorations without realising why and where these traditions came from, what they are meant to signify.

Trees were used for thousands of years as decorations for pagan feasts. The modern version of the Christmas tree was developed in Germany.

Around the 15th or 16th Century, devout Christians began bringing decorated trees into their homes. The tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts, or other foods.

In the 18th Century, it began to be illuminated by candles which were ultimately replaced

by Christmas lights.

In the German tradition of Christmas, it is not Santa who comes down the chimney but it is Jesus, as Christ-child, who comes down the tree and puts gifts under the tree.

In this tradition the Christmas tree joins heaven and Earth, a ladder God can use to climb down to Earth. That is why there was either an angel or a star on top of it. What else do you find in the sky than stars and angels?

She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped Him snugly in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. (Luke 2:7) The crib in its present form and its use outside the church originated with St Francis of Assisi.

In the year 1223, St Francis

was visiting the village of Greccio to celebrate Christmas.

Greccio was a small town built on a mountainside overlooking a beautiful valley.

St Francis realised that the chapel of the Franciscan hermitage would be too small to hold the congregation for Midnight Mass, so he found a niche in the rock near the town square and set up the altar and a Bethlehem scene including live animals.

The creche is an image of heaven. It’s an icon of Isaiah’s vision of ‘the day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.’ (Isaiah 11:6) Everything about it radiates peace, love and joy. The baby is usually asleep, because the whole scene depicts eternal rest, namely, what it means to sleep ‘in heavenly peace’.

That’s where ‘silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright’ comes from. Christmas carols, like the song of the angels celebrate our joy at Jesus’ birth.

May the angel’s message of peace and joy be with us in our homes and families and in our world this Christmas.

May the example of the shepherds and the visitors from the East teach us to continue to seek out Jesus in our lives May their example inspire us to take the risk of reaching out to others, to be generous in showing that we believe that God wants to be close to us and to everyone we call our neighbour, no matter who they are or where they may be.

And may the presence of the Christ child be in our homes and hearts this Christmas.

Amen.

Catholic Life, December 2018 - Page 7

Icon writing group to form THE Icon School of St Peter which has been operating out of the Anglican church of St Peter’s Eastern Hill in Melbourne is closing after over 30 years but the tradition lives on and will continue to flourish in Traralgon from February 2019.

Two members of the St Peter’s Icon School are forming an icon writing group at St Michael’s Catholic Parish and invite interested Gippslanders to join them.

An initial come and see meeting will be held on February 13 from 9.30am to 12.30pm at St Michael’s Parish Centre, Kay St., Traralgon.

The group will explore the Byzantine tradition of writing sacred icons using the egg tempera technique on gesso over linen on a natural timber board.

Typically, the holy figures depicted are those of Christ, the Mother of God (Theotokos), St John the Baptist, Angels, Saints (Apostles, martyrs, prophets), together with doctrinal, and liturgical icons.

The process is one of learning about the person or subject, meditating on the life and example of the subject, becoming very familiar with the detail of the chosen prototype icon.

The process demands patience and certainly does not produce a quick or instant result.

No prior artistic training or skills are required.

Members are welcome from all Christian traditions. Such an ecumenical group will readily share the insights of the various backgrounds and traditions from which they are drawn.

The ‘writing’ of an icon is essentially a meditative task and the group will rejoice in expressions of personal spirituality and reciprocal ecumenism .

Teaching will be on a co-operative basis with members sharing the teaching according to their levels of knowledge, advancement and skill.

Sessions include an opening prayer – members taking turns to read the prayers and a short

Water Capsules 3

The Miracle of God

O

RUSSIAN Icon of St Michael, 14th century passage of scripture, usually followed by a brief commentary on the icon or display of the day.

Fees are nominal and the funds are applied to payment of room use, heating electricity and to replenishing of artists’ supplies, teaching materials, table lamps, power cables, tea and coffee and the like.

If interested in the icon writing group please contact Mike Hansen 0417 243 703 or email mike. hansen2@bigpond.com as spaces are limited for the come and see session and bookings are necessary.

ur planet is ¾ water and only ¼ Earth. This tells us what importance God the Creator Intended to give to its importance for our use.

The cyclic marvel of how this gift of water moves from cloud to rain to ground and back by solar evaporation into the heavens … in the mean time achieving its purpose of cooling the earth, irrigating it and letting us humans eat of the fruit of the earth …. is indeed the Miracle of God. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.(Gen, 1:1) God creates a firmament to divide the waters above from the waters below.

The firmament is named “heavens”(Gen 1: 6) “Streams came from the earth and watered the whole earth..” Gen 2:3-7.

Australia has been often facing water cut-back.

Our farmers in the country districts suffer. Pray for rain.

Thank God every time there is a drizzle and avoid grumbling or complaining, even in your mind, when because of rain your schedule and your movements get mucked up!

- Fr Xavier Pinto CSsR, Bairnsdale

Women engage in vision for Church

More than super Dr Trish Madigan Testament to explore what it is for women in the Church today to walk the path of faith with others.

Debra Zannella, an experienced leader in the health and community sector, will draw on her experience in working with people who experience significant disadvantage to reflect on what Pope Francis offers us as a framework for who we, as Church, are called to become.

The workshops will be split into two streams: one to allow the experience of women in diverse situations to be acknowledged, such as refugees; and another to draw on the expertise of women researchers and professionals, such as Dr Trudy Dantis from the Pastoral Research Office.

For more information and to register for the event, go to: http://www.opw.catholic.org. au/stirring-the-waters.html

´ Rated a best value for money super fund*

´ Financial planning advice that has your best interest in mind

´ A history of strong investment performance

´ Award winning fund, returning all profits to our members

´ Savings accounts and loans are also available through MyLife MyFinance, our 100% owned banking institution

1300 655 002 | csf.com.au Issued by CSF Pty Limited (ABN 30 006 169 286; AFSL 246664), the Trustee of MyLifeMyMoney Superannuation Fund (ABN 50 237 896 957; SPIN CSF0100AU).

Catholic Super and MyLife MySuper are divisions of MyLifeMyMoney Superannuation Fund. The information contained herein is general information only. It has been prepared without taking into account your personal investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is not intended to be, and should not be, construed in any way as investment, legal or financial advice. Please consider your personal position, objectives, and requirements before taking any action. *As rated by independent ratings agency, SuperRatings.

CS499 030818

CATHOLIC women from throughout Australia will gather in Adelaide early next year to explore how to create a Church that is inclusive, missionary and discerning.

Registration is now open for the triennial Council for Australian Catholic Women Colloquium with the themes of the conference being drawn from the Plenary Council 2020.

The Stirring the Waters: Catholic Women Responding to the Spirit event, from February 22 to 24, will engage deeply with the vision of the Plenary Council and involve women in creating the Church of the future.

Council chairperson, Dr Trish Madigan OP, said: “The colloquium program is dynamic and purposeful and I am confident that those who attend will find the experience of shared learning and collaboration, very life-giving.

“We are hoping for a huge number of registrations from across Australia and for at least two women to attend from every diocese,” she said.

As 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking research project Woman and Man: One in Christ Jesus, the event will commence with a facilitated conversation to review the progress and possibilities for Australian Catholic women today.

Keynote speaker and scripture scholar, Dr Michele Connelly, will use key texts from the New

Page 8 - Catholic Life, December 2018

Avinash’s 17 year journey to the priesthood

By Colin Coomber DEACON Avinash George, 33, has been back in India for the past six weeks as he prepares for his ordination as a priest for our diocese.

He will be ordained into the Syro-Malabar Rite by the Archbishop of Tellicherry, Archbishop George Njaralakatt, at Sacred Heart Church in Mampoyil, Kerala, on January 5.

Bishop of Sale, Bishop Pat O’Regan will then confer on him the faculties to be a priest for our diocese.

Mampoyil is Deacon George’s home town but he has lived away from there for more years than he lived there.

He left home at age 16 to join the junior seminary in Northern India of the Third Order Regular priests, a Franciscan Order of which his uncle Fr Mathew Joseph is a member.

Deacon George spent eight years at the seminary and admits he struggled because people there spoke a different language and were more tribal than he was used to in Kerala.

He said that he prayed for God to show him the way to overcome his difficulties and then he met the then Bishop of Sale, Bishop Christopher Prowse who was in India seeking young men to study for the priesthood for Sale Diocese.

He knew little of Australia but had received good reports from his uncle who served in Sale Diocese for several years and so he set out into the unknown to begin formation at Corpus Christi Seminary in Melbourne in 2012.

A cousin, Deacon Stanly Devasia, joined the seminary a year after him which gave him some family connection in Australia. Deacon Devasia will be ordained a priest towards the end of next year.

Deacon George said his desire to join the priesthood had formed earlier than for many, because he was thinking seriously about it when he was only 13 or 14 years old.

He will return to Australia in mid-February to receive his first appointment as an assistant priest.

Deacon Avinash George

Open letter from Marist Brothers’ Provincial TO the Communities of the Sale Diocese: Recently Australians paused for the National Apology to those who have suffered institutional abuse as children.

The Marist Brothers Province of Australia joins with church, government and non-government institutions alike in supporting this acknowledgment of, and apology for, the terrible acts that occurred.

There simply can be no

greater breach of the trust of children, their families and their communities.

The abuse of a child has tragic, enduring and profound consequences, often across lifetimes for them, their families and their communities.

We acknowledge that enormous pain, suffering and distress have resulted from the criminal actions by some of our own Brothers, as well as lay people in our employment.

This is an undeniable fact

Col & Pal Semmens FUNERAL DIRECTORS

~Servicing Gippsland~ Maffra 5147 1954 Sale 5144 1954 Heyfield 5148 3354

Brad

Pal

Col

Our Family Caring For Your Family With 25 Years Experience

that we accept with profound sorrow. We deeply regret the damage caused and the failures that enabled such abhorrent things to happen.

My predecessor and I have expressed publicly and privately our complete and unreserved apology for what has happened to those who have experienced abuse, to their families and loved ones, and to their communities.

I do so again today. On behalf of the Marist Brothers Australia, I express our heartfelt apology for the shameful abuse suffered by those in our care.

We support the National Apology as another important step in the open acceptance and acknowledgment of these terrible events and the damage they have caused.

We know that victims, survivors and their families have been tragically scarred by

FOLLOW THE DIOCESE ON

SOCIAL MEDIA For more news and events, follow @dioceseofsale on Facebook and Instagram

abuse, but we also recognise that the Catholic people of the Diocese have been significantly affected. For all of this, we are deeply sorry.

As much as we would wish it otherwise, we cannot change the past.

All we can do is continue to work cooperatively to bring some healing to those whose lives have been damaged, as well as understanding and building on the lessons learned to ensure that these events are not repeated.

To this end, Marist Schools have in place strict guidelines to protect all students, reinforced by comprehensive staff training, as well as mandatory requirements providing a safer place for children.

We have also been working to address the consequences of the past and our approach is based on three key elements: counselling, apology and monetary compensation.

Anyone who has experienced abuse in any Marist Brothers’ facilities can contact our Professional Standards Office on (02) 9218 4000 where they will be welcomed with care and compassion and assisted to access counselling, apology and seek compensation.

Two Healing and Support Officers are also available to work with and support any person who has suffered abuse.

Over the past two decades, we have responded to and settled many claims in recognition of the suffering and pain endured, and we will continue this work as long as it takes.

This is not the only path for those who have experienced abuse to seek redress at the time and manner of their choosing.

The Marist Brothers have applied to be accepted into the National Redress Scheme and are working with the Australian

Government to conclude that process so that applications can start being assessed.

The National Redress Scheme is operated independently of any institution and provides another avenue for people to make a complaint if they have experienced abuse. The National Redress Scheme can be contacted on 1800 737 377.

Others may wish to pursue their matter through civil litigation; we commit ourselves and our legal representatives to the Truth Justice and Healing Council Guidelines on Civil Litigation Guidelines to ensure an approach that minimises further trauma.

Reporting to the police of any knowledge or information about wrongdoing is essential for justice to be served. We urge any person with evidence of criminal conduct to report that directly to the Police so that the proper investigation can be conducted.

None of this, or what we’ve learned about the reasons for these crimes, will change what has happened or make good the damage that has been caused to the lives of good and decent people.

To those who have been abused and those who have lost loved ones as a result of past sexual abuse, I cannot express enough how sorry I am for what you have endured and continue to suffer.

Br Peter Carroll FMS Provincial

Catholic Life, December 2018 - Page 9

Chance to walk in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims Got a story to tell?

If something has you jumping for joy, share the news with our readers.

Call us on 5622 6688 or email your news and photos to us catholiclife@sale.catholic.org.au

THE ancient church Tosantos at Burgos, Spain, is on the way to Santiago de Compostela.

WHAT if you had the chance to walk where royalty had walked; to retrace the ancient paths that led a saint and thousands of pilgrims to one of the most enriching spiritual sites on earth, Santiago de Compostela?

Catholic Mission Immersions is offering you the chance undertake one of the world’s most transformative spiritual journeys, the Camino Portugués.

Registrations are now open for the 250km walk in the footsteps of St Elizabeth of Aragon, the 13th Century Queen Consort of Portugal.

Over 17 days, beginning in May 2019, pilgrims will walk from the beautiful Portuguese city of Porto, crossing into southern Galicia in Spain before arriving in Santiago de Compostela.

John Kerrigan, Immersions Business Manager at Catholic Mission, says the Camino is more than just religious tourism, offering travellers a chance to reconnect with their spiritual selves.

“A pilgrimage such as this is both an internal and external experience. Regardless of why people set out on the Camino, the journey itself becomes a spiritual adventure, drawing them into a deeper retreat experience.

“This is, after the famous Camino Francés, the most popular Camino route among pilgrims with good reason,” says Mr Kerrigan. The journey takes in lush forests, vineyards, Support your Catholic Community farmlands and small villages along with the historic cities which line the route.

For more information visit “To be walking the Way of NG* TRO www.cdfcommunityfund.org.au/terminvestment S St James and sharing that deep S R YEA spiritual experience with other or call 1800 134 135 pilgrims is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Catholic Mission will operate two immersions in May and *CDF Community Fund has evolved from the Catholic Development Fund Melbourne (formerly Schools Provident Fund), which has been serving the Catholic community since 1956.

June 2019. Groups will meet This advertisement does not constitute financial advice. You should consider seeking advice before making investment decisions. in Lisbon, take in a full day in Disclosure Statement: Your investment with the CDF Community Fund ABN 94 380 397 118 (Fund) will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Catholic Church. Accordingly, the Fund is required by law to tell you that your investment with the Fatima, before heading north Fund is not comparable to those with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund has been granted certain exemptions by the Australian and setting out on the Camino Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Under these exemptions, the Fund is required from Porto. by law to tell you: • The Fund is not prudentially supervised by APRA. Therefore, an investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the In the style of a true immersion, depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959. Investments in the Fund are intended to be a means for investors to support the charitable pilgrims will be asked to leave purposes of the Fund.

• Investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act 2001 or regulation by ASIC. technology behind. Places are • Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes limited with two groups of only of the Fund. eight pilgrims departing in May • The Fund has an identification statement which contains information about the Fund which may be viewed at www.cdfcommunityfund.org.au/ aboutus.

2019, so don’t delay in booking • The Fund does not operate under an Australian Financial Services Licence. The Fund has entered into an intermediary authorisation with an Australian your place on this incredible financial services licensee, CDFCF AFSL Limited ABN 49 622 976 747, AFSL No. 504202 which has an authorisation to issue and deal in debentures which will enable the Fund to rely upon the licensing exemption contained in section 911A(2)(b) of the Corporations Act 2001. adventure.

The Fund is required by law to tell you that you may be unable to get your money back. However, CDPF Limited, a company established by the For more information Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Fund against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this visit catholicmission.org.au/ means your investment is backed by the assets of Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. immersions.

INVEST

WITH

PURPOSE

60

Page 10 - Catholic Life, December 2018

Mannix Era book A NEW book by Gippsland author Patrick Morgan as been launched in East Melbourne.

The Mannix Era: Melbourne Catholic Leadership 19201970 covers the main actors, organisations, events and issues in the Melbourne Archdiocese from 1920-70.

The story has four heroes Archbishop Daniel Mannix, the archdiocese, its weekly newspaper The Advocate and the well-organised Irish Catholic community.

The archdiocese and The Advocate experienced a golden age in the 1920s and 1930s, but in the decades after World War Two, the leading components faltered under the pressure of events.

It is a story of triumph and tragedy, a Catholic archdiocese in which initiatives were encouraged to become under Dr Mannix, the most energetic in Australia, a selfaware community with high participation rates.

It went further ahead in the 1930s with the ground-breaking Campion Society, which in turn led to the founding of the Australia-wide Catholic Action organisation in 1938.

However, it all came crashing down, suddenly and unexpectedly with the Labor Party split of the mid 1950s

in which Catholic Melbourne blew much of its religious and political capital, forfeiting in the process its leading role.

Dr Mannix’s public reputation was shaped by his first and last decades in Australia which were dominated by controversies over conscription and the movement.

Much has been written about both periods in which Mannix is regarded pre-eminantly as a political figure.

These issues remain important, but this book includes other issues such as the inter-war and post-split years, important figures other than Mannix and the Church’s and Mannix’s non-political initiatives.

The book is a sequel to Morgan’s Melbourne Before Mannix.

Patrick Morgan has written and edited several books on topics where religion, politics and history intersect. He taught English at Monash University’s Clayton and Churchill campuses and is a frequent contributor to Quadrant, Tintean and other journals.

The book is available from the Patrick Morgan, 610 Limonite Rd., Boolarra 3870, phone 5169 6216, or morganpa@ iprimus.com.au for $30, plus $5 postage.

Hearing, Healing, Hope

BISHOP Pat O’Regan at the book launch with co-editors Gabrielle McMullen and Denis Fitzgerald.

A NEW book based on presentations at the 2018 Social Services Conference was launched in Warragul on November by Bishop of Sale Pat O’Regan.

Similar launches of Hearing Healing Hope: The Ministry of Service in Challenging Times have taken place in other dioceses around Australia.

The book produced by Catholic Social Services Victoria builds on the reflections and challenges of keynote speakers, workshop leaders and engaged participants at the Catholic Social Services national conference held in

Melbourne in February 2018.

It includes an array of inspiring, practical and useful resources for all involved in Catholic social services, nationally.

Chapters have been contributed by sector leaders and distinguished commentators including Fr Frank Brennan SJ from Catholic Social Service Australia, Dr Robyn Miller from MacKillop Family Services, Elizabeth Proust from Australian Institute of Company Directors. Phil Glendinning from Edmund Rice Centre, Geraldine Doogue from the ABC and journalist

Your Guide to What’s On & When DECEMBER 15 – Ordination to priesthood of Deacon Hiep Nguyen, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 11am 21 – Christmas holidays begin for primary schools (tbc) 21 – Sion House closes for ChristmasNew Year break 24 – Christmas Eve 25 – Christmas Day liday ay y 26 – Boxing Day Public Holiday 30 – The Holy Family 31 – New Year’s Eve

2019

JANUARY 1 –New Year’s Day y 1 – Solemnity of Mary Mother yM Mo othheerr ooff God 5 – Ordination of Deacon Avinash on Avi on vn essth George to Sale Diocese priesthood, India 6 – Epiphany 13 – Baptism of the Lord 17 – St Anthony 26 – Australia Day 28 – Australia Day public holiday 28 – St Thomas Aquinas 29 – Term one begins 31 – St John Bosco

FEBRUARY 1 – St Brigid 2 – Presentation of the Lord 4 - Deadline for February Catholic Life 11 – Our Lady of Lourdes 14 - Catholic Life published

MARCH 5 – Shrove Tuesday 6 – Ash Wednesday, beginning of Lent 8 – St John of God

11 – Labor Day holiday 17 – St Patrick’s Day 19 – St Joseph the Spouse 24-31 - Emmaus Walking Retreat, San Remo to Welshpool 25 – Annunciation of the Lord

APRIL 1 - Deadline for April Catholic Life 6 – School holidays begin 10 - Catholic Life published 11-14 – Farm World, Lardner Park 14 – Palm Sunday 18 – Holy Thursday 19 – Good Friday 20 – Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil 21 – Easter Sunday 22 – Easter Monday public holiday 23 – Term two begins 25 – Anzac Day 26 – St Mary, evangelist 26-27 – East Gippsland Field Days, Bairnsdale 28 – Divine Mercy Sunday 29 – St Catherine of Siena

MAY Parish collections for Trinity Families 1 – St Joseph the Worker 13 – Our Lady of Fatima 24 – Our Lady Help of Christians 31 – Visitation of the BVM

JUNE 2 – The Ascension of the Lord 6 – St Marcellin Champagnat 9 – Pentecost Sunday 10 – Queen’s Birthday public holiday 16 – The Holy Trinity 24 – Nativity of St John the Baptist

Paul Bongiorno.

It was edited by Gabrielle McMullen, Patrice Scales and Denis Fitzgerald and published

by Connorcourt Publishing..

It was hoped that the book becomes the basis for further reflection and that it be used to help board directors and executive teams to better understand their own organisations, the social services sector and the global factors which can have an effect.

The book costs $29.95 and can be ordered online from www.connorcourtpublishing. com.au.

Email your events to catholiclife@sale.catholic.org.au or phone 5622 6688

28 – Sacred Heart of Jesus 29 - Sts Peter and Paul 29 – School holidays begin

JULY 3 – St Thomas the Apostle 11 – St Benedict 15 – Term three begins 22 – St Mary Magdalene 25 - St James 30 – Closing date for applications for funding from Trinity Families

AUGUST 6 – Transfiguration of the Lord 8 – St Mary of the Cross (Mary MacKillop) 15 – Assumption of the BVM 22 – Queenship of Mary 28 – St Augustine

SEPTEMBER 13-14 – Diocesan assembly 14 – Exaltation of the Holy Cross 21 – School holidays begin 21 – St Matthew 23 – St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) 27 – St Vincent de Paul OCTOBER 1 – St Therese of the Child Jesus (Therese of Lisieux) 4 – St Francis of Assisi 7 – Our Lady of the Rosary 7 – Term four begins 11 – St John XXIII 12 – Caulfield Guineas 18 – St Luke 19 – Caulfield Cup 22 – St John Paul II

NOVEMBER 1 – All Saints 2 – All Souls 5 – Melbourne Cup public holiday 14 – St Laurence O’Toole 21 – Presentation of the BVM 24 – Christ the King 30 – St Andrew DECEMBER 1 – Advent begins 3 – St Francis Xavier 6 – St Nicholas 9 – Immaculate conception 20 – School holidays begin 25 – Christmas Day 26 – Boxing Day 28 – Holy Innocents 29 – The Holy Family 31 – New Year’s Eve

NOTE: Dates, times and venues may change without notice being given to Catholic Life to make amendments.

School holiday dates can vary from school to school depending on teacher in-service and other student-free days etc.

Major sporting events, local agricultural shows and festivals are included so clashes can be avoided when planning parish or school events.

Catholic Life, December 2018 - Page 11

If it’s too good to be true, Lakes CWL is 30 alarm bells should be ringing I HAVE written in other media before about scams and rip-offs and usually the articles have been popular.

We all like to think “we know better” but do we? There are articles published all the time regarding scams and rip-offs and every so often one makes you sit up and take notice, either because of the people involved (being ripped off) or the sheer effrontery of the scheme.

The most spectacular schemes of all are the Ponzi schemes where high flying celebrity names and other well known people are ensnared.

Recently, a Queensland company, Goldsky, claiming to be an international hedge fund manager has had its assets frozen by the ASIC and is also being sued by the US authority, the Securities and Exchange Commission. They claim that the business is unlicensed and is a Ponzi scheme.

It’s not the role of this article to say whether it is or is not but there are lessons to be learned here, as there are when any improper activities are revealed.

A Ponzi scheme is a scheme, usually involving investments, where investors are paid from new monies being invested.

There are no real earnings so when the contributions cease, the house of cards falls over and collapses.

The Madoff scheme in New York a decade ago was one of the largest in the world, with the fraud totalling more than US$60 billion. It is very, very close in nature to a pyramid scheme.

Ponzi schemes will have one of two characteristics – they will pay large, well above average returns and then collapse quickly or they well pay very regular returns for a long time and then collapse quickly.

Dollars

and $ense

by David Wells What is consistent is that at some stage they will collapse and do it very quickly.

They rely on new contributions to enable returns to be made to existing investors, most of whom would have no idea that they are part of such a scheme.

In most cases, people who are trapped in these have been introduced by friends who have also been convinced to contribute and are star struck by the very, very good returns being ostensibly achieved.

Unfortunately when things turn belly up there’s usually very little chance of getting your money back.

There are a number of ways to protect yourself from succumbing to the temptation of earning better than normal returns.

The first one is to ensure that any investment is under the auspices of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) holder.

While this may not protect in every case it does at least mean that the firm has been through some form of licensing and has a real address.

Bernie Madoff, referred to above, was at one stage the chair of the NASDAQ, so reputation and licensing isn’t necessarily a protection.

Don’t chase quick riches or better than expected returns over the longer term. There are long term average returns for a

Investments made simple.

Personal advice Unrivalled experience Buy and sell shares, portfolio managememt Investment research and daily market information Investment advice for self managed super funds

For all your investment needs please contact: David Wells W , Senior Investment Adviser on 03 9268 1157 or toll free 1800 150 009 or dwells@shawandpartners.com.au

reason and anyone who claims to beat them every time without a high level of extra risk is telling porkies. If it’s too good to be true, it isn’t true.

Don’t invest on a friend’s recommendation. While I love client referrals, I still need to explain to investors where the money will be invested, and how and where to check it out.

There’s no secrecy, there’s no “unique” formula or idea that will allow any one person to beat the market every time. Not in any form of investment.

People thought Kerry Packer never made a bad investment – he actually made many blunders but he also made some spectacularly rewarding ones.

We just never heard much about the failures.

And, does the person who is introducing you to the investment hold an AFSL. To offer any investment advice for any reward (including a spotter’s fee) without a licence or being a representative of one, is illegal.

Get a second opinion and do your own independent research.

This will enable you determine what risks may be present and what the usual returns may be.

That’s after you’ve asked to have explained how the investment works. If the promoter can’t or won’t explain it, then it should be a real no-go for you.

Bear in mind that if you lose $10 that would have earned you 9 percent, then your next $10 will take about eight years to recover that for you.

To all my readers, wherever you are, I wish a happy and loving Christmas to you and your families. Please keep safe.

• This report is intended to provide general advice. In preparing this advice, David Wells and Shaw and Partners did not take into account the investment objective, the financial situation and particular needs of any particular person. Before making an investment decision on the basis of this advice, you need to consider, with or without the assistance of an adviser, whether the advice is appropriate in light of your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.

Talk to

Catholic Life about our special deal of placing credit card sized advertisements in three consecutive issues for a pre-paid total of $150.

LAKES Entrance CWL members gather for the 30th anniversary celebrations.

LAKES ENTRANCE - A luncheon was held in October to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Lakes Entrance branch of Catholic Women’s League.

Among the 40 guests were Fr Michael Willemsen and Fr Anthony Phillips along with branch members some accompanied by their husbands.

Three ladies travelled from Canberra, Eaglehawk and Maffra.

Apologies were received from Sr Lynette Young RSJ, Sr Madeleine White RSJ, local members and former members from towns all over Victoria.

President Margaret East welcomed guests and thanked Louise Anketell for organising the luncheon.

Guests mingled and friendships were rekindled and past efforts were recalled of the many functions and activities planned and executed over the years.

Whilst our membership celebrate each other’s company,

we assist the parish by catering for funerals with the support of parents from St Brendan’s School, attend to church linen, flower arranging, visiting bereaved families.

Our members are kept informed on social questions issues that arise and have continued to endeavor to change world and local affairs through opportunities in challenging Governments when proposals for change to laws are against the teachings of the Catholic Church.

On the social side we enjoy meeting in a coffee shop and fundraising, with the proceeds directed towards various charities. Proceeds from our upcoming Christmas raffle, which is supported by the most generous residents of our town, will be directed towards the purchase of a defibrillator, which will be listed on a Lakes Entrance database making it available to the parish and wider community.

Barristers & Solicitors

Professional advice and assistance in all areas of the Law.

Bairnsdale

Sale

Omeo

119 Main Street 5152 2661

99 Raymond Street 5144 1777

Day Avenue 5159 1323

Lakes Entrance

Orbost

383 Esplanade 5155 1286

14 Ruskin Street 5154 2010

Mallacoota

62 Maurice Avenue 5158 0077 Excellence in Service, Quality & Value Serving Gippsland for over 100 years

Page 12 - Catholic Life, December 2018

New CatholicCare counsellors TWO new counsellors are now working with CatholicCare in the Sale Diocese.

This bring the number of counsellors operating out of

offices in Pakenham, Warragul and Sale to five.

Paula Hooberbruggen works out of the Warragul and Pakenham offices three and

Kerry Williamson

a half days a week providing counselling for couples, individuals, youth, and for family violence instances.

Before becoming a counsellor she was a community youth worker in the Latrobe Valley.

Kerry Williamson operates from the Warragul and Pakenham offices and specialises in providing services for children.

She previously worked at a family mediation centre in Ringwood, working with children and teenagers who had experienced breakdown in their parents marriage.

She is also a former preschool and mothercare nurse, and worked with adolescents and families for many years.

She has worked with high risk children in collaboration with government agencies.

She said many children experienced grief and loss and this often led to problems which needed to be addressed. Often good results could be achieved through play therapy.

Paula Hoogerbruggen

Grandparents Day in Traralgon

Recontextualised Prodigal Son

A SCHOOL play has inspired primary school-aged students from St James Primary, Nar Nar Goon, to share the gift of giving to those less fortunate this Christmas.

After performing their end of year concert ‘Good Times’, which highlighted the plight of those facing homelessness, students at St James Primary School took it upon themselves to raise vital funds for the local St Vincent de Paul branch.

The play, which was written

by St James teacher and religious education leader Bernadette Hance, explored a modern take on the parable of

the Prodigal Son. “The play was enacted by the senior students to show how youth live in a digital world and have many challenges of today,” Ms Hance said.

“During the play, the homeless living in the streets were depicted respectfully and how there are organisations such as Vinnies who are there ready to help out. As a way of taking action, the Social Justice Crew (our senior students) decided to take up a collection after the play to support the efforts of St Vincent de Paul after learning about the plight of the homeless.

HANK Dortmans receives the cheque from Grade 6 students.

“This collection raised $737 which was an overwhelming effort by the St James community.”

Students worked through music lessons and lunchtimes for seven weeks preparing for the performance, which took place at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.

“The feedback from the community was overwhelming with many parents stating they couldn’t believe how well their children presented such a powerful show with music, singing, dancing and a heartwarming message too.”

A cheque was presented to St Vincent de Paul at St James Primary School on Friday 30 November.

“We want to give this money to St Vincent’s to give someone a second chance – even if it’s just a nice week or day,” Grade 6 student Adam said.

St Vincent de Paul volunteer Hank Dortmans, from the IonaMaryknoll division, welcomed the donation.

“Locally this money will help families in need for things such as food and bills,” Hank said.

“Christmas is an especially difficult time for families,” he added.

TAHLIA, Kiarna, Sophie, Nanna and Levi TRARALGON - Grandparents, parents, siblings and special friends gathered last month on Grandparents’ Day for a special encore performance of all St Michael’s School classes’ eisteddfod items.

The children then took their grandparents on a tour of the art show where every child had at least two pieces of art proudly displayed.

Following on, families participated in art activities with the students in their classrooms.

When asked about the day, Chloe from grade 1 said, “My aunty, uncle, nanna, grandma, pa, grandad, mum, dad and little brother all came. Grandad and I played a game where we

rolled a dice and drew a face. I also played Roll a Landscape with my nanna. They said they had the best day ever and my grandma even sent an email.

Grade 1, Xavier replied, “My Nan came and she got to watch me sing ‘Splish Splash’ with my grade. I also had Nunna there and we played Roll a face and she made a Chatterbox.”

School principal Jodie Ware commented, “It was lovely to combine the art show with a special Grandparents Day. “The children loved having their ‘special’ people there to show around the school and in particular their pieces of art work.”

Find all Christmas Mass times for Sale Diocese at the diocesan web page www.sale.catholic.org.au/parishes/christmas-masses

Catholic Life, December 2018 - Page 13

Photos from around the diocese

NEWBOROUGH artist Mario Christou talked to children at St Mary’s Primary School, Newborough, about his passion for art and took his Archibald Prize portrait of Victoria Cross winner Edward Kenner. Pictured with the artist are (from left) Irene, Elly, Felicity, Annie, Remi and Allie.

RELIGIOUS education songwriter and singer Andrew Chinn visited St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Trafalgar. Chinn conducted workshops throughout the day and the program culminated with a whole school concert. Chinn pictured with students (back, from left), Justyce Word, Millie Francis, Izzy Grylls, Noah Tunks and Sheridan Jacobs, and (Front, from left) Hannah Upston and Jamie-Lee Abrecht.

A WELL-attended ecumenical day was held at the Anglican Abbey retreat centre on Raymond Island in the Gippsland Lakes. Bishop of Sale Pat O’Regan (centre) is pictured with Dean of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Sale, Canon Susanna Pain and Anglican Bishop of Gippsland Richard Treloar.

ST Joseph’s Mini Vinnie’s group at Trafalgar were grateful to receive their new ‘Cheer me Up Chair’ crafted by the local Men’s Shed. The chair will help students who feel lonely or in need of comfort within the school grounds to be identified by others and welcomed into playground activities. Pictured (rear, from left) Eric Johnson, Stan Kelly, Sienna Jonas, Bridie Balfour, Xanthe Paul, Ron Fletcher and (front, from left) Sheridan Jacobs, Hannah Upston and Noah Tunks.

PAM and Frank O’Donnell from Lakes Entrance received a Papal Blessing for their diamond wedding anniversary, presented by parish priest Fr Anthony Phillips (centre) at a celebration Mass. They married in Myrtleford, have lived in Lakes Entrance 43 years and have eight children, 25 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. They had 14 grandchildren at at St Brendan’s Primary one year!

LISTENING intently at the special day for 2019 school leaders are Lavalla College captain Lincoln Ingravaille and St Peter’s College captain Maureen Gabriel.

Page 14 - Catholic Life, December 2018

For the Young and Young at Heart IN an effort to help a student understand the concept of addition, he asked “John, if you had $7 in one pocket and $5 in the other what would you have?”

John thought for a while and answered “Someone else’s trousers!”

Q: What do you call a blind reindeer?

A: No eye deer

Colour this Christmas scene

Q: Who delivers Christmas presents to dogs?

A: Santa paws!

Q: Who delivers Christmas presents to cats?

IT was just before A: Santa claws!

Christmas and the magistrate was in a happy mood. He A MAN walks into a bar asked the prisoner in the one day and asks, “Does dock what he was charged anyone here own that with. rottweiler outside?”

The prisoner replied “Yeah, I do!” a biker says, “Doing my Christmas standing up. “What about shopping too early.” it?”

“That’s no crime,” said “Well, I think my the magistrate. “Just how chihuahua just killed him...” early were you doing this “What are you talkin’ shopping?” about?!” the biker says, “It was before the shops disbelievingly.

“How could opened,” replied the prisoner. your little runt kill my MARIA went to the post rottweiler?”

“Well, it seems he got stuck office to buy some Christmas in your dog’s throat!” stamps.

“What denomination?”

WHY was Santa’s little asked the clerk. helper depressed?

“Good heavens. Let me see.

He had low elf esteem.

I’ll have 10 Catholic ones and five each of Anglican JIM, Joe and Jeff have and Uniting.” been going to the same club A PRIEST was being together for years and had honored at his retirement never won a prize in the dinner after 25 years in regular Friday night raffle.

One night they all get the parish. A leading local politician who was lucky.

Jim wins a big food member of the congregation was chosen to make the hamper, Joe wins a trip for presentation and to give a two to a Queensland resort little speech at the dinner. and Jeff wins a toilet brush.

However, he was delayed, A few weeks later they so the priest decided to say catch up again on the Friday his own few words while night to compare notes. they waited: Jim says the food hamper “I got my first impression was a really handy because of the parish from the first his wife did not have to buy confession I heard here. I food for a week and so they thought I had been assigned saved enough money for a to a terrible place. weekend away.

“The very first person who Joe tells of the great week entered my confessional told he and his wife had spent at me he had stolen a television the resort. set and, when questioned by Jeff then says “The toilet the police, was able to lie his brush was okay but I think I way out of it. He had stolen will go back to using paper!” money from his parents, embezzled his employer, and THERE was a very taken illegal drugs. I was religious man who fell in the appalled. river and he couldn’t swim.

“But as the days went on I When a boat came by, the learned that my people were captain yelled, “Do you need not all like that and I had, help, sir?” indeed, come to a fine parish The man calmly said “No, full of good and loving God will save me.” people.”

A little later, another boat Just as the priest finished came by and a fisherman his talk, the politician arrived asked, “Hey, do you need full of apologies at being help?” late. He immediately began The man replied again, to make the presentation and “No God will save me.” gave his talk: Eventually the man “I’ll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived,” drowned and went to heaven where he met God and asked said the politician.

“In fact, I had the honor of him “Why didn’t you save being the first person to go to me?”

God replied, “Fool, I sent him for confession.”

Moral: Never, Never, you two boats!”

Never Be Late

Find these nativity story words

a r

M is m !

C bo

ANGELS BETHLEHEM DONKEY FRANKINCENSE GOLD

HEROD INNKEEPER JESUS JOSEPH MANGER

MARY MYRRH SHEPHERDS STABLE STAR

VIRGIN WISE MEN

Catholic Life, December 2018 - Page 15

STEM learning approach for St Joseph’s students

Italian studies backed THE Italian Australian Coordinating Committee of Gippsland wants more students to participate in annual awards for Italian language studies.

The committee has been recognising and celebrating high achievers for the past 20 years.

Most of those recognised have been students at our Catholic schools.

The secretary Giuliana Di Sisto said teachers were invited

to liaise with the association for the awards.

One student per year level at each participating school will receive an award.

It was a pleasure and honor to support teachers to nurture and promote studies in Italian language and culture.

Teachers should contact the association by emailing iaccog@outlook.com to find out more information.

WARRAGUL Grade 5/6 students of St Joseph’s Primary School have immersed themselves in the inquiry approach to learning which has incorporated STEM the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The children began their unit of work with a visit to Gumbuya World to see the improvements and the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of running a theme park.

The children began their unit of work by researching the science and engineering aspects related to roller coasters. They learned about potential and kinetic energy, the forces of gravity, centripetal forces, clothoid loops, G forces, friction, magnetism, velocity and acceleration.

Each class read about the history of the roller coaster and explored the improvements of theme parks over the years. The children looked at geographical and financial reasons why theme parks are located in certain parts of Australia and throughout the world.

There were also conversations held and comparisons made in relation to the aesthetics of theme parks and how they will attract their customers.

In addition to ethical decisions made to make theme parks

Classifieds prayer HOLY SPIRIT You who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideals, you who gives me a divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me; in this short dialogue I want to thank you for everything and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you, no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in Your perpetual Glory. (Mention your request). Thank you Holy Spirit for your love towards me and my loved one. Amen This prayer should be said for three consecutive days. After the 3rd day the request will be granted, no matter how difficult it may be.

While making the request one must either promise to publish on granting the favor or promise to circulate copies of it to as many people as possible.

This is to spread the wonder of the Holy Spirit.

READERS please note that published prayers reflect the beliefs of those who place the advertisements. We ask readers to judge for themselves, especially in regards to suggested fulfilment of requests made in these prayers.

prayer

public notices

St Jude NOVENA. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved, adored, glorified and made renowned throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us, Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us. Thanks St Jude for prayers answered.

Say this prayer nine times a day for nine days. By the eighth day your prayers will be answered.

It has never been known to fail.

Publication must be promised.

VOCATIONS Priests & Deacons Are you considering a vocation as a priest or deacon for the Diocese of Sale?

If so please contact

Fr Michael Willemsen 5152 3106 vocations@sale.catholic.org.au

wanted known

Your will be done Trinity Families asks you to consider assisting our work in funding charitable projects across the diocese.

Remembering Trinity Families in your will by making a bequest is an effective way of ensuring that you do something to help those struggling families in our midst.

If you need more information on bequests contact: PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820 Ph: 56 22 6688 ABN 85 334 135 693

safe, accessible and inclusive to everyone.

After all of the research and class discussions, the children were given two projects to be completed in groups. The first project was to design and construct two roller coaster carriages that could be coupled together and make the journey down the ramp that each class had in their room.

There were many hours of sketching, drawing labelled diagrams, technical drawings, redesigning, constructing, testing, analysing, making changes and finally developing the final product. One of the ramps was equipped with an Arduino microcontroller which was able to measure the final velocity of each roller coaster to the microsecond.

The second project the children were given was to program a Sphero robot using their iPads and simple block coding to navigate around a course with predetermined obstacles.

The Sphero needed to complete a 360 degree rotation, be off the ground for at least five seconds, pass through a structure that can hold at least 2kg of weight, and finally drop off a structure and land in an absorbent material.

The children thoroughly enjoyed learning how to code a robot and were continually required to use their logic, problem solving skills and a lot of persistence to achieve a goal.

During Term Two, the journey of STEM at St Joseph’s began with experimenting with a construction kit called Makedo. A set of plastic screws,

screwdrivers and saws enabled the children to build objects out of cardboard.

The children were required to build a contraption that would be able to hold their drink bottles off the ground or table at a height of 10-20 cm. This was a great start to learning the principles of design and construction and learn about some engineering ideas.

One of the classes created a magnificent model of a theme park. Groups were assigned to different key components, as suggested by them after our trip to Gumbuya World and reviewing successful theme parks around the world.

After some initial design difficulties, the groups worked together and created a model that reflected the knowledge they had gained over the course of the term.

Most of the materials used came from packaging and the Reverse Art Truck in Narre Warren, a council based resource with a focus on sustainability. By promoting sustainability within these projects, landfill attributed to the school can be minimised.

Throughout the term each child kept a journal of their learning which were also on display at the Expo. The students utilised a range of literacy skills such as planning, drafting, editing and publishing to ensure their work was of high standard.

The teachers at St Joseph’s were very proud of the amazing work the children completed and the amount of knowledge that they have absorbed from this wonderful experience.

Remembering dead and the elderly EACH year St Joseph’s, Warragul, St Ita’s, Drouin, and St Ignatius, Neerim South, dedicate November to two important events in the life of the parishes.

Mass was celebrated at St Joseph’s Warragul on November 8 and each Church had made available a Remembrance Book where parishioners listed the names of recently deceased family members and friends.

At the start of Mass, a member from each community processed in and presented the books which were placed on the altar signifying those who were to be prayed for at this Mass.

Parishioners were invited to write the name of a recently deceased spouse, family member or friend on a cardboard leaf and they were invited place these on a small branch positioned on a step of the altar.

Parishioners then lit a taper which they placed in a bed of sand contained in a wooden cross placed at the foot of the altar. As this simple ceremony took place Fr Peter Slater softly played the guitar and sang “Into Paradise”.

On November 23 St Joseph’s

celebrated its senior citizens with the Mass of Anointing celebrated by Fr Peter Slater assisted by Fr Herman Hengel, Fr John Davine and Deacon Hiep Nguyen.

Personal invitations had been sent to all our senior parishioners inviting them to attend and join in a luncheon after Mass.

About 100 attended with 80 remaining to enjoy lunch in the Marian Room. Members of the parish office, Parish Pastoral Council and pastoral care Group set up the room and hosted the luncheon.

We are grateful to St Joseph’s Parents and Friends for providing the sandwiches and the many parishioners who generously providing slices and cakes to go with tea and coffee.

Each year a group of students from Marist Sion College attend accompanied by their teachers.

The students take part in the liturgy and assist with the lunch by serving tea and coffee to the senior member of our parish.

As a parish community this serves to remind us that not only do we serve but we in turn are served by others.

Page 16 - Catholic Life, December 2018

Newborough students shine on the stage ROBIN Who? was the title of the concert at St Mary’s School, Newborough.

Over 160 children were involved in this great event.

The Year 6 children were the main characters and the rest of the classes performed two songs each. The teachers did a great job in conjunction with the director, choreographing all of the dances.

The synopsis of the story was, Robin Who was the Newboroughwood Forest soccer star who steals from the rich and gives to the poor.

King Henry is desperate to win back the Cup of Life from Moeville and will do anything to win back the title and the precious Cup of Life.

It is the job of the sheriff to find Robin Who and keep King Henry and his mother, Queen Gertrude, happy and safe.

The narrator of the play was Year 6 student, Elly, who played Elly-A-Dale. She kept the audience captivated with her brilliant performance.

The other main characters also kept the auditorium

entertained with their wonderful performances.

King Henry, Year 6 student Jack, portrayed great strength and royalty. Queen Gertrude played by Annie, dotted over her son, King Henry.

The Sheriff, played by Mitchell, had the job to find

ANNIE as the Queen Gertrude and Jack as King Henry.

Robin Who. This was not an easy task, as he had to overcome many fears, and one of those was coming across the Newboroughwood Forest Fox, played by Nicholas, who was a good friend of Robin Who. Luckily, at the Cup of Life soccer match, Robin Who turned up and won the cup back.

Robin Who was to be arrested, but the King had one ultimatum, that was to stop robbing the rich and open soccer schools for children of Newboroughwood Forest.

Robin Who, played by Logan from Year 6, agreed and knew it was time to have peace and harmony so he agreed with the King.

Together with Maid Marion, Malaya from Year 6, they achieved this.

Two sold out shows reinforced the popularity of this annual event.

It was wonderful having the whole community involved with students and dads building and painting the set, mothers and grandmothers making costumes and assisting with hair and makeup. Local photographer Lee from Belle Photography took these amazing photos.

THE cast of the wonderful play Robin Who?

NICHOLAS looks the part as the cunning Newboroughwood Forest Fox.

Morwell closure for Year of Youth in the Valley MORWELL Catholic Parish decided to host the closing of the Year of the Youth for the Latrobe Valley region on November 24.

The event was open to the Latrobe Valley parishes which saw, youth from across the Diocese of Sale coming together.

In the days leading up to it, the weather was wet, cold and not looking good – but on the day the rain held off and the event started with grace being said by all and barbecue in full swing.

This was all being held at the Sacred Heart School grounds with the hall a safe haven in case the weather turned

bad.

Activities, testimony, singing and prayer time was led by the Narre Warren youth group, among the presence of parish priest Fr James Fendandez CP, assistant priest Fr Edwin Ogbuka, Traralgon parish priest Fr Francis Otobo, and seminarian Mark Hughes.

There were many parents who stayed on and enjoyed the festivities.

The event closed with a youth Mass at Sacred Heart Church 6pm. Traralgon youth group sang throughout the Mass.

Will Iuliano on holidays from the Brisbane seminary gave a testimony on his journey and studies on becoming a

priest.

Each of the youth had written a prayer which was attached to a balloon which at the end of Mass in the courtyard were let go to mark the closure of the year of the youth, but also a beginning of new friendship and new connections of forming and making the youth group bigger and more prominent in the Diocese of Sale.

This day bought so much inspiration, so much joy and a deeper understanding and awareness through the various dialogues of listening, sharing and speaking openly about what God meant to each of us individually.