Volume 49, No3 SEPTEMBER 2014 $2.00
Children from St. Brigid’s Primary School in Coonamble took part in Book Week
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Beloved Diocesan priest called home
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ather Aeneas (Hugh) Delaney was called to his eternal home on 2nd September 2014, following a short illness, at the age of 88 years.
the life of the Church. Hugh was not a spectator, but a driver of change for the better: in Catholic education, in promoting the role of women and the laity, and in new forms of Christian prayer. He was always a friend of the poor. I will miss his wise counsel and unwavering support”.
Father Delaney was a priest of the Diocese for almost 60 years and served as Assistant and Parish Priest in several parishes. He was also Inspector of Schools and Vicar General for the Diocese. His involvement and achievements in Education and Pastoral Planning in the Diocese were varied and distinguished and he was pastor, mentor and friend to many across the Diocese and decades.
A Mass of Christian Burial was concelebrated by Bishop McKenna, Bishop Emeritus Kevin Manning (Parramatta) and 15 priests of the Diocese in the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John on 5 th September 2014, before interment in the Maranatha Lawn Cemetery in Bathurst.
Bishop Michael McKenna said “He lived out the promises of his sacred calling with fidelity and vigour. Those six decades have been a time of enormous changes, for good and ill, in
The full text of Bishop McKenna’s homily and Father Pat O’Regan’s Words of Remembrance can be found on the Diocesan website bathurst.catholic.org.au
Cathedral restoration work continues
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he restoration of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John has continued over the winter months, with almost all the 150 year old mortar in the brick work painstakingly removed and replaced, ensuring the original bricks were undamaged. This has been a very slow process, with the mortar around each brick being cut out and then replaced with new mortar based on that originally used, matching the colour and extending the life of the brick work by another 150 years. After a long sea journey, the two Cathedral bells have arrived at the Whitechapel Foundry in London, where they were originally cast. The repairs of the hairline crack, chipping and reconstruction of the headstock and ringing mechanism is expected to take eight weeks. The bells will then return to our shores for re-installation in time to ring out as part of the sesquicentenary. After an extensive search, the sandstone to replace the intricate and ornate carvings that are featured on the external walls of the Cathedral, was shipped from a quarry in Donnybrook, Western Australia. Stone
Restorations
owner,
Lodewijks travelled to the quarry and reviewed each block before having them shipped to Rylstone, to begin the delicate process of shaping and carving the sandstone to match the stonework to be replaced.
above and below each stone must be stabilised to ensure the integrity of the wall remains uncompromised while the damaged stones are removed and the replacements made.
The photo above shows a selection of The process of replacing the stones is the stone from Donnybrook that will Ron far from straightforward, as the wall replace the ornate window sills.
September 2014 - Page 2
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Thanking our Fathers
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he Diocese held its inaugural Fathers’ Day Appeal in September, for the ongoing support of our retired priests. Parishioners throughout the Diocese had the opportunity to offer their support to our retired clergy by making a donation to the Appeal at Masses on the Fathers’ Day weekend. Provision for aged and infirm priests is the privileged responsibility of the faithful, to whom these men have given their lives. Having borne the heat of the day in pastoral service, their modest needs should now be addressed with dignity and respect. With 13 priests currently retired and a further three reaching the age of 75 or over by 2020, the need is obvious. Acknowledging that these men have journeyed with parishioners and their loved ones in joy and in sorrow, financial support for them can be an expression of gratitude by all those whose lives they have touched. If you would like to contribute to the Fathers’ Day Appeal, you can still do so by sending your donation to: The Clergy Retirement Foundation, PO Box 246 Bathurst NSW 2795 or email Father Henry (Harry) Patrick Quigley now resides at St Catherine’s Aged Care your enquiry to: supportretiredclergy@ Facility in Bathurst after 57 years of service in the priesthood. Fr Harry enjoys any bathurst.catholic.org.au chance he has to participate in parish functions and to catch up with parishioners.
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MacKillop College PO Box 691, Bathurst NSW 2795 P: (02) 6338 2200 E: mackillop@bth.catholic.edu.au W: www.mackillopcollege.com.au September 2014 - Page 3
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Vale Cardinal Clancy
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is Eminence Edward Bede Cardinal Clancy AC, the seventh Archbishop of Sydney passed away peacefully in Sydney on 3rd August 2014.
true leader with total dedication to his vocation. Cardinal Clancy made many contributions to the Australian Church and especially here in Sydney during a lifetime of service”.
Cardinal Clancy was aged 90 and for the past eight years had been cared for by the Little Sisters of the Poor at Randwick.
Cardinal Clancy was born in Lithgow. He was Archbishop of Sydney from 1983 to 2001, when he retired. He was succeeded by Cardinal George Pell.
Bishop Peter Comensoli, Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney said, “News of Cardinal Clancy’s passing is received with great sadness.
The Apostolic Nuncio, the Most Reverend Paul Gallagher, celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial for Cardinal Clancy on 9 th August 2014 in St. Mary’s Cathedral and his body was laid to rest in the Cathedral’s Crypt.
He was a great Churchman and a
Vale Bishop Ted Collins MSC
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ishop Emeritus Edmund John Patrick Collins, familiarly known as ‘Bishop Ted’, died on 8 th August 2014 at St. Joseph’s Aged Care Home in Kensington, Sydney, aged 83.
Bishop Ted had been declining in health over recent months. “He was a man of great kindness and pastoral gifts, much loved not only by members of his own faith, but by all who came in contact with him”.
He was Bishop of the Diocese of Darwin for 21 years, from 1986 to A Mass of Christian Burial was 2007 and saw many changes in celebrated at Darwin’s St. Mary’s the Diocese and Northern Territory Cathedral. during that time. Current Ordinary of the Diocese of Bishop Ted was laid to rest in the Darwin, Bishop Eugene Hurley, said Crypt of the Cathedral.
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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
MacKillop College ~ Bathurst Tournament Of Minds
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acKillop students recently came first in the Mathematics Engineering, Applied Technology and Social Sciences challenges at at the Tournament of Minds (TOM) Regional Competition. James Sheahan students won the remaining Language and Literature section. TOM is a problem-solving program for teams of students from both primary and secondary years. It aims to enhance the potential of our youth by developing diverse skills, enterprise, time management and the discipline to work collaboratively within a competitive environment. Other schools competing were St. Johns College, Dubbo; Red Bend College, Forbes; and Canowindra and Mudgee High Schools. The winning teams will now move on to the State finals in Sydney.
talented TOM Convener, leader and instructor, Mrs Annette Welch, ably supported by Ms Linda Aldwinckle, Mrs Sue Lyne and her husband Mr Philip Lyne, Mrs Amber Bowman and Mrs Gina Whelan. Congratulations to the following students: Applied Technology: Brianna Casey, Elisha Green, Katrina Casey, Jennifer Whitwell, Kate McPhillamy, Rachel Stewart, Emily Press. Social Sciences: Lauren Bohane, Ella Menzies, Sarah Dwyer, Lili Carter, Alisha Gunning, Isabel Smith, Olive Watch. Maths Engineering: Maggie Chan, Moumita Paul, Abi Fawcett, Radhika Singh, Aimee Nicholls, Lilian Collins, Ranuli Dissanayake. Language Literature: Nancy Ismay, Emily Bohane, Brooke Hooper, Katie Evans, Samantha Walker, Elizabeth Noonan, Prue Burge. Kathy Keech
Congratulations must go to the very
House Music Festival
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n 2015, the College will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the House Music Festival (HMF), an integral part of the School’s calendar each year. In the last weeks of term two, a casual visitor to the College would probably wonder where all the students were at lunch time. The answer? “At House Music Festival practice!” Other schools have festivals or competitions using a house system, but as far as we know, ours is the only one that is completely organised and run by students, and involves every student. It is a completely co-curricular event; all rehearsals take place out of class time, usually at lunch. House Captains and their organising committees co-ordinate everything; they select music, edit tracks, devise choreography, plan and conduct rehearsals. Teachers simply supervise rehearsals, with creative input and most of the organisation the resposnsibility of the students. This especially applies to the creative movement girls, who are passionate about dance and will come in before school and stay back late to make sure their work is perfect. Kathy Keech
The Catholic Observer is published by the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst (Diocesan Publications) PO Box 246, Bathurst, NSW, 2795 ph: (02) 6334 6400 fax: (02) 6331 9453 email: observer@bathurst.catholic.org.au Editor ~ Fiona Lewis Communications Co-ordinator ~ Kimbalee Clews Designer ~ Jacqui Keady Printed by: Rural Press Printing, Richmond NSW All material in this magazine is copyright and may be reproduced only with the written permission of the Editor. The Catholic Observer is a member of the Australasian Catholic Press Association.
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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Sacred Heart Church Wallerwang’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations “For where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them”
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ass was concelebrated on Sunday 7th September by Bishop Michael McKenna, Monsignor Pat O’Regan, Vicar General, Parish Priest Father Owen Gibbons and past priests Fathers Pat Ruane, Brien Murphy and Dr Philip Filby. More than 120 people attended the Mass and celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of Sacred Heart in 1964 by Bishop Albert Thomas. The congregation was welcomed by Portland Pastoral Council President, Charlie O’Mahony, while Charles Applln acted as Master of Ceremonies for the day. Guests and parishioners enjoyed a light luncheon in the church grounds and had the opportunity to reconnect with clergy and parishioners, past and present. Our community has been blessed with an active and loving congregation that has ensured a continued presence of Christ in our midst. We rejoice that our Catholic community continues to celebrate the sacrifice of the Mass in our Church. Special thanks to Anne Hayman for compiling the History of Sacred Heart and the organising Committee for all its hard work. Joan Applin
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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Vale Sister June Cleary rsj 1918 - 2014
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ifted educator, wise leader, and woman of deep faith and compassion, Sister June Cleary (formerly Sister M Xavier) was born in Parkes on 15th August 1918. After her secondary education as a boarder at Perthville, June entered the Congregation of Sisters of St. Joseph in 1934. June taught in secondary schools at Perthville, Oberon, Molong, Portland and Canowindra. She was a dedicated and gifted teacher who took a personal and enduring interest in her students, many of whom kept in touch with her throughout the years. Though teaching was her first love, June was also a skilled leader and was elected to the Council of the Sisters of St. Joseph Perthville in 1959, and to the position of Congregational Leader (or Mother General, as it was then called) in 1965. During the next ten years, June guided the Congregation with great courage, wisdom and foresight through the challenging times of momentous change following the Second Vatican Council. Early in her administration, June worked closely with the leaders of the Diocesan Congregations originally founded from Perthville (Whanganui NZ, Goulburn, Lochinvar, Tasmania) to form the Australian-New Zealand Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph in 1967 and was elected its first Vice President. She facilitated activities that ensured the development of bonds between the Sisters at all levels. June responded with enthusiasm to a request from PNG to set up a mission there in 1967. Thus began a long association of the Perthville Sisters with various missions among the people of PNG, an involvement which June always supported and encouraged. During June’s term as Leader, lay teachers were introduced into Josephite schools in the Bathurst Diocese. With the support of Bishop Thomas and Father Delaney, June was instrumental in ensuring that a committee was set up to oversee the centralisation of salaries, thus enabling Josephite schools in smaller centres to survive and flourish. With the introduction of the Wyndham Scheme, June took difficult decisions regarding the closure of several small secondary Josephite schools in the Diocese, and oversaw the closure of the secondary school at Perthville and its move to the Diocesan Catholic Girls High School (MacKillop College) in Bathurst. In later years, after her term as Leader, June was involved in a number of parish-based activities in Sydney, before retiring
to Perthville where she kept up her contacts with her muchloved family and friends. She died peacefully at Macquarie Care on 9th June. Always an insightful and understanding woman with a quick sense of humour, June lived life to the full and greatly enriched the lives of those who knew and loved her. Margaret Tomlinson rsj
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88 Bentinck Street, Bathurst 2795 September 2014 - Page 7
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
St. Joseph’s School ~ Blayney Grandparents’ and Seniors’ Day
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n term three, St. Joseph’s Blayney hosted a community Grandparents’ and Seniors’ Day to recognise, celebrate and thank the senior members of the local community for the many contributions they continue to make. The day had special religious significance, being near the feast day of St. Joachim and St. Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. The morning tea for Seniors’ Day was provided by St. Joseph’s Junior Master Chefs and Mini Vinnies, who organised fundraising activities to raise money for table decorations and lucky door prizes. After morning tea, the students entertained the 200 plus seniors with a smorgasbord of musical routines, utilising the wonderful facilities of the local Community Centre. The School’s P and F, assisted by the Hospitality students from Blayney High School, provided a lovely luncheon. Residents from Uralba Nursing Home, Lea Hostel and local disability houses all enjoyed the day, which provided an opportunity for people to reconnect with the community in a spirit of collegiality and friendship. Gerard Davies
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HERE’S A GREAT WAY TO SERVE GOD IN 2015 o In 2015 we will need SRE Scripture Teachers & Assistants. More men who have flexible working hours would be especially welcome! or o Could you be a Prayer Partner with a Scripture teacher?
OUR CHALLENGE FOR 2015 is to have…. • a Scripture teacher for every Primary class • a Prayer Partner for every Scripture teacher
COULD YOU HELP??? Please contact your parish priest!
September 2014 - Page 8
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
St. Joseph’s School ~ Molong Confirmation
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ecently Molong, Manildra and Cumnock welcomed Bishop Michael McKenna for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Congratulations to Gemma Pittis, Travis Watts, Heidi Townsend and Harry Farr (Manildra), Sharna Campbell, Amy Fulwood, Cameron Geddes, Rebekah Livermore, Samuel Woodhouse and Rebecca Geddes (Molong) and Olivia Hogan and Lewis Dean (Cumnock). The children especially want to thank everyone who participated in their preparation for the Sacrament. They are very grateful for all the love, support and prayers received. Through this support, the children feel closer to God our Father and all the people who make us a Church. Jacky Parmeter
Opening Hours The Catholic Development Fund office is open for counter service from 10.00am to 4.30pm – Monday to Friday. On-Line Access You can also access the CDF On-Line via the Diocesan website bathurst.catholic.org.au or phone Freecall 1800 451 760 - for information
Disclosure: The Catholic Development Fund Diocese of Bathurst (CDF) is not subject to the provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Deposits with CDF are guaranteed by CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for this purpose. We welcome your investment with the CDF rather than with a profit oriented commercial organisation as a conscious commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church. CDF, nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Bathurst are prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; contributions to CDF do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959; CDF is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of CDF.
September 2014 - Page 9
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
St. Joseph’s ~ Eugowra
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ongratulations to Olivia Holland, Ty Jones and Thomas Brindle who made their First Eucharist at Mass with Parish Priest, Father Laurie Beath, family, friends and parishioners recently. Those children who made their First Reconciliation earlier in the week joined in the celebrations afterwards, with cake and supper. Sarah de Lange The children with their class teacher Kylie Whatman, Father Laurie and Principal, Cathy Eppelstun
St. Columba’s School ~ Yeoval First Communion
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he Yeoval community recently congratulated and celebrated with Amelia Vaughan and Caleb Vickers, who received Jesus for the first time in Holy Communion. Julia Englert
Altar Servers Laura Kiel, Teji Pastor and Phoebe Englert with Father Tony, Amelia Vaughan and Caleb Vickers
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September 2014 - Page 10
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
V O C AT I O N S
Bishop McKenna with photos of the previous Bishops of Bathurst
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ecently we heard two parables field and gain the treasure. The other parable was similar: a merchant found of Jesus about making choices. a jewel of great value and sold all his One parable was about the man other jewels to buy it. who found a treasure in a field and sold everything he had to buy that Every choice we make excludes other
Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia
choices. Sometimes we think we can “have our cake and eat it too”, but that is unrealistic. A true Christian seeks to know how God wants him or her to live out the basic vocation of Baptism. Is it in marriage, and, if so to which person? Is it as a single person and in what way? Or is it as a priest or religious? If we really believe in God’s love for us, we know that what God wants for us is where we will find salvation, joy and peace.
�o contem��ate an� to �ive to ot�ers t�e �ruits o� our contem��ation
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September 2014 - Page 11
I invite everyone to open their hearts to listen for God’s call, however different to our own small plans it may be. God will show us, if we let him, a path he has prepared. + Michael McKenna Bishop of Bathurst
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Thao’s Story Please show me the way
I
am the second child of a family of five children, with three brothers and one sister. My family lives in a small village called Ru Dat Parish. The population is about 3,000 people and it is known as a source of priestly vocations. My father worked as a builder and helped my mother to look after our rice growing farm. In 1997, my Dad went back to university to study architecture. After five years of studying, while still working as a builder, he graduated and became a construction engineer. As owner of a successful construction company, he was able to provide all of his children with a good education. Learning from my great-grandfather, one of the martyrs in my parish, my parents set us a very good example of faith. We were woken up at 4am every morning, prayed together for 15 minutes and went to daily Mass. They taught me the Catechism and how to pray. When I was in Y6, I made my first Confession and received my first Holy Communion. I felt peace and happiness Thao Van Nguyen and newly ordained Father Thuc Le afterwards and priests became great in my mind, as I thought they could help that’s enough. I should find a job and To be accepted to the seminary in people find these things. get married.” I intended to go back to Australia is a great opportunity for me. However, adapting to life in a new Then I was chosen to be an altar boy in Saigon to find a job. my parish. I loved to pray the Rosary and And then it happened - God gave me environment is a big challenge. I heard had a deep devotion to Mary. Slowly, the answer through children. There were that the Bathurst Diocese was an isolated the idea of becoming a priest started many children in my parish who were place. There would not be many people coming into my mind. However, I kept too poor to go to school. I thought, as a to talk with because “there are more this hidden during my school years, as I lucky man, I should stay and help them, cattle and kangaroos than people”. This was not sure myself. In 2005, after finishing so I volunteered to teach English. I found proved not to be the case. When I first high school, I moved to the south of much happiness in teaching them and came here, people in Bathurst gave me Vietnam to attend university, majoring I realised that I had a calling. I prayed a warm welcome and supported me in in Information Technology, although the more and finally decided to study to many ways. I experienced my first taste idea of becoming a priest still followed become a priest. My parents were very of Australian culture and was then sent to Gilgandra to learn more about country me in secret. surprised, but also very happy. life. People were very kind, supportive After graduating from University, I God brought me to Australia via a family and friendly to me, with the parishioners returned home to my family. At that time, friend, a priest in our village. He introduced treating me as part of their family. my brother sat the seminarian entrance me to Bishop Michael McKenna, who exam in my home diocese. It was a very was visiting. I saw Bishop Michael later at I am now in the first year of formation in competitive, with 600 young men sitting a wedding party (where I impressed him the Seminary of the Good Shepherd. I am the exam, but only 60 of them were with my singing!). We had the chance to really enjoying my life here and the staff chosen. My family often went to pray speak again and I shared with him some and my fellow seminarians are wonderful. for my brother at St. Anthony’s shrine. of my stories and my deep desire to be They help me with my studies and daily Our custom is to write a prayer on a a priest. The next morning, the Bishop needs. As a consequence, my prayer life card and put it in a box. My father wrote called me and we talked some more. and my study are constantly improving. a long prayer and didn’t understand After a formal interview, he invited me May God keep his hand over me and mine; I just wrote “Lord, please show me to come to Australia and study for the keep me on track as I grow stronger in the way”. My brother was accepted to priesthood. It was too good to be true! my vocation. the seminary and we thanked God for I never imagined that I would start my the gift he gave to my family. I thought, vocation in Australia. Of course, this was Thao Van Nguyen “My brother is studying to be a priest, great news for my family.
September 2014 - Page 12
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Nam Le’s story
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y name is Nam Le (John the Baptist) and I am 24 years old. I was born in Vinh Hoa Parish (Vinh Diocese), in Vietnam. I am the third child in a family of five. I have two older sisters and two younger brothers. I grew up in the village where the majority of people are Catholic. The population is approximately 1,500 people. Rice growing is the main industry in my village. Making sticky rice cakes is also a special occupation which my village is very famous for. When I was a child, I went to church twice a day; for Mass in the early morning and for evening prayer. By attending church regularly, I was inspired by the Holy Spirit and felt the call to priesthood. I wanted to become a priest to serve people and bring God to everyone. I remember the days when I first experienced my priestly vocation with much fondness. I served as an altar boy for five years and was also a reader at Mass twice a week for the following two years. I achieved high results when I was studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In 2007, I studied at Da Nang Architecture University. I joined a Catholic student group at Da Nang Cathedral. Our youth group gathered once a week after Sunday Mass. We often had activities such as Taize prayer, visiting elderly people, picnics and retreats. These activities were very necessary and helpful to grow my priestly vocation and helped me cope with living far from home. In 2008, I sat the university entrance exam again, with the goal of transferring to study at Hanoi Architecture University. I passed the exam and I moved to my preferred university in Hanoi. During the time I studied in Hanoi, I joined the Vinh Catholic student group at Thai Ha Church in Hanoi. I acted as Head of the Communications Board, under the Vinh Catholic students group, for four years. I also joined the Vinh redemptory vocation group and wrote news about Catholic activities for some newspapers in Vietnam. The Vinh youth group is the biggest Catholic social group in Hanoi and I organised many activities to connect students from different universities who lived far from their families. During the time I was studying at university, I sometimes I went to a Benedictine monastery to attend retreats. This is where I asked Archbishop Kiet, who was retired and residing at the monastery, to be my spiritual director. I told him about my desire to become a priest and asked him for his advice. In February 2012, I visited Archbishop Kiet and I met Bishop Michael McKenna. At that time, I could not speak English at all, so Archbishop Kiet also acted as interpreter for us. I was really happy to meet Bishop Michael - I thought that this was God’s will. I then kept in touch with the Bishop by email and I told him about my personal stories, especially my vocation. I felt that God was calling and guiding me. In June 2013, when I graduated from university, Bishop Michael invited me to come to the Bathurst Diocese. On October 22nd,
Bishop Michael McKenna with Nam Dinh Le 2013 I left Vietnam to come to Australia, where I have been very happy with my new family - the Diocese of Bathurst. This year, I have been living at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, while continuing my English studies. Thanks be to God for all things that he has been doing in my life, especially my priestly vocation. Hopefully, he continues to guide me to walk in his path of grace and love. Nam Dinh Le
September 2014 - Page 13
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Sister Mai’s Story
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t was a gift and treasure to arrive in Australia and become a Sister of Mercy, but the journey was a mystery.
I escaped Vietnam with my younger brother in 1990 and we were repatriated to Vietnam in 1994. In the refugee camps, we were educated by three Australian Sisters of Mercy. In late 1996, I was sponsored to come to Australia as a returned refugee. I thought of the Sisters at this time. In 2007, I bought a DVD about Vietnamese refugees going back to visit the camps in Malaysia and Indonesia. Unexpectedly, I saw the three Sisters in the DVD who taught me and my brother many years ago. Through a parish priest, I reconnected with them. My desire to explore religious life from an early age was fulfilled by the mystery of this reconnection, which led to my immersion in the Initial Formation Program from 2008 and to my First Profession of vows in August 2013. I did not have to learn about mercy before I decided to join the Sisters of Mercy because the image and presence of the three Sisters in my heart had given me all the information I needed. Currently, I am in full-time ministry with McAuley Community Services for Women in Melbourne, as a Case Manager. In this role, I support women and their children who stay in our refuges, escaping family violence. I endeavour to carry on the mission of Mercy in the support I provide, as I journey with the women and their children at a most difficult time in their lives. Together, we seek to re-establish a safe and loving environment. I feel very privileged to continue the work that Catherine McAuley started in the early 19th century. Mai Nguyen-Doan
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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Nurturing Your Passion for God and God’s People
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aking a formal commitment to focus our Baptismal promise to follow Christ is sought by people. There are many reasons for this, one being spiritual support in living out the Gospel values in everyday life.
The discernment process is determined according to the nature and needs of each individual.
The Sisters of St. Joseph the Sacred Heart, founded in Australia in 1866 by St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods, looked to “Do all the good you can and never see a need or injustice (evil) without trying to remedy it”. Today, Josephite Sisters and companions in ministry take Mary Mackillop’s wisdom of “wherever you are, there you will find God” and seek to live within the local community, supporting of the education and spirituality of the young. They accompany leaders, carers and parents through providing spiritual nurture, faith education, discernment, meditation, counselling and retreats. Important also is advocating for those who are displaced or struggling, especially immigrants, indigenous peoples and those physically and mentally challenged.
Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart
For further information visit sosj.org.au or email info@sosj.org.au
What are the options for Formal Commitment with the Sisters of St. Joseph? The Sisters are open to three different ways for people to make a formal commitment in living out their Baptismal Promise. The options are: •
As a Life-Vowed Member of the Institute of the Sisters of St. Joseph, living by its Constitutions.
•
As an Affiliated Member of the Institute of the Sisters of St. Joseph, living by Private Vows and a Rule of Life imbued by the Josephite Charism.
•
As an Affiliated Member of the Institute of the Sisters of St. Joseph, living in union with the Sisters through a Covenant promise.
The last two options of affiliation are open to women and men and the Covenant pathway is open to married people. While the person’s commitment is initially for one or three years, it may be renewed for a longer time and even for life.
BLAST is a festival of faith for young people in the age range of Y6 to Y9. It is a celebration and experience of an explosion of possibilities in young lives. Location: Ridgecrest Christian Education and Convention Centre near Wellington Dates: 22-23 November 2014 Registrations close: 31 October 2014 For more information and to download your registration form visit bathurst.catholic.org.au or email youth@bathurst.catholic.org.au September 2014 - Page 15
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Cathedral Parish altar servers
Altar Serving – a special ministry for young people
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any of our parishes are fortunate to have altar servers. particular prayers designed for communal involvement such The ministry of serving at the altar is one that has a long as the ‘Gloria’, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’, and the ‘Our Father’. Some parishioners participate in other ways such as Proclaimers of the tradition in our Church. The presence of altar servers adds to the reverence and solemnity Word, or Extraordinary Ministers of Communion. All of these roles of the Mass. The vital role they play frees the celebrating priest are open to women and men. to totally focus on the celebration of the Mass. This avoids Similarly, altar servers can be both girls or boys. The ministry is a unnecessary pauses while the priest sets the altar prior to the special way these young people can increase their participation. Liturgy of the Eucharist, or clears the altar after Communion. Their active involvement enriches their faith and creates a richer The Gospel procession and the stationing of candle bearers communal celebration of our Mass. during the proclamation of the Gospel provide a clear focus Those parishes with altar servers are indeed blessed. The Cathedral on the importance of the Gospel. Candle bearers leading the Parish of St. Michael and St. John is extremely fortunate at present Procession of the Gifts at the Offertory again emphasise the to have four families, each with three children altar serving significance of this offering, We are all drawn by the ringing of concurrently. They are Daniel, Jacinta and Bethany Windsor; the bells at the Consecration, marking this pivotal moment of the Georgia, Charlotte and Elizabeth Lynch; Marcus, Isabella and Mass and indeed our Catholic faith. Victor Giuliano; and Cooper, Bailey and Bronte Brien. The Second Vatican Council introduced a range of changes, with We should encourage these young people as they grow in their the express desire of increasing and enhancing the participation faith journey and include them in our prayers, both as a way of of the laity in the celebration of Mass. For most members of our thanks for the role they perform and to request an enrichment worshipping congregations, this “full, conscious, and active of their faith. participation” occurs by joining in the singing, and praying the Terry Mahony
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Web address: www.drsaus.com.au Email: sales@drsaus.com.au September 2014 - Page 16
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST
Message from the Executive Director... Learning as a wisdom experience
O
n 19th December 2013, with the approval of Pope Francis, the Congregation for Catholic Education issued a document entitled: Educating to Cultural Dialogue in Catholic Schools: Living in Harmony for a Civilisation of Love. The document contained the following statement: ‘It is said that we live in a knowledge based society. Catholic schools are encouraged to promote a wisdom based society, to go beyond knowledge and educate people to think, evaluating facts in the light of values.’ This quote now resides within the centre of a document being developed for our schools; our Bathurst Diocese Model of Contemporary Learning. Commitment to learning as a wisdom experience, is lived each day by the staff in our schools. All those involved in teaching and learning in our schools endorse the quest for wisdom as the ultimate goal of their work. Learning is not solely for the present time but prepares the next generation for a preferred future. This is acknowledged in one of the belief statements about the nature of the learner, which is detailed in our Model of Contemporary Learning document: ‘Learners seek
Learning takes place in all sorts of ways in our schools. The students of St. Pius X, Dubbo recently shared some of what they’d learned at a recent Grandparents’ Day. understanding and fullness of life.’ The fundamental purpose of a Catholic school is to develop each person in a holistic way that integrates the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical dimensions. Such a person will be a wise person. There are five distinct elements in our Model of Contemporary Learning. The most significant one of these is expressed as: A rich Catholic curriculum and authentic experiences that engage and challenge the learner. Through the design and
delivery of a rich Catholic curriculum, through which they can be stimulated and challenged, our students are being equipped to build the reign of God. The reign of God is our charter for how life might be lived wisely. Jesus is our model of the wisdom teacher and, with him at the centre of our school communities, our students will view learning as a wisdom experience. Teach me your way O God, that I may walk in your truth. Psalm 86 Jenny Allen
0428 193 672
September 2014 - Page 17
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST
Opening of The Bishop Patrick Dougherty Hall
R
ecently, we celebrated the opening of the Bishop Patrick Dougherty Hall at La Salle Academy in Lithgow. It was a great occasion for the La Salle community. Our special guests included the Bishop of Bathurst, Michael McKenna; Mrs Jenny Allen, Executive Director of the Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Bathurst; Father Owen Gibbons, Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Parish; Mr Patrick Cooper, Diocesan Financial Administrator; Mr Brian Morrissey, Team Leader, Administrative Services, Catholic Education Office; Mr Hugh Dougherty, brother of the late Bishop Dougherty and Mr Dougherty’s daughter, Mrs Louise Bullock; Mr Robert Keady, Principal of St. Patrick’s School Lithgow and Mrs Sue Kearns, Principal of school leaders read magnificently and St. Joseph’s School Portland. I congratulate Saxon Farquhar, Maddy It was wonderful to have parents, students, Bender, Tom Stapleton, Hilary Pilbean, teachers and Diocesan members present Reagan Wyer and Tom Stapleton. at such an important event in the life of the At the conclusion of the celebrations, school. Thank you for your attendance. we were entertained by our students, The scene was set when our bellringers heralded in the official party. This was followed by a Welcome to Country by Craig and Karen Holder, and then the singing of our national anthem. The Bishop blessed our hall and gave a fitting homily to herald such an occasion. Our
demonstrating what the Hall is all about. The showcasing of student talent is a critical element as to the purpose of the Hall. Our choir, bolle dancers and our xylophonist, Callum Woodrow and harpist, Irena Muss, entertained our audience with superb performances. Following the
blessing of the hall, we celebrated with a lovely brunch. This event did not occur without the help and support of all. Special thanks to Father Owen and Jenny Emms for the stage preparation and the hall opening booklet; Dianne O’Sullivan for the music and performances. Thank you to all who assisted in providing the meal. Your extraordinary efforts made the day very memorable. John Emms Principal , La Salle Academy
For a century and a half, the Catholic community has gathered in the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John to worship God. Into this sacred space, all have been welcomed for baptisms, marriages, funerals and other significant moments in the lives of families, Parish and the Diocese. The generations before us have built and cared for this place. Now it is our turn. Please give generously to the Cathedral Restoration Appeal. Donations can be made: In Person ~ Catholic Chancery Office Bathurst, or your local Parish Office By Phone ~ 1800 451 760 By email ~ cathedralrestoration@bathurst.catholic.org.au Online ~ cathedralappealbathurst.org.au where you will find more information. Donations over $2 are tax deductible September 2014 - Page 18
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST
Combined Principals’ Conference Bathurst and Maitland-Newcastle
R
ecently, principals of schools and Catholic Education Office staff from the Dioceses of Bathurst and Maitland-Newcastle assembled in Bathurst for a combined Principals’ Conference. The theme of the conference was ‘Spirit Driven’ and the various speakers, although focussing on different aspects of leadership, linked their presentations to the conference theme. Sessions throughout the two days included the Principal’s work/life satisfaction, pastoral care considerations within critical incident management, the future of leadership in Catholic schools and balancing expectations of students, staff and parents.
Brother Aengus Kavanagh and Sister Leone Pallisier ran reflection sessions on both days, which focussed on scripture and prayer that deepens understanding of authentic Catholic school leadership. The conference was fortunate to engage Mr Brian Croke, Executive Director of the Catholic Education Commission NSW, as a key speaker.
The conference dinner provided an opportunity for principals and CEO staff to mix socially. The guest speaker, Mr Rick McCosker, celebrated Australian test cricketer, spoke of his work as Chaplain to the Port of Newcastle and his experiences playing for Australia in his first Test at the SCG and the 1977 Centenary Test in Melbourne.
At the end of the first day, on the Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Bishop Michael McKenna celebrated Mass in the Cathedral. Bishop Michael drew on the connections Mary had with both Dioceses and the work of her sisters to enrich principals’ understanding of the mission of Catholic education today.
Participants overwhelmingly rated the conference a success and a meaningful spiritual experience. In 2015, our Diocese will be facilitating a State Catholic School Principals’ Conference in Dubbo.
September 2014 - Page 19
Chris Derwin
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST
St. John’s Learning…
Learning just happens… at St. John’s
L
earning is just what happens in this wonderful school community. All children will learn…and learn well! The teachers and students are strongly connected. The teachers view all students as their own and, likewise, the students learn from all of their teachers. On our first review day the Y5-6 teacher was teaching K-1-2, and that teacher had Y3-4 while the 3-4 teacher had the Infants. Sharing the load… and the many talents at St. John’s in Baradine. Janine Kearney
St Matthews Catholic School Providing a comprehensive and quality education in the Catholic tradition for young people from Kindergarten to Year 10.
4 Lewis St Mudgee 6372 1742 www.stmattsmudgee.nsw.edu.au September 2014 - Page 20
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST Leadership happens too… at St Brigid’s
…and Leaders at St. Brigid’s!
D
uring a recent review, we spent time discussing important educational highlights and issues with the student leaders from Kinder to Y6 at St. Brigid’s in Coonamble.
Like to support the Appeal to restore our beautiful Cathedral? Looking for a Gift for someone Special?
Each week, students get the opportunity to be the class captain. We interviewed the captains for week five, along with the School Captains. The review team was impressed with the depth, breadth and quality of the student responses. Many budding future world leaders in the making here!
You can purchase some great RESTORATION MERCHANDISE from the Cathedral Book Shop, the Catholic Development Fund Bathurst, or online at www.cathedralappealbathurst.org.au Beautifully boxed scarves and ties with the Restoration insignia. Two styles to select from in each, purchase ties for $30.00 and scarves for $45.00 Set of four cards (blank inside) featuring the Cathedral – just $10.00 per set
Janine Kearney
September 2014 - Page 21
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST
Catholic Life at St. Joseph’s…
i
PLC’d!
s certainly alive and thriving. St. Joseph Portland’s review was held a few weeks ago and began with a whole of school Mass.
The students, teachers and families in attendance were totally engaged. The singing was magnificent, the children were very reverent and those who read did a fine job. The powerful connection between Father Owen Gibbons and his school community was evident in this extremely happy and connected Catholic school celebrations.
PLC Day with Coonamble and Gilgandra
E
arly this term, the staff at St. Brigid’s Coonamble joined with the staff from St. Joseph’s in Gilgandra in hosting a day focused on ‘Professional Learning Communities at Work’.
Father Owen Gibbon with some Joey’s students.
The PLC seed has been firmly planted in our Diocesan schools and the Catholic Education Office and is already experiencing strong and steady growth. This collaboration is also encouraged between schools and between the CEO and school communities. Janine Kearney
Holy Family Primary School Kelso
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September 2014 - Page 22
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST
The ‘Three Ls’ in School
Y
es, ‘school’ really DOES have three L’s - if it’s one of OUR “schoollls”. Every five years, the schools in our Diocese have a review to check how they are travelling and what direction they are taking. The review focuses on a school’s strengths and actions to help it to grow and improve. The key areas are Catholic LIFE, LEARNING and LEADERSHIP…so our schools really DO have three Ls!
Jo Barrett’s Y2 class making a ‘Joyful Catholic Noise’
School uniform for all Bathurst Schools including Stannies & MKC • All crests locally embroidered • Large range of trackpants • Flexibanded trousers for Stannies Jnr, Scots and All Saints • Diocesan pink dresses • $7.00 hems on uniform bought at Marietta’s • Layby welcome • Home of Combined Catholic Uniform Pool - Stannies and MacKillop • Alteration and repair service
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September 2014 - Page 23
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST
New CEO website launched
T
he Catholic Education Office recently launched a new website.
The same address as the previous site - bth.catholic.edu.au the structure of the relaunched website reflects the recently revised CEO organisational model. It is inspired by the three pillars of the CEO’s Diocesan mission statement - Faith, Learning, Stewardship. The CEO teams are now known as the Faith, Learning & Teaching Team (Leaders: Dr Angelo Belmonte and Dr Michael Flood) and the Stewardship Team (Leaders: Brian Morrissey and Jo Chirgwin). Amongst the new features is the Good News section, which we are keen to keep fresh and up to date. The Executive Director’s blog is another new feature of the site, which hopefully our school staff will find useful and relevant. Also featured on the new site is the staff intranet and all policies, procedures, forms and staff resources can now be found on the site.
Celebrating 25 Years Caring for Families Counselling & Mediation Services ADULTS | CHILDREN COUPLES | FAMILIES
1800 231 118 6331 8944 (Bathurst) 6885 0277 (Dubbo)
September 2014 - Page 24
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Youth 4 Youth
A
forum for young people in Y10-12 from Bathurst and surrounding areas was held on August 31st at Stannies’, followed by dinner and social gathering.
In preparation for the event, a group of students from the Boarders’ St. Vincent de Paul Conference and the MacKillop College Mercy and Justice Group, had been meeting weekly. The focus was learning about, and outreach to, young asylum seekers currently in Australian detention centres. The organisers invited students from all the secondary schools in the Bathurst district, resulting in a strong attendance on the day. Dr Anne Wenham
125 Years of Vincentian presence at St. Stanislaus’
R
ecently, a Staff Formation Day was held at St. Stanislaus’ College, providing an opportunity to reflect on the purposeful work of the Congregation of the Mission in this, the 125th year of Vicentian presence. Father Kevin Canty commenced with an inspiring prayerful reflection followed by Father Michael Walsh, Provincial, giving an overview of the work of the Vincentians in the Oceania Province. The staff then had the opportunity to listen to the personal stories of one or more of the six Vincentians who were present. Father Peter Reedy joined via Skype from Beijing and Brother Brendan Tanner was visited in his home by staff members. Other Vincentians welcomed on the day were Fathers Doug Akehurst, Tony Mannix, Jim Maloney, Peter Reedy and Greg Walsh. Dr Anne Wenham
St Stanislaus’ College COMMITTED TO STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
www.stannies.com
As a boys’ school we strive to enrich the learning experiences of the students whilst providing them with the broadest range of opportunities for life beyond the classroom.
Enrolment enquiries are welcome for 2015. Contact the College Registrar on 6331 4177 or registrar@stannies.com
September 2014 - Page 25
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
"Who are you?" the people asked Jesus. John's disciples also came to ask Jesus, "Are you the Messiah or shall we wait for someone else?" And Jesus answered them saying: Go and tell John, “that the blind see, the lame walk, the dumb speak, the lepers are cleansed, the dead rise and the Gospel is preached to the poor.” (Lk 7v22). Do we practice a Christianity of Joy where water is offered to the thirsty, healing to HIV/aids and malaria or leprosy patients and children are freed from the blindness of ignorance. Most of us can in our own limited way, say we are trying to be agents of joy by our generous giving and support for others in need. It would be helpful if we tried to imagine the joy we give to others when we support various projects. And we can be assured that the Lord in return will give us eyes of faith, strengthen our failing limbs, cleanse us of sin and ultimately raise us from death to eternal life. Don’t be too frightened to have a go at trying to be humorous. Remember what Pope Francis said "An example I often use to illustrate the reality of vanity, is this: ‘Look at the peacock; it's beautiful if you look at it from the front. But if you look at it from behind, you discover the truth’ … Whoever gives in to such self-absorbed vanity has huge misery hiding inside them." We can sometimes be supersensitive to the criticism of others and even overcome by our failures or those of the Church. But let our trust be in the God of Joy who assures us that all shall be well. Fear not! Christ has conquered even death. God bless Adrian F. Meaney MSC
We just returned from a week long retreat at Nazareth House of Prayer and so I have not been checking my email. I read with great joy that our two water projects were approved. The Parish community and St. Mary Goretti Primary School, staff and students are delighted with the gift of a water-tank. Imagine their joy and relief when they heard the good news. Thanks for your wonderful support! Wishing you God's manifold blessings for the generosity of reaching out to those in dire need of safe drinking water. Fr. Gerard Savian, MSC
Kurugodu, Bellary, North Karnataka INDIA Progress report on this project is to place water facilities for the new convent and school which is developing in the rural village. I use this opportunity to sincerely thank you for the great help you have granted to us. It was indeed a great support for us. Our Sisters now have enough water and are also able to provide water for the children in our school. We thank you and your team members for your generous support in helping people who are in need of the wonderful gift of clean water. May God bless you. Yours sincerely, Sr.Ancy Puthettukarotu, MSC BURKINA FASO
Dear Fr Adrian, I have attached a photo which I have just received from Burkina Faso. These are of the first girls in the centre “for girls at risk”. The MSC Mission Office sent us money to help build this centre and this month sent money for food and other necessities. For this we thank you very much indeed. The girls are learning to crochet with the help of Sr Maria José from Brazil. In January 2014 the residence for the girls will be ready to welcome the girls to live in the centre. At present the 12 girls come each morning. Sr. Helen Simpson, fdnsc ROME
Pakistan - St Peter Orphanage and St Teresa hostel
Thank you very much for your donation, with this money I am helping many poor people. We have been able to give food for the children. Also we have provided several water hand-pumps for poor families and given one for use in our hostel. There were two ladies who needed an operation and we paid the expense of the hospital. So you can be sure that the money that you sent to us has been spent in a good way for the benefit of the poor and for educating the children, most of them are orphans. Once again thank you all for doing this noble work and you are always in our prayers. Sr. Rachele OP
TIMOR Children’s Books Hello! I am Carlos. I am the Coordinator of ATPE. ATPE is the organisation that Barbara and Sr Aurora set up to train kindergarten teachers.Thank you for your sponsorship of our book Koellu Ki’ik-Oan (Little Rabbit) written in Tetum. We have printed 3,000 copies of the Picture Story Book and they have been distributed all over Timor. Our children need to learn and know new things for their human development. Timor-Leste has some story books for reading but we do not have picture story books. The children enjoy the colours, the pictures, the characters and the fun. We hope that we can build the love of story telling so that our children want more books and want to learn to read. Thank you once again for supporting ATPE and the children of Timor. Carlos Piedade da Cruz
-‐-‐-‐!-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ Post to: MSC Mission Office, PO Box 177, Kensington NSW 1465
PNG, Kavieng
If you believe what you like in the gospels and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe in, but yourself – St Augustine
Email: mscmisio@acon.com.au
September 2014 - Page 26
www.mscmission.org.au
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Cathedral School ~ Bathurst
Many of the schools in our Diocese recently celebrated Book Week. The Cathedral School in Bathurst was no exception, and celebrated in style – several styles in fact!
St Lawrence’s Primary School Coonabarabran
Sydney Royal Easter Show 2014
Ph (02) 6842 1732 Fx (02) 6842 1857 stlawrencescoona@bth.catholic.edu.au
September 2014 - Page 27
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
NAIDOC Week 2014
St. Mary’s School ~ Wellington Indigenous Ex-Servicemen honoured
D
uring NAIDOC week, Wellington held a day of recognition for the many Indigenous ex-servicemen and women who have served this country. The day was organised by Aboriginal Education Officer at St. Mary’s, Denise Kelly. Denise said the Servicemen theme was very important to the Wellington community; for past servicemen and women who defended our country and also for their families, many of whom came along with photos of their loved ones. “These blokes are now coming out of the shadows and it shows they were real, they were there and did exactly the same things as the nonIndigenous people who served”, Denise said. A special lunch and get-together was held at the School. It was a chance for people to share their stories while Michael Donovan (singer and Casey Donovan’s uncle) performed for the crowd. “It’s a special day for the ex-servicemen and women in the Navy, Air Force and Armed Services, who were never honoured or received privileges for what they did”, Karen Andriske (Aboriginal Education Officer of St. John’s College Dubbo) said. “They were forgotten when they came back and were still refused entry into certain places. They fought, not only for Australia, but also for our own culture”. The event continued the following Friday, with a Mass and a special presentation for the ex-servicemen and their families in the School Hall, with three Cabinet ministers in attendance. Catherine Crean
Our Lady’s Rosary Makers of Australia Inc. Our Lady’s Rosary Makers are seeking new members to join us to assist with the making of Rosary Beads which are sent to the Missions overseas and distributed in schools where needed. Please contact: Marie McLellan: (02) 6822 1598 Bev Ryan: (02) 6822 1464 Irene Reeves: (02) 6822 1108
Email: mariemclellan@icloud.com Email: bevellis@dodo.com.au Email: itreeves@bigpond.net.au
September 2014 - Page 28
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
NAIDOC Week 2014 St. Brigid’s School ~ St. Joseph’s School ~ Portland Coonamble
S
t. Brigid’s School community held its annual NAIDOC celebrations recently. All staff, students and many visitors wore red, black and yellow clothing - colours of the Aboriginal flag. The day began with a Welcome to Country and the raising of the Aboriginal flag. After recess, there was a smoking ceremonym conducted by Locky Dennis and his sons, which was of great interest to those present. A presentation by Locky on Aboriginal customs and tools followed, with several students volunteering to participate in dance activities. The dance troupe from Coonamble High commenced the afternoon’s activities with a fantastic traditional dance display, delighting those in attendance with their skills and efforts. The students then enjoyed a variety of activities in their peer support groups. These included a demonstration on cooking Johnny Cakes, playing Aboriginal games, watching a dreaming story and an opportunity for questions.
N
AIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week is celebrated around Australia in July each year, to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s a time to celebrate and recognise the contributions Indigenous peoples have made to our society.
St. Joseph’s School celebrated NAIDOC Week with a day of indigenous cultural activities. It began with the School joining the local community for a special NAIDOC Mass led by Parish Priest, Father Owen Gibbons. A presentation was then made on the significance of NAIDOC Week, understanding the concept of ‘First Footprints’ and exploring Aboriginal Australian dreaming stories. The students were able to create their own artwork using indigenous techniques and had their faces painted using traditional indigenous designs. The school was very fortunate to have a special guest, musician and artist Mr Bob Sutor, who treated the students to traditional aboriginal music and storytelling. The day concluded with an afternoon of tabloid sports based on traditional indigenous games.
There was also a chance to learn more about the NAIDOC week theme for 2014 - “Serving Country - Centenary and Beyond”. This year’s theme honours all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have fought in defence of our country. From the warriors in the Frontier Wars to those who served with honour and pride in Australia’s military conflicts and engagements around the globe.
A great day was had by everyone. The School community very much appreciates the efforts of Mrs Leah Bryant, who organised the day’s activities and Mr Kel Lampton and Mr Sutor, whose attendance generated much excitement. Shireen Sheehan
St. Brigid’s is very grateful to the Coonamble Aboriginal Medical Centre and the Coonamble Shire for their support through donations and staff participation, ensuring our NAIDOC Day observance was a great success. Information Courtesy of Coonamble Times
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September 2014 - Page 29
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Mendooran Centenary Celebrations
B
ishop Michael McKenna; Bishop Kevin Manning, Bishop Emeritus Parramatta and Father Carl Mackander, Parish Priest Dunedoo/ Coolah, concelebrated Mass on 13th July 2014, to commemorate the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mendooran. Around 115 visitors from Sydney, Bowral, Buladelah, Warren, Glenbrook, Dubbo, Ilford, Wellington, Dunedoo, Coonabarabran, Coolah and Bathurst joined the Mendooran community for Mass. A luncheon followed in the Mechanics Institute Hall, giving time to reminisce and give thanks for the foresight and resilience of the pioneers of the district. Centenary Committee members gave the guests a potted history of the Church during the luncheon. Interesting details included descriptions of fundraising efforts and the delays in building caused by WWI. Work stopped several times during the construction of the church, due to the inability of the building contractor to source bricks and other materials.
Dong Nguyen, Nam Dinh Le, Father Carl Mackander, Bishop Emeritus Kevin Manning and Bishop Michael McKenna
Ecumenism, it seems, is nothing new to Mendooran. 100 years ago, members of the other Christian churches in Mendooran took part in fundraising for the church and the laying of the foundation stone; and the St. Mary’s community was glad to welcome members of other denominations to the centenary celebration. Special guests at the celebration included Sisters Mary Comer, Carmel Sheridan, Clare Hopper, Margaret Flood and Madeline Breen, along with Mr Peter Shinton, Mayor of Warrumbungle Shire, and his wife Julie. The Shire’s support was gratefully acknowledged by the Mendooran congregation.
The Centenary Congregation
Until the early 1920s, Mendooran was known as ‘Mundooran’. The foundation stone of St. Mary’s was laid by the Right Reverend Dr Dunne, third Bishop of Bathurst on 15th July 1914. After a number of delays, due to the devastating impact of WW1, the completed church was blessed on 17th October 1917. One of the photos on display was an interesting image of a meal from times long past attended by Bishop John Mary Dunne. Pauline Kuhner
A Meal from times long past
September 2014 - Page 30
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Jess Jones with daughter Molly, John Hunter, Julie Hunter, Mitch Jones, Rick Hunter
Father Carl Mackander - dressed for the occasion!
Kylie and Justin McMahon, Deidre Walker, Vilma McMahon, Ken and Gail McMahon
Julie and Peter Shinton with Chris Sullivan
MA & PM Dwyer FUNERAL DIRECTORS There comes a time for all of us when we must say goodbye.
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30 Fleming Street, Oberon Lesley Sauls with St. Mary’s organist Phil Hargraves
PHONE: 6336 1267
September 2014 - Page 31
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
St. Joseph’s School ~ Portland AFL and NRL visit
T
he students of St. Joseph’s were fortunate to welcome two football codes into the School recently. The AFL development team spent time with students, demonstrating and engaging the students in various ball skills, tactics and even played a game of AFL soccer.
Later that day, on the eve of the Cronulla Sharks versus Penrith Panthers NRL football game in Bathurst, two representatives from the Sharks, along with Mick Armstrong promoting ‘League in the Bush’, delighted the students with a talk on life at the Cronulla Sharks and team training. There was also an opportunity for some photos with the players and a shared joke or two.
Whole School with NRL Cronulla Sharks representatives
Shireen Sheehan
Blake Hadley
Sharks Representatives with Savannah Green, Alirah Dunleavy and Winston Neville
Norman J Penhall Funerals Deidre and Norman Penhall Established 1962 Head Office and Chapel 33-35 William Street, Orange 2800 For personal attention 24 hours Ph: (02) 6362 3751 21 Marsden Street, Blayney 2799 Ph: (02) 6368 2180 • Locally owned and proudly Australian • Prepaid and Pre-arranged Funerals Servicing Orange, Blayney, Molong, Manildra, Canowindra and surrounding districts
Our family caring for your family September 2014 - Page 32
Zali McCulkin
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Young brave cold for good cause
O
n 20th June 2014, 16 brave young people in Cowra ‘slept rough’ to make a difference in our world. The volunteer students from St. Raphael’s Catholic School spent the night exposed to the elements, as they participated in the NSW Vinnies’ School Sleepout. The students were joined in their efforts by eight teachers who saw this as a valuable cause and wanted to show their support. The Sleepout Program came to life as part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s efforts to educate Australians to the complex issues homeless people face. It provides a unique insight and physical experience and helps raise important funds for Vinnies’ homeless services. As well as helping the poor and homeless, it encourages students to connect with their community and understand what is happening around them. It also challenges schools and communities to make a difference to those experiencing homelessness in their local area. Sleeping rough for a cause
The Program raises the question of social justice in Australia and this challenges people to understand what life is like for those less fortunate. It also helps open the eyes of the next generation, who will inherit the ever growing problem of homelessness, to what is going on and hopefully help them break stereotypes and gain some insight into the experience of living in an unsafe and uncertain world. Those involved saw the Sleepout as a great opportunity for a reality check on how lucky we are and a chance to do something positive. The local SVDP Society in Cowra is grateful for the fundraising efforts of the students and pointed out to participants that homelessness is an actual problem in their home town. Thanks to a very generous community, the group raised over $4,500. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to this valuable cause, you can still do so at goo.gl/9MWWVN Peta Bischof
Front: Kylie MacNamara, Hannah Chamberlain, Isabella Hines, Meg Ellison, Josie Lynch, Jessica Napoli, Renae Grech, Kelly Price, Renae Downes, Jenny White and Celine Langlands Back: Karla Slaven, Peta Bishcof, Magdelize Van Eeden, Michael Gallagher, Maddison Johnson, Davis Mood, Nathan Stead, Harry Waters and Julian Garling Absent: Sam Gallagher, Lanty Ryan, Steve Thomas and Danielle Gibbs
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September 2014 - Page 33
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
All Hallows School ~ Gulgong
S
ix students from All Hallows School recently received the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a beautiful Mass concelebrated by Bishop Michael McKenna and Father Garry McKeown at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Gulgong. Carolyn Holland
Back: Andrew Burrows, Paige Gorrie, Bishop McKenna and Reece Little. Front: Anthony Furney, Taylor Tidey and Liam Slevin.
Recollect Claim the Date!
I
f you are a young adult trying to live your faith sometimes you might feel alone: there is no one else here my age! If you are a teacher or youth minister working with young people, trying to share your faith with them, you might sometimes feel exhausted: I’m getting burnt out!
RECOLLECT is a day for young adults and people working with young people to get together four times a year, learn about our faith, pray together, and socialise together. It’s about supporting each other and having an opportunity to step aside and allow God to recharge our batteries. Claim the date! The last RECOLLECT for this year will be held on Sunday 12th October in Bathurst led by Bishop Michael McKenna. For more information visit the Diocesan website bathurst.catholic.org.au or like “Bathurst Diocese Youth” on Facebook. Father Greg Bellamy
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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Diocesan Assembly Council meets
T
he Diocesan Assembly Council met with Bishop McKenna in July at Shalom, House of Prayer in Carcoar. Built around ‘pools of prayer’, the day allowed time for reflection on the work of the Council to-date, and work still to be undertaken. The meeting allowed members to confirm key areas of our work, including:• Communicating with parishes and diocesan organisations, so that the Bishop is well informed of developments and difficulties in the Assembly process and Diocesan entities are similarly well informed, with everyone contributing; • To evaluate and advise the Bishop on practical proposals for implementation and future planning, according to the Assembly’s six themes of pastoral renewal; and • To plan for the timing and shape of a second Diocesan Assembly (during the Diocese’s Sesquicentenary year, 2015).
Some of the Council members at Shalom that we can support Bishop Michael and Thatcher from Gulgong to replace Lucy our priests. Bryant who resigned recently due to work Many thanks to the Shalom community comittments. members for their hospitality and warm The Council will meet again at Shalom in welcome and for their contribution to our September to continue its work. Details of prayer times. Council members are on the Diocesan As circumstances change, so too do Sister Alice Sullivan rsj has now taken on the website: bathurst.catholic.org.au or your challenges and opportunities for a role of Executive Secretary of the Council, can email assembly@bathurst.catholic. renewal of responsibility and faith. The with the resignation of Lorna Wright. Bishop org.au with any enquiries or input. Council discussed this and various ways McKenna has recently appointed Jacinta Marianne Matthews/Fiona Lewis Following the Assembly, there is continued growth of Word and Faith Groups in our parishes. The members of the Assembly committed to fostering these groups and facilitating the growth of groups in their local areas.
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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
LAUNCH OF WORLD MISSION E
arlier in September the Diocesan launch of World Mission Month was held in Dubbo. Bishop Michael McKenna was welcomed to St. John’s Primary School, by the principals of the four Catholic primary schools in the city and St John’s College. Visiting school principals, teachers and students from MacKillop College and St. Stanislaus’ College, Bathurst; James Sheahan Catholic High School, Orange and St. Jospeh’s Primary School, Manildra joined with the two St. John’s school communities to celebrate the occasion. The St. John’s Primary School hall was filled to capacity. The title chosen for the Liturgy “When I grow up I want to be…Alive” took its name from the theme chosen by Catholic Mission for the celebration of World Mission Month 2014. Materials and resources were distributed nationally to all Catholic parishes and schools in all dioceses. The Liturgy also expressed the individual charisms and identities of the two St John’s school communities. The launch had a special focus on the missionary Church of Jamaica in the Caribbean – a country normally associated with expensive tourist resorts, calypso music, wavering palm trees and white sandy beaches. Regretfully, there is little publicised about the darker side of Jamaica - especially for the Jamaican youth born and surviving in the over-crowed ghettos, where life is cheap and violence all too common.
presentation that provided a “potted” history of Jamaica that complemented the DVD shown earlier in the program. It drew the stark contrasts between the perceptions of Jamaica as an idyllic tropical paradise and the realities of everyday life that the most vulnerable in society face on a daily basis. Sister Helen, drawing on her experiences as a former missionary in Papua New Guinea, made the very real connection between the ghettos of Jamaica and the “raskal gangs” that operated in large urban centres like Port Moresby, Lae and the PNG Highlands. Bishop McKenna formally launched the Catholic Mission annual appeal for the overseas and home missions and quoted directly from the Holy Father’s message to the universal Church for World Mission Sunday 2014: “Today vast numbers of people still do not know Jesus Christ. For this reason, the mission of the Church continues to be most urgent. All members of the Church are called to participate in this mission, for the Church is missionary by her very nature: she was borne to go forth’.
Bishop Michael also took the opportunity to thank all who assisted with the planning, organisation and presentation of the mission Launch, especially the two principals, Mr Anthony O’Leary and Mrs Kerry Morris, and their respective school communities. Bishop Michael, in his closing remarks, commended the annual appeal for the missions to all parish A DVD, commissioned by Catholic Mission, revealed the stark and school communities in the Diocese of Bathurst for their realities of life and survival in the ghettos of the Jamaican prayerful support, discernment and charitable giving where capital, Kingston, where the Marist Missionary Sisters live possible. out the message of the Gospels. The documentary tells Proceedings were concluded with the singing of the final of Sister Ann Quinn of Melbourne, who is attached to St. hymn, “We are Called” followed by refreshments in the St. Ann’s Primary School. Working with very limited resources, John’s College hospitality centre. Sister Ann provides hope to the children in her care from the ghettos. Her role is very pastoral and affirming. She Special guests included Mr Chris Derwin, acting Executive encourages the children to realise their dreams through Director of Schools; Mr Martin Teulan, National Director learning and acquiring new skills as the pathway to a real for Catholic Mission; Father Reynold Jaboneta, Chaplain future away from the ghettos. It is an energy sapping, yet to St John’s College and Dr Angelo Belmonte, Catholic fulfilling ministry of love, devotion and commitment. Education Office. Sister Helen Sullivan rsj, Pastoral Assistant at Eugowra, and Ann Adams, a Jamaican-Australian, formerly of Kingston, Jamaica, now living in Sydney, gave a special
September 2014 - Page 36
Mike Deasy, Diocesan Director, Catholic Mission
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
MONTH AT DUBBO
September 2014 - Page 37
Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
Social Justice Sunday 2014 A Crown for Australia: Striving for the best in our sporting nation
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8th September 2014 was Social Justice Sunday. The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2014-2015 challenges us to look at the place of sport in our lives. Where are its strengths and how can we ensure that sport can thrive and in return can nourish our society? Equally, what are the influences that are undermining and distorting sport’s ideals? Most importantly, how can we work to realise sport’s potential to unite communities, overcome differences and be a force for social justice and reconciliation? The Statement’s title refers to St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), where Paul compares the athletes of the time competing for a ‘wreath that will wither’ with our aspiration for an imperishable crown as followers of Christ.
Australians are passionate about their sport
T
he nation seems to stop for a grand final or a crucial cricket test. Local sporting clubs are a nucleus around which a true community can grow up and flourish. Lifelong friendships are forged; young people learn skills and resilience; volunteers devote time and energy to their organisations. Sport brings together people who otherwise might never come in contact. that can bring us disillusionment instead of delight. Too often, we see violence on the field, on the sidelines or in the street; we see abuse of drugs and alcohol; we see racism and abuse or exploitation of women; and we see a growing potential But there is another side to sport, one for crime and corruption. As our lifestyles become more and more sedentary, sport makes an essential contribution to our health and wellbeing, both physical and mental.
September 2014 - Page 38
This Social Justice Statement invites us to explore how sport can help us celebrate its gifts and use them to bring about God’s kingdom on earth. The full Statement is available at the Social Justice Council’s website - goo.gl/ VuM7cX
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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst
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