Broken Bay News - April 2014 by Fraynework Limited

BROKENBAYnews

B R O K E N B AY N E W S P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F B R O K E N B AY A P R I L 2 0 1 4 I S S U E 1 6 8

Stronger Families, Stronger Communities

Celebrating National Families Week

A Life Underpinned by Faith and Family Rupert Hudson OAM

Learning through Play Our Lady Help of Christians, Epping

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY P O Box 340 Pennant Hills NSW 1715 Diocesan Office: Tel (02) 9847 0000 Fax (02) 9847 0201 Caroline Chisholm Centre Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd Pennant Hills NSW 2120 (Access off City View Rd) officeofthebishop@dbb.org.au

CURIA

Pictured from left to right: The Mayor of Hornsby, Steve Russell, National CWLA President, Carolyn Metcalfe, Margie Abbott, Fr Vince Casey, Broken Bay Diocesan Administrator and the NSW State Member for Hornsby, Matt Kean MP.

Catholic Women’s League National Executive Installed at Broken Bay Cathedral

ur Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, with Fr Vince Casey presiding, provided a fitting venue for the installation of Broken Bay parishioners, Carolyn Metcalfe as President and Pauline O’Malley as Treasurer of the new National Executive of Catholic Women’s League Australia during February. Joining them for the prayerful installation ceremony were the wife of the Australian Prime Minister, Margie Abbott, the NSW State Member for Hornsby Matt Kean MP, the Mayor of Hornsby Steve Russell and Catholic Women’s League members from across Australia. Other National Executive members installed on the day were Margaret McEntee OAM and Ann Pereira, as joint Vice Presidents, Robyn Miller as Secretary and Diana Lyon as PR and Community Engagement Officer. Fr Casey, on blessing the badges of office, invited all League members present to affirm

By Diana Lyon

the new leadership of CWLA. Standing on the Sanctuary the new Executive received a candle as a “symbol of office” from the outgoing Queensland National President, Jean Tanzer OAM, and pledged their commitment to the aims of the League. In his Homily, Fr Casey thanked the past and present Executive for their generosity in taking on leadership roles and said, “how important the work of CWL is to the life and mission of the Church in Australia”. President Carolyn also spoke highlighting the need to “Open our ears to hear God’s word…by entrusting ourselves fully to Him and to believe in His love” – words of Pope Francis from his first Encyclical – which she has chosen as the theme for her two-year term. The Maris Stella Diocesan Choir with Cantor, Isaac Reefman, were led by musical director, Donrita Reefman, with Veronica HannaganStreet on the organ.

Diocesan Administrator Fr Vince Casey Co-ordinator of the Curia, and Diocesan Financial Administrator: David Penny Co-ordinator Office for Clergy: Anne Walker Marriage Tribunal Rev John Hannon Tel: (02) 9847 0458

PARISH SUPPORT UNIT Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Director: Carole Gan (02) 9847 0560

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE Director: Peter Hamill Tel (02) 9847 0000 PO Box 967 Pennant Hills NSW 1715

CATHOLICCARE Executive Director: Deirdre Cheers Tel: (02) 9481 2600 PO Box 966 Pennant Hills 1715 Children’s Services: Tel: (02) 9481 2660 Family Centres: Brookvale – Tel: (02) 8968 5100 Naremburn – Tel: (02) 8425 8700 Waitara – Tel: (02) 9488 2400 Warnervale – Tel: (02) 4356 2600 Foster and Residential Care: Tel: (02) 4340 0786 Mission, Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (02) 9481 2658 Catholic Development Fund Chris Field Tel: (02) 9847 0748

SOUTHERN CROSS OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE Mr Gordon Crabb Tel: (02) 4372 1221

COMMUNICATIONS Broken Bay News: Editor: Annie Carrett Tel: (02) 9847 0724 / Fax: (02) 9847 0501 news@dbb.org.au P O Box 340 Pennant Hills, NSW, 1715 Design: Chris Murray 22,000 copies of the Broken Bay News are distributed monthly through 26 parishes and 43 schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay. The Broken Bay News is a member of the Australasian Catholic Press Association and the Australasian Religious Press Association. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply diocesan endorsement of products or services advertised.

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APRIL 2014

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Papal Canonisations on Divine Mercy Sunday “To celebrate them together is a sign of appreciation of the holiness of two popes who paid witness to our time.” Fr Frederico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman

n what could draw possibly the largest crowds to St Peter’s in Rome since the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, Pope Francis will declare Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II as saints of the Church on 27 April this year, Divine Mercy Sunday. Recognising that his predecessors have widespread reputations for holiness, and that years of studying their lives and actions have proven their exceptional virtue, the Pope made the announcement late last year at the end of an “ordinary public consistory” – a gathering of cardinals and promoters of the sainthood causes of the two late popes. Blessed John Paul, known as a world traveller (who made 104 trips outside Italy), served as pope from 1978 to 2005 and was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on Divine Mercy Sunday, 1 May, 2011. Blessed John XXIII, known particularly for convoking the Second Vatican Council, was pope from 1958 to 1963; Blessed John Paul beatified him in 2000. The choice of Divine Mercy Sunday was not a complete surprise. Pope Francis has said that Divine Mercy Sunday was a celebration instituted worldwide by Pope John Paul II. Since the beginning of his pontificate in March 2013, Pope Francis has emphasised God’s mercy and readiness to forgive

those who recognise their need for pardon. He told reporters on a flight from Brazil in July last year that Pope John Paul’s promotion of Divine Mercy Sunday showed his intuition that a new “age of mercy” was needed in the Church and the world. Asked on the same trip to describe the two late popes, Pope Francis said Blessed John was “a bit of the ‘country priest,’ a priest who loves each of the faithful and knows how to care for them; he did this as a bishop and as a nuncio.” He was holy, patient, had a good sense of humour and, especially by calling the Second Vatican Council, was a man of courage, Pope Francis said. “He was a man who let himself be guided by the Lord.” As for Blessed John Paul, Pope Francis told the reporters, “I think of him as ‘the great missionary of the Church,” because he was “a man who proclaimed the Gospel everywhere”. Pope Francis signed a decree recognising the miracle needed for Blessed John Paul’s canonization 5 July; the same day, the Vatican announced that the Pope had agreed with members of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes that the canonisation of Blessed John should go forward even without a second miracle attributed to his intercession. Except in the case of martyrdom, Vatican rules require one miracle

Pope John Paul II.

for a candidate’s beatification and a second for his or her canonisation as confirmations that the candidate really is in heaven with God. However, a pope may set aside the rule. Pilgrims from around the world will gather at a prayer vigil on the eve of the Canonisation of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII. The following day they will gather in St Peter’s Square before a large tapestry hanging from the Basilica depicting the two former Popes for the ceremony led by His Holiness, Pope Francis and likely joined by Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. During this time their life histories will be read aloud, and the Pope will chant a prayer in

Pope John XXIII.

Latin to enrol his predecessors in the Catalogue of Saints. A Mass of thanksgiving will be held in St Peter’s Square the following day.

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The Call to Priesthood

“I will give you shepherds after my own heart” (Jer 3:15) Chosen from among men Jesus did not always choose the strongest and the best. He called fishermen, tax collectors and all kinds of ordinary men to come follow him as his first disciples and apostles. TODAY Jesus still calls all kinds of men to be his priests and to care for his people.

He answered the call to become a priest, and went on to become Pope John Paul II. Reflecting on his call he wrote: “At

a certain point in my life, I became convinced that Christ was saying to me what he had said to thousands before me: ‘Come follow me!’ There was a clear sense that what I heard in my heart was no human voice, nor was it just an idea of my own. Christ was calling me to serve him as a priest.”

Jorge Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 17 December 1936, the son of Italian migrants. He has had a lifelong love of soccer. He graduated from university as a chemical technician. Later, he responded to the call to become a priest and in 2013, he became Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas. Pope Francis is “a man who is able

The priests of Broken Bay reflect on their priesthood: “I committed myself to the priesthood with confidence and joy. This joy has never diminished despite the challenges and sufferings. I remain in deep wonder at the call that God has provided.” “To be a priest is to both share the Word of God to others and to become a Word of God to others.”

to seek out the poor, the ostracised, and the abandoned.” The priest is “anointed

for the poor, for prisoners, for the oppressed, for those who are sorrowing and alone. [The priest] prays over the realities of their everyday lives, their troubles, their joys, their burdens and their hopes.”

Pope Francis

A call to love Christ and his Church

A priest’s life is essentially one of prayer and loving service. He prays so that he can be in communion with God and joyfully serve others. He serves so that God may work through him to assist God’s people. If we take a closer look at what people expect from priests, we will see that, in the end, they have but one great expectation: they are thirsting for Christ. All other needs can be met by any number of other people. From the priest they ask for Christ! During the Mass, the priest stands in the place of Christ—“in persona Christi”—to offer up his prayer and the prayers of the faithful to God through his son Jesus. Pope Francis recently reminded new priests that they are chosen from among the faithful and “appointed on their behalf for those things that pertain to God. Therefore, carry out the ministry of Christ the priest with constant joy and genuine love, attending not to your own concerns, but to those of Jesus Christ.”

“Priestly life is one of the most privileged ways of living which never ceases to surprise me in its sacredness and its possibility to make a difference in the lives of others.”

CALL

“I am a priest because I believe in Christ and the Church. I believe that the Church - as that group of people “re-reading the Scriptures with him in mind, repeating his gestures in memory of him, and sharing fellowship with one another” (Chauvet) - makes present the mystery of Christ in the world.”

Two Vincents! Vincent Trung went to study at the University of Natural Sciences, faculty of Information Technology, and then the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, faculty of International Relations. In 2005 he entered the Xuan Loc Seminary in Vietnam. It never occurred to him in his wildest dreams that he would end up being ordained in Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral to be a priest for the Diocese of Broken Bay in Australia. However that’s exactly what happened on Saturday, 26 October, 2013 when Fr Vincent was ordained by Bishop David Walker in the presence of his former seminary rector, Joseph Dinh Duc Dao, now the auxiliary Bishop of Xuan Loc Diocese, his family, clergy and members of the Diocesan and wider community. “Many people, priests, and my superiors encouraged me to be ordained and so I felt more confident to say ‘Yes’. I hope my priestly ministry will be focused on announcing the love of our God and sharing it with the people.” Fr Vincent is now at Chatswood parish. We are also happy to welcome Vincent Phan as a seminarian for our Diocese. Please pray for Vincent as he continues his studies at Good Shepherd Seminary, Homebush.

Advice for young men discerning a vocation to the priesthood

If you are discerning a call to priesthood: Don’t turn away, face the call with courage and confidence. Pray for guidance and seek advice. If the decision is to go ahead, let it be a total commitment, no holding back but a complete giving of oneself to Christ. It is a road less travelled, but if God is calling you to the priesthood there is no other way to go and you will know great peace and joy.

The Vocations Ministry Diocese of Broken Bay

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Two famous examples: Karol and Jorge Karol Jozef Wojtyla was born on 18 May 1920, in Wadowice, Poland. He was athletic and enjoyed skiing and swimming. Later at university, he showed a keen interest in theatre and poetry.

Permanent Diaconate Ten Years on in Broken Bay

On 16 April 2004, Jim Caulfield, Harry Housen, David Huntley and Paul Simmons were ordained to the Permanent Diaconate by Bishop David Walker in Corpus Christi Cathedral, St Ives. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Diaconate in Broken Bay. Following on from these ordinations, Roberto Corpuz, Kevin Hale and David McKenzie were ordained at our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral Waitara in April 2008, and Peter McCulloch in December 2012. Some of our current Deacons were asked to offer reflections on their understanding of the diaconate now they have been living it in Broken Bay for a number of years.

Restoration of Diaconate:

In reflecting on his ten years of ministry Deacon Paul Simmons said that he is often asked why the Order of Deacon was restored, as a permanent order in the Church, and why it was introduced into our Diocese. “The restoration and renewal of the Permanent Diaconate should not be seen just as a human invention, or an inspiration or aspiration of an individual but rather, it needs to be understood that it is a vocation from God. As such, it is not a lay apostolate; it is a ministry of service which is a stable and permanent rank of ordained ministry. “Restoration of the diaconate, as a permanent Order, makes available to a diocesan church the full expression of the threefold Sacrament of Holy Orders - Bishop, Priest and Deacon,” says Paul. “Bishops, priests and deacons, therefore, all belong to the one sacramental ordained ministry; and a Church without the full expression of Holy Orders is an incomplete Church.” The Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons, reminds us that the origin of the diaconate is the consecration and mission of Christ, in which the deacon is called to share. Blessed John Paul II once said of the diaconate that the service of the deacon is the Church’s service sacramentalised: “This is at the very heart of the diaconate – the deacon is to be a servant of the mysteries of Christ and at the same time – be a servant to his brothers and sisters”.

we play, the workplace, and to family life,” says Kevin. And so, in living out his ministry of service to those on the margins of society, Deacon Kevin has ministered as a Pastoral Worker at St Lucy’s School Wahroonga one day a week and also regularly visited residents of an Aged Care facility in his area.

Ordained for the Diocese – and not a Parish

Deacons do whatever the Church asks of them today, and whatever the Church asks of them in the future. But, whatever they do, deacons make visible Christ who serves.

Deacons are ordained as assistants to the Bishop and so are ordained for a diocese and not a particular parish. Deacons minister where the bishop sees a need and when appointed to a parish they work in collaboration with the pastor, in ministering to those in his pastoral care

The deacon is to encourage and support all, to recognise and live out their individual charism, and enable them to come to a richer and deeper understanding, appreciation and acceptance of both ordained ministry and lay ecclesial ministry.

Deacon Peter McCulloch can certainly testify to this. Following his ordination in 2012 Peter was first appointed to St Agatha’s Parish in Pennant Hills. He found the parish community and the priests of the parish at Pennant Hills very welcoming and accepting.

The diaconate, therefore, is not about what a deacon can do, it is about who the deacon is.

Diaconate as Ministry of Service:

Deacon Kevin Hale says that the image the Church presents of the deacon is that of one standing at the edge or margin of both the Church and society; and so it is from this vantage point that the deacon invites those people who are marginalised to meet Christ, and also invites the Church to make Christ present. “The deacon though truly an ordained minister, is primarily called to the service of charity in the world. His ministry in the sanctuary is an extension of his service to the world. He has a quite distinct and specific role in the Church which is not to be confused with that of the priest. The priest and the deacon represent two different poles, so to speak”. (Cardinal Clancy, former Archbishop of Sydney) “Essentially, the deacon’s task is to learn of the needs of people in the name of the bishop, and bring word of this to the community - bringing the presence of Jesus to the ‘market place’ where we shop, where

A deacon’s first appointment is always a time of deep learning. At Pennant Hills Peter found that he got a real sense of the role and place of the deacon in the Church. A little over 12 months later, Peter was transferred to Frenchs Forest Parish, and whilst he was sorry to leave St Agatha’s, is always keen to learn and to serve. Now finds himself ministering across the three communities of Terry Hills, Davidson and Forestville, supporting Fr Jose Philip in his role as Parish Administrator. Every community is different, and in recognising that every community has its strengths and its challenges, there is always much to do. Through his ministry as deacon, Peter has learnt that it is truly a ministry of service, centered on the heart. “The head needs to be involved, and so too the body, but ultimately the heart is where God lives, and that is where deacons live their life of service.”

L to R: Deacon David McKenzie, Bishop David Walker, Lyndall McCulloch, Deacon Greg Kerr, Deacon Peter McCulloch, Deacon Kevin Hale, Deacon Brian Myers, Deacon Jim Caulfield, Deacon Roberto Corpuz and Fr Jack Robson.

For more info on Priesthood or the Permanent Diaconate • Manny Bautista 02 9847 0422 • Fr. Paul Durkin 02 9484 1427 • www.dbb.org.au

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Encounters: A Commitment to Action on Social Justice Palms Australia started in Sydney in 1956 as the Paulian Association. Groups formed in around 100 communities to identify local issues, reflect on values and take appropriate action to address social inequality and assist people in need. After identifying that similar issues needed to be addressed globally, in 1961, the program was extended to communities overseas which request the placement of volunteers to assist develop health, education and other facilities. More recently Palms volunteers have been “opening our hands to the world” in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, including communities in Tanzania, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and indigenous Australia. The vision for Palms Australia is for people cooperating across cultures in order to achieve a just, sustainable, interdependent and peaceful world free of poverty.

By Sean Dostal

’m often asked why Palms runs Encounters to Timor-Leste and Kiribati. After all, Palms isn’t a travel company and the communities that we visit are often not well equipped to accommodate tourists. I absolutely agree with these two statements and strangely enough they also answer the question. Encounters are not tours. They are experiences which are designed to give you a true understanding of life in developing countries and how Palms volunteers work with local communities to facilitate sustainable development. Before departure and during the first few days participants undertake cross-cultural preparation. This may seem odd for a relatively short experience but it is essential for two reasons: 1. It helps remove prejudice against the hosts by reducing the likelihood of simplistic generalisations and therefore provides the sort of guests the hosts deserve. 2. It heightens the experience for the visitor. Instead of viewing the experience through a lens of life in Australia, cross-cultural preparation provides a framework conducive of mutual acceptance and respect.

Palms only visits communities at their request and at a time that causes the least interruption. As with Palms volunteers who are only sent at the request of local communities, Encounters must and do require the full support of the communities that we visit. During an Encounter, participants are not asked to volunteer as this would be counter-productive to sustainable development. For example, someone going overseas to help build an orphanage could be taking work away from locals in a situation where high unemployment exists. Instead Encounters build your understanding of sustainable development which you may take away to engage with Australian communities or choose to volunteer with Palms in a long-term placement of 1-3 years. Finally, running these Encounters directly assists Palms to support the costs of sending volunteers to exchange their knowledge and skills with communities seeking to reduce poverty by developing the capacities of their people and organisations. If you would like to experience issues of development, poverty, culture, environmental sustainability, politics and trade in a small group experience (up to 8-10) we invite you to join an Encounter. More information: www.palms.org.au/encounters www.palms.org.au/publicdownloads/Encounter Booklet.pdf www.palms.org.au/publicdownloads/HP_BookingForm2014v2.pdf

Palms Encounter group visiting a women’s cooperative in Morobo, Timor-Leste, July 2012.

Or please call on 02 9518 9551 or email sean@palms.org.au for more information. Upcoming Dates: Kiribati; July 26-August 7th 2014 (4 places remain) & possible additional dates in 2014. Timor-Leste; 22 September – 4 October 2014.

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Bishop Peter Watson.

An Optimistic Message

By Lorraine Lobsey Ecumenical Rep for Epping Carlingford Parish. On 22 February, Bishop Peter Watson, retired Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, spoke to a large group of ecumenical representatives from Broken Bay. He encouraged us saying in a world where we hear daily of argument and conflict, ecumenism offers us a new model. This model showed how the love of God can help human relationships. Despite difference and past hurt, Christian churches continue working to build upon what they hold in common. The mission of ecumenism – to reach out in Christian love to those “who wear a different brand” and recognise God in that person – is a visible sign of God’s love working in humankind. Later, several ecumenical representatives spoke about their involvement in local interchurch activities, including various social get-togethers, Services and Covenants. Humourously, one person told us of her “grass roots” ecumenism, referring to the times when she had mown the lawn of her neighbouring Uniting Church Minister. Fr Colin Blayney gave tribute to Sr Trish Madigan op, for her great contribution to ecumenism in the Diocese over many years as she now takes up a leadership role in the Dominican Order. We left the meeting armed with some new ideas and encouraged by Rev Peter’s words, and by each other – we were ready for the next step in what promises to be an exciting year ahead.

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For more information regarding a bequest to the Diocese of Broken Bay or your local parish, please contact the Diocesan Bequest Officer on 9847 0750

PARISH SUPPORT

Reflecting on Scripture from our Lenten Liturgies

By Pina Bernard, Parish Support Unit

Scripture from our Lenten liturgies Joel 2:12-13

Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.

It is not known exactly when the prophet Joel wrote these words. Some speculate around 800BC, whilst others suggest after the Exile, around 450BC. The Book of Joel is only 3 chapters long, but its content is significant. A plague of locusts decimates the land of Judah, along with a severe drought and famine. Joel uses this opportunity to call people to repent and to turn back to God. He reminds them that God is with his people, and will restore their land and prosperity. They will rejoice in their God who does great things. What is one area of our life that we need to bring to God in repentance? Isaiah 50:5-7

The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backwards. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.

The book of Isaiah was written in 3 parts. Whist the first part (Ch 1-39) are generally attributed to the prophet Isaiah writing in 8th century BC, the 2nd part (Ch 40-55) from which this text was taken, was written around 540BC towards the end of the time the Israelites were in Exile in Babylon. Several texts in this part refer to a ‘suffering servant’, in which Christians saw the Messiah. Are there times when we have found it difficult in the face of opposition to our faith? TE DAIMER A L C

Ezekiel 37:12-14 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,” says the Lord.

Ezekiel wrote whilst in Exile, during the time the Israelites were in Babylon (587-538BC). Whist the first part of the book speaks of Israel’s sin and punishment, the second part speaks of a restoration. Ezekiel sees a valley full of dead, dry bones, from which God will bring life through his Spirit. Israel will be restored to their homeland and a new temple built. It is a hopeful message to a people who had lost so much. Do we trust in our God who brings life?

Scripture from our Easter liturgies Psalm 118:21-24

I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 113-118 (the Hallel) are traditionally recited at major Jewish festivals and at Passover. They are psalms of celebration. Psalm 118 speaks of victory over enemies and gives thanks, praise and glory to God. The text is especially appropriate for the Easter liturgy, and is referenced in the New Testament. Just as God saved his people from slavery in Egypt, so Jesus saves his people from slavery to sin. Does our faith give us joy? Matthew 28: 5b-6a

‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.’

It was the women who first heard the news of the resurrection. The angel who speaks these

Broken Bay Bible Conference

2014

words to them in Matthew’s gospel is part of the apocalyptic imagery used by Mathew to explain an extraordinary event. This event is the heart of our faith – Jesus crucified and raised. Do you believe this? Romans 6:3-5

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

St Paul writes to the citizens of Rome in what is his longest letter in the New Testament, written around 56-58AD from the city of Corinth. Paul is encouraging the community not to live a life of sin, but a life of grace. They are now dead to sin and living for God in Jesus Christ. At Easter we joyfully celebrate this new life and our participation in it in our own lives today. How have you experienced this newness of life? Acts 10:39-43 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’

These words were written by Luke, and spoken by Peter. Peter is preaching to the household of Cornelius, a gentile. This is an example of the proclaiming of the message of Jesus to the gentiles in the early Church. It is through 2000 years of continual proclamation of this message that we are able to hear it today. It is a message for every person that we too are called to proclaim and hand on. How are you passing on your faith?

“I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves” John 17:13

Fr Francis Moloney sdb

12-13 September 2014 Venue to be confirmed

Enquiries: Pina Bernard, Parish Support Unit 9847 0474

Sr Mary Coloe pbvm BBN

APRIL 2014

PARISH SUPPORT – FAMILIES

Pope Francis seeks our support and prayers for the success of the Family Synod By Janette Davidson

Diocesan Coordinator Family Life Ministries

“The Synod Assembly is dedicated in a special way to you, to your vocation and mission in the Church and in society; to the challenges of marriage and family life, of the education of children and the role of the family in the life of the Church.” (Pope Francis’ Letter to Families 25.2.2014)1

any thanks to all who took the opportunity to actively participate in the preparation for the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the theme Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the context of Evangelization. Responses to the online survey were received from all parishes in the Diocese and respondents shared their wisdom, insights and lived reality of the pastoral challenges facing the family today. Unfortunately not all were able to undertake the survey due to

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the complexity of the language used and the short timeframe. A Diocesan response summarising the views of those who undertook the survey was prepared and forwarded to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. This response then formed a part of the response that has been forwarded by the Bishops Conference to Rome. The Extraordinary General Assembly of Bishops will take place in Rome in October 2014 (5 to 19) to consider the responses forwarded from around the

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world. This will be followed by an Ordinary General Assembly of Bishops in 2015 which will develop guidelines in the pastoral care of the person and the family (having regard to the work of the October Assembly). The Synods will examine ways to pastorally respond to the difficulties confronting families in contemporary society including supporting couples in formation and in crisis, passing on the faith in and through families, and responding to the needs of children in irregular marriages. The Synod will also consider difficulties impacted upon by Church teachings such as in respect of: • artificial birth control; • cohabitation before marriage; • annulment, divorce and re-marriage; and • same sex unions. Cardinal Baldisseri, general

secretary of the Synod, has commented that the responses show “such suffering, especially by those who feel excluded or abandoned by the Church because they find themselves in a state of life that does not correspond to the Church’s doctrine and discipline”2. Pope Francis has asked for prayers for the Synods and invited all to “pray together so that through these events the Church will undertake a true journey of discernment and adopt the necessary pastoral means to help families face their present challenges with the light and strength that come from the Gospel.” As the process is a lengthy one, updates will be provided to the Broken Bay Catholic community concerning the activities of the two Synods as they move the process forward in 2014 and 2015.

1 . For full text of Pope Francis’ Letter to Families (Family Synod area of Diocesan website www.dbb.org.au). 2 . CathNews 25.02.14

Support available through the Parish Support Unit for parish ministry to marriage and family • Wide range of website resources and links available on the Diocesan website www.dbb.org.au ; • Subsidising couples who may wish to attend Marriage Enrichment Weekends; • Series of handouts on Nurturing Faith in Families including recently added sheet on praying The Stations of the Cross; • Regionally based Marriage and Family Lay Ministry Training; • Supporting and resourcing Parish Marriage and Family Network Contacts and Family Ministers in parishes across the diocese. CatholicCare also provides a range of services in support of marriage and family, see website www.centacarebrokenbay.org.au Please contact Janette Davidson at janette.davidson@dbb.org.au or by phone 0409 074 908 for further information about resources.

Photo courtesy: www.frangipanidesigns.com.au

PARISH SUPPORT – FAMILIES

Stronger Families, Stronger Communities

Celebrating National Families Week 15 – 21 May

ational Families Week is largely a public awareness campaign, the purpose of which is to celebrate family life, encourage families to spend more time together, bring families (of all shapes and sizes) together and highlight the important role families play in society. With a different theme each year, the week highlights various important aspects of family life and provides an opportunity for an educative, faith-centred celebration of family life. A growing number of parishes and schools participate in our Diocesan Families Week activities. Pope Francis has highlighted the importance of the family in the calling of two Bishops Synods on the Family scheduled for October 2014 and 2015. The theme of National Families Week for 2014, the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, is ‘Stronger Families, Stronger Communities’. This theme highlights the important role families play as the central building block of our communities and that community wellbeing is enhanced by family wellbeing. All families have strengths and weaknesses, and we all try to build on the strengths and work through the weaknesses. The importance of strong families and the impact they have on the quality of life in communities and the nation are becoming more obvious every day. The home sets up a pattern that spills over into all other aspects of our society.

There are things you can do to help strengthen your family and to help promote the personal growth of each family member. Researchers believe that a combination of traits makes a family strong rather than just one single characteristic. One model has identified the following six characteristics of strong families*.

Strong families: 1. Have commitment. The membership of each family member is recognised and valued. Family members are committed to helping each other succeed, and there is an attitude of “one for all, and all for one.” In short, there is allegiance to the family and family life is a priority. 2. Express appreciation. Appreciation is one of the deepest human needs. We all want our efforts to be recognised and appreciated. Strong families make a habit of expressing gratitude. 3. Spend time together. Although quality time is important, so is quantity time. Strong families do things together and do them often. They enjoy the time they spend with their families. They eat together, play together and, where possible, work together. 4. Develop spiritually. For many families, their faith community becomes a second family that provides extra support. A spiritual connection can also provide purpose, direction and perspective.

5. Deal effectively with conflict, stress and crisis. All families experience conflict, but strong families attack the problem, not each other. They manage conflict in ways that are respectful of the unique perspective that each family member brings to a problem. 6. Have rhythm. They have routines, rituals and traditions that give direction, meaning and structure to the daily flow of life. There are rules or principles that they live by. These family patterns or rhythms also give stability and clarify family roles and expectations. Still, the healthiest families are also

open to change. They have learned to adapt to the changing needs of their family. National Families Week is a great way to mark the significance of your family’s involvement in community and the benefits both your family and the community derive from this. During National Families Week you are encouraged to stop, reflect and celebrate family life; with all its ups and downs it remains something to be treasured and to be grateful to God for. Check your parish and school bulletins for information and details of local events. *Adapted from University of Arkansas USA ‘Characteristics of Strong Families’.

A Conversation

‘With our Lord’

‘Prayer in Song’

Songs written and performed by David Hawton (Broken Bay Parishioner)

featuring Madelaine Smith $15 + postage. E: dahawton@gmail.com M: 0412 800 412 Also available on iTunes BBN

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

My Faith is everything to Me T

he new National President of Catholic Women’s League Australia (CWLA), Carolyn Metcalfe, is looking forward to the joys and challenges ahead as she takes up her role, but says all her efforts will be underpinned by the guiding force in her life – her faith in God and the movement of the Holy Spirit. “My faith is everything to me,” Carolyn says. “And that’s one of the reasons I love the Catholic Women’s League. It’s so nurturing of that faith and it builds and strengthens you so much.” Carolyn, a mother of six and grandmother of 14, who lives at Buff Point on the Central Coast, was installed as the National President of CWLA during a Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara on 6 February. The installation Mass was celebrated by Diocesan Administrator Fr Vince Casey, with Fr Biju Puthenpura, Catholic Women’s League NSW chaplain for the previous three years, concelebrating, along with Fr David Orr and Dean of the Cathedral, Fr Robert Borg. The Mass took the theme “Open our Ears to Hear God’s Word…”, taken from the first Encyclical of Pope Francis’ pontificate, “Lumen Fidei”. Although she had always been aware of the Catholic Women’s League, Carolyn didn’t join it until she retired and moved to the Central Coast with her late husband Don in 2003.

“I was very involved in other areas of parish life at my former parish of St Kieran’s Manly Vale,” she says. “In particular, I was very active in the RCIA. But when we came up here to the Central Coast, I had a friend who was in the Catholic Women’s League and I decided to try it.” At the end of that first year, Carolyn became secretary of her local CWL branch, which put her in contact with the CWL at diocesan level. She served a term as Diocesan Secretary, then Diocesan President, and was elected as State President for a three year term before taking on the national role. “So it’s been a steady progression, really,” she says. “My husband Don died in 2012 and he wanted me to go on and serve at the national level. He was always very supportive of everything I did, especially in the Catholic Women’s League.” She says that finding ways to boost membership will be a key focus of her two-year term as President. “Our membership is ageing and we’d love to get new members, younger members,” she says. “But that whole scenario has changed from what it used it to be. Our young people today are so busy working and when they’ve got free time they spend it with their families and children. And then when they do look for other things, they see us as an older generation and they’re looking for something different.

+Parishioners

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By Debra Vermeer

Margie Abbott and Carolyn Metcalfe (right), at the Executive installation Mass, Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral.

“So, while we always embrace younger members, I think our target is around the women of retirement age, who are still energetic and active and still have a lot to give and could perhaps come in and add a lot to our organisation.” Carolyn says many people would be surprised to find out the extent of the cutting edge issues with which the Catholic Women’s League is involved. “We do a lot of work with bioethics and social issues,” she says. A National Research Officer keeps members informed of issues developing within state and federal governments. The CWLA then advocates its position through various means, including preparing submissions for Senate and other government inquiries. “For instance, we were very active at the time of the vote on same-sex marriage last year, advocating in favour of the traditional understanding of marriage,” she says. Their advocacy even extends to having a representative attend the United Nations as an NGO, with their representative currently in New York attending the Commission for the Status of Women 58. Carolyn says the CWLA is also aligned with other organisations, such as the Equality Rights Alliance (an umbrella group of

women’s organisations) and the National Council of Women. “And in all of these organisations that we’re affiliated with, we’re always very careful that we are in line with the teachings of our Church and our belief,” she says. “Often in issues of women’s health, if we can’t accept a decision that they’re coming to, we have to make certain that our position is stated, that the Catholic Women’s League either voted against it or abstained because of our position. It’s important that we do that, but there many other areas that we have in common, where we can work together.” The CWLA is also involved with ecumenical and interfaith alliances, often working with Jewish and Muslim women’s groups. “We’re very supportive of women, particularly the education of women, as well as encouraging women in leadership roles. They’re all very strong issues that we need to be out there supporting.” Carolyn says she is thankful for very strong team she has working with her, and apart from drawing on the experience and talents of those around her, including CWLA Chaplain Fr David Orr and liturgy officer Carmel Pilcher rsj, Carolyn says she will also call on the Holy Spirit to carry her through the challenges ahead.

The Good Life: Discovering Spirit in Australia Today

A Conversation with Hugh Mackay and Fr David Ranson Our “Conversation Series” continues with an unscripted conversation with Hugh Mackay and Fr David Ranson. Anticipated topics include the Australian principles of fairness and equity; building community in a fragmented world; advocating for a more just, open and tolerant society; and the place of faith (context) in Australian society. Hugh will reference his most recent book, “The Good Life,” in particular the twin seductions of materialism and the “feel-good” happiness industry. A 50 minute conversation between Hugh and Fr David will be followed by a short break, and then there will be the opportunity for Q & A. Date: Tuesday 6 May 2014 Time: 7:00 pm for 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Venue: The Light of Christ Centre, end of Yardley Avenue, Waitara RSVP: By Friday 2 May 2014. Book via www.trybooking.com/EIBA

Inter-religious Relations in Today’s World Geraldine Doogue in Conversation with Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald Archbishop Fitzgerald is the former president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. He is retired Apostolic Nuncio to the Arab Republic of Egypt and delegate to the Arab League. A scholar of Islam living in Jerusalem, Archbishop Fitzgerald will be discussing his experiences of inter-religious relations with Geraldine Doogue. Ms Doogue is a popular Australian journalist and broadcaster well known for her work on the ABC TV program “Compass,” and Radio National’s “Saturday Extra.” Please join us for a good conversation. Date: Friday 30 May 2014 Time: 7:00 pm for 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Venue: St Agatha’s School Hall, 7 Trebor Road, Pennant Hills RSVP: By Friday 23 May 2014. Book via www.trybooking.com/EKWF N.B. Numbers for this event are limited due to venue restrictions and so the booking window may close before the advertised RSVP date.

A not for profit agency of the Diocese, CatholicCare is one arm of the Catholic Church’s broader family of social care and community service providers, and one of 60 member agencies of Catholic Social Services Australia whose combined service provision across Australia is in excess of $600 million per year.

Supported in circumstances of family violence

Sometimes we don’t know the good being done right here on the Central Coast and in the northern suburbs of Sydney. Last year CatholicCare’s 500+ support workers (including counsellors, social workers, psychologists, early childhood educators and other specialists) assisted more than 20,000 people – including families and individuals, women and children, people with disabilities, and abused and neglected young people needing care – with a comprehensive range of services totalling almost $30 million dollars.

women 1170 children with1328

In our own backyard...

20 thousand+

7000+ 9000+ FAMILIES CHILDREN

INCLUDING

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ACCESSED OUR SUPPORT IN 2012-13

1200+ FAMILIES 1500+ CHILDREN

40 26

assisted through Family Support, Counselling and Referral

children + young people supported in foster care families

EARLY LEARNING AND CARE

OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE

• Forestville

• Carlingford

•

Lake Munmorah

Terrigal • Waitara •

• Collaroy

Plateau • Davidson

young people looked after in therapeutic group care

• East

Gosford

• Forestville

• Freshwater

• Lake

Munmorah

• Manly • Mona

Vale

• Pymble

• Waitara • West

Pymble

justice love

serving in and

Almost

1300

CHILDREN aged 6-12 in Outside School Hours Care

178+

volunteers supplemented our funded services

401

138 102

families with

adults

& 291 children

separating families assisted with dispute resolution

with disability enabled in their choices

859

Early Learning & Care CHILDREN aged 0-5

children given direct financial assistance

with

FAMILIES

16 32

CHILDREN

3000+

1600+ adults provided pre-marriage, parenting and relationship skills

FAMILY CENTRES

• Kariong

• Lake

Hills

Meals served at Woy Woy Parish “Mary Macs” Place

hospital patients visited bedside

FOSTER AND THERAPEUTIC GROUP CARE • Pennant

16,500

• Brookvale

Munmorah • Naremburn

HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY • Waitara

• Warnervale

• Gosford

• Hornsby

• Manly • Mona

Vale • Royal North Shore

• Wahroonga • Wyong

(Sydney Adventist)

theLMent.com

safely housed in our supported accommodation

EDUCATION

Metacognition helping ease the transition to high school High school brings with it the excitement of exploring new territory such as science laboratories and kitchens to engage in new subjects.

t Mercy Catholic College in Chatswood, the transition from primary school also comes complete with a course in metacognition. Metacognition classes for Year 7 students help them to figure out optimal ways to learn, study, write notes, organise their diaries and themselves, says Principal Suzanne Kavanagh. Add a school camp to the equation at the start of the school year and the transition from primary school to Year 7 sounds even more adventurous. “We send them off on a camp in week two and they do exciting things like use waterslides and canoes and participate in races and all sorts of things to get to know each other, so that really starts the bonding,” Suzanne says.

Student Cassie Parker, who completed Year 7 at Mercy Catholic College last year, says she found life in Year Seven preferable to primary school. “I personally prefer high school to primary school – trying something new instead of staying in the same classroom all day,” Cassie says. Cassie’s mother Jacquie says she believes Cassie’s transition from primary school was eased by her involvement in netball, drama and band commitments which helped her form friendships. “I think it’s fairly important for anyone starting Year 7, to actually get into something at school that helps form a support group and friendship group for that year,” she says.

Schools making inroads in mental health The mental health of primary school students is a top priority at St Patrick’s Catholic School at East Gosford, which has adopted the federal government initiative Kids Matter framework.

he Kids Matter framework aims to boost the mental health and wellbeing of children and is tailored to the school’s local needs. It is a positive framework that assists staff to look at the wellbeing of their students and families. Principal at St Patrick’s, Nicole Cumming, says the framework gives the school a language and structure to use for mental health issues and the social and emotional learning and wellbeing of children. “More and more children are being exposed to challenging circumstances such as family breakdown and mental health issues,” Nicole says. “Mental health is integral to academic learning – if the

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children are not mentally healthy then they’re not in the best position to learn.” Its four components: looking at a positive school community; the social and emotional learning of students; parent support and education; and early intervention for children experiencing mental health difficulties – sit within with the school’s pastoral care program, Nicole says. “Kids Matter fits very nicely with our Catholic ethos of pastoral care, building community, looking after one another and developing the whole being, so it’s not just an academic or physical aspect, it’s the whole spiritual and emotional wellbeing of the child,” Nicole comments.

EDUCATION

Older students build school cubby for Epping youngsters

Play-based outdoor learning is helping to promote confidence and social skills at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic School at Epping, thanks to the efforts of secondary students from St Leo’s Catholic College, Wahroonga who built a cubby as part of a push to encourage play-based learning.

LHC Principal Mary Hor says the cubby, sandpit and a play boat made for the 150 students is surrounded by soft ground and brings together children of all grades to play and learn. “We’ve got the normal playground structures that most playgrounds have, like climbing equipment but these extra things are part of our new emphasis on play-based learning,” Mary says. Research shows young children do a lot of their learning through play. At Our Lady Help of Christians students use the cubby as a house or a classroom or a hospital for play, Mary says. “The children develop and improve their confidence

and competence and their socialisation. It’s very important to have these things outside for the children and give them stimulus for their learning,” she says. Teachers also use the area for classroom lessons, including mathematics. “Quite often the teachers will facilitate role plays using the cubby or maths-type learning around the sandpit,” Mary says. “We want to promote social skills and help the children to communicate and collaborate but importantly we want to encourage imagination and creativity, so outside play gives them all of these open-ended situations to enable them to creatively problem solve.”

St Brigid inspires new generation as school year begins The Irish saint, St Brigid, is known among Catholics as a remarkable woman who founded an abbey committed to education and spirituality.

n 2014, 70 students from the local area have started the school year at a new school named in her honour, St Brigid’s Catholic College at Lake Munmorah. Founding Principal Julie Terry has been in the teaching profession for 30 years and is keen to bring the new school community together under the school motto: Inflaming Hearts and Minds in Christ. “St Brigid was an Irish saint who was a good woman – she was the head of an abbey and was dedicated to education, reconciliation, stewardship and peace. She was a bit of a star in her day,” Julie says. The school has started with 66 Year 7 students in 2014. There are currently seven teachers at St Brigid’s, which has been designed with

a focus on a ‘town square’ concept, or a large and central open space to form the heart of the college, with other buildings linked to the main square. “We know so much about what’s good for children now, in terms of learning, pastoral care and faith development, but being able to start a school with that knowledge and being able to put it all together is creating culture. It’s very exciting,” Julie says. “There’s something quite special about the founding year – the children and parents will get to know each other very well because they’ll be involved in the things like establishing the parent networks and the canteen and so it’s like a small community school to start with.” BBN

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EDUCATION

Students volunteer time to connect via catechism

The call to helping others is a strong one at St Paul’s Catholic College at Manly, with many students at the school regularly spending a small part of their school-day connecting with local public primary school students to help them with scripture classes.

ast year, six St Paul’s students were involved in helping catechists talk about the Catholic faith to younger pupils who enrol in the classes. As school enrolments swell, so too does a willingness to volunteer. Youth ministries are part of school life in many Catholic schools and at St Paul’s College, an extensive social justice program enables students to “put their

faith into action”, says Principal Mark Baker. He says 70 per cent of students starting in Year 7 at the school each year come from local public schools. Mark says the school’s motto, Prima Primum – or First Things First – challenges the students to arrange life’s priorities in the true spirit of the Christian Brothers, which involves reaching out and building a sense of community.

Another initiative this year involved nine students venturing together to Melbourne for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, a national gathering of young Catholics from Year 9 aged up to 25 to help empower them to take on a disciple role in their communities. “One student who presented to the school said he gained a change in attitude from the

festival – he felt he went there with a particular mindset and felt really challenged by the sessions. He came back with a whole different way of looking at things, in particular, refugees,” says the school’s Youth Minister Joanne Kalayzich. “So we’re really challenging them to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of their Catholic faith.”

Happiness tops list as Corpus Christi students start school The happiness of kindergarten students tops the teachers’ wish-list at Corpus Christi Catholic School at St Ives as the school year begins.

“W

e want them all to get off to a flying start,” says Principal Barbara Yee. “The thing that we’re really concerned about is that the experience of kindergarten students is a really positive and successful one. “When children go home each day with a sense of success, they have learned something new and they feel happy, we have achieved great things. The children’s happiness is really crucial at this time of year.” As the new kindergarten classes settle into school, Barbara says “We want the children and their families to experience a sense of belonging as they join this wonderful Catholic community.” The new kindergarten families attended a welcome Mass in the November prior to starting school and each family received a hand-

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made wooden cross to take home with them. “Some of the children came in and saw the same crosses on the table in the classroom and said they’ve got one of those at home as well,” Barbara says. “We just hope that’s a significant thing and the families feel it’s not just the child starting school, it is the whole family, and we do embrace that.” Parent Christina Surjan says her daughter Jessica began kindergarten at Corpus Christi last year already feeling a great connection to the school community. While her elder sister is at the school, it was also important for Jessica to connect with other older students through the buddy system. “With Corpus being a small school, all the children across the grades know one another and play together. Jessica would

come home excited that she was included in the games played by her friends in different grades even though she was ‘just a kindy kid’,” Christina says.

“She also felt very comfortable from the start due to the buddy system – she knew her Year 6 buddy was always someone she could turn to.”

EDUCATION

IPads transforming learning

The traditional image of a teacher instructing pupils at the blackboard has long gone.

t one Freshwater primary school, iPads are plentiful and pupils are now being asked to rate apps with the teacher’s assistance. St John the Baptist Catholic School reports a huge difference in student engagement and learning outcomes since it introduced iPads and began using the iTunes U application which allows students to access teacher-created on-line courses on their iPads. “It really just brings the

whole world to the fingertips of every student,” says Principal Judy Slattery. “We noticed that because of the high level of student engagement using iPads as a tool, teachers could differentiate every student’s learning with a greater authenticity. We’ve tracked the students’ growth and found an increase in learning outcomes,” Judy says. The Education Facilitator at the school, teacher Stefanie Thom, says the iTunes U

application is used widely in high schools and universities in the United States. Stefanie rates it highly after introducing it into the primary school setting. “I took our Broken Bay Religious Education module and broke it down, redesigned it and repackaged it for the iTunes U application,” Stefanie says. “I have tried to package it so the students have it in their hands and work through different challenges at their own pace, so it’s very student-oriented.”

Student learning challenges include accessing good news stories online, reading them, taking screen clippings of them and putting them into picture files to share with the class, with the children encouraged to explore which applications work best for them. “This pedagogical approach demands critical thinking,” Judy says, adding that another key driver for using iPads is to encourage a greener school with less paper and waste.

Changing of the guard as Catholic schools grow

There has been a changing of the guard at three of the Central Coast’s four Catholic secondary schools, with three new principals taking the helm as the Catholic high school population in the area grows in 2014.

ulie Terry, previously principal of Warriewood’s Mater Maria Catholic College, is the founding principal at St Brigid’s Catholic College, which opened at Lake Munmorah with 70 students this year. “After 30 years in the teaching profession it is an exceptional privilege to establish a school,” Julie says. “The real joy of starting small is the strong relationships that can be built over time.” For new principal at St Peter’s Catholic College at Tuggerah, Michelle Peters, the job “is like coming home”. Michelle first started teaching at the co-educational school of

more than 1,000 students in 1991 before becoming assistant principal and then spending two years in a pastoral care role at the Catholic Schools Office. “Schools are real communities,” Michelle says. “Parents are becoming more involved in the life of their children at school, so it’s great to build on that. I’m really looking forward to that sense of being part of the Catholic community again.” Former St Peter’s principal Tony McCudden is now principal at St Joseph’s Catholic College at East Gosford, an all-girls school of about 850 students, after teaching at the school a decade ago.

“I’m returning to a very familiar environment and one that I thoroughly enjoyed the first time around,” Tony says. “I

know it’s a very good school. The staff is exceptional; the students respond very well to the staff and the parents are supportive.”

Movement encouraging calm in the classroom

Peace and quiet isn’t normally something people associate with the classroom but there’s a fair amount of it at St Kieran’s Catholic School at Manly Vale since the school introduced yoga into its curriculum.

upils in Years 2, 3, 5 and 6 retreat to the yoga mat at school for one hour at a time during one term of the school year, with the benefits far reaching, says Principal Terri Paterson. “We started the classes in 2012 and it was very, very beneficial, so we opened it up to more classes and we will be continuing those this year,” Terri says. Year 4 students engage in Tae Kwon Do as part of the broader plan to help students develop stronger self-esteem, respect for each other and a healthy lifestyle, she says. “The breathing in yoga really helps,” Terri says. “And the Tae Kwon Do is particularly powerful for the boys – it really does teach them a lot about self-discipline – while the yoga does

the same thing. When you’ve got self-discipline and when you’re able to regulate your behaviour, you find that it helps with resilience and how to cope with life and friendship issues and a variety of circumstances in life.” Teachers also participate in the classes, which are run by an external provider, and report very settled children after yoga sessions, as well as a sense of responsibility when at such a young age they remember to bring yoga clothes into school. “It’s good for the students to see the teachers participating and the teachers know about what the kids are learning and the way they’re being taught – they’re finding out more about themselves and the teachers are learning about the children as they participate in the classes,” Terri says.

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APRIL 2014

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Are you following us on Facebook yet?

Follow the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay on social media for the latest updates, photos, videos and stories you want to see in and around the Diocese. Don’t be shy to like, follow, subscribe, comment and share!

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TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

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The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was called in January 2013 and has brought to the fore many issues relating to institutional abuse in our society.

@BrokenBayNews

YOUTUBE

Broken Bay Features on ABC 7.30 NSW e have tried to keep you informed via the Diocesan website and Broken Bay News about specific and general themes that have involved the Catholic Church and in particular Broken Bay. In September and December of 2013, BBN featured a particular project, a film called ‘A Priest in the Family’ which the Diocese hopes may assist clergy, staff, parishioners and schools communities in their Catholic lives as we all deal with the matters raised by the Royal Commission.

ABC 7.30 NSW recently expressed interest in both the film and the support the Diocese is giving. At the end of February, they interviewed Co-Directors, Anni Finsterer and Peter Humble, about their reasons for undertaking this story. The story also featured Diocesan Administrator, Fr Vince Casey, the project team and Curia staff at a pre-scheduled informal gathering to explore how the Diocese intends to use this production in its pastoral reach to its people. Director, Anni Finsterer also joined staff for the morning.

ALBERT & MEYER FUNERAL DIRECTORS

…serving the Diocese of Broken Bay since 1967 Australian Family Owned & Operated 301-303 PENNANT HILLS ROAD, THORNLEIGH

9484 3992 ALL SUBURBS 24 HOURS www.albertmeyer.com.au APRIL 2014

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jodie.crisafulli@dbb.org.au

Accounting Solutions for Small Business MYOB Accounting & Systems Implementation Budgeting, Forecasting & Cashflow Management GST Reviews for Non-profit Organisations incl Churches Mentoring on Business Strategy & Restructuring Financial Reporting & Tax Compliance incl BAS, PAYG Please Phone for Free initial consultation

LAWRENCE & ASSOCIATES Rebecca Pincott Michael Bolton

To see the ABC story, and to find out more about this project, the Royal Commission, Diocesan policies regarding Child Protection and Diocesan responses to sexual abuse we urge you to visit the Diocesan website www.dbb.org.au and follow links from the main banners. For those with any concerns about these matters within the Diocese, please contact: Jodie Crisafulli, Manager Complaints & Professional Standards 9847 0212 / 0405 422 522 /

PO Box 132, St Ives, NSW 2075 sdhnl@bigpond.com Phone 9440 2048 Mobile 0435483153

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

A Life Underpinned by Faith and Family

By Debra Vermeer Rupert Hudson admits that he likes to keep busy and help out where he can.

nd it’s this commitment over many decades to his family, his faith, the community, and Rugby League Football that saw Rupert awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day Honours this year. “Well, you don’t do any of these things in order to be awarded with one of these honours,” he says. “But it’s something nice for the family to enjoy, I think, and for the people who’ve put the effort into nominating you, so that’s why I accepted it, I suppose, for them.” Rupert, aged 85, was awarded the OAM for service to the Community and to Rugby League Football. The cornerstone of his service to the community has been a commitment to the St Vincent de Paul Society, at local, regional and national level, which has lasted more than 60 years. He has also been involved with Caritas, his parish of Manly Freshwater, Street Mission in Brookvale, and for 14 years he has visited the Villawood Detention Centre on a weekly basis. “You just help out where you can,” he says. “I suppose I’ve always known how to get things done and so that’s what I’ve been able to offer.” Married to Kathleen for 63 years, the couple have seven children, 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. “Being able to do all these things is as much my wife’s doing as mine,” he says. “Kathleen has supported me in all this, and without her support, I could not have done them. “I was out a lot, and Kathleen was at home with our seven children. She’s been the rock on which I have been able to build my own life for Rugby League, for the community.” Rupert is a foundation member of the Manly Sea Eagles Rugby League Football Club, as well as

the Leagues Club and was actively involved with the club for more than 50 years, from 1947 to 2002. “I love Rugby League,” he says. “I have a passion for it. I still go to home matches at Brookvale when I can, but it’s getting harder for me these days, at 85. It really is the greatest game of all, as far as I’m concerned.” Rupert played the game for Manly from his youth, clocking up 150 games for the Sea Eagles, mostly in the lower grades, but also earning some games in first grade. The club helped him through a tough time in his life, when at 33 years old, he lost a leg in a car accident. “I was coaching in 1959 and 1960,” he says. “And early in 1961 I lost my leg in an accident. With the agreement of the club and the players, I was able to continue coaching, on crutches, and I’m forever grateful that the club helped me over the hurdle of my accident.” During and after his playing and coaching days, Rupert was active in administration in the football club and the Leagues Club. Rupert’s Catholic faith has underpinned his life, and helped form his worldview. “My faith isn’t perfect, by a long shot,” he says. “But I am Catholic, and I try to live my faith as best I can.” He has been a part of the St John the Baptist parish community at Freshwater all his life (now a part of the Manly Freshwater parish), serving on the Parish Council for many years, and joined the local conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society in 1951, serving as Conference President from 11961 to 1966. He went on to serve in leadership roles in the Manly-Warringah Regional Council of the Society, the Northern Diocesan Council from 1970-76, the NSW State

Council from 1976-79 and the Australian National Council from 1980 through to 1994. Rupert also served on the International Council General of the St Vincent de Paul Society. “By my nature, I have a strong justice component in my faith, and I have continually searched in my life for the best way for me to practise my faith and grow in my justice beliefs for the benefit of the community in which I live,” he says. “The St Vincent de Paul Society has been the field of activity which has enabled me to do this, over 60 odd years. In the Society, I’ve been enriched by associating with so many good people, lots of whom were young people, who have helped to develop my faith so that I’m confident in living it as myself, and not imitating someone else.” While Rupert has retired from many of his activities now, he remains committed to his weekly visits to the Villawood detention centre. “It’s a basic work of mercy to visit people in prison,” he says. “And that’s why I go to Villawood, because those people are deprived of their freedom and are in a

form of imprisonment, which is euphemistically called ‘detention’.” He travels to Villawood with a few others from his parish and meets others there to join with the people in detention for Mass and fellowship. “It’s nothing grand,” he says. “It’s just journeying with them in a difficult part of their life. It’s being friendly, a hug, a handshake, a smile. Kathleen buys some grapes and I take those, and a lady from our parish bakes a cake, so I’ll take that. Simple things. “It’s terrible to see these people locked up the way they are. It’s cruel. And you and me, and all the people in this country should be ashamed because we allow it to happen. It’s a blot on us as Australians.” Looking to the future, Rupert says it’s crucial for both the Church and community organisations to involve young people more. “In the society, in the Church, there are not enough young people, and they’re not given enough encouragement. If we want people to keep volunteering, we have to encourage the young people. That’s the future.” BBN

APRIL 2014

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Embracing the Gift of Life Renewal for Ministry – Sabbatical, Dublin

By Fr Paul Finucane From September to December 2013 I had the joy and privilege of participating in the Renewal for Ministry Sabbatical program at All Hallows College in Dublin.

celebrated my 32nd anniversary of ordination while I was there. At this stage of my life it was an experience I truly looked forward to, not only for the opportunity to have a break from ministry and to just “be” and to learn new ways of looking at life and ministry, but also to spend significant time in Ireland and get in touch with its beauty, history, culture, spirituality and fun loving people. I have never been to Ireland before and my ancestors came from County Kerry in 1848 so it was an opportunity to get in touch with my roots. I can certainly say the program in a wonderful way met my particular needs and dreams. There were 23 of us in attendance, 16 nuns and 7 priests. I was the only Australian. So we

were a varied international group who developed a close bond. The variety and depth of the topics was amazing, in leading us on a journey of discovery of ourselves at this stage of life, directing us to a hopeful, happy, peaceful future where we can “be”. The content of the course helped us reflect on what we call our second journey and inner journey through poetry, literature, film, music, art, humour, science, justice, theology, scripture, grief and loss, prayer and Celtic Spirituality. It has been an incredible experience of transformation. The common thread of seeing what is most important in life (rather than what is most urgent); relationships, awareness, accepting vulnerability and embracing it as a gift and

finding happiness in myself, others and in God has been a joy and a surprise. All the rest is “pure gravy”, “The ginger of life”. The morning prayer each day was a very reflective, thoughtful, creative and contemplative experience. It was a very gentle and awe inspiring way to begin each day. As for the future, I have returned to Chatswood seeing life differently; open to all relationships, joy and

happiness. I don’t think I will ever be the same. I will carry this whole experience with reverence for the rest of my life. It has been a golden opportunity to experience the beautiful and ancient land of Ireland so fully and its happy people. The course has been an ideal context to make special friends from around the world, sharing an extraordinary experience.

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Official Launch of BenedictUs 500

enedictUs 500, an innovative and effective way of supporting the work of the Sylvestrine Congregation of the Order of St Benedict was successfully launched with a welcoming dinner hosted by the St Benedictine Monastery in Arcadia on 21 February. Over 100 community leaders, professionals and devoted friends from far and wide came together to show support for the work of the Sylvestrine Congregation around the world. Dom Michael Kelly, OSB,

Abbot General of the Sylvestrine Congregation, came from Rome for the event and gave a compelling visual presentation. Fr Michael spoke of the congregation’s missionary work and their material needs in India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and most recently in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “We are the first Benedictine Order to venture into Asia since the Crusades and we recently moved to Africa as well,” stated Fr Michael, as he showed pictures of the schools they have established

Pictured from left to right: Paul Despoges, Penny Sturrock, Bruce Shankland, Fr Michael Kelly OSB, John Sheehan, Tim Fischer, Julie-Anne McNamee, Fr Bernard McGrath OSB.

in predominantly non-Christian parts of the world. “In many of these places disputes between different ethnic groups often results in violence and we hope that through education and by our example, they can learn to live in peace”. Fr Michael concluded. Keynote speaker, the Hon. Tim Fischer, former Deputy Prime Minister and Australia’s first Ambassador to the Holy See, ignited the evening with a passionate discourse on the importance of education in our world. Mr Fischer emphasised the Sri Lankan boat people and how the education of these people at a root level, stemmed their exploitation by opportunistic traffickers. “We went to Sri Lanka, with a focus on education, because many of the boat people, who were risking their lives were predominantly Christian”, he explained. “As a result of this work in education, we no longer have a problem with refugees from Sri Lanka”.

Mr Fischer, in a very pro-active move to support the work of BenedictUs Australia Ltd, raised money by auctioning a signed copy of his recent book, ‘Holy See, Unholy Me’. His story reveals what it’s really like in the seat of power in Rome. Here he reflects on his time in the Vatican, details of his life there, the protocols, the people and also on the role that religion still has in the lives of future generations. Mr Paul Despoges, Director, concluded with sincere acknowledgements for everyone involved in the launch. He mentioned the new website at www.benedictus.org.au as a way to keep informed and make donations and thanked everyone present for their commitment and support. “We’re pleased to see such a diverse group of people here tonight that will support and carry the work of our community forward,” said Fr Bernard McGrath OSB, Prior of St Benedict’s Monastery.

Help Religious Sisters - the unsung heroines in the Church!

hey smile, they heal, they teach, they comfort. Around the globe Catholic religious sisters quietly perform their dedicated and heroic service without remuneration and barely even noticed by the wider world. But in order to help others, they themselves also need to be helped, for although they are ministering angels to so many, they themselves still need their daily bread and a roof over their heads.

Sr Lucia a religious sister from Italy rendering assistance to the poor in Ethiopia

The average grant that the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) gives to support a religious sister is $300 – but whatever you can afford will be enormously appreciated. ACN forwards the donations directly to the religious superiors in charge of the religious communities and congregations. Each year ACN supports over 9,000 religious sisters in every corner of the globe. It is vital that the indispensable work of religious sisters in Christ’s Holy Catholic Church and throughout the missions worldwide continues. Religious sisters are the unsung heroines in the Church. ACN is therefore proud to help them in their efforts to make the world a better place.

Send to: Aid to the Church in Need PO Box 7246 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 Tel No: (02) 9679-1929 Email: info@aidtochurch.org Web: www.aidtochurch.org I/We enclose $................... to support the work of Religious Sisters for the poor and persecuted Church.

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APRIL 2014

WHAT’S ON

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2014 April 13 The Australian Catholic Historical Society will meet at 2:30pm on Sunday 13 April 2014 (Palm Sunday) in the Crypt of St Patrick’s Church, Grosvenor Street, The Rocks. The speaker will be Dr Paul Collins: broadcaster and author. His topic will be: A restless and contrary man: the life and journeys of Jeremiah O’Flynn... All welcome. Enquiries: secretaryachs@gmail.com or Dr John Carmody, President ACHS john.carmody@sydney.edu.au 14 “Of Gods and Men” – “This was, for me, the best film screened at Cannes last year… 4 ½ stars!” (David Stratton). You are warmly invited to attend a viewing of “Of Gods and Men”, a sublime film depicting the life of the Cistercian monks of Tibehirine in Algeria, living in harmony with their Muslim brothers, until their kidnapping and murder in 1996. Themes of living with purpose, integrity and authenticity, solidarity in the midst of violence, the incarnation of love and the call to fully live one’s vocation punctuate the movie. This subtitled film is based on a true story. 10am-12.30pm Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills RSVP: 9847 0488 or registrations@dbb.org.au 15 Holy Week Lectio – In the week that the Christian Church calls ‘Holy’, come and walk with Jesus the way to the Cross. Journey with Him through anointing, betrayal, abandonment and suffering as we prayerfully read and ponder the Holy Week readings from the prophet

Isaiah and the Gospels of John and Matthew. 10am-3pm. Facilitated by Christine Manning sgs. Cost: $20 (Morning Tea provided, BYO lunch) Mount St Benedict Centre Pennant Hills. For Bookings and Enquiries contact: mtstbenedict@bigpond.com or T: 9484 6208 20 Easter Sunday May 10 A Big enough God – Are the images we hold of God sufficient to meet life’s adult challenges and ever-changing circumstances? Are they in any way distorted or are they in harmony with God revealed by Jesus Christ? This workshop focuses on the images we hold of God and introduces us to a rich repertoire of images from the Christian tradition. 9.30am-3.30pm Mt St Benedict Centre Pennant Hills. Facilitated by Patty Fawkner sgs. Cost: $25, Morning Tea provided, BYO lunch. For Bookings and Enquiries contact: mtstbenedict@bigpond.com or T: 9484 6208 18 The Australian Catholic Historical Society will meet at 2:30pm on Sunday 18 May 2014 in the Crypt of St Patrick’s Church, Grosvenor Street, The Rocks. The speaker will be Rev. Dr John De Luca: historian, musician and former PP of Maroubra. His topic will be: Winners are Grinners: A curious tale of Episcopal One-upmanship. All welcome. Enquiries: secretaryachs@gmail.com or Dr John Carmody, President ACHS john.carmody@sydney.edu.au

DEADLINE for June 2014 edition of Broken Bay News: Monday 5 May 2014 To have your event included in this section please send details to the Editor at: news@dbb.org.au FAX: (02) 9847 0501. TEL: 9847 0724

When experience counts

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APRIL 2014

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PROJECT COMPASSION 2014

Lorraine’s Story: Our Place

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25: 35

orraine, 39, grew up in Papunya, 300km west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. A mother to two adult children, she also has five sisters, a brother, and a sister who has passed away. “They have lots of children, so I am aunty to the biggest mob!” Before she was born, Lorraine’s mob was forcibly removed from Walungurru (Kintore) and moved 200km away to Papunya. “There was lots of trouble there and our old people fought with the government to go back to their country. We went back in about 1982. I remember it. I was eight years old.” As they didn’t have cars or buses, Lorraine said they travelled back to Kintore on tractor. Leaving primary school at the tender age of 11, she began work as a cleaner. With her first language being Pintupi, Lorraine is deeply connected PC14 to culture, herNews_202mmW mob andx Broken Bay their dreaming. “My mother and father, Jonny Yungut and Walungkura

Napananka, live in Kintore. They paint for Papunya Tula Artists. They are famous. They paint their stories of country on canvas. Everyone wants to buy their paintings. They are getting old now. I am not there to look after them.” In happier times, Lorraine enjoyed daily life in Kintore with her family and friends. Every day they would sleep under the moon, wake up with the sun and cook breakfast on the fire. Six years ago Lorraine was diagnosed with kidney failure, and learnt that she had to undergo a lifetime of weekly dialysis treatment. In 2004, Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation (WDNWPT) opened their first remote renal dialysis clinic in Kintore. Unfortunately for Lorraine, she was not well enough to dialyse in 1Kintore; onlyPM 140mmH_FAv1.ai 9/12/13the 2:28 solution was to move to Alice Springs, 550km away. Now living in a hostel,

Lorraine desperately misses home. “I have to sleep indoors all the time. Someone cooks our food and cleans our rooms. I have no family here.” To keep her spirit alive and retain her dignity, Lorraine visits The Purple House which WDNWPT also established in 2004 to support patients who have been dislocated from country and culture. “At The Purple House I ring Kintore and speak to my family. Sometimes we have a barbecue and cook kangaroo tails in the fire, go for picnics and pick bush medicine to make. There is a big mob of Aboriginal people working here. It is our place; we are welcome all the time.” Caritas Australia is supporting a new income-generating social enterprise at The Purple House – making and selling bush balms. This program offers people aged 23-75 who are chronically unwell, a sense of purpose, comfort and wellbeing. It gives them the opportunity to pass on tra-

Photo credit: Simon Hewson.

ditional knowledge and values, ensuring participants retain their connections with home. Until the doctors say that Lorraine is palya (good) and she is able to receive local treatment in Kintore, The Purple House is her home away from home. Your support for Project Compassion helps Caritas Australia work towards the creation of a world that God desires to be just and compassionate. To donate, support or fundraise for Project Compassion 2014 please visit our website at www. caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or phone 1800 024 413.

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APRIL 2014

the beach. Surfing, swimming, sports, challenges, hiking, music, hanging out with mates and lots of food. What more could you want? Push yourself out of your comfort zone as we tackle some physical, personal and spiritual challenges. Come and explore what it means to be a young man in God’s eyes. How do you live life to the max? Date: 10:00 am Tuesday 22 April – 1:00 pm Thursday 24 April 2014 Venue: The Venue, 18 Cawley St Bellambi (Wollongong) Cost: $80, including accommodation, food and activities Information: www.dbb.org.au/youth or youthministry@dbb.org.au

Girls Gift of Grace Retreat This is a time for young women in years 10-12 to come together and reflect on the Gift of Grace in their lives and what it means to be a young Catholic woman in our world today. The house is well suited to a ‘girly’ gathering, with opportunities to pray, play, chat and even swim! So bring along your Bible, journal, sleeping bag, swimmers and most importantly a smile! Date: 2:00 pm Tuesday 22 April – 2:00 pm Thursday 24 April 2014 Venue: Wattle Tree House, 329 Wattle Tree Rd, Matcham (Central Coast) Cost: $80, including accommodation, food and activities Information: www.dbb.org.au/youth or youthministry@dbb.org.au

Praise and Worship Nights Join young people from across the Diocese coming together to celebrate our faith through music, dance, drama, testimony and preaching. A free BBQ dinner will be provided from 6:00 pm before our night begins. Date: Friday 23 May 2014 Location: The Light of Christ Centre, end of Yardley Ave, Waitara Date: Friday 20 June 2014 Location: St Patrick’s Parish, 76 York St Gosford Time: 6:00 pm BBQ for a 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm event RSVP: youthministry@dbb.org.au to assist with catering

The Good Life: Discovering Spirit in Australia Today. A Conversation with Hugh Mackay and Fr David Ranson

Our “Conversation Series” continues with an unscripted conversation with Hugh Mackay and Fr David Ranson. Anticipated topics include the Australian principles of fairness and equity; building community in a fragmented world; advocating for a more just, open and tolerant society; and the place of faith (context) in Australian society. Hugh will reference his most recent book, “The Good Life,” in particular the twin seductions of materialism and the “feel-good” happiness industry. A 50 minute conversation between Hugh and Fr David will be followed by a short break, and then there will be the opportunity for Q & A. Date: Tuesday 6 May 2014 Time: 7:00 pm for 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Venue: The Light of Christ Centre, end of Yardley Avenue, Waitara RSVP: By Friday 2 May 2014. Book via www.trybooking.com/EIBA

Inter-religious Relations in Today’s World

Geraldine Doogue in Conversation with Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald

Archbishop Fitzgerald is the former president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. He is retired Apostolic Nuncio to the Arab Republic of Egypt and delegate to the Arab League. A scholar of Islam living in Jerusalem, Archbishop Fitzgerald will be discussing his experiences of inter-religious relations with Geraldine Doogue. Ms Doogue is a popular Australian journalist and broadcaster well known for her work on the ABC TV programme “Compass,” and Radio National’s “Saturday Extra.” Please join us for a good conversation. Date: Friday 30 May 2014 Time: 7:00 pm for 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Venue: St Agatha’s School Hall, 7 Trebor Road, Pennant Hills RSVP: By Friday 23 May 2014. Book via www.trybooking.com/EKWF N.B. Numbers for this event are limited due to venue restrictions and so the booking window may close before the advertised RSVP date.

Book Club – Deus Caritas Est

You are warmly invited to be a part of this book reading experience. Deus Caritas Est (God is Love) is Pope Benedict XVI’s sublimely written first encyclical of 2005. The term “love” is one of the most used and abused words in today’s world. Pope Benedict helps to clarify the meaning of love, the various kinds of love, and the relationship between charity (love) and justice. Pope Benedict

Northern and Peninsula Regions (Combined) Date: Saturday 26 July, 30 August and 27 September Time: 10:00 am (9.45 am registration) to 3:00 pm Venue: Corpus Christi Parish (Parish Hall) 263 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives For further information please contact Janette Davidson on 9847 0501 or janette.davidson@dbb.org.au

Catechist Spirituality Vatican II and Renewal in the Church Development of the Child and Adolescent II Sacraments of Initiation Tools for Catechesis – Catechism & General Directory Natural World and Religion The Old Testament: Exodus, Sinai The History of Liturgy The New Testament: Jesus, the New Covenant Catholic Social Teaching Interfaith Dialogue & Ecumenism Australian Perspective on World Religions

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) CCD Level 2 CCDL2-01 CCDL2-02 CCDL2-03 CCDL2-04 CCDL2-05 CCDL2-06 CCDL2-07 CCDL2-08 CCDL2-09 CCDL2-10 CCDL2-11 CCDL2-12

CC Region – Course Type: Level 2

Location: Lecture Room, OLR Parish, The Entrance Date: Fridays 9, 16, 23, 30 May & 6, 13 June Time: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm Register by Friday 2 May

MWP & NSH Region – Course Type: Level 2 Location: St Ives Date: Mondays 19, 26 May, 2 June, & 14, 21, 28 July Time: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm Register by Monday 12 May

Andrew Chin Workshop

Since 2000 Andrew has been recording Christian music for children (and some for adults too) for use in Religious Education and liturgy. Andrew has an extensive background in Catholic education having taught in Catholic primary schools in Sydney for twenty years. Location: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills Date: Monday 12 May Time: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm Register by 5 May (Limited Seating)

MWP Region – Course Type: Child Protection and Integrity

Location: Nth Harbour Parish, 2 King St, Manly Vale Date: Thursday 19 June 2014 Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Register by 12 June

NSH Region – Course Type: Child Protection and Integrity Location: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills Date: Monday 7 April 2014 Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Register by 31 March

CC Region – Course Type: Regional Reflection Day Location: St Mary’s Parish Centre, Noraville Date: Friday 20 June 2014 Time: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm Register by 13 June

MWP & NSH Region – Course Type: Regional Reflection Day Location: St Ives Date: Monday 23 June 2014 Time: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm Register by 16 June

To register for any of these programs, please telephone 9847 0448 or 4332 9825 or email registrations@dbb.org.au

Parish Support Unit Education and Formation Opportunities April – June 2014

Central Coast Region Date: Saturday 12 July, 9 August and 13 September Time: 11:00 am (10.45 am registration) to 4:00 pm Venue: St Patrick’s Parish (Jordan Room) 76 York St, East Gosford

Sessions 3, 4 and 5

Date: Sat 17 May, June (date TBC) and October (date TBC) Time: 10:00 am (9.45 am registration) to 3:00 pm Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills (entry off City View Road) RSVP: By Friday 9 May 2014

Sessions 1, 2 and 6

Pope Francis has drawn our attention to the importance of family through the recent online Survey on the Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the context of Evangelization. The Diocese is offering a Marriage and Family Lay Ministry Training Course for all currently involved in/interested in these areas of ministry including, parish marriage and family network contacts, parish family life ministers, family (ministry) groups, parish staff and parishioners. Whether you actively apply this training in parish ministry or use the training as a means of spiritual growth, you and your family/community will derive much benefit and grace from your participation. This course spans six Saturdays beginning with Lectio Divina, the Universal Call to Holiness and the Theology of Marriage and Family at the Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills. The next three practical sessions will be regionally based. A Reflection Day facilitated by Bishop David Walker will conclude the programme in October.

Marriage and Family Lay Ministry Training

How do you understand the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, our profession of faith? Recited on all Sundays and solemnities, the Creed (with the Apostles’ Creed) acts as a measure of correct belief, having been developed as a response to conflict concerning doctrine. What were the controversies, and how were they resolved? This seminar will unpack these questions and the meaning of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. Please come along for a deeper appreciation of what it means to state, “I believe…” Facilitated by David Patterson, Adult Faith Formation Coordinator, and Fr Vlad Echalas, SOLT. Date: Over two Wednesday nights, 11 & 18 June 2014 Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Venue: St Cecilia’s Church Hall, 23 Byron Street, Wyong RSVP: By Friday 6 June 2014

Understanding the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed

This spiritual memoir by American Jesuit, James Martin, won both the Christopher Award and the Catholic Press Association Book Award in 2007. It was declared by Publishers Weekly as one of the best books of that year. Martin recounts his spiritual journey by masterfully weaving personal stories with the lives of the saints, giving us a mix of history, memoir, social commentary, and spiritual exercise. Warm, engaging, conversational and wonderfully written, this is a book you’ll enjoy reading. Please join us. Books supplied. Date: Tuesdays 24 June, 1 & 8 July 2014 Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills (entry off City View Road) RSVP: By Friday 20 June 2014

By James Martin, SJ

Book Club – My Life with the Saints

powerfully expresses God’s love for us, and God’s call for us to be that loving witness in the world. Copy of encyclical supplied. Date: Wednesdays 14, 21 & 28 May 2014 Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills (entry off City View Road) RSVP: By Friday 9 May 2014

The Parish Support Unit is proud to offer the following programs from April through to the end of June 2014. Courses are available to all and are free of charge (unless otherwise stated). Registration is essential. We will notify you if programs have to be cancelled due to lack of numbers or unforseen circumstances. To register for any of these programs, please telephone 9847 0448 or 4332 9825 or email registrations@dbb.org.au Movie “Of Gods and Men” “This was, for me, the best film screened at Cannes last year… 4 ½ stars!” – David Stratton You are warmly invited to attend a viewing of “Of Gods and Men”, a sublime French film depicting the life of the Cistercian monks of Tibehirine in Algeria, living in harmony with their Muslim brothers and sisters, until their kidnapping and murder by extremists in 1996. Themes of living with purpose, integrity and authenticity, solidarity in the midst of violence, the incarnation of love and the call to fully live one’s vocation punctuate the movie. This English subtitled film is based on a true story. Date: Monday 14 April 2014 Time: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills (entry off City View Road) RSVP: By Friday 11 April 2014

Training Small Groups Do you lead a Bible Study Group? Are you a leader of regular adult faith gatherings? Are you just interested in the adult learning process? You are more than welcome to join us as we explore adult learning principles and strategies. Facilitated by David Patterson, Adult Faith Formation Coordinator, Parish Support Unit. Date: Tuesday 8 April 2014 Time: 10:30 am – 2:00 pm (Light lunch provided) Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills (entry off City View Road) RSVP: By Friday 4 April 2014

Torah Study for Christians: with Rabbi Gad Krebs

An initiative of Light of Torah and Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay. This 2014 Bible education series is an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the Scriptures under the guidance of an Orthodox rabbi and gifted teacher, Rabbi Gad Krebs. Join us in this fascinating monthly journey of biblical and spiritual enrichment. Topic: What does it mean to be holy? A Torah perspective. Date: Wednesday 30 April 2014 Topic: An ancient priestly blessing: how is it relevant to our homes? Date: Wednesday 28 May 2014 Topic: Rebellion and leadership in the wilderness: what are the lessons for today? Date: Wednesday 25 June 2014 Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills (entry off City View Road) RSVP: By the Monday before each event Further details of session times and topics will be available at www.lightoftorah.net

Diocesan World Youth Day 2014 Celebration and Pilgrim Reunion

Fr Paul Durkin, our last WYD chaplain, along with the Diocesan Youth Team invites all young people, particularly all past Broken Bay WYD pilgrims, to join the 10:30 am Mass at St Agatha’s Pennant Hills as we reflect upon the theme given to us by Pope Francis for this year’s World Youth Day, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3). For those who would like to continue the festivities we will book a table at Hotel Pennant Hills, where you can purchase a meal and catch up with old friends. There is even a kid’s play area for those pilgrims who are now married with kids! Date: Sunday 13 April 2014 Time: 10:30 am Mass, followed by lunch Venues: St Agatha’s Catholic Parish, 20 Boundary Rd Pennant Hills. Lunch gathering at Hotel Pennant Hills, 352 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills RSVP: By 9 April 2014, youthministry@dbb.org.au

Calling all young men, in years 10-12, to join Fr Jim McKeon and the Youth team on a 3-day adventure right near

Boys Beach Adventure “Live life to the Max”

BBI-ACBC • 10 th N atioNal eC oNfereNCe Broken Bay Institute

www.bbi.catholic.edu.au www.acbc.catholic.org.au www.bbi.catholic.edu.au www.acbc.catholic.org.au

This eConference will be streamed live over the internet – all are welcome to participate at no charge.

©theLMent.com

MODELLING THE MINISTRY OF ST PETER

PRESENTERS: Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of Perth Sr Monica Cavanagh RSJ, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of St Joseph Fr Gerard Kelly, President of Catholic Institute of Sydney Ms Selina Hasham Communications Manager, Archdiocese of Sydney Rev Noel Connolly SSC Head of Mission & Culture, The Broken Bay Institute

REGISTRATIONS & INFORMATION Please register so we can inform you on how to participate on the day • Rhonda Andersen • e: econferences@bbi.catholic.edu.au • T: +61 2 9847 0726