The eRecord Edition #29 - 01 May 2015

1 May 2015

Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth

Edition #29

LifeLink Day provides response to suffering

By Jamie O’Brien LIFELINK Day is all about responding in a practical, down-to-earth way to people who are suffering, said Archbishop Costelloe this week, as he spoke to students, teachers and special guests at the launch of the 2015 LifeLink Day. More than 185 students from 25 Perth secondary schools gathered at Aranmore Catholic College, Leederville on Tuesday, 28 April, together with teachers and special guests, to listen to the Archbishop speak about the theme of LifeLink for 2015, which is Seeing in those we meet the face of Jesus.

The launch was opened by Aranmore College Principal Declan Tanham, who thanked those present for their attendance, while also welcoming special guests.

In speaking about the theme of the 2015 LifeLink Day, the Archbishop spoke about the Shroud of Turin, linking its presence to the work of LifeLink through its revelation of the face of Jesus and its invitation to see the image of those who suffer.

“People who have studied this cloth would say that, on close examination, it reveals 1 | EDITION #29 | 1 MAY 2015

Archbishop Costelloe speaks with students (from left) Taylah Davies, Taonashe Pachawo and Eve Basson from Irene McCormack College at the launch of the 2015 LifeLink Day. PHOTO: JAMIE O’BRIEN

the image of a man who has been crucified in the manner described in the Gospels – in the story of the passion and death of Jesus,” the Archbishop explained.

“It reminds us of Jesus – it reminds us of a man who has been rejected, and abused and tortured and murdered.

A man of suffering,” he continued.

The Archbishop went on to recall the words of Pope Francis, who said that contemplating the Shroud might help us all to find, in Jesus Christ, the merciful face of God.

“Pope Francis isn’t saying that the Shroud is the burial cloth of Jesus, but he is simply saying that by looking at this image, it is an invitation to see in the face of Jesus the merciful face of God. “Pope Francis goes on to add something that is very important – that to recognise the merciful face of God in the faces of our brothers and sisters, especially those who suffer the most, remembering that the image of the Shroud is the image of a man of suffering.

“So, we’re being invited to see in the image of the Shroud

the image of our brothers and sisters, especially those who suffer the most.

“I think Pope Francis is actually grabbing hold of an idea that is really at the heart of what we believe as Christians. I think if we grasp this idea, then I think we will be able to understand what LifeLink Day is all about.”

The Archbishop continued his speech by explaining three key points made by Pope Francis about what it means to be Christian.

Full Text available at

www.therecord.com.au

Celebrating the witness of women in spreading the Gospel

By Jamie O’Brien IT IS BEYOND question that we have to do much more in favour of women, said Pope Francis recently, as he began the first of two talks during his general audience on the Difference and complementarity between men and women.

“Making sure that women not only are listened to more, but that their voices carry real weight, and are an acknowledged authority in society and the Church,” he said, to applause.

To celebrate the role of

women in the Church, the e-Record will publish a number of articles in each edition throughout the month of May – often referred to as the month of the Virgin Mary – highlighting the active role

“the way in which Jesus considered women,” especially in a social and historical context that was much “less favourable than ours” and in which women “were really in second place.”

“Thank you, every woman, for the simple fact of being a woman!” and witness that a number of women and organisations from across the Archdiocese of Perth provide in spreading the Gospel.

“A powerful guiding light,” the Pope went on to say, is

“We still have not grasped fully the things that the feminine genius can give us, what society and we can be given by women who know how to see things with another pair of eyes that complement men’s

ideas. It is a path to take with more creativity and audacity,” he said, to more applause.

In echoing the words of Pope Francis, Archdiocese of Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe said the role of women is important because the role of everyone is important.

“St Paul reminds us in one of his letters that there is ‘neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, because we are all one in Christ Jesus’,” the Archbishop said.

Full Text available at

www.therecord.com.au

UNDA Vice-Chancellor discusses leadership

By Marco Ceccarelli IN THE FIRST week of a special promotion by the e-Record to celebrate the role of women in the Church across the Archdiocese of Perth, University of Notre Dame Australia Vice-Chancellor Professor Celia Hammond spoke to journalist Marco Ceccarelli about her dedication to a learning environment that facilitates both the acquisition of knowledge and the development of the human person.

“I believe I’ve always done my best to foster the essential character of the university as a Catholic,” Professor Hammond said. “The objects and Catholic nature of this university are part of my vocation and are essential to what makes me passionate about it,” she added.

Professor Hammond stated that, while growing up in a Catholic family and attending a Catholic school meant that faith was a central part of her upbringing, it wasn’t until her arrival at UNDA Fremantle in 2 | EDITION #29 | 1 MAY 2015

University of Notre Dame Australia Vice-Chancellor Professor Celia Hammond spoke about her dedication to a learning environment that facilitates both the acquisition of knowledge and the development of the human person.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

1998 that faith became consciously front and centre of her life. “Faith is constant; you don’t reach a final point in developing your faith, but I look back and think that had I not come to UNDA, I perhaps would not have accepted the invitation we are all given to explore our faith and deepen it. So coming here re-awakened my faith and made it more central, consciously central, in my life,” Professor Hammond said.

Walking through the streets of UNDA’s picturesque Fremantle campus, it does not take long to notice that the university has a particular character which sets it apart from secular institutions. Professor Hammond made specific reference to this in her deliberations, pointing out three elements of the university which give it its unique form.

“There is the physical environment of the university

where crosses are visible; there is a chapel on campus and we are encouraged to pray. Faith is visible and central. There are also the people. We have religious staff, theologians and philosophers who can either explain aspects of the Church’s teaching on certain issues or lead you in the right direction to explore things by yourself. Finally, it is also the nature of Notre Dame as a community that is animated

by Jesus Christ. The notion of communion and community is at its heart,” Professor Hammond explained.

Furthering her opinion on the kind of tertiary education UNDA offers, Professor Hammond emphasised that, while it is important to see university studies as a platform for accession to the job market, it is equally valuable that students develop as people and learn about both themselves and the society in which they live.

Full Text available at

www.therecord.com.au

The contemplative life of a Carmelite

By Marco Ceccarelli FOR ST TERESA of Avila, a life of contemplative prayer was not something that could be acquired by merit, like passing an examination, for instance. For her, such a life, whether of the ordinary lay person or a committed religious, was rooted in the imitation of Christ and was primarily aimed at the service of the Lord.

This particular charism is carried and treasured by the nuns residing in the Carmelite Monastery of Nedlands, Perth.

In this year dedicated to the promotion of consecrated life, a religious sister offers an insight into contemplative life to the outsider that sheds light on the crucial role played by enclosed nuns in our society.

“I’ve been pondering the question of how contemplative life serves the society at large for more than 50 years,” said Sister Margaret Mary, in an interview with Archdiocese of Perth journalist Marco Ceccarelli.

“Recently, I found a passage by the Prophet Ezekiel (13:5) that captures the essence of our vocation as an enclosed order. There is an excerpt in which God spurs Israel to venture into the breach of a wall, or a small opening, where the defences are vulnerable, in order to build up a wall round the House of Israel and hold fast in battle.

“That seems to me a wonderful, poetic image of what we do. We get into a vulnerable place in the Church and we implore God for graces for anyone who may need them,” said Sr Margaret, who has been at the monastery since 1961.

Perth Carmelite, Sr Margaret Mary, provided an insight into contemplative life in this year dedicated to consecrated life.

PHOTO: MARCO CECCARELLI

Sister Margaret is one of 14 nuns in residence at Nedlands. She grew up in a street close by the Monastery, often wondering what lay behind those imposing walls, and gradually felt a stronger call to enter the religious life as her faith matured.

I also lent my services as teacher. I was 22 at this stage.

After this experience, I chose religious life and joined the Carmelites,” Sr Margaret said.

Since then, a typical day in her life follows the timetable of the foundress of her order, St Teresa of Avila. She wakes

This interview would be one of the ways of conveying the message of the Gospel and the beauty of consecrated life The commitment to the calling eventually reached a decisive moment as she had to choose between the two honourable vocations of marriage or the religious.

“It came to a point where I had to decide, it had to be done. I was asked to spend a year praying regularly, but I knew that wouldn’t be possible here in Perth. So I volunteered as a lay missionary and went to the Kimberley, where

at 5am, presents herself at 5.30am for an hour of silent prayer, says the Divine Office, attends mass at 7am, followed by a brief moment of thanksgiving.

Sr Margaret then works until 11am, performing activities such as making the altar bread for the Archdiocese, gardening and dressmaking.

At midday, the Little Hour is said, followed by a short examination of conscience,

a meal, and one hour of recreation. The afternoon is comprised of the Afternoon Office, one hour of quietness, spiritual reading and work until the evening Vespers.

As evening approaches, there is more time for silent prayer, after which the sisters have free time for playing music or reading and supper at 6.30pm. The day ends with the Night Prayer and the Office of the Readings, the Great Silence (a time of absolute silence) and lights out at 10.30.

When asked about her response to Pope Francis’ call to “wake up the world”, Sr Margaret initially pointed out that our interview would be one of the ways of conveying the message of the Gospel and the beauty of consecrated life throughout the Archdiocese of Perth.

Full Text available at

www.therecord.com.au EDITION #29 | 1 MAY 2015 |

3

“We religious have to understand the language of the world”

By James Parker Archbishop Timothy Costelloe ended the first half of his recent keynote address to the religious of the Archdiocese of Perth reminding them to be as open and attentive as possible to the power and wisdom of God’s Spirit. He encouraged them to make a new beginning and to set out on a new journey with the echo of the Lord’s voice repeating, “Arise and have no fear” as spoken to the disciples present at the Transfiguration.

In this second part of a report on the Archbishop’s address, he makes reference to how incidents within the Gospel narratives might relate to our lives today and then offers some final reflections on religious life.

Facing our fears “Arise and have no fear” is a theme, the Archbishop recalled, which recurs time and again in one form or another throughout the Gospel stories. “When the angel Gabriel greets Mary… we are told that she was deeply disturbed and in fact terrified.

“If we are going to be able to respond in faith as Mary did,” said the Archbishop, “then we need to allow ourselves also to hear the assurance that comes to Mary from the angel and ultimately, of course, from God. “In all that lies ahead for us as religious in this time and place, the angel’s words hold true: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”

The Archbishop went on

Year of Consecrated Life: In this second part of a report on the Archbishop’s address, he makes reference to how incidents within the Gospel narratives might relate to our lives today.

PHOTO: JAMIE O’BRIEN

to say that, as the first disciples were called, “their selfassurance crumbles” as they “follow the word of Jesus and make their miraculous catch of fish”. Jesus does not question their ability but rather says to them, “do not be

“in spite of the assurances of our faith, we still get frightened [and] lose our way”.

He spoke of Mary losing Jesus in the temple and searching desperately for him (Luke 2:49-51). “We, like Mary, have tried to respond to

“The Gospels are not just a history of Jesus dealing with people in the past but a window into Jesus’ dealing with us as well...” afraid, because from now on you will be fishers of people”.

“The Gospels are not just a history of Jesus dealing with people in the past,” he said, “but a window into Jesus’ dealing with us as well,” and that we too, in “hearing these stories, can be filled with the same assurance”.

Losing our way Archbishop Costelloe then shared with the religious that,

God’s call,” the Archbishop said.

“We, like her, have tried to make the following of Jesus the centre of our lives. And we, like her, sometimes discover that we have lost or are losing Jesus.”

In the midst of uncertainty and questioning, the Archbishop urged the religious to “keep alive the sense of Mary’s presence as a com-

The e-Record is produced by the Archdiocese of Perth Communication and Media Office 21 Victoria Square, Perth WA 6000 | Ph: 9220 5900 | Email: office@therecord.com.au

panion on our journey”.

He then spoke of Peter’s encounter with Jesus on the lake. The sudden and violent storm that overtakes the disciples, declared the Archbishop, “parallels the mystery of our own lives”.

“Things may seem to be going on quite well when all of a sudden, for no immediately apparent reason, we are overtaken by a storm – of doubt, of confusion, of exhaustion, of sinfulness. And like the disciples we can easily become disoriented, afraid and unsure if we are going to survive.”

It is here, “terrified, both by the ferocity of the storm and by the unexpected appearance of a vision”, that Jesus comes to his followers in their hour of need.

Full Text available at

www.therecord.com.au

PANORAMA

What’s happening around the Archdiocese CARITAS PRAYER FOR NEPAL Loving God, we pray for all those affected by the earthquake in Nepal as we offer the words of the Psalmist, “Be strong and take heart, also hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:25) May those who are paralysed by fear… Be strong and take heart May those who have lost or are still searching for loved ones… Be strong and take heart May those who remain trapped under rubble… Be strong and take heart May those rescue workers who provide relief and recovery…

Be strong and take heart May those who are moved with compassion to help… Be strong and take heart God, whose love knows no bounds, fill all those who suffer with your comfort and peace We ask all this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen FRIDAY, 1 - SUNDAY, 3 MAY New Norcia - Towards God Reading Weekend: Towards God Retreat guide, Sr Margaret Malone sgs, will share how most of us at some stage realize we need help in our prayer life. The study of the book Towards God uses some of the teaching of important writers in the tradition such as Augustine, John Cassian, St Bernard. St Gregory, St Benedict, Julian of Norwich, Fr Michael Casey, an Australian Cistercian monk which may help to provide ways of developing and sustaining your own prayer life. The text for this reading weekend is: Towards God: The Ancient Wisdom of Western Prayer, by Michael Casey ocso. Recommended Cost for the weekend: $300. Further info: Dr Carmel Posa sgs, 9654 8371, carmel. posa@newnorcia.wa.edu.au.

‘Brave Heart’ Young Adults Retreat CYM are putting on a Young Adults retreat for 18-35 year olds focusing on Blessed are the Pure in heart for they will see God. The weekend will include sessions led by inspirational Catholic speakers, music, prayer, discussions and much more at Eagles Nest Retreat Centre, Gidgegannup.

Cost $100 including food and EDITION #29 | 1 MAY 2015

accommodation. Further info and to register: 08 9422 7912, www.cym. com.au.

FRIDAY, 1 - TUESDAY, 5 MAY 2015 Teresa 2015: A woman for our times A conference to celebrate the 500th birthday of St Teresa of Avila and to seek her spiritual wisdom for today.

1-3 May 2015 at Infant Jesus Parish, Morley. Keynote speakers Bishop David Walker and Fr Greg Burke OCD. Further info: Infant Jesus Parish: 08 9276 8500, ijparish@carmelite. com or Maranatha Centre for Adult Faith Formation: 08 9241 5221, maranatha@ceo.wa.edu.au.

FRIDAY, 1 MAY - FRIDAY, 19 JUNE Story of Early Christianity Maranatha introduces students to the history and development of early Christianity. From its foundations in Palestine, it examines the way in which early Christianity related to the Jewish tradition, the Greek and the Hellenistic contexts and the power of the Roman state. It is from these contexts that we will see how Christianity also shaped and influenced the world around it from the first to the sixth centuries.

From the rise of the Church, to the development of Catholic theology and the theological debates of early Christianity, students will experience how the humble followers of a Jewish carpenter came to shape the foundations of the modern world. This course is presented by the Maranatha Centre, every Friday (8 classes), 10am-12.30pm, with Dr Robert Andrews at the Newman Siena Centre, Doubleview. Further info: 9241 5221, maranatha@ceo. wa.edu.au.

SUNDAY, 3 MAY Divine Mercy An afternoon with Jesus and Mary with Fr Giles Mary FFI speaking on Our Lady begins at 1.30pm at St Frances Xavier Church, 25 Windsor Street, Perth. This is followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy concluding with veneration of a first class relic of St Faustina Kowalska.

Reconciliation will also be available.

Refreshments follow. Further info: Julia and June Murphy 9457 7771, Charles Donovan 9342 0653.

MONDAY 4 - WEDNESDAY 6 MAY Communication Congress 2015 The three-yearly gathering of Australian Catholic Media takes place from 4 - 6 May 2015 at the Rydges Hotel, North Sydney. The Congress theme is: What is our voice? “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Mt 12:34) and will

include keynote addresses from international and Australian speakers, practical media skills workshops and networking opportunities with a strong focus on how the Church can maximise opportunities to have our message heard and share our stories. The Congress is for those who design the parish bulletin, update the parish website, monitor the parish social media sites or write for the local diocesan publication and those who wish to understand how the media works. It also offers many opportunities to learn new skills and to network with others.

Early bird registration is available at whatisourvoice.org.au. Further info: Aoife Connors 0450 348 597 and media@catholic.org.au.

TUESDAY 5 - TUESDAY 26 MAY Living Liturgy on Earth as it is in Heaven This Maranatha course examines how the liturgy of the Church is a living entity, constantly evolving according to the movement of the Holy Spirit, in order to give expression to our praise and worship of the Trinity.

What are the key elements of the Liturgy which remain unchanging?

How has our human history played a part in shaping the way we celebrate Liturgy? This program will lead participants through the story of worship in the Catholic Tradition, the spirituality and theology of the Eucharist, the prayer of the Church, and other devotions. Every Tuesday (four classes), 7-9pm, with Dr Margaret Scharf, OP at St Jerome Parish, 35 Troode St, Spearwood and every Wednesday (four classes), 7-9pm from 6-27 May, with Dr Margaret Scharf, OP at St Simon Peter Parish, cnr Prendiville Ave and Constellation Dr, Ocean Reef. Further info: 08 9241 5221, maranatha@ceo. wa.edu.au.

SATURDAY, 16 MAY 50th School Reunion The classes of 1963-65 from Sacred Heart Highgate High School are invited to gather for their 50th School Reunion on Saturday, 16 May at the Sacred Heart, 40a Mary St, Highgate.

The event begins with Mass in the Nuns’ Chapel at 11am and will be followed by lunch at Tarts Café, 212 Lake St, Northbridge. Further info and to RSVP: Jackie Hagan 08 9430 4201.

MONDAY, 18 – WEDNESDAY, 20 MAY 2015 2nd National Catholic Mission Conference Mission: one heart many voices 2015 is the theme of the second national conference run and sponsored

by Catholic Mission and Catholic Religious of Australia with the full

endorsement of the ACBC. Keynote speaker will be Fr Stephen Bevans SVD from Chicago. It will be held at the SMC Conference Centre, 66 Goulbourn St, Sydney from 18-20 May 2015. Its purpose is to empower, affirm, enable, encourage and inspire agencies, parishes, congregations and all aspects of the Church with a scriptural and theological vision of mission while offering a platform to hear the many and varied voices that exist among us. Further info: www. mohmv.com.au/2015conference.

WEDNESDAY 6 - WEDNESDAY 27 MAY Jewish Christian relations in the light of Vatican II Christianity and Judaism share a long and complicated relationship as sister traditions and religions.

Vatican II redefined the relationships between our faiths and peoples; how and why did this change occur?

What did Vatican II mean 50 years ago? How has it shaped JewishChristian relations over the last decades, and what does it mean for us today? Explore with Rabbi Sheryl Nosan-Lantzke in lively interfaith exploration and discovery. This course is presented by the Maranatha Centre, every Wednesday (four classes), 1-3.30pm at the Newman Siena Centre, Doubleview. Further info: 08 9241 5221, maranatha@ceo.wa.edu. au.

The Gospel of Luke: “In Rememberance of His Mercy” Luke’s Gospel is one of joy, encounter and transformation. This Maranatha course explores Luke’s presentation of Jesus as the fulfilment of the hopes and promises embedded in the Hebrew Scriptures, not only for the people of the first century but also for us today. It is the story of our search for mercy, liberation, freedom and salvation through the characters of this Gospel who, through their faith, hope and love, discover Jesus and are transformed by Him. Every Wednesday (four classes), 7-9pm with Sr Clare Sciesinski, PBVM, at the new venue Nolan Room, St Denis Parish, 60 Osborne St, Joondanna. Further info: 08 9241 5221, maranatha@ceo. wa.edu.au.

SATURDAY, 9 MAY Discover Teresa of Avila The Christian Meditation Community of WA (CMCWA) present a Silent Retreat Day exploring the theme: Teresa of Avila – Committed to Prayer on Saturday, 9 May from 9am–4pm at Mary MacKillop Function Room, St Joseph’s Convent, 16 York St, South Perth. The day will include input, personal reflection time, periods of meditation and Prayer of the Hours.

All welcome, no experience needed.

Tea and coffee provided, BYO lunch.

Suggested donation: $10. Further info: CMCWA 0429 117 242 or www. christianmeditationaustralia.org.

SUNDAY, 10 – THURSDAY, 14 MAY Parish Mission Our Lady of Carmel Parish, 82 Collick St, Hilton is conducting a Parish Mission from 6.30-8pm from 10-14 May. The theme of the mission is The Church is the Ark of the Covenant leading us to Our Heavenly Homeland and will be conducted by Fr Louis Guardiola CPM from Kentucky, USA. Come and be joyfully reawakened with a renewed love of Jesus and the Church in the reception of the Sacraments, Marian and Eucharistic Devotions. Further info: Parish Secretary 08 9314 7733.

TUESDAY, 12 MAY Walk and Rally for Life The Coalition for Defence of Human Life invites you to join them to remember the 141,000+ young people who have lost their lives to abortion since abortion become legal in WA in May 1998. The 2015 Walk and Rally for Life begins at Florence Hummerston Reserve (cnr St George’s Tce/Mount St) at 7pm on Tuesday, 12 May, ending at Parliament House. The rally will be finished by 9pm. Further info: Dwight 08 9344 7396, Richard 0416 148 008 or richardjohnegan@ gmail.com.

TUESDAY, 12 - TUESDAY, 26 MAY “Who do you say I am?” Exploring Jesus No matter where you are, you can join in this live, interactive, online course presented by the Maranatha Team. It takes a loving gaze at the person of Jesus. As well as looking at Jesus as a man of His times and the Scriptural presentation of Jesus, we will explore how Christian minds over the centuries have expressed what it means for Jesus to be both God and man and the centrality of Jesus to the Christian spiritual life. Every Tuesday (three classes), 7.30-8.15pm. Further info: 08 9241 5221, maranatha@ceo. wa.edu.au.

WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY Autumn Prayer Day The Sisters of St Joseph will be holding an Autumn Prayer Day on Wednesday, 13 May from 10am-3.30pm at Mary MacKillop Centre, 16 York St, South Perth. The focus of the day is Mary, the faithful disciple, and will include presentations from Sr Dora Maguire rsj. Cost: donation only. Morning tea and light lunch provided. Further info and RSVP (for catering purposes): Laura McCarthy on 08 9334 0999, lmccarthy@sosjwa.org.au.

Mary Ward Justice Lecture The theme of this annual lecture is Homeless not Hopeless, Youth Disadvantage and the Criminal Justice System with The Hon Wayne Martin AC, Chief Justice of Western Australia, EDITION #29 | 1 MAY 2015

as keynote speaker. Respondents will be: Rachel Lee, lawyer at Herbert Smith Freehills and board member of Street Law, a free legal service for people at risk of experiencing homelessness, and Vicky Burrows, Program Officer at Reconciliations Australia, WA and chaplain to Banksia Juvenile Detention Centre and Bandyup Women’s Prison.

Wednesday, 13 May at 7pm for a 7.15 start at Loreto Nedlands Performing Arts Centre, 69 Webster St, Nedlands.

Light supper at conclusion. RSVP by Friday, 8 May. Book online at www. trybooking.com/130489. No cost, but donations are accepted at the door.

Further info: Sr Janet Palafox IBVM, janet.palafox@loreto.org.au.

SUNDAY, 17 MAY Celebration of Sport St Mary’s Cathedral will host Perth’s largest ecumenical event of the year as Christians from all the churches across Perth gather together on Sunday, 17 May at 2.45pm to thank God for the gift of sport. Main speaker will be WA’s cricketing legend Justin Langer, with special guests Nic Naitanui and Shawn Redhage.

Light refreshments will be served afterwards in the parish centre.

Further info: Alison 0417 904 839 or James 0477 365 618.

MONDAY, 18 MAY IdentityWA Carers and Grandparents Retreat Identitywa invites you to itsRetreat for Carers and Grandparents of people with disability on Monday, 18 May at the Catholic Education Centre, 50 Ruislip St, Leederville from 9.30am-2pm. The retreat is an opportunity to take some time out, rest your body and clear your mind. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Further info and RSVP (for catering purposes): Ed Mayvis 08 9474 3303 or ed.mayvis@identitywa. com.au.

MONDAY, 18 - WEDNESDAY, 20 MAY Mission: One Heart, Many Voices 2015 This conference, run by Catholic Religious Australia and Catholic Mission from Monday, 18 to Wednesday, 20 May at the SMC Conference and Function Centre, 66 Goulbourn St, Sydney, NSW, is for all those who are passionate about mission, or in a leadership role in an agency, organisation, community or parish and offers valuable personal and professional development. It will explore the complexity and issues surrounding leadership, formation, theology and practice of mission.

Further info: 1800 257 296 and www. mohmv.com.au.

FRIDAY, 22 - SATURDAY, 23 MAY International Symposium opposing Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide The Rydges South Park Hotel

in Adelaide is to host the first international symposium in the southern hemisphere by the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition International. (Previous symposia were held in New York, Vancouver, Edinburgh and Toronto.) Presentations will be given by international speakers and experts opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide, and testimonials by those affected by euthanasia.

Also covered will be mechanisms for fighting legalisation and how to ‘do media.’ Further content includes ethics, research, networking and a symposium dinner. Further info: www.conf.noeuthanasia.org.au.

FRIDAY, 29 - SUNDAY, 31 MAY From Faith to Passion This retreat, presented by the Monks of New Norcia, looks at moving From Faith to Passion: Our Journey with Jesus to Jerusalem and Easter. The retreat takes place at the New Norcia Guesthouse, Great Northern Hwy, New Norcia and begins with Vespers at 6.30pm Friday concluding with lunch on Sunday, 20 to 22 March.

Suggested cost is $250 (for those who can’t afford it, please do discuss this with the Guesthouse). Further info: Bernadette 08 9654 8002, guesthouse@newnorcia.wa.edu.au.

WEDNESDAY, 17 - 24 JUNE Mediaeval Monastic Wisdom This study week explores the development of the monastic movement in the mediaeval Church from 500 to 1500, with an emphasis on examination of primary sources.

The pastoral implications of these writings for us in the 21st century will be the major focus. One-week intensive course from 17-24 June at Pilgrim College, University of Divinity, Melbourne. Further info: New Norcia Institute for Benedictine Studies 08 9654 8371, carmel.posa@new.norcia. wa.edu.au.

TUESDAY 23 AND SATURDAY 27 JUNE eConference: Religion - Catalyst for Violence or Peace?

The Maranatha Centre for Adult Faith Formation is facilitating this 2015 eConference which will probe the Abrahamic traditions for answers to religion being a catalyst for violence or peace. It takes place at the Newman Siena Centre, Doubleview from 10am-2.30pm on Tuesday, 23 June and at Bateman Parish on Saturday, 27 June from 10am-2.30pm. No charge, lunch provided. To register, and further info: 9241 5221 or email maranatha@ceo.wa.edu.au.

MONDAY, 7 - WEDNESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 17-Day Pilgrimage Discover the jewels of Spain, Portugal and France visiting Barcelona, Monserrat, Zaragoza, Avila, Fatima and coming alongside the incorruptible bodies of St Bernadette of Lourdes, St John Vianney of Ars,

St Thérèse of Lisieux, St Vincent de Paul and St Catherine Labouré. 17 days away, consisting of 15 nights between 7 and 23 September.

Pilgrimage spiritual director is Fr Michael Quynh Do. Further info: Sheila 0433 771979, Sue 0421 835408.

SATURDAY, 31 OCTOBER SUNDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 23-Day Pilgrimage Join a 23-day pilgrimage through Central and Eastern Europe departing Perth Saturday, 31 October and returning to Perth Sunday, 22 November. The program includes visits to Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Italy. Deposit required

by Sunday, 1 February with final payment due by Sunday, 3 May. Pilgrimage spiritual director is Fr John Piumatti. Cost is $6,200.00 per person. Further info: Francis Williams, Tour Coordinator 9459 3873, 0404 893877, perthfamily888@gmail.com.

THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Auslan Cafe - 17 May 9.30am at the Emmanuel Centre, 25 Windsor St, Perth. Mass next door at St Francis Xavier Parish with PowerPoint and Auslan Interpreter. Followed by classes at 10.30am; classes and lunch are free. You will learn the language to help communicate with profoundly deaf people. Enq: Barbara 08 9328 8113 or emmanuelcentre@westnet. com.au.

EVERY FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH Catholic Faith Renewal 7.30pm at St John and Paul’s Parish, Pinetree Gully Road, Willetton.

Songs of Praise, sharing by a Priest, Thanksgiving Mass and light refreshments after Mass. All welcome to attend and we encourage you to bring your family and friends. Enq: Ann 0412 166 164, Ivan 0428 898 833.

EVERY WEDNESDAY 2015 Resource Centre for Personal Development Courses Commencing February 25 from 10.30am - 12.30pm, Apply Person Centred Practices in Counselling.

Included counselling sessions by donation. From 5pm-7.30pm; The Wounded Heart understanding and healing the consequences of emotional and sexual abuse (24 sessions). Enq: Eva 0409 405 585 or 9418 1439; rcpd.net.au EVERY SATURDAY Commencing February 28 at 9am, The Instinct to Heal’ Holistic Health (24 sessions). From 10.30am -1pm, Internalize principles of successful relationships and use emotional intelligence and communication skills. For couples, singles, parents and families. Prayer meetings held every 2nd Thursday. Enq: Eva 0409 405 585 or 9418 1439; rcpd.net.au