The Record Magazine Issue 40 (June 2023)

EDUCATION

UNDA Students

Experience Holy Land

PAGE 14

ANNIVERSARY

Doubleview Parish 50th Anniversary

PAGE 22

VOCATION

Ordination To Priesthood of Rev Fr Nicholas Diedler

PAGE 26

ISSUE 40

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND EDITOR

Jamie O’Brien jamie.obrien@perthcatholic.org.au

PRODUCTION

Michelle Tan michelle.tan@perthcatholic.org.au

ADMINISTRATION

Bibiana Kwaramba bibiana.kwaramba@perthcatholic.org.au

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— Mark 9: 42

FROM THE EDITOR Jamie O’Brien

Welcome to Issue 40 of The Record Magazine.

On our front cover, we feature the new statue of Our Lady of Ballajura, Comforter of Migrants which was recently blessed by Archbishop Costelloe. In blessing the statue, every Christian, said Archbishop Costelloe, needs to have the words emblazoned on their heart “Do whatever he tells you”.

Don’t miss Archbishop Costelloe’s special Pastoral Letter, featured from page four to seven, where he announces a Diocesan Assembly, now scheduled for 2024. He also reinforces the very special Liturgical Formation and Renewal Program, which was aired in parishes across Perth commencing the first week of Lent.

Hailing from a family of seven children, newly appointed St Charles Seminary Rector Fr Francis Huy Nguyen speaks about his journey from a young boy in Vietnam to a new life in Perth.

Speaking on the 125th anniversary of St John of God Subiaco Hospital Chief Executive Officer Tina Chinery said the Hospital is an iconic Western Australian organisation and one that many residents have a connection with.

With thanks to our sponsor, UniSuper, for their very valued support.

Don’t forget that these and many more stories are available at www.therecord.com.au

“But anyone who is the downfall of one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a millstone round his neck.”

UNDA Students Experience the Holy Land

Rev Fr Nicholas Diedler’s Ordination

Recipe : Beef Rendang

St Charles Seminary New Rector

EASTER SEASON PASTORAL LETTER

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

These words, which I have borrowed from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 1:2), express very well my hopes and prayers for all of us as we celebrate once again the great mystery of the Lord’s saving passion, death and resurrection. Each year, notwithstanding the many difficulties and challenges we all face, our faith and hope are renewed as we rejoice in the Lord’s triumph over sin and death. May we hear echoing in our hearts the words of Jesus to His disciples: take courage, do not be afraid, I am with you (cf Matt 14:28).

As I write this letter, I am preparing to leave for Rome where I will participate in a meeting of the Preparatory Commission for the Synod on Synodality. The meeting begins on the Tuesday of Easter week and at this stage is scheduled to last for approximately ten days. During my absence, Bishop Sproxton will administer the Archdiocese with the assistance of the Curia.

Pope Francis has convened this Synod, which is primarily a gathering of the world’s bishops (through a representative group of them), in order to reflect, pray, discuss and decide on how best to respond to what the Pope is convinced is God’s urgent call to the Church today: to become a more synodal Church. For Pope Francis, this means a Church in which everyone is invited and enabled to play their part in ensuring that we grow in our fidelity to the Lord and respond generously to all that the Lord is asking of us. For this to happen, the Pope believes, we must recognise each other’s equal dignity as disciples of Jesus who are called to walk together, to support each other, and to learn from each other, as we continue to discern what the Lord is asking of us. “A synodal Church” says Pope Francis, “is a listening Church aware that listening is more

than hearing. It is a reciprocal listening in which everyone has something to learn” (Pope Francis, 17 Oct 2015). This intuition of Pope Francis was at the heart of the Plenary Council of the Church in Australia which concluded its second and final Assembly in July last year. Many of you would have been actively involved in the work of the Plenary Council, taking part in the consultations that were carried out across the nation in the years leading up to the Council itself.

The Synod of Bishops, which will hold its first Assembly on Synodality in October of this year, has also undertaken a significant consultation of the members of the Church, this time right across the world. This consultation, too, has involved “reciprocal listening ” and this is still going on as October draws nearer. One of my roles as a member of the Preparatory Commission is to help in gathering the fruits of this listening together and making them available to those who will gather as members of the Synodal Assembly.

All of this, of course, is designed to lead the Church to a deeper fidelity to its fundamental mission, which is to be a living sign and instrument of the ongoing presence of Christ in the world as the world’s saviour: as its teacher, as its healer, and as its servant, all according to God’s will.

My purpose in writing to you now is to link this worldwide endeavour to some of the initiatives which are presently unfolding, or which soon will unfold, here in our own Archdiocese. We, too, are seeking to deepen our fidelity to the Lord and to respond more generously to His call.

There are three initiatives which I would like to mention, and explain a little, in this letter. They are the Transition Project, the Liturgical Formation and Renewal Program, and the convening of a Diocesan Assembly.

The Transition Project

For the last two years we have been very fortunate to have had the services of Mr Gary Downes. Initially Gary stepped forward to offer his expertise to help us diagnose the blockages, especially in the administration side of the Archdiocese at every level, which were preventing us from being as effective in our mission as we would like to be. Having completed this task Gary accepted my invitation to continue to work with us in order to oversee the implementation of the proposals and projects which Gary had identified as possible ways forward. Recently Gary has completed his time with us, but the work of the Transition Project goes on. Under his leadership we have taken significant steps to make sure that our clergy are as well supported as possible so that they can devote themselves to their primary role, which is to be at the service of their local communities in imitation of the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. As part of this we have reviewed the operations of our Administration Centre (Griver House in Adelaide Terrace) especially in terms of our ability to provide support to our parishes. We are undertaking a similar initiative in relation to our many Social Outreach and Faith Formation Agencies, looking for ways to relieve them of some of their administrative responsibilities so that they can devote more time to their fundamental mission. While many of you may not yet have noticed any significant change in the way you personally experience the Church, my purpose in sharing this with you is to inform you of what is happening, more often than not behind the scenes, to help us become, together, a more effective witness to Christ.

Liturgical Formation and Renewal

Were we, as an Archdiocese, to devote all our resources and all our energies to the Transition Project alone, we might well be accused of operating in a way which is indistinguishable from so many other, non-religious, organisations. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The whole purpose of the Church is clearly evident in the life of our parishes, our Catholic schools and university, our youth ministries, our social outreach agencies, our faith formation agencies, the Church’s engagement in health and aged-care, the work of the many religious orders and congregations present and active in the Archdiocese, and so much more. We can be confident, but not complacent: we must continue to avoid the danger of contradicting in practice what Pope Francis spoke about recently (2021) when he reminded a gathering of Catholic journalists that the Church “is not a multinational company lead by managers who study at a table how best to sell their product”. Rather, said the Pope, the Church “composed of men and women who are sinners like everyone else, was born and exists to reflect the light of another, the light of Jesus, just as the moon does with the sun”.

As he so often does, here the Pope recalls us to a fundamental truth about the Church: Christ is the heart of everything. It is because of this that, as the Transition Project continues to unfold, we have also initiated a program of Liturgical Formation and Renewal. I see this program as highlighting the spiritual basis upon which any project in the Church must rest.

After all, it is in the liturgy, and in particular in the Mass, celebrated in fidelity to the Church’s directives rather than our own inclinations, that we can truly meet the Christ whose light we are called to reflect. If each parish, each school and each local community and agency of the Archdiocese embraces this simple program of liturgical formation and renewal, the fruits of unity, apostolic fruitfulness and deepening of faith which will emerge will have the potential to be transformative for us all.

If you have not yet been made aware of this program, I would encourage you to speak with your parish priest or visit our Archdiocesan website where you will find five short videos. They offer a very simple “refresher” in some of the basics of our Catholic understanding of the liturgy and especially of the Eucharistic celebration. They would form a good basis for personal reflection or for parish study groups and ministry and service teams; Parish Councils, Acolytes, St Vincent de Paul Conferences, etc.

The formal part of this renewal program will conclude on the Feast of the Body and Blood of the Lord, still popularly known as the Feast of Corpus Christi. Each parish and other community is encouraged to make this feast day a day of special prayer, in ways that meet the needs of your own local community. It is hoped, too, that engagement with the program will lead, beyond its formal conclusion, to an ongoing deepening of our love for the liturgy as the privileged place for an encounter with the Lord and with each other as sisters and brothers in the community of faith.

Diocesan Assembly

While we are still awaiting from the Holy See for the formal acceptance of the decrees of the Plenary Council, we can already begin to take steps to prepare ourselves for the important task of implementing the outcomes of the Plenary Council in our Archdiocese. In view of this I am, with this letter, formally announcing that I am convening a Diocesan Assembly in order to consider the reestablishment of a Diocesan Pastoral Council.

Diocesan Pastoral Councils, though not mandated by the law of the Church, were very highly recommended by the Second Vatican Council. Under the leadership of Archbishops Goody and Foley, Perth did have a Diocesan Pastoral Council for some years, but it was discontinued in the late nineties. Our recent Plenary

Council has called for the establishment or re-establishment of such Councils in every diocese, and I believe it is appropriate for us to decide whether or not the time is now right to make such a move. It is also important to clarify why such a body might be necessary and how it should operate. The Church’s law and traditions do give some indications and establish some parameters. Within these, however, we have ample scope for shaping such a body according to our local needs. At the same time, in response to the call of Pope Francis for a more synodal Church, we might ask ourselves what a Diocesan Pastoral Council might look like it if it is a truly synodal body. These are the questions I will ask the Diocesan Assembly to consider. Some practical decisions have already been made. The Assembly will take place on Saturday 23 September and will be held at Newman College in Churchlands. Mr Tony Giglia, who co-ordinated our engagement with both the Plenary Council and with the consultations for the forthcoming Synod, has been appointed as the Co-Ordinator of the Assembly. Tony will soon be communicating the process for selecting the delegates to the Assembly to parishes and other Church communities and agencies. The delegates will come from all areas of the life of the Archdiocese. Tony will also be responsible for preparing resources for the formation of delegates and for devising the methodology to be used during the Assembly.

The convening of this Diocesan Assembly is a relatively modest initiative, but it is designed to set a pattern for ongoing consultation and discernment which I hope will become a permanent feature of the life of our Archdiocese in the future. We must continue together along the path of becoming “a synodal Church (which) is a listening Church, aware that listening is more than hearing. It is a reciprocal listening in which everyone has something to learn”. The three initiatives I have shared with you in this letter – the Transition Project, the Liturgical Formation and Renewal Program, and the Diocesan Assembly – are not three distinct realities. Rather they are inter-related initiatives which are designed to move us forward in our search for greater fidelity to the Lord. I invite you to keep them all in your prayers, look for opportunities to engage with them, and support them in any way you can.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

+ Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB

TRADITION OF VOLUNTEERING CONTINUES:

Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton speaks with parishioners at the conclusion of the National Volunteers Week Thanksgiving Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sunday 14 May. Photo: Ron Tan/Archdiocese of Perth.

BISHOP SPROXTON GIVES THANKS FOR ‘THOSE WHO WORKED HARD WITH THE LITTLE THAT THEY HAD’

Speaking at the National Volunteers Week Thanksgiving Mass, Sunday 14 May at St Mary’s Cathedral, Bishop Don Sproxton speaks about the role and importance of families in building up Catholic communities.

“So much is achieved in our society through the people who volunteer their time and talents.

Yesterday, the names of well known and not so well know individuals in our communities across WA were published, who are being considered for awards in various categories. Some have been successful in business, or sport and public service. All have found the time, as well, to devote to organisations that are dedicated to lifting up and inspiring many in our communities that otherwise would be overlooked and left behind.

The time that they give, with quite some passion, greatly contributes to and adds value to community projects and the vision of good people “who see a need and do something about it”, as St Mary MacKillop would often say.

Volunteers are to be found in all areas of society. So it is not surprising to find them in every community of the Church as well.

When I was in primary school at Bayswater and Bedford, in the days when little support was provided by governments, and the schools depended on the parents, firstly, to build the school by self-help and, then, continue to develop the amenities needed for a more complete education of their children. Many of our primary and secondary schools were financed and even physically built by the fathers and mothers who gave up their weekends and weekday evenings for the sake of their children. These were great days in those schools’ histories. There was great community spirit. Without them it is hard to imagine what the vision of Catholic Education would have become.

They worked hard with the little that they had, with their own hands, using their skills without counting the cost. They did not just have their own children in mind but all the children and the families of their parish.

That tradition of volunteering continues today in a much more diverse way. The parishes and the

Archdiocese are more developed and complex now, and there are so many more ministries and service being offered because of people who find the time to make their contribution. All without expecting rewards or payment. It is why we are celebrating our volunteers today and blessing them and their generous contribution to the mission of the Church.

The Gospel spoke today of the life of the community that flows from our relationship with Jesus and the Father. Before Jesus finally departed, and we will celebrate this next week in the Ascension, He drilled into the disciples the importance of their relationship with God, and how this would deepen as their faith, hope and love grew. With the help of grace, the disciples would show their love for Jesus when they obeyed His commandments. “Love one another as I have loved you” Jesus repeatedly taught them. This is the law of Jesus: the New Commandment. They became better at doing this, loving in the way they saw Jesus love, because they had come to realise that God reached out first, and had loved each of them first. They knew that there was no other way but to begin from the love of God and love in return, loving God and others as Jesus loves.

Let’s reflect on God’s love for each one of us. This love is transmitted to us through others. Love is observed and is learned. From the moment of our birth we have experienced love, especially from our mother, and gradually we began to observe loving gestures from the one that loves us. Eventually, we learnt how to love in return. And with this capacity to love we can love others, to the extent that we can be the one to make the first step to creating communion, forgiveness and reconciliation with others. This is the law of love that God has shown us in the life of Jesus and in the people who are part of our lives.

The volunteers we pray for, bless and acknowledge in this National Volunteers Week have learnt the law of love and they offer their time and talents to serve their communities so generously because they realise God has loved them first and to this love they are compelled to respond in love and service to their brothers and sisters.

+ Bishop Donald Sproxton

ARCHBISHOP COSTELLOE ANNOUNCES CONVENING OF ARCHDIOCESAN ASSEMBLY

Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has announced the convening of a Diocesan Assembly to be held in 2024.

The Assembly, Archbishop Costelloe explained, will consider the re-establishment of a Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) and how it will reflect a synodal church, as encouraged by Pope Francis.

The convening of the Diocesan Assembly, he continued, is a relatively modest initiative, but it is designed to set a pattern for ongoing consultation and discernment using the synodal method.

“Which I hope will become a permanent feature of the life of our Archdiocese in the future,” Archbishop Costelloe expressed.

“We must continue together along the path of becoming “a synodal Church, which is a listening Church, aware that listening is more than hearing. It is a reciprocal listening in which everyone has something to learn,” he said, referring to comments made by Pope Francis.

The establishment of a Diocesan Pastoral Council

was highly encouraged by the Bishops of the Second Vatican Council.

The Archdiocese of Perth undertook detailed research and extensive consultation before it preceded to form it first Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) in 1973, but it was discontinued in the late nineties, according to an Australian historical study by Damian Gleeson, commissioned by the National Centre for Pastoral Research.

“Our recent Plenary Council has called for the establishment or re-establishment of such Councils in every diocese, and I believe it is appropriate for us to decide whether or not the time is now right to make such a move,” Archbishop Costelloe explained. “It is also important to clarify why such a body might be necessary and how it should operate. The Church’s law and traditions do give some indications and establish some parameters.

“Within these, however, we have ample scope for shaping such a body according to our local needs.

“At the same time, in response to the call of Pope

Archbishop Costelloe greets the faithful following Easter Sunday Mass, 9 April at St Mary’s Cathedral. Photo: Ron Tan/Archdiocese of Perth.

Francis for a more synodal Church, we might ask ourselves what a Diocesan Pastoral Council might look like it if it is a truly synodal body. These are the questions I will ask the Diocesan Assembly to consider,” he said.

Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation, and chair of the Diocesan Assembly Reference Committee, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, explained that a Diocesan Pastoral Council has a pivotal role in shaping and guiding the pastoral life of the Catholic Church at the diocesan level.

Composed of clergy, religious, and laypeople, Fr Glynn explained, the DPC serves a as consultative body to the diocesan bishop, providing valuable insights, suggestions, and recommendations on matters concerning the spiritual and practical aspects of diocesan life.

The DPC would be comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, representing various parishes, ministries, and apostolic works within the diocese.

“By bringing together clergy and laity, a Diocesan Pastoral Council embodies the principle of coresponsibility in the Church, acknowledging the importance of collaboration and dialogue in decisionmaking processes,” Fr Vincent highlighted.

“By engaging in these exchanges, council members contribute to the formulation of practical and

pastorally relevant solutions that address the needs of the people in the diocese,” he said.

They provide, he emphasised, an avenue for the whole diocese to discern what are the spiritual and practical aspects of the diocesan life.

“Through their active involvement in council meetings, members have the opportunity to pray and discern what the Holy Spirit is calling the Archdiocese to do, in communion, mission and participation,” Fr Vincent explained.

Fr Vincent concluded that Diocesan Pastoral Councils also hold a vital role in facilitating pastoral renewal within the diocese.

“By engaging in strategic planning, evaluating pastoral programs, and assessing the effectiveness of pastoral initiatives, a DPC contributes to the ongoing revitalisation of the local Church.

“It serves as a catalyst for innovation, encouraging the development of new approaches to evangelisation, catechesis, and social outreach.

“Through its collaborative efforts the DPC fosters a spirit of continuous growth, adaptability, and relevance in responding to the ever-evolving needs of all the people of the diocese,” he said.

Archbishop Costelloe speaks and interacts with members of the congregation, in addition to interviews with television media after the 11am Mass on Easter Sunday at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sunday 9 April. Photo: Ron Tan/Archdiocese of Perth.

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF HOSPITALITY, HOPE AND HEALING

St John of God Subiaco Hospital has celebrated its 125th year of delivering hospitality, hope and healing to the community.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital was established on 19 April 1898 by the Sisters of St John of God - a congregation of Sisters from Wexford, Ireland.

It was the first Catholic hospital to open in Western Australia.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Chief Executive Officer Tina Chinery said that the anniversary is an incredible milestone and one that very few private hospitals in Australia have achieved.

“This anniversary is not only about recognising the enduring contribution our hospital has made in caring for generations of Western Australians. It is also about thanking our current caregivers for everything they do and for continuing the legacy of the Sisters of St John of God,” she said.

“St John of God Subiaco Hospital is an iconic Western Australian organisation and one that many residents have a connection with. There are those who were born here or gave birth here, those who have been healed here, and those whose loved ones have been comforted here in their final hours.

“The hospital has positively impacted the lives of countless numbers of people over the past 125 years and has grown substantially to meet the evolving health care needs of the community.”

“Having opened in 1898 as a single storey 30 bed facility staffed by 10 Sisters, the hospital has become a large, multidisciplinary facility with 600 beds and more than 2,000 caregivers. From humble beginnings, St John of God Subiaco Hospital is now renowned for offering patients the latest medical innovations and services and is considered one of Australia’s premier research institutes.”

To celebrate the anniversary, a variety of events are being hosted across the week for patients, visitors, caregivers, medical specialists and volunteers to enjoy.

Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton celebrated Mass for the occasion, Tuesday 18 April, and was joined by members of the hospital community. He was joined by St John of God Subiaco Hospital Chaplain, Father Jude D’Rosario.

Attendees included Labor Member for Nedlands Dr Katrina Stratton, Federal Member for Curtin Kate Chaney MP, Deputy Mayor of the Town of Cambridge Cr Kate Barlow, Mayor of the City of Subiaco David McMullen, Chair of the Trustees of St John of God Health Care the Hon Neville Owen AO, Chair of the Board of St John of God Health Care the Hon Kerry Sanderson AC CVO, and St John of God Health Care Group CEO Bryan Pyne. Guests were also honoured to be joined at the service by the Sisters of St John of God.

Commenting on the Mass, Ms Chinery added that the occasion provided attendees the opportunity to honour St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s rich history and pay tribute to the Sisters and countless doctors, caregivers, volunteers and patients who have contributed to the hospital’s incredible journey. Information about the hospital’s history is being shared daily this week via St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s Facebook page. Members of the community are encouraged to follow the page and are invited to visit a 125 Year Anniversary Exhibition on display in the hospital’s main entrance foyer.

St John of God Health Care Group CEO Bryan Pyne, St John of God Health Care Board Chair the Hon Kerry Sanderson AC CVO, Sr Isobel Moran SJG, St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO Tina Chinery, Sr Teresina Connolly SJG, Chair of the Trustees of St John of God Health Care the Hon Neville Owen AO, Sr Gratiae O’Shaughnessy, Sr Ann Cullinane and Sr Vitalis Kilroy SJG following the Mass to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of SJOG Hospital Subiaco. Photo: Supplied.

From left, Subiaco Hospital’s Deputy Director of Nursing, Ellen Almond; Director of Nursing, Vanessa Tran; Obstetrician, Dr Michael Gannon; and Labour Ward Manager, Joan Cunningham

Photo: Supplied.

Bishop Sproxton with SJOG Subiaco Hospital Director of Mission Integration, Jennifer Healy and Chaplain, Fr Jude D’Rozario. Photo: Supplied.

A photo of Subiaco Hospital, left and the SJOG Convent, right, in 1910 Photo: Supplied.

Pioneer Sisters of St John of God, Adelaide Terrace Convent, 1897. Back row, from left to right, Sister Ita Gleeson, Sister Assumpta Hanley, Sister Ignatius Lynagh, Sister Senanus Carey, Sister Bridget Hanlon, Sister Veronica O’Hanlon and Sister Joseph Codde Front Row, from left to right, Sister John Gleeson, Mother Cecilia Dunne, Sister Antonio O’Brien, Sister Patrick Mullally and Sister Angela Brennan. Photo: Supplied.

A photo of Sr Barbara, who contracted Smallpox while caring for a patient, passed away at Woodman’s point. Her fortitude and willing sacrifice won the admiration of the whole State. Photo: Supplied.

FROM HOLY LAND TO HOLY HEARTS: UNDA STUDENTS TRANSFORMED BY IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Postgraduate students from the University of Notre Dame Australia Fremantle campus had the unique opportunity to study abroad in Jerusalem as part of a course called Scripture and Church.

Led by the Faculty of Education and Philosophy & Theology, Dr Lawrence Pang and Dr John Topliss envisioned the course more than two years ago and, with the help of Mrs Sharon Law-Davis, have now seen it come to fruition.

The course taps into the Global Gateway Program with Notre Dame Jerusalem.

Thanks to the Global Gateway Program, the students, most of whom are studying a Master of Religious Education and Leadership, immersed themselves in the mosaic of cultures and nationalities, people and neighbourhoods of the vibrant city of Jerusalem.

The University of Notre Dame at Tantur (UNDT) is located just a short distance from the Old City of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, which made it easy for the students to visit significant cultural, historical and biblical sites in the area.

Famous for its diverse religious traditions - with Christian, Muslim, and Jewish cultures intermingling and contrasting throughout the city – Jerusalem

is a historic area of pilgrimage for many religious people across the world.

Dr Pang, who taught the Scripture and Church course, conceived the idea after noticing a common question from students over the years: “how do we as schoolteachers make use of this scripture and religious information in a school setting?”

The students reported a disconnect between what they had learned and what they were doing in their professional life.

To bridge this gap, Dr Pang and Professor Topliss worked together to incorporate both the content of Scripture and the pedagogy of how to deliver the content in the classroom.

Encompassing a trip to the Holy Land was the next step for Dr Pang, who wanted to give students a better understanding of scripture in context.

“When they go to the Holy Land they can make that connection between the stories in the Bible to the places where Jesus really stood, making the stories real to them,” Dr Pang explained.

“This way, the students have practical knowledge to draw upon when teaching in the future, and the stories become more authentic,” he said.

Students from the UNDA attended a talk by Patriarchal Vicar of Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Bishop Rafic Nahra in Nazareth. Photo: Supplied.

Religious Education Consultant, Karen Pertile, said she would be forever grateful to Notre Dame for the immersive experience in the Holy Land.

“The knowledge gained with the on-the-ground insights was only topped by the stirring of emotion from literally walking through the pages of history,” Ms Pertile said.

“Personally, it has enriched my faith by allowing me to experience ‘the Fifth Gospel’ and every time I hear the Gospels now, I can picture the places, the people, the culture in my mind’s eye.

“Professionally, I hope that this trip will enrich the teaching of Scripture in Western Australian Catholic schools as I aim to embed my knowledge into the creation of educational resources for Catholic primary schools.”

Holy Spirit Teacher David Colace agreed the trip had given him unforgettable experiences to bring back to his teaching career.

“The highlight for me was being able to retrace the

footsteps of Jesus and visiting places that have such unbelievable history,” he said.

“I have taken so much from this experience, and I will remember many of these moments for the rest of my life.”

The course also delved into the church component of the curriculum, exploring what it means to be a church. The tensions between Jews, Muslims, and Christians in Jerusalem added a real-life context to this discussion, giving the students a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

The trip to Jerusalem was an invaluable experience for the students. It allowed them to expand their knowledge of scripture and church in a real-life context and gain practical knowledge that they could draw on as teachers.

The rich history and diverse cultures of Jerusalem provided a unique learning environment that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom setting.

At the Sea of Galilee. Photo: Supplied. At the Wailing Wall, Temple Mount, Old City side. Photo: Supplied.

Experiencing the Greek Orthodox Church, Old City Jerusalem. Photo: Supplied.

Experiencing the Synagogue in Old City, Jerusalem Photo: Supplied.

At the Mount of Olives. Photo: Supplied.

A Guide explaining about Herodium (Hilltop Palace of Herod the Great), South of Jerusalem.

Photo: Supplied.

THREE SIMPLE WAYS TO START BUILDING A LEGACY FOR YOUR GRANDKIDS

If you’re lucky enough to have grandchildren, you know the feeling.

Cooking and gardening while your grandchildren ‘help’. Watching them reach the milestones your kids reached all those years ago, right in front of your eyes.

And of course, spoiling them rotten in a way that makes your kids roll their eyes. Maybe these moments are something you’ve dreamed of your whole life – a big feature of your retirement years. Or maybe you never thought you’d be one of those grandparents who’d give up all their spare time for free babysitting. But now you can’t wait to spend every spare minute with them. Well, maybe a bit less so when their parents are late to pick them up and they’re chucking a tanty and you just want your lovely empty nest back. But the point stands – it’s natural to want to be able to support your grandkids as much as possible, for as long as possible.

Wondering how you can keep helping out as they grow up? Even when you’re not around to lend a hand or shell out cash in person? Leaving a financial legacy is a way to give them a good shot at achieving what you want for them.

But when many ordinary Aussies think ‘generous grandparents’ or ‘inheritance’, they think family dynasties, massive portfolios, or worse, ‘those trust fund kids’. And that gets in the way of a lot of planning and action. Because the truth is, leaving a meaningful financial gift is achievable for most people. It just takes a bit of planning and preparation.

Tip 1 – Set meaningful goals

You set clear, realistic and well-researched financial goals for yourself. So don’t forget to do the same when you’re setting saving and investment subtargets for your grandkids. Ask yourself questions like:

•Will they be able to get a better education with financial help?

•Do they need help with university, or will they take a different career path?

•Do they have healthcare needs that aren’t covered by insurance?

•If you helped them get a head start on a house deposit, would they be able to afford a mortgage?

•Would they accept your help in some areas, but not in others?

Tip 2 – Think about your time frame

Once you’ve got a magic number in mind, it’s time to think about... well... time. Your time frame will be determined by their age now, and the age/s at which they’ll need help. It might also depend on your age, how long you’ve got to go ‘til retirement, and other financial goals on your horizon. You might have five years to save and invest, or you might have 18 years. Side note: Your time frame could be extended if you use a structure like a trust which ensures that your grandkid/s don’t access the money until they’re ready to handle it and make smart decisions.

Tip 3 – Start with something

Feeling overwhelmed by the goals you’ve set, and everything you want to give you your grandkids? Start small and build from there. For example, you could investigate product categories that are generally lower risk and with a lower entry point, such as a high interest savings account.

Visit unisuper.com.au for some more practical starting points and guides on investing. Don’t forget, you’ve got access to a great range of financial education units online right now. They’re easy to access, and totally jargon free. What you learn in five minutes could help you give your grandkids a gift that’ll change their lives.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this document is current at April 2018 and is provided for education purposes only. It has been prepared by Money101 –Money for Life Pty Ltd without taking into account your particular financial needs, circumstances or objectives. You should consider the appropriateness of the information as it relates to you. You may wish to consult an adviser before you make any decisions relating to your financial affairs. Please note UniSuper has had no involvement in the preparation of content and is therefore not responsible for the information within the article.

FR FRANCIS RETURNS TO ST CHARLES SEMINARY AS RECTOR

WORDS Fr Francis Huy Nguyen

Fr Francis Huy Nguyen, third from left, with the 2023 Class of Seminarians, next to the statue of St Charles Borromeo. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Fr Francis with Archbishop Costelloe and newly ordained deacons Errol Lobo and Jason Yeap, Friday 17 February at Blessed Sacrament Church, Gosnells Parish. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Fr Francis Huy Nguyen, first from left, with Archbishop Costelloe, Bateman Parish Priest Fr Phong Nguyen, Kwinana Parish Priest Fr Thi Lam and Moora Administrator Fr Simeon San at the 2022 Clerec West Annual Sports Day Dinner.

Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Fr Francis in action at the 2023 annual Clerec West Sports Day. Photo: Fr Kenneth Acosta.

I was born on the 18 September 1971 in Song Be Vietnam during the final phase of the Vietnam War, the fifth of seven children to my parents, Huong Nguyen and Phuong Dinh.

Dad was an army and defence serviceman for the Republic of South Vietnam and was later placed in a series of the Communist Regime’s Re-education Camps.

After his release, Dad was fortunate to successfully escape in 1984 and eventually settled in Australia in 1985.

Mum was a full-time stay-at-home parent and sadly, passed away at the age of 41 in 1982 from heart disease. Tragically, only two years prior, my younger sister also died in a tragic accident at the age of two. Thanks to my relatives, close family friends and my older siblings who had stopped school to care for all of us, I spent most of my childhood in a small village called Binh Gia, commencing my education at the local Tan Duc Primary and Middle School where I completed Year 1 to Year 9.

I was fortunate to continue my education from Year 10 onwards at the newly established Nguyen Du District High School, just five kilometres away in Ngai Giao, completing Year 12 in 1989, before taking a gap year to work and support my family.

The local Vinh Chau Parish in Nghi Loc was a significant and vibrant hub of prayers, devotions, Masses, catechesis, social groups, youth formation programs and activities where I received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.

It has had a huge and lasting influence on my spiritual upbringing and outlook.

By divine providence, I was eventually allowed to migrate and re-joined Dad in Australia on 7 November 1990 at the age of 19. I spent some time studying English as a second language and began the lifelong process of integration into a new culture and life. I went on to complete Year 11 and 12 at Swanbourne Senior High School in 1993.

After some time of discernment about my vocation to the priesthood, I was accepted as a PreSeminarian at St Charles’ Seminary Guildford while

I was pursuing a Computer and Engineering Degree at Curtin University of Technology.

I began my formal seminary training the following year and went on to complete my priestly formation and was ordained a Deacon and eventually a Priest for the Archdiocese of Perth on the 15 December 2000.

Following my appointments at Willetton-Brentwood, the Goldfields (Kalgoorlie, Boulder, Coolgardie, Kambalda and Norseman), Bencubbin (Mukkinbudin, Beacon and Korda) and Ellenbrook, I was appointed as full-time chaplain to Royal Perth Hospital for five years.

During my time and ministry in the country parishes, I began my Postgraduate studies and completed a Master of Arts-Theological Studies at the University of Notre Dame Fremantle in 2009.

I returned to parish ministry in Port Kennedy before I was appointed as Vice-Rector to St Charles’ Seminary in March 2022.

Following my completion of a Seminary Formators Course in Rome, I was truly humbled to be appointed as the Rector in December 2022. I deeply appreciate the trust and confidence the Archbishop and his Curia have placed in me.

I am also grateful for the tremendous support I have received in the preparation and commencement of this new role.

In a strange and providential manner, I have returned to a familiar place, mindful of the many fond memories I had as a student as well the changes and new things that have taken place over the years. I have found a greater sense of appreciation of the seminary, its beautiful location, history, traditions and what it can still offer to those men who are searching for a solid and clear assurance of their generous response to God’s call for them to be priests for the Church today.

In addition to my priestly ministry and professional development programs, I enjoy catching up with family, friends and (former) parishioners, playing sports, reading, listening to music, watching movies, fishing and gardening.

NEW ICONS SPEAK OF THE FACE OF THE FATHER’S MERCY

Jesus is the one who comes to reveal to us the truth about who God really is, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has said, in blessing the new icons in the Chapel and classroom of Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Morley.

Speaking Sunday evening 30 April, Archbishop Costelloe reflected on the Gospel reading of Matthew 25: 31-46, which speaks about The Last Judgement.

He was joined for Sunday Vespers by Redemptoris Mater Seminary Spiritual Director, Fr Noe Navarrete-Apaez and Deacon Felipe Fernandez.

“In tonight’s gospel, we find presented to us, perhaps the clearest statement in the whole of the New Testament about what the final judgment will be all about,” Archbishop Costelloe explained. “And the final judgement will be all about whether or not we reflected the face of the Father’s mercy to everybody we meet.

“I was hungry, and out of mercy and love and compassionate care. You gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and out of mercy and compassion and love and care, you gave me something to drink. I

was sick and you visited me. I was naked and you clothed me,” he said, repeating the words of the Gospel.

“We could go through each one of these and each one of them is a statement about what a compassionate merciful response looks like.

“And that’s what the church is called to be - that is what we’re all called to be,” Archbishop Costelloe explained.

The icon of the Deësis, which is located in the Chapel and the icon of the Appearance of Christ, which is located in the downstairs classroom of Redemptoris Mater Seminary, are replicas of those painted by initiator of the Neocatechumenal Way, Kiko Argüello.

The new icons at Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Morley have been painted by husband and wife, Jose-Manuel and Maria Jesus Canete and their son Miguel.

Mr and Mrs Canete, who hail originally from Spain, were sent to Australia as a mission family by Pope Benedict XVI and live in Canberra.

WORDS Jamie O’Brien

Archbishop Costelloe blesses the new icon of the Appearance of the Risen Christ to the Disciples in the classroom of Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Sunday 30 April. Photo: Jamie O’Brien/Archdiocese of Perth.

Speaking about the icons at the evening liturgy on Sunday 30 April, Seminary Rector, Fr Michael Moore SM highlighted how the eyes of Christ are a particular feature.

“If you look at the face of Jesus Christ, and you see the eyes, if you’re on this side, it’s like he’s looking at you, but if you’re on the other side, it’s like he’s looking at you again also, or if you’re sitting directly in front, it’s like he’s looking at you again,” Fr Michael explained.

“It’s a particular technique of the icon writers. No matter where you sit, it’s a sign that Christ wants to communicate to you the love of the Father,” he said. Some other features of the icon in the Chapel, Fr Michael explained, include

• The dark blue circle represents Christ on the earth and the world;

• The black circle represents death; that we all experience;

• The light blue represents heaven and the eternal life; emphasising that Jesus Christ crosses the thread because he lived on earth, experienced death, rose again and is now seated at the right hand of the father in heaven interceding for us.

“With these icons we hope to have a presence that helps us to live the liturgy better, since heaven and earth are united in the Christin liturgy. Therefore, it is important that here there is a picture of the

presence of the heavenly Church,” Fr Michael said. Continuing his homily, Archbishop Costelloe also spoke about the Gospel of the Second Sunday of Easter (John 20: 19-31) when Jesus appeared to His disciples and explicitly said, ‘As the Father sent me, so I am sending you,’.

“He didn’t say, ‘The Father sent me, now I’m going to send you’” Archbishop Costelloe re-iterated, “but he used the words, ‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you,’.

“And how and why did the Father send Jesus to be the face of the Father’s mercy? So how and why does Jesus send us to be the face of the Father’s mercy?” Archbishop Costelloe questioned.

“This is what it is to be a Christian. This is the way in which we construct the lives that will eventually hopefully lead us to the fullness of life with the Lord in heaven, so beautifully portrayed in the icon behind me,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

Archbishop Costelloe concluded by inviting those present to be challenged by this Gospel.

“As we contemplate the beauty of this icon of the risen Lord, who connects both heaven and earth, who connects our life now with the fullness of life to which he calls us, let’s allow ourselves to be challenged by this Gospel,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

Top left: Fr Michael Moore SM explains the meaning of the icons; Archbishop Timothy Costelloe with seminary formators Fr Noe-Navarrete-Apaez, Fr Luis Tijerino and Fr Michael Moore SM; bottom left, Deacon Felipe Cortes Fernandez proclaims the Gospel; and Archbishop Costelloe with the formators and seminarians. Photos: Jamie O’Brien/Archdiocese of Perth.

DOUBLEVIEW PARISH COMMUNITY CALLED TO WALK TOGETHER IN THE WAY OF THE LORD

The invitation is there for each of us, in the depths of our heart, to recommit ourselves to being people of communion and unity in our life within the Church, and never people of dissension and disunity, Perth Archbishop Costelloe has said.

Speaking at the 50th anniversary of the Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Doubleview Parish, Sunday 14 May, Archbishop Costelloe was joined by Vicar General, the Very Rev Fr Peter Whitely VG, St Mary’s Cathedral Dean and former parishioner, the Very Rev Dr Sean Fernandez, Parish Priest Fr Peter Hoang OP and Assistant Fr Tom Cassidy OP, Dominican Prior Provincial Fr Dominic Murphy OP, former Parish Priest Fr Peter Toan Nguyen OP and Fr Vincent Conroy.

More than 450 parishioners past and present came together for the 10am Mass, including many Dominican Sisters, led by Congregational Leader Sr Mary Ryan OP, who were present in the early days of the formation of the parish.

Continuing his homily, Archbishop Costelloe highlighted that this call to unity is at the heart of the mission which Pope Francis has identified as the urgent task for the Church today.

“As some of you would know, the Pope has convened a Synod of Bishops, a gathering of representatives of the world’s bishops, which will commence in Rome in late September,” Archbishop Costelloe explained.

“One of the unique elements of this Synod will be that, unlike other synods in the past, there will be lay

people, religious and clergy who will also be present and who, along with the bishops, will have the right to vote.

“In this way the Pope is wanting to remind all of us that, because of our baptism, we all share responsibility for the Church’s fidelity to the Lord.

“It is true that the bishops, as successors of the apostles, have a particular role to play in this, but they exercise that role from within the Church, not outside it and certainly not above it - which means, of course, from within the community, not outside it, and certainly not above it.

“We are called to walk together, and not in separate groups, in the way of the Lord,” he said.

Parish Priest Fr Peter Hoang said the parish is a vibrant community who are always willing to work together in an effort to support each and every person.

“I pray the parish will continue to grow – in faith, looking to Jesus Christ and His mother, understanding the wonderful plan He has for their lives,” Fr Peter said.

“I am most grateful to be present for this momentous occasion,” he continued.

“We must encourage, with love and mercy, the next generation, who will care for the parish for the next 50 years and beyond,” he said.

A biographical account of the building’s creator and story of the Church’s construction and completion was also developed for the anniversary, entitled Stone

WORDS Jamie O’Brien

The Doubleview Parish community came together Sunday 14 May for the 50th anniversary of Our Lady of the Rosary Church for a anniversary Mass celebrated by Archbishop Costelloe, who highlighted that unity is at the heart of the mission which Pope Francis has identified as the urgent task for the Church today. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

of Eternity by local writer and photographer Richard Goodwin, which was launched Saturday 13 May. Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the Our Lady of the Rosary Foundation, to support its mission of ensuring the ongoing preservation of the building. The book was displayed on the sanctuary for the anniversary Mass, together with several of the original tools used during the construction in the 1970’s. Following the establishment of a primary school run by the Dominican Sisters, the Parish was founded in 1959 by the Dominicans.

In October 1968, 48-year-old Irishman Fr Bonaventure Leahy OP was assigned to the parish, having trained in building studies and architecture in Dublin just before World War II. Despite having no experience or direct knowledge of Western Australia, Fr Leahy took to the task with inspiration and dedication.

For the next year and a half, he studied the bush block that was designated as the church site, toured the state inspecting other churches such as Monsignor Hawes’ structures in the Mid-West and built a model of his vision for Doubleview.

The Perth Archbishop Launcelot Goody, an attendee of the Second Vatican Council, approved Fr Leahy’s innovative plans that captured the new layout required by the liturgical reforms of the time. Along the way Fr Leahy had been introduced to Toodyay stone, a unique WA quartzite rock revered by architects in this era. He made it his building material of choice.

He partnered with a firm of Italian stonemasons, one of whom also held the quarrying licence for the Toodyay blocks.

Fr Leahy oversaw all facets of the construction, spending day and night on the building site and applying meticulous scrutiny to the detail of every component of the project.

Unfortunately, Fr Leahy returned to Ireland one year

before the Church building was completed, suffering poor health. Fortunately, understudy Fr Niall McDermott OP supervised the final stages.

Among the finishing touches were the design of the tabernacle, altar and baptismal font, the installation of a pipe organ using pieces from an old Baptist church in Northbridge and a theatre in Fremantle, a grand stained-glass window behind the choir loft and a 19th century bell brought to Australia by pioneering Benedictine monks.

After more than 70 contractors, suppliers and volunteers had contributed to the effort over three years, the church was blessed and opened by Archbishop Goody on the afternoon of 13 May 1973 in the presence of 800 parishioners and guests. Speaking at the conclusion of the 50th anniversary Mass, Parish Pastoral Council Chair Helen Murray said even though the Church is such a large space, when alone in the Church, the building surrounds a person with peace.

“In many ways, those quiet times can make it easier to sense Fr Leahy’s vision, to build a church that is easy for people to pray in and brings them closer to God,” Ms Murray said.

Ms Murray also invited the congregation to look closely at the walls of the church and note the colours of the Toodyay stone.

“See the miracle of design and construction that has created graceful curves from solid blocks, through the careful placement of every piece.

“Look at the two massive pillars and how they support the roof.

“There are so many other elements that also come together to make this beautiful church whole.

“It was brought into existence by divine inspiration, determination, dedication, hard work and faith. We are privileged to be the current custodians,” she concluded.

Archbishop Costelloe with Doubleview parishioner Marian Fergusson, aged 99 with her daughters Pauline Lynch and Camille Billing.

Photo:Jamie O’Brien.

Doubleview parishioners carry the offeratory gifts during the 50th anniversary Mass of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Doubleview Church, Sunday 14 May. Photo:Jamie O’Brien.

MARY IS THE GREAT SYMBOL OF OUR FAITH, SAYS ARCHBISHOP COSTELLOE

Every Christian needs to have the words emblazoned on their heart “Do whatever he tells you,” Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has said, in blessing a new statue of the Virgin Mary at St Mary MacKillop Church, Ballajura Parish.

The new statue, which was made in Vietnam, is titled Our Lady of Ballajura, Comforter of Migrants and stands on a plinth in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of the Mary MacKillop Church with the words, ‘Do Whatever He Tells You’.

Joining Archbishop Costelloe for the blessing liturgy, prior to the commencement of the 9am Mass, was Parish Priest Fr John Jegorow and Assistant Priest, Fr Mark Rucci.

Following the proclamation of the wedding feast in Cana (John 2), Archbishop Costelloe explained that the quality that shines out most strongly in the Virgin Mary is her faith.

“She’s the great symbol of faith,” Archbishop Costellloe explained. “And that’s true, not just in St John’s Gospel, but in the other gospels as well.”

“And we see it in this Gospel, where you’ve just heard the wine runs out, that the bride and groom are embarrassed, their families are probably embarrassed, Mary’s embarrassed for them, and she wants to try and help them, but she can’t do anything.

“So she goes to her son, because she has faiththat not only can he do something - but he will do something.

Mary didn’t get the response - at least it looks that way - she might have expected, continued Archbishop Costelloe, with Jesus responding, ‘Woman, what do you want from me? My hour has not yet come.’ (John 2: 4).

“If we got that response, we might have walked away and thought, oh well I did my best.”

“She knew her son better, she had greater faith in her son,” Archbishop Costelloe reinforced.

“So even though she got that response, she immediately went to the steward and says the wonderful words - which I think every Christian

Archbishop Costelloe blesses the new statue at Mary MacKillop Church, Ballajura Parish, Sunday 21 May. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

WORDS Jamie O’Brien

really needs to have emblazoned on his or her heart – ‘Do whatever He tells you’

“That’s Mary’s message to them and of course, it’s Mary’s message to us. She doesn’t want us focusing too much on Her. She wants us to allow her to help us to focus on the Lord, and listen to Him and do what He needs.”

Parish Priest Fr John Jegorow said many Catholics love statues of the Mother of God and the saints.

“Pope Francis has been inviting us to add this title to our prayers,” Fr John explained, referring to Pope Francis’ announcement of June 2020.

“Mary is our model follower of Christ, particularly with the popularity of the Rosary,” he said.

“There are many titles for the Virgin Mary and so here in the Parish of Ballajura we ask Her to accompany us – a parish that is very much a migrant parish,” Fr John reinforced.

Continuing his speech, Archbishop Costelloe said that in blessing the statue, he hopes all those present might follow the beautiful quality of deep faith that

Mary has. “As we bless this very beautiful statue, which I’m so pleased to see will stand so close to the presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament - because the two of them are so closely united - I hope we all might take away this beautiful quality of deep faith that Mary has,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“As we sang in the opening song of this liturgy, and as we say every day when we pray the Hail Mary, throughout the day, ‘Pray for us, Pray for us now, for we are sinners, and at the hour of our death’.

“Mary is not going to say no to that prayer.

“When we pray this prayer with sincerity, we know that every step we take every day of our life, we are accompanied by the prayers of Mary. She can help us to grow in our faith so that we can do whatever He tells us to do,” Archbishop Costelloe concluded. At the conclusion of Mass, Archbishop Costelloe also blessed several Year 4 students from Mary MacKillop Primary who were preparing for their First Holy Communion the following weekend.

Fr Mark Rucci places a wreath on the head of the new statue during the special liturgy, Sunday 21 May at Ballajura Parish. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

The new statue, which was made in Vietnam, is titled Our Lady of Ballajura, Comforter of Migrants and stands on a plinth in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of the Mary MacKillop Church with the words, “Do Whatever He Tells You”. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Archbishop Costelloe with Acolyte Rudy D’Cunha, Altar Servers Athalie and William Nguyen, Assistant Priest Fr Mark Rucci, Parish Priest Fr John Jegorow, Acolyte Ross Scholz and parishioners. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Archbishop Costelloe and Fr John Jegorow with members of the Rosary group from left, Martina Aliraja, Rosaleen Quinn, Lenny White, Uliana Sadova, Maria Nguyen, Madeline Pierre, Peter Lewis and Margaret Novak. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

NEWLY ORDAINED NICHOLAS DIEDLER CALLED TO DO THE WILL OF THE ONE WHO SENT HIM, SAYS ARCHBISHOP COSTELLOE

What does it mean to be a Catholic Priest in the Lord’s Church today?

This was the question posed by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB at the Ordination to the Priesthood of former St Charles Seminary student Nicholas Diedler.

The Ordination to the Priesthood – one of three happening in Perth this year – took place at St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday 24 March, and was celebrated by Archbishop Costelloe. Joining Archbishop Costelloe for the occasion was Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Vicar General the

very Rev Fr Peter Whitely VG, Episcopal Vicar Education and Faith Formation, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, Vicar for Clergy, the Very Rev Fr Minh Thuy Nguyen, St Charles Seminary Rector, Fr Francis Nguyen, Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey and assisted by Deacons Jason Yeap and Errol Lobo. Some 50 clergy from across Perth also joined the Archbishop for the occasion.

Continuing his homily, Archbishop Costelloe explained that it is God who has given us the gift of the ordained ministry as an indispensable ministry of service to God’s holy people.

Newly ordained priest Fr Nicholas Diedler, with Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey, Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton and Fr Nicholas’s parents Jochen and Maria-Luisa, and siblings Stephanie, far left, Alexander, fourth from left and Maximillian, far right, Friday 24 March at St Mary’s Cathedral. Photo: Ron Tan/Archdiocese of Perth.

WORDS Jamie O’Brien

“It is God who has stepped into Nicholas’s life, forming and shaping him for what is about to take place in his life this evening,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“And it is God, in the mystery of his providence, who has given Nicholas the grace he needs, and the people he needs, to help him say yes to the Lord who calls.

“Tonight, I hope and pray that the question of the psalmist - how can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me?- is both on Nicholas’s lips and in his heart.”

Perth born 28-year-old Nicholas grew up in Kingsley and attended the Cathedral Parish, joining St Charles Seminary in 2014 at the age of 19. He was ordained to the (Transitional) Diaconate Saturday

12 March 2022 at St John Paul II Church, Banksia Grove Parish amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking about his vocation journey, Fr Nicholas said that for him, growing up in a strong Catholic family and having the privilege to serve as an altar boy with his brothers, prepared the foundation of his journey towards the priesthood.

“I am so very grateful to my parents who said yes to the will of God in giving me the capacity to live our faith at home,” Fr Nicholas said.

“From my earliest days as an altar boy, I grew to love serving God in the liturgy which has progressed to me now being ordained a priest with an open heart and mind to listen to the will of God,” he explained.

“I had begun to consider seriously a priestly vocation in the last few years of high school, and then after engaging various career opportunities, I made the choice to enter the seminary and there seriously pursue this vocation and discern the will of God,” Fr Nicholas said.

Continuing his homily, Archbishop Costelloe also proposed to the congregation present to question what it means for a priest - and what will it now mean for Nicholas - to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus?

“It means that as a priest, Nicholas must realise and make real each day that he is being called not to do his own will, but the will of the One who sent him,” Archbishop Costelloe explained.

“Part of this, of course, will be his generous and wholehearted embrace of his promise of respect and obedience to his bishop.

“But it is more than that: ultimately it is obedience to God himself in all the ways he makes his will known,” he said.

Fr Nicholas has been appointed Assistant Priest to the Parish of Yangebup.

FROM TOP: Fr Nicholas kneels before Archbishop Costelloe to profess his final vows; The now Fr Nicholas distributing communion during his ordination; Parents Jochen and Maria-Luisa and Fr Anthony Bernal assist Fr Nicholas in vesting for the first time as a priest; and bottom, giving thanks to God and his family following his Ordination to the Priesthood, Friday 24 March at St Mary’s Cathedral Photo: Ron Tan/Archdiocese of Perth.

SLOW COOKED BEEF RENDANG

RECIPE BY Michelle Tan

(Spicy Indonesian Beef Curry)

RECIPE BY Michelle Tan

INGREDIENTS

Spice Paste

• 8 L arge Fresh Red Chilies (deseed for less spiciness)

• 6 Shallots

• 6 Cloves of Garlic

• 3 Stalks of Lemongrass (white part only)

• 1-inch Fresh Galangal

• 1-inch Fresh Ginger

• 2 Tbsp Canola Oil

Rendang Curry

• 1kg Chuck Steak

• 3 Tbsp Canola Oil

• 1 Cinnamon Stick

• 3 Cloves

• 3 Star Anise

• 3 C ardamom Pods

• 2 stalks of Lemongrass

• 4 00ml Coconut Milk

• 2 t sp Tamarind Paste

• 1 Tbsp Hot water

• 5 pieces of Kaffir Lime Leaves

• 1/3 cup Desiccated Coconut

• 1 Tbsp Grated Palm Sugar

• 2 t sp Salt

METHOD

1. Cut Chuck Steak into 4cm cubes.

2. Cut all ingredients for Spice Paste into small pieces. Using a food processor, blend into a smooth paste and set aside.

3. Using the back of a knife, smash 2 stalks of Lemongrass.

4. Finely slice the Kaffir Lime leaves.

5. Soak Tamarind Paste in Hot water and remove seeds.

6. In a pan or if the slow cooker has a sear function, heat 3 Tbsp Canola Oil and stir fry the Spice Paste for 5 minutes,

7. Add beef cubes and stir until all beef cubes are browned.

8. If using a pan, transfer the mixture into the slow cooker.

9. Add the rest of the ingredients from the Rendang Curry and stir to combine.

10. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 5 hours, stirring occasionally.

11. Pour mixture into a pot and cook uncovered for 20 minutes on high heat to reduce liquid contents. Turn off the fire when the mixture resembles a dry curry.

12. Serve cooked Beef Rendang over white rice.

DOWN

1 “ I will raise you up on eagle’s ___…”

2 A ltar linen

4 Turn away from sin

5 C atholic United States Supreme Court justice

6 16th century saint with a flowery name

7 “…am I my brother’s ___?” (Gen 4:9)

8 T he Archdioceses of Tokyo and Mandalay are here

13 __ of the firstborn (plague)

15 “ For however many are the promises of God, their ___ is in him.” (2 Cor 1:20)

17 Brother

19 L etter by which a priest is released from one diocese and accepted into another

21 T he Good ___

23 C hurch days

24 Religious instruction, formerly (abbr.)

25 C hurch song leader

26 S aint of Avila

28 J oseph was told in one to flee to Egypt

29 M ake up for sin

31 T he Garden of Eden might have been in this modern-day state

33 B rother of Jacob

ANSWERS

ACROSS

3 D eliver a homily

9 “ Dies ___”

10 T he Wise Men came from here

11 H onorific title for a bishop

12 G ift of the wise men

14 “___ for us”

16 Mother-inlaw of Ruth

17 T he ___ of Christ the King

18 A gatha is their patron saint

20 M ost likely Paul’s first epistle (abbr.)

22 D eaconess in the early Church

24 N ativity scene

26 O ld Testament book

27 __ Pio

30 French-Canadian Catholic singing phenomenon

32 “ Eternal ___ grant unto them”

34 S aint of Lisieux

35 A ngel’s hat?

36 S on of Eve

37 P artner of Cosmas

Grab your free copy of

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“This Handbook is designed to speak directly to the young person and is offered, not only to Catholic teenagers, but to all young people, parents, carers, educators and all who might find it useful as practical and informative resource to help respond to their deeply felt desire and responsibility to protect, educate and safeguard young people.”

— Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB