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THURSDAY MARCH 15, 2007
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Artist's representation of the completed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: courtesy St Mary's Cathedral Appeal Committee
As the Archdiocese launches its fundraising appeal, Archbishop Hickey hopes the completed cathedral will become a centre for prayer to spread the Gospel in a secular age. On the eve of the formal launch of the $10 million appeal to complete the funding for the conservation and completion of St Mary's Cathedral, Archbishop Barry Hickey said he hoped the building would be completed debt-free by the end of 2008. The total cost of the project is now $25million, of which the Archdiocese has already raised $15million, including $3mi11ion
from the Federal Government and $2million from the State Government. Archbishop Hickey said he clearly remembered making the historic decision. "I felt confident it was the right time. The Cathedral was looking tatty, both externally and internally," he said. "The only thing to do was to complete the cathedral with Continued - Page 8
Crosses in coffin witness to Griver's sanctity la By Fr Robert Cross
The excellent state of preservation of Bishop Martin Griver's coffin (interred in 1886) under St Mary's Cathedral was remarkable in comparison to that of Bishop Matthew Gibney's (interred in 1925). This is especially the case given that Bishop Griver was buried 39 years before Bishop Gibney. This Continued- Page 14
Penances: A note in Bishop Matthew Gibney's handwriting affirms the crosses were taken from the body of Bishop Martin Griver. PHOTO: FR ROBERT CROSS
BUILDING GOD'S LITTLE SOLDIERS - Great guide for Cathechists, Parents and Teachers to boosting interest and the chances of success in helping the very young to know Him. VISTA 1-4
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March 152007, The Record
Going green for good
Vincenfian honoured
Solutions need to be implemented
Papal Medal bestowed upon Australian St Vincent de Paul stalwart reflects years of dedication to a worthy cause on a global scale.
Jesuit priest and professor, Fr John Coleman, will present ethical principles to guide environmental responsiblity and protect the future at UWA on March 21. • By Anthony Barich
Quit the "Doomsday" scenario scare-mongering over "climate change" and start envisioning solutions, says Professor John Coleman, the 2005 holder of the St Thomas More College Chair of Jesuit Studies. Professor Coleman, a Jesuit priest, is set to speak at the University of WA's Octagon Theatre at 6pm on March 21, surmising that models from "greener" cities around the world using denser housing, land reuse, market and governmental regulation mechanisms, public transit, reduction of car use and alternative energy are the solution for the current "climate change" panic sweeping the world.
Professor Coleman, a teacher of social theories of justice, civil society and citizenship, globalisation, history and social ethics, religion and ethics, says mankind is not really serious about environmental responsibilities if we do not focus on cities. He says we need less rhetoric of a "doomsday" scenario than a "Ihave a dream" vision for viable greener cities. At UWA he will present a solution to the perceived crisis by proposing 10 ethical principles - "10 Commandments" - to guide environmental responsibility for the present to protect the future. In doing so, he uses the summation of a prominent contributor for TIME Magazine and National Geographic and award-winning writer on science, nature and the environment, Eugene Linden: "The developed world ignores at its peril the problem of third world cities. "Cities, more than rural areas, leave large ecological footprints which are not sustainable in the long run". Coleman will also address what makes for a "green city". Drawing on "poster boy"
• "Holy Father,I want to ask you something!" Pope Benedict XVI answers questions on Vocation, Marriage, understanding Holy Scripture, and speaks of the Last Supper and the meaning of EASTER. For your FREE copy write to: Tyburn Priory, 325 Garfield Rd East, Riverstone, NSW 2765 (Printed with permission of Libreria Editrice Vaticana)
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examples of perceivably "greener" cities" around the world, he will probe the public policy issues needed to create sustainable cities. He believes "greener cities" can be both economically viable and prosperous cities. As a race of humans, reducing our "technological footprints" is the key to a sustainable future, and the technology to achieve this is "already existent" or easily enough imagined. Yet he concedes that changing human behaviours is often a slow process. Professor Coleman inaugurated the Chair for the Study of Religion and Values in American Society at the University of Louvain in Belgium, and is a prolific author, writer and commentator. His recent keynote speeches have been, "Religious Commitment, National Allegiance and a Global Citizenship" at the Centre for Global Mission, The Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago; and "Just War in a Time of Terrorism" at the Annual Convention of Religious Educaters, Seattle. Admission to the lecture is free.
St Vincent de Paul Society's International President Jose Ramon Diaz-Torremocha has presented the Papal Medal Benemerenti and Scroll, awarded by Pope Benedict XVI, to John Meahan AM, national president of the Society in Australia, for his work for the Society over the last 46 years in Australia and overseas. The announcement was made at a meeting last month of the St Vincent de Paul Society's African National Presidents in Kenya. During the 46 years Mr Meahan has been involved with the Society in Western Australia he has held every position from conference to regional president, state vice-president, state president, then appointed as Australian national vice-president. In March 2003 he was elected as Australia's national president for a five- year term and is still connected with grass-roots membership in many ways. Among his many and varied roles, he was on the founding committees of the joint ventures with Perth Rotary Club with the
Passages Project in Northbridge and the Lighthouse Project with the St John of God Foundation, as well as chairing various national and state committees. He led a delegation of Australian members to the Pan Asian Congress in Korea in 2001 and then hosted the next Congress in Perth in January 2006. As a servant leader, Mr Meahan
puts his faith into action in serving Christ's poor. In his role as Chairman of the A frican Commission, Mr Meahan was supported by 10 other Society members from around the world, to hold the historic meeting in Nairobi, Kenya from February 22-28. A series of workshops with the 31 African national presidents to determine what projects could be undertaken by each of the countries that were viable, sustainable, accountable and transparent. A fter this was done, recommendations were made that would be presented to the International Council for approval and implementation. Applications for funding for suitable projects will be made through international companies operating in Africa or through the European Union. During the week a visit was made to one of the slum areas where it is estimated that nearly a million people are living.
Common cause unites NFP NFP providers celebrated their unity as they gathered to share in the knowledge that each separate provider was working towards a common goal. Natural fertility services Billings and Fertility Care celebrated a groundbreaking united spiritual service on March 10 at the Epiphany Centre in Rossmoyne. The occasion was an opportunity for the three major Natural Family Planning providers to reflect on their shared work and faith. The theme for the spiritual reflection day was "Walking Together." Derek Boylen, Director of Natural Fertility Services, said: "It was an opportunity for NFP providers to reflect on how, in our work, we walk with God, our clients, the Church and each other." The day started with a Mass concelebrated by Bishop Donald Sproxton and Dominican Fr Anthony Van Dyke. In his homily Bishop Donald Sproxton acknowledged the challenging works undertaken by the three organisations and encouraged them in building the culture of life. After a shared lunch Fr Van Dyke conducted a spiritual reflection on God's place in the work of Natural Family
Getting together: Natural Fertility Services, Billings and Fertility Care workers united with Bishop Donald Sproxton and Fr Anthony Van Dyke (pictured). PHOTO: TERENCE BOYLEN
Planning providers. He emphasised the infinite nature of God's love which surpasses all human understanding. Natural Family Planning is the only method of family planning endorsed by the Catholic Church. Natural Fertility Services, Billings and Fertility Care are the three main
organisations that teach Natural Family Planning in Western Australia and are endorsed by the Australian bishops. Natural Fertility Services and Billings also perform a major function in the Archdiocese through the provision of sexuality and relationship education to students in Catholic schools.
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March 152007, The Record
Church in China shows hope for future Vatican and Government approved wings closer than expected Dr Leonard Chan speaks to The Record about his experiences while visiting the Church in China. • By Mark Reidy
Perth doctor Leonard Chan returned from China late last year filled with great hope for the Catholic Church there. He was surprised to discover in his contact with numerous clergy and lay people, that oppression of those faithful to the Pope did not appear to be as widespread and blatant as he had expected. In 1957 the Chinese government decreed that religious practice would only be allowed under recognised personnel and in places registered with the Religious A ffairs Office (RAO). This process was placed under the control of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA) whose statute provided for the creation of a national Church split from the Holy See. In recounting his 10 day experience to The Record, Dr Chan said that, while the Government expected Catholics churches to be officially registered with the RAO, existing alongside them are many unofficial, or "underground" churches, loyal only to the Pope, who are quite open in their religious practice. Dr Chan was also astounded at local figures quoting as many as
90% of the bishops and priests of the CCPA church being in communion with the Holy See. He said that the relationship between the official and 'underground' churches was not as distinct as he had envisioned and that the underground church was not living a strictly clandestine existence. He stated that his time in the cities of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, in which he interacted with a number of religious and lay people, indicated a level of cooperation between the two establishments. As well as learning of government backed seminaries in which underground bishops served as professors, of Vatican approved bishops practising as priests in the government approved church and of places where the two churches shared the same building for Masses, Dr Chan also spoke to a young priest who was able to refuse to be ordained by a government appointed bishop and was able to seek out one who was in communion with the Holy See. acknowledged Chan Dr that antagonism between the Vatican approved church and the Government sponsored one still occurred, as indicated by the recent arrest of nine priests in the northern province of Hebei, but this, he said was dependent on the enthusiasm of the local Public Security Bureau (PSB), the Government body that handles security and social order. He said that there are some areas in which underground members are still harassed, but he had also heard of places where they are able to openly worship in large Church buildings. Displayed
in and outside several churches Dr Chan attended, were pictures of Pope Benedict XVI. It is Dr Chan's belief that, despite their loyalty to Rome, many churches register with the CCPA out of necessity, so that the faithful can avail themselves of the celebration of the Mass as well as the Sacraments without the fear of PSB intervention. However despite the inconsistent relationship of the co-existing churches, Dr Chan is hopeful that the more harmonious existence of recent times will continue. And with Vatican officials continually working to bridge the gap and a recent Chinese government sponsored survey indicating that there are now as many as 40 million Catholics in the country, Dr Chan's hope has a solid foundation. "The faith and devotion of the faithful is inspiring", he says, "And augurs well for the Chinese Church in the years ahead."
Out and about: A priest in the Cathedral in Xian. Govenment approved priests and bishops of China are mostly working well with Vatican approved clergy.
Not so clandestine: A nun in Shanghai proudly shows her faith. In his experience, Dr Leonard Chan of Perth, says the once 'underground' Church is no longer as secretive.
Need for aid greater than on-going disputes Delicate balance: Ch. -h assists Chinese with appearing powerful. • By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY (CNS) - While local government officials in some parts of China arrest Catholics, authorities in other areas of the country are tolerating, or even encouraging, Catholic charitable activity. A growing number of Catholic dioceses on the mainland have established a Caritas organisation and are expanding their social service work. Representatives of four Chinese diocesan Caritas organisations were at the Vatican from March 6-7 for a discussion about how official Church-sponsored charities around the world could support their efforts and assist the Chinese poor in general. Duncan MacLaren, secretarygeneral of Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic charities' umbrella organisation, said that even though Church-state tensions remain, "we cannot ignore the needs of onefifth of humanity." And while China's communist government continues to use its rejection of "foreign interference" as the reason it refuses to allow the Vatican to choose the country's
bishops, the government does not reject aid money and projects from foreign Catholic charities, he said. Caritas Macau, Caritas Hong Kong and Caritas Taiwan are all active in the country, as are the Maryknoll China Service Project, the French Catholic Committee for and Hunger Against Development and Catholic Relief Services, the US bishops' overseas development and relief agency. Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun of Hong Kong, who participated in the meeting, told Catholic News Service that the Caritas agencies are found in dioceses "where the bishop is really in charge, which gives a guarantee that it functions like a Caritas should." Unlike on the national level where the government-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association directs Church activity, "at the diocesan level, the patriotic association does not always impose itself on the bishop. If a bishop is strong and capable enough, he can control the Caritas in his diocese," Cardinal Zen said. While describing the Caritas work as "modest and limited," Cardinal Zen said, "Caritas is helping with real needs and there are local authorities who are good and care for their people, so there is cooperation." And, he said, government authorities have invited Chinese and foreign Catholic agencies to help the elderly, people with mental
illnesses, people living with HIV/ AIDS and those suffering from Hansen's disease, formerly called leprosy. In China's rural areas, where there is widespread poverty, local governments have benefited from
Catholic agencies' willingness to dig wells, distribute seeds and train a new generation of farmers in sustainable agriculture. In one instance, MacLaren said, a local government even asked the staff of a Catholic home for the
elderly to train the staff of a government-run home. Cardinal Zen said relations usually are smooth as long as the Caritas organisation is "discreet." "If you become too big, then they may not allow you to work."
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Remigius thanks us • By Anthony Barich
All together now: Bullsbrook parish youth share time together as part of their formation.
Parish assists RE formation • By Sylvia Defendi Devoid of a nearby Catholic school, Bullsbrook parish intervened on February 25, with the launch of its inaugural Parish and Family Faith Formation Program. Sixteen parish youth, who have either recently celebrated their first Communion or will do so in the near future, were the focus of the day as parish priest Fr Paul Fox celebrated Mass. Following Mass, the parish community congregated for a shared meal at the family home of one of the children, after which the children present, accompanied by Fr Fox and coordinator of the program Sr Margaret Ann, led the Holy Rosary. The inaugural group also viewed the inspirational conversion story of American catechist, Fr John Corapi. An initiative of Fr Fox, the program began its formative steps over a year ago, when Fr Fox realised
the need for on-going spiritual formation within his parish, beyond sacramental preparation. "Considering the lack of religious education within the state school, we felt the children needed more than merely sacramental preparation that would halt when the child received the sacrament and only resuscitated when the next sacrament was due," Fr Fox said. One year down the track the program, which has received a warm welcome from the parish community and families involved, has become a weekly reality for the 16 children involved and their families. The program blends the social and the spiritual. "Families not only pray together and learn about their faith, but are also encouraged to engage with other parishioners and forge friendships with other families," Sr Margaret Ann said. For now the program will focus on the Lenten period leading up to Easter, and will then continue with another chapter, Sr Margaret Ann
said, adding that the focus will most probably be on Pentecost and the Holy Spirit. Fr Fox hopes the children will grow in their knowledge of Christ and will thus find the Easter period more meaningful. "Essentially this program is about making Jesus as relevant and alive today as he was in the past and will be in the future," he said. "In the words of Pope John Paul II, 'the family is the domestic Church'," Sr Margaret Ann said.
Bishop Peter Remigius has personally thanked Western Australia's Catholics for the millions of dollars they contributed through Caritas Australia to repair the lives of thousands of Indian civilians who were affected by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. Bishop Remigius, the chairman of Caritas India who personally lost four family members in the tsunami, visited Perth last month to report that Caritas Australia raised over $4 million for India's tsunami victims. The money raised by Australian Catholics enabled Caritas India to mobilise local resources to help its people. Three islands off India and the people on them disappeared after the tsunami. Bishop Remigius reported that over 300,000 families in India were affected by the tsunami, losing everything, so Caritas supported local programs to build temporary sheds for accommodation. In one place alone, Caritas supported the building of 1000 temporary sheds, each one costing 8000 rupees ($230). He said this housing scheme still continues in places in India as Caritas money helps pay for the expensive transportation of goods from the mainland to the islands. The houses, for example, in Adra, in West Bengal, cost three times the usual amount due to transport costs for materials. Some of these houses are built too far from the sea as fishermen, despite the
tsunami, still need to live close to the ocean. But the Bishop said that whenever there is an earthquake or when waves come that are bigger than normal, they still get frightened. Caritas Australia also raised $2.5 million to help Caritas India's natural resource mobilisation program, a watershed program for water storage that ensures water seeps into the land and increases land fertility. Through Caritas, Australian Catholics supplied enough money for this program to be maintained for four years. Caritas India also uses about a million rupees ($28,945) per diocese to operate what the Bishop calls 'animation' in the 30 dioceses that are categorised as poor. This involves educating the poor on what is happening to them, why it is happening and who is causing it to happen; what can they do by themselves to change that, what support do they need, or how to collaborate with others to get that type of assistance. In a country with 1.065 billion people (the Bishop says about 1.8 per cent are Catholic) with 159 dioceses and 22 official languages, Bishop Remigius says globalisation means the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. "These rich people have not planned their lives in such a way to meet the challenge of the needs of the poor people. They may be producing things which people are attracted to use, but they (the people) cannot afford to pay for it. The amount of problems these poor people face is not only food, it's also employment."
Couples Corner Hints for a Happy Marriage with Derek Boylen The Little Things It is worth noting that the little things (doing the dishes, making the bed, picking up the socks) make up a big part of married life. Couples that share these responsibilities and respond to each others needs experience much greater satisfaction on a day to day basis. A colleague of mine calls it domestic foreplay. The little things make a big difference. Catholic Marriage Education Services
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Riveted: Chisolm Catholic College students gather to honour Christian Brother Oily Pickett
Br Oily Pickett honoured • By Sylvia Defendi
Join Pope Benedict XVI in prayer IMarch General intention: Hearing God's Word. That the Word of God may be ever more listened to, contemplated, loved and lived. Mission intention: Lay formation. That the training of catechists and lay people may be the constant concern of those responsible for the young Churches.
Chisholm Catholic College gathered on February 15 to honour College pioneer, Christian Brother Oily Pickett at the official opening of its new recreation c entre. The Br Oily Pickett Recreation Centre, as it is formally known, boasts a 25-metre swimming pool, two Olympic-sized basketball courts accompanied by
stadium-style spectator seating, a kitchen, fitness centre, two large classrooms and space for assemblies or examinations. Construction of the Recreation Centre commenced in 2006 and replaced the old school hall, which was built by Br Pickett and a group of parent volunteers in 1978 for the then St Mark's College. The old hall served St Mark's College right through to its amalgamation with St Thomas Aquinas College to become Chisholm
Catholic College and was eventually demolished in 2005. A fter officially opening the new Recreation Centre, Br Pickett was presented with a cheque worth $5,000, on behalf of the College, for the charitable Wheelchairs for Kids organization, which Br Pickett runs. "It was an honour and a privilege to have the new recreation Centre named after me," Br Pickett said, adding that he was glad to witness the College's growth and progress.
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March 152007, The Record
New priests go country X rating disputed oi By Anthony Barich
Recently ordained priests are set to be rapidly promoted to accommodate country areas in need, says Archbishop Barry Hickey. "The difficulty we face at present is mainly in country areas where we need an extra priest in Northam and Kalgoorlie and we need to fill Kellerberrin," the Archbishop said. "The rapid promotion of recently ordained priests is on the cards." He also said that the deaths of two prominent priests - Fr Tom Phelan (City Beach parish) and Fr John Lyons (Willagee) - has accelerated several appointments announced earlier this month. "Please continue to pray for Vocations," the Archbishop told WA clergy last week. "Although our seminaries are doing well, Perth is continuing to grow, requiring even greater numbers of priests. "I do not want to deprive the country because of the city if at all possible." He has already started the process by promotingNortham assistant parish priest Fr Andrew Bowron to parish priest as of April 10. The announcement came Just before Fr Peter Growney of Southern Cross returned to Ireland last Wednesday after two and a half years back in the Archdiocese. St Charles Seminary rector Fr Don Hughes "has no gripes at all" at Fr Bowron being elevated despite only being ordained in December 2005, and is confident any further
promotions of recently ordained priests will adapt to parish priest roles if required. "In Fr Andrew's case, he's in his mid-50s, has put up a family and has been a farmer, so he knows country life well and knows the everyday concerns of his parishioners," Fr Hughes said. "Some of the nine ordained in December '05 are in their 30s, and by that stage men in the secular world are raising families." Redemptorist Mater Missionary Seminary rector Fr Michael Moore said that while ideally a graduate will have between five and seven years as an assistant priest at up to three parishes to experience the needs of the people, "the necessity of the mission today demands a more immediate entry as a parish priest". "They have to learn on the job, which is a bit more pressure, but it's possible." Archbishop Hickey has ordained 22 priests from the Redemptorist Mater seminary, which currently has 23 more preparing for the priesthood. At Easter there will be 29 in residence at St Charles' Seminary in Guildford, plus another Matthew Payton - is stationed at the Cathedral parish. Archbishop Hickey has ordained about 40 from
it.
In other diocesan changes, Fr Nishan De Saram, who will take over from Fr Growney at Southern Cross on March 8, is on loan to the Archdiocese for three years.
Kellerberin's Fr John Pumatti will be parish priest of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Willagee from April 10. Fr Don Kettle vacated his Catholic Youth Ministry post last week to City Beach's parish priest, and expressions of interest are now being called for the St Peter's parish in Bedford, as Fr Trevor Simmons will take over St Luke's parish in Woodvale on May 1, as Fr Pat Turner will be standing down from Woodvale at the end of April to take a year's long leave. Fr Turner will return after a year to take up his pastoral work in the Archdiocese. Fr Patrick Lim will step down as Kwinana parish priest on April 18 and be replaced by Fr Phong Thanh Nguyen, who was previously parish priest of Kalgoorlie/Boulder. Fr Lim will help Marist Fr John Thornhill manage and distribute his Emmaus series of DVD talks and offer his services to Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby. Fr Geoff Aldous has been given permission to serve Geraldton Bishop Justin Bianchini for three years, and will leave Northam in Easter Week. St Charles Seminarians George James from South India and Arnel Taracina of the Philippines will be ordained to the Diaconate on March 20 at St Joachim's Pro-Cathedral in Victoria Park.
State RE test results out All but one of the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese averaged more than 50 per cent when Year 7 students were given the Archbishop's Religious Literacy Assessment in August last year. The Catholic Education Office released the results this week after presenting them to the Catholic Education Commission. The results were expressed as an average for all the Year 7 students in each school, a total of 3800 students in 83 schools. The averages ranged from 85 (one school) to 45 (one school). There was one school with 80, one with 75 and 8 with 70-74. Predominately, the schools averaged in the 60-69 range, with 27 scoring 60-64 and 25 averaging 65-69. There were a further 11 in the 55-59 range and 8 in the 50-54 group. The figures do not reveal information about individual students, such as the number who scored above or below 50 per cent, or the number who scored 100 per cent. The assessment was introduced by Archbishop Hickey who said he was pleased that it had been devised and presented for the first time last year. The idea came to him when he found a test
that Bishop Matthew Gibney used to give to school children when he was Bishop of Perth from 1887 to 1910. "It is one way to find out whether children retain the content of the Faith, although it does not examine their practice of the Faith or their belief in it," Archbishop Hickey said. "It is important that children know the facts about their Faith. "Naturally, I would like them all to get 100 per cent in this sort of test, but I know there are many factors that influence individual results. "I am happy with the overall results andIhope that the schools will continue to improve now that they know the tests are coming." The CEO said that the 2007 assessment would be carried out on a bigger scale and would include Year 7 and Year 9 students in the Geraldton and Bunbury dioceses as well as Perth. It will involve 11,000 students. The assessment would be in two parts, and each part would cover five areas of knowledge - Jesus Christ, Church history, the Bible, liturgy and sacraments, and Catholic prayers and practices.
Perth urged to pray for the unborn Perth Catholics are invited to help pray for the defence of human life at its earliest stages as Archbishop Barry Hickey celebrates Mass and Holy Hour for The Day of the Unborn Child at St Joachim's Pro-Cathedral in Victoria Park. The Day of the Unborn Child is a commemoration of the day that Jesus Christ was conceived in the womb of His Holy Mother. Thus, this day is celebrated on March 24, the day before the Feast
of the Annunciation, to remember the sacredness of human life and the blessings of motherhood. The Mass is a way of congratulating and thanking mothers who love and nurture their unborn children and commend fathers who love and protect both mother and child; and to pray for families who defend life under the most difficult of circumstances. s Mass and Holy Hour starts at 10am.
• By Paul gray
Further information has come to light about a landmark court case in which the future of Australia's pornography censorship system is at stake. Pornography retailer adultshop. corn is seeking to overturn an Xrating awarded by the Office of Film and Literature Classification to a movie called Viva Erotica. An advocacy group, the Australian Family Association, brought the issue to national attention. The Association sought and was granted "friend of the court" status for the case, which is expected to be heard in Sydney, possibly next month. The Association's national spokesperson, Angela Conway, has told The Record that if the court action is successful, it will effectively empty the X-rating category of meaning. Under a national system set up in the 1980s, films can be given X or R ratings by the Office of Film and Literature Classification. An X rating means the film cannot be easily made available for sale or screening in public places. The film at the centre of the case, Viva Erotica, has been judged by the generally liberal Office of Film and Literature Classification as having no artistic purpose. The Office described the film in an official report as having no other aim than the sexual arous-
al of the audience. Mrs Conway said that the office of Australia's Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, was aware of the case initially, but had taken no strong action to uphold the X rating classification system. The Association's intervention has subsequently brought more attention to the case. Mrs Conway said the latest indications were that the AttorneyGeneral's office will now take the case seriously. She was hopeful, but as yet uncertain that the AttorneyGeneral would work vigorously in the court to have the Viva Erotica X rating upheld. The Association hopes to maintain a legal presence throughout the case. It fears that without continued strong advocacy, the X rating system may fall between the cracks of public interest. Two different views of the significance of the case have been put forward. One view, reported in The Record last week, was that an overturning of the X rating would allow the generation of new pornography sales in Australia up to a value of up to $400 million. Another view is that the overturning of the X rating will help establish the idea that mainstream Australia has embraced pornography as normal. According to this view, the Viva Erotica case is a test of the current state of community standards in the area of what does and does not constitute film content which is shocking to public taste.
Iona gets ready to roll • By Sylvia Defendi
Iona Presentation College is celebrating their centenary with lights, music and action. Based on the MGM film Singin' in the Rain the College will be presenting talented young actors, including students from the College, in the making of the first Hollywood musical. The show includes countless classic songs and the set, located in Nagle Hall, 33 Palmerston St, Mosman Park, even features a real rain effect. Artistic director at Iona College Sandra Gorringe, said the cast are enjoying the challenge of creating something that people will enjoy. "It is a wonderful process producing a musical," she said. Of the 87 members in the
HARVEST p
musical's cast and crew, Ms Gorringe said the students were all so responsive and have the energy and acting talents to produce a really good show. "Iconsider my self very lucky to be involved with such a wonderful group of young people," she added. Performances will be held from March 29 to April 2 each evening at 7.30pm, excepting Sunday April 1, where the show will commence at 4pm. Tickets can bought by contacting Louise Creasy on: 9384 0066
The photo on page 9 in the March 8 edition of The Record, concerning World Youth Day preparations in Kalgoorlie was kindly contributed by the Kalgoorlie Miner Newspaper. We apologise for any confusion over the photo's attribution.
LG RI MAG E S
E XODUS JOURNEY
GRACES OF ITALY
WAY OF ST JAMES
Cairo (3) Mount Sinai (1) Petra Amman (1) Sea of Galilee (3) Nazareth Jericho Mount of Beatitudes Bethlehem Jerusalem (5)
Padua (2) Venice Ravenna Florence (2) Siena Assisi (2) Loreto (1) Lanciano San Giovanni Rotondo (2) Monte Sant Angelo Pietrelcina
Lourdes(3) Loyola Santo Domingo De Silos (1) Burgos Leon Astorga (1) Sarria (1) Santiago De Compostela (2) Coimbra Fatima / Anniversary (3)
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Page 6
March 152007, The Record
SUMMIT AND SOURCE:
Benedict's Exhortation on the Eucharist
Kicker: Pope Benedict XVI carries a monstrance containing the Eucharist during the World Youth Day, 2005.
PHOTO: CNS/REUTERS
From Bishops and Pope, a Sacrament of Love • By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY (CNS) Catholics must believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, celebrate the liturgy with devotion and live in a way that demonstrates their faith, Pope Benedict XVI said. "The celebration and worship of the Eucharist enable us to draw near to God's love and to persevere in that love," the Pope said in his apostolic exhortation, "Sacramentum Caritatis" ("The Sacrament of Charity"). The 131-page document, a papal reflection on the discussions and suggestions made during the 2005 world Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist, was released on March 13 by the Vatican. When Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper, he did not simply thank God for the ways he had acted throughout history to save people, the Pope said. Rather, Jesus revealed that he himself was the sacrifice that would bring salvation to fulfilment. "The inqitution of the Eucharist demonstrates how Jesus' death, for all its violence and absurdity, became in him a supreme act of love and mankind's definitive deliverance from evil," Pope Benedict wrote. Celebrating the Eucharist, he said, "the Church is able to celebrate and adore the mystery of Christ" who is present in the bread and wine through the power of the Holy Spirit. In addition to offering a spiritual reflection on the meaning of the Eucharist, the liturgy and eucharistic adoration, Pope Benedict made several concrete suggestions for further study and for celebrating the Mass in the Latin rite: • While he encouraged wider
knowledge and use of the Mass bishops to ensure they have fully um of texts, prayers and explanaprayers in Latin and of Gregorian trained and staffed marriage tritions of the Church teaching on chant, he also repeated the syn- bunals to deal with annulment the Eucharist and of the eucharistic od's affirmation of the "beneficial requests "in an expeditious man- prayers used at Mass. influence" of the liturgical chang- ner." • He called for a general improvees made by the Second Vatican • Pope Benedict said the sign ment in the quality of homilies Council on the life of the Church. of peace at Mass "has great value," and said bishops have a particuHowever, he also endorsed the especially in demonstrating the lar responsibility to ensure that the synod's suggestion that at Masses Church's responsibility to pray for liturgies they celebrate provide an with a large, international congre- peace and unity in a world too example for the whole diocese of gation, the liturgy be celebrated often troubled by division, violence a liturgy celebrated with dignity, in Latin "with the and hatred. beauty and fidelity to the approved exception of the While Catholics rites. readings, the homily at Mass should • The Pope asked Catholics to reminded exchange and the prayer of the a sign of pay more attention to how their posCatholics of the peace with those tures and gestures at Mass commue faithful." • He encouraged obligation to be in a near them, he also nicate their faith in the Eucharist, bishops' conferenccalled for "greater particularly by "kneeling during the "state of grace," free restraint" es, in collaboration to ensure central moments of the eucharistic with the Vatican, from serious sin, before the moment does not prayer." to examine their receiving Communion..." become one of irrep"Amid the legitimate diversity of practices for the arable distraction. signs used in the context of differorder and timing of The Pope said, "I ent cultures, everyone should be the sacraments of Christian i i- have asked the competent curial able to experience and express the tiation: baptism, confirmation and offices to study the possibility of awareness that at each celebration Eucharist. moving the sign of peace to another we stand before the infinite majesty The three sacraments are place (in the Mass), such as before of God, who comes to us in the lowadministered together for infants the presentation of the gifts at the liness of the sacramental signs." and adults in many of the Eastern altar. To do so would also serve as • As for Church architecture, Churches and for adults joining a significant reminder of the Lord's Pope Benedict encouraged parishes the Latin rite, while children in the insistence that we be reconciled to ensure their facilities are fully Latin rite usually are baptized as with others before presenting our accessible to people with disabilities infants, receive first Communion gifts to God." and that the tabernacle containaround the age of 7 and are con• The Pope also said the Church ing the Blessed Sacrament is "readfirmed several years later. should consider providing new ily visible to everyone entering the "It needs to be seen which practexts for the rite of dismissal at Church." tice better enables the faithful to the end of Mass so that Catholics "In Churches which do not have a put the sacrament of the Eucharist would understand better the con- Blessed Sacrament chapel and where at the centre, as the goal of the nection between what they have just the high altar with its tabernacle whole process of initiation," the celebrated and the fact that they are is still in place, it is appropriate to Pope said. sent out in a mission to bring God's continue to use this structure for • In expressing his concern for love and truth to the world. the reservation and adoration of the the number of Catholics unable • Pope Benedict said in order Eucharist," he said. to receive Communion because to help Catholics "believe, celebrate "In new Churches, it is good to of irregular marital situations, and live ever more fully the mystery position the Blessed Sacrament Pope Benedict confirmed Church of the Eucharist," several Vatican chapel close to the sanctuary; where teaching that those who have offices are preparing a compendi- this is not possible, it is preferable to been divorced and civilly remarried without having obtained The complete text of the Pope's post-synodal apostolic exhortation can be found at: an annulment are not to receive www.vatican.va/holy_ father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/ Communion. hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html However, the Pope encouraged
"H
locate the tabernacle in the sanctuary, in a sufficiently elevated place," he said. However, the Pope said, the "final judgment on these matters belongs to the diocesan bishop." In the letter, Pope Benedict also formally reaffirmed the obligation of celibacy for priests in the Latin rite and the fact that, in most cases, Catholics and other Christians should not share the Eucharist, which is a sign of full unity in faith. He reminded Catholics of the obligation to be in a "state of grace," free from serious sin, before receiving Communion, and of the fact that by receiving Communion they are publicly proclaiming their unity with the teaching of the Church. "Respect for human life, its defence from conception to natural death, the family built upon marriage between a man and a woman, the freedom to educate one's children and the promotion of the common good in all its forms ... are not negotiable," he said. Politicians and lawmakers must introduce and support laws inspired by those values, the Pope said. Pope Benedict said, "bishops are bound to reaffirm constantly these values as part of their responsibility to the flock entrusted to them." But the Pope did not mention his position on whether or not bishops should declare publicly that they would withhold Communion from a politician who did not fully accept Church teaching. The Pope reminded bishops that they must call all Catholics, particularly politicians, to coherence of faith and action, "but he cannot substitute himself for the pastoral prudence of the bishop," the cardinal said. - CNS Derek Boylen, director of Catholic Marriage Education Services comments on Sacramentum Caritatis Pees 9
Page 7
March 152007, The Record
SUMMIT AND SOURCE
Benedict's Exhortation on the Eucharist
The Record invited several individuals to sketch their responses to the Holy Father's exhortation on the Eucharist. Part II of their responses will apear next week.
Stunning analysis helps re-inflame the Heart of Faith • By Anna Krohn
of ne the most nagging and uncomfortable questions for everyone in the Church today, bishops, parents and catechists alike, is why, in the wake of the promising and uplifting liturgical renewal summoned by the Second Vatican Council, so many of the Baptised have fallen away from Mass attendance. From surveys, studies and sheer observation from pew-point, this is not simply a problem for the post-modern, post-Vatican II generations. It is obvious that many Catholics "buttered and bread" in the days of the penny-catechism, Church tennis clubs and sodalities are now seeking to spend their Sundays in alternative secular rituals- either of the golf-course, latteby-lake-with-mates or perhaps in some form of new age fulfilment. Many parents say to me that they simply do not know how to convey their deep commitment to the Eucharist to their disaffected teenage and adult children. Some console themselves with the thought that at least their children are Christian in their attitudes to others. Others say: "my children just don't get the Mass". They are not the only ones. Those heroic Catholics who do defy their peers and family by keep-
ing connected to the Sacraments are often greeted by distracting attempts by a forest of well-meaning liturgical "helpers" to make the liturgy more entertaining, intimate and relevant. Some travel many miles to spiritually uplifting liturgies and devotions. Others instead of "actively and consciously" participating in the drama of "The Great Mystery" endure the uninspired and banal by resorting to a form of loyal mental discipline of prayer and good-will. In October 2005 a large General Assembly of Bishops from around the world openly addressed some of these very problems. This week, Pope Benedict XVI has issued his "Apostolic Exhortation", called Sacramentum Caritatis, (`The Sacrament of Love' is St Thomas Aquinas' typically succinct title for the Eucharist) as his long awaited synthesis, response and reflection on the Bishops' concerns. This particular type of Exhortation is a relatively modern form of Papal writing, which delivers the Pope's general discernment upon the many and diverse issues raised at the Synod. And what a vast and wide-ranging discernment it is! The Exhortation extends over 30,000 words, is structured into three distinct Sections with 250 detailed footnotes. It is nourishment for much more thoroughgoing reflection and analysis than we have space or time for here.
With his extraordinary ability to synthesize the pith of the faith, the Pope divides his attention into: 1) What it is we believe about the Mystery of Christ's Action in the Eucharist and its centrality to Faith; 2) How and Why we Celebrate the Eucharist with a particular and venerable attitude and gesture; 3) The Fruit of the Eucharist: How the Eucharist animates our vocation and Mission in the World. There are many striking and welcome land-falls in the Exhortation along the way each meriting a careful study of their own. There is discussion: upon the real dependency of all the Sacraments on the Eucharist, the importance of the Lord's Day, the need for a mystogogical catechesis; the iconic Marian dimensions of Eucharistic receptivity and the vital relationship between the ars celebrandi (the art and form of proper liturgical celebration) and the effective actuosa participatio (the faithful being truly engaged and present to the drama of the Mystery). The document combines Papal report-card (its gentle but just), a comprehensive eucharistic catechism, a potted history of the nature of "organic" (as opposed to "artificial or discontinuous") liturgical development and the Pope's own luminous reflections on the power of Christ in the Paschal Mystery. At the heart of the document
is the Heart - God's own love through Christ, and the Heart of the Eucharist in re-kindling and sustaining the hearts of the faithful. The Pope's interest in winning "hearts" provides some surprises but no shocks. Religious journals of all theological stripes have been prognosticating for months (either direly or hopefully depending on their liturgical bent) that Pope Benedict would simply re-invent and legislate the Church into the cast of the "Old" pre-Council Mass. None of these predictions have been borne out in the actual text. Indeed what is immediately striking in Pope Benedict's writing is that he very deliberately avoids either reactionary nostalgia or pedantic legalism. He is not interested in dragging people back into Church in mute conformity to extrinsic liturgical norms. The foundations of this document are mined deeply into the personalism of his spiritual father, St Augustine, his predecessor, Pope John Paul II and his own first encyclical on Love - Deus Caritas Est. Quoting St Augustine, the Pope stunningly pin-points the problem of contemporary secular disaffection with all things sacral: "we are moved spontaneously, and not by constraint, whenever we encounter something attractive and desirable." (#2) The Church needs to win the
"hearts AND minds", "the symbolic imagination", "affections and bodily gestures" "consciences and actions" of our age. For Pope Benedict this can only happen in an all-encompassing and free response of Love, initiated and directed not by Papal decree, but by Jesus Christ Himself.
"In our possession-hungry and experience-craving contemporary world, Jesus in the Eucharist, as the Pope points out, is not merely another "thing" in a supermarket... In our possession-hungry and experience-craving contemporary world, Jesus in the Eucharist, as the Pope points out, is not merely another "thing" in a supermarket of things and relationships. He as no other can, "offers himself.. the whole totality of his life and reveals the ultimate origin of this love" (#7) Benedict is too astute and too humble to devise a clericalist answer to the Synodal questions of the Bishops. In his document, the Pope, Bishops and priest are not masters of the liturgy or of the faithful. For instance he writes: "Priests should be conscious of that fact that in their ministry they must never put themselves or their personal opinions in the first place, but Jesus Christ. Any attempt to make themselves the centre of the Continued on Pages
Benedict hones in on the nudear fission of the Trinity
• By Fr Russell Hardiman and Angela Bendotti
Strengths of the Document
I
n the context of a profound Eucharistic theology, the document expresses the fullest communion possible in the life of the Trinity. Benedict XVI develops the three-fold dimension of the Paschal Mystery in Christ's invitation of the last supper "to do this in memory of me." (410) In a unique acknowledgement of the berekah tradition of Jewish prayer, the ritual meal of the Passover is no longer a mere remembrance of the past. It is at the same time, a prophetic remembrance of the past and a prophetic remembrance of the exhortation of Jesus in making present the sacrifice of the cross and the victory of the resurrection. (410) Simultaneously, Jesus reveals himself as "the true sacrificial lamb, destined to be part of the Father's plan from the foundation of the world." ( 10) In this way the meaning of his death and resurrection shows a way of continu-
ously and continually renewing the whole of history and the whole of creation. The overflow of the basis in Trinitarian Theology provides an encouraging insight into the role of the Holy Spirit as the vivifying source of the Church's ministry and the constitutive cause of the ecclesial communion made by the Church. In this way the intertwining of sacramental action activates the sacramentality of the Church in its role as the "universal sacrament of salvation." Benedict seems to follow a pattern increasingly used by his predecessor Pope John Paul II in quoting from the texts and prayers of the Roman Missal. Thus he quotes from the Second Eucharistic Prayer to affirm the Holy Spirit's role of establishing the unity of the Church with the words "may all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit". Benedict adds an unusual parallel with a familiar image of today: nuclear fission. He says this "... penetrates to the heart of all being, a change meant to set off a process which transforms reality, a process leading ultimately to the transfiguration of the entire world, to the point where God will be all in all (cf. 1Cor 15:28)." The Pope's insistence on the role of the Holy Spirit is taken even further. "We need a renewed aware-
ness of the decisive role played by the Holy Spirit in the evolution of the liturgical form and the deepening understanding of the sacred mysteries." ( 12) In his vision the Holy Spirit may not always be the forgotten member of the Trinity! In the paragraph headed "The Holy Spirit and the Eucharist" the Pope develops further the emphasis on the Holy Spirit. He makes a direct reference to the loss of the original meaning of the Pauline phrase the body of Christ, what he calls the words used in Christian antiquity. (415)
"it is not the Eucharistic food that is changed into us, but rather we who are mysteriously transformed by it..." A fter the fifth century the original Pauline sense of Corpus Christi (Body of Christ), as referring to the ecclesiological sense of the Church, was eclipsed by a Christological sense of Jesus of Nazareth. After the debates of the eighth and ninth centuries about eucharistic presence, the Christological sense of the phrase came to be used only as the Body of Jesus of Nazareth in the eucharistic presence. It was further enhanced in the devotional realism of eucharistic piety after the thirteenth century. Pope Benedict's words about the theology of communio help to bring these apparently disparate trends
together in a strongly pastoral perspective. The Pope's interest in the ecclesiology of the Eucharist leads him in part II to develop very extensively many facets of "the Eucharist, A Mystery To Be Celebrated." He begins this section pointing out the intrinsic relationship between eucharistic faith and eucharistic celebration. (434) He emphasises the connection between the law of prayer and the law of belief but stresses the primacy of the liturgical action. Beginning with "Beauty and the Liturgy" he writes a long section of how the liturgy is inherently linked to beauty. He affirms "the liturgy is a radiant expression of the Paschal Mystery, in which Christ draws us to himself and calls us to communion..." (35) The Pope's interest in the aesthetics of liturgical action is strongly enacted in the following words "since the eucharistic liturgy is essentially an actio Del [an action of God] which draws us into Christ through the Holy Spirit, its basic structure is not something within our power to change, nor can it be held hostage by the latest trends." (37) The work of God is to be complemented by the work of God's people in making up the dual dimensions of the Divine and the human in Liturgy. In Part lithe Pope also draws attention to ars celebrandi (what
the document translates as the art of proper celebration). Referring to the discussion within the Synod, he specifically addresses the intention to avoid any contrast between ars celebrandi and what has become, since Vatican II, the primary way of referring to the "full, active and fruitful participation of all the faithful." (438) His principle is to affirm that the ars celebrandi is the best way to ensure active participation In a section called "The structure of the Eucharistic Celebration" the Pope goes through eight ritual actions within the Mass. Then comes the heading "Actuosa participation" which is translated into English as "authentic participation" and containing fourteen paragraphs dealing with different dimensions of this complex reality. A further section on Adoration and Eucharistic devotion includes four paragraphs. Part III, "The Eucharist, A Mystery To Be Lived" develops the Eucharistic form of the Christian life. Pope Benedict starts with the Pauline phrase "spiritual worship - logike latreia (Rom 12:1). In his own unique style of simplifying powerful concepts into very direct imagery, he concludes "it is not the Eucharistic food that is changed into us, but rather we who are mysteriously transformed by it. Christ nourishes us by uniting us to Continued on Page 9
Page 8
March 152007, The Record
FitMilling Mary's wish to lead us to her Franciscans do their bit for Fatima • By Anthony Barich
Bringing people to the Immaculate Heart of Mary takes on a whole new meaning when the Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Immaculate are involved, as over 300 people have discovered once a month for the past six years. Two weeks ago, on the first Saturday of the month, as is customary, over 300 people gathered for A Day With Mary - sponsored by the Franciscans of the Immaculate and the Mission of the Immaculate Mediatrix - to carry out a command Mary the Mother of God gave to the children of Fatima on June 13, 1917. This command was: "Jesus wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart." The Franciscans have taken this to a new level, with reparations made through this monthly event, which is held in a different parish each time. On March 3 it was at St Jerome's in Munster, down the road from one of two WA Franciscan Friaries. The other one is in Toodyay. The day focuses on the Eucharist and Mary, as the two are interlinked. On March 3 Archbishop Barry Hickey attended for the second time, and gave a sermon on the intrinsic link between the two. The day takes several hours, with a lunchbreak, starting with a Fatima video at 9am, then a procession and crowning of Our Lady and Mass in honour of Our Lady with consecration of the Church to her. Exposition and procession of the Blessed Sacrament around the church follows, then rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, a sermon on a Eucharistic element - be it the link with the Passion, or the Eucharist itself - then rosary again
and a Solemn Act of Consecration, Benediction then enrolment in the Brown Scapular and Imposing of Miraculous Medals. Confessions are also heard throughout the day by Franciscan priests and any visiting priests. Franciscan Fr John Joseph said the Day with Mary aims to promote Our Lady in the spirit of St Francis, and more so the groundbreaking theologian St Maximillian Kolbe and St Louis de Montfort. St Maximillian, from Poland, entered the Conventual Franciscan Order before becoming a priest and spread his Immaculata movement of Marian consecration which he founded in 1917, publishing countless catechetical and devotional tracts, a daily newspaper and a monthly magazine with a circulation of over a million. He also started a shortwave radio station and planned to build a motion picture studio. In this way, he was truly an 'apostle of the mass media'. He eventually offered his life for another prisoner in the Auschwitz death camp, condemned to a slow death in a starvation bunker. But his impatient captors killed him with a lethal injection. Now the patron of journalists, families, prisoners, the pro-life movement and the chemically addicted, his charism is that which the Franciscans of the Immaculate aim to tap into. St Louis was devoted to the Blessed Sacrament since he was a child, and spent most of his priestly life preaching in western France, basing his teaching on Mary on the principle that just as God initiated the work of redemption on the basis of her cooperation, so he would continue and finish that work by her. St Louis said: "It was through the Blessed Virgin Mary that Jesus
Reaching out: Anastasia Bozikovic, 10, crowns Mary at A Day with Mary in Munster.
Christ came into the world, and it is also through her that he must reign in the world." Fr Joseph said that Sts Louis and Maximillian realised that there are different depths of consecration to which Our Lady calls us. "There are different levels of commitments - Bishops consecrate their dioceses, priests consecrate their parishes, parents consecrate their children and we consecrate ourselves," Fr Joseph said. As part of the Day with Mary, the Franciscan priests hear confessions and give spiritual direction to help people "walk in life's journey". Reflecting on the day's Gospel of John when Jesus, as one of his last acts when on the Cross, spoke to Mary and John, saying to Mary, "Woman, behold your son"; and to John, "Behold your mother", Archbishop Hickey spoke about the ways in which Mary is linked with Jesus for our salvation as part of A Day With Mary. "Jesus' suffering was salvific, as was Mary's, because it is united with Him," the Archbishop said.
Reflection time: Franciscan Fr Adre Maria carries the Blessed Sacrament around St Jerome Church, Munster, followed by Archbishop Hickey and other worshippers.
"Her suffering represented the sufferings of the whole human race. By uniting our sufferings with Jesus, we are involved in His salvific work, so we can overcome our sins. "We are united with Mary, so that the inheritance of sin may be lessened."
Hope for Cathedral to bind Archdiocese Continued from page 1
respect for the past and commitment to the future. "I am at peace with the decision and eager to see it accomplished. "My hope is that the completed Cathedral binds the people of the Archdiocese closer together as the Church and is a symbol to them of their union with their Archbishop and Bishop and through them to the Holy Father in Rome. "I also hope that they will visit the Cathedral frequently and pray for the spread of the Gospel in this secular age." Archbishop Hickey described St Mary's Cathedral as the spiritual home of Perth's Catholic community, a cultural icon for the City of Perth, and a place of historical significance for all Western Australians. "We are finishing a project that began more than 144 years ago. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," he said.
The current Cathedral is an amalgam of two architecturally different parts. The western half was opened in 1865, additions were made at the turn of the century, and the eastern half was built from1926 to1930. The 1930 structure was to have completely replaced the original building, but the Depression prevented the completion of that plan. "The Cathedral has never been considered complete - architecturally, aesthetically or liturgically," Archbishop Hickey said. The project to complete St Mary's Cathedral has attracted high profile Patrons and enthusiastic supporters from both the Catholic and the general community. The Hon Wayne Martin, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Western Australia is one the Appeal Patrons and the Appeal's Leadership Gifts Chairman is senior Perth businessman Tony Howarth. Over 700 people are
expected to attend the official launch of the Appeal this evening (Thursday March 15) at John XXIII College, Mt Claremont. "We are very grateful for generous financial and personal support already given to us from across the community, including the Federal and State Governments," Archbishop Hickey said. "The Catholic parish and school communities will make significant contributions over the next three years, but we are also appealing to the general community, and particularly the business community. "The Cathedral project will not be allowed to reduce any of the extensive social welfare programs the Church provides for all Western Australians in need, regardless of their creed. Work has been under way since the Cathedral was closed last August. The conservation and completion project will produce a Cathedral with architecture linking
the 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries. It will increase the seating capacity in what is already Perth's biggest church, and improve sight lines and acoustics in a new interior design that will meet all modern liturgical needs. The Cathedral's peaceful garden setting will continue to be a feature of the site at the high point of the eastern end of Murray Street. "The completed St Mary's Cathedral will be an iconic building, not just as the premier place of worship for Perth's Catholic community, but as a great community landmark Perth can be proud of," Archbishop Hickey said. Further details can be found at http://www.stmarysappeal.com.au For further information concerning the appeal, please contact: Brett A Mendez Appeal Manager St Mary's Cathedral Appeal Telephone: 9313-2241 Mobile: 0412 903 205
The next Day with Mary is at Claremont's St Thomas the Apostle parish on April 14. FOR INFO ON THE FRANCISCANS WORK OR JOINING THEIR ORDER, CONTACT 9250 8286 (SISTERS) AND 9574 5204 (FRIARS). FOR OTHER DAYS WITH MARY, CT MICHELE CARTER ON 9497 1775 OR PIN AND PAUL YEAK ON 9313 2910.
IN BRIEF...
Parents are responsible
T
exas Judge Sam Sparks has dismissed a lawsuit against MySpace that was brought against the social networking website after an under-age girl who lied about her age was sexually assaulted by a man she met online. "If anyone had a duty to protect Julie Doe, it was her parents, not MySpace," the US District Court judge said. - FamilyEdge
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Religious educators are constantly on the lookout for creative ideas and effective tools for teaching and inspiring the children, youth and adults of your parish. To assist in that effort, The Record offers the following package to help catechists hone their skills and guide their students closer to Jesus through the sacraments. • By Sister Janet Schaeffler, 0.P.
A
few years ago, my niece Michelle sat on the couch crying. She had just received word that good friends of hers had been in a serious auto accident, hit head-on by a drunken driver. Her three-year-old son, Tyler, climbed into her lap, put his arm around her and said, "It'll be OK, Mom. I'm here." As our children grow, our hope and prayer is they will be people of compassion, people of conscience, people of care, people who respond to the needs of others. What is our role as catechists in that? Especially in today's world, in recent times, when they seem to be surrounded by tragedies and sufferings, is this a particular learning time? More than ever, is it calling us to a deeper formation of conscience that we are one body in which we all have a role of responding, forming and nurturing? A teacher was showing children pictures of the earth from space. "Oh! We draw the lines," a student replied. "What do you mean?" asked the teacher. "Look at the pictures. No lines. Look at the globe and our maps. Lines. We draw the lines. We're really one; nothing is dividing us up, separating us."
Forming consciences How do we form our consciences? We do that in many ways, but let us look at just one. Many researchers agree that the first moral feeling is empathy. See William Damon's" (The Moral Child" (Free Press, $15.95). The ability to feel another's suffering, need or happiness is the foundation of virtue. In reality, we have feelings because we have convictions. We have convictions because of the experiences we've had. So, the implications for catechesis include: What kinds of experiences do we need so that our moral, caring, compassionate sensibilities will grow?
Tips for catechists • Affirm the generosity and loving actions that you see children/youths already doing
For example, as a family was shopping for a Thanksgiving basket for the needy, the dad picked a box of generic oatmeal. His eight-year-old immediately returned it to the shelf. His dad asked, "What's wrong with that?" "We bought Sugar Frosted Flakes for us. The hungry kids out there like Sugar Frosted Flakes better than generic oatmeal," he replied. He needs to be affirmed for his sensitivity.
• Model caring, concern and kindness
Open the door for students. Thank them. Call their family when there is an illness. Every kind deed proclaims the worth of each person and the interconnectedness of humanity.
• Stress the importance of community
We never teach isolated individuals; we teach them as part of a community. Encourage cooperative learning, group work, circles of learning, discussions so they know one another, etc.
• Tell stories
Let them know the lives of our heroes and heroines. Do they know their parents' and grandparents' stories of faith and service? Invite parishioners to tell their stories of witness and service. Frequently use open-ended stories (applying our beliefs and teachings to real life), always asking,"What would you do?"
• Role-playing
Use this technique often so they walk in the shoes of others.
• Take students on field trips
Don't just talk about the needs of others or make things to send to them (placemats for the nursing home); go to the nursing home, the soup kitchen. Be with the people who need us.
about their faith. Starting 'em early: Youth at St Denis parish in Joondanna enjoy drawing as a means to learn more PHOTO. SYLVIA DEFEND!
It's the experience that forms our consciences.
• Unifying images
Surround youngsters with images that show unity and wholeness - for example, the universal flag, the earth from space - rather than division and separateness.
• Live the Corporal Works of Mercy
Often we misunderstand "mercy" - it includes many things, such as care, making someone else's problem your concern and readiness to help those in need.
• Involve youngsters in parish events
We don't have to invent new things or do things on our own. Connect children (and their families) with the service and outreach events of the parish.
A challenge If one of the most effective ways we help our children and youths is by modeling, by being witnesses, by the way we live, we need to continually look at just that: Who are we? What are we doing? How
are we doing? What message do we give our young people by some of our actions? Perhaps another way of asking the question is: Are we continuing to form our consciences, continuing to grow in our sensitivity
to and awareness of our interconnectedness with all people, and therefore our responsibility for one another? Dominican Sister Janet Schaeffler is the associate director of the Office for Catechetics and Religious Education in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Building empathy
Use the following resources to help students form their consciences and grow in sensitivity to the world around them. • Current events: Talk about what is happening. Talk about the events on a feeling/empathy level. • The Random Act of Kindness movement (see www.actsofkindness.org for project ideas) • Current magazines, newspapers, parish bulletin, local organisations • The morality lessons in your catechetical textbook • Children's literature: This does a wonderful job of presenting situations and eliciting feelings. • Work with parents: We minister to the whole family, not just the children and youths. Affirm them for all they're doing, such as the way they are models and the good things that are happening in their homes. Continually give families ideas of ways to live their faith in the world.
March 152007, The Record
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March 152007, The Record
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Ten A+ tips on how to make better grades as a teacher
Reflective reading from
Plan today what you want to happen tomorrow; just remember to pray for those who drive you crazy Try out these 10 simple ways to reach students effectively
every task you require is a written one, then you are setting them up to fail and setting yourself up for frustration.
Perhaps you had a class full of kids who just wouldn't sit still last year. It colours the way you look at the prospect of this year's class. God calls us to run the race before we forget those things behind. Make sure you erase the board completely with no trace of what was written before. That way you and your students will see only what you write on their hearts today.
Remember humility
With the start of a new school year and religious-education classes, it is time for teachers to regroup and refresh to make it the best possible experience for students. Here are a few easy ways to give them your best this year. • By Vicki Caruana
Plan for the future We start teaching with that first day in mind. We plan, we prepare and we bring all of our enthusiasm to the task. But when you teach, you teach for the duration of your assignment. What do you hope your students will gain from you by the time the year is over? What truth do you want them to cling to? If you want them to grow in knowledge to love and serve the Lord, what will you do in the beginning that leads them to that eventuality? Plan today what you want to happen tomorrow.
One-on-one attention Get to know your students as more than a name on your class list. Find out what their strengths and weaknesses are as a learner. Know enough about their home life so you can pray for them specifically. If a child really struggles with writing and
Not everything you do with your students will work. That lesson you were all excited about may fall flat. Sometimes your students will challenge your authority, and other times they may be perfectly compliant. It can be frustrating, but it means that you need to change the way you do things before they will change how they respond. Be humble and find another teacher who seems to have things under control and ask them how they do what they do. It will give them a chance to teach and give you a chance to learn.
Children pay close atention to what we do, and less attention to what we say. It's like a game of show and tell. They are always much more interested in the show! If you expect them to be on time make sure you always start on time. If you want them to speak kindly to one another, make sure that's the only way you speak. If you expect them to come to class prepared, make sure you're always prepared. If you teach them the importance of prayer in everyday life, begin each session with a prayer. Make sure that whatever it is you want them to learn, you teach them with your own life.
Investing in our future: Young children from St Denis parish In Joondanna learn about the faith while enjoying each others' company and playdough.
Care for all pupils When we teach, we teach everyone placed in our care: the compliant A and the defiant, the fidgety and the still, the hard workers and the lazy
ones. Sometimes it's hard to care about those who don't seem to care about us, or the class we teach. Yet, they are the ones who need us the most. Be willing to bless those who may curse you and pray for those who drive you crazy. You may be the only one in their life who exemplifies Christ to them. And if you still have trouble loving them, ask God to love them through you with every
word and deed. Go be a blessing and you will be blessed.
Always be prepared Can you imagine going on a trip without packing your suitcase? Teaching is a journey, and we must prepare. Gather together everything you'll need beforehand each week. Keep these things in the same place. Invest in a milk crate box or tote to keep all your materials in for your teaching. Use file folders to keep track of each week's lesson and materials. Always have on hand nametags, notebook paper, extra pencils, a box Of tissues and
Choosing catechesis texts doesn't have to be a chore if we all get involved hoosing the right text series for your faithformation program can be challenging. Involving catechists, parents and children in previewing possible curriculums will assure you of a well-balanced perspective. Since this population is most familiar with the goals and objectives from which your program is built, they will be the most qualified to decide if certain texts will enhance and build on your parish vision f or
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BENEDICT XVI Benedict XVI
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WAY /CROSS
For some of us it takes great effort to teach. It may not come naturally. It may not have been your first choice, yet you answered the call God placed
catechesis. These three groups all bring a different interest to the decision making.
Catechists Those who teach can usually come up with a rather quick list of areas to consider" when looking at texts. Are the materials well organised and succinct? Is there a userfriendly teacher guide? Does the teacher guide list objectives with every lesson plan and spell out the scriptural or Church teaching upon which the lesson is based? Catechists like to know what to expect. Since many catechists are volunteers, they appreciate programs that clearly spell out the goals of each lesson. Some teacher guides go
as far as listing all the materials needed at the beginning of each lesson as well as a "suggested time frame". These types of organisational tools help the less experienced catechist adapt lesson plans to fit their parameters. The experienced teacher will often review materials looking for depth. Does this program invite spiritual growth for the catechist? Some programs offer lead-off prayers, reflections and questions to grow in faith. Many provide references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The seasoned teacher may look at a lesson and ask whether or not the text contains enough learning materials or if it will need to be supplemented, if the program
suggests additional resources and whether or not there are suggestions for related arts or music projects. Knowing that children have many different learning styles, a teacher will see if this is taken into account and look for suggestions to modify lessons.
Parents Many parents rely on their parish religious education programs to support them in their family endeavors and provide resources to live out their "church of the home". The majority of publishers address this family component in program materials. Outreach to families can be weekly fliers, newsletters, occasional letters or booklets designed for family use.
PHOTO: SYLVIA DEFEND'
a set of your own dry erase markers. Make sure you have an extra Bible, Missal and set of rosary beads as well - just in case a student forgets theirs. Never be caught unprepared!
Put the past behind you Our feet go where our eyes look. There are probably disappointments, frustrations or failures in your past that you've taken with you into this new teaching experience. Maybe last year you taught year five and now you need to teach the year three holy Communion class. This can be alarming if you don't feel equipped.
on your life. There will be days that you leave the classroom weary and even brokenhearted. You wonder if you can make it through the rest of the year. This is a predictable time of transition. It's like a marathon runner during his last mile, or the laboring woman just before the pushing stage. This is the time to push through the weariness, the frustration and even the pain, because joy is on the other side.
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WORDS OF WISDOM "Prodaim the Word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching" (2 Tm 4:2). 100 QUESTIONS ABOUT
Teachers, parents, children offer insights into books • By Marlene Sweeney
The Glory of these Forty Days
Push through the pain
Order in the classroom Our God is orderly and purposeful. He delights in order! We have it within us to do the same, even if it doesn't seem to be our personality. Sometimes children don't stay on task because our lesson is difficult to follow. You might find that you jump from one topic to another without much of a transition. Children perform better within structure when they can know what to expect next. Don't make them guess. Write down what you will do in what order so you have a plan to follow.
Lenten meditation
Set a good example
Let creativity guide you Those who teach don't always have everything they need in order to do the job right. Good teachers know what they need; great teachers find a way to get it. Learn how to scavenge for supplies. Find out how you can get things for free from area businesses. If you don't have a book, find one at the library or at a garage sale. If you don't have the right art supplies, look around your house for alternatives. Don't let a lack of supplies stop you from meeting the needs of the children in your charge.
The Record
The Passion of The Christ
rentill s Som carry this common language of the I faith and want the text to integrate their children's faith life with their daily existence. Parents' faith needs will vary within a parish setting, as will their suggestions for curriculum. Many parents look to the text to provide basic prayers and formulations of the faith. Some parents carry this common language of the faith and want the text to integrate their children's faith life with their daily existence. Others feel a need to have their children be provided with factual information about our tradi-
tion and a better understanding of Church history and doctrine. Many parents feel the challenges of our media culture and would like the methodologies used in passing on the faith to be consistent with the communications technology used in other learning areas so that their children will not lose interest. Some parents may look for catechetical materials to reflect a more lived experience of faith. Teaching the principles of Catholic social teaching would be incomplete without including the stories of people who have actively given their lives in service to others. Parents want their children to be inspired and motivated by the heroes of our faith.
Children Asking children to preview the possibilities for program materials is always a delightful experience. ' After allowing them to spend
time with an age-appropriate text, you might ask, "What do you remember?" Children's aesthetic eye will notice color, layout and illustration in a way few adults will. They remember: pictures that tell a story, activities that look like fun to complete, blank spots to write and draw in, decorative Scripture quotes and lots to read. If they participate in the publisher's preview, you will find them excited about the company's website, as well as the use of creative-play activities like finger puppets, group games and play acting. Their enthusiasm for interactive materials is palpable. Making a decision about a new catechetical series involves input and prayer. No series can meet all your parish's needs, but the right program will deepen the entire community's response to God's invitation. Marlene Sweeney writes for OSV..
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March 152007, The Record
GETTING TO GOD
Stories, prayer take children on a lifelong journey to Jesus Catechists need to help children develop an understanding of how Jesus connects with them and helps them to live their faith daily. • By Jeannine Timko leichner "Let the little children come to me." These words of Jesus welcoming children to himself serve as important guides for anyone who is helping children prepare for the sacraments. No matter what sacraments children are preparing to celebrate, the process of preparation should always lead them to a deeper and more personal knowledge and love of Jesus. The National Directory for Catechesis reminds us that Jesus is at the heart of catechesis, and that "the definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ."
Stories of his love
Paving the way: Children respond to creative opportunities that illustrate the key messages of the Gospel.
How do we help children who are preparing for the sacraments come to Jesus? One of the most important ways is by helping them come to know the stories of his love - especially those that relate to the sacraments they will be celebrating. The story of Zacchaeus (see Lk 19:1-10) makes it obvious that Jesus' love is not confined to those who do good, while the Parables of the Lost Sheep (see Lk 15:1-7) and the Prodigal Son (see Lk 15:11-32) show God's longing for those who have strayed from his love. Scripture stories that put children in touch with the Jesus who gives himself to us in Holy Communion include the story of the multiplication of the loaves (see Jn 6:1-14), the passage about the vine and branches (see Jn 15:5) and the story of the Last Supper and Jesus' death on the cross (see 1 Cor 11:23-25 and Lk23:44-49). These stories reveal the dimensions of Jesus' love and His desire to be close to us, to nourish us and to unite us in love.
Scripture stories are filled with images that can sink deeply into our hearts and shape us. A fter telling or reading a Scripture story, the catechist can invite the children to retell it in their own words. To help them reflect on the meaning of the story, the children can then be invited to draw their favourite part and given the opportunity to share their drawings and what they mean. Another approach would be to invite the group to illustrate the story by assigning a specific scene to each person. When everyone is finished, the parts can be put together as a whole and the story retold through their eyes.
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Acting out Dramatization is another activity that can help children come to know Jesus and his love for us. This activity may be especially appealing to children who learn through movement. A few props and a little imagination can help a story come alive and remain in the minds and hearts of the children. Older children might benefit and enjoy translating the story into modern terms and then acting it out. The prodigal son might become the prodigal daughter, for example.
Deeper understanding
In communion: The young kneel in prayer during Mass. PHOTO: CNS/KAREN CALLAWAY
A fter children become acquainted with a particular Scripture story, catechists need to help them connect it with their lives - to help them understand that what Jesus did for Zacchaeus or the hungry crowd he continues to do for us today.
In preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, children, like Zacchaeus, need to become aware of and be sorry for what they have done wrong. They need to understand how their actions affect their relationships with others and with God. And they need to be assured that no matter what they have done wrong, God will always forgive them - a forgiveness that is made tangible in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To help children come to a deeper understanding of the Eucharist and to prepare them for their first Holy Communion, catechists should help them see that when we gather for Mass we are like the people who followed Jesus and crowded around him to hear his life-giving words. By discussing the Sunday readings, catechists can help children discover in Jesus' words the secret to real happiness - both now and forever. Moreover, catechists who encourage children to memorize short Scripture passages from the readings give them the gift of God's word to carry with them and guide them in their daily lives. In the Mass, we join with Jesus' one sacrifice of love and are invited to the table of the Lord to be nourished by his own body and blood in Holy Communion. One way that catechists can help children appreciate this wonderful gift is by comparing it with the food that Jesus gave to the multitude. The food they received was ordinary food. The food that we receive in the Eucharist is far from ordinary food.It is the Bread of Life, which unites us with Jesus and with one another, and enables us to love as Jesus did.
Prayerful connection As children prepare for the sacraments, they should also be encouraged to come to know Jesus through prayer. Of course, it is important for children to learn the prayers associated with the sacraments they will celebrate. And, it is just as important for them to learn to talk with Jesus as they would with a friend - to pray in their own words for forgiveness, for the strength to be better and to tell Jesus of their love for Him. By including a few minutes of silence during class time, allowing children to speak to Jesus in their hearts, catechists can help them form a close and lasting friendship with Jesus. Children don't walk to Jesus alone as they prepare for sacraments. Catechists walk with them, and, more importantly, families walk with them. Parents and guardians have a privileged role in the faith formation of their children and should be given opportunities to hear and reflect on the same stories as their children in order to find deeper meanings for themselves and to be able to share their faith with their children. They should also be encouraged to strengthen their relationship with Jesus through personal and family prayer - and especially through regular and active participation in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist, our communal prayer. Children only come to Jesus when adults show them the way and lead them by their example. Jeannine Timko leichner is the author of "Making Things Right,"(alled to His Supper" and "Joy, Joy the Mass" Our Sunday Visitor
March 152007, The Record
Page 9
the family is the future
It's a 'Sacrament of marriage;not of wedding
• With Derek Boylen
t was with joy on Tuesday that I read section five of Pope Benedict XVI's apostolic exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis on the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Church's life and mission. Section five is titled The Eucharist and Matrimony. There is a tendency at times when we think of the sacrament of marriage to think of a wedding. Because sacraments are conferred through events we forget that through them we become sacramental people. We can forget that it's not the sacrament of wedding but the sacrament of marriage. It is a special sacrament that began on a couples wedding day and will continue till death do us part. On their wedding day a couple
Still strong: Couples hold hands during a Mass for married couples celebrating anniversaries in the Philippines.
promises to love, honour and cherish their spouse each and every day. It's a decision; a decision to love in good times and bad. It is a love that is chosen and which contradicts society's notions of love as sweet sentimentality. This kind of love, married love, says Pope Benedict (drawing upon
the theologies of Pope John Paul II and Saint Paul) has a "Eucharistic dimension... conjugal love is a sacramental sign of Christ's love for his Church, a love culminating in the Cross, the expression of his 'marriage' with humanity and at the same time the origin and heart of the Eucharist. For this reason the Church man-
PHOTO
ifests her particular spiritual closeness to all those who have built their family on the sacrament of matrimony." Because of this "intrinsic relationship" Pope Benedict highlights several important pastoral concerns for the Church. In particular he discusses the relationship the Church has with those
who have divorced and remarried. He acknowledges the often painful situations they experience and encourages the Church in its pastoral responsibilities to these couples. Pope Benedict recognises that it is a complex situation. It is a challenge to provide real pastoral care, support and hospitality while promoting and upholding the value, importance and indissolubility of marriage. Pope Benedict also makes special mention of the unique mission of women in the family and society. "A mission that needs to be defended, protected and promoted." Lastly, he encourages everyone in the Church to support marriage; both in the preparation of couples getting ready to marry and throughout marriage. He concludes section five with these words: "The good that the Church and society as a whole expect from marriage and from the family founded upon marriage is so great as to call for full pastoral commitment to this particular area. Marriage and the family are institutions that must be promoted and defended from every possible misrepresentation of their true nature, since whatever is injurious to them is injurious to society itself." Derek may be contacted at derek.cmes@perthcatholic.org.au
The 'nuclear fission' of Eucharist Exhortation re-inflames Continued from Page 7
himself; 'he draws us to himself.— (470) Pope Benedict then initiates a profound series of paragraphs about elements of living in accordance with the Lord's Day, the Sunday obligation, the meaning of rest and work and Sunday assemblies in the absence of a priest. The Pope also covers the various forms of membership in the Church with challenging reflections on the spirituality for each of the categories within the Church. In the final paragraphs the Pope is very strong in drawing attention to the Church's social teaching and the issues of sanctification of the world and the protection of creation. "The relationship of the Eucharist and the cosmos helps us to see the unity of God's plan and to grasp the profound relationship between creation and the 'new creation' inaugurated in the resurrection of Christ, the new Adam." ( 92) The conclusion starts with a brief summary of this paper but concludes with references to Mary, the Mother of the Church and how the Church sees, in Mary, "Woman of the Eucharist" as John Paul II called her. Weaknesses of the Document
Like many Roman documents, this Apostolic Exhortation is not exactly user friendly. This is most obvious in the number of references (256) some of which include as many as ten items in the one footnote, making a total of 344 separate citations of documents. Frequently there are Latin and Greek phrases used, some with
either way, there is a need for formation being paramount, and that is what Pope Benedict is emphasising. But Wait, There's More...
translations, many without. This doesn't attract the average Catholic to warm to this style of writing. A further complication comes in the 'woolly phrasing' of many terms which are perhaps better known by other names. For example, "the sacrament of the Altar" is frequently used as a synonym for Mass, as is "Eucharist" itself. At the grassroots level, many would have difficulty seeing that these refer to the same mystery. Similarly, the words "authentic participation" are used. These are considerably different from the standard English phrase "active participation". This in turn is normally quoted in the Liturgy Constitution's phrase 414 as full, conscious and active participation, or in 411 quoted as being the duty of pastors of souls to ensure that "the faithful take part knowingly, actively and fruitfully." However,
Amongst his final reflections, Pope Benedict mentions that the Roman Curia will publish a compendium which will assemble texts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Prayers, Explanations of the Eucharistic Prayers of the Roman Missal and other useful aids for a correct understanding, celebration and adoration of the Sacrament of the Altar. (93) Earlier the Pope had referred also to the preparation of pastoral aids to help priests in their homiletic preaching of the three year lectionary cycles. (39) He also averted to a project of the Curia to study the place of the Peace Ceremony in the Roman Rite. (§47, footnote 150) Conclusion
There is a certain irony in the simultaneous release of this document around the world with vernacular translations made available by the Vatican Press (Libreria Editrice Vaticana). This is a challenge to other Church agencies that, five years after the release of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal we are still awaiting the availability of a vernacular translation! Fr RUSSEL HARDIMAN is an Associate Professor in the School of Philosophy and Theology at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle, the editor of the Pastoral Liturgy journal and a consultant to national Church agencies in liturgy. ANGELA BEN DOTTI is a music and liturgy consultant working in Western Australia with her ministry business Shine Creations.
the Heart of Love
Continued from Page 7
liturgical action contradicts their very identity as priests." His is rather an encouragement to the "Christian people to deepen their understanding of the relationship between eucharistic mystery, the liturgical action and the new spiritual worship" that derives from well-prepared and free encounter with the Lord in the Sacrament of love. (#5).
"Benedict in his 80th year; proves to be more agile and ready for the "radical newness" of Christ, than commentators half his age: Instead ordering an ecclesial "turning of the clocks back" Pope Benedict, with his years of liturgical and theological sensitivity behind him, highlights the need for a re-invigoration of liturgical renewal. The phrase "radical newness" appears almost more than any other throughout the document. Benedict in his 80th year, proves to be more agile and ready for the "radical newness" of Christ, than commentators half his age. This is a historically and organically nuanced understanding of development and "newness", dependent not on human innovation or technological breakthough- which are always ephemeral and transient but upon receptivity to the person and form of Jesus Christ.
This heart-stopping "radical newness" is, as the Pope and St Augustine would say, captivatingly beautiful, "a beauty ever ancient and ever new". The Pope's long-voiced plea for a return to an attitude of reverence, preciousness and awe in the liturgical setting is summed up in Section Two of the Exhortation. This need for beauty "is not mere decoration, but rather an essential element of the liturgical action, since it is an attribute of God himself." (#35) It is not a plea for cosmetic glamour, "not hostage to the latest trends"(#37), superficial trimming nor even the breaking of the parish budget. This is rather a plea, that we priests, deacons, and faithful, step aside with that formal reverence of liturgical gesture, furnishing and attitude so that the "splendour": of the Paschal Mystery preserved in the crystal of the Church's tradition and its Lord can shine forth. For the war-worn parishioner, with little time and many burdens, I would recommend a gentle dip into those sections which contain the most fluid and limpid of the Pope's reflections on the Eucharist. They are tonic for the soul. ANNA KROHN is an adjunct lecturer at the John Paul ll Institute for Marriage and Family Studies in Melbourne, and a regular columnist for The Record and discovery. Anna may be contacted at annakrohn@hotmail.com.
WI
March 152007, The Record
New media, new opportunity Pope, Catholic media workers strategise on how to best use new media • By Cindy Wooden
CNS - Taking advantage of new media to spread the Gospel, the Catholic Church has an obligation to point out areas where the media have a harmful effect, especially on children, Pope Benedict XVI said. The Pope called on media operators "to safeguard the common good, to uphold the truth, to protect individual human dignity and promote respect for the needs of the family". Meeting on March 9 with members of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the benefits of greater access to quality entertainment, information and educational opportunities through the media. But he also expressed concern about the "increasing concentration" of the media in the hands of a few multinational conglomerates. He also stated that "much of what is transmitted in various forms to the homes of millions of families around the world is destructive." US Archbishop John P Foley, council president, told members that the Church must fulfill its responsibility to share with all people "the message of their origin in God, their destiny with him in heaven and their redemption in Jesus Christ." But he also acknowledged that the problem is that the message of salvation "must compete with thousands of other messages - messages that perhaps appear immediately more appealing or more tempting". American Sr Judith Zoebelein, a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist who works in the Vatican's Internet
Grabbing the world's attention: The Pope called on media operators "to safeguard the common good'
office, said the Church must expand its presence on the Internet. But she stressed that it must do so in a way that helps lead people from a "virtual" experience of faith and community to a personal encounter with the Lord and participation in parish life. The Vatican's website, vatican. va, has helped people who were already part of a real community connect in a virtual community with the Vatican, accessing documents and even sending e-mail greetings to the Pope, she said. The next step must be using the Internet to reach those who are not part of any concrete corn-
munity, she said. In an attempt to ensure that an Internet search of things Catholic leads to finding a real experience of the church, Sister Zoebelein said, the Vatican's Internet office is running a trial elearning site. "Perhaps the biggest reason for choosing e-learning is that young adults today live and learn on the Internet more than any other particular place," she told the council. The topic chosen for the first course was the meaning of suffering, using Pope John Paul II's 1984 apostolic letter along with "photos, music, images, questions and additional reflections," she said.
But unlike most Internet courses, the Vatican proposal includes regularly scheduled face-to-face meetings of participants. "The anonymity of the Internet must at some point lead to the desire and opportunity for an actual human encounter," Sister Zoebelein said. The hope, she said, is to use the "virtual" community created through the Internet "to nourish the actual community" and a desire to participate in parish life. Irish Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin said diocesan newspapers and contact with religion reporters from secular news-
papers continue to be important ways for the church to get its message out and "on the public record." But because newspaper readership is shrinking, he suggested the Church invest in professionally organized focus groups to study how much of the church's message is being heard and by whom. George Archbishop Niederauer of San Francisco told the council that "one size does not fit all" when communicating in the modern world. He said the church needs specific projects aimed at the young, the elderly, active Catholics, the alienated and those who are indifferent. He added that the council should act as a clearinghouse for the best Church communications practices. Bishops from Africa, Asia and Latin America urged the council not to assume their people have the same kind of media access that people in Europe and North America have. Radio is hugely important in A frica; the Internet is dominating the media scene in much of Asia; and Latin America still has a stable television audience. Tony Spence, director and editor in chief of Catholic News Service, also encouraged the council to support research on what is being done and what is working. He told the council that a recent survey demonstrated that adult Catholics in the United States have access to Catholic media and use it on a regular basis, although there is much room for improvement. And while the Internet "gives new opportunities for a tried-andtrue medium such as print to reach new audiences," it is not without its problems, particularly because "good scholarship and good journalism can be eclipsed by punditry and misinformation disguised as an authentic voice in the Church."
Risks of 11/F to women explored
Holy See observers immune
Egg harvesting damages women's health, congressional briefing shows
US gives Vatican's UN mission diplomatic immunity
• By Nancy Frazier O'Brien
The damage caused by embryonic stem-cell research goes far beyond the embryos destroyed by treating "a great many women as egg factories, at great risk to their health and safety," according to the US Bishops' pro-life spokeswoman. Deirdre A McQuade, director of planning and information for the Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, was commenting on a congressional briefing at which scientists, ethicists and a grieving mother presented evidence about the dangers to women posed by egg harvesting. "The embryonic stem-cell agenda is a threat not only to
embryonic humans but to young women as well," Ms McQuade said. "The drugs used in in vitro fertilisation clinics to stimulate women's ovaries for attempted reproduction have done great harm to some women." "But the problem pales in comparison with the threat posed by attempts to clone humans for embryonic stem-cell research." In South Korea, for example, where a scientist falsely claimed to have perfected the method for cloning a human, more than 2200 eggs were used in the experiments. Some of them were obtained through coercion from women working in the research laboratory. At least two women - one in London and one in Dublin, Ireland - are believed to have died from the effects of the drugs used to hyperstimulate egg production for in vitro fertilization, known as IVF.
Angela Hickey, the mother of Jacqueline Rushton of Dublin, who died in 2003 at age 32 while undergoing treatment for infertility, addressed the March 8 briefing on Capitol Hill. "So that her death is not in vain, I would advise all women who are going for IVF to try to have a baby, which Jacqui longed for, or women who wish to donate their eggs, to be very careful and to watch the course of their treatment," Ms Hickey said. "They need to know how stimulated their ovaries will be and the projected number of eggs retrieved. "Idon't want any other families to go through what we're going through." Ms McQuade said the briefing was "timely in light of renewed efforts in Congress to fund destructive embryonic stem-cell research in the name of pursuing cures." CNS
In an executive order on March
7 President George W Bush grant-
ed diplomatic immunity and privileges to the members of the Holy See's Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations. Diplomatic immunity ensures safe passage for diplomats outside their home country. They are not subject to lawsuits or prosecution under the laws of the host country. As host country for UN general headquarters in New York, the United States has extended diplomatic immunity and privileges to members of all UN member nations' diplomatic missions in New York. The Holy See is not a member of the United Nations, but its quasidiplomatic permanent observer status, held since 1964, entitles it to participate in General Assembly debates, have its communications
issued and circulated as official documents of the assembly, and co-sponsor draft resolutions and decisions that refer to the Holy See. Last December,inits Department of State Authorities Act of 2006, Congress authorised the president to give the observer mission and its members "the privileges and immunities enjoyed by the diplomatic missions of member States to the United Nations, and their members." Bush signed that act into law on January 11, and his March 7 executive order simply carried out what the law authorised. The Associated Press quoted an unnamed White House official as saying that the decision to grant full diplomatic privileges to the permanent observer mission and its personnel "has been in the works for a while." "The Vatican has an interest, and we were glad to be able to accommodate as host country for the UN," the official said. -CNS
March 15 2007, The Record
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The World
Carding Rigali becomes an Internet star Cardinal Rigali's Lenten reflections a hit on YouTube Internet site Who's that you're seeing on YouTube? Yes, it is really Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia. The cardinal is providing video reflections for each Sunday of Lent, as well as for Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter on the free, video-sharing Web site, which allows users to upload, view and share video clips. Once on the site, www.youtube. corn, visitors can easily find the reflections by typing "Cardinal Rigali" into the search area. "YouTube is a place where people communicate a multiplicity of things, and certainly, from the viewpoint of the church, we have a desire to communicate Christ," Cardinal Rigali said recently. "We have the message in the Gospel - the uplifting message of Jesus, a wonderful message of hope ... of love ... of faith." The cardinal said he hopes his contribution will be of help to people who are reflecting on God and Christ, and on the meaning of life and love. Through the years, the church has shown tremendous commitment to social communications, the cardinal said. "Communicating
With the times: :ardinal Justin Rigali appears on YouTube with video reflections for Each sunday of Lent.
the uplifting message of Christ is just a blessing," he added. Clearly, Cardinal Rigali is a hit on the video site, where contributions may be rated, and the number of times they have been viewed are also made public.
According to the archdiocesan Office for Communications, on Ash Wednesday, the day the Cardinal's first Lenten reflections were posted, his video was one of the top-linked videos in the category "People and Blogs."
PHOTO: CNS
By the afternoon of March 12, the cardinal's first posting had received almost 17,000 views. Here is a sampling of the responses to the cardinal's reflections posted on YouTube: "Cardinal Rigali -- you are the
man. Thanks for keeping it real." "Another amazing message! ... The messages are helping me to reflect during the holy season of Lent. I ask you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, to pray that I may go the extra mile during this season and really help bring a bit more light to people who are still in darkness." "What a beautiful meditation on the importance of truly listening to God in our times of prayer, lest they become episodes of fruitless, one-way babble. Thank you, Cardinal Rigali!" "I think this is s-o-o-o cool." "Cardinal Rigali, thanks for doing this. I set up a YouTube account just to be able to post a response." "Keep 'em coming, Cardinal Rigali. ... proud to be Catholic." "This is super. It makes me feel good to know that our church is reaching out to God's children through modern technology." "Excellent idea to make use of 'YouTube' to console, comfort and encourage Christians and others to see the whole point of living a Christian life." "I, too, thank God for this to be on YouTube. May the Lord bless all who see Cardinal Rigali's messages and the cardinal as well, but also those who run YouTube for letting this be on the site!" "With increased attacks on human life, the Pope is urging
Hope for Vietnamese Catholics through diplomatic relations Vatican: Vietnam working on full diplomatic relations with Holy See The government of Vietnam is working on a concrete plan to establish full diplomatic relations with the Vatican, a delegation of Vatican officials was told. Msgr Pietro Parolin, Vatican undersecretary of State, led the three-member delegation to Vietnam on March 5-11 for meetings with officials of the central government, local governments, Bishops' conference and the dio-
ceses of Quy Nhon, Kontum and Hai Phong. While the delegation brought the prayers and blessing of Pope Vietnamese XVI, Benedict Catholics demonstrated their "deep affection, filial attachment and fidelity" to the Pope along with their hopes "that the Pope himself could one day make a pastoral visit to the country," the Vatican statement said. The delegation's visit to Vietnam came two months after Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with Pope Benedict at the Vatican. Pope Benedict raised the problem of continued restrictions
the world in brief JPII's sainthood closer The diocesan phase of the investigation into the life and holiness of Pope John Paul IIwill close officially on April 2, the second anniversary of the Pope's death. Cardinal Camillo Ruini, papal vicar for the Diocese of Rome, announced on March 10 the end of the diocesan phase of the process for the late Pope's beatification and canonisation.The April 2 ceremony will take place in the context of a brief prayer service; Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to celebrate a memorial Mass later that evening in St Peter's Basilica. The end of the diocesan phase of a sainthood cause means that the cause's promoter has interviewed all of the eyewitnesses he
on Catholic life in the country, but the two leaders also discussed the possibility of establishing diplomatic relations. The Vatican's March 12 press statement said diplomatic relations were discussed in meetings with the government's vice minister for foreign affairs, the vice president of the Communist Party's committee for foreign affairs and the president of the National Assembly's committee for foreign affairs. The Vietnamese officials "gave assurances that, on the instruction of the prime minister, the competent offices already are at work", and the officials and members of
felt needed to be heard and has examined all of the candidate's writings. In addition, a panel of historians has written a report on the candidate's actions and writings in the historical context in which he lived. While the documentation will be handed over to the Vatican Congregation for Saints' Causes after the April 2 ceremony, the promoter and his assistants still must prepare the official "positio," or position paper, arguing that Pope John Paul heroically lived the Christian virtues. Particularly with a Pope who wrote and spoke so much, the "positio" is expected to be thousands of pages long. Normally in order for a beatification to take place, a separate report must be prepared and accepted recognising a miracle attributed to the candidate's intervention.
the Vatican delegation looked at "some concrete ways to begin the process of establishing diplomatic relations," the statement said. Neither the Vietnamese government nor the Vatican has provided a timetable for the exchange of ambassadors. The delegation also held several working sessions with the religious affairs committee in "an atmosphere of cordiality, frankness and respect," the statement said. In addition to discussing specific provisions in Vietnamese law regarding religious life, the delegation discussed candidates Pope Benedict XVI wanted to nominate
as Bishops, the statement said. The Vietnamese government continues to insist on approving the candidates before the Pope names them officially. The delegation also expressed the Vatican's hope that the government would allow Vietnamese Catholics "to contribute to the spread of moral values, especially regarding the education of youth at a moment of rapid social and economic changes". It was also hoped Catholics could exercise their obligation of charity and concern for the weakest members of society, the statement said. -CNS
Action against priest
Bishops call for calm
The Vatican was expected to take disciplinary action against Jesuit Fr Jon Sobrino, a leading proponent of liberation theology, sources in Rome said. Spanish media reported that the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith would ban Fr Sobrino from teaching or publishing books. Archbishop Fernando Saenz Lacalle of San Salvador, where Fr Sobrino resides and teaches, was quoted as saying on March 11 that the Vatican would announce that Fr Sobrino's views were not wholly in line with church doctrine, and that he would be forbidden to teach theology in any Catholic institution until he revised his conclusions. A Jesuit spokesman in Rome, Fr Jose M de Vera, would not confirm those reports, but said the Vatican was expected to issue a declaration on Fr Sobrino in mid-March.
The Ecuadorian Bishops' conference has called for "calm and the unity" amid recent violence and a political crisis in the Andean country. "Ecuador does not deserve and cannot accept this situation," the Bishops said. "The time has come to show that we love the country, that we are and feel ourselves to be brothers and sisters, and that we cannot resign ourselves to disappearing as a country and becoming easy prey for power and bad politics," the Bishops said in a statement on March 8. They called on the courts to "save democracy and the stability of the country's institutions." Police and fired opposition legislators scuffled as the legislators forced their way into Congress on March 13. One lawmaker was injured CNS in the clash.
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Artist offers Stations for funds • By Sylvia Defendi With Easter looming, artist Patricia Spencer has used her talents to create a unique set of artworks, which she hopes will benefit those in need of faith as well as funds. The unique set of stations, which have been individually painted on to carved wood, are for sale to both individuals and parish communities. "Ideally I would like them to be seen and not tucked away in my unit," Mrs Spencer said. Perhaps most important, however, is Mrs Spencer's desire to share the proceeds with prostitution reform agency, Linda's House of Hope. "I often read in The Record the struggles the agency faces as it tries to help women off the streets and back into normal life," said Mrs Spencer, who has committed to halve the proceeds with the agen-
Suffering: A close-up look. cy. The former TAFE art lecturer had been commissioned by the relatively new parish of St Anne's in Bindoon to produce a set of Stations of the Cross for the church building. When a set of Stations were subsequently donated to the church, Mrs Spencer continued working
Enlightening: Artist Patricia Spencer with her unique set of artworks of the Stations of the Cross. on her artworks despite no longer having a 'home' assigned for the works of art. A fter three years of challenging work Mrs Spencer completed the unique set, which can be exhibited individually or together in a single large frame. The first and last set of Stations
created by Mrs Spencer proved to be quite a challenging project. "It has been very difficult presenting a unique view of the Stations, which have been re-created so many times," she said. She added that she did manage to do so through their presentation.
PHOTOS: SYLVIA DE F E NDI
"I hope that whoever purchases the art will get a feeling of what God did for us, that our heavenly mother suffered with him and that we should try our best during this Lenten season to give a little back," Mrs Spencer concluded. For further information or to purchase the artworks, contact Mrs Spencer on 9291 7110
Christian Brother tops his class Ballargt Brother returns to Perth where he spent his early years of teaching to receive a special award.
• By Anthony Barich Christian Brother Brian Davis was top of his class in his Diploma of Science (Information Services) at Edith Cowan University - now he'll use it to boost the profile of a prestigious Catholic college in Ballarat. Br Brian, 65, the last Christian Brother left at Ballarat's St Patrick's College, was presented last Sunday with the Australian Society of Archivists-Margaret Jennings Award as the most outstanding graduate in the course at the Perth Convention Centre. Br Brian, whose first four years of teaching were spent at Trinity College and CBC Highgate, also won $250 plus a year's free Association membership of the Australian Society of Archivists. He has been St Patrick's archivist for six years but, prior to that, had taught Year 12 English at St Patrick's for 20 years and "was happy teaching it for another 20 years untilI drop", as has been the dedication defining the Christian Brothers, when the college headmaster Br Laurie Collins asked him to do an archivist's course. He was not happy, imagining archivists as "inoffensive old men pottering around dusty books". "That was something I was determined not to be," he said, but upon further enquiry he realised it would be the perfect way to engender a stronger sense of college identity if he could get the students involved. His job now is to document the
Br Brian Davis past and present and ensuring the records are unalterable and intact. He has established a Student Archivist's Society at St Patrick's - "archiving the present to benefit the future" - while working as the college's archivist for the past six years, no longer teaching English in classrooms. The ECU course was comprehensive, the toughest unit being studying language for constructing websites. "It's a shame if you don't document history," said Br Brian, who is also a competitive swimmer, holding national titles for butterfly and freestyle in his age group, and trains with his local YMCA swim squad with athletes decades younger than him. "You have to be on the cutting edge, as technologies change all the time." While here for the presentation ceremony he linked up with Br Oily Pickett, who in 1998 started the community-building charity organisation "Wheelchairs for Kids", and Br Brian now sees documenting Br 011y's important work as crucial. Br Brian even plans to make St Patrick's College the first Victorian school to be a donor for Wheelchairs for Kids, which operates mainly in WA.
The 1951 group of Sisters: Srs Cyril, Christina, Conleth, Josephine, Perpetua, John, Eugenius, Marcelline, Attracta, Eymard (back row); Srs Bosco, Mel, Gertrude, Celine, Mother Brigid, Pauline, Nolasco and Wilfred (front).
Celebrating 70 years of special care April 10, 1937 saw the opening of St Anne's Hospital Mount Lawley and the start of a tradition of caring under the guidance of the Sisters of Mercy which would eventually lead to the establishment of Mercy Hospital Mount Lawley. As part of their 70th anniversary celebration the Sisters would like to hear from you. Do you have a Mercy (formerly St Anne's Hospital) story? Whatever your Mercy story, they would love to hear all about it. Please call on 9370 9294 email hospital@mercygroup.com.au or write to Administration, Mercy Hospital Mount Lawley, Thirlmere Road, Mount Lawley, 6050.
IN BRIEF...
Infant orphans gagged in Russian hospital Rmouths
ussians have been shocked by evidence that a hospital in Yekaterinburg taped the of babies because they cried too much and there were not enough staff to deal with them. A woman patient who had been in the hospital with her own children heard the suppressed crying of the infants in the next ward and took pictures of them with her cell phone.All the babies are orphans. A nurse she complained to reluctantly removed the tape, but later did it again. Prosecutors are investigating. FamilyEdge
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Youth fire up Pell over WYD '08 • By Dan McAloon
SYDNEY, Australia (CNS) Cardinal George Pell of Sydney launched the 500-day countdown to World Youth Day 2008 and encouraged pilgrim groups to register online early for the event. "It's a long way to Australia from other parts of the world, you can't just get on a bus in Warsaw and drive here," Cardinal Pell said at the launch on March 2 in front of St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney. A giant digital clock in front of the Cathedral will count down the days until Sydney hosts World Youth Day in July 2008. "Our wish is to avoid a situation as occurred when Rome hosted World Youth Day (2000) and three quarters of a million pilgrims decided to come in the last three weeks," Cardinal Pell said. Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney, the chief organiser of WYD '08, said most come to the five-day events as members of diocesan pilgrim groups, religious movements and youth groups. He said online registration of groups had been opened up four months earlier "to capture information" on expected numbers, language groups and special needs. "This will enable us to plan early and match groups to accommodation and catechesis sites throughout greater Sydney," he said. Group registrations are now available at www.wyd2008.org in English, Italian, French and Spanish. Bishop Fisher said a paper registration process will be available for group leaders who do not
A tam* for joy: Young people celebrate with Cardinal George Pell of Sydney during a 500-day countdown to World Youth PHOTO- CNS Day 2008 outside St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney on March 2. outdoor Mass could be as high as would waive the visa application have Internet access, and registration for individuals will open 500,000. charge for WYD pilgrims and issue Mark Vaile, Australian deputy three-month visas to all registered midyear. International pilgrims can regis- prime minister and a Catholic, visitors. WYD organisers also released ter for the Perth Arhdiocese's Days extended his government's welcome a new DVD "Sydney: Witness the in the Diocese to participate in to Pope Benedict at the launch. Spirit," which is available online Mr Vaile said local participation lead-up events in WA on www. for international distribution, feain World Youth Day would "show wydperth.com. the respect we have as a nation turing testimonials from young WYD will be Pope Benedict XVI's first papal visit to Australia to" the Pope. Mr Vaile confirmed Australians and imagery of the Australian landscape. and the numbers at the closing that the Australian Government
Young and old walk in steps of early Church
Perth celebrates'World Youth Day 2007 with 7 Church Walk
The 7 Churches Walk, an eight year annual tradition held on Palm Sunday, is being given a World Youth Day (WYD) edge this year as young and old take to Perth streets in a mini-pilgrimage around the city. Unbeknown to most Catholics,
World Youth Day is held on Palm Sunday in every year that there is not an international gathering such as in Sydney in 2008. Every WYD, His Holiness promulgates a WYD Message and this will be read at the beginning of the 7 Churches pilgrimage. In a practice that dates back to the early Church in Rome, participants will walk to seven different Churches throughout and around the central business district of
Perth and will pray the Stations of the Cross at each location in the spirit of Lent. The walk is designed to remind us of our journey to our eternal homeland in heaven as well as the unity of the Universal Church, according to organisers. The event is being jointly convened by Catholic Youth Ministry and the Perth World Youth Day Office and begins at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in
Highgate at 10:30am on Palm Sunday, April 1. The 7 Churches Walk will conclude with a BBQ at 3:30pm. The 7 Churches Walk is open to anyone of any age - young, old and in between. For more information or to let organisers know of your participation, contact Catholic Youth Ministry on 9422 7912 or at c ym@highgate-perthcatholic. org.
His Bobness deserves more respect Pope Benedict XVI is about to release a book entitled My Beloved Predecessor. In it according to English newspapers - he discloses an earthshattering secret. Relying on anonymous sources, the journalists paint a dramatic picture of a rift between two of the greatest Catholic intellects in the past century. Over what? Not over liberation theology, not over the Iraq War, not over Third World poverty, not over Hans Kiing, not over Islam. Yes, you guessed it. It was over Bob Dylan. In 1997 when his Bobness played for his Holiness in a concert at the end of a Eucharistic Congress. Newspapers around the world ran photos of this electric moment. But, say the journalists, Pope Benedict "doubts to this day whether it was right to let this kind of socalled prophet take the stage". Joseph Ratzinger, in his 40s when Dylan was hailed as prophet of a generation", was disturbed by some of the offshoots of the revolution of the 60s. One cannot blame him for protesting if he thought that Dylan came singing for John Paul II dressed in that mantle. It is not so easy to forgive the journalists for sticking to notions of Dylan's place or selfidentity which are hopelessly out of date. In the latest documentary on Dylan, No Direction Home, and in his autobiography, Chronicles, Dylan himself flatly eschews the tag of spokesperson for the 60s generation. Cynics may jibe that there was little sign of his reluctance at the time. But there is no question now that he has left all that behind. You might say it's part of his back pages. As he sang in the song of that name (My Back Pages), he was so much older then. He's younger than that now. These days he does not regard himself as a spokesperson for anyone but himself. In fact, he rarely or never speaks. He writes songs and sings them. And this is, he says, just what he always has -MERCATORNET done.
Perth's youth answer the call to lead The Choicez Youth Leadership Summit attracted a capacity crowd to the Catholic Pastoral Centre on the weekend of February 23-25. Young people from across the Archdiocese came together to hear Choicez Media presenters, Jonathan and Karen Doyle deliver a high-impact and mentally taxing weekend of leadership training. Attendees were taken through an organisational analysis of the Church, what it means to be a Catholic leader and contemporary leadership theory. Attendees also had the chance to break into groups and workshop a well-structured and viable youth ministry or other Church project. The Summit goers were made up of interested and pas-
sionate individuals, members of youth movements, World Youth Day parish representatives and youth from such parishes as Kalamunda, Armadale, Wanneroo, and Rockingham. Youth from the Vietnamese Catholic Community and from John Paul High School, Kalgoorlie, were also there for the duration. When asked about his experience of the Leadership Summit, Brendan Joyce, 20, from a fledgling youth group at Our Lady of Lourdes Rockingham, confirmed his decision to attend, saying: "This event has broadened my outlook on the Church and the possibilities that are there for local youth ministry. "I feel much more confident and optimistic about our parish group now."
When asked what he found helpful in particular, Mr Joyce advised that the presenters' knowledge of Catholicism and the Church enabled him to relate the training to his own, local experience. Catholic Youth Ministry director Robert Hiini was impressed with the performance of Choicez Media. "Teaching people the faith is important and teaching them to pass it on themselves is an essential part of that. We look forward to running more events that help people grow as human beings and as evangelists", Mr Hiini said. Catholic Youth Ministry received assistance from Servite College and wishes to thank volunteers Angela Watson, Jacinta McKinley and Melissa Haydon.
A success: Perth's youth responded positively to Jonathan and Karey Doyle's call to lead.
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Is weekend work causing divorce? • By Paul Gray
A new study of Australian working hours has suggested that strained family relationships and damage to children are being caused by long working hours, particularly on weekends. A new secular organisation, Relationships Forum Australia, has published a statistical analysis of Australians' working hours. The report spotlights "long and unsocial hours" of work. It says these hours are causing most Australian families to suffer time pressure. The Forum is linked with
Britain's Relationships Foundation, a non-religious thinktank based at Cambridge University. The Australian report, titled An Unexpected Tragedy, says that patterns of work have changed over the past 30 years in Australia. Where most work took place between 8am and 6pm on weekdays in older times, there is now a strong tendency for people to work on weeknights and at weekends. A large proportion of the working population is also employed on a casual basis, meaning that work hours are liable to change at short notice. Research from both Australia and overseas suggests that these
non-traditional working patterns, combined with long hours for more than a quarter of the working population, contribute to several problems. These include angry parenting, strained family relationships, negative health outcomes and reduced child wellbeing. The report says low income members of Australian society "are generally more keenly affected by these changes." The report also links the change in work hours with the change in divorce rates. "Over the last 30 years in Australia, the decline in family relational health has led to an
increased incidence of separation and divorce," the Relationships Forum says. It says that with more single parents than ever before, the probability of poor adult health, and parenting and child difficulties has increased. More than 60 per cent of Australians who were surveyed last year said that their partner and family were the most important things in life for their own happiness. The report says that the statistics on work and family life in Australia today are hiding "immense human tragedy." It also points the finger at gov-
World Impact Tour hits Perth • By Mark Reidy
A fter much preparation and anticipation, Impact World Tour (IWT) has arrived in Perth. From March 8 to April 1, four teams of skateboarders, BMX riders, musicians, dancers, cultural artists and athletes will be performing in venues across Perth providing mesmerising and action-packed displays designed, not only to entertain, but also to deliver a Christian message of hope to their young audience. As well as performing in major venues such as Members Equity Stadium, Challenge Stadium and Joondalup Arena, the entertainers, comprised of over 60 volunteers from across the world, will visit schools, prisons and community centres to share their skills, as well as testimonies of how their lives have been dramatically transformed by their decision to follow Christ. IWT began in 1993 and has travelled the globe performing to
Up close with a Bishop
over 2,300,000 people in over 100 cities a year throughout Europe, Asia, North and South America and New Zealand, challenging audiences with their anti-drug and anti-alcohol messages and encouraging them to live to their full potential. Archbishop Barry Hickey has welcomed the event: "Perth is honoured to host a high calibre performance event that entertains and offers a positive influence in shaping the people of our city and in particular our youth. I highly recommend attendance." IWT has positively changed the lives of many thousands of young people around the world and organisers are expecting the same impact in Perth. Audiences will be provided with, not only a sense of awe at the display of courage, beauty and strength, but also with the opportunity to hear witness of lives transformed. Admission to all events is free. For more information and event timetable see www.impactworldtourcom.au or phone (08) 9478 6652.
Continued from page 1
Rock on: World Impact Tour will deliver a Christian message to youth.
A Caritas story of hope in a troubled South Africa Selinah, 62 and her grandchildren live in Mmakau, a rural area 60 kilometres north of Pretoria in South Africa. Five years ago her daughter Monica died from an AIDS related illness. Her husband died of poor health the following year. She is now the primary caregiver for her three grandchildren, Petunia, 16, Rose, 14 and Thabang, 12. Selinah must cover the nutritional, educational and clothing needs of her four member household on a pension of $168 a month. She could not apply for child support as according to law, the births of her three grandchildren were not registered and they had no birth certificates. They live in a four room, corrugated iron house where Selinah has established a modest household garden. Since learning to grow vel,etables, Selinah has harvested beans, spinach and cabbage. :.outh Africa has one of the highest incidences of HIV/AIDS in the world with more than 5.3 million people estimated to be infected by the disease.
In South Africa there are over one million orphans and vulnerable children. These children, deprived of parenting and with fewer role models, are being burdened with adult responsibilities beyond their age and maturity which has serious consequences for the future development of society as a whole. The girl-child is often expected to leave school to care for a sick parent or younger siblings. She is then vulnerable due to lack of education and is often exploited emotionally, physically and sexually. Due to sheer necessity and desperation many children embark on a 'begging career' while others, particularly girls, engage in prostitution as a means of income for the family. Fortunately there are many volunteers who contribute their time with no reward except the satisfaction of knowing that they are benefiting the community. Caritas Australia has joined forces with Siyabhabha Trust (Caritas South Africa) to embark on a large-scale, communitybased HIV/AIDS program to help mitigate the impact of
ernmental responsibility in this area, calling on political leaders to take urgent action to address "working time issues." Since changing working hours have been encouraged by modern deregulation of labour laws, re-regulation may be necessary to combat these social problems, the report suggests. The report has drawn criticism within the media for painting a negative picture of the increasing affluence of Australian society. One conservative commentator, reacting to its findings, said that the rising affluence of Australian society is caused by the choices made by individual workers.
Selinah
this pandemic. This program is working to build the capacity of community-based organisations to provide practical care and support to individuals, families and communities affected by HIV/AIDs. In 2000, Siyabhabha Trust talked with the community in Mmakau to discuss their needs. It was decided that 500 volunteers would be trained to pro-
vide home-based care to people living with HIV and AIDS, to reduce the levels of poverty faced by HIV-affected households and increase the school attendance rates of children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. It has provided training in organic farming, trauma counselling and accessing government grants as well as providing safe drinking water, community housing schemes and exemption from school fees. Siyabhabha Trust has built a room with corrugated iron from which they run activities including cooking, sewing, knitting and helping children with their school homework. Seventy-eight orpans and 20 families have been assisted by this activity. Selinah's grandchildren, Thabang and Rose, now attend school and participate in activities after school, during weekends and holidays."This project has brought life to my house," Selinah said. Your donation to Project Compassion will ensure this support for people living with HIV and AIDS continues.
is probably due to Bishop Griver's coffin being covered in black woollen material. Protein in wool apparently repels white-ants. Given that Perth and WA were "frontier" places in 19th century, austerity and frugality would not have been uncommon amongst the populace. But this, plus shepherding a fledgling diocese, would not seem to have been enough penance for Bishop Griver, who when he died was found to be wearing two nail studded crosses that over some considerable time had become embedded into the flesh of his body. It would seem that the crosses were worn like a scapular front and back of the chest, with a string tied around the body to press them against the flesh. Whilst such acts of self-mortification may shock Catholics of today, mortification of the body was common practice for religious and clergy in the 19th and preceding centuries. Given that Griver's coffin was sealed and uncompromised, the archaeological team considered whether there was value in investigating the contents of the zinc-lined inner coffin. Almost three months after the coffin was exhumed, it was decided to inspect the contents of the coffin by drilling holes through the zinc lining so that a mini camera could be inserted to inspect the contents. But the vision obtained raised more questions than answers, so a week later we completely opened the coffin, finding a strong smell from the chemicals used to preserve the body for public viewing before burial. It was immediately apparent that the body of Griver had decayed to a skeleton. According to liturgical protocol, he was vested in purple Mass vestments, complete with gloves, and liturgically coloured shoes. Whilst Griver was well under six foot, his coffin was over six foot in length. This is explained by the fact that on the head of the Bishop was the remains of a white mitre, which over time had molded itself onto his skull. Unlike Gibney, Bishop Griver was found to be wearing a gold episcopal ring contained in which was a purple amethyst stone. He also wore a pectoral cross of the type which usually contains relics of saints. It is anticipated that the remains of Bishops Griver and Gibney will be re-interred in a new crypt to be built below the High Altar of the completed Cathedral.
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PANORAMA
a roundup of events in the diocese March 17 - 18 PROFESSIONAL ART EXHIBITION Held at the Infant Jesus Parish 10am-4pm, 47 Wellington Rd Morley. All proceeds to the restoration fund for St Mary's Cathedra. All enquiries Margaret 9443 1853 or 0432 834 743.
Counsel Church Chidlow, Mass at 11 am Followed by a light luncheon. Invitation only: Helen Ball (Giles) 9295 2965, Mary Ball (Love) 9295 1841, Marie McGuckin 9572 4343.
Sunday March 18 TAIZE MEDITATIVE PRAYER 7pm at Sisters of St. Joseph Chapel, 16 York St, South Perth. Everyone welcome to come and join in this beautiful way of praying through song, scripture and silence. Bring a torch and a friend Enq: Sister Maree 0414 683 926.
Sunday May 6 BUSSELTON MAY ROSARY CELEBRATION In Honour of Our Lady held at Bove's Farm, Roy Road, Jindong. Singing at 12.30pm. Mass led by Fr Tony Chiera, commences at 1pm, followed by Rosary Procession and Benediction, refreshments provided. Bus bookings from Perth to Bove's Farm can be made with Francis Williams 9459 3873 or 0404 893 877.
Saturday March 24 CELEBRATION MASS Archbishop Hickey will celebrate Mass on the Day of the Unborn Child, to be held at 10am on Saturday 24 March at St Joachim's Pro-Cathedral, Victoria Park. Followed by a Holy Hour. All welcome to attend, especially children.
Friday June 15 100T" ANNIVERSARY Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Goomalling is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. If you have any old photos or information that might be relevant to this celebration, please contact Fr John Daly on 9629 1 147 or Mrs Carmel Baird on 9629 1044.
Saturday March 24 MERCEDES 30TH YEAR RE-UNION Class of 1977 (born 1960), 7pm Oxford Hote1368 Oxford St, Leederville. S10 a head for entry and nibbles. RSVP 19th March. Contact Eda 0411 598 496.
Every Forth Sunday SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER The Perth Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order no longer meets at the Pro-Cathedral but instead assembles every fourth Sunday at 2.30pm in the Chapel of RSL Care, 51 Alexander Dr, Menora. Enquiries John 9385 5649.
Monday 26 March SPIRITUALITY AND JUSTICE: BEING HUMAN IN A CHAOTIC WORLD. 5pm - 8.30 pm at the Perth Theological Hall, Worship Centre, Murdoch University (including light refreshments Ind worship) Registrations to 9360 6880 or a.watson@murdoch.edu.au. Wednesday March 28 MOTHER'S PRAYERS MASS Our Lady of Grace Church, 3 Kitchener St North Beach, 9am for all Mothers and Grandmothers. Fathers and Grandfathers welcome. This wonderful and necessary opportunity for God to Hear and act upon the hearts and minds of Mothers, joining as one here on earth. Coffee and tea available after mass, please bring a plate. Enquiries Veronica Peak 9447 0671. Saturday March 31 MONTHLY NOVENA The monthly Novena to Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni will be held at the Holy Trinity Church, 8 Burnett Street Embleton at 5pm followed by the Vigil Mass at 6pm. Enquiries 9271 5528 or 9272 1379. March BIBLE REFLECTIONS The 'Workers in the Garden of the Holy Family' are conducting fortnightly Bible reflections at St Mary's Church, Parish Centre (40 Franklin St, Leederville) commencing at 7pm, March 14 and 18, April 18, May 2, 16 and 30, followed by refreshments. For enquiries phone 9201 0337. Sunday April 1 DIVINE MERCY An afternoon with Jesus and Mary will be held at St Joachim's Church, corner Shepperton Road and Harper St Victoria Park. 1.30pm. Program: Holy Rosary and Reconciliation. Sermon: with Fr Johnson Malayil on Good Friday before Easter Sunday, followed by Divine Mercy Prayers and video on Holy Rosary with Fr John Pirapi. Enquiries John 9457 7771 and Linda 9275 6608. Saturday April 14 DAY WITH MARY St Thomas the Apostle Church, 2 College Road, Claremont 9am-5pm. A Video on Fatima at 9am. A day of prayer and instruction based upon the messages of Fatima. Includes Sacrament of Penance, Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sermons, Rosaries, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Station of the Cross. BYO lunch. Enquiries Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate 9250 8286.
Every Month MONTHLY SCRIPTURAL PRAYER PROGRAM The Council for Australian Catholic Women (CACW) is offering a Scriptural Prayer Program developed in the Jesuit tradition. This form of prayer can lead to more reflective living, greater spiritual depths and promotes lay spiritual leadership in the Church. Led by Kathleen Brennan (ibvm). February 26, March 26, April 23, 7.30pm, 49a Vincent St, Highgate. Enq: 9345 2555. Every Saturday HOLY HOUR St Francis Xavier's Church, 25 Windsor Street, East Perth, every Saturday afternoon from 2.30pm a Holy Hour will be held with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet and prayers plus Reconciliation and Benediction. Every Sunday BULLSBROOK SHRINE Mass celebrated with Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 2pm at the Shrine of Virgin of the Revelation, 36 Chittering Rd, Bullsbrook. Reconciliation in Italian and English before every celebration. Monthly Pilgrimage last Sunday of the month. Anointing of the sick during Mass on the second Sunday of the month. Side entrance of Church and Shrine open daily 9am and 5pm for private prayer. Enq SACRI 9447 3292. Every Monday WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOR THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS The Emmanuel Centre are offering to help people who gain weight because they are using medication for their mental illness. The group helps participants to manage their weight safely and healthily. Mind-Body-Life meets at the Emmanuel Centre on Mondays from 12.30-2.30pm. Free. The group starts with a weigh-in, then a talk on nutrition and healthy eating tips, goal setting and then half an hour of exercise. Enq: Amanda - Emmanuel Centre, 9328 8113. Every 1st and 3 Friday of the month CATHOLIC FAITH RENEWAL Every 1st Friday of the month, Praise and Worship Evening held at St John and Paul's Church, Pinetree Gully Road, Willetton at 7.30pm and every 3rd Friday of the month, Catholic Adult Faith Education by Fr Greg Donovan held at LJ Goody Bioethics Centre, 39 Jugan Street, Glendalough. All are welcome, Enq: Rita 9272 1765, Rose 0403 300 720.
Sunday April 15 CHARISMATIC RENEWAL HEALING MASS CCR Perth present their third Regional Healing Mass. Held at the parish church of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 175 Corfield St, Gosnells, at 5.30pm with Prayer & Praise, followed by Mass, concluding with Prayer Teams & supper afterward. A collection will be taken up. Please bring a plate. Enquiries Dan Hewitt, 9398 4973.
IS YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER UNDECIDED AFTER SCHOOL? If your child has finished school unsure of what they really want to do, offer them a productive year discovering God's purpose for their life while learning practical life skills. They will develop leadership skills, communication and public speaking skills, and learn more about the Catholic faith and deepen their own faith in God. Contact Jane Borg (Acts 2 College) on 9202 6859 or 0401 692 690.
April 15th CORRIGIN CONVENT REUNION As the school rooms are to be demolished a reunion of all past pupils of the Corrigin Convent parents and friends will be held on April 15th at 10.30am in Corrigin. Please contact Gwenda Walton PO Box 92 Corrigin or 90632740 after hours.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Is alcohol costing you more than just money? Alcoholics Anonymous can help. Ring 9325 3566.
Sunday April 22 THANKSGIVING MASS Parishioners, past parishioners, friends are invited to attend Thanksgiving Mass and luncheon to celebrate the 50th Anniversary Our Lady of Good
AL ANON FAMILY GROUPS If a loved one's drinking is worrying you - please call Al Anon Family Groups for confidential information meetings etc... Phone Number 9325 7528 - 24 hrs. LINDA'S HOUSE OF HOPE APPEAL To enable us to continue to provide and offer support for girls wishing to leave the sex trade we need your help. We have achieved already new offfices which are now complete at
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A DVERTISEMENTS ACCOMMODATION I I ACCOMMODATION WANTED Retired Catholic married couple wishes to house sit for part of Victorian Winter (June-Sep), somewhere close to Edgewater. References available. Sober habits and will take good care of your home. For further information please contact strathcarmel@bigpond.com or telephone (03) 5439 6235. • DENMARK Holiday House 3bdr x 2 bath, sleeps up to 8. BOOK NOW. Ph: Maria 0412 083 377. • FAMILY/GROUP ACCOMMODATION Fully furnished luxury beach houses, Perth metro. Visit www.guadalupehill.com Call 0400 292 100.
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REUGIOUS PRODUCTS ▪ CATHOLICS CORNER Retailer of Catholic products specialising in gifts, cards and apparel for baptism, communion and confirmation. Ph: 9456 1777. Shop 12, 64-66 Bannister Road, Canning Vale. Open Mon-Sat.
SERVICES • REPAIR YOUR LITURGICAL BOOKS Repairs to all sorts of books and leather bindings: reliable, reasonable rates. Ph. (08) 9293 3092.
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• BLINDS SPECIALIST Call AARON for FREE quotes 0402 979 889.
BUILDING TRADES • BRICK RE-POINTING Phone Nigel 9242 2952 • PERROTT PAINTING PTY LTD For all your residential, commercial painting requirements. Phone Tom Perrott 9444 1200. • PICASSO PAINTING Top service. Phone 0419 915 836, fax 9345 0505.
DEMENTIA REMISSION • DEMENTIA REMISSION Do you. or your loved one, suffer Dementia. GET into Dementia Remission like me! http://www. wgrey.com.au/dm/index.htm or (02) 9971 8093.
• DIVINE MERCY The Feast of Divine Mercy will be concelebrated at St. Joachim's Church, corner of Shepperton Rd and Harper St, Victoria Park on Sunday 15 April. The Main Celebrant for the Holy Mass will be Fr. Brian O'Loughlin, Vicar General. All other priests are most welcome to attend and concelebrate. Program:1.30pm Holy Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2.30pm Holy Mass followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and Veneration of a First-Class relic of Saint Faustina Kowalska, the Secretary of Divine Mercy. Afterwards in the Parish Hall for refreshments. There will be a selection of Divine Mercy materials available. Afternoon concludes with a video with Fr. John Corapi on 'God's Name is Mercy'. Enquiries John 9457 7771 or Linda 9275 6608.
Official Diary - March 16 Opening of Mandorla Art Exhibition - Archbishop Hickey 16-18 Parish Visitation, Woodvale - Bishop Sproxton 17 St Patrick's Day Mass for The Irish Club - Archbishop Hickey 18 6th Anniversary Mass of Canning Vale Parish - Archbishop Hickey 20 Ordination to Diaconate (St Charles' Seminary) at St Joachim's Pro-Cathedral, Victoria Park - Archbishop Hickey, Bishop Sproxton 22 Visit to Centacare Employment and Training Offices - Archbishop Hickey 23 Annual School Mass, Emmanuel Catholic College - Archbishop Hickey Opening and blessing at Holy Rosary School, Doubleview - Bishop Sproxton 24 Mass for Day of the Unborn Child, St Joachim's Pro-Cathedral, Victoria Park - Archbishop Hickey 25 50th Anniversary Mass of Catholic Education for St Anthony's School, Greenmount - Archbishop Hickey 28 Graduation and Commission Mass for Acts 2 College of Mission and Evangelisation - Archbishop Hickey 29 Blessing of Daydawn Advocacy Centre - Archbishop Hickey the rear of the shelter and are fully functional. Donations are also required to complete the internal layout of the shelter itself. Please send donations to Linda's House of Hope PO Box Z5640, Perth, St George's Tce 6831. Ph: 0439 401 009. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. DONATIONS WANTED We seek donations of books, Bibles, Divine Office, Missals - all sorts, any condition. We repair and redistribute to perpetuate the Word and place it in the hands of the faithful that they may better participate. Can you help? Contact: M. Mary John (08) 9293 3092
PANORAMA Entries must be in by 5pm Monday. Contributions may be faxed to 9227 7087, emailed to administration@therecord.com.au or mailed to PO box 75, Leederville, WA 6902. Submissions over 55 words will be edited. Inclusion is limited to 4 weeks. Events charging over $10 constitute a classified event, and will be charged accordingly.The Record reserves the right to decline or modify any advertisment. Please do not re-submit Panoramas once they are in print.
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March 15 2007, The Record
The Last Word
Created to know the truth
Study finds natural method Christopher West is back with a new resource for groups highly accurate
• By Mark Reidy
A
D
uring his reign as Pope, John Paul II produced more teaching on sexuality than the entire Catholic Church had done throughout her 2000 year history. In 1999, internationally renowned author George Weigel described his teachings, known as "Theology of the Body", as "one of the boldest reconfigurations of Catholic theology in centuries" and branded it "a kind of theological time bomb" that would explode with dramatic consequences in the 21" century. While several excellent books and CDs have since been inspired by these teachings, they have all been aimed at educating the individual enthusiast. However, a new initiative aimed at educating a wider audience on the subject has recently been launched. "Created and Redeemed" is an eight-week study course designed for small home-based groups, classrooms or large church gatherings. It is presented by US theologian and lay expert on the subject, Christopher West. Having already produced several successful books and talks on John Paul II's inspired insights into marriage, sexuality and God's intended purposes for His creation of male and female, West presents the ideas of the late Pope in a deeply grounded, yet easy to understand style. His clear comprehension and obvious passion for the subject provides participants with an entertaining, enlightening and often surprising presentation of John Paul Irs enlightened understanding. Weigel's prophetic words are already coming to fruition as more and more people are being exposed to the perceptions of the late Pope. The "Created and Redeemed" study group series is designed to accelerate this Godinspired revolution by providing a true understanding of the Catholic Church's teachings on human sexuality and countering the misunderstandings of the past. It aims to release people from the false perception that the Church views sexuality in a negative light and presents it, on the contrary, as one of God's most beautiful, joyful and liberating gifts to humanity. West is able to translate the wisdom of John Paul II into a format that is suitable both as an introductory course and for those who want to explore the Theology of the Body
The series is NOW AVAILABLE from The Record
Needed: The Created and Redeemed series has much to offer community groups.
Created and Redeemed Series 4 DVD set - $39.95 plus postage 8 CD set - $39.95 plus postage Study Guide - $7.95 plus postage Special: Parish Pack - DVD Set, 20 Study Guides, 2 Posters, postage and handling - $160.00 Contact Cathy on 9227 7080 for orders.
more deeply. The series, available on DVD or CD, is accompanied by a comprehensive study guide, which provides questions and direction to enhance group discussion. The course kit provides guidelines and tips for advertising as well as planning and practical considerations. 1995 Encyclical Letter, In John Paul
Evangelium Vitae, he states: "It is an illusion to think that we can build a true culture of human life if we do not accept and experience sexuality and love and the whole of life according to their true meaning and their close inter-connection." The "Created and Redeemed" course aims to present this true meaning.
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study by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology has confirmed the effectiveness of the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning. A sample of 900 women contributed 17,638 cycles to the study for analysis. The study calculated the effectiveness of the sympto-thermal method for both perfect and imperfect use. It was found that of those couples who followed the guidelines and abstained during the fertile time, the unintended pregnancy rate was 0.4 per cent. The overall use-effectiveness of the method across all couples was a pregnancy rate of 1.8 per cent after 13 cycles. Derek Boylen, Director of the Archdiocese of Perth's Natural Fertility Services, said that the research was welcome news to couples using this method of family planning and wishing to avoid pregnancy. "Ninety-eight point two per cent effectiveness is very comparable to most available forms of contraception. The sympto-thermal method is a healthy, natural and effective approach to family planning," he said. Mr Boylen also emphasised that research has shown the sympto-thermal method is highly effective for couples wishing to achieve pregnancy. The sympto-thermal method of natural family planning uses two indicators of the fertile time in a woman's cycle: a change in the woman's cervical secretions indicating the beginning of the fertile phase and a rise in the body's basal temperature indicating the end. Couples who have learnt the method from an accredited instructor can monitor their fertile times in order to achieve or avoid pregnancy. Natural family planning is the only approach to family planning approved by the Church. The study also found that of the couples studied only 9.2 per cent discontinued with the method due to dissatisfaction. Couples in Perth wishing to learn the symptothermal method should contact Perth's diocesan agency Natural Fertility Services on: (08) 9223 13%.
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