North Central Region Hospitaller: Maria Randazzo DMG
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n 2018, the service in North Central Region progressed well in terms of consolidation of its activities and consistency in practising the Order’s charisma Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum. It also saw the opening of new opportunities and collaborations with some of the charitable and Catholic organisations present in the Northern Territory.
Catholic Advocacy Service Throughout 2018, we have been dealing with new advocacy cases, mostly involving administrative assistance to disadvantaged individuals and single mothers. In addition, we have consistently provided advocacy support for a ‘Capacity Building’ approach to the current development work of the Indigenous ministries within Central Australian Parishes. The Capacity Building approach is aimed at facilitating grass roots community development that empowers and supports our Indigenous brothers and sisters in their endeavours to take action, bring about change, and improve their standard of living. The proposed approach is framed within a social justice framework. It enhances human and social capital by building local capacities in cultural, intellectual, organisational,
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social, political, and economic projects that achieve practical sustainable outcomes for Indigenous families. This model provides an intergenerational, multi-dimensional, culturally oriented local response to implement action and change. Coats, Blankets, and Rosary Kits in Central Australia The distribution of coats, blankets, Rosary kits and Holy Water from Lourdes has been carried out in Central Australia, specifically in Alice Springs and Santa Teresa (also known as the Ltyentye Apurte Community, located about 80 kilometres south-east of Alice Springs). Alice Springs and Santa Teresa are becoming one of the focal points of service for the Northern Central Region of the Order Of Malta. The distribution has been realised by the members, with the assistance of a few local volunteers. Father Raass (the parish priest of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Alice Springs), Sister Wiemers and Fr Prakash (Santa Teresa parish) have greatly facilitated the distribution by coordinating and providing storage of the goods to be donated. This year, the distribution has targeted predominantly Indigenous people of the Arrernte Community, the traditional owners of country, east of and around Alice Springs.
Donations In the past year we have donated furniture to St Vincent de Paul for needy families and assisted with the preparation and distribution of Christmas hampers for the needy. The yearly donation of Massbooks to Mother Teresa Primary School in Palmerston has been coordinated with the Northern Territory Catholic Education Office. Annual Mass and Retreat Our yearly Mass and retreat was held in Alice Springs from 8 to 9 September 2018. Father Raass celebrated Mass and led the retreat, assisted by our Chaplain Father Malcolm Fyfe. After the retreat, the members visited the White Gate Camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs and were warmly welcomed by a number of the residents. On this occasion, more coats and blankets were distributed. The members also visited Santa Teresa, where they met some members of the Indigenous community for morning tea. It was a grace-filled time for exploring further ways to assist the Arrernte People and to engage more volunteers in Central Australia. Finally, we were privileged and honoured to be invited for a guided ‘walk through country’ at Heavitree Gap, and to participate in a smoking ceremony welcoming us to country.
2018 Australian Hospitaller
