Broken Bay News April 2019

Preparing for our journey to Easter Catholic Parish of Epping and Carlingford – a community of faith and discipleship The Plenary Council in such a time as this

BROKEN BAY NEWS PUBLICATION OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY

APRIL 2019

ISSUE 199

NEWS AND ISSUES

Fire in the Ash Many years ago, amongst the Wurrundjerri people in Victoria, as it was most likely was with other Aboriginal peoples, it was the sacred task of the women in the tribe during the grey, wet winter months to carry the fire.

BY FR DAVID RANSON

F

ire meant life. In the drizzle and the damp of the winter months, it was, of course, not possible to start fires at every new camp-site.

The fire had to be carried. This was achieved by maintaining hot coals in shell cones bartered from the coastal people, like the Bunnarong. Upon setting up camp, the coals could be enflamed into life. It is not difficult to imagine what a vital and important duty it was to carry those shells with the coals inside them, carefully and with a great sense of responsibility.

At times, those coals must have looked like nothing but ash. The challenge to breathe life into the embers must have seemed almost impossible. We can imagine the anxious hope those women must have experienced as they looked for the tiniest spark that could be coaxed into a glow and then into a fire so that their family and kin might have light and warmth and sustenance.

The ashes that marked the beginning of Lent this year, the charcoal that we are placed on our head on Ash

2 APRIL 2019

Wednesday, were surely the sign of how most of us felt in the wake of the disturbing events when such a senior figure of our Church as Cardinal Pell was found guilty of sexual assault by a court jury. This development has turned our own confidence into ash.

We have been left with the ash of fear, the ash of anger and bitterness, the ash of resentment and regret, the ash of hurt and pain, the ash of shame, the ash of loneliness. We have been burnt, perhaps even scorched.

We feel the desolation of the bush after a mighty fire has raged through it, and all seems lost, pointless, in the aftermath. We are left dazed, confused, wondering how on earth can anything be rebuilt. And do we even want to?

Yet, Christian discipleship by its very invitation strips us of our pretences, and our illusions, and our defences, so that we might live with hearts more open in a self-giving to one another.

As the German martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, the call of Jesus when he encounters us is, “Come and die.” We die to something in order to

We are to stand before the desolation of the fire that has ravaged our hopes and our confidence, and to wonder at how we might rebuild. rise to something. We cannot follow Jesus without being prepared to die.

Something must die if we are to follow him. And what must die? What must die is a life lived in the “illusion of self-sufficiency,” to quote from Pope Benedict several years ago. What must die is a life that is guarded, defended, self-protected. What must die is a life enclosed in on itself, a life that places self-preservation and selfpromotion as the means to happiness.

In the way of Jesus, happiness can only be achieved when we forget about ourselves – even for a moment

– yes, even when, and especially when, everything would have us turn inside ourselves and enclose ourselves in protection and defence – and when we become alive to the needs of the one who stands before me. Our future lies in the freedom to be able to listen to another, and the freedom to give myself to others.

Freedom is never the experience of freedom from something. Christian freedom is always a freedom for something – ultimately the freedom to be able truly to love, and to be able to continue to make those decisions to love, to hope, and to trust even in

NEWS AND ISSUES the face of all that would threaten to negate such choices. In so doing, we turn away from the places of captivity in our life and turn towards the places which liberate our hearts.

We turn from what holds us in the grip of fear and stretch out to the horizon of possibility; we turn from the somnolence that covers our days like a pall and we awaken to fresh energy and purposefulness. We say ‘no’ to that which leads us into the pain of isolation and say ‘yes’ to that which offers the prospect of communion with others. We turn from death to life.

This is a pathway into vulnerability and through our vulnerability into a radical hospitality to one another.

For it is when our vulnerability has become a place of hospitality then we have entered the saving mystery of Jesus’ life and mission. This is such a paradox at the centre of the Christian perspective. It is such a difficult prospect, as difficult as taking up a cross upon our shoulders and dying.

We are, therefore, not simply to wallow in our ashes. We are to stand

before the desolation of the fire that has ravaged our hopes and our confidence, and to wonder at how we might rebuild. It is a time to sift through the ash to look for the spark of fire which is still there. We look for the coal that is still warm, that still contains the glow. Where is the spark that still glows amidst the ashes?

How do we keep breathing life into this glowing coal, so that from it many fires can yet still be sparked? That spark of fire is our hope, our desire to keep moving forward, what remains of our dream, our trust, our courage, our faith. We are to retrieve this spark and to kindle it anew. That coal we protect, we keep working with until it springs a flame; we fan it.

We are guardians of a dream still burning within the coals we carry. The dream of Jesus of Nazareth – fire for our world, purifying and warming fire.

A dream nurtured and maintained by our constant vigilance over it; its coal kept burning by our attentiveness to its promise. But just as coals won’t keep alight on their own, we

can never presume the vitality of this dream we nurse. Sometimes, painfully and all too late, we discover that the maintenance of the hot coals requires that we must sacrifice all that would make us forget them. This is the invitation of the Spirit given to us in such dramatic fashion in the face of our shock and distress at recent events and our community’s reaction to them.

If we can enter this invitation, then the flame which bursts forth on Easter

night has profound meaning for us.

It is the sign of the fire rekindled from the ashes in our life: The Fire of the Risen Christ which, even as the shadows encircle it, no darkness can extinguish. We will need that Fire as we move through the subsequent winters of our life as a community of Catholic Faith to warm and sustain us.

May those women of ancient years in our land teach us in our own time of Lent our responsibility and our possibility.

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BROKEN BAY NEWS

APRIL 2019 3

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

A long and lucky priestly journey for Fr Denis Callahan Having just celebrated his 90th birthday in January, Fr Denis Callahan says he is now the oldest priest in the Diocese of Broken Bay and while he’s slowed down a lot, he is able to look back at a long priestly life with gratitude.

BY DEBRA VERMEER

“T

here’s not much advantage in being the oldest priest in the Diocese. It’s not much to skite about,” he laughs softly.

“But I can look back and thank God for it all, because while there have been lots of downs, like anyone has, there are many, many more ups.”

Fr Denis was born in South Strathfield in 1929, the second of four children, of which he was the only boy. In 1940, the family moved to Epping and two years later, when the young Denis was only 13, he left the family home to enter the minor seminary at St Columba’s, Springwood.

“It was basically a secondary school,” he says.

He did his Intermediate and Leaving Certificates there before taking up his seminary studies for the priesthood.

“I did know from a young age that I wanted to be a priest,” he says.

“I can’t point to any specific thing. I didn’t get an apparition from the Lord or anything like that, but even at that young age, I felt that was what God wanted for me.

“A great number of the boys who entered the minor seminary with me didn’t continue, but a few in our class did, and we went through and got ordained in 1952. There were 18 in our class and I’m the only one left.”

Fr Denis’ first appointment after being ordained was at Brighton-Le-Sands, where he stayed for a couple of months. After that, he was in Clovelly Parish for four years.

“(Bishop Emeritus of Broken Bay) David Walker was my altar boy,” he says.

Appointments at Granville, Hurstville and Blackheath followed before Fr Denis arrived at St Agatha’s Parish, Pennant Hills in 1979.

“I was there for 19 years and I built the church there,” he says.

Fr Denis’ final parish was Berowra, where he served for five years until he retired as Parish Priest in his Golden Jubilee year.

“After that, I was able for quite a few years to do supply work for priests who were away on holidays or sabbatical or who were ill or something,” he says.

“I went all over the place doing that, to places like Cobar and Hobart and lots of different places, sometimes for a month or two.

“It was quite good to travel around and get the experience without having to pay the bills and do all the administrative tasks that a parish priest has.”

In more recent years, Fr Denis had a unit at Normanhurst and would celebrate Mass each weekend locally until skin cancers and problems with his legs meant he could no longer stand for long enough to say Mass and more frequent hospitalisations led him to require nursing home care.

Fr Denis currently lives at McQuoin Park in Wahroonga, where he says he is receiving excellent care.

Looking back on his priestly life, Fr Denis says he is thankful for the people whose lives he has been a part of along the way…

“We have Mass here a couple of times a week on Wednesday and Sunday. The Cathedral priests look after us,” he says.

He celebrated his 90th birthday with a visit to the dentist, but after that was out of the way, he was treated to a birthday gathering at McQuoin Park with a cake and a few drinks and about 12 or 14 guests.

“It was pretty quiet, but very nice. It was good,” he says.

Looking back on his priestly life, Fr Denis says he is thankful for the people whose lives he has been a part of along the way, as well as the support and friendship of his priest friends.

“I always thought that if the Lord called me and gave me a chance to be a priest, it was a matter of trying to be Him to the people,” he says.

“I felt it was not so much to tell people what to do, but to walk with them. It was about being part of God’s people and we all walk together.”

Some of the parishioners Fr Denis has walked with over the years are still part of his life, sending cards and making phone calls to him on his birthday, as well as visiting him on a regular basis.

“I’ve had a marvellous support system from families over the years,” he says.

“I also had a lot of support from a group of my classmates from the seminary. There were four of us and we would meet on Mondays for many years.

It started off that we would play tennis, and then we turned to squash, and we would go to McDonalds for dinner and talk things over.

“Finally, we got too old to play squash, but we kept up the meetings and went on holidays together. We were very, very close and we supported each other.

“I’ve been lucky.”

4 APRIL 2019

Exploring our missionary outreach

NEIGHBOURHOODS OF GRACE

Catholic Parish of Epping and Carlingford

Developing a community of faith and discipleship The Catholic Parish of Epping and Carlingford has big plans for development, both in terms of its physical surroundings and growth in faith and discipleship.

BY DEBRA VERMEER

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he Parish, which was formed in 2007 when the parishes of Our Lady Help of Christians, Epping and St Gerard Majella’s, Carlingford came together, is rich in history, with the Epping community celebrating its centenary in 2016 and the Carlingford community over 50 years old.

And the future is looking exciting too, with plans submitted for a major development on the Epping site.

Parish Priest, Fr Peter Dowd, who is assisted by Fr Joey Frez, says the NSW Government’s 2013 decision to create urban precincts for higher development led the Parish “into discernment and discussion” about the future of the Epping site.

“From that discernment and widespread consultation, which included six parish forums, we entered into a partnership with Stockland, with the involvement of the Diocese and the Catholic Education Office,” Fr Peter says.

That partnership will see the heritage-listed Church retained, but everything else on the site demolished to make way for a big underground carpark, a new school, a new hall, parish offices, an aged care facility, and retirement living in two towers.

“What we’re trying to do is not just provide for our assets for the future, which is certainly part of it, BROKEN BAY NEWS

but we’re trying to reach out and assist the wider Church and the local community,” Fr Peter says.

“This development means we’ll be able to have an open area with green space facing out onto the street, providing a real spiritual and physical oasis for people. There will be a community garden, a piazza area where people can sit down and have lunch and we will open the hall up for community use too.

“It will mean that in the midst of all the concrete, we’ll be creating a place where people can be more in touch with their inner life, their spirituality, and come and be refreshed.”

In amongst those plans, which are currently before Council, Fr Peter says the Parish has also remained focused on how it is growing as a parish community.

“Through the Parish Pastoral Council, we have developed a Parish Pastoral Plan which looks at the question of how we become missionary disciples,” he says.

“And in that plan we identified three core elements, which are: hospitality, building relationships and ministries, as well as deepening our faith.”

Drawing on Canadian priest Fr James Mallon’s book Divine Renovation, the Parish introduced the ALPHA program in the Catholic context.

“This is our third year running ALPHA and we’ve had more than 300 parishioners be a part of it,” Fr Peter says.

“It involves coming together once a week over 10 weeks to share a meal, watch top quality video presentations on the Christian faith, share thoughts and take part in reflection.

Fr Peter says the Parish is now exploring moving into the next phase, which is to form small groups, called Connect Groups to evangelise, support one another in faith and build relationships.

Hospitality is strongly emphasised across the Parish, with a growing Greeting Ministry, as well as morning teas and opportunities for people to come together.

“We have a huge number of new people coming into the Parish,” Fr Peter says. “There has been a big sociological change in the area, with the Parish becoming very strongly multicultural in a relatively short period of time. The question for us is, how do we connect with these people?”

The three-year plan for Building Missionary Disciples within the Parish is almost half-way there and Fr Peter says part of its success is recognising the importance of building up the parish staff.

As part of that process, Denis McNamara has been employed as Missionary Discipleship Coordinator.

APRIL 2019 5

NEIGHBOURHOODS OF GRACE

Exploring our missionary outreach

The Parish has also launched a new website and has a presence on Facebook to improve communication.

At the heart of the Parish are its two schools, St Gerard’s Catholic School at Carlingford and Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic School at Epping.

“I do think engagement with our young people is so important,” Fr Peter says. “When I celebrate school Masses, I try to take one thing with me as an object for them to focus on, which helps them to take that key Gospel message of the day with them.”

Principal of St Gerard’s, Barbara Yee, says it is clear that Fr Peter’s methods are working.

“I think Fr Peter is an amazing pastor for young people and for all our people, including our families,” she says.

“The homily he delivered at our opening Mass this year about teamwork, which he illustrated by bringing a suitcase full of bricks, was really powerful and the children took it on board and understood the concept he was getting across. It’s remarkable how he makes every child feel he’s talking to them in their language.”

6 APRIL 2019

Mrs Yee, who has just started as Principal at St Gerard’s this year, says she has already noticed the strong relationship between school and parish.

“I’ve been very welcomed,” she says. “I’m just really looking forward to continuing what has always been a very strong relationship between the school and parish.”

Principal of Our Lady Help of Christians, Dominique O’Sullivan, says the parish and school have a very warm and reciprocal partnership.

“A great highlight for students, parents and staff are Fr Peter’s homilies. They are always so creative and inspiring – we’ve had suitcases, Harry Potter and even takeaway pizzas – props and all! Just delightful for our primary-aged students.

“Also, each term Fr Peter or Fr Joey celebrate Mass with different students in their classroom. Many of the parents also attend. There is a real sense of relationship and connectedness in these small Eucharistic celebrations. It is very much about partnership at OLHC.” With seven Masses celebrated across the Parish

each weekend, Fr Peter says there is a wide spread of age groups, with a noticeable rise in the number of young families coming to Mass as they move into the area.

Young people are served by the Antioch program, which Fr Peter says is bearing great fruit.

“In fact, we recently had our Parish Antioch Weekend here with 30 young people aged from 17-22. It was a great success,” he says.

“It works because it is youth ministering to youth, featuring talks in which the young people share their stories of faith and life and their personal relationship with Jesus.

“The young people are also mentored by other parishioners, and so you have sharing there as well.”

The Antioch group meets every Sunday evening and is responsible for providing music for two of the Vigil Masses at St Gerard’s each month. They also take part in the Stations of the Cross each Good Friday.

When it comes to the elderly, Fr Peter and Fr Joey

Exploring our missionary outreach

celebrate Mass at the local nursing homes once a month and parishioners lead regular Communion and prayer services. There is also a Healing Mass in both churches each month, followed by morning tea.

Relationships in the Parish are also nourished by Family Groups, some of which have been operating for 30 or 40 years.

When it comes to community outreach, the Catholic Parish of Epping and Carlingford has strong connections with the women at Silverwater Prison, thanks to Margaret Wiseman, a parishioner, who is also a prison chaplain.

“Every Christmas, our parishioners take part in the Angel Tree program, where they provide gifts for the children of prisoners. Our Prison Support Group also visits prisoners,” Fr Peter says.

Other social justice initiatives include support for Jesuit Refugee Support Services and parishioners also continue to provide support for asylum seekers waiting for their refugee status to be determined.

The Parish has a St Vincent de Paul conference at both Epping and Carlingford and a huge Christmas

BROKEN BAY NEWS

hamper was organised last year at Carlingford, thanks to the generosity of parishioners.

Devotions in the Parish include Rosary groups, a Divine Mercy group, and there is weekly Benediction and prayer for vocations at Epping, while at Carlingford the Rosary is prayed for vocations once a month before the Vigil Mass and there is monthly Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

A committed team of catechists shares the faith with Catholic students in the six State primary schools and three State high schools within the Parish, while for all young parishioners, the Parish Sacramental Program takes the form of small groups, where parents are involved with their children over a 4-week period.

At St Gerard’s, dads are invited to come together every first Friday night of the month for Dads’ Club.

“It’s a great night,” says Fr Peter. “Very simple – the footy is on, there’s a darts board up, there are a few drinks and a meat raffle, and the men get together and talk. They also support various charities within the community and they look after the mowing at St Gerard’s. It’s a great way for them to connect.”

NEIGHBOURHOODS OF GRACE

A vibrant ecumenical relationship is encapsulated in a unique covenant relationship with five of the Christian churches in the area.

“We renew the covenant at Pentecost every year,” Fr Peter says. “Then during Lent we meet over five weeks every Tuesday night in one of those five churches and one of the ministers or priests will preach in each other’s church. A couple of times a year we also break open the Word in each other’s churches.

“We gather at Advent and at Christmas for Carols in the Park, and our Parish Councils meet annually and have dinner together afterwards, sharing what we are each doing in our faith communities.”

Fr Peter says the parishioners have embraced the Plenary Council process and have been keen to share their views.

“People have been very articulate and passionate about how they feel, but they’ve taken part in a very respectful way. We hope this process will help inform our overall efforts to encourage growth as missionary disciples.”

APRIL 2019 7

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Special Religious Education

A Mission of the Church Every week in the Diocese of Broken Bay almost 900 catechists teach Special Religious Education (SRE) to Catholic children who attend public schools across the Diocese.

BY ALISON NEWELL, CCD DIOCESAN COORDINATOR

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arish catechists are the face of Christ and of our parish communities to these children, whose parents have made the choice for them to be educated in the faith of their families during school time. The NSW Education Act, 1990 provides parents with this important right.

The ministry of Special Religious Education in parishes is an integral dimension and expression of parish evangelisation. Catechists who teach SRE in public schools embody their Catholic faith as they witness the love of Christ to the children and young people they teach.

Over the past few years, the public rhetoric regarding religious education in Government schools has raised discussion around the merit of SRE and its place in public education. As a result, several studies have been conducted to assess the value of religious education in our pluralistic society.

One recent study has upheld that 84 per cent of Australians believe that our Christian heritage has been influential in shaping the values that we teach children. The McCrindle Research report (cf. ‘Survey of values, education and faith in Australia’, 2018) further revealed that almost all Australians believe it is important to teach values to our school students. This highlights the important place of SRE in our State as a choice that parents can make within the public system.

A more recent study conducted

by Professor Zehavit Gross and Professor Emerita Suzanne D. Rutland OAM concluded that SRE is an ‘important part of the rich tapestry of contemporary Australian society’ (cf.

‘Study of Special Religious Education

8 APRIL 2019

and its Value to Contemporary Society’, 2018). More importantly though for students, the study identified several benefits to children and young people provided through the provision of SRE. These include: • psychological benefits to students’ mental health and wellbeing • strengthening of the multicultural fabric of public schools • the creation of safe places for students to explore deeper questions of faith and belief • an effective values education which empowers students in their decision making.

In highlighting the benefits of religious education to children and young people, the research validates the work done by nearly 5000 Catholic SRE teachers (catechists) and another 5000 SRE teachers of other denominations and faiths in public schools across NSW and the ACT. The NSW Department of Education respects the rights of parents to choose religious education for their children. Following the publication of an Independent Review of SRE in April 2016, the Department stated: “The review acknowledges that the policy and legal framework supporting freedom of religion and conscience in NSW public schools since 1848 will be maintained.”

The United Nations also recognises the right to freedom of religion, a freedom that Special Religious Education embodies. Indeed, in a report to the General Assembly in October 2015, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of

Catechists who teach SRE in public schools embody their Catholic faith as they witness the love of Christ to the children and young people they teach. religion or belief, Heiner Bielefeldt, called on all Governments represented at the UN General Assembly “to respect religious practices by children and their families and support families in fulfilling their role in providing an enabling environment for the realisation of the rights of the child…

The rights of parents to freedom of religion or belief include their rights to educate their children according to their own conviction and to introduce their children to religious initiation rites.”

In the Diocese of Broken Bay, we are grateful for the ministry of hundreds of parish catechists who provide this opportunity to families and parents in our midst.

We live in an era in which numerous external factors affect children and young people of primary and high school age, many fuelled by social media. The Catholic Church applauds the SRE program which offers children and young people the opportunity to discover, explore and raise questions about their beliefs in a safe and supportive environment.

Religious affiliation forms part of the identity of our children and families and SRE supports the proclamation and living of Catholic faith within a pluralistic and diverse community in NSW. SRE is a vital ministry in the life of every parish in our Diocese.

In responding to their Baptismal call to holiness, catechists bring a message of joy and hope to Catholic children and young people through their proclamation and their witness.

A recent trend in our Diocese has seen an increase in the number of youth and young adults teaching in SRE classrooms. They have joined hundreds of catechists of all ages and backgrounds who faithfully bring the Good News to the Catholic children of our parishes who attend public schools.

If you would like to find out more about the Ministry of SRE or becoming a catechist volunteer, please contact Alison Newell, CCD Diocesan Coordinator, on 02 8379 1637 or 0419 123 096 or email alison.newell@bbcatholic.org.au

NEWS AND ISSUES

Independent Safeguarding Panels appointed in Broken Bay In September 2018, the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay officially launched its Diocesan Office for Safeguarding, an initiative commenced under the leadership of former Bishop, Most Rev Peter A Comensoli.

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his significant development marked the first stage of a new structure for the safeguarding of children and those who are vulnerable within the Diocesan community, drawing together the valuable work being done in safeguarding, child protection and professional standards across Chancery, Parishes, Catholic Schools and CatholicCare Broken Bay. “As a Diocese, we are committed to a practice of leadership which is inclusive and professional, and which strives for a healthy culture of responsibility, accountability and transparency,” said Fr David Ranson, Diocesan Administrator.

“An essential element, particularly in the areas of accountability and transparency, is the engagement of independent expertise. To this purpose I am very pleased to announce, on behalf of the Diocese, the appointment of two independent Panels: The Diocesan Safeguarding Strategic Advisory Panel and the Diocesan Safeguarding Panel of Review which will commence operation from March 2019.”

Comprising seven members, and under the Chairmanship of Mr Garth Blake AM SC (Barrister, Senior Counsel and member of the Safe Church Network of the National Council of Churches), the Diocesan Safeguarding Strategic Advisory Panel, will bring national and international policy and best practice advice to Diocesan endeavours.

Fellow members include Professor Darryl Higgins (Director of the Institute for Child Protection Studies (ACU), Professor Ilan Katz (Researcher Social Policy Research Centre UNSW), Sr Maree Marsh csb (Member of the Truth Justice and Healing Council and co-Chair of Kildare Ministries), Ms Lyn Ainsworth (Executive Director of CatholicCare, Diocese of Broken Bay) and Mr Peter Hamill (Director, Catholic Schools Office Broken Bay).

BROKEN BAY NEWS

Director for the Diocesan Office for Safeguarding, Ms Jodie Crisafulli will also be present on both Panels.

The Diocesan Safeguarding Strategic Advisory Panel met for the first time on Friday 1 March 2019 and will meet quarterly each year.

Our Diocesan Safeguarding commitment will also be informed by the Diocesan Safeguarding Review Panel, comprising five members, which will provide independent evaluation of the redress the Diocese seeks to provide to those who have suffered abuse. Membership is drawn from expertise in the areas of canon law; family law; social work – particularly with children and families; trauma management and counselling; and healing and support for survivors of abuse.

For further information regarding Safeguarding in the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay please visit: https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/ our-faith/safeguarding

Diocesan Safeguarding Strategic Advisory Panel: Back Row (l-r): Daryl Higgins, Ilan Katz, Fr David Ranson, Garth Blake, Peter Hamill. Front Row (l-r): Sr Maree Marsh csb, Jodie Crisafulli, Lyn Ainsworth

For anyone who has suffered abuse and is seeking counselling, support or advice, please contact: • Lifeline – 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14 • Relationships Australia NSW – family, relationship and specialised counselling on 1800 052 674 or 1300 364 277 • Knowmore – independent service providing legal advice and information on options about compensation, redress and other legal issues relating to institutional child sexual abuse 1800 605 762

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APRIL 2019 9

PLENARY COUNCIL 2020 CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY

The Plenary Council in such a time as this The recent conviction of Cardinal Pell and the social reaction that followed have brought the Church in Australia into deep shame and disrepute. It has impacted upon many people, each person in different and complex ways.

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here is the ongoing pain of survivors, their loved ones and connected communities.

There is the intensified disillusionment of those who have disengaged from the Church’s life. There is the anger, struggle of ongoing affiliation, and a search for consolation and hope on the part of many who remain. At this time the experience of the Church can be one of intense burden rather than of a life that invites to be lived.

As we bring to our heart the suffering of those who have been abused within the Church, and recognise the anguish of many others at this time, our faith moves us towards solidarity and to the conversion of distorted relationships, situations and institutions at the centre of this intergenerational crisis.

As averred by the theologian Metz, our Christian solidarity with those hurt is not to be confused with mere sympathy for it provokes us towards our own active and personal transformation, a willingness to ‘suffer the sufferings of others’ and thereby open a new possibility of communion that is the seed of hope.

As Pope Francis has shared, it is the ongoing conversion of the Church to God’s mission that provides a light and way forward even in these most

BY DANIEL ANG difficult of times. Our hope and future cannot be found outside our need for God and our repentance for the ways in which our Church has failed to be faithful to its call. This call is no less than to manifest the Kingdom of God in the world, the abundance of God’s unfailing love marked by justice, mercy and care, especially for ‘the least of these’. It is this mission into which we are each baptised as Christians and which we each pursue according to the specific conditions of our life and vocation – as lay men and women, in marriage and family life, as vowed religious and by the promises of the ordained.

I also believe our shared or corporate discernment of God’s mission is critical to this conversion. This is because the culture of our Church – its relationships, world of ideas and social reality – is larger than any one of us.

Providentially, the Church in Australia has committed itself to the path of a Plenary Council as an opportunity and challenge to ask what it means as a Catholic community to live the life and mission of Jesus in contemporary Australian society. The Plenary Council matters because it is a gathering for the purpose of

What has been palpable in the hundreds of listening and dialogue sessions held over this past year is a willingness among the People of God to confront the new realities and changing circumstances in which we live Catholic faith today… decision, and decision is needed in such a time as this. Just as the individual believer must do, so too the Church as a whole must commit itself to the act of discernment. The Council commits us to attend to the signs of our times in the light of our faith, to cast off ecclesial blindness in the face of reality, and to listen and to recognise anew the initiative of God amidst our fragility. It is only in a spirit of humility that our community can recover its identity and mission as a sign of hope for the world, listening to the bidding of the Holy Spirit who

reveals us to ourselves, as a sign and presence of Christ with a future that must be transfigured by a sinful and shameful past.

Throughout 2019 the Plenary Council process will accelerate with the collation and analysis of responses from across Australia, including the voices of some 10,000 people from our own Diocese of Broken Bay. National working groups will soon be formed and papers developed for discussion by delegates at the first session of the Council in October 2020 (see opposite for more details).

What has been palpable in the hundreds of listening and dialogue sessions held over this past year is a willingness among the People of God to confront the new realities and changing circumstances in which we live Catholic faith today and to seek fresh expressions of Christian life and new roads for evangelisation and outreach patterned on the life and mission of Jesus.

Discernment is the way we truly live as Christians in a changing world – that which keeps us from simply mimicking the past and which will enable us to see the new future invited by God.

10 APRIL 2019

BAY

The Plenary Council Journey in 2019

6

Ash Wednesday marked the close of the Listening and Dialogue stage.

Pentecost marks the launch of the next stage of preparation – Listening and Discernment – with the themes for national discernment announced.

March

April May

9

National Centre for Pastoral Research collates and analyses all responses.

A draft preliminary National Report is developed, with emergent themes for the Plenary Council identified.

June

June

Applications and selection of Working Group Chairs and members, with one working group per theme developing Council papers for discussion at the first session of the Plenary Council.

July First meeting of Working Groups and local small group discernment to begin.

Sept Nominations open for the lay delegates of the Plenary Council 2020.

October National Centre for Pastoral Research will publish Diocesan qualitative reports.

April 2020 4-11

The First Session of Plenary Council 2020 will be held in Adelaide on October 4th – 11th, 2020.

At Easter, draft Plenary Council papers discerned by the Working Group become available for download and discussion.

Oct 2020

May 2021

The second session of the Plenary Council will be held in Sydney.

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Unlocking Church Renewal In Relationship with One Another As we continue this series on parish renewal, we focus on the centrality of welcome and hospitality.

BY TANIA RIMAC

W

hen people enter our church, we are gifted the opportunity to welcome them in a way to make them feel special and that they belong. We reflect the way that God feels about them – they are loved, and they matter.

In a particular way for first-time guests, we are given only one opportunity to make a good impression. When people encountered Jesus, as shared by the Gospels, he was fully present to them and acknowledged them with love. We too are called to offer this type of hospitality, recognising and acknowledging Christ in everyone; we become the conduit of God’s grace i.

Jesus instructs us “In truth I tell you, in so far as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these, you neglected to do it to me” (Matthew 25:45). The foundation of any parish renewal today will ultimately be relational, person-to-person, therefore hospitality is key.

Many churches do offer a warm welcome in the form of welcomers who greet guests and offer a bulletin at the front door. Hospitality, however, can encompass much more, and in our current day where people want to experience a sense of belonging in order to stay, hospitality becomes an essential consideration.

A perception can be that hospitality is the responsibility of the priest, parish staff and welcomers.

However, this is not the case. The responsibility lies with all those who are baptised in the name of Christ.

This realisation calls for a shift in culture and requires us to foster new ways of practicing hospitality

12 APRIL 2019

which will nurture a warm and welcoming environment for all entering the church.

Our Catholic culture can emphasise private and personal faith, rather than the communal, and this can translate into the way we approach Mass. We come together as a community at Mass, brothers and sisters in Christ, but even though we are surrounded by many, we can tend to focus on private prayer, and not readily engage with others. This can inadvertently mean that people who are regulars or those who are new or visiting can feel isolated and alienated.

When we understand that we are all responsible for hospitality, we can take practical actions that can start to shape a new culture. As parishioners we start to see ourselves as hosts ready to welcome all those that come to our parish. Emerging models of hospitality in the Catholic sphere encourage layers of welcome ii.

Parishioners and guests alike should experience hospitality from the street to the seat iii; being greeted from the carpark to the church grounds to the door, inside the church and then greeted by people in the pews. Warm welcomes accompanied by genuine smiles and eye contact are simple ways that can be transformational for the people and culture of a parish.

Whilst sitting in the pew, introduce yourself to the people next to you; ask their name and use their name when offering the sign of peace. Ask if they attend Mass regularly or if they are a guest in your parish. Never assume they are Catholic and try to have an eye for those who are not Catholic or those who do not attend regularly. Go out of your way to make them feel

It is every person’s responsibility to meet Christ in each person and make them comfortable and welcome in our Church. welcome by offering them hospitality; tell them how happy you are that they have joined you and how welcome they are.

We should be mindful that there are always guests amongst us. At different times of the year there will be more guests than other times; this includes times such as Ash Wednesday, Easter, Christmas and Sacramental celebrations. It is every person’s responsibility to meet Christ in each person and make them comfortable and welcome in our Church. Some questions to address would be whether we are making the liturgy easy to follow for newcomers, and if there are easily identifiable people that can help them should they have any questions. A manned welcome desk, for example, can be helpful to those who are new.

We are all called to offer that extra warm, radical hospitality. It requires small changes yet offers extensive

transformation individually and collectively. Understanding the role that we can play and how we intrinsically affect the lives and experience of others is key. We encounter people as representatives of Christ. We want them to leave with the feeling that what they have experienced is a welcoming and authentic community, for which they want to come back and to which they want to belong. We are offering them Jesus and His Church, and they belong.

Two challenges: • At Mass introduce yourself to the person next to you in the pew and find out whether they are a guest or long-time parishioner.

• Identify some key areas of hospitality that you could participate in within the parish.

Consider forming or joining a hospitality team with an emphasis on ‘layers of hospitality’.

i The Rebuilt Parish Podcast: Episode 18 – Creating a Culture of Hospitality (Part 1); 1 Dec 2018 ii The Rebuilt Parish Podcast: Episode 19 – Creating a Culture of Hospitality (Part 2); 1 Jan 2019 iii Divine Renovation Podcast: From Street to Seat with Melanie Smollen; 5 March 2019

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Korean Catholic Community welcomes new Chaplain In January, the Diocese of Broken Bay welcomed Fr Simon Park as the new Chaplain for our Korean Catholic Community, replacing Fr Thomas Lee who has returned to South Korea.

Fr Simon comes from the Incheon Diocese in South Korea with whom the Diocese of Broken Bay has a special partnership.

His last appointment was as the Chaplain at Incheon Airport, where his day included saying Mass in the airport chapel, blessing tourists and visiting Catholic staff at the airport. He was at the airport for four years, and enjoyed the position very much, even though he didn’t get to fly anywhere himself!

Before that, Fr Simon was based in parishes in the Incheon diocese, in four different parishes over four years.

This is Fr Simon’s first time working overseas. When his Bishop in Incheon asked him to move to Australia he was shocked. “I had never thought about working overseas at all,” said Fr Simon. But Bishop John Baptist Jung Shin-Chul explained that because he worked with a lot of foreigners at the airport, he had the experience needed to do an overseas posting such as this.

It was at that moment that the young Simon decided he want to be a priest.

All his life, Simon’s grandmother had prayed that he would become a priest, but never told him her secret wish until after he was ordained in 2011.

Before Simon was baptised, his grandmother had been gravely ill, but after the baptism she got better. And then lived another 33 years. It was like a miracle. She has since passed away, but managed to persuade her daughter-in-law, Fr Simon’s mother, to also convert to Catholicism.

Fr Simon also felt he was always destined to be a priest, as he has a birthmark in the shape of a cross on his torso, although his father thought that meant he would be a soldier.

Fr Simon felt he was marked with a cross for a different reason.

Fr David is currently working with the leadership of the Korean Catholic Community to finalise and implement its Charter approved by Bishop Comensoli, and with the Queen of Peace Normanhurst Community of the Hornsby Cathedral Parish which currently hosts the Korean mission.

Though the new Korean Catholic Chaplaincy will be based at Queen of Peace Normanhurst, Fr Simon notes that “Broken Bay is a large diocese, and I’m looking forward to travelling and meeting all the Korean communities on the North Shore, Northern Beaches and Central Coast.”

Fr Paul Kim, Fr Simon Park and Fr David Ranson

We understand the needs of our community and local families at a time of loss.

Fr Simon was born in Incheon, his father was a mechanic for a car company and his mum was a housekeeper. He has one older brother.

Ann Wilson Funerals has more than 50 years experience in supporting Northern Beaches families in the arrangement of funerals.

Fr Simon’s road to priesthood seems like it was always laid out for him.

When he was a baby, his Protestant mother didn’t want to baptise him Catholic, but wanted him to be Protestant like her. His Catholic father had one son already baptised Catholic, Simon’s older brother, so his mother thought it was only fair.

BROKEN BAY NEWS

With 400-500 people attending Korean Mass on a weekly basis, it is a challenge for the two communities to use the same relatively small site, but Fr David is working with the Administrator of the Parish, Fr Peter DeSouza, and many others, to ensure a spirt of greatest cooperation.

In the Diocese of Broken Bay, Fr Simon will assume the role of pastoral care of our Korean Catholic Community in a special way in the middle of the year when the Diocesan

“The move to Broken Bay was a big change but being amongst the Korean community makes it more comfortable,” said Fr Simon.

His paternal grandmother always wanted Simon to be baptised Catholic and insisted as her dying wish. His mother finally relented and allowed it when he was six years old. It was a foreign priest, Fr Francisco who baptised him.

Administrator, Fr David Ranson will recognise it as its own Chaplaincy with its particular identity. This will fulfil an aspiration initiated by Bishop Peter A Comensoli in early 2016, and progressed by him up until the time of his departure from our Diocese in July 2018.

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r Simon is based at Normanhurst, in the Hornsby Cathedral Parish.

APRIL 2019 13

SUPPORTING WOMEN IN OUR DIOCESE CatholicCare, our social services agency, provides connection, affirmation, a listening ear and an open heart to so many women in our Diocese. Our response is not just a practical one, addressing their material needs. We offer love, compassion, understanding and healing and bring hope to so many, particularly to the most vulnerable.

PROVIDING HOPE TO A YOUNG WOMAN ACCESSING OUR SUPPORTED TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION SERVICE

Our Family Centres – located in Brookvale, Naremburn, Waitara and on the Central Coast in Tuggerah offer wraparound services to women - from counselling and domestic and family violence support, to family dispute resolution and mediation. We also run support groups and parenting and relationship education programs.

Our Family Centres experienced increased demand across all services this year, particularly in the need for domestic and family violence support, reflecting the important role we play in creating better outcomes for women, families, children and young people in our local communities.

HOW WE HELP WOMEN EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE Sarah can tell us a lot about domestic violence. The fear, the pain, the constant covering up and the confusion.

She lived with it for 10 years. Starting off with nasty verbal put-downs and emotional abuse, Geoff gradually began to shut off her finances, control her contact with her friends and harassed her endlessly via messaging and social media every time she went out. She found the courage to leave, but Geoff promised to change so she went back.

He became physically abusive, hitting and threatening her. Sarah contacted our Domestic Violence Response Enhancement (DVRE) service and we visited her that evening, helped her access transitional accommodation and ensured she was safe. Sarah returned to the relationship one more time before calling DVRE herself with a plan to leave the relationship permanently. We worked with Sarah to safely plan her leaving, and helped her access specialist services. Sarah now has secure stable housing, a strong network of professional supports and she feels safe and free from violence.

Please refer to our website for a full list of our services. www.catholiccaredbb.org.au or call (02) 9481 2600.

Snapshot

OF HOW WE SERVED WOMEN IN OUR DIOCESE LAST YEAR

660 FAMILIES

accessed our Family Referral Service.

1950 + CLIENTS

supported by our Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service.

620+ WOMEN & FAMILIES

supported through our Staying Home Leaving Violence & Safe Homes programs.

ART THERAPY GROUP

60+

women living with a disability were supported.

INDIVIDUALS

women and their fiancés provided with marriage preparation classes.

365

DAYS A YEAR CRISIS SUPPORT provided by our Domestic Violence Response Enhancement team to women and children leaving a violent relationship. We helped 344 women in the Northern Suburbs.

Our Family Dispute Resolution services assisted hundreds of separating and divorcing couples to resolve disputes.

PARENTING EDUCATION PROGRAMS

150+

750+

Our chaplains bought spiritual comfort and companionship to many women and their families.

provided with counselling, many of them women.

WORKING MUMS We help support many working mums across the Diocese with Our Early Learning Centres, Out of School Hours Care and Family Day Care services.

460+

WOMEN & FAMILIES

received food vouchers, clothes, assistance with bills, rental arrears and more.

FREE

family law clinic.

APRIL – JUNE 2019

Office for Evangelisation EVENT CALENDAR The Diocese of Broken Bay exists to evangelise, to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, gathered as friends in the Lord and sent out to be missionary disciples. The Office for Evangelisation serves this mission and promotes the growing missionary outlook of parishes, faith communities and individuals.

CATHOLIC YOUTH BROKEN BAY Twilight Talks Catholic Youth Broken Bay invites you to Twilight Talks. Join Young Adults (18+) from around the Diocese to connect, share a meal, pray and be nourished by inspiring speakers. This month we will be welcoming very special guest and international speaker Katrina Zeno who will break open St John Paul II legacy through Theology of The Body for Everyone.

Date: Tuesday 30 April 2019 Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm Venue: Hotel Pennant Hills, 352 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills

CATHOLIC LIFE & FAITH FORMATION Insights into Catholic Social Justice “From Scripture to Pope Francis: Church Tradition and the Call to Justice” A formation morning for all involved in justice and social engagement in the Diocese of Broken Bay, and for all those interested in joining the conversation.

Social justice is the great call to action within the Church. Presented by Dr Anthony Maher, (Visiting Professor at Charles Sturt University and Education Officer for the Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Broken Bay), this event will explore the call to justice and mercy arising from sacred Scriptures, through to Vatican II, and as demonstrated by Pope Francis. The reflection will include discussion on how each parish in the Diocese may respond to the Pope’s ‘Call to Holiness’ through social justice.

LIFE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY BROKEN BAY FIAT Reflection Morning International Speaker Katrina Zeno – Women of the New Millennium The FIAT Reflection Morning will provide a space for women to gather and encourage one another in the experience of saying ‘yes’ to God’s will. International speaker Katrina Zeno will facilitate an important session providing the key tools and formation for parents in navigating the challenges of today’s digital world in light of the avalanche of unwelcome and explicit sexual content.

Speaker: Katrina Zeno Coordinator of the John Paul II Theology of the Body Resource Centre in Phoenix, Arizona.

Date: Wednesday 1 May 2019 Time: 10.30am to 12:15pm (with hospitality following presentation) Topic: Raising Children in a Hypersexualised Culture Venue: St Agatha’s Parish, Pennant Hills, 20 Boundary Rd, Pennant Hills NSW 2120 RSVP: By Thursday 25 April 2019 to katie.fullilove@bbcatholic.org.au or 8379 1631

St Dymphna Healing Mass A Mass for those suffering from physical, emotional or mental illness Sacred Heart Pymble – 8 May

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Prayer for the restoration of health has been the Church’s experience in every age including our own. Fr David Lemewu MGL will celebrate Mass in honour of St Dymphna where we will be invited to surrender our fears and illness to the loving heart of Jesus, then lead us through an evening of hope with prayer and healing ministry.

Venue: Magnificat Room, Chatswood Parish Meeting Rooms, Kirk St, Chatswood

Speaker and Celebrant: Fr David Lemewu with the Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community

Date: Saturday 25 May 2019

RSVP: By Wednesday 22 May 2019 to Pina Bernard faith.formation@bbcatholic.org.au or 8379 1627

Proclaiming Pentecost “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” Romans 5:5 All are warmly invited in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, to gather as one to celebrate Pentecost 2019.

Join Chatswood Catholic Parish and Transforming Sydney in this interdenominational event to pray for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit in our families, our communities, our city and our world. Following on from prayer services in other parts of Sydney, this year’s focus is Sydney’s north – North Shore and Northern Beaches.

Date: Saturday 8 June 2019 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Date: Wednesday 8 May 2019 Time: Mass at 7.00pm and then followed by Prayer and Healing Service Venue: Sacred Heart Church – 2 Richard Porter Way, Pymble RSVP: By Monday 6 May 2019 to steven.buhagiar@bbcatholicorg.au or 8379 1630

Messy Parenting – Mike and Alicia Hernon direct from the United States Parenting is not a clean-cut, simple process for those who like to follow the rules. Family life is messy and unpredictable, but it is the greatest adventure you will ever have. Mike and Alicia Hernon, parents of 10 children ranging from 6 to 23 will be visiting Australia in May and you are invited to come and hear them speak!

Dates: Wednesday 22 May (Terrigal) Thursday 23 May (Pennant Hills) Cost: Free!

Time: 7.30 – 9.00pm

Venue: Chatswood Catholic Parish, 94 Archer St Chatswood 2067 (parking via Kirk St)

Venue: Terrigal – 165 Serpentine Road, Terrigal Pennant Hills – 20 Boundary Rd, Pennant Hills

RSVP: By Wednesday 5 June 2019 to Nicole Gorman nicole.gorman@bbcatholic.org.au or 9410 9000

Enquiries: steven.buhagiar@bbcatholic.org.au and 8379 1630 or 0415 600 290

16

APRIL 2019

APRIL – JUNE 2019

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) CCD training and formation opportunities serve those involved in the mission of Special Religious Education (SRE) in our State Schools but are also open to those in catechesis and evangelising outreach in our Diocese. The Office for Evangelisation offers CCD training to all interested people providing formation that enables the Gospel to be taken into the lives of others.

Contact CCD Registrations Phone: 8379 1643 Email: registrations@bbcatholic.org.au

CCD Ministry Induction (CCD MI) Compulsory training for new catechists and helpers CCD Ministry induction course is compulsory for all new catechists and those catechists returning to teach after an extended break from teaching. The CCDMI is also available to complete online except for Teaching the Authorised Curriculum which is required to be completed ‘face to face’ along with Using the Interactive SmartBoard.

Please contact registrations for more details. The CCD MI is being offered at two venues during Term 2.

North Shore Hornsby Region – Course Type: Level 1 Workshop Location: Caroline Chisholm Centre, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills, (Entry via City View Road) Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Friday 31 May 2019 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm Register by: Friday 24 May 2019

Reflection Mornings Term 2

1.

The Mission and Ministry of the Catechist

2.

SRE Teacher in the Parish and the School

3.

Safeguarding Children

North Shore, Hornsby and Northern Beaches Regions

4.

Lesson Planning: Teaching the Authorised Curriculum

Course Type: Reflection Morning

5.

The Development of the Child and Adolescent I

Location: Corpus Christi, St Ives Parish Hall, 263 Mona Vale Road, St Ives

6.

Classroom Management: Positive Discipline

Date: Monday 27 May 2019

7.

Introduction to the Bible

Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm

8.

Teaching Strategies: Using the Interactive SmartBoard

Register by: Monday 20 May 2019

Central Coast Region – Course Type: CCDMI Location: Lecture Room, Our Lady of the Rosary, 12 Ashton Ave, The Entrance Morning Tea Provided Date: Thursday 16, 23, 30 May, 6, 13, 20, 27 June & 4 July Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm Register by: Thursday 9 May 2019 North Shore, Hornsby and Northern Beaches Regions – Course Type: CCDMI

CCD offers Reflection/Spirituality mornings for catechists and their friends.

Central Coast Region Course Type: Reflection Morning Location: Leo Mahon Room, St John the Baptist Parish, 125 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy Date: Monday 3 June 2019 Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm Register by: Monday 27 May 2019

Location: Corpus Christi, St Ives Parish Hall, 263 Mona Vale Road, St Ives

School Holiday In-Service: Safeguarding Children

Morning Tea Provided

Experienced catechists are required to attend In-Service Training every three years in

Date: Tuesday 14, 21, 28 May, 4, 11, 18, 25 June & 2 July 2019 Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm Register by: Tuesday 7 May 2019 Level 1 Workshop: Tools for teaching in the SRE Classroom Level 1 consists of 6 x 2-hour units and is complementary to the CCDMI. The units offered provide tools and strategies for the SRE classroom. During Term 2 there are two units on offer.

1) Classroom Management, 2) Authorised Curriculum and 3) Safeguarding Children.

During the winter school holidays, the training being offered is Safeguarding Children.

Central Coast Region Course Type: Safeguarding Children Location: Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish Hall, 165 Serpentine Road, Terrigal Date: Monday 8 July 2019

1. Miracles and Parables

Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm

2. Teaching Strategies: Using Music in the Classroom

Register by: Monday 1 July 2019

Central Coast Region

North Shore & Hornsby Region

Course Type: Level 1 Workshop

Course Type: Safeguarding Children

Location: Leo Mahon Room, St John the Baptist Parish, 125 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Friday 17 May 2019 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm Register by: Friday 10 May 2019 Northern Beaches Region Course Type: Level 1 Workshop

Location: Caroline Chisholm Centre, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills (Entry via City View Road) Date: Wednesday 10 July 2019 Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm Register by: Wednesday 3 July 2019 Northern Beaches

Location: Our Lady of Good Counsel, 9 Currie Road, Frenchs Forest

Course Type: Safeguarding Children

Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch

The Lakes Parish Hall, 21 Lagoon Street, Narrabeen

Date: Friday 24 May 2019

Date: Friday 12 July 2019

Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm

Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm

Register by: Friday 17 May 2019

Register by: Friday 5 July 2019

BROKEN BAY NEWS

APRIL 2019

17

CATHOLIC YOUTH BROKEN BAY

WYD2019 – “A fresh and holy slap in the face” World Youth Day! In essence, it is an international gathering of young people that St Pope John Paul II initiated in the late 1980s, calling young people from all around the world to celebrate our faith together.

BY PJ ALMENDRAS, TEAM LEADER, CATHOLIC YOUTH BROKEN BAY

O

ver 30 years later, in January 2019, the youth of the world were all called to meet Pope Francis in Panama City in celebration around the theme “I am the servant of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word.”

This is my third time being at a World Youth Day (WYD) and I can honestly say each one has always been a different experience. WYD has always been an incredible faith-filled, joy-filled, and just plain and simply put – a cracker of a pilgrimage journey.

However, with all those things constant, it does not matter how many times I have gone to a WYD before or been on pilgrimages in the past, God just knows how to give me a fresh and holy slap in the face full of new experiences of His love – His love for me, His love for us in Broken Bay and Australia, and His love for the global Church.

As expected, each person has different highlights from their WYD experience. Many I have spoken to love the amazing places we have journeyed through – like the grandeur of the Aztec Pyramids, the absolute wonder and sanctity found in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and other churches we visited. Some have had unforgettable experiences through the spectacle that is WYD week itself – joining hundreds of thousands

18 APRIL 2019

of young people around the world in exploring Panama City, participating and serving as an animation team at catechesis sessions in the morning, engaging in the multitude of festival activities and expos during the day, and joining together for the big gatherings such as the opening Mass, Papal welcome, Stations of the Cross, the Vigil and the final Mass.

For me, without fail, what blows me away every single time are the people and the relationships that I see fostered through these pilgrimages. It is just such a wonder to see what seems to be the most mixed bag of youth and young adults come together, choose to hop on a plane and fly across the world to journey to what is in essence, liturgy with the Pope. In that journey to those moments, strangers become neighbours, neighbours become friends, and ultimately, those friends become family in Christ. It is a place where I have found brother and sisterhood like no other; where a deep sense of acceptance of where people are at in their journey and accompaniment become second nature; where an atmosphere and culture of growing in the faith is nurtured through each other, with each other and in each other. It is just something else!

“I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Today, weeks and weeks after WYD, Broken Bay pilgrims who went to Panama have continued staying in contact, keeping their friendships alive and continue to dive deeper in their faith in community with each other – going to Mass together, attending youth groups together, having mini reunions, and also enjoying doing life together outside of the walls of the parish – catching up at dinners, parties, beach gatherings and so on, taking their witness and faith into their worlds and incorporating it into their every day! And if that isn’t down right flippin’ amazing, I don’t know what is!

It was just incredible. There truly isn’t anything like World Youth Day – in its purpose, its scope, its grandeur, its scale, its influence and its spirit! All I can say now is, bring on Portugal for WYD2022!

CATHOLIC YOUTH BROKEN BAY

My first WYD experience I am Martino, one of the seminarians for Broken Bay Diocese pursuing my priestly formation at Homebush seminary.

BY MARTINO HOANG

I

arrived in Australia from Vietnam in August 2016. I was blessed to be assigned at Epping and Carlingford as my home parish which has and still is a lovely home for me. I am truly indebted to the parishioners and priests of this parish for the love and support they continually accord me. I am indeed fortunate to have them as my Australian family.

my passport just a few days before we set off for the journey. I believe the prayers of many well-wishers contributed. Thus, I was able to join 65 pilgrims from Broken Bay Diocese to Panama. I was placed in the over 18s group with Fr Paul Kim and Fr Greg Skulski as our chaplains. It was good to have the two chaplains travel with us. We were able to celebrate Mass every morning. They also helped us at the end of each day to review our experiences of that day.

I would like to share a little about my first World Youth Day experience.

It was and will always remain a memorable experience. I count myself blessed to have had a chance to attend such a major event. Together with my fellow seminarians of Broken Bay, we had an opportunity to visit beautiful and inspirational sights of Mexico and Panama and wonderful and enriching encounter as we mingled with various young people from all over the world.

I am convinced that it was by God’s grace that I was able to attend this great event against all odds. This is because in the process of preparing for this journey, I lost my passport. I panicked wondered what to do. To my great joy and relief the consulate found

I must confess I felt truly honoured to be selected as one of the pilgrims to minister at the altar during the opening Mass ceremony for WYD. This is just part of the many lovely memories I treasure in my heart. I still have fresh memories of the international event that brought together millions of youth all over the world. It generated such a special feeling in my heart. During the whole period of World Youth Day, I felt God’s presence in such an incredible way. It was just breathtaking to see a multitude of people from all over the world gathered to express their faith.

One of the prayerful moments for me was when we gathered together for

the Vigil before the closing Mass. We had walked together in prayer, song and jubilation. It was just inspiring to see everyone pray the rosary and adore the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. It was so amazing to see hundreds of young people all silently praying together. This made it very special and solemn.

During the adoration was the first time I saw Pope Francis. I was so inspired by his Holy Face and his gentleness.

I recalled the words of Mary when approached the angel Gabriel ‘’Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word”.

(Luke1:38) This particular scriptural verse was repeated so many times during World Youth Day that it touched me in a particular way. I reflected on how like Mary I would say Yes to God and committedly follow my call as a child of God.

are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

And through the intercession of our Blessed mother Mary, we are helped to be closer to God especially in the difficult times of our life.

Lastly, I must say I am so grateful to the Catholic Church for having WYD, and to the Diocese of Broken Bay for making the WYD pilgrimage a dream come true for me. May God bless all of you!

My attending this WYD helped me to understand the great need to pray for and support our Holy Father and all people who dedicate their lives to the mission of the Church. Being together with such a vast number of people made me understand that we

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APRIL 2019 19

EDUCATION

New Principal drawn to community When the job of Principal came up at Corpus Christi Catholic School in St Ives, Jayne Wheen saw it as a unique opportunity.

“I

t really caught my attention,” she explained. “I really wanted to come back to this community.”

The community of children, parents, teachers and locals was familiar to Mrs Wheen as she had previously worked at Corpus Christi as a teacher for four years.

“It’s a happy and fun place to be,” she said. “There is a great sense of family and community spirit here.”

Mrs Wheen began work as the Principal in January after working in leadership and teaching roles in Catholic Schools in the Parramatta, Sydney and Broken Bay Dioceses. She

brings with her a passion for literacy and STEM subjects, as well as an interest in student-led learning.

“English and literacy is my first passion,” she said. “I am hoping to develop further opportunities for students to direct their own learning, particularly in writing.”

The school grounds are another big draw card for the 160 students, Mrs Wheen said.

“It’s a very aesthetically pleasing environment,” she said. “We have brand new play equipment designed to blend in with the trees and ovals which are very popular with our soccer players.”

Mrs Wheen said the classroom facilities also offered many options for students, including a large deck which is covered and

can be used by the students for quiet activities or lunch clubs for students seeking an alternative to being on the playground.

New Principal keeps it local St Martin’s Catholic School in Davidson was delighted to welcome Adrian Pulley as the new Principal at the beginning of this year.

A

fter all, Mr Pulley has lived locally for 16 years, his wife Alethea attended the school as a child, and his mother-in-law was the Assistant Principal many years ago.

“The Catholic school system nurtured me as a child and worked together with my parents to instil values in me which shaped the person I have become,” he said.

“My kids were baptised in this parish and my wife’s family has a long history in this area,” said Mr Pulley. “I am very keen to contribute and give back to my community.”

After 11 years in teaching and management roles in Catholic schools across the Diocese of Broken Bay, Mr Pulley was drawn to St Martin’s because of its outstanding reputation and passionate staff.

Mr Pulley attended Catholic schools in his native New Zealand before moving to Australia 16 years ago.

“The fact that it’s a growing school with a great group of core teachers and a very supportive

“The fact that it’s a growing school with a great group of core teachers and a very supportive community of involved parents really appealed to me.” community of involved parents really appealed to me.”

The school is flanked by national park on two sides and has sprawling grounds, Mr Pulley said.

“It’s a beautiful area and the children have plenty of space to roam about,” he said. “We also have a new state-of-the-art library and a kindergarten classroom which has been designed to engage children in play-based learning.”

Mr Pulley said that the small school was able to be flexible and provide tailored learning for each individual child.

20 APRIL 2019

“We’re not bound by the linear way of looking at classes and we’ve got opportunities to get like-minded children together in project-based learning,” he said, adding that this gave students an opportunity to socialise with different age groups.

“In a bigger school the students really only associate with the children in their grade, whereas here all the teachers know every child.”

A keen musician with his folk band The Richest Men In Town, Mr Pulley is also passionate about increasing the musical and artistic opportunities for students at the school.

EDUCATION

St Paul’s students helping native bee survival St Paul’s Catholic College at Manly has been selected as a partner school for the University of Sydney STEM Enrichment Academy Program for 2019.

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he program is being implemented with the Year 7 cohort and involves a three-term problem solving activity incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics principles.

The overarching inquiry question for the STEM project is: “How can

St Paul’s contribute to the security and survival of Australian native bees on the northern peninsula?”

This inquiry question requires each student to design and develop a “starter pack” for consumers to make their own ‘Native Bee Survival Kit’ at home.

In their projects the students may

include design ideas such as a solitary bee pollination house, hanging flower planters that encourage native bees, a mini vertical garden or a kit to make your own natural pesticides.

The College is also working in partnership with researchers from Sydney University to explore every

aspect of Australian native bees and assist in their data collection.

The research team came to St Paul’s to speak with their students about the survival and security of Australian native bees and the College is hoping to further assist in the collection of data for the university by keeping their own native bee hives.

Former student rebuilds School for his children

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When St Peter’s Catholic College, Tuggerah needed a new library, plaza and performance space, they knew just who to call: former student Scott Lester.

cott graduated Year 12 in 2004 and now works at Gosford architecture and construction firm ARTEL. Scott hopes his children, four-year-old Charlie and two-year-old Isabella, will also attend the school.

“One thing I remember about my time at St Peter’s was the excellent facilities and the huge diversity of resources,” said Lester, whose Year 12 report card gave him glowing marks in the VET Construction course.

“It was a great privilege to contribute to those resources myself and give back to the school.”

He also praised the teaching staff at St Peter’s for fostering his love of building.

BROKEN BAY NEWS

The building project included a new information centre and library, a staff and performance space, and an outdoor learning space known as the ‘plaza.’

Some older rooms and the prior library were refurbished to accommodate new staff facilities and a chapel.

The blessing and opening ceremony for the new library took place on 28 March. This new facility includes a modern reading area, work spaces, a café and quiet study rooms, as well as four architecturally-designed classroom spaces on the lower ground level.

The plaza, which will be used for outdoor teaching as well as for

recreation, includes tiered seating, shade structures and planted

areas. “It links the old to the new,” said Scott.

APRIL 2019 21

EDUCATION

Lift the roof!

St Augustine once observed that ‘To sing is to pray twice!’

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t this year’s Diocesan Catholic Schools Staff Mass, a choir of nearly 70 school leaders and teachers together with colleagues from the Catholic Schools Office, inspired the assembly of over 700 to lift the roof off the Light of Christ Centre, Waitara.

The usually small choir of a dozen or so, swelled in response to a dream and subsequent invitation from Virginia Ryan, CSO Assistant Director

Evangelisation and Catholic Formation who said, “I have a dream: the dream is that at our Diocesan Staff Mass, we could have 100 singers in our choir.”

She was hoping the choir would be joyful, loud, robust singers ready to lift the roof off the Light of Christ Centre.

Her invitation asked for those who were “audacious and brave to join the inaugural Broken Bay Choir. Now I just heard you say, ‘But I’m not a good singer!’ You don’t have to

be. You just need a big heart and a joyful soul.”

The choir and musicians were rehearsed and directed by the talented Simon Hyland, a teacher at St Augustine’s College, Brookvale.

Simon was the Director of Music for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Sydney in 2017 and the Australian Gathering in Panama 2019.

The annual Mass was preceded by the blessing of new staff, teachers

and administrative staff from the over 50 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay. Following Communion, Fr David Ranson, the Diocesan Administrator, commissioned new school leaders and acknowledged the service of long-serving members of staff between 25 and 40 years. Fr David was keen to thank and affirm all staff for their remarkable witness, generosity and faith.

HSC High Achievers

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Eighty high-achieving 2018 HSC students, along with their families, school leaders and some of their teachers, were recognised at a celebration held at the Caroline Chisholm Centre early in Term One.

hese students from Broken Bay Catholic schools, were identified according to data provided by the NSW Education Standards Authority, and included students who were top achievers in NSW, and those who achieved significant academic excellence in a particular subject in the State.

There was also a special award for the top Broken Bay student in Studies of Religion, and those placed first in their course were also recognised.

Students whose major works were selected by NESA for public exhibition also received a framed certificate, and the Diocesan Dux was announced.

Congratulations to Chelsea Tullia from St Leo’s Catholic College!

22 APRIL 2019

The support of families, and the generous expertise of the teachers were publicly recognised and appreciated by the students. The

celebration concluded with the families, school and system leaders and teachers joining together to pray a blessing over the students.

It was a wonderful evening to appreciate the fine young men and women who graduate from Broken Bay Catholic schools.

EDUCATION

Success in Sport awarded The annual NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) Blue Awards for secondary schools were held recently for the highest-achieving students in NSWCCC sports.

A

s in previous years, Broken Bay schools were strongly represented, with six students from the Diocese recognised.

Three of the awarded students – Jack Taylor for Softball, Nathan Ward for Swimming, and Annika Boyd for Golf – attend MacKillop Catholic College in Warnervale.

The other three students were Tasma Wooley from Stella Maris College in Manly, and Ella Worland from Brigidine College in St Ives, who both excelled in Water Polo, and Anthony Sparacino for Football from St Edward’s College in Gosford.

The Diocese also held its annual Sports Council Outstanding Sports

Achievement awards for primary students with special guest, Gold Medallist Craig McGrath.

Mr McGrath took home the gold in Sailing and the silver in the Driving Challenge at the Invictus Games in Sydney and gave a speech about his experiences representing Australia both in the armed forces and in the Games.

Mr McGrath then accompanied Mr Peter Hamill, the Director of Schools, in recognising 33 primary students from across the Diocese for their contributions to sport.

Eighteen students were recognised for their selection to represent NSW in PSSA state teams and 15 students were recognised for their selection at State level for more than one sport.

Inspiring young minds at St Rose

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St Rose Catholic School in Collaroy Plateau has developed their own Learning Framework after the mandatory introduction of the new primary school curriculum, which focuses on four of the syllabuses.

he Learning Framework lets students choose their own areas of interest using the method of inquiry-based learning.

The idea is that students will remember facts and figures better if they have learned them through their own interest, often beginning with a question of their own.

For example, a student might come to class with a Science or Technology question inspired by their favourite video game or novel. The teacher will facilitate the student’s interest through practical and collaborative tasks which allow the student to reach the answer in their own time, using their own methods of deduction and reasoning.

In this way, the teacher is a facilitator in the learning process, helping the

BROKEN BAY NEWS

child reach the solution through their own methods rather than telling them the answer.

This approach moves away from the way core subjects have been taught for generations.

“We saw the introduction of these four syllabuses as an opportunity to change our teaching practice,” said St Rose Principal Josie Vescio.

Ms Vescio said that although the Framework was new, it was an intuitive way to teach and teachers at the school are enjoying the new approach.

“It fits in with our core principles at St Rose, which are about treating all children with respect, communicating well and thinking critically.”

“It fits in with our core principles at St Rose, which are about treating all children with respect, communicating well and thinking critically.”

APRIL 2019 23

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Vale Mrs Terri Paterson The St Kieran’s Catholic School, Manly Vale and the Parish Community of North Harbour farewelled a much loved and esteemed ex–principal on 31 January.

M

rs Terri Paterson was a visionary leader, both educationally and spiritually.

Her contributions to Education and in particular to the St Kieran’s school community were extraordinary. Terri’s leadership provided the school with inspiration and support, through times of challenge and times of joy. She held herself to high standards in Catholic tradition and teachings and it was in educational curricula and modes of learning that she shone. As Terri instigated educational guidelines and practices, she carried with her the staff, students and parent community of the school and parish.

are indeed blessed that Terri crossed the path of the St Kieran’s community. We offer our deepest sympathy to Terri’s husband Eddie, their children Alex and Jessica and their families including Terri’s much-loved grandchildren.

May God enfold you in his loving arms Terri.

18 December, 1953 – 23 January, 2019

Terri was an outstanding educator who motivated outstanding teaching. She knew those she worked with; teachers, students and parents; engaging with them all daily. Her professional expertise and passion for teaching was obvious; her Catholic faith strong and her remarkable attentiveness to each person in the community made her a worthy role model for the children, their parents and the staff of St Kieran’s. She retired as Principal at St Kieran’s at the end of 2016.

Family, friends and colleagues celebrated the life of Terri on 31 January at St Kieran’s Church.

Terri’s family gave those who gathered an insight into Terri as a mother, wife, sister, daughter, grandmother and friend. Teaching colleagues proclaimed the Scriptures and the students from St Kieran’s formed a guard of honour for Terri. We

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NEWS AND ISSUES

Clark family’s trek in Myanmar for Catholic Mission The Clark family from the Catholic Parish of Lindfield-Killara completed a 60km Reach Out trek in Myanmar in February to raise money for Catholic Mission.

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arents Vera and Stuart and their 15-year-old son Matthew Clark were part of the group of eight hikers who began the journey in Myanmar’s second largest city Mandalay and passed through enchanting villages to end at St Mary’s Cathedral, Yangon with the celebration of Mass on 11 February 2019.

When she first heard about the trek, Vera was keen to go. After discussing it with Stuart he immediately wanted to go as well. Overhearing their conversation, their youngest son Matthew was also keen. Their older son was happy to stay home and work over the summer so didn’t join the rest of the family.

The Clarks are a family who are passionate about helping people and have been long-term supporters of Catholic Mission.

“Having a common goal helps us continue to connect as a family,” said Vera. “I love travelling with the family and I think it’s important for our kids to see different parts of the world and respect and experience different cultures and appreciate our fortunate life in Australia.

“This adventure has helped open my heart a bit more and connect me more to humanity.”

The group walked eight hours a day, and while Vera had worried before the trip about the heat, mosquitoes and dangerous country, it wasn’t anything like she had anticipated. As they were there in winter and were trekking through a higher elevation, the temperature was always in the mid20s and the sun shone every day, no rain in sight and very few mosquitoes!

BROKEN BAY NEWS

“The parts of the country we went to also felt incredibly safe and peaceful, in stark contrast to the media coverage,” said Vera. “While the places we visited were poor, the people were active and resilient. The markets were full of chattering people, there were kids playing everywhere – it was a wonderful experience.

“The hardest parts of the trek were just the little things – the squat toilets and the lack of clean running water – but even that was really not a problem.”

At the start of the trek, Matthew had said, ‘I’m a bit nervous, I think I’m going to be exhausted by the end of it, but my mindset is to just keep on going.

Now that I’m here, I can grasp exactly what the money I’ve raised is going towards.”

Vera added, “The project visits were wonderful.

There was such joy in visiting smaller villages and seeing ‘real’ life. I also think that seeing some of the shanty towns around the factories was very important.

“The most rewarding thing was meeting the people and getting to know the culture, not just from a tour bus or by staying in a hotel room but by trekking through the country, through the project visits and the street life in Yangon. Having the local guides and the local Catholic Mission project leader Lawrence with us added a further, deeper dimension to the visits.”

The trek was a truly enriching experience – a feast for all senses including the heart.

The family organised a huge bake sale in the Lindfield-Killara Parish, with Vera and her sons baking up a storm for a week and then selling their delicious treats after every Mass on one weekend.

Other parishioners also volunteered and offered to bake for the event.

“The parish got right behind us, with people crowding around our stall, buying our treats, and even giving cash donations,” said Vera.

“Ultimately, we made $1500 over the four Masses which went directly to the schools in Myanmar.

What an amazing amount of support from our local friends!”

In all, the team raised over $27,000, with the Clark family raising $8000 to date.

“I would highly recommend an adventure with Catholic Mission and also Myanmar as a destination,” said Vera. “The trek was a truly enriching experience – a feast for all senses including the heart. And while it was a different cultural experience, we were very well taken care of and were safe. It was a fun challenge and not immensely strenuous.

“The fundraising was daunting at first, but it is amazing how much you can do with the support of friends and the community,” added Vera.

“As a country, Myanmar is beautiful, safe and inexpensive and the people are incredibly resilient and kind.”

APRIL 2019 25

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Seminary Year begins for 2019!

On Wednesday, 20 February the seminarians for the Diocese of Broken Bay – Samuel French, Martino Hoang, Hien Vu, Aldrin Valdehueza, Peter Lennon, Roger Delmonte, Huy Tran, Tan Nguyen and Shayne D’Cunha – joined their fellow seminarians at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd (SGS) in Homebush for the Opening Mass.

BY FR PAUL DURKIN, DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONS

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rchbishop Anthony Fisher was joined by concelebrating priests, along with family and friends of the seminarians, for the Mass.

The Seminary Schola led us with beautiful sacred music. This was followed by a lunch to further celebrate. It was a day filled with thanksgiving, joy and hope for the local Church.

Archbishop Anthony commended the seminarians for their courage and generosity as they prepare for the ordained priesthood.

He preached about what was essential to the “character of the ordained priesthood”: that it is ontological not merely professional, that it is lifelong not merely temporary, that because it is permanent it is unrepeatable, and that it is vocational – a calling and gift, not just a personal option.

representatives in all we do, 24/7, and he reminded the priests present we must “never disgrace our Holy Orders, our Church or Christ Himself by abuse of power or shameful acts.”

Fr Danny Meagher, the Rector of the Seminary, warmly welcomed the families and friends of the first-year seminarians, assuring them that the Seminary is a place of love and prayer, where those in formation are encouraged to find their deepest happiness, as they grow as human beings and as men preparing to be good and dedicated priests.

every blessing and thank God for them. Let us pray for all seminarians throughout the world.

May these young men encourage others to consider how God is calling them in their lives. Are you being called to the priesthood or to consecrated life? Do you know someone whom you would encourage to consider this call?

The Diocese of Broken Bay Vocations team (Fr Paul Durkin, Fr Stephen Wayoyi and Michelle Chahine) wish to do whatever it can to promote vocations and support those who are discerning their calling.

This year, 12 young men began their studies for the diocesan priesthood at SGS. In all, 54 young men are currently studying at SGS, preparing for Ordination, preparing to share in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ and to serve the people of NSW.

With it comes the responsibility to be Christ’s visible

The people of Broken Bay wish the seminarians

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If you are interested and want to know more contact VOCATIONS MINISTRY: https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/vocations; on Vocations Broken Bay; Fr Paul 0425 746 749, Fr Stephen 0450 321 966 & Michelle Chahine 0418 522 449.

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NEWS AND ISSUES

Sr Sophie Boffa makes her first vows Sr Sophie Boffa made her first vows on 16 February 2019 at Our Lady of Częstochowa – Polish War Memorial Chapel in Marayong, and is now a Junior Sister with the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

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r Sophie, aged 27, grew up in Wahroonga and was a parishioner at Holy Name Catholic Parish, where her parents are still part of the parish community. Sr Sophie started her journey with the Sisters in December 2014, when she was accepted as an affiliate. She began living with the sisters in Marayong in February 2015.

Many people, especially her parents and three siblings, have supported Sr Sophie in her decision to join the Sisters. “My family have been wonderful, a real blessing, especially my parents,” she said.

“They’ve always left it up to me to make my own decision, it gave me that freedom to know that it was my choice.”

Marayong over the last two years,” said Sr Sophie.

“I’m currently studying my CPE, which is Clinical Pastoral Education, 400-hour course at Westmead Hospital. There are six of us in the class, and only two of us are Catholic, so it’s been enriching to share our faith and learn about other Christian faiths. This course has also really helped to prepare me for my ministry.”

the Holy Family of Nazareth is trust. “At the moment, God is entrusting me with a lot: with life, with vocation, with responsibility and mission. That is so exciting and humbling. God has called and invited me to live this life and is continuing to call and invite me every day. He is leading.”

At the centre of Sr Sophie’s journey as a Sister of

See: http://holyfamilyservices.com.au/ www.csfn.org.au www.facebook.com/csfnaustralia

When asked what attracted her to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Sr Sophie replied, “It’s their joy! They were just so full of joy, passionate about their mission, down to earth and really genuine.”

“I first met them at a day of silence and reflection and they were so lovely and joyful,” added Sr Sophie.

“But when you meet people in those circumstances they’re often putting on their best front, but I had a few more visits with them later in the year and the following year and they were always the same.

“Seeing that joy always in their everyday lives, and how caring they are, they’re like a real family for me, it’s beautiful!”

The last two years, Sr Sophie has been in the novitiate, which is a time of learning, enquiry and discernment before first vows. She has five years as a junior sister, during which she will renew her vows annually, until she makes her final vows and becomes a full-fledged Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

“People ask how come it’s so long, the process takes nine years,” said Sr Sophie. “But it is really helpful, this is a challenging way of living and preparation is extremely important.

“Part of what attracted me to this as well is that it is a well-paced gentle journey.”

Now that Sr Sophie is on to her next phase, she has moved to the community in Plumpton. In her continuing formation she is accompanied by Sr Grace Rocławska, director of junior sisters, and is preparing to begin her first ministry as a full-time chaplain in Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals.

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Championing a Marriage-Affirming Culture within the Parish Have you ever thought, “What would it take to build a marriage-affirming culture within the parish which takes seriously the wellbeing of each and every married couple, young and old”?

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et’s indulge the question and for a moment imagine that we did. Where would we start?

Who would be involved? What could we do?

And what fruit would this focus bear going forwards?

Where would we start?

The fundamental starting point is: “Do we believe that marriage, from the Beginning and by God’s design, is worth the effort to endorse, encourage and defend?

If the answer is ‘yes’, well the responsibility to do so already lies at our feet. This is to say, that it IS the responsibility of all of us who care about marriage to do something about it if we really and truly believe in it! And if we believe in it, we should ‘invest’ in it starting first with our very own marriages.

A brief marital examination of conscience just to get us started… When was the last time I invested time in a book which provided marriage tips and advice?

When did I last go out on a date or a weekend away to spend quality time with my spouse? When did I last invite a young couple over for dinner to encourage them in their marital vocation? Am I living married life in a way that tells casual observers its “a great way to live!” or, conversely, in a manner that shouts out “don’t do it!”

Who would be involved?

It’s the passion for something I believe in that brings about action and change! Isn’t this the truth? Well, what if we were to multiply this by ‘x’ amount of passionate people who really do care about an

issue and, in this case, specifically marriage? The next step, then, is to look around the parish and identify those couples who ‘would’ invest their time and gifts in building a marriage culture. We could ask the parish priest to recommend couples for the team too. Numbers build momentum and in this key undertaking, there is strength in numbers.

Set a date and meet up. Start by asking the critical question, “Why is this important in going forward?”

As the reasons pile up, and they will, you are well on the way to becoming the ‘champions’ for building a marriage-affirming culture in your parish. What a blessed endeavour to be part of and one which will leave a most enduring legacy… congratulations!

What could we do?

Most of the following suggestions are from the SmartLoving team’s treasure trove of hard-earned wisdom. Who better to turn to for parish-based marriage solutions?

• Integrate SmartLoving programs into the mission of your parish. This means inviting couples in your parish to become marriage preparation mentors or sponsors.

• Have an annual celebration to affirm couples and the gift of marriage. (e.g. St Valentine’s Day) • Celebrate significant wedding anniversaries and have a ‘congratulations’ column in the bulletin.

• Invite couples celebrating an anniversary to be blessed by the community at Sunday Mass.

• Pray explicitly for married couples in the parish during the Universal Prayer.

• Ask a couple to give a short testimony on how God has blessed them through their marriage.

They could be shared during the Sunday liturgy or published in the parish bulletin.

• Make marriage information and enrichment resources available to parishioners through the bulletin, noticeboard and parish website. Includes CDs, books, videos and online resources.

• Run a Theology of the Body study group for couples or young adults in your community.

• Invite a couple to speak about the vocation of marriage to the youth group, senior students and the RCIA group.

• Invite couples to a movie night with a positive marriage message. (e.g. Fireproof) • Sponsor a couple to represent the parish/school at the annual Renaissance of Marriage conference.

Make sure they share their experience with the community on their return.

The fruit of building a marriage affirming parish!

The most obvious fruit of building a marriageaffirming culture will be the strengthening of existing marriages within the parish. Couples will be constantly reminded that marriage IS their key vocational responsibility and not just an optional extra which is taken up “when we have the time”.

We would expect that stronger marital relationships would lead to stronger family units in which children grow up believing that the vocation to marriage is actually doable and something to look forward to if that is where they find their calling.

We would have a ‘go to’ team within the parish for engaged couples who need marriage preparation as well as for couples struggling with their own marriage relationships. As ‘the team’ becomes more confident in their understanding of this sacrament, they will develop and try out ideas which are best suited to the immediate and unique needs of the parish.

This last development will highlight that culture change has been initiated and that a positive mindset for marriage is well on the way to being integrated into the very life of the parish.

To have an initial conversation about becoming a marriage culture ‘Champion’ in your parish or for more information about marriage related resources, please contact Steven Buhagiar, Team Leader, Life Marriage and Family, Diocese of Broken Bay, on 0415 600 290.

28 APRIL 2019

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Albert and Stephanie Jaucian and family

Broken Bay families to receive advice on Messy Parenting Last year an interesting Facebook event – ‘Building an Emotional Connection in Marriage’ – showed up on my social media page.

BY STEVEN BUHAGIAR

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ith the event at the very local Hotel Pennant Hills and the evening’s speaker being none other than well-regarded Sydney psychologist Anne-Marie Goes, it struck me how good an initiative this was and left me wondering who was behind it.

As you do in Facebook land, a swift perusal of those who had ticked the ‘going’ box for the evening, quickly had me calling a few of my own acquaintances and very soon I had a number I could call along with a name that I didn’t recognise. I rang the number, left a message and within a short period of time, had arranged to have an initial chat with Albert Jaucian.

I soon found out that Albert, along with his wife Stephanie, were part of a group of couples who had come together with the aim of assisting engaged

and recently married couples find their feet in the often-daunting world called family life. The founding couples, collectively calling on their creative reserves, dubbed their new initiative ‘The Marriage Project’ with the associated logo taking inspiration from a young green sprout which, Albert explained, was a metaphor for each new union brought about in marriage.

Fast forward to 2019 and the Marriage Project team, now having hosted several events for married couples, have stepped up another gear by bringing the founders of the internationally renowned Messy Families Project, namely Mike and Alicia Hernon, to Australia along with their 25 and more years of parenting wisdom on tap in the process.

When I asked Albert how he had first learned about the Messy Families Project podcasts he shared that family friends, Tom and Clare Horsfall, had encouraged them to start listening as the content was relatable, practical and down to earth. After Albert downloaded the session “Fathers be good to your Daughters” and Stephanie had listened to “The Family Board Meeting”, the two were immediately hooked and with other members of the Marriage Project team, began looking at ways to bring the Hernons down under.

It was Amelia and Charlie Burfitt, who are part of the Marriage Project team, that first contacted the Hernons to gauge their interest in travelling south. Funnily, the Hernons wanted to jump at the chance but somehow deleted Amelia’s email

BROKEN BAY NEWS

and, more importantly, her contact details. As you would, the Hernons mentioned the deleted email on a subsequent podcast session and asked if the “Aussie emailer” could once again contact them.

The rest is history with Mike and Alicia now on their way to Australia in May! As it happens, here in the Diocese of Broken Bay, the Hernons already had a devoted podcast listener in Daniel Ang, a doting dad as well the Director of the Office of Evangelisation. When the suggestion came up to partner with the Marriage Project team in bringing the ‘Messy Parenting’ events to Broken Bay, it wasn’t long before dates and venues were set, topics chosen and the Hernons invited to share their enthusiasm and parenting tips with the families of the Diocese. Excited….? I really hope so because this is going to be a wonderful opportunity for all parents and caregivers!

Here are the key dates for your diaries: 22 May – Star of the Sea Terrigal – Messy Parenting 101 (7.00-9.00pm) 23 May – St Agatha’s Pennant Hills – Keeping Love in Marriage Alive (7.00-9.00pm) 23 May – St Canisius Retreat Centre Pymble Catholic Schools Office – Growing a Family Culture 25 May – Sydney Marriage Project – Building a Marriage to Last a Lifetime – cost $40 per person For more information please visit the ‘Messy Family Project: Australian Tour’ page on Facebook APRIL 2019 29

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Papal Honour for Lindfield-Killara parishioner Margaret Frater

M

The Diocesan Administrator of Broken Bay, Very Rev Dr David Ranson has great joy in announcing that His Holiness, Pope Francis, has bestowed the Papal Honour of Dame Commander of the Order of St Gregory the Great to Mrs Margaret Frater DSG, parishioner of Lindfield-Killara.

argaret receives this new Honour for her distinguished services to the Church and the community both in her Parish and in the Archdiocese of Sydney.

In serving her home Parish, Margaret is an active and committed member and Co-Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council and the Committee’s representative for the Holy Family Catholic School at Lindfield, where she also volunteers as a reading tutor to students. She is Treasurer and Board Member for the Woods Cottage Management Trust, a parish initiative, providing support for a group of adults with intellectual disabilities. Margaret is also a member of the Killara Development Committee and Chair of the Parish Evangelisation Committee. She assists with the co-ordination of Parish Healing Masses and is Co-ordinator of the Parish Welcome Ministry at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Killara. Margaret is a Special Minister of the Eucharist, ministering to the sick and housebound in her Parish, as well as being a regular visitor to Whitehall Aged Care Facility. She represented her Parish in the Diocesan

Synod some years ago and more recently, was a Member of the Alpha Committee, which provided a course on leadership for parishioners. Margaret is assisting with Parish Forums held to consider Child protection requirements.

Her tireless work for the Church also extends to the Ecclesiastical and Civic Honours Committee, and continued involvement in the initiative Open Support established by the Sisters of Charity, where she provides court support at Sydney’s Downing Centre Court. Along with her husband Robert, she funds an annual travel scholarship made available through the Australian Catholic University, to assist teachers who display leadership and commitment to the Catholic school system, to further their experience overseas.

Margaret also completed nine years of service as Chair of the Maronite Management Committee based at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Harris Park.

“I am absolutely delighted that Margaret, has been recognised with this wonderful Honour by our Holy Father,” said Fr Ranson.

I don’t know if I would survive if the sisters were not here. They help me in everything: to find a house, they brought me to the hospital, they take my children to school and make sure we have something to eat...Probably I would die if the sisters weren’t here.

Mkasumi Mariana

The Pallotine sisters in Rwanda were founded

by Saint Vincent Pallotti a very holy man, who helped the simple and poor people, the orphans and the sick.

The sisters in Masaka work in the health-centre.

Their biggest challenge is tending to all the needs of the local community.

Can you help the religious sisters who give their lives in order to be Christ to others?

Donate online: www.aidtochurch.org/BB

30 APRIL 2019

“On behalf of the clergy and People of the Diocese of Broken Bay, we honour Margaret and offer our warmest congratulations to her for her unwavering and devoted service to our Diocese.”

Margaret will be presented with her Honour in a formal ceremony on Friday 26 April at Chapter Hall, St Mary’s Cathedral by His Grace, Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP, Archbishop of Sydney.

1 My Offering:

BBG

$ Amount

Please accept my donation to support religious sisters in need.

2 My Payment: I enclose a cheque/money order payable to Aid to the Church in Need OR debit my Visa / Mastercard.

Photos © Piotr Wolski / ACN International

Women.

Thanks to God. Thanks to You.

“Margaret’s abundant spirit of generosity is clearly evidenced in her readily sharing her time, talents, gifts and most especially her faith, with so many people across a broad spectrum of ministries and charitable works, both within our Diocese and in the wider Church, Margaret is a true and living ambassador for Christ, and is indeed a worthy recipient of this special Award.

Expiry date: ___ /___ Signature: _____________________ 3 My Details: (BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE) Title: _____ Name: ________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ ________________________________________________ State: _________________ Postcode: ________________ Phone: _________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Date of birth: ____________________________ 4 I would like to receive a comfort cross (offerings of $30+) If Yes, tick box 5 Please return to:

Aid to the Church in Need PO Box 335 Penrith NSW 2751 or call us on

1800 101 201

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY Diocesan Office: Tel (02) 8379 1600 Caroline Chisholm Centre Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd Pennant Hills NSW 2120 (Access off City View Rd) PO Box 340 Pennant Hills NSW 1715 diocesan.administrator@bbcatholic.org.au

CHANCERY OFFICES Diocesan Administrator Very Rev Dr David Ranson Senior Advisor Kelly Paget Chancellor Jo Robertson Diocesan Financial Administrator, Director, Office for Stewardship: Emma McDonald Director, Office for Evangelisation: Daniel Ang Director, Diocesan Office for Safeguarding Jodie Crisafulli Tel: (02) 8379 1605 Director, Marriage Tribunal: Adrienne Connaghan Tel: (02) 8379 1680 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Alison Newell

As people of Resurrection faith, the future is given us as pure gift.

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

CATHOLICCARE Executive Director: Lyn Ainsworth Tel: (02) 9481 2600 PO Box 966 Pennant Hills 1715 Children’s Services: Tel: (02) 9481 2660 Family Centres: Brookvale – Tel: (02) 8968 5100 Naremburn – Tel: (02) 8425 8700 Waitara – Tel: (02) 9488 2400 Warnervale – Tel: (02) 4356 2600 Foster and Residential Care: Tel: (02) 4320 7700 Mission, Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (02) 9481 2658

BROKEN BAY NEWS Editor: Melissa Loughlin Tel: (02) 8379 1618 news@bbcatholic.org.au Design: Chris Murray Printed by NCP Printing

Welcome to our newest Catholics in Broken Bay On Sunday 10 March at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara, 44 Catechumens and 16 Candidates in Broken Bay undergoing the RCIA program, were entered in the Book of Elect by Diocesan Administrator, Fr David Ranson.

T

hey will be baptised, confirmed and receive First Eucharist at Easter in their local parishes.

In his homily, Fr David said; “As people of Resurrection faith, the future is given us as pure gift. Even in the midst of the confusion and

disenchantment that marks our time, that future is given to us, always, a relentless invitation. And herein lies our joy!”

Please keep the Catechumens and Candidates in your prayers as they journey to Easter.

18,700 copies of the Broken Bay News are distributed monthly through 26 parishes and 44 schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay. The Broken Bay News is a member of the Australasian Catholic Press Association. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply diocesan endorsement of products or services advertised.

www.bbcatholic.org.au

BROKEN BAY NEWS

APRIL 2019 31

Catholic Life & Faith Formation

Social Engagement in 2019 Charity and Justice Starts at Home

This year’s Social Justice Statement from the Australian Bishops focuses on the growing problem of homelessness and insecure housing in Australian society.

• Read “A Place to Call Home – Making a Home for Everyone in Our Land” www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au

MAY

Mission: One Heart, Many Voices Conference

Insights into Catholic Social Justice

Date: 13-15 May, SMC Conference & Function Centre, Sydney • This conference, organised by Catholic Mission, offers a unique opportunity to read the signs of the time and rethink and reformulate how we effectively live and lead mission today and tomorrow.

• Register now at the Catholic Mission website: www.catholicmission.org.au

“From Scripture to Pope Francis: Church Tradition and the Call to Justice” Date: 25 May • A formation morning presented by Dr Anthony Maher, to be held at Chatswood, 10am – 12pm • Enquiries: faith.formation@bbccatholic.org.au

Fourth Anniversary of Laudato Si’

JUNE

Date: 18 June Since its release in 2015, Laudato Si’ continues to prompt much discussion in the Church and public square about the ecological issues impacting our world.

• Office for Evangelisation Discussion Guide available at: www.bbcatholic.org.au/socialjustice with hardcopies available for order • Additional resources can be found at Catholic Earthcare: www.catholicearthcare.org.au

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday Date: 7 July

JULY

An occasion to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to acknowledge and celebrate the gifts that they bring to the Church.

• See resources available at www.natsicc.org.au

Migrant and Refugee Week: Date: 19-25 August

AUGUST

Celebrating Disciples of All Nations: 17 August A multicultural Mass to be held at Hornsby Parish Cathedral, Waitara, in celebration of the many cultures that make up our faith community in Broken Bay. Mass at 5:00pm, followed by a shared supper.

Putting Rungs on the Ladder A Tri-Diocesan event, in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Diocese of Parramatta, to celebrate and promote the social justice work across our dioceses. Date and venue TBC.

Migrant and Refugee Sunday: 25 August 2019 Theme: “It is not just about migrants” • Local celebrations are encouraged in the parishes of the Diocese of Broken Bay. e.g. multicultural lunch • Resources are available at: www.acmro.catholic.org.au for your parish or school

Social Justice Sunday: Date: 29 September

SEPTEMBER

Resources at: www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au Social Justice Reflection Day: 28 September A reflection day for all involved in Social Justice in the parishes of the Diocese of Broken Bay, with expert guest speaker.

3rd World Day of the Poor

NOVEMBER

Date: 17 November • A day established by Pope Francis to encourage action to help the poor and disadvantaged, and to raise awareness of their needs • Local initiatives are encouraged

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Date: 25 November The Diocese of Broken Bay Domestic Violence Kit offers information and resources.

• Launch of translations of Domestic Violence Kit in Korean, Filipino and Chinese languages • Additional resources are available at: www.bbcatholic.org.au/socialjustice