BROKENBAYnews
BROKEN BAY NEWS PUBLICATION OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE 184
WYD2016 Broken Bay News wins Best Print Magazine Holy Name Wahroonga Parish:
A happy community with a lovely spirit
Celebrating PROCLAIM 2016
HEART TO HEART
God is present in our churches
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part of the recent pilgrimage to Kraków, Poland, for World Youth Day, involved our young pilgrims visiting some of the great Christian churches of Europe and the Holy Land. (Around 120 of our pilgrims celebrated their first Mass on pilgrimage at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, which must give them some sort of bragging rights!) Church after magnificent church involved various forms of ‘wows’ and ‘oohs’ emanating from the mouths of our young disciples. Most especially, these beautiful and ancient Temples to God engendered a sense of spiritual awe in our pilgrims. I’m a rather seasoned and foot-weary traveller, and nearly all the churches we visited I have seen before. Yet, the genuine joy, amazement and delight with which our ‘newbie’ travellers greeted each new church reignited
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my own sense of wonder at the beauty and history of these striking sacred places. Through human imagination and ingenuity, the invisible presence of the Lord has been rendered visible in quite remarkable ways. (The bus group I travelled with kept asking me why we couldn’t build this or that church as our Cathedral Church in Broken Bay – if only I had the money; anyone game?!) Over this year, I have had the privilege of celebrating three significant occasions in our Cathedral Church of Our Lady of the Rosary at Waitara: the 30th anniversary of the Diocese of Broken Bay; the 25th anniversary of the current church building that is our Cathedral; and the 100th anniversary of the Parish of Hornsby in which the Cathedral is located. (Actually, this celebration took place in the Light of Christ Centre rather than in
Church after magnificent church involved various forms of ‘wows’ and ‘oohs’ emanating from the mouths of our young disciples. Most especially, these beautiful and ancient Temples to God engendered a sense of spiritual awe in our pilgrims.
HEART TO HEART OLOR Cathedral.) Each of these celebrations involved a wonderful celebration of faith in the gathering of our Diocesan family, and together they reminded me of the significance of why we gather as God’s Pilgrim People in beautiful places of worship. Of course, God is God, he is the creator of all that is; therefore, God cannot be housed anywhere, as if he can be confined to a particular location. Yet, it has always been the way of God that he chooses to locate Himself in our human reality. On our part, it has been our human privilege to determine these locations on God’s behalf. So, our world is full of sacred locations – thin places, as the Celts would put it, where the divine and human meet. In our Christian tradition, however, the location of God’s presence is not confined to one location – a holy mountain or sacred site – because Jesus showed us that his Body is the
Temple of God. So, our church buildings are indeed the houses of God’s presence because here among us is Christ, our Lord. St Paul understood this well. God is present wherever the body of his Son can be found. Hence, the crucial definition of the Church is not that of a building, but that of a body, the Body of Christ. And we are that Body of Christ, the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, wherever Christ’s Body gathers in his humanity, there God will be in his divinity. God’s people have built Houses for God because we need to physically locate ourselves as Christ’s Body in the world. This is why the Church has always sought to beautify these temples, our Houses for God, so that the divine presence of God may be visibly symbolised for us. Our churches should be uplifting spaces of loveliness, not just functional sites of convenience. They should speak to us of the divine, visualised in the human arts.
They are meant to take us to our destiny, even while we dwell in our present circumstances. These Temples of the Lord, these Houses of the Church, are meant to be God present among us: good, true, beautiful. We have many lovely churches in our Diocese – each different, and each with its own particular feel. That is good, because God wants to come to us according to our own circumstances and in ways that show our locality. I think God would like his temples to be more at home in eclectic street-strips, and not in generic chain-stores. So, sometime soon, take a more extended moment to have a look around your own church: its nooks and crannies; its main features and minor additions; its big structures and little gems. You don’t have to like everything about your own church, but it would be good if you noticed the family resemblances. Certainly, always do what can be done to make our churches more beautiful, dignified and worthy as places of worship, but also learn to love the quirks and idiosyncrasies. These are the signs of a local place for God to be present – He comes to us, so that we can come to Him. Pray for me, as I do for you!
Most Rev Peter A Comensoli Bishop of Broken Bay
You are invited to the annual CatholiC dioCese of Broken BaY
Mass for People with Special Needs 2016
Celebrant: most rev peter a Comensoli
and their families
date: Sunday 27 november 2016 time: 9:00 am venue: Holy Spirit CHurCH 1 FatHer patriCk Croke CirCuit (oFF 55 kinCumber St), kinCumber rsvP: rSvp: monday 14 november 2016 Phone: 9847 0448 or 4332 9825 email: registrations@dBB.org.au
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NEWS & ISSUES
Broken Bay News wins Best Print Magazine at ACPA Awards
The Australasian Catholic Press Association Awards for Excellence 2016 were presented on Tuesday 6 September by Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Tony Randazzo at the organisation’s annual dinner at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney, where Broken Bay News won the ACPA Award for Best Print Magazine.
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he Majellan and Kimberley Community Profile magazines picked up the Highly Commended awards in this category. The Southern Cross newspaper, published by the Archdiocese of Adelaide, was the winner of the 2016 Bishop Philip Kennedy Memorial Award for Overall Excellence. The award for Best Online publication went to Eureka Street. The aim of the ACPA Awards is to encourage and reward excellence in the field of Catholic publishing and the media. The awards are announced each year during the annual ACPA conference which was held this year at Rydges Sydney Central under the theme of Channels of Mercy. For the first time, the conference included the launch of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Statement, A Place at the Table, Social Justice in an Ageing Society. Guest speaker at the awards dinner was actor and author William McInnes who congratulated all the award winners and spoke about people of grace and moments of mercy in his life. The judge for the Best Print Magazine category said of Broken Bay News:
“The Broken Bay News is clearly a magazine for its community. It is energetic, interesting and pleasant to read. A reader can quickly get a feel for the Diocese by reading Broken Bay News. In this Year of Mercy, Broken Bay News feels like it’s walking with its readers. It aims to be one of them and connects well with them. Importantly, there is a consistency to Broken Bay News across its editions. The reader is taken along at a good pace and within a framework that feels familiar from edition to edition. This was a high-quality category and it was tough to choose a winner and highly commended entries. The three entries that were eventually settled upon had a common theme – they were clearly published with their communities at the forefront of their thinking.”
Thank you from the Editor: A big thank you to our Broken Bay News readers who continue to support our humble little magazine, everyone who contributes stories and photos from parishes and schools, as well as our valued advertisers who make it possible to produce the magazine at the highest quality. We appreciate your ongoing support! Melissa Loughlin
DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY Most Rev Peter A Comensoli Bishop of Broken Bay Diocesan Office: Tel (02) 9847 0000 Fax (02) 9847 0201 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 officeofthebishop@dbb.org.au
CHANCERY OFFICES Office of the Bishop Private Secretary: Nigel Zimmermann Vicar General: Very Rev Dr David Ranson VG Diocesan Financial Administrator, Director, Office for Stewardship: Emma McDonald Chancellor Director, Office for Chancery Services: Anne Walker Director, Office for Evangelisation: Daniel Ang Director, Office for Communications: Annie Carrett Director, Marriage Tribunal: Adrienne Connaghan Tel: (02) 9847 0458 Catholic Development Fund: Chris Field Tel: (02) 9847 0748 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Alison Newell
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE Director: Peter Hamill Tel (02) 9847 0000 PO Box 967 Pennant Hills NSW 1715
CATHOLICCARE Executive Director: Trish Devlin 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) 4340 0786 Mission, Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (02) 9481 2658
BROKEN BAY NEWS Editor: Melissa Loughlin Tel: (02) 9847 0722 Fax: (02) 9847 0721 news@dbb.org.au PO Box 340 Pennant Hills, NSW, 1715 Design: Chris Murray
Melissa Loughlin, Editor, Chris Murray, Graphic Designer and Annie Carrett, Director of Communications accept the award.
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21,000 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 and the Australasian Religious Press Association. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply diocesan endorsement of products or services advertised. www.dbb.org.au
Our Neighbourhoods of Grace Exploring our missionary outreach
Holy Name, Wahroonga Parish A happy community with a lovely spirit By Debra Vermeer Holy Name Parish, Wahroonga is a neighbourhood of grace which is richly blessed with beautiful natural surrounds, skilled and uplifting music and liturgy, and a palpable sense of joy, outreach and inclusion.
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his is such a happy community,” says Parish Priest, Fr David Ranson VG. “There is a lovely spirit here and visitors do notice it and comment on it.” The parish, which was established in 1948 by the Dominican religious congregation, was passed into the hands of the Broken Bay Diocese in 1997, and the parish continues to honour its Dominican heritage and character. Fr David, who is assisted by Fr Colin Fowler OP, says the parish’s heritage has many positive flow-on effects. “The church itself has a Dominican flavour, with chapels devoted to saints Thomas Aquinas and Martin de Porres, and we also encourage the Dominican spirit,” he says. “And out of that Dominican legacy comes a number of things, including vibrant liturgy groups, a very strong musical tradition, including a fine schola of sacred music, as well as other excellent types of music, and also there is a Dominican Lay Chapter associated with the parish.” Holy Name Parish has three schools as part of the parish community – Prouille Catholic School and two schools for special needs students, St Lucy’s Primary School and St Edmund’s High School – and each school brings its own character and charism to parish
life. The parish also maintains good links with local Catholic high schools, Loreto, St Leo’s, Mount St Benedict’s, and Brigidine College. Principal of Prouille, Julie Caldwell, says the relationship between the school and the parish is very close. “There’s a lovely relationship between the school, the Parents and Friends, parishioners, and Fr David,” says Julie. “The parish is always looking for ways to include us, so that together we are able to grow and change and to welcome more people.” Julie says there is a great sense of teamwork between Prouille and the parish, with a range of joint initiatives, including a trivia night, organised by parishioners and hosted at the school. A parish picnic each year includes both parish and school communities and social justice activities, such as the annual Walk to Water are also joint initiatives. The sacramental program is organised by the parish and takes place at the school. “As a school community, we also love going to Mass with the parish community, which we do regularly,” says Julie. “Father’s blessing of the animals Mass is a real highlight of the year for our students. “We also have a beautiful chapel here at the school and Fr David comes regularly, usually on
a Tuesday afternoon, to meet with classes and offer reconciliation and Mass.” The St Lucy’s and St Edmund’s school communities also enjoy a close relationship with the parish, and Fr David says the parish is greatly enriched by their presence. “The presence amongst our parish community of these children with special needs and their families, is a gift for us,” says Fr David. “It has given our parish a special character of inclusion and belonging, which we really value.” A highlight of the year is the Sunday Mass which has a special focus on the parish’s families with children with special needs. “On those days, we celebrate the liturgy in a way that allows for the presence and participation of those with disabilities,” says Fr David. To help celebrate and support these families, a group of parents and parishioners has come together to form HOPE, standing for Hearts Open to People Everywhere. The HOPE group provides friendship and support, with meetings held on the third Tuesday of every month in the Church’s sunroom. Acting Principal of St Lucy’s, Warren Hopley says Fr David, Fr Colin and the whole parish are “incredibly inclusive” towards St Lucy’s students. BBN
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Our Neighbourhoods of Grace Exploring our missionary outreach
“The family Masses, where families from St Lucy’s and St Edmunds’ join with other families in the parish, has had such a good response that they’re looking to hold another one each year,” he says. “At the most recent one, the children from both schools formed the choir for the Mass and they were remarkable.” Warren says while many families with children at St Lucy’s live outside the parish, they still feel a warm connection to it because of the parish’s involvement in school life. “Fr David is an integral part of St Lucy’s because it’s a Catholic school,” he says. “So the role of the Parish Priest in our school is in that sense, the same as it would be in a mainstream school. “We involve Father in as many things as we can, particularly the sacramental program, where the needs are specialised and so are the care and skills required. Many of our
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children could not just go to any parish to undertake the sacramental program, and he understands the skills required and implements them beautifully. So the celebration of sacraments at St Lucy’s is a very joyous, noisy, active celebration.” Warren says the presence of St Lucy’s students in the life of the parish also greatly enriches the parish. “For instance, we also do a lot of things with the Parish School, Prouille,” he says. “We have a buddy system, where their students are buddied with our students and that has a major impact on the lives of all the students. And we do things together, like celebrate St Dominic’s Day.” Jon Franzin, Principal of St Edmund’s, concurs, saying the relationship between the parish and the school is a particularly supportive one. “Fr David understands our students very well and his celebration of Mass and liturgies
is extremely inclusive of our students, given their unique abilities, and this makes Mass and liturgies a very positive experience for them,” says Jon. “Drummers and students from St Edmunds’ regularly contribute to parish celebrations and our students attend Friday morning Mass every week in the parish. “The relationship between the parish and our school is really important for us and it is a really strong relationship, where we do feel valued and understood and the students are able to contribute their gifts.” The parish community is also strongly committed to outreach, locally, nationally and globally. Locally, about 40 people are part of the St Martin de Porres group, which takes Communion to the sick at the SAN Hospital, as well as local nursing homes and the Neringah Palliative Care facility.
Our Neighbourhoods of Grace Exploring our missionary outreach
Parishioners are also active volunteers for The Dish, a van that offers food for the homeless in Hornsby Park and the St Vincent de Paul parish Conference provides care and assistance for needy people living in Whalan in western Sydney. Some parishioners volunteer or provide donations for the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Homelessness Shelter and the Waitara Wellness Centre, a work of Catholic Community Services providing socialisation and support services for elderly and frail local residents. The parish actively supports appeals such as Project Compassion to help people in other parts of the world. Seven young people from Holy Name Parish attended the recent World Youth Day in Krakow, as did Fr David. The parish is always looking for new ways to engage young people in the life of the parish, and is seeking to develop the Sunday evening Mass as one
with a focus for young adults. The Upper North Shore Adoration group for young people also meets at Holy Name church. Younger children take part in a vibrant children’s liturgy at Sunday morning Mass and morning tea is available after the 9.15am Sunday Mass each week. Fr David says that apart from a dedicated parish secretary and sacramental coordinator, the parish is blessed with parishioners who are both gifted and active in a range of ministries, including a strong team of catechists, musicians, lectors, collectors and counters, flower donors and arrangers, welcomers, piety store operators, members of the Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Council, RCIA, as well as volunteers involved with parish communications. There are regular opportunities for faith formation, with a recent Parish Mission as well as guest speakers, such as author Hugh Mackay,
and a book club. The Heartbeat program invites small groups to engage in Lectio Divina to reflect prayerfully on the Sunday Gospel readings. There is a parish history group, golf association, walking club, card playing group, seniors group, Dinner for Eight social group, music classes, and a play group. “We are a parish which loves to get together, whether it be the big family picnic each year or the International Food Festival at Pentecost or the Trivia night, and I tend to encourage people if they want to run with something,” says Fr David. “So really, all the activities in our parish are run by the parishioners themselves, which is wonderful. “We’re trying to make our community as welcoming and personal as possible and to give people a real sense of belonging, so that brought together by faith, our parish and our people flourish through our mission to share God’s love.”
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EVANGELISATION
“It’s our turn now” Cardinal Donald Wuerl on the New Evangelisation By Debra Vermeer As Catholics, we come from a long line of people passing down the faith, going right back to Jesus and the apostles, but now it’s our turn – we are the ones who must share the story of the risen Jesus in our own time and place, and the parish is the centre of this evangelisation renewal, according to the Archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Donald Wuerl.
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ardinal Wuerl, who was in the Diocese of Broken Bay recently as keynote speaker at the PROCLAIM 2016 Conference, said the Church today brings to individuals and the world, what it has always brought: an encounter with Jesus Christ, risen, and it offers us a whole new way of living. “Yet, it all seems to be eclipsed by a very, very strong secular voice,” he said. “ This secularism is a cultural tsunami that has washed across the world, taking with it all the things that used to be the frame of reference for everyone. “It’s against this background that Pope Francis invites us to the Year of Mercy.” Cardinal Wuerl said the New Evangelisation movement began almost three decades ago by St John Paul II, was carried forward by Pope Benedict XVI and is now being picked up by Pope Francis. “Pope Francis brings such a smiling, loving, embracing,
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invitational face of the Church to the world,” he said. “We can see it as a hallmark of his ministry, a hallmark of his teaching: ‘Go out. Go out’. How many times he says that. Go out into the world, don’t stay wrapped up within yourself, but go out and share the beauty of the Gospel and the amazement of the encounter with the Lord Jesus risen.” Cardinal Wuerl said that Pope Francis asks us to be invitational witnesses, and the essential elements for this are a renewal of our own personal faith and prayer life; to stand confident in the Truth we have received; and to share our faith. The New Evangeliser must have four key qualities, the Cardinal said. They are Courage, Connectedness, Urgency and Joy. “Courage could also be described as boldness,” he said. Before the Risen Christ appeared to the Apostles, they were timid, shut behind closed doors in fear. But
after their encounter with the Risen Lord and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the word that keeps appearing in relation to the apostles is ‘bold’. “The New Evangeliser must show a similar boldness and courage, born of confidence, born of the truth of our message,” Cardinal Wuerl said. “But also, the evangelising disciple needs a connectedness to the Church. We are not individuals who have received a revelation and go forth. We are members of the Church which has passed on to us that revelation. We have received this revelation in the received tradition of the Church.” And, he said, we must embark on this task with a sense of urgency, just as Mary rushed off with urgency to share the news of the Angel with her cousin Elizabeth. “We are not passive bystanders. We have to be involved. We have to be part of the New Evangelisation,” Cardinal Wuerl said. “This sense of urgency is rooted in the recognition that it’s our turn now. Others have gone before us, they’ve gone before us for centuries, that is why we have an apostolic continuity …, but it’s our turn now. There is no time to be lost.” The final quality of a New Evangeliser is joy. “It’s alright to smile,” Cardinal Wuerl said, smiling. “The Gospel is a glorious announcement.” Cardinal Wuerl said parishes remain the engine room for evangelisation because of their special role in encouraging growth in personal faith in connection
with the Church, encouraging disciples to stand confident in their faith, and providing opportunities and pathways for people to go out and share their faith. “The parish is not an outdated institution, precisely because it allows for flexibility and an openness to the opportunities and the missionary creativity of the pastor and its community,” he said. “When the parish encourages its members to be evangelisers, it can become a centre of constant missionary outreach.” In his conference workshop, Cardinal Wuerl outlined an initiative carried out in his Archdiocese of Washington, where parishes were asked to assess themselves in a range of areas, called Indicators for Vitality. “It gives you a practical way to take a look at the vitality of your parish in five areas: worship, education, service, community and stewardship or administration,” he said. “This is a way of consciously, seriously, looking at parishes saying, ‘How well are we doing? Where do we need to do more? And is there anything else we should be thinking about?’ Cardinal Wuerl said we stand at an exciting new time of renewal and growth in the Church. “My brothers and sisters, this is a new moment in the life of the Church, a new Pentecost, and it’s our turn now. We are called to reinvigorate our faith, not only today, not only in this Year of Mercy, but every day, every year, and to share it with others.”
EVANGELISATION
Celebrating PROCLAIM 2016!
By Daniel Ang
Over three energising days, more than 520 delegates came together in Chatswood to share insights and exchange best practices on parish evangelisation.
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he third turn of this national conference, PROCLAIM 2016 was hosted and organised by the Office for Evangelisation, Diocese of Broken Bay, on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. The unique character of the PROCLAIM conference is its focus on the local parish and its life and mission, serving as a gathering point for those working and serving in the midst of over 1,300 parish communities across the nation. The Conference was formally opened by Bishop Peter, who announced that the gathering had received the apostolic blessing of the Holy Father himself. In his correspondence to Bishop Peter, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State at the Holy See, shared: “The Holy Father asks you kindly to convey his cordial greetings to all assembled in the Diocese of Broken Bay for the third National Conference on Evangelisation, Proclaim 2016: Mercy. He trusts that in this Holy Year devoted to the preaching and practice of mercy, the Conference will contribute to a more effective proclamation of the Gospel message of forgiveness, redemption and interior renewal … With these sentiments, His Holiness commends the Conference to the loving intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in the Lord.” His Eminence Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, shared his learnings from Pope Francis with conference delegates, confirming that the ‘new evangeliser’ in the parish requires four qualities to lead renewal: courage, confidence, a sense of urgency, and joy. While others have gone before us, the Cardinal underlined that it is our time and responsibility to stand strong in the faith that we believe is Good News and to share this announcement with boldness.
In her own keynote address Dr Susan Timoney, also of the Archdiocese of Washington, underlined that our parish boundaries do not determine where a person goes to church but rather who the parish is called to serve. Dr Timoney emphasised that the local parish serves everyone, Catholic and otherwise, who lives and works within its boundaries and that our parishes are called to be flexible and creative in engaging this local community with the Gospel. This is the meaning of an embedded and missionary parish. I was privileged to address participants on the cultural tensions and challenges of change within the life of Australian parishes, the need for vision, bold proclamation, personal witness and a constant orientation outwards to the world, while the final keynote of the conference was delivered by Bishop Nicholas Hudson of Westminster, UK, who spoke beautifully of the potential of parishes to express Christ’s mercy. In a moving reflection, Bishop Hudson recalled St John XXIII’s description of the parish as “a village fountain to which all have recourse in their thirst”, a metaphor extended by Pope Francis in his own image of the parish as an “oasis of mercy”. The inclusive and transformative potential of our parishes, when expressing the tenderness of God’s love and companionship, was powerfully illustrated before the Conference concluded with a panel discussion on evangelisation facilitated by our Vicar General Fr David Ranson and a final commissioning of all delegates by Bishop Peter. Conference participants also enjoyed daily liturgies hosted by Fr Paul Finucane and Chatswood Parish, and facilitated by Fr Robert Borg, a Praisefest event on the second night of the conference, led by Catholic Youth Broken Bay with over 300 participants including pilgrims recently returned from WYD16. Numerous workshops were also offered across the three days of PROCLAIM 2016, canvassing a range of topics that speak to
the lived situation and evangelical mission of parishes today. These interactive sessions engaged everything from the liturgical and sacramental life of our parishes, personal discipleship and the discernment of gifts, social media and the communication of the Gospel to youth and young adults, the response of parishes to the sexual abuse crisis, the need of supervision and self-care in ministry, strategies for forming evangelisation teams, and responding to Pope Francis’ document on the family Amoris Laetitia through parish-based marriage preparation. The response from conference delegates was overwhelming, and participants from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific returned home inspired to renew the face of their parishes and communities. Some 160 parishioners from our own Diocese were in attendance and shared in the conversation and experience of the three days. “If the first time was a punt, the second time an each-way bet, and the third time a sure favourite, then PROCLAIM 2016 marks the moment when a conference on evangelisation became a firm fixture in the national life of the Church in Australia,” said Bishop Peter. It was announced that PROCLAIM 2018 will proceed with the next host diocese to be announced by the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation in coming months. Keynotes and workshops from PROCLAIM 2016 are available at http://www.xt3.com For more stories and photos from PROCLAIM 2016, go to www.dbb.org.au The Office for Evangelisation will soon also release a helpful resource capturing the insights of the PROCLAIM 2016, including the text of the four keynote addresses with a selection of workshops and youth ministry resources also made available on www.proclaimconference.com.au If your parish team, parish pastoral council or community would like to learn more about the insights of the PROCLAIM 2016 Conference, please contact our Office on 02 9847 1508. BBN
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WORLD YOUTH DAY
World Youth Day
Launch us on the adventure of Mercy For close to three weeks at the end of July and early August 2016, 230 people from Broken Bay – youth, young adults, leaders, clergy, religious, teachers, carers and bishops, travelled together on pilgrimage to the great gathering of young people from around the world in the homeland of St John Paul II – Krakow, Poland.
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heir journeys took them with Christ through the Holy Land, with St Paul through Greece, with the Saints through Italy and with St John Paul II direct to Poland. And as they journeyed, so did the family of Broken Bay back home – not just in prayerful
support, but with the spirit of pilgrimage, opening hearts to new encounters and new relationships with Jesus Christ. “World Youth Day can be one of the most transforming
“Overall it was a great experience and I made new friends along the way. It exceeded by expectations in every way. For anyone thinking of going to Panama in 2019, I highly recommend it.”
religious experiences in a person’s life,” said Kelly Paget, WYD Coordinator. “It is a larger than life event that offers a many faceted experience of Catholicism where one can experience God’s touch in a way that changes you forever.
We look forward to seeing our pilgrims continue to grow in their journey of faith and be people of mercy in our world.” For more stories and photos from the WYD Pilgrimage to Krakow, go to www.dbb.org.au/WYD
“The best part of WYD was simply being in the presence of millions of young Catholics and sharing these incredible faith experiences with so many people. The crowds were extraordinary and it was a touching moment when the Pope got us all to hold hands and build bridges of peace at the Saturday Vigil.”
“Best thing about WYD? Confronting the capacity of humanity for evil and brutality through our visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau followed by the truly uplifting opening Mass, a true celebration of diversity, good will and faith. The contrast of these experiences solidified for me the need for us all to work every to make the latter experience the louder voice in our world.”
“The Homily Pope Francis said at the field of mercy during the adoration of Christ was amazing. I felt this weight lift of my shoulders making me feel like I could do anything I put my mind to and it just really inspired me.” “I loved walking around the streets and embracing the city buzzing with people excited to express their faith. I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the Masses in Błonia Park, everyone crowding together to hear the messages from the priests and of course the Pope.” 10
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“The best thing about WYD was to see our great Church is young, full of hope, loud and it is very much ALIVE! Truly realising that God is waiting for each and every one of us with unconditional, compassionate and forgiving love. The personal spiritual growth and fruits of WYD are immeasurable and difficult to put into words as it is so personal. Being unafraid to say ‘yes’ to God with my heart, mind and soul.”
WORLD YOUTH DAY
“Feeling safe a in my faith nd able to grow and expres s my relationship w best part. B ith God was the eing to God whe able to speak rever I was.”
“I gained a renewed passion for my faith from WYD and greater confidence to share this with others. When leaving the Way of the Cross liturgy my friend Claire and I got separated from the group and were unsure how to make our way back to our accommodation. The next thing we knew we were engulfed by a crowd of spirit-filled young people chanting that Jesus Christ is Lord. We stopped worrying and started walking, chanting with the crowd. It wasn’t long before we found our way back and were in great spirits. I remember thinking how different this was to being back home where I often don’t feel comfortable talking with people at uni and work about my faith. In this WYD environment there was no judgement, just joy. It’s my goal to continue to live out this joy back home and not hold back sharing my faith. Hopefully by being open to this God can work through me and I can be a witness to others.” BBN
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CATHOLIC YOUTH BROKEN BAY
What now for Catholic Youth Broken Bay? Post World Youth Day youth engagement has always been one of the greatest challenges following on from any WYD.
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any communities have already joyfully welcomed back and celebrated the deep transformation that WYD brought to their young people. So the question now for CYBB is – what next? And the answer is: Everything! A large focus of our post WYD strategy is to support and empower our newly developed Hubs in Terrigal and Manly. Both these communities are the first of their kind in the Diocese and are seen to be gathering points for young people for fellowship
and formation. Both Hubs have already begun with launch events supported by surrounding parishes and faith communities. Plans are well underway for
both Hub events and our regular CYBB events for 2017. The year will conclude with the Australian Catholic Youth Festival hosted by Sydney Archdiocese which
will also launch the Australian Year of Youth 2018. For more details about upcoming Hub or CYBB events please contact youth@dbb.org.au
Twilight Talks @ the Terrigal Hub A regular event for the Young Adults, Youth Ministry Leaders & Clergy/ Religious in our Diocese to connect with the community, share a meal and be nourished through inspiring speakers/topics. Our guest speaker for the evening will be Bishop Peter A Comensoli. Dates: Friday 21 October 2016 Venue: The Terrigal Hub, Our Lady Star of the Sea, 165 Serpentine Rd, Terrigal Time: 6:30pm for a meal, 7:30pm – 9:00pm for talk and discussion RSVP: youth@dbb.org.au
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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE
Christians and Muslims: Friends and Neighbours By Pam and John Ward, FFCP Social Justice Group On Sunday 7 August, 60 members of the Frenchs Forest Parish gathered at St Anthony in the Fields, Terrey Hills, for an afternoon tea and the opportunity to learn more about what Muslims believe. t was a fantastic afternoon. The general consensus was that it helped with answers to questions that people wanted to ask but hadn’t had the opportunity and also that the Muslim visitors were happy that people were keen to meet them. An information session held in the church was moderated by Columban priest, Fr Brian Vale. The panel consisted of Columban priest, Fr Patrick McInerney, Steff Fenton from the Centre for Christian Muslim Relations, Sheik Youssef Hassan, Sheikh Sonner and Mrs Rayghaan Kasmani from the Together for Humanity project. Some of the things heard from panel members who responded to questions previously provided in writing were: • Christians and Muslims both believe in Abraham, • Differences between Sunni and Shia are essentially political differences as to who should have taken on the leadership after the death of the prophet Mohammed. There is unity in diversity. Diversity is a blessing. Only God almighty can judge who is superior. • Regarding the wearing of the scarf by women – it is a very personal choice – women wear the scarf to feel closer to God. • Muslims pray 5 times a day and where possible bathe before praying. Women should cover the body except for face and hands. Men have dress codes too. We worship God
by everything we do. The purpose of worship is to get closer to God and this is a benefit to ourselves. • Muslims believe in the Quran holy book. They respect the holy books of the Torah, the Bible and the Psalms of David. • Regarding the problem of ISIL terrorism, there is a great deal of over-reporting in the media, of bombing, terrorism and some false reporting. Most of the
victims of ISIL are Muslims. Boko Haram and ISIL are about .065% of the Muslim population. Terrorism is not condoned by Islamic Law. Killing people has no place in Islam. ISIL does not have any authority from God or Islam. The summing-up message was for those present to give this message to the people: Live with each other. Understand each other. Build bridges of friendship
and understanding. Sheikh Hassan extended an invitation to the parish to make a return visit to his community. Fr Patrick McInerney commented: “What we are doing today faith-to-faith or face-to-face helps us gain accurate information from informed scholars and those who live Islam in peace and harmony. There is a lot of rubbish out there so we should read from authoritative sources.”
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OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2016
Office for Evangelisation PULLOUT 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.
BROKEN BAY BIBLE CONFERENCE
The Acts of the Apostles: Taking the Gospel to a Wider World Presenters: Dr Michele A. Connolly, rsj and Dr Laurie Woods Join us as we look at the birth and growth of
Date: Thursday 27 October 2016 Time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm Venue: Holy Cross Church, South Kincumber RSVP: registrations@dbb.org.au or 9847 0448 / 4332 9825 by Tuesday 25 October Date: Friday 28 October 2016
the very early Church, and journey with Peter,
Time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Paul and the other disciples as they take the
Venue: Holy Name Parish Sunroom, Wahroonga
message of Jesus to the wider Jewish and
RSVP: registrations@dbb.org.au or 9847 0448 / 4332 9825 by
Greco-Roman world.
Wednesday 26 October
Sr Michele says, “ We will see how ordinary people came to real faith in Jesus crucified and raised. This will invite us in turn, to refresh our own faith in our times and culture.”
GENERAL FAITH FORMATION
Date: Friday / Saturday 14 & 15 October 2016
Fr James Mallon Live in Sydney
Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills
Parish Priest of St Benedict’s, Halifax, Canada,
Road, Pennant Hills (Vehicular entry via City View Road) Cost: $55 for 2-day Conference, or $27.50 per day
author of “Divine Renovation: Bringing Your Parish from Maintenance to Mission”
RSVP: www.trybooking.com/LLLJ by Monday 3 October, enquiries registrations@dbb.org.au 9847 0448 / 4332 9825 Further information: www.dbb.org.au/bible Highly acclaimed for his work with parish renewal and the New
ENCOUNTER SHORT COURSE
Christian Spirituality: Awakening the Deep Spirituality is central to what it means to be human. This ENCOUNTER course will highlight the meaning of spirituality and how it is understood within the Catholic tradition, including the stages in the spiritual life; the
Evangelisation, Fr James Mallon will share with us practical ways we can inject new life into parishes. Over several years a discipleship process has emerged at St Benedict’s which has been producing remarkable results. This strategy, the “Game Plan,” is a dynamic discipleship pathway which parishes can develop. Fr James’ engaging and accessible style challenges us to rethink our models of parish life in order to become more vibrant and dynamic communities of missionary disciples who proclaim and share the Good News with others.
insights and wisdom provided by the Doctors of the Church; and
An initiative of Alpha & the Sydney Evangelisation Network of the
practical skills to encourage and deepen the spiritual life.
Archdiocese of Sydney. Proudly supported by the Catholic Diocese of
Course Duration: 1 x 2.5 hours
Broken Bay. Bistro meals available at the Club. All very welcome.
Presenter: Very Rev Dr David Ranson, Parish Priest Holy Name
Date: Thursday 17 November 2016
Parish Wahroonga and Vicar General Diocese of Broken Bay
Time: 7:15pm – 9:30pm
Date: Thursday 20 October 2016
Cost: $10 (includes tea, coffee and light supper)
Time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Venue: Dooley’s Lidcombe Catholic Club,
Venue: Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Hall, Forestville
24-28 John Street, Lidcombe
RSVP: registrations@dbb.org.au or 9847 0448 / 4332 9825 by
RSVP: Register online at https://www.trybooking.com/MUYX
Tuesday 18 October
or call 02 9307 8477 Monday 14 November
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OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2016
‘Beyond Belief’ with Hugh Mackay Hugh Mackay is a well-known Australian social researcher, writer and commentator. In this special presentation of Holy Name Parish, Wahroonga, Hugh Mackay will unpack the topic of faith and religion in Australia (including emerging challenges), our desire for spiritual fulfilment, and the ways we find meaning and purpose in today’s society with and without
religion. Please join Hugh for this fascinating insight into faith and meaning-making in Australian society. Proudly supported by the Office for Evangelisation. Date: Monday 10 October 2016 Time: 7:30pm – 9:15pm Venue: Prouille Catholic School, 5 Water Street, Wahroonga RSVP: www.trybooking.com/MWVR or Jackie Thornton at secretary@holynamewahroonga.com.au or 9489 3221 by Friday 7 October
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 Level 2 and Level 3 courses to all interested people providing formation that enables the Gospel to be taken into the lives of others.
CCD Ministry Course CCDMI Central Coast Region Wednesday 12 Oct 2016
Classroom Management: Positive Discipline
The Mission and Ministry of
Friday 18 Nov 2016
the Catechist
Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, 423 Pennant Hills Road,
Introduction to the Bible
Wednesday 19 Oct 2016 SRE Teacher in the Parish and School
Pennant Hills (Vehicular entry via City View Road)
Wednesday 26 Oct 2016
Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm (Friday 18 November 9:30am – 12:00pm)
Child Protection / Safeguarding
Wednesday 09 Nov 2016 Lesson Planning: Teaching the Authorised Curriculum Wednesday 16 Nov 2016
RSVP: registrations@dbb.org.au or 9847 0448 / 4332 9825 by Friday 21 October 2016
The Development of the Child and Adolescent I
Wednesday 23 Nov 2016 Classroom Management: Positive Discipline Wednesday 30 Nov 2016 Introduction to the Bible Venue: CCD Regional Office (MacKillop House), 58 Victoria Avenue, East Gosford
CCD Ministry Course CCDMI Northern Beaches Region Tuesday 1 Nov 2016
The Mission and Ministry of the Catechist
SRE Teacher in the Parish and School
RSVP: registrations@dbb.org.au or
Tuesday 8 Nov 2016
Child Protection / Safeguarding
9847 0448 / 4332 9825 by Wednesday 5 October 2016
Lesson Planning:
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Teaching the Authorised Curriculum
CCD Ministry Course CCDMI North Shore / Hornsby Region Friday 28 Oct 2016
The Mission and Ministry of the Catechist
SRE Teacher in the Parish and School
Friday 4 Nov 2016
Child Protection/Safeguarding
Lesson Planning:
Friday 11 Nov 2016
Tuesday 15 Nov 2016
The Development of the Child and Adolescent I
Classroom Management: Positive Discipline
Tuesday 22 Nov 2016
Introduction to the Bible
Venue: Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Centre, 9 Currie Road, Forestville
Teaching the Authorised Curriculum
Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm (Tuesday 22 November 9:30am – 12:00pm)
The Development of the Child
RSVP: registrations@dbb.org.au or
and Adolescent I
9847 0448 / 4332 9825 by Tuesday 25 October 2016
Be kept informed about upcoming faith education and formation opportunities within the Diocese. Please contact David Patterson, Catholic Life & Faith Formation Coordinator, at david.patterson@dbb.org.au to receive a monthly e-Bulletin detailing events from around the parishes. BBN
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CatholicCare exceeding expectations yet again In September, CatholicCare received notification about another two services receiving a rating of Exceeding. In 2016 CatholicCare has had six services receive this rating including the Early Learning Centres at Lake Munmorah, Waitara and Forestville, and the Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC) services at Waitara, West Pymble and Narrabeen.
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est Pymble has been the first of our Outside of School Hours services to get ‘Exceeding’ in all seven areas, which is a significant achievement for an OSHC service. Whilst CatholicCare Children’s Services continue to grow at an encouraging rate, acknowledging the local community continues to be a priority. Each Coordinator is encouraged to respond to the needs of their local community and engage with it in meaningful ways. It has been important to resist the cookie cutter approach which is common in large children’s services organisations, and instead be responsive to the attached Catholic Primary school, families and local area.
The National Quality Standard is used to rate services against seven quality areas. Area 6 is about “Collaborative partnerships with families and communities” and has been a consistent strength for our services within CatholicCare. This is about being able to work with families, valuing their role as the child’s first teacher and primary carer, orienting and involving families within the service and making meaningful and relevant connections with the community. At the Diocese of Broken Bay Early Learning Centre, Lake Munmorah, Coordinator Michelle Kennedy and her team work tirelessly to facilitate, support and engage their high proportion of children with additional needs. They have
become known within their community in the area of inclusion and due to their exemplary transition to school process. Simone Weingaertner at the Early Learning and Care Centre at Waitara, is unrelenting in her efforts to support her working families by valuing, involving and respecting them as the children’s first teachers. This collaboration is imperative to developing continuity between home and the service, and is founded in a responsive orientation experience into the service. All services are to be commended on such fantastic results and the continued demonstration of high quality education and care that is provided on a daily basis.
FAMILY CENTRES: Central Coast • Naremburn • Waitara DISABILITY FUTURES: Central Coast • Northern Beaches • Northern Suburbs OUT OF HOME CARE: Foster Care • Therapeutic Group Care EARLY LEARNING AND CARE: Forestville • Lake Munmorah • Terrigal • Waitara
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Hanging with the Best CatholicCare’s Boonah Creative Arts Centre artists have been working hard over the year and have produced amazing high quality works.
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he most significant achievement was our artists’ works being accepted into the Kings School’s Annual Art Exhibition. Held each August, the King’s School Art Show is famous for being one of the most prestigious and selective shows of its kind in Australia. Artwork that is displayed for sale can include some of Australia’s most wellknown artists’, like Norman Lindsay, Arthur Boyd, and Pro Hart. This is the first time that our artists have exhibited in a mainstream exhibition of such high calibre with two of our artists selling their paintings!
“Boonah Creative Arts Centre staff said…. “We believe this is a wonderful opportunity for our artists to promote their work; build confidence in their abilities; feel included in a large community event; to promote CatholicCare’s services, especially Boonah Creative Arts Centre, within the general community; create an awareness amongst the general public of the wonderful work in which our artists are engaged”. Currently our artists are working toward our annual Christmas Exhibition held at our Boonah Art Studio with the official opening on the 3 December 2016. You can find Boonah Art Studio at shop
Boonah artwork displayed at the King’s Art Show.
27 The Philip Mall, Kendall St, West Pymble. Enquiries can be made through catholiccaredisabilityfutures@dbb.org.au We hope to see you there. Special mention should go to our very talented support staff who work extremely hard to bring out and promote the best in all our artists.
Bishop Peter visits Mary Mac’s
B
ishop Peter Comensoli recently made a visit to Mary Mac’s Place at Woy Woy to meet the volunteers and have lunch with the companions. Corned beef and vegies were on the menu as part of the regular hot lunch that is served each week day.
The Diocese of Broken Bay is proud to support Mary Mac’s Place at the Annual Charity Race Day on 27 October at The Entertainment Grounds, Gosford. All funds raised on the day will go directly to help this wonderful ministry of mercy.
OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE: Carlingford • Collaroy Plateau • Davidson • East Gosford • Forestville • Freshwater Lake Munmorah • Manly • Mona Vale • Narrabeen • Pymble • Waitara • West Pymble HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY: Gosford • Hornsby • Manly • Mona Vale • Royal North Shore • Wahroonga (SAN) • Wyong BBN
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EDUCATION
An Engineering Feat Indeed
Three talented Year 9 Design & Technology students from St Paul’s Catholic College in Manly took out the $500 prize in the recent Aurecon Bridge Building Competition.
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he Aurecon Competition is held annually with Year 8 and Year 9 students from across Australia. The students, Jake Lacy, Cian Ryan and Mitchell Birch, worked on the project in their own time under the guidance of their teacher, Mr Dale Casburn, to engineer and build the strongest bridge possible. Materials allowed were popsicle sticks, five metres of string
and a small pot of PVA glue. The bridge had to comply with the stringent guidelines, dimensions and requirements with the prize awarded to the most innovative bridge. Their bridge carried a huge weight of 94kg and still did not break. Thanks to their innovative design and engineering skills not only did the team win the main prize for the school but also walked away with a cash voucher each.
A Day for a Feast Five MacKillop Catholic College students celebrated the Feast of Mary MacKillop by performing in a special service held on Sunday 7 August in the St Joseph Chapel at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney.
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he students Samantha Vella, the newly-appointed College Captain, as well as four drama students, Isabelle Hannan, Bianca Alexiou, Ryley Small and Curtis Lang delivered a beautiful reflection on the gift of 150 years of Josephite Ministry across Australia and the World. Special guests at the celebrations included The Governor of NSW David Hurley, Former Governor Marie Bashir, and Bishop of Parramatta Vincent Long, as well as local politicians.
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The day after, students from Kindergarten to Year 11 in turn gathered for a College Mass for the Feast of Mary MacKillop. Students and staff participated in the Liturgy as musicians, singers, and readers. The celebration was led by Fr Vince Casey PP with Sr Marea Ross rsj relaying her journey as a Sister of St Joseph and sharing some wonderful photos. It was a thrill to hear Sr Marea’s journey in this 150th year for the Sisters.
EDUCATION
The Financial Hub
Mercy Catholic College in Chatswood recently unveiled their newest classroom for its Commerce and Business students.
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he Financial Hub is an innovative and open-planned creative space funded by a Commonwealth Bank Teaching Award granted to the College. Terrie Franklin, Commerce teacher, has also started running a mentoring program which connects successful businesswomen with enthusiastic Year 9 Commerce students.
In turn, the Year 9 students are mentoring the Year 6 students from Our Lady of Dolours Catholic School across the road. The Mercy students created, published, and recently launched their multimedia books on financial literacy. One student, Paula, said that the program expanded her knowledge of saving and investing “in a fun and creative way.” She
was very happy to share her video with the younger children and see how they related to it. Claire Mackay from Quantum Financial, one of the business mentors, said “financial literacy is essential for everyone and it doesn’t need to be complex. From pocket money, canteen money and getting a job. These skills are life long.”
Star struck teachers and students Year 5 and Year 6 students from Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic School at Terrigal were thrilled to meet Australian Rugby Union players Drew Mitchell, Will Skelton and Kane Douglas.
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he Wallabies were taking part in a training camp on the Central Coast, prior to the much anticipated Bledisloe Cup game. The students were taught some important
football skills, with the players encouraging them to aim high and do your best. Principal Robert Peers commented, “Aside from some very excited students, there were also a few star struck teachers.”
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EDUCATION
Artwork Honours
James Stibilji, a Year 9 student at St Leo’s Catholic College in Wahroonga, has been selected from over 2,200 entrants as a Finalist in the Young Archies.
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Jess Saliba’s artwork.
he Young Archies are the junior section of the Archibald Prize and are highly distinguished. James was selected as one of only six finalists in the 13-15-year-old section. James said of his portrait, which depicts his creative mentor and founder of the Possibility Project Kath Davies, “Kath glows an energy of possibility, light, nature, and love. The best beauty is found within, and my artwork demonstrates what it is like to know Kath Davies.” James was also the winner of this year’s Mosman Youth Art Prize. Jess Saliba, another Year 9 student at St Leo’s, also entered the competition with her work selected to be exhibited at the Art Gallery of New South Wales along with James’. Jess commented, “My artwork was inspired by society’s ideals of beauty and being yourself regardless of what people think of you.”
James with his Young Archies submission.
Indigenous Parent Engagement Day The inaugural Broken Bay Indigenous Parent Engagement Day was held at MacKillop Catholic College in Warnervale.
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arents from across our Central Coast schools attended the day, which was hosted by Aboriginal Education Officer Dave Ella. The artwork for the day was designed by Year 11 student, Jake Racz, who was also commissioned by Mr Ella to paint a picture
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of the Aboriginal Education Team’s upcoming pilgrimage to Uluru. The day began with a smoking ceremony held at the Yarning Circle followed by a presentation by the Aboriginal Education Team on the best ways to support our Indigenous children and families.
Mr Ella spoke of the gains the Broken Bay Diocese had made in Indigenous Education and the invaluable support the Aboriginal Education Workers provide in all our schools. The day finished with a shared lunch prepared by MacKillop Year 12 students and entertainment from local Indigenous dancers.
EDUCATION
Journeying alongside one another Staff at Our Lady of Dolours Catholic School in Chatswood recently visited the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection as part of a staff development day.
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he group were greeted with generous hospitality by Deacon Nishan Basmajian and Bishop Haigazoun Najarian. Bishop Najarian shared his wealth of knowledge and his personal role
in Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia in June. After a Persian and Armenian lunch, the group walked to Beauchamp Park to gather at the Katch-kar, the ‘cross-
stone’, which memorialises the Armenian Genocide of 1915. This beautiful carved stone, a feature of Armenian culture, was erected in 2015 as a symbol of the relationship between the
City of Willoughby and a district in Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of Armenia. The group spent some time in prayerful reflection before returning to school, enriched by a fresh perspective on their neighbourhood and Armenian heritage. A number of students at the school are of Armenian heritage. The day was a practical embodiment of Pope Francis’ call to “work on a small scale, in our local neighbourhood, but with a larger perspective” ( Joy of the Gospel, #234-5).
Flexible Learning Environment Year 5 and 6 (Stage 3) students at St Cecilia’s Catholic School in Balgowlah have a new flexible learning environment.
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he new classroom is set up so that the children are not allocated a desk, but instead choose their work area depending on what they need to do that day. Students can work on couches, armchairs, bean bags or at a stand-up work station, as well as at a traditional desk, giving the room a relaxed feeling and greater flexibility. These Stage 3 students
are co-taught by Monica Officer and Nick Dowler, who emphasise thinking skills from the ‘Habits of Mind’ and ‘Visible Thinking’ programs. The new flexible learning space is designed to target individual learning needs and styles as well as develop students’ independent thinking and communications skills. It also fosters collaboration and problem-solving.
Making a difference Students at St Mary’s Catholic School in Manly raised almost a thousand dollars through their annual Winter Appeal to help the homeless.
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he students donated good quality winter clothing to support St Vincent de Paul, including beanies, scarves, track pants and jackets, which were then given to the homeless. Mission Captains spoke at the weekend masses,
letting the parishioners know about the Appeal and asking for their support. Half the funds raised were used to buy track pants for the Matthew Talbot hostel in Woolloomooloo and the other half was donated to the food
van which operates from St Mary’s Church in Manly on Sunday nights. “Our small actions helped people stay warm this winter,” said Social Justice Co-ordinator Mary Baldwin. “We can all make a difference.” BBN
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NEWS & ISSUES
Call for communities of compassion as population ages
Social Justice Statement for 2016-17 “A Place at the Table: Social Justice in an ageing society”
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s more and more Australians are living longer, we should celebrate the great ‘success story’ of our ageing population and, as a fair and compassionate nation, foster solidarity among all generations, Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay from the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council said. ‘Australia must protect older people who are most vulnerable to hardship and who are at risk of feeling they are a burden on society.’ Bishop Tarabay was speaking at the launch of the Australian Catholic Bishops 2016-2017 Social Justice Statement, entitled ‘A Place at the Table: Social justice in an ageing society’. The Statement highlights the significant contribution that older people continue to make to the life of the community. The number of Australians aged 65 and over will more than double from 3.6 million
today to 8.9 million by the middle of the century. Around 75 per cent of men and 85 per cent of women are reaching retirement in good health and with around 20 years of life ahead of them. There is a risk, however, that a society ill-prepared for demographic change may assess these trends as an economic threat. Already, we hear divisive terms such as ‘intergenerational theft’ or invidious comparisons between ‘productive workers’ and ‘burdensome retirees’. Our community must ensure that both the costs and the great benefits of an ageing population are shared equitably. Where policies encourage longer working lives, we must ensure that vulnerable groups share the benefits of employment and are protected from poverty in their later years. Where aged-care sectors
are being opened to market competition, we must ensure that those with limited means receive the dignified and adequately funded care all are entitled to. The Statement points out that particularly vulnerable people can be exposed to loneliness, ageism and elder abuse. The Bishops challenge a ‘throwaway’ culture that casts older people as being burdensome or even dispensable. They strongly
affirm the sanctity of life and call for a culture of compassionate care that values and protects people in their final years. The Bishops call for communities that foster solidarity among the generations and ensure older people have their rightful place at the table. The 2016-2017 Social Justice Statement can be downloaded from the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council website:
http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/
Celebrate the Holy Year of Mercy: ACN by supporting priests and religious wherever the Church is poor or persecuted Through their hands, God’s hand caresses the earth... A complimentary Year of Mercy rosary designed by the Priests and religious are above all the apostles of Divine Vatican rosary makers and blessed by Pope Francis will Mercy - and not merely during the extraordinary Year of be sent out to all those who give a donation of $15.00 or Mercy that Pope Francis has proclaimed for the whole more to support this cause and tick the box below. Church. They feed the hungry, comfort the grieving, en- Rosary design: Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s Mercy dure injustice. They promote reconciliation and absolve Every confessor must accept the faithful as the father in the the repentant from their sins. Day by day, through the parable of the prodigal son. Confessors are called to embrace works of spiritual and corporal mercy, they show people the repentant son who comes home and to express the joy of the Face of the Merciful God. ‘They’ are the priests and having him back again. religious of the Catholic Church. Chosen to be the Mother of the Son of God, Mary, from the Throughout the world wherever the Church is poor or outset, was prepared by the love of God to be the Ark of the persecuted, there are tens of thousands of priests and re- Covenant between God and man. She treasured divine mercy ligious daily living the ‘Yes’ they have already given to in her heart in perfect harmony with her son Jesus. The red and God. It is vital that the indispensable work of priests and white beads represent the rays of light of the Divine Mercy. religious in Christ’s Holy Catholic Church continues.
Send to: Aid to the Church in Need PO Box 7246 Baulkham Hills BC NSW 2153 Tel No: (02) 9679-1929 Email: info@aidtochurch.org Web: www.aidtochurch.org I/We enclose $_________ to support the work of Priests and Religious for the poor and persecuted Church.
I enclose a cheque/money order payable to Aid to the Church in Need OR please debit my Visa or Mastercard:
Broken Bay News
Signature .................................................... Exp Date ....... /....... Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Rev .............................................................................................................. The Year of Mercy Rosary set will be sent out to all those who assist this cause and tick this box.
Address ........................................................................................................... PC .................. Ph ........................................... Email .....................................................................................
AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED...a Catholic charity dependent on the Holy See, providing pastoral relief to needy and oppressed Churches
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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE
Nationwide Month of Prayer and Fasting for Marriage and Families This October, a national month of prayer and fasting for marriage and families has been initiated by the Australian Catholic Marriage and Family Council. “The month of prayer and fasting is intended to be held in parishes across Australia during October 2016 as the nation prepares for a conversation on marriage,” Bishop Michael Kennedy, the Bishops Delegate for Marriage and Family, said.
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish Warnervale honours their Patron Saint
“I encourage you to support your parish community to celebrate Mass, pray the Rosary and undertake Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during this time with the special intention of marriages and families in mind.”
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he day was facilitated by Sue and Leo Kane, authors of The Little Brown Book, using scripture and Mary’s thoughts to bring spirituality into our lives. Sue and Leo have enjoyed lengthy careers in Catholic education and have an abiding interest in the spiritual life of Mary MacKillop. Together they focused on the events of Mary’s life as they explored the goodness of this wonderful woman. The day was a gentle reflective time with Mary allowing participants to get to know her more deeply and to understand better how we can make her spirituality our own. A feature of the day was “having a cuppa with Mary” and participants took away with them a cup that symbolised the day and was a reminder of how Mary enjoyed “a quiet cuppa with God”.
Resources can be downloaded from www.dbb.org.au
AUDIO
VISION
The following Saturday, 6 August, the MacKillop Mass was held and 88 parishioners enjoyed a Thanksgiving Dinner at ShoreThyme Restaurant in Norah Head. From what we know of Mary MacKillop, she would have rolled up her sleeves in preparation for the dinner and delighted in welcoming her guests, strangers and all. With her Irish and Scottish background and Aussie sense of fun, she would have shared the excitement, good humour, song and happy conversation with everyone. It was a wonderful night with great entertainment provided by the musicians and singers from the parish. As proud MacKillop people of the Warnervale Parish, they honoured their patron saint in a spirit of joy, fun and laughter.
LIGHTING
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OCTOBER 2016
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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE
Celebrating Volunteers and Workers of Mercy… and the newest Saint
A special Thanksgiving Mass for Volunteers and Workers of Mercy was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral on Sunday 4 September, coinciding with the canonisation of St Teresa of Kolkata.
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ishop Peter A Comensoli and Fr Robert Borg blessed the whole congregation as “volunteers and workers of mercy” as everyone is a worker of mercy in some capacity. After the Sunday night Mass, supper was served and the canonisation of St Teresa of Kolkata was live-streamed from Rome. Prayer cards were handed out to attendees celebrating this wonderful event. Bishop Peter said in his homily: “People like us, who never met Mother Teresa, yet saw her work and heard her speak of it,
instinctively register just how remarkable and holy that little nun from Albania was. This recognition doesn’t require any belief, commitment or religious affiliation; ordinary people of faith, and none, easily and instinctively acknowledge Mother Teresa’s utter commitment to the poorest of the poor in India. On a purely human level, the light of her goodness simply shone out as a beacon that anyone could see. “These are all good works anyone can practice: we don’t have to be as bold and as Mother Teresa, who went around collecting
ALBERT & MEYER FUNERAL DIRECTORS
dying people. All we need to do is one act of mercy: quietly, unobtrusively, simply. There is something in that list of corporal and spiritual works of mercy that each of us can do. In fact, I would say that you are already doing it. So, just keep doing it – get yourself a reputation for being merciful; make mercy your thing. In this Year of Mercy, and on this day in which we acknowledge those who are workers and volunteers of mercy within our Diocese, may this sign of God’s divine nature and presence become the pattern of our lives.”
…serving the Diocese of Broken Bay since 1967 Rebecca Pincott Michael Bolton
Australian Family Owned & Operated 301-303 PENNANT HILLS ROAD, THORNLEIGH
9484 3992 ALL SUBURBS 24 HOURS www.albertmeyer.com.au 24
OCTOBER 2016
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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE
Waitara celebrates
100 years of a Faith Community Sunday 28 August saw more than 1000 people celebrate the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of the Rosary Faith Community, at the Light of Christ Centre, Waitara. The day coincided with Migrant and Refugee Sunday, and parishioners donned their national dress to highlight the diversity of cultures represented in the Hornsby Cathedral Parish.
Memento Book Celebrating 100 Years of Faith in The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy is available for purchase from the Hornsby Cathedral Parish Office at a cost of $10.00 per copy. This 72 page book features stories and photos submitted by parishioners. Phone: 9483 2300 to order your copy. Please note, books must be picked up from the Parish Office – no postage is available.
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OCTOBER 2016
25
NEWS & ISSUES
The Heavens Proclaim! Br Guy Consolmagno SJ, Papal Astronomer, was on a seven-hour layover in Sydney on 8 September, and was so generous in giving of his time to travel out to the Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills to run through a brief history of astronomy, Vatican astronomy, and the connection between science and faith.
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ith short notice we filled the room with over 140 eager participants. Br Guy is a popular speaker and writer. With advanced degrees in theology, a science degree from MIT, and a PhD in Planetary Science from the University of Arizona, he is well qualified to speak at the intersection of faith and science. In 2014, he was awarded the Carl Sagan Medal for outstanding communication by an active planetary scientist, and in 2015, he was named by Pope Francis to be the Director of the Vatican Observatory. Br Guy talked about his work at the Vatican Observatory, faith & science, the key messages of Laudato Si’, the connectedness of humankind,
and God and the creation of the universe, among other topics. Some wonderful quotes from Br Guy’s talk: ‘God’s creation out of nothing doesn’t mean something that happened billions of years ago... It means continual creation by a God that is not limited by time. God continually wills the universe to exist…’ ‘Why do we look at the stars? Because they give us joy, and in that joy we are given a touch of God’s presence.’ ‘Most astronomers are aware of religious questions, buy many would probably be agnostics because they just don’t “know”. (In terms of my faith) This is the choice I make, in the time I have right now. This is my choice to believe. Faith is
because I have doubts... and I make the choice to step beyond them.’ ‘Genesis is a poetic description of creation, just like the Big Bang Theory. Still poetry, still a metaphor. It is important to embrace every kind of poetry – to give expression to things that can’t otherwise be expressed.’ ‘We should look at what is true in all the different creation stories in scripture. They all agree it was a deliberate act by a loving God who wanted this universe to occur.’ ‘We would be crazy not to be afraid of what is out there. Fear is a wonderful motivator. We have fear precisely because we are opening ourselves up to the fact that we don’t have all the answers... Like prayer. Perhaps God might tell us something we don’t want to hear!’
‘Consciousness beyond life? We shouldn’t be looking for proof. I don’t believe in God because I have proof of God. I don’t believe in God because of science. I believe in God because of what I can see in science.’ The video of Br Guy’s talk at Broken Bay can be seen on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=mQ2I_x5aFa4
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OCTOBER 2016
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Higher Education vision grown from humble beginnings - BBI awarded new status as Higher Education Provider BBI is proud and delighted to announce that on 1 September 2016, it was accredited as a Higher Education Provider (HEP) by the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA) – Australia’s independent national regulator of the higher education sector. BBI commenced almost forty years ago as a theology faculty of the Centre for Christian Spirituality. It passed over to the Diocese of Broken Bay and became The Broken Bay Institute in 2003 under Bishop David Walker. The Institute has since evolved into the preeminent online theological higher education provider it is today, with over 1,000 graduates of the Graduate Certificate and Master of Theology, many of whom are current teachers and leaders in the Catholic education sector. In its capacity as a HEP, BBI is accredited to confer higher education degrees which are recognised as meeting national higher education standards and are benchmarked with universities, colleges and other tertiary institutions throughout the country. As a nationally accredited higher educational provider, the Institute has changed its name to BBI – The Australian Institute of Theological Education and created a new logo in order to better reflect its evolving identity as a major player in theological education in Australia. At the core of our new identity, we have ‘Theology Connected’ – a concept which is at the heart of the four new degree areas that BBI will be offering: Leadership & Theology Religious Education Theological Studies Governance & Canon Law These postgraduate degrees will be available in 2017 and will fill a unique place in the Australian higher education sector. P: (02) 9847 0030 E: bbi@bbi.catholic.edu.au
www.bbi.catholic.edu.au
Annual Diocesan
Charity Race Day
The Entertainment Grounds, Gosford
27 October 2016
All funds raised support Mary Mac’s Place, Woy Woy.
To book your individual or group tickets, call Rhonda Andersen on 9847 0726 or email rhonda.andersen@dbb.org.au