Broken Bay News September 2021 Issue 211

SAFEGUARDING MONTH 2021/ PAGE 7 BISHOP ANTHONY RANDAZZO: LOOK AFTER YOUR SPIRITUAL WELLBEING/ PAGE 2

PASTORAL WORKS BROKEN BAY LAUNCH/ PAGE 4 CRY OF THE EARTH, CRY OF THE POOR/ PAGE 6

CHATSWOOD CHURCH 100TH ANNIVERSARY/ PAGE 35

# 211 SEPTEMBER 2021

BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

BISHOP’S MESSAGE

Look after your Spiritual Wellbeing DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY Tel: (02) 8379 1600 Caroline Chisholm Centre Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd Pennant Hills NSW 2120 PO Box 340 Pennant Hills NSW 1715 enquiries@bbcatholic.org.au

By Bishop Anthony Randazzo are spiritual because the Spirit of God breathes divine life into us and animates us for eternal life.

CHANCERY Bishop: Most Rev Anthony Randazzo Vicar General: Very Rev Dr David Ranson Chancellor & Executive Officer: Kelly Paget Diocesan Financial Administrator, Director, Stewardship: Emma McDonald Director, Diocesan Safeguarding: Jodie Crisafulli Tel: (02) 8379 1605 Director, Communications: Iggy Pintado Director, Evangelisation Broken Bay: Tomasz Juszczak CATHOLIC SCHOOLS BROKEN BAY Director: Danny Casey Tel (02) 9847 0000 PO Box 967 Pennant Hills NSW 1715 CATHOLICCARE Executive Director: Tim Curran Tel: (02) 9481 2600 Family Centres: Brookvale – Naremburn – Tuggerah – Waitara –

Tel: (02) 8043 2600 Tel: (02) 8425 8700 Tel: (02) 4356 2600 Tel: (02) 9488 2400

Hospital Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care: (02) 9481 2600 Children’s Services: (02) 9481 2600 Disability Futures: (02) 9488 2500 Services for Seniors: (02) 9488 2500 Permanency Support Program (Foster Care): (02) 4320 7700 BROKEN BAY NEWS Editor: Melissa Loughlin Tel: (02) 8379 1618 news@bbcatholic.org.au Design: Chris Murray 10,400 copies of Broken Bay News are distributed quarterly to 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 We acknowledge the Darug, Gurringai and Darkinjung Nations, the traditional custodians of the land across our Diocese. We recognise the Aboriginal people as holding the memories, the traditions and the culture of the lands we live and work upon.

We honour their wisdom and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

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My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, So much is being said these days regarding physical and psychological wellbeing. It is a timely conversation, as countless people are challenged by the COVID lockdown foisted by the Delta strain of the virus.

For many in our community and beyond, there is great disquiet and uncertainty. This anxiety is compounded because most are not used to being restricted, especially regarding movement in and around the community.

The physical dimension of being less active or mobile can intensify the mental anguish of ambiguity around employment and financial security, studies and education, infirmity and health care, and exclusion or separation from the community, especially from our church buildings.

Talking about issues, in this case physical and psychological needs, can be cathartic and liberating.

However, if we draw a line joining those two points the result is a flat line, which lacks perspective and direction. Now is not the time to flat line. As human beings and as Catholic Christians, we are never merely physical or psychological.

We are also spiritual. The Holy Spirit dwelling in us is the memorial of God-with-us. The spiritual life is not merely an optional extra, as if we put on or take off the Spirit like a fashionable piece of clothing. We

These three points of reference: physical, psychological, and spiritual, are essential if the human person is to navigate life from this world to the next. They assist us in discerning who we are and where we are going. If any one of them is eliminated we flat line.

Not being able to gather in our churches for Mass, common prayer, and worship has placed a heavy burden on our community of the Church. However, the deprivation of these essential moments in our life does not dispossess us of the Spirit of God. God is ever-present to us through the beauty and grandeur of creation; by the eternal sacrifice of Christ crucified and risen; in the communion of the Holy Spirit. In these challenging times, I urge you not to forget this great mystery of faith. In the same way that each person needs to attend to their physical and psychological wellbeing, so too we have to consider our spiritual life and wellbeing.

There are many ways to do this, and so I encourage you to continue participating in live stream Masses; reading the Scriptures; praying the Rosary; reading the Lives of the Saints; praying the Liturgy of the Hours; making an examination of conscience; spending time in holy silence; praying before and after meals; attending to the needs of others via works of charity and kindness; fasting; praying for the dead; as well as considering other ways to sanctify each day.

We pride ourselves as being a free society, however the foundation of our way of life is grounded in responsible

freedom. Responsible freedom is the outcome of a life built by honesty, integrity, accountability, and justice.

It is lived in charity and peace with commitment and steadfastness and is directed towards the common good. Freedom is not something that some possess, and others receive as a reward. Responsible freedom is not merely doing what I please, it is doing as I must, for the wellbeing of all, for the greater good. We enjoy this freedom only when we go beyond individual and mutual selfishness and reach out in faith to what reason recognises as objectively good and true.

In our State of New South Wales, the Public Health Orders have been very clear: we are to stay at home unless for one of four reasons – seeking medical attention, purchasing essential items, attending work if it could not be done from home, and exercising. Our community of the Church is making every effort to respond to these challenges. Our clergy, Catholic schools, and ministries of care have developed a range of initiatives to ensure our people remain connected and nourished in faith. It has been reassuring to learn of many initiatives being undertaken. It is important that we create moments for meaningful engagement with

God and with each other, despite the lockdown limitations.

Our community of the Church is very much alive and active, despite the doors to our buildings being closed. I acknowledge one recent milestone worthy of celebration, the centenary of Our Lady of Dolours Church at Chatswood. In 2020, I visited Fr Jim McKeon and the parish to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone of one of the most beautiful churches in Broken Bay. This year commemorates the opening of the church building. For 100 years, our Catholic community has stood proud of the magnificent building, which is an outward sign of the interior faith of our priests and people. The online initiatives taken

by Fr David Ranson and the team have been a marvellous and creative way to connect Christ’s faithful even though we are unable to gather faceto-face to celebrate.

You might wonder what you can do.

The greatest thing we can do is to stay close to our faith. Through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, we are given the promise of abundant life. We can pray for each other, pray for an end to this pandemic, pray for the safety of all those you love and

Through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, we are given the promise of abundant life. We can pray for each other, pray for an end to this pandemic, pray for the safety of all those you love… of your neighbours, pray for health and peace in our time. You can also stay connected to the Church. The community of the Church which shares in a communion of life, charity, and truth is where together we become one in Christ.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude for the many kind messages of support and prayers on the occasion of my fifth anniversary as a bishop. As I commence my sixth year, I humbly ask that you continue to pray for me, that I might serve and lead the local Church of Broken Bay with charity and kindness. Please be assured of my gratitude for all your efforts in continuing the mission to announce Jesus Christ to the world.

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BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Pastoral Works Broken Bay – a new name for CWF

By David Armstrong Bishop Anthony Randazzo is delighted to announce the new name and brand Pastoral Works Broken Bay, replacing the Charitable Works Fund (CWF).

The purpose of the new name is to better reflect the authentic, lifegiving pastoral work you are helping to support, and provide a name that uniquely connects it to our Diocese of Broken Bay. Pastoral Works Broken Bay will play a vital role in building on the six Pastoral priorities for the Diocese, including giving vital support to life-changing ministries, nurturing families, and parish communities.

Each year, about 20,000 families and friends – those in hospitals, schools, parishes, and the wider community –

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will be assisted through the generous support of donors in our parish communities to Pastoral Works Broken Bay. Thank you for your support of this important and historic initiative for the Diocese of Broken Bay. A new name signifies fresh purpose and direction. In Scripture, for example, we read God changed Abram’s name to Abraham or Simon’s name to Peter.

“I pray the change from CWF to Pastoral Works Broken Bay enables us to reach further and wider in helping our local community and more deeply connects us to the mission of Jesus,” said Bishop Anthony Randazzo.

Watch Bishop Anthony Randazzo’s message on the launch of Pastoral Works Broken Bay. https://youtu.be/x1-xqAI88Ug Your generosity means the Church can be there during times of great

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

need, renewing and rebuilding their lives. Your donation helps the following five charities: •

Hospital Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care Practitioners – Helping those who are vulnerable, experiencing loneliness or sick in hospital.

•

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine – Catechists taking the gospel to State school students.

•

St Edmund’s College – Serving year 7-12 students with disability.

•

St Lucy’s School – Serving year K-12 students with disability.

•

Ephpheta Centre – Pastoral care, sacraments, and advocacy for the deaf community.

A friend to listen When 83-year-old John Colby suffered a stroke in March 2021 whilst saying the Rosary at St Kevin’s at Dee Why, he found himself in Northern Beaches Hospital. Denis O’Brien, Pastoral Care Practitioner for the Northern Beaches area, visited John whilst he was recovering. Denis and John have known each other for a long time, often catching up for a coffee and talking

footy. Denis was a great comfort to John, his visits were very welcome. John has now made a full recovery and is back attending Mass every day at St Kevin’s.

Your generous donation to Pastoral Works Broken Bay ensures that the service offered by Pastoral Care Practitioners like Denis O’Brien can continue.

Donate now Every gift makes a difference to someone in hospital, school, a parish or the wider community. www.bbcatholic.org.au/pastoralworks

John Colby

SUBSCRIBE TO BBNEWS, OUR FORTNIGHTLY ENEWSLETTER FROM THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY. Complementing the quarterly Broken Bay News magazine, BBNews will highlight the activity and stories of the Church in Broken Bay and beyond.

Get news directly to your inbox every second Friday and keep up to date with all the latest news from the Diocese, Parishes, Schools and CatholicCare.

To subscribe visit https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/bbnews 5/

BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor Social Justice Statement 2021-22

By Emma Baker, Team Leader, Life Marriage and Family Over 300 people gathered online on Thursday 5 August 2021 to attend the national launch of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Statement for 2021-22 Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. In committing themselves to the implementation of the Laudato Sȉ Action Platform, this year’s Social Justice Statement is the clearest call yet by the Australian Catholic Bishops to care for creation.

It is an historic commitment to a sustainable Church while responding to the needs of the disadvantaged and excluded.

In giving the opening address, Sherry Balcombe, Manager of Aboriginal Catholic Ministry – Melbourne, ‘Aunty Sherry’, noted that, although she has watched with distress and sadness the lives lost through COVID-19, the pandemic has also provided an opportunity for the earth to stop and take a deep breath.

This “collective pause”, as Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv later described it, has provided a “sabbatical rest” for the earth, a reprieve. Wearing his Franciscan habit, Bishop Vincent shared that ecology has always been close to his heart. Speaking from the land of the Dharug people, he said that we have a lot to learn from our First Nations peoples, who have always seen the land as sacred and acknowledged the interconnectedness of earth and peoples. He also affirmed the work of people already working to raise awareness of ecological issues.

In the Statement, the Bishops invite the whole Catholic community to join them in taking up Pope Francis’ invitation to a journey towards total 6/

ecological sustainability, guided by seven Laudato Sȉ Goals. These Goals are: response to the cry of the earth; response to the cry of the poor; ecological economics; sustainable lifestyles; ecological spirituality; ecological education; and community engagement and participatory action.

The Laudato Sȉ Action platform also provides a space for communities to gather and share with one another ideas for implementing the goals as well as resources to assist with that.

In planning their next steps towards the Laudato Sȉ Goals, the Statement encourages Catholic families, communities and organisations to listen to the First Nations peoples and reflect on the theological foundations offered in Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. In doing so, the Bishops hope that dialogue, prayer and theological reflection will ground and inform the action that is to follow.

This theological reflection is underpinned by an awareness of the need to care for both our earth and our people. As the Bishops point out, so often it is the poorest and most vulnerable members of our community who suffer the greatest impact of environmental degradation and destruction.

“We know that the safety, health, and livelihoods of those who are poorest

These Goals are: response to the cry of the earth; response to the cry of the poor; ecological economics; sustainable lifestyles; ecological spirituality; ecological education; and community engagement and participatory action. and most vulnerable in our community are usually the most severely impacted.

That is why Pope Francis often speaks of responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” (p.3) Launching and reflecting on the Social Justice Statement for 2021-22 is the first step in an ongoing dialogue as Catholic communities seek to develop ways to listen to the ‘Cry of the Earth’ and the ‘Cry of the Poor’ and become an ecologically sustainable Church.

More resources, including a copy of the Statement, a video by Australian Bishops, and podcast episodes discussing the statement can be found at https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au More information on the Laudato Sȉ Action Platform can be found at https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/

Broken Bay marks Safeguarding Month September is Safeguarding Month, and in 2021 it will look a little different to other years, due to lockdown. This year the theme of Safeguarding Month is Participation of Children and Young People in our Catholic Communities.

The annual Liturgy of Lament, the public acknowledgement of the pain and suffering of those who have been wounded by abuse in the Catholic Church, will be online only, as our churches are closed and people unable to gather.

You can participate in the Liturgy of Lament, presided by Bishop Anthony Randazzo, online at 7.00pm on Thursday 9 September on YouTube or the Diocesan website www.bbcatholic.org.au The theme for Safeguarding Month has come from the release of a new booklet – Children and Young People’s Participation in Catholic Communities: A guide to supporting & engaging, listening, and communicating with Children and Young People.

At World Youth Day in 2016, Pope Francis said to the young people, “The Church wishes to listen to your voice, even your doubts and your criticism, make your voice heard, let it resonate in communities…”

The development of the booklet forms part of a Greater Sydney Safeguarding Project between the Dioceses of Broken Bay, Parramatta and the Archdiocese of Sydney.

The resource is a tool to assist Catholic Communities to understand how to strengthen safety of children and young people by focusing on Standard 2 of the Australian Catholic Safeguarding Standards where children are safe, informed and participate. Therefore, children are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

In the foreword in the booklet, Bishop Randazzo, Bishop Long and Archbishop Fisher say, “As leaders of the Catholic Church, we endorse the underlying principles and practices

The Church wishes to listen to your voice, even your doubts and your criticism, make your voice heard, let it resonate in communities… of participation expressed in this document. Our Catholic communities have a responsibility to all our Children and Young People to help them reach their full potential.”

The booklet provides principles upon which this can be achieved. The booklet will be released on Wednesday 8 September online on the Safeguarding month page www.bbcatholic.org.au Hard copies will be available for parishes.

As part of Safeguarding Month, we commemorate NAPCAN Child Protection week and this year we also celebrate the Australian Safeguarding Sunday Mass on Sunday 12 September. Bishop Anthony Randazzo will celebrate Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara on that Sunday at 9.30am. You can participate in the live stream on the Hornsby Cathedral YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/ HORNSBYCATHEDRALPARISH On 22 September, Fr David Ranson, Vicar General, will present on Zoom Ministering to a Church in Trauma.

Everyone is welcome to join. Registrations are essential and places are limited. Register here: https://bbcatholic.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJItce2qpjovHtWs7Vymz9XkWVhlVTlq22Px Please keep all those who have suffered hurt and abuse in the Catholic Church in your prayers, and participate in the activities on offer throughout September through the Diocesan website. www.bbcatholic.org.au 7/

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NEWS AND ISSUES

Technology in place for First Plenary Council Assembly Despite large parts of the country being in lockdown, those planning the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia say all is in readiness to deliver the first assembly in October wholly online.

Bishop Shane Mackinlay, the Plenary Council’s vice-president, said the Council journey has adapted to changing circumstances because of COVID-19, and it is adapting again.

“With most of the country’s population currently in lockdown or having experienced lockdowns in recent weeks, we have plans in place to ensure the first assembly opens on 3 October,” he said.

“Just as there was disappointment in needing first to postpone the assembly and then to move to regional hubs, the likelihood that most members will now join the assembly from their home is not what we had planned and hoped for.

“We know, though, that the Holy Spirit can and will work through this assembly, just as the Spirit has led us over the past three-and-a-half years.”

Plenary Council facilitator Lana Turvey-Collins said a huge amount of work had been done to prepare for the Council to be held in hubs, with each member participating on their own device.

“As a result, this shift to most people participating from home is a pivot rather than a major detour from what we were planning,” she said.

“We are receiving exceptional support from technical experts within and beyond the Church to ensure that we can make the virtual assembly one that allows for the 8/

prayer, conversation, listening and discernment we’ve hoped for all along.”

Teams working on liturgy, communications and the assembly’s program are also altering existing plans for the new format.

Bishop Mackinlay said the approximately 280 members of the Council gathered online in four groups in recent weeks to continue their formation, including from a technology perspective.

“While there has been greater exposure to videoconferencing in the past 18 months, the Microsoft Teams environment was new to some,” he said.

“What we encountered over the two days each group met was a stable platform, and one on which we can participate in meaningful dialogue with one another. We were able to trial the practice of spiritual conversations that will be used during the assemblies and there were moments of prayerful encounter, even if via a screen.”

“We know, though, that the Holy Spirit can and will work through this assembly, just as the Spirit has led us over the past three-and-a-half years.”

It is expected that, in some areas not affected by lockdowns, members will gather in small numbers for prayer, fellowship and socialising, as the experience of provincial hubs would have provided.

Plans for the public live streaming of some parts of each day remain in place, and some liturgies will also be celebrated online.

“This is a Council for the Church in Australia, and we look forward to a wide range of people following the assembly, hearing how conversations are unfolding and praying with the members,” Ms Turvey-Collins said.

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

New ways to connect spiritually in lockdown

By Melissa Loughlin As the lockdown situation continues in NSW, Evangelisation Broken Bay has launched a new program of online events called Bay Connect.

The program, which commenced on Monday 30 August, provides an online program of regular activities to converse, reflect and connect spiritually online during this challenging time.

“Bay Connect was developed from our desire to continue engaging with the community and to provide opportunities for people to encounter Christ in unique ways during this time of lockdown,” said Tomasz Juszczak, Director, Evangelisation Broken Bay. “Many people in the community are searching for ways to connect socially, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually, which is why we have tried to include initiatives that are varied and speak to a wide audience.”

The program includes: • THE CHOSEN MONDAY: Mondays @ 7:30-8:45pm via Zoom – Join us as we go through the first season of The Chosen, viewing one episode every Monday, breaking open some themes and coming to know Jesus in a fresh new way.

• FORMATION FRIDAYS: Fridays @ 7:00-8:00pm via Zoom – An opportunity to get some simple Catholic formation on various aspects of the faith, from the basics to the hot topics, featuring a different guest speaker each week, followed by some time for questions/discussion.

“Through this, we hope that those in our community who are seeking opportunities to come closer to Christ can do so in a new and fresh way,” said Tomasz.

To find out more and register online, visit www.bbcatholic.org.au/ bayconnect

connected to your faith in this time of our churches’ doors being closed. It was introduced in April 2020 during the first lockdown and ran until July 2020 when our churches were once again reopened to parishioners.

“With the lockdown now extended with no definitive end in sight, Connected in Christ will once again be a valuable tool for those seeking spiritual nourishment at this time,” added Tomasz.

Connected in Christ will be available at www.bbcatholic.org.au from Sunday 12 September or in your parish newsletter.

The Diocese of Broken Bay is also reintroducing the online resource Connected in Christ, for families to engage with the weekly Gospel message.

Connected in Christ, available to download on the Diocesan website, is a one-page resource with the Sunday Gospel, reflections, activities, prayer and links to music to stay engaged and

• TUESDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Tuesdays @ 7:00-7:30pm via Instagram Live (@ cybbaus) – A place for the community to come together for prayer and to praise God from the setting of your home. All youth, young adults, singles and families, parishioners and clergy are invited.

• HUMPDAY HANGOUT W/ BR BERNARD: Wednesdays @ 7:007:30pm via Zoom – Our jolly friar Br Bernard Mary will host the session with time for prayer, ‘Banger’ of the week, casual chat and an entertaining selection of activities.

www.bbcatholic.org.au 9/

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Bishop David Walker marks 25 years as a Bishop

By Melissa Loughlin On Friday 3 September, Emeritus Bishop David Walker celebrated 25 years since his episcopal ordination as Bishop of Broken Bay. On 3 September 1996, Bishop David was ordained and installed as the second bishop of Broken Bay at Our Lady of Dolours, Chatswood. The celebration was moved to Chatswood, as the Cathedral as it was at the time at St Ives, wasn’t big enough to hold the 800 plus crowd in attendance. He replaced Bishop Patrick Murphy who had retired at the age of 75.

“Being a bishop isn’t an easy job, it can be difficult, but when I was asked, I accepted it wholeheartedly,” said Bishop David.

Ordained to the priesthood in 1962, Bishop David Walker’s priestly career began in the conventional pattern with service in Sydney parishes. His deep love and interest in spirituality led him to complete his Doctorate of Divinity in 1966. With this background he was invited to teach in the Catholic Theological Faculty of Sydney, at

Manly; the Holy Spirit Institute (for religious brothers) and the Mater Dei Institute (for religious sisters), where he became Director in 1969.

Realising the importance of reaching out to make serious theological study and reflection accessible, he became co-founder of the Catholic Correspondence Centre in 1973 with Frs Neil Brown and Peter Neville. The positive response to these courses provided momentum to found the Centre for Christian Spirituality at Randwick in 1978, where face-to-face and distance courses in Christian Spirituality were offered. He remained Director there until his appointment as Bishop in 1996. Bishop David is now back residing at the Centre in his retirement.

In April this year, just a week after attending the BB35 celebrations at Waitara, Bishop David had a fall and was hospitalised. He is now in the clear and feeling much better.

“I am very grateful for all the prayers that have been said for me this year,” said Bishop David. “A bishop’s role

Emeritus Bishop David Walker

runs on prayer, and prayer has always been a great support.”

Although he has been retired as a bishop for almost eight years now, Bishop David has not slowed down.

He will be part of the upcoming Plenary Council First Assembly, as an Emeritus Bishop.

“I’ve just been sent all the papers, so I have a lot of reading to do before October,” said Bishop David.

He thought it is a shame that the Plenary Council First Assembly is now completely online and that the delegates are unable to gather physically together, but is relieved that it is finally happening.

“It will be a very interesting process, and I’m glad that it will be going ahead this year,” said Bishop David.

Bishop David Walker ordained as the 2nd Bishop of Broken Bay on 3 September 1996 10 /

Of course, Bishop David won’t be celebrating his 25th anniversary in a big way on Friday, as COVID lockdown prevents that. But we will all celebrate him as our BB2 and much loved Emeritus Bishop. Happy anniversary Bishop David!

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NEWS AND ISSUES

“Ignorance of death can make us fearful of it” Euthanasia as a response to the end-of-life process

By Emma Baker, Team Leader, Life Marriage and Family Over a series of three nights in August, more than 150 people gathered online to reflect on the challenging topic of euthanasia. The event, jointly hosted by the Dioceses of Broken Bay and Parramatta, titled ‘Euthanasia, Dying and the Dignity of the Human Person’, discussed euthanasia from a theological, medical, and global perspective.

The talks began on Monday 2 August with Fr David Ranson, Vicar General of Broken Bay, inviting us to reflect on euthanasia in the context of the Christian meaning of life, death and suffering. Sharing insights from his priestly ministry, particularly during his time as a hospital chaplain, Fr David noted that death is very much a part of his life as a priest. However, wider society has “largely removed death from our daily lives”, and as Fr David noted, “ignorance of death can make us fearful of it”.

Fr David also observed that the loss of the Transcendent in secular society has led to a replacement of the “religious imagination” by the “technological”, leading to an illusory belief in our ability to completely control our life and an emphasis on our rights as individuals.

The second talk, held the following Monday 9 August, offered insights from several palliative care specialists and health professionals, who discussed how palliative care can be used to manage the symptoms experienced by a person in the dying process.

Dr Philip Lee, who was awarded the Australia Day City of Parramatta Citizen of the year in 2017 for his

contributions to palliative care, noted that palliative care is “really not generally well understood in our community”. He observed that many hold the mistaken belief that it is only about caring for a person very close to the point of death. In fact, palliative care involves a much bigger picture, with the process beginning far earlier than the final stages of a person’s life. It also involves caring for the person’s family, as they journey with the dying person.

Monica Doumit, Director of Public Affairs and Engagement for the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, concluded the series of talks by providing people with a global perspective on euthanasia.

Demonstrating that worldwide, euthanasia is not the norm, Ms Doumit highlighted the negative effects euthanasia has had on those societies that have introduced it.

Citing examples from Canada, the USA, and the Netherlands, Ms Doumit explained how legalising euthanasia leads terminally ill patients to feel that

they are a burden on their loved ones.

It also weakens the doctor-patient relationship and undermines suicide prevention strategies for those who work in mental health.

The talks were held ahead of the anticipated introduction of the Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation

by Alex Greenwich MP to NSW Parliament. With NSW in the throes of a COVID-19 lockdown, the introduction of the legislation has been postponed, although it is not clear for how long.

The online series of talks represented an opportunity for people to gain the skills they need to speak about the topic in a respectful and informative manner, as well learn about ways to oppose the legislation. If you would like to express your opposition to the introduction of Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation in NSW, you are invited to share your concerns by writing to your local MP or signing a petition which can be found at https://www.noeuthanasia.org.au/ protect_life_nsw 11 /

CatholicCare is the social care and support agency of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Broken Bay. Since 1987 we have served the communities of Northern Sydney, Northern Beaches and the Central Coast, providing services and supports to more than 26,000 people every year.

Through our hubs located in Waitara, Brookvale, North Sydney and on the Central Coast we provide a range Family of specialist supports including domestic violence, homelessness, and therapy services for families and Supports their children. We provide services to improve family wellbeing, parenting, relationship skills, and early childhood development. We work in partnership with other organisations and refer families to other agencies as needed.

Child & Family Support

Counselling

Domestic & Family Violence Support

Emergency Relief

Family Dispute Resolution & Mediation

Hospital Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care

Housing & Homelessness Support

Parenting Education

Relationship Support

Supported Playgroup

Therapy Services

Youth Supports

Australia enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world, and we’re living longer. Getting older should Services be fun – you have more time to do things you have always wanted to, to socialise with friends and learn for seniors new things. However, you may just need a little help to maximise those opportunities, to tackle changes in health, mobility and connecting with others.

At CatholicCare, help comes in lots of ways to suit your individual needs and circumstances. We can support you to get things done around the home, to get you out and about, and to connect with others. We also offer a range of supports for carers.

Commonwealth Home Support Program

Community Visitors Scheme

Memory Innovations Centre

Respite Options

1800 324 924

Home Care Packages

We offer dedicated disability centres, as well as community and home-based locations across Disability Northern Sydney and the Northern Beaches and mobile programs on the Central Coast, with options futures for individual and group activities, and pathways to inclusion and independence. Plus our Support Coordination services help you organise your NDIS plan, and maximise your funding.

Our dedicated staff pride themselves on developing strong relationships with the people we support along with their families and carers. We work with you to create a world where people living with a disability are valued equally, listened to and included.

After School & Vacation Care Programs

Creative Arts Programs

Flexible Group Programs

Independence & Life Skills

Recreational Activities

Social & Skill Development

Sports & Dance Academies

Support Coordination

Supported Independent Living Services

Tailored Individual Programs

’ Children s

We understand the importance of children getting off to a good start in happy, creative and supportive environments that provide opportunities to explore, make friends, build on their strengths and get services any extra help they need to set them on a positive learning journey. Our dedicated teams of educators embrace a child’s right to play and facilitate rich learning environments which are relevant, meaningful and full of possibilities so children are safe, happy, healthy and included.

EARLY LEARNING & CARE CENTRE For 0 – 5 years in Waitara EARLY LEARNING CENTRES For 3 – 5 years in Forestville ○ Lake Munmorah ○ Terrigal ○ Woy Woy OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE For 5 – 12 years in Carlingford ○ East Gosford ○ Forestville ○ Freshwater ○ Kincumber ○ Lake Munmorah Lindfield ○ Manly ○ Manly Vale ○ Mona Vale ○ Pymble ○ Tumbi Umbi ○ Waitara ○ West Pymble ○ Woy Woy VACATION CARE For 5 – 12 years in Berowra Heights ○ Carlingford ○ East Gosford ○ Forestville ○ Lindfield ○ Kincumber Lake Munmorah ○ Pymble ○ Tumbi Umbi ○ Waitara ○ Woy Woy FAMILY DAY CARE For early years and primary school aged children across various Sydney North and North West locations.

www.catholiccaredbb.org.au

BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

CATHOLICCARE

New Palliative Care Unit at Mona Vale Hospital

By Denis O’Brien, Pastoral Care Practitioner, CatholicCare National Palliative Care Week was marked in May this year at the new Mona Vale Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

The national theme this year for the week-long focus on services is ‘Palliative Care: It’s More Than You Think.’

Activities included morning teas for supportive members of the community and staff in the facilities of the Mona Vale Hospital precinct. This includes the Hammond Care Community Palliative Care Centre on site, a private health care service in existence for many years in the district supporting care at home.

Significant among the guests were members of the ‘Friends of Northern Beaches Palliative Care’. Tribute was paid by staff leaders to this group of active women and men who have been advocating since the late 1900s for Palliative Care services to be established on the Northern Beaches.

They have raised considerable funds in that time which goes a long way to providing extra equipment for the unit now that it has been built and opened

this year. The group also provides support to families through education and companionship to individuals and families who have lost loved ones.

Please contact Mona Vale Hospital if you wish to support this very important group.

Dawn Hooper expressed her desire to do ‘whatever is possible to create opportunities for community engagement with the new Palliative Care Unit’. This goal will be a big focus in her time in leadership at the unit.

Jennifer McConnell, Acting General Manager, Mona Vale Hospital, has spoken of her pride in how well the Unit has started this year and how important it has become in the community already.

“I would like to recognise our new Palliative Care team here at Mona Vale,” said Jennifer. “The unit has been open for four months and has been oversubscribed since they opened, showing the need for this service in the community.

“We have received many letters of compliment for the service, and particularly for the kindness and compassion of the team. Working in this area requires huge resilience and continued empathy and I would like to

Denis O’Brien, Pastoral Care Practitioner for CatholicCare, Lynette Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator for Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care, Northern Beaches Local Health District and Dawn Hooper, Clinical Consultant, Palliative Care Unit, Mona Vale Hospital.

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acknowledge the toll that this can take on the staff. Thank you for everything that you do.”

In our Catholic community it is important to know, especially in regard to Palliative Care patients, that we have a Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Team available to assist patients in many ways spiritually, which includes support to families/carers of patients.

Priests, Pastoral Care Practitioners and volunteer Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are ready to administer the Sacraments of the Church to Palliative Care patients and request that calls to attend are made as early as possible when Palliative Care begins.

Receiving the Sacraments can be a much richer experience for the patient and others engaged with their care, especially loving family members.

Palliative Care Week has been about patients and loved ones being prepared for living with a diagnosed terminal, chronic, or degenerative illness. We believe this is also a time for a planned spiritual focus for the path ahead for everyone involved. For our faithful community our spiritual journey can be very supportive at this time.

Please make contact with the Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Team in your local Parish district and by contacting your local hospital.

You can also contact CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay by phone on 9481 2600 or online at https:// www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/familyyouth-children/hospital-chaplaincypastoral-care/ and Palliative Care Australia. CatholicCare provides five lay Pastoral Care Practitioners to seven hospitals within our Diocese and rely on your donations to Pastoral Works Broken Bay. Please give generously.

BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

CATHOLICCARE

Gabrielle from Mary Mac’s wins Central Coast’s Volunteer of the Year Gabrielle Grenier started volunteering at Mary Mac’s in April 2019. Much to her surprise, she won the Volunteer of the Year award on 26 May at the Volunteering Central Coast (VCC) 2021 Awards Ceremony.

“My boss nominated me in complete secrecy and only told me a few days prior to the event that I should go,” said Gabrielle. “Given her encouragement for me to attend, I thought I might receive a nomination certificate. I would have been happy just with that! I never expected anything else. So winning was a total surprise!”

After a divorce, and with her children grown up, Gabrielle’s life needed a new purpose so she enquired to Mary Mac’s about how she could help. As a Team Leader she is responsible for food rescue which involves collecting donations from Woolworths, Coles and Aldi.

Gabrielle drives the Mary Mac’s Place van to do food rescue from local supermarkets

“This work has given me a new understanding of my local area and the number of men, women and families in need,” said Gabrielle.

“Many don’t have a place to stay or can’t put food on their tables. To me, volunteering is about helping others, making a real difference in their dayto-day lives, being available to listen to them and their situations. We call the people who come into Mary Mac’s our companions and I want them to know they matter, that they are important and cared for.”

Mary Mac’s Place in Woy Woy is open to anyone who is homeless, transient or needing a helping hand.

Traditionally they have supplied a sitdown meal served to companions by the wonderful volunteers. Currently they are offering a takeaway meal due to COVID restrictions.

Gabrielle Grenier won Volunteer of the Year 2021

But Mary Mac’s is more than just a place to get a meal – it provides connection and belonging without judgement. It offers a place to shower

and to wash clothes and friendly support and companionship to address the experience of isolation and loneliness that many in our community experience. They also provide a pathway to other services like Legal Aid, homelessness support services and health assistance. With support from community partners, a selection of food is available daily for those in need, and from time-to-time they can provide food hampers.

Gabrielle also volunteers her time at two aged care services and every week goes from one service to another.

“Being there and caring for others is amazing and woke a force in me I didn’t know I had. My life has been totally transformed by this experience,” she said.

A huge congratulations to Gabrielle from everyone in Broken Bay and thank you to all the wonderful volunteers. https://www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/ family-youth-children/mary-macs-place/ 15 /

Tomasz Juszczak

Why We Exist The Pastoral Mission of Evangelisation Broken Bay

By Tomasz Juszczak, Director, Evangelisation Broken Bay Recently, like many other Aussies in lockdown, I spent some time enjoying the sporting talent on display at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. I especially couldn’t help but get caught up in the stories of many of the athletes; where they were from, their journeys, their faith background, what inspired them and so on. I particularly enjoyed learning about how so many of the medal winners in the track and field events happened to be Christian

Her dream was for people to encounter the love of God and be changed by it, as she described so beautifully later in the interview had been her own experience. I realised something very quickly.

She gets it.

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and how important the faith seemed to be in their lives. One person in particular, a Broken Bay local who won Silver in the high jump, was especially captivating.

Nicola McDermott, on her way to winning the Silver medal, had a very unique way of competing. Prior to some of her jumps, it appeared as though she was praying; with arms outstretched and an incredibly joyful smile, as though she was giving it all to Jesus. This would normally be followed by her clearing the bar in emphatic fashion, all the way to Silver and an Australian record.

What really caught my attention, however, was her interview after winning Olympic Silver. In it she spoke of her hope that stadiums would be filled again “but maybe not even just for athletics performances, but that we will see revivals again in the stadiums and that people would hear a message of faith and a gospel that will really inspire like they did with Billy Graham decades ago”, referencing the Christian evangelist’s many rallies in stadia around the USA. Her dream was for people to encounter

the Church “exists in order to evangelise” (EN14). As individuals our purpose is to love and to be loved by God. However, as a Church, our purpose is to bring that love of God to the world. the love of God and be changed by it, as she described so beautifully later in the interview had been her own experience. I realised something very quickly. She gets it.

You might be familiar with a famous line that is often quoted from the papal encyclical Evangelii Nuntiandi which speaks to the Church’s mission in the world. It states that the Church “exists in order to evangelise” (EN14).

As individuals our purpose is to love and to be loved by God. However, as a Church, our purpose is to bring that love of God to the world.

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Bishop Anthony Randazzo, too, takes this call very seriously. In fact, he understands this as his central mission in the Diocese of Broken Bay. In response to this, our team at Evangelisation Broken Bay are spending this year discerning and reiterating our Pastoral Mission.

This Pastoral Mission will articulate how we believe we are called to bring about Bishop Anthony’s mission of supporting individuals, priests, parishes and communities within the Diocese in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, growing as a community and becoming missionary disciples. We will do so by highlighting some specific goals, strategies and outcomes that we hope to achieve over the coming four years.

In the last few months we have been collecting feedback from different parts of our community around the best ways we can support evangelisation. We have spoken to a number of stakeholders including clergy, youth, parish pastoral council members, catechists, teachers, ministers and other community members. We have also looked into research undertaken both in our community of the Church of Broken Bay (eg Plenary Council responses) and beyond. We want to make sure that everyone who wants to participate in the Church’s work of evangelisation is supported by us in the most effective way.

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

our mission, vision and goals. From there, we want to engage further with the community whilst working on specific outcomes and strategies to achieve these goals. This includes engaging clergy, parishes, Catholic schools, CatholicCare, movements, individuals and other groups in the community. Our hope is that the Pastoral Mission will highlight the common mission and unity of our community. We will then look to launch the final Pastoral Mission document on the Solemnity of St Joseph, 19 March 2022, exactly one year after this whole discernment process was launched by Bishop Anthony.

Finally, what we understand most about this Pastoral Mission is that this isn’t our work; nor is it the work of Bishop Anthony. It is a work of the Holy Spirit. We are simply here to assist Bishop Anthony in discerning how it is that the Holy Spirit wants to work in this Diocese. So above all, if I could ask you not only to be involved in this discernment by providing us your feedback, but, first and foremost

That we may be faithful to the call of the Holy Spirit and better serve you all in this mission that He has for us and the community of the Church of Broken Bay. to pray for Bishop Anthony and our team in Evangelisation Broken Bay. That we may be faithful to the call of the Holy Spirit and better serve you all in this mission that He has for us and the community of the Church of Broken Bay. The reality is, whether you are a student, a labourer, a professional, a missionary, an intellectual or even an Olympic Silver medalist, you are invited – in fact – called to evangelise.

Therefore, I implore you, come on this journey with us in bringing the love of God to the community of the Church of Broken Bay.

From here, our plan is to continue our discernment and discussions with the community whilst working towards creating these specific goals and strategies. We plan to launch an initial one-page document on the first Sunday of Advent (28 November 2021) which will highlight 17 /

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Why should I consider being a Catechist?

By Michael Tebbutt, CCD Regional Coordinator, Central Coast As baptised Catholics, we are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and one of the most rewarding ways to fulfil this call is to be part of your parish team of catechists, who minister to the children of the parish who attend the local government schools, both primary and secondary.

Those already participating in this ministry began for a variety of reasons, apart from the fact that they were called to share Jesus’ ministry by virtue of their Baptism. Some of the reasons these people will give when asked why they become catechists are: •

to answer a need in the parish,

•

children more than ever, need to hear the Good News of Jesus and need to encounter good role models of faith,

•

to educate the children in the Catholic faith or

•

to pay forward what their teachers gave to them.

But why do they continue in this ministry, for some people for 25 years or more? These catechists will tell you that they have learnt so much about the Church and have deepened their relationship with Jesus by working with the children in the classroom or that it is because of the joy they receive in seeing the students respond in faith through their actions and their prayers. Others will tell you the support they receive from their fellow catechists encourages them to continue when things become a little more difficult or that the support they received through the training and faith formation provided by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) enables them to continue to be a witness for Jesus.

“But I am not a teacher” is often the response given when asked to become a catechist. That is OK but you are a Catholic who has grown up in the faith and has a great love for Jesus and if you take time to reflect, you will be able to identify how the Holy Spirit is alive and well in your life.

If our Father in heaven is calling you to continue the work of His Son, He will not let you fail.

Michael Tebbutt 18 /

The CCD in Broken Bay will give you all the training and support you need. The training will give you the necessary knowledge about how Special Religious Education is

As baptised Catholics, we are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and one of the most rewarding ways to fulfil this call is to be part of your parish team of catechists, who minister to the children of the parish who attend the local government schools, both primary and secondary. organised and the opportunity to develop teaching skills that will enable you to share the Good News in ways that the students will understand and enjoy. This training is presented locally, online or via Zoom.

You do not have to write your own lessons. The Walking with Jesus (primary school programme) and Pathways of Discipleship (secondary school programme) provide quality lessons with interesting activities and to engage the students. These two programmes come with interesting lessons, relevant background information for the catechist and modern digital resources (PowerPoint presentations) with stories and songs to engage the students.

So, when you hear the Holy Spirit whispering in the ear of your heart to join the marvellous parish team of catechists, remember you will be handing on a 2000-year-old tradition that changes lives and an opportunity to share with those you’ll teach, and to share faith with the other catechists.

Fr Chima Ofor from Lower North Shore Parish celebrated two Masses for Australian audiences on Channel 10

Mass For You at Home celebrates 50 years on television The longest-running program on Australian commercial television, Mass for You at Home, celebrated 50 years on our screens when Mass was broadcast into people’s living rooms on 1 August 2021.

Mass for You at Home, which originally aired on Channel 0 in Victoria, was a ministry of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne from 1971 until earlier this year.

It is now produced by the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, in partnership with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. It airs on Network 10 across Australia and is also available online via 10 Play and the Mass for You at Home website.

Wollongong Bishop Brian Mascord said much has changed in the 50 years since Mass was first broadcast on free-to-air television. The need for the Mass remains, though.

“Fr Michael King’s vision from the early 1970s – to provide spiritual nourishment to the housebound – is still relevant today for people who

are sick, infirm, in hospital or aged care, in prison or don’t have internet,” he said.

to do that for 50 years, a trusted collaboration with Network Ten,” he said.

“We also have a special commitment to the deaf, supported

by AUSLAN interpreters.

Bishop Mascord acknowledged the work of the hundreds of priests and lay people who have contributed to the ministry’s history by celebrating Mass, reading Scripture, singing and producing the Masses.

“To bring a real sense of the sacred to people, inviting them to be part of a scattered yet connected worshipping community, is a privilege and a great responsibility.

We take that responsibility seriously and are humbled by the letters, emails and calls we receive from our grateful community.

“The pandemic has also introduced a new audience to Mass for You at Home, via television and online platforms.”

Bishop Mascord said the Church has long understood the importance of media and communication in reaching the Catholic faithful and members of the wider community.

“Mass for You at Home is a shining example of how we have been able

“Having observed our production team working on Mass for You at Home for the past few months, it has demonstrated what must have gone into this task over the decades,” Bishop Mascord said.

“I thank and honour those – past and present – who have allowed this ministry to flourish, and I also thank those who are now providing financial support to see the legacy continue.”

Broken Bay’s own Fr David Ranson and Fr Chima Ofor have both celebrated Masses for the faithful at home this year.

Find out more at www.massforyou.com.au 19 /

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ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

A Helping Paw We have long known that dogs can provide emotional support and recognise signs of anxiety and help reduce it; however, it is a relatively new practice to see Assistance Dogs used broadly within schools, and we are delighted to hear the success of those participating in this initiative.

When a child is anxious, there is no greater comfort than having a beloved educational assistance dog meet them at the school gate or lie next to them in class.

That is the role of Thor, the almost two-year-old Labrador who the 380 pupils at St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Willoughby have adopted.

The School applied for Thor through Assistance Dogs Australia after seeing the proven benefits of education assistance dogs, which have been shown to reduce blood pressure, anxiety, fatigue and depression, while providing much-needed emotional support for students who need it.

Thor has stolen the hearts of students, teachers and parents alike, said primary handler and school Deputy Principal Peta Herschderfer, who Thor lives with when he is not at school.

“He visits most classrooms throughout the week and spends time doing a variety of things including listening to reading, counting with children and generally just making children smile,” said Ms Herschderfer.

“Everybody loves him – even those children who may have

Thor the Wonder Dog 20 /

started out being scared now enjoy seeing Thor at school and have asked to pat him.”

St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School in Lake Munmorah also recently had a new, furry member of staff join the team to support students.

Hazel, the Cobber dog, is a therapy dog in training and joined Vic the Labrador in providing comfort and support to students at the school.

Learning Support Worker Jodie Mizzi said that Vic and Hazel had become part of the family, being loved by all the students and staff members.

“We brought in the dogs about three years ago to reduce our students’ anxieties so they can focus on their work better. The dogs also offer the opportunity for the students to unload all of their stresses, and they feel better,” Ms Mizzi said.

Ms Mizzi also explained that the dogs have helped students overcome their struggles with attending school. “Some students who struggle with attendance we have now noticed have been coming on their designated dog days”.

St Brendan’s Principal, Craig McNee said that Hazel, who has been spending time in his office, has been very playful and helpful to the students. “It’s good to have another support dog in the school; she helps the students talk about their problems,” McNee said.

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ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

A Super Start With a focus on connecting with the local community, over 300 Early Childhood Educators and Directors from Preschools and Daycare Centres across our Diocese have joined together in a celebration of learning at their local Catholic Primary School.

The initiative, called Super Start, started with a visit to kinder classrooms where the educators could reconnect with past students from their centres. This was followed by a 2-hour interactive workshop designed by early childhood educators to assist and support local preschools in preparing students for Primary School.

The workshop proved to be a huge success, with schools reporting high attendance and positive feedback.

Many schools had to adapt to the pre-lockdown COVID situation, such as Sacred Heart Pymble, who still had over 20 early learning educators attending, all masked up and socially distanced.

Each school created an education resource pack to give to every educator, which related directly to their workshop presentations. These packs included a wellknown literacy book and numerous tips and tricks on simple objects that are used to engage Primary School students in learning.

The initiative drew resoundingly positive feedback from all participants and multiple requests for further workshops and events.

The Director at Larool Preschool Thornleigh, commented, “The teachers and educators thoroughly enjoyed the session and the tour. The gift bag was fabulous – so well thought out and put together.”

Principal at St Patrick’s Primary School in Asquith, Todd Vane Tempest said, “The educators could see how we connect to their fabulous work and continue the learning journey for the children. The highlight for me was witnessing the preschool educators being so excited to see their former students and how they were thriving at school.”

Ashbear Long Day Care Centre at Mt Colah preschool teacher Margie Johnson commented, “It was great to get an insight into the way children are taught literacy and numeracy once at school. I appreciated the different strategies and ideas that we can incorporate into our learning at our Centre.”

Up at Lake Munmorah on the Central Coast, Stella Smallwood from the St Brendan’s Early Learning Centre said, “Being in the actual learning space versus a meeting room was fantastic. It was a very positive and worthwhile session, and I am so pleased we were invited.”

After the success of these workshops, Catholic Schools Broken Bay is now working together with schools to create other initiatives that will continue to engage and support our local preschools.

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ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

Finding Solutions

Front row (left to right): Carla Pereira and Rosanna Cotino of Edged VR. Back Row (left to right): Students: William, Joseph, Harry, Joshua, Lachlan, and James Griffin local MP for Manly

Local Manly MP, James Griffin, was delighted to support a collaborative project between SEVENmile Venture Lab, the Department of Education, St Paul’s Catholic College and multiple local businesses which was designed for students to experience real-life issues faced by local businesses and work together to find practical and achievable solutions.

teachers with an opportunity to explore beyond theory.

“This is deep, authentic learning. This program allows our students to engage with life beyond the school gate and develop applicable skills, solving real-world problems.”

The project was designed by SEVENmile Venture Lab, a not-for-profit with a simple belief that through several initiatives, companies can work together with their communities to make the world a better place and, in this instance, by mentoring and listening to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Year 9 and 10 Commerce students from St Paul’s Catholic College participated in the project that ran for 14 hours over eight weeks and exposed students to problemsolving techniques, gained valuable presentation skills and developed connections with local industry.

“Well, today that was all on display,” said MP James Griffin, who presented the young men with their certificates.

“What is so incredibly serendipitous about this project is that the students have been working on “real world” problems faced by local businesses.”

The principal of St Paul’s, Michael Reid, was impressed to see an industry program that provided his students and 22 /

Karen Shawcross, Assistant Principal and Michael Reid, Principal – St Paul’s Manly

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ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

Green Thumbs caring for our Common Home Year 10 students at Mater Maria College, Warriewood, recently enjoyed a horticultural workshop thanks to Michael Halliday, Leader of Evangelisation and Catholic Formation and Mel Timmerman from Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) Pathways Program.

Run by Ally Jackson from the Nursery & Garden Industry and funded by Training Services NSW, the workshop explored “wicking” which is the process that conserves water usage, whilst promoting robust growth in plants and vegetables.

The students were able to plant broccoli, peas, passionfruit and much more. Year 10 students, Katrina and Romy commented that “plants can be traumatised when

separated and replanted,” so certain strategies need to be put in place with fellow Year 10 student Flynn explaining that “when getting a plant out of its seedling container you need to squeeze it and turn it upside, so you don’t hurt the root system.”

Mr Halliday sees the ongoing Earth Care Projects at the College as a real-world way of communicating the Pope’s urgent message in Laudato Sȉ where he stresses the need to care for our Common Home, as caring for the Earth is to care for Christ’s poor. Mr Halliday likes to explore with the students the event of Christ’s death and resurrection, by referencing the death-to-new-life cycle experienced in our kitchen gardens everyday!

Highly Accomplished Teacher Accreditation Klara Hollestelle-Watson, Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator at Mater Catholic College, Warriewood, has received her Highly Accomplished Teacher accreditation.

This prestigious teaching award recognises highly effective, innovative and exemplary teaching practice and was presented to her by Danny Casey, Director of Catholic Schools Broken Bay. “These teachers work independently and collaboratively to improve their own practice and the practice of their colleagues,” said Danny. “They are knowledgeable and active members of the school.

“Highly Accomplished Teachers maximise learning opportunities for their students, providing their colleagues with support and strategies which create positive and productive learning environments.”

When discussing the completion of her Highly Accomplished Teacher accreditation, Klara said, “it was a lot of work that took an extended period of time to complete, however I was well-supported by my colleagues,

in particular my Creative Arts team. The process challenged me to revise my teaching, pushing me to be more innovative and facilitate change in my department.”

Klara loved the opportunity to mentor Early Career Teachers and work with Danny Casey and Klara Hollestelle-Watson other faculties in a variety of areas, particularly to implement strategies in different subjects for indigenous education.

“Ms Hollestelle-Watson exemplifies professional teaching as a Creative and Performing Arts teacher here at Mater,” said Marc Reicher, Principal at Mater Maria.

“She has highly developed interpersonal, presentation and teaching skills and I am very proud of her latest achievement in her teaching career.”

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ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

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Spreading the kindness Across our schools in Broken Bay, we support our students to be the very best they can be, and our teachers and staff are committed to empowering students to reach their full potential, to become life-long, independent learners and become active contributors to their communities.

Amelia Gorman, Year 3 Classroom Teacher at St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School, Willoughby, believes in promoting social justice in the classroom and facilitating conversations about real-world issues that affect her students’ everyday lives.

“Once our students are able to recognise and discuss social injustice, we can then help them act upon the issues they see,” said Ms Gorman.

The Year 3 students at St Thomas’ have been creating cards for the St Canice’s Soup Kitchen community at Rushcutters Bay which will be included in food packages that are being handed out to the homeless people of Sydney.

This community initiative has enabled the students to step outside of their own COVID-context world and build empathy towards others who are less fortunate.

The students hope that their messages of kindness and hope add some brightness to someone’s day.

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Year 3 student Archer reflected that “supporting homeless people is very important so that they stay happy” and fellow classmate, Sophie added “it is important for those people who are homeless to receive a card that brightens their day”.

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ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

Spelling tests parents

The teaching staff at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School, St Ives, were thrilled to host ‘Night of Spelling’ for their parent community. The event was created to help parents connect with their children’s learning, gain insight into new ways of teaching, and bridge the gap between school and home.

This unique evening started with the parents being asked to take themselves back to the ‘good old days’ and undertake a spelling test facilitated by School Principal Jayne Wheen.

Jane Denny, Education Officer Student Achievement with Catholic Schools Broken Bay, then shared her expertise in literacy alongside Mrs Wheen and Mrs Williams, who outlined current research and best practice in spelling

and the use of the Five Effective Spelling Strategies by Christine Topfer.

Parents were relieved to learn that current spelling practices at Corpus Christi foster an inquiry-based approach to spelling and word meanings and a new culture of ‘word noticing’ in classrooms.

Parents then had the opportunity to visit the K-6 classes to participate in an Effective Spelling lesson with their children, with Ali Tyree, parent of Years 2, 3 and 6 students, commenting, “The seminar was a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the spelling techniques we have heard about. It was helpful to witness the theory in action through our classroom experiences. I can see where the results are coming from!”

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

A deeply nourishing journey with Arete

By Bernadette Ho It feels as though God came running for me in the form of the Arete course. The last eight months journeying with Arete has been deeply nourishing and life-giving for my spirit. Most profoundly, I have felt the Holy Spirit drawing me closer to the love of Christ Jesus during the intensive retreats which have been a combination of community and silent prayerful experiences. They have been powerful and intimate encounters of God’s love and presence and I have felt overwhelmed and enraptured by God’s allpervading love.

There have been precious moments noticing God’s movements and a deepening (and at times challenging) ongoing conversation as I discern God’s call and will for my life. To feel held and warmed by the truth that I

Bernadette Ho 26 /

am a beloved daughter of God, even in my weakness, has been the most incredible grace!

The formation aspect of the course has enlightened and expanded my mind and week by week my understanding of mission has grown. Gathering online for lectures, combined with the small-group monthly mentoring sessions have been a highlight and I find myself looking forward to learning with anticipation. The interactive course structure and delivery is encouraging and fits in well with my family situation.

It has been refreshing to combine the theological components of the course with the practical applications of ministry; to explore what it means to lead oneself and others. It is this practical, real-life dimension which truly distinguishes Arete from other programs. I have particularly enjoyed the varied content of the lectures, especially delving into the sociological underpinnings of the present Australian culture and context. It has been enlivening to understand the different dimensions and processes of evangelisation and the Holy Spirit’s role as the principal agent in the mission of the Church. I feel supported in sharing and learning alongside the 2021 Arete cohort, it has been a blessing to make new friends who are equally passionate, aligned and energised about parish renewal, the new evangelisation and sharing the Gospel message.

I am filled with joy and hope for this next stage of my journey and through the power of the Holy Spirit, offer myself more fully into God’s mission of bringing Christ’s love to the world.

Arete has expanded, equipped, and empowered me to share God’s

I am filled with joy and hope for this next stage of my journey and through the power of the Holy Spirit, offer myself more fully into God’s mission of bringing Christ’s love to the world. message of love and provided me with greater confidence to accompany and engage people wherever they are on their faith journey. In addition to sharpening my focus, it has intensified my passion and commitment for the renewal of the Church in Australia. I sense a flame has been ignited and a deeper desire for sharing the joy of the Lord with others has emerged.

Arete has propelled me into a new and exciting stage of adventure as I prepare to take up a new role as Pastoral Formation Officer with the Diocese of Parramatta. The Church needs vision carriers in every new generation, and I am grateful that Arete has helped me to affirm and listen more attentively, to attune my heart to the voice I hear calling me forth, to go and make disciples.

I recognise that we find ourselves in a crucial and pivotal moment in the Church’s mission and Arete has challenged me to respond wholeheartedly and generously for God’s people. I pray that the Holy Spirit can utilise my gifts creatively, that I may become a true missionary leader within my parish community.

May the merciful love I have I received in Christ Jesus flow out from me to embrace others.

BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

“Learning to be Amazed by the Christian Family” The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on family life

By Emma Baker, Team Leader, Life Marriage and Family As I write this article, we are once again in lockdown. After being lulled into a false sense of security, the hubris of considering ourselves immune from a virus devastating the rest of the world, has struck some of us, and the Delta variant of COVID-19 has spread through our communities, sending our Diocese into hard lockdown.

Once more, families have scrambled to work out how to juggle homeschooling, working from home and that ‘Groundhog Day’ experience of every day being the same, with not much more than the Olympics on TV as a bit of light relief.

It was in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that Pope Francis at the end of last year announced the Year of Amoris Laetitia Family, which began on 19 March 2021. He saw families in particular as needing support for managing these difficult circumstances.

As part of the focus on families by the Vatican, an online conference was convened in May of this year by the Family and Life Commission of the CCEE, to look at ways the pandemic has affected family life.

Dr Gabriella Gambino, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, gave the opening address.

In this address, she encouraged people to “learn to be amazed by the Christian family”. By this, Dr Gambino indicated that the family during the pandemic has shown itself to be incredibly resilient.

Dr Gambino likened the experience of lockdown to the experience of Jesus in the desert. The desert is the “place par excellence where the human limits, with their ambivalence, are tested . . .

the place where at last we have begun to rethink our way of being in relation to reality, with others and with God”.

Cut off from the rest of the world in a physical sense, we have been forced to focus on the essential – our relationships with those with whom we live. One positive effect of the stresses and trials of life in lockdown has been to enable the strengths of family life to shine through.

As Dr Gambino stated: “During the pandemic Christian families demonstrated . . . the power of the relationships of trust, [and] the resilience generated in faith, even in the most difficult situations”.

She suggested that the pandemic has allowed the absolute core of what it means to be a family to shine through: it is a communion of love. This love can prove to be stronger than any of the difficulties life in lockdown throws at families.

To be sure, the stresses have also exposed the cracks in our relationships, those aspects of our lives that need tending, like any good gardener that tends to the weeds in a beautiful garden. Dr Gambino has

suggested that life in lockdown has provided opportunities for families to do this, to strengthen our relationships and work on those areas that need attention. Where families have done this, they have thrived.

Life in lockdown has also provided opportunities for connection in the digital world, and this has been a source of help and support for our real world relationships. As part of the Year of Amoris Laetitia Family, Evangelisation Broken Bay will be offering an online parenting course aimed at providing support and connection during our time of physical distancing.

Starting during the school holidays and running weekly, The Parenting Course is a series of 10 sessions aimed at parents of young children (aged 0 to 10) and provides an opportunity to connect with other parents as well as learn new skills.

The Parenting Course will be held via Zoom starting on Tuesday 21 September. All are welcome. To find out more, watch this clip on YouTube https://youtu.be/FSXagXPEr1U or contact Emma Baker at emma.baker@bbcatholic.org.au to register.

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BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

The Lay Ministry of Catechist True Apostolic Enthusiasm

By Br Bernard Mary Fonkalsrud OFM Conv.

When most Catholics hear the word ‘Catechist,’ they would usually call to mind the dedicated parish volunteers that offer their time to ministering in the State Schools as ‘Special Religious Education’ teachers. Whilst this view of ‘Catechist’ is certainly not wrong, it is, however, limited to just one expression of what is a very vibrant and ancient ministry in the Church.

In his recent Apostolic Letter titled Antiquum Ministerium (AM), issued on 10 May 2021, Pope Francis acknowledges the ministry of Catechist as being present in the Church as early as the events of the New Testament. Referencing the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians,1 the Pope highlights ‘Teachers’ as being amongst the first three of the apostolic ministries listed.

Giving other examples from Scripture,2 the Holy Father provides more evidence that, guided by the Holy Spirit, lay men and women were chosen from among the Baptised to be instructors in the faith, which was passed on by the Apostles, preparing Catechumens to receive the Sacraments, and guiding them in their Christian way of living. These proto-Catechists were vital in the expansion and building up of the Church in the ancient world, as the Pope says, “exercising her mission of evangelisation.” He continues, “This glance at the life of the first Christian communities engaged in the spread of the Gospels also encourages the Church in our day to appreciate possible new ways for her to remain faithful to the word of the Lord so that his Gospel can be preached to every creature.”3 28 /

The Magisterium of the Catholic Church, which is her authoritative interpretation of the Word of God in Sacred Scripture and Tradition, has always rested on the shoulders of the Pope and bishops as successors of the Apostles, and rightly so.

The dissemination of the Church’s teachings to the grass roots level, however, has been predominantly thanks to the tireless and steadfast efforts of faithful lay ministers and consecrated religious, especially in places where Christianity has experienced great persecution and hardship, or in the isolated regions of the world where ordained clergy are few and far between.

A key example of this is in the history of the Catholic Church in Japan. For 250 years, after the Christian persecution and expulsion of foreign missionaries, native lay Catechists kept the faith alive in secret ‘Kirishitan’ communities (though, apart from Baptism, without the Sacraments) at the risk of death, only revealing their existence when the country was reopened, to the surprise and awe of the new missionaries. Pope Pius IX described the discovery as “the Miracle of the Orient.”4

These diligent and driven men and women often encounter much suffering and anxiety as a result of their deeply rooted desire to serve the Lord and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ – even to the point of giving up their lives, as exemplified in such holy Catechists as St Pedro Calungsod, St Rosa Fan Hui, Blessed Peter To Rot, Blessed Franciszek Stryjas, and Blessed Carmen Marie Anne Garcia Moyon, to name a few.

Still today, there are parts of the world, including in developed nations, where governments and individuals often act with enmity towards the Christian message. As mentioned, we are so blessed to have such generous men and women with a passion for the faith, who freely give up their time and effort to preparing classes and venturing into the sometimes-challenging environment of a State-run classroom to witness to the Gospel, and to be a face for the Church to those who may otherwise never encounter her. Their example of the love and compassion of Jesus plants unimaginable seeds into the hearts and minds of those students they minister to as catechists, that, enkindled with the

BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Holy Spirit, will hopefully help to guide them along the rough terrains of life in our modern world, coming to form a personal relationship with Christ and His Church on earth.

To expand our understanding of the ministry of Catechist, we also have to consider those involved more directly with the parish in the form of the ‘Sacramental Formation Team,’ and the ‘Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults’ (RCIA). These Catechists have the vital mission of introducing the pre-catechised to Jesus Christ present in the Sacraments of the Church.

Church, just as the early disciples did, in a way that will truly speak to the hearts of individuals whose previous experience of God is so nuanced. How the Sacraments are taught, modeled, and received at this early stage of one’s faith journey will greatly impact how they see and interact with God and the Church moving forward, so the stakes are extremely high. With this great responsibility in mind, men and women willingly dedicate so much of themselves to presenting the authentic, loving, and merciful face of the Church of Jesus Christ to those who receive Him in the Sacraments.

People, whether children or adults, come forward for sacramental formation at different levels of understanding and practice, and so Catechists are entrusted with this sacred task of passing on the faith, knowledge, and traditions of the

With Antiquum Ministerium, Pope Francis has issued, ‘Motu proprio,’ the establishment of ‘the lay ministry of Catechist.’ In essence, the Pope has implemented and formalised what has already been, but with a greater emphasis on the proper discernment

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The provision of transport for the pastoral care of God’s people continues to this day. In 2020 alone the benefactors of Aid to the Church in Need financed the purchase of 280 cars, 166 motorbikes, 783 bicycles, 11 board, 2 buses and 1 truck. We have even provided mules and donkeys in mountainous regions!

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Pope Francis says that “it is essential that they be faithful co-workers with priests and deacons, prepared to exercise their ministry wherever it may prove necessary, and motivated by true apostolic enthusiasm.”5 This exciting development, still needing to be studied and implemented by Bishops’ Conferences, will only help to enrich and enhance the ministry of Catechist and allow the laity a greater participation in the evangelising mission of the Church.

1 Cor 12:28-31 Lk 1:3-4; Gal 6:6; 1 Cor 12:4-11 AM 4 Pope Pius IX, message to Fr Bernard Petitjean – 8 January 1867 5 AM 1

2

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of the character of those to be officially instituted Catechists by the local ordinary, and the need for more in-depth formation in their preparation for the ministry.

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BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

VOCATIONS

Why Priesthood?

By Tan Nguyen, Seminarian During these present days, the COVID-19 situation in Australia, as well as in Viet Nam, has given me an opportunity to reflect on my vocation even more deeply. Why priesthood?

Why priesthood in Australia?

Tan Nguyen

Aspiring to become a doctor has always been a second dream, another option in life for me, different from priesthood. I’m quite passionate about saving people’s lives, to help cure people from their illnesses, since it gives me so much joy, even to just think about it, it fills my heart with happiness.

I was actually quite ambitious about becoming a doctor, and so I undertook an entrance examination into the best medical university in Sai Gon. However, my result was not good enough, although it was close to what was required to gain entrance to that particular medical university. At the same time as I received my disappointing result, I strongly felt the call of the Lord to the priesthood. I finally recognised that it would be great for me to become a doctor who is able to cure people’s physical illnesses, but it would be even greater, if I were able to become a doctor for the Lord,

namely a priest, since priests are able to cure people’s spiritual sicknesses, and even better, saving people’s souls for eternal life.

That enlightenment and recognition has given me, still up until now, a deeper sense of joy and peace. That was the inspiration from the Holy Spirit, that enabled me to obtain my degree as a biology teacher, which was a requirement to enter the seminary in the Diocese of Xuan Loc, Viet Nam. Now, I am here in Australia, in the Seminary of the Good Shepherd studying for the Diocese of Broken Bay, St John Vianney said that “man has one noble task: that of prayer and love”. Thank you, St John Vianney for giving me a strong conviction for my vocation that I have been choosing to follow, because I do not think there is a better vocation or a more noble task of prayer and love than to be a priest of our Lord Christ Jesus.

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BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Pastoral Discernment Project – Central Coast An exciting new initiative has begun!

By Patti Beattie, Diocesan Pastoral Project Facilitator, Central Coast In 2021, the Diocese of Broken Bay celebrates the 35th anniversary of its foundation. Bishop Anthony invites the Diocese to give God thanks for the way in which the spirit is at work in the life of the local Church, and to consider new possibilities for both its growth and the future. The Central Coast has been identified as the specific region for pastoral mission, as a context for a renewed proclamation of the Gospel, for evangelisation and catechesis, and for pastoral creativity.

The project is a year-long initiative and is a time to enter discernment about the present and future ecclesial context of the region, recognising its particular pastoral circumstances, opportunities and challenges. The project will look closely at the various factors that gives the Central Coast its unique character. This pastoral discernment will be conducted over a number of phases and will integrate with a number of existing planning processes across the Diocese.

The aim of the project is to result in a renewal of the life of the Church in this region of the Diocese, ensuring a sustainable and thriving ecclesial community. In unfolding, the project and its process may provide a future template for discernment in other regions of the Diocese.

The project will officially be launched on Sunday 31 October. All people across the Diocese are invited to join the online event, where you will have the opportunity to hear and learn more about the project. Details of the project launch event will be announced in early October, check the website for updates www.bbcatholic.org.au

PASTORAL DISCERNMENT PROJECT CENTRAL COAST

July 2021 Project commencement

PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS

PROJECT LAUNCH

CONSULTATION

EVALUATION + RECOMMENDATIONS

July 2022 IMPLEMENTATION

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BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Digital Connection to Faith

By Iggy Pintado, Director, Communications Like many others, I experienced the challenge that was the COVID lockdown last year. I found that over the years and having been raised in a large Spanish Catholic family, I got used to coming together in groups to strengthen and enhance my faith in regular celebration.

I missed the opportunity to pray and reflect in Church, participate in the liturgy face-to-face at Mass on Sundays and gather with the Parish community at various evening events. Without the opportunity to do this due to self-isolation and social distancing, it challenged me personally to find other ways to stay connected to Jesus Christ.

With the return of the lockdown in Sydney at this time, we are challenged once again with the closure of churches, to stay close to God. It

is incumbent on us to find ways to continue to maintain that connection with our faith and the holy Church.

It struck me that we all spend so much time on our ‘screens’ – those personal devices such as our mobile phones and laptops. In this 21st century, there had to be resources online that would enable a virtual spiritual engagement at a time when personal contact wasn’t possible.

So, I did a little research. Using selected keywords in Google, it didn’t take me long to find some relevant resources that I could listen to and watch, in my own time and in my own space.

In the spirit of sharing, here are some of these great online resources across various platforms that have helped me stay connected to the holy Church and to my faith. I hope you find these useful in enhancing and embellishing your own spiritual journeys.

Iggy Pintado 32 /

Bishop Anthony Randazzo’s Facebook page – as a proactive and engaging Church leader, Bishop Anthony shares his own thoughts and reflections on his personal Facebook page. His posts contain updates on his community experiences, perspectives on the issues of the day and spiritual reflections on the lives of the saints.

Fr David Ranson YouTube Channel – it’s always interesting for me to hear the pastoral Parish perspective.

As an experienced Parish Priest and revered Vicar General of the Diocese, Fr David’s insightful video messages include his unique homilies and messages of hope for his local parishioners, and for the general community.

The Average Shepherd is a podcast

by Deacon Sam French from the Diocese of Broken Bay, who uses the Word of God, prayer, preaching, and Catholic talk to engage real life issues. It all began with the need for inspiration and connection to our Catholic faith during lockdown.

Deacon Sam helps make sense of daily Gospel readings by unpacking their key message in a way that is both rational, relevant, and designed to fit in to your busy day. It’s available to download on Spotify and Apple podcast platforms.

Mass for You at Home – while there are many options in this space, I found this virtual Mass as the most engaging. Produced by the Diocese of Wollongong on their Mass for You at Home channel on YouTube, it is a solemn presentation of Sunday Mass, delivered with reverence and grace.

It is broadcast on Channel 10 each Sunday at 6.00am and can also be accessed on 10Play and YouTube.

BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

The joy of being Grandparents

By Carmel and Tony Smith “I am with you always” is the theme announced by Pope Francis earlier this year for the inaugural World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. This special day will be held annually on the fourth Sunday of July around the feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus.

What comforting words they are, “I am with you always!”

Our faith has always been an important part of our journey, both of us growing up in faith-filled Catholic homes and as a couple we have continued to try and pass on this faith to our children and now to our grandchildren.

We don’t know much about St Anne and St Joachim but legend tells us that after years of childlessness an angel appeared to tell Anne and Joachim that they would have a child.

Anne promised to dedicate the child to God. Mary was raised in a Jewish family, faithful to God and religious traditions, so when asked, she was willing to say yes to God’s request to be the mother of Jesus. Anne and Joachim would really have had to rely on their deep faith in God when Mary told them she was expecting a baby!

Tony and Carmel Smith with some of their 11 grandchildren, celebrating Tony’s 80th birthday last year

attendance drastically, including our children. We try not to stress about this as they are good people who are very much in tune with Social Justice issues. We strive to “let go and let God’. Only He can see the future.

COVID has certainly put restrictions on our interaction with our grandchildren but in this world of technology we can keep in touch. Gathering in small groups means better communication for us oldies with hearing difficulties!

As proud grandparents our love is unconditional, and we are filled with hope and trust that God will guide our grandchildren to make the right decisions in life. We will never know what effect our actions, good or bad, have in their future lives but we leave it in God’s hands.

We thank God with gratitude for the joy-filled gift of being a grandparent, for our good health and giving us the time to be available for school pick up, walks, listening, reading books, helping with homework, playing games and cards, going on holidays, camping, enjoying musical recitals, sharing family stories, sometimes taking to Mass, encouraging grace before meals and the list goes on.

We love to share in their special milestones and celebrations.

The pressures of life on families today and the disillusionment of so many with the Church, has reduced Mass

We wonder if Anne and Joachim were able to enjoy their grandson, Jesus, as much as we enjoy ours.

COVID restrictions have given us the opportunity to stop and to be still.

“Come away and rest awhile”. We can reflect on our “renewed vocation” as grandparents as we grow older.

We ask the Holy Spirit to be with us as we share with our grandchildren our dreams of a better world full of justice, peace and respect. We pray our ongoing commitment of giving and sharing and reaching out to others through the St Vincent de Paul Society and Parish activities will bear fruit.

May Saints Joachim and Anne, as faith filled grandparents of Jesus, be an inspiration to us all.

Carmel and Tony Smith have lived in the same home in Belrose for their 55 years of marriage. They are members of Frenchs Forest Parish, St Martin de Porres community in Davidson. They have four children plus a son who died aged 7 hours, and 11 grandchildren. Apart from their many Parish ministries, Tony and Carmel are involved in the St Vincent de Paul Society. They are Poppy and Apple (Granny Smith) to their grandchildren.

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BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Applications invited for Study and Mentoring Program Since their foundation and throughout their 164-year history, the Sisters of the Good Samaritan have been committed to the flourishing of women. They have educated girls and women from pre-school to tertiary levels and have been engaged in adult education and adult faith formation.

Not only have they educated women, they have companioned them as mentors, counsellors, spiritual directors and simply as friends. The Good Sams recognise the need for women’s leadership within the Church, for only when women contribute their experience and wisdom can the Church truly fulfil God’s mission. The Church suffers when women’s gifts are not called upon.

In his October 2020 prayer intention, Pope Francis asked everyone to pray that women be given greater leadership roles in the Church.

“Today, it is especially necessary to create broader opportunities for a more incisive female presence in the Church… We must promote the integration of women, especially where important decisions are made.”

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan Study and Mentoring (SAM) Program offers financial assistance for women undertaking tertiary studies at a recognised theological institution.

Core components of the program include opportunities for spiritual direction, mentoring and dialogue with like-minded women.

Financial assistance will be offered to a maximum of $8000 per year.

The grant can be spent on tuition or other expenses associated with the completion of the qualification.

the applicant and the ethos of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan.

Criteria •

Catholic women aged 30 years and over who are resident in Australia, Kiribati, the Philippines and Japan – countries where the Sisters of the Good Samaritan live and minister;

•

An interest in the academic, spiritual and mentoring components of the program;

•

Identification of current study being undertaken or a proposed course at a recognised theological institution;

•

Evidence of leadership exercised in any context. Leadership experience in a not-for-profit organisation or a faith-based institution will be highly regarded; and

•

Special consideration will be given to women who are experiencing financial hardship or who live in isolated communities.

It is necessary that there be a consonance between the values of

Anita Biddle, Safeguarding Officer in the Diocese of Broken Bay is a recipient of the SAM Program in 2021 and is studying a Graduate Diploma in Theology at BBI-TAITE. “I am very excited to be a part of this program as not only will I be able to do further study, connect with inspiring women but also receive spiritual direction,” said Anita.

Anita Biddle 34 /

To apply for the SAM Program in 2022, email samleadership@ goodsams.org.au for an application pack. Applications close on 30 September 2021.

BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

100th anniversary of Our Lady of Dolours

By Fr David Ranson It was with great joy that the Parish of Chatswood has recently celebrated the centenary of the opening of its magnificent church, Our Lady of Dolours in Archer Street, Chatswood.

The Parish had been formed in 1910 under the leadership of Rev Dr William Barry. The original church in the Parish, constructed in 1895 and added onto in 1901, stood on what is now the site of demountable classrooms at the current primary school. However, by 1919 it was decided to build a larger structure on the vacant land that had been acquired in 1914 on the Kirk Estate and with the architects Hennessy & Hennessy.

In early 1919, Dr Barry was appointed Co-adjutor to the Archbishop of Hobart. However, he returned both for the laying of the foundation stone on Easter Sunday, 18 April 1920, and for the opening of the church in 1921 which by that stage had been entrusted to the care of his brother, Fr Tom Barry.

The 21 August 1921 opening was a day of much pride for the relatively new parish, and with considerable fundraising. Given unfortunate cost blowouts it had been decided to complete only that portion for which funds were available, and therefore

it was not until 31 December 1961, under the leadership of Monsignor Harrington, that the western end and the current sanctuary were completed and opened by Cardinal Gilroy.

The most remarkable coincidence is that when the construction of the church was being planned, the world was in the grip of the Spanish Flu pandemic. In June 1919, 54 deaths were reported in Sydney in one day.

Masks were mandatory; Masses were being held outdoors. The June school holidays were extended for a week to lessen the risk of infection.

Now, 100 years later, when we celebrate the centenary of the opening of the church, we find ourselves in a similar situation. This has meant, that the parish has not been able to celebrate in the way that it would have wished. In April 2020, Bishop Anthony Randazzo joined in the live streaming of a Mass commemorating the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone; and in August 2021 once again the parish

had to broadcast a commemorative Mass for the centenary of the opening of the church.

However, the parish has also sought to celebrate in other ways: staging an online Vigil of Prayer for the centenary on Friday 20 August, collating a congratulatory video from many messages from parishioners, and sending greeting cards to older parishioners who may not access the internet. Throughout, the witness of the faith of the community both now and over the last century, have been evident, and we give thanks for the living building stones of faith that so many have been over those decades.

The church at Chatswood now enters its second century. To celebrate this great milestone, the parish has begun to consider how it might renew the building, giving it fresh life, and equipping it in the best way for the future so that it may continue to grow with the significance that it enjoys throughout Northern Sydney and beyond.

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BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Bishop Bernard O’Grady celebrates his 90th birthday On 24 August, Bishop Bernard O’Grady OP, Bishop Emeritus of Gizo, Solomon Islands, turned 90 years old. Bishop Bernard resides at Avalon in Pittwater Parish, and celebrated his birthday, like so many this year, in lockdown.

Bishop O’Grady entered the Dominican Order in 1950 and studied in Melbourne and Wahroonga, before being ordained in Adelaide on 1 December 1956. In 1958, he was appointed to the newly opened Dominican Mission in the then Western Solomons. He worked

in various parishes and was also Catholic Education Director for the Gizo Diocese which had been formally established in 1964.

During this time, many new schools were opened, and Bishop Bernard was awarded an MBE for educational service, as well as development work within the Western Solomons. In 1981 he was elected Prior (Superior) of the Dominican Novitiate and Retreat House at Blackfriars in Canberra, where he spent six years engaged in giving Retreats and Spiritual Direction, before being appointed to the Dominican College, part of the Holy

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Spirit National Seminary in Bomana Papua New Guinea in 1989.

After working for a short period in 1994 in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia at the CrossCultural Retreat Centre at Mirilinki (Turkey Creek), he was ordained in May 1995 as Bishop of Gizo where he spent the next 12 years. Upon his retirement, Bishop O’Grady came to the Diocese of Broken Bay on the invitation of Bishop Walker. He has served the Parish of Pittwater with his priestly ministry since that time.

Happy 90th Birthday Bishop Bernard!

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BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Searching for Justice

By Bill Aitken

and thoughts of disparate philosophers and the Media’s false prophets?

The old adage regarding the difficulty in separating the wood from the trees comes to mind as we travel our personal life paths.

When we slice through the semantics of our internal justification systems and simplify the life and teachings of Jesus, it all comes back to one shining mantra:

How often do we falter? How often are we distracted by tracks that take us nowhere? How often do our egos and selfishness lead us to act in a manner that benefits no-one but ourselves?

How often do we complicate our thoughts and actions with the words

“Love one another as I have loved You” In this simple phrase lies the essence of human justice and it is the strength of these words that drives those of us advocating justice through SJAB (Social Justice Around the Bay), a collective drawn from members of Social Justice Groups throughout the Diocese of Broken Bay. Drawing on the words of Pope Francis: Hear both the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor (Laudato Sȉ), SJ Around the Bay has been present at numerous conferences such as FairTrade and Publish What you Pay, at protests on Climate Change and regarding Australia’s Spying in East Timor (the Bernard Collarey, Witness K Case).

Bill Aitken

The banner has also been raised against current refugee policies

and the group has been party to numerous petitions covering issues such as mining in the Sepik River area of PNG and the Amazon; Coal Seam Gas Fracking; Slavery and Indigenous Affairs.

More recently, through its association with Jesuit Refugee Service Australia, the group worked to develop a successful webinar which traced the life experiences in Afghanistan of JRS worker Zaki Haldari, his flight by boat, his detention and life in Australia where he has lived in limbo for the past eight years as an asylum seeker with no permanent resolution of his situation or status.

Zaki’s heart wrenching story was featured in the cover story, Australian Purgatory in the June issue of The Monthly magazine.

Speakers at the webinar highlighted the stresses imposed by the impact of Covid on those caught in the web of a visa system which offers no financial or community support. In all some 60 people participated in the webinar.

Hope Out of Horror – Seeking Refuge in Australia Thursday, 23 September, 7.00pm – 8.00pm

This event assumes a new and greater urgency In the face of the Horror currently being faced by those in Afghanistan and by those Afghans marooned here on temporary visas.

While our Government’s initial response to the resurgence of the Taliban gives some hope, it is long term compassion and change of policy that must follow.

This webinar will offer stories of courage and resilience from those who have suffered under a succession of repressive Government policies; it will present facts and statistics on what this country has lost through dehumanisation of fellow beings and it will draw back the curtains to expose how and where families and individuals are trapped in hotel detention and sub-standard living conditions.

As Christian Australians we believe enough is enough and we invite you to join our cry to Canberra to: 1. Offer Permanent Protection to all Refugees 2. Enable access to Family Reunions for Refugees 3. Offer a Safety Net, including Medical and Financial Assistance to those in need of refuge REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS ESSENTIAL

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BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Celebrating 40 years as a priest

By Melissa Loughlin On Sunday 22 August, Fr Paul Finucane celebrated his 40th anniversary of ordination to the Priesthood. Fr Paul is currently living in Cobar in the Diocese of WilcanniaForbes, on loan from the Diocese of Broken Bay. The celebration, like so many others this year, was spent in lockdown, so no fanfare or party for Fr Paul.

“We were to celebrate my anniversary with Mass and a luncheon at the Golfie, but that is now postponed,” said Fr Paul. “We cannot set a new date until we know that we are safe and out of lockdown.”

The day he was ordained 40 years ago was a little different. “I remember sitting quietly in a cold St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, with heavy rain outside and water running down the pillars, reflecting that in about an hour’s time my life would never be the same,” said Fr Paul. “It has all been a wonderful and happy journey and it is not over yet.”

Fr Paul grew up in Cabramatta, the eldest of four children. His father, who was in the army, was tragically killed crossing the road on a pedestrian crossing on his way home from work when Fr Paul was just 12 years old.

That same year, a priest, Fr Kevin McGovern, visited his classroom at Fairfield Patrician Brothers and gave the students a talk about the priesthood. He asked the boys to write the answer to the question, ‘Would you like to be a priest: yes, no or maybe.’

“Without too much thought I put maybe and then changed it to yes and handed it up,” said Fr Paul.

38 /

Fr Paul Finucane

“Later that day all those who had answered yes or maybe were called individually for a chat with the priest.

To my surprise it ended up being most of the class! We eventually found out that the boy in the front seat had changed most of the ‘nos’ to ‘yes’.

“I remember being asked if I wanted to be a parish priest and immediately, thinking of my parish priest, said ‘Oh no!’ He was a very good priest who ministered faithfully to us but he was strict, could be abrupt and called a spade a spade. I assured Fr Kevin that I did feel that I wanted to be a priest but that the image of priesthood of my parish priest was not attracting me.”

Fr Paul didn’t think much more about the idea of priesthood until he was in Year 11 at school.

“When I finished Year 10 I did not feel attracted to any of the trades or apprenticeships which were open to me so I drifted into Year 11. Almost immediately I knew why I was there.

I could hear this incessant command in my heart and mind, ‘Be a priest’.

When I finished Year 10 I did not feel attracted to any of the trades or apprenticeships which were open to me so I drifted into Year 11.

Almost immediately I knew why I was there. I could hear this incessant command in my heart and mind, ‘Be a priest’.

I struggled with this push I was experiencing almost daily, usually as I was walking home from school in the 15 minutes it took me to walk from Cabramatta railway station. I kept saying, ‘No I can’t’, I haven’t got what it takes, I can’t speak like a priest, lead as a priest or do what it takes. That wasn’t me. Then one day I just said Continued on p39

BBN / SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS AND ISSUES

Continued from p38

‘yes’, you win, and the thought came that anything is possible with God. And after that a great sense of peace came over me and I knew that’s where my path and journey was to go.”

“I love being a priest because it is the greatest job in the world, not that it is a job! It is being in the world and people’s lives in a way that really matters. I am intimately part of people’s lives in the most joyous times of baptisms, weddings, anniversaries, and all sorts of celebrations as well in the saddest times, being with people in grief and loss and sickness, caring for their inner, deeper, ultimate and

eternal part of who they are. However of course, it all starts with just being a normal bloke, being happy and peaceful within myself, being at home with my own spiritual life, ways of prayer and friendship with the Lord and trust in his love for me.”

Fr Paul is enjoying his time in Cobar, where he had previously ministered 2007-2010, before returning to Broken Bay. Fr Paul was appointed once again back to Cobar in January 2021, where he will stay for another three years.

He has once again entrenched himself

in the local community, being part of the Rotary Club and attending the local gym. The parish community at Kincumber gifted Fr Paul a gym membership when he left in January this year, and he has been getting good use out of it attending body pump and boxercise classes. He is also part of a local swimming club.

Fr Paul reflects that he has enjoyed his 40 years of priestly life and ministry.

“There are far too many blessed and good times to remember the tough times. As the saying goes: ‘Accept that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you’re the statue’.”

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