Broken Bay News December 2023

A NEW DEACON FOR BROKEN BAY PAGE 4-5

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE DIOCESE PAGE 16-17, 38-39

EILEEN O'CONNOR SCHOOL – INNOVATIVE EDUCATION PAGE 8-9

# 220 DECEMBER 2023

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

BISHOP’S MESSAGE

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

Walking Together in the Peace of Christ

By Bishop Anthony Randazzo

CHANCERY Bishop: Most Rev Anthony Randazzo DD JCL Vicar General: Very Rev Dr David Ranson Chancellor & Director of Mission: Kelly Paget Diocesan Financial Administrator, Director, Stewardship: Emma McDonald Director, Diocesan Safeguarding: Jodie Crisafulli Director Communications: Katrina Lee Director, Secretariat for Clergy: Chris Lee Director, Pastoral Discernment & Accompaniment: Patti Beattie 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

In the hustle and bustle of our lives, as a community of the Church navigating a world marked by uncertainty and unrest, the timeless call to "Walk together in the peace of Christ" holds a special resonance. In the Gospels and the writings of Saint Paul, we find a profound guide for our journey, offering hope in times of conflict and encouraging us to be ambassadors of peace.

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 Tel: (02) 8379 1618 news@bbcatholic.org.au Editor: Katrina Lee Staff Writer: William McInnes Design: Chris Murray Cover photo: Sophie Granger 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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Our journey begins in the Gospel of Matthew (5:9), where Jesus declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” It is a powerful reminder that, as Catholic Christians, we are called not just to witness peace but actively to make it. In a world where discord often drowns out the voice of hope.....

Our journey begins in the Gospel of Matthew (5:9), where Jesus declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” It is a powerful reminder that, as Catholic Christians, we are called not just to witness peace but actively to make it. In a world where discord often drowns out the voice of hope, being peacemakers is not just a choice but a vocation. As we face uncertainties and conflicts, might we remember that our pursuit of peace aligns us with our divine calling as children of God. Turning to the Gospel of John (14:27), Jesus imparts, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” This peace, offered

by Christ, transcends the fleeting assurances of the world. It is a peace that does not promise the absence of conflict but assures us of Christ’s abiding presence in the midst of it.

In times of personal turmoil or global unrest, His peace becomes our anchor.

Saint Paul, writing to the Ephesians (4:3), encourages us to “make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” This unity is not a bland uniformity but a celebration of diversity within the body of Christ. It is best expressed in terms of the different gifts and charisms that are given to us in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ is enriched by the vibrant tapestry of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. The bond of peace becomes the harmonising force, uniting us as we navigate the hopes, joys, fears, and sufferings of life.

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

BISHOP’S MESSAGE

In the letter to the Colossians (3:15), Paul urges, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.

And be thankful.” This peace is not confined to grand or attention seeking gestures but begins within our hearts.

It is an invitation to cultivate an inner disposition of gratitude, recognizing that even in the face of challenges, God’s peace reigns. As a community that desires to live the peace of Christ, gratitude becomes a transformative force, shaping our outlook and fostering a culture of peace.

This year commemorates the sixtieth anniversary of Saint Pope John XXIII’s encyclical Pacem in terris (Peace on Earth). Writing to all people of good will, Saint Pope John emphasized the Christian duty to consider others as “another self” (Pacem in terris 78). I believe that this still resonates profoundly today with our call to walk together in the peace of Christ. It challenges us to break down barriers, embrace others as integral parts of

our journey, and extend the love of Christ beyond the confines of our familiar or comfortable circles.

Pope John XXIII’s words are a beacon of hope in a world often overshadowed by conflict and division.

He reminds us that the Christian Gospel teaches us to know and love our neighbours, regardless of race or creed, and to see them as extensions of ourselves. In a world that sometimes seems fragmented, this teaching is a clarion call to close gaps, foster understanding, and build bridges of peace.

In times of uncertainty, we may be tempted to withdraw to the safety of the familiar, to let fear dictate our responses. However, as people called to the communion of love and peace we are also sent on the mission of love and peace. As we approach the solemn festival of Christmas, might we remember that we are called to be ambassadors of hope and peace. Our faith challenges us not to succumb

In times of uncertainty, we may be tempted to withdraw to the safety of the familiar, to let fear dictate our responses.

However, as people called to the communion of love and peace we are also sent on the mission of love and peace. As we approach the solemn festival of Christmas, might we remember that we are called to be ambassadors of hope and peace. to conflict and confrontation but to see in Jesus, the Christ Child, the gift of peace, cradling our hearts in divine love and lighting a path of hope for all.

And she gave birth to her firstborn and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for him at the inn. - LU K E 2 : 7

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Broken Bay celebrates ordination of Deacon Hien Vu The faithful of Broken Bay have joined together in celebration at the ordination of another servant to the Church: Deacon Hien Vu. Just three days after his 35th birthday, Hien was ordained to the Order of Deacons by Bishop Anthony Randazzo, in a packed St Leonard’s Church, Naremburn on Friday, 25 November.

Just moments before he processed into the church, Hien knelt in quiet prayer, taking in the magnitude of the event about to take place.

Led in by his brother seminarians and flanked by deacons from the Diocese of Broken Bay and beyond, Hien took his final steps down the aisle as a lay person, awaiting the laying on of hands from his Bishop.

The ordination was held on the Memorial of the Martyrs of Vietnam, commemorating those who faced persecution, torture and death in Vietnam during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a day that served as an inspiration to the Vietnamese-born Hien.

While many of his family were unable to attend the ordination in person, they were all tuned into the livestream of the event, with the Church of Broken Bay and Vietnam connected in celebration.

It was this connection which Bishop Anthony Randazzo highlighted in his homily, rejoicing that a son of Vietnam had become a Deacon for the Church in Broken Bay. “The Church of Broken Bay today greets the Church in Vietnam, which, although geographically distant, is close to our hearts,” the Bishop 4/

said, addressing the more than 200 parishioners gathered in the church.

“In the community of the Church, neither the physical distance, nor cultural diversity separate us, because our unity comes from being one in Christ. It is here, at this moment, that we are profoundly and particularly close, because it is Christ that calls us into community.”

Bishop Anthony highlighted the unique charisms of each person, how they were animated by the Holy Spirit and how they were called to follow Christ.

He also touched on the inspiration given by the Martyrs of Vietnam, who endured torture considered by many to among the worst in the history of Christian martyrdom.

“Their lives are encouragement to us, so that we can bear witness to Christ crucified,” Bishop Anthony said.

He then addressed Hien directly, imploring him to remember what his ministry as a Deacon would mean and how he could best live out this vocation.

“Hien, what a wonderful time in history to be called to the ordained ministry, as Deacon,” the Bishop said.

“Without a doubt, the mandate to participate in the communion and mission of Jesus Christ is not for the faint hearted. Your ministry as a deacon will primarily be outward looking. It will be characterised by your deep desire to preach the word of God by a life of holiness, service and prayer.

“As a man of virtue, you will offer you love, not to a wife and children, but as a sing of pastoral charity to the

community of the Church. Your life of chaste celibacy will allow you the freedom to cling to Christ as you live the Christian faith.

“With an undivided heart, you will accompany others that seek the truth of the gospel. As deacon, you will listen attentively to the needs of the people, announcing them in the midst of the assembly, so that the entire community of the church will be united in the communion of prayer.”

“You are known to be a man of good reputation, who is eager to live life in the spirit and to grow in wisdom and love,” said Bishop Anthony.

“Never allow yourself to be turned away from the hope offered by the Gospel.”

He offered the faith of the Vietnamese martyrs as inspiration to Hien in his journey.

Following his homily, Bishop Anthony laid hands upon Hien, gifting him the sacrament of Holy Orders and ordaining him to the Order of Deacons.

After this, Hien was vested with the stole and dalmatic, marking him as a Deacon of the Church, before he accompanied the Bishop to the altar, to assist with preparing the offering of bread and wine for the first time.

Adding to the beauty of the Mass, were three separate choirs, each reflecting an important part of Hien’s life and ministry. The Lower North Shore Parish Choir, Hien’s home parish, was accompanied by the Schola from the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, where Hien spent the past seven years of his life. A Vietnamese

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

choir also sung hymns in Vietnamese, as Hien took his place at the altar.

The Mass was concelebrated by dozens of priests from across Broken Bay and beyond, including Hien’s formators, Fr Michael de Stoop and Fr Paul Durkin, rector and vice-rector, respectively, at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Hien thanked God for his calling to ordination and the Blessed Virgin Mary for affirming his vocation. He also thanked those gathered for sharing in the celebration and all those who made the day possible.

He also shared a special thank you in Vietnamese to his family watching from overseas on live stream, including his parents and siblings.

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

“I say, for you, I am a deacon, but with you, I am a Christian. Our fundamental call as Christians is to be saints. To the people of Broken Bay, may I ask you continue to pray with me and help me to be a good, holy and faithful Deacon. Thank you and God bless you all.”

There were tears in his eyes at the conclusion of the ordination, as he took photos with the clergy, seminarians and parishioners of the Lower North Shore parish.

Hien’s ordination came 10 years following the ordination of Fr Vincent Nguyen, who was the first Vietnamese-born priest to be ordained in the Diocese.

He concluded by asking for all the people of Broken Bay to accompany his ministry with their prayers.

It was 11th time Bishop Anthony had ordained someone to the Diaconate, and the fifth time he had done so in Broken Bay.

“People often asked me how they should address me after ordination,” Hien said.

Hien’s ordination was the culmination of an incredible journey, which began with his childhood in rural Vietnam.

Hien was born in 1988 in the town of Thong Nhat in the Province of Dong Nai, Vietnam.

He is one of eight children.

Following his secondary education, he graduated with a Bachelor in Business Finance from the College of Foreign Economic Relations and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Foreign Trade in Ho Chi Minh City and worked for several years in accountancy before joining the seminary of the Diocese of Xuan Loc in August 2013.

In 2016, he was welcomed into the Diocese of Broken Bay and was received into the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Homebush as a student for the Diocese. He was instituted as a Lector in 2018 and Acolyte in 2019.

Hien will serve the Diocese of Broken Bay as a Deacon for the next year before hopefully taking the final step in his vocational journey, when he is ordained a priest.

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NEWS AND ISSUES

Broken Bay makes waves at Synod of Synodality The eyes of the Catholic Church were turned to Rome in October, as the highly anticipated Sixteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (more commonly referred to as the Synod on Synodality) got underway.

The Synod was unprecedented in its inclusion of women and lay people, with both groups allowed to vote at the Assembly for the very first time.

Despite its size, Broken Bay was among the most represented Diocese’ at the Synod, with both Bishop Anthony Randazzo and Chancellor Kelly Paget among the 400 plus participants, joining together with Cardinals, Bishops and lay people from across the globe.

The Synod was a chance to listen, especially to those voices rarely represented, and discuss how the Church could pastorally respond to the needs and concerns of the faithful, without compromising its Doctrines and moral teachings.

Over the course of the month, the participants, would spend six days a week in dialogue, with the one day they were given off normally being used to prep for the week ahead.

“Overwhelmingly, it was a positive experience,” said Kelly. “But it was an incredibly intense experience too.”

The Synod had been years in the making, following Diocesan and Continental consultations through 2021 and 2022. Following all these consultations, the Holy See had drafted

a working document (Instrumentum laboris) which highlighted many of the most pertinent concerns raised during the previous phases.

Beginning on October 4, the participants worked through Instrumentum laboris in groups, changing tables every few days to allow a range of different voices to be heard in different settings.

“I was at five different tables through the month,” said Kelly. “There was a mixture at the table, so there was always a woman at the table and always a lay person. There was one time where I was the only woman and lay person at a table of Bishops and Cardinals.”

Each person on the table would provide their own 4-minute intervention on the topic set to be discussed. Once each had spoken, each person would get a three-minute opportunity to respond to what they had heard, highlighting what might have resonated with them or challenged them.

On the third round, the table would try to synergise everyone’s thoughts, which would then be reported to the general assembly by one member of the table.

“There was a lot of vulnerability but once we came to that third round, the reporter of the group would verbally present that to the general assembly,” said Kelly. “I had the privilege or terror, of doing that three times.”

Kelly made a point of emphasing her vocation as a wife and mother, and how that shaped her view of the Church.

“Every time I introduced myself, I always started with, I am a wife and a mother,” she said. “That’s the first part of my vocation. First and foremost, I’m a wife and mother.”

Kelly Paget and Bishop Anthony Randazzo in Rome.

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Bishop Anthony also played an important role in the Synod, celebrating Holy Mass for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels just prior to the opening of the Synod. He also appeared in front of the press for

the daily press briefing on Tuesday of the third week and leading the opening prayer two days later.

During the briefing, he praised Pope Francis’ guidance on the issue of female ordination prior to the commencement of the Synod meeting, and also his hope the Synodal process would continue to play a role in the life of the Church.

Kelly praised the ability of all the participants to dialogue and listen in the middle of some tense and difficult conversations.

“The fact we were able to be in conversation in pastoral charity and talk about some really difficult to have conversations without getting cranky with each other and without going to polarisation, meant we actually were able to talk through things,” she said.

“It was all about being Church, about being the Body of Christ in unity, not uniformity. That was something that I really took away: it's not about being uniform, it's about being united.

During the Synod, Kelly had the opportunity to meet the, Holy Father Pope Francis, twice.

“It was my second time meeting him, I took these cards my kids had made for him, and I was able to introduce him to my boys with a photo and he said I had a beautiful family,” she said. “He took the letters and photos and said he would pray for us. It was very special”.

The Synod’s final report was approved on the final Saturday evening, with the voting members present approving the text paragraph by paragraph with a two-thirds majority. The members were asked to vote on whether the paragraph was an accurate reflection of the discussion over the past month.

The votes do not indicate whether those voting were in favour of the point discussed or not.

The summary report was published on 28 October 2023 entitled A Synodal Church in Mission.

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NEWS AND ISSUES

The final report called on all believers to share in the mission of evangelisation, proposing the formation of new lay ministries and increasing lay involvement in decision-making.

“The exercise of co-responsibility is essential for synodality and is necessary at all levels of the Church,” the final report stated. “Every Christian is a mission in the world.”

The report acknowledged fears some had with the process, with some suggesting the Synod could bring about a change in Church teaching, particularly on controversial issues such as female ordination and marriage.

“Some fear that they will be forced to change; others fear that nothing will change and there will be too little courage to move in the rhythm of the living tradition,” the report said.

“Some perplexity and opposition also hide the fear of losing power and the privileges that come with it.”

Bishop Anthony said the month-long Synod had been an opportunity to listen to and engage with Catholics from around the world.

“This past month at the Synod in the Vatican has been a marvellous opportunity to meet, listen, and dialogue with bishops and people from all corners of the globe,” he said.

“The final Mass at St Peter’s Basilica reminded me how truly Universal the Church is. Many people from different places and cultures all listening to the Word of God, professing the one faith, and sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. This is the Synodal Church at the source and summit of communion, participation, and mission.”

Among the highest number of negative votes, was the paragraph which asked for more “theological and pastoral research on the access

of women to the diaconate”, however this still passed 279 to 67.

The report also included proposals for the Church to accompany people who might feel at the margins of the Church.

The report also mentioned clerical celibacy in the Western Church, issues of ecumenism, laity and families, clericalism, abuse, consecrated life, formation, Bishops, polygamy and digital culture.

The Synod will continue until October 2024, when the participants will once again meet in Rome.

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BBN / DECEMBER 2023

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Eileen O’Connor School to revolutionise education for students with disabilities Maddox’s parents have always been in awe of their son.

At six-and-a-half-years-old, he’s determined, strong, loving, charismatic and hilarious, and a beloved older brother to his sister Delilah (3) and brother Kendrix (1).

But for all the joys Maddox has brought to their lives, his parents Luke and Dani, were always concerned about how they would find appropriate schooling for him.

Maddox was diagnosed with the genetic disorder Down Syndrome shortly after birth and this means his educational needs are a little different to that of his peers.

“Maddox needs more support, takes a little longer to learn things than others, needs lots of repetition and has language delay. A large class would be too overwhelming for him,” says Dani.

Martin’s Primary School, Davidson, one of two schools where a pilot program was set up for kindergarten classes, to provide a targeted education program that meets the needs of the students enrolled.

The Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) program has been a gamechanger for Maddox and his family.

supportive, embraced Maddox for who he is and not just his disability.

“They have looked at his strengths, formed positive relationships, worked with us closely to ensure Maddox feels safe and supported. It's given Maddox confidence with learning and relationships with peers.”

“St Martins has been the best thing to happen to us and Maddox,” his mother Dani says.

The pilot program is part of CSBB's bold and innovative initiative to create new options for families who are seeking an education for their children with a disability.

“Before we found out about it, we had him enrolled in a full school for disabilities. It wasn't sitting right with us because he needed something in between a mainstream and a school for disabilities. St Martin's has been

The initiative will establish a network of Eileen O’Connor Support Classes across the region in existing CSBB Primary and Secondary schools, culminating in the building a K-12 Eileen O’Connor School using

Trying to find the right educational fit for their eldest was a long and drawn-out process.

“We started getting assessments done and thinking about schooling when Maddox was three,” says Dani.

“We got him in a school readiness program which didn't work out. We felt very lost with our options for Maddox as a mainstream school would be too overwhelming for Maddox without much support and a full school for disabilities didn't suit him either.

Maddox was somewhere in between.

It was a very stressful time for us.”

With their options seemingly limited, Luke and Dani stumbled upon St 8/

Six-year-old Maddox.

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

land located within St Peter’s Catholic College, Tuggerah.

This will be a base school. Support Classes will broaden CSBB facilities and support for students with disability, affording parents with enrolment options tailored to the specific needs of their children, while also encouraging integration and inclusion within mainstream CSBB schools.

The initiative is already reaping benefits.

“We have seen Maddox progress in leaps and bounds this year,” says Dani. “[St Martin’s] has given him the environment for all his abilities to shine and grow. They also have a beautiful community of parents which has been great for Luke and I.”

Maddox is the older brother to Delilah (3) and Kendrix (1).

The pilot program will expand year by year across the Diocese with a concept design for the Eileen O’Connor School created by Stanton Dahl Architects. It will include capacity for 200 students catering for kindergarten through to year 12, a state-of-the-art library, sensory play spaces, general learning areas and flexible workspaces for kitchen, TAS/ STEAM, and visual arts.

classes and schools for children with a disability are situated within or close to our parish schools. This creates positive partnerships and opportunities.”

“The Eileen O’Connor School is about raising the bar to a centre of excellence based at Tuggerah, with a network of support classes focused on transition to parish mainstream schools,” said Fiona Dignan, Senior Executive for the Eileen O’Connor Catholic School.

Even with the initiative still in the early stages, the rewards are already being reaped and changing lives.

“From our teams experience the support class structure is the missing piece.

Families wanted to be closely connected to our parish communities with the support their child requires to flourish.

Maddox’s parents Luke and Dani.

“It is very important that support

The new Eileen O’Connor School building is due to open in the coming years, but support class locations will continue to grow across the Diocese in the interim years.

“This is everything to us,” says Dani.

“The teachers are so passionate about providing him with the best possible chance to exceed and smash goals. What can else can you ask for your child?”

If you are interested in knowing more about Eileen O’Connor School and Support Classes visit csbb.catholic. edu.au/our-strategy/eileenoconnor/ 9/

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Broken Bay prays for an end to Christian persecution Anyone driving through Chatswood on the evening of Wednesday, 22 November would have been hard pressed to ignore Our Lady of Dolours Church.

highlighted the persecution faced by Christians in many parts of the world, at the hands of religious extremists, totalitarian governments and powerful criminal enterprises.

Awash in red light, the exterior of the Church provided a striking symbol for the Mass being offered inside, as clergy and parishioners from across the Diocese offered their prayers to persecuted Christians across the globe, as part of Red Wednesday.

“Over the past year more than twelve thousand Christians were murdered, Christian communities attacked, and Christian women and men forcibly detained,” he said.

Red Wednesday is an annual initiative organised by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the only international Catholic charity dedicated to the spiritual, pastoral, and practical support for Christians around the world who are persecuted for their religious beliefs.

Bishop Anthony celebrated the Mass, vested in red, symbolic of the blood of the martyrs who died for their faith.

The red vestments of the clergy, red flowers on the sanctuary and red lights behind the altar all provided a powerful backdrop to the Mass, with the intentions of all those gathered squarely focused on praying for peace.

“We come together this evening, in a particular way,” Bishop Anthony said at the beginning of Mass.

“Once more we turn to God in prayer asking for divine love, joy, and peace in our world.”

His homily touched on the experience of many Christians around the globe, showing the issue of religious persecution was not confined to just one part of the world.

“We pray for God’s protection over Christian women in Northern Vietnam who are vulnerable to trafficking; for a more open and tolerant society towards Christians in Indonesia; for an end to the violence inflicted by militant groups across Nigeria,” Bishop Anthony said.

“Let us be mindful of our Christian brothers and sisters who have fled to neighbouring countries and pray that they will be led to places where all their needs are met.

Fathers Marek Woldan, Joey Frez and Bogdan Skupien concelebrated the Mass, assisted by Deacons Roberto Corpuz and Richard Houwing.

“Let us pray for tolerance of all faiths especially in North Africa, and for Christians to have the freedom to gather together. We pray for peace and stability to come to Iraq so Christians can return home, and for the church in China, which continues to see remarkable growth, despite intensifying persecution.

In his homily, Bishop Anthony

“Let us pray for persecuted Christians,

“We lift our hearts and our minds high to God in prayer, and in a special way, we offer our prayers this evening, as we pray for peace.”

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“Over the past year more than twelve thousand Christians were murdered, Christian communities attacked, and Christian women and men forcibly detained,” that they may enjoy God’s love and joy and peace.”

The Prayers of the Faithful, which asked God to provide comfort to those faced with persecution, were read by students from Mercy Catholic College Chatswood.

At the conclusion of Mass, John Nguyen from ACN implored the congregation to keep praying for the persecuted, echoing the words of the Bishop. He also highlighted the enormous work being done by ACN to help persecuted Christians across the globe.

ACN is currently running appeals focused on helping Christians in the Middle East, Pakistan, Nigeria, Syria and Ukraine, the organisation supports some 5,000 projects in nearly 150 countries every year. The charity provides emergency relief to persecuted or displaced Christians, but also builds convents, supports seminarians and trains catechists in countries where this would otherwise be impossible.

The church remained flooded in red light for the remainder of the week, a powerful reminder to those passing by of the persecution still faced by Christians in the 21st century.

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Advent through the centuries Advent is a time of joyful anticipation and preparation, expectation and hope filled with wonderful rich traditions.

Preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and also for the Second Coming of Christ.

The celebration of Advent, meaning “arrival” or “coming”, has evolved in the spiritual life of the Church.

The historical origins of Advent are hard to determine with great precision.

In its earliest form, beginning in France around 500, Advent was a period of preparation for the Feast of the Epiphany, a day when converts were baptized; so the Advent preparation was very similar to Lent with an emphasis on prayer and fasting which 12 /

lasted three weeks and later expanded to 40 days.

The Church gradually formalised the celebration of Advent as a period of spiritual preparation for Christmas.

The Gelasian Sacramentary, traditionally attributed to Pope St. Gelasius I (d. 496), was the first to provide Advent liturgies for five Sundays. Later, Pope St. Gregory I (d. 604) enhanced these liturgies composing prayers, antiphons, readings, and responses. Pope St. Gregory VII (d. 1095) later reduced the number of Sundays in Advent to four. Finally, about the ninth century, the Church designated the first Sunday of Advent as the beginning of the Church year.

This year, Advent began on 3

December, the nearest Sunday to 30 November, the feast of St Andrew the

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Apostle, and is the beginning of the liturgical year.

As we count down the days to Christ’s birth, we pray, repent, and reflect on God’s goodness, promises and love.

Even in the most challenging times, we are reminded of His steadfast love for all creation.

Jesus’ birth is a time of hope. As the world faces crises of violence, injustice, and brokenness, only God’s redemptive love can truly bring peace and healing.

God works through us as Christians when we do our part, through prayer and action, to love our neighbours near and far. We can trust in God’s promises of restoration for the world.

NEWS AND ISSUES

The second candle represents faith and is called "Bethlehem’s Candle."

Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David.

The second candle is also purple to symbolise preparation for the coming king.

The third candle symbolises joy and is called the "Shepherd’s Candle." To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too. In liturgy, the colour rose signifies joy, so this candle is coloured rose to represent joyfulness and rejoicing.

The fourth candle represents peace and is called the "Angel’s Candle."

The angels announced that Jesus Continued on p14

The third candle symbolises joy and is called the "Shepherd’s Candle." To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too.

In liturgy, the colour rose signifies joy. This candle is coloured rose to represent joyfulness and rejoicing.

A good way to help us in our Advent preparation has been the use of the Advent wreath.

The wreath is a circle, which has no beginning or end. So we call to mind how our lives, here and now, participate in the eternity of God’s plan of salvation, and how we hope to share eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

The wreath is made of fresh plant material, because Christ came to give us new life through His passion, death, and resurrection.

In the four Sundays leading up to Christmas a candle is lit.

The first candle symbolises hope and is called the "Prophet’s Candle."

The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival. The purple colour symbolises royalty, repentance, and fasting.

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BBN / DECEMBER 2023

NEWS AND ISSUES

Advent Through the Centuries (continued)

came to bring peace – He came to bring people close to God and to each other again. This colour is also purple to represent the culmination of love through the Messiah.

The fifth candle represents light and purity and is called "Christ’s candle."

It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day. This candle is white to represent pure light and victory.

There are many Advent traditions in various countries and cultures but all allow us to contemplate ways to share the gifts of hope and faith, peace, love, and joy.

When a class of young students at Wyong were asked to paint their interpretation of Advent, there were some striking results drawn from ancient traditions.

The painting featured here is by Olivia Candido who is just completing Year 4 at St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School.

Olivia used the sacred Aboriginal colours, black, red, yellow and white.

These four colours embody concepts such as the Four Directions, four seasons, and sacred path of both sun and human beings.

Olivia used the sacred Aboriginal colours, black, red, yellow and white. These four colours embody concepts such as the Four Directions, four seasons, and sacred path of both sun and human beings.

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They also highlight the four candles of Advent symbolising hope, faith, joy and peace.

This year, the Diocese of Broken Bay produced an Advent Reflections booklet – O Come O Come Emmanuel – the Christmas hymn with which we are so familiar brings to melody what in our Catholic Advent Liturgy are known as the O Antiphons.

These are the great Magnificat antiphons used at the Church’s

Evening Prayer on the last seven days of Advent. They likely date to sixth-century Italy, when the philosopher, Boethius refers to the text in his The Consolation of Philosophy. They subsequently became one of the key musical features of the days leading up to Christmas.

O Come O Come Emmanuel, Advent Reflections can be found on the Diocese website at www.bbcatholic.org.au

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

NEWS AND ISSUES

How to fulfil your Christmas Holy Days of Obligation this year Across the Universal Church, the Catholic faithful are bound by Holy Days of Obligation, days on which Catholic are obliged to attend Mass.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body” (#2185).

While we are obliged to attend Mass every Sunday, we are also bound by two other Holy Days of Obligation in Australia.

These are Christmas Day (25 December) and the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15 August). On these days, the faithful are obliged to attend Mass

regardless of which day of the week they fall on.

This year, Christmas falls on a Monday, which can lead to some confusion as to how to fulfil both your Sunday obligation and your obligation to attend Christmas Mass.

The Sunday before Christmas is the Fourth Sunday of Advent, a particularly important liturgy that paves the way for Our Lord’s birth.

This liturgy will be celebrated during the Saturday Vigil Masses and the Sunday morning Masses.

Masses celebrated on the evening of December 24 are Vigil Masses for Christmas and not for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Attending one Mass, such as the Christmas Vigil Mass on Sunday evening, cannot fulfil two obligations. Each must be done separately.

As with any Holy Day of Obligation, a person may be excused from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for “serious reasons” such as illness or the care of infants or loved ones who are ill and cannot be left alone.

The Christmas liturgy is one of the most important in the liturgical calendar and this liturgy will be celebrated during the Sunday evening Christmas Vigil Masses and Monday Masses.

These obligations are not intended to burden us, but rather, allow us to share communally as a Church, with two incredibly important liturgies, which prepare us for the Christmas season and let us celebrate the Birth of Our Lord.

The two are distinct liturgies and distinct obligations to fulfil.

Please see the Christmas Mass times for our Diocese on pages 38 and 39.

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BBN / DECEMBER 2023

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Christmas Stories One of the true joys of Christmas, is the diversity with which we celebrate it. While most of us will attend Mass to joyfully celebrate the Birth of Our Lord, the traditions around this vary greatly.

Here’s what people from across our Diocese say Christmas means to them and how they will be celebrating this wonderful season.

Shayne D’Cunha – Seminarian Christmas is a great event when God comes to meet us in our humanity and through this act, shows his love for us.

It will be the last day of my parish placement in Warnervale so I’ll be at the parish participating in the Christmas Masses. My family might come up for Mass at Warnervale and then we’ll head back to the family house in Pennant Hills for Christmas lunch.

Fr Stephen Wayoyi – Assistant Priest, Pennant Hills Parish Christmas according to me invites us to celebrate the reality that God is not distant but that God is accessible, within reach and is in our midst. Or in the scriptural language of John the

Evangelist: “The Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us” (John 1:14).

I am likely to celebrate a couple of Christmas Masses at Saint Agatha's and later join a friend or two for “Nyama Choma” as we call the barbecue, along with some refreshing accompaniments. Merry Christmas to you!

Deacon Roberto Corpuz – Filipino Chaplain Christmas is FAMILY: Father And Mother I Love You We will be at Midnight Mass, and I will assist as Deacon. We’ll then proceed home and have our “Noche Buena”, a festive meal, and then open presents.

Kelly Paget – Chancellor Most of the time, Christmas is at our house and the family comes over which is always a lovely celebration.

Being heavily involved in our parish, the lead up to Christmas is really busy

so it will be a day of going to Church and worshipping our newborn King, and my kids will be part of the Nativity play, which is also a beautiful joy – and full of hilarity.

Obviously, as a mum, I’ve found Christmas has really changed. I find a real deep appreciation of Our Lady now and especially at Christmas. Her gift and sacrifice and the fact that she bore the Son of God is profound.

I have three little boys, so Christmas morning is always very exciting and hectic and early. I get very excited and have so much joy from seeing my kids opening their presents.

Jennifer Riley – Senior Customer Services Officer, Chancery I like the lead up to Christmas when I love hearing old-fashioned carols playing on the radio (think Bing Crosby, not Mariah!) and watching ‘Carols by Candlelight’.

Then arising at 5.00 o'clock on Christmas morning to go for an hour’s walk and wishing passersby a ‘Merry Christmas!’

Christmas Day is a time of getting together with family up at my sister’s house (including her mother-in-law and brother-in-law) and having a big lunch followed later with my famous chocolate chalet cake for dessert!

Alison Newell – CCD Diocesan Coordinator The joyful hope of Advent gives way to one of my favourite seasons of the year. Christmas is a time when my large family gathers for worship, celebration, thanksgiving and remembrance.

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BBN / DECEMBER 2023

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

sharing of lots of food and fun. We also take the time to mark the end of the year and look forward to what lies ahead for the following year.

Fr Greg Skulski – Parish Priest, Gosford Christmas holds profound significance as the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It symbolises the divine incarnation, emphasising God's presence among humanity.

Fr Greg and parishioners will continue their Christmas celebrations this year.

It is a time to remember our deceased loved ones who passed on the beautiful family traditions of gathering and giving thanks.

Christmas Eve begins with the Vigil Mass at our local parish. This is followed by a gathering of family, friends and neighbours at my home on the Central Coast where a World Series Cricket match takes place in the backyard. Lovely food, drink and conversations are shared.

Christmas Day is a day shared with my immediate family where we gather at one of my children’s homes to give thanks to God and enjoy a swim and beautiful lunch. It is a day to celebrate our children and babies as we pass on the traditions through the generations.

particularly people who may otherwise be alone. The Spirit of Christmas invades our hearts and homes every year, as we live in the hope that the child Jesus brought on that first Christmas morning.

Danny Casey – Director of Schools, CSBB Christmas is that special time when we celebrate the fact that God has sent his Son into the world to save us.

Our Christmas always starts with Christmas Mass followed by a wonderful gathering of Joy and Peace with family and friends along with the

The Nativity story, with the virgin birth in Bethlehem, represents hope, salvation, and the embodiment of God's love. Christmas is a time for me to reflect on the spiritual essence of Christ's arrival and on His love for me and whole world.

This Christmas we have prepared amazing decorations for the church which every year brings many people to our church. The children will do the Nativity play and the youth will do some performances at the beginning of our Youth Mass.

After all Masses on Christmas I will have some rest and spend time with some Salvatorian priests and friends.

Boxing day is spent with the extended family where up to 80 people gather at my sister’s home in Sydney. Siblings and cousins across three generations re-unite to once again celebrate the birth of Christ and the blessing of family. On this day, we especially give thanks and remember my parents who passed on our faith and Christmas traditions to us.

All three events are days when others are welcomed into our homes, 17 /

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

A Word from the Director of Schools

A Year of Transformative Growth: CSBB's Strategic Initiatives in 2023 In the ever-shifting landscape of education, 2023 has proven to be a year of transformation for Catholic School Broken Bay (CSBB).

As I reflect on the journey of the past twelve months, it becomes evident that our strategic initiatives have been the cornerstone, with a dedicated focus on collaborative coaching, supporting our teachers, learning improvement, and staff development, laying the groundwork for an inspiring future.

I am most proud of our commitment to attracting and retaining quality staff. Through the implementation of early career teacher programs, successful negotiation of a new CSBB Enterprise Agreement, and the introduction of teacher salary increases, we have reinforced our dedication to fostering a supportive and dynamic educational environment.

Aligned with our future goals, CSBB has refined our structures and processes to prioritise the well-being of both students and staff. The establishment of School Services Teams, composed of Support Staff, School Marketing Officers, and Parent Engagement Coordinators, stands as a testament to our commitment to reducing administrative burden on our teaching staff and allowing educators more time for what matters most – teaching and learning.

Significant progress has been made this year in two of our major strategic projects, including the transformative review of the Northern Beaches Precinct. Here, we are reimagining education on the Northern Beaches as a K-12 precinct, incorporating a co-educational secondary college and the community response has been overwhelming with record enrolments for 2024 and beyond.

In addition, our innovative approach to inclusive education through the development of the Eileen O’Connor School is underway. Support classes are already making a positive impact across the Diocese, with plans for a base school in Tuggerah unfolding. This initiative creates new options for families who are seeking an education for their children with a disability, and we are excited to be addressing this pressing need.

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We take pride in showcasing the achievements of our students in sports and academics and highlight our Pathways and Partnerships ‘Battle of the Builders Competition’, showcasing future leaders of the industry and the Digital Enablement Trainee Program, designed to attract and nurture young talent in the field of education.

We are also pleased to share news on events such as the 2023 Public Speaking Grand Final and the Religious Creative Arts Competition Showcase Night not only celebrate the courage and talent of our students but also embody CSBB's core values. Themes like compassion resonate through artistic expressions, reinforcing the holistic development of our students.

Enjoy reading this final edition of Broken Bay News for 2023 which captures the spirit of achievement, growth, and the vibrant community of schools in Broken Bay. In 2024, we look forward to continuing our journey to inspire hearts and minds to know Christ, to love learning and to be the very best we can be.

Until then, I extend warm wishes for a peaceful season of Advent and special times spent with loved ones.

CONNECT WITH US FACEBOOK facebook.com/dbbschools1 LINKEDIN linkedin.com/company/csbb CSBB WEBSITE csodbb.catholic.edu.au/ LOOKING FOR A CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN YOUR AREA csodbb.catholic.edu.au/schools/find-a-school/ INTERESTED IN WORKING FOR US csodbb.catholic.edu.au/careers/join-us/ STAY CONNECTED If you have any news you would like to share with the CSBB Community, please email comms@dbb.catholic.edu.au We would love to hear from you.

The 12 finalists from across the 12 schools.

Inspiring Moments from the CSBB Annual Public Speaking Competition Catholic Schools Broken Bay hosted their annual Public Speaking Competition at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Asquith. A total of 36 schools engaged in the event, where 12 of our finalist students from across 12 of our schools showcased their remarkable talent, perseverance, dedication and creativity. Alongside the student speakers were three adjudicators undertook the challenging task of judging and selecting the winners. Our panel of judges featured Danny Casey, Director of Catholic Schools Broken Bay, along with Jane Denny a Learning Partner at Catholic Schools Broken Bay and Philip Ruddock, Mayor of Hornsby Shire.

The art of delivering an impactful speech encompasses a multitude of skills. These students exhibited clear articulation, engaging content, confidence and the ability to connect with the audience with passion. Following the delivery of their well-prepared 3-minute speeches, the speakers were challenged with 3 new topics: 'Friend or Foe,' 'Too Good to be True,' and 'Signed Sealed Delivered.' Using these topics, they had 10 minutes to compose a 1-minute speech. Even though this is a very challenging task to expect from primary-aged students,

Winners with Director of Schools, Danny Casey.

each speaker took on the challenge head-on and delivered exceptional speeches.

After careful deliberation, the adjudicators announced Tommy S from St Mary’s, Manly as the winner, who presented an inspirational speech on What Happiness Means to Me. Runner-up Luke H from Our Lady of Good Counsel, Forestville, presented on What Makes the World Go Round. Securing third place was Frankie M student of Sacred Heart, Mona Vale.

We extend a huge congratulations to all students who earned a spot in the grand final. Your outstanding performances not only represented your respective schools but also showcased the talent within our Broken Bay Diocese community. Well done!

Curious about our schools?

CSBB Finalist Students being addressed by Director of Schools, Danny Casey.

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Milo Bellingham’s original adaptation of a Caravaggio masterpiece.

Religious Creative Arts Competition 2023 The Religious Creative Arts Competition in 2023 featured over 200 creative arts entries across the 5 categories of Dance, Drama, Music, Short Film and Visual Arts. It was incredible to see the level of talent from Catholic Schools Broken Bay students.

The theme for this year was Compassion, taken from 1 Peter 3:8 ‘…be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble’, with students showing their interpretation of this theme from Early Stage 1 to Stage 5.

The competition culminated in a Showcase concert at Hornsby RSL on October 24 featuring all finalists.

Student winners were presented with certificates and prizes by Very Reverend Dr David Ranson, Mr Danny Casey and professional performers and judges, Danielle and Scott Irwin.

very moving. Your mixture of the Gospel and culture is a powerful instrument of evangelisation. Superb!”

Living our values of Compassion, we were delighted to be able to support the amazing work of Mary Mac’s Place at the Showcase concert. Mary Mac’s provides social, community and friendship opportunities for men, women, families, young people, the elderly, and the socially and economically disadvantaged.

A huge thank you to all who contributed to make this year’s Creative Arts Competition a success. Professional artists Lezlie Tilley and Ana Maria Belo contributed to the judging of entries. A special thank you to all school staff for supporting and encouraging students to be involved.

A special Bishop’s choice award is presented to one artist across all categories and all age groups. The winner for 2023 is Milo Bellingham from St Paul's Catholic College, Manly. Milo’s visual arts piece was an original adaptation of a Caravaggio masterpiece.

Bishop Anthony Randazzo said of the artwork, “Milo, this is an extraordinary work of art. You have taken a masterpiece by Caravaggio and allowed it a contemporary feel to speak to a modern culture. Your creativity in combining two encounters with Jesus from the Gospels to bring to life our need for Compassion was 20 /

Bishop Anthony called Milo’s piece “extraordinary”.

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

ACROSS OUR SCHOOLS

CSBB Redefines Alumni Pathways with "Year 13" in a Traineeship for Information Technology Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) is at the forefront of innovation as it launches "Year 13", under the visionary leadership of Bishop Anthony, CSBB is redefining alumni pathways, providing continuous support from Baptism to Year 13.

We welcome our new trainees for 2024, directly recruited from CSBB secondary schools to become Digital Enablement Trainees led by the dedicated CSBB professionals in the Digital Enablement (DE) team. The two-year program offers not just theoretical knowledge, but hands-on experience and the highly sought-after Cert 3 and Cert 4 qualifications to kickstart a career in IT. What distinguishes this program within CSBB is its genuine community-driven approach. DE staff are not just mentors; they are actively involved in delivering the training and qualifications.

Our trainees will serve as the first line of technical support in secondary schools. As these Digital Enablement Trainees assume their roles as the first line of technical support, they embark on a journey that extends beyond

New Trainees for 2024.

the classroom. Alumni pathways are being redefined, with a clear trajectory from student to professional within the CSBB community.

"Year 13" isn't just about education; it's about creating sustainable career pathways for CSBB alumni. The program is designed to equip graduates with the skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the dynamic field of IT. Trainees will not only have a solid foundation in IT but also the opportunity for ongoing CSBB employment.

For more information and to stay updated on the progress of the Digital Enablement Trainees and Alumni Pathways, please scan the QR code below.

Danny Casey, Director of Schools addresses new trainees.

We're thrilled to announce that all 8 of our secondary schools now have dedicated LinkedIn pages. This opportunity to connect is open to all past graduates as well as our most recent cohorts. We extend a warm invitation to all alumni to locate your respective secondary school on LinkedIn and establish a connection with us. Let's build a stronger community together.

Connect with your alumni network 22 /

SPORT WRAP UP 2023

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Diocese launches Awards Committee Bishop Anthony Randazzo has established the first Diocesan Awards Committee to acknowledge and honour the contribution or men and women to the life and mission of the Church.

The Committee will provide the Bishop with a consistent and transparent framework for the encouragement, evaluation, and recommendation of nominations.

The three honours and awards categories are Papal Honours, Diocesan Awards and Civic Awards.

Any person worthy of grateful recognition by the Church and by society can be nominated for consideration by the Bishop and any person including clergy or Religious, or Church agency, commission or similar group, can make nominations.

The Awards Committee comprises the Vicar General, Very Rev Dr David Ranson, Chancellor Kelly Paget, Fr Colin Blayney, Dr Peter Williams, Mrs Brenda Timp and Communications Director, Katrina Lee Dr Peter Williams is a former lecturer at The University of Notre Dame Australia, whose expertise includes Planning Law, Environmental Law, Local Government and Heritage Law, Indigenous Law, and Sustainable Development. He lives in the Diocese and is a parishioner at Manlyvale. Mrs Brenda Timp is the Principal at Mercy Catholic College, a Catholic secondary schools for girls, Years 7-12, located in the heart of Chatswood.

In announcing the Awards and welcoming the Committee members, Bishop Anthony said as people of God, we don’t need a badge of honour 24 /

Diocesan Awards Committee: Vicar General, Very Rev Dr David Ranson, Mrs Brenda Timp, Bishop Anthony Randazzo, Chancellor Kelly Paget, Dr Peter Williams and Katrina Lee. Fr Colin Blayney, Dean of the North Shore Deanery in the Diocese is also a committee member.

– our lives should reflect that we are disciples of the Lord.

However, while it is important to acknowledge all people’s participation, there can be a tendency for everyone to be rolled into one common level or denominator rather than drawing people up.

“This is drawing up people’s gifts, to be shared and to enrich the community of Church and society in which we all live,” Bishop Anthony said.

“The Lord gives each one of us different gifts, for different times and in different ways. It is good to shed light on this and acknowledge that these gifts come straight from God. This needs to be celebrated.

“The first and most honourable way is through a papal acknowledgment; we are members of the Church in communion with Rome. The Holy Father is the first among equals in the College of Bishops and he is a sign of unity for us in the Church. To be acknowledged at the papal level is extraordinary. It sheds light on the

individual but also strengthens the bonds between individuals and our local church with the universal church.

It is a beautiful organic way of seeing ourselves as one Church in Christ.

“Another way is to look within the Diocese at a local level, as part of that ongoing communion and to acknowledge and praise God for the good work that is being done. The third way is that our mission is just not contained to the Church level; Christians are called to Mission. The Holy Father encourages us to look for and focus on our participation in communion and mission, and to look beyond the Church in being active in the world. These are the opportunities how one can be acknowledged publicly in civic honours.

“Through our Diocesan awards, we are shedding the light on the good works that God is doing through the members of our local Church.”

Details of the honours and awards, including the nomination forms and requirements are available at www.bbcatholic.org.au/about/awards

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

NEWS AND ISSUES

Voluntary Assisted Dying now legal in NSW The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022 came into effect on 28 November 2023.

This means eligible people in NSW will be able to request medical assistance to end their life.

“This is a profoundly sad and disappointing time in our history,” Bishop Anthony Randazzo said.

“Assisted suicide is a completely unacceptable solution to the problem of suffering.

“A genuinely humane society, and I am sure that’s what we all want, is not how we decide to eliminate those who suffer, but how we care for them.”

NSW is the last state to legislate and activate voluntary Assisted dying (VAD).

Advocates for VAD and those who supported the legislation claim the moral high ground, insisting they are the compassionate ones, and those who oppose state-legislated killing are without compassion.

VAD opponents insist it is not “compassionate” to inject someone with lethal drugs as a form of health care, and that VAD doctorassisted suicide puts the medical profession, who have a duty to care for the ill, elderly and vulnerable, in an impossible situation.

Catholic teaching on voluntary assisted dying flows from our understanding of the human person.

It contradicts the goodness and dignity of each human person, created in the image of God – a unique, irreplaceable individual.

“The introduction of Voluntary Assisted Dying now into our provision of end-of-life care raises serious challenges for those of us who seek to approach life from the perspective of Christian faith,” Bishop Anthony said.

“It will mean that on occasions our own approach to life will be in stark contrast to others, including those close to us in family and friendship.

How we both continue to reach out with compassion to those entrusted to our care and at the same time remain true to our Christian conscience will at times be moments of considerable angst.

“It will be important that we live in this tension and not short circuit it with a reliance on one side or the other.

“Each situation will be personal and unique. Our deepest challenge now is to provide a quality of care for those suffering that demonstrates the truth of our humanity, and that by its light teaches others that they need not fear their suffering and their death.”

produced an Interim Pastoral Guideline on Voluntary Assisted Dying for clergy and parishioners.

Australia’s Catholic bishops have also released a new document to guide priests, chaplains and pastoral workers who are asked to provide pastoral support to Catholics who are considering voluntary assisted dying.

This document, To Witness and to Accompany with Christian Hope, points out that accompanying someone who is expressing a desire for assisted dying is an act of charity that should be offered in a way that does not require the pastoral companion to suspend their firm commitment to the Church’s clear teaching that assisted dying is never morally permissible.

Both the Diocese booklet and ACBC document are available as flipbooks on the Diocese of Broken Bay website and can also be downloaded.

Bishop Anthony is concerned funding for palliative care, especially in the regional areas of the state, will be curtailed.

Advances in palliative care have enabled us to die with dignity, and in a manner congruent with the human truth that quality of care most deeply reflects our identity as those defined by our relationships rather than by our autonomy.

“It concerns me deeply that Voluntary Assisted Dying could become an economically convenient model of care,” the Bishop said.

The Diocese of Broken Bay has 25 /

NOVEMBER

APPEAL THANK YOU! Your kindness and generosity in supporting our Pastoral Works Broken Bay Appeal is greatly appreciated and will make a difference to many families. Thank you for your ongoing support, and I wish you and your loved ones a Holy Christmas and a joy-filled New Year.

C/ 100 M/ 52 Y/ 35 K/ 0

C/ 100 M/ 52 Y/ 35 K/ 0

C/ 100 M/ 52 Y/ 35 K/ 0

Most Rev Anthony Randazzo Bishop of Broken Bay

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)

Pastoral Care and Hospital Chaplaincy

Pastoral Works Broken Bay also supports:

St Lucy’s School

K-6 students with disabilities

St Edmund’s College 7-12 students with disabilities

Ephpheta Centre

Catholic Deaf Community

If you would still like to make a donation you can do so here.

Your Tax-deductible gift supports vital pastoral ministries in our local community, Donate online at www.bbcatholic.org.au/pastoralworks

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Half a century and Wyoming is still shining Golden Celebrations are always just that, golden in memories and in the rituals accompanying those memories.

It was a full congregation for a Mass led by the Vicar General of Broken Bay, the Very Reverend Dr David Ranson, when Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Wyoming celebrated its Golden Jubilee.

The Gospel was carried aloft and the retinue of priests, including past parish priests, entered to the beat of djembes. A solemn but smiling group of children led the offertory in a measured liturgical dance while the choir sang. The Responsorial Psalm rang sweet and true: “I shall live in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life” and the Eucharist united us in “the Source and Summit of the whole Christian life”. (Lumen Gentium III).

It’s rather unusual to have two parish

churches in close proximity with the same name but it is the history of this Wyoming Parish. The original site of Our Lady of the Rosary church completed in 1892, was in Donnison Street, Gosford. The current church, replete with pews, statues, and Stations of the Cross from the original church. While it was still part of Gosford Parish, it was blessed

by Bishop James Carroll on the 27 November 1966.

out, the trio of fruit cakes baked and decorated – all by parishioners.

Father Phillip Murphy became the first Parish Priest in 1973. It was wonderful to see Fr Jack Robson, a past parish priest recognised by many of the elderly parishioners, concelebrating the Mass.

In the midst of dining, the Marilag Dance Troupe performed colourful cultural Filipino dances celebrating nature’s bountiful gifts. What better way to finish the evening than with the blessing preserved in the Bulletin: Praise be to God for this church and the way God has used it to bless each one of us and so many over these 50 years. May God continue to lead and guide this congregation through you.

Many blessings to you all!

Parish priest, Fr Peter de Souza made sure that the shared meal after the Eucharistic feast continued to involve the wide Parish family: the food prepared and served, the chairs set

Fr Bill Stephens led Grace, Michelle Perry (Deputy Principal of the school) proposed the toast, Fr Ranson, Fr Bill, local Federal and State MPs Emma McBride and David Mehan, and special guest Thea Dowsett (former Parish Secretary for 35 years), supervised the cutting of the cakes.

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BBN / DECEMBER 2023

CATHOLICCARE

A word from the Executive Director of CatholicCare

Tim Curran

CatholicCare Broken Bay staff came together on Friday 27 October to celebrate our inaugural Staff Awards Night. This was a wonderful way for our Senior Leadership Team and Advisory Council to recognise and honour the contribution of our employees who have performed exceptionally well in trying circumstances over the past year. In fact, the event took on even greater significance as it was the first time in four years that all CatholicCare staff were invited to gather. The event was designed to provide staff with an opportunity to share stories of the ups-and-downs they have experienced in recent years, to celebrate each other’s successes, and to have a good time!

Congratulations to the 14 staff who received awards for truly outstanding performance. Our five General Managers had the unenviable job of choosing the winners. Even in normal times, most staff at CatholicCare go above and beyond what they are required to do according to their position descriptions. Our organisation attracts many of the very best people in society who care deeply about their fellow citizens and pour their heart and souls, as well as their talents, into the care, support and education of others. And yet these 28 /

past few years have been anything but normal. Our staff battled through the pandemic. Their personal lives were turned upside-down navigating the waves of lockdowns, their own or family members’ illnesses, and homeschooling responsibilities. Yet unlike many workers in Australia’s relatively advanced economy, the vast majority of our staff did not have the “luxury” of working from home. Most of our employees are essential frontline workers. They turned up to work on the “COVID frontline” to deliver support to vulnerable older people, people living with a disability, those experiencing mental illness, homeless people, women and children fleeing domestic violence, young people living in out of home care, and to educate and care for the children of other essential workers.

Even over the past year as media attention and BBQ conversations shifted from COVID to the housing and cost-of-living crises, many of our employees have continued to be hit hard. Their work has become even more taxing as demand for many of our services increases even further, and the complexity of client needs has also increased. And as was the case with the pandemic, many of our workers, who are generally modestly paid and rent their homes, have been

hit harder than most. Still, they turn up to work so as to assist others.

I’ve had the great privilege of leading for-purpose organisations for two decades and I’ve witnessed staff doing incredible things in times of natural disasters, responding to profound government-led sector reforms, and supporting victims of some of the worst human behaviour possible. Never before though have I been prouder of a group of people than I was on the evening of 27 October when I looked out across the auditorium from the stage when welcoming staff to our Awards Night.

Congrats to our very worthy winners: CENTRAL SUPPORT Lakhwinder Kaur | Kate Saba CHILDREN’S SERVICES Debbie Bennett | Yash Karia | Mitra Tehranchi DISABILITY & SENIORS SERVICES Erika Carvalho | Benjamin French | Jessica Margules INTEGRATED SERVICES Melanie Ambrose | Sally Baker | Cathy Zervos PERMANENCY SUPPORT PROGRAM Donna Cox | Nathan Fepulea’i | Angela Ryan

CONNECT WITH US FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/CatholicCareDBB LINKEDIN www.linkedin.com/company/catholiccaredioceseofbrokenbay WEBSITE www.catholiccaredbb.org.au INTERESTED IN WORKING FOR US? www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/about-us/careers

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

CATHOLICCARE

Financial counselling makes all the difference for new mum Jennifer For Jennifer, the appearance of two lines on that pregnancy test will be forever etched in her memory. As a young, single woman, she knew that caring for this baby would fall solely on her. Along with the myriad of emotions that came with a positive pregnancy test, she was anxious about her financial future. Jennifer was supported

by CatholicCare’s financial counselling team, which ultimately reduced her stress and gave her the breathing space to enjoy her newborn son.

“Jennifer had been employed fulltime before her baby’s arrival,” shares Financial Counsellor, Jill. “She left her job to care for her newborn and she was unsure about the Centrelink benefits she was entitled to. Her preparations for the baby, including purchasing a cot, pram, and other essentials through Buy Now Pay Later credit (BNPL), had been managed reasonably well. However, her credit card and BNPL debt had accumulated, and she had been neglecting payment notices from her bank. Compounding her concerns were notifications of a forthcoming 25% surge in electricity prices and a 15% hike in rent.”

Jennifer held aspirations of returning to part-time work, but even with an income she didn’t know how she would manage the ever-escalating cost of living.

potential financial impact and how these choices might affect her Centrelink benefits.

As the financial counselling sessions progressed, Jennifer noticed a newfound sense of understanding and confidence regarding her financial standing. Today her financial decisions come from a place of knowledge, rather than fear and that has made all the difference.

Guided by CatholicCare, Jennifer completed a money plan, where they reviewed income and expenses. “We reviewed and discussed potential Centrelink benefits and energy concessions, which Jennifer had been unaware she was eligible to receive.”

CatholicCare provide free, independent and confidential financial counselling to anyone having difficulties managing money.

money plan, manage your debts, set realistic financial goals, understand your rights, and if required negotiate with creditors.

Financial counselling can help you relieve stress, resolve immediate problems and plan for the future.

It’s always best to seek help early before your problems get out of control. Our Financial Counsellors can help you prepare a budget or

We have offices in Artarmon, Brookvale and Ryde. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are experiencing financial difficulties – it’s smart to ask for help and this is our area of expertise. Call 1800 324 924 or email info@catholiccaredbb.org.au.

Addressing Jennifer's debt situation, we emphasised the importance of communication with creditors during times of financial hardship.

Collaboratively we formulated a realistic action plan that Jennifer would use with her creditors.”

Guided by CatholicCare, Jennifer completed a money plan, where they reviewed income and expenses. “We reviewed and discussed potential Centrelink benefits and energy concessions, which Jennifer had been unaware she was eligible to receive,” says Jill.

“Together, we examined different work scenarios, reviewing their 29 /

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

CATHOLICCARE

Yarning & connecting at our new Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander playgroup Knowing personally how important it is to connect Aboriginal children with culture, CatholicCare’s Aboriginal Community Engagement Manager Judith, searched for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander playgroups in North Sydney when she started her role at CatholicCare. “There was nothing,” she says. And less than a year later, CatholicCare has its own Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Supported Playgroup and it is thriving!

information like this is so important.

Personally, I have learnt so much since starting the playgroup.”

“Not only are we connecting Aboriginal children and families with support services, but we also are giving kids a chance to meet and connect with other kids from their culture. That social connection is so important,” Judith says.

Simone says that the playgroup attracts a diverse range of families.

“One mum who attends with her children was brought up in typical white Australia and is married to an Aboriginal man. She is so invested in giving her children opportunities to connect with their culture. One of the other mums fosters an Aboriginal boy and she asks the most amazing questions, many of which stem from her background working in infant and perinatal health. There is also a single mum who comes every week because she says it’s the only playgroup where she feels comfortable.”

Intake Worker, Simone who facilitates the playgroup says that mums and dads come to yarn and share stories.

“The conversation topics they come up with are usually very random but so interesting. One week, one of the mums shared about how she could now afford childcare after some recent subsidy changes for Aboriginal children. The other women weren’t aware of the subsidy changes, which shows how connecting and sharing

Simone has loved watching the children grow in confidence and build connections with each other. “Each week the children jump out of their cars and run up the ramp to greet each other. They genuinely miss each other if someone doesn’t come. One of the girls proudly shares videos of her older sister doing Aboriginal dances. It is very special to see the way they have connected with each other and their culture over time.”

Playgroup Facilitator Bree-Anne and playgroup mum Rebecca.

30 /

Each week the children jump out of their cars and run up the ramp to greet each other.

They genuinely miss each other if someone doesn’t come. One of the girls proudly shares videos of her older sister doing Aboriginal dances. It is very special to see the way they have connected…

Judith, Simone, and the team have great hopes for the future of the playgroup. Their goal is to get information about the playgroup out further afield, and they are in the processing of finalising a Memorandum of Understanding with Northern Sydney Local Health District to grow the group.

In the meantime, it is all about the yarning, the shared joy, and the little moments of connection. “These little kids rock my world,” says Simone.

“It is very special being called ‘Aunty Simone’ by these guys.”

Our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Playgroup runs every Thursday during school term at Kate’s Place in Waitara.

The playgroup provides a relaxed and friendly environment for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families and carers to bring their children to socialise and engage in culturally fun activities with other children.

Call 1800 324 924 or email info@catholiccaredbb.org.au for more information.

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

CATHOLICCARE

Can you open your home to a child this Christmas?

“Every year as December rolled around, you wouldn’t have known it was Christmas in our house,” says long-term foster carer, Nathan Fepulea’i. “I’ll never forget our first Christmas with Daniel. It was magical. We did the lights, the tree, everything…”

For Nathan and Adriana, the magic of that first Christmas with their foster child Daniel will be forever etched in their memory. “Daniel’s first Christmas with us was the first Christmas he ever celebrated,” Nathan says. And while not every day as a foster carer is magical, the joy and light that Daniel has brought to their lives is immeasurable.

For Nathan and Adriana, their journey to becoming foster carers started on the other side of the world when they were tour guides in Buenos Aires.

“One day we were taking a group of Australians shopping and I remember seeing two boys begging. I saw the eldest boy who looked no more than five or six years old burst into tears. I remember his utter despair as he cuddled his brother. That one moment broke my heart and opened my eyes. From then on, I saw things differently and when I returned home to the Central Coast, I started to notice people sleeping on the streets, something I hadn’t registered before.”

Nathan says that their initial plan was to dip their toes in the water by becoming emergency or respite carers. “But we changed our minds when we heard about Daniel. Right from the get-go we empathised with his story and we knew we had to become long-term carers.”

When a child needs long-term foster care, it’s usually because they don’t

Nathan & Adriana, long-term foster carers to Daniel.

have options to stay with a relative, and their own home is not considered a safe option for them. Foster parents will commit to taking the child in and raising them until they are 18 years old, “but we hope Daniel will be in our lives forever,” Adriana says.

Adriana says that fostering is no different to raising your own child.

“The feelings are the same. Of course, there is a biological family in the picture, but we have a loving relationship with Daniel’s birth family.”

The love that Adriana and Nathan feel from Daniel is more than they could have ever imagined. “The first year was challenging at times but the support and expertise of CatholicCare’s foster care team helped us through the challenging times and we never felt like we were on our own,” Adriana says.

“Daniel has completed our family in every way possible,” Nathan says.

“His personality, goals, great sense

of humour and sweet character are a match made in heaven. I work fulltime and Adriana part-time and, like all families, we need a schedule to manage our commitments. Being a foster carer has deepened my understanding of the world I have more empathy. I would definitely say that foster caring is character building and an amazing way to give back.”

Daniel is one of over 46,000 children unable to live at home, many of whom are waiting for long-term carers who can give them a forever home.

Can you open your home for a child this Christmas, and ongoing? Do you have an extra seat at your table?

Visit www.fostering.org.au to hear more about Nathan & Adriana’s story.

Or please call Sandra today on (02) 9481 2600 to learn more. * Name of the child has been changed to protect his privacy 31 /

Fr Roger Delmonte holds up the Host during Eucharistic Adoration.

Hundreds encounter Jesus at Ignite Conference Hundreds of young people from across the Diocese and beyond shared in an encounter with Jesus at the Ignite Conference hosted by the Diocese of Broken Bay in October.

Across four days, kids, teenagers, young adults, and families attended rallies, workshops, and talks, encountering God through praise and worship, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and confession.

Ignite Conference is known for its night rallies, an opportunity to engage in praise and worship in a contemporary form, not normally found in most Catholic churches.

The conference was also an opportunity for young Catholics to meet each other and build new bridges with people from a wide range of communities and backgrounds.

Groups from as far away as Victoria and regional New 32 /

South Wales travelled to take part in the conference.

with some of the young adults and teenagers attending.

Bishop Anthony led the hundreds of attendees in celebrating Mass and mingled with the young people attending the conference.

Fr Sam French celebrated the closing Mass, reminding the attendees that the encounter they had experienced with Jesus at the conference should not just be left there, but lived out in their everyday lives when they returned home.

There were also opportunities for the young people to discern their vocation or respond to a call to leadership within the Church. The Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia, Franciscans, Sisters of the Immaculata, and Missionaries of God’s Love had a strong presence at the conference, while courses such as Arete and Alpha also had stalls at the conference.

Vocations Broken Bay was particularly busy throughout the weekend at their display store with music and a range of games being played at the booth every day. The booth also offered seminarians and the Vocations team an opportunity to build new relationships and discuss their own call to a vocation

Bishop Anthony Randazzo speaks to the conference.

33 /

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Kevin Mascarenhas: A journey of faith and music Kevin’s earliest memories of childhood were watching his uncles play and sing in their band in his birthplace of Kampala, Uganda. As part of Idi Amin’s regime, an idyllic lifestyle was interrupted, and his family left under difficult and life changing circumstances to start a new life in Australia with just ten dollars.

Celebrating the 50-year anniversary of Australians from Uganda last year, it was on this journey in 1972 that Kevin was introduced to his ancestral home of Goa, India. It is a place the Portuguese colonised in the early 1500s, bringing with them the Mascarenhas name, Christianity, and music. Through this, Kevin was able to bear witness to the power of deep faith and so began his spiritual journey.

Growing up in Sydney, Kevin attended Manly West Public School and then Balgowlah Boys’ High School. Kevin remembers staying back on a Friday afternoon at high school with a handful of other Catholic boys for scripture time with Fr O’Keefe (and later Austin Dunn) from St Cecilia’s Catholic Church where his family also attended on Sundays.

Given his first guitar at age twelve from

Kevin Mascarenhas, Erica Griffiths, Beata Kromrych and Vanessa Johnston

one of his musical uncles, sparked Kevin’s lifelong exploration of creating music. Kevin started performing early by playing guitar and singing in the St Kieran’s youth group and it was during this time, with so much local talent in singers and musicians, that Kevin embraced learning about the magic of adding vocal harmonies, and through Greg Arnold, Kevin discovered fingerpicking and the sounds of different instrumentation. With the encouragement of music in liturgy

by Fr Crilly, Kevin began his journey from the folk era of Sr Janet Mead’s Our Father and the use of secular

music in Mass. He continued to learn more about the part that music plays in enhancing the liturgy through Terri Sedmak, especially when the Word is intertwined through the supporting music. Terri’s advice when transitioning to a lead role with the group in those early years still rings true, that the Holy Spirit is working through us as music ministers.

Kevin leads Harvest music group, providing liturgical music for the Catholic Community of North Harbour and is a member of the Parish Pastoral Council.

Particularly through the pandemicbased lockdowns in Sydney, Kevin has shared his own compositions via nature-themed music videos to connect with parishioners as they streamed services from their homes.

Kevin continues to put music to psalms, giving his listeners a deeper connection to the words they have heard many times prior, or are hearing for the first time.

He continues to release his music with a mission to connect people to their faith through music.

34 /

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Gosford celebrates a year of blessings from St John Paul II relics A year on from the installation of two relics of St John Paul II at St Patrick’s Church, Gosford, people from across the Diocese once again reunited on the feast of the great saint.

The celebration began with a Mass for the Feast of St John Paul II. The liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Robert McGuckin, Bishop Emeritus of Toowoomba, who has retired within the Diocese. Bishop Anthony was unable to attend the Mass due to his

attendance at the Synod of Synodality in Rome.

“It is hard to believe it’s already one year since the installation of the relics of St John Paul II in this church,” said Fr Greg Skulski, parish priest of Gosford at the beginning of the Mass.

“Over these 12 months, there’s been so many people who have visited this church, prayed for his intercession and obtained graces.”

After the Mass, there was a BBQ, hospitality, live music, and market stalls in the church grounds.

Throughout the day there were various devotions and prayers offered up inside the church, including the Angelus, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Stations of the Cross, Litany of Saints, and praise and worship.

The day concluded with a youth Mass in the evening.

35 /

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Novena Masses for Christmas (Simbang Gabi) Amidst the holiday rush, the Filipino Community warmly invites you to celebrate a cherished tradition – “Simbang Gabi” (Novena Masses for Christmas) – that beckons us to embrace the spirit of Christmas with open hearts and radiant faith.

BBN / DECEMBER 2023

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Embrace the Spirit of Christmas with Novena Masses

Originally known as Misa de Aguinaldo, this nine-day Novena Masses for Christmas was introduced to the Philippines by Spanish missionaries from Mexico. The term, “Aguinaldo,” signifying ‘gift’, beautifully captures the essence of Christmas.

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For nine consecutive days leading to 25th December, we gather to offer our “Aguinaldo” to God, expressing gratitude for the precious gift of Jesus, the Saviour of the world. It is a time for reflection, unity and devotion as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ Child, the divine gift.

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For Filipino Catholics, this tradition of “Simbang Gabi” is a heartfelt devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. Over these nine days, we stand by Mary as she eagerly awaits the birth of her Son, honouring her with solemn votive Masses.

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We celebrate with grandeur, singing the “Gloria”and donning white vestments. Carols fill the air and prayers lift our spirits, painting a tapestry of unity and togetherness. We light candles and lanterns and let the glow of faith guide us to Him who is the Light of the world.

who is the

The timing of the tradition has been adjusted to fit modern schedules, allowing for both dawn and evening Masses. This flexibility ensures that we can all participate, even amidst our busy lives. Whether you choose the dawn or evening Masses,“Simbang Gabi” promises spiritual nourishment and an opportunity to rekindle the true meaning of Christmas.

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Join us in this practice of the Novena Masses for Christmas, remembering that the greatest gift of all is the love and unity we share with one another.

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We look forward to welcoming you at the launch of our Novena Masses for Christmas scheduled for 7pm on Saturday, 9th December, at Our Lady of Dolours Chatswood.

For catering purposes, we request that you kindly pre-register via Try booking using this link: https://tinyurl.com/yzb6acak or by conveniently scanning the QR code.

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36 /

Scan here to register and join the celebrations!

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BBN / DECEMBER 2023

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

WYD pilgrims reunite to share experiences Just six weeks after they returned from one of the most transformative experiences of their lives, Broken Bay’s World Youth Day pilgrims have reunited to share how the pilgrimage has shaped them since returning home.

More than 100 pilgrims, their friends and family gathered at St Agatha’s Church, Pennant Hills on Friday, November 3, sharing a meal before coming together in prayer, praise and worship.

Three of the pilgrims, Rachel Massa (student at Mercy College Chatswood), Sean Dixon (a young adult pilgrim from Chatswood Parish) and Paul Cunnigham (seminarian)

Pilgrims are reunited in Sydney.

shared their testimonies. Each of them spoke about a yearning for the continuation and strengthening of their own faith journey.

Fr Sam French, another pilgrim, gave a reflection on the scripture passage The Great Commission – Matthew 28:16-20. He also reminded the pilgrims of the Pope Francis’ message at the final Mass in Lisbon: Shine, listen, and do not be afraid.

The pilgrims also joined together in small group conversations to share their experiences from World Youth Day, their journey since and their hopes for the future.

The WYD pilgrims catch up over pizza.

The next World Youth Day will take place in Seoul, South Korea in 2027, returning to Asia for the first time since 1995 when Manila, Philippines hosted the event.

37 /

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES 2023 St Benedict’s Parish, Arcadia

Hornsby Cathedral Parish

Lower North Shore Parish

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 7.00pm, 11.30pm (midnight Mass)

Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara

St Leonard’s Church Naremburn

Christmas Day Monday 25 December 9.00am 10.30am (Latin Mass)

Chatswood Parish Our Lady of Dolours Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 5.30pm, 8.00pm, 12midnight 5.30pm – Childrens Mass, 8.00pm – Vigil Mass 12 midnight : Solemn High Mass Christmas Day Monday 25 December 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am, 11am Mass at St Peter’ Green for residents only. No evening Mass on Christmas Day

Catholic Parish of Epping and Carlingford Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Epping

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 5pm – Cathedral (Children’s Mass) 8.30pm – Cathedral Midnight (Carols from 11.30pm) – Cathedral Christmas Day Sunday 25 December 8.00am – Cathedral (Children’s Mass) 9.30am – Cathedral 11.00am – Cathedral No evening Mass

Queen of Peace Church, Normanhurst Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 5.00pm 7.00pm Korean 9.30pm Vigil Mass (Carols from 9.00pm) Christmas Day Sunday 25 December 9.00am 11.00am Korean No evening Mass

Christmas Eve Saturday 24th December 5.30pm Carols/6pm Family & Youth Mass 10.30pm PNGCCA Mass Christmas Day Sunday 25 December 10.30am

Royal North Shore Hospital Christmas Eve Saturday 24th December 4.00pm

St Philip Neri Northbridge Christmas Day Sunday 25 December 9.00am

St Thomas’ Willoughby Christmas Eve Saturday 24th December 6pm Family Mass with nativity. 11.30pm Carols/ 12 Midnight Mass Christmas Day Sunday 25 December 8.00am, 9.30am

Holy Cross Catholic Parish, Kincumber

Manly Freshwater Parish

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 6pm Children’s Mass: Holy Spirit Church 9pm: Holy Spirit Church

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 6pm Children’s Mass, 8pm, 10pm

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 6pm Famly Mass

Midnight: Holy Cross Church

Christmas Day Monday 25 December 8.30am and 10.30am

10pm Vigil Mass

Christmas Day Monday 25 December 9am: Holy Spirit Church

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 5pm Family Mass 9pm Vigil Mass Christmas Day Monday 25 December 8.30am, 10:15am

St Gerard Majella’s Church, Carlingford

Christmas Day Monday 25 December 7.45am, 9.30am

Frenchs Forest Catholic Parish Christmas Eve – Sunday 24th December +OLGC 5.30pm – Children’s Mass +St Martin’s 5.00pm Children’s Nativity Mass +St Anthony’s 6pm – Outdoor Children’s Mass Christmas Day – Monday 25th December +St Martin’s 8.30am Mass (no evening Mass) +St Anthony’s 9am Mass +OLGC 10am Mass

St Patrick’s Parish Gosford Christmas At St Patrick’s Church 76 York Street, East Gosford Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 5:00 pm Children’s Mass 9:00 pm Youth Mass Midnight Mass Christmas Day Monday 25 December 7:30 am 9:30 am No evening Mass.

At St Francis of Assisi, Somersby Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December Vigil Mass: 5.00pm 38 /

Ku-ring-gai Chase Catholic Parish

St Mary’s, Manly

St John the Baptist, Freshwater Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 5pm (Family Mass)

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December:

Christmas Day Monday 25 December 9am

St Bernard’s Berowra

North Harbour

5pm Children’s Vigil Outdoor; includes Carols and BBQ; bring a chair or rug to sit on.

St Patrick’s Asquith 6pm (Children’s) Vigil Come dressed as angels and shepherds 9pm (Youth) Mass

St Kieran Church, Manly Vale Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 5.30pm Children’s Mass, 8pm Christmas Day Monday 25 December 7.30am and 9.30am

St Cecilia Church, Balgowlah Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 5.00pm Family Mass, 7.30pm

Midnight Mass

Christmas Day Monday 25 December 9.00am

St Bernard’s Berowra

Pennant Hills Parish

Christmas Day Monday 25 December 9am Family Mass in the Church

Christmas Mass Times

St Patrick’s Asquith 8am and 10am (no evening Mass on Christmas Day)

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 5pm, 7pm, 9pm, Midnight Mass 5pm & 7pm Childrens’ Mass Christmas Day Monday 25 December 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am, 6pm

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES 2023 Pittwater Parish

The Lakes Catholic Parish

Sacred Heart Church Mona Vale

Church of St Rose

Christmas Eve Sunday 24th 5:00pm Family Mass, 9.00pm Youth Mass, Midnight Mass

Sunday 24 December – Christmas Eve 6.00pm Children Orientated

Christmas Day Monday 25th 8am and 10am. No evening Mass

Maria Regina Church Avalon Christmas Eve Sunday 24th 6:00pm Family Mass, 9.00pm Vigil Mass

25th December – Christmas Day 8.00am

Church of St Joseph Sunday 24 December – Christmas Eve 5.30pm Children Orientated, Midnight

St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Woy Woy Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 7.30 am – Church 9.15 am – Church 5.00 pm – Church 5.30 pm – SJB School Oval 21a Dulkara Rd, Woy Woy 8.00 pm – Church 10.00 pm – Church

Christmas Day Monday 25th 9.00am. No evening Mass

Monday 25 December – Christmas Day 9.30am

Christmas Day Monday 25 December 7.30 am 9.15 am No evening Mass

Pymble Catholic Parish

RSLife Village Chapel, Narrabeen

Our Lady of the Rosary, Wyoming

Sacred Heart Church

Sunday 24 December – Christmas Eve 4pm

Vigil Sunday 24 December 5.00 pm, 10 pm 7.00 pm Syro Malabar Rite Mass 9.30 pm Carols

Christmas Eve Sunday 24th 7:45am, 9:30am, 5:00pm, 9:00pm , Midnight Mass 7:45am Mass 9:30am Mass 5:00pm Family Mass & Nativity Play 9:00pm Christmas Eve Mass 11:30pm Carols Midnight Mass

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Toukley – Lake Munmorah St Mary’s, Toukley

4:00pm Readings & Carols 5:00pm Family Mass

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 6pm and Midnight (Carols at 11.00pm) Children’s Liturgy & Vigil Mass 6pm Christmas Day Monday 25 December 7.30am and 9am (no evening Mass)

Sacred Heart

St Brendan’s, Lake Munmorah

Christmas Day Monday 25 December 7:45am Christmas Mass 9:30am Christmas Mass

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 5pm Children’s Liturgy & Vigil Mass Christmas Day Monday 25 December

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour 9:00am Christmas Mass

8am No evening Mass

9am, 4pm & 5pm 9:00am Family Mass

Corpus Christi Parish, St Ives Christmas Mass Times Christmas Eve Sunday 24th 5:00pm Family Mass, 8:30pm carols in preparation for 9pm Mass Christmas Day Monday 25th 8am and 10am. No evening Mass

St Mary of the Cross Mackillop Parish Warnervale

Christmas Day 8.00 am 9.30 am No evening Mass

Wyong Catholic Parish St Cecilia’s Church Christmas Eve Sunday 24th December 5.00pm, 11.00pm Christmas Day Monday 25 December 7.30am, 9.30am

St John Fisher Christmas Eve Sunday 24th December 5.00pm

Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 5pm; 8pm, Midnight 5pm – Children’s Mass in school Hall

Christmas Day Monday 25 December 8.30am

Christmas Day Monday 25 December 8am, 10am (Please note NO evening Mass on Christmas Day)

For Mass times for Korean Catholic Chaplaincy, Lindfield-Killara, Wahroonga and Warringah Parishesplease see their websites.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Parish, Terrigal Christmas Eve Sunday 24th 6pm (Children’s Mass with Pageant), and 9pm (9pm is a Solemn Sung Mass) No Midnight Mass Christmas Day Monday 25th 8am and 10am (At both Masses the singing will be led by our parish choir)

Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, The Entrance Christmas Eve Sunday 24 December 5pm, 7pm and Midnight – (Carols from 4.30pm before the 5pm Family Mass and 11:30pm before Midnight Mass) Christmas Day Monday 25 December 8am and 9.30am Additional Details 11am at Reynolds Court 7 Bias Avenue Bateau Bay 39 /