Catholic life april 2018

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Catholic Life Publication of the Diocese of Sale

ISSUE 204

April 2018

Parish meetings continue This issue highlights Be generous givers to Trinity Families - Page 3 Pope releases new document - Page 3 Diocese catechists annual gathering - Page 4 Remembering horrors of war - Page 6 PARISHIONERS at St Brendan’s, Lakes Entrance, listen to the presentation by Bishop Pat O’Regan before short discussions on matters raised by him. begin with a launch next month. be prepared and shared with BISHOP Pat O’Regan has June 20.

The meetings are part of our He said the Diocese of Sale parishioners across the diocese. this week recommenced diocese’s preparation for the had started its preparation early He said it was not something an exhaustive series of Australian plenary council by organising the series of which our diocese was just meetings with parishioners meetings in 2020 and 2021. parish meetings and forming a doing as it would be legislated in all 27 parishes across At the sessions the bishop diocesan steering committee he that every parish and every explains that the final details had called Gaudium et Spes. diocese would be involved in Sale Diocese.

This group had now had two the plenary.

He completed a third of the were still being put on the At the parish meeting the parish meetings before a break plenary event which would meetings and was planning for Holy Week, Easter, school take place in October 2020 at a our response to the plenary bishop presents statistics on the holidays and his attendance venue to be announced, with a which may involve a diocesan church in Australia, our diocese last week at the Federation follow up session in May 2021. assembly next year, family and then the individual parishes At this stage it appeared conversations and facilitated he is attending. of Bishops’ Conferences The meeting is then opened up of Oceania meeting in Port likely that the two sessions of community discussions to get this important gathering of the people talking about the Church for discussion on a couple of key Moresby. questions and the opportunity The remaining parish Church in Australia would be and its future direction.

Bishop O’Regan said that after is given for parishioners to ask meetings have been fitted into held in Central Australia and Easter next year there would questions. his tight schedule which also somewhere on the East Coast.

Bishop O’Regan said all be a review and consolidation Dates for the parish meetings includes a raft on confirmation ceremonies and the Australian 1500 parishes in Australia had of everything which had are included in our diary of Catholic Bishops’ Conference been called on to prepare for been gathering through the events on Page 12 and will be promoted in individual parish plenary in Sydney in the first the event, the last of which was preliminary processes. held about 80 years ago and the By then the main issues and bulletins. People are asked week of May. The final meeting will be at official launch of the lead up directions of the plenary would to attend only the own parish the cathedral parish in Sale on to the plenary council would be known and documents would meetings.

Trinity FAMILIES

New hospital plans next stage - Page 8 Refugee worker was a refugee - Page 9 Serra Club versus clergy - Page 10 Photos from around diocese - Page 13

Together we can make a difference By financially supporting Trinity Families you are helping families in our diocese receive the welfare and charitable services they need.

Please give generously to the diocese’s official charitable fund.

To donate visit www.trinityfamilies.org.au or phone (03) 5622 6688 for a credit card deduction form.

Page 2 - Catholic Life, April 2018

Rejoice in the fruitfulness of the Risen Christ D

ear sisters and brothers in Christ, A Blessed Easter to you all. I said that to someone the other day who responded, “What, Oh, I’ve done that already!”

The Good News for us is that Easter is a season which goes for 50 days. It takes a week of weeks just to begin to unpack what it is that Christ is Risen and Risen indeed.

In this issue I wish to share with you some aspects of how that new life of Easter is manifesting itself in our Diocese.

Easter itself It was once said that, “If we are not welcoming new people into our faith, then we are not alive.”

At the great Easter Vigil this year over 30 adults were baptised into the faith and a similar number of already baptised people were welcomed into the Church.

For us in the Southern Hemisphere Easter occurs during Autumn, which, for me, is the loveliest season of the year.

It is the time in-between the intensities of Summer and Winter and has none of the turbulence of an emerging Spring.

The English Poet John Keats (1795-1821) in his poem, Ode to Autumn speaks of Autumn in this way, “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”.

My prayer for you is that this Easter will be a time of

rejoicing in the wonderful fruitfulness of the Risen Christ and that any mists that appear in our lives will be but a blanket of love laid out by the Holy Spirit.

The Diocese and

Parish Meetings So far I have been able to manage to visit a third (9) of our 27 parishes for meetings concerning the coming Plenary Council. They have been most interesting and helpful.

Some aspects of these meetings so far are these:1) There has been great interest with one parish having half the mass-going population come to the open parish meeting.

2) People are genuinely interested in finding out about what the Plenary Council is all about and more so about what their parish can do to stimulate parish life now.

3) They reveal how disparate and diverse the Diocese of Sale now is.

Once we could rightly call ourselves a ‘Country Diocese”, but now, and for some time really, that is no longer the case.

We are more of a ‘Hybrid Diocese’, a mixture of country and city; of the raw and vibrant beauty of Wilson’s Promontory with the sweeping High Country around Dargo and Omeo and everything in between Cowes and Mallacoota.

4) The only trouble is that we do not know much about our own diocese and how it has changed. Whatever else

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by Bishop Pat O’Regan about what fruit the Plenary Council might bring, one hoped-for outcome will be a greater knowledge of the diocese but each parish will be a helpful fruit.

Do you know for example that in the five years between the 2011 and 2016 Commonwealth Censuses the population of the diocese rose from 120,341 to 123,594 and the Mass-going population rose from 10,820 to 11,378, an increase of 5 percent.

This is all the more impressive seeing that people had to intentionally tick the ‘Catholic’ box rather than it being the default setting. We are among only a handful of dioceses in Australia where this is the case.

There are many reasons for this and it ought not lead us into a false sense of security. However it is heartening to see. So there is a picture of change and growth within the diocese demographically.

5) If one aspect of the process leading up to the Plenary Council is learning the art of listening then this is surely operative in these meetings. People often make the comment that this is the

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first time for several years that we have had a meeting like this where people of our parish can speak and listen to one another.

We are good at ‘turning up’ coming to Mass and coming to meetings, maybe not so good yet awhile at listening to each other.

Any parish is always going to be a ‘community of communities’ part of the art we are rediscovering is how do we effectively listen to each other.

Based on the 2016 Mass

attendance survey figures we have only 9.6 percent of those who identify themselves as Catholic coming regularly to Mass.

Part of that ‘community of communities’ are the other 90.4 percent.

Our local Gaudium et Spes group continues to find its feet. I think we are in a good position to respond to any National initiatives that will be proposed but also have a way of connecting our 27 parishes that make up the Diocese of Sale.

With renewed Easter blessings for the rest of this season, may it be a season blanketed by mists of the Holy Spirit and mellow fruitfulness.

God is Good, Good indeed. +Bishop Pat O’Regan Bishop of Sale

New website to assist disabled THE Australian Catholic Disability Council has launched a new website to help ensure people with disability can prepare for and participate fully in the sacramental life of the Church.

Bishop Terry Brady, Bishops’ Delegate for Disability Issues, said the website is an extension of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s foundational document Celebrating the Sacramental Life from Birth to Death: Guidelines for the celebration of the Sacraments with People with Disability.

The website will help the Church better understand how it can support people with disability, he said.

“Our Church is a Church that’s called to be welcoming and inclusive to all. This website gives parishes, schools and families important information so they can answer that call,” Bishop Brady said.

He said people, including priests, pastoral workers and teachers, who don’t have experience supporting and walking alongside people with disability are sometimes anxious or unsure about how to best support their faith life.

“If someone hasn’t had much exposure to young people living with autism or a young adult with Down syndrome, they can often be cautious and, despite the best intentions, struggle to adequately feed their faith,” Bishop Brady said.

“We are called to be inclusive parishes and schools and communities that warmly welcome and acknowledge people with disability and their

families on the journey of faith.

“Let us become communities where the presence of Jesus Christ is recognised in everyone, where we can all participate and journey together in the rich life of our Church.”

Sr Myree Harris RSJ, chair of the Australian Catholic Disability Council, said just as the broader society has made progress in how it provides opportunities for people with disability, the Church has been doing the same.

“This is a large step forward in supporting people with disability in their participation in the Mass and in accessing the sacraments, but much work is still to be done in this area,” Sr Myree said.

“We will continue to upload material to the website that helps individuals, families, schools, parishes and the wider community better understand how the faith life of all people can be nourished and nurtured.”

Trish Mowbray, disability projects officer for the Bishops’ Commission for Pastoral Life, said the website draws on local and international content and, for the first time, provides a suite of materials in one place.

It includes general principles for supporting people with disability, as well as specific documents for preparation and celebration of individual sacraments.

She acknowledged the generosity of those who developed the resources in allowing them to be used on the website and shared more widely.

Visit the website at: www. catholic.org.au/cslbd

Catholic Life, April 2018 - Page 3

Please be generous in supporting Trinity appeal THE annual appeal in parishes for Trinity Families will be conducted next month.

Trinity Families is the Diocese of Sale’s own special charity which supports ground roots programs aiding families within its area.

It is the trading name of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sale Charitable Fund which has given away more than $1.4 million since its inception 14 years ago.

Executive officer Colin Coomber said that when the

fund was establish by Bishop Jeremiah Coffey to ensure there was a strong diocesan presence in charitable works, he decided it would not be of benefit if the fund duplicated the work of other charities such as St Vincent de Paul, and those of other denominations.

Instead he established a model in which the fund would be a charity for other charities operating in the region.

Mr Coomber said the fund set clear guidelines that monies would only be spent on projects

which aided families within the geographic area of the diocese.

Money could not go to individuals but could only be disbursed to registered charities with deductible gift recipient status from the Australian Taxation Office.

He said that Trinity Families operated as a philanthropic fund, distributing earnings from its investments each year.

Mr Coomber appealed to parishioners to be generous in their giving so that the fund could keep growing and

the charity could continue to do meaningful works in the diocese.

“Demand on our funds continue to grow year after year and unfortunately in a low interest rate environment we cannot meet the needs of many applicants.”

He said the region had many needs and families were struggling in the outer suburban growth area where many services were lagging, in the Latrobe Valley which was experiencing a major economic

downtown, and in East and South Gippsland where falling populations often meant fewer support services were available locally.

Envelopes will be available in parishes for donations and these can be posted back if donating by credit card, otherwise cash donations could be made by placing the envelope in a collection plate.

Donations can also be made by direct debit by following the instructions at the website www.trinityfamilies.org.au.

Pope’s new exhortation explains path to holiness IN his new apostolic exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate, Pope Francis condemns Catholics overly focussed on doctrinal purity and ritual He says the path to holiness consists in daily acts of charity, joy and a sense of humor while warning Catholics against ideologies that suggest God’s grace is controlled by doctrine.

In Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and be Glad) released last week, the Pope calls on Catholics to follow Jesus’ beatitudes through serving the marginalised, the poor and migrants, while offering an

Parishes asked to support Proclaim PARISHES are being encouraged to send representatives to Proclaim 2018.

This national conference in Brisbane on July 12-14 will engage parishes and faith communities in a conversation focusing on five key areas: Leadership, Culture Change, Young People, Belonging and Evangelisation.

The theme of the conference is “Make your home in me” (John 15:4) and it aims to assist Catholic communities in preparing for the Plenary 2020.

Proclaim will engage parishes and faith communities in an ongoing conversation about leadership and culture change, engaging young people, belonging, parish renewal and evangelisation.

Archbishop of Wellington, New Zealand, Cardinal John Dew will present a keynote address on Leadership in a Time of Change.

Other keynote speakers are Ron Huntley from Divine Renovation, Canada, who will speak on cultural change and Plenary 2020 facilitation team leader Lana Turvey-Collins.

Earlybird registration closes on April 22 and there are also group discounts (five delegates for the price of four). Cost is $275 or $220 for students and pensioners. Register at http:// proclaimconference.com.au/

unequivocal defence of the child in the womb.

“Our defence of the innocent unborn needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love for each person, regardless of his or her stage of development,” he writes.

“Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia, the victims of human trafficking, new forms of slavery, and every form of rejection.”

In the exhortation Pope Francis criticises those who describe the plight of migrants as a “secondary issue” compared to “grave bioethical issues”, saying they have adopted an attitude akin to a “politician looking for votes.”

The attitude of a Christian, the Pope explains, is “to stand in the shoes of those brothers and sisters of ours who risk their lives to offer a future to their children.”

The exhortation urges each Catholic not to try and copy the saints but to discover their own path to holiness, safe in the knowledge that those who have gone before them are carrying them forward.

The document was presented at the Vatican by Archbishop Angelo De Donatis, the VicarGeneral of the Diocese of Rome; Gianni Valente, a journalist for La Stampa and Paola Bignardi, of Catholic Action.

Archbishop De Donatis told the packed press hall that Pope Francis had written the document “to show where the Church is going, where we are going” and that beyond internal debates and discussions sets out “the goal of the Church”

Pope Francis today. And he warns them to avoid falling prey to schools of thought which present Christian faith as “cold ideology with an answer for everything, or as disembodied spirituality.

For the Pope, sanctity is discovered through daily life which he describes as the “middle class of holiness”.

Husbands and wives become holy by caring for each other, as do parents sacrificing time to listen to their child and employees acting with integrity.

“Holiness, then, is not about swooning in mystic rapture,” the Pope explains in the document about finding sanctity in today’s world.

“I like to contemplate the holiness present in the patience of God’s people: in those parents who raise their children with immense love, in those men and women who work hard to support their families, in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile.”

To be holy, the Pope writes, it is important to avoid two contemporary versions of old heresies: Pelagianism, a belief that God’s grace is attained through our own effort, and Gnosticism, where special knowledge makes people

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“judge others based on their ability to understand certain doctrines”.

In Gaudete et Exsultate the Pope issues a blistering critique of both ways of thinking, which some will read as a riposte to his critics inside the Church, many of whom have accused him of watering down doctrine or playing fast and loose with Church rules.

Pope Francis points to an “often overlooked teaching” that God’s grace is not something that can be earned by human initiative and that it transforms people over time. To think otherwise, he explains, is a form of Pelagianism.

“Some Christians insist on taking another path, that of justification by their own efforts, the worship of human will and their own abilities,” the Pope writes.

“This finds expression in a variety of apparently unconnected ways of thinking and acting: an obsession with the law, an absorption with social and political advantages, a punctilious concern for the Church’s liturgy, doctrine and prestige, a vanity about the ability to manage practical matters, and an excessive concern with programs of self-

help and personal fulfilment.”

These new Pelagians, the Pope says, believe that grace is attained by their own efforts which is a denial of Church teaching that God’s grace is unmerited by human action and which transforms people over time.

The Pope then criticises the modern-day Gnostics who absolutise their own theories thinking that “their explanations” can make the entirety of the faith and the Gospel perfectly comprehensible” and therefore reducing Jesus’ teaching to “cold, harsh logic”.

He writes: “Someone who wants everything to be clear and sure presumes to control God’s transcendence.”

Pope Francis also urges people to reject hedonism and consumerism, and to develop a prayer life. But he says it is not “healthy to love silence while fleeing interaction with others” and to seek out prayer while “disdaining service”.

This is the third apostolic exhortation delivered by Pope Francis and follows Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) and Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), which is focussed on the family.

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Page 4 - Catholic Life, April 2018

Holy Smoke Electorate moves YOU may have heard there is going to be a state election in late November but the proposed changes to federal boundaries is creating a lot of interest at the moment.

The seat of McMillan, named after explorer and settler Angus McMillan, has been renamed after Sir John Monash a World War One military leader and engineer who later headed the State Electricity Commission to develop the Latrobe Valley’s brown coal generating stations.

McMillan has been blamed for participating in, or in the least, encouraging some of the Aboriginal massacres which took place in the 1840s.

At least one of our Catholic schools has renamed its houses so the Scotsman is no longer remembered and there are growing calls to have the roadside cairns around Gippsland either removed or at least have a second plaque

Catechists’ annual gathering

attached, noting his nefarius role.

In federal boundary changes Pakenham and Nar Nar Goon move out of McMillan to Latrobe, Narre Warren and Hallam are out of Holt to Bruce, Yallourn North moves from McMillan to Gippsland, and Cowes and the eastern side of Westernport Bay are out of Flinders to Holt.

Musical duo IT is interesting that two of our secondary schools have chosen the same musical for their annual drama.

St Peter’s Cranbourne, and Mary MacKillop, Leongatha, will both be doing High School Musical.

Both schools are noted for their high standard productions and so it will be interesting to see how they compare.

No doubt the reviews will be watched closely.

We haven’t got the dates of performances yet but we will keep you informed.

BISHOP O’Regan with the catechists following the annual Mass.

WARRAGUL - The Sale writings.

Diocese Catechists’ annual Mass was celebrated in the gathering was held at Sion Sion Chapel by Bishop Pat House on March 20, and was O’Regan which was followed attended by 18 catechists from by lunch. around the diocese.

Anne Taylor from the Catholic The morning began with a Education Office began the reflection by Sr Rose Duffy afternoon with a presentation csb on Pope Francis and his on the new diocesan resource

for teenagers wanting to explore the Catholic faith.

The last session of the day was facilitated by Jane Mitchell who presented some of her music and activities for catechists to use in their teaching of children.”

Have you filled a bucket today?

TRARALGON - St Michael’s School participated in activities in recognition of the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.

Of all the decisions we make in our lifetime, making a valid will is among the most important.

This final testament speaks loudly of the values, causes and possessions we hold most dear. We bequest personal treasures and mementos to special friends and loved ones and ask them to care for them after our passing.

At the end of the week all the students were involved in a multi-age session that included two rotations of 20 minutes each.

There were 16 groups each having a range of children from Preps to Grade 6. The children participated in a range of activities.

Following that session all year levels assembled together outside in the playground and wrote messages and drew pictures on the asphalt with chalk about No Bullying.

When asked about their activities, Grade 1 student, Torah replied, ” I liked learning about how not to bully so I can teach my little sister all about it.”

And Ekhai from Grade 1 answered, “My favorite part was doing the activity about why I am absolutely special.

I’m special because I help my dad mow the lawns and I help people enjoy things.”

Teacher Jenny Hanrahan said “The notion of multi age activities encourages the children to be bucket fillers in their interactions with children and teachers who they may not

have much contact with.

“The multi age activities are also a good transition towards 2019 as they allow the children to become more familiar with teachers and other students.

“A bucket filler is someone who shows positive character traits (kind, caring, respectful) while being a responsible individual. When we are happy and good to others, we fill their bucket and our own at the same time.

“Conversely, when we are mean or unkind, we become Bucket Dippers.

Bucket Dippers empty a portion of their bucket and another’s bucket each time they use an unkind word or action.

“When our buckets are full, we feel happy and when our buckets are empty, we feel sad.

“There are many simple ways peoples can have their buckets filled; smiling, saying thank you, using initiative and thinking ahead, when you see a need doing something about it, doing chores without being asked, trying their very best in all things they do, just to name a few.”

If you hold the Church dear, you may consider leaving a percentage of your estate or a specific amount to the Diocese of Sale.

The Diocese is grateful for the support of its benefactors, who have enabled the Church to grow in its service of its people, and invite you to share in this rich heritage.

GRADE 4 student Sam and Jimmy from Grade 1 enjoying their day.

Catholic Life, April 2018 - Page 5

Asylum seeker support Newcomers are welcomed

EGASS members Pauline Fry and Joan Hindle brave the weather on Palm Sunday to seek promote the message to motorists.

EAST Gippsland Asylum Seekers Support Group continues to bring to the public’s attention their support for refugees.

Formed in 2014 after a public meeting at St Mary’s in Bairnsdale, where Sr Brigid Arthur spoke about the grass roots work of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project, EGASS has grown in passion and knowledge.

It is a mixed group of people whose common thread is the plight of the asylum seeker.

It has no religious affiliation but is grateful for the support of local churches in the use of their facilities.

The group has raised awareness and held events on Refugee Week, held a movie night, joined a Christmas parade (Jesus being a refugee), attended an ‘Acts for Peace’ Ration Challenge at Bairnsdale

Neighborhood House, spoke at a Combined Churches of Lakes Entrance Ecumenical Service, and stood silently at vigils.

It has written to politicians and have had some wonderful guest speakers attend meetings.

Members are also available to address any meetings of social groups from Churches to Service clubs etc.

It has donated money to the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Support Project in St Kilda, the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre in Dandenong and various other charities, as well as food and clothing and phone cards.

Through rain and wind on Palm Sunday members stood silently near the Princes Highway in Bairnsdale to raise awareness with banners.

Encouragement was given by the majority of motorists who tooted and waved.

Pentecost launch for Plenary 2020 journey ON Pentecost Sunday this year, May 20, the 3-year process towards the Plenary 2020 will be launched in Catholic parishes around Australia.

The journey commences with listening and dialogue encounters for 12 months from 2018-2019.

More details of launch resource materials and ongoing resources for this 12 month process will be supplied by the Plenary Council executive and the Plenary Facilitation Team.

In the meantime, you can stay up to date by visiting the Plenary Council website http:// plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au and subscribing with your email address for the latest updates.

More information available from Gaudium et Spes convenor Sophy Morley 5622 6600.

BISHOP Pat O’Regan with candidates and catechumens after the Rite of Election in St Mary’s Cathedral.

ABOUT 30 catechumens were Sale, on February 18 and will baptised and brought into the again gather at the cathedral for Catholic Church at Easter vigil the Mystagogia Mass at 2pm ceremonies across the Diocese this Sunday, April 22. of Sale.

This Mass falls on Good A similar number of Shepherd Sunday. previously baptised candidates Normally the Mystagogia were also received into the Mass is held closer to Pentecost Church. but the bishop’s heavy schedule Most attended the Rite of meant it had to be brought Election at St Mary’s Cathedral, forward.

CWL holds regional meetings

By Moira Kelly THE Sale Diocese regional meetings of the Catholic Women’s League were held during March and April.

South region at Inverloch, East region at Sale and West/ Latrobe at Iona Maryknoll.

Glenys Ralls from Trafalgar is continuing as CWL. speaker on 3BBR Radio Warragul and would appreciate news from members regarding upcoming events in branches or reports on regional conferences.

The general assembly of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations will be held in Dakar, Senegal from October 15-22.

WUCWO was founded in 1910 and now represents 100 Catholic Women’s organisations worldwide and celebrates a century of service by women for the church and society.

Is now is an official partner of UNESCO. Members from all over the world as well as Australia attend the assembly.

All information in March Women’s Voice.

The diocesan CWL conference will be held at St Michaels Traralgon on June 5.

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• Investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act 2001 or regulation by ASIC. • Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund.

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The Fund is required by law to tell you that you may be unable to get your money back. However, CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Fund against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by h f C h li A hdi f M lb

Page 6 - Catholic Life, April 2018

Remembering the horrors of war on Anzac Day WARNING: The following column contains graphic description of war, written by a soldier who experienced the Gallipoli campaign, and some readers may find it too difficult to read, especially those who have suffered or are suffering post traumatic stress.

ABOUT 20 years or more ago, my late sister gave me a small paper bag with a document in it.

As she regularly gave me family memorabilia on just about every visit, I put the bag into ‘the family box’ and left it there.

Two years ago I happened to find the bag and its contents – handwritten letters from my uncle in September 1915 to his father and siblings just days after he had been evacuated to the island of Lemnos from the horrors of Gallipoli.

These are some excerpts: War is a dreadful thing, no doubt, but it brings out all the good there is in a man, and there is no class or creed over here among the ranks. You are told a couple of hours beforehand you are to charge, and take such and such a position, and right in to the last minute you will see the chaps smoking, laughing and cracking jokes with one another while the usual bombardment previous to all attacks takes place.

Then the word is given, and it is then you see a sight, which is indelibly stamped on our brains.

The great long line of men rises like one man, and off with never a waver, yelling, cursing,

swearing, singing, whichever way you may feel inclined until you come into contact with the other chap who has not been in the habit of waiting for us, and then I can assure you there is something doing. Of course, all this time our fellows have been dropping like flies, but supports come up, and when the trenches are finally taken, you find plenty of men and plenty of work to do to make ourselves safe from counter-attacks, and then you start and ask about your mates.

how everybody has fared you congratulate yourselves on being alive and not wounded.

The last move we made we advanced about two miles and the Turks were dead in hundreds in some places where they had taken shelter. One of our shells must have landed amongst them and killed about 25 of them and this occurred in more places than one.

The first hill starting about thirty yards from the water rose

© seita / 123RF Stock Photo How is So-and-So? Oh, he is dead. How did So-and-So get on? Oh he stopped one in the head – and so on, until you run through the list of your mates, and when you find

sheer up to a height of say, 500 feet and the top would only be about 350 yards from the water; so you can judge what the slope was like; it was covered with small, prickly scrub, about

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Reflections

by Jim Quillinan

waist high and very hard to tear through, and then the descent on the other side, and then another beauty.

We crossed the first into the valley and followed the latter, men being hit from all points of the compass all the time, for about a mile and a half (it seemed 20 miles to us) when we were in front of a very large hill 570 feet above sea level the latter only a mile and a half away), which we cleared up, as you might say, in our stride.

It was afterwards called “Pope’s Hill” after a lieutenantcolonel in our brigade, and which overlooked a ridge upon which we forced a footing and held and made good by digging trenches, during which time many of our chaps were hit.

We finally got about six feet under, and then we were partially safe, but the big shells burrow in, and then there are some awful sights; arms, legs, heads and other parts of men’s bodies lying everywhere. Then the task of digging men out and build up the trench again On the morning of May 19 we had the ‘oil’ that they meant to attack us, and they had placed the pick of their army (singularly enough the 14th battalion too) against our point.

Well, on May 18 the bombardment started, and it was awful, but not very damaging, except to the trenches which we quickly rebuilt, and then at 2.40am on May 19 they advanced in the very uncertain light, neither dark nor light; but we were ready and the men in our crowd made a splendid reply.

We stood with from our waists up, over the parapet, and poured rapid fire into the mass of human bodies coming forward, with no chance of missing our mark; but they pressed forward again, and then the artillery opened with shrapnel.

The machine guns were going 20 to the dozen, and we were using in many cases two and three rifles a man to give them time to cool. They kept coming at us, but we were too strongly entrenched and I don’t think they had their heart in their work, so they finally gave it up for a bad job about 9am.

My mate alongside me was shot in the arm, and the man who took his place had his head blown to pieces with an explosive bullet or one that had turned in transit, so I should consider myself dead lucky, but our loss was comparatively small and it is no exaggeration to say the Turks where they

attacked us, lost at least 50 to 1.

The dead were lying in heaps from ten yards up to 100 yards from our trenches and they asked for an armistice a few days after to bury them, which took from 8am to 5pm That was about the hardest work we could get, and everybody was getting very, very low and many were sent away; but on August 6 we made our next move, which was a brilliant success and the English accounts taken from Sir Ian Hamilton’s report say: “The night march which will live in history”.

We moved from our position about 9pm on Friday night, and marched right along the beach for about 2 miles, all behind our own lines of trenches, but under fire most of the time and then we took a right turn and went right into the Turkish positions.

The country was awfully scrubby and hilly, and no roads; but we kept on clearing the Turks out and driving them forward, and they were no doubt taken by surprise, as we found many of them in their bivouacs. They, poor beggars, never got a chance to wake up.

We kept pegging on until daylight, when we were nearly in position to attack the particular point we had set out for, “971”.

It is a hill 971 feet high. It overlooks The Narrows and when we are on top, the positions of the Turks will be very insecure, in fact you might say they are beaten…. well, we got to work on it, but the Turks had all retired from our advance and taken up their position on this hill, which had previously been entrenched and they gave us hell until we had to retire to a position further back.

What could one wish for better, and you know you are doing it for a good purpose; no thought of the almighty dollar ….. I am not, looking forward to death, but I am prepared, so don’t worry about me, and, God willing, you will see me before many months have passed.

Hurroo, Dad for the present.

Your loving son, Gerald.

Sadly, he didn’t make it home.

While he was recuperating from wounds received in France in a military hospital outside London, he slipped and fell on the ice. He died soon after.

In April, as we remember Gallipoli, stories such as these remind us that war is a dreadful thing.

Catholic Life, April 2018 - Page 7

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Page 8 - Catholic Life, April 2018

New hospital opens - already planning next stage BERWICK - The new St John of God Hospital is not only open for business, it is already planning its next stage.

The landmark building at Berwick was officially opened last month and has a capacity of 202 beds.

However, at the opening group chief executive of St John of God Health Care Dr Michael Stamford revealed that plans were well underway for a 100 bed extension which would be constructed in three to five years time.

St John of God Berwick has a staff of about 650 and has more than 500 doctors and medical specialists working there.

The old hospital in Gibb St. is being redeveloped as a 55 bed rehabilitation and mental health facility.

Bishop Pat O’Regan said it was fitting that the building was being officially opened on March 8 which was St John of God’s birth and death date.

He said that when he was in Rome a couple of years ago he stumbled across a striking depiction of the saint as an upright man carrying a person who needed care.

The image had stayed with him because it said a lot about carrying people who can’t do it themselves. There was also a certain vulnerability in surrendering oneself to be carried.

Bishop O’Regan said St John of God actions were to be never see suffering without trying to do something about it, similar to the famous quote from St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

He said the new hospital was a visible sign of what it meant to carry someone in need and the hospital was certainly doing this in the rapidly growing City of Casey and surrounds.

Bishop O’Regan then toured various parts of the hospital to bless it with holy water.

Hospital chief executive Lisa Norman said the fact that Casey was growing by 300 new residents every week was the catalyst for developing the new hospital in Kangan Drive.

The building was a landmark in what was now the health and education precinct.

She explained the planning and consultation process, working with consultants, architects, builders and contractors to see the facility completed.

Dr Stamford said St John of God Health Care was the third largest hospital group and the 20th largest company in Australia.

He was proud that it had been able to deliver a world class hospital for south-east Melbourne and Gippsland.

The adjacent Monash Casey public hospital was also undergoing an extension and

DURING the blessing of the new Berwick hospital are Vicar General Fr Peter Slater, Bishop of Sale Pat O’Regan, St John of God Berwick Hospital chief executive Lisa Norman and Berwick parish priest Fr Jeff Kleynjans. when SJOG completed its next stage there would be 600 hospital beds in the precinct.

Chairman of St John of God Health Care Eva Skira unveiled a commemorative plaque to officially open the hospital.

During the opening ceremony the Cantabile Choir from St Francis Xavier College provided the music and singing.

Wurundjeri elder Murrundindi performed the welcome to country dressed in a traditional possum skin cloak.

CHAIRMAN of Trustees of St John of God Health Care Eva Skira just before officially opening the hospital by unveiling a plaque.

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Catholic Life, April 2018 - Page 9

Pakenham refugee worker has walked the walk

By Elizabeth Gellel A REFUGEE worker from CatholicCare’s Pakenham office has firsthand experience of the difficult life journeys of the clients with whom she works.

Marzeyah Alikhani is a former refugee working fulltime for CatholicCare and last month in recognition of International Women’s Day she agreed to be interviewed about her journey and determination in striving for a better life, for both herself and her family.

Marzeyah was born in Iran and was married at the young age of 14.

When her husband’s family decided that they wanted to move to Afghanistan, she had to go with them, but upon arrival they soon realised that it was not a safe place.

In Afghanistan, Marzeyah was kept within the confines of her house with her two young children, not only as it was unsafe to leave but because “women are intended to always be doing housework,” says Marzeyah.

During this time Marzeyah was incredibly lonely, and so she took it upon herself to teach her oldest child and her neighbor’s children the basic English that she knew at the time. This gave her great joy in a time of doubt and fear for the future of her family.

As time went on and Afghanistan became more and more unsafe, Marzeyah and her family decided to flee back to Iran, but in doing this they had no identification - and so their

move was illegal.

Without identification, Marzeyah’s husband couldn’t work without the fear of being caught and sent back to Afghanistan, and her children couldn’t attend school.

With the realisation that there was no future for her children in Iran, she pondered the idea of moving to Australia, and this led to her next move.

In 2010 Marzeyah and her family flew to Indonesia, and then took a boat en route to Australia. This trip was unsuccessful - the boat was caught by Indonesian police, and all those on board were sent to a detention centre within Indonesia.

Marzeyah described the detention centre as a horrible experience - the facilities were meagre to say the least, and there were many families there like her own, seeking refuge and a positive, safe future.

They spent two weeks in this detention centre, and then Marzeyah and her family escaped and fled to Jakarta.

With no money and no means to work, they asked to borrow money from their parents so that they could try their luck for a second time. After six days on a boat, they arrived at Christmas Island where they were placed in another detention centre.

Marzeyah and her family were later transferred to the Inverbrackie detention centre in Adelaide where they spent the next seven and a half months in detention. During this time she made friends with other families, and when they were finally released in 2011, they all

CATHOLICCARE refugee worker Marzeyah Alikhani with her husband and children. met up in Melbourne.

Marzeyah has constantly strived to improve her English throughout her life. Marzeyah is also fluent in Dari and Hazaragi, which are varieties of the Persian language, and she knows how to speak some Urdu and Arabic.

Since arriving in Melbourne she has completed a Certificate 3 in English, and a Certificate 3, 4, and Diploma in Business Administration.

Her high graduating score of 87/100 led to the opportunity to study a Bachelor of Nursing at Monash University, which she

Josephites celebrate in Yarram

BISHOP Pat O’Regan and Fr Francis Otobo with the Sisters of St Joseph at Yarram.

YARRAM – A large congregation attended the Mass and luncheon to celebrate 100 years of service to the Yarram parish by the Sisters of St Joseph.

A total 13 sisters who had worked in the parish attended with one or two others sisters who had worked in Gippsland coming for support.

Celebrations began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Pat O’Regan and then parish priest Fr Francis Otobo.

Bishop O’Regan spoke about the wonderful work the Sisters had done in Yarram and throughout the Sale Diocese

over the century.

St Mary’s Church was full, with many former and present parishioners, staff and students, gathering to celebrate and give thanks for the sister’s contribution to the parish and local community over 100 years.

Among those present was Sr Therese, who was raised in the Yarram district, and the first lay principal of St Mary’s School, Julie Kindellan.

Following the Mass, many took the opportunity to tour the newly refurbished School before gathering in Mary MacKillop Hall for lunch.

The hall quickly filled with everyone enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by the parents’ club.

New principal Brendan Maher welcomed everyone to the luncheon and thanked those who had travelled long distances to make this day so special.

A PowerPoint presentation, featuring the Sisters of St Joseph, who have contributed so much to the community and the parish over the past 100 years, was made.

It was noted that 77 sisters have ministered in the parish over these years.

was incredibly proud of – upon receiving the offer, she and her husband cried with joy.

Though she has had to defer the offer in order to find work, she said “Australia has given me the opportunity to develop my life.”

Marzeyah searched proactively to find administration work, and in 2013 CatholicCare contacted her with a job opportunity to do casual administration work.

She is now working full time and has been with CatholicCare for five years, giving her the chance to support her family and further her skills. Her children, aged 16 and 10, are at school and are doing well.

Her oldest remembers the journey to Australia and recognises the opportunity that he was given by coming here - “Thank you so much for bringing us here,” he has said to his mum.

The English language skills that Marzeyah taught him have helped him integrate into Australian life and have made schooling all the more easier.

After learning about Marzeyah’s journey, we asked her about her thoughts on International Women’s Day: What do you think about gender equality – do you think women have equal rights to men?

“In my opinion women and men are equal, but unfortunately in our culture and in others,

men have more dominance. In saying that, I am very fortunate that I have a good husband.”

Do you think that there is any way that we can empower girls and women?

“I think that we need to give girls and women more opportunity to develop their skills, and show them how they can use their skills and qualifications because women in my culture may have qualifications but many don’t know how to use them.”

How do you find working at CatholicCare?

“I have beautiful colleagues and I am working with very thoughtful, respectful people.

From the heart, everyone at CatholicCare wants to help us [refugees].”

Do you have a message for women out there like yourself?

“We have to use this opportunity in a very good way – other countries don’t have opportunity like what we have here. Happiness is important if we try from the bottom of our hearts, we can always reach our targets. Please never give up, and please use your opportunity to develop your life.”

• Elizabeth Gellel is a communications officer at CatholicCare. The article was originally published by CatholicCare in an electronic newsletter and is reproduced here with permission

Got a story to tell?

If something has you jumping for joy, share the news with our readers.

Call us on 5622 6688 or email your news and photos to us catholiclife@sale.catholic.org.au

Page 10 - Catholic Life, April 2018

Serra v clergy day divided between golf and bowls A TOTAL 31 competitors participated in the annual Serra v Clergy golf and bowls day during Holy Week.

This year the golf event was contested at Maffra with six religious taking part among the 15 competitors. Two religious competed among 16 competitors at the bowls in Sale.

That evening 104, including 23 religious and seminarians, attended the annual dinner.

The Serra Club has held the event the day before the Mass

of the Oils for many years as a way of fundraising and promoting religious vocations.

The annual Jeremiah Coffey Perpetual Trophy contested between Catholic clergy and other clergy was won by the Anglicans.

The Fr Frank Carroll Shield contested between Serrans and Catholic priests was won by the Serrans.

Fr Michael Willemsen, Bairnsdale, had a productive round of golf winning prizes for best score by Catholic clergy,

DEACON Avinash George enjoyed his bowls.

best score of the day and best score of all religious. Runnerup in the all-religious category was the Rev. John Davies.

Best Friend of Serra winner was John Wake, from Dave Lamont and Reg Carmody.

The bowls was played on a social Crackerjack style but nonetheless was keenly contested, especially by newcomers to the sport. Prizes were won by Bill Henebery, Keith Nieuwenhuizen and Len Althaus.

The annual raffle winners were: Julie Colwell, $1000; Brent Hodge, Sale Motor Group car service; Helen Cantwell, night’s accommodation at Quest; Aileen Gallagher, home products; Margaret Sheriffs, night’s accommodation at Quest; Joe Ravagnola, Turnbull Toyota car service; Sue Clancy, Evans Petroleum voucher; Noela Foster, House Proud cake stand; F. Fraser, Sale Hotel 5 bottles of wine; Noli, Toys Galore and More toys;

FR Solomon Okeh shows his style at his first attempt at lawn bowls.

Alby Dorning, Jeremy Fleming Jewellers braclet; Helen Cantwell, Sale Greyhounds voucher; Robyn Dingwell, Betta Electrical smart pen; Matt Porter, Morelli Furniture pillow; Julie Chamal, Sporting Legends voucher; Pat O’Brien, Boheme Jewellery purse and scarf; Rhiannon O’Doherty, Sale Hotel voucher; E. Connley,

Lazzaro Bros. voucher; Nick Centra, Mary and Neville Hackett voucher; Kath Lee, Raymond St. Lotto tickets; Di Ward, Adam Gilgrist book; Mark Hughes, beer stein, mug and board; and Jenny Burton, Bill Smolenaars, Trophy House, Mary McNally, R. and T. Foley, and Patsy, all won Mr Pizza vouchers.

Relief for struggling farmers backed by SVDP

By Trevor Fogarty AS if struggling dairy farmers didn’t have enough to contend with following the Global Financial Crisis, they were hit with a bombshell 18 months ago.

The two biggest companies that they sold their milk to had hit the financial wall.

Not only did they significantly slash

the price that they would pay farmers for their milk, but many had to pay back money that they’d already received.

A large, well established dairy farm was more likely to have the resources to ride through such a calamity, but small family farms or sharefarmers were hit very hard.

We have all heard of the working poor and this group became the living proof

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of this label. The bills kept rolling in but their income had been decimated.

The farming community is a hard working group who are very proud of their role in the economy and fiercely protective of their independence, and they just don’t ask for assistance.

They may grumble mightily but they survive on their own resources. And barely surviving became the norm for many.

An angel of mercy entered the scene.

Melissa Ferguson lives in the dairy farming community of Churchill and is a qualified social worker and counsellor.

She had worked in advocacy for small farms and the rural women’s coalition.

She became aware of the financial and emotional stress that had been created in the farming community and was shocked by the poverty that had been created.

She decided to do something about it.

Those experiencing trouble would not come to her so she used social media to create awareness and encouraged those who knew someone doing it hard to make an anonymous referral.

Then she would go and visit the family.

This process slowly snowballed and she enlisted others to help her.

It then became necessary to raise funds with which to provide support to the families. So barbecues were organised at Bunnings Stores in Morwell and Wonthaggi. The group formed into Gippsland Farmers’ Relief and became incorporated.

This community group of volunteers now numbers about 50. They currently visit 53 farms and do so with complete confidentiality, giving assistance with food and other items.

Referrals to other organisations are made where necessary. It helps lift morale and ensure that dairy families feel part of an inclusive community.

With so many families to assist the money from barbecues was never going to answer the problem. Melissa had placed an article about her group in several local newspapers seeking support.

The one in the Sale-based Gippsland Times caught the eye of Steve Baldwin, president of the Sale Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

After confirming the work of Gippsland Farmer Relief with Melissa he then consulted with Kevin Kierce,

SALE Conference president Steve Baldwin with Melissa Ferguson from Gippsland Farmer Relief. president of the Maffra Conference, and they took a proposal of support to the East Gippsland Council of the society and it went from there to the Gippsland Central Council.

St Vinnies had always wanted to assist struggling farmers and this connection gave it the perfect opportunity. A memorandum of understanding was drawn up between the two organisations.

Food is ordered from Foodbank Victoria and is paid for by the SVDP Society. The rent money for the Traralgon shed which is the home base for the GFR operation is also paid for by the society.

Farming families can be referred to the local St Vincent de Paul resources for further assistance. This enables the tremendous initiatives of the Gippsland Farmer Relief volunteers to be far more effective. This is a win/win for both organisations.

The fantastic work of Gippsland Farmer Relief is carried out in the Latrobe, Wellington, Baw Baw and South Gippsland Shires. Extension into the East Gippsland and Bass Coast Shires is desirable.

The support of this organisation has become a ‘special work” of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Gippsland.

If you know of a farming family that is deserving of this support, or you know any way that the work of the GFR could be supported please contact Melissa Ferguson on 0419 632 246 or Jan Stirling on 0488 445 153.

Catholic Life, April 2018 - Page 11

Youth LAMP is lit and is now shining brightly CRANBOURNE - St Agatha’s parishioners arriving for the normal 9.30 Saturday morning Mass on February 17 might have been put out a little as crowds of youth milled around the church entrance.

Unexpectedly more than the anticipated 120 had turned up looking forward to the first big event of LAMP. It was temporarily and joyfully overwhelming.

The self-named dinosaurs of the LAMP’S youth groups had gathered months earlier under the dynamic St Agatha leadership of Raelene Holsinger, Sr Mary and Pracena Joseph and planned an event that would draw the youth of the parishes into a community where they would experience the work of the Holy Spirit.

Representatives from St Thomas the Apostle Clyde North, St Patrick’s Pakenham, Our Lady Help of Christians Narre Warren and St Michael’s Berwick had gathered at Cranbourne parish and persisted in overcoming hurdles of child safety needs, personnel and the dictates of parish and diocesan expectations. The LAMP was lit.

The opening Mass was alive with joyful youth participation.

Standing out in their T-shirts

emblazoned with the motto “Stay Invigorated by Gods unconditional love” St Agatha’s youthful parishioners seemed to be everywhere.

The singing led by the St Agatha’s youth group lifted the hearts. Brilliant guitarists and keyboard were accompanied by the powerful voices of their singers who were fearless in their proclamation of their love for their God. Parishioners of the non-youth variety could not help but be carried along in song.

A particular highlight was the offertory procession. The commentary by St Agatha youth leader Pracena Joseph movingly spoke to the youth

about every day parts of their lives and how it has the potential to connect with God through the eyes faith.

For example a selfie stick (a stick to which you attach your camera so that you can take a picture of yourself and friends) was offered up with the words: Fun, Friends and Pictures Selfie Stick Lord we bring you this Selfie Stick for all the fun times we have with friends and for the pictures we like to share. As we click memorable photos, help us remember that we were made in your image and likeness to glorify you.

Whether it was the offertory, the readings, the welcomers,

The credit card monster is real WHILE there are many ways to borrow money, ultimately there is good debt and bad debt, and all debt falls within these classes.

The difference between the two is a matter of benefit – one will help you progress and the other is added cost.

From the investment point of view most advisers classify good debt as being used to generate growth or income and any debt that doesn’t achieve either as bad debt.

That’s far too simplistic, as borrowing to buy a house for instance, may be considered good, but the debt may incur a higher cost than growth in the house price. Having guaranteed accommodation is a benefit, going in reverse economically is not.

There is however a form of debt that is rarely if ever good, and more often than not could be regarded as very bad, and that’s credit card borrowing.

Nearly all of us have a credit card in some form, be it Visa, Mastercard, Amex or even just a store card.

These have their uses, and there’s no doubt about that, but where people get into trouble is by not paying down the monthly debt to zero each month.

Interest rates on credit cards are notoriously high, even while official rates are at record historic lows.

Card interest is one of the banks’ major sources of profit and they are reluctant to kill the golden goose. Credit card debt is the greatest cause of debt distress and bankruptcy in Australia and either situation can have long term ramifications for anyone who suffers it.

Dollars

and $ense

by David Wells Not paying a card out can cost you a great deal of money.

As an example, look at a $5000 balance at standard card rates (in excess of 20 percent annually).

If this was repaid at the minimum monthly amount and no further use was made of the card, the total cost including interest would be nearly $14,000 and it would take more than 23 years to clear the debt.

Frightening numbers!

A $5000 debt at age 25 would still be current at age 48! If, however, repayments were increased to $251 per month the debt would be fully repaid in two years and more than $7800 would be saved in interest.

If the borrower could only find an extra $22 per month, and cut up their card, the cost would reduce to “only” $7238 and be paid out in just over four years.

If the borrower was smart and switched to a lower rate card, such as one with 12.9 percent annual interest rate, and paid the minimum it would still take more than 20 years and cost almost $10,000. Better numbers than above but definitely expensive, very expensive.

The answer is simple to say, not always easy to achieve.

We have heard in the Royal

Commission how banks would encourage higher credit limits, especially to people they would be expected to know would “max out” immediately.

These are the people who need to repay all purchases on the card and do not use cash advances. There are no interest free periods for a cash advance.

For people already suffering financial hardship it is hard to catch up, but not doing anything will only lead to financial disaster for them.

Just a few extra dollars in repayments will make a huge difference, as will also not using the card at all.

If this is your position, you should review all the reasons why you are borrowing to spend and try at least to reduce your spending so that you don’t have to use the card, but can still pay it down.

It may only take a month or two of utter frugality and paying cash to get back on track.

• This report is intended to provide general advice. In preparing this advice, David Wells and Shaw and Partners did not take into account the investment objective, the financial situation and particular needs of any particular person. Before making an investment decision on the basis of this advice, you need to consider, with or without the assistance of an adviser, whether the advice is appropriate in light of your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.

or Eucharistic minsters, youth from the various parishes seemed to emerge from all over the church as needed. Truly the youth are not the Church of our future but the church of the present.

So 160 youth had gathered and the vitality of a community of youth is life giving for all concerned.

Taking advantage of St Agatha’s hall they gathered to the welcome of the effusive and engaging Tavonga who acted as MC for the day, assisted by Pracena. Tavonga had the crowd on their feet and chanting.

Tavonga demanded to know “Is God good?” and the youth yelled back “All the Time!”

This led into the first speaker of Matt Sullivan who gave account of his own search for his faith through various religions and into the Catholic Church.

His passion for Jesus was clear to see. Morning tea over, Tavonga supported by the amazing spirit filled Community of Risen Lord band brought the youth back to the event.

Dominic Abraham connected with the youth in “Creative Brain Storming program”.

He led a question and answer session where he provided the questions and the youth had to move into groups from which the answers emerged.

It was a hit with the youth as it gave them a voice which was listened to by other youth.

One could be mistaken for

thinking that Jesus was present for the feeding of the 160.

Food seemed to come out of everywhere with the generous help of an enormous army of St Agatha parishioners.

Spoiled for choice with sausages, pies, sausage rolls and so many sandwich options, the healthy fruit proved popular.

For youth food it is important and the event was a sure winner despite there being “12 baskets remaining”.

The afternoon session of praise and worship was a highlight. Led by St Michael’s Berwick Community of the Risen Lord band, the youth were drawn into praise of our wonderfully loving God. This naturally led into a more reflective period during which most youth went to Reconciliation and a new experience, for many, of being prayed over by various prayer teams. The generosity of so many priests ensured that the lines of youth awaiting their chance to experience God’s forgiveness were not too long.

The final speaker challenged the youth to go beyond their own experiences, to focus less on self and look for joy in the service of others.

David Edwards’ relating of his time with the St Vincent de Paul Society and a ministry amongst the jail population allowed him to call on youth to create impact.

With the all-day event a success, eyes and hands are now turned towards May 12. Youth from all over Sale are invited to St Patrick's Pakenham.

Registration before 1pm is needed. Many youth bands from the parishes will provide a music event in which our God will be praised.

American rapper Josh Agrisano (try Googling him) will feature in the lead up to a youth mass at 6pm. Tavonga will be there as he is now leading a youth team to organise the event.

Try facebooking on thelampsale – or on Instagram @thelampsale.

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Page 12 - Catholic Life, April 2018

Your Guide to What’s On & When APRIL 18 – Open parish meeting 10, St Mary’s, Newborough, 7.30pm 19 – Valley Region meeting, St Michael’s, Traralgon, noon 19 – Open parish meeting 11, St Kieran’s parish, Moe, 7.30pm 22 – Good Shepherd Sunday 22 – Mystagogia Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 2pm 22 – Special collection at all Masses for Military Ordinariate 24 – Gathering of clergy ordained less than 20 years, venue TBA 24 – Open parish meeting 12, St Patrick’s, Pakenham, 7.30pm 25 – Anzac Day Public Holiday 26 – Bishop attending Come and See gathering of students working in youth ministry, Sion House, Warragul, 10am 26 – Open parish meeting 13, St Michael’s parish, Traralgon, 7.30pm 27 – Bishop at annual Peace Mass, Bishop Phelan Stadium, Catholic College Sale, 11am 27 – Bishop’s Mass for education leadership as part of Catholic Education Week, St Michael’s Church, Traralgon, 6pm, followed by dinner 28 – Confirmation, St Joseph’s Church, Iona. 10.30am 28 – Confirmation, St John’s Church, Koo Wee Rup, 2pm 28 – Confirmation, St Joseph’s Church, Wonthaggi, 6.30pm 29 – Bishop saying Mass at St Mary’s Church, Cowes, 9am (confirmation if any candidates)

MAY Trinity Families parishes appeal month 1 – Council of Priests meeting, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 9.30am 1 - Consultors meeting, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 1pm 2 – Chancery staff meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 9.30am 2-10 – Bishop of Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference plenary meeting, Sydney 8 – East Region meeting, Lakes Entrance, 10am 11 – Confirmation 1, St Michael’s, Traralgon 6pm 12 – Bishop at Teams movement retreat for Rosedale-Traralgon team, St Michael’s, Traralgon 12 – Confirmation 2, St Michael’s, Traralgon 6pm 12 - LAMP youth gathering, St Patrick’s, Pakenham 13 – World Communications Day 13 – Mother’s Day 13 – Confirmation, St Mary’s Church, Yarram, 10am 13 – Ascension of the Lord 15 – Clergy and religious day, Sion House Teacher’s Centre, Warragul 15 – Diocesan Finance Council meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 5.30pm 16 – West Region meeting, Narre Warren, 10.30am 16 – Open parish meeting 14, St Mary’s Church, Cowes, 7.30pm 17 – Open parish meeting 15, St Joseph’s Church, Wonthaggi 19 – Confirmation, Lumen Christi Church, Churchill, 6pm 20 – Pentecost Sunday 20 – Confirmation, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 9.30am 20 – Confirmation St Mary’s Church,

Maffra, 2pm 21 - Mary, Mother of the Church 22 – Open parish meeting 16, St Mary’s, Yarram, 7.30pm 23 – Open parish meeting 17, St John’s Church, Koo Wee Rup, 7.30pm 24 – Our Lady Help of Christians 24 – Bishop’s Mass at Sion House, Warragul, noon 24 – Open parish meeting 18, St Joseph’s Church, Iona 25 – Confirmation, St John’s Church, Trafalgar, 7pm 26 – Confirmation 1, St Joseph’s Church, Warragul, 7pm 27 – Trinity Sunday 27 – Confirmation 2, St Joseph’s Church, Warragul, 9am 27 – Confirmation, St Ita’s Church, Drouin, 2pm 29 Open parish meeting 19, St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Clyne North, 7.30pm 30 – Open parish meeting 20, St Agatha’s parish, Cranbourne, 7.30pm 31 – Open parish meeting 21, Our Lady Help of Christians parish, Narre Warren, 7.30pm

JUNE 2 – Confirmation, St Laurence Church, Leongatha, 5pm 3 – Body and Blood of Christ 3 – Confirmation, St Joseph’s Church, Korumburra, 9.30am 4 – Catholic Life deadline 5 – World Environment Day 5 – Catholic Women’s League diocesan conference, Traralgon 5 – Priests’ Welfare Foundation meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 10.30am 5 – Consultors meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 1pm 5 – Roman Catholic Trusts Corporation for Diocese of Sale meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 4pm 5 – Open parish meeting 22, St Joseph’s Church, Warragul, 7.30pm 6 – Open parish meeting 23, St Ita’s Church, Drouin 8 – Sacred Heart of Jesus 8 – Bishop blessing and official opening of refurbishments at Sacred Heart School, Morwell, 2pm 8 – Confirmation 1, St Michael’s Church, Berwick, 7.30pm 9 – Immaculate Heart of BVM 9 – Confirmation 2, St Michael’s Church, Berwick, 11am 9 - Confirmation 3, St Michael’s Church, Berwick, 2pm 11 – Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday 12 – Grade 5 Pilgrimage Mass 1, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 11am 12 – Open parish meeting 24, St Mary’s Church, Maffra, 7.30pm 13 – Catholic Life published 13 – Open parish meeting 25, St Michael’s Church, Heyfield, 7.30pm 14 – Confirmation 4, St Michael’s Church, Berwick, 7.30pm 15 – Confirmation 5, St Michael’s Church, Berwick, 7.30pm 16 – Confirmation 6, St Michael’s Church, Berwick, 11am 16 – Confirmation 7, St Michael’s Church, Berwick, 2pm 17 – Confirmation, Sacred Heart Church, Morwell, 10.30am 19 – Grade 5 Pilgrimage Mass 2, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 11am 19 – Open parish meeting 26, St John’s Church, Trafalgar, 7.30pm 20 – World Refugee Day

Email your events to catholiclife@sale.catholic.org.au or phone 5622 6688

20 – Clergy and parish administration staff day, Sion House, Warragul, 10am 20 – Open parish meeting 27, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 7.30pm 21 – Valley region meeting, Morwell, noon 21 – Confirmation 1, St Agatha’s Church, Cranbourne 22-23 – Special collection at all Masses for St Vincent de Paul Appeal 22 – Bishop’s Mass at Shanagolden aged care facility, Pakenham, 11am 22 – Confirmation 2, St Agatha’s Church, Cranbourne, 6pm 23 – Confirmation 3, St Agatha’s Church, Cranbourne, 11am 23 - Confirmation 1, St Thomas the Apostle, Clyde North, 2pm 23 – Confirmation 2, St Thomas the Apostle, Clyde North, 6pm 24 – Nativity of John the Baptist 24 – Confirmation 4, St Agatha’s Church, Cranbourne, 10.45am Marist School’s Association netball tournament open Mass with bishop, Marist-Sion College hall, Warragul, 5pm 26 – Grade 5 Pilgrimage Mass 3, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 11am 29 – Sts Peter and Paul 29 – Chancery staff meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 11am 29 – Second term holidays begin

JULY 1 – Parish feast day and launch of church building appeal, St Thomas the Apostle parish, Clyde North, 10.45am 1 – Special collection at all Masses for Peter’s Pence 3 – St Thomas 10 – Consultors meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 1pm 10 – Diocesan Finance Council meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 5.30pm 12-15 – Bishop at Proclaim conference, Brisbane 16 – Term three begins 18 – Chancery staff meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 11am 19-31 – Bishop on leave

AUGUST CatholicCare appeal month 1 - Gathering of diocesan clergy for St John Vianney Day, 10am 4 – Confirmation, St Kieran’s Church, Moe, 6.30pm 5 – Confirmation, St Mary’s Church, Newborough, 9am 6 – The Transfiguration 6 – Catholic Life deadline 7 – Council of Priests’ meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 9.30am 7 – Consultors meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 1pm 7 – Roman Catholic Trusts Corporation for the Diocese of Sale meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 4pm 8 – St Mary of the Cross MacKillop 8 – Bishop at Newman College meeting, Melbourne University, 4.30pm 10 – Confirmation, St Brendan’s, Lakes Entrance, 6pm 11 – Confirmation, St Mary’s Bairnsdale, 6pm 12 – International Youth Day 12 – Bishop saying Mass at St Coleman’s, Orbost (confirmation if any candidates) 14 – East Region meeting, Bairnsdale, 10am 14 – International Clergy Day gathering,

venue TBA, 10am 15 – Assumption of the BVM 15 – Bishop saying Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale 15 – Catholic Life published 16 – Valley region meeting, Yarram, noon 16 – Confirmation 1, Our Lady Help of Christian’s parish, Narre Warren, 7.30pm 17 – Chancery staff meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 11am 17 – Confirmation 1, St Patrick’s Church, Pakenham, 7pm 18 – Confirmation 2, Our Lady Help of Christians, Narre Warren, 10am 18 – Confirmation 3, Our Lady Help of Christians, Narre Warren, 2pm 18 - Confirmation 2, St Patrick’s Church, Pakenham, 6pm 19 – Confirmation 4, Our Lady Help of Christians, Narre Warren 2pm 22 – Queenship of the BVM 22 – West Region meeting, Nar Nar Goon, 10.30am 25 – Pakenham Horse Show 26 – World Day of Migrants and Refugees 26 – Migrant Sunday Mass with bishop, St Thomas the Apostle parish, Clyde North, 2pm

SEPTEMBER 2 – Father’s Day 2 – Special collection for Priests’ Welfare Foundation 4 – Priests’ Welfare Foundation meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 11am 4 - Consultors meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 1pm 4 – Diocesan Finance Council meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 5.30pm 5-7 Australian Catholic Communications Congress, Brisbane 6 – Recently ordained clergy gathering, 10am 10-14 – Bishop at National Council of Priests’ conference, Canberra 15 – Ordination to diaconate of Stanley Devasia, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale 16 – Pilgrimage to shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 1pm 20 – Senior clergy day, 10am 21 – International Day of Peace 21 - Chancery staff meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 11am 21 – Third term holidays begin 22-Oct 2 – Royal Melbourne Show 24-27 – Clergy in-service at Corpus Christi College, Melbourne 27 – St Vincent de Paul 28 – AFL Grand Final Eve Public Holiday 29 – AFL Grand Final

OCTOBER Ordinary General Assembly of Bishops, Vatican City 1 – International Day of Older Persons 1 – Catholic Life deadline 8 – Term four begins NOTE: Dates, times and venues may change without notice being given to Catholic Life to make amendments.

School holiday dates can vary from school to school depending on in-service days etc.

Major sporting events, local agricultural shows and festivals are included so clashes can be avoided when planning parish or school events.

Catholic Life, April 2018 - Page 13

Photos from around the diocese WURUNDJERI elder Murrundindi in possum skin cloak at the opening of St John of God Berwick Hospital with Berwick parish priest Fr Jeff Kleynjans in the background.

OFFICE Choice in Warragul has donated $2000 towards the work of CatholicCare Gippsland. Here family and relationships manager Mark Tanti (right) thanks John Mai for the donation.

BI BISHOP Pat O'Regan welcomes candidates and catechumens du during the Rite of Election.

JOAN Robertson and Barb Durand present the Oil of the Sick to Bishop O'Regan during the annual Chrism Mass in Holy Week.

DEAN of St Mary's Cathedral Fr Peter Bickley baptises catechumen Ross Shaw at the Easter Vigil Mass, watched by pastoral associate Veronica Barnes.

A CATECHUMEN signs the book of the elect at the Rite of Election in St Mary's Cathedral.

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Page 14 - Catholic Life, April 2018

For the Young and Young at Heart AN Australian and an American finish a round of golf and head off to the local bakery for a coffee.

While their order is being taken the American quickly grabs three biscuits and slips them into his pocket.

“Did you see how clever I was?” bragged the American. “That baker didn’t even know I took the biscuits.”

“That’s not clever,” replied the Australian. “Watch this.”

The Aussie went back to the counter and told the baker he was a magician and if he gave him a biscuit he would do a trick. If the trick did not astound the baker, the Aussie promised to pay for it.

The baker handed over a biscuit which the Aussie quickly ate. He then asked for a second which he also ate.

The baker was hesitant about handing over a third biscuit to be eaten but the Aussie assured him that if he was not astonished by the trick about to be revealed, that full payment would be made.

After the third biscuit was eaten, the annoyed baker said “Now where is your amazing magic trick?”

The Aussie bowed, then spun around and pointed at the American “Look in his left pocket and you will find your three biscuits!”

A NEW parish priest introduced a number of improvements at the church, including the installation of hot air hand driers in the

toilets.

After a couple of weeks he had them removed after someone stuck a note on them which read “To hear last week’s sermon, please press here.”

Crucifixion scene to colour

“PARDON me, lady,” said the man trying to get back to his seat in a darkened movie theatre. “Did I step on your toes a few minutes ago?”

“You certainly did,” replied the woman sitting next to the aisle.

“Good, then I’m in the right row,” he said as he made his way back to the seat.

A FUNERAL service is being held in a church for a woman who has just died.

At the end of the service, the pallbearers carrying the coffin accidentally bump into a wall jarring the coffin.

They hear a faint moan and the undertaker rushes to open the coffin and find that the women is actually alive.

She lives for 10 more years and then dies. A ceremony is again held at the same church and at the end the pallbearers are again carrying the coffin out.

As they are walking, the husband calls out, “Watch out for the wall!”

A TEACHER said to her children, “We have been learning about how powerful the kings and queens were in Biblical times. But there is a higher power. Who can tell me what it is?”

Tommy blurted out, “I know, Aces.”

The Pope v Jewish rabbi

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SEVERAL centuries ago, the Pope decreed that all the Jews had to convert to Catholicism or leave Italy.

There was a huge outcry from the Jewish community, so the Pope offered a deal: he’d have a religious debate with the leader of the Jewish community.

If the Jews won, they could stay in Italy; if the Pope won, they’d have to convert or leave.

The Jewish people met and picked an aged and wise rabbi to represent them in the debate. However, as the rabbi spoke no Italian, and the Pope spoke no Yiddish, they agreed that it would be a ‘silent’ debate.

On the chosen day the Pope and rabbi sat opposite each other.

The Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers. The rabbi looked back and raised one finger.

Next, the Pope waved his finger around his head. The rabbi pointed to the ground where he sat.

The Pope brought out a communion wafer and a chalice of wine. The rabbi pulled out an apple.

With that, the Pope stood up and declared himself beaten and said that the rabbi was

too clever. The Jews could stay in Italy.

Later the cardinals met with the Pope and asked him what had happened.

The Pope said, “First I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity. He responded by holding up a single finger to remind me there is still only one God common to both our beliefs.

“Then, I waved my finger around my head to show him that God was all around us. The rabbi responded by pointing to the ground to show that God was also right here with us.

“I pulled out the wine and host to show that God absolves us of all our sins, and the rabbi pulled out an apple to remind me of the original sin. He bested me at every move and I could not continue.”

Meanwhile, the Jewish community gathered to ask the rabbi how he’d won.

“I haven’t a clue,” said the rabbi.

“First, he told me that we had three days to get out of Italy, so I gave him the finger.

Then he tells me that the whole country would be cleared of Jews and I told him that we were staying right here.

“And then what?” asked a woman.

“Who knows?” said the rabbi. “He took out his lunch, so I took out mine.”

Catholic Life, April 2018 - Page 15

Classifieds prayer HOLY SPIRIT You who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideals, you who gives me a divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me; in this short dialogue I want to thank you for everything and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you, no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in Your perpetual Glory. (Mention your request). Thank you Holy Spirit for your love towards me and my loved one. Amen This prayer should be said for 3 consecutive days. After the 3rd day the request will be granted, no matter how difficult it may be. While making the request one must either promise to publish on granting the favour or promise to circulate copies of it to as many people as possible. This is to spread the wonder of the Holy Spirit.

HAIL Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed be the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

– Recite this prayer often during your day

St Jude NOVENA. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved, adored, glorified and made renowned throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us, Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us. Thanks St Jude for prayers answered.

Say this prayer nine times a day for nine days. By the eighth day your prayers will be answered.

It has never been known to fail.

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READERS please note that published prayers reflect the beliefs of those who place the advertisements. We ask readers to judge for themselves, especially in regards to suggested fulfilment of requests made in these prayers.

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LOCAL parliamentarian Russell Northe, MLA, Morwell, with student leaders at St Mary's.

wanted known

Your will be done Trinity Families asks you to consider assisting our work in funding charitable projects across the diocese.

Remembering Trinity Families in your will by making a bequest is an effective way of ensuring that you do something to help those struggling families in our midst.

If you need more information on bequests contact: PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820 Ph: 56 22 6688 ABN 51 486 581 500

NEWBOROUGH - Year 5 and 6 student leaders from St Mary’s Primary School in Newborough, were recently awarded with congratulation letters from our local parliamentarian Russell Northe.

Mr Northe’s visit coincided with the 60th Anniversary of the school where he spoke about quality education and setting examples for the other students.

The Year 6 leaders were awarded with badges and the Year 5 leaders were given medallions linked to our patron Saint, St Eugene de Mazenod.

The leaders also attending the annual National Young Leaders Day run by the Halogen Foundation, at the Melbourne Convention Centre in Melbourne.

The aims of the conference are to inspire the children to make a positive contribution to the school and to motivate the children to become great leaders and role models at our school.

It also hopes to empower the children with practical skills so they can balance study, school commitments and their social lives.

Through a number of keynote presentations from different leaders, the conference exposes the children to inspirational and positive role models.

This year author and illusionist Cosentino, singer and winner of the Voice Harrison Craig, AFL player Nick Dal Santo addressed the children.

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Page 16 - Catholic Life, April 2018

Camp Coolamatong inspires teamwork TRARALGON - St Michael’s Grade 6 students recently travelled by bus to Camp Coolamatong for four days of teamwork, fun and learning.

Camp Coolamatong is located on the Banksia Peninsula near Paynesville.

The goals for the camp were; • To spend quality time with classmates and teachers in a setting that is natural and uncluttered.

• To promote unselfishness and consideration for others through cooperation and team

work.

• To experience new activities in an unfamiliar environment.

• To develop independence and self-reliance through spending time in situations different to everyday life.

There were many activities for the students to experience such as canoeing, abseiling, a night hike, low ropes, archery, feeding the farm animals, a survivor course, a boat cruise on Lake Victoria, games at the beach, cycling and bush craft.

The bush craft was a popular

activity. It involved learning how to cook damper, pancakes and popcorn on an open fire.

Students were able to cook all of the foods on offer with many going back for seconds.

Canoeing was also a favorite with many children choosing to capsize their vessels under supervision.

Two of the highlights of the camp were the disco which had a ‘Hippy’ theme and ‘Grade 6’s Got Talent’, where everyone was entertained by some very talented students.

MAKAYLA, Sienna and Monique are a bit damp after being capsized.

School principal Jodie Ware When asked what their camp highlight was; Grade 6 said, “Everyone had a lovely student Kaitlin replied, “I liked time and I enjoyed heading foxholes and canoeing. We there on Wednesday after used teamwork to walk across school to hear the stories of their successes and see the the canoes.”

Sophie answered, “I liked smiles on their faces.

“It was also pleasing to foxholes, canoeing and bush craft. Ava and I capsized our receive positive feedback from canoe. I enjoyed making and one of the staff at the camp who commented that our children eating the pancakes.”

Liam said, “I loved doing the are so well behaved and willing canoeing because I liked doing to have a go at new experiences.

“I might be a little biased but the paddling and I also liked bush craft and doing all the I have to agree – St Michael’s cooking. The boat trip with my School is a great place to be part of!” friends was good too.”

St Joseph’s students tell Easter story

TOM, Josh, Cooper, Lucas and Wil with their campfire.

New religious ed resource THE National Catholic Education Commission has published a resource to support the teaching of religious education in Catholic Schools in response to the changing social, church and educational landscapes.

Endorsed by the Bishops’ Commission for Catholic Education and prepared by Catholic educators across the country, the Framing Paper: Religious Education in Australian Catholic Schools, aims to support individual dioceses to reflect on and evaluate their religious education curriculum and teaching practice.

The NCEC’s acting executive director Ray Collins said the resource reflects the changing context of Australian society, the role of the church and educational developments.

“The framing paper recognises that there is increasing pluralisation and secularisation in today’s society and even a growing hostility towards religion. It also acknowledges the fact that many students and their families

have little connection with their local church other than through their school, and many come from diverse multi-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds,” Mr Collins said.

“The purpose of this paper is to provide support to dioceses in the development and teaching of religious education within those changing contexts to ensure our students develop the knowledge and understanding of Christianity in light of Jesus and the Gospel, and its unfolding story and diversity within contemporary Australian and global society,” he said.

The framing paper highlights the need for religious education in a modern context to expand “students’ spiritual awareness and religious identity, fostering their capacities and skills of discerning, interpreting, thinking critically, seeking truth and making meaning”.

The paper also highlights the need for teachers of religious education to have a deep subject and pedagogical understanding, as well as being authentic witnesses to the faith.

“Religious education is rich and authentic when the teacher witnesses to a living faith that invites students to discipleship and mission.

“This witness is supported and enhanced through teacher faith formation that is systematic, collaborative, graduated and ongoing,” the paper reads.

Mr Collins said the framing paper affirmed the current work in dioceses and schools while providing a stimulus for ongoing improvement.

“There is significant commitment to renewing religious education across Australia and this resource tries to build on the work of recent decades to support continuous improvement in the development and teaching of quality religious education in this country.”

Framing Paper: Religious Education in Australian Catholic Schools was prepared by the NCEC’s Faith Formation and Religious Education Standing Committee and is available at www.ncec.catholic. edu.au

GRADE 6 student Noah as the celebrate the resurrection.

TRAFALGAR - The students at St Joseph’s Catholic School presented the Easter Story in St John’s Church Trafalgar.

The students re-enacted the events of Holy Week telling the story of the last week in Jesus life. The presentation started with Jesus being welcomed into Jerusalem with the younger

risen Jesus while other students students waving their palms.

Then Jesus shared his last meal with his friends in The Last Supper. Jesus died on the cross and the students showed the resurrected Jesus in a white robe with students singing ‘Allelulia’.

The students felt privileged to lead the community in prayer.