Catholic life february 2016

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Catholic Life Publication of the Diocese of Sale

ISSUE 192

Lent is under way

February 2016

This issue highlights

New Dean of cathedral - Page 3 Newest parish to be commissioned - Page 5

Trinity FAMILIES Be aware of pitfalls of donating - Page 5 Project Compassion feature - Page 7 Around Catholic Schools liftout - Pages 9-12

MARIST Sion College Year 10 student Olivia Winchcombe (right) flips pancakes as part of a massive Pancake Tuesday fundraiser for the diocese launch of Project Compassion appeal at Mary MacKillop college last week. See story P3.

Trinity FAMILIES

After 50 years retirement nears - Page 14

Think of all the families you can help

You can assist families in the Greater Gippsland region for years to come by supporting Trinity Families. We direct funds to programs where there is the greatest need. Please give generously.

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

Page 2 - Catholic Life, February 2016

Fashion of Lent: Becoming a dedicated follower JUST on 60 years ago, the British pop group, The Kinks, released a single track called, Dedicated Follower of Fashion. It mocked the contemporary British fashion scene and mod culture in general.

As Lent has now begun it is a time to focus on what particular fashions to which we might be a particularly dedicated follower.

It is a wonderful time to reflectively ask, “What has ensnared us this last 12 months that draws us away from God, our neighbor and our true self?”

Being a slave to fashion can trap us into a particular way of thinking. It blinds us to others and to God and our true self. It acts subtly. It paints a partial picture. It obscures, and sometimes just makes us lazy.

The Christian life is meant to be a purposeful life. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ gives us that purpose. By following him with all of our heart, our mind and our soul allows us to sift through the particular fashions of the day and to see what really endures.

Two weekends ago we heard St Paul reminding us of what really endures, “In short, there are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.”

How many times do we have

to hear that before it becomes established in our hearts?

What a wonderful and necessary filter this phrase from St Paul is to allow us to weigh and value all the fashions that we face, “the greatest of these is love”.

It is the “fashion” in some media outlets these days to deny anyone that does not agree with their particular point of view, any view at all.

If you dare to have a different view about a topic, such as say euthanasia, you are deemed to be “out-of-touch”, “oldfashioned”. A curious way of approaching “free speech!”

Francis Bacon once said that, “Money is a great servant, but a bad master.” Fashion is like that. Lent gives us a chance to untangle the two and allow fashion to be a good servant and not a bad master. What fashions are we following and how critically?

What of another understanding of the word “fashion” to which we might become a dedicated follower?

Fashion can also mean “to make, or build or shape”.

These are wonderful and lifegiving Lenten words.

Pope Francis continues to show us the way in how these might become a reality not only in Lent but as the way in which Christian people might build a purposeful life in world

Catholic Life PO Box 1410, Warragul Vic. 3820 Phone: (03) 5622 6688

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that can seem to have another fashion altogether.

In his document on the Year of Mercy, he says “Mercy is the very foundation of the Church’s life. All of her pastoral activity should be caught up in the tenderness she makes present to believers; nothing in her preaching and in her witness to the world can be lacking in mercy. The Church’s very credibility is seen in how she shows merciful and compassionate love.” Misericordiae Vultus #10.

These are the kinds of things we ought be fashioning, these are the kinds of things we ought be shaping and building.

Pope Francis again reminds us, “The season of Lent during this Jubilee Year should also be lived more intensely as a privileged moment to celebrate and experience God’s mercy.”

Misericordiae Vultus #17

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Pope Francis also invites us to a 24 hours for the Lord: “The initiative of 24 Hours for the Lord, to be celebrated on the Friday and Saturday preceding the Fourth Week of Lent, should be implemented in every diocese. So many people, including young people, are returning to the Sacrament of Reconciliation; through this experience they are rediscovering a path back to the Lord, living a moment of intense prayer and finding meaning in their lives. Let us place the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the centre once more in such a way that it will enable people to touch the grandeur of God’s mercy with their own hands. For every penitent, it will be a source of true interior peace.”

Misericordiae Vultus #17 So that is March 4-5, not long away.

We rejoice that Faith, Mercy and the Good News of Salvation in Jesus Christ never go out of fashion. During this Lent let us become dedicated followers of that fashion, wonderfully assisted by the shaping hands of God’s Holy Spirit. + Bishop Pat O’Regan Bishop of Sale

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THE next Australian Catholic Youth Festival to be hosted in Sydney in December 2017, will launch a national Year of Youth.

The Australian Catholic Bishops recently approved a proposal from the Australian Catholic Youth Council to host a national Year of Youth in 2018.

It will celebrate 10 years since Australia hosted World Youth Day in 2008.

The Year of Youth will coincide with the liturgical year of 2018 and will begin on the first Sunday in Advent on November 29, 2017, reaffirming the important role of young people in the life of the Church.

Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, Bishop Delegate for Youth, made the announcement during the final Mass at the ACYF in Adelaide in December.

After the Mass he said, “The Australian Bishops and their Youth Council identified

an opportunity to celebrate a significant milestone in the life of the Church in Australia.

“It is crucial the Church upholds young people as a priority and re-affirms and sustains its work with them in the spirit of World Youth Day.” The Year of Youth will be modelled on the Year of Grace that was held in 2012-2013.

It is an invitation for the Church in Australia to draw young people into a dialogue with Christ to share their gifts with the Church and society, and to raise their hopes for the church’s future with their parish and fellow faithful.

The primary focus for the Year of Youth is the local faith community.

The Youth Council will work to support existing initiatives and to supply resources for reflection and discernment to empower ministry teams to capitalise on the Year of Youth throughout 2018.

Catholic Life, February 2016 - Page 3

Important to know why we are giving - Bishop The bishop said that if we connected closer to our neighbors and especially the most needy, we were also becoming closer to God. Learning More, Creating Change was the theme of this year’s appeal and it was important for us all to make a difference in the world by making a change.

Bishop O’Regan said life did not have to be the same day after day and by showing strong support for Project Compassion, our generosity could make a big difference to those in need.

Why we did this was because the love of God was touching our lives and we were responding to the needs of others.

The launch was held at Mary MacKillop College, Leongatha, and was attended by representatives of other secondary colleges and local primary schools.

Caritas representative Megan

Bourke thanked the diocese for its continued support of the poorest of the poor.

Caritas worked with its partners to help the most marginalised people on earth.

She said that last year schools and parishes in our diocese had raised $161,000 for Project Compassion and around $364,000 for all Caritas appeals.

Every week of Lent there was a focus on a different project being supported by Caritas and she urged people to reflect on the materials provided.

As part of the launch there was a short liturgy in the college chapel with singing being led by talented duo Janie Gordon and Alliza Miel with staff member Matthew Van Der Velden on guitar.

Afterwards a traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake lunch was provided by Year 10 students.

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been appointed parish priest of Traralgon and Yarram, parishes he was already administering.

Fr Jeff Kleynjans is the new parish priest of Berwick, replacing Vicar General Fr Peter Slater who is temporarily priest in residence at Cranbourne until he moves to Warragul-Drouin in June when parish priest Fr Herman Hengel moves to lesser duties on turning 75.

New administrator at Cranbourne is Fr Joseph Abutu who was previously assistant there.

Fr Hilarion Fernando OSB has moved from Koo Wee Rup to be assistant at Berwick, Fr James Fernandez CP has moved from Traralgon to be assistant at Narre Warren, Fr Prasanna Warnakulasuriya moved from Lakes Entrance to be assistant at Traralgon and Yarram, and Fr Stephen Onuoha moved from Narre Warren to be assistant at Koo Wee Rup. A priest new to the diocese, Fr Anthony Phillips has been appointed as priest in residence at Lakes Entrance after assisting at the cathedral over Christmas and New Year.

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NEW Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral Fr Peter Bickley. are being celebrated until the eventual construction of a church.

Fr Puthupally is the new parish priest of Leongatha, Foster and Korumburra parishes, replacing Fr Peter Kooloos who is now parish priest of Koo Wee Rup and Iona-Maryknoll.

Fr Michael Willemsen has returned to the diocese after serving several years on the staff at Corpus Christi Seminary, Melbourne, and is parish priest of Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance and Orbost parishes.

Fr Bernard Buckley has

Darren Chester Putting Locals First

Major changes for priests A MAJOR shuffle of diocesan priests announced by Bishop Pat O’Regan before Christmas has taken place in mid-January.

The 15 appointments are the most made at the one time by a Bishop of Sale for many years.

Fr Peter Bickley is the new Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale.

He was previously parish priest in Bairnsdale where he headed a major restoration project on the historic St Mary’s Church.

He has served in Sale several times over the years.

He replaced Fr Aju Puthupally CMI who had been acting administrator of the cathedral parish since former Dean, Fr Andrew Wise moved to Brisbane after Easter last year to set up Australia’s first oratory.

Fr Denis O’Bryan has been appointed Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and will also move from St Agatha’s Cranbourne to the diocese’s newest parish at Clyde North.

The new parish was created

by Bishop Christopher Prowse and is known as St Thomas the Apostle. It already has a primary school and the Cranbourne East campus of St Peter’s College where Masses

SINGING the Prayer of St Francis are Mary MacKillop College students Janie Gordon and Alliza Miel, accompanied by Matthew Van Der Velden.

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IN giving to charity it is always important to know why you are donating, according to Bishop Pat O’Regan who was speaking at the launch of the diocesan Project Compassion Appeal last week.

He said that every story had a beginning, middle and end, and usually the story talked about what happened and sometimes how it happened.

However, the better story also included why something happened.

Bishop O’Regan said that if we could understand why things happened, then it got us closer to understanding the depths of life.

He pointed out that those present at the launch had just seen a short video on the work of Caritas Australia in developing nations using the funds raised through the annual Project Compassion Lenten appeal.

“Why are we doing this?”

Page 4 - Catholic Life, February 2016

I’ll drink to that

O’MARA House, a 66-bed aged care facility at Traralgon has passed from ownership of VincentCare to Mecwacare.

Six Victorian residential care facilities were sold to Mecwacare late last year.

The changeover looked like taking place with little inhouse recognition until Mgr John Allman PA decided to organise a toast.

He purchased a bottle of bubbly and with the approval of the staff enabled residents to have a sip with their evening meal in recognition of the great service provided in the past by VincentCare which is a division of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Senior fact

IT is interesting that the media keeps referring to Cardinal George Pell as Australia’s “most senior Catholic clergyman” or sometimes the official Catholic Church spokesman.

They obviously don’t mean senior in terms of age but they suggest that because he’s got a cardinal’s red hat, he must head the Church.

Then again now the former Sydney Archbishop is prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy at the Vatican, so he’s no longer here.

The head of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference and spokesman for the

New priest to diocese has missionary experience Church here is Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart.

And before him it was Archbishop of Adelaide Phillip Wilson, and before that then Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn Frank Carroll.

Many in the media are also surprised to find that Cardinal Pell is not even the most senior cardinal in Australia.

That honor goes to Cardinal Edward Cassidy, a former head of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity who lives in retirement in Sydney.

Of course, you could argue that the most senior man is the Pope’s representative Apostolic Nunco Archbishop Adolfa Tito Yllana.

Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.

A bit off course

ON a similar vein, a Melbourne journo recently described an East Gippsland riverside location as being a billabong in Wurundjeri territory.

One, the location is a mountain river, not a billabong and secondly, it is in Gunai Kurnai country, about 150km from Wurundjeri territory on Melbourne’s outskirts.

THE friendliness of the people and the warm welcome to Gippsland has already vindicated the decision by Fr Anthony Phillips to move to a country diocese.

Fr Phillips took over as priest in residence at Lakes Entrance on January 20 after arriving in the diocese on December 2.

He spent six weeks as assistant at the cathedral parish in Sale.

Fr Phillips, 51, was formerly a priest of the Australian congregation Missionaries of God’s Love.

He was raised in the Wodonga area where his parents farmed and he studied ecology with the intent of becoming a park ranger or environmental researcher.

However, he ended up working in disability services and hospitality before his life took a change in direction.

He joined the Missionaries of God’s Love in 1990 and went to Papua New Guinea as a missionary however, a severe tropical illness forced him to return to Australia after four months and laid him low for most of the following year.

In 1993 he began studies for the priesthood at Catholic Theological College in Clayton and in 1999 was ordained a priest for the Missionaries of

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.

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.

God’s Love.

Fr Phillips returned briefly to Papua New Guinea, then to a parish in Canberra where from 2002-07 he was chaplain to the University of Canberra.

In 2009 he moved to Melbourne to work with MGL seminarians for five years.

Fr Phillips said he discerned a calling to serve as a priest in a country diocese and left the MGL in 2014.

He spent most of 2015 doing supply work in various parishes and had a sabbatical in the United States.

He said the natural beauty of Gippsland, the friendliness of the people and the warm welcome he had received was

Fr Anthony Phillips telling him that he had made the right choice.

Learn more about Alpha program BISHOP Pat O’Regan has invited parish priests and parishioners in our diocese to hear more about Alpha at a meeting in Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Narre Warren on Thursday February 25 at 7.30pm.

If a parish wants to welcome people who may not have been in a church for a long time, its first task is to shrink the distance between these people and the church.

This is the first step in the new evangelisation, the expression used to describe reaching out to people in countries such as ours where the Christian heritage has faded and needs reinvigorating.

Alpha is designed to be attractive to the modern person by seeking to welcome them, answer the big questions of life from a Christian perspective and listen to their doubts, questions and opinions.

Alpha is a series of 15 talks, run over 10 weekly sessions and one “retreat” day. A session commences with a simple meal followed by a videoed talk. After the talk there is a discussion in small groups on the evening’s topic.

Alpha has been extremely effective, with over 27 million people from 116 countries having participated over the years. It is a fun and nonthreatening way to explore Christianity.

Everything in Alpha is done with sensitivity and simplicity.

In concentrating on the person of Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection, Alpha is both forceful and convincing.

It is designed to reach our

present generation beginning where they are. No attempt is made to teach all of the Catholic faith, but people are enabled to begin a relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in the context of a welcoming Catholic community.

When a parish community uses Alpha, it makes a big step of faith. Parishioners set out with boldness to invite their neighbors, friends and family members. In doing so, they have to trust that the Holy Spirit will guide their invitations, and that people will be open to explore Christianity.

Participants in Alpha - both those who are already practicing Catholics and those who are not - often experience a profound personal encounter with Christ in which they discover his love and are moved to commit their lives more deeply to him.

Alpha is an excellent tool for parishes which meets the great need of our times and the call of Pope Francis to implement the new evangelisation more effectively.

Alpha has produced excellent pastoral results in parishes all over the world and is endorsed at the highest levels of the Catholic Church.

To find out more about it, please attend the session at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, 496 Princes Highway, Narre Warren. Please advise attendance to Conny at conny@ olhc.org.au There will be free resources available for each parish which attends and the opportunity to ask questions.

Away for a weekend and need to check local Mass times?

Use the QR scanning app on your smart phone and it will take you directly to the Diocese of Sale website

Catholic Life, February 2016 - Page 5

Newest parish to be commissioned CLYDE NORTH – The newest parish in Sale Diocese will be formally commissioned on Sunday, March 6 at a special Mass at the Cranbourne East campus of St Peter’s College, MacKillop Way. Formation of the parish was announced several years ago but it has been under the care of St Agatha’s, Cranbourne, until now.

Fr Denis O’Bryan has been appointed the first parish priest and has moved from St Agatha’s presbytery to the former

convent at Cranbourne until a presbytery can be established in the new parish.

Rapid growth in the Cranbourne area has it predicted to reach a population of more than 240,000 people in years to come and so it was decided to create the new parish of St Thomas the Apostle.

Fr O’Bryan said Masses have been held at St Peter’s for several years but the growing number of attendees had meant that the 240 available seats in the hall were no longer enough.

Recently up to 40 or 50 had been forced to stand during Mass.

As well as overseeing the next stage of St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, Fr O’Bryan and the parish council have to begin looking for potential sites for more schools which will have to be built in the coming years to serve the burgeoning population.

He has also started an appeal to raise the estimated $1 million needed to build the first parish church on the land beside the

primary school.

Bishop of Sale Pat O’Regan visited the new parish for Mass and supper on January 20, the day it came into existence as a separate entity, and will return on March 6 for the 2pm commissioning Mass.

At this Mass Fr O’Bryan will be officially installed as parish priest, the parish council will be commissioned, and the role of the secondary school campus and primary school in the life of the parish will be acknowledged.

Be aware of pitfalls of donating - Trinity PEOPLE making charitable donations should be more aware of how their money is being spent according to Trinity Families executive officer Colin Coomber.

He said it was an unfortunate fact that many charities failed to deliver reasonable results.

So much of their income being chewed up by overheads was little was left for the intended purpose.

And some of the biggest culprits were the most publicised, heavily advertised and well-known charities.

Mr Coomber said that when making charitable donations people should question how much of their money was going to be left after costs were deducted.

“Many are surprised to hear that often as little as 20 or 30 cents in the dollar is available.

Most times the collectors have little idea and often the charities try to hide their excessive overheads.”

He said highly popular events like the annual AFL Legends match raising money for the E.J. Whitten Foundation had been in the news recently when it was revealed by the Herald Sun only six cents in the dollar was being used for research into prostate cancer.

These highly popular televised football matches had made big money for the promotion firm and TV station yet virtually nothing for the cause.

The Shane Warne Foundation was currently being wound up after it was revealed by Consumer Affairs that most of its money was being spent in overheads.

Mr Coomber said these two instances indicated that just because big names were attached to a charity that there was no guarantee that funds would be well spent.

The Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission had also stripped dozens of charities of their registration in the past year because they had either not responded or complied with requests for details of how their money was being spent.

Another area of concern which was in the news last week was the “chuggers” or “charity muggers” who approached people in the street asking for donations.

He said many of the people requesting donations for what

might be legitimate causes were foreign students and backpackers who were paid a percentage of their take, and then the promotions company which employed them also took a cut.

“Ask yourself, how much of the money is actually getting through?”

Mr Coomber said he had recently asked street collectors seeking donations for cancer research which charity the money was going to and the two men had no idea, nor did he think they could even name a legitimate research foundation.

And on the topic of research foundations, it was worth asking “Are they really charities?”

He said he had checked into one foundation which advertised on television recently and found that it was a private company whose directors were the scientists who were to be doing the research.

The company’s website gave little indication that it had ever done research before.

It never claimed to be a charity but was presenting itself as if it was.

“I would be wary donating to such a company because I would like to know that quality research was actually being conducted and that donations are not just being used to keep the directors in a job.”

Mr Coomber urged people to be more generous in their support of local causes and national charities which could demonstrate worthwhile results, but also to be more aware of how they spent their charitable dollar.

He said Trinity Families differed from most charities as it operated as a philanthropic fund which invested its capital to earn money which was then allocated annually to other charities.

It did no work itself but after vetting applications, gave funds to programs which supported families in the Greater Gippsland area.

Trinity Families was the trading name of Roman Catholic Diocese of Sale Charitable Fund which was set up by Bishop Jeremiah Coffey 12 years ago.

All money donated to the fund over the years remained in investments.

He said its overheads were negligible because the resources of the diocese were used to support its operation.

Over the past few years it had been able to distribute more money from its investments than it received in donations, even though interest rates were

at near record lows.

Mr Coomber said that last year charities sought three times more money than Trinity Families had available, so it still needed to grow its trust fund to meet the growing demands.

Details of how to donate to Trinity Families is available on its website www.trinityfamilies. org.au.

For further information phone (03) 5952 5118 or 0428 844 963.

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Page 6 - Catholic Life, February 2016

The Jubilee Year of Mercy When Moses climbed Mt Sinai at God’s invitation, he was afraid. What was going to happen? What did God want of him? Would he come back alive? Why was he chosen to lead these ‘stiff necked’ people anyway? Then God passed in front of Moses, proclaiming: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin” (Exodus 34:6, Ps 145).

THE Jubilee year is a reminder of the God we believe in – compassionate, generous, loving, faithful, forgiving, welcoming, inviting us into friendship.

It is also a reminder that Jesus told us :You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate (Luke 6:36) so we too are asked be loving, generous, welcoming and open to others, slow to anger, slow to seek retribution, faithful and just and willing to be merciful.

God knows our world is sorely in need of such compassion and mercy.

It is a very harsh and unforgiving place for so many today but it doesn’t need to be.

All of us can do something to make compassion and mercy come alive again.

But being merciful is hard.

Its seeds lie in the great virtues

Reflections

by Jim Quillinan of faith, hope, love and justice.

To show mercy draws on these inner reserves and, even then, it asks for more. Faith asks us to step into the unknown, to trust in God, to be confident that somewhere God is in this person, in this situation.

We may not be able to see that or fathom why, but God is asking something of us. Hope helps us to realise that we can make a difference, that all is not lost, irredeemable.

Charity reminds us that, in the words of Pope Francis, we are called ‘to look beyond, to focus on the heart to see how much generosity everyone is capable.

No one can be excluded from the mercy of God…’Justice reminds us that everyone deserves to be treated with fairness and compassion, everyone deserves to live in peace and harmony.

When Jesus calls on us to show mercy, it is a challenge.

It is easy to be generous and kind to those we like, to those who respond, to those who are grateful.

That means we are in control but mercy often ask us to be generous and welcoming, to

look beyond the surface, to go the extra mile, to get out of our comfort zone, to challenge ourselves in how much love we are capable of, rather than making judgments about who is worthy or deserving of my largesse.

A MORWELL parishioner who has led tours of Europe for 23 years is heading off again in June for a 27 day tour.

Armando Petrucci had to cancel a planned tour last year because of family illness and he is keen to have the many people who expressed interest then to contact him again.

His grand tour of Europe leaves Melbourne on June 1 and this year includes a seven night Mediterranean cruise.

The European adventure starts in Rome for the Year of Mercy and then goes to San Giovanni Rotondo, the city made famous

by St Pio of Pietrelcina, and is within 6km of the small village where Mr Petrucci grew up.

The group will also visit popular pilgrimage sites

Donate now to support charities aiding families Trinity Families needs your financial support to ensure that it can continue to meet the needs of families in our region.

We need to greatly enlarge our financial base so we can continue our support to charities providing vital welfare services.

Direct debits can be made to Trinity Families BSB 083-879 A/c 84343 9687 or you can use the form below to make a credit card donation.

All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible Roman Catholic Diocese of Sale Charitable Fund

ABN 51486 581 500

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SCHOOLS and parishes are asked to check on the number of copies of Catholic Life they have received this issue and advise if they wish numbers to be increased or decreased for the remainder of the year.

To keep costs in check we endeavor not to have too many copies left over each issue.

Paper bundles come in multiples of 25 so it is not possible to increase or decrease by smaller numbers.

In some instances schools who receive too many copies pass these on to the parish so

as to avoid wastage.

Email changes to catholiclife@sale.catholic. org.au.

Catholic Life prints about 16,000 copies every issue and all but about 100 of these are distributed in the diocese.

The electronic version of the newspaper can be read by links on the diocese website to publications host ISSUU. Many interstate and overseas readers who used to subscribe to the print version now read the paper electronically.

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Please provide address so receipts can be issued PLEASE POST COMPLETED FORM TO: TRINITY FAMILIES. PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820.

ARMANDO Petrucci is off to Europe again. including the grotto of St Michael the Archangel at Monte Sant’Angelo and Matthew’s sanctuary at San Marco in Lamis.

Then it is on to the Dubrovnik and Medjugorje where frequent apparitions of the Virgin Mary have been claimed, before returning to Venice in Italy via Zagreb.

Those on the tour will visit the Shrine of St Anthony at Padua before boarding the cruise ship at Savona for the journey to

France and Spain.

The tour goes on to Montpellier and Lourdes (2 nights) in France, Salamanca and Burgos in Spain, and Fatima in Portugul before returning to Rome.

Mr Petrucci personally leads the tour and has organised it through association with Galaxy Travel.

He has brochures in English or Italian which he can send out if contacted on 5133 9111.

Easter Mass times PARISHES are reminded to send in details of times and venues for Holy Week and Easter services.

Visitors to our diocese at Easter have come to rely on our website for details of Masses.

The information should be sent to colinc@sale.catholic. org.au by the end of February to enable the information to

be posted well in advance of Easter.

As is past years, services will be listed by Mass centres rather than parishes as many visitors have trouble knowing which parish a particular town is in.

A quick link will be made available on the diocese home page.

BARRY AND ANNETTE LETT

Funeral Directors

Barry and Bradley Lett offer care, compassion and service with dignity for the people of Gippsland.

Caring and personal 24-hour service.

Prepaid and prearranged funeral plans available.

67 Macarthur St., Sale 3850

(03) 5143 1232

Catholic Life, February 2016 - Page 7

Celebrating 50 years of

Caritas creating a harmonious future in PNG PARTICIPATING in the Caritas Australia supported Community Conversations program has empowered Dominic and the people of his village in Papua New Guinea to create a new way of life, far from the violence and gender inequality of the past.

Generational poverty has led to many challenges in communities throughout PNG - challenges that Dominic, a 36 year-old farmer and father of four, witnessed every day as he grew up in a large village in the Jiwaka Province.

He speaks of how drug and alcohol abuse were common in his village, as was fighting, theft, harassment and ongoing gender inequality.

Families experienced many difficulties in the home, with high rates of adultery, domestic violence and divorce. And Dominic admits that his family was not immune to these troubles.

“In the past, I was very impatient with my wife and short tempered,” he says. “I took alcohol. I couldn’t say no to beer if my elder brothers offered. In the past, I was the one that made the decisions. I was the boss of the house.”

But when Caritas Australia and local partner, the Sisters of Notre Dame, established the Community Conversations program in Dominic’s village, he saw an opportunity to create change, and quickly became involved in the program.

Dominic attended regular Community Conversations training sessions, where he and people from neighboring areas learnt communication and problemsolving skills that would help them talk to their communities about issues like

gender inequality, alcohol abuse and HIV. “I was inspired to hear of the different issues highlighted and processes used to come up with solutions,” Dominic explains.

“Something pierced my heart as these issues are real and people face these situations every day.”

Using the experience and insight he gained through his training, Dominic has led discussion and problem solving sessions in his community. These have become a forum where the whole village can voice concerns, discuss problems, make plans and take steps towards creating a safer, more caring community.

“I’ve applied the skills I learnt from Community Conversations very well,” says Dominic. “In the past only males made the decisions. Now everyone, women and young people, have a voice and peace is maintained that way.”

A Community Conversations session even sparked a decision to build a new road, which has opened up a new world of opportunities for the village.

“Before I didn’t know that I carry a lot of power within to change myself and others around me,” recalls Dominic. “When we start to realise we have power to stand independently to change ourselves and help ourselves, we feel liberated.”

While big changes are underway in the community, equally big changes are happening within families, including Dominic’s. “The biggest change in my life is better use of income. At first, I used to misuse family income

Project Compassion 2016 Put compassion into action CARITAS Australia, the international aid and development agency of the Catholic Church, has launched its annual Project Compassion appeal – one of Australia’s largest humanitarian fundraising and awareness-raising campaigns.

This year marks 50 years of Project Compassion, which thanks to supporters, schools and parishes across Australia raised a record-breaking $11.57 million last year.

Each year Project Compassion, which runs through the six weeks of Lent, brings hundreds of thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world’s poor, to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.

Money raised goes towards Caritas Australia’s humanitarian and long-term development programs in more than 40 countries across Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Latin America and with First Australian communities.

Caritas Australia CEO, Paul O’Callaghan said “Lent is the time of year when we put our faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

“Project Compassion has transformed millions of lives and every year since 1965 we have demonstrated our faith, our compassion and our generosity towards the most vulnerable members of our global family.”

Pope Francis has said, “Education is an act of hope.”

The theme for this year’s Project Compassion, “Learning more, creating change”, celebrates the power of learning, and the many ways in which Caritas Australia is working with local partners around the world to provide vital learning and renewed hope to those most marginalised.

In 2016, Caritas Australia’s six feature stories, from Malawi, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Cambodia and India, demonstrate how education, training and sharing knowledge empowers individuals and communities to transform their futures and create lasting change.

During Lent, Australians are invited to support Project Compassion by direct donation, or by holding fundraising events.

These include Caritas Ks, where participants raise money by walking, running, cycling or swimming kilometres for compassion, and Fish Fridays, where people eat small fish meals and make a donation to Caritas Australia.

To donate to Project Compassion, or for fundraising ideas visit www.caritas. org.au/projectcompassion or phone 1800 024 413.

DOMINIC (centre in purple shirt) with his fellow villagers. Photo: Richard Wainwright on alcohol,” he tells. “After getting schooled in Community Conversations, I let my wife and children partake in decisions affecting our family and I have quit alcohol.”

With the support of Caritas Australia, Dominic’s village has achieved greater

peace and gender equality, giving the community a chance to thrive and shape a better future for themselves. “I am most proud of the positive changes I am witnessing,” says Dominic. “I pass my big thanks and pray God will bless our supporters in Australia.”

Page 8 - Catholic Life, February 2016

Bishop Coffey remembered in new school wing Catholic Education Maria Kirkwood, a representative of Anthony Bryne, MHR, Holt, Clyde North parish priest Fr Denis O’Bryan, and Cranbourne parish administrator Fr Joseph Abuto, St Peter’s College board chairman Robert Carboon, and principal Tim Hogan.

The Bishop Coffey Centre contains the new art and technology facilities which have been designed for enhanced learning by the use of break-out spaces, sliding glass walls, opening up the spaces and connected outdoor creative areas.

The aim of this facility is to foster collaboration between students and teachers, allowing the different creative processes to be on display and inspire the craft of teaching and learning at all times.

The late Bishop Coffey was not only a great supporter of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale, but also instrumental in the development of St Peter’s College since its inception in 1987.

Mr Hogan said “It is fitting THE spectacular sculpture of St Peter with (from left) Bishop Pat O’Regan, sculptor Jenny Steiner, principal to remember his wonderful Tim Hogan, director of Catholic education Maria Kirkwood, St Peter’s board chairman Robert Carboon, and contribution to Catholic

CRANBOURNE EAST Bishop Patrick O’Regan blessed and officially opened the Bishop Jeremiah Coffey

Centre for Creativity at St Peter’s College last week.

A newly installed sculpture of St Peter was unveiled and

blessed at the Cranbourne East campus.

The official party included Bishop O’Regan, director of

parish priest Fr Denis O’Bryan.

COLLEGE captains Amer Athui and Lachlan Buckanen with Bishop Pat O’Regan.

est 1956

CLOSE up of the detail in the face of Jenny Steiner’s sculpture of St Peter holding the symbolic keys to the kingdom.

education by naming this facility in his honor”.

Another highlight of the opening was the unveiling of the sculpture created by artist Jenny Steiner.

Mr Hogan outlined the beginnings of this project and its significance to the college community.

“Jenny worked with both the staff and students of the East Campus to gain an understanding of St Peter the person, the leader and the disciple who loved Jesus the most”.

The sculpture of St Peter sat in the beautiful avenue of trees facing the newly installed gates resembling the fish netting of the fisherman who left everything behind to follow Jesus.

He said “The installation of St Peter statue on this site, is an important step in further cementing our identity as a Catholic college, as well as building our understanding of the charism of our patron saint”.

Mr Hogan said the site around the sculpture would become a sacred space, a place where as a community or as individuals, people could go to honour the memory of St Peter, and to reflect on his journey in faith, so that they may better come to know Jesus in their own journey.

Mother Teresa to be a saint Your investment enables CDF to assist funding of building projects in CATHOLIC PARISHES | CATHOLIC PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOLS | CATHOLIC HEALTH & AGED CARE

Helping to grow Our Catholic Community

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The Archdiocese of Melbourne/Diocese of Sale–Catholic Development Fund (CDF) is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Diocese of Sale. We welcome your investment with CDF rather than with a profit oriented commercial organisation as a conscious commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church. CDF is not subject to the fundraising provision of the Corporation Act 2001 nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Neither CDF nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Trusts Corporation for the Archdiocese of Melbourne/Diocese of Sale is prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Contributions to CDF do not obtain the benefit of the Depositor Protection Provision of the Banking Act 1959. The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Diocese of Sale have indemnified the CDF against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the CDF through CDPF Limited, which is a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. In essence, this means that your investment and any interest payable is guaranteed by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and Diocese of Sale.

POPE Francis has authorised the canonisation of Blessed Mother Teresa, after the Vatican announced it has recognised a second miracle attributed to her.

She will be canonised in September, 19 years after her death.

The Archbishop of Kolkata Thomas D’Souza said that Pope Francis has confirmed that the curing of a Brazilian man suffering from multiple brain tumours in 2008 can be attributed to the miraculous intercession of Mother Teresa.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta founded the Congregation of the Missionaries of Charity.

Around Catholic Schools 1

Catholic Life, February 2016 - Page 9

AROUND CATHOLIC SCHOOLS DIOCESE

of

SALE

faith ... learning ... growth

February 2016

Beginnings gives an opportunity to talk about what I, as the Director of Catholic education in the diocese, consider are some of the important things to be conscious of at the commencement of a school year. This is not a comprehensive discussion of those issues; another person – a principal, parent, student, teacher or a director of another diocese – may highlight different areas, but THIS time of the year sees here are the ones I shared numerous occasions where with the Traralgon staff.

To begin with, it is essential the opportunity exists to talk to acknowledge that to be about beginnings.

Most schools have an engaged in education, in opening of the school year whatever role, is one of the Mass, or other liturgical greatest privileges in life. celebration, to mark the One of the best things about occasion and to set the scene being involved at the school and try to promote a sense level is that every year there of the importance and gift of is an opportunity to start again and to start afresh. starting a new year.

There are few occupations I was privileged recently to where this capacity to “start address the combined staff over” occurs on a regular, of the three primary schools cyclical basis. and one secondary college in The children who are Traralgon at their beginning taught in our Catholic of the school year Mass. schools deserve nothing but An occasion such as that

our absolute best • the best quality programs – secular and religious • the best of our accumulated and shared wisdom • the best of ourselves our finest human qualities of kindness, compassion, understanding, patience and commitment.

It is only by providing to our students this “best of all we have to give” that we will fulfill our sacred mission to educate.

For some in our midst, this year is another year in a long series of years dedicated to teaching, or supporting in other ways, the development of children and young people. For others, it is just the beginning of that journey, with all the fears, anxieties, excitement and challenge that comes with it.

As some would already know, when I speak of my work in Catholic education, which spans some 40 plus years, I don’t speak in terms

of career but rather in terms of vocation and journey. I have never made any secret of the fact that, as someone who has been committed to education in the Catholic church at many different levels, I also speak in terms of my basic belief that where I am, in any given time and place, is where I believe Christ wants and needs me to be.

I was reminded of this fact recently when I attended the parish and school reunion of the first school at which I had taught. I had left the school in 1977, so have been gone a very long time. What really touched me that day was the number of past students, some with their parents, who were there and who shared with me their positive memories of significant moments of time when our lives had intersected.

I came away convinced, yet again, of how little we know at the time, of how the grace of God can be working in and through us without

our ever realizing it. (What scared me that day was the fact that a couple of those exstudents of mine were there with their grandchildren!)

The concept of commitment is something we cannot ignore if we wish to bring the best of ourselves to the students, their families and our colleagues. One of my favourite authors, the Benedictine nun Joan Chittister, says, of commitment, that (it) is that quality of human nature that tells us not to count the days, or months or years, or conversations, or efforts, or rejections, but simply to go on going on…until everything is ready. She goes on to say that we know we are committed to something, when what happens to it still affects us.

Hopefully, what happens to every child in every school, affects those charged with the privilege of being with them every day this year.

- Maria Kirkwood

Nagle College learning centre From the Report of the Australian Parliament, House of Representatives, Education and Employment Committee’s Inquiry into School Libraries and Teacher-Librarians in 21st Century Australia: “… the school library is the school’s physical and virtual learning commons where inquiry, thinking, imagination, discovery and creativity are central to students’ information-toknowledge journey, and to their personal, social and cultural growth…”

(Ross Todd, Centre for International Scholarship in School Libraries, Rutgers University, USA) AS the recently appointed Teacher Librarian for Nagle College in 2016, I have been inspired by the concept of the school library as a ‘learning common’ and with this in mind I have set out to reinvent and reinvigorate our existing Francis de Sales Learning Centre.

Through the generosity of Teacher Librarians from other

Catholic Schools in Melbourne I was invited late last year, to visit their libraries and see this concept first hand. Armed with an iPad for photographing, recording and taking notes I visited Dale Shepard at St Joseph’s College in the leafy outer suburbs of Ferntree Gully, the highly knowledgeable Camilla Elliot at Mazenod College in Mulgrave, Sabina Higgins at Star of the Sea in Brighton, Barbara Roach at Caroline Chisholm College in Braebrook and finally, Sharon Hayes at Marian College in Sunshine West.

All of the above libraries had been recommended to me as models of highly effective and vibrant learning spaces which would provide an excellent model for our own library here at Nagle College in Bairnsdale.

I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and commitment to excellence in education and creativity of the librarians I met on this day. As a result, my school holidays were filled with planning, reading, dreaming and waiting eagerly for the new year to commence so I could begin the creation of a warm,

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YEAR 9 students Mikayla Collins and Dakota Webster are delighted with the colorful and vibrant makeover that the Francis de Sales Learning Centre has undergone at the start of the 2016 school year. inviting and vibrant ‘learning students and staff throughout installed, learning spaces have common’ for our school the day eager to discover, been created and the students community. With my team, I interact, research, read, learn are filling them! They are aim to create a library which and imagine possibilities. inquisitive (so are the staff) will evolve into a ‘pastoral’ for And so my year of change to see what is happening in the entire school, where literacy has happily begun; the entire their ‘learning common’ and I is paramount and strategies are book collection has been am delighted to continue this put into place to achieve this. It moved, new furniture has been journey with them. will be a place filled with many

faith … learning … growth

Page 10 - Catholic Life, February 2016

Literacy improvement the aim

February 2016 Inside this issue Page 1 Maria Kirkwood Beginnings Nagle College, Bairnsdale Updated library Page 2 St Peter’s Cranbourne Improving literacy St Thomas the Apostle A new approach Page 3 St Mary’s Yarram The Big Write Marist-Sion Warragul Personalised transition Page 4 St Gabriel’s Traralgon Visiting nursing home St James Nar Nar Goon Technology for reports

Around Catholic Schools 2

ST Peter’s College Cranbourne, has recommitted to improving literacy levels of all students at our college.

Principal Tim Hogan tells us “Like many things in life the story of literacy at St Peter’s College has been a journey with its highs and lows. 2015 however, was one of those special occasions when the planets aligned and real progress was made in the area of literacy.

“Newly appointed literacy coach, David Fini, worked with staff to develop a ‘vision for literacy’ at the college. The college also appointed two learning dystems and data coaches to assist all teaching staff in accessing and analysing the data available for our students”.

Mr Hogan also announced that, “The college had joined the Federation University Partnership with other diocesan schools to share literacy plans and gain insight into literacy initiatives”.

Deputy principal, Teaching and Learning, Marlene Jorgensen outlines that “The final piece in the puzzle was research. The literacy team visited schools, read widely and researched ‘what works’. The result is a clear vision for the future of literacy at St Peter’s College. All staff are committed to the notion that we are all teachers of literacy.

The following four Whole College Goals have been developed for 2016

STUDENTS at St Peter’s College will be beneficiaries of the focus on literacy. which target these specific literacy skills.

Goal 1. All teachers of Years 7 to 10 will commence their period one lesson each day with a five minute lesson starter quiz with a focus on the development of punctuation and grammar skills.

Goal 2. A handwritten piece of assessment will be included in each unit of work. A balance between handwritten and digital assessment will be required.

Goal 3. All teaching staff are expected

to use a common marking code encouraging consistent feedback.

Goal 4. Literacy Rubrics - Each assessment task across key learning areas will now contain a section addressing literacy.

“Staff are excited to see the growth that these strategies will bring. Our plan is to continue to try new ideas, evaluate their effectiveness and move forward in our commitment to improving all students’ literacy levels”.

New approach to parent-teacher interviews ST Thomas the Apostle Primary School, Cranbourne East, began in 2014 and in only its second year adopted an innovative approach to conducting mid-year parentteacher interviews.

Part of the school’s mission is to, “Provide opportunities for all students to experience a collaborative learning environment that educates, challenges and engages.”

To further realise this mission the school introduced the concept of “student conferences” in all year levels including Prep.

Every student was given support in class to reflect on his/her own learning achievements in Semester 1 and to identify their challenges to address in Semester 2.

They were also given support in preparing the presentation of their insights to their families and teachers. At the student conference, this group (the student, parents/carers and teachers would discuss the issues raised in the student’s reflection.

Students with individual learning plans were also given the opportunity to reflect on their progress and learning.

Although a few of the students in this group found this very challenging, others demonstrated a very high degree of confidence that was actually quite moving to witness.

In the following weeks, the students would articulate learning goals and targets to achieve. In Third Term, the whole school hosted a learning expo one evening which involved the students showing their families evidence of their progress towards achieving their learning goal.

Student feedback to this process was generally very positive. Many acknowledged that they were extremely nervous before the conference but also acknowledged that it helps them grow as individual if they are taken out of their comfort zone.

Many students also noted that they had been encouraged to think more about their own education and what they could do about improving their learning.

Many parents appreciated seeing their child interact with the teacher and were pleasantly surprised at how confidently their child spoke.

Some parents have asked for more opportunity to discuss their child’s report privately with the teacher.

The staff were encouraged with how the process increased the children’s level of engagement.

They were affirmed in their belief in having high levels of expectation for the students with the provision of appropriate levels of support.

As a result of this process the

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school learning community gained further insights into achieving the Australian educational goal that: “all young Australians become successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens.”

THE new approach to parent-teacher interviews includes students reflecting on their own learning achievements.

faith … learning … growth

Around Catholic Schools 3

Catholic Life, February 2016 - Page 11

The Big Write begins at Yarram THE Big Write and the Vocabulary, Connective, Opener and Punctuation program (VCOP), creates a positive ethos towards writing for all students.

It embeds the learning, motivates pupils and raises the

standards of writing.

The Big Write methodology is: “if they can’t say it, they can’t write it.”

Out whole school was excited to embrace this new program and to inspire the children to talk to each other

prior to writing. Initially we introduced each character, Vinnie Vocabulary, Connie Connective, Ollie Opener and Penny Punctuation.

Through the introduction of each character the children were engaged and inspired to talk, write and up level their learning. By the end of the year we all experienced our first Big Write!!

A learning wall was created which focused on the achievements of the students’ journey, highlighting their writing experience. This became a focal point for students, parents, and teachers as work was displayed for all to see.

We believe this is an exciting program for our school and an inspiring and creative way to write. Classical music played and candles glowed as children embraced their writing experience in a calm classroom.

This year’s Grade 5/6 class was asked to write a quote about their experience last year.

“The Big Write was fun, it also was relaxing and really

POSITIVE outcomes are the focus of the Big Write which has raised standards of writing at St Mary’s, Yarram. helpful. We used our best punctuation, connectives, vocabulary and openers. We found we improved in our writing.”

“The Big Write was a wonderful time where we could relax as well as use our creative minds to write informative biographies and original narratives. We learnt about punctuation, vocabulary, connectives and openers. We used this information throughout the “Big Write.”

“The Big Write was a great experience for us to learn more about punctuation,

connectives and openers. The teachers created a relaxing classroom for us to write about Antarctica. It was amazing! We learnt that creative stories means creative minds.”

“The Big Write helped us strengthen our vocabulary in a relaxing and creative environment. Using the VOCP colours’ and mascots we could correct our narratives and writing pieces without the aid of a teacher. Looking back on the time that we have spent learning about writing, we have noticed that we have improved our writing skills.”

Transition to Year 7 personalised STUDENTS transitioning to Marist-Sion College from Year 6 into our Year 7 program benefit from a personalised approach to secondary school learning.

Our distinctive, integrated timetable program enables students to adjust more successfully to a new secondary learning environment.

The higher demands of secondary school are varied and our program aims to ensure that we build strong learning and pastoral relationships with the students quickly and

effectively.

This in turn means that students should develop confidence and engagement in their learning environment.

Teachers have greater opportunities to focus on the development of each individual student’s literacy and numeracy skills.

The integrated approach we now provide, with a limited number of teachers, allows students to engage with learning much earlier than previously experienced.

The English/Humanities/

Information Literacy (7EHIL) subjects are taught by one teacher, as are Mathematics/ Science/Digital Literacy (7MSDL).

The teachers teach their class for 20 percent of the time in a week, therefore 40 percent of contact time is with only two teachers per student per week.

Students also study Religious Education, Music, LOTE – Japanese or German, Physical Education/Health/Sport, Visual Arts and Technology. There are also opportunities for integration of these studies.

The 7EHIL team of teachers have implemented a comprehensive course which integrates English, Humanities and Information Literacy curriculum.

We currently teach skills and knowledge in each learning area and we work to combine curriculum outcomes in tasks and assessments in order to create thorough cross curricular units.

Students participate in two excursions which enhance their learning in all areas of English, History, Geography and Information Literacy as they are specifically chosen to enhance the cross curricular nature of the learning.

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Students study several texts to meet the English curriculum components and also complete two major Information Literacy Guided Inquiry assignments, which are now effectively integrated with the new History and Geography Victorian Curriculum.

The 7MSDL teaching team have constructed a learning program to build the students’ skills and knowledge that are required in Science and Maths

curriculum, such as constructing graphs from table values, which is taught in Mathematics as a cross curricular task to meet both curriculum needs.

The Maths Pathways Program provides differentiated learning options. The Digital Literacy subject is similarly integrated into the other two subjects as the students benefit from a one to one laptop program and are taught digital skills in conjunction with Science and Maths curriculum outcomes.

faith … learning … growth

Page 12 - Catholic Life, February 2016

Around Catholic Schools 4

A welcoming community at St Gabriel’s HERE at St Gabriel’s Traralgon, we are committed to ensuring that we are always a welcoming, affirming and compassionate Catholic community.

As part of our mission to develop lifelong learners, we believe strongly in making connections with our neighbors.

To support the education of

the whole person we are committed to offering experiences that build each child’s potential.

learning with many of the residents.

Each week of each term, a class travels to O’Mara House, a specialist home for the elderly, situated in Traralgon.

As part of their unit on “Change” the grade one and two students interviewed their older friends, asking them about what school was like for them and how it had changed.

On Wednesday afternoons the St Gabriel’s students share gentle conversation, lots of laughs and an atmosphere of

The prep children drew pictures which carried a positive message of joy. One of the Grade Six students

played the piano.

After the performance many of the elderly were crying and clapping in appreciation.

Some classes brought their laptops to share creative work and to show the residents what tools they are able to use every day at school.

Each week the children returned from their visit and met as a class to discuss what they learned from their interactions.

We are certainly grateful for the ongoing support of Lavalla Secondary College and for their donation of a bus and

ELLA Meo, Alice Poole and Kyah Mackie love interacting with older people.

driver to assist us in our weekly journey.

To continue our connection to our neighbors and our families, we offered a morning of school activities to be shared specifically with our grandparents.

The children played games, shared books, sang songs, recited poetry and even participated in successful science experiments!

Our families are an integral part of our St Gabriel’s community and we welcome them in each day.

THOMAS Vander Velden and Ava Murphy enjoying their time talking to O’Mara House residents.

Using technology for school reports THE school report in its current form is not ideal.

Although the government wished the report system to be in ‘parent friendly’ language, it has not been embraced fully by families or teachers.

Teachers put a lot of time and effort into the wording and making sure their paragraphs are based on evidence, but it is the bane of their working lives.

At St James Primary School, Nar Nar Goon, we are experimenting with technology to deliver an alternative method for sharing the progress of learning.

Using the Seesaw app (on IOS, Android, Windows and Mac), we will capture significant moments of a student’s learning, with photos, videos, audio and text.

Instead of waiting for June and December to attempt to convey progress, the app will be sharing this in real time.

Specialists and classroom teachers alike will be able to use this app whenever the need arises and keep parents informed along the way. This use of multimedia will be much better way of conveying the ‘moment’ as a picture can tell a thousand words.

Our parents appreciated their experience of trials held last year and enjoyed the immediacy of the communication – not having to wait for the twice yearly report.

An interesting observation from the parents was that they saw the value in celebrating a more diverse range of learning, not just academic progress.

Whilst the parents enjoy the benefits of using this technology to track their child’s learning, a prime benefit is the added channel of feedback for the student. The Seesaw app has the facility for students to add material to their learning journal,

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TRINITY Millar (foreground) and Joel Hill pictured at work at St James. moderated by the teacher, judgements against the current slabs of text for the June and directly from their mobile curriculum standards.

December reports. Win, win, device. The teacher can We hope this will largely win for the students, teachers annotate the captured replace the need for teachers and parents. moments and make to write the time consuming

faith … learning … growth

Catholic Life, February 2016 - Page 13

New school year is celebrated CWL marks its centenary year IN October and November last year all branches of the Catholic Women’s League in the Sale Diocese held their annual general meetings.

A member of the diocesan committee attended each meeting.

We are continually amazed at the work that is done in all branches especially in the churches as readers, cleaners, raising money in different ways for Church needs etc.

Even though the majority of members are getting older the work still goes on.

The centenary of the Victoria and Wagga Wagga Catholic Women’s League is coming up this year.

The Sale Diocesan Committee is having a centenary celebratory lunch combined with our diocesan annual conference at St Michael’s school hall, Traralgon, on June 1, 2016.

Past diocesan committee members will be invited and hopefully speak about their time as a member. The main celebrations will be held in Melbourne on October 2.

To contact the Sale Diocese headquarters at Sion House, Warragul, call the switchboard on

5622 6600.

MAFFRA parish administrator Fr Darren Howie (left) and Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral Fr Peter Bickley with Catholic College Sale principal Christ Randell and new college captains John Tatterson and Jayda Malone.

SALE - Catholic College Sale as a college community about of St Mary’s Cathedral Fr celebrated the beginning of our goals and our ambitions Peter Bickley and Maffra the 2016 school year with an while we give thanks for all that administrator Fr Darren Howie. opening Mass attended by staff we have.”

The college community and students from Years 7 to Mr Randell said that the celebrates their student leaders 12.

College had some exciting new and during the gathering the Principal Chris Randell said programs and facilities opening 2016 college leaders were that it is a great time to come in 2016 and the future looked recognised and presented with together to celebrate as a whole very bright. their badges. school community. “It is good The Mass was celebrated for us to take the time to reflect by college chaplains Dean

Contact details for all parishes and their Mass times are available on the diocesan web page www.sale.catholic.org.au

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Page 14 - Catholic Life, February 2016

Lifetime working for Church agencies coming to an end AFTER more than 50 years working in the service of the Catholic Church Therese Kearney is retiring next week.

Her career started as a teacher and has finished as a counsellor with CatholicCare Gippsland.

She began teaching at St Michael’s, Berwick, then after studying special education she was the first special education advisor appointed to the Catholic Education Office by the late Terry Synan who was then director of Catholic education.

She worked in seven schools in the Latrobe Valley in the late 1970s, before returning to teaching where she was a principal for 13 years at North Fitzroy and Mt Evelyn.

Her career took another twist when she went to Latrobe University to do a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Human Services.

Some 15 years ago she was employed as the first Pakenham counsellor for Centacare Gippsland, as CatholicCare was then known.

After the Black Saturday Bushfires seven years ago she worked in an outreach program, regularly visiting and supporting fire victims in Drouin, Noojee, Jindivick and Labertouche districts.

Therese said that the idea of visits the victims in their homes was much better than expecting them to visit an office in a nearby town because it enabled her to talk with the people and see first hand what they were experiencing.

The resilience of the people, many who had faced death in driving through walls of flames

What’s on & when FEBRUARY 18 – Valley region meeting, Morwell, noon 21 – Rite of Election, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 3pm 24 – West region meeting, Berwick Parish Centre, 10.30am for 11am start

MARCH

Therese Kearney to escape, was something she would never forget.

She said they were stoic people who appreciated the efforts to help them and that made it easy to work with them.

After the fire relief program, she continued to work as a mediator and counsellor with hospital and nursing home staff and residents at Neerim South and Drouin.

When then Centacare director Jamie Edwards decided to run an experimental program working with pastoral associates in areas where there was no resident priest, Therese stepped forward.

She said it had been hoped that funding might become available to perpetuate the program but it never eventuated.

For six months she visited

Buchan, Orbost, Mallacoota and Yarram to work with the pastoral associates and the people.

After that she was tasked with starting the Pakenham office and had been providing counselling there ever since.

Further studies included a year of grief counselling training and a Relationships Australia couples course.

In retirement Therese has no plans to let the grass grow under her feet as she will be off to Ireland to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rebellion.

She will spend five weeks in Wexford at a friend’s property on the banks of the Boyne River and hope to be there as a local rather than a tourist.

New resource for catechists WARRAGUL - All catechists and those involved in children’s liturgies in the diocese are invited to the annual gathering of the Diocesan Catechist Association on March 16.

The gathering will be in the newly refurbished Teacher’s Centre at Sion House, Warragul,

Quick calendar

beginning with morning tea at 9.30am.

Following morning prayer and reflection diocesan pastoral coordinator Sophy Morley will speak about a recent liturgy study trip she undertook.

The annual meeting will follow and will include reports

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and details of the accreditation process required to be a catechist.

Bishop Pat O’Regan will celebrate Mass in the Sion House chapel at noon and at the conclusion of Mass will launch and bless the new resource and present each catechist with a copy.

After lunch Anne Taylor and Sr Madeleine White will give an introduction to the new resource and it is expected that the gathering will finish around 2.45pm.

Those attending are asked to advise Barb Durand on 5622 6678 or email bdurand@sale. catholic.org.au no later than March 9.

Those attending are asked to bring a plate of morning tea to share.

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2 – World Day of Prayer 4-5 – ‘24 hours for the Lord’ Papal reconciliation initiative 6 – New Clyde North establishment Mass with Bishop O’Regan, St Peter’s College, Cranbourne East, 2pm 8 – Memorial of St John of God 8 – International Women’s Day (UN) 8 – Clergy reflection day, Warragul 9 – South Region meeting, Leongatha, 11.15am 14 – Labor Day public holiday 15 – Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting, 9.30am for 10am start 16 – Annual catechists gathering and Mass, Warragul 9.30am 17 – St Patrick’s Day 20 – Palm Sunday 21 – Serra Club annual golf day and dinner, Sale 22 – Chrism Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale 24 – The Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday) 24 – End of Term One 25 – Good Friday 26 – Easter Vigil 27 – Easter Sunday.

APRIL 3 – Daylight saving ends (clocks back one hour) 4 – Annunciation 4-8 – Sale Diocese clergy retreat 7 – World Health Day (UN) 11 – Term Two begins 16 – Diocesan Called and Gifted workshop, Leongatha 21 – Valley region meeting, St Michael’s, Traralgon, noon 25 – Anzac Day 29 – Feast Day of St Catherine of Siena 30 – Diocesan Called and Gifted workshop, Pakenham

MAY 4-14 – Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference plenary meeting, Sydney 7 – Diocesan Called and Gifted Workshop, Bairnsdale 8 – Ascension of the Lord 8 – Mother’s Day 10 – East region meeting, Lakes Entrance, 10am for 10.30 start 11 – West region meeting, Berwick Parish Centre, 10.30am for 11am start 14 – Diocesan Called and Gifted workshop, Traralgon 15 – International Day of Families (UN) 24 – Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting 25 – Pentecost

26 – National Sorry Day 29 – Body and Blood of Christ 31 – Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

JUNE 1 – Diocesan celebration of CWL centenary, St Michael’s Hall, Traralgon 3 – Sacred Heart of Jesus 4 – Immaculate Heart of Mary 5 – World Environment Day 7- Ramadan begins 8 – South Region meeting, Korumburra, 11.15am 13 – Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday 16 – Valley region meeting, Lumen Christi Hall, Churchill, noon 20 – World Refugee Day 24 – Birthday of John the Baptist 24 – End of Term Two

JULY 3 – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday – NAIDOC Week begins 11 – Term Three begins 22 – Feast of St Mary Magdalen 25-31 – World Youth Day, Krakow, Poland

AUGUST 6 – Transfiguration of the Lord 8 – Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop 11 – Feast of St Clare 15 – The Assumption 17 – West region meeting, Berwick Parish Centre, 10.30am for 11am start 18 – Valley region meeting, St Mary’s, Yarram, noon 22 – Queenship of Mary

SEPTEMBER 4 – Father’s Day 5-7 - Australasian Catholic Press Association conference, Sydney 8 – Birthday of Blessed Virgin Mary 9 – East region meeting, Bairnsdale, 10am for 10.30 start 16 – Term Three ends 19-23 Sale Diocese clergy inservice 23 – Feast of St Pio of Pietrelcina 27 – Feast of St Vincent de Paul ]30 – AFL grand final eve public holiday

OCTOBER 1 – AFL Grand Final 2 – Daylight saving begins (Clocks forward one hour) 2 – Centenary celebrations of CWL Victoria and Wagga Wagga, Melbourne 3 – Term our begins 10 – World Mental Health Day (UN) 12 – South Region meeting, Wonthaggi, 11.15am 15 – Feast of St Theresa of Avila 21 – Valley region meeting, St Kieran’s, Moe, noon

Catholic Life, February 2016 - Page 15

Traralgon Preps enjoy learning experience

THE 2016 crop of Preps at St Michael's, Traralgon.

Advice - How good is yours?

I HAVE often banged he drum that investors should get professional advice.

Good, unbiased and knowledgeable advice should pay for itself many times over.

In fact, it’s now law that advisers must act in their clients’ best interests.

Unfortunately I have recently come across an alarming number of instances where this hasn’t been the case, and the inexperienced investors have been led to make decisions that are genuinely not in their best interests. In most of these cases the adviser should have known that.

In one case an investor was told that he should invest in property in his own SelfManaged Super Fund, by his employer, an accountant. So he did.

He bought two residential units through a local solicitor, and used a bare trust setup through the accountant and solicitor. Apart from the horrendous cost in this, there were far more important factors.

The accountant and solicitor were connected and the solicitor in effect owned the properties.

More importantly, the investor discovered that residential property in a SMSF is not cash flow positive for many years if normal borrowing levels are applied. Negative gearing is just that – negative.

The investor has had to salary sacrifice for some time far more than her usual superannuation contributions just to make up the shortfall, and the interest on the borrowing only has a minimal tax deductibility.

The investor is now considering whether to sell one of the units to minimise their disadvantages. The units have appreciated, but only sufficiently really to cover the coasts of disposal.

In this case I find it hard to see where the investor was being looked after. More I feel it was someone taking advantage of another’s ignorance.

Another situation involved a financial planner recommending a portfolio for a widow in order for her to draw a pension.

The portfolio was designed in such a way that the adviser’s

DOLLAR$ & SENSE with David Wells

fees and other costs were always going to be greater than the investor’s return, before even any pension was paid.

When the widow complained the planner promised to review everything. The widow then received a sub-standard statement of advice that would have perpetuated her problem.

The adviser again, played on the widow’s ignorance.

When a third party explained this to the widow’s accountant, he explained that a fair number of his clients were in a similar position. As he didn’t have a licence, he couldn’t advise them differently.

And we read in the paper all the time about banks and their financial planners! Most financial planners are upright and honest, but they’re not directly involved in investing.

Effectively what they can recommend is only part of the investment universe and they do not control that.

In both these situations the client has suffered because of their ignorance, which defeats the entire reasons for getting advice in the first place.

I have spent nearly 30 years advising normal people and this abuse still causes me the greatest anger. As advisers we are morally and now legally beholden to our clients.

Most of us always have been, as they are the reason for us doing what we do. That some advisers take advantage of people who can’t tell the difference, really makes honest advisers very angry.

Many advisers are unlicensed to provide the advice they do, and real estate agents are not licenced to provide investment advice.

So how do you avoid this?

First of all don’t trust any advice that seems too good to be true.

There are no get rich quick schemes in the real investment

world that don’t rely on the unexpected, so don’t expect it.

Secondly does your adviser have an interest in any of his recommendations? Is he/she connected with the investment manager/property owner or similar? Are they getting any commissions? If they don’t say, ask them and get their response in writing, if they’ll give you one.

At least then if things go wrong you’ll have a base case for compensation. All commissions and payments must be disclosed prior to investing.

Thirdly, have a look at the forecasts. Are they real? Are they reasonable? If you are drawing a pension will they help cover that cost?

Who makes the most if you follow the advice – the planner, broker, real estate agent or you?

Check the numbers on both sides of the equation. After all, we’re looking at a cost/reward situation so you need to be sure that the reward is sufficient.

And then, get a second opinion from someone who doesn’t have an interest in the situation.

I’d remind our readers that less than 13 percent of financial planners can truly be called independent.

In the case quoted above, there was a planner, then there was there was the dealer group and then the owner. Guess who?

– one of the big four banks. This bank controlled the process all the way down to where our widow was stitched up.

• 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.

TRARALGON - St Michael’s Primary School came to life again for the beginning of the 2016 school year.

The school was abuzz with the sounds of excitement, conversation, laughter and anticipation.

The day was an exciting milestone for all the school’s new Prep children who arrived at school with their new uniforms, shiny shoes and full school bags.

This year St Michael’s school community also welcomed grade 1/2 teacher, Lia DiCorleto, and support staff, Emma Lewis, Catherine Colonnelli and Hayley Cassar.

The first day of school is an important stepping stone in the lives of Prep children and their parents.

It is a busy and exciting time for not only the preps but also their teachers, Mrs Scholtes, Ms Coates and Mrs Waanders. This is the beginning of a partnership

between St Michael’s and the new preps and their families as they begin their journey of ‘Learning for Life’.

When asked about their first day at school, prep students, Zane said, I liked making my book about dinosaurs and playing ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’.”

Macey answered, “I liked playing outside and seeing all my friends.”

Franklin replied, “I liked making my first book called, ‘All about me’ and I wrote my name on the front.”

“It is a significant milestone when the seeds for a love of learning, a positive sense of self and a feeling of belonging to a new community are planted.” said Mrs Scholtes.

School Principal, Mrs Cathy Blackford said, “The students all had a great start to the school year; it was wonderful to see them so excited and ready to learn.”

SVDP puts forward its budget wish list THE Federal Government must deliver secure housing, a fair health care system and income adequacy in this year’s budget.

These are the key policy areas outlined in the St Vincent de Paul Society’s 2016-17 PreBudget Submission.

The society believes the major priority areas for the 2016 Federal Budget should include: • Secure Housing - Safe, affordable and secure housing is a human right, but well over 100,000 experience homelessness each night.

• Health care for all - Universal health care must be strengthened in this Budget through a financed commitment to a holistic Social Determinants of Health approach, rather than undermined by cuts to Medicare and other services.

• Income adequacy - Everyone in Australia deserves income adequacy, regardless of age, family status, or any test of ‘moral worthiness’. This means a focus on income support, jobcreation, and education for everyone.

St Vincent de Paul Society CEO Dr John Falzon said the 2016-17 Budget was a chance for the Federal Government to correct the country’s course after the extreme and unfair cuts of the previous two budgets.

“The Prime Minister has said this is the most exciting time to be an Australian, and the Budget is the key opportunity for this government to deliver policies that reduce poverty and inequality so that this claim can have some meaning for all, rather than the lucky few."

Investments made simple.

Personal advice Unrivalled experience Buy and sell shares, portfolio managememt Investment research and daily market information Investment advice for self managed super funds For all your investment needs please contact: David Wells W , Senior Investment Adviser on 03 9268 1157 or toll free 1800 150 009 or dwells@shawandpartners.com.au

Page 16 - Catholic Life, February 2016

Construction begins on $120m Berwick hospital BERWICK - Construction of the new $120 million St John of God Berwick Hospital began on January 21 with a sod-turning ceremony at the Kangan Drive construction site.

St John of God Health Care chief executive officer Dr Michael Stanford, Generation Healthcare REIT CEO Miles Wentworth, State Member for Gembrook Brad Battin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier and State Labor Member for Narre Warren Judith Graley and St John of God Berwick Hospital CEO Lisa Norman jointly broke ground together.

The soil on which the hospital will be constructed was blessed by Fr Denis O’Bryan in recognition of the Catholic

FR Denis O’Bryan, parish priest of Clyde North, blesses the site of the new hospital.

heritage of St John of God Health Care.

The new hospital will be jointly owned by St John of God Health Care and Generation Health Care but will be operated solely by St John of God. It will have 210 beds, eight operating theatres, a cardiac/vascular catheter laboratory, six birthing suites and approximately 350 basement car parks.

Ms Norman said the launch was a significant event for the large and rapidly expanding communities of Casey and Cardinia which the hospital served.

“The construction of the new hospital, which is co-located with Monash Health’s Casey hospital, will form part of a major health precinct in the outer eastern suburbs and take health care in the region to a new level.

“The hospital is expected to be completed in 2017, at which time all existing services provided at the historic Gibb St. site will be relocated to the new hospital.

“The existing Gibb St. campus will be retained and upgraded and will deliver inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, bringing the total project costs to $150 million.

“The number and range of services will be significantly expanded and it is anticipated that the hospital will play a vital role in providing health care services in eastern Victoria.”

Ms Norman also said that the new expanded hospital would provide approximately 200 more jobs and need more than 100 new doctors once completed.

The construction of the new St John of God Berwick Hospital is stage two of a three-stage project for the site. Builders Hansen Yuncken have been awarded the construction contract and will be on site

ST John of God Berwick Hospital CEO Lisa Norman takes a turn on the golden shovel at the sod-turning, flanked by Fr Denis O’Bryan and representatives of the construction company. for the expected 80 week construction pathology, home nursing and disability services throughout Australia and in period.

The first stage was the development of New Zealand.

It has extensive social outreach a major medical centre, developed and owned by Generation Healthcare REIT, programs nationally and in the near Asia which opened in February 2015, and has Pacific region, and in the current financial become the home of the St John of God year has administered programs worth Berwick Hospital Day Oncology Centre $66 million.

It currently has capital developments and St John of God Pathology.

A third stage has been master planned worth $624 million underway.

Generation Healthcare REIT is for when the new hospital is at capacity.

At completion, St John of God Berwick Australia’s only dedicated healthcare Hospital will have 12 operating theatres property entity on the Australian Stock Exchange. and 316 beds.

The portfolio of 17 properties includes St John of God Health Care is one of Australia’s largest non-government hospitals, medical centres, laboratories, hospital operators and is Australia’s residential aged care facilities and other largest Catholic hospital operator. It purpose-built healthcare facilities.

The fund partners with high quality has been operating for 120 years and employs more than 13,500 caregivers healthcare tenants with strongly across Australia, New Zealand and the diversified income streams and currently has total assets under management of wider Asia-Pacific region.

It operates 23 facilities comprising $407 million with investments located more than 3000 beds and also provides in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

Pope’s Lenten message targets wealth and power POPE Francis has taken direct aim at the wealthy and powerful of the world, saying in his message for Lent that they are often “slaves to sin” who, if they ignore the poor, “will end up condemning themselves and plunging into the eternal abyss of solitude which is hell.”

“The greater their power and wealth, the more this blindness and deception can grow,” the pontiff wrote in his annual Lenten exhortation, which was released on January 26.

Pope Francis has made caring for the poor and denouncing social injustice a hallmark of his pontificate. He has said he would like “a church that is poor and for the poor.”

In this year’s message to the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics for the penitential season leading to Easter, he uses some of his most powerful language yet. He talks about the corrupting influence of money and power -- while pointing out that caring for the poor, and not just praying for them, is the path to genuine conversion.

“The corporal and spiritual works of mercy must never be separated,” the Pope writes. “By touching the flesh of the crucified Jesus in the suffering, sinners can receive the gift of realising that they too are poor and in need.”

Too often, he says, the real poor are revealed as those who refuse to see themselves as such. “This is because

they are slaves to sin, which leads them to use wealth and power not for the service of God and others, but to stifle within their hearts the profound sense that they too are only poor beggars.”

The organising principle of the Lenten message is mercy - just as it is the hallmark of this pontificate and the theme of the special Holy Year jubilee that Francis inaugurated last month.

“For all of us, then, the season of Lent in this Jubilee Year is a favorable time to overcome our existential alienation by listening to God’s word and by practicing the works of mercy.

“These works remind us that faith finds expression in concrete everyday actions meant to help our neighbors in body and spirit: by feeding, visiting, comforting and instructing them. On such things will we be judged.”

Catholic Life, February 2016 - Page 17

world news ...

world news ...

Pope announces second soccer match for peace ROME - Sitting alongside soccer stars such as Ronaldinho and Bryan Ruiz, Pope Francis has announced that a second edition of his 2014 interreligious match for peace will take place in May, reports the Catholic News Agency.

“I invite you all to the Match for Peace. It will be here in Rome on May 29,” the Pope

said at an event organised by the Pontifical Foundation Scholas Occurrentes.

The football match is aimed at demonstrating “that we are capable of making peace with a game, with art,” he said, adding that he’s doing it “as a service.”

Pope Francis said,“One of the definitions of the Pope is to be the servant of the servants of

God. That is why I am here, that is why I agreed to come,” He explained that the intent of the game was not proselytisation, but the good of the human person.

The first match for peace took place on September 1, 2014, at Rome’s Olympic Stadium, and was organised by retired Catholic football star Javier

“Pupi” Zanetti, who was captain of the Argentine national team and of Inter Milan in Italy.

Zanetti, who had formed a close relationship with the Pope while he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires, pitched him the idea of organising a sports event that brought together members of different religions.

Pope Francis backed the idea,

and asked Zanetti to organise the match alongside the Pontifical Academy for Social Sciences.

In addition to Zanetti, other well-known players who participated in the match were Maradona, Alessandro del Piero, Gianluiggi Buffon and Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o.

Israeli wall threatens Christian farmers livelihood

By Oliver Maksan PALESTINE - THE hopes of the Christians of Beit Jala, a neighboring town to Bethlehem, have again diminished after Israel’s supreme court dismissed their lawyers’ most recent petitions.

The aim was to force the Israeli army to disclose the precise course of the wall in the Cremisan Valley, which is part of Beit Jala, before construction commenced.

The plaintiffs, Christian families and members of Catholic orders, wanted in this way to stop the army creating a situation on the ground in the agricultural area which could not be appealed against.

The judges did emphasise the possibility of an appeal but with the rejection of the petition it is now possible to continue work on the connecting section intended to close a gap in the wall between Israel and Palestine.

Auxiliary Bishop William Shomali explained in an interview with the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need “This dismissal has weakened their trust in the justice and will motivate some people to sell and leave.”

“People feel very frustrated and depressed. As for the promise to allow owners to

have full access to their land, it is not enough. It means the owners can use their land to plant grapes and olives but not to construct a home. The access itself may be denied in the future, since the land behind the wall will be part of Jerusalem.

Going there needs a permit and permits can be denied,” the Bishop said.

The legal dispute between the Christian landowners and the Israeli army has been dragging on since 2006.

Israel’s supreme court as the final arbiter announced that the army could build – on Palestinian soil and so 58 Christian families will lose their land at the wall sooner or later or will only have limited access to it.

Israel justified the planned route by quoting security reasons and defence against terrorism, and it talks of a temporary measure, but the Palestinians regard the course of the wall as a state-organised land grab.

They talk of the “annexation wall” because the barrier, which meanders over a length of more than 700km between Israel and the Palestinian areas, has already been built about 80 per cent on Palestinian land and not on the borderline.

In August last year the excavators advanced in the valley unrooting ancient olive trees.

Chicago parishes facing closure UNITED STATES - The Archdiocese of Chicago could close as many as 100 parishes over the next dozen years under a comprehensive review announced by Archbishop Blase Cupich.

In a report from Crux news service, the archbishop pointed to ageing infrastructure and a looming priest shortage, and said the nation’s third largest archdiocese risked “spreading our resources too thinly” if it failed “to face these realities” by taking steps to plan for its future.

In a column for the Catholic New World, the archbishop said the archdiocese was launching a months-long review process that would “require a good deal of prayer and humility, hard

work, tough choices and new sacrifices.”

He said to expect that some of the archdiocese’s 351 parishes would close as a result.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Archbishop Cupich announced the review process to priests at a series of meetings held over the past few weeks.

He warned them that financial and personnel projections through 2030 made the status quo unsustainable.

About 10 new priests are ordained each year, fewer than the number of priests who retire annually. The archdiocese’s website says there are more than 700 priests today, though that figure includes priests who are retired or working in administrative roles.

PALESTINIAN Christian Musa, a Greek Orthodox from Beit Jala, points to his land in the Cremisan Valley that is to be confiscated by the Israeli government for the construction of the Israeli separation wall in that area. © Aid to the Church in Need The elderly Orthodox Chris- stall for the farmers. to the fields located on the Istian from Beit Jala,Mr Nahmi “This hasn’t worked in the raeli side. The fact is that our has already lost 1500 olive trees past. For some security reason land is lost. which were many hundreds of or other people are then stopped The Israelis still apply Ottoyears old. from entering. Regardless of man law by which private land He doesn’t think much of the whether they have permission passes into state ownership if agricultural gates in the wall or not to take heavy agricultural it hasn’t been cultivated for 10 which the army intends to in- machinery and workers across years.”

Wife's annulment questioned MEXICO Journalists have claimed that Mexican president’s 2010 wedding to a soap opera star was possible only because leading Church figures lied to help annul her previous marriage, reports Crux.

The charge comes from journalist Carmen Aristegui and the weekly magazine Proceso.

In 2004, soap opera star Angelica Rivera married the father of her three children and longtime partner, soap opera producer Jose Alberto Castro Alva, in the Church in Mexico City.

Nine days later, Rivera and Castro held another ceremony to celebrate their union on a beach in the resort city of Acapulco.

Four years later, the couple divorced. Soon after, the actress began dating the current President Peña Nieto, then the

governor of the State of Mexico.

In 2008, Nieto’s bid to become president was gathering steam, with help from Mexico’s main TV network Televisa. Rivera was one of the network’s most popular stars and was hired to do some spots for his campaign, which is how the two met.

Talk about a wedding soon followed, but it couldn’t happen in the Church unless the actress's first marriage was annulled.

In 2009, the couple travelled to the Vatican, and the politician gave Rivera her engagement ring in St Peter’s Basilica.

The magazine claims that Rivera managed to get her annulment in record time, in a process full of irregularities.

It points to high-level figures in the Church with close ties to the political elite, particularly the Archbishop of Mexico City, Cardinal Norberto Rivera, as

having greased the wheels.

According to an excerpt from the annulment resolution of May 2009, the tribunal of the Archdiocese of Mexico declared Rivera’s marriage to Castro “null and invalid” because of “defects of canonical form.”

The magazine’s investigation claims that the tribunal ruled the marriage was invalid because it held that the priest involved had tricked Rivera into marrying at a church without her knowledge, with another priest officiating, and then pretended the ceremony at the beach was the real thing, when it wasn’t.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

- Philippians 4:13

Page 18 - Catholic Life, February 2016

For the Young and Young at Heart Paint your own Mona Lisa

Time for a laugh WHEN a zoo’s gorilla dies, the zookeeper hires an actor to don a costume and act like an ape until the zoo can get another one.

In the cage, the actor makes faces, swings around, and draws a huge crowd. He then crawls across a partition and atop the lion’s cage, infuriating the animal. But the actor stays in character—until he loses his grip and falls into the lion’s cage.

Terrified, the actor shouts, “Help!

Help me!” Too late. The lion pounces, opens its massive jaws, and whispers, “Quiet! Do you want to get us both fired?!”

TWO men are standing by the side of a road holding up a sign that reads “The end is near! Turn around now before it’s too late!”

A passing driver yells, “You religious freaks are nuts!” and speeds past them. From around the curve, they hear screeching tyres then a big splash.

One man turns to the other and says, “Do you think we should just put up a sign that says ‘Bridge washed away’ instead?

HERE’S one for the mums and dads as well as all the children who love colouring. Try your hand at creating your own version of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa.

Tricky Gippsland places

your homework and helped mum and dad, would it help you get to heaven?”

“No!” yelled the children in unison.

The teacher tried again. “If you were to say your prayers every morning and night, be kind to your brothers and sisters, and looked after all God’s creatures, would that get you into heaven?”

“No!” they all shouted again.

“Surely if you did all these things it would make it easier to get to heaven?”

One little boy at the back of the class finally spoke up. “Miss, we could do all the things you said, but we won’t be able to go to heaven because we are not dead.”

A WOMAN who wasn’t a brunette or redhead, walking into the library and loudly asked “Can I have a burger and fries please?”

The librarian quietly replied “Madam this is a library.”

The women quickly looked around and saw the rows of books and people sitting quietly reading, then whispered “Sorry, I didn’t realise. Can I have a THREE guys are fishing when an burger and fries?” angel appears.

A POLICEMAN was waking The first guy says, “I’ve suffered from back pain for years. Can you around the school ground taking help me?” The angel touches the notes as he investigated a case of man’s back, and he feels instant relief. vandalism.

A little girl came along, looked him The second guy points to his thick glasses and begs for a cure for his up and down as asked “Are you a poor eyesight. When the angel tosses policeman?”

“Yes,” he replied. the lenses into the lake, the man gains “My mum and dad told me that if 20/20 vision.

As the angel turns to the third fellow, ever they aren’t around and I have he instantly recoils and screams, a problem, that it is ok to ask a “Don’t touch me! I’m on Work Cover policeman. Is that right?”

“Yes,” he replied again. benefits!”

“Good! Would you please tie my A TEACHER asked her class “If shoelace?” you did all your chores, finished all

Test your Bible knowledge 1. What does the word “bible’ mean?

2. Who occupied the promised land when the Israelites arrived?

3. Who were the first two sons of Abraham?

4. Which prophet was cast into a lions’ den?

5. Who had Samson’s hair cut while he slept?

6. Which two seas are connected by the River Jordan?

7. Which queen came to test the wisdom of Solomon?

8. Who was king when Jesus was

born?

9. What is the biblical significance of the number 666?

10. Who was the first Christian martyr?

11. What is strange about the census mentioned in the story of the nativity?

12. What are the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke called?

13. On what hill did the crucifixion of Jesus take place?

14. Who lived on locusts and honey?

ANSWERS GLEN ALVIE GRANT KILCUNDA LAKE TYERS BEACH LILLICO OUTTRIM RAWSON RHYLL

ROBINSONS BEACH VENUS BAY WALHALLA WINNINDOO WISELEIGH WOMERAH

9. It is the number of the beast from Revelations.

10. St Stephen.

11. Roman records which are quite detailed on such things, makes no mention of it.

12. Synoptic Gospels.

13. Golgotha which means skull in Aramaic, sometimes called Calvary from the Latin word for skull.

14. John the Baptist

BONA VISTA CALLIGNEE COALVILLE CULLODEN DALYSTON DEN OF NARGUN FAIRY DELL GELLIONDALE

1. It is from the Greek word for books.

2. The Canaanites.

3. Ishmael and Isaac.

4. Daniel 5. Deliliah 6. The Sea of Gallilee and the Dead Sea. (Sea of Gallilee is also known as the Sea of Tiberias) 7. Queen of Sheba, thought to be in modern-day Ethiopia.

8. Herod the Great.

Can your find these places? Do you even know where they are?

Catholic Life, February 2016 - Page 19

Days of penance: What does it mean?

Classifieds prayer

bingo

THANK you O Holy St Jude Apostle and Martyr, and to the Holy Spirit for answering my prayers. I also have faith that other prayers I have put before you will be answered in your good time.

St Jude Pray for us and all who invoke your name. Amen.

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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public notices

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VOCATIONS

Your will be done

Priests & Deacons Are you considering a vocation as a priest or deacon for the Diocese of Sale?

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

A QUESTION often asked by those on the fringes of the Church, and even some Mass-goers, relates to whether the Church still has days of penance.

Up until a few decades ago Catholics had to abstain from eating meat on Fridays and so the idea of penance was better understood.

The Code of Canon Law still reaffirms the obligation to do penance – which in modern parlance means to interrupt the usual comforts of life, to rediscover in prayer the saving love of God, and to practice charity and justice towards those in need.

During Lent and on Fridays throughout the year we are called to do penance. We must take seriously our penitential obligations and be sure to carry them out.

The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference has not restricted penance to fast and abstinence, in all cases,it has left room for our own responsible choices.

We should carefully select the form of penance that we consider most appropriate for our own circumstances and growth in Christian life.

Schools funding change

If so please contact

Fr Peter Bickley 5144 4100

STUDENTS in non-government schools receive 58 per cent of the government funding a student in a government school receives.

vocations@sale.catholic.org.au

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It is not a matter of “giving up something for Lent”, which many choose as a form of penance, as it is just as valid to “take up something for Lent” – perhaps start visiting people in nursing homes, assisting a charity …

Abstinence from meat and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those under 18 or over the age of 60 are not bound to fast, but all those over the age of 14 must abstain from meat.

On all other Fridays of the year penance can be fulfilled by prayer which includes Mass attendance, family prayer, individual prayer, Bible reading, making the Stations of the Cross or praying the Rosary.

Self-denial such as giving up meat, sweets, entertainment to spend more time with the family, limiting food and drinks is also a valid form of penance, as is helping others.

Catholics are obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year and this must be done between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday, which falls on May 22 this year.

They also are expected to confess their grave sins at least once a year.

Closing date for next issue is April 4

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Recent increases in public funding for non-government schools reflect the changing profile of students in Catholic and independent schools, the National Catholic Education Commission has explained.

The Productivity Commission recently released its report on government services for childcare, education and training which includes data on schools.

National Catholic Education Commission executive director Ross Fox said that over the past five years government funding for students in non-government schools has increased from 52 per cent of the funding for peers in a government school to 58 per cent.

Between 2009 and 2014, the number of students with disability in Catholic schools increased 36 per cent from 24,805 to 33,669.

Over the same period, the number of Indigenous students had increased 40 per cent from 14,261 to 19,995.

Mr Fox said despite the increase in government funding, parents continued to have to make a significant contribution to support their child in a Catholic school.

“Parents with students in a non-government school are paying more than 40 per cent of the cost of educating their child,” he said.

“Parents understand that fees are a part of a Catholic education, but parents should not be forced to pay an increasing share of the cost of educating a child in a Catholic school.”

Page 20 - Catholic Life, February 2016

200 years of Oblates of Mary Immaculate of Eugene’s life and that of the Oblates he has inspired over these 200 years.

Similarly, Pope Francis, in his many sermons and exhortations continues to stress this same message of St Eugene, for us to make a personal commitment to our Crucified Saviour Jesus Christ and to reach out to the most abandoned of our society.

Of these 200 years, 122 have witnessed the presence of the Oblates in Australia and 67 of these years in service of the people in the parish of St Kieran’s, Moe. More recently, in 2014, the Oblates, at the invitation of the Bishop of Sale, accepted pastoral care of St Mary’s, Newborough under the title of parishes in partnership.

This new undertaking highlights the Oblate commitment to be of service to the needs of the Church while continuing to spiritually care for the people.

The people of Moe embraced the missionary vision of St Eugene de Mazenod through the commitment and generous service of the Oblate Priests over these years as they shared the words, missionary zeal and vision of St Eugene.

This involvement has seen the people of St Kieran’s support many Oblate missionary endeavours through the

MOE-based Oblates Fr Mathewraj Jeyaraj and locally-born Fr Harry Dyer work closely with Moe and Newborough Catholic schools where they have introduced a Mini Oblates program.

Missionary Association of the introduction of the ‘Mini Mary Immaculate.

Oblates’.

This association continues This involves student leaders to support many Oblates and encouraging fellow students their people in the very difficult and staff to undertake some missions in poorest areas of the missionary outreach each term world. on a local, international and Parishioners have also embarked on missionary immersion experiences with the Oblates, particularly in China, assisting with the teaching of English and supporting the Oblate orphanage.

St Kieran’s and St Mary’s primary schools have also embraced the missionary spirit of the Oblates through

school level.

Currently the Oblates have a presence in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. The Australian Province has also been generous by proactively sharing Oblates in various missions around the world even though numbers have been tight.

Presently Australian Oblates are serving in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Kenya and Zimbabwe. This is the true missionary spirit of the Oblates and continues to echo the words of St Eugene; “Leave nothing undared for the Kingdom of God”.

The Oblates are always open to young men who feel the call to live in community, be daring and have a missionary zeal to work alongside God’s people and to share the Good news.

Contact can be made with the Moe Oblate community (5127 1057) to discern a possible vocation with the Oblates.

Get the clubs ready for Serra Golf Day

A priest visiting the sick in Peru

Every confessor must accept the faithful as the father in the parable of the prodigal son. Confessors are called to embrace the repentant son who comes home and to express the joy of having him back again.

Chosen to be the Mother of the Son of God, Mary, from the outset, was prepared by the love of God to be the Ark of the Covenant between God and man. She treasured divine mercy in her heart in perfect harmony with her son Jesus.

The red and white beads represent the rays of light of the Divine Mercy.

Cath Life Sale

THE Oblates of Mary Immaculate have been working for 200 years, 122 of them in Australia and 67 years in Moe! On January 25 the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate celebrated 200 years since Fr Eugene de Mazenod, now St Eugene, and two other priests, gathered together in Aix en Province, France to live in community and embark on a mission of preaching the good news to the most abandoned.

Since those early beginnings during the period of the French Revolution, the Oblates have worked tirelessly to assist the poor in the practical everyday aspects of their daily lives as well as bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to them.

St Eugene’s three-fold formula that drove his missionary zeal was that we must help people to become human beings first of all, then become Christian and then help them to be saints.

Eugene de Mazenod experienced a personal conversion before the crucifix one Good Friday and from that moment was consumed with the knowledge of the great love that Jesus had for him and the people of the world.

See the world through the eyes of the crucified Saviour and reach out to the most abandoned are the corner stone

SALE Serra Club member Reg Carmody tees off during last year’s event.

SALE – The annual Serra Golf competition between the Sale Day will be held at Sale Golf Diocese clergy and Serrans for Club, Longford, on Monday, the Fr Frank Carroll Shield and March 21. the Neville McLeod Plaque for The day is a major social best score on the day. events for clergy, Serra Club There are also individual members and supporters. events and trophies for Serrans, Serra is an international Friends of Serra, Ladies, organisation which supports and Catholic religious and other religious. promotes religious vocations.

The cost of competing is $10 In recent years the golf day has taken on an ecumenical which include the light lunch.

The presentation dinner will flavor with clergy from other denominations competing be held at the Lakeside Club against the Catholic clergy for (Sale Bowls Club) in Foster St, the Bishop Jeremiah Coffey Sale, that evening at a cost of Trophy. $30 per head for a two course A light lunch and coffee will dinner. be served at 11.30am before a Many non-golfers and 12.15 shotgun start to the golf. supporters of Serra choose to Golfers will play a stableford just attend the dinner. event with a Calloway system To assist with organisation applying for non-handicap and catering those who want to golfers of any standard. play golf or attend the dinner There is an opportunity for should contact Reg Carmody those unable to compete with (5144 3349 or 0427 443 349) or the main group to play at 8am Alan Wyatt (5143 0454 or 0409 through arrangement with the 449 104) no later than Friday, organisers.

March 11.

As usual there will be keen