Catholic Life June 2012

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Catholic Life

Publication of the Diocese of Sale

ISSUE 162

Sowing seeds on fertile ground - Page 2

Good crowd at Marian conference - Page 9

June 2012

Columba students in fast lane - Page 16

Warragul move imminent

By Colin Coomber

THE diocesan headquarters will officially relocate to Sion House, Warragul, on July 9.

The offices in Sale and Newborough will close at the end of the previous week so everything can be transferred into the new offices over the weekend.

Phone and computer systems will be transferred and it is hoped that it will be business as usual on the Monday morning, without too many technical glitches.

From July 9 the one telephone number for all diocesan agencies will be the same 5622 6600.

Extensions and renovations to the former Our Lady of Sion

Convent have taken place over the past 12 months with Catholic Education Office staff frequently having to juggle offices as work has taken place around them.

The ground floor of the Connor St. building will house a reception area, chapel, Catholic Development Fund, archives, and the business, media, youth, and pastoral offices, as well as

some CEO staff.

Upstairs will be the bishop’s office and more CEO staff.

The carefully orchestrated move will bring to an end 125 years of the diocesan headquarters being located in Sale.

Bishop Christopher Prowse is in the process of relocating his home to Warragul but will return to St Mary’s Cathedral in Sale for the main liturgical cel-

ebrations on the calendar.

The postal address for diocesan correspondence after July 9 will be PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820.

Mail sent to diocesan mailboxes in Sale, both Box 183 and Box 508, will be redirected to Warragul.

Sale parish, which shares PO Box 183, will continue to receive its mail at that address.

Celebration time following Sale confirmations IT has been extremely busy time for Bishop Prowse in recent weeks.

After being away for almost a month attending the Bishops’ Conference in Sydney, leading a retreat for the Sale Diocese Catholic Education Office in Rome and visiting France. the bishop hit the ground running on his return to the diocese.

The first weekend back he had the launch of his new pastoral letter and the Year of Grace.

Then the following weekend he managed confirmations at Pakenham, Leongatha, Korumburra, Morwell and two at Sale.

On top of that he has been packing up his office and home in readiness for the move to Warragul.

PICTURED LEFT; Bishop Christopher Prowse helps young Sale parishioners cut the celebratory cake following their confirmation at St Mary’s Cathedral on June 3.

- Lisa Baker Photography

Your gift will go on giving

When you donate to the Bishop’s Family Foundation you can be assured that the money will be assisting families in need for many years to come. Donated funds are held in a trust account to go on earning interest year after year. It is the income from these investments which have led to more than $700,000 being given to organisations running programs to assist families.

Send tax deductible donations to Bishop’s Family Foundation, PO Box 508, Sale, 3853 Phone 5144 6132 for more information

Page 2 - Catholic Life, June 2012

Year of Grace Reflection: Most Holy Trinity M

y dear People of God in the Catholic Diocese of Sale, Since we began our YEAR OF GRACE (May 27) we seem to be celebrating so many liturgical solemnities.

There are the solemnities of Pentecost, The Most Holy Trinity, the Body and Blood of Christ, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Birthday of John the Baptist and Saints Peter and Paul.

It seems to me that every one of these great solemnities of our beloved Church are moments of unimagined GRACE of God towards each one of us.

Regardless of our sinful and fractured response to God, the Almighty continues to shower upon us GRACE upon GRACE. Perhaps it is the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, for me personally, that best expresses the unconditional GRACE-love of God upon us.

In recent times I have been a pilgrim with many of our school principals in Rome. As we visited the catacombs, I was reminded afresh from the historic reminders the first Christians left behind of the importance of the Trinity

To God’s People in the Catholic Diocese of Sale to these early martyrs and saints.

They experienced in the death and resurrection of Jesus the life of Trinity made present.

It was not until the 4th Century that a formal summary of belief in the Trinity was made in the Nicene Creed. We recite this at Sunday Mass. Here the mystery of the one God as Trinity consisting of Father, Son and Holy Spirit was expressed. But the catacombs offer on their ancient walls and tombs many symbols of this unformulated belief right from the initial years after Pentecost.

It is an ancient Christian understanding that God is one. At the same time we believe that God is a communion of three divine persons. They are equally divine but distinct from each other.

The Trinity is a mystery of our faith which means that mere human words and understandings will never fully explain God. Yet

we know that the Trinity makes the GRACE and love of God present to us today.

By GRACE alone we are invited into the communion of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are to become, as Mary the Mother of God shows us, dwelling places of the Trinity in the world today.

Although such teaching seems rather academic, it expresses the encounter of GRACE we receive at Baptism. We are baptised into the communion of the Trinity.

Every time we bless ourselves we make an affirmation of being baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Every time as Christians we reach out to others, especially the poor and oppressed, we become missionaries of the Trinity. We invite people into “communio” with the Trinity. The Trinity is not a peripheral belief of the Church: it is a central to the very

understanding of evangelisation and community.

When we discuss how our parishes/communities are to become more welcoming and hospitable, we cannot talk about this as Christians without reference to our belief in the Trinity. Otherwise, what are we welcoming people into? We are not simply a group of nice people who have a vague sense of the religious. This is sheer humanism.

Let us be what we are!

We are people GRACED with an encounter of the love embrace of the Trinity. We welcome people to become dwellings places of the Trinity. This is our mission.

This is what it means to evangelise. It is something the Trinity does in us. It is all GRACE. Let us live in the GRACE that the Trinity has given us.

“GRACE and peace be yours in abundance” (1Peter 1:2).

God bless you all, especially your families and sick ones. + Bishop Christopher Prowse Catholic Bishop of Sale

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Catholic Life 5144 4311 DIOCESE OF SALE

BERWICK - It was wonderful to see so many St Michael’s Primary School, Berwick families participating in the 2012 Walk Safely to School Day. This was a great opportunity for parents and carers to walk to school with the children and reinforce safe pedestrian behaviour.

For many St Michael’s families this was a continuation of normal practices. For others it was a chance to have a change

Catholic Life

PO Box 183, Sale. Vic. 3853 Phone: (03) 5144 4311 Fax: (03) 5144 3855 catholiclife@sale.catholic.org.au www.sale.catholic.org.au

in their routine as well as learning the benefits of exercise and road safety skills They were fortunate to have “Lottie” the Walk to School Safely Day mascot, visit on the day and many of the children were able to meet Lottie as they walked safely back home.

RIGHT: Lottie with some of the young St Michael’s students learning to walk safely to school.

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Catholic Life, June 2012 - Page 3

Bishop’s antique Family Foundation to give office desk for sale charities up to $100,000

AN 1880’s double sided desk will be among surplus items being sold by the Diocese of Sale once it closes its Sale offices next month.

This partners’ desk has been used by all Bishops of Sale.

After about 125 years of use the desk is in need of some restoration but is still a fine piece of office furniture.

Also for sale is an antique captain’s chair used by the bishops, and the huge laminate conference table which was once owned by Melbourne Archdiocese.

The diocese is planning a clearing sale of surplus office equipment on Friday, July 27

between 2pm and 4pm and on Saturday July 28, from 9am to 11am.

The equipment includes desks, chairs, tables and filing cabinets which are surplus to requirements at the new Sion House headquarters in Warragul.

The clearing sale will not be an auction but goods will either have marked prices or be available for best offer.

Goods not sold will be donated to charity.

A full list of items for sale will be available after July 9 by contacting Sion House on 5622 6600 or emailing pa@sale. catholic.org.au.

Emmaus Spiritual Ministry launched AN outreach program of the Jesuits has begun operating in the Diocese of Sale.

The Emmaus Spirituality Ministry was officially launched at St Joseph’s Church Marian Centre in Warragul last Friday night.

In launching the ministry Bishop Christopher Prowse said it was hoped that the initiative would produce a new generation of spiritual directors in the diocese.

He endorsed the initiative and had monitored its steady progress since first being suggested.

New spiritual directors would raise the importance of this Catholic spiritual tradition.

Bishop Prowse said this would be carried out under the inspiration of Ignatian Catholic spirituality which dated back to Jesuit founder Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556).

This method had been an important river of spiritual discernment and he was delighted that the initiative in Sale Diocese was closely linked to the Campion Retreat Centre in Kew. The trained spiritual directors there, under the leadership of the Jesuit Fathers, were offering this region, the special gifts of properly qualified, authorised

and accredited spiritual directors.

Bishop Prowse said he was delighted that the name Emmaus had been given to the ministry as it was in the Emmaus scene in Luke’s Gospel where the risen Jesus gave the first spiritual direction as he explained to the two disillusioned men what had happened.

He explained the scriptures to them and in letting them reflect on it in the present situation, He transformed them.

Bishop Prowse said he had found that the scriptures had helped him and many personal friends come closer to the understanding of what the Lord’s will was for us in our lives.

The Emmaus ministry will also offer retreat days and spiritual exercises to assist people to have a retreat in daily life.

The team has already held several retreats and formation programs, and members are available to travel all over the diocese to hold retreats for parishes or groups.

Spiritual direction is being offered at this stage in Bairnsdale, Pakenham, Leongatha, Sale and Newborough.

For more information contact Ruth Spierings on 9854 8110 or 5998 2664, or email rspierings1@hotmail.com

THE Bishop’s Family Foundation is again calling for applications from charities seeking funds for projects in the area covered by the Diocese of Sale.

The foundation has around $100,000 to distribute to charities which provide services to families.

Applications for funding of projects are now being taken until the end of August.

To be eligible to receive funds, the applicant must be an organisation with registered charitable tax deductibility status. No money can be paid to individuals.

Since its inception 12 years ago the foundation has distributed almost $780,000 to projects aiding families in Gippsland and the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

The funds available this year come from the foundation’s trust fund which is administered by independent trustees.

Like most philanthropic trusts, only proceeds of its investments are available for dis-

tribution each year and so the amount can vary from year to year.

All money from the foundation’s annual appeal and any other donations made during the year, go directly into the trust fund as a hedge against inflation which would otherwise erode the true value of its assets.

Applications for funding should be accompanied by the relevant form which is available on the diocese website www. sale.catholic.org.au. Follow the

links through Agencies, then select Bishop’s Family Foundation from the drop down menu.

The page which opens also has a PDF document explaining the funding policy in detail.

Successful applicants will be advised towards the end of the year.

For organisations without Internet access, copies of the application document can be obtained phoning Cathy Dougan on 5144 6132 until July 5 or 5622 6600 after July 9.

Bishop Prowse heads ACBC ecumenism commission BISHOP Christopher Prowse has been appointed chairman of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference Commission for Ecumenism and Inter-religious Relations.

He was previously a member of the commission and replaces Bishop Michael Putney, Bishop of Townsville, as chairman.

Bishop Prowse continues

as a member of the Bishop’s Commission for Relations with Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.

He is also co-chair of the committee for Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue.

Appointments were made at the plenary meeting of the Bishops’ Conference in Sydney last month.

It’s not all about the money!

Can you help us fulfil the mission the Church in this way?

Have you got money invested elsewhere that you could consider investing with the CDF? If you are able to help why not give the CDF a call or email and see how easy it is.

You will be rewarded with: • A competitive rate of return on your investment; • The security of investing with the Catholic Church; and, • Most importantly you are making a contribution to furthering the Catholic faith and education in our diocese.

So you see it’s not just about the money Phone 5144 4311

cdf@sale.catholic.org.au

The Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale is not subject to the provisions of the Corporation Act 2001 nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Deposits with the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale are guaranteed by CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for this purpose. We welcome your investment with the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale rather than with a profit orientated commercial organisation as a conscious commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church. Neither the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for the Diocese of Sale are prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; contributions to the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959; the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Catholic Diocese of Sale.

Page 4 - Catholic Life, June 2012

Passionist Family Groups celebrate Traralgon 25 years

A keen eye

KEEN eye of only one reader spotted an error we made in a quote from Pope Benedict in last issue.

We wrote “It is...” whereas the quote should have began “Is it ...” and ended in a question mark.

It gave a whole different meaning to the quote on reflecting on the light of Christ in every historical period.

Interestingly, we lifted the incorrect quote from an official publication.

So back to Novo Millennio Inuente (n. 16) for the correct quote.

“And is it not the Church’s task to reflect the light of Christ in every historical period, to make his face shine also before the generations of the new millennium? Our witness however, would be hopelessly inadequate if we ourselves had not first contemplated His face.”

Facing the flood

GIPPSLAND has been hit hard again by floods this year.

Torrential rain caused major problems in our metropolitan fringe earlier in the year and now in recent times up to 200mm of rain (8 inches in the old terms) have bucketed on parts on the diocese.

With eight major rivers flooding into the Gippsland Lakes, it is hard to believe we had 10 years of drought before conditions returned to normal 18 months ago.

Newcomers to Gippsland have difficulty understanding we are a high rainfall area, prone to regular flooding and that’s why locals don’t get overly-excited by another flood event.

However, every major flood causes millions of dollars of damage as houses and factories in low-lying areas are inundated, farm fences and livestock destroyed and roads and bridges being badly damaged.

Spare a thought for those affected and help out where you can.

Mistaken identity

AN elderly woman boarded a tram in Melbourne and was surprised to see a man jump quickly to his feet and offer her his seat.

She thanked him and accepted the seat.

After some other passengers got off the tram at the next stop, he took a now vacant seat beside the lady.

She commented on his quick response to offer her the seat and he replied “Don’t read too much into it. For a fleeting moment you reminded me of a nun who used to teach me and I didn’t want to cross her again!”

ST Michael’s Traralgon Family Group coordinators and leaders (rear, from left) Peter Rickwood, Neil Limbom, John Zalesiak, Peter Del Pra, Gary Couling, Noel Courtney, Tom Tognella (seated) Tricia Couling, Jenny Del Pra, Marie Limbom, Carmel Collis, Carol Tognella, (kneeling) Mary Gidens, Lyn Zalesiak and Sue Rickwood.

TRARALGON – Passionist after Fr Peter McGrath CP was formed and another six were Family Groups have celebrated appointed to the tiny parish of added in 1998.

25 years in Traralgon.

St Anthony in the Fields, in the There are now 10 groups who The movement began in the outer suburb of Terrey Hills. hold monthly functions and early 1970s in Sydney, not long When he arrived in 1972 only very strong bonds have been about 30 people attended Sun- formed. day Eucharist but the congregaThrough the years the Traraltion grew rapidly and by 1973 gon priests have been supportmore than 1000 were attending. ive of the movement and have Faced with this expansion, he enjoyed many social functions formed Family Groups to pre- with the groups, finding them serve the original community a wonderful way to be in touch spirit where people knew each and to come closer to their conother by name and shared each gregation. others joys and sorrows.

The 25th anniversary celebraThe Passionist Family Groups tions began with a Mass, prior Movement is now ecumenical to which a Powerpoint presenand worldwide. tation was shown of many of In all countries it is seen to be the outings and celebrations.

After the Mass they gathered a relevant way for lay people to work with other religious to in St Mary of the Cross MacKbuild Christian community and illop Hall for a morning tea provided by members.

This final testament speaks loud- prepare for the future.

The state team was representMembers aim to get to know ly of the values, causes and pos- other members of the parish ed by Judy and Rob Lewis from Ferntree Gully and several past sessions we hold most dear. We and support each other.

The Passionist Fathers were parishioners returned to Traralbequest personal treasures and invited by Fr David Cagney to gon for the day.

The anniversary cake was cut a mission in Traralgon mementos to special friends and conduct in 1987 and as a result Family by one of the senior members loved ones and ask them to care Groups began.

Maureen Rutter.

In 1988 two new groups for them after our passing.

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

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.

Catholic Life, June 2012 - Page 5

Sowing seeds in fertile ground

By Christa Dwyer “And some fell upon good ground; and brought forth fruit that grew up, and increased and yielded, one thirty, another sixty, and another a hundred.�

Mark 4: 3-9 I LOVE the smells and colors of autumn and after the busyness of another day I love to watch the sky at dusk.

Everything is winding up for the day. My pet ducks in their yard are quacking for their tea and busy birds prattle in a cool, dimming sky. Dewfall begins to settle on the paddocks.

There’s so much I’d like to put down on this paper. So many joys and sorrows, struggles and triumphs. God’s ever

present gifts are everywhere ‌ there’s so much to tell.

It’s been 10 years since we started our youth work in the Heart region.

Recently we ran our ninth St Ita’s Camp where primary children camp in groups led by teenage and young adult leaders.

They do jobs at the church, social justice activities, fun activities and most importantly learn about their faith and spend time getting to know Jesus.

On reflection I realise a highlight has been watching the young primary school kids growing up through the activities, becoming junior leaders, leaders and then running the youth events for the up and coming young ones, taking

God and their faith with them on their own life journey.

As I look back on a decade of youth work photos, I realise that seeds have been sown and grown.

Some seem to have fallen by the wayside or onto thorny ground ‌ but if we all keep preparing the soil, the wind may blow them there in its time.

So often I plant seeds in my garden and after several weeks I impatiently dig them up to have a peek!

Invariably, some have swollen, ready to burst while others have sprouted, soon to break through the ground and grow in their own time. All are disturbed when my impatience takes charge!

Grace too must have its time.

So, plans continue for a snow retreat in July, winter night prayers in August and a beach retreat in November ‌ a time for planting, a season for growing. All are welcome, we want to meet you and to join you on the road.

The sun now radiates its warmth across the deep blue sky of a new autumn day. The ducks welcome the morning with noisy splashing in their

ENJOYING the water fights at a camp at St Ita’s in 2008 are Brenton de Moel and Celina Gray who have both gone on to be subleaders. pond. Yes, it’s a new day. Praise sale.catholic.org.au or on 5126 God! 1063 (5622 6600 after July 9) If you would like to know For the Heart region contact more about youth activities in Christa Dwyer christadwyer@ the Sale Diocese regions you bigpond.com or 5145 1415 or can contact, youth ministry co- Jennifer Fitzgerald 51431931 ordinator Jess Denehy jessd@

Federal Member visits school at Traralgon

STEPHANIE Hookey uses a high-pressure water hose to prepare an old outbuilding at the church in Cowwarr for painting.

Turnbulls

FEDERAL Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester visited Traralgon’s St Michael’s School.

He spoke to Grades 3-6 on a range of topics, including his own role, travel, parliament, electorates and voting.

When asked what they enjoyed about Mr Chester’s visit Grade 5 student, Jye said, “I admire Mr Chester for continually trying to improve the country area’s infrastructure i.e. roads, hospitals, schools.�

Grade 6 student Nic said, I was interested to learn about how the voting in parliament works with the two sides and the Speaker.�

The children were very interested and posed many questions to the Federal Member.

CHRISTA and Don Dwyer with Lauren Gray, Newry, (centre) who started as a junior leader with the youth group and has now gone on to complete a year as a leader with the National Evangelisation Team.

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Page 6 - Catholic Life, June 2012

Morwell parishioner honored with Knights life membership MORWELL - Well known Morwell parishioner Noel Black was presented with life membership of the Knights of the Southern Cross at an afternoon tea gathering at St Vincent’s Hall, Morwell East on May 20.

The presentation of his lapel badge and citation was made

by Des Duggan, who represented the State Council of the Knights.

Mr Duggan is a Knight of Honor, the highest award available which acknowledges his long-time service to the Knights Order.

Mr Black joined the Knights in Benalla in 1968 and moved to Morwell in early 1970’s to manage Beaurepaires Tyre Service.

Later followed a move to Colac as manager for a period before returning to Morwell, again in management, for many years until he retired a decade ago.

The life membership acknowledges his work for the Knights in the branches at Benalla, Colac and Morwell.

He has been the chairman of Morwell branch for many years, and has been heavily in-

CWL conference THE Catholic Women’s League Sale Diocesan committee annual conference was held in Morwell last month.

Sixty-two members from 18 branches attended, along with representatives from Sandhurst and Ballarat dioceses.

Morwell branch president Pam Shaw welcomed members and introduced Latrobe City’s Cr Bruce Lougheed who opened the conference.

Reports were given by spiritual director Sr Lynette Young and on social questions WUCWO, Lodwar and The Horizon.

Diocesan Caritas, Missions and social justice employee Susan Grout, spoke about the prison system and the support needed for the group of priests and lay people who visit and help prisoners.

She said prisoners coming out of gaol were worried about leaving prison and the community needed to help them to have a normal life.

Maureen Pawley spoke about her role at Fulham Correctional Centre which she visits every Friday to spend 4-6 hours talking with prisoners who were grateful for the fact that someone cared about them.

Mass was celebrated at the prison on 1st and 3rd Fridays

by Sale priests and Bishop Prowse attended at Christmas and Easter.

Anyone wishing to help may contact Kairos prison ministry which supports prisoners, families and children of prisoners.

Mass was celebrated by Fr Otobo who is from Nigeria. He spoke about the role of women

in Nigeria.

After lunch Sr Lynette spoke of the 2012 theme for CWL “Things Both New and Old.” With Pentecost Sunday commencing the Year of Grace, members needed to focus on the presence of God in their lives.

Sr Lynette recommended a good book God Knows the Way Home.

General president Jewell Start from Ballarat, spoke about the work of the governing body and the president’s collection in July which was for women and children.

Diocesan president Sylvia Neaves thanked all branches for their work over the past 12 months.

She mentioned the wonderful work done by the nuns at St Clare Home Craft School in Kenya which is supported by CWL. The drive for new members is ongoing. Members have been speaking at Masses encouraging women to join as members or associates.

Mrs Neaves then finished her three years as president by handing over the presidency to Pat Allway.

A presentation was made to Val Feltham in appreciation for all her work over the past nine years as a member of the diocesan committee.

She was treasurer for three years and spent two as WUCWO representative. She was also a government body representative for the past year.

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volved also in parish activities throughout the same period.

Following the Black Saturday bushfires he was responsible for organising, with tremendous support from his wife Joan, several functions to support the family of the late Fred Frendo and his son following their deaths in this tragic event.

The award was approved in latter part of 2011 but the presentation was held over to allow Mr Black to fully recover from open heart surgery.

The presentation was arranged to co-incide with the 70th birthday of his wife and attended by about 70 people comprising family members, local and visiting Knights, parishioners and many Morwell friends.

NOEL Black proudly displays his life membership citation presented by Des Duggan, representing the state council.

What we have in common THE celebration of the Year of Faith and the Australian Church’s Year of Grace is a call to undertake a spiritual journey, a time for prayer and, like the disciples at the first Pentecost, we are asked to commit ourselves to start afresh from Christ.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council with its call to be a Church in and for the Modern World.

The ‘modern world’ offers a rather challenging and turbulent time for people of faith, people who belong to a religious tradition.

Faith and religious belief are certainly hot topics for discussion, even ridicule. Richard Dawkins asserts that religion is the great excuse for people to evade the need to think and that God is nothing more than an imaginary friend.

Christopher Hitchens, in his book God is not Great writes that: ‘Organised religion is violent, irrational, intolerant, allied to racism, tribalism and bigotry, invested in ignorance and hostile to free enquiry, contemptuous of women and coersive towards children’.

Is that the image we have offered over the centuries? Is that the image we offer today?

Geoffrey Blainey’s Book A Short History of Christianity, is a very good read. Sadly though, it highlights times when we would have been better off listening to each other, seeking out what we have in common and working together from some shared understanding.

That simple act could, and probably would have changed the course of history.

Throughout 2012 and beyond, it is highly likely that a variety of people and many different groups will continue to talk a good deal about religion but will we be listening to one another?

When we are offered a year of Starting Afresh with Christ, that would be a good place to start.

In the words of Pope Paul VI: ‘In her task of promoting unity and love among people, indeed among nations, the Church considers above all in this declaration what we have in common and what

Reflections

by Jim Quillinan draws us to fellowship.’ (Nostra Aetate, Pope Paul V1, 1965) Considering what we have in common and what draws us together begins by listening to others – in our own faith tradition as well as those who belong to other faiths or none.

What stops us from listening to each other, what stops us from working to discover what we have in common, the values and beliefs we share?

Too often we can make assumptions about the others’ motives, about the rightness or accuracy or orthodoxy of their religious beliefs.

Too often we see sameness as a virtue and we do not rejoice in the many images and ways in which people find God who is seeking them out, who wants to be known by people of different races and cultures and in different times in history.

There will always be people who have a deep need to be right.

To fulfil that need some will consider others to be wrong. Perhaps we would be better off asking ourselves why we have such a need.

If people of differing views begin really listening to each other, it might help us to rediscover where our interests are mutual rather than where we are different.

We might be better served by not being so self righteous but rather seeking out the best of what religions have to share, focusing and appreciating what we share in common, how we might work together.

Of course there are differences but perhaps what may help bring us together is acting together, sharing in how we live out our faith.

Some who claim to be atheists or agnostics or people of no faith argue that living the Golden Rule is independent of religion – it is part of being human.

That may be true and it may be why the Golden Rule is shared by virtually every faith and religious tradition – different words perhaps but the same call to action. That’s something we share in common.

Seeking common ground, starting afresh takes action. For Christianity the commandment to love God and show it through the practical love of one’s neighbor is fundamental.

In Luke’s gospel Jesus’ questioner asks, “And who is my neighbor?” (Lk 10:29). The parable Jesus tells actually turns the man’s question on its head.

The question is no longer about the limits of my obligation to love.

It is, rather, how can I show myself a neighbor to others, any others by responding to them in love.

Sadly another thing we all share in common, no matter what faith tradition we belong to, is our personal and communal failure to live up to the ideals and behavior our faith teaches us.

It takes a lot of courage to acknowledge to each other our failures to love, to be that kind neighbor Jesus spoke about in his parable.

It is very hard to admit our failures, especially if we have a deep seated need to be always in the right. That is a real test of our ability to listen from a position of humility and a desire to learn from the other.

Both John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministries with the call to repent, to admit failures and mistakes, to change our hearts.

The Year of Faith and the Year of Grace calls on us to start afresh – not to stay the same but to listen with open hearts, to act with open hearts and pray with hearts open to the Spirit who changed and inspired the disciples at the first Pentecost.

Catholic Life, June 2012 - Page 7

Intercessory website developed for the people

By Regina Abraham FATHER of Faith is a website created for the purpose of uniting a wide network of intercessors to pray for common intentions, either for individual or for community needs.

Nine out of 10 people these days are computer literate and an intercessory website is an ideal instrument for the People of God to use, having one single location to lodge all their intentions so that Christians in Victoria, Australia and even around the World may be able to uphold one another in prayer.

(1 Peter 5: 8 - 9) This website also aims to fulfill the prayer of Jesus for unity among Christians in John 17: 22, â&#x20AC;&#x153;May they all be one, as you Father and I are one!â&#x20AC;?

My family and I committed ourselves to the service of Jesus and His Church about 20 years ago and since then we have been actively involved within our local parishes, the Charismatic Renewal, in many prayer groups and ministries in India and Australia.

We have come across many people who are committed to life of deep prayer and have an active personal relationship with Jesus.

At the same time we have also found that there are â&#x20AC;&#x153;pockets of prayerâ&#x20AC;? all around the world and even within a parish

A group of faith-filled Catholics from Cranbourne and Melbourne have set up a website to encourage others to develop their faith by interacting with the wider Catholic community. It was initially the dream of regular Catholic Life contributor Regina Abraham. The Father of Faith website encourages prayer and at the same time can help people in their faith journey. or diocese.

Our collective experience is that, when we make an effort (up to now only verbally) to communicate to all these praying people the same intentions and ask them for prayer for one common purpose that particular intention has an outstanding result far beyond our expectations. I think all who are in the Ministry of Intercession will able to quote various instances of a similar nature.

A very recent example of this was our parish stewardship program, we were given a projected figure of the income we would need, but the actual stewardship program targeted for an income of $500 lesser than this amount.

A group of us, who were interceding for this, consciously asked the Lord for the projected amount or more. At the end of the program we received over and above what we asked the Lord for!

There are also many other instances when things have not moved in a spirit of unity in

prayer and therefore also in action and those programs needless to say have not been successful.

There are also instances when one group of people is involved and the other groups are not available for support because it is not part of their portfolio etc. This is not intentional but is just that things get over looked in the buzz of daily life.

It is my hope that all people of prayer will be able to look in one place to discover (sometimes surprisingly) the needs of many others and place our intentions together as one family before our Lord!

The Lord has also impressed upon me through various experiences in the last few years of my service to Him the importance of praying in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Agreementâ&#x20AC;? according to Matthew 18:19-20 and praying in His name according to His words in John 15: 7.

I strongly believe this website is an inspiration from the Lord to promote Christian love and unity so that soon there may

be one flock and one Shepherd.

(John 10: 16) It is the aim of my life to promote fellowship, love and unity among all Christians especially among those in prayer within all our parishes/ministries â&#x20AC;&#x201D; men and women committed to the service of the Lord. It is my prayer that all of us may come to together in the Name of Jesus, raising Holy hands in Prayer and praying according to the will of the Holy Spirit.

You can view common prayer intentions through the calendar on the website and if you have registered to become a member of this network of intercession, you will also be notified of prayer requests sent to your e-mail.

Link to the website is: http:// fatheroffaith.com/ The Father of Faith website was developed by Amod Antony of Jireh Technologies.

Amod and his family are fairly new migrants to Australia from Bahrain. He has developed a few websites for the parishioners of St Agathaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and besides this he also designs logos, posters, business cards and other promotional material.

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Page 8 - Catholic Life, June 2012

Our principals study tour in Canada and Rome DURING May, a number of our primary and secondary principals, accompanied by some Catholic Education Office staff, experienced the privilege of a study tour to Canada and Rome.

In Rome, the group was joined by our Bishop Prowse, and it is obvious why they were there. Rome is at the heart of our Catholic church.

The places the group visited, the things they experienced were designed to put them fully in touch with themselves as truly Catholic leaders. The reports that have come back clearly indicate that this goal was well and truly achieved!

The reason that Canada, and in particular, Toronto, Ontario was chosen as a site for this study tour is quite simply that this province has been identified as one of the highest per-

forming school systems in the world. We wanted to learn from them.

The Toronto system is guided

by Michael Fullan, one of the world’s leading educational reformers, with a strong record of success behind him. Our group was privileged indeed to spend significant time with Professor Fullan and his staff and to visit a number of schools and the Catholic Education Office equivalent in the province.

It is very apparent that the learning among the group has been rich indeed. Continued school improvement, measured by ongoing improvement in student learning outcomes, is a key goal for us in Catholic schools in the diocese of Sale.

Professor Fullan’s research and experience shows that this desired improvement is best

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with Talking Peter Catholic Ryan Education achieved when schools work as part of a whole system, when in our context, we can think of improving learning for every child and young person in our State, not just in our own school (though that is important, too.)

This means that maximum improvement can only be achieved by introducing and sustaining change at whole-of-system level, as has happened in Ontario and in other high performing systems throughout the world.

We do not have such a mechanism in Australia, spread as we are. We do not even have it in Victoria or in Catholic education. However, we do have such potential in our own diocese. It incumbent on all of us to make the most of what opportunity we have.

Some of the strategies used in Ontario, then, are not fully

available to us – but some are.

We need to take full advantage of those we can impact upon.

Fullan argues that, in order to truly improve our schools, systems need to: • Develop the entire teaching profession • Focus on a small number of very ambitious priorities • Ensure that teaching and assessment are properly linked • Develop leadership of all levels of the system • Focus on non-punitive, comprehensive, relentless intervention strategies where schools seem not to be doing as well as they might and • Concentrate the use of funds into these five areas, rather than continually thinking up new ideas that do not relate to these focus areas.

Clearly, as I said above, some

of these we can influence only indirectly, if at all. But some we can control and we should.

It is important to note, though that Michael Fullan challenges some of the more populist approaches to school improvement which seem to be beloved of our various politicians. He suggests for example, that his research and experience shows that the continuous drive to external accountability, performance pay for teachers and the provision of technology as though that will cause improvement, not only do not work, but actually, in the long run, make things worse!

Our grouped learned and observed that here in our diocese we are doing many things well, indeed very well. We still have much to learn and look forward to that. If the excitement and enthusiasm I have seen in the group on its return is any indication, our schools can certainly look forward to a very bright future.

CWL conference at Lakes

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Lakes Entrance gathered at St Brendan’s for the annual conference. The day began with Mass concelebrated by Bishop Christopher Prowse and Fr Bernard Buckley, parish priest of Lakes and Orbost.

St Brendan’s Primary School grade six students also attended the Mass.

During the day reports from branches indicated the many and varied tasks and functions undertaken during the past 12 months.

The Diocese of Sale’s 18 branches support a homecraft school for girls in Turkana, Kenya, for which diocesan representative and Lakes Entrance branch member Lena Zagami spoke of with the help of a photo display.

The efforts in East Gippsland have helped the school to, purchase sewing machines and computers for the girls.

Louise and Michael Ankatell made a presentation of their recent trip with a group of 39 who volunteered through the organisation of Tabitha which builds houses for villagers in Cambodia.

Several Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale residents are on the team which has built 80 houses during their visits in the past two years.

The branch held a luncheon

last year which raised $500, one-third of the cost of a house.

Following lunch Lynice and Geoff Wigney spoke of their experiences in Thailand which led them to open Empower, a shop in Bairnsdale, to sell a huge variety of articles made by women and children in Third World countries and so save some from slavery and trafficking - a very practical way to assist.

Shop stock comes from many different countries and attendees heard of a New Zealand family living and working in Calcutta who help women there by starting workshops in which the women work and are treated with dignity and respect, not abuse.

No Word photos

WE have mentioned it several times over the past couple of years.

Can contributors please not send Catholic Life photographs in Word files. Photo quality is severely affected once the images are extracted and for this reason we will not use them.

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Articles for consideration should be sent as a plain Word file and the names of those appearing in accompanying photographs should be clearly marked as captions at the foot of the document.

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Ensure when sending the email that photograph attachments are sent “original size”, so do not select small, medium or large options which can all reduce file size.

Catholic Life, June 2012 - Page 9

Good crowd attends diocese Marian conference TRARALGON - More than 120 people attended the 16th Diocesan Marian Conference at St Michael’s, Traralgon on May 12, which focused on Mary, Mother of Mercy and her maternal desire for all her children to live trustingly in full union with her Son and all people.

The day comprised of Mass, offered by Fr Andrew Grace and concelebrated by Mgr John Allman, Benediction, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Confession and recitation of the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Also, included on the day were three thought provoking and hope-filled presentations, one by Fr Grace, parish priest from Griffith, NSW, followed

by Tommy Canny, self taught international religious artist from Glasgow, as well as Tony Murnane, universal advocate of Our Lady’s messages to the world.

Andrew Grace was the fourth child of a family of six children, born to a devout Irish Catholic mother and a convert father.

It was his parent’s daily “living” faith and trust in God, along with prayer which later played a major role in their son’s spiritual direction.

While studying a Civil Engineering Degree he stopped going to Mass and embraced the secular and permissive world and its values. Progressively he became closed to God’s call to return to Him and His Church.

After the tragic loss of two close friends, Andrew Grace began seeking the answers to the major questions of life “from the one to who we sinners pray to help us at the hour of death – our Blessed Mother”.

It was at that crossroad in his life he knew he needed to make a choice “either for God or for Lucifer”.

As he reflected upon Our Lady’s messages from Medjugorje, he renewed his childhood love and devotion to Our Lady.

He began fasting and reading the Bible – it was a whole new experience for him, one which led him to hosting a weekly Marian Movement of Priests (Cenacle) Prayer group which involved individual consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

However, for more than a year after his conversion he remained drawn to a successful career, reaping and enjoying high financial rewards.

“The richer I became, the more Our Lord’s words echoed in my heart – What profit a man if he gain the whole world but loses his soul?”

Up to that point of time, Andrew Grace was hoping he would be called to married life, however, in 1993 at the age of 30, he was involved in his second serious motor accident – one which would lead him in a short space of time to the peace and beauty of Medjugorje, to discern what vocation God intended for him.

There he prayed to Our Lady, the Mother of Priests for dis-

cernment and he was graced with the knowledge that God was calling him to the priesthood.

Shortly after returning from his overseas trip, Fr Grace entered the Vianney College Seminary at Wagga Wagga and was ordained into the priesthood in 2001 at St Michael’s Cathedral.

Fr Grace loves his role and life as a priest. This is very apparent to those who had the privilege of listening to and meeting him.

“The privilege of saying Mass everyday; preaching the Word; being an instrument of mercy in the Confessional; pointing the way to Heaven for people of all ages, is a true joy no words can adequately express”.

Fr Grace’s inspiring testimony empathised that it is God’s desire for us to live holy lives joyfully each day, fully trusting and united with Him, lead by Our Lady. It is then as we strive to glorify God daily that we are graced and called to share God’s Love and Divine Mercy with others, unconditionally and without seeking reward.

Later in the day, Scottish self taught religious artist Tommy Canny presented a talk and DVD on his life work, including the many beautiful religious artworks he has painted in “promoting and contributing to the rebirth and renewal of interest in Catholic sacred art in the church and in the home”.

St Luke painted perhaps the earliest known image of the Blessed Virgin 2000 years ago, and since that time the Church has always encouraged the creation and veneration of sacred images.

From his earliest years Canny was often found drawing with a pen or pencil, on scraps of paper. At the age of 19, he and his family visited Rome where he was immediately inspired by “the awesome beauty in the works of Michelangelo, especially the Sistine Chapel, the works of Raphael, the Vatican museums and the architectural majesty of St Peter’s in the works of Bernini”.

Canny continues “It was a redefining moment in my artistic direction and had a profound impact on my work from then on”.

From that time on, graced with a greater appreciation of sacred art founded in our Catholic heritage and ancient faith and the unique universality and beauty of the One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, Canny was drawn to the beauty of the Marian devotion. Our Lady then led him to St Faustina Kowalska and her diary and the message of Divine Mercy.

Over the past 10 years, intrigued by Our Lord’s words to St Faustina “Paint a picture according to the pattern you see”, Canny’s paintings and illustrations have included a number of subjects relating to the mystical visions of St Faustina.

Also, inspired by the writings and preaching by the late Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Canny has painted several exquisite,

THE spectacular Tommy Canny painting Cor Ad Cor Loquitur (Heart Speaks to Heart) painted this year, which he displayed at the conference. thought-provoking paintings God for gifting Canny with his of Christ’s merciful love so as of Christ’s Passion – prints many artistic talents, through to inspire and reach souls in of which were displayed and his artworks and the “The Art search of Divine Mercy. available for sale at the confer- of Divine Mercy” apostolate, It was indeed our privilege to ence. it is Canny's fervent desire and view Canny’s inspired paintIn thanksgiving and praise of primary goal to share images ings and illustrations.

Mother of Mercy messages TONY Murnane’s spoke of the title ‘Mother of Mercy’ as being one that is well entrenched in Catholic Church devotion and teaching.

She is referred to as such in the ‘Hail Holy Queen’, the ‘Memorare’. In a vision to St Faustina Kowalska She stated that She was ‘Mother of Mercy’. Pope John Paul II referred to Mary as Mother in the 1980 encyclical, Dives Misericordia.

Mr Murnane said she has been very much seen in this role through her many apparitions around the world. This has occurred in a particularly strong way at Medjugorje where so many millions of people had experienced God’s Divine Mercy, by going to confession for the first time in 20, 30 or 40 years there and at so many other shrines of apparition like Lourdes, Fatima and Knock.

Clearly Our Lady has facilitated so many conversions through her apparitions where she has been leading people back to her son in the confessional and also in the Blessed Sacrament at these shrines.

He conveyed how the enthusiasm for Our Lady’s apparitions and messages, so prevalent in the late 80’s and early 90’s in Australia and other parts of the Western World, had waned. But he said the messages were so much more urgent now.

The moral decline in our world has gained in pace since then, a glaring example being the 2008 legalisation of abortion in Victoria, all the way through to nine months gesta-

tion, but also in many other ways.

He said that in the Church approved apparition of Our Lady of Good Success, in Quito, Ecuador, which occurred over 400 years ago, Our Lady described what the world would be like in the 20th Century referring to an ‘almost total and general corruption of customs’.

She referred to the corruption of children, the scandals within the clergy as inciting the hatred of enemies of the Church and causing enormous sufferings to the good pastors, and also, iniquitous laws that would attack the sacrament of matrimony.

He then drew attention to the Church approved apparitions of Our Lady of All Nations in Amsterdam commencing March 25 1945, where approval came not on the basis of physical miracles, but on the basis of so many of the prophecies given there, actually materialising, such as the Chernobyl disaster, the war in Yugoslavia, the war on terror, the time of the death of Pope Pius XII and many more.

In this apparition she said, from moral degeneration comes disaster with a particular emphasis on disasters of nature, and from degeneration comes war. She also speaks of economic disasters and catastrophies. She gave the world a prayer to preserve us from degeneration, disaster and war.

So at Quito she describes the corruption of customs, and in Amsterdam she explains the consequences of that moral degeneration. Similar conse-

quences are conveyed by Our Lady in Fatima (Portugal), Akita (Japan), and Kibeho (Rwanda), all Church-approved apparitions.

However, as in so many of the apparitions, she speaks at Quito and Amsterdam, of a wonderful ‘Era of Peace’ to follow the ‘times of tribulation’, the period of peace she spoke of at Fatima that would follow the Triumph of Her Immaculate Heart.

Mr Murnane asked the question that as we enter times of plunging morals, times of escalating disasters, is there any reason for fear?

He says absolutely not, and that if we are in a state of grace, are living close to the Lord and Our Lady in prayer, we have nothing to fear, and that we have everything to spiritually achieve if we pray and do penance for the conversion of sinners as Our Lady has been calling us to do since 1917 in Fatima and in so many of her other apparitions.

He said Our Lady had led so many people to the growing devotion of Eucharistic adoration.

He conveyed that it is a devotion where we experience the Lord’s peace, love and grace in a powerful way developing a strong personal relationship with Him before the tabernacle or the Blessed Sacrament exposed and conveyed a number of powerful anecdotes illustrating this point.

Page 10 - Catholic Life, June 2012

Nagle Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VCAL achievement awards

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Catholic Life

studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; entrepreneurial skills through small business projects, Tina has worked hard to raise VCALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profile both within schools and communities.

Thanks to her, retention rates at Nagle College have increased and many students have been placed into apprenticeships or full-time work.

Nagle College also received the VCAL Teacher Achievement Award for Team Teaching.

Congratulations to Chris Bittner, Mark Dowley, Chris Eaton, Dean Hamer, Kerryn Katal, John Katal, Louise Kelly, Kobie Pattison, Bryan Smith and Tina Sonka, who made up the Nagle VCAL team.

Pooling their collective wisdom, the Nagle College VCAL teaching team devised a project that drew on the skills and interests of each of its members.

Through the eStore initiative, the team mentored their students in designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing their own unique products.

The project required students to design a product using recycled materials and develop a prototype, which their peers and teachers critically evaluated.

They then used this feedback to refine their final products.

Students had to photograph their work, write appropriate material and cost the products before placing them for sale on the eStore.

The eStore project developed studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; entrepreneurial skills

AT the 2011 VCAL Awards ceremony at Federation Square in Melbourne are Nagle College awardees (left to right): John Katal, Chris Bittner, Tina Sonka, Chris Eaton, Education Minister Martin Dixon, Dean Hamer, Louise Kelly, Kobie Pattison and Mark Dowley. and encouraged them to solve problems and work effectively in teams. But it was also hugely satisfying for the teachers involved, enabling them to pass on skills and knowledge they rarely have the opportunity to do in their teaching.

Minister for Education, Martin Dixon was present at the awards and added his congratulations to the Nagle College staff on their achievement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The students, teachers and

organisations we acknowledge today represent VCAL excellence across Victoria. Their commitment to the goals of VCAL and their exceptional achievements are an inspiration to us all. VCAL makes a significant contribution to keeping more young people engaged in education and training.â&#x20AC;?

The VCAL Chairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award went to the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria in recognition of its strong support

of VCAL since its inception in 2002.

Initiatives to support the VCAL by CECV included scholarships for teachers, support for Catholic Schools to deliver VCAL, promotion of VCAL through CECV publications, and provision of an innovative Vocational Education and Training arrangement to support the delivery of VET, which is an important part of the VCAL.

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VICTORIAN Certificate of Applied Learning Achievement Awards recognise outstanding achievements in the VCAL for 2011.

The students, teachers and partner organisations were acknowledged in an awards ceremony held at BMW Edge at Federation Square in Melbourne on May 10.

Nagle College was well represented on the day and were the recipients of two major awards.

Congratulations to the Nagle College applied learning coordinator Tina Sonka for being awarded the VCAL Teacher of the Year.

She has been involved in VCAL since its inception and has taught the program in three schools, covering all four strands at all levels.

Tinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outstanding work in applied learning has been widely recognised with awards and accolades from her peers.

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Catholic Life, June 2012 - Page 11

Carnivale to launch Times are tough for many DOLLAR$ Rio WYD event

PLANNING has begun for our World Youth Day 2013 “One Year To Go” celebration and we’d like to invite you to be part of it!

Fr Robert Galea will lead a special praise and worship session at St Mary Star of the Sea Church in West Melbourne followed by Mass celebrated by Archbishop Denis Hart.

After Mass the celebrations will continue with a huge Brazilian Carnivale, giving everyone the chance to experience the amazing culture of Brazil.

This event is open to all those from around Victoria who want to start getting ready for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro,

whether they will be able to attend World Youth Day or not.

It will be held on Friday July 27 with Praise and Worship starting at 6.30pm and Mass at 7.30pm.

The Carnivale, with food, drinks, prizes and entertainment will begin at 8.30pm.

Make sure you put this date in your diary and join our Facebook page at “WYD Rio Victoria” to stay in touch with all the latest WYD developments.

We’d like to help out with coordinating shared transport / buses to the WYD2013 launch so if you would like to attend please drop Jess an email at jessd@sale.catholic.org.au.

Tarwin Lower's 10 years of Masses

CUTTING the anniversary cake are (from left) Bishop Prowse, Margaret Ballon and Fr Peter Kooloos.

TARWIN LOWER - 10 years of celebrating Mass at St Andrew’s Church, Tarwin Lower was celebrated on April 14.

Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Christopher Prowse and Fr Peter Kooloos.

It was followed by a light supper in the community hall,

where a cake was cut to mark the occasion.

Tarwin Lower is a small community in South Gippsland, close to Wilson’s Promontory.

Numbers vary from week to week depending on holiday makers, especially at Christmas and Easter.

TIMES are tough for many people these days.

In reading the daily newspapers and watching the evening news bulletins on TV you’d believe that the economy is in recession.

That’s clearly not the case, with our official growth running at 1.3 percent for the first quarter, just about the best in the developed world.

And yet our official cash rate (interest) has just been cut to 3.25 percent which is the lowest since the global financial crisis.

Yet, with our two paced economy we all will need to be wary of the future.

Australia’s economic wellbeing is beyond our immediate control. Our governments can influence things to a great degree, but at a cost.

Reading the Reserve Bank of Australia notes on the most recent rate cut, we see that Europe is a real threat, with the turmoil over debt-ridden nations such as Greece and Spain (and Italy and Ireland and…). The forthcoming Greek election will give us a vety good look at what might happen in Europe.

USA is recovering but more slowly than any one would want and today’s numbers also indicate that the Chinese economy is giving very strong indications of a genuine slow down there.

As an investment adviser, these have ramifications for where to put your investment funds. But they are all what we could call “macro” issues – large scale, world wide factors that are beyond Australia’s scope to control.

At a far more down to earth level, every household will have to make its own decisions as to the effect that our economy will have.

If you are, or were, a Hastie employee, then you’ll be aware of the vagaries of business. Some have jobs and some don’t.. Many big businesses are sending jobs off shore or retrenching staff. This has a flow on effect in all communities.

A dollar spent on a new building may circulate up to nine times – a $300,000 house providing up to $2.7 million in value to a community.

If the house isn’t built, then maybe six people won’t have a job directly, but the other $2 million lost will cause other jobs to go in the same community, too. With new building approvals low and not improving it may be pertinent for many to consider their budgets.

I have written other articles on budgeting, but simply put using a budget is a way to help manage your money effectively and constructively. It helps identify where and on what you’re spending your hard earned.

Try writing down everything your spending on a daily basis, then a weekly basis and then per month. Multiply this to give quarter of expenses and then by four for an annual amount, after adding in the annual costs – registration, insurances, maybe rates and or school fees etc.

Before you look at the num-

&

SENSE

with David Wells bers, make sure you’re sitting down. You’ll be shocked. It will, especially if you’ve been honest doing it, help you look at where you can trim costs.

Are you paying too much to service your debt? Do you eat out too much? Do you switch to homebrands, many of which are made overseas and cost jobs here? Is there a better way to do things?

Always shop with a prepared shopping list and stick to it. Is there a better and cheaper insurance, especially if you go on line? If you live in town, can you walk rather than drive.

These are just some questions to answer. At least you’ll have the information at hand to help you plan what you need to do if the gap between income and out-go is too negative. And you can prioritise your spending to ensure you can keep afloat and still do the most important things.

If managing your money is difficult there are services available in most larger towns

and through the web that can help you. They are generally confidential so don’t be too proud. And now there is a Government backed plan for people who have too much debt to help them get back in control.

It does have conditions on who can use it, but it’s free and effective and may just get everyone off you back to allow you and the economy time to recover.

I now work with EL & C Baillieu Limited, AFSL 245421. If you have any questions you want answered specifically, contact the editor with your details, and I’ll respond promptly.

• This report is intended to provide general advice. In preparing this advice, David Wells and EL and C Baillieu Ltd 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.

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Page 12 - Catholic Life, June 2012

The seesawing fortunes of finding the Gld. capital MOST regions in Australia which are comparable to Gippsland have a large capital at their centre.

Toowoomba in the Darling Downs has a population of 130,000 people, Launceston the central town of northern Tasmania has 105,000, Cairns in north Queensland has 150,000, Wagga Wagga, the capital of the Riverina, has 60,000, and Tamworth, the most important town in NSW’s New England district, has 45,000.

Why then does Sale, in the geographical centre of Gippsland and the pivot of its early squatting properties, have only 13,000 people today, when we might expect 50,000 to 100,000?

Gippsland has never had a sizeable town. In the 19th Century its biggest town was Walhalla, with a population of 6000-8,000, and in the 20th Century the biggest was Traralgon which passed 20,000, still a small size by Australian regional standards.

Sale never became the capital, nor most important town in Gippsland, though it tried too.

Through the second half of the 19th Century Sale and Bairnsdale competed vigorously with each other for the title. Neither won, which meant that Gippsland has never had a capital generally recognized across the region.

Instead, through its history Gippsland has had a succession of towns which have risen to pre-eminence for economic reasons, and then declined as developments moved elsewhere.

The first town in Gippsland was Omeo, which from 1835 onwards the explorers used as a staging post, and the early squatters as a transit point for

Gippsland Gistory H with Patrick Morgan their flocks on the road from Monaro south to the central plain.

Angus McMillan’s discovery of Port Albert in 1841 as an entry and exit port for Gippsland meant that it replaced Omeo in that role, as it was much less remote. Port Albert became the principal town of Gippsland in the 1840s, especially when the government ruler of the province, the Commissioner of Crown Lands, C.J. Tyers, set up his administration there in 1844.

But by the 1850s Sale had become the dominant town as it was at the centre of the province, and squatting was the main economic activity. This was acknowledged when Tyers moved his administration there.

The road to Melbourne was opening up, which meant Port Albert was by-passed and declined, as cattle, produce and people could now get in and out of Gippsland by land.

By the 1860s the economic powerhouse of the province had become gold-mining, which took place in the mountains to the north, around Walhalla, Omeo and Crooked River. Gold caused economic lift-off for Gippsland, with the fabulously rich Walhalla mines as it central point. The traders of Sale now depended more on gold than squatting for their prosperity.

As the output from gold declined in the later 19th Century, it was in turn replaced by the farming industries, principally

dairying, which sprang up with the large influx of selectors into west, south and central Gippsland from the 1870s onwards.

Gold towns like Walhalla declined, to be replaced by ones like Korumburra, which by the turn of the century was the most important town in the province.

Korumburra had the combined advantages of dairying, coal mining and the railway.

After the economic boost caused by supplying troops in the First World War, a rural decline set in in the 1920s, exacerbated by the depression of the 1930s. Internal and export markets for dairy products were not holding up.

Some small farmers walked off their properties, others took up employment in the new

CELEBRATING WITH CHILDREN, Vols 1 & 2 by Robert Borg, Gerard Kelly and Brian Lucas, published and distributed by St Paul’s Publications, hardback, rrp $29.95 and $24.95.

indicated a need for a basic resource to be used for planning liturgy but which, at the same time, also respects the principles that govern good liturgy.

For durability each volume is hard bound with large print and sturdy paper. Ribbon placeholders provide additional ease of use.

The slightly cheaper second volume is a collection of scripture passages (First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation and Gospel).

It follows the same prayers contained in volume one. Also included in the companion volume is a section with the Scriptures in dialogue form and the text of all the General Intercessions offered in the sample liturgies, arranged alphabetically by topic.

The authors are noted Australian priests and include Fr Brian Lucas who is the gen-

nent capital. It also means that no town has been able to gain a sizeable population of 50,000 and above.

In each new development the incoming population had been bigger than the preceding one.

There were only a few thousand people running squatting; gold bought in perhaps 20,000, selection more, and the Latrobe Valley over 70,000.

On the other hand, the previously dominant towns have not disappeared; they have managed to become self-sufficient as supply and administration centres for their immediate district. They have survived the disappearance or diminution of the original activity which

WALHALLA, Gippsland’s largest town in the 19th Century.

Celebrating with Children Talking about Books

THESE books are a revised edition of the popular children’s liturgy resource and readings, first published in 1990.

This new edition in two volumes includes the revised translation of the Order of Mass.

The first volume deals with the various resources and has been prepared to assist those who are responsible for planning and implementing children’s liturgies.

It provides a specific prayer focus for 100 celebrations including the liturgical seasons; feasts; and religious, civic and school occasions. There are suggested activities, homily notes, and sample general intercessions.

All the prayers for the priest and a penitential rite are included so the volume can be used at the chair and altar.

The authors have compiled this material as a response to all those, and particularly teachers, catechists and priests, who have

brown coal electricity-generating industries being set up in the Latrobe Valley from the 1920s onwards.

The Latrobe Valley than became as the economic engine of Gippsland for most of the rest of the 20th Century, and its biggest population centre with eventually about 80,000 people. But it comprised five towns of up to 20,000 people each, rather than one substantial town of 50,000 to 100,000 people, as in other comparable regions of Australia.

Late in the 20th Century the brown coal industry faltered, the SECV disappeared, and the Valley experienced a small decline, rather than continual

eral secretary of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

LISTENING TO GOD WITH BLESSED JOHN PAUL II compiled by Amy Welborn, published by Our Sunday Visitor, distributed by Rainbow Books, hardback, $18.95.

THE late Pope John Paul II was well-known for his many reflections given over his long pontificate.

Here some 100 of his short spiritual reflections are contained in the one small book.

Each quote is just a few paragraphs long and is accompanied by a Bible quote and reference for the reader to ponder and perhaps gain a deeper understanding.

The message throughout is to be not afraid to listen to God and respond to His call however, and whenever it comes.

expansion as in the past. What will be the next area of economic expansion in Gippsland?

The answer is as yet unclear, but it may be the lower lakes region from Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance, which has Melbourne development capital coming in to boost its fishing, recreational, retirement, tourism, market gardening and other industries.

At the other end of the province a massive housing expansion is under way in West Gippsland, stretching from Dandenong to Cranbourne and Pakenham and beyond. This is said to be the fastest growing area in Australia at the moment, but it is more an expansion of Melbourne than an internally generated Gippsland development.

All this means Gippsland has had a succession of shifting foci: one town and sub-region rises to prominence on the back of some new industry, then declines and the momentum moves elsewhere. This means no town has had sufficient dominance for a long enough period to be acknowledged as a perma-

brought them into existence.

This has led to internal rivalries - Gippsland consists of five or six sub-regions which are all of roughly equal strength, with none dominant. The reformed boundaries of the new larger shires correspond pretty well with these natural and historic divisions.

As a result of these factors Gippsland consists of a very dispersed population, dense by Australian regional and rural standards, with no really large towns, but an intricate network of small-to-middle sized ones.

Another reason for this was transport difficulties in the early formative years. Because of the combination of mud, mountains, forests, rivers and high rainfall, it was hard to get around the region. People had to operate and manage their affairs within a relatively small radius of about 30 kilometres (20 miles), which led to a proliferation of small town communities rather than larger regional centres.

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Catholic Life, June 2012 - Page 13

Men Alive retreat for men coming to Sale in August

What’s on & when

By John H. Cooney

June

SALE - A team of men from Hobart, Melbourne and Brisbane will conduct a menALIVE parish retreat at the Chapter House, St Mary’s Cathedral on the weekend of August 4-5.

The theme for this retreat is St Irenaeus’ response to the problems caused by the Gnostics of his time, God is glorified when men are fully alive.

The aim is to help us advance our personal quest for Truth itself.

St Irenaeus was Bishop of Lyons during the later part of the 2nd Century.

He was a disciple of Polycarp who was himself a disciple of John the theologian.

So St Irenaeus lived within living memory of people who had known Jesus personally.

They were troubled times. St Irenaeus followed a bishop who was martyred and it is thought that he also suffered martyrdom.

Yet St Irenaeus’ main concern, as a bishop, was Gnosticism. The Gnostics proclaimed salvation by knowledge, knowledge that they alone had, and which made them superior beings.

There is some debate about the source of Gnosticism but it was evident in a number of places before the time of Christ.

The Gnostics used other people’s knowledge, hence readily incorporated elements of Christianity into their own world view. They divided God into a number of divine aeons.

St Irenaeus, on the other hand, stressed the unity of God. A central principle of Gnosticism is philosophical and religious pessimism, rather than trust in God. St Irenaeus also stressed the

15 – Solemnity of Sacred Heart of Jesus 16-17 – St Vincent de Paul Appeal for the Poor 16 - Memorial of Immaculate Heart of Mary 24 – Solemnity of Nativity of John the Baptist 26 – Central region meeting, St Ita’s, Drouin, 7.30pm 29 – Second term holidays begin

July

St Irenaeus need to trust in God and that God is glorified when men are fully alive. In short, we are to rise above the limitations of knowledge as such.

A contemporary commentator, Kansas super lawyer John M. Ostrowski, introduces his paper Environmentalism as Religion by quoting from The Martyrdom of Polycarp.

St Irenaeus’ master, Polycarp, refused to temporise with Roman officials trying to incite him to avoid punishment by honoring the imperial deity.

Ostrowski refers to our contemporary ideology ‘The prime deity is none other than the Earth, or Mother Earth as adherents to the new religion call it. Adherents treat threats to their deity – quixotic as they may be – with ultimate seriousness. And the prime threat to Mother Gaia is anthropogenic climate change. … like many religions, there is strong em-

phasis in environmentalism on the end of the world. Fear mongering and predictions of the apocalypse are the primary evangelising tools of environmentalists.’

In this the environmentalists perpetuate and even enhance the Gnostic principle of philosophical and religious pessimism, rather than trust in God. In his Jesus of Nazareth (for Holy Week), Pope Benedict XVI warns against being puffed up by superior knowledge.

‘This combination of expert knowledge and deep ignorance certainly causes us to ponder.

It reveals the whole problem of knowledge that remains selfsufficient and so does not arrive at Truth itself, which ought to transform man’. (p. 207) Further details on the retreat can be obtained from John Cooney (5148 9220) or Bert Fiddelaers (5144 2762).

Bishop’s Diary June 13 - Council of Priests meeting, followed

by Consultors meeting.

June 15 - Confirmation visits to St Michael’s and St Catherine’s Schools, Berwick June 15 - Narre Warren confirmations June 16 - Narre Warren and Berwick confirmations.

June 17 - Mystagogia Mass at Narre Warren.

June 20 - Diocesan Finance Council and CDF Board meetings, followed by dinner.

June 21 - Berwick confirmations June 22 - Cranbourne confirmations.

June 23 - Breakfast meeting with Cranbourne

Quick calendar

groups June 23 - Berwick confirmations.

June 24 - Iona-Nar Nar Goon and Koo Wee Rup confirmations.

June 26 - Mass at St Peter’s College, Cranbourne July 3-8 - Personal retreat, Kew. July 8 - Masses at Cranbourne and Cranbourne East (to be confirmed) July 14 - Celebrate Mass and talk at Young Men of God weekend at Phillip Island.

July 15 - Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale (anniversary of installation as Bishop of Sale).

July 15 - Talk to Knights of the Southern Cross, Warragul.

Peter’s Pence Collection month 1-6 – Bishop Prowse’s personal retreat 4 – South region meeting, Leongatha, 11.15am 9 – Deadline for July Catholic Life 9 – Diocesan staff relocated to Sion House, Warragul 16 – Term three begins 18 – Catholic Life published 20-22 – Heart Region snow retreat, Cowwarr/Mt St Gwinear 27 – Schools Tree Day 29 – National Tree Day

August Centacare Gippsland collection month 6 – Feast of the Transfiguration 6 – Deadline for August Catholic Life 7 – East region meeting, Bairnsdale, 10.30am 8 – Solemnity of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop 9-11 – Bishop Prowse at Bishops’ Commission for Mission and Faith Formation meeting, Sydney 15 – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 15 – Catholic Life published 16 – Valley region meeting, St Mary’s, Newborough, noon 18 – Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 10am 20-26 – Keep Australia Beautiful Week 21 – Central region meeting, St John’s, Trafalgar, 7.30pm 22 – Queenship of Mary

September

July 21 - Meal and holy hour with participants in Cowwarr Retreat Centre snow trip.

July 26 - Maffra confirmation July 27 - Churchill confirmation July 28 - Orbost confirmation July 29 - Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale confirmations.

1 – National Wattle Day 2 – Father’s Day 2 – Annual Father’s Day Appeal for Priests Welfare Foundation 5-7 – Australasian Catholic Press Association conference, Wellington , NZ 7-9 – Australasian Religious Press Association Conference, Wellington, NZ 8 – Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary 10 – Deadline for September Catholic Life 12 – Official opening of Sion House diocesan headquarters

by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto 14 – Feast of the Triumph of the Cross 17-21 – Sale Diocese clergy in-service, Corpus Christi, Carlton 19 – Catholic Life published 21 – National Walk to Work

Day 21 – Third term holidays begin 21-23 – Bishop Prowse at National Youth Conference, Wollongong 27 – Memorial of St Vincent de Paul

October 1-5 – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s Catholic Commission conference, Melbourne 2 – Memorial of the Guardian Angels 4 – Memorial of St Francis of Assisi 4 – World Animal Day 8 – Fourth term begins 8 – Deadline for October Catholic Life 8-28 – Bishop Prowse representing Australian bishops at Synod of Bishops in Rome 15 – Memorial of St Theresa of Avila 16 – World Food Day 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 17 – Catholic Life published 18 – Valley region meeting, Lumen Christi eco-centre, Churchill, noon 21 – Mission Sunday 22 – Blessed Pope John Paul II

November 1 – All Saints Day 2 – All Souls Day 5 – Deadline for November Catholic Life 6 – Melbourne Cup Day 7 – South region meeting, Leongatha, 11.15am 12-18 – National Recycling Week 13 – East region meeting, Orbost, 10.30am 14 – Catholic Life published 17-18 – Heart Region youth beach retreat, Lakes Entrance 18 – Diocesan pilgrimage to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale, 2pm 20 - Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting, Sion House, Warragul, 10am 21 – Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 21 – World Fisheries Day 25 – Solemnity of Christ the King 26-30 – Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference plenary meeting, Sydney 27 – Central region meeting, St Joseph’s, Warragul, 7.30pm

December 2 – First Sunday of Advent 3 – Deadline for Catholic Life 5 – International Volunteer Day 6 – Valley region Christmas lunch, Morwell Club, noon 6 – St Nicholas Day 8 – Immaculate Conception 12 – Catholic Life published 21 – Summer holidays begin (primary schools) 25 – Christmas Day 26 – Boxing Day 30 – Feast of the Holy Family 31 – New Year’s Eve

Page 14 - Catholic Life, June 2012

For the Young at Heart A quick look

THE village blacksmith was working at his forge hammering a red-hot horseshoe.

He gave it a few more taps and threw it on the ground to cool.

Just then the village wise guy walked in, saw the horseshoe lying on the ground and bent down to pick it up.

As he picked it up, he gave a howl of pain and dropped it back on the dirt.

The blacksmith smiled and said “Pretty hot, huh?”

“No,” said the wise guy.

“It’s just that I don’t take too long to inspect a horseshoe.

They all look pretty much the same.”

Time for a Laugh A MAN accompanied his wife to a symphony orchestra concert but they arrived late and had to tiptoe to their seats.

“What are they playing?” whispered the husband.

“Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony,” replied his wife.

“Thank goodness we’ve missed the first eight,” he said.

A CYCLONE hit a farmhouse, tore the roof off, picked up the bed the husband and wife were sleeping on, and after a nightmare journey gently let them down 20km away.

The wife began to cry, “Don’t be scared, Mary,” her husband said. “We are not hurt.”

“I am not scared,” she sobbed. “It just that its the first time in years that we have been out together.”

the paper cup failed to appear.

The machine promptly poured the coffee and milk down the drain.

As he watched this happen he declared “Machines are getting smarter. They have even figured out a way to get one to drink your coffee for you!”

A SHOE salesman had dragged half his stock off the shelf for a woman customer.

“Do you mind if I rest for a while?” he said. “Your feet are killing me.”

MOTHER said to her fouryear-old “How come there were two biscuits in the jar this morning and there is A MAN put his money in only one now?” a coffee dispensing machine “I must have missed seeing and watched helplessly as the second one,” he replied.

Narre Warren hosts West-LV meeting NARRE WARREN – The Narre Warren branch of Catholic Women’s League hosted the West Gippsland-Latrobe Valley regional meeting.

The day began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Prowse and morning tea.

Branch reports were presented and also reports on radio, social questions and WUCWO. Spiritual director Sr Lynette Young gave a brief talk on the beginnings of the CWL. A small group of young women formed the organisation to crate a more just society and at the first meeting in 1916, some 2000 women attended.

Mary Glowery, who later became a religious sister, was the first president.

Sr Lynette also spoke about the devotion to scripture readings at meetings, the important of retreat days and the social questions fight for justice.

Bishop Prowse spoke about the ecumenical part of parish life, hospitality to all and the need to look after the poor and oppressed.

He spoke about the diocesan staff moving to Sion House in

Warragul and recommended the CWL shows prudence on who donations go to.

He suggested donations could go towards the seminary by “adopting” a seminarian.

He also encouraged members to write to their Federal Member of Parliament regarding the abortion and same sex marriage issues.

After lunch Jim Curtain, who is director of St John of God Nepean Rehabilitation Hospital, Frankston and Catholic Health spoke about Catholic hospitals in Australia.

In Australia Catholic Health had about 10 percent of hospital beds compared with none in the United Kingdom.

Diocesan president Sylvia Neaves thanked branches for their efforts during the years and encouraged members to become aware of new technology.

She urged members to continue outreach by speaking at Masses and giving personal invitations to women in the parishes.

The regional retreat is set down for September 15 at Narre Warren.

Weekly playgroup Rub a dub dub, 3 men in a tub at Nar Nar Goon NAR NAR GOON - At St James, Nar Nar Goon the new hall is being used to run a playgroup for the local families.

Every Thursday parents and young children meet from 9.15 to 11am to play and join in activities.

The group has been fortunate to have had many toys and equipment donated.

While most children attend with mums, some have been attending with their Nanna and even a couple of dads have come joined in.

Each week has a theme and activities are designed around that theme.

One of the themes was Hap-

py Birthday, when everyone’s birthday was celebrated with cakes, candles, presents and fun for everyone.

A fairy visited for fairy week and made fairy bread and magic wands.

Everyone wore green hats and bow ties for St Patrick’s Day when a pot of gold was found at the end of the rainbow for everyone to share.

For Anzac Day they marched like soldiers and made Anzac biscuits.

There is so much fun to be had at playgroup. If anyone is interested in joining please contact the St James school office on 5942 5404.

Tennis at St James’ NAR NAR GOON - St James Primary School children are treated to a fantastic tennis lesson once a week.

Tennis takes place rain, hail or shine, under the big red roof in the school playground.

The senior children take the responsibility of setting up the net each Thursday morning for their tennis instructor.

This year they have a new tennis instructor, called Tadje (pronounced Taddy), who is from Slovenia.

Tadje has been in Australia a short while and is looking forward to seeing some of the beautiful tourist attractions we have to offer.

He has played tennis since he was a little boy and his passion has taken him to many places both playing and coaching.

The children at St James have great fun and they are learning new skills each week. Tadje instructs them in perfecting their forehands, backhands and volleys.

The part the children enjoy the most though, would have to be the games at the end of the lesson. With names such as “Around The World” and “Sick, Dying, Dead”- there is a lot of fun to be had!

The Preps and Ones have started saying thank you to him in Slovenian which he finds amusing! Along with their other specialist activities during the week, such as art, music and sport, this is a definite highlight.

It has been great to see the children master the tennis skills as the week’s progress.

Catholic Life, June 2012 - Page 15

Classifieds wanted known

public notices

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Eyes down 11am. Ticket sales 10.30am Now 55 games at 20 cents per game.

Let’s leave something for those in need

Bishop’s Family Foundation If you are making or updating your will, you may consider leaving a bequest to the Bishop’s Family Foundation.

The Bishop’s Family Foundation has produced some easy-to-read booklets explaining bequests which may be an advantage to read before seeing your solicitor to prepare or update your will.

Copies may be obtained by phoning Pat on 5144 4991 Do it today and sleep easy knowing you have done your part.

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

If so please contact Diocesan Vocations Director

Fr Darek Jablonski 5996 1985 vocations@sale.catholic.org.au

Sacred Heart School

BINGO Every Friday

Further details phone 5134 8484 or 5133 7221 (AH)

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We are the only newspaper other than metropolitan dailies to deliver from the outer eastern suburbs, through Gippsland to the NSW border.

With more than 15,000 copies read in homes each issue, that represents real market penetration.

wanted to buy Golf ball typewriter with variety of golf ball type faces. Phone Fr Brian O’Connor, 5144 6132

Death of Dot Papworth, 103 THE funeral has been held in Melbourne of 103-year-old Dot Papworth who was a long time Gippsland resident.

Named Rosalind Sarah Levey but known to all as Dot she was the third daughter in a family of five and was born in a slab hut that her father had helped to build on the upper Tweed River near the Queensland border in NSW. Her father Syd was a pioneer of the district, felling huge trees by hand and clearing land to establish a small dairy farm.

She was descended from a First Fleet convict Ann Forbes and Third Fleet convict Thomas Huxley, a fact which made her proud of her heritage.

The family moved to Koo Wee Rup after the great swamp was drained, arriving to days of rain the middle of the great 1916 flood.

Dot attended Dalmore East State School and like most country children at that time, especially girls, left school after completing year eight - the nearest High School was Dandenong some 20 miles away.

Dot was lucky to gain admission to Stott’s Business College in the city and when sister Aileen joined Dot at Stott’s, a whole new world of exciting city life was opened to them.

On one of the weekend trips home to Koo Wee Rup, Dot met the young and recently appointed head teacher of Dalmore East State School Bernie Papworth the young couple were married at Koo Wee Rup Catholic Church on Easter Saturday 1934 After a very short Easter honeymoon of three days, they boarded with a farming family at Wonga Wonga in the Foster hills until they could rent their own home on the South Gippsland Highway, east of Foster.

After children Bernice and

clearance sale PRELIMINARY NOTICE

Clearance Sale Antiques and office furniture The Diocese of Sale will be selling surplus furniture and fittings following its move to Warragul next month.

While most items will be priced for clearance, several items will be sold on a best offer basis. These include the antique partners’ desk and an antique captain’s chair used by all Bishops of Sale. Letters of providence will provided to purchasers of these items.

Other items will include desks, chairs, bookcases, beds, filing cabinets and many other items. Any items not sold will be donated to charity.

The clearance sale will take place at the rear of the Business Office, Foster St (Princes Highway) Sale on

Friday, July 27, 2pm - 4pm Saturday, July 28, 9am-11am A detailed list of items for sale will be available in early July and will be published in the next Catholic Life.

John were born, the family moved to another home nearer to Foster .

Bern took up a new posting as head teacher at Port Franklin and purchased a small green Plymouth coupe which was to be the family car for the next 16 years. Michael then Peter were born in Foster but Australia was now at war and soon Bern received a call up notice.

The family packed up and moved to Lang Lang to be nearer to Dot’s family while Bern was at war in New Guinea.

War ended and Bern took up his next appointment at Bethanga State School on the Hume Dam near Wodonga.

In 1952 Maree was born to complete the family In 1955 the couple moved to Yarram when Bern was appointed head teacher of the Yarram State School.

In 1963 Dot and Bern moved to Upper Ferntree Gully then in 1966 they put a deposit down on a house in Ringwood – to be able to own their first home.

Grandchildren were soon arriving and building a loving relationship with their Grandma that was such a rich blessing for her in her later years.

At Ringwood when the Holy Spirit Catholic Church was opened and the Evergreens (a church group of senior church members who are cared for by younger church members) formed, another very special avenue of life opened.

After Bern retired from teaching and he and Dot found time to travel and they also found great enjoyment spending a day or two with their children’s families.

Dot was critically ill with a ruptured spleen when she and

Bern were involved in a traffic accident, but fully recovered and in 1985 when Bern died of a brain tumor, Dot began the next stage of her long life She camped with family members at Tidal River and climbed Mt Oberon at the age of 80.

She went on a safari trip to Darwin camping out each night in a tent, and rode a camel in the northern desert.

In her 90’s she revisited Doon Doon in northern New South Wales where she was born, and Foster - accurately recalling events of her early years where it all began A couple of falls – the worst being in her kitchen at home when she lost balance and fell knocking herself out and breaking her left arm in several places – slowed her down and forced her to rely on a walker A cancer operation five years ago looked likely to be the end but a move to Yarram where she could be near family worked wonders and she soon warmly regarded Crossley House as her new home.

Her 100th birthday at the Yarram Golf Club was a day to remember and even as late as last December on her 103rd birthday when she featured on the WIN television news she looked to be in excellent health but by then the cancer had returned.

Dot left five children, 24 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren.

Fr Kevin Mogg who had been Dot’s parish priest for many years conducted Requiem Mass at Holy Spirit, Ringwood and Dot was buried with her husband in the old Lilydale cemetery.

Registrations open for convention IT is with great excitement we invite youth ministry leaders and volunteers to gather again for the second Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Convention in Campbelltown on September 21-23.

The ACYMC is an opportu-

Kid’s Life helps mums to celebrate DROUIN - A small eager group of primary aged children of Warragul and Drouin parishes involved in the youth group “Kids Life” came together on Sunday May 6 to create a banner to be displayed in the Church foyer at St Ita’s, Drouin on Mother’s Day. The children had an enjoyable time decorating the banner, followed by some morning tea and a short Veggie Tales DVD based on the story of David and Goliath. A lot of fun was had by all, and we look forward to Kids Life next month.

- Jacinta Langelaan, Youth Minister

nity for those ministering with young people from across Australia to come together to share ideas and be formed and inspired for ministry.

Early bird registrations are available until July 13 at www. acymc.org.

The ACYMC in Melbourne was a great success with over 400 attendees.

The ACYMC 2012 hopes to build upon this momentous start and continue to draw together those engaged in youth ministry from parishes, dioceses, schools, movements, communities and religious orders from across the Catholic Church in Australia.

It will provide: • High quality formation and training for those engaged in youth ministry across Australia; • An opportunity for youth ministers to network within and beyond their immediate fields of ministry; and • A space for youth ministers to seek spiritual reflection and nourishment.

More information can be found at www.acymc.org.

Page 16 - Catholic Life, June 2012

Soccer stars run skills clinic

Columba students in the fast lane

JEREMY, John and Steve Baldacchino from Newborough United Soccer Club with the Prep Class at St Mary’s School, Newborough.

NEWBOROUGH - Repre- Steve Baldacchino, Newbor- stars”. Steve promoted the sentatives from the Newbor- ough Yallourn Soccer Club sport and explained that the ough Yallourn United Soccer leader, said “The children had children and their families were Club visited St Mary’s Catholic fun participating in the clinic very welcome at the Soccer Primary School to run a skills and we could certainly iden- Club. clinic with the children. tify a number of future soccer

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Rosary from the Holy Land

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Bolivia

LOOKING over pit lane are Matilda Fitzgerald and Macy Hampton.

BUNYIP - Grade 4, 5 and 6 tion, school programs and road sudents from Columba Catho- safety. lic Primary School in Bunyip While the V8 Supercar drivwere invited to attend the Phil- ers hit their straps in practice lip Island Students of the Track sessions the students were surday to watch the V8 Supercars prised at how big an operation on May 18. it is to put on a V8 Supercar The program is a unique event, and it made for an excitlearning experience for primary ing and interesting visit. and secondary schools.

While education is an imporIt provides students with the tant part of the visit, seeing the opportunity to experience V8 drivers and their cars up close Supercar action first-hand. It and personal in pit lane was a is also part of V8 Supercar’s highlight for car-mad students Community Program, which and parents and the students encompasses community and enjoyed the opportunity to take charity involvement, environ- their education out of the classmental management, educa- room and onto the race track.

Grandparents visit

Simple in design and yet profound in its Z`TIVSPJ ZPNUPÄJHUJL [OL VSP]L^VVK YVZHY` OHUKTHKL PU )L[OSLOLT I` *OYPZ[PHU MHTPSPLZ Z[Y\NNSPUN MVY Z\Y]P]HS are also available for a donation of $7.00. All proceeds will go towards the work of Aid to the Church in Need for the poor and persecuted Church worldwide.

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Cath Life Sale

SOME of the 500 grandparents who visited the school.

WARRAGUL - Catholic Edu- sion (the odd tissue was certaincation Week at St Joseph’s Pri- ly needed at various points!). mary School was filled with a The following school day huge variety of exciting activi- involved two of our grade 1/2 ties for students and families classes walking down through and had a number of different the town of Warragul with opportunities to recognise and tambourines, chanting, singing celebrate the importance, bene- songs on various street corners, fit and unique opportunities that and really making Catholic edCatholic education gives us. ucation and St Joseph’s noticed Some of the highlights of the in the community. week included a grandparents Another event during the day which saw an amazing 500 week was a family maths night. grandparents join students in It was a great fun night with a their classrooms for activities huge amount of different maths and was followed by a beautiful games and activities set up liturgy together in the hall. for families to experience and This liturgy included a choir, share together. a band, a prep student playing The conclusion to Catholic her violin, students singing, Education Week was a concert performing and reading, and a by well-known composer and grandparent speaking to eve- singer Michael Mangan. Sturyone about what it means to dents thoroughly enjoy this exthem to be a grandparent. perience as they sung, danced, Students really felt special performed and immersed themhaving their grandparents with selves in faith-filled songs with them and it was a hugely suc- teachers and many parents. cessful and momentous occa-