Catholic Newspaper of the Sandhurst Diocese since 2004
Free
Issue 131 • February 2016
Sharing Stronger The Stronger team headed to the Australian Youth Festival in Adelaide to share what Stronger has to offer. – Full story Page 8
Shepparton educators join for development P5
St John of God Bendigo gets creative P7
Multifaith concert hailed a success P12-13
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News
Page 2 – www.sandpiper.org.au
February 2016
Your opportunity to give back this Lent
Send us your stories! SandPiper Catholic Newspaper is an open newspaper, receiving contributions for publication from across the Sandhurst Diocese. If you have a story to share from your school or parish, please submit a report to editor@sandpiper.org.au Stories should be no longer than 450 words and an accompanying photo with caption is recommended. Photos should be highresolution (just as they come off your camera) and not embedded within Word documents. (Please note: Items submitted for consideration are subject to space availability and editorial judgement and submitting an item does not guarantee publication).
SandPiper contacts: SandPiper Vision: SandPiper aims to develop a sense of community, linking faith and life through dialogue. Editor: Damian Griffin. Postal address: The SandPiper, C/- The Chancery, PO Box 201, Bendigo, 3552. Street address: (No mail to this address) 172-174 McCrae Street, Bendigo. Email: editor@sandpiper.org.au Phone: (03) 5445 3610 Fax: (03) 5441 8278 To Advertise: Email editor@sandpiper.org.au for an advertising pack, or call the editor for further information. To Subscribe: (View the full edition online for free at www.sandpiper.org.au, or pick up a free copy at Sandhurst Diocese Catholic churches, schools and hospitals). To pay for a home delivered SandPiper, contact the editor.
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Chancery contacts: Chancery and Diocesan Ministry: 174 McCrae Street (PO Box 201) Bendigo Vic 3552. Ph: (03) 5441 2544, Fax: (03) 5441 8278, Website: www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au Bishop’s Secretary: Margaret Watson, margaret. watson@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Adult Faith Education Co-ordinator: Lyn Breen, adultfaith@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Marriage Tribunal: tribunal@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Youth Ministry Workers: Mary-Anne De Luca Mary-Anne.DeLuca@sandhurst.catholic.org.au website: www.sym.org.au/ Business Manager: Cameron Fraser, cameron.fraser@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Personal Assistant to Business Manager: Sally Holmes, sally.holmes@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Diocesan Development Fund: Postal address: PO Box 201, Bendigo, VIC, 3552. Telephone: (03) 5441 2544. Fax: (03) 5441 8278. Email: ddf@sandhurst.catholic.org.au Diocesan archivist: Donna Bailey, archives@sandhurst.catholic.org.au
Disclaimer: SandPiper is a free newspaper published monthly (except January) by the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst. It is distributed through all diocesan Catholic schools and parishes. Views expressed in published articles are not necessarily those of the Diocese. SandPiper may refuse to accept advertisements for publication; however, inclusion of an advertisement in SandPiper does not reflect an endorsement from the Diocese. Readers should rely on their own investigations to determine the suitability of advertised products and services. No responsibility will be taken by SandPiper for the accuracy or otherwise of representations, statements and information contained in advertisements. No responsibility will be taken by SandPiper to ensure that advertisements do not infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties. SandPiper accepts no responsibility or liability in relation to any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear or if it appears in a form that is not in accordance with the instructions received by SandPiper.
Bishop Les Tomlinson
P
roject Compassion, Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fund-raising and awareness-raising appeal, brings thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world’s poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.
Running through the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion is an extraordinary, ongoing demonstration of the faith, love and generosity of caring supporters, all in the name of justice and peace. Lent commences on Wednesday, February 10 this year, and we welcome this time when we can re-examine, renew and refresh our faith and our relationship with God and with others. Out of our faith in Christ who can heal us all and in response to His commandment to love one another – especially those living in poverty, illness or oppression – Caritas Australia works to show compassion in action. Project Compassion is the lifeblood of Caritas Australia; without it, they could not do the vital work they do. So, as we move into the Lenten season, through Project Compassion, we are offered the opportunity to make the commitment to be partners in Jesus’ mission – helping to build God’s kingdom of justice and peace here on earth. The theme for Project Compassion 2016 is “Learning more, creating change” . For over 110 years, Caritas has worked towards the creation of a just world. A Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, the word Caritas is Latin for love and compassion – two qualities which are central to their work. In 1964, Caritas began in Australia and now it is part of a global network that spans over 200 countries and territories. Project Compassion 2016 As Pope Francis says “Education is an act of hope”, so this year Project Compassion celebrates the power of learning, and the many ways in which Caritas Australia is working with local partners around the world to provide vital learning and renewed hope to children, women and men most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice. Over 1500 community members, partners, peers, supporters and staff have drawn on their circumstances and aspirations to contribute their desires for the future of Caritas Australia. The fruit of their deliberations has been expressed in the five goals of Strategic Directions 2013-2018. These goals form the cornerstone of the Agency’s efforts to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. The goals are to: 1 Deepen Catholic Identity; 2 Build Stronger Relationships; 3 Strengthen Programs and Advocacy; 4 Develop Organisational Agility and Competence; and 5 Fund Sustainable Growth. This is a plan that challenges us to give those who are voiceless the opportunity to
Evangeline (right), is an artsworker at the community-owned Djilpin Arts Ghunmarn Culture Centre, a venture supported by Caritas Australia’s Development of Cultural Enterprise program. Photo: Danielle Lyonne participate in the decision-making processes, so that they will be authors of their own development. Their aim is to be an international aid and development organisation that makes a greater impact on the lives of the poor. They will strive to tell the story of that change in more accountable and engaging ways for the communities they assist and the ones here in Australia who wish to continue to support the work of Caritas.
“
thirsty, of clothing the naked and welcoming the homeless. Pope Francis asks us to reach across boundaries of politics, ideology, and sources of division to seek the common good, especially to protect and enhance the lives and dignity of those who are poor and vulnerable. Why not accept his invitation? Yes, you can make a real difference. Together we can help the poorest of the poor live a life of dignity. In time, we can help them
O the three concerns in our observance of Lent – Of prayer, penance and almsgiving, support of Project Compassion (Caritas) is very appropriate assistance to C tthe poor and vulnerable and fulfils the call to support the needy. – Bishop Les Tomlinson
Those who dwell on the margins have so much to offer. Caritas is hopeful that their work and service will place children, women and men experiencing extreme poverty and injustice at the centre of all that Caritas Australia is and does. Please take some time to read the Caritas website from which this article is drawn. The information there will assist you to understand the issues that underpin human development and impact on poverty. Fund-raising through Project Compassion is an easy way to make a lasting difference. No matter how much money you and your parish raise, every dollar counts. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Perhaps you might explore the Catholic Social Teaching principles and how they guide the work of Caritas Australia. You can even join in the blog and see posts from Caritas Australia and their partners around the world. Stay in touch with their work and contribute by commenting and sharing online. Speaking in a simple, inviting way to the hearts of people, Pope Francis urges us time and again to overcome any indifference and to care for one another, especially the least among us. Each and all of us must “hear the cry of the poor,” and embrace the challenge of feeding the hungry and giving drink to the
become self-sufficient so they don’t need to rely on charity. Of the three concerns in our observance of Lent – prayer, penance and almsgiving, support of Project Compassion (Caritas) is very appropriate assistance to the poor and vulnerable and fulfils the call to support the needy.
Bishop’s Diary February, 2016 3
Pontifical Funeral Mass for Fr Leo Lane, at Koroit
4
Melbourne meeting
5
Opening Echuca
6
Marong Racing Cup
Mass
at
St
Joseph’s,
9
Melbourne meeting
10
Ash Wednesday
12-14
Visitation to St Joseph’s parish, Quarry Hill
14
11am Cathedral Mass – Marriage Sunday
14
2pm Cathedral – RCIA Rite of Election
16
Melbourne meeting
18
CEO Leaders’ Mass
19-21
Visitation to Holy Rosary parish, White Hills
24-26
Bishops’ Conference, Sydney
With our eyes fixed on Jesus and his merciful gaze, we experience the love of the Most Holy Trinity. …made visible and tangible in Jesus’ en re life. His person is nothing but love… MV 8
February 2016
News
www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 3
Vale Fr Leo Lane FATHER Leo Lane passed away on January 27 at Warrnambool, age 93. Fr Lane was ordained a priest at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat, on the July 27, 1948 by Archbishop Justin Simonds, for the Diocese of Sandhurst. He served as Assistant Priest in the parishes of St Kilian’s, Wangaratta, Numurkah, Cohuna, Elmore, Euroa, Yarrawonga and Beechworth in the period from 1949 to 1966 from when he served in succession as Parish Priest of Corryong, Beechworth, Rushworth, Chiltern and Pyramid Hill. Following his resignation as Parish Priest of Pyramid Hill in 1989, he resided at St Catherine’s Home, Wangaratta and then privately in Wangaratta until 2006 when he moved back to his home territory of Warrnambool. He spent the last years in an aged care facility in Warrnambool where he died peacefully. Father Lane was in the 69th year of Priesthood. His Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, February 3, at 11am at the Infant Jesus Church, Anzac Avenue, Koroit. Bishop Les Tomlinson concelebrated Mass with Sandhurst Diocese priests and priests of the Warrnambool area. “May God richly reward him for his goodness and his priestly service in the Diocese of Sandhurst,” Bishop Les said in announcing his passing. “May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.”
St Nick a welcome guest Santa arrived in style at St Mary's, Golden Square, for Christmas Eve Mass. About 300 people filled the church before Santa distributed icy poles to children and some lucky adults after Mass. The visit by Santa was supported by the Golden Square Fire Brigade.
Please donate to Project Compassion and empower the world’s poorest communities through learning, to create real and lasting change.
“Education is an act of hope” Pope Francis Please donate to Project Compassion
www.caritas.org.au 1800 024 413
#ProjectCompassion
In virtue of their bap sm…Every Chris an is a missionary…he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus…“disciples” and “missionaries”…“missionary disciples”. EG 120
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Page 4 – www.sandpiper.org.au
February 2016
Euroa enjoys Advent retreat By Patricia Benedict St John the Evangelist Church, Euroa
PARISHIONERS at Euroa have enjoyed a five-day Advent Retreat with Fr Richard Shortall SJ, of the Diocese of Maitland and Newcastle.
A Christian retreat allows participants to slow down, let stress and worry fall away, absorb the silence and bask in the presence and love of God. In addition, Fr Richard and participants journeyed prayerfully with Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and Kings, in preparation for the birth of Jesus, which is celebrated every year at Christmas time. We all sing Christmas carols, and know the one titled Joy to the world but do we really think about what we are singing? The song celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, Son of God and of man. Well, Jesus didn’t come for just one day – He came for all time, and for all mankind. Let’s remember, honour and praise Him for all that we have, all that we are and promise ourselves and Him to be all that we can be! While acknowledging how fortunate we are to live in this wonderful world, it is a fact that there is much sadness and trouble among people worldwide.
Fr Tony Hill celebrates his 60th with parishioners and friends.
Fr Tony turns 60 in style By Patricia Benedict
St John the Evangelist Church, Euroa
EUROA Parish Priest Fr Tony Hill celebrated his 60th birthday in style on November 30.
Perhaps each of us could take the time to pause in our busy lifestyles and offer a prayer for peace and love, thoughtfulness and gentleness with
all mankind, not only at Christmas time but every day. On the last day of the Retreat participants gathered in St John’s Hall, Euroa, to share lunch and fellowship.
Parishioners at Euroa enjoy a five-day Advent Retreat with Fr Richard Shortall SJ.
…a Father who loves all with an infinite love…“confers upon them an infinite dignity”. EG 178
Maygar’s Hill Winery proved to be a fine venue for the event as about 100 friends gathered on a balmy evening to express their good wishes. Food was great and plenty, conversation lively and constant, speeches were few and succinct, rendition of the birthday song was loud and hearty, and the guest of honour maintained his reputation as a “dry wit”. All in all, a very good evening and celebration. Roll on, the next 60!
News
February 2016
www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 5
Peter Pettigrew, Denise Crawford (St Vincent de Paul Society) Gill McLeod (Notre Dame College), and Mary Heneghan and Marg Purcell (St Vincent de Paul Society).
Christmas cook-up brings cheer
By Debbie Worm Sacred Heart School
SHEPPARTON – Notre Dame College Staff in Shepparton celebrated Catholic Identity Professional Development Day on December 15 in a variety of ways.
One group of 60 staff members chose to do a cooking bake-off for the needy and disadvantaged served by the St Vincent de Paul Society within the City of Greater Shepparton. Representatives from the St Vincent de Paul Society observed
the enjoyment and enthusiasm of the staff preparing and baking the gifts. There was a real buzz in the kitchen with Christmas carols in the background. As a result, 500 bags of yummy goodies were presented to Denise Crawford, Regional President of the St Vincent de Paul Society. Denise passed on the bags to Shepparton (St Brendan’s and St Mel’s), Mooroopna and Tatura Conferences. Those Conferences identified people with mental health difficulties, the homeless, the victims of
Roland Boschetti (above) and Jenny Dearnley (below) from Notre Dame College. domestic violence and the frail elderly as among the most disadvantaged and needy within our communities. It was heart warming to witness the Christmas spirit of all involved. The St Vincent de Paul Society Conferences look forward to continuing their partnership with Notre Dame College in 2016.
Packed with history ourney of Christ Pilgrimage to the Holy Land 2016 14th - 29th September 2016 OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO PETRA, JORDAN 29th September – 1st October
By Jackson Saunders Sandhurst Seminarian
A SUITCASE belonging to one of the earliest FMDM sisters from England to work at Bendigo’s Catholic hospital forms part of the heritage collection that is to be assembled by St John of God Hospital. The suitcase (pictured above) was brought to Australia in 1965 by Sr Sarah Duggan with all her possessions. Sr Sarah belonged to the group of religious sisters, Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood, who opened Mt Alvernia Hospital as it was originally known in 1961. The suitcase is one of 121 items with historical significance for the hospital that have been recommended to form part of the heritage collection from a larger collection of more than 300 items, which
were included on the initial inventory list. Other items include historical silverware, sculptures and crucifixes, as well as liturgical and other religious items and medical equipment. There are also commemorative related items and hospital paraphernalia acknowledging the FMDM Sisters, Mercy Health and St John of God Health Care, who have all been involved in administering the hospital. A working group chaired by Director of Mission, Denis Byrne, has been set up to assess the items that have been recommended to be preserved to heritage standards. “The aim of the working group is to establish the heritage collection and then share the stories of our history,” Mr Byrne said.
Fr Junjun Amaya Assistant Priest St Liborius Parish Eaglehawk
Ms Maria Weatherill Consultant: Catholic Identity Sandhurst Diocese Catholic Education Office
Organised by Adult Faith Education Sandhurst and the Sandhurst Diocese Catholic Education Office, in collaboration with Olive Tree Travel. You are invited to join the 2016 Sandhurst Diocese Pilgrimage to Israel, the Holy Land, with Pilgrimage Chaplain and Leader, Fr Junjun Amaya and Co-Leader Ms Maria Weatherill Walk the roads, villages and countryside where Jesus walked with his first disciples. Experience the Holy Land where he was born, lived, taught and healed many, and where he died and appeared to followers on that first Easter morning. Recall Old Testament narratives and read Gospel stories in their original settings; Bethlehem, Nazareth, Cana, Caesaria Philippi, Galilee, the Jordan Valley, Jericho, Jerusalem and more. Renew wedding vows at Cana! Celebrate Eucharist and take time for quiet reflection and prayer in sacred settings that include a boat journey on the Sea of Galilee. Travel to Qumran situated near the Dead Sea, site of the 1947 discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Come join us!
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God, by his sheer grace, draws us to himself and makes us one with him. He sends his Spirit into our hearts…transforming us and enabling us to respond to his love by our lives. EG 112
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Page 6 – www.sandpiper.org.au
February 2016
Knights honour members
Denis and Win Kelly in Kerang.
Denis recognised for 60 yrs service
ON November 10, members of the Knights of the Southern Cross from Bendigo and Kerang gathered at the home of Denis and Win Kelly in Kerang for the presentation of a 60 year membership certificate to Denis. There were about 20 people in attendance, including members of the Kelly family, and all enjoyed an afternoon tea with Denis and Win.
State Councillor Tom Brodie made the journey from Longwood to pay tribute to the guest of honour. Denis and Win have been very active members of St Patrick's Parish Kerang for a long time and the Parish Priest of St Patrick’s, Fr Eugene was also present. May God Bless Denis and Win and keep them close for the rest of their days.
District Chairman Ian Bell presented District Awards to Mike Derham, Kevin Egan and John Mooney. ON November 17, about 100 people attended the KSC Annual Mass for Deceased Members and supper at Holy Rosary White Hills. Ten Wives of deceased members were included in the number. The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Les Tomlinson,
Monsignor Frank Marriott and Parish Priest, Fr Ted Harte. Monsignor Frank was the guest speaker at the supper and he spoke about his trip to Gallipoli earlier in the year. Together with his travelling companion, Ian Dyett, they were able to find the graves of several relatives of Bendigo and District
Kevin Pagon presens 60 year award to John Mangan.
people and they were able to place a poppy and a Bendigo Badge on those graves. During the evening, there were presentations made to John Mangan for 60 years of service, also Kevin Stevenson for 50 years. These presentations were made by State Councillors Kevin Pagon and John Kirley.
District Chairman, Ian Bell presented District Awards to John Mooney, Mike Derham and Kevin Egan for their efforts on the catering committee. Quite a number of members from Kerang, Rochester and Kyabram also attended. All in all, a good night was had by all.
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*Competition runs from 01/02/16 – 1/04/16. Prize is drawn on 5/04/2016 at Level 13, 2 Market St Sydney. Winner’s name published in The Australian on 8/04/2016. Authorised under NSW Permit No: LTPS/15/08899; ACT Permit No: TP15/08124, SA Licence No: T15/2050. Promotion terms and conditions available here or at allianz.com.au/prize. Promoter is Allianz. Catholic Church Insurance Limited ABN 76 000 005 210, AFS Licence No. 235415 (CCI) arranges personal insurance as promoter of the underwriter Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 (Allianz). Ferrari driving experience - Participant must be at least 18 years of age, with a maximum height of 195cm and a maximum weight of 105kg. Participant must hold an eligible driver’s licence in order to participate in the Ferrari 458 Italia driving experience. We do not provide any advice on this insurance based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Before deciding please consider the product disclosure statement (PDS) available by calling 1300 655 003; or from www.catholicinsurance.org.au. If you buy this insurance CCI may be paid a commission that is a percentage of the premium depending on the product. Ask us for details before we provide you with any services. View the Financial Services Guide (FSG) for further information.
A commi ed missionary knows the joy of being a spring which spills over and refreshes others. EG 272
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February 2016
www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 7
SJOG celebrates decade with dance By Jackson Saunders Sandhurst Seminarian
MORE than 110 caregivers and over 40 volunteers, patients and visitors were recently involved in the creation of a song to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of St John of God Health Care in Bendigo.
The song Heart of Gold, which received more than 10,000 hits online in the first week of it being released, expresses the hospital’s mission and values in a contemporary and creative way. Chief Executive Officer Darren Rogers said that the name of the song was perfect because caregivers and volunteers were the “heart and soul� of the hospital. Mr Rogers said that music had been shown to have many positive benefits in the hospital. “To quote Elton John: ‘Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours,’� Mr Rogers explained. “The use of music here in the hospital is another way that we provide care for our patients.� In addition, Mr Rogers said that it was a great way to have
a bit of fun, with hospital staff involved in the entire process of the song’s production. The genre of the song was voted on by caregivers at the hospital with the ‘feel good/ laid back’ genre an overwhelming theme from the responses. Lyrics were then written by caregivers with 16 caregivers attending workshops to engage in this process. “Our caregivers have been involved in every step of the song project – from voting on which genre the song should be, to writing the lyrics, to our caregiver chorus recording the vocals, and then to our caregivers, volunteers and even some patients and visitors featuring in the film clip,� Mr Rogers said. “We’ve also used local Bendigo musicians and sound engineers to record the music for our song and made this a real Bendigo community project.� Hundreds gathered in the Atrium at St John of God Hospital Bendigo on Monday, December 21, for the song launch, which was attended by dignitaries including City of Greater Bendigo Mayor, Rod Fyffe, Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, and St John of God Health Care Trustee, Jack Moore. Hospital music therapist, Astrid Notarangelo, was presented with flowers by
Many members of St John of God Hospital Bendigo took part in the Heart of Gold production, including Director of Mission Denis Byrne (above) and Critical Care Unit staff (right). Mr Rogers and Director of Mission, Denis Byrne, as an expression of gratitude for her role in leading the production of the Heart of Gold song to celebrate the hospital’s 10-year anniversary as part of St John of God Health Care. The song, along with other SJGBH initiatives, has
also been nominated for a Bendigo Business Excellence Award in the Excellence in the Workplace Health and Wellbeing Category. The song can be viewed via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ SJOGBendigo or on the hospital’s website: www.sjog.org.au
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I am a mission on this earth; that is the reason why I am here in this world‌ sealed, even branded, by this mission of bringing light, blessing, enlivening, raising up, healing and freeing. EG 273
News
Page 8 – www.sandpiper.org.au
February 2016
Youth festival fun in Adelaide By Lauren Lucas FCJ Benalla
R
ecently, a small group of 10 students travelled to Adelaide to attend the Australian Catholic Youth Festival from December 3-5.
This event was a celebration and gathering of more than 3000 people aged from 15 to 25 and an opportunity to enhance and develop our faith as young people of the Catholic Church. We began our journey in Penola, a small town where Australia’s first Saint, Mary Mackillop worked. While in Penola we visited the Mary Mackillop museum, the schoolhouse she and her sisters established and the local church. This experience allowed us to more fully appreciate and understand the works of this incredible woman and the struggles she overcame in order to live out her faith. The following day we reached Adelaide and soon the festival began. The Australian Catholic Youth Festival spanned over three days and was filled with
At the Mary Mackillop museum, the schoolhouse she and her sisters established at Penola. activities from workshops to prayer to rallies and singing. Each day began and ended with a plenary; these sessions included thousands of young people and a variety of interesting and passionate speakers. From Fr Morgan abseiling onto stage from the ceiling or hearing Gary Pinto, the ‘X Factor’ vocal coach, sing and dance, there was never a dull moment. Aside from the plenaries, each day there was a wide selection of events to participate in, some of the most popular being Father Rob and the Stronger team, Steve Angrisano’s singing and stories and Jason Everet’s views
on relationships between young Catholics. However, as an FCJ group, the speaker we were most impressed by was Daniel Giles who spoke about life with autism and how it affected his faith. Alongside him were members of the deaf church community who also demonstrated that religion and faith are expressed in a variety of ways and that any obstacle can be overcome in order to further develop their beliefs. As well as workshops, there were often other exercises such write to politicians about the mistreatment of asylum seekers in the social justice activity centre, the
Students visit the statue of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Adelaide. ‘Xchange’ space where topical issues were discussed and also the INcounter area which was constantly overflowing with interested youth. Throughout the festival though, there were also moments for reflection and silence. We found this in Adoration and the sacrament of Reconciliation. We were also presented the opportunity to reflect in the evening by completing an Examen, an Ignatian form of prayer that helped us draw out
highlights from our time spent at the festival and be thankful for the positive things that had occurred within our day. During our time in Adelaide, there was a great sense of community and belonging, not only within our faith but as a group. Overall the festival was fantastic and created an opportunity to not only build our understanding and beliefs, but also act on them. It allowed us to create friendships and meet
like-minded people, and I would encourage everyone to go along to the next event in Sydney in a couple of years. The trip would not have been possible without the support from the FCJ College and St Joseph’s Parish and we would also like to thank the teachers, Mrs Branigan, Mr Demase and Mr Daw, for giving up their time to take us and sharing their knowledge of our faith.
Just some of the young people unable to enter the Stronger Rally after the venue reached capacity.
s. who gathered who has lived ment to those tivities follow The Stronger stall at the
Australian Catholic Youth Festival.
The Stronger Rally at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival.
Rally overflows By Mary-Anne de Luca Sandhurst Youth Ministry
S
tronger had the privilege of hosting a rally at the Adelaide Catholic Youth Festival with more than 450 young people from across Australia in attendance.
The hall was bursting at its seams as hundreds of young
people were ushered away when the hall quickly reached capacity. During the festival we were able to engage with youth ministry leaders and young people from across Australia through our Stronger Youth stall. The overwhelming feedback from leaders and students from across the nation was that they wanted the Stronger youth
program to be implemented in their parishes and schools. We came away from the festival affirmed that our diocese has an exciting vehicle of drawing young people to Christ. As part of this jubilee year of Mercy, Stronger will be presenting the theme “This is Mercy” which will be the underlying thread to all of our rallies and our annual Fr Rob Galea and the Stronger band at the festival. retreat in 2016.
Only the person who feels happiness in seeking the good of others, in desiring their happiness, can be a missionary. This openness of the heart is a source of joy. EG 272
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February 2016
James Biviano and laura Owins
www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 9
Taylor Walsh and Chris Gilroy.
Matthew Scott.
DJ Miggy
Maria gilroy and Maddi Madeira.
A
t 41 degrees it was a scorcher, but that did not stop Stronger Youth from coming together to celebrate 2015 in true Gatsby fashion.
Limendra Fernando.
Fr Rob Galea.
Stronger parties in Gatsby style
Alyssa Comito.
Youth from across the diocese and parts of Melbourne made their way to Bendigo to take part in the 1920s inspired Christmas festivities which began with a party at 3pm. Guests were treated to a musical feast with local DJ, Miggy spinning the decks, as well as live performances from Melbourne artist; Alyssa Comito and Bendigo’s very own Chris Paea. The enthusiastic party-goers danced up a storm to hits new and old and took part in fun activities while munching on refreshments. The Party was then followed by carols and a youth-led Mass across the road
at St Kilian’s Church, celebrated by Fr Robert Galea. In his sermon Fr Rob reminded us that Jesus is the reason for The Season and challenged us all to focus more on being present to one another rather than material presents during this time. After the Mass, all were invited back to the Stronger Youth Centre where we enjoyed a sausage sizzle and reminisced about our favourite experiences of the year, one in particular being the annual Stronger Retreat! We had so much to be grateful for. Despite the high temperatures the first Stronger Christmas party was a huge hit and I look forward to continuing my journey with Stronger in the New Year. Words by Elisa Tohi.
Being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and in any place: on the street, in a city square, during work, on a journey. EG 127
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February 2016
St Valentine’s Day, February 14 EQUAL BUT
4HEÖ*OYÖOFÖ$IFFERENCE St Valentine’s Day: It reminds us of a beautiful truth, instinctively recognised and wonderfully appreciated: men and women are different. We can’t imagine one without the other. In fact, each one’s existence is MBSHFMZ EFÙOFE CZ JUT EJGGFSFODF GSPN UIF other.
'SPN UIF WFSZ ÙSTU DIBQUFST PG UIF scriptures, we are introduced to biology and the essential role of male and female in the story of salvation. God creates, not just a being, but a man and a woman. Their difference is the basis for their union and for their capacity to generate life. Their difference became the foundation of the ÙSTU IVNBO GBNJMZ St. Valentine’s Day is a poignant reminder of the human story. It is a celebration of a life-giving love that is grounded in a reality that has propelled human existence from before recorded history. Boy meets girl, they fall in love, they commit their entire worldly future to each other and from that deep enduring love a future generation is nurtured into life and maturity.
We simply cannot DEÙNEÖMANÖWITHOUTÖ WOMANÖORÖWOMANÖ WITHOUTÖMAN
At its heart, St Valentine’s Day is a celebration of sexual difference and complementarity. Ironically, while popular culture down-plays sexual difference, CJPMPHZ BOE TPDJPMPHZ BSF DPOÙSNJOH UIF many, innate differences between men and women. Of course society’s attitudes affect us strongly but the traditional assumptions about gender roles are mainly due to the fact that our bodies are different. Science is quite clear: males have XY chromosomes and females have XX chromosomes; this creates hormonal differences that are the basis of what we all know in practice: that boys and girls, men and women are different.
"EINGĂ–DIFFERENTĂ–DOESNlTĂ– MEANĂ–BEINGĂ–UNEQUAL Ă– .EITHERĂ–ISĂ–BETTER Ă– 4HEYlREĂ–JUSTĂ–DIFFERENTĂ– Ă– WONDERFULLYĂ–DIFFERENT Ă– And this difference is a great joy. It is also an evolutionary advantage for us; being different encourages specialist roles which make us more effective together than we are as individuals.
A Composition of Wonder
-AKINGĂ–3ENSEĂ–OF
When we talk about the complementarity of the sexes, we’re not referring to gender stereotypes. As Pope Francis has said, “When we speak of complementarity between man and woman‌let us not confuse that term with the simplistic idea that all the roles and relations of the two SEXESÂ&#x;AREÂ&#x;Ă›XEDÂ&#x;INÂ&#x;AÂ&#x;SINGLE Â&#x;STATICÂ&#x;PATTERN Â&#x; Complementarity will take many forms as EACHÂ&#x;MANÂ&#x;ANDÂ&#x;WOMANÂ&#x;BRINGSÂ&#x;HISÂ&#x;ORÂ&#x;HERÂ&#x; DISTINCTIVEÂ&#x;CONTRIBUTIONSÂ&#x;TOÂ&#x;THEIRÂ&#x;MARRIAGEÂ&#x; and to the formation of their children – HISÂ&#x;ORÂ&#x;HERÂ&#x;PERSONALÂ&#x;RICHNESS Â&#x;PERSONALÂ&#x; CHARISMA s1
St Valentine Feb 14
The origins of Valentine’s Day are traced back to St Valentine, a Roman priest who was executed for marrying couples against the orders of Emperor Claudius II. While in prison he healed the sight of his jailer’s young daughter, and on the eve of his execution, reportedly wrote her a note signed, “From your Valentine�. He is celebrated throughout the world as the patron of romance and married love.
“Men and women are different, and they have very different strengths, which allow them to do very different things; those strengths complement each other, permitting each to reach their greatest potentiality and self-expression. She relies on the gentle strength of his lift to help her achieve moments of transcendent, heart-stopping beauty. He gets to share, with his own subdued steadiness, and together they create something, and its totality is a composition of wonder.� - Elizabeth Scalia2
m#OMPLEMENTARITYÖ BECOMESÖAÖGREATÖWEALTH Ö )TÖISÖNOTÖJUSTÖAÖGOODÖTHINGÖ BUTÖITÖISÖALSOÖBEAUTIFULn – Pope Francis, Humanum
“It always delights me to observe young people as they discover the joys of romance. Despite their determination not to conform to oldfashioned rules, the flirting seems to follow a common pattern. The boys are so eager to demonstrate their competence and fearlessness with displays of toughness, while the girls tend more to gestures that present their beauty to advantage. Each vies for the attention and admiration of the other sex but they approach it so differently!� - Dan
“When our children were young, as a Mum I had a distinctive and irreplaceable role. I nurtured each baby in the womb and at the breast and provided comfort formed via the deep attachment bonds of that shared experience. As our children matured, increasingly Dad’s role took centre stage. As teenagers, each of our kids have looked to him for confirmation of their feminine beauty and capability or masculine strength and competence. His way of interacting with them is quite different to mine, but brilliantly complementary!� - Sharon
Talk about it:
How are men and women different? (consider recreational interests, career choices, parenting style).
Celebrate it:
$PNQMJNFOU BOE BGÙSN UIPTF ZPV MPWF PO UIFJS NBTDVMJOF PS GFNJOJOF uniqueness.
Pray for it:
Lord God, creator of all that is good and holy! We praise you for the gift of man and woman, masculinity and femininity. Instill within us a deeper appreciation for this gift BOE JOTQJSF JO VT B EFTJSF UP GVMÙM ZPVS QVSQPTFT GPS PVS TFYVBMJUZ Protect us from distractions that would turn our hearts from your plan and embolden us with a passion to live our masculinity and femininity fully. Amen.
References: 1. Pope Francis, Humanum Conference 2014, published in Not Just Good but Beautiful: The Complementary Relationship between Man and Woman. Plough Publishing 2015. 2. Elizabeth Scalia, NY Times Writes in Favour of Complementarity, www.patheos.com/blogs/ theanchoress/2015/01/03/ny-times-argues-in-favor-of-complementarity/ Š 2016, Australian Catholic Marriage and Family Council. Reproduction encouraged with due credit. For more St Valentine’s Day resources, visit www.acmfc.org Authors: Francine & Byron Pirola
Loving others is a spiritual force drawing us to union with God‌ EG 272
News
February 2016
www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 11
Lent in the Year of Mercy 2016 Resources for you and your family T
here are some beautiful resources to help us on our Lenten journey during this Jubilee Year of Mercy. Many may be freely viewed, downloaded, or bought at low cost via the internet. You may like to choose one or two, that feel right for you, from selection below:
Prayer, Reflection And Discussion For Adults Lent in the Year of Mercy Simple leaflets from the Sandhurst Diocese for thinking and praying for individuals or groups: www.sandhurst. catholic.org.au. Choose ‘News and Events.’ Come to the Waters and Monthly Mercy Reflections in the Jubilee Year of Mercy From the Archdiocese of Perth. www.liturgy.perthcatholic.org.au. Scroll down. Weekly Reflections, Leaders’ Notes, Music and Art selections, Children’s Activities, Universal Prayer, Second Rite of Reconciliation Liturgy. A Spirit of Mercy From the Melbourne Archbishop’s Office for Evangelisation) w w w.c a m .o r g. a u /e va n gelisation/Resources/ Year-of-Mercy. Reflections on the Works of Mercy by Br Mark O’Connor FMS. Free download. Lectio Divina From the Diocese of Broken Bay,
www.dbb.org.au. ‘News and Events’. 68 page book now available for free download Pray with Pope Francis – Apostleship of Prayer Global Network w w w. a p o s t l e s h i p o f prayer.org/. Videos and free downloads. ‘Mercy’ From ‘CathFamily’ w w w. c a t h f a m i l y. o r g / mercy-print-booklet/ ‘CathFamily’ has suggestions and free resources for the Year of Mercy, and an attractive booklet inspired by the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Read ‘flipping book’ online (link above) or buy a copy: $6 + postage from the Marriage Resource Centre Shop: www. marriageresourcecentre.org/. Best Lent Ever From ‘Dynamic Catholic’ (US) w w w.d y n a m ic c at hol ic. com/bestlentever/ A free 40 day email program focused on personal encounter with Jesus in Lent, based on a book Rediscover Jesus, by Matthew Kelly. ‘Mercy-ing’ Ffrom the Sisters of Mercy of New Zealand & Australia Free App or Google Play: Search by title in iTunes Apps or GooglePlay: Morning inspiration and evening reflection to help us be attentive to the movement of Mercy in our lives.
365 DAYS TO MERCY From Our Sunday Visitor www.osv.com/yom. Daily reflections via free App or Googleplay Pope Francis’ Talks throughout Lent and all through the year can be found at: Vatican – YouTube. www.youtube.com/ user/vatican and the Vatican Radio English Section www. en.radiovaticana.va “Listen” Spiritual Seekers’ Resource from Spiritual Directors International www.sdiworld. org/publications/listen. Free for seekers in a search for everyday encounters with the Sacred: Includes short articles, book reviews, poetry. Being Lost…Being Found From the Archdiocese of Brisbane www.evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/ 2016 Lenten Program for the Jubilee of Mercy, for groups and individuals, focused on Sunday Gospels and living a life of mercy and grace. Mercy Lent 2016 program from the Diocese of Wollongong w w w. d o w. o r g . a u /s h o p Sold out in hard copy. Can be purchased online in digital download. The Little Black Book for Lent and 5 Minutes with the Word
TextWeek (Kids’ Section) Free ecumenical resource shared by different Christian churches in several countries. www.textweek.com. Based on Sunday Scriptures.
of A spirit
Sermons 4 Kids A free ecumenical resource shared by different Christian churches. www.sermons4kids.com/ Sunday Gospel reflections, including activities such as colouring-in sheets for children of different ages.
the ions on Reflect of Mercy Works IVID FOR IND
GRO UP UAL &
REF LEC
TIO N
From Evangelisation Down Under www.erdu.com. au. Short daily Gospel based reflections, quotes, information. Praying Lent Creighton University Online Ministries w w w.on li nem i nistries.creighton.edu/ CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/ Many resources for prayer and reflection, including Lenten activities and an online retreat for Lent in the Ignatian tradition. Pray as You Go - from Jesuit Media Initiatives UK. w w w.p r ay- a s -yo u - go.o r g. Daily prayer for listening with a computer, MP3 player, tablet or smartphone. Scripture, reflection, quiet time, traditional or modern music for each day. Sacred Space From the Irish Jesuits. w w w. s a c r e d s p a c e . i e Scripture, reflection and prayer
is offered for a 10 minute ‘sacred space’ using computer, tablet or smartphone. The Grace of Place Online Lenten resource from the Columbans. w w w.colu mba n.org.au / resources/the-grace-of-placelenten-resource-2016
Special Interest For Families Project Compassion Lent 2016 prayer & education resources – from Caritas Australia. www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion and www. caritas.org.au/projectcompassion/lent-calendar Lent and Year of Mercy Resources From Loyola Press w w w.loyol a p r e s s .c o m / liturgical-year-lent.htm and www.loyolapress.com/year-ofmercy.htm A large collection of free, but valuable, resources.
Jesus Film Media www.jesusfilmmedia.org Jesus’ story dramatized in a full length movie and short movie clips. Includes the story of Jesus for children. Free App and online. ‘Download Jesus’ Bible App w w w.d ow n lo a dje s u s .c o m Award winning dramatized New Testament audio with experienced actors and music, endorsed by the Vatican.
Short Courses Online STM Online: Crossroads From Boston College (low cost) www.bc.edu/schools/stm/ crossroads/courses/schedule • The Online Book Club: The Church of Mercy, by Pope Francis 2/10/2016 - 3/15/2016 • John in Holy Week and Easter 2/24/2016 - 3/15/2016 • A Church Of and For the Poor 2/24/2016 - 3/15/2016 • The Gospel of John 3/30/2016 - 5/03/2016 Lyn Breen, Adult Faith Education Sandhurst.
Aspire welcomes new board members
TWO new members have recently been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Aspire Foundation as it moves into high gear to develop the area around Bendigo’s Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Owen Davies and Maria Simpson join existing Board members Gordon McKern OAM, Mons Frank Marriott, Biljana Apostolova and Cameron Fraser, as well as Foundation Patrons The Hon. Tim Fischer AC and Howard Nathan QC, with Ambassadors the Hon. John Brumby and Gerry Ryan OAM. Aspire’s Chairman Gordon McKern said both new Directors had a wealth of governance experience and the best interests of the Bendigo community at heart. “I’m extremely delighted to welcome Maria and Owen on to our Board. Maria is a former CEO of Bendigo TAFE and has been the national manager of the Telstra Foundation, so her experience will be invaluable to our Board. And Owen of course was an integral part of the Bendigo Bank story for many years and contributed to the success we see today.”
Mons Frank Marriott, Margaret O’Rourke, Cameron Fraser, Biljana Apostolova, Fr Tony shallue, Maria Simpson, Owen Davies and Gordon McKern. Owen Davies is well known in Bendigo, having lived there his entire life, barring a six-year stint at the Herald Sun in Melbourne. A journalist by profession he spent 10 years rising through the ranks at
the Bendigo Advertiser before joining the Bendigo Bank. Recently retired after 20 years heading the Bendigo Bank’s public relations, marketing and communications divisions, Owen Davies said he was looking forward to his new role.
“I have a deep affection for this city and the plans for the Aspire Precinct are incredibly exciting. I’m looking forward to being involved in promoting the project and Foundation to Bendigo and beyond.”
Mr McKern said the Foundation was celebrating the success of its first public event making use of the open space at the foot of the Cathedral. “Our concert with Father Rob Galea last Saturday night was a huge success and we are so pleased that hundreds of people came and had a chance to have a look at our plans for the new Aspire Precinct and view the model of the development. “The multi-faith nature of the concert was really well received and gave us a lot of confidence that the Faith on the Goldfields Centre we are building will be a very well used and loved space for the community and visitors. “The Foundation is moving into a most exciting phase of delivering the Aspire Precinct at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, and as a Board we welcome the experience and leadership of our new Directors and the contribution they will bring to this work.” Mr McKern acknowledged the service of outgoing Board members Geoff Michell and Ian Dyett, who were instrumental in setting the direction of the Foundation since its launch in 2013.
Let everyone admire how you care for one another, and how you encourage and accompany one another: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35). EG 99
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Margaret Spalding from Believe in Bendigo.
February 2016
MC Jonathan Ridnell.
Enni and Heri Febriyanto of the Muslim community.
February 2016
News
Margaret O’Rourke from the Aspire Cultural an Charitable Foundation.
Howard Nathan representing the Jewish community.
Multifaith concert hailed a success AN evening of multicultural celebration gathered about 600 people to the Sacred Heart Cathedral lawns in December.
Monk Moonie delivers his blessing.
www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 13
Fr Rob Galea entertains at the multifaith Concert on High at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Brendan Whitford on the bagpipes.
The evening, organised by the Aspire Cultural and Charitable Foundation, was to raise funds to build the ‘Aspire Precinct’ – Australia’s first ecumenical interfaith precinct to be located at the front of the Sacred Heart Cathedral. It promises to be a vibrant learning, community and entrepreneurial hub providing a gateway to the cultural histories of the region. The multi-faith event featured performances or speeches from groups including the Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Islamic, Jewish and Karen communities, the Dja
Dja Wurrung, Bendigo Chinese Association and Believe in Bendigo. The Sandhurst Diocese’s Fr Rob Galea, who featured on the X Factor earlier last year, headlined the concert. It was his first public performance in Bendigo since arriving back in Bendigo at the start of the year. Executive director of Aspire Margaret O’Rourke said an event like Concert on High showcased the potential of the Aspire Precinct. “It shows what a community hub this can be,” she said. “With all the different faiths involved, it will be like a base or a home for people to share that with Bendigo and the wider community. It will be Australia’s first faith-based precinct.
“There are well over 500 people here tonight. We have been overwhelmed with how many people have come, we were aiming for 500 and have exceeded that.” Ms O’Rourke said the concert wanted to show off some of the many faiths and cultures in Bendigo. “(The groups) were all pleased and excited to be involved,” she said. “Something like Believe in Bendigo really fits with the values of foundation. “The foundation has been in the making for 10 years, so we were really pleased when Believe in Bendigo started up because that’s what we have been striving to have – a multifaith approach.”
She said there were now plans for an annual Concert on High. “We are hoping this can become an annual event and that we can do something bigger than this.” Ms O’Rourke said the Aspire Foundation was still working towards fundraising for the new precinct. “We missed out on the latest round of the National Stronger Regions funding but we will apply again,” she said. “We have a commitment of $5 million from the state government but if we get federal funding as well (building the precinct) is imminent.” For more information on the Aspire Precinct, or to donate, visit http://www.aspirefoundation.org.au/
Fr Tony Shallue and Bishop Les Tomlinson.
Crowds enjoy the atmosphere at Concert on High.
A Karen dancer.
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February 2016
Would your parish pass the ‘second coming’ compliancy test?! T here was a Parish Priest who received a survey in the mail from the local electric company to assist parish readiness for worldwide computer network ‘Y2K’ problems, expected to emerge when clocks ticked over into the new millennium, the 2000s. Among questions on the survey, it was the last that stumped the Parish Priest. “Will your essential functions be affected?”
The Parish Priest, considered what the essential functions of the parish were. He reflected that the Church is primarily a community of charity and prayer; therefore, the parish could continue its essential functions quite well, even if computer systems failed at midnight when the year 2000 began! He wrote, “We should be able to celebrate the Sacraments, do works of charity, study the Scriptures and teach the faith, even if the computers shut down.” With further reflection, the Parish Priest mused, “If our computers fail, we might not be able to fill in all those forms sent to us. We might not be able to schedule so many events. We would have more time for real Sabbath rest.” Then the Parish Priest began to wonder about God’s readiness survey.
“What if we sent out a similar survey,” he contemplated, to determine if the people in the parish are ‘second coming’ compliant – ready for the Risen Christ to come again, when all earthly time is ended? What essential functions would we want to consider? So the Parish Priest started to write down some points to ponder: • Have you fed the hungry lately? • Have you given drink to the thirsty? • Are strangers welcomed in your community? • What provisions have you made for clothing the naked and sheltering the homeless? • Are your programs for visiting the sick and the imprisoned working well? • What about the poorest, most isolated and most marginalised in your area? How have you reached out to them? • Do you worship God in spirit and truth? • Have you been building up one another with words of encouragement? • Have you been reconciling enemies, making peace and comforting those who mourn? • What have you done to reduce the violence in your community? What about reducing the violent rages within your own heart?
• Are your treasures stored up in heaven or in a safety deposit box or a bank? • In what ways have you hungered and thirsted for justice and not sought vengeance? • Have you preached the Good News lately – by your words or your deeds? • Have you told people of God’s abundant love? • Have people found the God of Compassion and Mercy because of you?
The Parish Priest noted, “Most of us would have a harder time filling out the second survey than the first.” He continued, “I’d be willing to bet that it would be a lot more important to get compliant with the second readiness survey.” The Parish Priest concluded, “One way or another, we can muddle through computer glitches. But if we don’t get compliant with the concerns of the Lord’s survey of readiness, when the Risen Christ calls us home, we may never have become the people God calls us to be. We may not make it through God’s ‘day of judgement’ unscathed. Now that’s a survey to take seriously. (Adapted from “Second Coming” Compliant – a Readiness Survey, Father Peter Daly in Sower’s Seeds that Nurture Family Values – Sixth
Works of Mercy “Be merciful just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36)
Corporal Works of Mercy to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead
Spiritual Works of Mercy to counsel the doubtful instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offences, bear patiently those who do us ill, and pray for the living and the dead.
Planting: 100 Stories to Restore Your Faith, Renew Your Hope & Refresh Your Spirit, 67-69)
Works of Mercy he Corporal and Spiritual works of Mercy are described in the Scriptures, most especially in the life of Jesus. In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus describes the attitudes, ‘beatitudes’, of his true followers, who must mirror his works of compassion and mercy in their own lives. Theirs is a way of mercy for others, which is the only way of blessing and real happiness for disciples themselves.
T
The corporal and spiritual works of mercy express God’s ‘great river of mercy’ (Pope Francis, MV, 25), which never runs dry. These ‘works’ connect human beings in real solidarity with other human beings and with Jesus himself. “You did it to me” (Mt 25:40): “Jesus identified himself with the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the stranger, the sick or the imprisoned, with those who are in the grip of doubt or in distress and need help and consolation not to fall into anguish. At the same time he asks us to forgive and to offer concrete gestures of kindness, patience and nearness to anyone in need. As you can see, we are called to pay attention to
February 9 Project Compassion Launch, Sandhurst Diocese, Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo 11.30 to 12.30, Fr Rom Hayes February 10 ASH WEDNESDAY February 14 RCIA Rite of Election, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo February 27-28 CTC – Sandhurst Grad Cert Theology: Christian Moral Life March 11-13 Stronger Leadership Weekend March 15 Chrism Mass, Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo, 11am. March 17 Stronger L!VE March 24 Holy Thursday. School Term 1 ends. March 25 Good Friday March 27 EASTER SUNDAY. April 7 Stronger L!VE April 9-10 CTC – Sandhurst Grad Cert Theology: Christian Moral Life April 11 School Term 2 begins. April 22 Stronger Rally May 10 “In the Year of Mercy – Examining Key Prophetical Writings About the Merciful God.” Fr Brian Boyle, 7.309pm, De Campo Hall, BENDIGO May 11
every person and to the whole person, a selfless service which only becomes strong in the faith in Jesus Christ.” (Cardinal Rino Fisichella in his Preface to The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation, USA: OSV Publishing Division, 2015) Jesus’ end of time story in Matthew 25:31-46 makes it clear that, in the end, these works of mercy are the criteria for judging our entire lives: “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me...’Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’” During the months of this Year of Mercy, editions of Sandpiper will focus on particular corporal and spiritual works of Mercy, and some of the ways in which these are supported in our Diocese. – Lyn Breen, Adult Faith Education Sandhurst
“In the Year of Mercy – Examining Key Prophetical Writings About the Merciful God.” Fr Brian Boyle, 7.309pm. Mons Peter Jeffrey Centre, SHEPPARTON May 17 “In the Year of Mercy – Examining Key Prophetical Writings About the Merciful God.” Fr Brian Boyle, 7.309pm. Sacred Heart Church, Catholic Parish of Wodonga, WODONGA May 18 “In the Year of Mercy – Examining Key Prophetical Writings About the Merciful God.” Fr Brian Boyle, 7.309pm. St Brigid’s Centre, WANGARATTA May 15 PENTECOST June 3-10 (One evening and day only TBA) “Creating a Culture of Mercy in Public Life”, Nathan Schneider, 2016 Helder Camara Series Presenter. June 9 Stronger L!VE June 17 Stronger Rally June 24 School Term 2 ends. July 11 School Term 3 begins. July 10 Stronger Leadership Day July 7-17 (One evening and day only TBA) “Mercy and Truth: Healing Alienation in Our Church and Modern World.” Mons Prof. Tomas Halik, 2016 Helder Camara Series Presenter July 15-August 6
Victorian Alliance Pilgrimages for World Youth Day July 26-31 Official World Youth Day Celebrations – Poland July 30-31 CTC – Sandhurst Grad Cert Theology: Liturgy and Sacraments August 20-21 CTC – Sandhurst Grad Cert Theology: Liturgy and Sacraments August 25 Stronger L!VE September 4 Stronger Leadership Day September 10-11 CTC – Sandhurst Grad Cert Theology: Liturgy and Sacraments September 14-29 “Journey of Christ Pilgrimage to the Holy Land” Sandhurst Diocese Pilgrimage in the Year of Mercy September 16 School Term 3 ends. September 16-18 Stronger Retreat October 2-16 (One evening and day only TBA) “A Spirituality of Mercy: Living the Joy of the Gospel in Parish Life,” Susan Timoney, 2016 Helder Camara Series Presenter. October 3 School Term 4 begins. October 13 Stronger L!VE October 23 Stronger Leadership Day November 4 Stronger Rally, Benalla November 27 Stronger Leadership Day
When we live out a spirituality of drawing nearer to others and seeking their welfare, our hearts are opened wide to the Lord’s greatest and most beau ful gi s. …mercy…is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace. MV 2 EG 272
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February 2016
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e s e c o i D e h t d n u o Ar
send your event photos to editor@sandpiper.org.au
Mikaila Hicka and Hannah Chasemore
Sandhurst seminarians i i Adii Indra (f (front left) f ) and Jackson Saunders (front (f right) caught up with Sydney seminarian Aditya Sugiarto and friends Ibu Anne and Ibu Suparmi in Jakarta, Indonesia, recently.
St John’s Euroa Parish Confirmation Children. Front Row: Chloe Hamill, Mia Vaz, Dublin Anderson, Code Marin & Molly Redfern. Second Row: Jarvis Reid, Brodie Cullen, Bella VanderSchoor, Kira Hamill, Laura Frewen, Emelia Mercuri, Lily Meehan & Natasha Reid. Back Row: Archie Kilby, Thomas Kilby and Bishop Les Tomlinson. Missing from photo: Cassie Rawlings, Emma Penman, Jasmine Raleigh.
First Holy Communion communion was celebrated at St Mary’s Parish, Mooroopna, over two Sundays – November 22 and 29. 32 children made their First Holy Communion. They are pictured with Monsignor Peter Jeffrey.
The Stronger Great Gatsby themed Christmas party in December.
Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy…Mercy has become living and visible in Jesus of Nazareth, reaching its culmina on in him. MV 1
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February 2016
>> Our history
A very special Christmas crib at St Kilian’s Local historian Mal Nolan takes a look at a very special Christmas Crib at St Kilian’s
M
any readers will be aware of an unusual crib that can be seen in Bendigo at St Kilian’s Church at Christmas time. The idea of a crib originated in the Middle Ages in Italy, probably about the year 1220, when St Francis erected a crib at Assisi. This was a time when most of the population was illiterate and the aim was to portray the birth of Christ in an easily understood way. The idea spread quickly throughout Europe. Cribs made in what is today northern Italy and in Bavaria became famous. In some cases they were very elaborate, for example, there is one in Vienna in the museum for Austrian Folk Study containing 256 human and 154 animal figures, as well as some 24 buildings. Strangely, little has been known about the history of St Kilian’s crib, which, by Australian standards, is elaborate. In past publications on the history of the parish there is scarcely a reference to it. Some have thought that it had something to do with the famous first priest Dr Backhaus. However, this is not so, although money from his estate was used to pay for it some 40 years after his death. The crib consists of carved-wood figures and is the work of Ferdinand Stuflesser who operated a business at Groden in the Tyrol region in northern Italy. His descendants still operate the business. This region has been famous for its wood carvers for hundreds of years. The firm also made the elaborate Bishop’s Chair and the Crucifixion scene at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, both of which were installed in 1914 just prior to the start of WW1. At that time, the Tyrol region was part of Austria but, in the many boundary changes that took place at the end of the war, it was incorporated into Italy. The crib figures are engraved with the Italian address, thus indicating they were made after 1920
The nativity with Joseph and Mary and Jesus in the manger and the shepherds.
The Epiphany with Joseph, Mary and Jesus.
The three Wise Men (or Three Kings)
when the region was incorporated into Italy. The St Kilian’s crib is first mentioned at Christmas 1921. The reference to this in the Advocate newspaper is quite brief, merely noting that a large number of people visited it. It is mentioned again over the next few years. It seems likely that the crib was ordered by
work on it in 1982. In total, there are 25 pieces. While the figures are carved from Austrian oak, they are then coated with a material called gesso which is a mixture of a binder with chalk and pigments. This has been a traditional approach and is in contrast to a more modern preference for the natural carved wood surface.
Fr Thomas Rooney, who was Dean of Sandhurst and who made a number of overseas trips. Dean Rooney originally studied for the priesthood in Rome. He was particularly interested in various types of artwork. There is considerable detail mentioned in a report prepared for restoration
The original crib can be varied for the Feast of the Epiphany by inclusion of the Three Kings, Wise Men, or Magi , who are described in the Gospels, as coming from the East to visit the newborn Christ. There are separate figures of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus and St Joseph for this occasion (see picture) but these
have not been on public display for many years. The figures can be detailed as follows: The Nativity scene: Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus in a cradle surrounded by various shepherds, one kneeling, one with a sheep in his arms and one with a sheep over his shoulder and two with sheep at their sides and a dog nearby. Three angels are shown overlooking the crib and some are kneeling nearby. The Epiphany scene: Mary holding Jesus, Joseph and the three kings: a Negro King, a kneeling King and a King holding a jewel box. When installed in 1921, the crib was enclosed in a structure with a large painted canvas backdrop which may have been the work of a local artist. Only remnants of this now remain. An attempt was made in 1982, as part of the events to commemorate the centenary of the death of Dr Backhaus, to rectify deterioration and damage to the figures of the crib that had occurred over the years, so $18,000 was paid to a Melbourne firm for this work. However, the result was limited in terms of success perhaps due to the very specialised nature of the work that was required. Since that time, unsatisfactory storage conditions have resulted in further deterioration. The matter of further restoration was considered by the St Kilian’s Pastoral Council in recent times but so far no action has resulted. Of course any action is likely to be expensive in terms of cost and the crib is merely one of a considerable number of historic items in the diocese which require restoration. Thanks are offered to Brother Linus and Mr Geoff Haines for assistance in preparing this article. Sources of information: Advocate 5 and 12 January 1922; 5 December 1940; Catholic Press 29 December 1921. Mal Nolan is author of The Enterprising Life of Dr Henry Backhaus
The Eucharist, although it is the fullness of sacramental life, is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak. EG 47
News
February 2016
www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 17
Pope’s book gives mercy insight The Name of God is Mercy is the title of a new book released last month, in which Pope Francis reveals his vision of God’s mercy in a series of interviews with Vatican reporter Andrea Tornielli. The 150-page book — in a question and answer format — is full of anecdotes from his life. He speaks of encounters ministering to prostitutes, prisoners and slum dwellers, while throwing in references to a niece, his grandmother, even a novel. The Pope’s answers to the final two questions are given below: hat are the most important things that a believer should do during the Holy Year of Mercy?
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Pope Francis: He should open up to the Mercy of God, open up his heart and himself, and allow Jesus to come toward him by approaching the confessional with faith. And he should try and be merciful with others. re the famous Works of Mercy of the Christian tradition still valid for the third millennium, or do they need to be re-evaluated?
A
Pope Francis’ new book The Name of God is Mercy, is now available. Pope Francis: They are still valid, still current. Perhaps some aspects could be better “translated,” but they remain the basis for self-examination. They help us open up to the mercy of God, to ask for the grace to understand that without mercy a person cannot do a thing, that you cannot do a single thing, that “the world would not exist,” in the words
of the elderly lady I met in 1992. Let us examine the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, dress the naked, house the pilgrims, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead. I do not think there is much to explain. And if we look at our situation, our society it seems to me that there
is no lack of circumstances or opportunities all around us. What should we do for the homeless man camped in front of our home, for the poor man who has nothing to eat, for the neighbouring family who cannot make it to the end of the month due to the recession, because the husband lost his job? How should we behave with the immigrants who have
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survived the crossing and who land on our shores? What should we do for the elderly who are alone, abandoned, and who have no one? We have received freely, we give freely. We are called to serve Christ the Crucified through every marginalised person. We touch the flesh of Christ in he who is outcast, hungry, thirsty, naked,
imprisoned, ill, unemployed, persecuted, in search of refuge. That is where we find our God, that is where we touch the Lord. Jesus himself told us, explaining the protocol for which we will all be judged: “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine you did it for me” (Matthew 25:40). After the Corporal Works of Mercy come the Spiritual Works of Mercy: advise those in doubt; teach the ignorant; forgive offenses; be patient with annoying people; pray to God for both the living and the dead. Let us look at the fi rst four Spiritual Works of Mercy: don’t they have to do with what we have already defined as “the apostolate of the ear”? Reach out, know how to listen, advise them, and teach them through our own experience. By welcoming a marginalised person whose body is wounded and by welcoming the sinner whose soul is wounded, we put our credibility as Christians on the line. Let us always remember the words of Saint John of the Cross: “In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.” Pope Francis, The Name of God is Mercy, New York: Random House, 2015, pages 97-99.
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Everyone can share in some way in the life of the Church; everyone can be part of the community, nor should the doors of the sacraments be closed for simply any reason. This is especially true of the sacrament which is itself “the door”: bap sm. EG 47
News
Page 18 – www.sandpiper.org.au
February 2016
Open Doors list brings attention to worldwide Christian persecution Open Doors, a Christian organisation committed to providing support to Christians facing persecution in over 60 countries worldwide, has released its 2016 Watch List to rank the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted NORTH Korea ranks number one for the 14th consecutive year in the Open Doors World Watch List, ranking the top 50 countries that persecute Christians. The Hermit Kingdom has ranked number one again as leader Kim Jong Un continues to try and stamp out organised religion in what he views as a challenge to his power. Although North Korea tops the list, the major source of persecution identified in 36 of the 50 countries on the list, is Islamic Extremism. For this reason Iraq has been ranked second in the World Watch List. Since the late 1990s the Christian population in Iraq has shrunk from over 1.5 million to less than 220,000. Of the Christians who remain most are displaced in the north east
of the country, as a result of the selfproclaimed Islamic State. The group has executed many for refusing to convert to their brand of Islam and forced many others to flee. The group still holds large swathes of territory in both Iraq and neighbouring Syria, also appearing in the list and ranked at number five. While much attention has been given to the self-styled caliphate of the Islamic State, the world’s most dangerous terrorist organisation, Boko Haram, has also impacted rankings. Gaining notoriety after the kidnapping of over 200 school girls in Chibok, the group is responsible for more murders over the last 12 months than the Islamic State. Boko Haram’s insurgency has resulted in a rank at number 12 for
A church in Indonesia is destroyed by an arson attack. Nigeria, where the group is based and a rank of 49 in Niger due to cross-border attacks. Number three on the World Watch List is Eritrea, labelled by many as ‘the North Korea of Africa’ the small nation broke away from Ethiopia in 1991 in a bloody civil war.
A priest visiting the sick in Peru Through their hands, God’s hand caresses the earth... Priests and religious are above all the apostles of Divine Mercy - and not merely during the extraordinary Year of Mercy that Pope Francis has proclaimed for the whole Church. They feed the hungry, comfort the grieving, endure injustice. They promote reconciliation and absolve the repentant from their sins. Day by day, through the works of spiritual and corporal mercy, they show people the Face of the Merciful God. ‘They’ are the priests and religious of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has proclaimed an Extraordinary Year of Mercy, which is intended to be “a time of grace for the Church and to help render the witness of the faithful stronger and more effective.â€? 0[ PZ Z\YLS` HSZV HU VJJHZPVU [V YLĂ…LJ[ ^P[O NYLH[ Every confessor must accept the faithful as the father in gratitude on the witness of those who proclaim this Mercy the parable of the prodigal son. Confessors are called with their whole lives. to embrace the repentant son who comes home and to Throughout the world wherever the Church is poor, persecuted express the joy of having him back again. or threatened, there are tens of thousands of priests and Chosen to be the religious daily living the ‘Yes’ they have already given to God. Mother of the Son of God, Mary, from the outset, was prepared by the love of God to be the Ark of the Covenant between God and man. She treasured divine mercy in her heart in perfect harmony with her son Jesus.
A complimentary Year of Mercy rosary designed by the Vatican rosary makers and blessed by Pope Francis will be sent out to all those who give a donation of $15.00 or more to support this cause and tick the box below.
The red and white beads represent the rays of light of the Divine Mercy. Sandpiper
It is vital that the indispensable work of priests and religious in Christ’s Holy Catholic Church and throughout the missions worldwide continues. The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in 5LLK (*5 PZ WYV\K [V OLSW [OLT PU [OLPY LɈVY[Z [V THRL [OL world a better place. The average grant ACN gives to support priests and religious is between $200 - $500 but whatever you JHU HɈVYK ^PSS IL LUVYTV\ZS` HWWYLJPH[LK (*5 MVY^HYKZ [OL donations directly to the religious superiors in charge of the religious communities and congregations.
Since this time president Afewerki has maintained a brutal and oppressive reign imprisoning anyone considered to be a dissenter. Eritrea saw the largest score increase in this year’s list. Afghanistan appears at number four and has been battling a continued
insurgency from the Taliban. Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Iran and Libya round out the top ten. The full World Watch List of 50 countries is available for free on the Open Doors website www.opendoors. org.au
Eucharistic congress draws millions
PHILIPPINES
Catholic News Agency
MASSIVE crowds, estimated in the millions, took part in the Masses and liturgical processions of the eight-day International Eucharistic Congress which recently concluded in the Philippines. “We are called to understand, love and assimilate the very love of Jesus‌ Our lives too must be offered in sacrifice,â€? Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin said in his January 29 homily. An estimated 1.5 million people attended a Mass and liturgical procession for the International Eucharistic Congress in the Philippines on Friday. The Mass was held on the grounds of the Cebu Provincial Capitol. Archbishop Martin said that the Church became present through the Eucharist. “There is no Church without the Eucharist. The Eucharist constructs the Church,â€? he said, according to CBCP News, adding that a Eucharistic community must always be a caring one. Friday’s Mass was concelebrated by hundreds of priests and bishops including Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon, the papal legate to the congress; Archbishop Bernardino Auza, who heads the Holy See’s permanent observer mission to the United Nations; and Archbishop Piero Marini, head of the pontifical commission on the International Eucharist Congress. Five thousand boys and girls received their fi rst Holy Communion on Saturday at the Cebu City Sports Complex. About 12,000 people took part in the events of the congress itself. The
event aims to witness to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and to promote a better understanding of the liturgy and the Eucharist in the life of the Church. The congress is now held every four years. On Sunday at least 1 million more people attended the Mass that closedthe Congress. Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon was the principal celebrant. “The youth of the Philippines is the hope of the Church,� the cardinal said in his homily. “This nation will become light not only to Asia but to the whole world.� He encouraged Filipinos to have many children, suggesting that Christianity is in a “twilight� in the West but the Philippines could be a “new dawn.� “Multiply your children. Multiply your missionaries. Go to Europe and America, there they have more cats and dogs!� The cardinal said that the destruction of the family is “the greatest danger.� He warned against countries whose laws have “started on the path of destroying families.� “The future of the Church depends on Catholic families,� he said on January 31. He said that young people are a blessing for the Church and that young people deserve “understanding, not judgement� from the Church. At the close of the Mass, Pope Francis addressed the event in a video message. He encouraged attendees to be “missionary disciples� and bring God’s mercy to everyone. Pope Francis announced that Budapest would host the next International Eucharistic Congress in 2020.
We need to help others‌accept and esteem them as companions along the way‌ find Jesus in the faces of others, in their voices, in their pleas. EG 91
News
February 2016
www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 19
ISIS destroys Iraq’s 1400-yr-old monastery IRAQ By Oliver Maksan
CONFIRMATION that Iraq’s oldest Christian monastery has been completely destroyed by ISIS has caused widespread distress in Iraq. “St Elijah’s monastery in Mosul was a symbol of the Christian presence in Iraq. The fact that it has been destroyed is terrible,” Father Dankha Issa told international Catholic charity Aid to the Church. Father Dankha is a Chaldean monk belonging to the Antonian Order of Saint Ormizda. Until he was forced to flee from ISIS in the summer of 2014, he had lived in Saint George’s monastery in Mosul. “St Elijah’s monastery was over 1400 years old. It had stood abandoned for a long
time. But it meant a lot to us Christians. It was an expression of our extremely long history in Iraq,” he said Father Dankha said that what affected him in particular was the fact that clearly no one was able to stop the terrorists. He said: “It is the sons of the devil who do such work. We can only pray for them. God alone can help us.” On January 20, the Associated Press confirmed that ISIS had razed St Elijah’s monastery. An analysis of satellite pictures of the site conducted on behalf of the agency revealed that the monastery had already been largely destroyed between August and September 2014. Up to the conquest of Mosul by IS in June 2014 thousands of Christians had still been living in the predominantly Sunni city in northern Iraq.
They fled immediately after the conquest by the jihadist or they left the city in July 2014 after having been given an ultimatum by the self-appointed ISIS caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, to either convert, pay a tax or face death. ISIS has been deliberately destroying a large number of sites of religious and cultural significance in both Iraq and Syria. There had been worldwide concern at the destruction of the 1600-year-old Mar Elian monastery in the Syrian city of al-Qaryatayn in August 2015, after the town had fallen to ISIS. In a number of cases, individual churches and Church institutions had also been put to different uses, some, for example, being turned into prisons.
Satellite images taken on March 31, 2011, top, and September 28, 2014, show the site of the 1400-year-old St Elijah’s monastery before and after it was reduced to a field of rubble.
Hundreds of thousands rally to defend family ROME By Ann Schneible Catholic News Agency
ROME’S Circus Maximus was the site of a massive rally against a proposed law which would allow same-sex unions across the country of Italy.
Hundreds of thousands are estimated to have gathered for ‘Family Day’ on January 30 at the historic site in the capital city, a week ahead of a vote which could allow same-sex couples to legally enter into civil unions. If passed, the legislation would grant same-sex couples – as well as non-married couples of the opposite sex - the same legal rights as married couples of the opposite sex. Among the legal allowances would be the adoption of a child by the same-sex partner of his or her parent. To date, Italy offers no legal rights to same-sex couples. "Italy is one of the few western countries that is still resisting this deviation," said Family Day organiser Massimo Gandolfini in an interview with Sky Tg24. Most European countries allow for legalised same-sex unions in some form.
Photo: Marco Mancini/CNA At a speech during the Family Day rally, Gandolfini told the crowds: "Without limits, our society will go mad!" the AP reports. Speakers addressed the throngs of crowds peacefully demonstrating with banners and signs, many of which called for the protection of a child’s right to a mother and a father. The proposed bill to give legal rights to same-sex partnerships was submitted to parliament Oct. 7, 2015. Italy’s current prime minister, Matteo Renzi, has long expressed his intention to establish legal recognition of same-sex unions. Saturday’s event comes nearly a decade after the 2007
Family Day contributed to the demise of another civil union bill under Romano Prodi’s government. Archbishop Giancarlo Maria Bregantini of Campobasso-Boiano told CNA’s Italian edition he came with members of his diocese. The message of the gathering is that a family, consisting of a man and a woman, “is so deeply rooted in the Italian people, which has finally been awakened by a group of courageous lay persons,” the archbishop said. The Senate is expected to hold its final vote on the bill to grant legal status to same-sex couples in mid-February.
…love…finding God in every human being…opening the heart to divine love and seeking the happiness of others…. EG 92
News
Page 20 – www.sandpiper.org.au
February 2016
Ready to take on Project Compassion ON February 7 Caritas Australia, the international aid and development agency of the Catholic Church, will launch its annual Project Compassion appeal – one of Australia’s largest humanitarian fund-raising and awareness-raising campaigns.
This year marks 50 years of Project Compassion, which, thanks to supporters, schools and parishes across Australia, raised a record-breaking $11.57 million last year. Each year Project Compassion, which runs through the six weeks of Lent, brings hundreds of thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world’s poor, to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Money raised goes towards Caritas Australia’s humanitarian and long-term development programs in more than 40 countries across Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Latin America and with First Australian communities. “Lent is the time of year when we put our faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving,” said Caritas Australia CEO, Paul O’Callaghan. “Project Compassion has transformed millions of lives and every year since 1965
Students from St Joseph’s Kerang and St Mary’s Echuca plan for Project Compassion 2016. we have demonstrated our faith, our compassion and our generosity towards the most vulnerable members of our global family.” Pope Francis has said, “Education is an act of hope.” The theme for this year’s Project Compassion, “Learning more, creating
change”, celebrates the power of learning, and the many ways in which Caritas Australia is working with local partners around the world to provide vital learning and renewed hope to those most marginalised. In 2016, Caritas Australia’s six feature stories, from
Malawi, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Cambodia and India, demonstrate how education, training and sharing knowledge empowers individuals and communities to transform their futures and create lasting change. During Lent, Australians are invited to support Project
Compassion by direct donation, or by holding fundraising events. These include Caritas Ks, where participants raise money by walking, running, cycling or swimming kilometres for compassion, and Fish Fridays, where people eat small fish
meals and make a donation to Caritas Australia. To
donate
to
Project
Compassion, or for fundraising ideas, visit www.caritas. org.au/projectcompassion
or
phone 1800 024 413.
Catholics join global Climate March to voice concerns
The Sandhurst Caritas team at Rosalind Park, Bendigo, (left) and with the People’s Climate March in Bendigo (right). By Kerry Stone Sandhurst Diocesan Co-ordinator Caritas / Justice Office
INSPIRED by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, the Catholic community was well represented at climate marches across the world on the last weekend of November 2015 as the world anticipated the decisions of the Paris meeting.
In Bendigo, an estimated 500 people gathered at Bendigo’s Library Gardens to listen to speakers including Maddie Fitzgerald, a Year 12 student from Catholic College Bendigo.
Maddie called climate change “an intergenerational issue of justice.” She went on to say, “Climate change is the single biggest challenge to reducing poverty in our world. If we don’t confront climate change, we won’t end poverty.” and “Climate change is one of the greatest injustices of our time. The people who have done the least to cause it are suffering the most.” The group then walked through the streets led by the large ‘Catholic College Walks For Climate’ Banner. At Rosalind Park, there was a welcome sausage sizzle and speeches from politicians. Organisers from the Bendigo Sustainability Group and the Sandhurst Diocese Caritas/Justice team were very happy with the
response and the ensuing publicity for the cause. Caritas welcome climate agreement Caritas Australia has welcomed the agreement by 196 countries, finalised in Paris on 12 December, to avoid catastrophic global warming. The Paris agreement represents a new global consensus on the urgent need for action to keep warming well below 2 degrees and ideally be kept to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. “It is clear that the world has shifted,” notes Caritas Australia CEO Paul O’Callaghan. “Paris has shown us that there has been unprecedented momentum from investors and the
business community who want to be part of the transition to low carbon economies. “There’s also been an unprecedented global groundswell of individuals, organisations, faith groups, businesses, cities and even countries moving towards a clean energy future.” “Australian politicians cannot afford to be left behind, and must commit to continually strengthening our nation’s response to avoid calamitous effects on our nearest neighbours,” Mr O’Callaghan says. Mr O’Callaghan notes that Caritas Australia welcomes the government’s recent moves on climate, including backing the 1.5 degree global warming goal and, at home, reversing the
We achieve fulfilment when we break down walls and our heart is filled with faces and names! EG 274
ban on government investment in renewables. “These are positive steps,” Mr O’Callaghan says. “However, to play its role in meeting the Paris commitments, Australia also needs to increase its emissions reductions targets and provide its responsible share of funding for climate adaptation in poorer and more vulnerable countries.” Caritas Australia is calling for the phase-out of coal-fired power in favour of renewables, and for new funding for climate adaptation for poorer countries, rather than simply diverting funds from the existing aid budget, as was announced by the Australian government in early December.
News
February 2016
www.sandpiper.org.au – Page 21
Keeping your eyes on Jesus Jesus’ words: “What do you want me to do for you?” In your dark and broken times, when prayer seems a frail thing, let Jesus say this to you. Another wise Jesuit, Pope Francis, in calling a Year of Mercy, opens the door to a great treasury of grace and hope.
By Margaret-Mary Flynn Cathedral Parish
A
few years ago when I was just finishing my training as a Spiritual Director, a Jesuit friend gave me this wise advice: “Keep your eyes on Jesus. When you keep them on yourself, you get lost.”
You have to be careful that you’re praying things out – not praying things in! I joke that I am best friends with 4am, and I am never surprised at how many people know exactly what I mean. That is the time when we can find ourselves lying in the darkness, pursued by concerns over relationships, illness, tasks to complete, or memories of things we would very much prefer not to re-live. What do you suppose it is that makes memories of old frustrations and humiliations so vivid and persistent that they can keep us from sleep? From early times, monastics have prayed the Liturgy of the Hours, which calls them to rise and pray at 4.30 am.
>> A Taste of Sandhurst
This prayer time is called Vigils. I guess the Church Fathers, just like us, knew what it was to lie awake and struggle with problems and fears. They called it battling demons. They were trying to explain how this experience of inner darkness and confusion can deflect us at our weakest moments – tired and worn-down, we are easy prey to fear. We fear the day to come, we doubt our strength, we feel alone in the darkness. We take our eyes off Jesus, we keep them on ourselves, and we get lost. But the Gospels are full of moments when people take their
eyes off themselves, and keep them on Jesus. They cast fear and doubt away, and call, seek, climb trees and squeeze through crowds just to get a glimpse of Jesus of Nazareth! The blind man outside the gates of Jericho can’t see Jesus. He sits in the dust, wrapped in his cloak, locked in darkness. But he knows Jesus is there. When he tries to call out, people discourage him. His cry for mercy, seemingly lost in the clamour, is heard by Jesus. Now voices urge him to go to Jesus. Throwing off his cloak he goes to meet the waiting Jesus. His healing begins in the dignity and respect conferred by
This prayer is from his words in ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ . May it be yours as you commit to walking Lent with the Lord. Jesus, you are the Christ who transforms our lives: I ask for a renewed encounter with your love, a deepening and enriching friendship with you. Liberate me from narrowness and self-absorption. Let me become fully human; bring me beyond myself so that I will attain the fullest truth of my being. In you, let me find the source and inspiration for all my efforts. May I receive the love which gives meaning to my life, and may I share that love with others. Amen. (Evangelii Gaudium, 8) Book of Prayer, Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst.
There is nothing more delicious than a passionfruit sponge, made to Grandma Flynn’s recipe. I knew I was loved as a daughter when she wrote at the bottom of her recipe: ‘Warm the Bowl’. I have inherited her cake tins and I remember her with gratitude each time this never-fail recipe tips onto the folded tea-towel on her cake rack.
Passionfruit Sponge Sponge • 4 eggs • ¾ cup castor sugar • 1 cup cornflour • 1 dessertspoon custard powder • 1 teasp. cream of tartar • ½ teasp. carb soda
>> Crossword ACROSS 1 Ubiquitous phrase used by retailers and parents this time of the year (4,2,6) 9 School student’s small piece of equipment (6,9) 11 Student driver display (1-5) 12 School bag alternative (7) 14 Conditional conjunction (2) 15 All for it (2,5) 16 Classroom computers and their trolley (4) 19 Wise easterner (4) 20 Political abusive term once used on the opposition (7) 24 Exterior esp. referring to furniture (7) 25 Schoolyard exercise and game (6) 27 Main presenters at seminars (7,8) 28 Receives no mercy in games (5,3,5) DOWN 2 School yearbooks (6) 3 Textile activity at home or school (8) 4 Seep out (4) 5 General purpose learning areas in school (10) 6 School meal container (5-3) 7 New form of network connection or old radio (8) 8 Literacy publications used in schools (8,5) 10 Direction and place for computer folders and files (4) 13 Hand held electronic devices to capture moving images (10) 17 To make a person or thing beautiful. (6,2) 18 Form of school bag (8)
Margaret Mary Flynn brings us recipes that celebrate the food of our Sandhurst region!
Method Pre-heat oven to High (220 – 250) Grease 2 sandwich tins, 7 inches by 3 inches (This is an heirloom recipe!) Dust each with cornflour. Beat egg-whites in warm bowl till stiff. Add sugar gradually, till dissolved. Fold in yolks gradually. Sift cornflour, custard powder, cream of tartar, and carb soda . Fold gently into egg mix. Pour into tins. Reduce heat to 175-180 degrees. Place in the middle of oven, cook approximately 20 minutes. When cakes have cooled completely, split each sponge with a serrated knife. Fill with whipped cream, place on serving stand or plate, and ice with passionfruit icing. Passionfruit Icing 2 passionfruit 1 cup sifted icing sugar.
21 Type of school shirt (4) 22 Globe (6) 23 Abnormal contraction of the pupil (6)
26 . . . . Facto: by that very fact (4) Crossword solution Page 22
…there is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor. May we never abandon them. EG 48
Method Put icing sugar into a small mixing bowl. Mix pulp of two passionfruit into the sugar, and stir till mixture is spreadable. If it is very stiff, add a teasp. of hot water. Mixture should be smooth and easy to handle, but not runny. Pour onto the top of the cake, and spread to edges.
News
Page 22 – www.sandpiper.org.au
February 2016
>> At the flicks
Spotlight film set to highlight Church failures and injustices
Spotlight. Starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachael McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery and Stanley Tucci. Directed by Tom McCarthy. 129 minutes. Rated M (adult and sexual themes, coarse language).
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his is one of the angriest films you will ever see. In the Bible we hear about righteous anger, where God or humanity realises something is so wrong and sinful that ‘holy anger’ is the first and right response. At its best in the scriptures this anger leads to justice, making things right. Spotlight is an occasion for holy, righteous anger and every adult Catholic should see it. Not because it is easy watching, but because it is necessary watching. The time to look away has gone. The first meaning of this film’s title refers to the team of awardwinning investigative journalists at The Boston Globe. In the late 1990s they become aware of a number of Catholic priests who have been accused of child sexual abuse. In the early days of their investigation they unearth evidence that the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston has gone to extraordinary lengths to cover up the activities of these paedophile priests, and silence victims through payoffs, legal threats and personal intimidation. The team starts out believing they are looking at isolated, criminal individuals: the “rotten apple” theory. Within a year and with the help of Mitchell Garabedian (Stanley Tucci), the only lawyer in Boston prepared to represent victims against the Church, they discover there have been credible or accepted allegations against 90 priests, 6% of the total number of clergy in the Archdiocese. Some of these men were moved to various other dioceses in the USA where they raped and abused other children. In 2011 Boston’s Cardinal O’Malley made public the full list of offending clergy: 159. The USA remains the most publically religious western nation on earth. In 2014, 70% of the whole population said they were Christian. 51% are Protestant while 24% are Catholic. While one or two other countries might still have higher rates of public allegiance, the USA remains the largest practising Christian developed nation in the world, where around 28-32% go to church once a month or more. This is background to the power of religion in the USA. Even now, after the despicable scandals of recent years, it can be hard for people who have never lived in Boston or Chicago or New York to appreciate the social and political power churches continue to wield, much of it used in support of very good outcomes in education, social services and healthcare. This film is about the corruption of this power. The Spotlight team increasingly becomes aware that the stakes are
Michael Keaton, Liev Schreiber, Mark Ruffalo, Rachael McAdams, John Slattery and Stanley Tucci star in the film Spotlight, which details the sexual abuse scandal in Boston archdiocese.
escalating, that they “are going after the system” with connections to nearly every other powerful institution in the city. By 2001 rumours of the newspaper’s investigation emerge. Some powerful men want to close the investigation down. The journalists are personally targeted and harassed. The paper and its reporters press on. “They knew and they let it happen! To KIDS! Okay? It could have been you, it could have been me, it could have been any of us. We gotta nail these scumbags! We gotta show people that nobody can get away with this; Not a priest, or a cardinal or a freaking pope!” From June to December 2002 The Boston Globe published 13 lengthy reports about the crimes and their cover up, culminating in the resignation of Cardinal Law as Archbishop of Boston on December 14, 2002. The paper, and its first-ever Jewish editor, came under sustained attack for being “anti-Catholic.” For their fearless and outstanding work, the Spotlight team won the Pulitzer Prize for Journalism for Public Service in 2003. The second more obvious meaning of spotlight is the pool of light wherein the watcher’s attention is singularly focused upon one place on the stage. In the history of the theatre, depending on what happens in that prolonged, harsh pool of exposure, careers and reputations have been made or destroyed. There is nowhere to hide. This film not only casts its forensic gaze against the Catholic Church and other civic institutions in regard to child sexual abuse, but also on itself. Since 1976 victims, their families and lawyers had been telling The Boston Globe about the crimes, the criminals and the scale of the cover up. The editorial staff could not or would not see what was in front of them. That last phrase is literally true.
Soberingly for this Jesuit reviewer, one of the cases this film explores is that of a Jesuit priest who teaches at our Order’s Boston College High School. In the course of the newspaper’s research, accusations of sexual abuse emerge from several victims against this priest. The head of the Spotlight team, Walter “Robby” Robinson (Michael Keaton), is an old boy of BC High. He knows the priest and personally investigates the claims. He then confronts the school administrators. BC High is directly across the road from The Boston Globe. For decades, one side of The Boston Globe’s story was on the other side of the street. There is plenty of blame to go around in this scandal. Spotlight’s screenplay is so richly dramatic that this film does not need gimmicks to communicate its power. The acting is universally compelling, as is the film’s production, design and editing. It has already won awards from the New York and Los Angeles Film Critics, the Catholic SIGNIS jury prize at the Venice Film Festival. It was nominated for three Golden Globes and has been nominated for six Oscars. Importantly, the present Catholic Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Sean O’Malley said “The Spotlight film depicts a very painful time in the history of the Catholic Church in the United States and particularly here in the Archdiocese of Boston… The media’s investigative reporting on the abuse crisis instigated a call for the Church to take responsibility for its failings and to reform itself—to deal with what was shameful and hidden— and to make the commitment to put the protection of children fi rst, ahead of all other interests. We have asked for and continue to ask for forgiveness from all those harmed by the crimes of the abuse of minors… “ Vatican Radio said that in this film the Globe
reporters “made themselves examples of their most pure vocation, that of finding the facts, verifying sources, and making themselves—for the good of the community and of a city—paladins of the need for justice.” All this said, there are a few troubling aspects to this film, none of which take away from its singular power. On seeing it, one could be forgiven for thinking The Boston Globe was the first media outlet to investigate these heinous crimes and their cover-up. Led by Canada, and then the UK, Ireland and Australia in the first half of the 1990s, serious allegations and investigations of the Catholic Church soon led to the beginnings of systematic responses and later judicial reviews. Secondly, while lawyers come in for a general pasting in this film, the police are conspicuous by their almost total absence from the narrative. There has to be a story there and maybe it is the subject of a future film. Finally while Spotlight’s profile makes it the most prominent film so far, it is not the first or only film, television drama or documentary on this shameful subject. Heaven Help Us (1985), The Boys of St. Vincent (1992), Song for a Raggy Boy (2003), Twist of Faith (2004), Mal Education/ Bad Education (2004), Our Fathers (2005), Deliver Us From Evil (2006), Hand of God (2006), Sex Crimes of the Vatican (2006), Deliver us from Evil (2006), X Files: I Want to Believe (2008), Doubt (2008), Oranges and Sunshine (2011), Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God (2013), and Calvary (2014) all explore in some measure Catholicism’s criminal dysfunctionality in regard to child sex abuse by clergy and its cover up. It may have been possible for Catholics to once argue that this shameful and criminal chapter is “a media beat-up from an antiCatholic press” or “it’s just a few
sick individuals”, but The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse puts paid to those claims. Even though we now know that there is pandemic of sexual abuse of minors - in family homes, in every religious group as well as all welfare and government institutions that have had long-lasting dealings with children - that affords us no comfort or excuse. For as Francis Sullivan, the head of the Church’s Truth Justice and Healing Council said on December 17, 2015: “At the end of another confronting and shameful public hearing for the Catholic Church the heavy sense of failure pervades our community. It is becoming an all-too-predictable scenario in that, in every case study ineptitude, maladministration, cover-ups and corrupt practices have been revealed. This miserable history cannot be denied, nor can it be rationalised away. The very fact that a faith-based institution would perpetuate such evil is incomprehensible. But it has – and now the time for reckoning has well and truly arrived. As witness after witness fronts the Royal Commission the pretence falls away. At times the Commission's patience is clearly tested, but at least the stark realities are made plain for all to see…. Many have said that this Royal Commission is vitally important for the future of the Catholic Church in Australia. Quite clearly, the Church has not been able to be as honest with itself as it has had to be in these hearings. Now the challenge is to explain why this tragic scandal occurred and how it can be prevented from ever happening again….” Why go and see this very tough and demanding film? Because victims and their families deserve it. May it make us as “mad as hell” and not “take this anymore” and enable that holy, righteous anger to demand complete openness, transparency and honesty from our own community. That might just be the start of bringing God’s justice and healing to survivors. Whether we like it or not, now we are all in the spotlight – and there is nowhere to hide. Rev Dr Richard Leonard SJ is the director of the Australian Catholic Office for Film & Broadcasting. Released January 28 2016. Entertainment One Australia
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
Any Church community, if it thinks it can comfortably go its own way without crea ve concern and effec ve coopera on in helping the poor to live with dignity and reaching out to everyone, will…risk breaking down… EG 207
s an dp i t
February 2016
p s h o l s s s s
THE MARVELLOUS CATCH
Peter and his friends, James and John, had been fishing all night without any luck. Jesus told them to sail out again and cast their nets one more time. Fifth Sunday of the Year February 7 Luke 5:1-11
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esus was preaching by the Sea of Galilee when crowds of people gathered all around to listen to him. Jesus noticed two fishing boats tied up nearby. He climbed aboard one which belonged to Peter and asked him to sail a little way from the shore. When Jesus had finished talking to the crowds, he turned to Peter and said, “Sail out to the deep water and cast our your nets.” “Master, we have been fishing all night and have caught nothing,” Peter said. “But I will do whatever you say.” That day they caught so many fish that their nets were ready to burst. Peter and his friends, James and John, were filled with wonder and fell to their knees. Then Jesus said, “Do not be afraid; come and follow me.” So they left their boats and became his disciples.
Discussion
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hy did Jesus climb into Peter’s boat? So many people had come to listen to Jesus teach that there was little room left on the shore. Many of the crowd could not see or hear Jesus properly, so he sailed a little way from the shore. After he had finished speaking, Jesus told Peter to sail out to deeper
water and to lower his fishing nets into the sea. Why did Peter not think this was a good idea? Peter, James and John had been fishing all night but had caught nothing. They were probably feeling tired and disappointed and eager to get home.
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l i d h a t c a d c c t a t a e h t o r s r e t aw t a a p r c a i c s s wo l l o t e b h h s i e l p i c s i n a l s h o e
s nets t s boa fish s follow l a sai shore p a deeter wa f cast ch o cat disciples d sea e
Fishers of Men
But Peter did as Jesus had said, and sailed out to the deeper water where he cast out his nets. Although he felt unsure, Peter already trusted Jesus and was ready to do what he asked.
Luke 5:1-11
Did Peter and his friends manage to catch any fish that day? When they began to pull in their nets, they had caught so many fish that their nets were ready to burst. How do you think they felt? They were probably overjoyed by this marvellous catch after their long and disappointing night’s fishing. They were amazed by what they had seen, and they began to realise that Jesus was no ordinary man. When they returned to shore, Jesus invited these fishermen to follow him and become his disciples. They left their boats and nets and went to help Jesus tell the people about the Good News of God’s love.
Prayer
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ord Jesus, you called Peter and his friends to follow you, and you have also called each of us. Help us to trust in you, as Peter did, and make our faith grow stronger every day.
Simon caught many fish after Jesus told him where to put his net
Gospel Readings for February - Year C February 14 Luke 4:1-13 illed with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, One does not live on bread alone.” Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this power and glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.” Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.” Then he led him to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said
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to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you, and: With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him in reply, “It also says, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time. February 21 Luke 9:28B-36 esus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory
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and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen. February 28 Luke 13:1-9 ome people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than
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all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them— do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard.When he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilise it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”
Page 24 – www.sandpiper.org.au
News
February 2016
Faith and fitness T
he first ever Stronger Basketball Tournament was held at Mercy Stadium in Shepparton, following morning Mass at St Brendan’s Parish.
Charlie Owens.
The rainy weather did not dampen spirits as the competition heated up. It is fair to say that while the atmosphere was friendly, both Bendigo and Shepparton D groups brought their A games! Following the success of the joint venture, D-Group leaders Alan Collier, from Shepparton and Miggy Podosky from Bendigo are hoping to organise another Sports Sunday that will brings young people together through the awesome combination of faith and fitness. Follow Stronger youth on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest in news and events!
Tara Hogan
Limendra Fernando and Darcy House.
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