Catholic Observer December 2016 Issue

Volume 51, No 4 DECEMBER 2016 $2.00

Bishop McKenna’s Christmas Message 2016

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wish each reader of the Observer a joyful celebration of Christmas this year.

May the prayers of Mary, who “pondered these things in her heart”, enfold your own heart as you ponder this mystery of God among us as a vulnerable child.

In this year’s Pastoral Letter, “Prayer the Church’s Banquet” (which you can read on page 23), I invite you to see prayer, not as an activity for a select few, but as a gift for everyone.

Prayer in families and marriages is especially important: it weaves these relationships into the love of God and brings enormous blessings on the whole Church.

Our Lady of the Central West, pray with us and for us. +Michael McKenna Bishop of Bathurst ‘Mary and Joseph’ by Diduli Mutukumarana from St Brigid’s, Coonamble, Winner of the Bishop’s Award in the Christmas Art Competition

Our Lady of the Central West

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new icon was unveiled and blessed as part of the closing celebrations of the Sesquicentenary of the Diocese on 30th October, 2016. Bishop McKenna commissioned the icon to mark the 150th anniversary of our Diocese.

Entitled “Our Lady of The Central West”, the icon shows Our Lady praying with us and for us. This way of depicting Mary is very ancient, first found on the walls of the Catacombs.

Bathurst iconographer, Mary Clancy, painted the icon. It is crafted with earth pigments, the colours coming from across Europe, the Middle East and Australia, representing the soil of many of the homelands from which the people of the Diocese of Bathurst originate. Gold highlights are included, as gold plays a pivotal role in our region’s past and present.

The border incorporates the totems of the local Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay nations. These images are adaptions of those painted by local Wiradjuri artist, Aleisha Lonsdale. Using the Wiradjuri symbol for a meeting place, the border contains four concentric

circles at the top representing the Cathedral of St Michael and St John; 16 triple concentric circles represent the parish churches; and 37 others represent small Eucharistic communities. These are joined by a wandering line of dots the pathway which connect all these groups together to form a diocese.

Mary Clancy Mary Clancy has been writing icons for seven years. She has felt drawn to praying with icons for many years, but it was only recently that the opportunity to study and work with master iconographers has been possible. She has studied with

Anna Prifti, a Greek Orthodox iconographer from Melbourne and, in recent years, with Russian iconographers Philip Davydov and his wife Olga Shalimokova who come to Australia annually. Mary is married with five adult children and lives in Bathurst. She works in the Regional Tribunal Office in Bathurst.

Whilst many of us associate icons with the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches, they have in fact been part of the Western Catholic tradition for many centuries. It has only been since the Renaissance that this style of religious art has gradually disappeared and a more realistic type of art developed. In the last decade or so, there has been a resurgence of the use of icons in the Latin Church. This was encouraged by Pope John Paul II and also by Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Benedict prayed “That the Eastern Catholic Churches and their venerable traditions may be known and esteemed as a spiritual treasure for the whole Church.” (prayer intention Nov 2011)

Page 2 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Fiona Lewis

As the Doors of Mercy close, the challenge to be merciful continues

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s the season of Advent begins, we approach the 12 month mark since the Holy Father, Pope Francis, opened the Door of Mercy at St Peter’s Basilica to begin the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

The Diocese of Bathurst opened two Doors of Mercy in December last year; one at the Cathedral of St Michael and St John and the other at the Church of The Immaculate Conception, Carcoar, the home of the Diocese’s place of pilgrimage, Shalom House of Prayer.

Bishop Michael, assisted by Deacon Charles Applin celebrated Mass at Carcoar on Sunday 13th November as we officially closed the Mercy Door at the beautiful Church of The Immaculate Conception. Given the Mass was celebrated by the Bishop, Parish Priest, Fr Tim Cahill was the organist, making the most of the opportunity to play the historic organ at the Church.

The real challenge of the Year of Mercy now is for each of us to continue to live a merciful life. As Pope Francis says, “Mercy exceeds justice; it brings knowledge and compassion; it leads to involvement. By the dignity it brings, mercy raises up the one over who another has stooped to bring help. The one who shows mercy and one to who mercy is shown become equals”.

Kimbalee Clews

Bishop McKenna with Rev Charles Applin and Fr Tim Cahill (Photo courtesy of John Hansen)

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Celebrations of the Diocese’s Sesquicentenary come to a close

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he sesquicentenary of the Diocese of Bathurst came to a close during the last week of October, with several events taking place to mark the occasion.

Celebrations began on 26th June 2015, the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese in 1865. They have continued over 16 months, until we marked the anniversary of the arrival in Bathurst of our first Bishop, Matthew Quinn on 31st October 1866.

Book Launch

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n Wednesday 26th October, Bishop Michael McKenna, eighth Bishop of Bathurst, launched a book which he has published: Bishop Matthew Quinn and the Development of Catholic Education in New South Wales: 1865-1885 by Brother Brian Sweeney fms.

The book is a well written and conscientiously researched study of the part Bishop Quinn played in the dramatic developments in education in NSW. Dr Anne Wenham, Head of St. Stanislaus’ College, gave the occasional address at the launch in the Cathedral Parish Centre. Bishop Quinn established the College the year after his arrival in Bathurst. He once described it as “... second, perhaps to none, but certainly, it is second to very few in these colonies”. Dr Wenham noted a reflection in the Freeman’s Journal after Bishop Quinn’s death “As a single individual, he was perhaps the greatest benefactor to the work of Catholic education that this country has ever seen”.

Dr Anne Wenham with Bishop Michael McKenna (Photo by Chris Seabrook, Western Advocate)

Dr Wenham’s full address can be read on the Diocesan website at https://goo.gl/DSGT5r Mons Peter O’Keefe, Rev Terry Mahony and Fr Joe Dooley

Bishop Peter Comensoli from the Diocese of Broken Bay with Bishop Michael and Dr Wenham Page 4 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Diocesan Assembly

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very important part of the sesqui closing was the Diocesan Assembly. This saw the gathering of representatives from 16 of our 17 parishes, who will now form the new Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) - the first under the leadership of Bishop McKenna.

They were joined by other appointed members (a list of members is on our Diocesan website - bathurst.catholic. org.au) including the Vicar General, priests, deacons, religious and members of the Chancery/Centacare/CEO staff.

Each member has been appointed to a specific work group, either Hearing and Proclaiming the Word of God; Worshipping God in Prayer and Sacrament; Building a Community of Love and Service; Participation of Indigenous Catholics; Participation of Young Catholics; or The Domestic Church: Marriage and Families.

These six groups will work together to progress matters in our Diocese that concern their particular apostolate and will report to the Bishop. Each has a Convenor and these six people will meet regularly with the Bishop and ex-officio members, forming a Steering Committee. The Diocesan Assembly will now be an annual gathering of all members of the DPC and the real work of the Council will happen in the workgroups during the year.

Members of the Participation of Young Catholics working group

Mr Daniel Ang, Director of the Office for Evangelisation in the Diocese of Broken Bay, was the facilitator for the day. Daniel led the group through a faith formation process, focusing on the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of their mission for discipleship in our Diocese.

Facilitator, Mr Daniel Ang

The Diocesan Assembly dinner

Several of our seminarians at the Assembly

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 5

Sisters of Mercy

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hen Bishop Quinn arrived from Ireland, he brought with him a few priests and seven Sisters of Mercy, so the weekend was also a time of celebration for the Mercy Congregation in Bathurst.

Bishop Michael McKenna celebrated Mass on Friday 28th October to honour the Centenary of the Chapel at St Joseph’s Mount and to consecrate the new Altar made from the wood of an old elm tree from the grounds there. The Altar was crafted by Bob Marsh, from Riverview College at the invitation of Sr Ann-Maree O’Beirne.

It is matched by Candlesticks, Tabernacle Stand, Rostrum and Fr Steve Sinn sj, Bishop McKenna, Tony Eviston, Thao Van Nguyen and Sanctuary Lamp Stand in the same Fr Paul Devitt at the Consecration of the Altar at St Joseph’s Mount Chapel beautiful wood.

On Saturday 29th October, the Sisters held a Garden Party in the grounds of St. Joseph’s Mount and launched their own book Through Catherine’s Eyes: Stories of Mercy Ministries since Vatican II. Feeling that their history to-date has been well documented, the Sisters have put together this lovely book, ensuring the life and ministry of the Sisters continues to be recorded for future generations. The Diocesan Pastoral Council was pleased to take an hour out of their Assembly to join the Sisters to mark their anniversary.

Sr Patricia and Cr Monica Morse

The Garden Party held in the grounds of St Joseph’s Mount Page 6 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

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Final Celebrations

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unday 30th October saw the final day of celebrations for sesquicentenary.

The day began at 8am at MacKillop College Trade Centre. There, around 120 people enjoyed a hearty breakfast, courtesy of the MacKillop College and St Stanislaus’ College communities.

They then set out, either walking or in cars (the Sisters of Mercy in vintage cars!) and, led by Bishop McKenna, processed into Bathurst, retracing as closely as possible the footsteps of Bishop Quinn and his companions all those years ago. At Bathurst Courthouse, the bells of the Anglican All Saints’ Cathedral rang out in greeting. From there they walked to the Cathedral of St Michael and St John, where Bishop McKenna was greeted at the door by the Dean of the Cathedral, as Bishop Quinn was in 1866.

Bishop McKenna was the principal celebrant at 10am Mass in the Cathedral. Mass was concelebrated by six priests, assisted by the two permanent deacons who were ordained this year - a first for our Diocese. Our five seminarians came from Sydney to participate in the Diocesan Assembly and were happy to be able to serve Mass on Sunday and attend Vespers later in the day, before returning to the Seminary.

Musicians from MacKillop College led the music for this joyful celebration.

Retracing the steps of Bishop Matthew Quinn when he walked into Bathurst 150 years ago

The Bishop blessed our new icon, Our Lady of the Central West by local iconographer Mary Clancy, which he commissioned for the sesquicentenary.

You can read more about the icon on page 2 of this issue.

At the end of Mass, he also commissioned the Diocesan Pastoral Council and sealed a time capsule.

This contained photos and information from parishes, schools and other organisations across the Diocese and will be buried in the grounds of the Cathedral, to be opened on the occasion of the Diocese’s bicentenary in 2065.

The commissioning of the Diocesan Pastoral Council

Following Mass, everyone gathered in the grounds of the Cathedral School, where the Holy Family P&F provided a delicious brunch and people had time to catch up, chat and reminisce. Musicians from St Stanislaus’ College kept the crowed entertained during brunch.

The final celebration for our sesqui closing was, fittingly, prayer. Bishop McKenna conducted Solemn Vespers and Benediction in the Cathedral at 4.30pm on Sunday 30th and was delighted that the Anglican Bishop of Bathurst, the Right Reverend Ian Palmer, was able to be present with us for this occasion.

The sesquicentenary has proven to be a wonderful opportunity for us to focus not only on our past - but also on our present and on the future of our Diocese.

Fiona Lewis

The Sisters of Mercy at the Sesquicentenary Closing Mass

Page 8 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

The naming of “The Dougherty Centre”

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resident of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, officially named and blessed McGilvray House and The Dougherty Centre in Canberra on 15th November 2016.

Archbishop Denis Hart named the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference General Secretariat building ‘The Dougherty Centre’ after Bishop Patrick Dougherty who was appointed to the newly established Secretariat of the Australian Episcopal Conference in Canberra in August 1970.

On 1st September 1983, the Holy Father appointed Bishop Dougherty the seventh Bishop of Bathurst, which concluded his appointment as Secretary.

Fr Stephen Hackett MSC, current General Secretary, welcomed staff, builders, Mercy Sisters and Bishop of Bathurst, Michael McKenna, to the official naming and blessing ceremony.

the importance and dignity of work.

By his own hands, he transformed toil from being an inherited curse for sin into a source of life and blessing.

“Today we gather here to name two buildings which house offices and agencies of the Bishops Conference and to bless this building before which we stand. At the same time, we pray God’s blessing upon all who serve the Bishops Conference and especially

those who work in these buildings”.

“May the work done here serve the mission of the Church, establishing the reign of God through service and witnessing to God’s merciful love for all his sons and daughters. Let us bless the Lord, then, and pray his blessings upon all who will work in this place”.

Aoife Connors ACBC Communications

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Bishop McKenna with Archbishop Denis Hart and Fr Stephen Hackett MSC

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C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 9

Retirement of Fr Mark McGuigan

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n the weekend of 16th17th October 2016, large congregations attended all the parish Masses at St Patrick’s, Lithgow and St Vincent’s Parish, Portland farewelling into retirement their Parish Priest, Father Mark McGuigan. Current Administrator of the parishes, Fr Greg Bellamy, concelebrated.

Fr Mark arrived as Parish Priest of both Portland and Lithgow in January 2015 and has provided us with a wonderful liturgical and pastoral ministry in the parishes, schools, hospitals, nursing homes and the Lithgow gaol.

The Parishes gathered for the Vigil and Sunday Masses to give thanks for and acknowledge his quiet, gentle, thoughtful and thorough ministry amongst us. We also gathered to give thanks for his ministry in many parishes throughout the Diocese over the past 31 years. It is fitting that Fr Mark started his ministry in this area as a Deacon and priest in 1985 and that he returned here to where he first started.

After Mass in Lithgow, Mr Jeff Larsen and Mr Sebastian Caruso thanked Fr Mark for his pastoral ministry and presented him with a farewell gift on behalf of the parish. Fr Mark then cut his farewell cake, made and decorated by parishioner Mrs Pat Ray. Following Mass in Portland, Mrs Sue Kearns, Principal at St Joseph’s School and I thanked Fr Mark for his time with us. The President of the Pastoral Parish Council, Mr Charlie

Principal of St Joseph’s Portland Sue Kearns, Fr Mark and Joan Bellamy O’Mahony, made a small presentation on behalf of the parish. After each Mass, all present were invited to stay for light refreshments.

In his reply, Fr Mark spoke of the need to pray continually, to never lose heart, and of how people have influenced and inspired him throughout his priestly ministry. He stressed the need for gratitude for those gifts that God has bestowed upon us all throughout our lives.

He thanked those who have assisted and encouraged him throughout his ministry and taught him, through their example, how to respond to the needs of God’s people.

Farewell Fr Mark! May you have a long, healthy and happy retirement and may the Bathurst weather be kind to you.

Rev Charles Applin

Fr Mark cutting his cake at St Patrick’s, Lithgow

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Page 10 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Gulgong Parish Celebrates the Diocese’s 150th Anniversary

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n Sunday 11th September, the Parish of St John the Baptist gathered for a celebration marking the 150th Anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst.

The ‘All Hallows Hummingbirds’ sang with Mr Des Kelly and it was great to see people dressed in period costume, to add to this special day.

Fr Tony Hennessey spoke on the importance of the many parishioners who have worked together to make the Gulgong Parish prosper in the last 150 years. He welcomed the congregation’s oldest member, Mr Reg Ellery and youngest member, Charlotte to highlight the importance of all ages being involved in the parish.

Des Kelly, Ewan Carney, Jacinta Thatcher and Warwick Gleeson

After Mass, a special morning tea was held in the Mons Frawley Hall.

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Bishop’s Christmas Missionary Appeal

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he proceeds of the 2016 Bishop’s Special Missionary Appeal at Christmas will once again be directed towards the Diocese of Kohima, North Eastern India. This is the second year the Diocese of Bathurst has supported the Diocese of Kohima, providing much needed funds for new infrastructure at Sanis, a large township within the Wokha District and one of the oldest Catholic village communities in the Diocese.

The St Peter’s Centre at Sanis is in urgent need of new classrooms. The existing school buildings will be replaced with 17 new rooms. The Centre has a multitude of functions serving Sanis and the seven other closely located Catholic communities. This includes providing education for the children, pastoral care, catechesis and evangelisation. The Sisters of Divine Providence are actively engaged in the work of the St Peter’s Centre and its pastoral outreach.

olic Mission h t ’ a

s

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Bishop Thoppil, from the Diocese of Kohima said, “For us, schools are the best means of evangelisation. The children of our schools are our best missionaries. It is through them that we are able to contact

Bishop Michael being welcomed by the children of Sanis on his visit earlier this year the parents and slowly establish Catholic Construction on the new classrooms and communities. A few children from each other facilities is due to commence in of the Catholic villages are brought to the early 2017.

Centre and accommodated in temporary There will be an opportunity to share hostels. This ensures that some Catholic the spirit of Christmas, and help bring children from often distant villages are this project to fruition, at all Christmas provided with the opportunity to study Masses across the Diocese. You can also in a Catholic school and receive religious send your donation direct to Bishop instruction. The educational apostolate McKenna at PO Box 246, Bathurst, is the key to the Church’s pastoral, NSW, 2795. catechetical and missionary outreach in Sanis and its villages”.

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Page 12 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

World Mission Month Launch for the Diocese of Bathurst at La Salle Academy

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n Tuesday 13th September, Bishop Michael McKenna visited La Salle Academy, Lithgow to formally launch World Mission Month (WMM) within the Diocese at a special Liturgy of the Word. More than 240 primary and secondary school students from schools across the Diocese were in attendance, along with representatives from the Catholic Education Office and St Patrick’s Parish, Lithgow.

Deputy National Director of Catholic Mission, Mr Peter Gates and Diocesan Mission Director, Mr Michael Deasy spoke about the focus country, Cambodia and highlighted the many good works that are happening there due to the Diocesan support of Catholic Mission.

Each Diocesan launch of WMM nationally has a common purpose as determined by Catholic Mission or as it is known internationally, the Pontifical Mission Societies. The dual focus for this year’s WMM is Cambodia, a predominantly Buddhist country, and Papua New Guinea, a predominantly Christian country.

Catholic Mission also works collaboratively with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in supporting financially the Catholic Church’s pastoral outreach to the Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander populations living in remote townships or isolated communities in the large Catholic dioceses of Broome, Geraldton, Darwin, Cairns, Port Pirie and Wilcannia-Forbes to name just a few.

Fundraising for Catholic Mission in the Diocese of Bathurst for the past five years fluctuated, on average, between $150,000 and $200,000 pa.

More information can be found at catholicmission.org.au.

Many thanks to local Wiradjuri elder Uncle Owen Smith for a very moving Welcome to Country, Fr Greg Bellamy for officiating and Deacon Charles Applin for proclaiming the Gospel. Mrs Kerrie Lovegrove was also in attendance, as a representative of the St Patrick’s Pastoral Council Committee.

Bishop Michael expressed particular interest in the origin of the new and invigorating songs (courtesy of ‘Emmanuel Worship’). He said “It is always a joy for me to prayerfully reflect on the corporal and spiritual works of

mercy through new songs, given this special focus on the Year of Mercy for the Church in the world”.

The debut of new worship songs would not have been possible without the commitment of La Salle’s talented musicians: Edwina Ruse, Luke Young, Veronica Wessell, Callum Jenkins and choir members: Emily Bennett, Amy Thompson, Blake Rust, Paige McNamara, Shannon O’Reagan, Maddison Tebbet, Maicee Heterick, Selina Zhu and Mika Colbert.

The talented students were ably assisted

by Mrs Kathy Powell from Assumption School, Bathurst and our own La Salle staff musicians; Mr. Leon Huxtable, Mrs Kylee Harding, Mr Patrick Drummond and Miss Emma Mitchell.

The involvement of the two local Catholic primary schools: St Joseph’s,

Portland and St Patrick’s, Lithgow in the Penitential Rite, the Prayers of Intercession and the Gospel procession added a special focus. Thanks to Robyn Nicholson and Lyndal Marshall for their co-ordination of the primary schools. Lynne Doonan and Margaret Doohan were a formidable pair in the kitchen, ensuring that the hungry hoards were all fed with delicious treats before embarking on the journey home.

Many thanks to the parents of students who were able to celebrate with us also.

A special mention to Halle Banning (Y8) and Jake Gillmore (Y10) who, at short notice, stepped up and wore traditional Indian dress to highlight the partnerships being forged with our Diocese and the Diocese of Kohima, Nagaland District, North East India.

Joanne Brown

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 13

Connecting past and present

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he Bathurst Sisters of Mercy celebrated their Sesquicentenary on the weekend of 28th-30th October 2016.

150 years ago, at the invitation of Bishop Matthew Quinn, first Catholic Bishop of Bathurst, seven Sisters arrived from Charleville Ireland. Within a few days they began teaching and took into care the first of many orphaned or neglected children. Sisters carried the mercy tradition forward over the century and a half since then, as teachers, nurses and social workers.

A reunion of the 40 Sisters who are the current members of the Bathurst group, was held on Friday 28th October. It was a day of memories and of recognition of the new place of the Sisters in the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG) established in 2011. Now part of an organisation comprising 800 Sisters and 18,000 lay people, these women share in a mission of mercy that responds to the need for compassion and mercy in all Australian states, in Papua New Guinea and beyond.

More than 300 Sisters, friends, associates, families, ex-students and partners in ministry gathered at St Joseph’s Mount for a garden party on Saturday 29th October 2016.

They sat and exchanged stories over afternoon tea; they listened to a music recital performed by Mrs Anne Whale, Sisters Jo Cook and Kathleen Williams and students from MacKillop College; they watched a film on the history of “Logan Brae”, the stately villa now called St Joseph’s Mount, gifted to the Sisters by the Hon John Meagher in 1909; they spent time with archival material and wandered the grounds in the beautiful sunshine.

Sister Berneice Loch rsm, Mercy Institute Leader, joined Councillor Monica Morse; Ellen Geraghty, Executive Officer of Rahamim Ecology Centre; and Robert George, Director of Centacare, to welcome the crowd and tell of future initiatives.

Bishop McKenna, accompanied by the members of the recently established Diocesan Pastoral Council, congratulated the Sisters and spoke of the interconnectedness

of the Sisters of Mercy and the Diocese of Bathurst.

Two visitors to the Garden Party demonstrated something of the efforts made by people to join the Sisters in Bathurst for this celebration and the joy everyone experienced in meeting up with old friends. Sister Mary Dennett drove herself from Melbourne to the event.

She took two days travelling and was warmly welcomed by many she had directed in workshops and retreats at Rahamim in previous years. Brother Malachy Yates, a de la Salle brother who now lives in Brisbane, drove himself all the way to Bathurst, in spite of still recovering from a triple bypass. He linked up in storytelling with a number of the visitors who had been on his staff or were parents of the students he taught at St John’s College, Dubbo, where he was Principal from 1972-1974. Both Sister Mary and Brother Malachy have treasured memories of their times in the Central West of NSW. Many visitors stayed on in Bathurst to join in the Diocesan celebrations on the Sunday with breakfast at MacKillop College followed by a “pilgrim” walk into the Cathedral for the 10.00am Mass, led by Bishop McKenna. This recalled the

walk into Bathurst from Kelso to the Cathedral in 1866 by Bishop Matthew Quinn and the first seven Sisters. Many of the Sisters of Mercy delighted in being chauffeured along the way of this walk in beautifully maintained vintage cars.

A brunch at the Cathedral Primary School followed Mass.

The book produced by the Sisters for the occasion: Through Catherine’s Eyes: Stories of Mercy Ministries since Vatican II, celebrates the 150 years with a special emphasis on the last 50 years and the changes that have occurred in that time.

It can be purchased from Books Plus in Bathurst. As an organising committee, we have had an amazing journey this past year, preparing for this event. We thank the many Sisters and friends who took responsibility for parts of the celebrations for us.

The generosity of all was evident.

The call of our world and our planet for mercy and compassion in this year proclaimed by Pope Francis as a Year of Mercy is strong and insistent and demands an urgent and imaginative response. The Sisters of Mercy pray that this call will not fall on deaf ears.

Patricia Powell, Mary Trainor and Paula Smith Sisters of Mercy

Page 14 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Helping others is a Family Affair

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ack in 2008 at Mass on Mission Sunday at St Mary’s, Orange, a member of our parish spoke to the congregation about the help she received through a Christian charity.

That help enabled her to have an education, giving her opportunities that she would never otherwise have had.

I was moved by her story and thought I would like to do something to help.

But what could I give, being an aged pensioner? I would often think of her story and the hardships of her people, especially the children.

One day, while tending the veggie garden, I thought, “I can do something! It won’t be much but it will be something. We could do this as a family, a small commitment to make a difference. I will ask my children to donate $12.00 - a dollar for each month of the year, then ask for a commitment to donate each year and increase the amount by $1.00”. This, I thought, would be sustainable, so that we could continue each year and would give a modest monetary donation. My family agreed willingly.

Then I thought about my grandsons, would they be willing to gift the money? Again, when I spoke with them, they agreed willingly.

As the story was discussed amongst the families, I was contacted by my other grandchildren wishing to

make the commitments, not only for themselves, but also for their children (my great grandchildren).

The monetary gift grew.

At the same Mass, the parish priest spoke of a visit to East Timor. The poverty and struggles of the East Timorese people and, with the name of our Australian Saint, I decided to support the Mary MacKillop East Timor Mission, hoping our gift would in some way help a family.

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Sr Kathy Jennings leaves on Mission

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large number of Josephite Sisters gathered at Mary MacKillop’s Chapel, North Sydney recently, to rejoice and pray for Sister Kathy Jennings rsj as she prepared to leave to begin her two year mission to Timor Leste. Kathy’s brother, Peter and sister, Margaret also attended.

Sr Marion and other Sisters who have ministered in Timor Leste were delighted to know that she was carrying on the great work of the Sisters and friends there.

Kathy has a real and genuine missionary heart. Her experience of ministry in Papua New Guinea for a considerable number of years and being responsible for setting up the New Image Parishes Programme throughout the country, stand as a testimony to this.

We wish you God’s abundant blessings Kathy, may you walk with these wonderful people with courage and love.

Sr Robyn McNamara rsj

Sisters Madeline Breen, Robyn McNamara, Kathy Jennings, Therese McGarry, Janine Keatinge, Ruth Croome, Mary Comer, Maria Sullivan, Maureen Sanderson and Margaret Jennings

Celebrating God’s Love

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t Joseph’s Parish, Blayney recently supported 16 young members of our parish and their families as the children celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time - a celebration of God’s love and delight in them.

This year our parish has prepared candidates for reception of the sacraments using a family centered, parish based and school supported program.

The preparation process for First Reconciliation commenced with a parent evening, during which the major focus was on welcoming those present and explaining changes in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, prayer and outlining the program.

Both the children and their parents participated in the program. The benefit of this approach is the opportunity provided for faith sharing between the children and their parents and the support the parish gave in the resources provided to parents.

Detailed guidance and suggestions were included in a journal that the children worked through with their parents. This included reflecting on

Parish Priest, Fr Tim Cahill, with the children celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation Scripture, various activities, prayer and sharing between parents and child to provide a lived family faith experience.

program by focusing on the themes in a journal each week during the children’s preparation.

Teachers at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School supported the

Page 16 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Therese Martin

From the Executive Director of Education

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s we come to the end of the year and acknowledge and affirm the work of our school communities in support of our vision to provide quality Catholic education, it is interesting to consider the data from a survey conducted recently amongst our parent community. Parents identified the following aspects of our schools as being a major strength: • Catholic identity • High standard of Religious Education • School is perceived positively in the local community • Grounds and facilities are safe and well maintained • School promotes the importance of student learning • An atmosphere of care is a feature of the school • School is an integral part of the parish • School liturgies are meaningful and relevant.

This feedback is certainly heartening and worth celebrating as the items span the key dimensions of school activity. The survey also sought ideas from parents in regard to strategies which could further enhance parents and the community’s engagement in children’s learning. Several of the suggestions resonate with the key principles of the Professional Learning Communities model such as providing parents with formative, rather than just summative information about students’ progress in order for parents to be more

attuned to students’ learning needs in a timely manner.

Also, as a result of the survey, some ideas have emerged about how best to support the networking of parents across our schools, to enhance collaboration and support for effective parental engagement.

As 2016 draws to a close, we give thanks to our God for the passionate commitment of our principals, teachers and staff and we look forward to the fruits of their ongoing improvement journey in 2017.

Jenny Allen Executive Director of Schools

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C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 17

Incredible talent showcased at the Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition

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any young artists, captivated The major award winners were: by the spirit of Christmas, awaited the judges’ decisions Special Awards when the winners of the Diocesan Diduli Mutukumarana St Brigid’s, Coonamble Christmas Story Art Competition were Bishop’s Award th announced on Thursday 8 September. Director’s Award Ally Bogie St Michael’s, Dunnedoo Y5 and Y6 students from Catholic schools across the Diocese submitted amazing artworks for the ‘The Christmas Story’ Art Exhibition and Competition which captures the student’s imaginative interpretation of Christmas.

The exhibition, which displays the best Christmas artworks from every Y5-6 student in the Diocese, showcased about 180 artworks.

Students used a wide range of media to execute their artistic and authentic imagery in their illustration of the Christmas story. The theme was drawn from the Diocesan Religious Education Curriculum and required the students to reflect on a number of Gospel verses from Matthew and Luke.

CDF Award

Oliver Bennie

St Joseph’s, Manildra

Parish Priest Award Y5 Zac Brennan

St Michael’s, Dunedoo

Parish Priest Award Y6 Kyle Allen

Holy Family, Kelso

Eckersley’s Award

Tyler Anderson

St Matthew’s, Mudgee

Mayor’s Award

Ned Inder

St Michael’s, Dunedoo

1st

Amelia Drew

All Hallow’s, Gulgong

2nd

Bonnie Murphy

Catherine McAuley, Orange

3rd

Jaiden Gunning

Holy Family, Kelso

Year 6 Awards

Year 5 Awards 1st

Ronan Porter

St Joseph’s, Molong

2nd

Jack Cranney

St Mary’s, Orange

3rd

Mia Fraser

St Joseph’s, Molong

The winners progressed to compete with students from Sydney and Wollongong in the Christmas Story Art Competition held on 27th November.

Our students achieved great results, with Ned Inder, St Michael’s, Dunedoo taking out a the Artistic Achievement

major award, and Amelia Drew, All Hallows, Gulgong achieving Highly Commended Y6 and Ronan Porter, St Joseph’s, Molong achieving Highly Commended Y5. Special mention was made of the extraordinary achievement of St Michael’s, Dunedoo

in having five students make it through to this exhibition out of the thousands of entries across the three dioceses and the 84 which make it to the exhibition.

Their works are on display in the Crypt at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney.

Peta Kingham

Ivy Sykes, Assumption School, Bathurst with Mrs Allen

Ameilia Drew, All Hallows, Gulgong

Jack Cranney, St Mary’s Orange

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iRise 2016 with Fr Rob Galea

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n Friday 28th October, 160 secondary students travelled from across the Diocese to reflect on the year ahead as they begin their journey as student leaders of their school.

Bishop Michael McKenna joined the student leaders for the day and particularly welcomed Redbend College, Forbes who joined iRise for the first time this year.

Fr Rob Galea provided an inspirational look at the importance of our relationship with God and how we live as disciples of Jesus in the world today.

Music and fun were the order of the day, while the four workshops on offer also educated and challenged our leaders.

Senior leaders from MacKillop College gave the following reflection of their experience at iRise: iRise was great because it was different to all the other types of leadership and religious days that we’ve experienced before. It used different strategies to try and get through to us, as teenagers. One of the most effective ways that helped us understand the values of religion was through special guest, Fr Rob Galea,

Bishop Michael with the iRise participants who taught us some really useful life and hearing personal stories from the lessons through his own experiences other student leaders. It showed us and how to rise above the challenges many different ways we can connect when things seem against you. He used with our faith and God; putting this music as a way of expressing what into practice through the different spirituality meant to him and how it ways we lead. With this new, dynamic helped him get through rough times expression of leadership we were able to and guide him towards better days. walk away from the day feeling more Not only was his music meaningful, comfortable as leaders. There were but highly entertaining, which made only positive things to be said about the day very enjoyable. this day with many of us singing “My Lighthouse” for weeks after! We can’t As the day progressed, we made strong thank the organisers of iRise enough bonds with the girls in our cohort and for the experience to grow as leaders beyond, mingling with other schools through both our faith and practice. and their student leaders. As we connected with these people, we began Dr Angelo Belmonte sharing stories of our own experiences

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C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 19

Student Leadership

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ne of the key features of the Diocesan Review Process for each school in our Diocese is the conversations we have with our student leaders in each school. Student leaders come in all shapes and sizes depending on the context of the school community.

The common thread lies in the quality of feedback we receive which is always thoughtful, thought-provoking and positive.

This year, the leaders from St John’s Primary, Dubbo and St Joseph’s, Molong have been two of the amazing primary school student leadership teams who have assisted us in affirming the strengths of their school communities and the possible future directions for school improvement.

Janine Kearney

The Leading ‘Spirit’ at St Joseph’s in Molong (‘Spirit’ the Lion is the School mascot)

Student Leaders at St John’s Primary, Dubbo

Wellbeing well catered for at St Eddies

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t Eddies in Canowindra is certainly at the forefront in creating engaging, adaptive environments, with the recent official opening of their new classrooms by Bishop Michael.

Mr MacNamara and his staff are also extremely proactive when it comes to finding ways to support the physical, emotional and social needs of the students in their care. Their gross motor facility is already a strategy that has been lauded by teachers and occupational therapists across our diocese. Their latest initiative to provide support for the wellbeing and mental health of students and teachers is their Wellbeing Room, a haven of calm and reflective peace that can be accessed by any member of the community as they feel the need.

Well done Mr MacNamara and team. Always on the lookout for ways to provide quality learning in a safe and supportive environment.

Janine Kearney

Mr MacNamara introducing Mrs Cosgrove to the Wellbeing Room at St Eddies

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Coonamble ‘Computes’

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ith all the noise about NAPLAN going online in the not-too-distant future, it’s important that our students have the computer skills to show their true testing colours. Our system of schools is working hard to ensure our students continue to shine in the NAPLAN arena. The Y3 students at St Brigid’s, Coonamble are certainly honing their word processing skills so that they’ll continue to be happily ahead of the game and firmly focused on successful learning in all its guises.

Janine Kearney

Year 3 Word Processor Professors

Loving ‘The Lits’!

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ince 1990, a research team led

by Professor Kevin Weldall, from Macquarie University Special Education Centre, has been researching how best to teach children who struggle to learn to read and more effective ways of managing children’s behaviour in the classroom.

The ‘Lits’ reflect a contemporary approach to best practice literacy instruction as identified by international reading scientists. Teachers and teacher assistants in our schools have been trained to deliver a suite of these programs (PreLit, Minilit, MultiLit and Ma3cqLit) to meet and successfully respond to the many different literacy needs of students in schools across our Diocese.

Janine Kearney

Mrs Guyer supporting a clever little ‘Lit’-er at St Joseph’s in Molong

School with a view

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t has not gone without notice, that our schools are often situated at the top of the town, particularly in our small communities. The Religious, who founded these school communities, certainly had an eye for panoramic views.

None more so than Sacred Heart School, Coolah where the school and office buildings have an outlook to be envied. This spectacular landscape must make the many long bus treks to school bearable for our country students and the school environment appealing to all.

Janine Kearney

Staff and students from Sacred Heart Coolah with their beautiful background view

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 21

St Matthew’s Inaugural Year 12 Graduate

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n 22nd September, the inaugural Y12 at St Matthew’s Catholic School celebrated their graduation from school with an assembly with the entire school and families during the day and a Mass with the year group and families in the evening.

The graduating students were led into school assembly by our Kindergarten students, symbolising the journey these students have been on over the past 13 years of education. The 2016 School Captains, Emily Lynch and Will Parker, referred to this journey in their speech to the school community.

“There is a 13 year difference between the Y12 students and the Kindergartens, who hardly reach the height of our knees. That means that there are 13 years for you, as students, to utilise and apply yourselves with the resources and opportunities available at St Matthew’s”, Emily said.

Will Parker made specific reference to the help the students had received from their teachers.

“Emily and I both agree that one of the greatest aspects of St Matthew’s is our teachers. Their devotion, willingness to help and their passion for education cannot go unnoticed. We attribute the majority of our successes this year to their continual guidance and professionalism. However, the greatest effects of their influence is on a more personal scale. The relationships that we have made over the last 13 years are extremely special to us. Our schooling was made easier through the mutual respect both teacher and student had for each other. For us, school was always a welcoming experience, simply due to these friendships, and we view that as an extraordinary privilege”.

Lil Burns, the recipient of the Catherine McAuley Award, pictured with Fr Tony Hennessy and Mr Jason Hanrahan achieve, to learn and to be a vital part “We believe our students are wellof our community”. placed for success in the HSC and for life. They have shown us the “We are very proud of this group of behaviours and independence required young men and women. They have for life-long learning.” been able to navigate the demands of the Preliminary and Higher School In the evening, the students and Certificate Courses for the first time at their families concluded their formal our school without role modeling from graduation celebrations with Mass at year groups above, while doing so with St Mary’s Church. Here, the students great commitment and passion. These were presented with their portfolio young people have also been active in from the School and a gift from the our community for many years, giving Parish of a small wooden cross, made of their time, talents and treasures in with local timber by Mr Michael Orth. numerous ways to assist our school Kristy Isbester and local community”.

Principal, Mr Jason Hanrahan, spoke of the impact the students in this year group have had on the school.

“In Term 1 of Y11 last year, I asked one thing of you, as an expectation of the school. That is, to be the models of learning for our school. It was not to worry about your results or the pressure to succeed, but to become true models of the learning behaviours it takes to succeed in the HSC, and in life. I can say now, that you have already succeeded. You, as a group, have shown our school what it takes to

Graduation Mass at St Mary of the Presentation

Page 22 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

PRAYER THE CHURCH’S BANQUET

A Pastoral Letter to God’s People of the Diocese of Bathurst Dear Friends in Christ, On the last Sunday of October this year, we concluded celebrations marking one hundred and fifty years of the Diocese of Bathurst. We looked to the future that day by commissioning a new Pastoral Council for our local church, which will work with me in planning and implementing the details of living more faithfully the mission that God has given us right here and now.

Among other activities that day, we also sealed a time capsule containing material from our parishes, schools and other apostolic works, giving a picture of life in 2016.

It will be opened on the bicentenary of our Diocese in 2065. I wonder what they will make of it; and I wonder what our local church will look like then.

When the Diocese of Bathurst celebrated her centenary in 1965, the Church and the world we lived in looked very

different from today. The Second Vatican Council was nearing its conclusion, but the big changes in the Church and the major upheavals in our society were yet to have their full impact.

Today, we have to understand the world we live in and think clearly and courageously about the mission of the Church in the reality of these circumstances.

The Future Our ultimate and only future is the Kingdom of God. In discovering it now and travelling to its fulfilment, we have to trust in God’s providence and surprises. However, we are not passive spectators as the future unfolds. What we do and what we don’t do will have its effect as it is shaped.

Each one of us has a part to play in that.

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 23

Once again, I repeat what I said at the beginning of my ministry here: I am only a bishop. There are some things that a bishop can do and some things he can’t do. There are things that only he can do. So he must do them, or else they will not be done. The same may be said for every member of the Church. There are some things that only you can do, so you must do them, or else they will not be done.

Prayer What can I do? you may ask. The first thing that each of us must do is to pray. In prayer, we can tune in to the voice of God and learn to distinguish it among the many voices that surround us. In prayer, we can learn to love God’s will and want to do it. In prayer, we can find the perseverance and hope that will sustain us when following God’s call becomes difficult or when its fruits do not appear at once.

keep awake, but Jesus did. According to Mark, he “threw himself on the ground and prayed…Abba, Father! For you everything is possible. Take this cup away from me. But let it be as you, not I would have it.” (Mk 14:36) Jesus also taught about prayer. There are four main themes in his teaching. First, that prayer is not a matter of performance or showing off in front of God or others.

Second, that prayer must be authentic, linked to what is in our hearts and how we live. Third, to persevere and not to give up in praying. And fourth, to pray to be alert and attentive to our reality.

Jesus taught us to pray for what we want, just as he did.

The answer to our prayer is sometimes the discovery of God’s will and learning to love and rest in that.

Forms of Prayer

But prayer is not only useful: it is a basic duty we owe to our Creator, in whom we live and move and have our being. It begins with praise and thanksgiving; moves through asking for what we need, beginning with his mercy; and goes on to rest trustingly in the power of his love, knowing that all things are possible with God.

There are many forms of prayer. It is always good to be open to finding new ways to pray. However, no method works unless the attitude of your heart is right. No method works unless you acknowledge that what you bring to prayer is your availability and that it is the Holy Spirit who prays in you bringing you into the love of the Trinity.

In our tradition, there have been many giants in the life of faith who have shared with us their hard won wisdom on how to pray, in classic writings of spirituality. I am not one of those giants, nor is this letter one of those classic works.

I am simply a pastor offering some words of guidance and encouragement that prayer is not for a select few, but for everyone.

We do not look for joy and consolation every time we pray. The witness of so many saints reminds us that the emotional experience of prayer will often be dry. It is then that we persevere, believing that God is working in our hearts, whether we feel it or not.

Jesus and Prayer

St Teresa of Avila told us that we are always in God’s presence; and praying is when we become aware of that.

The Gospels reveal Jesus, the Son of God who became human like us in all ways except sin. It’s no surprise that the evangelists tell us that Jesus himself prayed. Again and again, he goes away to spend time, sometimes all night, praying to the Father. Sometimes, these attempts to pray are interrupted by the demands of his disciples and the people eager for his words and healing. It reminds us not to give up when our own attempts to find a quiet place and time for prayer are disrupted. Like Jesus did, we can always return again.

Jesus spent the night in prayer before calling the twelve apostles. There are moments in the Gospels where he prays, not alone, but out loud in front of his followers.

“Father, I thank you for hearing my prayer… I speak for the sake of all those standing around me.” (Jn 11:41-42).

The whole chapter 17 of John’s Gospel is an extended prayer of Jesus in the company of the disciples as he prepares for his passion and death.

And the other Gospels recount that, after the Last Supper, he took his friends to the Mount of Olives and begged them to keep alert and pray. As we know, they could not

Praying Alone and Together

We need times of prayer alone with God, speaking to him, listening to him in silence and the Scriptures. And we should learn to pray briefly and frequently to God in our hearts in the ordinary events of the day. And then, because no one follows Christ alone, we also need times of prayer together.

There are two time-tested ways to pray that can be done alone or together: The Liturgy of the Hours and the Rosary.

The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, developed and maintained in monasteries, is available now to all the faithful. At its heart are the 150 Psalms. At different times of the day, we pray selected Psalms and other prayers, Scripture and sacred writings, as set out in a book called a Breviary. (These days, the Breviary can be accessed on smartphones etc too.) Month by month, we pray through all the Psalms, which contain every mood of prayer, from desperate pleading to joyful praise. Whether the Liturgy of the Hours is prayed alone

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or with a group, it is the Prayer of the Church, for the Church and the world.

The Rosary developed because many people could not read the Psalms. But this simple prayer has been and continues to be used by the most learned as well. Yet so simple that a child can do it: an Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be (a decade). Even if we don’t have rosary beads, we can count on our fingers! As we repeat the prayers of five decades, we can meditate on different events in the life of Jesus and Mary. A list is printed at the end of this letter.

Family Prayer Families and married couples need prayer together. It need not be complicated or lengthy, but it is vital for weaving these relationships together in the love of God. Many families do not pray because they are not sure how to do it. I have asked our Pastoral Council to look for ways we can help and encourage this practice, which could bring so many blessings to our families and the Church they belong to.

The Eucharist The title of this letter comes from the first line of George Herbert’s poem Prayer, printed in full at the end. Today, “banquet” connotes a lavish feast. In Herbert’s day, the word was used to describe a snack. However, the same message about prayer as necessary nourishment remains.

We see this very clearly in the Eucharist, the source and summit of our worship of God. It is a prayer that actually becomes a sacred meal, in which we participate in the sacrifice of Christ and anticipate the heavenly feast. It is important to recapture the understanding that we come to Mass not as spectators, but to pray. We deepen our participation when we meditate on the Scriptures of the day before coming to church; and when we find time to adore the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, still really present outside the celebration of the Mass, though always linked to it.

I leave the last word to Christ himself: Look, I am standing at the door, knocking. If one of you hears me calling and opens the door, I will come in to share a meal at that person’s side. (Rv 3:20) +Michael McKenna Bishop of Bathurst Solemnity of Christ the King 2016

Mass at the Cathedral of St Michael and St John as part of the closing celebrations of the Sesquicentenary and the Commissioning of the Diocesan Pastoral Council

Page 3 C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 25

Prayer

By George Herbert

Prayer the Church’s banquet, Angels’ age, God’s breath in man returning to his birth, The soul in paraphrase, heart in pilgrimage, The Christian plummet sounding heav’n and earth; Engine against th’ Alimighty, sinners’ tower, Reversed thunder, Christ-side-piericng spear, The six-days world-transposing in an hour, A kind of tune, which all things hear and fear; Softness, and peace, and joy, and love, and bliss, Exalted Manna, gladness of the best, Heaven in ordinary, man well dressed, The milky way, the bird of Paradise, Church-bells beyond the stars heard, the soul’s blood, The land of spices, something understood.

Mysteries of the Rosary The Joyful Mysteries 1. The Annunication 2. The Visitation 3. The Nativity 4. The Presentation 5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

The Sorrowful Mysteries 1. The Agony in the Garden 2. The Scourging at the Pillar 3. The Crowning with Thorns 4. The Carrying of the Cross 5. The Crucifixion

The Luminous Mysteries 1. Christ’s Baptism 2. The Wedding at Cana 3. Christ’s Proclamation of the Kingdom of God 4. The Transfiguration 5. The Institution of the Holy Eucharist

The Glorious Mysteries 1. The Resurrection 2. The Ascension 3. Descent of the Holy Spirit 4. The Assumption of Our Lady 5. The Crowning of Our Lady

Our Lady of the Central West Iconographer ~ Mary Clancy

The icon on the front cover shows Mary praying with us and for us. Crafted with earth pigments, the colours come from across Europe, the Middle East and Australia, representing the soil of many of the homelands from which the people of the Diocese of Bathurst originate. Gold highlights are included, as gold plays a pivotal role in our region’s past and present.

The border incorporates the totems of the local Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay nations. The four concentric circles at the top represent the Cathedral of St Michael and St John; 16 triple concentric circles represent the parish churches; and 37 others represent small Eucharistic communities. These are joined by a wandering line of dots; the pathways which connect all these groups together.

The icon was commissioned by Bishop Michael McKenna to mark the Sesquicentenary of the Diocese of Bathurst, which was established in 1865.

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Fred Hollows Humanitarian Awards

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hloe Shanahan is a Y6 student from St Mary’s, Wellington who was recently nominated for the Fred Hollows Humanitarian Award and she was excited to find out that she was a finalist!

Assistant Principal, Mrs Leanne Clarke, nominated Chloe for her work in raising awareness and money for The Stepping Out House, Cambodia.

Chloe travelled to Sydney on Monday 5th September to attend the award ceremony and afternoon tea at Parliament House, Sydney and receive her award.

Chloe and her sister Abbey, along with their classmates, have worked hard in the last three years to raise money for Stepping Out. Chloe’s family, especially her aunt, Clare Holman who established and runs Stepping Out, is very proud of Chloe’s achievement.

Abbey Shanahan

Other students from our Diocese who were also finalists for the Fred Hollows Humanitarian Award included Alister Scott from St Joseph’s, Blayney; Annie Tolliday and Cleo Cheney from Assumption, Bathurst and Lauren Evans and Annabel Burgess from St Joseph’s, Oberon.

Chloe is pictured with Gabi Hollows

St Columba’s Yeoval

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arly in September, three students from St Columba’s Primary School, Yeoval received the Eucharist for the first time. Many thanks to all who were able to join with Patrick, Simon and Tom as they made their first Holy Communion.

Bishop Michael McKenna once again expressed his delight at being in Yeoval and a lovely morning was had by all.

Julie Englart

Bishop McKenna with Patrick, Simon and Tom

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C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 27

Social Justice Expo at James Sheahan

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arly in November, James Sheahan Catholic High School Y8 students held a Social Justice Expo to raise money for Catholic Mission.

The students worked very hard not only to raise $2,700 for Catholic Mission, but they have also learned how to apply their understanding of the Pope’s call to Mercy and of the School’s Lasallian and mercy values to a contemporary issue.

The funds were specifically raised to assist Sister Eulie Desacula, a Missionary Daughter of Charity who, with the help of her congregation, coordinate a very successful mobile “tuk-tuk” schooling program for the benefit of children living in disadvantaged, rural communities in Cambodia.

Phillipa Brown, REC at James Sheahan said “The students really empathised with the children in Cambodia and were surprised to learn that they have only limited time with the tuk-tuk mobile school. Therefore, they thought it was a great idea to make some money with the goal of helping the tuk-tuk visit the children more frequently”.

The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy as were so clearly identified in all the messaging on the stalls and different activities ran as part of the Expo to raise funds for the tuk-tuk mobile school.

Diocesan Director of Mission, Mr Mike Deasy said “James Sheahan Catholic High School has a generosity of spirit in its outreach to less fortunate schools. The fundraising for this cause supports the missionary Church of Cambodia and especially school age children where, for many, schooling is an aspirational hope, rather than a right enshrined in law. Congratulations

to Y8 and your teachers, especially Mrs Burns and Mrs Calleja, who so generously lent their support to this mission and social justice initiative.

Thank you also for your participation,

creativity and giving witness to such a significant event on the School’s calendar in support of Catholic Mission”.

Kimbalee Clews

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Page 28 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

St Stanislaus’ College Speech Night and Presentation Evening

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he 149th year of continuous education at St Stanislaus’ College was celebrated emphatically at the College’s annual Speech Night on Saturday 5th November 2016. The evening was held as a showcase event for the year that has been, with special attendance by the Most Reverend Michael McKenna, Bishop of Bathurst; the Hon Andrew Gee, Member for Calare; Fr Peter Reedy cm; Mr Kevin Arrow, Chairman of the Board; Board Directors; all St. Stanislaus’ College staff faculty and the entire student body, as well as hundreds of parents and family.

The highly anticipated evening began with a special Acknowledgement of Country and the Australian National Anthem. The Head of College address was then delivered by Dr Anne Wenham, who vibrantly discussed the early beginnings of the College, the Vincentian ethos at the centre of St Stanislaus’ Catholic education, prayer and liturgical life, diocesan connections and liturgical involvement, works of social justice and outreach, including the fundraising appeals and outreach programs conducted by the College’s St Vincent de Paul Conferences and the involvement of the College P&F Association throughout the year.

Dr Wenham similarly highlighted the intentions and practices of the College with regard to its 2016 educational curriculum, as well as the 2016 focus on improved literacy and writing skills throughout the entire College.

This year’s focus on professional learning within the teaching body and enrichment of learning beyond the constructs of the classroom, as well as

Dr Anne Wenham, The Hon Andrew Gee MP, Dominic McCrossin and Bishop McKenna pastoral care programs, co-curricular Following the Bishop’s address, the life and emphasis of leadership within 2017 House Captains, Vice House the 2016 and future leadership teams Captains and Prefects were announced were also remarked upon within and presented with their Badge by the address. Furthermore, the 2016 Bishop McKenna and their Leadership Vincentian schooling connection, St Certificate by Hon Andrew Gee. Vincent’s Natovi, Fiji and importantly, Jerome Arrow, Tom Statham and Luke the preparation for next year’s Macauley were announced as Deputy sesquicentenary were also discussed Head Prefects and Dominic McCrossin in Dr Anne Wenham’s address. deservingly received the role of Head Prefect. Finally, the audience was The remainder of the evening saw subjected to a unique and engaging over a dozen performances by the presentation of Pink Floyd’s 1979 student body, with special emphasis classic “Another Brick in the Wall”, on theatre, song, music, dance, and with the entire student body singing multiple comedic performances and dancing throughout the College’s also interlaced. The evening also Performing Arts Centre. showcased the intellectual talents of students in each year group, with an On the whole, the College’s array of awards presented. Bishop Speech Night was a substantial McKenna then addressed the College commemoration for its 149th year of and commended the efforts of the staff Catholic and Vincentian education and students of St Stanislaus’ College and was a spectacle that engaged for their activism of faith and for their everyone present on the night. continual involvement in liturgical and other event in the Bathurst and Jack Cornish, Y11 wider Christian community.

EMBEDDING EXCELLENCE IN BOYS’ EDUCATION

St Stanislaus’ College As a boys school we strive to enrich the learning experiences of our students whilst providing them with the broadest range of opportunities for life beyond the classroom.

ENROLMENTS ARE NOW BEING NG ACCEPTED FOR YEARS 7-11 2017 017 Enquiries are welcome | 6331 4177 | registrar@stannies.com | www.stannies.com annies.com C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 29

Indigenous Immersion 2016 - Kununurra

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The students from St Matt’s enroute to El Questro

rom Thursday 28 July to Monday 8th August, 10 of our Y10 students, accompanied by four staff members, participated in an Indigenous Immersion experience between St Matthew’s Catholic School, Mudgee and St Joseph’s Primary School, Kununurra. The opportunity to experience the East Kimberley region of far north Western Australia was co-ordinated

by Catholic Mission. th

Our Catholic Mission Immersion Experience was a three phase process; phase one being a two and a half day workshop, which also included information to parents and participants from our Catholic Mission Facilitator. Phase two was the Immersion in Kununurra and phase three was a debrief session and preparation for the School Assembly where we could share only a fraction of our experience.

The 2016 Immersion gave students and teachers the opportunity to experience the community of Kununurra, the largest town in Western Australia north of Broome.

St Joseph’s Primary School is part of Diocese of Broome led by Bishop Christopher Saunders. St Joseph’s School was established by the Sisters of St Joseph in 1967 and, today, the lay staff continue the Sisters’ mission to strive to “never see a need without

doing something about it”.

We arrived in Kununurra on Friday evening and picked up the two troop carriers, which would transport us in and around Kununurra for the next 10 days. Our volunteering at St Josephs didn’t begin until Monday so we were given a fantastic opportunity to visit El Questro Wilderness Park which included camping overnight. El Questro is famous for its spectacular gorges, including Zebedee, El Questro and Emma, as well as stunning sunsets such as Saddleback Ridge. We were fortunate to enjoy two days at El Questro.

We returned to Kununurra on Sunday afternoon to prepare for our ‘school week’. Being almost 3,000 km north east of Mudgee and close to the equator, the sun rose early and so did we. School began each day at 7.45 am.

We arrived at school each day about 7.30 am to help out with Breakfast Club and canteen duty.

St Joseph’s has students from Kinder (our equivalent to Preschool) and goes through to Y6. This age range was exciting for us and allowed us to connect immediately with the children. Once the bell rang, we went to our assigned classrooms to work with the teachers and students, which we all took great joy and satisfaction from. Our usual classroom duties

included helping students complete work, reading with them, handing out equipment and class materials, helping with clean up from art and craft activities, packing away of equipment and assisting with music in the classroom, as two of us took our guitars on the trip. Some of us accompanied the students and attended a school Mass, celebrated by Fr Joel, the local Parish Priest, while others had to stay at school to man the canteen. Mrs Mort now has a new credential for her CV. One of the highlights of our school participation was the athletics carnival. The grounds at St Joseph’s School is large enough to accommodate all the races, field events and games.

The athletics carnival was a great celebration and activity day with many family members attending and joining in with students. This marked our second last day at St Joseph’s. At the end of the day, we were looking forward to spending our last day with the staff and students who had hosted us in such a welcoming way.

Alas, this did not come to pass, as all 10 students were felled by a virus that made our school attendance on Friday impossible.

While the school day began early for us, it also ended early which gave us the chance to visit and explore other community organisations and local

Page 30 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

sites such as Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, where indigenous artist Ben Ward was painting on the day. He was being interviewed about his memories of working on Ivanhoe Station, Waringarri Radio 6WR, Kimberley Land Council, Kelly’s Knob lookout, Hidden Valley at Mirima, The Ivanhoe Crossing of the Ord River, Zebra Rock Gallery and Lake Kununurra.

We were to leave Kununurra on Sunday afternoon, which gave us Saturday to visit and cruise Lake Argyle and its surrounds including the relocated Argyle Downs Homestead following the damming of the Ord River to create Lake Argyle. The wildlife we saw at Lake Argyle included a shorteared rock wallaby, crocodiles and Archer Fish. On our return to town we attended a cultural evening hosted

by Fr Joel and on Sunday we attended Sunday Mass. The rest of the day was spent packing, looking for lost items, finding lost items and cleaning up after spending 10 nights and 11 days in a cabin with our travelling companions.

We flew out of Kununurra on Sunday afternoon to Perth to catch the ‘redeye’ back to Sydney. We arrived at Sydney airport around 6.30 am where Mr Lynch was waiting to collect us and bus us back to Mudgee and be welcomed by our family members.

There was a lot of hard work put in to raise funds for Catholic Mission that took place over the 20 weeks between being selected for the Immersion and our departure. As part of an immersion, Catholic Mission make a financial contribution to community groups who support the Immersion volunteers. Catholic Mission describes

The Immersion group on their final afternoon it as ‘a powerful strategy in helping be seen on display in the foyer of St us understand and involve ourselves Matthew’s Catholic School, Mudgee. in Jesus’ mission. Developed over 20 All Mudgee members of the 2016 years, Catholic Mission’s method forms Indigenous Immersion experience the whole person - their empathy, including students Hannah Begg, humanity, faith and responsibility.

Jessica Lynch, Ivy Vo, Kara Morgan, Immersion is first and foremost an Tayla Young, Brandon Tilley, Byron experience of being with others.’ It was Tourle, Joel Cummins, Mitch Dover, an experience that shaped our minds Clay Brown and staff: Lois Bray, Greg and our understanding of indigenous Bray, Kerry Fitzsimmons and Annie issues in our society today.

Mort, wish to thank Catholic Mission An original art work by Aboriginal for this opportunity and for their artist, Kittey Malarvie, natural support of Indigenous Immersions. ochre and pigment on canvas, was purchased by attending staff as a gift for the School, as a reminder of the Kerry Fitzsimmons, Annie Mort 2016 group visit to Kununurra. Mr and Lois Bray Hanrahan accepted this gift and it can

St Matthews Catholic School

Providing a comprehensive and quality education in the Catholic tradition for young people from Kindergarten to Year 12.

4 Lewis St Mudgee Phone: 6372 1742 New website: www.stmattsmudgee.catholic.edu.au C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 31

R U OK? Day at MacKillop College

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n September, the MacKillop College community participated in R U OK? Day. The aim of R U OK? Day is to encourage people to talk about mental health issues. There were a number of activities happening around the College this year. Signs with the question “R U OK?” were displayed throughout the College to remind us all to look after our friends and to have a meaningful conversation with them about life’s ups and downs.

The College community also took part in a large combined picnic lunch on the soccer fields, where everyone could sit down and chat, enjoy the company of the people around them and participate in a shared lunch together. Around 600 cookies were baked by Y10 hospitality students in the shape of the letters R U OK? These were distributed to staff and students by Y9 volunteers.

The whole day was thoroughly enjoyed by staff and students. It was only the second year MacKillop has run this day. We hope that R U OK? Day can continue well into the future and become another MacKillop tradition of looking after each other.

Year 8 students asking R U OK?

Thank you to all the staff and students who helped out with making the day run smoothly and a great success. A special thank you to Mr Curry for the grounds looking absolutely fantastic.

As members of MacKillop College, it’s essential we have a mentally healthy and happy school community. If you notice someone struggling with life, just ask “R U OK?” - it could possibly change a life!

Megan Walton and Willow Rich Y9 Students

Year 10 hospitality students (Photo courtesy of Bathurst City Life)

St. Mary’s Primary School prides itself on being well known as a school of excellence and is well renowned within the Dubbo Community.

The strong family atmosphere is due to the wonderful community involvement. Many opportunities are provided by staff for each student to reach his/her full potential in a climate of care and understanding.

St Mary’s Primary strives to be a welcoming Christ-centred learning community that promotes a quality holistic education and trusting relationships in a caring and supportive environment.

“Christ is My Light”

Wheelers Lane, Dubbo Tel: 02 6882 4790 Fax: 02 6884 4525 Email: n.obrien@bth.catholic.edu.au Web: www.stmarysdubbo.nsw.edu.au Page 32 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

All Saints Day Celebrations at All Hallows School Gulgong

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ovember 1st is All Saints Day and All Hallows celebrated our feast day in style!

The day began with a “Parade of Saints”, highlighting those men and women who are holy and happy that they followed God’s word about ‘loving one another’.

This was followed by our All Saints Day Liturgy, led by Y5/6, where we prayed to God for the grace to become more like the saints and follow Jesus.

Each class created a “Remembering Basket”, holding the names of their loved ones. These baskets were added to the prayer focus during the liturgy. We remembered and prayed for these special people in our lives.

To finish the Liturgy, the “All Hallows Hummingbirds” led us in an energetic final song, “When the Saints Go Marching In”.

Our School Captains, Cooper and Maddie, then cut the Feast Day cake to share with everyone at morning tea.

Following our celebrations, we then put our school motto: “Know-Love-Serve” into action. Each class took on a role to serve part of the wider Gulgong community: • Kinder and Y1 cleaned VRA vehicles • Y2 shared stories with children at the Pre-School • Y3 cleaned the three local churches • Y4 visited the residents of Gulgong MPS

Clare, Cassidy and Kailee

• Y5 and 6 opened the “Saints Café” and served tea and coffee with delicious cakes and slices to thank the people who volunteer in our local community.

These activities help to teach our students to be compassionate and willing to serve others.

We felt very blessed to have such a beautiful day with our school community and wish to thank all the parents, grandparents, family and friends who came along to celebrate our special day.

Carolyn Holland

Y5/6 hosting “Saints Cafe”

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Easy Parking - near the cinema

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 33

Inaugural Trophy awarded to St Joseph’s School, Portland

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he Cancer Council of NSW has initiated the Laurie Bender Perpetual Trophy, to be awarded by the organisers of the Laurie Bender/Barry Rushworth walkathon, which is held annually. The trophy is in memory of Laurie, the instigator of the event, who passed away earlier this year.

The 2016 recipients of the trophy are St Joseph’s Primary School, Portland for their ongoing commitment to the event since its inception nine years ago. In that time, the school has raised in the vicinity of $10,000, by holding their annual cake at the School.

John Kearns, representing the organisers, presented the trophy at a recent School assembly and thanked everyone for their efforts.

He commented that Laurie, who was a former student at the school, was always touched by the effort from St Josephs’ and he would be proud to know that they are the inaugural winners.

Congratulations to all students and staff involved over the years for this magnificent effort.

School Captains Thomas Huijser and Tabitha Neville with the Laurie Bender Perpetual Trophy

LaSalle Leaders attend iRise

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ine students from La Salle Academy attended iRise with Mrs Joanne Brown, REC: Mission.

The theme for the day was ‘No Greater Love’.

Father Rob Galea, of X Factor fame, had all those present bopping along and thinking about how to make holiness the new normal.

Our 2017 school leaders should be very proud of themselves as they participated in all the day’s activities with maturity, reverence and enthusiasm.

Margaret Doohan

Dean McMahon, Connor Sheil, Rhiannon Milliss, Dalton Neville, Olivia Thurtell, Joss Luka, Mikaela Inzitari and Ebony Brown

HERE’S A GREAT WAY Holy Family Primary School TO SERVE GOD IN 2017 Kelso

In 2017 we will need Special Religious Education (SRE) Teachers & Assistants.

More men who have flexible working hours would be especially welcome!

Catholic Education Quality Education

Could you be a Prayer Partner with a SRE Teacher & Assistant?

OUR CHALLENGE FOR 2017 is to have..

SRE Teachers & Assistants for every Primary class in public schools A Prayer Partner for every SRE Teacher & Assistant Please note you will need a Working with Children Check number

COULD YOU HELP?

Please contact your parish priest.

(02) 6331 3279 www.holyfamilykelso.catholic.edu.au

Page 34 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

St Lawrence’s, Coonabarabran Tournament of the Minds

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even St Lawrence’s Primary students from Coonabarabran made it to the state finals of Tournament of Minds on 11th September, at UNSW Randwick, Sydney. The team had previously won their discipline “Science Technology” at the regional competition at Tamworth on 28th August 2016. They then had two weeks to prepare for a gruelling three hour challenge, which they had no prior knowledge of. The team was not a winner on the day, but they are big winners in our eyes. They proudly represented our school and put St Lawrence’s Primary School, Coonabarabran on the map.

Alex Robinson, Larni Smith, Amelia Toynton, Felicity Maher, Charlotte Thompson, Molly Shannon and Abigail Walden

Confirmation at Coonabarabran

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ongratulations to our 11 Confirmandi who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday 4th September. The candidates and their families enjoyed the Bishop’s visit and, even though Bishop McKenna and Father Reynold had to contend with flooded roads and torrential rain, the locals managed to make the day a happy and sunny event - in Coona anyway!

W Shae Davis, Tyler Wardley, Larni smith, Keely Milford, Annalise Edwards, Molly Shannon, Amelia Hadfield, Kihan Oliver, Jorian Fleming, Bishop Michael, Tallon Walker, Fr Reynold and Jack Larkin

Coona sleepout

e didn’t get much sleep but we had a lot of fun!

Thank you to our Y5-6 students who braved a night away from their comfortable beds to raise awareness and funds for Homelessness. The money raised by the students will go to purchasing Street Swags for the homeless at a cost of $95 each. This will provide a weather-proof bed to sleep in at night and something that they can call their own.

Margaret McKinnon

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 35

St Brigid’s, Coonamble “Sock it to Poverty”

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n Wednesday 26th October, the St Brigid’s School community rallied together to raise money for Sock it to Poverty.

The staff and students (and canteen helpers) raided their drawers for the craziest socks they could find and donated a gold coin to the Socktober fundraiser for the privilege of wearing them to school.

Classes held a Sweets and Treats stall, a Coin Toss competition and a “Guess how many lollies are in the lolly jar” competition. The Y5 class even sold bags of beans they had grown in Science. The students were empathetic and passionate in their efforts and were able to raise over $900 for Catholic Mission.

Special thanks goes out to Joe’s Quality Meats who donated a $50 gift voucher for the event.

St Brigid’s students socking it to poverty

Diocesan Director of Mission, Mr Mike Deasy, said “The money raised by the St Brigid’s community will help Sr Eulie Desacula and “Tuk-Tuk” to visit the children in disadvantaged communities on a more regular basis and provide additional education resources to help them with their learning. The generosity of the children at St Brigid’s towards the work of the missions, in Cambodia especially, is to be applauded.

Individually and collectively, they are helping to make a difference in a country that has experienced much suffering in recent decades”.

Pamela Storer

Senior students show off their groovy socks

Crazy Sock Day at St Mary’s

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s part of World Mission Month, the school community of St Mary’s, Dubbo held a special day to raise money for Catholic Mission. A Liturgy and Crazy Sock Day was held for a very worthwhile cause: ‘Sock it to Poverty’ in Cambodia. St Mary’s Primary School raised $541.75 for Catholic Missions. This money will go along way in improving the lives of disadvantaged people in Cambodia.

The day and its real focus was beautifully reflected in the Y3 Liturgy that was held around our school cross. All the School and many from our School community joined together in taking time to think about the lives of people of Cambodia

and how we are all God’s children.

Please feel free to visit this website to learn more: www.catholicmission. org.au/wmm2016

Thank you to all students and staff at St. Mary’s for really getting involved in the spirit of ‘Crazy Sock Day’.

Page 36 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Katrina Alexander

St Joseph’s, Manildra at Ignite Conference 2016

‘

Our Catholic Church is fully alive and it’s living through our youth’!

incredible experience.

To experience something like Ignite Conference as a school team was as powerful as any professional development could be. We travelled and stayed together and were provided with so many opportunities for the sharing of ideas and personal reflections. The spirit and connection amongst our group was strong and healthy, and remains upon our return to school.

That was one of the powerful and overwhelming features of Ignite Conference 2016, a national Catholic youth conference held annually in Brisbane by Ignite Youth.

Five teachers from St Joseph’s Manildra; Josh Dunn, Megan Thorpe, Marg Gosper, Jaime Hoolahan and Mallory Lawrence; and four children, Archie and Molly Dunn; and Hannah and Phoebe Hoolahan, were proud representatives of the Diocese of Bathurst at Ignite.

What an amazing experience it was!

Each day of the conference began and ended with a rally, where all of the 1,500 attendees at Ignite came together in a huge auditorium for music, worship, multi-media messages and the powerful speakers including Fr Rob Galea and Ignite Conference Director, Pat Keady.

These moving, engaging and thoughtprovoking presentations are available now at igniteyouth.com.

Throughout the day, each of us attended various workshops that had been individually chosen before the conference. These workshop topics included ‘Theology of the Holy Spirit’, ‘Encountering Mercy’, ‘Building Effective Teams’, ‘Dance, Dance, Dance!’ and ‘Faith and Fitness’. Each workshop provided tremendous opportunity for personal, professional and spiritual growth intertwined with faith formation.

Ignite Conference is for everyone.

Kindergarten to Y6 students attended ‘Ignite Kids’ every morning - an

Ignite Leaders engaging session of fun, craft, music, song, reflection and learning. Secondary students flowed through ‘Ignite High’ workshops and small groups directly related to teens and their particular stage of the journey. Connections and friends were made and to see our children engage in Ignite Kids and Ignite High where they truly shone and grew was one of the highlights of the conference.

The sacraments encouraged and supported through the Ignite Conference confirmed and renewed the attendee’s relationship to Jesus and their faith. It was truly incredible to witness hundreds of young people in lines for Reconciliation that stretched through every corridor. Our Mass with 1,500 people in the auditorium led by the Archbishop of Brisbane was very moving and the Adoration of the Eucharist during a night rally was an

After attending Ignite, we have been empowered with many ideas and thoughts about engaging our children at Manildra and their families to their faith, and sharing our experience with wider members of our Diocese.

To begin with, the Ignite Youth website and Facebook page has many resources and suggestions. The music of ‘EmmanuelWorship’ on iTunes, particularly their latest album ‘Mercy’, is full of contemporary music and lyrics to engage with and use in Mass, school events and liturgies. Our family Mass at Manildra on Saturday 26th November was led by the teachers who attended Ignite and was an engaging experience of Mass for our students, families and parish community.

We are so thankful for the support of Mrs Jenny Allen and Mr Angelo Belmonte from the CEO, who encouraged and supported our journey to Ignite and look forward to returning this support.

Finally, we would like to set a goal of 50 attendees from our Diocese - a collection of teachers, students and families - to attend Ignite 2017!

Josh Dunn

Caring for Families Counselling & Mediation Services ADULTS | CHILDREN COUPLES | FAMILIES For more information about Centacare’s services visit centacarecbathurst.com.au or to make an appointment please call 1800 231 118 C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 37

Experience of the Graced Mercy of God for all!

Participants of the 2016 Retreat in Everyday Life in Dubbo n the first week of August, the feelings to God. I don’t need to sugar coat time that suits them. There is no prior Retreat in Everyday Life Team things. He knows my heart already and experience or knowledge needed to parguided a retreat in Dubbo. This loves me regardless”. ticipate, only a willingness to be open to saw the largest number of participants “My desires are to continue growing in my the process offered. the program has had since it began in spiritual journey; to see and acknowledge In Dubbo, the retreat began with a three1999, when Sr Patricia Nugent rsm, that God is communicating and working hour orientation on Sunday afternoon Carl Mackander and others launched with me every day. Prior to this week, I was for the whole group. Then participants it in the Diocese. 26 six parishioners limiting myself where I could seek and lis- came each day to meet with their direcsigned up for the retreat, which was ten to God. Now I feel like I’m more “open.” tor who usually gave them a scripture guided by five spiritual directors. It was I realise now that it’s actually not that passage to use in their personal prayer also the first time the team has offered hard and feel optimistic about the future”. for the next day. At the end of the week, the retreat specifically to staff in a school the group gathered again on Friday eveof the parish. St John’s College took up Retreats in Everyday Life are an oppor- ning and had some time to reflect on the the offer and several members of staff tunity to reflect on life and to recognise week and share something of the gracparticipated. To make it easier, spiritual God already present there and to do so es they had experienced throughout the directors met them at the College. Those as part of our ordinary week, to seek to week. who participated from both the College be aware of God in every aspect of orand the Parish found the experience of dinary life. This retreat is essentially an This Retreat in Everyday Life is based on the week of prayer and reflection a most individual journey; travelled in the com- retreats from the Ignatian Tradition and valuable time. Some comments from pany of others who are also on their own makes use of the wealth of riches found journey; it is a unique chance to contem- in Ignatian Spirituality. St Ignatius participants were: plate our lives and the things that are Loyola (1491-1556), the founder of the “I found the assistance provided by my di- most important to us. One of the gifts Jesuits, left as a legacy to Christianity, a rector in explaining new ways of praying of the week is the opportunity of having particular way to develop and grow in and the discussions about the emotions cre- someone to journey with in the form of relationship with God through finding ated by various readings most helpful, and a spiritual director in a confidential set- God in all things. This particular way also the intimacy of these discussions. My ting. is known as “The Spiritual Exercises”. desire for the future is that this intimacy There are many forms of retreats based will continue to develop with God himself A spiritual director listens to each per- on these “Exercises” available today. and that my prayer life may also permit son’s story of faith and life as they This retreat is one of them. All our direcchoose to share it “with one ear open greater self-awareness”. to the Spirit of God.” Spiritual directors tors have a grounding in, or are familiar “I really enjoyed the new techniques of ask open-ended questions that assist the with, this tradition of spiritual direction. praying, of putting myself in the reading, retreatant in finding God present where The Retreat in Everyday Life team memto feel, smell, ponder what was happening, they have not previously thought to look bers are Robyn Blunt, Kathleen Jones, what the message really was and how it or to assist them to recognise and rejoice Fr Carl Mackander, Sr Ann-Maree has impacted on my life”. in the journey and God’s part in it as it O’Beirne rsm and Sr Maureen Schiemer

I

“What I enjoyed and found helpful was just stopping and taking time out. To have a lovely supportive caring listener - helping me recognise Jesus where I am. Encouraging me and being interested in my story”.

“The most pivotal insight for me was to be open with God. Give my whole heart and

unfolds before them.

On a Retreat in Everyday Life participants are encouraged to spend at least ten to thirty minutes or more in personal prayer a day in their own time and meet with their spiritual director each day for thirty to forty-five minutes at a

rsj. This year, retreats have also been offered in Cowra, Wellington and Bathurst. You can find out more about the Retreats in Everyday Life in the Central West and Beyond at www.retreatsineverdaylife.com.

Page 38 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Ann-Maree O’Beirne rsm

Four Generations re-unite in Eugowra

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t was a special occasion in Eugowra recently when four generations of the one family came together to celebrate the baptism of Indiana Josephine Fren. Indiana is the daughter of Kathy Fren, granddaughter of Margaret Tildsley and great-granddaughter of Mavis Cross.

Kathy was a pupil of St Joseph’s School, Eugowra from 1987-1993.

She married Toby Fren at St John the Baptist Church, Eugowra and returned for the baptism of their daughter, Indiana Josephine. Father Laurie Beath officiated and the four generations had the opportunity to celebrate Mass together.

Therese Welsh

Margaret Tildsley, Kathy Fren, Indiana, Mavis Cross and Maddie Tildsley.

The Board, Management and Staff of the Catholic Development Fund and wishes everyone a peace and joy in this Holy Season.

The CDF and Chancery Office will close for Christmas at 5pm on Friday 23rd December and re-open on Tuesday 3rd January at 10am.

Disclosure: The Catholic Development Fund Diocese of Bathurst (CDF) is not subject to the provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Deposits with CDF are guaranteed by CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for this purpose. We welcome your investment with the CDF rather than with a profit oriented commercial organisation as a conscious commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church. CDF, nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Bathurst are prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; contributions to CDF do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959; CDF is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of CDF.

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 39

Caring for the local community of Bathurst since 1966

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n Monday 31st October, St Catherine’s Aged Care, Bathurst paused and celebrated 50 years of care, by hosting a moving and memorable event.

The afternoon of celebrations was attended by staff members, the Sisters of Mercy, the Sisters of St Joseph, Auxiliary members, volunteers and local town supporters, who have all helped to cement St Catherine’s as a well-respected, longstanding, local service.

Awards were presented to long serving staff members by Regional Manager, Matthew Filocamo, including five 10, 20 and 30 years. Catholic Healthcare’s Managing Director, David Maher presented a special award to St Catherine’s Auxiliary President, Betty Burke, for her 40 years of dedication, fundraising, support and contribution.

All guests were treated to a delicious

Denise Morris (30 years service), Elizabeth Zuchulski, Manager of St Catherines and Betty Bourke

spread of freshly made treats prepared on site, by Catering Manager, Renier du Plessis and his staff.

relocating to a new location on Gorman’s Hill Road early in 2017.

St Catherine’s Aged Care will be

Jodie Gacuitua

Could God be calling you to be a priest for the Diocese of Bathurst?

You’ll never know unless you begin to open your heart in prayer to the possibilities; and then to speak to someone whose faith and judgment you trust. God does not usually reveal his will in a sudden dramatic way, but in the quiet steps of prayer, sacrament, service, reflection and sharing with other Catholics.

Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.”

(Mk 10:28-30)

For further information contact Fr Carl Mackander: pp.wellington@cdob.org.au or Fr Reynold Jaboneta: pp.coonabarabran@cdob.org.au Page 40 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Mudgee celebrates Sr Clement

O

face, irrespective of race or religion.

n Saturday 15th October, more than 150 family and friends gathered in St Mary’s Church, Mudgee to celebrate Mass on the occasion of Sr Clement’s (Nancy Lennox) OAM 70th Jubilee of Religious Profession to the Sisters of Mercy. The gathering also served as a farewell for Sr Clement from her beloved home town of Mudgee.

Jason Hanrahran, Principal of St Matthew’s School, spoke of the changes in education since Sr Clement was a teacher and of the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, which is evident in the morale of the School today. Sr Clement was a student at St Matthew’s and also taught there, as well as at other Catholic Schools in the Dioceses of Bathurst and Wilcannia-Forbes.

During the Mass, Sr Clement renewed her vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. She was joined by her extended family, who returned to Mudgee to celebrate with her and reminisce. Sr Clement is the last of her family to leave Mudgee.

Following Mass, everyone enjoyed lunch at St Matthews School Hall, prepared by the Pastoral Council. Sr Clement was joined her Sisters of Mercy and also Sisters of St Joseph from Gulgong, Kandos, Bathurst.

Other guests included family and the parish community.

Fr Tony spoke of Sr Clement’s dedication to the sick in hospital and the nursing homes where she would visit weekly. In the early years, she could be seen on her bicycle all around town and later on her gopher buzzing

After teaching for 40 years, Sr Clem retired and took up pastoral care. In this role, she was awarded a Citizenship Award and an OAM for her contribution to the Mudgee Community. At 91, she is still active and has well and truly earned her retirement. about. Her dedication was noted by the hospital staff, who had expressed their appreciation to Sr Clement.

Chris Blake spoke on behalf of the St Vincent de Paul, where Sr Clem could be found each week, working in the store and as part of her Conference work, visiting the ‘shutins’. ‘Where there was a will there was a way’, she seemed to be able to measure up to any task always with a smile on her

Sr Clement was presented with a framed photo of an aerial view of St Mary’s Church, the Convent, St Matthew’s School and Mudgee surrounds. Being a native of Mudgee and still considering this “home”, this beautiful picture will be a reminder each day of the past. Sr Clement is now a living at St Catherine’s Hostel, Bathurst.

Patti Kiddle

St Lawrence’s Church, Coonabarabran turns 50

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n Sunday 13th November, a large number of people gathered at St Lawrence’s Church, Coonabarabran to celebrate the 50 Year Anniversary of its official opening.

St Lawrence’s Church was originally opened by Right Reverend Dr A.R.E Thomas, Sixth Bishop of Bathurst and Monsignor T Healy, Parish Priest of Coonabarabran at the time. Thorby Brothers were the building contractors, who completed the construction in 1966.

Fr Reynold Jaboneta and Fr Sean Henry concelebrated Mass on the anniversary.

After Mass, the 16 altar servers and all the children who received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation during 2016, were presented with medals and

a commemorative card.

Morning tea was served and the anniversary cake was enjoyed by all.

There were games and goodies for all the children to enjoy.

A photographic collection of past bishops, priests and old church building was on display and was of great interest to everyone.

Judy Over

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 41

VISIONARY

PAR TNERS

Crennan Legal

S

pecialising in Local Government and Planning Law, Paul Crennan of Crennan Legal has a particular interest in the historical, environmental and planning aspects of the Restoration of the Cathedral of St Michael and St John in Bathurst.

As a foundation partner of the Restoration Appeal, Crennan Legal was the first corporate donor, providing valuable financial support to the Cathedral Restoration Project.

Paul Crennan has been providing legal services in Bathurst for over 30 years, establishing Crennan Legal in 2011 as a platform for the further delivery of his specific specialist services.

Paul is an accredited specialist in Local Government and Planning Law and is recognised as a leading practitioner, advising and representing Local Government Councils in Regional

NSW with regards to planning and environmental matters as well as governance practices. These services also extend to developers, companies and individuals.

Paul and his team at Crennan Legal can provide strong representation and advocacy on a range of development matters, disputes with Government and land resumptions. Their skills enable them to guide clients through the legal framework and they also operate effectively with alternative dispute resolution.

The contribution to the Cathedral Restoration Project is a visible testament of Paul’s support of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst and his commitment is evident in other ways. As a family man with four adult children he has a passion for learning and education that he has channelled in recent years as Chair

Paul with Phillip Burgett, Chair of the Cathedral Restoration Management Committee

of the Diocesan Catholic Education Council, overseeing the governance and strategic development of Catholic education in the Diocese of Bathurst.

For information about Crennan Legal visit www.crennanlegal.com.au or contact 02 6331 2121.

Kimbalee Clews

BBQ with our Builders

E

arly in November, the Cathedral Restoration Committee hosted local building firm, Kenwood Homes and their team of contractors at a BBQ at the Cathedral of St Michael and St John.

Kenwood Homes is assisting with the fundraising for the restoration of the Cathedral by building a home on behalf of the Restoration Project at 68 Wentworth Drive, Kelso. Once completed, this home will be sold and the profits contributed to this important project.

Stonemason, Ron Lodewijks from Stone Restorations, who is currently undertaking the works for the restoration of the Cathedral, provided a detailed information session for those in attendance.

Michael Anderson from Kenwood Homes explained that both his business and his contractors had reduced their costs for the home being constructed and saw it as a great way to support this

The team from Kenwood Homes being applied to restoring this historic unique restoration project. building”.

“As local builders and contractors, my team are happy to contribute their time Committee Chairman, Phillip Burgett, and abilities to support this project, thanked Kenwood Homes for their through the construction of the house support and explained that once the at 68 Wentworth Drive. It’s also great house at Wentworth Drive is completed to learn about the work that is going later in December 2016, it will be into this restoration and to see and hear marketed by Raine & Horne.

Kimbalee Clews about the craftsmanship and techniques

Page 42 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

VISIONARY

PAR TNERS

Melbourne Cup Luncheon

M

ore than 40 people gathered for the Cathedral Craft Group’s Melbourne Cup luncheon at the Cathedral Parish Centre on 1st November, to raise funds for the Cathedral Restoration Appeal.

The afternoon started with some Melbourne Cup warm-ups and several very talented people winning prizes.

Petah Lesburg took out the best jockey of the day award, with best male hat going to Bill Short and best female hat being won by Iona.

A very special guest appearance by the Pope (alias Bill), who was able to give some racing tips that were much appreciated by the audience.

A Chicken and Champagne luncheon was served and then the raffles drawn.

A big thank you must go to Luke Burke who donated the prizes of fruit baskets for the raffle. After dessert, there was a fashion parade of ladies displaying their home made hats and aprons to the tune

Edith Rout was one of the models parading her hat and apron of ‘The Pink Panther’. went home happy.

Best hat and apron went to Shirley Smith, with Edith Rout coming in a close second and Sue Martin third. The hats and aprons were then auctioned off, some being bought by the kind husbands of the models.

Colin and Maureen Clarke organised four sweeps and many of the racegoers

Thank you to the ladies of the craft group: Joan McCourt, Shirley Smith, Nolene Lynch, Melva Clark and Jane Chifley for the work they put into organising the luncheon. Over $1,600 was raised towards the Cathedral Restoration Appeal.

Sue Martin

Please give generously to the Cathedral Restoration Appeal. Donations can be made: In Person ~ Catholic Chancery Office Bathurst, or your local Parish Office

By Phone ~ 1800 451 760 By email ~

cathedralrestoration@bathurst.catholic.org.au

Online ~ cathedralappealbathurst.org.au where you will find more information.

Or via the app ~ Cathedral Restoration Appeal Donations over $2 are tax deductible

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 43

Vale Sr Pat Linnane: 19.9.1935 - 20.11.2016

A

s Pope Francis closed the Mercy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, another Mercy Door closed in Bathurst, when Sr Pat Linnane died at St Catherine’s Hostel.

local Aboriginal community. She was active in approaching Bathurst Regional Council about Aboriginal identity, resulting in the erection of billboards at the City’s limits recognising the local area as Wiradjuri Country. She played a key part in encouraging community participation in such transforming events as the Sea of Hands, Sorry Book, Harbour Bridge Walk and Corroboree, National Treaty Conference, visit of the Maronirra Healing Quilt to Bathurst and the Inaugural Windradyne lectures.

She hosted a number of seminars and workshops in Bathurst, aimed at raising consciousness about Aboriginal reconciliation. Sr Pat was proud to count among her friends people from all sectors of the Aboriginal community and to offer hospitality to Aboriginal visitors from outside Bathurst. She received the Aboriginal Heritage Trust Award for her efforts to promote and support reconciliation.

Joining the Bathurst Sisters of Mercy in 1952, this year she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee: 60 years deepening her understanding and appreciation of Mercy and giving it practical expression in her life and ministry.

Born in Bathurst, Pat loved her family dearly. She was the third of four daughters born to Lala Considine and Frank Linnane. Her parents and her older sisters, Francis and Joan, predeceased her and she is survived by her younger sister Kate, her nieces and their families.

For over 20 years, Pat was a successful and imaginative primary school teacher and a gifted, hard-working principal. She had outstanding success in revitalising small Catholic schools in Central West NSW through innovative planning and community involvement.

From 1979 to 1986 she opened the Door of Mercy to orphaned and neglected children. She was appointed Director of Croagh Patrick Child Care Centre in Orange, responsible for implementing policy changes in institutional childcare.

Her programme gained such status and credibility it was given Government funding as one of three pilot projects in in NSW. As administrator of a multi-faceted Mercy welfare agency in Western Australia, she successfully carried out necessary restructuring, in spite of resistance. In 1989 Pat was appointed Guardian ad litem with the Attorney General’s Department, an advocacy role in Children’s Courts

the newly devised Parole Division and was considered to be a very proficient officer, whose commitment and integrity ensured balance between the legitimate demands of the community and the rights and needs of inmates.

In 1997 Sister Pat’s experience, good will, reputation and advocacy culminated in her being appointed as the Co-ordinator of the Mercy and Justice Centre (MJC) at St Joseph’s Mount.

This gave her work for marginalised and disenfranchised people a focus and a base in the local community.

In the 1990s Sister Pat worked with homeless adults in Kings Cross and inmates of Corrective Services facilities in the Bathurst area. As manager of an inner-city welfare agency providing free food for up to 400 destitute people on a daily basis, Pat negotiated some much needed change under the adverse circumstances.

She received commendation for the services, the pleasant environment and the compassion and firmness which characterised the delivery of services.

Sr Pat collaborated with various agencies to establish support initiatives in relation to suicide prevention and domestic violence. She established and facilitated the DUCKS group to support people suffering from chronic depression and on-going mental illness.

She co-operated with Corrective Services in their ThruCare program, providing supervised work and training for inmates nearing release; and participated in weekend detention programs, overseeing the involvement of people serving community service orders. In 2002 she received the inaugural Rural and Regional Law and Justice Award for improving access to justice in NSW, particularly for those disadvantaged.

As a Parole Officer with the NSW Department of Corrective Services, she initiated and supported changes in

Sister Pat was committed to reconciliation with Aboriginal Australians and worked closely with the

Sister Pat was adamant about the way in which refugees and asylum seekers should be treated. A founding member of the Bathurst Refugee Support Group, she played a significant role in bringing members of the Refugee Council of Australia to Bathurst, leading to the City being included in the Refugee Welcome City Zone. She was instrumental in establishing the Kath Knowles House of Welcome for refugee resettlement.

She also fostered a partnership with STARRTS - set up to assist victims of war, rape and trauma. In 2000 she was recognised by Rotary for her work in launching Bathurst as a City of Peace and having Peace Poles erected at the MJC and the Macquarie (Wambool) River Peace Park.

In 2007 she attended the Mercy Global Concern Program at the United Nations in New York and delivered an address on the Millennium Development Goals: Local Change; Global Transformation. In 2014 Charles Sturt University recognised her outstanding contribution to social justice by awarding her an Honorary Doctorate. Sister Pat was also a founding member of Rahamim Ecological Learning Community, which widened the Door of Mercy at the MJC, to embrace the whole Earth community.

Page 44 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Patricia Powell rsm

My Journey with Catherine McAuley

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n this Jubilee Year of Mercy, proclaimed by Pope Francis, Mercy Associates of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and PNG expressed the desire to mark the year with a pilgrimage to Catherine McAuley’s House of Mercy and to spend some time in prayer and reflection on Catherine and the inspiration she was and continues to be as a Woman of Mercy for the world.

As a Mercy Associate (as well as a Josephite Associate), I was attending the monthly meeting of the Mercy Associates, when an invitation was offered for someone to represent the group on a pilgrimage to the founding House of Mercy at Baggot Street, Dublin, Ireland.

I felt this would be a great opportunity to spend some time with Catherine and get to know her better. And because I love Pope Francis, I jumped at the offer!

I lost no time getting my application in and was excited to discover that I had secured a bed at Catherine’s House, so I could spend every available minute exploring the house where Catherine lived, worked and prayed, before and after she founded the Sisters of Mercy.

There were so many highlights on the trip, including riding in a horse and sulky down Baggot Street to Catherine’s front door, just as I imagined Catherine would have done many times in her life.

It was wonderful to walk the streets of Dublin in Catherine’s footsteps, seeing places associated with her family; visiting St Teresa’s, the Church where she worshipped; the Presentation Convent at Georges Hill,

Sandra, far left, at the House of Mercy where Catherine did her novitiate and joy was infectious. At the memory of Coolock House, which she inherited it I am fired up and ready to go back to from the Callaghans which enabled her Catherine’s House tomorrow! to build the house of Mercy at Baggot Sisters Kathy and Mary-Kay at Street and carry out her work for the Catherine’s House were lovely, poor of Dublin. We held Catherine’s hospitable and welcoming. Sister Mary profession ring and I found this a Trainer, who also lives there, had the very special and intimate experience. I idea to set Catherine’s house up as an prayed in the room where she prayed International Mercy Centre. When I and spent time in the room where she was sitting and talking with her, it felt died. We visited the Heritage Room as if I was sharing a comfortable cup of and I held the crucifix she was holding tea with Catherine herself, breathing when she died. At her graveside, I was in her spirit and sharing her story. deeply moved to silence.

When I left Baggot Street, I joined The program of lectures about Mercy up with two friends on a further and stories about Catherine gave pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima. a good background to all we were Thank God for Pope Francis and this experiencing.

Year of Mercy.

On our free day, 12 of us took a Viking If you would like to become a Mercy Tour around Dublin. This was great Associate, contact Jacquin Herschel ph fun. We wore Viking head dress and 6331 1618. were encouraged to behave as if we really were Vikings. Catherine would Sandra Christoffersen have been proud of us. Our spirit of

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C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • December 2016 • Page 45

Remembering Sr Regina Seigel

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ister Regina was born Kathleen Elizabeth Seigel on the 23rd November 1913 at Lithgow, NSW to George Edward Seigel and Rose Margaret Brain and was baptized at St Patrick’s Church, Lithgow. One of four children, she attended the Convent school and was taught by the “Brown Josephites”.

When Kathleen was 12 years old she travelled to Baradine with her father who worked as a timber worker, cutting sleepers to lay the railway through Baradine and Gwabegar. She boarded at the newly opened Baradine Convent with the Perthville Sisters of St Joseph for two years. At 13 years of age, Regina’s talent for music, speech and drama was evident as she completed the Certificate of Merit in religion, arithmetic and history, gaining honours in English. Kathleen also achieved honours in elocution and a pass in Pianoforte from the Trinity College, London. Later, she became proficient in typing and bookkeeping.

At age 18, Kathleen caught the train from Lithgow to Perthville to enter the Sisters of St Joseph on 15th August 1932. She was professed as Sister Regina on 28th May 1935 and her first mission was to Blayney where she prepared music students for exams. Regina, with an A Mus A in piano, in theory and in singing and a LTCL in speech and drama, Grade 1 (7th Grade) violin and ATCL (Speech and Drama), was a talented teacher of music, speech and drama. She also taught physical culture.

Her music and elocution pupils loved Sister Regina and responded to her tuition.

Regina taught in many places in the Diocese of Bathurst including Cargo, Dunedoo, Cumnock, Oberon, Blayney, Perthville, Coolah, Borenore, Yeoval, Portland, Molong, Canowindra and Baradine. She was frequently the Sister in Charge at these schools and was responsible for the main midday meal for the Sisters. She became the caterer and assistant bursar at Perthville where she cooked for in excess of 100 boarders and Sisters for five years. During this time, she completed a catering and management Course from East Sydney Technical College, undertook TAFE dressmaking course and a microwave cooking course. All the while she continued part time music and elocution teaching.

Regina appreciated attending the Kairos Spirituality course for renewal. She had a deep trust in God and devotion to St Joseph and Our Lady. As she moved towards retirement, she engaged in parish ministry in Molong, Canowindra and Gilgandra. Regina was a proficient dressmaker, loved to embroider and did beautiful tapestry. In her senior years she learned to paint with oils and do pen painting. She also relished reading a good novel. As a member of the NSW Woman’s Bowling Association, she enjoyed this sport and the friendships and travel it engendered.

In 1995, Regina moved to St Anne’s Home at Perthville for retirement yet continued to teach piano and speech to a few local children. She lived with patience, acceptance of God’s will and a sense of humour. Declining health lead her to accept a place in Macquarie Care in Bathurst in April 2010. In 2016, Regina moved across the road

to St Vincent’s Aged Care facility to join the Josephite Sisters resident there.

On 23 November 2013, Regina celebrated her 100 birthday. She remembered and enjoyed reciting for her guests many of the poems she had taught her pupils.

She really enjoyed being a centenarian. Regina was present at the fusion celebration on 2nd May 2014 and the sesquicentenary celebration in July 2016.

Sister Regina died peacefully on the evening of 21st November 2016, two days before her 103rd Birthday and in her 81st year as a professed Sister of St Joseph. Her funeral was celebrated at St Joseph’s Chapel, Perthville on Saturday 26th November 2016 by Bishop Michael McKenna.

Sr Therese McGarry rsj

The Catholic Observer is published by the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst (Diocesan Publications) PO Box 246, Bathurst, NSW, 2795 ph: (02) 6334 6400 fax: (02) 6331 9453 email: observer@bathurst.catholic.org.au Editor ~ Fiona Lewis Communications Co-ordinator ~ Kimbalee Clews Designer ~ Jacqui Keady Printed by: Rural Press Printing, Richmond NSW All material in this magazine is copyright and may be reproduced only with the written permission of the Editor.

The Catholic Observer is a member of the Australasian Catholic Press Association.

Page 46 • December 2016 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Portland St Vincent de Paul celebrates 90 years

T

he St. Vincent de Paul Conference in Portland recently celebrated 90 years of Vincentian Mission work in Portland.

The Conference received its charter on 28th December 1925 and since that time has continued its mission, working with the poor and disadvantaged continuously for the past 90 years.

The celebration was an opportunity not only to recognise this wonderful achievement, but also bring together brothers and sisters from conferences within the Evans Region and Bathurst Central Council, both of which Portland is a part of.

Celebrations commenced with Mass celebrated by

former Parish Priest, Father Owen Gibbons in the absence of Parish Priest Father Mark McGuigan. Father Owen was assisted by Deacon Charles Applin and altar servers Annika Taylor and Maddison Field.

In his address, Bathurst Central Council President, Maurice Ryan congratulated all members and volunteers, past and present, on the wonderful achievements of the Portland Conference over all those years. In particular, the vision of the early pioneers to see a need and sow the seeds of this organisation which flourished due to the dedication of Conference members at that time, following the footsteps of founder Blessed Frederick Ozanam. Following Mass,

Save the Date:

MON 15 – WED 17 MAY, 2017

SMC CONFERENCE & FUNCTION CENTRE, 66 GOULBURN ST, SYDNEY

Years of Service Badge presented to Sr Therese by Maurie Ryan a luncheon was held at the Portland RSL Sport and Recreation Club, where a number of medals were presented to long serving

members of the Conference and Sr Therese Patterson rsj cut the anniversary cake.

John Kearns

A multi-sector dialogue on living the joy of the Gospel and leading mission

If you strive creatively for justice, peace, reconciliation and God’s mission of mercy in Australia and globally, please join us for the Mission: one heart many voices conference in May 2017. It is a unique opportunity to listen, converse and experience the many and diverse voices that are an expression of the one heart of mission.

Above all, the conference purpose is to affirm, inspire, nurture and imagine. It wil enable participants to ‘go forth boldly’ (EG 261) living the joy of the Gospel and leading mission.

mohmv.com.au Conference Organisers:

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