Catholic Observer Magazine July 2014

Volume 49, No.2 JULY 2014 $2.00

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Ordination of Father Thuc Van Le

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he Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John was filled with joy on Friday 4th July 2014, as Thuc Van Le was ordained a priest for the Diocese for Bathurst by Bishop Michael McKenna.

The Mass was concelebrated by around 20 of Father Thuc’s brother priests from the Diocese and 30 visiting priests.

There were also three deacons and 35 seminarians present. Family and friends travelled from Sydney and Melbourne to join people from around the Diocese who have befriended him over the past couple of years.

The congregation was united in worship as Thuc Van Le’s many years of study, prayer and discernment came to fruition on this special day. Brought to Australia in 2004 by then Bishop Julian Porteous, he studied for the Archdiocese of Sydney. In 2013, Bishop McKenna brought him to Bathurst and he spent most of that year undertaking pastoral work in Coonabarabran under the guidance of Father Greg Kennedy.

In July 2013 he was accepted as a Candidate for Ordination and was ordained Deacon by Bishop McKenna in October that year. During 2014, he continued his studies at Corpus Christi College in Melbourne.

The Catholic community of Coonabarabran was out in force for Father Thuc’s ordination, arriving by the busload, with their choir joining the Cathedral choir to provide beautiful music for the Mass. His Vietnamese heritage was not forgotten, with a Vietnamese choir singing some lovely hymns in his native tongue and with two of our seminarians - Dong Van Nguyen and Diep Quang Nguyen also contributing to the music.

In his Homily, Bishop McKenna said that with his ordination, Thuc would be changed for life. “Changed for life in the sense that this change has a lifegiving purpose. Thuc is not receiving an honour for himself, but a mission and a power in the service of life”. The Bishop told him that God was calling him to be a priest so that he could pass on life to the full, to his sisters and brothers and make them sharers and givers of that life for one another. “Thuc, as you prepare to enter the sheepfold through the gate, know that the Lord wants to give you life to the full. You will find that fullness of life in bringing others to its source”.

Continued on pages 4 and 5

July 2014 - Page 2

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Wellington - Biennial Covenant Day

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he biennial Bathurst Anglican-Roman Catholic Covenant Day was held on 19th June 2014, at the Infant de Prague Hall in Wellington.

It is just over two years since the Covenant between our two dioceses was signed.

The biennial clergy gathering is an integral part of the Covenant, aimed at allowing the dioceses to get together to reflect on pastoral, social, environmental and theological issues which we both face.

The day was attended by priests and lay people from across the Anglican and Catholic Dioceses of Bathurst, and by Anglican Bishop Ian Palmer and Bishop Michael McKenna.

“It’s in a hope we can walk together as one”, Bishop McKenna said. “It’s all about a shared common vision and also to learn more about the traditions that bond us”.

Bishop Palmer agreed, saying “This, is a very important grouping and there are some big issues we can discuss as faiths.

What can sometimes divide us can bring us together”.

Dom David Orr OSB, Sister Carmel Pilcher RSJ and Doctor Maureen O’Reilly were the Keynote Speakers. The agenda also included a sharing of ‘good news and initiatives’ from parishes in relation to the Covenant.

Photo courtesy Farren Hotham, Wellington Times

Anglican Bishop Ian Palmer and Bishop McKenna

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MacKillop College PO Box 691, Bathurst NSW 2795 P: (02) 6338 2200 E: mackillop@bth.catholic.edu.au W: www.mackillopcollege.com.au July 2014 - Page 3

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Bathurst’s New Priest From page 2 The Bishop welcomed Thuc’s mother Lucy Tu Thi Nguyen and thanked her and her husband James Duc Van Le - for giving life to Thuc, for being his first teachers of the faith and for giving their son for the service of God and his people - ending with a greeting to the mother of a priest in Vietnamese - “Xin chào Ba Co”. Seminarian Dong Nguyen then translated rest of the Bishop’s words.

Father Thuc felt especially blessed that his mother was able to be with him for this special day. During his address to the congregation, he thanked his family, and everyone who had supported him on his spiritual and physical journey to the priesthood over many years. He then addressed his mother in Vietnamese.

A warm and happy celebration was held in the Cathedral School Hall following the ordination. Father Thuc’s many friends in the Vietnamese and Australian communities rallied to produce a beautiful luncheon which gave everyone a chance to catch up, and many an opportunity for a blessing from Father Thuc!

The new priest celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving in the Cathedral on Saturday 5th July, again with beautiful music from the Vietnamese choir. He asked for prayers for his father, who is chronically ill and was unable to make the journey to Australia for the ordination. There were more celebrations in the School Hall afterwards, followed by a trip to Coonabarabran to celebrate with the community that ‘adopted’ the seminarian in their midst so willingly and warmly during his time with them.

Father Thuc Van Le’s first appointment is as Assistant Priest in the Orange Parish of St. Mary and St. Joseph, where he will begin his priestly ministry under the guidance of Parish Priest, Father Paul Devitt.

Photos courtesy Dinh Chuyen Tran

July 2014 - Page 4

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

July 2014 - Page 5

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

St. Patrick’s Day and the Feast of St. Joseph are always days of celebration at Assumption School in West Bathurst...

Kath Leahy, Dorethea Lenehan and Sister Christina Morrissey RSJ

Gwen Clancy, Peter Nugent, Fathers Harry Quigley and Joshy Kaithakulangara CMI Father Harry Quigley and John Ireland

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Phil’s kids support Restoration Appeal

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ast month, Bishop McKenna visited St. Philomena’s School in Bathurst to receive a cheque for the Cathedral Restoration Appeal at a School Assembly.

At the end of Term 1, the Mini Vinnies Committee of St. Phil’s held a ‘Junk Olympics’. Students were asked to bring in recyclable and other items they no longer used from home, which were then sold.

A total amount of $250.00 was presented to the Bishop, who was delighted to hear of the children’s initiative and to receive this contribution towards the restoration of our Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John.

Helping Hand from Constance

D

uring the first half of Term Two, Helen Ryan and Vicki Mair travelled to Lithgow each Thursday to train Constance Young - a Y9 student at La Salle Academy - as a Student Catechist Helper.

Recently, Constance received her certificate from La Salle’s REC, Mrs Jennifer Emms, at a School Assembly. Congratulations to Connie, who is now assisting Marie Marjanac and Maryann Torok with their K-6 class at the Zig Zag Public School each Wednesday.

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

40 Years for Yeoval

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he Church of Our Lady in Yeoval celebrated its 40th Anniversary on Sunday 22nd June, after months of planning.

together with Thelma MacGowan and Doris Hills, daughters of the late Doctor Michael Coolican, who donated the land to build the Church. Philip Sheridan was MC for proceedings and the guest speaker was Nicholas Moore, CEO of Macquarie Bank.

Originally part of the ‘Cumnock/Yeoval’ Parish, which also included Baldry, for over 30 years it has been part of the Wellington Parish. Banjo Patterson lived in the area for Yeoval has around 250 residents and is a strong faith based seven years and there is a local museum honouring his life community. It has a large Baptist community with its own right next to the church. pastor, which is fairly unique now for such a small village.

160 people attended Mass, celebrated by Parish Priest Father Father Tony celebrates Mass at 8.00am on Sundays for around Tony Hennessy. Many of them had travelled from across NSW 30 people and a number of baptisms, funerals and weddings and the ACT to attend this special celebration. Unable to join are celebrated in the church. the community on this day, Bishop Michael McKenna sent a letter of congratulations and his best wishes.

St. Columba’s School, once served by the Sisters of St. Joseph Perthville, is an integral part of the community and growing, The Yeoval Bowling Club was the venue for the luncheon, with 28 students. catered for by the Parents and Friends Association. Activities The Yeoval community worked hard to get the church shipfor the children included a jumping castle and face painting. shape for the celebrations, with working bees to paint, fence The Anniversary cake was cut by parishioner Margaret Miller, and spruce up the garden.

July 2014 - Page 8

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Spiritual Day out in Bathurst

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athurst Diocesan Catholic Women’s League recently held a Spiritual Day, commencing with morning tea and introductions, at the Cathedral Parish Centre in Bathurst.

Father Reynold Jaboneta from Mudgee was the Spiritual Advisor for the day.

There were 22 women from Lithgow, Oberon and Bathurst in attendance to hear Father Reynold’s talk on the final blessing at Mass and the message “go now you are sent forth”.

Afterwards, some interesting discussion took place on how this relates to our lives.

The morning finished with Father Reynold celebrating Mass with the ladies. This was followed by lunch and much chatter as ladies caught up with old friends and met up with new ones.

Dawn Frazer

Vinnies’ Commissioning

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ecently Christine O’Mahony, the new Regional President for the Evans Region of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, was commissioned during Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Wallerawang.

Three new Conference Presidents were also commissioned: Gary Marshall from Lithgow, Marie Behan from Oberon and Ron Murphy from Wallerawang.

Parish Priest, Father Owen Gibbons, celebrated the Mass.

The Commissioning Mass was very well attended with good representation from members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society across the Evans Region and the Bathurst Diocese.

The commissioning ceremony reminded the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of their commitment to help the marginalised, those who are disempowered and all those in need; and to act for justice.

All those present warmly welcomed the new Presidents to their new roles in the Society.

Denis Kelly - Portland Conference

Pat Okon (Diocesan CWL President), Father Reynold Jaboneta and Alma Hotham (President Oberon CWL)

Cowra Birthdays

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ath Corbin, Rosemary Bridge and Kathy Young marked their birthdays with the St. Raphael’s Ladies in Cowra recently. The girls celebrated at the Breakout Restaurant in Cowra and thank Carmel and staff for a great day.

Margie Ryan

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

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I ns p i r i n g L it u r g y

arishes which are some distance from main centres often find it difficult to have access to contemporary faith learning. The Liturgy Conference hosted by St. Raphael’s Parish, Cowra in May, provided a rare and exciting opportunity for members of the faithful from Bathurst, Wilcannia-Forbes and CanberraGoulburn Dioceses to share in some inspiring insights on how Liturgy can be transforming and enhance the journey in faith.

As part of the Parish’s 125th anniversary celebrations, the event involved long-term planning and preparation; extensive logistical arrangements; the goodwill of presenters and participants alike; and an enormous leap of faith by all connected with the organisation.

From the Opening Prayer to the Concluding Liturgy the theme of the weekend echoed the story of Bartimaeus from the Gospel of Mark: “Take courage, get up, He is calling you”. Courage is required to follow Jesus and courage was evident in all aspects of this experience in Cowra.

The generosity of the presenters was clear in their willingness to accept the invitation to travel, some enormous distances, to share their faith and talents with those who attended. There were similar examples of generosity shown by many parishioners of St. Raphael’s who opened their home to visitors, making it possible for the weekend to be available to all; and indeed all those who helped organise the Conference, in whatever capacity.

The weekend began with a Sacred Concert featuring Monica Brown in St.

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

We e k e nd i n Co w ra Raphael’s Church on Friday evening, setting the scene for a dynamic experience of liturgy. The following two days of informative talks, presentations and practical sessions opened up possibilities for looking at liturgy in new and different ways as well as how to enrich liturgy with a wide range of resources.

Topics covered included Sunday worship in the absence of a priest, children’s liturgy, preparation, formation, music and art. There was an air of enthusiasm around all of the sessions and much discussion about the possibilities in parishes, as well as the further potential for input at other events.

Congratulations to the planning team who put the Conference program together over many months: Dawn Smith, David Nelson and Father Laurie Beath. They were assisted by Jenny Waters, Robyn Lynch and Kylie McNamara and the members of the Parish Pastoral Council. The Catholic Development Fund generously supported the Conference, along with the Cowra Shire Council.

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

MacKillop College – Bathurst

Women in Humanitarian Responses

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acKillop College recently welcomed past student from the Class of 1997, Ruth Townley, who returned to share her experience working in Uganda. Her visit was designed to promote a recently published anthology, Chasing Misery: An Anthology of Essays by Women in Humanitarian Responses. Ruth’s own experience working with adolescents and survivors of torture and trauma, as an outreach co-ordinator with the Jesuit Refugee Service in Uganda, is one of the essays contained in the anthology.

young people in developing countries throughout the world experiencing problems they would never face. Many were moved to consider ways they too could help to make a change for the better in this world, either at home in Australia or overseas.

The girls were also most impressed by the important work being done by graduates from MacKillop College.

An afternoon tea was provided by the Social Committee. Guests included students, faculty members, Sisters of Saint Joseph and Mercy Sisters and Ruth’s friends and family.

Ruth spoke about her experiences, her essay and the anthology, Chasing Misery: An Anthology of Essays by Women in which has been described as “compelling, capturing emotions Humanitarian Responses is edited by Kelsey Hope and is and larger truths through the telling of many personal stories”. available in paperback and Kindle.

The Y8 Geography students who attended found Ruth’s Linda Aldwinckle words most inspirational. They were fascinated to learn about

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 Recommended repairer and stockist for

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July 2014 - Page 12

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

St. Stanislaus’ College - Bathurst Y12 Dinner

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he College recently hosted its inaugural dinner for Y12 students and their parents. This provided the opportunity for students, their parents and staff to meet socially prior to the rigours of formal examination periods. Special guests included Shaun Wilkinson and McLeod McKenzie. Shaun was presented with the College Award of 2013 Dux. After taking time away from study this year, he will commence studies in Radiography next year, though at this point in time, he is unsure at which university. McLeod McKenzie was the guest speaker on the evening. He is a former Old Boy and Head Prefect of 2008 and currently works as a Mining Engineer for Xstrata Mining Corporation. As a motivational speaker, he was able to reflect on his time at Stannies, particularly on his senior years, with wisdom and hindsight, sharing what he believes worked for him and the value of his Stannies’ education - both within and beyond the classroom and also what he would do differently if he had his time again. The College plans to hold future dinners for Y12 students and their parents in Term 1 each year.

Dr Anne Wenham

Stannies’ Boarding Visits

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arly this term, Head of College, Dr Anne Wenham and Director of Curriculum, Mr Geoff Melville, travelled to many of the Central Western areas of NSW in which Stannies boarders live. Over four days they visited Dubbo, Trangie, Bourke, Walgett, Coonamble and Gilgandra. During meetings, school visits, enrolment interviews, evening meals and social gatherings, they met with past, current and future families. There were many opportunities to share knowledge, understanding, advice, questions, hopes and aspirations about experiences of boarding life at Stannies’. The complete itinerary was planned and organised by Stannies’ parents - a reflection of the wonderful relationship that exists between home and school. The College looks forward to welcoming many new boarders in 2015.

Dr Wenham, with Old Boy Ben O’Mally and his wife and three boys at Dubbo

McLeod McKenzie, Guest Speaker, Y12 Dinner

Mr Melville and Dr Wenham talk to the boys at St. Joseph’s School, Gilgandra

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

A

Nuncio visits Diocese

rchbishop Paul Gallagher visited the Diocese of Bathurst from 28th June to 1st July 2014 and was given a warm welcome on one of the coldest weekends Bathurst had experienced in a long time.

As Apostolic Nuncio he is the Ambassador of the Holy See to the Commonwealth of Australia. The Holy See is the central government of the Catholic Church.

Vatican City State was established by treaty in 1929, providing the Holy See with a small territorial base and consequent recognition as an independent sovereign entity in international law.

Bishop McKenna was delighted the Nuncio was able to accept his invitation to visit the Diocese, coinciding with the Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul, which is also the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John.

In addition to his diplomatic role, the Nuncio is also a representative of the Pope to the local Catholic community. While visiting the Diocese, Archbishop Gallagher had a variety of opportunities to meet and worship with clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese.

On the day of his arrival, the Archbishop led Evening Prayer at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Carcoar and blessed the historic, newly refurbished, Kirkland organ. This was followed by an enjoyable evening, dining with the Shalom community and friends at the House of Prayer.

On Sunday morning Bishop McKenna, the Dean of the Cathedral - Father Pat O’Regan and Vice-Chancellor - Mr Tony Eviston, gave the Nuncio on a tour of the Cathedral. After celebrating the 10.00am parish Mass, Archbishop Gallagher joined parishioners for a morning tea/sausage sizzle in the Cathedral School Hall, hosted by the Cathedral Parish and the Cathedral School Parents and Friends Association.

In his address, the Nuncio said “….It is wonderful to see so many young families here…..this is very encouraging and shows

the Catholic faith is not withering away in as well as residents at St. Catherine’s and Bathurst”.

St. Vincent’s Aged Care Facilities.

The Nuncio spent the afternoon visiting He was also given a special tour of the with the Josephite Sisters at Perthville and historic Chifley Home by Bathurst Regional the Sisters of Mercy at St. Joseph’s Mount Council’s Collections Manager, Mr Tim Pike.

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

his first visit to Bathurst and meeting those working in the Diocese. “It a chance to hear what they have to say and helps put a face to their names. It’s great to meet them and gain an understanding of their life and the everyday challenges they face locally and how they work with them”.

That evening, he was the guest of honour Chancery/CDF, Centacare and Catholic at a small dinner hosted by Bishop Michael Education Office. Archbishop Gallagher at Matthew Quinn House. noted that Pope Francis encouraged his On Monday, the Archbishop visited St. Nuncios to get out to the people and offer Stanislaus’ College, as well as staff at the support to the clergy. He said he enjoyed

The Anglican All Saints’ Cathedral bells were rung on Monday evening, in honour of the Archbishop’s visit. A highlight of the Nuncio’s stay was a Mayoral Welcome, hosted by Mayor of Bathurst, Councillor Gary Rush, on Monday evening. “The Church plays a vital role in supporting the community and in nurturing a greater sense of inclusion, tolerance and respect for one another, which are all values that contribute to a strong sense of well-being we enjoy here in Bathurst”, said Cr. Rush.

In his welcome to the Archbishop, Councillor Rush spoke of the integral part the Catholic church had played in the life of Bathurst since its settlement. As the City and the Diocese of Bathurst move towards significant anniversaries next year, he also talked about the important historical and cultural significance of the restoration of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John. “I don’t think there would be many people in Bathurst who haven’t had some connection with the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John in their lifetime - whether for worship, weddings, baptisms or funerals” the Mayor said.

Councillor Rush also thanked the church for providing what he described as a ‘cornerstone’ of education in Bathurst over many years, and for the excellent opportunities offered to so many young people in Catholic schools here. The Mayor presented Archbishop Gallagher with a beautiful painting of the Cathedral by wellknown artist Greg Hyde, commissioned as a momento of his visit to the City.

More photos of the Apostolic Nuncio’s visit are available on our Diocesan Website – www.bathurst.catholic.org.au

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July 2014 - Page 15

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Maintaining Mission

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he Diocesan Assembly Council and discussion opportunities gave the met with the priests of the Diocese 37 participants much food for thought in Kenna Hall, Orange during the on the future of our Diocese.

Clergy Seminar held in April.

In his address, Bishop McKenna said David Ang was the Presenter for the that in planning the future, we need Day. David is the Director of Pastoral both ‘mission and maintenance’.

Planning for the Diocese of Parramatta; “Maintenance without a sense and and Andrea Dean was the Facilitator. purpose of mission is managing decline The day was spent looking at various - and soon enough we’ll find that there aspects of pastoral planning – context, is nothing left to manage and nothing foundations and a framework for to manage it with. In fact, it would be action - and included presentations, a futile activity - without mission, what workshops and groups. The information are we maintaining and why?”.

The Bishop added, “….but mission requires the work of maintenance.

Christians and Christian communities that neglect the basics of prayer, contemplation of the Word of God and participation in the Sacraments, soon run out of steam. Or worse, wander off on a self-conferred mission, detached from the mission of Christ”.

The next meeting of the Diocesan Assembly Council is scheduled for 26th July 2014, at Shalom, House of Prayer, Carcoar.

Presenter Daniel Ang (end of row) joins in the discussions

‘For the Bush’ in Portland

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ecently, the students and staff of St. Joseph’s School Portland held a ‘Farmers Day’ mufti-day to help provide assistance to farmers badly affected by drought.

This was a great opportunity for the students to promote awareness of the effects of drought. The children dressed up like farmers and raised much needed funds to help our farming communities. $261.55 was raised by the students on the day, which was sent to the “We’re for the Bush - NSW Farmers Appeal”.

The Appeal will help provide “food and fodder” to NSW Farmers.

Y2 and Y3

Shireen Sheehan

July 2014 - Page 16

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

60th Anniversary Dinner

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5 years ago, Sister Mary Clement Lennox rsm was teaching 4th class students at St. Mary’s College, Bathurst. Recently Sister was Guest of Honour at a dinner in Bathurst to mark the 60th anniversary of the same students graduating from St. Mary’s College (now MacKillop College).

A large group of those former students gathered for the celebrations which included afternoon tea at St. Joseph’s Mount, the mother house of the Sisters of Mercy for the (then) Bathurst Province. Sister Clement amazed her former students with an outline of her current work and involvement in the Mudgee community where she now lives.

“Even after 60 years the bonds which united us as school friends haven’t weakened and we spent the weekend sharing events which have shaped our lives”, said former student Maureen Press.

Another ex-student remembered, “The Sisters of Mercy told us they taught us nothing, other than to learn how to learn for the rest of our lives”.

Helen Jagoe

Guest of Honour Sister Clement (seated, centre) at the 60th anniversary dinner with ex-students Del Glazebrook, Maureen Hoolahan, Maureen Press and Jeanette Kellahan

St. Philomena’s School – Bathurst Art - not Waste

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illiarna Palucci is an 11 year old student at St. Philomena’s School in Bathurst.

Recently she won first prize in the Two Dimensional category of the ‘Waste 2 Art’ Competition.

Lilli said she entered because “there is so much waste that can be reused”.

Lilli’s work was titled The Lost World of E. “I was inspired by sea life and pulled apart an old mouse and mobile phone to make sea creatures and an old keyboard to make seaweed. I also used cable and wire for parts of the sea life”.

Bathurst Regional Council’s Councillor Monica Morse presented Lilli with a certificate for her artwork. She also received movie tickets for her work, which will now go on to Dubbo for the next round of the competition.

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July 2014 - Page 17

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Orange Milestone Celebrated

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riests and Religious who have served in Orange over several decades returned to the City last month for the Parish’s sesquicentenary dinner.

Master of Ceremonies, Michael Croke (Principal of Catherine McAuley Catholic Primary School in Orange) said the event exceeded all expectations. “We wondered whether we could get 150 people interested – and now we have more than 350 here tonight”.

A number of the priests and sisters had made a huge effort to return to Orange, Mr Croke said. “Many of them are now ageing, and we may never have this many in a room again”.

A ‘Q &A’ session after dinner provided an insight into the history of the parish, as well as views on the future and challenges faced by the Church.

Students from James Sheahan Catholic High School in Orange played a big part in the success of the evening, providing chamber-style music and waiting on tables.

Contributed by Janice Harris Photo courtesy Robert Bruce

Mr Doug Sutton, Fathers Tim Cahill, Martin O’Mahony, Mark McGuigan, Joshy Kaithakulangara, Greg Kennedy, Paul Devitt and Carl Mackander, Mr Tom Ruane, Fathers Tony Hennessy, Brien Murphy, Garry McKeown and Pat Ruane. Margaret Cameron, Parish Secretary from the early 1970s to mid 1990s, is cutting the cake.

Buon Viaggio Father Bellamy!

Father Greg Bellamy, Assistant Priest at St. Brigid’s Dubbo, has been farewelled as he heads overseas to continue his studies.

Father Greg will be undertaking a Licentiate in Patristic Theology (a study of the writings of the early Church) and the History of the Church at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome for a period of approximately two years from July 2014.

It is interesting to note that Bathurst has already produced one great Patristic scholar of international stature - Dom Hugh Connelly OSB (1873-1948) - originally from Carcoar.

“I am very grateful for the time I have spent with the Catholic community in Dubbo, and in a particular way I have enjoyed working with the students at St. John’s College” said Father Greg. “Likewise, I feel very privileged to have been involved in our Diocese’s vocations ministry for the past three years.

Helping young people discover their vocation is such an important part of the Church’s mission”.

Father Bellamy said he was excited at the prospect of living and studying in Rome “… particularly because it is an opportunity to be close to the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

I am grateful to Bishop McKenna for the chance to study the writings of the great Fathers of the Church. There is much they can teach us today concerning ministry, theology, prayer and how to read the Sacred Scriptures in a faith-filled manner.

Please keep me in your prayers”.

Father Greg after Father Thuc Van Le’s Ordination in Bathurst

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Wilcannia-Forbes’ new Bishop ordained

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ur neighbouring Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes celebrated the ordination of its seventh Bishop on Thursday 3rd July 2014. Around 700 people attended the ordination of Bishop Columba Macbeth Green at the Holy Family Church in Parkes.

The Diocese has been without a Bishop since the resignation of Bishop Christopher Toohey in 2009. Between then and 2012, Bishop Terrence Brady (Sydney) and Bishop Emeritus (Parramatta) Kevin Manning were appointed Apostolic Administrators.

The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, was the principal celebrant at the Mass which was concelebrated by over 30 Bishops and clergy from Australia and overseas; Bishop McKenna and several priests of our Diocese were among them. Bishop Michael Kennedy from Armidale, who has been Apostolic Administrator since the end of 2012, was co-consecrator, along with Bishop Peter Ingham.

Bishop Columba is a priest of the 800-yearold Order of St. Paul the First Hermit (Pauline Fathers). After spending two years with the Conventual Franciscans, he joined the Order in 1990, and studied for the priesthood at Vianney College in Wagga Wagga. He made his Solemn Profession in the Order in 1996 and was ordained a priest the following year. He has worked with distinction at the Shrine of Marian Valley in Queensland, in Tarcutta

Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Bishop Columba and Bishop Peter Ingham Photo courtesy Bill Jayet, Parkes Champion Post

and Marian Hills, and as Administrator at Moss Vale. He has also been a police chaplain both in New South Wales and Queensland since 2000. Born in Forbes on 30th June 1968, the son of local residents Lorna and Paul Green, he was educated at St. Laurence O’Toole Primary School and Red Bend Catholic College.

“I’m humbled by this appointment and also excited about coming home and giving something back to the people who gave me so much” Bishop Columba said. “I feel really excited about becoming

the Bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes. They are great people who know what it means to struggle for their way of life and for their faith in an isolated rural environment. It is a great privilege to be called by God to serve them as their bishop. I pray that I may be the good bishop they deserve”.

Bishop Columba is a talented musician and says he plans to play the bagpipes “all around the Diocese”.

A formal installation Mass took place at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Broken Hill on Saturday 5th July.

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TIMoThy CAIN | JANE KENSIT July 2014 - Page 19

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

THE SPIRIT COMES TO HELP US IN OUR WEAKNESS (Romans 8:26)

Dear Friends in Christ, On 20th June 1865, Pope Blessed Pius IX established the Diocese of Bathurst. So next year, we will mark our Sesquicentenary: 150 years of this local church’s journey of faith. St. Augustine said that we should leave the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love and the future to God’s providence. I invite all the Catholics of our Diocese to begin reflecting together on where we have been, where we are now and where we are going.

Rush had begun to transform life in the colonies. The population was growing and it was time for building churches and schools.

We have a great example of that in our Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John. It was completed in 1861 as a parish church. With “his good life, in humility and wisdom”, Dean Grant united his Catholic people, and in fact the whole Bathurst community, in building this place of worship to God. When Bathurst was established as a Diocese, the year after John Grant’s death, it became our Cathedral. Today, we are engaged in restoring and renewHow we began…. ing what the toil and wealth of our forebears has bequeathed The early Catholics of our region, most of them convicts, lived to us. here for 15 years before the first visit of a priest. That priest was the Our first Bishop, Matthew Quinn, arrived in 1866 in a time of gathlegendary John Joseph Therry, whose anniversary of death 150 ering crisis for the funding of Catholic education. He had limityears ago we mark this year. ed financial resources, and few priests or religious to work with.

However, the history of the first hundred years of the Diocese is dominated by the successful building and growth of a system of Catholic schools. It came about thanks to the sacrifice and commitment of the people, the firm leadership of the bishops and priests and especially the generNot long afterwards, the young priest was walking down the ous service of so many religious street and saw a wagon load of prisoners being transported women and men. to New South Wales. He raced into the nearest bookshop and bought twenty or thirty prayer books, which he threw into the Next year will be the time to wagon. He made up his mind on the spot that he would follow tell in detail the story of our 150 them to serve in the Australian mission. He arrived in Sydney on years: and look for lessons from both the successes and failures 6th May 1820. in understanding and living our Ten years later, he crossed the Blue Mountains for the first time. mission.

He came to Bathurst on All Saints Day 1830 to attend the convict Ralf Entwistle (of Ribbon Gang fame) who was to be executed Where we are now…. the following day. At the Golden Fleece Inn, on the Sofala Road in Kelso, Mass was celebrated for the first time west of the Blue Five years ago, when I became Bishop, I travelled around the Mountains. It was six years before the next Mass was offered here, Diocese for seven regional meetings, to begin dialogue with the faithful as we listened for God’s voice in our current situation.

by Father William Ullathorne.

Then, in 1838, the first resident priests, Michael O’Reilly and Thom- One lesson we learnt from these meetings was that there were as Slattery, arrived in Bathurst. O’Reilly had the care of a vast and three groups who did not come in large numbers: indigenous vaguely defined area to the south of the Macquarie River; Slat- Catholics, young people and young families. It seemed clear to tery similarly to the north. They did what they could in the circum- me that these groups were where our priorities of mission lie.

There were two events in 1815 that are important in our story.

That year, Governor Macquarie travelled the new road across the Blue Mountains and proclaimed Bathurst as the first inland town in Australia. And, across the world in Ireland, Father Therry was ordained in his home Diocese of Cork.

stances that they found.

They travelled their territory, finding and visiting Catholics; gathering them for Mass and the other sacraments in homes and halls and pubs; and teaching them. Their people did not have Mass every Sunday, nor always a priest available for their last rites and funerals.

This dialogue has continued with the Diocesan Assembly process begun in 2012, with more regional consultations last year, a great gathering at Pentecost and the establishment of an Assembly Council.

We have identified three more themes: Hearing and Proclaiming the Word of God; Worshipping God in Prayer and Sacrament; By the time Father John Grant came to Bathurst in 1853, the Gold and Building a Community of Love and Service.

When these themes were announced, some people asked: What about our Catholic schools? The simple answer is that the schools of the Diocese are part of our ministry in all six areas. Indeed, as the largest numerical work of our local Catholic church, the schools have to be a vital part of the response to all these pastoral imperatives.

Accompanying this letter is a statistical snapshot of the Diocese of Bathurst in 2014. I invite you to read it and reflect on what it tells us about our situation today. Of course, a few statistics cannot give the whole picture, but they can provide a starting point for deeper enquiry.

For example, we can see that enrolments in our schools are growing, but rates of attendance at Sunday Mass are in decline. We can see that there are big differences in numbers between the smallest and largest parishes and schools. We can see that our financial resources are under strain, especially for supporting the priests we have and educating those who will take their place.

July 2014 - Page 20

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

A Pastoral Letter to God’s People of the Diocese of Bathurst Pentecost Sunday 2014

Where we are going….

work and clarify what we seek to achieve.

In my 2012 Letter “Rebuild My Church”, I invited the Catholics of our Diocese to begin discussing and imagining a Pastoral Plan that would give a framework for organising our mission in the years ahead. This has been carried along in the Diocesan Assembly process, perhaps more slowly than some of us had hoped, but carried on all the same.

The first step, already being taken, is the setting up of Word and Faith groups in every parish. In more than half the parishes, we have now begun these simple meetings to bring people into contact with the nourishment that only the Word of God can provide. This is basic and essential if we are to grasp the mission that a pastoral plan is devised to serve.

We have already stated the pastoral aspirations of our These groups are doorways to the Spirit “who comes to six great themes of Word, Sacrament, Service, Family, help us in our weakness.”

Aboriginals and Youth. Now we must make practical The next step will be to ask each parish to consider its plans to implement them. mission and the human and material resources that Last month, the Priests of the Diocese and the Assembly requires. How does it participate in the shared mission of Council spent a day focussing on how to develop such our Diocese and the wider Church: and how do we share a plan, building on what has already begun. With this our resources?

Pastoral Letter, I want to reaffirm our commitment to this These questions will lead to more specific questions about parish boundaries, the deployment of priests, the operation of schools and, above all, to each person’s assessment of his or her own responsibilities.

“The Spirit comes to help us in our weakness.” No pastoral plan can predict the surprises and the generosity of God. No plan should cause us to lower our hopes in what God can do.

But, like sailors awaiting the wind which blows where it will, we must repair and ready our sails to be filled with the gentle breeze or the mighty wind that is the Spirit who propels the little boat that is our Church.

+ Michael McKenna Bishop of Bathurst 8th June 2014

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

A Snapshot of the

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he Diocese of Bathurst covers an area of 103,680 sq our priests is 59 years. km. We have a Catholic population of almost 70,000 Currently, there are 6 men in various stages of formation people, spread across 19 parishes, in which there are for this important vocation.

33 Catholic primary and secondary schools.

There are also 6 married men aspiring to ordination to the Among the other works of the local church are the Shadiaconate. lom House of Prayer; Centacare, our social welfare agency; and aged care facilities operated by Catholic Health- The Diocese also supports 13 Retired Priests. care.

The costs associated with caring for these men who deOur Parishes are served by priests, religious and lay people. vote their lives to the service of the people of the Bathurst Today, there are 17 priests working within our Parishes. Diocese can be summarised in the table at the bottom of Three of these are from overseas, and the average age of this page‌..

Catholic Population and Mass Attendance

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Catholic Diocese of Bathurst

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ach Parish currently provides for its expenses through two collections in its Sunday Masses.

The first of these goes to the support of the clergy, and as you can see, this is an area of continuing shortfall of in excess of $169,000 annually, and so a major ongoing concern.

The second collection provides for the costs associated with running the administration of the Parish, including utilities, support staff, building maintenance, and running costs. In addition to these costs a percentage of the income of each Parish goes to support the works of the Diocese, and the Universal Church, as represented below:

The Diocese provides a Catholic Education through 33 Catholic Schools, with enrolments numbers consistent with the towns where the schools are located.

The School enrolments fall into three categories. We have 3 large schools with enrolments ranging from 591 to 1087 students.

Our 15 medium schools have enrolments varying from 122 students to 542 students; and our 15 small schools cater for 26 to 145 students.

Enrolments over time have steadily increased over the last 14 years.

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST

Message from the Executive Director...

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n 6th June the La Salle Academy, Lithgow community came together to celebrate the blessing and opening of their new school hall, which they have named in honour of Bishop Dougherty. On that occasion, my address to the school community was built upon the key ideas in a recent Vatican document entitled, Education Today and Tomorrow; A Renewing Passion. The following is an extract from that address: With the construction of this new hall, we have gathered together today to celebrate a new physical stage in the life of the school.

Our reading today reminds us that our gathering transcends the opening of a new building, as we declare again that Jesus is the cornerstone, the foundation upon which all of the endeavours of this school and parish community rest and are built. It is his Spirit which sparks our faith, hope and love into action each day.

Encouragement for every individual student to develop their talents in a climate of cooperation and solidarity is listed among the hallmarks of quality Catholic schools. That attribute will certainly resonant with the staff here at La Salle, by virtue of their engagement in the Motivated Minds project, which staff are undertaking in collaboration with Charles Sturt University.

Through that project, teachers are investing a great deal of energy towards developing their skills in fostering a growth mindset in each of their students.

The document touches on another aspect of education which the staff here at La Salle is also currently exploring more deeply. The document contains the assertion that teaching that only promotes repetitive learning without favouring students’ active participation or sparking their curiosity, is not sufficiently Occasions such as today invite us to reflect on the purpose of challenging to elicit motivation.

Catholic education. In a wonderful coincidence, the Vatican Equipping students with the passion, the knowledge, skills and has recently released a document entitled Educating Today dispositions to engage with the complex issues of our time, to and Tomorrow; A Renewing Passion. empower them to dare to change society and the world, and The document has been written by the Congregation for Catholic Education in preparation for the 50th anniversary next year of the publication of the document entitled Declaration on Christian Education.

to be of service to their community are also emphasised in the document.

The beauty of the document is that it speaks to everyone students, staff, parents - and today I’d like to highlight some of its key points, to assist us in understanding even more fully, how we can continue to build on the legacy of those who have preceded us.

My prayer for the school community today is focussed on this sentiment drawn from the concluding paragraph of the document:

The development of students’ critical thinking skills and opportunities for them to be creative, transformative agents in And so, on this future focussed day, we would do well to turn real life problems are offered as a means to this end. our attention to this 50th anniversary document, particularly given On this celebratory day, as Bishop Michael blesses this wonderful that its stated aim is to recall the fundamental characteristics new facility, we are filled with hope and confidence as we give of Catholic schools, and to describe the challenges to which thanks to our God and to all those who have brought this project Catholic educational institutions are called to respond. to completion. My congratulations are extended to you.

The first part of the document poses the following question:

Teaching means to accompany young people in their search for truth and beauty, for what is right and good.

May Jesus the teacher, continue to be the inspiration and guide In the light of Church teachings and considering the needs for this educating community on that journey towards truth and and challenges of contemporary society, what should Catholic beauty.

Jenny Allen schools be like?

Part of the exploration of that question is this beautiful statement: Schools provide the occasion and opportunity to understand the present time and to imagine the future of society and humankind.

This should encourage our students to enthusiastically respond to the call and the challenge to be co-creators with our God, to act upon your great potential to be makers of history.

In contrast to the prevailing focus on a narrow range of educational outcomes, we can be encouraged by this statement in the document: Students need to be helped to develop a multiplicity of skills that enrich the human person, such as creativity, imagination, the ability to take on responsibilities, to love the world, to cherish justice and compassion.

In commenting on the climate of schools, the document reminds us that the climate of a school is pervaded not only by the values that are expressed but also by the values that are lived.

In exploring the issue of quality relationships, the document highlights mutual esteem, trust, respect and friendliness as the critical factors. All of which are abundantly evident in this school Principal at St. Joseph’s Eugowra, Cathy Eppelstun, arranged for her husband Bill to take Jenny on a very special tour of community.

Eugowra’s murals during a recent visit to the school

July 2014 - Page 24

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST

Retro Play

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he students at St. Mary’s Primary school in Dubbo are blest with a wonderful choice of sporting and leisure equipment and activities at break times. There are fields and designated areas for team sports, a passive play area for those who are more reflective, work in the vegie garden for the budding farmers and environmentalists and almost every kind of gadget, hoop and ball to keep students amused, occupied and active.

Still, with all that is available there is a growing group of students who have found an area and activity that is as old as time itself. The teachers ‘tongue-in-cheekily’ refer to this as the “creative play” area, a corner of the playground with trees where the students lose themselves in imagination with nothing more than sticks and stones as props. It is somehow reassuring to find that in our busy super-tech world where even babies can navigate touch screens, a patch of dirt, sticks and stones are still child magnets. How lucky are these children to be part of a school community so open and responsive to student needs… and leads.

EMY Sports Day.. the March ‘Past’!

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eginning each interschool sports carnival with a marching competition is a custom that has been part of our Diocese since we’ve had a diocese (and probably before). In earlier times marching practice had the regimentation and rigidness of the best Armed Forces. These days, though still fiercely contested events, the emphasis is more on being part of a school community than “Straight backs, eyes front and thumbs tucked in!”. What a wonderfully traditional sight having the EMY (Eugowra, Manildra, Yeoval) athletics carnival begin with the Schools’ ‘March Past’.

Congratulations to all schools, particularly the host, St. Columba’s Yeoval, who took out the trophy for 2014.

Janine Kearney

Janine Kearney

St. Mary’s students ‘sticking’ to what they do best

Our marvellous EMY Marching Squads

St Lawrence’s Primary School Coonabarabran

Sydney Royal Easter Show 2014

Ph (02) 6842 1732 Fx (02) 6842 1857 stlawrencescoona@bth.catholic.edu.au

July 2014 - Page 25

St. Columba’s Yeoval - Winning Hosts!

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST

‘What we do because of who we are’

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eginning Leaders from across our schools gathered together at Merrick Hall in Bathurst for two days to unpack our Diocesan Leadership Framework - Leading the Way - and fine-tune their skills in conducting ‘Courageous Conversations’ which are part and parcel of leadership at any level.

‘Strength and Gentleness’!

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his Brigidine motto is certainly alive and thriving in our only Brigidine school in the Diocese - St. Brigid’s Primary in Coonamble. And Bishop Daniel Delany (founder of the Brigidine order in 1807) - and indeed St. Brigid herself - would be pleased and proud that these fine qualities are alive and thriving in this quality Catholic learning community - in classrooms, the front office, the staff room and in many guises on the very popular and populated playground.

Janine Kearney

And our very creative and connected Assistant Principals and Coordinators met in Orange to be given an overview of the AITSL (the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership - funded by the Australian Government) Performance and Development Framework. This framework details the essential elements that should be present in all Australian schools and provides a nationally consistent approach to teaching practice and development. Our ‘TakeAways’ were some helpful strategies for its implementation in individual school contexts…and some entertaining views on shared leadership. ’Leadership is not simply what we do, but who we are, and what we do because of who we are.’ (Leonard Doohan 2007) Janine Kearney

Strength Smiles all round from Beginning Leaders at Merrick Hall. A creative crew wobble-boarding their thoughts on Shared Leadership

St Matthews Catholic School Providing a comprehensive and quality education in the Catholic tradition for young people from Kindergarten to Year 10.

4 Lewis St Mudgee 6372 1742 www.stmattsmudgee.nsw.edu.au July 2014 - Page 26

…and Gentleness!

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST

2014 Spelling Bee

Uniquely Eugowra!

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he school community of St. Joseph’s Eugowra recently enjoyed the most wonderful cultural and educational experience, a trip to Sydney to see ‘The Lion King’.

Although this was a 24 hour adventure, the event will live on for a very long time in the minds and hearts of all who were part of this magical journey. Teachers and students remain full of enthusiasm with much reflective Lion King talking, listening, reading and writing, and a possible ‘home-grown’ growling performance in the wings. …and there ARE polar bears in Eugowra. They’re in the K-1 classroom!

Janine Kearney

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t was great to celebrate the Diocesan Spelling Bee in Wellington recently. My thanks goes to all school personnel involved in running the spelling bees and preparing students for the Diocesan championships. It was wonderful to see so many teachers, principals and families present over the two days.

The spelling bee has been a wonderful opportunity for our schools around the Diocese to promote and highlight the importance of spelling. It was heartening to receive a number of positive comments from parents about the value they place on this Diocesan event. Congratulations to all students who represented their school over the two days. They represented their schools with pride and good sportsmanship.

A special thanks to Mrs Leanne Clarke and the staff and students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Wellington, for being such wonderful hosts over the two days.

And finally, a big thank you to the CEO staff who have worked hard for the past few months to bring this big event together. In particular, a special thanks to Karen Burke, who did a lot of the background work and organisation.

Rose-Marie van Raad

Participants in the Stage Two Final - Winner Will Denzel (St. Joseph’s Blayney) in the centre holding the shield Next to him is the runner up, Lucy Stewart (Catherine McAuley, Orange)

There ARE polar bears in Eugowra

Lewy’s

Pizza House Open 7 days for dinner from 4.30pm

The nights are cold….. but the pizza at Lewy’s is hot…and delicious!

The Lion King is still roaring at St. Joseph’s

145 George St, Bathurst (opposite the Carillon) Phone 6331 7311 or 131 PIZZA

July 2014 - Page 27

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

St. Brigid’s Primary - Coonamble Boss for a day

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ecently, Lianne Tasker from the Coonamble Shire presented a plethora of prizes to the Y4 and Y6 students who competed in the writing competition based on being ‘boss for a day’. Gifts bags were given to Georgia Wilson, Sam Wilson, Hunter Heiken, Amber Michael, Gillian Ryan and Teagan Millstead for their outstanding efforts.

Trish Crawley

Eisteddfod Winners

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he Y5/6 students and the voluntary lunchtime choir group competed in the Narrabri Eisteddfod. For the upper primary items, Greg Storer, a Golden Guitar winner, accompanied the students for their first song and Harvey Keady from Y5 played a baby grand piano for the second song. In the Entertainment Section the students were attired in 1920s style clothing, complete with pearls and jewels for the girls and gangster style hats for the boys. They sang and danced to two songs from the Bugsy Malone Musical. Mrs Storer and Mrs Barrett had meticulously prepared the students and their efforts were rewarded as both choirs won their division. Many parents/carers and relatives were present to witness the exciting victories.

Trish Crawley

Students from St. Matthew’s in Mudgee with Father Garry McKeown and Father Reynold Jaboneta following their First Holy Communion recently.

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Blessing of Diocesan Aboriginal Artwork

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embers of our Diocese’s education community gathered together recently, with special guests Bishop Michael McKenna and Wiradjuri Elder, Aunty Gloria, for the blessing of artist Tirikee’s (Aleshia Lonsdale) painting.

The CEO commissioned the Aboriginal artist to paint a reflection/ representation of the Diocese, capturing the essence of who they are as a Catholic education community.

Students and teachers from Assumption School, MacKillop College and St. Mary’s, Orange joined the ceremony at the Catholic Education Office in Bathurst. The gathering began with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Gloria and concluded with a Blessing by Bishop McKenna.

This project came from Catholic Education’s strategic planning to connect with indigenous brothers and sisters, while extending students’ understanding of the art.

Plans for the future include the development of a teaching resource that would include the study of symbols used in Tirikee’s work.

Photographs of the painting will be shared with surrounding schools, and the original will be hung in the Catholic Education Office in Bathurst.

‘Unite Together, Share With Each Other, Grow Together’ Ngumba-dal-ngila-nha Mawang, Bangamalanha, Yuranha Mawang

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his painting depicts the connections between people and communities in the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst.

The centre motif represents the connection between communities and people in the Diocese. The small outside concentric circles represent each of the school communities.

Travelling lines come in to make up the outside circle - the Diocese.

The second circle represents the school community, the third - family and the inner circle represents the children who are at the centre. The wavy lines in between each circle represent the transfer and sharing of knowledge between all groups. There is a strength in the connection of people through learning and sharing together.

The lines and space between the fingers of the hands represent the hills and valleys; the yellow the plains and the red, the rivers.

The 12 white dots represent the 12 moons of the year.

Artist: Tirikee (Aleshia Lonsdale). Aleshia is a Wiradjuri woman from Central West New South Wales.

m

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

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he theme for Manna Fest 2014 “All You Can Be” - came from that Sunday’s readings (Acts 8:5-8; 1 Pet 3:15-18; Jn 14:15-21). We were aiming to give everyone the tools needed to strip away the things that hold them back and stop them from becoming all they where made to be.

As disciples of Jesus, how do we answer people when they ask us the reason for the hope we have? Can we answer honestly? We aimed to challenge participants to be more, to stand up for who they are and what they believe.

And to know they are not alone on their journey.

Lorna Nicholson Ministries Coordinator

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•••

n the weekend of 23rd to 25th May, a group of young (and not so young) people gathered for a weekend of personal and spiritual formation known as Manna Fest.

The weekend was organised and developed by the youth ministry team for the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst.

This year’s theme was explored through workshops which focused on the development of mind, body and spirit. Workshops were presented by a number of esteemed guests, including Genevieve Bryant (music), Andrew and Monique Neville (Nutrition and Fitness), Father Greg Bellamy (Spirituality) and Wiradjuri Echoes (Culture and Dance).

The young people were provided with opportunities to engage with workshop presenters, adult mentors and peers to unpack what it means to truly be “all you can be” in the face of both the opportunities and challenges presented to them in today’s world. Participants were encouraged to use the weekend as a time of reflection and renewal to become aware of their own unique gifts and talents and to prepare themselves with the skills and confidence to unlock their potential as young adults.

Sarah Verdon MC and Mentor

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•••

small, yet hopeful, group of the young and young at heart gathered to celebrate the youth festival Manna Fest at the Ridgecrest recently. After a one year gap, we experienced a lower number of participants than previous Manna Fests.

However, this weekend was no less

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

special or moving for the participants.

Tackling our faith in a modern setting and talking with people our own age, and many years younger or older, we came together as a church, to fully explore what “being all we could be” meant.

I had the privilege of being MC for the event, along with Sarah Verdon. Before our eyes, we watched the young participants form meaningful bonds with one another, explore their faith through some thought provoking and fun workshops based around healthy mind, body and soul, cultural workshops with the group Wiradjuri Echoes, experiencing word and faith groups with Bishop Michael, celebrating, singing and dancing and discovering what it means to be a young Catholic. To say such a spectacle filled me with hope was an understatement. I was inspired by the joy with which these young people tackled the weekend and humbled by the incredible support and guidance the adults gave to them.

The event was a weekend long but was an event that will remain with me for a long time. I look forward to the next Manna Fest; and to the year ahead to see what more God has in store for our growing Diocese.

Mark Williams MC and Mentor

••• The youth team would like to extend a big thank you to the St. Vincent de Paul Society Central Council Bathurst for its continued generous support of our youth

••• July 2014 - Page 31

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

"Who are you?" the people asked Jesus. John's disciples also came to ask Jesus, "Are you the

We just returned from a week long retreat at Nazareth House of Prayer and so I have not been checking my email. I read with great joy that our two water projects were approved. The Parish community and St. Mary Goretti Primary School, staff and students are delighted with the gift of a water-tank. Imagine their joy and relief when they heard the good news. Thanks for your wonderful support! Wishing you God's manifold blessings for the generosity of reaching out to those in dire need of safe drinking water. Fr. Gerard Savian, MSC

Messiah or shall we wait for someone else?" And Jesus answered them saying: Go and tell John, “that the blind see, the lame walk, the dumb speak, the lepers are cleansed, the dead rise and the Gospel is preached to the poor.” (Lk 7v22). Do we practice a Christianity of Joy where water is offered to the thirsty, healing to HIV/aids and malaria or leprosy patients and children are freed from the blindness of ignorance. Most of us can in our own limited way, say we are trying to be agents of joy by our generous giving and support for others in need. It would be helpful if we tried to imagine the joy we give to others when we support various projects. And we can be assured that the Lord in return will give us eyes of faith, strengthen our failing limbs, cleanse us of sin and ultimately raise us from death to eternal life. Don’t be too frightened to have a go at trying to be humorous.

Remember what Pope Francis said "An example I often use to illustrate the reality of vanity, is this: ‘Look at the peacock; it's beautiful if you look at it from the front. But if you look at it from behind, you discover the truth’ … Whoever gives in to such self-absorbed vanity has huge misery hiding inside them." We can sometimes be supersensitive to the criticism of others and even overcome by our failures or those of the Church. But let our trust be in the God of Joy who assures us that all shall be well.

Fear not! Christ has conquered even death. God bless Adrian F. Meaney MSC

Kurugodu, Bellary, North Karnataka INDIA Progress report on this project is to place water facilities for the new convent and school which is developing in the rural village. I use this opportunity to sincerely thank you for the great help you have granted to us. It was indeed a great support for us. Our Sisters now have enough water and are also able to provide water for the children in our school. We thank you and your team members for your generous support in helping people who are in need of the wonderful gift of clean water. May God bless you. Yours sincerely, Sr.Ancy Puthettukarotu, MSC BURKINA FASO

Dear Fr Adrian, I have attached a photo which I have just received from Burkina Faso. These are of the first girls in the centre “for girls at risk”. The MSC Mission Office sent us money to help build this centre and this month sent money for food and other necessities. For this we thank you very much indeed. The girls are learning to crochet with the help of Sr Maria José from Brazil. In January 2014 the residence for the girls will be ready to welcome the girls to live in the centre. At present the 12 girls come each morning.

Sr. Helen Simpson, fdnsc ROME

Pakistan - St Peter Orphanage and St Teresa hostel

Thank you very much for your donation, with this money I am helping many poor people. We have been able to give food for the children. Also we have provided several water hand-pumps for poor families and given one for use in our hostel. There were two ladies who needed an operation and we paid the expense of the hospital. So you can be sure that the money that you sent to us has been spent in a good way for the benefit of the poor and for educating the children, most of them are orphans. Once again thank you all for doing this noble work and you are always in our prayers. Sr. Rachele OP

TIMOR Children’s Books Hello! I am Carlos. I am the Coordinator of ATPE. ATPE is the organisation that Barbara and Sr Aurora set up to train kindergarten teachers.Thank you for your sponsorship of our book Koellu Ki’ik-Oan (Little Rabbit) written in Tetum. We have printed 3,000 copies of the Picture Story Book and they have been distributed all over Timor. Our children need to learn and know new things for their human development. Timor-Leste has some story books for reading but we do not have picture story books. The children enjoy the colours, the pictures, the characters and the fun. We hope that we can build the love of story telling so that our children want more books and want to learn to read. Thank you once again for supporting ATPE and the children of Timor. Carlos Piedade da Cruz

-­‐-­‐-­‐!-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐ Post to: MSC Mission Office, PO Box 177, Kensington NSW 1465

PNG, Kavieng

If you believe what you like in the gospels and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe in, but yourself – St Augustine

Email: mscmisio@acon.com.au

July 2014 - Page 32

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Interrupted journey to Priesthood

E

aster 2014 marked the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide with tragically over 1 million lives lost in 100 days. Rwandan diocesan priest, Father Emmanuel Nsengiyumva, travelled to the Diocese of Bathurst in May as part of a journey that took him to 14 Catholic dioceses in Australia over 50 days, visiting parish and school communities. He was brought to Australia by Catholic Mission for the purpose of raising awareness of the Catholic Church’s vital role in this central African state’s healing, reconciliation and forgiveness processes. Father Emmanuel was an 18 year old seminarian in Kigali (Rwanda’s capital) at the time of the genocide.

The trauma associated with the enormity of this national tragedy and the horrific loss of life, including family members, influenced him to defer his journey to priesthood for 10 years. He eventually re-entered the seminary, completed his studies and was ordained priest for the Diocese of Kigali in 2010. “When I became a priest” said Father Emmanuel, “the effects of the genocide elevated me to being one of the channels that God has to use to heal His people”.

Emmanuel was accompanied on his visits by Mike Deasy, Catholic Mission’s Diocesan Director. He met with Bishop McKenna, engaged with students at MacKillop College, St. Stanislaus’ College, James Sheahan Catholic During his time in the Diocese, Father High School and St. John’s College.

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July 2014 - Page 33

He also had two evening meetings with parishioners at St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s Parish, Orange, and St. Brigid’s Parish, Dubbo. Father Emmanuel was presented with a Stannies’ Indigenous tie by two very proud students, Cory Siegwalt and Janda Nichols.

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Celebrating Dreams….and Weavers

T

he Perthville Josephites were delighted when over 500 guests from across Australia and New Zealand joined them at MacKillop College Hall in Bathurst for Mass and a luncheon on Saturday 3rd May 2014, as they celebrated their Congregation’s reunion with the original Sisters of St. Joseph (sometimes called Central Josephites) from whom they had been separated for nearly 140 years.

Inclement weather - not unlike that which greeted the first Sisters on their arrival in 1872 - saw a change in venue from the beautiful grounds at Perthville to the hall at MacKillop, where the Perthville boarders attend school.

Bishop Michael McKenna was the principal celebrant at the Mass, which was concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus (Parramatta) Kevin Manning and 15 priests.

Former Congregational Leader, Sister Jean Cain, said, “Unlike the bleak weather, the atmosphere of the gathering was one of down-to-earth joy and happy reunions with families, friends, co-workers, former Sisters, ex-students and Associates from far and wide”.

In his homily, Bishop McKenna encouraged and supported the Sisters in their new future, saying “[today]…… there is thanksgiving for the past, whose goodness will endure. There is grief at saying goodbye. There is hope that God is doing something new. In all of it, there is the offer to let go of fear and to trust our Father who loves us. Joseph, do not be afraid! Sisters of St. Joseph, do not be afraid!”.

Water from the wells at Perthville and Mount Street, North Sydney were mingled, as a sign of the unity of the two Josephite groups. The water, reminding those gathered of their Baptism, was then used for the sprinkling rite.

Father Philip Filby, Parish Priest of Oberon, read the Vatican Decree, dated 19th March 2014, which authorised the fusion/ merger.

The Perthville Josephites and the 160 Sisters of St. Joseph in attendance from around

Australia and New Zealand (along with Sisters from Ireland, Scotland, Peru, East Timor and France watching the event via the web stream), formally renewed their commitment to God in their service of God’s people, as they renewed their vows together.

Sister Monica Cavanagh, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, welcomed the Perthville Sisters into the wider Josephite family. She introduced both her Leadership Team and the NSW Regional Leadership Team and appointed Perthville’s Sister Therese McGarry to the NSW Regional Team.

It is almost 142 years since Mary MacKillop

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and Julian Woods sent three sisters and an aspirant from Adelaide, to make the first foundation of Sisters of St. Joseph in NSW at Perthville. For three and a half years, the founding sisters, those who joined them from Adelaide and the local girls who entered the Convent, were supported by letters from both Mary and Julian and by two visits by Mary MacKillop - as they prayed, taught school and built up a community here and in the surrounding area.

Three and a half years later, in early 1876, with the intervention of Bishop Matthew Quinn, Perthville separated from the original Adelaide group and, led by Sister

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Hyacinth, the little group of two professed sisters, one novice and 11 postulants became a Diocesan Congregation. At the Bishop’s request, in the following years, Father Julian Woods visited the Sisters, gave them retreats and re-wrote the Rule in keeping with their Diocesan status.

From Perthville, other Diocesan groups were founded in New Zealand, Goulburn, Lochinvar, Tasmania and Victoria.

In 1967, the five diocesan Josephite congregations, seeking greater solidarity and unity, became the Australian-New Zealand Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph.

Now, after careful discernment, Perthville becomes the fourth of these Federation Congregations to be united with the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

In her address, Sister Therese McGarry said, “Our fusion in no way denigrates the 138 years of the Perthville Josephites as a Diocesan Congregation. Being and living as a Diocesan Congregation was all part of God’s plan for the Sisters, for the good of the Church and the people of this region. Today though, we respond to the needs of these times, consistent with the directive of the Church in Perfectae Caritatis, which favours fusion (or union) for small Congregations in

order to perpetuate their spiritual gift and contribution to the life and holiness of the Church”.

Much prayer, discernment and consultation took place before the decision to seek the approval of Bishop McKenna and then Rome for the fusion.

Four Perthville Sisters chose to transfer to the Sisters of St. Joseph Lochinvar, one made the decision to leave the Congregation and 36 moved to fusion.

In the lead up to this formal union, over the past many years, the Perthville Sisters have steadily re-ignited their connections with other Josephite Sisters through the sharing of their founding stories, retreats, pilgrimages, publications, ministries, gatherings and endeavours of many kinds. The canonisation in 2010 of their cofoundress, St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop was a rich, inclusive experience of being Sisters of St. Joseph together and became another catalyst to greater unity.

“Our Perthville Josephite history and story will always be a vital part of the Bathurst Diocese. Our Fusion will not change this, as the Sisters will continue predominantly to live and minister within the Bathurst Diocese. Our fusion is a mutual sharing of our gifts, charism and mission; a respectful

unity in diversity; a Weaving of Dreams”, Sister Therese said.

She reflected, “…..Mary MacKillop and Julian Woods shared a dream born of God, and they brought that dream to reality in the founding of the Sisters of St. Joseph - a Religious Congregation uniquely suited to Australian conditions.

St. Joseph, the man to whom God spoke in dreams, was to be the inspiration and patron for all who would follow their dream. Bishop Matthew Quinn, the first Bishop of Bathurst, saw that his dream for this Diocese could be assisted by the presence of Mary and Julian’s daughters and so he invited the Sisters to his far flung diocese - which at that time stretched to the Qld, SA and Victorian boarders.

Today, we celebrate the weaving together of all these dreams, and our present dreams, as the Sisters of St. Joseph Perthville celebrate becoming one with the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart; as we were in the beginning of the Josephite story.

What a wonderful and intricate pattern God makes in the weaving together of our dreams!”

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Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Carcoar Organ

F

or the past 123 years, a small pipe organ has adorned the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Carcoar. Built in 1868-1870, the church was designed by architect Edward Gell, who came to Bathurst to supervise the construction of St. Michael and John’s Church, now the Cathedral. He stayed on, and during the next 30 years he designed over 130 churches, homes and public buildings in the central west, and Carcoar is the finest of his small churches, according to Bathurst architectural historian Graham Lupp, who is recognised as the world authority on Gell.

Gell was born in Yorkshire, so perhaps it is no coincidence that, when it was decided an organ was needed for Carcoar, the Yorkshire organ builder Alfred Kirkland was chosen. Built in 1890 in his Holloway Rd London workshop, the organ was installed in Immaculate Conception Church and blessed by Bishop Byrne at both morning and evening services held on Sun 26th July, 1891, with organist, clergy and choir travelling from both Bathurst and Orange to augment the locals. The organist from St. Joseph’s, Orange, a Mr Croome, played for the occasion.

Ever since, the organ has been a centre of musical and cultural life both in the church and also for the wider Carcoar community. It has lent its voice to weddings, funerals and other special celebrations in the church, as well as enhancing regular Sunday worship.

The small Kirkland organ is also rather unique. It is the original of only two organs by this moderately important English builder ever to come to Australia – and the only one still in its original situation. (The other organ was installed in Albany, WA, in 1894, but was demolished several decades later and put into storage until being re-erected in recent years. It needed considerable repairs to reinstate it however, as it lost numerous pipes and components in a fire whilst in storage).

Our Kirkland is a fine instrument, though small – it has a clear beautiful tone, contrasted with delicate flutes. For its size, it is a very versatile instrument, well suited to the size of the church.

The organ also has links to two significant figures in Australian Catholic church music. One of those involved in obtaining the organ for Carcoar was Nathaniel Connolly, the local Police Magistrate (whose family still worship in and care for the Carcoar church). His great-grandson, Richard Connolly, is one of the most substantial Australian hymn-writers and liturgical composers of the last 60 years. He is Patron of the Organ Restoration Appeal.

Moreover, his collaborator in producing

the influential Living Parish Hymnbook in the 1960s was Father Tony Newman whose aunt, Sister Dominica Newman rsm, was organist here for many years.

wide, the decision was made by the parish to launch an Organ Appeal for its restoration. Consequently, after 18 months of fundraising, and with advice from the Organ Historical Trust of Australia (OHTA) Carcoar’s Kirkland organ has had mini- through our Organ Consultant, Pastór de mum attention since it went in - there is Lasala, the contract for the work of restorevidence that one of the larger wooden ing the Organ was awarded to Campbell pipes was repaired in March 1908; and Hargraves of Hargraves Pipe Organs. The there are just three other annotations in organ was dismantled by a team of skilled the remaining 105 years. It was ‘tuned volunteers and shipped off for the necesand repaired’ by RO & OE Peterson, who sary repairs to his Melbourne workshop on styled themselves ‘Organ builders, Or- 4th December last year. ange’, possibly in the 1930s; another inscription reads: ‘Tuned Ante-Rebuild’ by The organ appeal target is $40,000 - of T.S. Weigren, OrgelFabrik (organ builder), which we have so far raised just over 27-xi-67 (the ‘rebuild’ never appears to $15,000 … so the fundraising will have to have eventuated). And finally, it was continue for a few years yet. Efforts so far cleaned by me in January 1982. The origi- include monthly Sunday afternoon connal hand-pump for the bellows survives, certs, a Sponsor-a-Pipe scheme, printed but was augmented with an electric postcards, a CD of music played on the organ accompanied by singers and a blower in about 1984. flute and tax deductible donations.

After many years of use, with natural wearand-tear, and the dry inland climate of In another addition to the Kirkland’s hisCarcoar, the organ was showing a fair bit toric story, the Apostolic Nuncio, Archblessed the refurof deterioration. While it remained play- bishop Paul Gallagher, th able, the tuning left much to be desired; bished organ on 28 June, during his visit several notes and pipes no longer worked to Bathurst. and there was a lot of debris throughout After 123 years of stalwart service in the the inside of the organ. The keyboard and praise of God, with this little refurbishment, pedalboard action was worn and some it should continue to serve Carcoar’s connotes were becoming difficult to play. gregation trouble-free for at least another The soundboard in the windchest was 100+ years, to the greater glory of God. warped and cracked in the hot dry climate, producing several ‘runnings’ (notes Father Tim Cahill which sound when they shouldn’t), as well as losing air. Moreover the bellows (which Further information about the Kirkland Orsupply air to the pipes) were badly worn gan and Appeal available by phoning and only working at about 30% the day Father Tim on 0427 125 690 or emailing him on cathpres@bigpond.com. CDs may be we dismantled the organ. ordered through the Carcoar Kirkland OrWith its heritage significance recognised gan Committee, PO Box 24, Blayney NSW by artistic and pipe organ circles Australia- 2799 for $15.00 ($20.00 posted).

July 2014 - Page 36

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Book Review

Judas Beloved Disciple

by The Venerable Bill Brison

“

Judas Beloved Disciple” makes a captivating read for the Scriptural aficionado.

Good News, Judas assumed the pseudonym The Beloved Disciple, the one who leant on the breast of Jesus.

Brison, the author, is well versed in For hundreds of years Christians asked the modern scriptural trends and honest in his question: who was the Beloved Disciple? postulations.

Now we know it was Judas Iscariot, the He assumes Judas didn’t suicide but lived traitor. The new pseudonym gave him credibility. But there was always the to a ripe old age. danger that his true identity would be The book begins with a biography of Judas revealed to the detriment of the Christian Iscariot, son of Simon Iscariot. The storyline community. is much the same as the Gospels. Judas is astute money wise, intelligent, introverted, Fortuitously, Judas crossed paths again with his friend John the Apostle, living in withdrawn, and with leadership qualities.

Ephesus, and in charge of the Christian As a called disciple of Jesus his allegiance community. He trusted John would not wanes quickly. He finds the claim of Jesus, reveal his identity. Judas began to live equality with God, intolerable. He finds with the Ephesian community and John him confrontational with political powers, the Apostle. Judas presented him with his thinks it would be expedient to get rid of sources, memories of the words and deeds him. He makes arrangements with the of Jesus. Together, with community help, High Priest to betray him. He attends the they produced the Gospel according to Last Supper. After the betrayal he returns John, with Judas the main source, and the ransom.

John making a substantial contribution.

Now the storyline changes - he does not A good story you might say! Only it suicide. happens that Matthew’s Gospel and Acts At this stage the other disciples flee but of the Apostles tell us Judas was dead. So Judas stays on and becomes an exclusive does Christian tradition. eye-witness at the trial, death and Bill Brison, our author, believes it was the resurrection. Here it must be remembered Christian community who wished him that the thesis of the author is: Judas is the dead, and their wish became a reality. primary source of the fourth Gospel. A Judas was a scapegoat for personal primary source had to be an eyewitness.

Judas was present and an eyewitness at the trials. He heard and witnessed the denial of Peter. He was present at the foot of the cross. He experienced forgiveness and Jesus committed his Mother to his care. He was present at the empty tomb.

He entered the tomb with Peter. He was present at the appearance by the Sea of Tiberias.

The author often draws on internal evidence in the Gospel to establish the authenticity of his thesis, such as: who would know, except Judas, the name of the servant of the High Priest, who had his ear cut off, was Malthus. Judas was the one fraternising with the High Priests. Some of his examples are more cogent.

The author tells us that he has submitted the material of his fifty-year work to reputable Scripture scholars and invited their criticism. He writes, “None of them bought my theory in its entirety but none of them thought it was preposterous”.

The Author engages the reader in the great love story of Salvation as revealed in the Fourth Gospel. This alone is sufficient validation for the existence of Judas the Beloved Disciple.

Father Pat Ruane “Judas Beloved Disciple” Author: Bill Brison ISBN: 978-147-59-9668-5 Retail Price: $14.95 Available in paperback and e-book.

In the days and weeks after the Resurrection the stigma of the betrayer weighed heavily on Judas. Ne was not exactly welcome in the upper room. John, the Apostle, son of Zebedee, befriended him and comforted him. Rather than discredit the Apostles’ mission he assumed anonymity and slunk into the Arabian Desert as a fugitive.

In the desert he wrote the Gospel of Judas – a manuscript rejected by the early community. He also began to assemble his memories of Jesus. The world craved for an eyewitness to the words and deed of Jesus. Judas was aware he could supply this need. However there was a problem – he was a betrayer, essentially flawed, and lacking credibility.

Judas might well be motivated to choose the pseudonym Beloved Disciple since it gave him anonymity and credibility. Yet in the light of tradition it appears to be drawing too long a bow, to switch from John the Beloved Disciple, to Judas the Beloved Disciple.

About the author:

guilt, a contradiction. It was expedient to believe that he was dead. To postulate with certainty that he is alive seems to be a bridge too far. The thesis rests on this assumption.

The most compelling evidence that Judas might be the Beloved Disciple possibly rests with motivation. Detectives often discover To enrich the world with the Eyewitness the culprit by determining the motivation.

July 2014 - Page 37

Author Bill Brison was born in 1929.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Alfred University, New York and Berkeley Divinity School, New Haven, Connecticut. He became a Deacon and a Priest in 1957, while serving two parishes of New Haven, Connecticut.

Brison now resides in England and has served in three parishes in the Church of England since 1972. Bill was a Company Commander in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is also the co-author with Peggy Brison of “A Tale of Two Visits to Chechnya”.

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

History cemented in Kandos

1

St. Pius X – Dubbo

00 years of history - of coal mining, cement production and the establishment of the town of Kandos - will be celebrated this October long weekend.

While much has changed over the years, including the 2011 closure of the cement works, the Kandos people are enthusiastic about the coming celebrations and the reunion with former residents.

St. Dominic’s Parish is joining in the celebrations with a special Mass at 6.00pm on Sunday 5th October, with Bishop Michael McKenna the principal celebrant. The Mass will be followed by a dinner at Henbury Golf Club in Kandos, providing an opportunity for past and present parishioners to come together.

A photographic exhibition is planned and there will also be an opportunity to inspect the former Good Samaritan convent, which is being restored by its current owner.

The full centenary program is available at www.kandoscentenary. com and details of the Parish events are available from Sister Kath Luchetti by phoning 6379 4679 or emailing kmluchetti@ bigpond.com.

Farmers’ Day

S

t. Pius X accepted the challenge put forward by St. Patrick’s at Lithgow to help our struggling farmers affected by drought. The students and teachers arrived at school decked out in their best interpretation of Australian farmers’ clothing.

The students were treated to a shearing demonstration, wool classing, hayrides, yabby racing, bush dancing, finding the ‘needle’ in the haystack and Blind Man’s Bluff with Fred the Scarecrow.

Y2 parents and students provided an amazing cake stall that contributed substantially to our fundraising efforts on the day. Students lunched on a fabulous BBQ with sausages and buns generously donated by Woolworths Ltd. Another highlight of the day was the raffle and we were very excited when one of our farming families won the fuel prize.

Some of the Kandos community

Grandparents’ Day

S

tudents at St. Pius X celebrated Grandparents’ Day in conjunction with Harmony Day. The Grandparents were welcomed with a beautiful liturgy prepared by Y2 where all the students blessed the congregation by singing “The Irish Blessing Song” by Andrew Chinn and presented their grandparents with a bookmark. The liturgy was followed by a huge morning tea and open classrooms. Therese Jones

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July 2014 - Page 38

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

Bright Future for Josephite Foundation

R

ecently, Board Members of the Josephite Foundation travelled from Sydney, Lithgow, Orange and Bathurst to meet at St. Joseph’s Convent in Perthville for a weekend of Strategic Planning.

The weekend was facilitated by Sister Therese Carroll rsj of Sydney, to ensure the good work of the Foundation in the field of Microfinance and Financial Inclusion is carried on into the future.

Since its establishment by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Perthville Congregation in 1988, the Foundation has assisted people who are marginalised in the communities serviced by its No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) programs in Bathurst, Cowra, Lithgow and Young. More than 3,000 loans, totalling more than two million dollars, have been given for essential household items and services, and some educational and medical expenses.

In addition to its four NILS programs, the Foundation also administers two StepUP Loan programs, in partnership with Good Shepherd Microfinance and the National Australia Bank.

The provision of Microfinance loans to people on limited incomes is not just about giving them access to socially responsible finance options, it’s also about giving people a ‘hand-up’ in life and respecting their dignity.

Back: Kirsty Gilmore (EO), Mark Worthington, Mary Handcock, Tony Eviston (Chair), Judy Kilby, Sister Therese McGarry Front: Pam Haddin, Cathy Littlyman, Margaret Crowley, Sister Alice Sullivan allowing them to purchase essential items without breaking the fortnightly budget, and in many cases enhancing their sense of self-respect.

future and is keen to establish an effective Strategic Plan that will see the Foundation able to maintain its current microfinance services well into the The Board of the Josephite Foundation future, in addition to the possibility of These small loans have proven themselves was reformed at the start of 2013. The expanding into other areas that don’t to be life changing to many people, new Board has its eye firmly on the already have access to a NILS program.

For a century and a half, the Catholic community has gathered in the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John to worship God. Into this sacred space, all have been welcomed for baptisms, marriages, funerals and other significant moments in the lives of families, Parish and the Diocese.

The generations before us have built and cared for this place. Now it is our turn.

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

Donations over $2 are tax deductible July 2014 - Page 39

Catholic OBSERVER, The Diocese of Bathurst

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