Catholic Observer Magazine - June 2011 issue

Volume 46, No 2 June 2011

$2.00

Photo courtesy Frank Colzato

A Pastoral Letter on the Eucharist to God’s People of the Diocese of Bathurst Pages 19 - 22

YOUTH NEWS Walk with Bathurst Pilgrims to WYD 2011

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or 25 members of our Diocese, August 2011 will be an extraordinary month. On 5th August, our pilgrims will gather from across the Diocese converging on Sydney International Airport preparing to depart for Spain, where all the preparation collides - and ready or not we embark on our World Youth Day pilgrimage.

It can be said that you can never be really ready for a pilgrimage. It is not like being a tourist; it is not merely a site seeing adventure - though certainly we will be doing a fair bit of that. You cannot merely go about completing a list of things to ‘do’. One of the most important things to learn while on pilgrimage is simply to ‘be’, to master being present. Being present to people, in places and with God. It is said that “Tourists pass quickly through places, but places pass slowly through pilgrims, leaving them changed forever” (anon).

Our itinerary is jam packed with awe inspiring places to visit and exciting experiences to be had, who knows what will be the catalyst for transformation.

We will return with many stories we will want to share, we will be bonded by our experience together. However, we go representing you, the Diocese. It is not just for ourselves we go. We ask that you may keep each of us in your prayers.

Your prayers, your intentions, will be a path for us to walk on along our journey and encounter with Christ.

More Youth News on P40

PILGRIMS

Bathurst: William Jones; Blayney: Fr Tim Cahill; Coonabarabran: Landon and Kodi Brady; Cowra: Peta and Makayla Bischof; Dunedoo: Nicole Twohill-Scott; Dubbo: Kate Rootes, Paul Hannam and Rebecca Devitt; Gilgandra: Fr Martin O’Mahony; Lithgow: Jane Donaldson, Nicohlas Purnell and Reynold Jaboneta; Mudgee: Amy Leonard, Lucy Byrant, Fr Greg Bellamy, Ross McKeown and Tennille Gaffney; Wellington: Mark Williams. Our friends from Wilcanna- Forbes include Matthew Tolini, Shannon Hasse and Jacinta Thatcher.

Rounding out the group will be Gabrielle Sinclair and Bishop Michael.

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CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 2

James Sheahan – Orange Historic Moment with De La Salle Brothers

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n Monday 16th May 2011, an historic document was signed by the Principal of James Sheahan Catholic High School, Mr Mark Pauschmann, that continues the rich traditions laid down by the School’s founders.

The document was a Memorandum of Understanding between James Sheahan Catholic High School and the Trustees of the De La Salle Brothers. It was signed in the presence of Br. John Pill FSC - representing the De La Salle Brothers; Mr Peter Meers - Deputy Principal and Mrs Amber Calleja - REC who represented the James Sheahan staff. The Students Representative Council was also present.

The intention of this agreement is to enable the continuing development of the Lasallian charism and practice at James Sheahan, thereby nurturing the faith and professional capacity of the staff and the growth in faith and learning of the students.

The school remains under the ownership and authority of the Bishop of Bathurst.

The responsibility of the Trustees of the De La Salle Brothers is to assist the Principal to conduct the School as an authentic expression of the Lasallian charism. In

doing so, the Trustees also recognise the role of the Sisters of Mercy in the foundation and development of the School. The School is truly blessed by this ongoing relationship.

Lynelle Maguire

Katie Koala invites children to join her school savers scheme!

The Catholic Development Fund offers the opportunity to help your school build new buildings and equipment by having a Koala Club account and saving regularly some money.

Save with Koala Club this term to have an opportunity to receive a special giveaway.

Your local school agent has more information.

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

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 3

Opportunities for growth as New Translation explored

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uring the last three months, the Liturgy Commission’s Parish Seminar roadshow, has rolled into towns and cities across the Diocese.

The Seminars were designed to inform, teach and discuss the words of the new translation of the Roman Missal which began to be implemented at the Feast of Pentecost, 12th June 2011.

Over 400 people have attended the parish seminars and it was incredible the welcome Sr. Ann Morrison and the Commission members received in every parish. Hospitality is alive and well in our Diocese!

Although Sr. Ann was ‘preaching to the converted’ some of the seminar participants challenged the need for a new translation and questioned the final words received. At many parishes there was vigorous discussion but people always left the venue more informed and generally willing to give the new translation a go.

The seminars were called “Become One Body in Christ”. When we come to Mass, we form one body of people and through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, the presence of Christ is in our midst. This transforming power is what gives us the energy and desire for mission – to live a Eucharistic life and to be Christ in our world. The implementation of the new translation is another chance for us to become one body in Christ, to focus on the Eucharist and to be Christ’s disciples in our world.

During a time of change it is important to focus on the things that unite us and work together to grow our faith with the change at hand. Sr Ann used the idea that change is a given but growth is

optional. If we choose to use this time of change to grow in faith we will come closer to God and be energised to work for his kingdom on earth.

Sr Ann explained some of the reasons behind the words that have been used in the new translation. People were particularly interested in the response

‘And with your Spirit’ and the new forms of dismissal. Sr Ann also compared the new and old version of one of the Prefaces to show how a more literal translation of the Latin texts presents a more colourful, poetic and muscular prayer than the text we have had since

the 1970s.

As the new Mass texts become more familiar to congregations and we move towards full implementation at the end of the year, the Liturgy Commission is available to work with Parishes to deepen people’s understanding of the Eucharist and the Mass texts.

For more information on the new translation and liturgical matters in the Diocese, please go to the Diocesan website www.bathurst.catholic.org.au.

David Nelson Diocesan Liturgy Commission

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CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 4

Knight for half a century

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n April, Frank Hogan was presented with a Certificate for being a long serving member of the Knights of the Southern Cross.

Frank has been a financial member for 50 years, joining the Knights in 1960.

The Knights were a large group of men called by the Catholic Church throughout Australia to help the Bishops and Priests to promote a Christian way of life for Catholic men, and indeed men of all denominations and ages.

They promote and cultivate a good Christian family life, and generally help people who were worse off than others.

Currently, the Knights help and promote other charities, particularly the St Vincent de Paul Societies, who do great charity work in their own right.

Our lost Churches Immaculate Conception Baker’s Swamp

Aged care is a prominent cause also assisted by the Knights. Prayer is also one of the many aspects of the Knights, along with the usual raffles, to help raise funds for various charities.

Congratulations Frank for the good, outstanding work done by you over the years, along with your fellow members. Well done.

This month’s church is truly one of our ‘lost’ churches.

Built during the 1930s (the exact date is still a matter of debate) to serve the farming community at Baker’s Swamp, approximately 30km south of Wellington, today only a gate and some foundations remain to mark the site.

In the 1970s the church was sold and moved to a farm in the hills to the east of Wellington where, barely recognisable, it remains to this day.

This photo was provided by Michael Tuite whose family, staunch supporters of St. Patrick’s, Wellington, was instrumental in providing both the land and in building the church.

Frank (left) with Fr Adrian Horgan and Frank Duff who presented the certificate to Frank

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The list is endless. It is no secret that wonderful styles can be created by shopping at Vinnies at a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere.

When you are donating to Vinnies please ensure your goods are in a clean, saleable condition.

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CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 5

Vinnies Shop for Life

Kids Page Mass Book Competition

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hanks to John Garratt Publishing (www.johngarrat. com.au) we have a few copies of The Australian Children’s Mass Book to give away. Just colour in this front cover and send it (with your name and address) to: The Editor, Catholic Observer, PO Box 246, Bathurst, NSW, 2795 for your chance to receive one.

The Mass Book will guide children, teachers, catechists and parents through the new translation of the Mass which began being used this month. The publication of the new Mass text has provided the opportunity for a revitalised Children’s Mass Book with colourful, quirky illustrations of real people created by celebrated artist Geoff Hocking.

Children will find this book fun to use as well as a simple way to become familiar with the new responses and texts of the Mass.

CATHOLIC CATHOLICOBSERVER OBSERVERSUMMER - JUNE EDITION EDITION - PAGE - PAGE 6

From Belarus to Canowindra

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e have just had the visit from Sr. Irena from the Republic of Belarus - a very interesting and enriching experience for all involved.

The Convent from which she came was only founded in 1999 after the Iron Curtin was raised and religious orders and religion itself were once more allowed to be practiced. The Order originated from an Orthodox sisterhood which bears the name of the Holy Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth who was martyred in 1918 by the Bolsheviks at the time of the fall of reigning Tsar who was executed along with all his family.

The photo shows Sr. Irena with her host here in Canowindra, John Coady, Fr. Joe and myself looking at some of the beautiful Icons and Crosses she brought to sell to raise money for the charitable works carried out by the nuns back home - care of the sick and those addicted to alcohol and drugs.

Their love and spiritual support enables those in their care to regain some of the dignity of life lost through circumstances beyond their control.

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Catholic Archivists meet in Bathurst

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n 1st and 2nd June 2011 the Diocese of Bathurst, for the first time, hosted the annual meeting of the Catholic Diocesan Archivists of Australia (CDAA).

The meeting was held at the Chancery Office in Bathurst and was the ninth meeting of the CDAA - formed nine years ago to enable Diocesan Archivists to share experiences and discuss issues of interest across a wide range of archives related matters.

Since the first meeting, the group has proved an invaluable resource for all Catholic archives.

The meeting was attended by the archivists of 13 dioceses (Townsville, Toowoomba, Lismore, Bathurst, Sydney, Canberra-Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Sandhurst, Ballarat, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth). Bishop Michael McKenna opened the meeting with a prayer and welcomed the delegates.

The first day was spent in discussion and included a visit to St Joseph’s Convent at Perthville.

Day two was of particular importance to delegates, as it involved a talk by Mr Wayne Doubleday from Charles Sturt University, on risk management for archives - a matter of great

concern given recent disasters around Australia.

natural

The meeting ended with a visit to St Joseph’s Mount and a tour of some of the historic Catholic buildings in Bathurst.

Overall, the meeting was a huge success and it can truly be said that Bathurst is now firmly on the archival map.

Bishop McKenna opened the meeting with prayer and a welcome

The Archivists hard at work

CATHOLIC CATHOLICOBSERVER OBSERVERSUMMER - JUNE EDITION EDITION - PAGE - PAGE 8

David Billington Archivist Diocese of Bathurst

St Patrick’s - Lithgow

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s we all come to terms with the natural disasters in recent months, the children at St. Patrick’s School, Lithgow, held a fundraiser as part of their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in March and raised in excess of $400.00.

The day kicked off with Mass celebrated

by Father Owen Gibbons, followed by a ‘green morning tea’ in the School grounds. The children raised funds by wearing mufti for a gold coin donation - the only stipulation being they had to wear green.

Many parents and grandparents attended the celebrations and even after the crowds dispersed, the fun continued with games planned by the teachers at St. Pat’s.

Earlier in the month, Lent began with Ash Wednesday Mass where Father Owen did a wonderful job explaining to our younger generations the’ how and why’ of Lent. I think we all learnt something that day.

On 6th March, Bishop Michael McKenna celebrated Mass in Lithgow at the invitation of the Diocesan Catholic Women’s League. This was followed by their annual Conference and Luncheon held at Fatima Hall. The women appreciated having the Bishop at the Conference.

Paddy’s Possums

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t is an Easter tradition for Paddy’s Possums Playgroup to share morning tea and an Easter Egg Hunt at Kelly’s Farm at Clarence.

The day kicked off with a visit to the animals, which is one of the highlights for the children along with the traditional hunt (the latter also being a favourite among the adults).

The morning tea is home cooking at its finest. This was generously provided by the hosts Jenny and Jeff Kelly, who opened their home to the children and their parents. Their warmth and hospitality was most appreciated on this freezing, wet day.

Paddy’s Possums Play Group meets on Wednesdays 10am-12noon Fatima Hall, Great Western Highway Lithgow. This is a playgroup for children 0-5 yrs and their parents/carers. Everybody is welcome and a $2 donation for morning tea is all it costs.

Tracey Young

Kindergarten Fairytale Day

Sister Anne has been kept busy these last few months with the R.C.I.A group, which has four candidates and their sponsors who meet each Monday evening.

The first sacramental meeting for parents of children receiving a sacrament this year was held during March.

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Vocations 2011 A life worth living: my first year as a priest

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he road to priesthood is a long one for most men. Seminary training usually lasts about seven years, but discernment begins years earlier. For a long time the hope of ordination and living the life of a priest shaped my every waking hour. Almost 12 months ago, on Friday 23rd July 2010, that hope was fulfilled when Bishop McKenna ordained me a priest of Jesus Christ.

Ordination marked the end of one stage of my life and the beginning of another. That transition involved intense excitement. It was such a privilege to lie prostrate on the floor of the Cathedral while the congregation joined their prayers with those of the saints in heaven.

It was humbling to receive the ‘laying on of hands’ which comes to us from the Apostles. And it was such a joy to receive the sign of peace from my brother priests. What great happiness comes from answering the call of the Good Shepherd!

Time of Transition That transition also involves some sadness because it requires a ‘letting go’. The seven years I spent in the Melbourne seminary were intense: full of challenges and camaraderie. I shared the journey to priesthood with many other men.

Although we were all different we shared our love of Christ and his Church and sought to discern more deeply where he was leading each of us. There was a real sadness in leaving this intense communal life behind. But this is as it should be: ultimately Christ calls men to be priests not perpetual seminarians.

After the excitement of ordination, I was called almost immediately to parish ministry: I began my first appointment as assistant priest in the parishes of Mudgee, Kandos and Gulgong on 1st August.

Other priests have told me that one’s first appointment is special and never forgotten. I can well believe it. These past months have been an intense time of learning, both joyful and challenging. Fr

Fr Greg with children after Mass at the recent Christian Living Camp at Lake Burrendong Garry McKeown and the people of our three parishes have been very welcoming and patient as I inevitably make mistakes and hopefully learn from them.

In this past year I have discovered more deeply the great honour and responsibility of being welcomed into people’s lives in the most extraordinarily intimate of ways. As a priest, I have been involved in marriages, births, family breakdown, sickness, death and bereavement. This intimate involvement in people’s lives brings a personal responsibility of which I am keenly aware: to bring Christ to all people, especially those who need him most. I have found a particular joy in witnessing the peace which anointing brings to a sick person, especially when death is near, but also to family and friends who also look for comfort in a time of suffering and loss.

Humbling Experience One of the most humbling aspects of the priesthood is the intense experience of being a minister of God’s mercy in the sacrament of Penance. The privilege and responsibility of representing Christ who comes to meet the repentant sinner is overwhelming, because I too am a penitent in need of forgiveness. When I administer this sacrament it is not because of any

personal quality of my own: it is because I am a priest and when people see a priest they see the presence of the Church and so the presence of Christ himself. Christ works through this sinner to lift the burden of guilt from the shoulders of his people.

At the very core of the priest’s identity and of the life of the Church is the Eucharist. At my ordination Bishop McKenna spoke about the words of institution: this is my body given up for you, this is my blood poured out for you. He reminded me that these words should shape my life and ministry. Learning to truly identify with these mysterious words is a life-long task. Speaking the words of Christ daily, in his very person, is still an overwhelming experience for me: how can I actually embody these words in the conduct of my life? Surely this is a task that will take a lifetime: a task accomplished not by me, but by grace.

I am very happy as a priest and I give thanks to God for calling me to this wonderful vocation. I pray daily in the Liturgy of the Hours and often at Mass that many other young men will hear God’s call to serve as priests in the Diocese of Bathurst. It is a life worth living.

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 11

Fr Gregory P Bellamy

Vocations 2011 Introducing Reynold Jaboneta

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ince arriving in Australia at the end of last year, Reynold Jaboneta and Bishop McKenna have been discerning the possibility of a vocation in the priesthood for him. Reynold has divided his time between studying in Sydney and assisting in pastoral work in the parish of Lithgow.

On 14th June, during Mass at St. Patrick’s in Lithgow, Bishop McKenna formally accepted Reynold as a Candidate for Ordination. Here is Reynold’s vocation story to-date……

“I want to become a doctor”. This statement sums up my ambition in life - or what I wanted to be when I ‘grew up’ - as far as I could remember.

One day, some seminarians visited our school and shared their vocation story with us young boys who were finishing our primary days. After the talk, my adviser said if I wanted to be a priest, she could introduce me to them. My answer was “No - I want to become a doctor”.

The same answer I would give every time - until I reached high school.

The Sisters would ask me to read the readings for the Eucharistic celebrations, lead the morning prayers, organise garage sales for the benefit of the poor and visit poor communities.

The result was a Religion Award at the end of every school year.

Then came the last year of my secondary education and different universities, colleges and religious congregations came to promote their schools and groups to us. I attended Vocation Search-In with my friends, not because we wanted to become priests, but it offered us a chance to see the city and be away for some time from our family. At the same time, we took entrance exams to different universities and colleges. I particularly insisted to my parents that I must be at the University of the Philippines for a premed course and I passed the entrance exam for their BS Biology program.

My religion teacher introduced me to one of the priests of the Congregation of the Mission as a possible candidate

Reynold with Lithgow’s Parish Priest Fr Owen Gibbons and RCIA Candidates at Easter for priesthood. I took an entrance exam and was accepted in the seminary and by the Vincentians. In 1988, at the age of 17, I exchanged a slot at university for the seminary.

each summer break. The company I kept in the missions - seminarians, nuns, volunteer missionaries and priests - was instrumental in keeping alive the love for the priesthood in me.

The Seminary confronted me with the idea of becoming a priest. I realised that this was a serious matter. The only means to communicate with home was writing a letter and it would take weeks before it was received. I wrote home with tears, begging them to get me out of the seminary because I did not want this kind of life. But, because of the speed of sending and receiving letters that time, my parents received it late. Within that time, I learned to love seminary life and those initial months were not that sad and bad at all. I met seminarians with the same struggle of loneliness and questions of ‘why me?’ and ‘what am I doing here?’. When my parents arrived to pick me up, I told them I was very happy now, in spite of the many difficulties at the start. The months turned into a year and the years into more years, until I finished the initial stage in the formation and earned the degree AB Philosophy in Theology.

I was confronted with the thought of becoming a priest again but what prevented me from taking the courage to go back was my unworthiness. I had focused so much on the idea that priesthood is only for perfect people.

One day, I got the courage to write a letter to the Bishop of my Diocese telling him my story and he had the Vocations Director get in touch with me.

I took a rest from formation to be with my parents and I felt good and happy to be of help to them. I found work as a teacher of Theology and Philosophy and immersed myself in missionary work with the Vincentians

In the middle of all this, Bathurst came into the picture and my formators in the seminary told me to pray, not to rush things, and come up with a decision when everything is placed into its proper discernment. Eventually I applied to the Diocese of Bathurst.

My determination was tested, my patience as well, especially at times when I felt nothing was happening.

As Dom Helder Camara would say, “Accept surprises that upset your plans, shatter your dreams, give a completely different turn to your day and, who knows, to your life. It is not chance.

Leave the Father free himself to weave the pattern of your days”.

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 12

Reynold Jaboneta

Vocations 2011 Prayer for Priests

Adoration for Vocations

Lord Jesus, we pray for our priests.

You have given them to us for our needs.

We pray for them in their needs.

O

n Friday 13th May 2011, the Serra Club of Bathurst, with the support and blessings of Bishop Michael McKenna, held a period of extended Eucharistic Adoration for the support of the clergy and to pray for an increase in all vocations - priestly, religious and secular - in the Diocese.

You have made them priests in the likeness of your own priesthood.

You have consecrated them, set them aside, anointed them, filled them with the Holy Spirit, appointed them to teach, to preach, to minister, to console, to forgive, and to feed us with your body and blood.

The whole Parish of the Cathedral of St Michael and St John was invited to this special event celebrating Good Shepherd Sunday.

Prayers began with the evening Friday Mass with Bishop Michael and Father Pat O’Regan, followed by Benediction and a procession to the beautifully adorned Parish Centre for 24 hours of continuous adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. A prayerful presence was maintained throughout the night and following day, with periods of silence, music, rosary and the Liturgy of the Hours.

The event concluded with Benediction and a procession back to the Cathedral for the Saturday Vigil Mass.

The Serra Club would like to thank all participants and organisers of this gathering and urge your ongoing prayers for further vocations for the diocese.

Serra is an international organisation all about doing more to foster vocations.

For further information see their website - http://www.scanzspac.org/serra_clubs/ - or you can contact Pat Martin in Bathurst - email: patsuemar@hotmail.com.

And they are also one with us and share our human weaknesses.

We know they are tempted to sin and discouragement as are we, needing to be ministered to, as do we, to be consoled and forgiven, as do we.

Indeed, we thank you for choosing them from among us, so that they understand us as we understand them, suffer with us and rejoice with us, worry with us and trust with us, share our beings, our lives, our faith.

We ask that you give them the gift you gave your chosen ones on the way to Emmaus - your presence in their hearts, your holiness in their souls, your joy in their spirits.

Amen

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CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 13

Executive Director’s Message

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n the Pastoral letter of the Bishops of NSW and the ACT, Catholic Schools at a Crossroads, the Catholic school system is identified as “one of the jewels in the crown” of the Catholic community in NSW with few parallels overseas. In this Pastoral Letter the Catholic Bishops of NSW and the Act invite all those involved in Catholic education, educational leaders, staff, clergy, and religious, parents and parish communities to dedicate themselves to ensuring that our schools:

largely pre-determined by socioeconomic status, family circumstances and innate ability (Coleman Report, 1966). However, research has powerfully refuted that view. Through significant, evidenced based research, we now know that teachers, teaching and schools make a significant difference to student success.

At the heart of the school improvement framework are conversations and questions. It is a resource that challenges everyone associated with Catholic schools to ask; · Where do you want our schools to go? · How are we going to get there? · How will we know when we get there?

Bishop McKenna in his Pastoral Letter to God’s People of the Diocese of Bathurst, Becoming Christian Together, talks of our mission as followers of Jesus Christ.

· Are truly Catholic in their identity and life;

“We do not choose the time and place in which we are called to live this mission. But here we are: to touch this world, heal it and change it, while being touched and healed and changed ourselves. Becoming Christian takes a lifetime. It begins in Baptism. It will be completed when, raised up in Christ, we see the face of God. It is all God’s work, but it needs our “Yes”. And although a deeply personal journey, it is one we cannot make alone.”

· Are centres of new evangelisation; · Enable our students to achieve high levels of religious literacy; · Are led and staffed by people who will contribute to these goals.

Fundamentally a good Catholic school must be a good school. It must also be a place of transformation, a place where all students, staff, parents and volunteers encounter and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. If we are to be true to our mission we are then called upon, with Jesus Christ as our inspiration and guide, to provide high-quality Catholic education in the Diocese of Bathurst.

Until the mid-1960s the view was that schools make almost no difference to student achievement, which was

This year we are implementing a Diocesan Quality Catholic Education framework for all schools in the Diocese.

This framework enables all staff to enter into a professional dialogue about what makes a good school. It also enables staff to reflect on the questions of quality of teaching and learning and of the conditions necessary to support good teaching and learning. All involved in Catholic education must be interested in school improvement because it is directly connected to our mission and moral purpose.

The mission of the Church and the ministry of Catholic education is a collective activity that requires all our faith and energy on what is important for students and their learning.

Peter Hill May 2011

St Joseph’s School Portland A SCHOOL WITH A TRADITION AND A FUTURE

St Joseph’s School Portland offers an effective learning environment in a small school situation.

A dedicated teaching staff pursuing excellence in all areas of student learning.

NOW ENROLLING for Kindergarten 2012 Our school aims to assist students to...

• Grow in the knowledge and love of God in Catholic tradition • Develop values of tolerance, respect, honesty and to grow in self discipline • Interact with other children with mutual respect and care • Develop positive attitudes towards learning, aiming at reaching full potential • Develop an attitude towards competition that applauds the honest effort of others • Gain opportunities for sporting advancement beyond school level

For more information visit the school website on: www.stjosephs.nsw.edu.au 95 Williewa Street Portland 6355 Principal - Mrs Sue Kearns

5111

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 14

BER in Eugowra and Gulgong

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number of recognition ceremonies have taken place in recent weeks to officially open facilities constructed in the Building the Education Revolution (BER) Program in the Bathurst Diocese.

Mr Brian Morrissey, who manages capital works at the Catholic Education Office, said the openings have allowed school communities, especially in smaller towns, to examine the modern facilities constructed. Mr Morrissey specifically reflected on the work recently completed at Eugowra and Gulgong. “St Joseph’s Eugowra obtained $250,000 from the Commonwealth Government under the BER Program. However, because we were allowed to move our Diocesan allocated funds around our Schools to meet special needs, $978,000 was spent on the School’s capital upgrade to provide a multi-purpose hall and extension and refurbishment of its existing library” he said.

“The hall and the integrated covered outdoor area is around 440m2 and will be invaluable for the School’s organisational and curriculum needs, as well as providing a meeting and events venue for the Eugowra community. It has already been used by Cabonne Shire Council for an important community meeting”.

Mr Morrissey said All Hallows Gulgong received $850,000 under the BER funding formula, but because of the internal management of Diocesan funds,

Monsignor Frawley unveils the plaque $1,360,000 was spent to meet the capital needs of the School.

“At Gulgong, we were able to take two very undersized classrooms and extend them into the existing library to create a spacious new and modern library centre. As a consequence, two new classrooms were required. These were built to modern and national standards on vacant land adjacent to the school. As well, their existing hall was extended and refurbished, and named the Monsignor Frawley Hall, honouring the work and dedication of previous Parish Priest Monsignor John Frawley”.

Mr Morrissey said that designs of buildings in both schools were of a high quality, incorporating modern technology in-

frastructure and utilising environmentally sustainable features.

“What was particularly pleasing at Gulgong was the way the designs were in sympathy with the Spanish facades of the original buildings constructed early last century. It was also a pleasure to have Senator Steve Hutchins open both buildings on behalf of the Federal Government. Senator Hutchins is himself a product of Catholic education and has taken a great deal of interest in our Diocesan BER Program. He has been able to report back to the Prime Minister about the great value that has been added on to our schools resulting from this Federal Government initiative”.

Aboriginal Education Update

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rank Pearce from the Catholic Education Commission visited our Dubbo office on the last day of Term 1 to meet with Denise Kelly, Karen Andriske and myself to discuss and offer ‘wise counsel’ in relation to our Diocesan initiatives to ‘Bridge the Gap’ between learning outcomes for indigenous and non-indigenous students. We were very grateful to him for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit our regional area. We have 14 Aboriginal Education Workers (AEWs) employed in our schools.

We meet on the second Tuesday of each term in the Dubbo office to share the highlights and challenges in supporting indigenous students and their families in our schools. Our meeting this term focussed on reviewing the role description for the AEW. This is now in draft form and will provide a ‘prequel’ to the development of Diocesan Guidelines and an Aboriginal Education

Aboriginal Education Workers - Karen Andriske (CEO and St John’s College), Margaret Pearce(St Joseph’s Gilgandra), Sharon Hancott (MacKillop Bathurst), Denise Kelly (CEO and St Mary’s Wellington), Jo Lee (St Brigid’s Coonamble), Craig Jeffries (St Raphael’s Cowra), Sharyn Champion (St Pat’s Lithgow), Janine Kearney (CEO Dubbo) and Elisa Harris (St John’s Primary Dubbo).

Policy for our Diocese. Frank Pearce will be attending our meeting in Term 2 to critique our efforts and speak with AEWs about the importance of the work they

do and how best to meet some of these challenges.

Janine Kearney CEO Dubbo

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 15

Buildings a boon to Blayney

St. Matthew’s - Mudgee

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oseph’s Catholic School in Blayney has a new $1.1 million school library and multi-purpose hall building. It was officially opened for learning on 31st March 2011 with staff, students and members of the community gathered to inspect the new learning facility.

Executive Director of Schools, Mr Peter Hill and Blayney’s Parish Priest, Father Tim Cahill, unveiled the plaque, following addresses from Principal Gerard Davies and Member for Bathurst, Mr Gerard Martin.

Mr Hill described St Joseph’s as a place of “energy and excitement” and thanked the many who assisted in getting the project off the ground and built.

Funding for the project came entirely from the Federal Government as part of its Economic Stimulus Plan and Primary Schools for the 21st Century programs.

Mr Martin described the new facilities as “first class”. “The real legacy of buildings like this will be there for our kids going into the future who have access to these great facilities” he said.

A special feature of the opening was the presence of the sisters of St Joseph’s who had taught in the School.

Sr Jean Cain, Sr Christina Morrissey and Sr Gemma Costello represented the hundreds of selfless and dedicated women who have given outstanding witness and contribution to the St Joseph’s and wider community over 127 Years.

A small presentation was made to the Sisters by Kindergarten students at the conclusion of the opening.

Fr Tim Cahill during the blessing of the new library and multi purpose Hall

St. Matt’s Infants children at the Anzac Day commemorations

Sacred Heart School – Coolah

Sacred Heart students achieved great results at the Dunedoo Show recently.

St. Joseph’s Primary School - Molong

St Joseph’s PP5 Swimming Relay Team came 3rd in the State Championships PSSA at Homebush on 29th March.

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 16

‘Lightening the Load’ a journey for Principals

MacKillop Voyage en France - a Quelle Aventure!

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he small and single-streamed cluster of schools in our Diocese is involved in a special project in 2011 aimed at reducing the administrative and bureaucratic demands on schools with teaching Principals and improving learning outcomes for students.

This project is an important innovation for our Diocese and a response from Executive Director of Schools, Mr Peter Hill, to the call from this cluster for extra assistance in reducing the administrative burden.

It’s about fostering collaboration, networking, and encouraging innovation. It is a professional development program of three two-day workshops spread across the year developed, presented and facilitated by Dr. Michelle Mulvihill (Corpsych Australia).

acKillop College in Bathurst is buzzing after the return of French students who took the opportunity to travel to France for two weeks recently.

What an experience for 30 students to visit the country of their dreams! An excited contingent departed Australia in April, accompanied by the Assistant Principal, Mrs Gina Whelan, HSIE/Languages Coordinator, Mr Paul McPhillamy and French teachers, Mrs Marcia Kanarakis and Mrs Carmel Freeman.

The impetus for the France Tour was the recent establishment of a sister-school relationship between MacKillop College and Collège/Lycée de Saint André (St Andrews) in Colmar, France.

The feedback from our first Lightening the Load workshop was very positive. The two days were very challenging, yet reaffirming for Principals, though the sessions were inclusive and motivating. Michelle was great to listen to, had wonderful ideas and a passion and knowledge for real teaching and learning; she was approachable, interesting, understanding of our situations, able to effectively communicate and motivate, honest, direct, challenging, informative and inclusive.

We are now able to look forward to our next two-day stint (Week 7, Term 2), which will concentrate further on the challenges of leadership with a focus on courageous conversations…and leading learning together!

Janine Kearney CEO Dubbo Saint André is a systemic co-educational Catholic School situated in the region of Alsace, in North-Eastern France.

The school caters to a student population of approximately 1,400 ranging in ages from 11 to 19 years old. Colmar is a large town of approximately 50,000 inhabitants, surrounded by a widely recognised wine-growing area of France.

Mrs. Carmel Freeman had the opportunity of visiting this school in 2008 and was most impressed with the welcoming and friendly atmosphere. She feels it is very well matched to MacKillop College in terms of Catholic ethos and values.

This sister–school relationship provides the students of MacKillop with an excellent opportunity to enhance development and maximise success in their study of French. Participation in the trip to France improves French language skills and deepens the students’ understanding and appreciation of another culture.

The most exciting part of the trip incorporated a homestay program with the correspondents at Saint André Collège/Lycée. “We were warmly welcomed by the school community and we deeply appreciate the hospitality and kindness shown to our girls by the St André families during the five-night French home-stay,” Mrs Freeman explained.

Principals with Dr Michelle Mulvihill at the first ‘Lightening the Load’ workshop.

MacKillop College in Bathurst continues to expand its cultural program and is proud to be able to offer such wonderful opportunities to enhance the education of its young women.

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 17

Summing up…..

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athematics Curriculum Education Officer for the CEO, Patricia Eakin, has been travelling around the Diocese looking at Quicksmart - a mathematics intervention programme which has been introduced with great success in some schools in our Diocese to improve results in Numeracy.

New facilities for St. Joey’s Oberon

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he students and staff of St. Joseph’s School in Oberon were finally rewarded when their new library and staff facilities were officially opened on the 8th April.

Strategies include a variety of short, focused activities that aim to increase students’ strategy use and improve their automatic recall of basic number facts.

A student at St Michael’s Dunedoo with teacher Ann Jones and Patricia Eakin taking part in a Quicksmart Mathematics lesson.

Fr Adrian Horgan and Mr Peter Hill at the opening The new library and staff facilities, funded under the Federal Government’s Building Education Revolution (BER) program, was opened in front of the entire School during an outdoor ceremony.

The opening was attended by several dignities including Member for Bathurst, Mr Paul Toole, at his first official function as our State Member.

Principal David Garstang, class teacher Mrs Cheryl Brown and Patricia Eakin taking part in a Maths lesson during a visit to Sacred Heart Coolah.

The building was blessed by Father Adrian Horgan and was then opened by Executive Director of Schools Mr Peter Hill. The cake was cut by primary school captains Danielle Fisher and Matthew Sargeant. The whole school joined in a spiritual rendition of the school song - ‘This is our School’.

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CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 18

Narelle Cross Principal

www.centacarebathurst.com.au

HOLY COMMUNION You O Lord are in the midst of us and we are called by your name (Jeremiah 14:9)

Dear Friends in Christ, The great feast of Corpus Christi is about more than the Eucharist, because the Eucharist is about more than the Eucharist. The Eucharistic moment expands back in time to include the Last Supper and beyond time to the Heavenly Banquet. The Mass is always, then and now the Supper of the Lamb. In it, we take part in the perfect sacrifice of Christ and enter into communion as his Body, the Church, on earth and in heaven.

The introduction of a new English translation of the prayers of the Mass disturbs our routine and makes us pay attention again to these words which can tell us so much. Should this change bring about a deeper appreciation among us of the gift of the Eucharist and what it means, then it will be worth the effort.

a Pastoral Letter on the Eucharist to God’s People of the Diocese of Bathurst

One pastoral letter cannot say everything about the Eucharist. However, I will try to shine a light that will show paths to follow: of prayerful thinking, of study and action.

Ultimately, these are paths to Jesus Christ.

We cannot talk fruitfully about the Eucharist unless we are prepared to talk about our relationship with Christ, both as individuals and as the community that shares his mission. The Son of God became a man to enter into the reality of our life as it is, to heal the wound of the division between God and humankind and lead us into the fullness of life.

The Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us (Jn 1:14). At Mass, as the deacon or priest mixes a drop of water with the wine that will become Christ’s blood, he says the following prayer: By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 19

PRESENCE You O Lord are in the midst of us The first presence of Christ at Mass is in our presence.

When two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them (Mt 18:20).

This is depicted vividly in the last chapter of Luke’s Gospel, when the disciples on the road to Emmaus talk about Jesus and he joins them in their walk.

It happens each time a family, or any group of believers, gathers for prayer.

To assemble regularly as a Christian community is to give one another this special presence of Jesus.

But, even from the earliest days of the Church, some have found it difficult to offer themselves this way.

The Letter to the Hebrews warns: Do not absent yourself from your own assemblies, as some do, but encourage one another (Hb 10:25). Today, we feel keenly the absences of many of our brothers and sisters in our local church; and I will say more about that later.

The Mass begins with a penitential rite, because this community recognizes that its communion is still imperfect and it must rely on God’s mercy to complete it. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us (1Jn 1:8).

The next presence of Christ is in the proclamation of his Word. He himself speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in Church (Vatican II, Sacrosanctum concilium, 7).

Apostles to renew the Eucharist in memory of me.

Through ordination, the priest is able to continue this apostolic work. He brings, to the assembly he leads, a gift that it cannot supply on its own.

And Christ is especially present, as we know, when the bread and wine become his body and blood.

The Church has developed this teaching through the centuries, in a clear line going back to the New Testament. Although, from the earliest days, there have been debates about how to describe this presence, the authentic doctrine has always shone through. In the Eucharist, the incarnate and glorified Christ is fully present in his humanity and divinity.

Even after the congregation has dispersed, this real presence of Christ remains. To spend time with him at the tabernacle or monstrance is a wonderful form of prayer, which enriches our intimacy with the mystery we celebrate. Practising this contemplation helps us guard against casual and thoughtless lapses from the reverence we owe this great gift; especially so for those of us privileged to minister the Sacrament.

The placing of the tabernacle in our churches deserves serious attention. It must not only express our faith in this unique presence of the Lord, it must ensure that the practicalities of silence for worship surround it.

Many centuries ago, St Jerome wrote: When we approach the Eucharist, if a crumb falls to the ground we are troubled. Yet when we are listening to the word of God and God’s word and Christ’s flesh are being poured into our ears yet we pay no attention, what great peril should we not feel? (In Psalmum, 147).

The ministry of commentators, readers and, above all, the homilist in opening the scriptures to the congregation is very important. A priest who knows his people well is able to apply the Word to the actual circumstances of their lives. Did not our hearts burn within us as he opened to us the scriptures? (Lk 24:32). Even more vital, though, is the congregation’s own preparation of heart and mind to receive Christ in this way.

Christ is present, too, in the person of the priest. With the unique ministry of the priest, the assembly is linked to the Upper Room, where Jesus commissioned the CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 20

SACRIFICE Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.

With those words, John the Baptist prophesied the identity and mission of Jesus. In every Mass, the priest repeats those words as he presents the congregation with the Lord’s body and blood to eat and drink.

The Jewish feast of Passover recalls the deliverance of the Chosen People from the slavery of Egypt and looks forward to the coming of the Kingdom of God. By the time of Jesus, the lambs (or other approved livestock) had to be taken to the Temple to be slaughtered by the priests. The sacrifice was completed when the lambs were brought home, roasted and eaten in a ritual thanksgiving meal, renewing communion between God and his people.

During the meal, the head of the house would give a commentary on the meaning of this special night, proclaiming that the same God who saved his people then was acting now and would fulfil his promise.

When Jesus gathered his disciples for a Passover meal on the eve of his crucifixion, he used the traditional form to do something new. All the

elements of the meal were there, except for the lamb. With the words This is my body, given up for you – This is my blood, poured out for you, Jesus proclaimed his own self-offering as the paschal lamb, in a sacrifice that would fulfil all others.

And, as Lord of creation and time, he instituted the sacrament with which this sacrifice would be renewed in his Church: Do this in memory of me.

Our full participation in the Mass requires our willingness to offer ourselves with Christ. The floor plan of many churches is in the form of a cross. This is not merely decorative, but symbolizes who we are as the Church. We bring our limited self-offering to be completed in Christ’s.

The beginning of a sacrifice is in the intention; its conclusion is the communion of the eating.

It is not enough to say that the Mass is a meal. It is a sacrificial meal, in which our present reality communes with the death and resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Kingdom.

Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb!

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 21

COMMUNION We are called by your name…

“Holy Communion” means more than going up to receive the Lord’s body and blood. It means belonging to him. The Church receives his body to become his body.

Our mission and the power to perform it are renewed in this communion.

Full participation in the Mass extends beyond the liturgy.

It means living a Eucharistic life, conscious of the dignity and responsibility of the royal priesthood we receive through the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation; for some in the sacraments of Anointing of the Sick, Marriage and Ordination; and for all in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The daily offering we make, of our joys and troubles, in union with Christ, is the basis of it. In listening to God’s Word, in acts of love and in personal prayer, the presence of Christ increases in us.

And the Eucharistic life impels us to grow in communion together: reflecting on the Scriptures and Church teaching; helping each other when the events of life test our faith; working together in service for the Church and the world; communicating the Gospel by what we say and how we live.

It is true that many Catholics do not come to Mass regularly. It is also true that some do no more than that. Unless we are prepared to renew the life of our local church in Word, Community and Sacrament, even the little we have may be taken away.

May this letter lead to further prayerful thinking, study and action by all of us.

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Mother of the Church, pray for us!

+Michael McKenna Bishop of Bathurst Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ 2011

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 22

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2011 Catholic Schools Week was held from 1st to 7th May 2011 and provided an opportunity for the local school communities of the Diocese to celebrate their strengths and distinctiveness as Catholic schools.

Christian Living Camp

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hristian Living Camp for Assumption, St Michael’s and All Hallows Schools was a wonderful and highly successful event this year.

It was held during Catholic Schools Week, which made it extra special.

The students thoroughly enjoyed both the Chris Doyle activities and the Sport and Rec times. They participated with enthusiasm and were focused on the messages Chris instilled - and had a lot to reflect upon in their decision making for their future and the way they choose to live their lives.

Chris’s messages of positive choices, life values, decision making, interpersonal interactions and personal spirituality were deeply felt and will be reflected in the approaches these student take to their life and choices.

Catherine Gaudy/Therese Hooper

Winter uniform for all Bathurst Schools including Stannies & MKC • All crests locally embroidered • Large range of trackpants • Flexibanded trousers for Stannies Jnr, Scots and All Saints • Hard wearing Parkas • $7.00 hems on uniform bought at Marietta’s • Thick warm cotton blend tights 231-233 George St Bathurst 2795 • Layby welcome Phone 6331 1078 Fax 6337 6552 • Home of Combined Catholic Uniform Pool Easy Parking - near the cinema

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 23

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2011 St. Joseph’s School – Portland

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any Parents, grandparents and friends joined our school community for the events of Catholic Schools Week 2011 at St Joseph’s School Portland.

This was a wonderful opportunity to share the learning adventure and journey of faith.

Students Dancing at the Official Opening of the P & F Fete

All Hallows – Gulgong

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ll Hallows Celebrated Catholic Schools Week in style with activities every day to show the diversity of education in a Catholic school and the opportunities which students in Catholic school have.

The week began with a huge Open Day and activities all day. The highlight was to have the official opening of our $1.3million BER project. Senator Steve Hutchins came to open the buildings, along with Executive Director of Schools, Mr Peter Hill; Assistant Priest, Father Greg Bellamy; retired Parish Priest, Mons John Frawley and local dignitaries.

The opening was both a celebration of education at All Hallows and a step in the continued growth of the School.

Everyone was reminded that though the new classrooms, toilets, hall and library are wonderful, the quality of education is dependent upon the interactions of the people in the School Community as they grow and learn together.

On Monday 2nd May, Open Classrooms saw many parents assisting with the children’s learning and classroom activities.

Nine students accompanied by Mrs Taylor, parents and grandparents, travelled to Coolah for the Diocesan Cross Country on Tuesday 3rd.

Fr Owen Gibbons, assisted by visiting priest Fr Augustine Mathew, celebrated the Catholic Schools Week Mass on Wednesday 4th. This was followed by a very enjoyable “Grandparents Morning Tea” On Thursday 5th, the School Leaders conducted the formal school assembly and after lunch the annual “Fr Grannall Sports” event was held.

Friday 6th provided a great finish to the week with the P&F Fete.

The week was a huge success. Thank you to everyone involved!

Shireen Sheahan

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

Telephone: (02) 6845 1822 Email: stmaryswellington@bth. catholic.edu.au Web: www.stmaryswell.org.au

School Captains Grace Hensley and Olivia Slevin with Mr Hutchins and Principal Catherine Gaudry It was particularly nice to have Mons Frawley return to officially open the Mons Frawley Hall which is named in his honor as our last resident Parish Priest, but also in honor of all the priests who have served the community of Gulgong since the days of the Gold Rush.

During the day a wide variety of activities took place, these included; open classrooms, student activities, official morning tea, Catholic School Week Mass, talent concert, picnic lunch and visiting guests.

The remainder of the week was slightly less hectic, but included cross country, Christian Living Camp, an excursion, BBQ lunch and individual class activities.

It was an exhausting but wonderful way to celebrate our Catholic School.

Catherine Gaudry Principal

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 24

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2011 St. Joseph’s – Manildra

St Patrick’s School – Lithgow

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atholic Schools Week at St Joseph’s Manildra began with a special Mass involving all students, parish and community.

Open Day on Tuesday was a celebration of our School in this new century. An Assembly was conducted by our School Leaders Jack Braithwaite and Heidi Regan. Parents, grandparents and friends visited the classrooms where children proudly displayed their schoolwork and technology skills.

Teachers, Mr Matthew French and Mrs Julianne Hargraves conducted lessons on the Interactive white boards which complemented and completed the classroom activities.

A complimentary lunch to celebrate mothers was enjoyed by all. On Friday, the children were joined by the students of Manildra Public School to experience an informative and fun educational schools performance followed by a combined cross country run.

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t. Patrick’s School Lithgow held a double celebration during Catholic Schools Week, combining it with our own “Peace and Harmony Week”.

We started the week with a special assembly on Monday, followed by a whole School Mass on Tuesday. After Mass, visitors were invited to join their children for morning tea on the playground. Students then invited their parents and visitors into the classroom to have a look around.

On Wednesday afternoon the Infants children asked their dads (and a few grandads) to come and help with making something special for Mothers Day.

The week’s celebration was an excellent opportunity to showcase the many opportunities that exist at St Joseph’s. We thank all who enjoyed sharing our celebration with us.

Throughout the week students also participated in a number of activities that not only celebrated Catholic Education but focused on making our School Community a place of peace and harmony for all.

Tracey Young

Gloria Houlihan

St Joseph’s Eugowra

St. Mary’s Primary School Dubbo Quality Catholic Education for Kindergarten to Year 6

Pye Street, Eugowra Ph: (02) 6859 2485

“Christ is My Light”

Ph: (02) 6882 4790

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 25

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2011 St Joseph’s - Blayney

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t Joseph’s Primary School Blayney was recently involved in a number of activities as part of Catholic Schools Week celebrations.

The week started with Infant students being involved in an AFL Gala Day in Orange. On Tuesday a group of students travelled to Coolah to attend the Diocesan Cross Country while other students were involved in persuasive writing workshops with visiting author Shaun Hempworth.

Wednesday was a very busy day with a Resurrection Mass at St James’ Church.

At the Mass the Mini Vinnies executive team of Jessica Mitchell, Bethany McCumstie and Sophie Cheney were presented with their badges by regional Vinnies president Mr Allan Murphy.

St Joseph’s was the first Mini Vinnies conference established in the Diocese.

Many parents took the opportunity after Mass to have a special lunch with their children and visit classrooms.

As an extension of the CSW celebrations, Infant students visited the local Lee Hostel, entertaining residents with songs and giving out Mothers Day cards.

A Quiz afternoon was organised for students by the P&F. Mothers Day was celebrated with a Liturgy held in the School’s new MacKillop Hall. After the Liturgy parents were invited to St Joseph’s own Junior Master Chef with children, teachers and parents cooking cakes, slices and biscuits. After the Master Chef judging, the food was used to provide a morning tea for the Mothers. This activity was also organised by the P&F, highlighting their

Infants students enjoying sack races during St Joseph’s Athletics carnival active involvement in the school.

During the week, Catholic Schools Week Ambassador, Don Bell addressed the students and guests at a special assembly. Mr Bell attended St Joseph’s over 60 years ago and had many entertaining and humorous stories of his time at school. Mr Bell is a wonderful role model to young Catholics being a longterm member of Vinnies and a local councillor. Mr Bell is also a member of the Parish Council and an active member of the St James’ Parish.

Catholic Schools Week concluded with a Mother’s Day stall and athletics carnival on Friday. St Joseph’s embraced the theme of the week, encouraging a learning adventure and a journey of faith for the students who have taken up the invitation of a Catholic Education.

Fr Tim and Principal Gerard Davies about to judge the march past before the St Joseph’s Sports Carnival

St. Joseph’s Molong

S

t Joseph’s School in Molong celebrated Catholic Schools Week with numerous activities.

These included Mass, an Open Day, Mothers Day Prayer and Celebration and Coolah Cross Country.

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 26

Mudgee Parish Hosts Fund Raiser for WYD Pilgrims

I

n Mudgee recently, St Mary’s Parish hosted its annual fund raising dinner to support our Mudgee World Youth Day Pilgrims travelling to Madrid in August this year.

This is our second year of hosting the dinner as a fund raiser evening. St Mary’s Parish has always been very supportive of our youth and it was a great opportunity for them to put faces to names of those going to Madrid in August. We had a great organising committee and through the generosity of our parish we were able to have a great night and raise funds to assist our pilgrims.

We celebrated the evening at The Brewery hosted by Garry, Debbie and Amy Leonard - a great venue for a night of fun, trivia and famous faces, with a special guest speaker. Fr Greg Bellamy did a wonderful job as our Master of Ceremonies and he and Fr Garry McKeown both managed to win prizes in our raffle. We were even joined for the evening by Wellington residents, Mark Williams and Jess Frost.

We have five pilgrims going to Madrid from Mudgee; Lucy Bryant, Amy Leonard, Tennille Gaffney, Ross McKeown and Fr Greg Bellamy. For some of our pilgrims, this was their first opportunity to meet and get to know each other, whilst assisting in the fund raising evening.

Our guest speaker, Mrs Kath Evans, accompanied by her husband Barry, came and spoke of her

journey through her illness, and her miraculous cure from cancer, allowing the canonisation of Mary MacKillop. For some who had the opportunity to hear Kath speak at Mudgee prior to going to Rome, it was lovely to be able to hear of her adventures in Rome and the celebrations that she was a part of.

Kath also shared with us the beautiful

poem her son had written as a young boy struggling to accept his mum was dying - something Kath herself said has taken her a long time to be able to share with everyone. Let me say it was pretty touching to listen to and challenged most people in the room not to dive for the tissues.

Debbie Lowe

4 Lewis St Mudgee 6372 1742 www.stmattsmudgee.nsw.edu.au CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 27

Rice and Fish dinner an eye opener I

The main reason the rebels came was to kidnap the boys from the school.

They were to be made into “child soldiers”. These boys were made to carry heavy loads and forced to run with them. Often they were caned if they were too slow. At night they were put into deep holes so they couldn’t escape. The only food they got was nuts and water.

n April, the Social Justice Group for Portland, Lithgow and Wallerawang organised a “Rice and Fish dinner” to raise funds for Caritas and also raise awareness of the people they help.

We invited two guest speakers, Anna Dimo and Marin Dhuo; as I had journeyed with newly arrived refugees, I knew we needed to hear their stories.

About 15 years ago, Anna met Sr. Maria Sullivan and myself at the Ashfield Church and in very broken English gave us a crumpled letter from the Priest in Sudan which said, “Please look after Anna. She has suffered a lot because of her Faith”.

The time and distance disappeared as we sat around the kitchen table at the convent in Portland and heard Marin’s story. I had first met Marin when he arrived in Australia eight years ago but little did I know his connection with Sr. Moira Lynch, the OLSH nun who was kidnapped In Sudan.

Helen Sullivan rsj Here are their stories…..

After about two months, my husband paid the man who put me into prison to get me out. My husband had to pay someone to put me on a plane to Egypt. It was not safe for me to go by train as the government wanted to arrest me and put me back into prison.

I went to a refugee camp in Egypt.

Thank you for listening to my story. I am very happy in Australia.

Anna Dimo

I was lucky not to be kidnapped. I was too small and skinny. Martha, my sister, knew we had to run away before I was taken. Martha had two children aged about four and two years. We had to get to Kenya. A truck driver offered to help us but we had to hide in the back of his truck. We were stopped many times, but God looked after us. When we arrived in Uganda the driver told us we had to walk the last 300kms.

I was tired, hungry, thirsty, frightened and had no shoes. God sent a priest along who was on a bike and he gave us money for the bus. No one would stop so we walked for many kilometres. Then a U.N. bus picked us up and took us to the refugee camp in Kenya.

Anna Dimo I was a teacher in Sudan for five years and my school was very near an Islamic school. One day the government closed our school and told all the children to go to the Islamic one. They were supposed to become Muslims.

Because I was a teacher, I was accused of being against the Government and a spy. They tried to put me into prison so I took my four children and 3 other children with me to Egypt.

When I was in Egypt, my brother-inlaw died. Because of our strong family commitments I knew I had to take his body back to Khartoum, Sudan and I also knew I would be in big trouble when I got there.

I stayed with my husband, but one day the government spies came and took me to prison. They said I was a spy. I was pregnant, too. The prison was a big room with no windows. It was like a big, cold ice-chest. It was cold and dark with no air and no light. We had to go to the toilet there on the floor. They threw us bread and gave us a little water.

Marin Dhuol I was born in Yirol, Sudan. I was about four years old when the enemy from the North attacked my town. We all were asleep and everyone ran when they heard the guns and screaming.

My sister Martha took my hand and we lost our parents.

God looked after us. The Missionaries found us. We stayed in that bush and made our small camps. I began my primary school there. The sisters were Moira Lynch and Mary Bachelor. The priests were Fr. Michael Burton and Fr. Raphael. I loved my school and we had lots of fun and it was a good place to live.

A very bad thing happened in 1996 when the Missionaries were kidnapped.

The rebels said they were spies and each had to receive 100 lashes of the cane. Fr. Raphael, the Sudanese priest, begged the rebels not to cane the Sisters and said he would take the caning for the other Missionaries, too.

He was given 400 lashes and couldn’t walk. He died some years later.

When I came to Australia about eight years ago, I met Sr. Helen and she knew Sr. Moira. That made me very happy. My sister Martha is still in the refugee camp in Kenya and how I wish I could bring her here because she saved me. Thank you.

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 28

Marin

Assumption School – Bathurst Farewell Mr Toole

Anzac Day

efore the Holy Thursday Liturgy, so reverently led by Year 4 students, the School farewelled teacher Paul Toole and wished him well in his future career as State Member for Bathurst.

t was indeed an honour to march for the Commemoration Service with Mr Nugent and Mrs Bower on Anzac Day, along with Kamania and Zanthie Reid, Dominic, Ben and Molly McCrossin, Izaac and Lucy Molenkamp, Nick Marwood, Phoebe Morrison, Olivia and Andrew Chie, Rosie Wood, Georgina Wills, Lachlan Melville, Georgia and Katie Cuzner, Eva, Angus and Zara Peck, Martin and Ben Rudgley, Macy HunterKnight, Danika and Caitlin Stevens, Madalene and Hope Coombes, Chloe Roberts, Annabelle Hockey, Georgia Marston, Jayden Gore, James Schumacher, Archie and Elsie Staines. These 33 students represented the school proudly and reflected on the true Anzac spirit.

B

I

The tribute began with words of farewell by Principal Mr Peter Nugent. Captains led the prayers and memories and presented Paul with a plaque outlining 20 years of service to the teaching profession, in particular 17 years of dedication at The Assumption School. Moving tributes were given by Mr Marshall, Mrs Fran Terry, (former parent), Sarah Dwyer (an ex-student), Year 6 pupil, Izaac Molenkamp and P& F President, Alison Knight. The School gave Paul a beautiful watch and the P&F presented him with a handmade wooden box. As Nick Marwood said, “We thank you, Mr Toole, for your happy personality and your untiring enthusiasm, as well as your positive and generous contribution to our School. We hope you will be as blessed in the future.” The tribute concluded with the whole School singing the Irish Blessing for him.

Therese Hooper REC

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Our family caring for your family CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 29

Josephites gather in Bathurst L

eaders of the Australian-Aotearoa/ New Zealand Federation of the Sisters of St Joseph met recently at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst for their 24th Annual Meeting. Sisters from Goulburn, Lochinvar, Whanganui (New Zealand) and Tasmania met with Sisters from the Bathurst Diocese.

On the first evening, the Sisters gathered with local Sisters at Perthville for a social time together. Perthville, the link site of all Josephites in Australia, is also the place from which all foundations of the Federation were made during the 1880s.

One of the main purposes of the formal meeting was to strengthen the existing close bonds which link all the groups to St Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods. The meetings focused on issues of mutual concern, especially in relation to their mission of responding to the needs around the Sisters - for example people in rural areas, people who are refugees and the care of the environment. A specific area of concern raised by the Justice Group related to the trafficking of women. Of interest is the recent move to make connections with all Josephite Sisters who were founded from Le Puy in France. Fr Woods was influenced by this community when he founded the Sisters of St Joseph at Penola.

Sr Catherine Shelton of Whanganui, was elected President of the Federation, Sr Therese McGarry of Perthville, Vice President and Jo Brady of Tasmania, Treasurer.

A Conference dinner was held at Charles Sturt University where the Sisters were addressed by Ruth Townley, an ex-student of MacKillop College and a former volunteer with Josephite Community Aid. Ruth spoke of her time in Southern Sudan where she worked for the rehabilitation of Child Soldiers.

A relaxed day was spent together visiting significant historic sites at Perthville, Newbridge, Blayney, Millthorpe, Forest Reefs, Orange, German Hill (now Lidster) and Borenore.

The Sisters in early foundations in these places had close contact with both Mother Mary and Father Julian.

The Sisters will meet again next year in May in Tasmania to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the first foundation made in Westbury in 1887.

Leaders of the five Federation Congregations (left to right) Srs Noelene Quinane (Goulburn), Jillian Dance (Hobart), Lauretta Baker, (Lochinvar), Therese McGarry, (Perthville) and Catherine Shelton Whanganui (N.Z.)

BISHOP NORTON’S DIARY – 1939 Edited by Fr Tim Cahill JANUARY...

1. 6 and 7 in Cathedral. Hot Day. 2. Mass in Oratory. Went by car to Avoca for the Golden Jubilee of the little Church there. It was built

by Fr Mathias Walsh, Bishop Byrne choosing the site. I presided in cappa at the High Mass of which the Celebrant was Fr Dunne. Mgr Flanagan preached one of his usual very interesting sermons. There was a motor accident on the road to Avoca in which some cars going to the Mass were involved, fortunately not with serious damage & no injury to anybody. We had dinner at Oberon. A very hot day even there.

To Bathurst after tea. Oberon mission. Fathers O’Hea op (???) cm approved.

3. (No Entry) 4. Mass in St Joseph’s. Came to Bathurst with Fr Scanlan & went to Sydney by train.

5. Mass in St Mary’s. Had swim in prenoon at Coogee Baths. Delightful. Spent all the afternoon & evening with Brother C. G. Conlon of the Perth Christian Brothers & Lieut. Commander McKnight on the Child Immigration question at St Mary’s. Former has whole affair at his fingertips as he has worked out this scheme in W.A. He expects to return to England & if he does is willing to take up this work for N.S.W.

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 30

Holy Family School – Kelso Strengthening Parish and School links

H

Movie with Mum!

oly Family School Year 5 students recently took up Fr Pat O’Regan’s invitation to participate in the recent Cathedral Parish Anointing Mass.

The students joined with parishioners as Fr Pat, along with Fr Tony Mannix and Fr Mark McGuigan, celebrated Mass.

Following Mass, the students assisted with the serving of morning tea.

This was a good opportunity for students of the Parish to meet and greet parishioners. It is hoped the school students will make further opportunities to strengthen links between the school and parish.

Kevin Arrow Principal

H

oly Family School had a wonderful night celebrating Mothers Day at the Metro 5 Cinema. To celebrate Mothers Day, our students were invited to bring their mums to the movies for the night! The event for Wednesday night was a sell out with 500 seats and the two large cinemas booked. Bringing your mum to the movies is a great bonding and connecting activity for the students. This is a special way for the children to acknowledge their mums.

Holy Family School Principal, Mr Kevin Arrow said “This is the fourth time we have held our Movie With Mum night and the event seems to get bigger each year with mums, grandmums and children all coming along to enjoy the quality time together. We owe special thanks to Metro 5 for assisting the School and sponsoring the event again in 2011.”

The school community enjoyed ‘HOP!’ a movie about a naughty Easter bunny!

School Captains presenting a cheque for $1,511.00 to the co-ordinating teachers of the Mothers Day movie fundraiser

Monique Price, Makeeley Potter, Jay Webber and Connor Lavelle with Fr Pat O’Regan in the Cathedral Parish Centre after the Anointing Mass

School staff co-ordinated the night and it included a raffle to raise money to go towards breast cancer research. This gives the night a community action purpose as well as celebrating Mothers Day in a unique way. Local businesses have been supporting the raffle with prizes and we thank Metro 5, Al Dente, Bunnings, Down Under Cellars, Viva, Tupperware, The Hub, Gorgeousness, Regency Jewellers and all who have assisted Holy Family School with this event.

Kevin Arrow Principal

We cater for the mature figure and figure problems – mostly elastic waists • Sizes 8 to 32

• Senior discount or alterations free

• Lots of dresses and blouses

• Nursing home styles a speciality

• Lightweight clothes with long sleeves

• Wheelchair sized fitting room

• Pant and skirt suits

• Lovely range of maternity wear

• Wool coats to Size 24 • Huge range of cardigans and pants with pockets • Pleated, straight and gored skirts – longer lengths • Good quality at a reasonable price • Half price alterations on clothes bought at Marietta’s • General alteration and repair service

231-233 George St Bathurst 2795 Ph 6331 1078 Fax 6337 6552 Easy Parking near the cinema

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 31

Mini Vinnies - Maxi Effort

S

t. Joseph’s School in Oberon recently launched a Mini Vinnies group in our School community.

Mini Vinnies is a social justice group of students in Year 5 through to Year 10.

This group of people will get together to help those in need within the school and local community. Mini Vinnies introduces students to social justice issues and to living faith through action.

The mission statement of Mini Vinnies aspires us to live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.

Some of the activities and services that Vinnies offer around Australia include; home visitation, St Vincent de Paul shops, homeless refugees, soup kitchens, migrant and refugee centres, youth programs, oversees partnerships and development, community services and aged care. Oberon’s Mini-Vinnies will undertake some of these initiatives also.

Poverty is one of the main issues we will address within our local area. Nelson Mandela once said that “like slavery, poverty is not natural. It is man made and it can be overcome by the actions of human beings. And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to

dignity and a decent life.”

At our first meeting we had 27 students attend - this is fantastic! I am so proud of the students taking on the initiative, well done. The next meeting will discuss the Winter Sleepout. If we all gave of ourselves more willingly, the world would be a better place.

Erin McCort - REC

St. John’s Primary - Dubbo

R

ecently, St. John’s Primary in Dubbo organised a ‘free dress day’ to raise money for St. Mary’s Laidley, a school in Queensland which was badly affected by the recent floods.

We also raffled off a Family Pass for a Year to ‘Kidzoo’, an indoor play centre located in Dubbo. The generosity displayed by the St. John’s School

community was fantastic. The School raised $532.45 which has been sent off to Saint Mary’s, for them to purchase new sporting equipment. Classes have also written letters to students in the same year level to develop a pen pal relationship.

Carmen Gain Fundraising Organiser

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 32

St. Brigid’s - Coonamble R ecently, Year 4 students and members of the School Choir participated in the Narrabri Eisteddfod, at The Crossing Theatre. The organisers were very welcoming and helped the children to feel comfortable and relaxed. A very supportive group of parents had seats in the gallery, while the students sat in the hall with all the other competitors. The Year 4 Choir sang their songs beautifully and with great enthusiasm instilled

by Mrs Storer. The students then waited for three sections to be completed until it was the turn for the school choir to perform. In the interim, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the variety of items presented by the other schools.

The Choir began with the five boys; Jamyn Cleary, Harry Thompson, Jarrod Colwell, Paddy Keady and Cameron Markey singing a song from Oliver. The girls followed with a very entertaining performance from Annie, then the boys and girls joined to sing ‘Tomorrow’.

After each song, the audience in the hall and gallery, erupted into applause and cheers. The students were fabulous. The adjudicators’ com-

ments were very positive and by a process of elimination, everyone deduced that the St Brigid’s School Choir were the winners. The choir received a trophy that is displayed in the office for all to see.

The Year 4 Choir was placed equal third in their section. The children were trained and inspired to achieve and excel by Mrs Pam Storer, Mrs Liz Markey and Mrs Ang Thompson.

Patricia Crawley

Aid to the Church in Need PO Box 6245 Blacktown DC NSW 2148 Phone/Fax No: (02) 9679-1929

E-mail: info@aidtochurch.org Web: www.aidtochurch.org

Please send me Number

Amount

_______

Children’s Rosary booklet ($3)*

_______

Children’s Rosary booklet and

the Eucharistic Rosary ($18)*

________

Charity Donation (optional)

________

Total enclosed

..............

________

*Postage included, Limit of 5 booklets and rosaries per order

I enclose a cheque/money order payable to Aid to the Church in Need OR please debit my Visa or Mastercard

OBS

The new booklet Children Praying the Rosary, published by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), encourages children to learn more about the lives of Jesus and Mary. It is beautifully illustrated by the Spanish nun, Minen Sorne, with images taken from the highly successful ACN Child’s Bible. Each Mystery of the Rosary is accompanied by a short Gospel passage, a meditation and a short prayer couched in easy and accessible language for children. This booklet is a precious addition to the Child’s Bible and the Little Catechism already published by ACN. It would also make a beautiful gift for First Holy Communion.

This beautiful little booklet is now available for a donation of $3.00. Also available are the Eucharistic Rosary beads, dsigned by the Vatican rosary makers featuring the hands of the priest during the Consecration with the reverse side depicting the Merciful Jesus of Sr Faustina. the crucifix shows the crucified Christ on the grapevine.

To obtain the Child’s Rosary booklet and Eucharistic Rosary we ask for a donation of $18.00 (includes postage). All proceeds will go towards the work of ACN for the poor and persecuted Church worldwide.

0000 0000 0000 0000 Exp. Date____/____ Signature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE

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Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postcode . . . . . . . . .

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Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 33

James Sheahan Catholic High School – Orange The importance of Caritas

St. John’s Primary School Baradine

D

uring Lent, James Sheahan Catholic High School in Orange focused its support for social justice causes on Caritas Australia.

The Student Representative Council and School Leaders encouraged the School community to support this organisation through a variety of activities and challenges. A pancake breakfast was held for staff and students. The leaders had to arrive at school very early to ensure that enough pancakes were cooked before the buses arrived! This event was very well received and raised valuable funds for Caritas.

The SRC developed a ‘roll call Caritas challenge’. Each roll call class was asked to make donations each day. Students were asked to consider giving money that they may have spent on treats for themselves to those in greater need throughout the world. Roll call classes competed against each other in school house groups to try and raise the largest amount of money. There was a small incentive of a BBQ for the house that raised the greatest amount.

The total raised for Project Compassion was just over $2,000 with one class raising $368. As well as helping those in need, it developed a great sense of community within the School.

Lynelle Maguire

Biggest Morning Tea at Chancery

Brandon Worrell with his Sponsor Julie Hawkins and Ethan Andrews with his Sponsor Rose Dewson after their Confirmation by Bishop McKenna in April.

T

he newly formed Chancery/CDF social club held its inaugural social event by hosting a Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council last month.

Donations were by gold coin and organisers Sandra Robinson, Lynette Safranek and Helen Howard were delighted to be able to send over $200 to the Cancer Council. Chancery and CDF staff are looking forward to the next event!

St James’ Parish - Blayney

A

special feature of the St James’ Parish Blayney Holy Thursday Mass was the attendance of local Service men and women.

Representatives from SES, Ambulance, Rural Fire Brigade and Police were on hand to celebrate this significant occasion.

During his homily, Fr Tim Cahill challenged those present to follow Jesus’ example in giving service to those people in need.

With Service men and women after the Holy Thursday Mass

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 34

St. Patrick’s – Lithgow Journey of Faith

O

ver the past few months, myself and three other candidates had the pleasure of beginning our journey to join the Catholic Faith.

Our R.C.I.A group was guided forward on our journey by Sr. Anne Houston, and what a fabulous journey we’ve had. We learnt an amazing amount of information about the Catholic Church and its history, made new friends and were a part of, and witness to, the Easter Vigil, where we were accepted into the Catholic Faith. Our journey has been a wonderful one which I would sincerely encourage anyone thinking of, to undertake.

Easter in Lithgow

T

he month of April is such a busy one, and this year was extra busy with a five day Easter break that included Anzac Day. The School holidays were also during this time, so many Lithgow families took the opportunity to celebrate Easter with families and friends afar. What a delight it was to have many visitors to our parish. We hope they enjoyed their time with us and that we will see them again in the future.

Tracey Young

Newly received into the Catholic Church at Easter - Tracey Young, Elissa Young, Meloney Tesoriero, and Don Kipp with Sr Anne and Parish Priest Fr Owen Gibbons.

Cowra girl puts her feet where her faith is…..

W

hen Jessica Meyers, a Y8 student at St Raphael’s Catholic School in Cowra, was discussing how to make the world a better place in her Religion class, she knew she wanted to do something.

her. “Your support in sponsorship and words of encouragement has helped me help Caritas and I am happy knowing together we have helped those who are less fortunate”.

Fiona Gallagher

Jess decided to do a 20 kilometre walk from the street where she lives to the steps of St Raphael’s Catholic Church and raise as much money for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion as she could - with a goal and hope of reaching $1,000.00.

With just over a week until her walk, Jessica got busy looking for people to sponsor her. On Thursday 6th April, Jessica completed her four hour walk and was welcomed by Parish Priest Fr Laurie Beath and her Principal, Mr Michael Gallagher.

With the help of many people, Jessica was able to present a total of $2,310.25 to Fr Laurie for Caritas Australia Jessica would like to publically thank those who supported and sponsored

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 35

The Life of Mavis Clare O’Brien Sister Mary de Paul, rsm

M

avis Clare O’Brien was the second youngest of Denis Joseph and Ada Jane O’Brien’s nine children. The family lived at Mendooran where Mavis attended the local State School.

She came to St. Mary’s College in Bathurst for her secondary schooling. She had decided to enter the convent in her last year of schooling, but on returning home found her father facing a cancer operation. She helped her mother nurse her father, enjoyed the social life of Mendooran, and remained with her younger brother Jim, as the only two members of the family left at home at that time. Her father died in February 1933 and she came to the Novitiate at St Joseph’s Mount on the Feast of the Sacred Heart in June that year.

After her Novitiate training Sister Mary de Paul, as she became known, was sent to Sydney University to study for an Arts Degree and a Diploma of Education. These were war years and de Paul lived at Sancta Sophia College, enjoying the learning, whilst at the same time having access to many of the members of her family who lived in Sydney. One of her nieces told me of the family gatherings of this time with Mavis in the midst of the conversations and debates, holding forth with vibrant voice and raised hands demonstrating her point of view.

Remembrances of the fun of these family gatherings were very special for this niece’s sense of family history.

They would be repeated many times over the years and especially more recently at Sister de Paul’s 90th Birthday celebrations.

Sister Mary de Paul spoke unobtrusively on many occasions of her years of teaching that followed this training - “I became part of the teaching profession in various schools of the Bathurst Diocese, starting in Orange,” she wrote when reflecting on her life in 2005. She taught in Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Wellington and Mudgee, was Principal on a number of occasions, Superior of the Mercy Community for a period of three years and a member of the Congregation Council for four years. An acknowledged leader

and fearless speaker for causes dear to her heart - the set of her jaw said everything about her determination to accomplish what she believed as right - she made her mark on the education scene, especially in the education of girls. So many will remember the concerts, the St Patrick’s Day Marches, the Table Decorations, the Sports Days, the Drama Play Days she guided so admirably.

She also wrote on one occasion recently - “I made many friends amongst the students and I still retain a good memory for faces, though not always names! I think my personality was suited to being a teacher like several members of my family.”

We saw that in practice over many years as she organised reunions at St Mary’s and St. Stanislaus College. We know of many women in significant roles in our Australian society who acknowledge her friendship and guidance in their lives. We know of many women who kept in touch with her for years after they left school and had their own families.

She admitted to being a social being –“recently I had a letter from an ex-student in Adelaide 40 years after her schooling!” Her delight at receiving this letter was evident.

When, in the late 1980s, she was joined in community in Bathurst by her dear friend Sister Marie Eustelle, they could be available for different ministries such as that encouraged

by Sister Pat Linnane at the Bathurst

Courthouse. They wrote of it – “Once a month we are rostered to be at the Courthouse to serve coffee, tea, juices, and in winter time, a Cup-asoup, all at a minimum cost, to those wishing to avail themselves of this service… we find this to be a splendid opportunity for a friendly word to those who are often distraught.”

They both became familiar figures around Bathurst, bringing a spirit of compassion and mercy to the sick, the aged and groups like the Cathedral St. Vincent de Paul Conference. They took the Eucharist to the homes of these people. This sensitivity to suffering had been a continuous thread in Sister de Paul’s life. In Orange at Croagh Patrick Orphanage, again in her ministry in Dubbo and then in Mudgee, she refined it, and gave it her full attention as she had everything else she did.

I believe that she was caught in the paradox of her approach to perfection, full womanhood as she saw it and manners, refinement and power as had been defined by her own teachers and family. She had adjusted her clothing, her delight in people, her ability to be a member of the Mercy Congregation as it changed and grew after Vatican II, but she found it very hard to modify her expectations of social conventions, behaviours and manners.

The mathematician and the sensitive artist, carer and profoundly spiritual woman found it hard to be together in this one personality.

If you were one to suffer from her approach be assured it would never have been her intention to hurt you, but rather to challenge you. Know that beneath the harsh word was a desire to better and improve, even if she hardly understood that herself. Beneath the ambiguities was the strong human being, the very spiritual Religious, vulnerable like us all, but rejoicing humbly in every moment of her life and endeavouring to live it to the full.

Sister Mary de Paul was indeed a woman of Mercy!

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 36

Paula M. Smith rsm, May 2011

St. Patrick’s Parish - Wellington A Century of Caring

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community service society was honoured when earlier this year, Wellington’s local Conference of Saint Vincent de Paul celebrated 100 years of charity work.

They commemorated 100 years of caring and sharing with the needy, while enjoying a sense of community with their customers and volunteers.

On the actual date in January, the Conference attended a special Mass for the souls of all departed members, in keeping with the spiritual side of Society. A week later, this was followed by a day of celebration in the Family Centre for all Centre volunteers and visitors. This proved to be a great opportunity for enjoying what the Centre stands for and also to have a bit of fun.

Fr. Tony Hennessy, Michael Brien (SVDP Manager of Wellington shop), Gillian Ferguson, Pauline Horne, Mayor Anne Jones and Dan Sullivan.

20th March celebrations commenced with a special Mass at 10am which also involved the installation of the new president, Mrs Pauline Horne. This Mass was celebrated by Parish Priest Fr Tony Hennessy and was described as a very moving celebration.

Following this was a tour of the recently renovated Family Centre, during which morning tea was served.

Mayor of Wellington, Anne Jones, spoke about the Society’s presence in Wellington, and of its wonderful contribution to the community.

Following her was the Diocesan President Gillian Ferguson, who focused on the spirituality of the Society before Fr Tony said Grace.

The 56 guests then enjoyed a sumptuous meal.

Then the invited guests, a mixture of past and present members, arrived for lunch at Wellington Soldiers Club where the Conference’s youngest member, Mark William, chaired the proceedings.

Dan Sullivan, the Regional President of Castlereagh Region, of which Wellington is a member, thanked the Society for its outstanding efforts and hard work. Concluding the speeches was the oldest current member of 43

years, Michael White, who explored the Society’s history internationally, nationally and regionally, and recollected the various Presidents he had served under.

Memorabilia depicting the 100 years of service by Wellington’s Conference of Saint Vincent de Paul was displayed both at the Church and the luncheon, to honour and respect the hard work this Society has done, what it has accomplished, and will continue to accomplish, for the community.

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 37

Catherine Kneipp

Milestones past, present and future for Diocese

I

n late 2009, Bishop Michael established a Committee comprising representatives from the Diocese and the Cathedral Finance Committee, to investigate and report on a project to repair and restore the Cathedral of Ss Michael and John; its exterior and other physical aspects, such as the foundations.

Time and weather have led to extensive deterioration in much of the external sandstone and brickwork of the Cathedral; and the south-west corner around the Blessed Sacrament chapel and sacristy suffers from serious salt attack and rising damp.

The initial planning has been completed and so comes the challenge of raising funds to undertake the necessary repairs and restoration over the next few years.

The overall objective is to complete as much as possible by 2015 - a significant date for the Diocese, being our Sesqui-centenary. It is also the Bi-centenary of Bathurst.

It seems certain that the first Mass to be celebrated in Bathurst was said by the famous pioneer priest Fr John Joseph Therry on 1st or 2nd November 1830, when he was called from Sydney to attend the execution of a convict, Ralf Entwistle.

In those days, Bathurst was “the remotest part of the colony” and Mass was likely said in a room over a

stable at an inn at Kelso. However, it does appear that Catholic laity had begun some form of worship by 1824 - just 11 years after the crossing of the Blue Mountains.

The Catholic Observer is published by the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst (Diocesan Publications)

This year has special significance for the Cathedral, being the Sesquicentenary of its opening on the present site. It was dedicated as a Cathedral 1865. On the anniversary of the Dedication, 29th June 2011, Bishop Michael will celebrate the 5.45pm Mass in the Cathedral and commission members of a newly established Committee, whose task it is to raise funds to assist in the restoration and refurbishment of the Cathedral. The Patrons of this new Committee are Mr Paul Toole MP and Mrs Maureen Pike.

PO Box 246, Bathurst, NSW, 2795 ph:(02) 6334 6400 fax:(02) 6331 9453 email: observer@bathurst.catholic.org.au Editor/Advertising ~ Fiona Lewis Designer ~ Jacqui Callcut Printed by Rural Press Printing, Richmond NSW All material in this magazine is copyright and may be reproduced only with the written permission of the Editor.

Consultation and planning will soon commence on possible interior changes to meet liturgical needs and changes to the surrounds and precinct of the Cathedral.

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

Parishioners are invited to attend this special Mass to offer their prayerful support for the success of this milestone project in the life of the Diocese and the community of Bathurst; and for the Committee members who have taken up this mantle. Please support them and their endeavours with your prayers - and in any way you can. They are giving generously of their talents and time so we can restore what was built for us by so many faithful men and women all those years ago.

BATHURST CENTRAL COUNCIL - SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL 27-31 McNamara Street Orange NSW 2800 Phone: 02 6362 2565 Fax: 02 6362 2830

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Helping people to help themselves by giving a “hand up” not a “hand out”. To make a donation to the Society, Visit your local St Vincent de Paul Centre or complete the following for cheque/money order/credit card donation YES, I WANT TO HELP, Please find enclosed my gift of

$25

Cheque

Visa Card

Mastercard

Money Order

0000 0000 0000 0000

$50

$75

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Other $ Expiry Date:

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Signature:_____________________________________________________

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ P/Code: ____________ Phone No: (h)_____________________________________ (w)____________________________________________

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Please send me some information about leaving a gift in my Will.

Please make cheques payable to the Society of St Vincent de Paul and send to PO BOX 8317, ORANGE NSW 2800

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 38

MSC Mission Office 

PO Box 177, NSW 1465  Ph: 02 9697 0983 / 9662 7188  Email: mscmisio@acon.com.au  www.australia.mscmission.org 



    Water Project: a school with 300 students in the rural area of Guatemala is seeking assistance for clean water. Currently, students have to walk 3 km daily to bathe & wash.

The local Government has no interest in helping them. Drilling cost is high, due to all equipment needing to be tranported 400km from the nearest town. We are seeking $63,000 - Can you help?

Disadvantaged Youth: Australian sister-Mary Batchelor (85) has been working in Mapourdit, a small rural village in the diocese of Rumbek South Sudan and is seeking financial help for providing students to continue their education as they come from disadvantaged families. She has 1000 students at the primary school. We are seeking $20,000 - Are you able to help her?

HIV/Aids: New cases of HIV/Aids in poor countries has increased dramatically. The Mission office has offered to support several HIV/Aids awareness programs. Anyone interested in supporting our programs?

Priestly Formation: For anyone interested it costs an approx $4,000 per year to train a seminarian. 

I wish to support:

Clean Water Projects

HIV/Aids Programs

Children's Programs

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Please debit my credit card: Visa / Master / Amex

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

 

 CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 39

BLAST Radius

T

his year BLAST is in July, with final arrangements coming together.

BLAST is the festival for young people in years 6 to 9, largely run by our youth leaders from years 10 to young adult.

It is an amazing weekend of peer-to-peer witness of faith an opportunity to build resilience for facing the chaos and multiplicity of the world with the foundation of faith.

BLAST 2011, as always changing and enriching, has a new twist. BLAST Radius. “A blast radius is the distance from the source that will be affected when an explosion occurs”.

We talk about BLAST being an explosion of possibilities, well BLAST Radius is about being advocates for young people experiencing possibility and developing their faith.

BLAST Radius is a new program that will run simultaneously with the youth program, however this one is for adults. We always have a number of adults who come as supervisors and parish leaders, but this time we are extending the invitation to adults in parishes and schools who what to know how to better engage their young people in their community.

BLAST Radius will be faciliatated by Fuzz Kitto of Spirited Consulting, a highly coveted and experienced presenter on all things ministry, who has a big heart for engaging youth.

General registrations for BLAST are now closed, but if you would like to be involved in BLAST Radius it is not too late. If you would like to come for a single day, or live close enough to come both days and not need accommodation, then you can still make it. Saturday 10-4pm $50, Sunday 9-2pm $40.

Contact Gabrielle by July 1st 0448464491 or youth@bathurst.catholic.org.au

Servicing the people of Orange and District Community

“Offering helpful advice and care” Proudly and Locally owned by John and Cath Murphy 1 Cameron Place, Orange NSW 2800 Phone: 02 6360 1199 Fax: 02 6360 2999 www.orangefuneral.com.au CATHOLIC OBSERVER - JUNE EDITION - PAGE 40