The Catholic Observer - September 2019

Volume 56, No 3 SEPTEMBER 2019 $2.00

New deacons for the Diocese

COMMUNION AND FORMATION

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he Australian bishops travelled to Rome in late June 2019, at the invitation of Pope Francis, to make our pilgrimage ad limina Apostolorum (to the threshold of the Apostles). The last time we made this visit was to Pope Benedict in 2011. The purpose of the visit is to affirm and strengthen our communion with the Universal Church, in the person of the Successor of Peter. I would like to share with you some reflections on how that purpose was achieved.

These pilgrimages are also a time of spiritual, intellectual, human and pastoral formation for the bishops who undertake them. A recurring theme in our meeting with the Pope and with the various departments of the Holy See was a reminder of our responsibilities as pastors to see that the people entrusted to our care, including the clergy, are nourished in this way too.

I We began by making a six day retreat together in Ariccia, about 30 km south east of Rome, in the hills around Lake Albano. It was a few degrees cooler there than in the city, which was a welcome relief.

The retreat centre, operated by the Paulists, is surrounded by a large area of protected forest; and there was plenty of room in the grounds and the large complex of buildings to walk and find places for silent prayer.

The routine of the retreat was simple. After morning prayer together, the retreat director, Ian Cribb SJ, would give a brief talk and propose scripture passages for our reflection during the day, which we spent in silence. It was up to us to choose times and places for three one hour sessions meditating on one or more of the Bible readings. Then, in the early evening, before Mass

and dinner, we gathered in small groups to share what the Lord had been saying to each of us in these times of prayer.

As those who participate in Word and Faith groups, or other forms of shared lectio divina would know, this can be a strong experience of hearing the Spirit speak through others and an enrichment of our communion as fellow pilgrims on the road with Jesus. It was certainly a moment in which the collegial spirit among the bishops was deepened and when we remembered what and who is at the heart of our mission.

II Back in the summer heat of Rome, we stayed together at Domus Australia, where the Rector, Monsignor John Boyle and his team made us very welcome. We filled up the place, so we had it to ourselves.

It was good to “come home” in the evening, change out of our formal wear and enjoy a cold beer as we talked about the day.

The week was packed with meetings and formal occasions and, in the midst of it, oases of prayer together as we travelled to each of the major basilicas to celebrate Mass. A

community of priests and lay people, based in Rome, called Opera della Chiesa, looked after our transport with great efficiency and kindness.

The most important meeting, of course, was with Pope Francis. We all sat down together with him for almost two and a half hours. He seemed as fresh and sharp at the end of the discussion as at the beginning. He encouraged us to speak frankly and openly and moved the dialogue along in that way himself.

My impression was that, while he was clearsighted and compassionate about the many troubles of the world and in and for the churches today, he spoke as one with hope in the coming of the Kingdom, and alert to the signs of its life here and now. The Successor of Peter gave us encouragement.

The encounter with the Pope was followed by four days of meetings with the heads and senior officials of the various dicasteries (departments) who assist him in particular areas of Church life. There are 56 offices (you can see the list at http://w2.vatican.va/ content/romancuria/en.html ); and, no, we didn’t visit all of them, but those with whom we wished to give and receive

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advice on important questions facing us today.

For example, one matter which came up at several dicasteries was our planning for the Australian Plenary Council in 2020-2021. These discussions impressed me as an example of practical communion with the Universal Church: a way of expanding our vision and understanding, beyond the limits of our local experience, to remember and draw strength from the fact that we are part of something larger.

III The spiritual component of the pilgrimage, of which the retreat was such an important part, was woven through the week in Rome in personal prayer and, as I have already noted, in our liturgies, especially at the four major basilicas.

We began and ended at the tomb of St Peter. On Monday, we celebrated Mass in the grottoes of the basilica and recited together the Apostles Creed facing the tomb.

Saturday was the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul and we concelebrated with the Pope around the main altar.

We then watched him and Archbishop Job, representing

the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, go together to pray at Arnolfo di Cambio’s famous statue of St Peter.

On the Wednesday we travelled outside the walls to St Paul’s, where the remains of the “last of the Apostles” awaits the Resurrection. It is also where the remains of Francis Xavier Conaci, an indigenous teenager from Western Australia, who had joined the Benedictine community in Rome and died there in 1853, await that glorious day. After Mass and

our recitation of the Creed at Paul’s tomb, we moved to the spot where Conaci was buried and Bishop Chris Saunders led us in remembrance and prayer.

That day marked my 10th anniversary as Bishop of Bathurst and the prayers of our local church that I had carried to Rome had a special resonance.

We also offered Mass at St John Lateran, the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome and so “mother of all the churches”; and at St Mary’s, the basilica

erected in the fifth century to celebrate the title of Mother of God. In the baroque side chapel where we gathered is the more ancient icon of Mary, protector of Rome, where Pope Francis goes to pray each time he departs from and returns to Rome on a long trip.

IV I hope that this brief recollection conveys that the ad limina visit is not a formality, nor a mere bureaucratic duty.

We can communicate around the world very easily these days, but there is no substitute

for the personal encounter.

It is, after all, in personal encounters with one another that our Church lives her daily life. I am grateful to God for an experience of formation and communion which I pray will bear fruit in my ministry with and for God’s People of the Diocese of Bathurst.

Our Lady of the Central West, St Patrick and St Mary of the Cross, pray for us.

+Michael McKenna Bishop of Bathurst

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New deacons for the Diocese

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n 19th July 2019, Bishop Michael McKenna ordained Karl Sinclair and Dong Van Nguyen as deacons in the Cathedral of St Michael and St John, Bathurst.

Both Karl and Dong have recently completed studies at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Homebush. Deacon Karl is currently on placement at St Mary of the Presentation Parish, Mudgee while Deacon Guests travelled from Dong is on placement at St Vietnam, Sydney, Melbourne Patrick’s Parish, Lithgow. and across the Diocese to Please continue to pray celebrate with both men as for Karl and Dong as they they entered the Order of continue on their journey to the Diaconate. Visiting from priesthood.

Dong’s home was Bishop Peter Kimbalee Clews Vien, Auxiliary Bishop of the Front cover: Deacon Karl Diocese of Vinh in Vietnam, Sinclair, Bishop Michael who concelebrated Mass with McKenna, Bishop Peter Vien, Bishop Michael on this special and Deacon Dong Van Nguyen occasion. Also visiting from Vietnam was Dong’s brother, Hoi Van Nguyen. More than 30 priests also concelebrated the Mass.

The new deacons with their fellow seminarians and Bishop Michael

In his homily, Bishop Michael said “It is a great joy to have everyone here in the act of worship to God as the Lord gives us two new deacons for our Diocese. Today, Karl and Dong move into a new way of serving God; a new way of relating to the rest of the church in the specific ministry of deacon. God willing, in six months time or so, they will be ordained as priests, but they will continue to be deacons until the day they die”.

We have come to more deeply understand the ministry of deacon over the past few years in our local church, with four permanent deacons in our Diocese. We better comprehend the many service aspects of this ministry, including reaching out to the poor and marginalised, both materially and spiritually.

“Karl and Dong have now been called into a specific ministry, and through our prayer and celebrations, we ask God to strengthen them and we pray that they will always remember that this is a call from God and any good they do is the good that God will do through them”, said Bishop Michael.

Deacon Karl and his family

Deacon Dong and his family

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Diocesan Assembly held in Wellington

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ore than 60 representatives from the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst gathered in Wellington on 23rd and 24th August 2019, for the annual Diocesan Pastoral Council Assembly. Members of the Council, the clergy, religious, seminarians and chairs of various diocesan councils joined with Bishop of Bathurst, Michael McKenna, in the geographical centre of the Diocese for the two-day gathering.

disciples reshape our parishes?’, ‘Let’s be daring in our parish’ and ‘What does this mean for tomorrow?’.

Delegates were given practical and tangible direction to help improve their parishes and develop strong, cohesive communities.

On Friday evening, the Assembly Mass was concelebrated in St Patrick’s Church by Bishop Michael McKenna, Fr Carl Mackander, Parish Priest of Wellington, and other priests The Assembly is an from across the Diocese opportunity for parishes The assembly dinner was held from across the Diocese to at the Wellington Soldiers share their experiences and Club, where delegates listened learn from each other and to the inspiring story of Herb presenters, to further grow Smith, proud Wiradjuri man their communities and help and Wellington local, who others in developing their is the Founder and CEO faith. It was a wonderful of Dreamtime Tuka. His opportunity to devise new business produces biscuits, initiatives for the Diocese, as slices and chocolate coated well as to hear about what macadamia nuts, using strategies and programs have Indigenous spices and been implemented recently. ingredients and now supplies In his welcome to the large national corporations Assembly, Bishop McKenna such as Qantas. said, “In its simplest form, the Saturday gave the Council Diocesan Pastoral Council members from each working is here to help us find Jesus group an opportunity to and to help others find Jesus. report on their activities, The Council enables the achievements and events mission of the local church for the past 12 months and to be delivered in a practical to discuss what is planned manner”. for the coming period.

The atmosphere was charged The working groups are: with energy, created by the Participation of Young positivity and optimism Catholics, Participation of those present. This was of Indigenous Catholics, further encouraged

by Worshipping God in Prayer music provided by Deacon and Sacrament, Hearing and Kar1 Sinclair, Deacon Proclaiming the Word of Dong Van Nguyen, Youth God, The Domestic Church: Minister, Emily Bennett and Marriage and Families and seminarian, Duong Van Ha, Building a Community of with contemporary music Love and Service. and hymns fostering an This was a wonderful time of ideal environment for the sharing and discussion, and gathering. a chance to see how much A highlight of the Assembly good work is currently being was the input provided by carried out in the Diocese. guest presenter Lorraine Sr Patricia Powell, rsm McCarthy, from Alpha congratulated the working Australia. Her presentations groups on the inspiring were ‘How do missionary projects and services that

The opening Liturgy

After Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Wellington

Fr Paul Devitt presents to the Assembly were discussed, “There is much proof in the room that we have many missionary disciples across the Diocese and I am quite encouraged by the level of energy and commitment to service that has been reported on today”.

The

Assembly

organising

committee is very grateful to St Mary’s Catholic School staff and community for the use of their wonderful facilities and to all who contributed to the success of the two-day assembly.

Kimbalee Clews

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 5

On a mission to provide water

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uring the July school holidays, my wife Louise Condon and I travelled to Timor Leste. Louise is a teacher at Cathedral Primary School and I teach at Holy Family School, Kelso. We were accompanied by Terry Guilfoyle, groundsman at Cathedral School. The 12day trip, one of education and service, was organised

by Fr Paul Marshall, Parish Priest of Our Lady Queen of Peace at Greystanes, who along with nine others from that parish and the Bathurstbased trio, ventured to Timor Leste to continue the learning and outreach that has been a goal of his since the advent of the young nation.

Having finally become an independent nation in 2002, Timor Leste has maintained its struggle to become politically and economically stable. Throughout that time, numerous Catholic and nongovernment organisations have been instrumental in starting and maintaining many programs and projects which aim to improve Timor Leste’s health, education and community resources.

Terry Guilfoyle and Louise Condon take part in a lesson in Dili

Timor Leste regularly over the last 15 years, this latest trip being their fifth. Louise and I decided to join them after becoming interested in the educational and water supply projects, which form a large portion of the focus of the visits.

Fundraising efforts were conducted at Cathedral and Holy Family Schools prior to the visit, in the form of dress-up days and money Fr Paul Marshall and Terry trails. This money, along Guilfoyle have visited with that from private

donations, was given to a water project based in the village of Hornai, about 20kms south of the capital, Dili. The money donated has been allocated to the purchase up to 1800 metres of plastic pipe needed for this project. At the moment, water is sourced from a mountain spring located about 30 minutes away from the village. The village is built on a ridge (850m in altitude), while the water source is near the base of that ridge - a 600-metre drop.

To gather water, the villagers make the trek numerous times a day. A typical day for the children of that village includes a pre-breakfast trek to and from the water source and another after school, in order to lug the water to their homes.

The project will mean that water is pumped up to the village via three holding tanks and then distributed to various points within that village, as well as the next village along the ridge.

The water will be used not only for the daily cooking, washing and laundry needs of the households but also for the growing of vegetables and crops in the area. The water also means concrete can be made, which will improve the standard of housing and shelter.

Part of the trip’s focus was visiting schools in Dili, as well as in rural areas.

Despite having only the bare minimum of resources and infrastructure, the schools were able to deliver a broad array of curriculum and experience to their students.

As visitors, we were hugely impressed by the commitment

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in Timor Leste meals, experiences and friendship, which allowed the visitors to involve and immerse themselves in the life of the wonderfully happy and accommodating people of Timor Leste. Fr Guil and his team embody the words of Archbishop Oscar Romero who said, “We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realising that. This enables us to do something, and do it very well”.

to learning shown by the students, teachers and school administrators.

Respect, happiness and commitment were plainly evident in each

For any information regarding the water project in Hornai, Timor Leste, please feel free to contact Terry Guilfoyle and Louise Condon at Cathedral of the schools visited. teachers led by Fr Guillermo School, Bathurst or me at De Silva, a priest of quite Holy Family School, Kelso.

The arrangements in Timor amazing capabilities. He and Leste were handled by a his team worked to provide small network of priests and accommodation, transport, Peter Condon

Bishop reminds families to ask for help

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welve months ago, Bishop of Bathurst, Michael McKenna reminded families who were suffering difficult financial circumstances, that they are always able to approach their school principal to arrange relief of their Catholic school fees.

Since that time, very little rain has fallen across the Diocese and the severity of the drought continues to worsen. The Bishop is well aware of the devastating results the drought is having on communities whose livelihoods are dependent on rain.

Bishop McKenna again repeats, “The provision of affordable Catholic schooling, especially for those in need in this time of drought, should not be an added burden to the financial strain of families”.

“We certainly do not wish to add to the financial burden families are currently experiencing, as money should not be a barrier to children attending Catholic school”, he said.

“As people of faith, we are praying for rain and for everyone whose lives and livelihood depends on this blessing”, said Bishop McKenna.

financial hardship for any reason and finding it difficult to pay school fees, please contact your school principal for assistance.

If your family is suffering

Kimbalee Clews

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 7

The benefit of a friendly visit

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s part of Centacare Bathurst’s new strategic plan, there is a growing focus on providing support to the elderly in our communities. Already, Centacare has been delivering a pastoral wellbeing program in a number of schools, linking children and the elderly in residential care with activities on a weekly basis.

In addition to this, Centacare is now part of the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) which provides trained and friendly volunteer visitors to older people in our community at risk of social isolation.

Community visitors provide one-toone visits once a week or fortnight and provide friendship and companionship.

The scheme is aimed at elderly residents living in aged-care homes to feel more connected with their local who experience loneliness. A visitor community. is matched with a resident to provide Would you like to become a CVS regular companionship.

Volunteer? The CVS Program is The Community Visitor Scheme always recruiting more volunteer enriches the quality of life for people visitors who have some spare time and who would benefit from a friendly compassion for older people in our visitor. The program also helps them community.

If you are interested to become a volunteer community visitor, please contact me on 0419 631 781 or email: louise.dubbo@centacarebathurst.com. au Louise Hennessy photo source: katemangostar/ Freepik

ACYF - Listen to what the Spirit is saying

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he Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is on again!

In 2016, close to 150 people from the Diocese of Bathurst attended the biennial ACYF in Sydney. At this gathering, the young people from our Diocese attending were able to experience a church alive, full of hope and willing to meet them where they were.

For some of them, it was lifechanging and enabled them to begin to deeply reflect on their own relationship with God. This year, the Festival will be hosted by the Archdiocese of Perth from 8th-10th December 2019 and our Diocese will again be taking part.

understanding of themselves, those around them and God. You will experience amazing music, dialogue, This gathering, like any prayer, service, leadership and pilgrimage, allows the pilgrim worship during this three day to enter more deeply into an festival.

If you or someone you know, aged between 16 and 25, is interested in being part of the pilgrimage to Perth, you are asked to contact your local parish for more information.

that could transform your life.

Sometimes it just requires you to step out of your comfort zone.

Come be a part of something

Deacon Josh Clayton

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Parishes on Mission

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aturday 27th August saw the inaugural Parishes on Mission day held at Kenna Hall, Orange.

from Alpha Australia and Pastor Gavin Brett from the Christian Ministry Centre. We also heard from those involved in prisoner post-release programs: Don Toews from the William Wilberforce Foundation; Deacon Mike Williams, Prison Chaplain at Wellington Correctional Center; and Sr Marie Bourke fmdm, from The Bridge Community, Bathurst.

This is an initiative of the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC). The Building a Community of Love and Service working group proposed the gathering to Bishop Michael earlier in the year, and after gaining the Bishop’s approval, have been busy planning the day since early March.

Parishes were encouraged to discern the areas of It brought together clergy, ministry that they felt of parishioners and religious particular worth for the wider from all around the Diocese, Diocesan community. The to explore and share an format allowed for a relaxed understanding of mission and atmosphere, with plenty of the place it has in our local time for sharing and growing churches. in understanding. Attendees Presenters on the day of the day were grateful for the included Lorraine McCarthy chance to reflect on their own

ministries, as well as to open Thank you to the Diocesan themselves to new experiences Pastoral Council and for the and opportunities. support of the Chancery, which enabled such a great Overall, the feedback was day to take place. very positive and it is planned to hold another similar event over the next 12 months.

Deacon Josh Clayton

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C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 9

An Extraordinary Month of Mission

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n 2017, Pope Francis announced that to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Pope Benedict XV’s Apostolic Letter Maximum Illud, October 2019 would be an Extraordinary Missionary Month. Almost immediately, preparations began around the world for the biggest celebration of mission in recent times, and perhaps ever.

An extraordinary document Maximum Illud, a Latin term meaning “that momentous”, was issued on November 30th 1919, just over a year after the armistice ending WWI was signed.

Benedict XV wrote the document because, in his words, “there still remain in the world immense multitudes of people who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death”. The destructive impact of the Great War left many disillusioned with religion, especially Christianity.

Indochina (1937) and Africa (1937). As a result, we are increasingly a global and even “southern” Church and now have our first pope from the “majority world”. That may not have been possible Father Noel Connolly is without the courage and a Columban missionary insight shown by Benedict and Head of Mission and XV”, said Fr Connolly.

Culture at the Catholic A century on, Pope Francis Institute of Sydney, as well renewed Benedict’s call as a member of Catholic in his annual message for Mission’s Formation team. World Mission Sunday.

He says Maximum Illud “For the month of October had impacts still felt today: 2019, I have asked that “Benedict’s letter was revolutionary in ways that we find difficult to appreciate today. He was especially concerned with the fate of the Church in the developing countries.

Benedict XV effectively began internationalising the leadership of the Church. It would bear fruit under his successor, Pius XI, who ordained bishops for India (1923), China (1926), Japan (1927),

Church. In the lead-up to it, Catholic Mission will be here to help the church in Australia, providing expertise, materials and support. As the Pope’s official mission aid agency, Catholic Mission helps Catholics in Australia to live God’s mission in the world.

Internationally and in Australia, there are resources, events and activities on offer so that you can join in the worldwide celebration and be part of something extraordinary!

supported the Diocese of Kohima, Nagaland for the past five years, sponsoring the construction of St Paul’s School, Sanis. World Mission Month is an opportunity to continue to support the people of Nagaland to provide clean water, nutrition and education to those most in need.

Bishop Michael McKenna launched World Mission Month at MacKillop College, Bathurst on 20th September. Coverage of the launch will be included the whole Church revive her missionary awareness Launch of World Mission in the next edition of the Catholic Observer. and commitment as Month in the Diocese we commemorate the This year’s World Mission Head to catholicmission. centenary of Maximum Appeal highlights the org.au/emm to find out how Illud”. missionary work of Jesuit you can be a part of the priests who are following Extraordinary Missionary What can we do? the call to serve children Month in October 2019 and The Extraordinary from disadvantaged areas, beyond.

Missionary Month is to broken families and other be an opportunity for situations of need in the reflection, prayer and remote mountainous Mike Deasy support for the missionary state of Nagaland in Photo credit: Catholic efforts of individuals, northeastern India. The Mission/Simone Medri communities and the whole Diocese of Bathurst has

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Ask Centacare

“

My father is elderly, in his early 80s, and my mother died eight months ago. My dad misses her terribly, as we all do. I feel helpless in supporting him and I’m worried his grieving is developing into depression. How do I best support him?”

The death of a loved one can be one of the hardest things in life to get through. It is difficult supporting someone who is grieving, largely because everyone experiences grief uniquely and it rarely follows a linear path. It can seem like we have nothing to offer our loved ones, as we can’t bring back those who are gone and the bereaved often have trouble articulating exactly what they need. While you may feel helpless in supporting your father, there are things you can do to help.

We want to be able to sit with the bereaved and help them experience and express their feelings. Don’t attach judgement to any feelings your father expresses - sadness, anger, anxiety, guilt, relief as all are valid in grief. While you may feel like avoiding the topic of the deceased, there are times that remembering your mother, and speaking of her, will help him process her death. Adopting a motto from her or laughing at something that she would have laughed at, can make it seem like she is not gone so completely. Some people find healing in making

meaning out of death. Faith in an afterlife may resonate with your father, or simply recognising a full life that touched people and created a family may help.

activities you could introduce.

Your area may also have some senior social activities on offer that would reconnect him with friends and peers who may be in similar situations.

Physically, your father will need your support to cover the roles that his wife filled.

From companion, to decision maker, to cook, assist him in his ability to live without your mother. Instead of leaving him alone for hours on end, spend time together as a family, including grandkids if he has them. You may have to experiment with the right balance of doing things and just sitting. Routine is often helpful, but be aware that previous activities that his wife and he attended together are likely to be painful. Exercise impacts mood, so walking to the mailbox or visiting the park could be simple outdoor

Grief can look a lot like depression - low mood, fatigue, sleep difficulties and a loss of interest in things previously enjoyed. These symptoms are common after losing a loved one and can also occur during the normal ageing process. However, there are times when grief can move into clinical depression.

While grief is often like a wave - rising, falling and rising again - clinical depression seems more like an endless black hole with no moments of joy. If your father speaks of not wanting to wait to be reunited with your mother, or if his grief seems less like an ebb-and-flow and more like

persistent despair, then it is a good idea to seek professional help. Start with your GP or call a counsellor.

While I recognise that you are asking for advice to support your father, it is worth noting that you have lost someone too. Be careful not to busy yourself caring for others so much that you do not take the time to grieve yourself.

Jessica Sowden Councillor, Centacare photo source: rawpixel.com / Freepik

Caring for Families Counselling & Mediation Services ADULTS | CHILDREN COUPLES | FAMILIES For more information about Centacare’s services visit centacarecbathurst.com.au or to make an appointment please call 1800 231 118 C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 11

••• Vocation

Embracing the diaconate

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few years ago, one of my friends asked me “When the time comes, will you embrace your diaconate as a good thing in itself, or will you simply see it as a step on the way to priesthood?”

I stumbled through an answer then, but I didn’t really think about it. Now her question is no longer hypothetical.

Although I started out on a path towards priesthood in February 2012, I suddenly find myself living as a deacon.

it was in the everyday moments, too, that my role in the Church would change.

Praying the office takes on new meaning for me, now that I have promised to do so for the entire world! The way I relate to parishioners has also changed in an intangible but very real way. When I am out in Mudgee, I know that I am representing the whole Church in a way that I didn’t beforehand. In many ways very little has actually changed, and yet The ordination itself was a special night, in subtle ways everything has. as I stood before the people of God So to answer my friend’s question, I am while the Bishop laid his hands on me, trying my best to embrace and enjoy ordaining me to the diaconate. To give being a deacon. In the back of my mind, the instruction for the sign of peace and however, I also know that I am continuing the dismissal for the first time were both on the path to priesthood. I know now very exciting moments. Preaching my that this is not just another rung. This first homily that weekend in Mudgee, experience of diaconal service will, please with my parents present, was also a God, lay the foundations for priestly highlight: finally, I got to proclaim the ministry, so I can live out my vocation to Gospel and to unpack it for the people as the full. I ask for the ongoing prayers of an ordained member of God’s faithful. all as I continue to learn and grow so that The following Sunday I got to baptise I may continue to have a fruitful ministry three children from the same family, a as a deacon and, hopefully one day, as a memory I will treasure forever. priest.

What I didn’t realise at the time was that

Deacon Karl Sinclair

Can you hear God’s call?

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

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

(Mk 10:28-30)

For more information about exploring your vocation contact Fr Carl Mackander: pp.wellington@cdob.org.au or Fr Reynold Jaboneta: pp.coonabarabran@cdob.org.au Page 12 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Awareness•••

“He Is Enough”

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y destiny was to be a Religious Sister. My destiny was to be a Josephite! My mother prayed for one of her children to be a Religious. Our house was a house of welcome to Josephite Sisters, priests and religious brothers.

I had two uncles who were Marist Brothers. I became a Josephite Sister and have been for some years.

My question now is “Why do I stay?”

I truly believe in my heart of hearts that I am called to be here in this place, in this time; I am ‘home’. My relationship with my God sustains me through thick and thin in my life adventures. I try each day to do as Mary MacKillop encourages us all to do… ‘Listen to the whisperings of God in your heart’ (1868). This listening encourages me to know who God is for me, this then helps me to understand and know what life means for me. God is my wellspring,

the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that I proclaimed ‘yes’ to over 40 years ago. I am sometimes asked how can I be celibate in the world in which we live. It sounds odd, but I have engraved on my commitment ring ‘He is Enough’.

My God to whom I committed myself all those years ago has indeed been ‘enough’ for me. My Josephite community, my extended family and my many friends draw me closer to God by my interactions through their friendship.

My final words to anyone who is ‘wondering’ about their future life is to practise the art of ‘listening’ to Majella O’Sullivan oneself, others and especially to God, and I draw on this spring each day of who may be calling you to live life to my life. At times the ‘spring’ can be the full as a religious sister, brother or priest. I have, and I would not change dry, but I go back to listening. my life for any reason!

I am committed each day, as a Sister of Saint Joseph, to live wholeheartedly Majella O’Sullivan rsj

Women of Healing and Hope For more information please visit www.sosj.org.au or email katrina.brill@sosj.org.au

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C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 13

••• Vocation

God’s plan for me

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y name is Cong Van Hoang. I was born into a Catholic family of six children in Loc Thuy Parish of the Diocese of Vinh, in Vietnam. ‘Loc Thuy’ means the blessings of water. The people in Loc Thuy, including my parents, earn their living from the water, through rice and prawn farming.

my love for others also became stronger.

The thought of becoming a priest came to my mind several times but I did not listen to it seriously until one day when I was in Year 12. Thi, my best friend in high school, said to me that he wanted to become a priest. His sharing made me look deeper into myself and ask God what his plan for me was. I felt serene when I thought that I would become a priest one day. However, I continued to discern God’s call in university.

Praying the rosary together every morning and every night is essential for every Catholic family in our parish. Therefore, my faith and my love for God grew through these daily prayers In 2011, I began to study at in my childhood.

Hue University of Foreign When I was a teenage, Languages, majoring I participated in the in English. Along with Eucharistic Movement - a studying, I joined a group Catholic group that brings called the Pre-Seminarian young Catholics together Group. This was for those and helps them to worship who were studying in the Eucharist and practice universities and discerning discipleship. During this for the priesthood at the time, I found great joy in same time. We had a meeting helping other people come every month and there closer to God. Furthermore, was often a priest coming

St Lawrence’s Primary School Coonabarabran

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

Seminarian Cong Van Hoang and sharing with us a topic to become a priest. relating to the priesthood.

This time gave me a general One of my uncles, Fr Minh picture of the priestly life. In Tran, heard my story and addition, this time helped me he introduced me to Bishop become more attentive to the Michael McKenna. Luckily, I was accepted to be a call in me. seminarian for the Diocese I committed myself to the of Bathurst and arrived here priestly call in my last year in 2016. The first home of university in 2014. I for me in Australia was began working full time Coonabarabran. The longer as a motor tour-guide this I have lived in the Diocese, time. My job was to guide the stronger my vocation people from city to city by has become, because I realise motorbike. I threw myself that there are many lost into a busy life; studying sheep here. I am eager to and working mixed together. help people to come back to Sometimes I skipped some God. classes to work. The thing I enjoyed most about this Now I am in third year in job was seeing people from the Seminary of the Good different backgrounds. Shepherd. I would like to However, at the end of the take this opportunity to day I often realised that this thank you for your unceasing and generous way of life did not satisfy me. prayers support for vocations.

I also I did not find complete joy. I felt that I lacked something. would like to ask for your Many times, in tears, I said continuing prayers for me to God that I wanted to and other seminarians in unite with him completely our Diocese. and I wanted to dedicate my life to him by helping other people. Ultimately, I decided

Page 14 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Cong Van Hoang

Awareness•••

Fr Reynold’s studies

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n June and July of this year, I was in Chicago at The Liturgical Institute to continue my studies. This time, my courses were Liturgical Movement, Eucharist: Origins and Structure, The Sacraments of Initiation and Eucharistic: Theological Issues.

The Liturgical Movement course covered developments in the 19th and 20th centuries and their influence upon the teachings of the magisterium and the Second Vatican Council.

Eucharist: Origins and Structure began with a consideration of its origins at the Last Supper and its development in East and West in late antiquity. There was also an overview of the Roman Rite in the medieval period, leading to the Council of Trent

and the subsequent edition of the Missale Romanum (1570).

The celebration of Mass in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite was studied and compared with the Extraordinary Form.

The Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist looked at current Rites of Initiation as foreseen by decree of the Sacrosanctum Concilium, from the perspective of their theological, historical, canonical and practical development; from the early Church Orders, the Patristic Mystagogical writings and the three tier of Liturgical Books - the ancient sacramentaries/missals, the medieval pontificals and modern rituals.

delivered a lecture on Martyrdom and the Priesthood in which he mentioned martyrdom as an act of worship; a second baptism.

Martyrdom has a special connection to the ordained priesthood; Christ is both priest and victim. She also presented the lives of Ss Agnes, Polycarp There were also a series of and Maximilian Kolbe. lectures at The Liturgical Father John Kartje’s topic Institute. Dr Daria Spezzano was The Word Became

a Sacrament: Scriptural Foundations of Sacramental Mystery. He said that the Word is not just a text but a person, and not just a person but a divine person. The Bible is the “chalice” of the Word. A sacrament needs the Word - it is impossible without it.

Fr Reynold Jaboneta photo courtesy of the Liturgical Institute

DOMINICAN SISTERS OF ST CECILIA To contemplate and to give to others the fruits of our contemplation Founded in Nashville, TN in 1860 Established in the Archdiocese of Sydney in 2007 and the Archdiocese of Melbourne in 2018 To learn more, visit nashvilledominican.org find us on facebook @dominicansistersaustralia or contact the Sisters at sydney@op-tn.org melbourne@op-tn.org

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 15

Seminary of the Good Shepherd claims victory!

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The victorious team from the Seminary of the Good Shepherd

n late July, seven of our Diocesan seminarians represented the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, competing in the annual inter-seminary soccer competition held in Melbourne, against six other seminaries from across Australia.

It has always been a great opportunity for all the seminarians across Australia to come together, enjoying the fraternal bond and brotherhood. We give thanks to God for the victory we have earned. But most importantly, for the great joy and communion we share together, in our common vocation answering the call to serve God’s Deacon Dong Van Nguyen, Diep Quang Nguyen, Nam people.

Dinh Le, Cong Van Hoang, Duong Van Ha and Ha Van Tran played in the seminary team and were supported by Congratulations to the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Thao Van Nguyen. With great passion and determination, and thanks to all who have supported us! combined with a strong spirit, the team fought to the end Duong Van Ha and gained the victory after 16 years.

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Freecall: 1800 257 296 catholicmission.org.au Page 16 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Jenny Allen awarded ACEL Fellowship

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n recognition of her outstanding work, Mrs Jenny Allen, Executive Director of Schools for Catholic Education in the Diocese of Bathurst, was awarded an Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) Fellowship Award for New South Wales 2019 at an awards dinner, held in Sydney on 23rd August.

ACEL NSW Fellowships are awarded to members of ACEL who have demonstrated outstanding educational leadership and made a significant impact and contribution over an extended period of time to educational leadership and educational outcomes within their workplace and beyond, at a local, regional, system, state and/or national level.

Fellowships are not awarded simply for the performance of a person’s normal employment duties at a high standard - this is taken as a given. Rather they are for a significant, sustained contribution to educational leadership and educational outcomes above and beyond that person’s current paid role and responsibilities.

Jenny Allen (left) receiving her award from The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, and ACEL NSW President Ann McIntyre

Fr Paul Devitt, Vicar General of the Diocese of Bathurst said, “I would like to congratulate Jenny on this truly welldeserved recognition of her commitment to Catholic education within our Diocese.

We are very fortunate to have her leadership and dedication to the students and staff in our care”.

At the awards dinner, recipients were formally recognised and excellence in education throughout NSW was celebrated. Several members of our Diocese attended the evening with Jenny along with her family and colleagues to celebrate her achievement.

Peta Kingham

Jenny with her husband Geoff, daughter Aimee and grandson, Leon

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 17

Remembering Sr Winifred Gearon rsj 13th March 1926 - 11th August 2019

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oan Gearon was born on 13th March 1926 in Oberon to Phillip Gearon, a farmer from Duckmaloi and Winifred, a governess from Newcastle. Joan had two brothers, Pat and Dan, and a sister, Margaret. She grew up on the farm in Duckmaloi, a place she loved dearly.

Winifred remembered her childhood as a happy time where each child helped with chores. The family was an integral part of the local Catholic community, often socialising at weekends at house parties to raise funds for the church.

Joan attended the Duckmaloi subsidised, one-teacher school for her primary education. The classes were taught in one large room, where the children would gather wood for the open fire.

Joan moved to live with the Sisters of St Joseph at the local Oberon Convent to complete her early secondary education and then boarded at Perthville, where she gained her Leaving Certificate. She entered the Sisters of St Joseph at Perthville in March of the following year and gained her Teachers Certificate.

Joan was professed as Sr Winifred on 8th October 1946 and was sent to Yeoval to teach 30 children from Kindergarten to Grade Three in what Winifred described as a ‘small, lined tin shed, extremely cold in winter and very hot in summer’. After a time, Winifred became principal of the Yeoval School, teaching upper primary classes. For the rest of her teaching ministry, she was often

part-time teaching at Assumption School, West Bathurst for 13 years. At various times, Win did further study in violin, typing and dressmaking.

Following a sabbatical at Baulkham Hills, Winifred returned to Oberon.

Here she loved her pastoral work, visiting and offering Communion to the sick, aged and lonely in their homes, and extending compassion and practical support to those living in poor and disadvantaged circumstances.

Win was a shy woman, very dependable, with a good sense of humour and a remarkable work ethic. She was generously endowed with intellect, common sense and responsibility. In her later life, she became more acutely aware of the presence of God in the beauty of nature - no doubt nurtured earlier in the pristine beauty of the Duckmaloi both School Principal and local of her childhood.

Community Superior in such places as Cargo, Eugowra, Gilgandra. With failing health, Win retired to St Gulargambone, Baradine, Dunedoo Catherine’s Aged Care in 2016 and and Coonabarabran.

Winifred was supported by the Sisters and her enjoyed teaching and “watching the family, especially her sister-in-law, children grow in love and respect for Una. Her siblings all predeceased her. one another”.

Sr Winifred died peacefully on 11th Winifred was elected Bursar General of the Perthville Sisters in 1966, maintaining the account books, banking, shopping and organising of the property and finances for the Congregation and for St Joseph’s Boarding College.

August 2019. Her funeral Mass was celebrated by Bishop Michael McKenna at Perthville on 16th August 2019 and she was interred in the Sisters’ cemetery. May Sr Winifred Gearon rest in eternal peace with God.

After returning to teaching Winifred, fondly know as Win, was diagnosed with cancer, eventually retiring to

Sr Therese McGarry rsj

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Page 18 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Social Justice Statement for 2019-2020

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Making it Real: Genuine human encounter in our digital world

he Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2019 - 2020, Making it Real: Genuine human encounter in our digital world, affirms the positive possibilities for encounter and solidarity offered by new digital media, while warning of those elements of our digital world that may be harmful. These include information overload; social isolation; marginalisation of the vulnerable; consumerism and fake news.

The Statement reminds us that the new digital media cannot be seen as neutral or ‘unaffected by any moral considerations’. While many users do not realise it, the core business of social media platforms is to sell advertising and maximise profits.

People’s personal lives may be reduced to data that is traded for profit or power, and it is used to target and influence us in ways previously unthinkable. Pushing users to more extreme positions and promoting fake news and conspiracy theories sells, but this is at odds with human solidarity.

The Statement amplifies Pope Francis’ call to us to ‘boldly become citizens of the digital world’, with the image of the Good Samaritan as our inspiration. We are called not only to love our neighbour, but to bring the love of God to the new global neighbourhood. The Statement points out that we are called not just to be inhabitants of this new digital world, but active citizens shaping it. All of us – whether we are users, communities, industrial or political leaders – have a role to play in rejecting hatred, divisions and falsehoods. We have a duty to foster a neighbourhood that promotes those human attributes and social values that lend themselves to genuine human encounter – love, understanding, beauty, goodness, truth and trustworthiness, joy and hope.

Follow the Office for Social Justice of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Facebook: @ socialjusticeACBC Twitter: @JusticeCatholic

Beth Doherty and John Ferguson, Director of the Office for Social Justice. Photo source: ACBC Office for Social Justice

Renshaw’s Funeral Service 88 Bentinck Street Bathurst Ph: (02) 6331 4265 C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 19

Learning for all . . . the heart of Catholic education

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his was the guiding theme for the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst Showcase which was held on 9th August. Following the success of our first Showcase in 2017, once again our schools gathered at the physical heart of our Diocese, St Mary’s Catholic School, Wellington, to share strategies and practices that are having a positive impact on students’ learning outcomes and enhancing our teacher practice.

Another significant feature of the day was the presentation of Service Awards to long serving team members.

On the back of our wonderful Lasallian gatherings this year, the Diocesan Showcase was a further opportunity for great learning, affirmation and inspiration for our schools’ ongoing journey of improvement.

Will Hill and students from St Mary’s, Wellington

My thanks to St Mary’s Catholic School, Wellington for hosting the event, to the Planning Committee and to all those who contributed to the Showcase to celebrate ‘Learning for all . . . the heart of Catholic education’. The pictures from the day capture the collaborative learning and collegiality beautifully.

Jenny Allen Executive Director of Schools Photos courtesy Mikaela Solomons (Y10 St Mary’s)

Alison Smith and Amanda McGinnes from Holy Family Kelso

Catholic Education staff members from schools across the Diocese

Students, Matthew Prescott and Jack Harper, provided a bricklaying exhibition, showcasing the expanded curriculum offerings in Vocational Education at St Raphael’s, Cowra

Page 20 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Staff from across the Diocese were presented with a Years of Service Award by Fr Paul Devitt for their significant contribution to Catholic education

Camille Da Silva Tavares and Rebecca Hughes from Catherine McAuley Primary School, Orange

Monica Foran from St Michael’s, Dunedoo

Sharon Taylor and Susan Byrnes from St Laurence’s Dubbo with keynote speaker Julia Atkin

St Matthews Catholic School

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

4 Lewis St Mudgee Phone: 6372 1742 New website: www.stmattsmudgee.catholic.edu.au C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 21

Planning for 2020 and beyond

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group of dedicated teachers, staff, parents, parish and community members recently met to develop a strategic direction for St Mary’s Catholic School, Wellington.

The St Mary’s Taskforce has been established to provide insight and potential strategies from across the many dimensions of the School community.

In particular, the Taskforce will provide advice on student learning that links the School with the community; and help St Mary’s plan to provide high quality, relevant learning across all grades.

Members of the group include Fr Carl Mackander, Parish Priest of Wellington; Vince Connor, CEDB; Leanne Clarke, Acting Principal; Allan Jones, Acting Assistant Principal; Maureen Milgate, Secondary

Co-ordinator; Staff members: Carol Reinhard, Alstaire Thompson, Melissa Nicholson, Kate Courts and Will Hill; Parish and community representatives: Renee Chandler, Caroline Ivey, Rebecca Blakey, Rebekah Mealey, Rachael

Whiteley, Richard Ivy, John planned for 28th August, Southwell and Kathy Taylor. the Taskforce will look at the recent school visits that At the first meeting on 15th Leanne and the St Mary’s August, the group considered staff have been involved in, the strategic directions of the as they plan to trial a middle School and actions that have school approach in Term 4. taken place this year.

At

the

next

meeting,

VET Student of the Year!

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ongratulations to Keeley O’Neill, Year 12 student from MacKillop College, Bathurst, on being awarded the ‘2019 VET in Schools Student of the Year’ in Western NSW.

Keeley was nominated for this award by her teacher, Ximena McPhillamy, after excelling in the National World Skills Finals in Commercial Cookery in 2018.

Keeley has completed her Certificate II in Kitchen Operations qualification with Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst as part of her HSC. Keeley progressed as a finalist to the NSW State Training Awards held at the Sydney Town Hall on 12th September 2019.

Stephen Mitchell Ximena McPhillamy with Keely at the Awards Page 22 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Vince Connor

A Zoo Education

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aronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo is not only an amazing tourist attraction, it also offers many educational opportunities and programs to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of animals, their habits and habitats. One such program is Walamarra. This program gives selected primary-aged students regular exposure to, and experience in caring for the many animals that call this zoo their home.

Liam is one of a lucky few chosen to work each week with the Education Centre at the Zoo, to learn about zoo life. He recently spent time Liam with his classmates at the Zoo Education Centre explaining to his classmates bilby and outlining his story celebrations. Liam was the Plains Zoo and Dubbo are very from St Laurence’s Primary School, Dubbo about his work in Aboriginal symbols, was youngest of the ten Aboriginal proud of you. featured in the Aboriginal Art artists to have his work at there.

Exhibition at Taronga Zoo in displayed. Well done Liam! St Janine Kearney His artwork, featuring the Sydney as part of its NAIDOC Laurence’s, Taronga Western

Voice! Treaty! Truth!

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he NAIDOC Theme for 2019 -Voice!

Treat! Truth! - calls us as one to acknowledge the Indigenous voice of this country that is over 65,000 years old; to appreciate the meaning of treaty as our written agreement that we will be open to the truth of our past and our shared history, so that we can move forward in solidarity. The NAIDOC celebrations at St Laurence’s Primary School, Dubbo certainly affirmed and celebrated the theme with a smoking ceremony to cleanse the school environment, a wonderfully prepared liturgy, followed by a day full of activity, fun and celebration as a school community.

Janine Kearney

Truth in The Word

Voice! Treaty! Truth!

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 23

Success at the EKKA

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UBBO: St John’s College continues to take out major awards in led steer competitions on the Eastern Seaboard, this time winning the Champion Junior Led Steer on the hook at the Brisbane Royal Show (EKKA) 2019.

With 60 junior led steers, St John’s College was well represented. Five entries were awarded ribbons in the led section, including a Limousin x Shorthorn Steer bred by Toll Cattle and exhibited by Rebecca Hatch from the College.

The steer was sired by Mandayen Vision and won the Led Heavyweight Class of the Junior Competition, before going on to win the Champion Junior Exhibit on the Hook with an impressive score of 94 per cent.

All students participated in parades, junior judging and led steer classes.

Considering the high standard of cattle and the large numbers of competitors in each event, the students should be very proud of their achievements throughout the show.

Ruben Gill, Joe Sinclair, Lilly Foren, Edwina Tink and Jasmine Kay

A different view of the Led Steer champion team

A big thank you must be extended to all involved in this educational event.

This includes parents who travelled away with the team, the breeders of the quality cattle made available to our students and St John’s College for supporting this event. It is great to see the many new faces participating in these agricultural experiences.

Benjamin Toll Photos: Kerry-Lyn Strain

Gemma Lyford with the champion steer

Page 24 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Japanese visitors at St Raph’s

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OWRA: In the last week of July, St Raphael’s Catholic School had the pleasure of hosting eight junior high school students from the Shiroishi City Council, Miyagi Prefecture in Japan, as well as their two chaperones for a three-day visit.

kangaroos, marveling at alpacas, sheep and cows and enjoying the sights of Cowra.

The visit consisted of a four-night homestay with our high school families where the Japanese students are encouraged to experience the life of a typical, rural Aussie teenager.

This is now our third year hosting such a visit from Shiroishi City High School students and their chaperones and the bonds continue to strengthen.

Our first day together began with a simple presentation to School Principal, Mr Michael Gallagher, of a beautiful gift and message from the mayor of Shiroishi City, Mr Yuichi Yamada.

The gift presented was a stunning, framed piece of calligraphy depicting the hiragana wa, which represents the concept of ‘harmony’ an appropriate sentiment given the 75 th anniversary celebrations of the Cowra Prisoner of War Camp breakout which coincided with the visit. This handdrawn work was created

by Miss Wakana Yamada, who was amongst the first group of Shiroishi students we hosted in 2017.

Of course, none of us failed to be moved by the beauty, solemnity and peace of the POW Camp, the War Cemeteries and the Japanese Gardens.

We are eagerly anticipating a reunion with our new Japanese friends, as all of our host family students are touring as a St Raphael’s school group to Japan in October. Our trip to Japan will conclude with a two-night homestay in Shiroishi City where friendships will be renewed and we can’t wait!

Cassandra Bennett Mr Luke O’Reilly and Mr Yuya Okazaki

Shiroishi students then spent the day in the same classes as their host brothers and sisters.

We started the weekend all together with a camp oven dinner and bonfire on a local farm and then our Japanese visitors spent the remainder of the weekend experiencing sport, bonfires, looking out for

St Raphael’s host students with visitors from Japan

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 25

NAIDOC 2019

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OONAMBLE: On 5th July, St Brigid’s School celebrated NAIDOC Day. We started the day with Tianne, Tatum and Destyni acknowledging the Wailwaan/ Gamilaraay country where our School is situated and the raising of flags. We had both the Australian and Australian Aboriginal flags raised as a statement of, ‘We are one and we are in this together’.

All students and staff travelled to the Coonamble Showground a attended the Community NAIDOC celebrations, where we participated in a great range of activities including face painting, clap stick decorating and boomerang burning.

We watched emu eggs being carved and much more. Everyone at St Brigid’s had a fantastic time and enjoyed all aspects of the day. We would like to thank everyone involved with making the day possible.

Patricia Crawley

St Brigid’s students at the community NAIDOC celebrations

Staff members dressed in the CEDB Indigenous design shirts

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Page 26 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

News from St Michael’s Parish and School Community

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UNEDOO: The legacy of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods lives on in the students of St Michael’s School. At our parish/school Mass to celebrate the Feast Day of St Joseph, 27 primary students were initiated into the Junior Joeys.

They were given a badge by Principal, Sr Margaret Flood rsj, school and Mrs Stella Hooper, the organiser of The Josephite Associates in Dunedoo.

The students pledged to commit themselves to learn about the spirit of St Mary of the Cross, Father Julian Tenison Woods and the Sisters of St Joseph and to do whatever they can to keep this spirit in their school. Our aims are to be aware of the needs of others and always be willing to do something about it, through helping our school, our community of Dunedoo and the world outside our small town.

Some of the activities during the year are making Easter cards for the retired Sisters of St Joseph residing in Bathurst, visiting Kahkama House, our aged hostel in Dunedoo and making friends with some of the residents, as well as making Christmas decorations to sell at the local markets later in the year.

members of St Vincent de Paul. Chris has been the guiding light for many altar servers in the parish.

Both have also been loyal friends of St Michael’s School, with their four daughters attending over the years, as well as their grandson. Both were supporters of the School’s P&F, having many roles during their time as parents, with Chris also being groundsman at the School for some time.

The students will also be learning more about the work of Mary MacKillop International in Timor-Leste and Peru. They will both be missed. All parishioners and friends wish Due to the ongoing drought in our area, we will not be them well for their new life in Dubbo. fundraising for this important organisation but will be learning more about what these countries are like and how St Mary of the Cross Feast Day we can help in the future.

St Michael’s Primary School celebrated Mary MacKillop’s Thank you to Sr Mary Cain rsj for the help with our badges. Feast Day on 8th August, with Principal, Sr Margaret Flood We look forward to helping our communities and living out rsj and Josephite Associate, Stella Hooper. The children participated in a lovely liturgy and enjoyed morning tea the model of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

Monica Foran

Farewell to the Sullivans St Michael’s Parish recently farewelled two of their longtime residents at a parish Mass and gathering.

Chris and Therese Sullivan have been residents of Dunedoo and district for their whole lives and have been involved in many parish ministries over the years, as well as being

Sr Margaret Flood, Principal, receives flowers on St Mary MacKillop Feast Day

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 27

News from Stannies

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ATHURST: Project Inspire was launched at Stannies on 2nd August, with 26 Year 10 students from St Stanislaus’ College and MacKillop College commencing a new learning program that supports their drive and passion in a specific field. These students will work with a qualified mentor, on a ‘real world’ project, over the next few months. The self-selected students are committed to applying their knowledge and skills through being advised and challenged by a mentor within their chosen field.

This exciting initiative is only possible through the generosity of the mentors:

Tom Druitt with students Charles Patterson and Kalinda Robinson

●● Tim Cain, Director and Partner at CKM Law ●● Ben Whitwell, Financial Planner of FINAdvice Financial Planning ●● Thomas Druitt, Freelance Media and Film ●● Ryan Lane, Veterinarian ●● Dominic McCrossin, (second year student University)

Medicine at NSW

●● Tim Roebuck, Sound and Audio Engineer

Ryan Lane with students Malcolm Bartlett and Jessica Green

●● Shane Thurston, Website Design Our Theatre and Performance team will begin their official mentor program in October with two local experts, Alison Plevey and Adam Deusein.

Project Inspire aims to deliver opportunities for the students to codesign real world projects. We look forward to witnessing their progress and to hearing of their project outcomes, as this joint initiative takes real world learning in exciting directions.

Dr Anne Wenham

Ben Whitwell with students from MacKillop and Stannies

St Stanislaus’ College Bathurst

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Page 28 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

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Raising funds for Dubbo Royal Flying Doctors Service

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UBBO: St John’s College Year 12 students have raised a whopping $14,000 for the Dubbo Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS).

Every year, the grade 12 students at the College vote for a local charity to raise money for, and the popular choice this year was the RFDS. Fundraising events included a charity golf day at the Dubbo Golf Club and selling chocolates and raffle tickets.

St John’s Year 12 Coordinator, Dianne Quade, said the charity was chosen as a lot of the students have a connection with the Service.

“We have had incredible support from the community.

JB Hi Fi is our major sponsor, and it’s been amazing how much support they’ve given us”, Ms Quade said.

Harper Greer, Father Greg Kennedy, Lillie Abbott, RFDS Base Manager - Kendall Graham, Sharon Sabu, Kerry Morris, Sam Parish, Nicole Apap, Bella Wilson, Natasha Ho and Pat Smith at St John’s College, Dubbo

According to College Principal, Kerry Morris, this is probably the second-highest amount raised by the annual college event. “I am extremely “I’m so proud of the students. proud of their efforts, and I’m I had no idea the amount proud of the students’ holistic of money was going to get approach”, Ms Morris said. so high. Our students set an initial goal of $10,000. Dubbo Royal Flying Doctor

Service Base Manager, donations heavily. The money Kendall Graham, said the will go towards life-saving money means a lot. “It’s a specialist medical equipment”. huge thank you to St John’s College community, and Taylor Dodge obviously to the Year 12 Courtesy of The Daily fundraising committee; it’s a Liberal, Dubbo huge effort”, she said.

Photo courtesy of “We rely on these types of Belinda Soole

Focus on literacy at Holy Family

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ELSO: Holy Family Catholic School teachers have recently been working with Dr Sarah McDonagh on their 2019 Literacy Project.

Dr McDonagh is a ‘literacy coach’ for the teachers this year, as the School works to implement enhanced high level, engaging, literacy programs through 2019. She is facilitating professional development workshops with staff as part pf the project. As well, she is engaged in team teaching with the teachers in all the classrooms. Dr McDonagh assists the teachers with student engagement strategies and has been helping the teachers extend assessment processes in the classrooms.

Important literacy work has also included implementation of a new phonics program to assist students in decoding when learning to read. Reading groups have also been developed and implemented in all classrooms. These groups assist in providing individualised and personalised learning for all students.

Kevin Arrow

Holy Family staff members with Dr McDonagh

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 29

Busy start to Term 3 at Assumption

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ATHURST: What a great start to Term 3 at Assumption Primary School.

The School community hosted a beautiful Grandparents’ Mass on 26th July, the Feast day of St Joachim and St Anne, the parents of Mary.

This was a special event and it was lovely to see the Assumption Church brimming with so many cherished grandparents and families taking part.

The Kindergarten teachers prepared a beautiful liturgy.

Thank you to Fr Paul Devitt for celebrating our special Mass and making everyone feel so welcome. After Mass, grandparents were invited to join their grandchildren for morning tea, and then spend some special time in their classrooms, working with them and experiencing all the fabulous learning that is happening. It is in living, loving and learning together that we all grow and shine.

Rosary together and reflect on Mary in their lives as they moved around. The Walking Rosary is set up in the school hall and many families and parishioners joined together in this faith experience.

The Rosary evenings have been a wonderful opportunity for families to pray with their children and the wider parish community.

A special thanks goes to the RE team who have been so supportive in helping to create this prayerful Rosary experience for everyone.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop The Junior Joeys and Mrs Lisa Lynch helped the students of Assumption reflect on the life and mission of Mary MacKillop, now known as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, on the 8th August. Her life was one filled with the love of God and others and the desire for a better world for all. The Junior Joeys continued their mission of helping others by attending the Anointing Mass on 9th August, brightening the day of some of more senior members of the parish.

Mrs Kathy Powell and Bishop Michael McKenna with members of the Assumption choir

Thank you to all the grandparents who shared our special day. You are truly special people in our children’s lives. Your wisdom, guidance and love are ever present. The love of a grandchild does nothing Feast of the Assumption short of melt a grandparent’s Max Foster with his grandparents Chris and Pauline Stapleton Mass heart.

The Assumption School Walking the Rosary celebrated its special day, the A tradition at the Feast of the Assumption, on Assumption School, leading 15th August with a beautiful up to the Feast Day of the Mass celebrated by Bishop Assumption, is to pray the Michael McKenna at The Rosary as a school and a Assumption Church. This community. This is done Mass is a highlight of the in two ways, with each of school year in honour of the four mysteries - Joyful, Mary, assumed into heaven.

Luminous, Sorrowful and To continue the celebrations Glorious - shared over the after the Mass, all families school assemblies, where all were invited to join their the students are involved. child for a picnic lunch in The other way our school the grounds of the school. community can experience Following lunch, there was the Rosary is the Walking a performance by the School Rosary. This is where all band and choir. families and the extended community can pray the Catherine Connor Mrs Lisa Lynch with the Assumption Junior Joeys Page 30 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

News from La Salle Academy

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ear 9 ‘Catch the Wave their talents by performing some singing, dancing and Retreat’ at La Salle magic tricks. This was an LITHGOW: Catholic amazing experience for all of Schools Youth Ministry La Salle’s students and staff, Australia (CSYMA) for Year and we thank our exchange 9 at La Salle Academy has students for their courage in kicked off this year with the getting up to perform in front ‘Catch the Wave Retreat’! Year of the whole school!

9 had a great day learning about themselves and each Year 6 students introduced other, while they participated to high school at La Salle in activities around the Academy themes of leadership, values th and peacemaking. The day On 4 July, La Salle Academy was filled with fun, laughter hosted Year 6 students from and games and concluded St Patrick’s Primary School, with a “Minute to Win It” Lithgow; St Joseph’s Primary team challenge. The students School, Portland; Cooerwull are now moving on to the Public School; Mt Victoria next stage of the program Public School; Megalong and will be participating in Public School; Meadow Flat “An Introduction to Youth Public School; Cullen Bullen Public School; and Zig Zag Ministry”.

Public School, for the third Emily Bennett session of the 2019 Transition La Salle host students from Program.

Japan All activities were very well In August, La Salle Academy organised by La Salle staff, welcomed students from and the students found Toke High School, Chiba, them fun and engaging.

Japan. There was much The students watched sheep excitement and many smiling being shorn and learnt faces as our guests met with how to write their name in Japanese, as well as make their host families. a kimono robe model, and A huge thank you must go to playing a sumo wrestling the students, staff and friends game using a shoe box. of La Salle Academy, who They also had an interesting have welcomed the visiting practical lesson in the students into their homes. science lab about chemical Living with an Australian reactions. The connection family is extremely beneficial between the students and to the students, helping them the school community was acclimatise to their new environment with a built-in support system and providing an immersive experience of Aussie life and culture.

Year 6 transition day

further developed with a BBQ morning tea, which was prepared and cooked by some of our Year 12 students.

Mr Wes Gibson, Special Programs Co-ordinator at La Salle Academy said, “A big thank you goes to all staff and students involved in the three sessions of the Transition Program and an extended thanks to the staff,

students and families of all Year 6 students involved in the program over the last month. It was a delight to have you all here and we look forward to seeing your familiar and enthusiastic faces here at La Salle Academy in 2020”.

Margaret Doohan

During their time with us, the students participated in daily classes and some special events, including an Aboriginal culture day, a traditional Aussie hamburger lunch, and a visit to Jenolan Caves, as well as a day out to Featherdale Wildlife Park.

At a special whole of school assembly on 23rd August, our exchange students showed us

A welcome BBQ lunch for the Japanese visitors

C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 31

School communities celebrate

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n 15th August, many of our school communities came together to celebrate Mass and be thankful for Mary, the mother of Jesus. We recognise her unique role and responsibility as the first disciple and acknowledge her willingness to follow Jesus as a beacon of light and hope in the world.

Page 32 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

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VISIONARY

PAR TNERS

The restoration of the Cathedral of St Michael and St John continues

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he restoration of the Cathedral of St Michael and St John reached another important milestone in late June. The team from Stone Restorations has completed the replacement of all the sandstone features and repointing of brick work on the western end of the Cathedral, and the results are superb.

The signature sandstone pieces of this side of the building were severely damaged and weather worn.

The damaged materials have been replaced with beautifully carved stonework, breathing new life in to the historic building. This includes the base pieces that form the foundation of the building.

Reaching this milestone of the restoration project coincided with the Catholic community of Bathurst celebrating 154 years since the dedication of the Cathedral on 29th June 1865.

We are waiting on regulatory approval to commence the next stage of this project, which will focus on the landscaping The western end of the Cathedral completed and renewed surrounding the Cathedral, which we hope to the walls between the be relocated to the Parish and the Cathedral Parish Centre relocated to allow commence prior to the end Cathedral and the street Centre. the next stages of the of this year. scape. An exciting addition The new landscape, restoration process to This next stage will include to the Cathedral will be the William street entrance begin. a new entry to the carpark creation of a new entry and carpark will cause possible from William Street, the from the car park, through significant disruption for Internally, removal of the concrete the current location of the period of the work, and heritage colour schemes are from the Cathedral the gift shop, with the the mobile worksite that currently on display in the surrounds, and removing Cathedral Gift Shop to sits between the Cathedral Narthex. The repainting of Page 34 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

VISIONARY the interior of the Cathedral will occur at the same time as the replacement of the existing fluorescent lighting with environmentally friendly LED lighting, and the installation of a modern smoke and fire detection

PAR TNERS

system. This work will require the Cathedral to be closed for a short period, and once the timing has been determined, notification and alternate arrangements will be communicated to the parish and Diocesan

community.

The Catholic Diocese of Bathurst is working together with the community to ensure that the life of this significantly historic building continues for at

least another 150 years. If you would like to support the ongoing restoration of the Cathedral, donations can be made online at www. bathurst.catholic.org.au Kimbalee Clews

Comparison photos of two of the interior design options

Please give generously to the Cathedral Restoration Appeal. Donations can be made:

In Person ~ Catholic Chancery Office Bathurst, or your local Parish Office

By Phone ~ 1800 451 760 By email ~

cathedralrestoration@bathurst.catholic.org.au Online ~ cathedralappealbathurst.org.au where you will find more information.

Or via the app ~ Cathedral Restoration Appeal Donations over $2 are tax deductible C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 35

Global Rosary in Oz

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hen the bishops of Poland gathered together in 2017 to re-consecrate their country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the result saw over two million faithful accompanying their priests and bishops to the borders of the country to pray the Rosary for its protection.

the Rosary.

Then in October last year, more than 57 countries participated in the global Rosary across the world; from Africa to the Middle East and the Pacific. Catholics all over the world met (some in secret because of the threat of danger) to pray for protection Ireland followed suite with and in solidarity with others. over 280 locations around This year, the global Rosary their coast, with priests and has many countries involved laity leading their people to and millions of rosaries beaches and cliffs to pray. planned on Fatima Day, 13th England’s bishops then led October. their people to over 400 coastal locations to do the same. The The global Rosary will pray USA then followed suit, with for world peace and reparation over 1,200 locations in their for the world. Each country country as part of the ‘Coast to will also have its own specific intentions.

Coast’ global Rosary.

Last May in Australia, ‘Oz Rosary’ saw people gather at over 250 locations at beaches, parks, mountains and churches with those praying

Australia’s participation is under the spiritual guidance of Bishop Emeritus David Cremin. The intentions are: protection of the country

and her people, priests and religious; sanctity of life and marriage; the consecration of the country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; and for the country to live out its calling as the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit.

People are encouraged to find out what their parish has planned and do whatever is possible as a sign of solidarity

with the millions of other people participating across the globe.

If you would like to register your parish or prayer group then please email: ozrosary53@ gmail.com, make contact via the website at: https://ozrosary. wixsite.com/ozrosary53 or call me on 0476 535 595 Jane Chifley

CATHOLIC Development Fund

1800 451 760

Katie Koala invites all students to open a Koala Club Account!

Student Banking is vitally important to support our schools and the mission of the church. It’s also a great way to create good savings habits!

To enquire about opening a new Koala Club Account, please contact your Catholic school or our CDF staff

1800 451 760 Email: cdf@cdfbathurst.org.au Disclosure: 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. AFSL No: 497040

Page 36 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations at Gil

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ister Robyn McNamara loves to bring people together to celebrate.

On 30th June, many Gilgandra parishioners and guests gathered with her, her family and Sisters of St Joseph, to celebrate Sr Robyn’s Diamond Jubilee.

Robyn’s many and varied ministries were revisited, including education, PNG, the Kimberley, adult faith formation, parish ministry and others; but the Gilgandra people love her for her involvement in their contemporary lives. Members of the Parish went to no end of trouble decorating the church, preparing a fitting Sunday Liturgy and organising a delightful dinner get together.

It was truly a time for the local community to celebrate together.

Over’ - Robyn and other Gilgandra locals are called the ‘drought angels’, as they bring together city and country people to help assist the local community suffering through the devastating drought.

Fathers Pat Ruane and Martin O’Mahony concelebrated Mass in St Joseph’s Church and welcomed visitors from other faiths. The liturgy, singing, children’s involvement, Sisters of St Joseph and family participation made for a happy beginning to the day.

Following Mass, Robyn was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from parishioners and the children Sr Robyn holding her jubilee candle processing with gave her a personalised card parishioner, Col McCarthy signed by all the pupils at St Assistant Priest, Fr Francis friendly relationships with Joseph’s School.

Muhenda. People from the all in the parish and town Dinner at the Services Club local community, the parish community. Congratulations later was a real community and ecumenical group, spoke Sister Robyn! event, when Robyn and guests in glowing terms of Robyn’s Known Australia wide - due were joined by Dubbo’s Parish enthusiasm, commitment and Maria Sullivan rsj to Macca’s ‘Australia All Priest, Fr Greg Kennedy and generosity and her caring and

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C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 37

RISE Youth Festival

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n the July school holidays, youth from across the Diocese gathered to celebrate their faith, their joy and, of course, their desire to grow.

This year RISE was held in the colder month of July, but that didn’t keep people away, with registrations the largest the Diocese has had for a number of years.

With input from priests and teachers of our Diocese, as well as an amazing band of young people from across the Diocese, it was a fantastic time together that won’t be forgotten.

RISE Youth Festival supports the great work in parishes and schools in our Diocese. It enables students to come together and go deeper in their faith; to ask questions and to learn from others about who God is to them.

For Ashish Thapa, it was his third time attending RISE. He said that, again, it was an absolutely amazing experience for him. “The format of the Festival is great. Every time I go to RISE I meet new people who end up being very close friends. To be honest, RISE is one of the best experiences I have had in my life.

I feel like I learned so much about myself and the people around me.

RISE has helped to motivate me in life to do something good for myself and the greater community”, said Ashish.

Ashish also attend RISEN, the preparation session for Year 9 and 10 students who acted as leaders at the RISE Youth Festival. He said, “RISEN helped me understand more about the role of a youth minister and I got to know the current youth ministers, which was personally a great experience”.

With the amazing success of RISE this year, we plan on hosting an event tailored to those in Year 10 and above, designed to build on the journey of RISE and to help prepare our young people for their lives as followers of Jesus.

Keep your eyes out for advertising for RISEN in 2020!

Deacon Josh Clayton Page 38 • September 2019 • C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t

The Catholic Observer is published by the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst (Diocesan Publications) PO Box 246, Bathurst, NSW, 2795 ph: (02) 6334 6400 fax: (02) 6331 9453 email: observer@bathurst.catholic.org.au

Traditional Catholic Funerals

Editor ~ Fiona Lewis Communications Coordinator ~ Kimbalee Clews Designer ~ Jacqui Keady Printed by: Rural Press Printing, Richmond NSW All material in this magazine is copyright and may be reproduced only with the written permission of the Editor.

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C a t h o l i c O B S E RV E R , T h e D i o c e s e o f B a t h u r s t • September 2019 • Page 39