Catholic Viewpoint Issue 10 - April - June 2023

- WELCOME SEMINARIANS

world youth day in full swing

This year, 74 pilgrims will travel with the Armidale Diocese to attend World Youth Day (WYD), in Lisbon, Portugal, joining an estimated three million youth for a celebration of our Catholic faith.

The pilgrims’ journey begins on the 22nd of July, visiting Rome, Assisi, Fatima, Lisbon, Lourdes and Paris. The group, along with chaplains Fr Damien Locke, Fr Kingsley Etoh and Fr Roel Llave, have been gathering regularly to prepare, meeting up in person almost every month and fortnightly over zoom.

During these sessions, there is a recurring theme: this is a pilgrimage, not a holiday. On pilgrimage there

are lots of opportunities to step out of your comfort zone, and as the late Pope Benedict XVI said: “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort, you were made for greatness.”

WYD also offers young people the opportunity to make friends in the faith. For many young Catholics it’s not always easy to live out their faith, and many struggle with loneliness. WYD is a reminder that no one is alone in their faith journey, and that there are so many beautiful things about being Catholic!

We spoke to three of the pilgrims and they shared why they decided to go and what their hopes are for WYD (cont. on page 2...)

WORLD YOUTH DAY PILGRIMS GET READY TO TAKE OFF!

world youth day

PILGRIMS GET READY TO TAKE OFF!

22nd july 2023

Clare Canham

I live in Gunnedah and am in year 11 at St Mary’s. I saw a notice in the church bulletin last year about WYD. At the same time, we were learning about pilgrimages and hearing my RE teacher’s experiences of WYD in 2016. I want to come to WYD to get closer to God, to be refreshed by seeing a lot of other young people and to connect with them. I also hope to experience God speak to me. After reading about St Francis and St Clare, I would say I am most looking forward to going to Assisi, and to hearing the Pope speak in Lisbon.

We would like to wish the pilgrims the best of luck for their journey, and we know they will enjoy every second of it! A special thank you to all the organisers and the WYD committee for their planning over the last year.

This journey would not be possible without the support of the major sponsors of the trip, ADIG and Centacare.

Jerick Perez

I’m Jerick and I’ve recently moved to Tamworth for work as a Graduate Renewable Energy Engineer. I am especially excited to be able to visit the Vatican, Fatima and Lourdes, especially because I grew up in a parish dedicated to St Bernadette, and my family has a strong devotion to the Rosary and Our Lady. Please pray for us on our pilgrimage, as we take the prayers of our communities with us on this pilgrimage!

Emelia Rice

I’m from Armidale, and work at a hospital, a law firm and as a tutor. I found out about the pilgrimage at a parish dinner when someone talked about it. I want to come on the pilgrimage to get to know God and His will better, and I hope to grow closer Him on the pilgrimage. I am most excited to go to Assisi because I have always wanted to go there and love the saints from there.

Catholic schools mass

‘RENEW WITH HOPE’

THURSDAY 25TH MAY - cathedral parish Armidale

On Thursday 25th May schools and agencies from all over the Diocese came to Armidale and celebrated Catholic schools Week Mass and the Spirit of Education Awards.

The event celebrates the achievements of the school communities within our Diocese and acknowledge the people dedicated to providing quality learning and a nurturing environment for students and staff members across the schools.

This year’s theme ‘Renew with Hope’ speaks to joy, celebration and renewal as we look to the future of Catholic education, not only in our system but across the country.

The Spirit of Catholic Education Awards recognise outstanding contributions from those across the Armidale Diocese in the categories of Early Career Teacher, Experienced Teacher, Volunteer Supporter, School Officer, Administration Leader, Innovative Program, Student Catholic Spirit and Leadership.

Congratulations to the 2023 award winners;

1. Career Teacher: Phoebe McGrath (St Philomena’s Moree)

2. Experienced Teacher: Alexandra Brownsmith (St Edward’s Tamworth)

3. Volunteer Supporter: Frances Jackson (Sacred Heart Boggabri)

4. School Officer: Julie Burton (O’Connor Catholic College, Armidale)

5. Outstanding Administration Leader: Carmel Heagney (Catholic Schools Office, Armidale)

6. Innovative Program: St Joseph’s Uralla Organic Learning Initiative

7. Leadership: Anne Finlayson (Catholic Schools Office, Armidale)

8. Student Catholic Spirit Award: Josephine Ryan (O’Connor Catholic College Armidale)

Photo Credit: Tahnee Denton CSO Armidale

moree pilgrimige

ST FRANCIS XAVIER PILGRIMIGE

APRIL 2023

Just after Easter, four parishioners from St Francis Xavier Moree, accompanied by Father Damien Locke, set off on pilgrimage for the United Arab Emirates, the Holy Land and Italy.

The preparations started several months prior with some group formation sessions which included understanding the difference between a holiday and a pilgrimage and some familiarisation of the places to be visited.

They started their journey in Dubai where they visited four parishes and were inspired by how vibrant the Church is in this part of the world. They visited Father Damien’s former parish of St Francis of Assisi, Jebel Ali and it was a great joy to be able to see him celebrate Mass there for the first time.

In Dubai they were joined by Father Damien’s long term friend from Uralla, Jo Darnell (nee Miller) for the remainder of the pilgrimage. They then set off for Israel where they spent 3 nights in Galilee exploring sites such as the Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Tabgha and Mount Tabor and 3 nights in Jerusalem where they visited the Mount of Olives, Bethlehem and Jerusalem and celebrated some very moving Masses in the Grotto of Gethsemane, the Shepherd’s Field and the Upper Room to name but a few.

The final leg of their pilgrimage took them to Italy where they were joined by Father Damien’s colleague from the seminary, Father Tony Grant. In Rome they were blessed to stay at Father Damien’s alma mater, the Pontifical College of Saint Bede, just opposite the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. From there they were able to explore the four papal basilicas of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint John Lateran and Saint Mary Major, celebrating Mass in the Chapel of the Lithuanian Saints in Saint Peter’s.

The Bursar from the Beda College took them behind the scenes for a look around the Vatican Gardens and they also embarked upon the Scavi Tour in the necropolis beneath Saint Peter’s Basilica and were able to pray before the remains of Saint Peter – incredible! They also managed a visit to the Catacombs of Saint Callista where they celebrated a Mass for all of their deceased family members and friends before a very moving visit to the Ardeantine Caves – the site of a

mass killing of 335 civilians in Rome in 1944 by German occupation troops during the WW2.

From Rome they travelled north to Tuscany to the quant village of Poppi to visit Father Damien’s former parish priest and good friend from Dubai, Father Eugene Mattioli OFMCap. It was such a joy for Father Damien to celebrate Mass with Father Eugene for the first time. They then embarked on a journey in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi travelling to Mount Laverna, the site where Saint Francis received the stigmata and finally to the beautiful town of Assisi. The entire experience was most remarkable and on Sunday 18th June, they were delighted to be able to share the experience with a large gathering of parishioners back in Moree. It is hoped that Father Damien will be able to arrange another similar pilgrimage in the not too distant future.

moree pilgrimige

Pictured are the Pilgrims, Jo Darnell (Dubai) Sue Sirl, Cathy Corderoy, Edward & Maureen Wong (Moree)

AROUND THE DIOCESE

JOSEPHITE COMPANIONS - ST BRIGID’S

Thursday 25th May

The Josephite Companions in St Brigid’s Parish Quirindi organised a morning tea for the parishioners who are housebound. These are Catholics who used to be faithful and strong in their faith, but because old age and ill health are no longer able to attend Mass nor participate in parish activities.

Other parishioners, as well other members of the larger community who are not Catholics attended as well. In total, there were about 32 people, which was incredible. The event started at 10am.

ARMIDALE CONFIRMATION

Sunday 28th May

On Sunday 28th May, children from the Cathedral Parish Armidale came together to make their blessed Sacrament of Confirmation.

Bishop Gerard Hanna graciously made himself available on the day to preside over the Mass and give the children their Sacrament.

Congratulations and God bless to all of the candidates.

Before then, members of the Josephite Companions and other parishioners who had cars had gone around the town to bring the house bounds to the parish hall. There was more than enough for people to eat and drink and as they did so they interacted with one another. Attendees commended the idea, and we are looking forward to organising another after the winter season.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

HOPE KITCHEN FUNDRAISER

SUNDAY 18TH JUNE - St Patrick’s Parish

On Sunday 18th June at St Patrick’s Parish Centre a fundraiser was held for Hope Kitchen. The Catholic Women’s League put on Soup and Rolls while watching the Andrea Rieu in concert film.

The event was a great success and raised much needed funds to help HOPE continute to support the community. Thank you to all the organisers and volunteers involved!

WELCOME SEMINARIANS

INCOMING SEMINARIANS TO THE ARMIDALE DIOCESE

In February the Diocese of Armidale welcomed two Seminarians from Ghana and the Philippines, Isaac Forson and Allem Alba. They have both undertaken some formation and will continue this at the Good Shepherd Seminary in Sydney.

We will also have an additional two incoming Seminarians in June and August this year, Sajinlal Lazar

Sudha from India and Quang Linh Dang (James) from Vietnam. They will be spending time in our Parishes and then continuing their studies at the Good Shepherd Seminary in 2024.

We welcome Isaac, Allem, Sajinlal and James to the Diocese and pray for them as they enter this important phase of formation.

Allem and Isaac in front of the Cathedral in Armidale Isaac Forson

Allem Alba

CATHOLIC VIEWPOINT | APRJUN 2023

serra foundation

RAISING AWARENESS OF VOCATIONS

A foundation that has supported priestly and religious vocations for more than forty years is inviting Catholics to offer prayers and financial support to men and women making life long commitments to the church. The Serra Foundation was founded in 1982, emerging from Serra clubs, which were first established in the United States to support vocations. The first Serra Meeting held in Australia was in 1968, with the first clubs formally convened in Sydney and Melbourne in 1970.

The Foundation began in 1982 with $4000 raised from across the country. In the decades since, tens of thousands of dollars have been donated and distributed to support vocations and vocations related activities. The Chairman of the Foundation’s board of trustees, Neville Hackett, said funds have been used to help seminarians and young pilgrims attend World Youth Day, people to undertake discernment, support and expansion of facilities at seminaries, assisting education and training and participate in retreats, among many other activities

“Our Church is deeply indebted to the men and women who commit to lives of prayer, service and ministry” Mr. Hackett said.

The prayerful encouragement that the Serra clubs offer and the financial assistance that the Serra Foundation

contact us Catholic Diocese Of Armidale 3/131 Barney Street Armidale NSW 2350 E. chancery@armidale.catholic.org.au P. 02 6771 8700

For

Membership of Serra clubs is open to all practicing Catholic laymen, lay women and permanent deacons. “We have several clubs across Australia that meet regularly for prayer, fellowship and discussion” Mr. Hackett said.

“In addition to our focus on those already in ministry and those considering ministry, we also look for ways to recognize and respond to God’s call to holiness in our own lives”

The Serra Foundation welcomes donations from all people, whether they are members of a local Serra club or not. Bishop Michael Kennedy of Maitland and Newcastle Diocese has served for many years as episcopal adviser to Serra and the Foundation.

MORE INFORMATION:

The Serra Foundation’s address is: P.O. 440, DONCASTER VIC 3108

Serra Australia Secretary’s address is: 84/10 Waterford Park Avenue, KNOXFIELD VIC 3180

Prayer for Vocations

Oh God, who wills not the death of a sinner, but rather that he be converted and live, grant we beseech You, through the intersession of Blessed Mary, ever virgin, Saint Joseph her spouse, Saint Junipero Serra and all the saints, an increase in labourers for your Church, fellow labourers with Christ, to spend and consume themselves for souls, through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

Amen