AURORA - December 2021

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle December 2021 | No.219

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FIRST WORD

Farewell, Bishop Bill

On the cover Remembering the Most Rev Bishop Bill Wright 1952 - 2021

On the afternoon of Saturday 13 November, as I stood in the garden section of Bunnings, I received a call from my manager. Given it was the weekend, I knew something out of the ordinary must have occured for her to be calling. As I brought the phone to my ear it struck me, I had a sense this was the news I’d been expecting but at the same time, dreading to hear. “Bishop Bill died this afternoon,” Rachel said. There, among the lavender, my eyes welled with tears.

As I write this column, it’s been two weeks since I received that call. Yet once again, as my fingers dance across the keyboard, I can feel salty streams of water roll down my cheeks.

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Simple farewell followed good shepherd’s achievements

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Do you love me?

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Reflections

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Continuing Bill’s legacy

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Jacaranda

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Purple rain

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It’s the giving, not the gifts

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Reasons in the sun

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Strong start for Upper Hunter education and care

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Responding to God's call

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Fulfilling visions, reflecting on values

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Regulars

About three years ago, when I moved across to the Hunter Street office from CatholicCare in Mayfield, I was given some words of advice for my encounters with Bishop Bill. “Allow Bishop Bill the time to talk, Lizzie,” I was told, in reference to my enthusiasm to excitedly ask a plethora questions to anyone I come across. “Be patient and hold the space for him, because what he does say is well considered and has a lot of meaning. You will learn a lot from him.”

Truer words have never been spoken.

And while I can’t say I always exercised the restraint I should have, I did learn a lot from Bishop Bill. He was a strong leader, a man who earnt my respect not through asserting dominance, but rather, by virtue of his down-to-earth persona. He never told me or others what to do. As a good shepherd, he made way for this to be

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My word

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Elizabeth Snedden P 0404 005 036 E elizabeth.snedden@mn.catholic.org.au

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He also said Pope Francis was an obvious choice.

Over the past few days, I have pored over the My Word columns he wrote for Aurora. It was a therapeutic exercise and one that made my fondness for his words of wisdom only deepen. I had always relished reading his column when it would hit my inbox. I loved the way he would share personal anecdotes with messages around Christian virtues, even if he did leave it until the stroke of midnight, on the day they were due, to submit. You will see a collection of his passages in this edition.

“The Pope really inspires me, with both his mind and his style. He’s an impressive guy, and you know when you’re around him that you’re in the presence of a good human being.”

I last met Bishop Bill in June, just before he went to hospital. My colleague Sarah was interviewing him for a feature on his 10th anniversary as bishop, and I was keen to go along too. On that day, despite feeling unwell, his humour was in good form. As we made our way through the renovations that were going on around him, like always I laughed along in response to his jokes. I still wonder if he had cottoned on that many of them he told me over the years were far too intellectual for me to fully comprehend.

A humble man, Bishop Bill asked me to delete these references. I think he was a bit embarrassed to be held in the same esteem as such iconic figures, but I guess I get free reign now, and they’re sentiments I still hold true.

As the interview was nearing its end, Sarah asked Bishop Bill who he admired.

At the time, I was surprised to hear him say Queen Elizabeth II. “I just think she has been remarkably consistent, dedicated and decent. Such a long life of service, and her endurance is quite extraordinary,” he said.

Editor: Lizzie Snedden Graphic Design: David Stedman Regular contributors: Liz Baker, Alex Foster, Brooke Cross, Sarah James and Elle Tamata.

Next deadline 1 February 2022

PO Box 756 Newcastle 2300

discerned through his incredible storytelling abilities.

Aurora online Good news! You can still catch up with Aurora online, via www.MNnews.today MNnews.today/aurora www.facebook.com/MNnewstoday

Earlier this year, the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle surveyed readers to find out what they value about Aurora and how they like to receive news. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback.

The results highlighted that while many people appreciate the content in Aurora, there is an appetite to receive local news from the Church in a more contemporary way.

is changing

We’ve listened to your voice, and in 2022 we will be making some changes.

We’re enhancing Aurora to expand its reach and create a more diversified news channel that ensures the good news of the Church reaches more people in our community.

Aurora will continue to be a print publication, However, from next year it will become a quarterly publication made available from the

Following the meeting, an article was drafted and sent to him for approval.

In it, the quotes were followed with the sentiment: Many could argue that the words Bishop Bill used to describe her majesty and the Pope also applied to him.

As you will read in the pages that follow, Bishop Bill was a man of the people. His way of thinking, and his approachable nature were much revered by people young and old. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy, reflective of his decent, dedicated, and collaborative approach. Like many others, I knew I was in the presence of a great man when I had an audience with him. He will be sorely missed.

God bless Bishop Bill.

Lizzie Snedden Editor for Aurora.

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is located on traditional lands of Awabakal, Biripi Darkinjung, Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri, Wonnarua, and Worimi peoples. We honour the wisdom of and pay respect to, Elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge the spiritual culture of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. We have much to learn from this ancient culture.

first weekend of each new season (March, June, September and December).

We will also be increasing our digital footprint, enabling us to deliver timely news to you, wherever you are.

To keep abreast of Catholic news in our diocese, follow us on our social channels and visit our website mnnews.today/aurora We thank our loyal readers and those of you who have shared your stories with us for your support over the years, and we hope you will join us as we get set to embark on an exciting new chapter.

May the joy of the Advent season be with you.

The Aurora editorial team.

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

Simple farewell followed good shepherd’s achievements LIZZIE SNEDDEN

After days of constant rain, the sun appeared atop Hamilton’s Sacred Heart Cathedral on 24 November as hundreds of mourners gathered for the Funeral Mass of the Most Rev Bishop William (Bill) Wright.

The much-loved eighth bishop of MaitlandNewcastle died days earlier, on 13 November, having succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 69.

It was in September the community first learnt of the bishop’s failing health when he wrote to them after submitting his resignation to the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Despite this, many were still taken aback by the speed of his death.

In the decade since his ordination, on 15 June 2011 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bishop Bill experienced many more milestones than most bishops do in their entire careers.

Bishop Bill was passionate about walking alongside those in our community who need a bit of extra support. Under his leadership, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has substantially grown its provision of grassroots community programs. CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning facilitates these initiatives such as community kitchens, food programs, and refugee support services.

new schools; St Aloysius Catholic Primary School and St Bede's Catholic College, both in Chisholm, and most recently, Catherine McAuley Catholic College in Medowie. The Diocese has also introduced important services such as St Nicholas Early Education, St Nicholas OOSH, and St Nicholas Pathways, and recently opened The Rosewood Centre, supporting mental health and wellbeing in the community.

Additionally, Bishop Bill led the Diocese through a significant internal transformation with the introduction of the Many Parts.

One Body. One Mission. initiative to support our agencies in working together and providing more opportunities to draw on each other’s strengths for the good of those we serve.

Leading the Diocese during a period when it faced the terrible truths of its historic child sexual abuses and the failures of some of its past leaders, Bishop Bill is recognised as an important figure in supporting survivors and introducing reforms to help the Catholic Church respond to this issue.

Most significant to the life of the Church in our Diocese, Bishop Bill also convened a Diocesan Synod, the first held locally in three decades. He was interested in consulting and collaborating with the diocesan community to help us work towards becoming a more welcoming, inclusive, and participatory Church for all.

During this time, he also served as the Co-Chair of the National Committee for Professional Standards and was a member of the Truth Justice and Healing Council throughout its existence (2013-18). He was a member of the Bishops Commission for Church Ministry and the Bishops Commission for Ecumenism and InterReligious Relations, as well as a member of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation Laity and Ministry and the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service. Additionally, he was Chair of the Bishops Commission for Professional Standards and Safeguarding.

Thanks to Bishop Bill’s direction during his time in office, the Diocese developed three

Despite all his achievements whilst in office, his Funeral Mass was beautiful in

its simplicity. Archbishop Anthony Fisher presided and joining him were conjoint celebrants Archbishop Peter A Comensoli, Bishop Brian Mascord, and Bishop Michael McKenna.

COVID-19 regulations limited capacity attendance at the invitation-only Funeral Mass. Nevertheless, 200 people filled the cathedral, and as per Bishop Bill's request, this included a large contingent of students and parishioners from across the Diocese.

In addition, many more worldwide paid their respects as they watched through an online streaming platform.

Bishop Bill was a man of the people who took great honour in serving alongside his community, paying due recognition to the past and involving youth in the life of the Church. Fittingly, his Funeral Mass commenced with a Welcome to Country led by Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School student Lawson Griffin.

Music and scripture for the Funeral Mass were the same as he had chosen for his ordination. The assembled choir, led by the Cathedral Director of Music Dr Anne Millard, sounded angelic and guided the congregation in celebrating the life of the much-respected shepherd. The entrance hymn was Lead, Kindly Light by John Henry Newman.

Archbishop Anthony then welcomed those gathered for the Funeral Mass, which was followed by a message from His Holiness Pope Francis. During his introductory remarks, Archbishop Anthony reflected on Bishop Bill’s grounded nature.

“Bill is remembered as a warm, considered and deeply faithful man with a wry wit,” he said. “He had a great capacity for sitting patiently with people, especially down-andouts. He was a good shepherd.”

Bishop Bill's sister, Pat Purcell and nephew, Matthew Purcell, then offered words of remembrance and paid homage to his earlier years, including recounts of how he had met two popes before he had reached his 12th birthday.

Bishop Brian Mascord, who served alongside Bishop Bill in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle as his vicar general between 2013 and 2017, gave the homily and intertwined reflections on the Gospel readings with personal recounts of their friendship, which spanned 35 years.

He began in jest.

“Today as we come together to pray for Bill, I believe he would have much preferred that this celebration took place during the more serious lockdown conditions, as it would have been less complicated.”

Staff who served alongside the bishop in the Diocese and shared his Christian faith led Readings from the Gospel and prayers. Students from St Bede's Catholic College brought the gifts to the altar. The final hymn was Now Sing My Soul by Michael Saward.

Following the Funeral Mass and onsite wake, staff formed a guard of honour along Hunter Street to farewell the cortege. It then travelled from Newcastle to St John's Oratory in Maitland, where it was met by a second guard of honour formed by 200 students from All Saints’ College and St John’s Primary School.

The Rites of Committal followed, and the good shepherd was laid to rest, surrounded by his family, friends and clergy.

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Do you love me?

Today as we come together to pray for Bill, I believe he would have much preferred that this celebration took place during the more serious lockdown conditions, as it would be less complicated and simpler.

But we come to mourn Bill; brother, uncle, priest, bishop, and friend, who like Peter entrusted everything – even his love – into Christ’s hands, with those simple words, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

We have listened today to Jesus posing a question to Peter: “Do you love me more than these others?” Peter’s response is solid the whole time. Jesus’ question varies throughout the encounter, because Jesus is prepared to meet Peter where he is at. As the scripture scholars help us recognise, the word “love” that Jesus uses in the encounter changes. It moves from “agape” (total self-giving) to “philia” (deep friendship or brotherly love). Peter was not capable of the total self-giving love, but he will grow into it in the years to come. He had to grow into the reign of God, as we all do.

In asking Peter the difficult question, I wonder how Peter reacted? Was he concerned that Jesus did not trust Peter’s love? Regardless of his thoughts or questions, Peter answers: “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you!” Jesus then tells

Bishop Bill was born in Washington DC in the United States, before his family returned to Australia when he was young. He was educated by the Sisters of Mercy at Pymble and by the Jesuits at St Aloysius' College, Milsons Point, with two years at Wimbledon College, another Jesuit school, when his family was posted to London, England.

He was educated for priesthood at St Columba's College, Springwood (1971-73) and St Patrick's College, Manly (1974-77).

Bill Wright was ordained to the diaconate in October 1976 and to the priesthood on 20 August 1977 at St Mary's Cathedral. After ordination, he gained a BA(Hons), largely in History, at Sydney University.

He has served the parishes of Stanmore, Mount Druitt, Fairfield, Enmore, Dulwich

Peter: “Feed my lambs.” However, when Jesus asks Peter the third time: “Do you love me?” Clearly, he was disturbed by the question. Finally with great frustration, Peter says: “Lord, you know all things! You know that I love you!”

I believe Bill Wright lived that same response as Peter. This might sound like I am making Bill into some pious hero.

That’s the last thing I want to do, but I do want to recognise him as a faithful disciple who went where the Lord called him, doing the words of Isaiah in revealing the signs of the reign of God, something that he was faithful to wherever his ministry led him.

Bill was very Ignatian in his spirituality. But what do I mean by that? Ignatian spirituality is a spirituality for everyday life, insisting that God is present in our world and active in our lives. It is not a spirituality of pious devotion, but rather a spiritualty that calls us into the service of others. This was at the heart of the man, Bill Wright, who happened to be a priest and a bishop, who had encountered the person of Jesus. This Ignatian way was his way of responding to the question posed to Peter in today’s Gospel, and how he grew into the reign of God. Bill’s love of history did not allow him to settle in the past but rather to evaluate that

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AN ABRIDGED VERSION OF THE HOMILY DELIVERED BY THE BISHOP FOR THE DIOCESE OF WOLLONGONG, BRIAN MASCORD AT BISHOP BILL’S FUNERAL MASS.

history and ask the question of how we can use it to move forward.

On that last visit I had with him he asked me a question about how he had led this Diocese. I answered with the simple words: “With kindness and love.” Love is the one supreme condition for each of us who aspires to be an apostle. So, in the words of Richard Rohr, we need to mourn Bill.

We must learn how to walk through the stages of dying. We have to grieve over lost friends, relatives, and loves.

Death cannot be dealt with through quick answers, religious platitudes, or a stiff upper lip. Dying must be allowed to happen over time, in predictable and necessary stages, both in those who die graciously and in those who love them.

Grief is a time where God can fill the tragic gap with something new and totally unexpected. Yet the process cannot be rushed.

Today we are called to recognise that this celebration is bigger than this moment.

This celebration does not centre around Bill, but rather, us, and how do we take up the message of the gospel. Bill stood, so often, in this Cathedral and made known to us all that God was asking of us, not just in words but in lives that looked beyond

the individual to the community, truly being the face of God, the presence of God in our world. It was here that he continually pushed people back to that which is important, our relationship with God. He called people to serve that relationship, not by telling the tired old platitudes, but rather to be people of welcome and care, of healing and forgiveness, and people of service.

Jesus knows us and He does not come to condemn us when we fail in our Christian life nor if we fail in our capacity to love him and to serve him. Rather, he confirms his love for us and restores anyone who is willing to humbly ask for forgiveness with a repentant heart.

What we need to learn is how to extend the love of God to others until they encounter the healing love of Jesus. This was at the heart of Bill and as St John Paul II phrased it so often, true love is the gift of one’s entire self, and in his dying Bill has shown us how to die, by giving your entire self.

Bill, in answer to Jesus’ question, “Do you love me?” our answer is: “Well done good and faithful servant.” Rest in the embrace of love, and as you said, we will meet again.

Hill, Bonnyrigg, Moree, Sutherland and Liverpool. In addition, Bishop Bill was Vice-Rector of St Patrick’s College, Manly (1985-1991) and Assistant Secretary to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, in Canberra, in 1995.

Bishop Bill was ordained eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle by the former Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, on 15 June 2011 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton.

Since his ordination as Bishop, he served on several committees and was revered for his leadership in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Bishop Bill submitted his resignation to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, in September 2021 and succumbed to lung cancer in Maitland Hospital on 13 November at the age of 69.

Photos: Peter Stoop

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MY WORD

A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

My word A collection of words of wisdom offered

by Bishop Bill over the past decade.

And it is invigorating, as I've been trying to say, when you find yourself in the midst of that young church. They want to do better than we have done, and so they should. But they do still need something of 'the shock of the old'. At the very least, they need to be astonished at what Jesus actually said and did, and to know something of what he and the Spirit have inspired men and women to do with their lives down the ages. Then they see how they have a place in that story, how they are called to write their chapter. Lord knows, they've got all the gifts and the generosity of spirit. I've seen it.”

We are at our best as human beings when we turn our minds to the good of the whole community and the good of others, and not just to the interests of our own group.”

June 2014

December 2016

In the end, Christianity knows two ways of triumphing over adversity. One is to overcome the problem, to succeed against the odds, to stop the suffering.

Christ cured the sick and drove out demons, right? The other way to triumph over adversity is remain faithful, to remain decent and human, in spite of insuperable afflictions. Christ died on the Cross praying for his enemies. Sometimes we need the courage to fight, at other times the patience to endure gracefully. At present, it's a bit of both.”

June 2020

However much we might wish to pretend that our lives are guided by reason, choice or even our higher spiritual nature, our moods are not. We need to be able to name the things that affect us: things like the weather, like the need of a holiday, like the time since we've relaxed with friends, like our anxiety before some big event. We need to call these things what they are, lest we call them something else, or lay the blame on someone else.

The classic, 'It's not you, it's me' should sometimes be, 'It's not either of us, it's three wet days in a row'. We just have to own up to humanness: we are affected by this stuff.”

To the Catholics out there, I say this. Try to figure out what the election is all about, despite all the rhetorical distractions about 'leadership, lies, and where's the money coming from’.

There are policies out there: they just won't be mentioned in the campaigns. And vote for what will serve the common good. Not the interest of the greatest number, let alone the interest of the most interest groups, starting with yours: the common good. Vote for what will best serve to make Australia a society (and, only secondarily, an economy) we can be proud to be a part of. We may not have elections for grown-ups anymore, but we can still choose to vote like grown-ups.”

July 2013

June 2012

Our lives are often enough marked by attempts to get everything together, to build the perfect city, the perfect moral order, perfect family, perfect children, to have everything 'just so'. And yet, when we do get close to that, when everything is arranged for our ease and comfort, we get restless. It is when things don't work out as we'd hoped that our best qualities come out. We love people and places and things in spite of their flaws and failings, after all, or it is not love at all… We learn and grow from mistakes more than from success. We celebrate that part of disasters, from Gallipoli to bushfires, that brought out the best in us. We are closest to the people with whom we went through the worst of times. We manage to forgive. Our great redeeming quality as human beings, it seems, is not that we achieve perfection in our lives, which we do not, but that we manage, at times, to live so graciously within the mess.”

But the priesthood is a hands-on ministry, a face-to-face ministry.

It's a bedside ministry. It's conversation in the presbytery kitchen over coffee. 'All ministry is relationship', Paul Hanna used to say when I was with him at Mount Druitt, and of course that's right.

The trick for us, in the new order, is to have parish life organised, but without spending too much time on organising. The priesthood is about being with people. It gets boring if you're just oiling the machine. Those are two realities that don't change.”

October 2012

February 2015

I know we are a society obsessed with security, with locks and alarms and fences on everything. But it's one of the national neuroses I think the Church should try to rise above.

Churches should be open.

People don't just want houses of prayer, quiet places of reflection, between 10 and II am on Sundays. The pope and I would like the church communities of this diocese to lead the way in being a church of open doors.

Literally and metaphorically.”

October 2014

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Why, then, has the offer of Church 'sanctuary' for asylum-seekers struck such a chord in the community? Not for the old reasons, I would suggest, that mercy is a good thing and churches are 'holy' places. Rather, it is because a good part of the Australian people recognises that in this instance our law is not good, not fair and not just, and thinks that someone, anyone, even the Church, should stand up against it. The people do still have a moral sense about how innocent strangers are treated, and the leaders of our major parties would be wise not to ignore this. For twenty years they have been afraid to appeal to that decency in Australians.

Now might be the time. What else can it mean, that so many Australians believe asylum-seekers actually need 'sanctuary', sanctuary from our own government?”

March 2016

… 'good' people can be highly unpleasant when they forget the basic Christian fact that we're all in this together, relatively good or appallingly bad, we all alike depend on God's inexhaustible capacity to forgive our failings for the sake of Christ. And sometimes bad people see that, see their human frailty, rather more clearly.”

December 2013

For the past 15 years or so, the Diocese has gone through an excruciating public examination of its failures and, for the most part, the criticism levelled by media has been warranted. As I have said previously, the forensic examinations conducted into the Diocese by both the Cunneen Special Commission and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse were extraordinarily confronting, entirely justified and immeasurably valuable to the Diocese. Thanks to the past 15 years, the Diocese has the opportunity to build a future with a comprehensive and transparent understanding of past failures and a multi-generational commitment to ensure that such failures will not reoccur. As part of this commitment, we will continue to acknowledge our past and endeavour to offer support and services to promote healing to those who were affected by child sexual abuse.”

September 2019

We live at a time when people question what makes life worth living. We tend to undervalue the things that money can't buy and to have exaggerated hopes that the things we can buy will one day deliver happiness. We go to extraordinary lengths to make our bodies last a few years or months longer, but we won't think or talk about death itself, almost superstitiously believing that if we ignore it, it will go away. Yet we are still faced with the ancient human questions: What gives meaning to life? What is a good life? What might be worth dying for? What is death, and is it all there is in the end? Christians believe that the life, death and rising of Jesus are highly significant to our deepest human ponderings. We call his history simply 'the Good News'.”

April 2016

There is a religious side to this, of course, as there is to everything human.

A surprising number of people seem to be unable to take a 'No' from God. I'm in the habit of saying that they confuse God with Santa Claus, thinking that if they've been good, and they're asking for something they really, sincerely want, God should give it to them. If He doesn't, they sulk and won't talk to Him or they'll take in life. be answer their bat home' and not believe in Him anymore. That's very different from St Paul who prayed three times with God to take away the 'thorn in his side' but had to be content with the answer, 'My grace is sufficient for you'. What he learned from that 'No' was that his very difficulties showed him more clearly how God was with him: 'When I am weak, then I am strong.' And, of course, one hardly need mention the resounding 'No' that Jesus got from God in Gethsemane to his prayer, 'Father, if it be possible, let this cup (of suffering and death) pass me by...' Learning to take 'No' for an answer, without acting like a spoilt child, is an important part of human and religious maturity, I'd suggest.”

May 2012

We face many challenges as a church in the years ahead, it's true. I've been asked to name them on a number of occasions, by the press and others, and it's possible to come up with quite a substantial list. But that is the normal state of human affairs, isn't it?

The question is, what resources do we have to meet those challenges? And the greatest resource of the church, the

bedrock of the church, is its local parish communities.

The heart of my work as a bishop is to support and encourage the initiatives of our local communities to 'spread the Good News' and to 'love one another'. Some may need more 'encouragement' than others, perhaps. But we are far from having to start from scratch.

I am liking a lot of what I see.”

August 2011

Now, I've been asked many times since I first arrived eight years ago this month, how will the church win back trust? I believe I've always said something to the effect that, in the end, it will be the witness of the good and faithful lives of ordinary believers that will win people's respect. The kindness, honesty, staying power and faithfulness of "ordinary" Catholic people will have its impact on how people outside see Catholics and will gradually wear away the hostility built up by the present public image of the church. It's like the way that even the thickest of our fellow citizens will come to realise that Muslims can't be all that bad, despite the shockjocks, because Mustafa next door is a great guy. Seeing real, good people simply living their faith, evidently sustained by their prayer and their community, breaks down barriers and stereotypes.”

June 2019

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Reflections Dear Bishop Bill, My earliest memory of you is from the dress rehearsal for your ordination. There was excitement in the Cathedral and not a few nerves, might I add. In the midst of the organised chaos that was like trying to herd ducks while on the back of a horse, you were calm and composed and at peace with what was about to happen.

I drew strength from that when a few years later you were to ordain me a priest.

I have drawn strength from your example of leadership and priesthood in the years since. Most importantly, I have drawn from your example of discipleship. Thank you for your yes to God to be our Bishop. Thank you for ordaining me to the priesthood; but, most importantly, thank you for your friendship.

Fr Peter Street

Dear Bishop Bill, You were our Christ-like Good Shepherd amidst persecutions, problems, trials, happiness and sadness, and various other Episcopal pressures.

You were a heroic but very gentle spiritual Father to all of us, especially to me, from the time I met you.

Moreover, the three months I lived with you at Mayfield Presbytery are now precious memories as I took care of you after your bypass surgery. These were genuine moments of education and understanding of how to handle dreadful situations with a gentle approach and a smile. You are a champion, historical genius, and fascinating orator. Your passion towards the history of London especially the origin of roads and highways was so rich. I know these cries or sentences of mine won't bring you back, I know you are with God, but these are tears and sighs of a spiritual Son. Thank you, Bishop. No words can adequately describe what you have done for me. I will be forever grateful for your kind words, guidance, and your goodhearted gestures to me.

Fr Joseph Figurado PP

Bishop Bill took great honour in carrying out face-to-face ministry. His storytelling abilities and capacity to meet people where they were at in life, often left lasting impressions on those he crossed paths with. Below are a collection of reflections from people in the Diocesan community, who were moved to share fond memories of the bishop.

The Diocesan LGBTIQ Catholic Forum thanks God for Bishop Bill - a true pastor and companion on the journey. I recall the day that Cath and I met with Bishop Bill to discuss the possibility of forming a group to foster the inclusion of LGBTIQ people in our diocese. We were expecting him to be cautious and were taken aback by his openness. He suggested that we call the group a "forum". He explained that a “forum” is a space for the expression of views, mutual learning and the meeting of minds/hearts. His enthusiasm convinced us to adopt the name.

Lawrie Hallinan

So, when lockdown happened and you began to live-stream mass, you taught me how, you called me back and you gently guided me, invited me into a whole new world, a community of people, a family.

Your strong, gentle voice was a calming presence in a world of chaos.

I witnessed the effect your presence had on others when I had the pleasure to watch you celebrate Confirmations. Your kind, down-to-earth, joking nature calmed the children and brought joy to their experience of the Church. What a difference you have made, not only on the life of all in the community of Maitland-Newcastle, but on all those who have had the pleasure to be in your presence. Thank you.

Rose-Marie Mahoney

Bishop Bill was a man of great integrity, who didn’t suffer fools. Unexpectedly, he loved Monty Python and knew sections by heart. He frequently had virtual backgrounds of his favourite historical spots around England and would wax lyrical of their historical significance.

He was often sardonic in his humour, seeing to the heart of issues with sharp clarity. He disliked the red tape required for governance immensely, especially the minutiae of risk assessments which hindered ministry. For a man of his great intellect to place his trust in God says a lot for me in this age of reason. He loved the Gospel of John and it’s illumination of the Good News. He will always be my bishop and I will miss him deeply. Until we meet again, Bill.

Bernadette Gibson

A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

Bishop Bill was a man of deep faith and his leadership has left an indelible mark on the Church in Maitland-Newcastle.

There are many instances of his love and leadership including Lina’s Project, Many parts. One body. One mission. the Convocation of the 2019 – 2021 Diocesan Synod, and his special care for young people and education. I remember his deep love of history, and the pull he felt for the city of Durham.

I appreciate his faith in me by nominating me as a member of the Plenary Council.

Unfortunately, he was not able to come with Bernadette, Fr Andrew and me to this historic event.

Bishop Bill had a relaxed style of leadership, but this was underpinned by a deep faith in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and trust that things would work out as they should and in many ways they did.

We will miss his presence, wisdom and guidance.

Helen Belcher

My first encounter with Bishop Bill was in 2013. He was serious and to the point.

Since that day, I have had the pleasure of many conversations that have been far les serious and flowed on for a good while longer.

COVID-19 has meant that some of the Federation of Parents and Friends Associations’ activities were altered. In 2020, the Bishop’s Award was Zoomed from my home and Bishop Bill came over for the occasion. Afterwards, he stayed on for dinner – a simple BBQ. He seemed to enjoy a family dinner around the table – lots of chatting and the sausages – he really enjoyed those! Dessert too – I think he had a sweet tooth. On the couple of occasions I dropped in something to him for dinner – he seemed very pleased there was something “for afters” there too.

Bishop Bill was always willing to listen and respond to the needs of parents and carers. He truly valued the work of Federation and those who volunteered to support its mission.

Cath Garrett-Jones

One of my fondest memories is captured in that beautiful photo from the first Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Melbourne (ACYF). The Maitland-Newcastle contingent made a huge amount of noise as Bishop Bill moved to the podium on the stage. He turned towards us with a huge smile on his face and told the gathered crowd "there's my people".

Maryanne Hacker

There are many people who come our way but only a few of them make a remarkable and enduring impression in our lives. They simply accept you for who you are, without prejudices of colour, race, or country.

They truly trust the oneness of humanity.

Certainly, you are one of such a few. You heal where others would nail, and restore peace in distress. You give where others would take, nurture where others would torture and refine where others would defile.

You are vested with power but amazingly humbled in practice. Simplicity is a virtue that is explicit in you. I am thankful to be part of this Diocese and be able to work with you as a brother in the priestly ministry and under your humble leadership. You have shown that true leadership rests in the will to love rather than the will for power. Thank you for who and what you are. I am truly grateful.

Fr James Odoh

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Continuing Bill’s legacy From a “sow’s ear to a silk purse” or is it “you can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear”? A few days after our beloved bishop’s sad and sudden death due to cancer I find myself writing to you no longer as only the parish priest of Boolaroo, Warners Bay and Booragul, but as the Diocesan Administrator. I feel a bit like that “sow’s ear” on a very steep learning curve.

I feel privileged to be, for now holding this position and as I note, “warming” the seat for whomever will follow as the ninth Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle.

I was welcomed to the Diocese some seven years ago and I have found a lovely home here. Originally from the Archdiocese of Hobart, I first met the people and priests of this Diocese when I served as a Military Chaplain on RAAF Base Williamtown in 2001 and 2002. A highlight of my time in the RAAF was working overseas serving in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East.

I will be forever grateful for the pilgrimages I enjoyed with Bishop Bill, both the World Youth Day to Poland in 2016 as chaplain and “Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus” in Israel and the West Bank in 2019, as a pilgrim with our Catholic Schools Office. All of which were life-changing in too many ways to count. Bishop Bill and I had an opportunity to concelebrate Mass in the tomb where Jesus is reported to have been laid. You never forget those moments.

The position of “warming” the seat is not quite about maintaining the status quo.

However, what the Diocesan Administrator does ensure is that the Diocese continues doing all the great work that has begun under Bishop Bill’s time as bishop and, ensuring something of that wonderful legacy continues.

The death of a bishop, even one where the bishop has been unwell such as Bill, is like any death in a family. It comes as a shock even when anticipated and a bit like the anecdotal scriptural “thief in the night”. A period of mourning begins when, as a local church, we gather to celebrate and farewell our shepherd.

A bishop has many bodies that he consults, some by mandate and some by choice. They have a variety of names depending on the local culture, the current mission of a diocese and the personal vision of the bishop.

One mandated group is a body called the College of Consultors. A group drawn from the Council of Priests elected from among the presbyterate of a diocese. These priests sit in close relationship with the bishop and are consulted on some matters of particular importance to the diocese and on which their expertise and counsel is needed.

The Diocesan Administrator walks a “tight line” between doing much of what the bishop would do “to keep things going” without creating new traditions or ministries that the next shepherd might not want imposed. All those important moments such as Confirmation continue under the ministry of the Diocesan Administrator.

FR GREG BARKER

Upon hearing of the death of a bishop in office, such as Bishop Bill’s, these priests gather to elect from among the clergy one who will act as a Diocesan Administrator.

The term of office has no fixed term, it begins the moment of election and ends when a new bishop is announced and takes office.

Many of the roles and committees cease at the death or resignation of a bishop.

The role of the vicar general ends and the diocesan administrator takes up the reigns.

The Synod working party can continue in its work but the Synod itself stops.

The Council for Mission and the Council of Priests ceases until the new bishop reappoints them or calls for nominations.

This time of waiting can be hard on a diocese as it strives to be on mission, holds in waiting and in need of a new shepherd to lead and guide it. The Diocesan Administrator is an element in making sure that this time still bears fruit.

The process for choosing a new bishop can be a lengthy one. Many are consulted in the process. Rome is listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit continually in the many voices who contribute to this process. Long before a bishop retires and even in the case of a death, the process often has already been in train with, I presume many good people contributing the names of many good people who could be chosen as shepherd. Some of those voices are bishops, some are lay leaders in varous dioceses, and some are people (lay and clerical) who for one reason

or another are invited to write. The process does take time and a diocese could well be without a bishop for many months.

In my mind, Bishop Bill Wright was a good and pastoral shepherd for this Diocese.

He guided us through some very difficult days and did it with great pastoral care and courage. He spoke fondly of the people and in particular the young people he met across our parishes, in our schools, and at the various events he ministered. He had a great fondness for the conversations in which he took part, particularly with our school leaders, and really enjoyed the leadership retreats he attended with them.

I hope the people of this Diocese know just how highly Bishop Bill thought of them.

One of the last gifts he received came from the Diocesan Council for Ministry with Young People. The young people sent in photos and wrote messages in thanks for his time with them as their bishop that were collated into a photo memory book.

He was so grateful and moved by the memories that book represented.

He will with fondness be missed, and with much love be remembered.

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Jacaranda

BY THE LATE GOOD SAMARITAN SISTER, VERNA HOLYHEAD

Advent bursts violet and beautiful Like the jacaranda tree on the very brink of an Australian summer.

It is a tree of contradictions, like this southern season of the Church’s year: green-leafed in winter, autumn gold in spring, blossoming from bare trunk to welcome in November.

A myriad trumpets cluster for short fanfares before it lays a purple carpet to greet its king who is not yet – but coming.

Lyla from St Brigid's Primary School, Raymond Terrace dancing amongst the jacarandas. Photo: Peter Stoop

W W W. M N N E W S . T O D AY / A U R O R A

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Photo: Peter Stoop

Purple rain ROSE McALLISTER

I have fond memories of growing up and attending St Brigid’s Primary School at Raymond Terrace. At the end of every school year, we would attend swimming lessons. I remember the songs we sang on the bus as we pulled up at the purplecoated roadway of Jacaranda Avenue at the local pool. It was this time of the year we had all been waiting for. The visual elements of the jacaranda trees were a sign we were entering a time that was not like ordinary time. There was a fragrance in the air that smelt fresh, new, and made us feel excited as we waited in anticipation for a time when we could step out of the ordinary and explore the world outside the classroom.

The jacaranda tree, like many other flowering and fruiting trees, spends all year preparing to burst into life at this time of the year. There is a patience needed in the waiting as we watch deciduous trees reform their beauty each year. There is a rhythm and a mystery

to the waiting as we contemplate with wonder and awe at God’s creations.

mastered but a journey inside ourselves to become one with what already is.”

Advent is a time when we are called into waiting. As a mother prepares to give birth, she is called to a time to nest and prepare for transformation. As Christians we are also called to wait in anticipation of hope, peace, joy, and love for the coming of the Lord at Christmas.

In recent years, I have come to discover an ancient prayer, reflection, and formational experience called mystagogical reflection.

While it is contemplative it also allows me to dive deeper into the mystery of the trinitarian relationships we experience with self, others, and our world.

For many, the word “waiting” brings frustration as we are often caught up in the busyness of the season. How long do you have to wait in line to be served, on the phone to be connected, or for that parcel to be delivered?

This type of reflection invites us into a personal encounter with Christ. While this can be with the gospel or liturgy, it can also relate directly to a lived experience.

Mystagogical reflection invites us to pay attention to what Christ reveals to us in encounter and to explore what it reveals to us in our life now and how this transforms us.

During the Advent season, we can discover a purpose to our waiting if we leave room to reveal the mystery of the season through a contemplative lens.

Beloved Irish priest, author and speaker, the late Fr Daniel O’Leary wrote: “Contemplation is not a technique to be

When I see jacaranda trees now, I am still taken back to my childhood but can also view them through a lens that reveals the mystery of this time of waiting.

The jacaranda tree blossoms as we enter the season of Advent, the colour of the flowers reminds us of God’s abundant love for all. The purple carpet or robe of the jacaranda flowers as they fall to the ground remind us of our call to be priest, prophet, and king as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus’s vision and mission.

Jacarandas bear fruit that is protected by a woody outer shell. When the shell births the seeds and they are nourished by rich soil, the seed transforms into new life.

The annual cycle of the of the jacaranda bursting to life requires waiting, as does the time we are called to be attentive and reflective during Advent.

Rose McAllister, Manager Formation and Education, Pastoral Ministries, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

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It’s the giving, not the gifts As we approach Christmas, Aurora asked people in our community ‘what does Christmas mean to you?’ These are their reflections.

Ryan Gato A recent Tik-Tok video shows a person throwing nine Christmas baubles into a loungeroom and quickly closing the door.

An audible explosion follows, and the door reopens revealing the entire room glistening with tinsel, colourful ornaments, and shiny trees. Naturally, I laughed, but immediately started to panic, as I realised how quickly I needed to prepare for the ensuing rush of the season. It is so easy to get caught up in the panic this period brings. It’s as if we go mad and find ourselves exhausted by the time Christmas Day even arrives!

The beauty of Christmas for me, and dare I say a saving grace, is the season and process of Advent. A time that is joyous and filled with anticipation – one that enables us to slow down, be alert, and lift our gazes to the Christ child who reveals the essence of God’s divine, vulnerable, and unconditional love. It is being surrounded by loved ones in good cheer, in the excitement of children as they eagerly await the unwrapping of gifts.

And so it is too, in a glass of brandy after midnight Mass with my father.

Ariella Doyle – Year 7 I think Christmas is most definitely the best time of the year. To me, Christmas is about connection, love, and joy. It’s about showing people how much you love and care about them through gift giving and feeling appreciated as you receive gifts yourself. It’s about celebrating and appreciating faith, and the love and light it brings into our lives.

Hanging up Christmas decorations and blasting Christmas carols is the most wonderful, magical feeling. The magic and fun that comes from baking cookies to leave out for Santa, or from cracking a bon bon with a loved one is unlike anything else. I love getting to see all my family on Christmas and celebrate something so magical, because that’s what Christmas is.

Certain experiences in our lives always bring great clarity and focus. I was gifted the most valuable lesson through the pregnancy of our first child with a due date of 25 December. I vividly remember those nights where we both sat exhausted on the lounge, and I would reach over to my wife’s heavily pregnant belly and feel the sharp kick of the baby. A simple but profound reminder that this baby we were preparing for would forever change our lives – a real Advent moment.

The spirit of Christmas simply reminds me of God’s redemptive, self-emptying love in the form and wonder of a baby. Like all babies, the warmth of their smiles melts away our hardened hearts, they invite us to draw out what is best within us, and they bless us with the inner freedom to be ourselves. This is the gift of the Christ child at Christmas – God’s way of establishing peace in the open trust of a baby.

Isabel Allport – Year 5 Christmas means a lot to me. It is an amazing and special celebration because we have the chance to remember and celebrate the time when Jesus was born.

Christmas is such an exciting and fun time for everyone, as it is when people get a chance to spend quality, uninterrupted time with family. We all come together and share and make happy memories with each other. My favourite part of Christmas is having all my family together and then celebrating at the beach. We stay there for the whole day, have a barbecue and swim in the salt water to cool off.

Christmas teaches us about gratitude and compassion and makes us reflect and think about those who are less fortunate.

I believe Christmas is not just about receiving gifts but giving, not presents, but in other ways such as giving up your time to help those who need it most.

Christmas is my favourite time of year.

Anonymous – student Presents, food, family gatherings, precious memories and so much more.

That’s what Christmas means to so many people. Christmas is the best. It's such a special day. You hang out with your cousins and devour as much of the sumptuous feast as you can, you hear intriguing stories from relatives and bond over food comas. You pop Christmas crackers and read the silly jokes; you buy meaningful gifts for the ones you care about. You have awkward conversations with aunties. Light-hearted jokes turn into heated arguments and suddenly everyone is in separate rooms. We mentally prepare ourselves and our social batteries every year for this special day. And each time the night ends, we are exhausted and relieved the varying ideas of Christmas we hold so close to our chests aren’t always what we experience. In my opinion, Christmas is sometimes overrated.

Halle Johnson – Year 9 As the dusty boxes full of generations of handmade decorations, rolls of unused wrapping paper and coloured ribbons, gift stockings and Santa Claus hats are pulled out from storage, the Christmas spirit begins. Surfing Santa photos, seafood platters, shopping lists, gift wrapping, and beach swims dictate the first month of summer. All I Want For Christmas is on repeat, and you can’t help but sing along in the car and in the shops.

The morning of Christmas, the sun is blazing through our window, shining on our faces and our eager eyes. My siblings run downstairs to see if Santa has been; neatly packaged presents draped with gold materials are stacked inside our stockings – we scramble to see who has the biggest one. The smell of tinsel makes me smile, and the sound of laughter and joy fill my heart completely.

In our floral dresses and t-shirts, we jump into the burning hot car, the seatbelts zap our tanned skin as we drive to our grandparents’ house. An extravagant table spread awaits – meals to be shared and memories to be made. The crunch of pork crackling makes my mouth melt and drool for more, mango salad tastes like the essence of summer, the pavlova with berries and passionfruit dissolves in my mouth. Hugs and kisses are exchanged, and the next Christmas rush continues – our outing with the other side of the family.

Little cousins yell and scream as I am put in charge of them while the adults chat. Sausage sangers smeared with tomato sauce drip down onto my new dress and I feel officially full. Tiredness swarms everyone, and on the way home we fall asleep in the back of the car, snug with presents. A day of pure joy and excitement, and a day of gratitude for the amazing family I have.

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Annie Portelli – Year 5

Trish Coelho Christmas for the Coelho family is about faith, family, and foundation. With family living and working throughout NSW it is our home base that centres us in celebrating our faith with the community, gathering around the dinner table, and reflecting on what the past year has been and how we will embark on the coming year.

For many years, our celebration as a family has begun with the Vigil Mass, celebrating with our faith community with whom we are constantly nourished. It is always delightful to reconnect with those who return home for Christmas. Living in a country town, many leave once they finish school, and it is during such times that a homecoming is made.

Christmas Day itself is filled with food, family and friends encapsulated in a sense of gratefulness. It provides an opportunity to reconnect and celebrate our small family traditions. The seats around the table are always shared with friends, with a real sense of welcoming and belonging.

The Christmas season allows us to unwind, relax and renew ready for the New Year. As a family we check in with each other around our goals, aspirations, and any challenges. Our family principles, established together many years ago, act as a basis for our family mission and a way of being. By reviewing these each Christmas season, we hope to see the compounding results of every day well lived.

Christmas is about spending time with family, reminding ourselves about the birth of Jesus Christ, and to be happy. Some people might think that it is about getting presents and having Santa come to their house, but Christmas is about giving, family, and remembering Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem. Every Christmas, some families don’t get anything at all, so I think everyone should be grateful for what they have at Christmas time. Christmas isn't about Christmas trees, decorations and getting new toys, because the real reason why Christmas is existing is because it is the celebration of Jesus’s birthday.

Baran Zanjani – Year 6 Christmas trees. Christmas lights.

Christmas dinners. Christmas holidays. So many things we do all in that one month of December. Then you pack it all up, and the next week you have to go to work, or school, or any other life you had before that one holy month.

What does Christmas mean to you? It seems like a question teachers would ask you for a Christmas essay. Your heart wants to say presents and candy canes, but because you want a good grade you say it's Jesus’s birthday. For me, Christmas is about the spirit. The nostalgic feeling of the minty candy you melt in your mouth until it is as pointy as a needle. The nostalgic feeling of the out-of-tune Christmas songs everybody sings. My mother, buying more ornaments than necessary and doing fun Christmas activities at school. Knowing that that the year is nearly over, and a New Year awaits.

Every Christmas, I am brought back into the memories of the years before, the one I spent in a plane, or the one when my grandparents were there. Each time I look at an object from Christmas I am suddenly filled with the colours and songs and that spirit of Christmas. There is no other way to explain it. It’s magical. Christmas is one month of magical trees and magical lights and magical dinners and magical holidays.

Tara Isbel – Year 5 Christmas means family. Before we go to see my paternal grandparents out of town, we open our presents from our maternal grandparents in town with our cousins. A week or so later we go to see my paternal grandparents and celebrate Christmas there with our other cousins.

We go for walks or stay for dinner at our cousins’ house and it’s always really fun! I have always spent Christmas with family ever since I was born. That is why Christmas means family to me.

Sharon Murphy About six years ago I lost my Christmas spirit. This was a noticeable shift for me because previously I could not get enough of Christmas. In the past, I’ve loved everything Christmassy – they all held cheery anticipation of the best that could come.

Then one year, as I noticed supermarket shelves filling with Christmas fare, I felt nothing. Well not quite nothing, more of a recoil. Christmas presents, decorations, gift wrap, even the movies, held no attraction for me. They seemed empty and baseless.

From that year, I replaced the evergreen of the Christmas tree with the evergreen of the Advent wreath. Instead of the red and silver of tree baubles there was the purple and pink of Advent candles. Of an evening I no longer gazed at the twinkle of tree lights but was mesmerised by the simple flicker of an Advent candle flame.

The glitz and glitter may have gone but what remained, and grew, was my sense of anticipation. An expectant waiting with hope, peace, joy, and love for the best that does come at Christmas. It is not just one day of merriment but a whole season of grace. So, whilst I may have lost my earlier Christmas spirit, I think I’ve discovered some Christmas meaning.

That’s a good feeling.

Marc Romano Christmas for me means the celebration of family and the gift of giving. Having four young children makes Christmas a special occasion. The joy that fills the air, the excitement and suspense in the preceding weeks, of not only receiving gifts, but the love that goes with giving.

A deliberate intent in my family goes to putting in the effort of thought and time to find the perfect gift that means something special to the person that receives the gift. To acknowledge that they are important in our lives. As a family we celebrate our love for each other.

Most importantly, Christmas is a time for us to understand the lessons from Jesus and reflect on them. During the lead-up to Christmas I think it’s even more important to live compassion and forgiveness and to have a vision of doing everything with a positive mindset and from a place of love.

This means, that on Christmas morning the birth of Christ symbolises not only new beginnings, but family unity. Each year as a family, we remember those less fortunate than ourselves and my four children each shop for a present to donate to St Vincent de Paul. Our family celebration of Christmas is a reflection of the love and selflessness taught by Jesus.

Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit.

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Reasons in the sun DAVID McGOVERN

Someone once told me that “people come into our life either for a reason or a season”.

I can’t remember who it was, but I know that I have had plenty of moments to ponder those words since relocating from the Queensland capital of Brisbane to the small country community of Barrington, about 6km beyond Gloucester on the road to Walcha, Armidale and beyond.

Encounters through work, in my role as Diocesan Director for Catholic Mission; attending Mass at the local parish of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gloucester; becoming an active member of the local RSL sub-branch and the local Legacy committee – these have all led me to make new connections and experience flourishing friendships.

Back in Brisbane, I left behind not only a room full of furniture, books, and CDs, but the family of my late wife, a team of colleagues, a tribe of fellow gym enthusiasts, a team of squash mates and a circle of influence that had grown wider during my marriage to Celena. It shrunk significantly after her death in 2017. Our son, Brodie, and Celena are also buried in a lawn cemetery in Mount Cotton. At least the move to NSW brings me closer to our daughter, Amber Rose, who is interred in a similar place, just west of Sydney at Rouse Hill.

As I sit here in The Studio, a self-contained cottage, or granny flat, on the property owned by my parents in Barrington, I ponder those I have left behind, those I have been fortunate to meet in the ensuing weeks and months and consider the distinction between “reasons” and “seasons”.

certain decisions can differ widely. Within a relationship it might be how to discipline children. In families it might be determining where everyone will be at Christmas time. And across entire communities – witness the controversy surrounding the requirements for citizens to be double vaxxed.

In the Church calendar, much like the secular calendar we all embrace and follow, seasons are clearly defined. They have a clear beginning and ending: summer, autumn, winter, spring. For Christians, there are the liturgical seasons denoted by colour in the garments worn by the priests or banners hanging in churches, and by the readings and prayers. For sports fans, there is the eager anticipation of kick-off in the footy season; for punters, there is a chance to frock up and bet when racing season arrives in all its indulgent but exhilarating glory.

We all have reasons for doing what we do. Unlike the launch of a season of much-anticipated television viewing or the changing hues of leaves in a garden, reasons are not always obvious. I would like to think I have been making the most of my newfound solitude, or the distance from those I left behind in Queensland, but I know my extrovert tendencies still crave the companionship of others. Such personality traits can drive us in ways that may not always be immediately obvious.

Whereas seasons could be seen to punctuate our life, reasons offer their own contribution to the story we each are writing. They are the synonyms, homonyms, and antonyms of our vocabulary – some can see an event or an occasion with similar meaning or interpretation, while others can approach the same lifestyle choice – spending money, for instance – with widely varying value systems and thought processes.

Sometimes, our reasons for making

As we enter the season of Advent, our homes will become adorned with trees and baubles and lights and perhaps a stable – we are entering the Christmas season. Plans will be made, gift lists will be ticked, groceries will be purchased. Will we, however, be as mindful of the reasons for the choices we make? Will we remain present to those underlying dynamics that can potentially undermine the Christmas day lunch? Can we curb our instinct for self-protection or having our own way and perhaps let go of our need to be where we want to be, to mark Christmas, so

as to allow someone else to have their wishes fulfilled?

In my season of grieving, I have always sought ways to keep my family “alive”, at least in the daily moments of my work and play. The rain falling is Celena washing away my self-doubt; a green tree frog sitting on my shoulder is Brodie assuring me that “all will be well, Dad, and all will be well”. Butterflies will always be a sign that Amber Rose is there, guiding me with gentleness, grace, and a lightness of touch. In these moments from nature, I see reasons to go on. I know I am “fearfully and wonderfully made”, that God continues to guide me and that, for now, I am committed to this season here, with my family of birth, doing work that I am passionate about.

The Magi followed a star and brought gifts.

They had their reasons. The shepherds heard choirs of angels and responded – they had their reasons. This Christmas, may you find your own reasons for participating in the building of the Kingdom of God and may your season be merry and bright.

David McGovern, Diocesan Director, Catholic Mission, MaitlandNewcastle Diocese.

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Strong start for Upper Hunter education and care ALEX FOSTER

The NSW State Government has been under pressure from industry of late to undertake an aggressive resumption of immigration levels to bolster the nationwide skills shortage that has resulted from Australia’s border closures.

However, recent reports from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) show a 35 per cent increase in the number of Australians enrolled in courses linked to apprenticeships and traineeships compared to the start of the pandemic. It has sparked debate about whether this growth in Australia’s vocational education and training sector is a more sustainable way of filling the gaps for employers.

The latest Skills Shortage List published by the Australian Government’s National Skills Commission identifies the childcare profession as being in the top seven per cent of all occupations in short supply.

The shortage is even worse in regional communities.

St Nicholas, an agency of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, has experienced the perils of the skills shortage first-hand, having recently opened a new early education centre in Muswellbrook, as well as new out-of-school-hours care services in Scone, Denman and Jerrys Plains.

“It’s very difficult to recruit staff in those regional areas, and due to the large

number of parents and carers working long hours in the mines, manufacturing and agriculture, there is a high demand for care and education for young children,” said Erica Wilkinson, Business Manager for St Nicholas Pathways, the vocational education arm of St Nicholas.

To help combat these challenges and provide high-quality support for families with young children in these areas, St Nicholas was successful recently in securing the Sustainability Support Grant from the Community Child Care Fund (CCCF). “The Sustainability Support Grant is intended to help eligible childcare services operating in areas of limited supply improve the viability and sustainability of their service,” said Fiona Mackie, Director of the Community Child Care Fund (Program & Delivery).

In conjunction with its registered training organisation (RTO) partner the International Child Care College, St Nicholas will use the funding to support the introduction of its CONNEX program in the Muswellbrook area. Providing both early childhood education and employment opportunities for the Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter communities.

“There also hasn’t been a great deal of accessibility to training for people wanting to pursue a career in early childhood education,” Ms Wilkinson said.

“Up until now, those people would have to study through a traineeship or distance education, but that doesn’t suit everyone’s learning style. That face-to-face, personalised support is missing.”

The St Nicholas Pathways CONNEX program offers a blended program of face-to-face, online, and workplacebased training that leads to a nationally accredited, entry-level qualification in early childhood education and care.

“Our trainer and assessor is on-hand twice a week in a class-based setting to support students’ understandings of the various concepts and skills needed for them to have a successful career in early childhood education,” Ms Wilkinson said.

Students also participate in workplace experience, which includes placements with St Nicholas Early Education and St Nicholas OOSH. Ms Wilkinson said this presents them with an opportunity to showcase their skills for potential employers.

“It’s a win-win for everyone. Training and support for people who want to pursue a career in early childhood education, higher quality education and care for families, and a pipeline of talent for St Nicholas’ services in the region.”

St Nicholas Pathways will also launch its Industry Immersion and School-Based

Traineeship (SBAT) programs in the region in 2022, providing opportunities for school students to explore and pursue a career in early childhood education and care.

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Responding to God's call SARAH JAMES

Spirit states its case Satellite navigation was not the only force guiding Toronto’s new Parish Leader, Christopher Voigt, on his journey to Lake Macquarie. There was something far more powerful at play – the Holy Spirit.

Christopher had been working in a pastoral role in Brisbane for the past three years and was looking to take a step up in leadership and follow God’s call.

“The Spirit was at work moving me to look for what the next step was that God was leading us to,” Christopher said. “It just so happened that this position came up, and I had this moment of realisation that this is definitely where God wants us.”

Moving a family of six children interstate is no easy feat even during the best of times, but the Voigt family had the added complexity of doing so during the middle of NSW’s lockdown.

“Coming from Queensland, our children were pretty much able to do what they like, so walking into lockdown for about 10 weeks before they could go anywhere, that’s certainly a challenge,” he said. “But we’re all settling in well. The parish has been very welcoming.”

Serving God in an active way in the Church has always been close to Christopher’s heart, and from a young age he had dreams of being a missionary overseas.

However, over time, he realised his mission was on a more local level and to reach out to people who were disconnected from the Church.

“I’m really excited about where God may be leading us and being open to viewing the Church through different eyes,” Christopher said. “We can’t continue doing things as we’ve always done them.

Photo: Peter Stoop

“Obviously, there is a disconnect between where the Church is at the moment and where the world is. Somehow we need to listen to the Holy Spirit about how God wants us to reach

and engage with these people in faith so they can encounter Christ.”

Christopher believes the Parish Leader role presents a unique opportunity to collaborate with the community in ways that are often not possible in the context of traditional leadership models. Through this collaboration, he hopes to empower the community to live out their baptismal call as missionary disciples and use their Godgiven gifts and talents.

One of his main goals as Parish Leader is to continue shifting from being a parish in maintenance, to a parish focused on mission that is growing and engaging with young people.

“The key with young people is to be real with them – not to have a pre-conceived idea of what you expect of them, but to reach out and journey with them, build relationships and listen to where they’re at,” Christopher said.

“There’s such a rich spirituality in young people. It’s easy to look at how we don’t have a lot of young people coming to Mass or engaging with the Church in that traditional way. The benchmark has often been seen as, ‘how many people do we have on the pew?’ Well, it’s not a good reflection of where they’re at, because the faith is alive and strong in young people’s hearts.”

Christopher said he would be serving the Toronto parish as long as God needs him.

“I’ve often had communities we’ve been a part of say to us, ‘how long will you be here?’, and I’ve always said, ‘I’m here as long as God needs us’.

“Whether it’s 10 years, 20 years, or the rest of our lives, that’s entirely up to God.”

W W W. M N N E W S . T O D AY / A U R O R A

Brett’s at home in Boston It’s not every day a boy who grew up in East Maitland is ordained as a deacon at Boston College, but that’s exactly what happened for Brett O’Neill on 18 September 2021.

During his schooling years at All Saints’ College, Brett increasingly found himself being drawn to the idea of joining the priesthood. Following five years with the Missionaries of God’s Love, and then working in public policy with the Australian government, in 2014 Brett found his place with the Australian Jesuits.

“I knew the Jesuits were really involved in social justice works and trying to work for a better sense of justice in Australia,” Brett said. “So, I was drawn to that, especially how they work with the refugees and migrants.”

Brett described the Jesuits’ Ignatian spirituality as about finding God in every moment of each day. As part of his vocational training, Brett has been placed within a diverse range of environments, including East Timor and an Aboriginal community in The Kimberley.

“Ignatian spirituality is a distinctive spirituality, and we’re different from the rest of the Church as we’re called to work on the margins,” he said. “We make a vow in our training in obedience to the Pope in regard to missions. It expresses our openness to be sent wherever the need is greatest to the Church.”

In 2018, Brett began studying his Licentiate of Sacred Theology at Boston College. However, it wasn’t from his studies that he learnt the most, but rather the experience of living in a new country and with it, gaining a different perspective.

“Living in the United States, particularly these past couple of years, has been really fascinating,” he said. “During the pandemic, there has been increased tensions in regard to racial justice and the rise of the Black Lives

Matter movement, not to mention the issues on the southern border.

“The main thing that has happened to me has been getting a new perspective on these social issues I hadn’t been exposed to in Australia.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, unfortunately Brett’s family was unable to attend his ordination as a deacon in person, but there was no shortage of love and support through the livestream.

“For this ordination, there were 12 of us being ordained together,” he said. “These were all men I’ve become friends with over the past three years, so it was nice to share that together.

“I was very touched by the amount of support from family and friends. Becoming a priest is obviously a very different kind of pathway, but my family have been very supportive of that over the years.”

Currently, Brett is working on completing his Doctorate in Theological Ethics and working in a Boston parish on weekends.

In July 2022, he will return to North Sydney to be ordained as a priest.

“I’m really looking forward to priestly ordination and eventually saying my first Mass in East Maitland. This is a time of transitioning to public ministry, so I’m loving the experience of preaching. I’m still learning the ropes and making mistakes and what have you, but it’s an enjoyable experience.”

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Solomon’s journey He is only 30 years of age, yet on Saturday 4 December at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Singleton, Bishop Brian Mascord will ordain Solomon Okovido as a transitional deacon.

Hailing from Nigeria, Solomon was raised in a deeply religious family.

“My dad was a little bit of an authoritarian, but he was very genial,” said Solomon.

“Meanwhile, my mum was gentle and kind, yet much more disciplined. As I grew up, I noticed that my mum was more pious than my dad. My dad would go to church at times without minding us, but my mum would never leave the house for church unless we were all prepared to go.”

While at school, Solomon joined the alter boys’ association in his parish and started serving at Masses. It was during this time that he was inspired by his parish priest, Reverend Father Andrew Obinyan.

“He was so kind, and I wanted to be like him,” said Solomon. “I saw him as my mentor, and I became close to him. Fr Andrew Obinyan invited me to stay with him while studying. I assisted him in both church and house chores.”

Fr Andrew encouraged Solomon to join the Catholic Charismatic Movement of the parish and the Legion of Mary Society. He also gave him a treasured book on the saints, which Solomon still reads daily.

“These moments were pivotal in my faith journey as they served as the first nursery bed for my vocation to the priesthood,” said Solomon.

After graduating from secondary school, Solomon’s desire to become a priest only grew stronger.

“I had some exposure to the Jesuits in my diocese, but I didn’t join them.

Instead, I joined the Congregation of the Divine Presence Missionaries, where I strengthened my faith formation and studied philosophy.”

After learning of the Missionaries of God’s Love (MGL) religious order, Solomon thought this would be a fantastic opportunity to serve in foreign missions.

Thanks to his charismatic disposition and love of God, he applied and was accepted into the congregation.

As part of the MGL, Solomon travelled to Australia in February 2014. However, he shortly put a pause on his formation with the MGL, as he wanted to enrich his discernment away from the seminary.

“I knew that I still wanted to be a priest, but I wasn’t in a rush,” he said. “I took my time outside the seminary to properly discern the best path for myself.”

Solomon studied and worked as a chef in Brisbane, while also being a community support worker. He was very much engaged in the diocesan parish community where he lived, and thanks to the help of a spiritual director, rediscovered his calling to become a priest.

At the end of 2016, Solomon found his home in the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle. Following a year spent working at the St Benedict’s Inner Newcastle parishes, Solomon studied theology at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd.

“I graduated earlier this year and am now being raised to the Order of the Diaconate. I am delighted to be given this privilege to serve the good people of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and looking forward to my ministry as a deacon.”

Canonically, this transitional period generally lasts for six months. Following this, Solomon will finally be able to achieve his dream of becoming a priest. In the meantime, though, he is looking forward to the simple things: “I’m excited to marry and baptise those in our community, serve the people of Singleton, and proclaim the good word.”

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

Fulfilling visions, reflecting on values SEAN SCANLON

2021 has been a challenging year for many in our community. The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has not been immune to these challenges, particularly as we navigated the requirements of safely operating our parishes, schools, early education and community services during the pandemic.

Of course, it was also with great sadness that our bishop, Bill Wright, died and we were faced with a challenge of an entirely different nature. Bishop Bill was an inspiring leader – a most humble man who deeply valued the work we do in education and in supporting those in need in our community. You will read much of

St Nicholas Early Education Reflecting on the Diocese’s continued commitment to the growth of St Nicholas and supporting families, children and students, this year we appointed an Executive Director of St Nicholas, David Healy. In recent months, David has been working with staff across the three arms of the agency; St Nicholas Early Education, St Nicholas Pathways, and St Nicholas OOSH to implement the St Nicholas Strategic Plan 2021-2024. Four intersecting themes guide the agency’s strategic direction: community and partnerships, sustainability, growth, and quality. This holistic approach has enabled the agency to continue to mature, even through periods of hardship brought on during the pandemic.

This year, St Nicholas Pathways has developed a business manager role.

The business manager, Erica Wilkinson, has been working with David and others to ensure we seek new opportunities to support career pathways into early childhood education and care. This year, Pathways continued its partnership with the International Child Care College and as a result, 13 students commenced their school-based apprentice traineeship.

Additionally, these two agencies also partnered to launch the Pathways CONNEX program. Operating out of purpose-built Pathways training facility in Maitland, and training room in

Muswellbrook, this program is providing entry-level qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care to 15 students.

St Nicholas OOSH continued its strong growth in 2021, opening 11 new services.

St Nicholas OOSH now operates at 36 locations, including from five public schools, and provides care to more than 5,400 children and employs more than 250 staff.

St Nicholas Early Education opened three new centres in Medowie, Gilleston Heights and Muswellbrook, taking its total number of centres to 11. The agency also continued to enhance service offerings across all locations, including fostering relationships with community partners.

In Raymond Terrace, the children were fortunate to build on their relationships with residents in COVID-safe ways from Opal Aged Care, and in Cardiff, children made meaningful connections with culture through the Elder-In-Residence program, offered in partnership with Speaking in Colour. The service also launched an engaging online learning portal, to support families who elected to keep their children at home during the lockdown.

his legacy in the milestones summarised below. Bishop Bill will be greatly missed but I am filled with hope that we will continue to fulfil his vision.

Sean Scanlon, Chief Executive Officer, Diocese Of Maitland - Newcastle

Catholic schools In 2021, the Church celebrated 200 years of Catholic education in Australia.

While our Diocese is still a few years away from any of our schools reaching this bicentenary milestone, our tradition of providing Catholic education to local communities is showing no signs of wavering.

Our Diocese recorded a 1.5 per cent increase in student enrolments this year.

Supporting this growth was a bolstered commitment from the Diocese to ensure we have the staff, physical assets, pastoral resources, and pedagogical approach in place for our young leaders To enable the Diocese to meet sustained demand for Catholic education, this year we opened a new high school in Medowie; Catherine McAuley Catholic College.

The school opened to students in Years 7 and 8 and will continue to expand in coming years. A robust capital works program complements the opening of Catherine McCauley Catholic College. The Diocese this year invested $115 million in infrastructure and maintenance across our network of schools.

Supporting our student and staffs’ faith and helping them to reach their potential is a cornerstone of Catholic education.

Accordingly, it has been rewarding to have 513 staff and 311 senior students from across our network of schools engage

in formation programs, including with theologian-in-residence, Professor Michael Dennin, from the University of California.

Despite the pandemic leading to periods of enforced home leaning, our schools continued to deliver exceptional learning opportunities for students. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our schools’ staff and students for their tenacity and resilience during the lockdown. I know it wasn’t always easy, but you showed great commitment to carrying on, even when faced with difficult and ever-changing circumstances.

As we adjusted to a “new normal”, all our schools continued with their Clarity journey, led by international consultant Lyn Sharratt. Clarity is steeped in years of international research in education and centres on 14 Parameters that unwrap the core tenets of successful school improvement processes, with the aim of student growth and achievement. In addition, an increasing number of our schools have signed onto our Gifted Education Program, aimed at providing meaningful opportunities for all students to excel in their learning, and the Successful Foundations project, which provides a wonderful transition to school for our youngest learners through a play-based learning methodology.

W W W. M N N E W S . T O D AY / A U R O R A

Office of Safeguarding In the first quarter of 2021, the Office of Safeguarding managed to relocate to newly renovated offices in the Crebert Street complex, without any reduction in the provision of services during the move. The new offices offer a significant improvement in facilities.

A highly skilled, experienced, and wellrespected senior officer from the Catholic Schools Office was seconded to work with parish leaders to “coach” them in their ongoing implementation of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. Whilst the implementation of strict public health orders (COVID-19) caused significant delays in the implementation plans, the initiative has generated positive feedback from those parishes that received the additional supports.

During the third quarter of 2021, Healing and Support transitioned out of Safeguarding to strengthen and promote

the integrity of the service. Also, the Alternative Dispute Resolution service was relocated to increase the synergies of the service with other diocesan agencies.

In 2021, the Office of Safeguarding actioned its primary prevention strategy through increased participation in the design and implementation phases of new programs and facilities, inculcating safeguarding strategies as an integral part of the service.

Despite record rates of intake in 2021 and whilst fulfilling significant demand for investigations, compliance checks, and risk assessment and management, the Office of Safeguarding responded to diocesan services and their particular training needs. Safeguarding doubled its number of training courses to more than a dozen face-to-face or live-streamed presentations that captured about 1,000 diocesan personnel.

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ALUMNI

CatholicCare To start the year, our social services agency CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning launched a new clinical and allied services brand, The Rosewood Centre. To support the community during lockdown the Rosewood Centre’s team of psychologists moved appointments online and delivered a series of free mental health and wellbeing webinars.

CatholicCare also continued to build on its government-funded contracts, receiving a three-year extension to deliver the Brighter Futures program in the Manning, as well as joining forces with CentaCare New England Northwest to deliver the Gamble Aware program across the Hunter New England health region. In addition, its dedicated staff continue to provide care and support to children and young people through family preservation programs and permanency support programs.

CatholicCare launched its first-ever August

Appeal, which raised $12,000 to support grassroots programs throughout the Diocese such as food services and the refugee hub. Demonstrating the demand for this community work, in November volunteers at the Taree Community Kitchen served their milestone 50,000th meal since CatholicCare commenced operations.

CatholicCare’s Newcastle food service has served 40,000 meals since commencing its operations.

CatholicCare commenced a new social enterprise cleaning business aimed at providing training and employment for refugee and asylum seekers and vulnerable young people. The Refugee Hub supported refugee and asylum seekers with casework, advocacy, and English lessons. Volunteers supported students from St Columban’s and San Clemente through the Refugee Hub’s homework centre.

Pastoral Ministries

Catholic Development Fund

Pastoral Ministries continues to provide a ministry hub, which supports the Five Foundations Pastoral Planning Framework for the whole diocesan community. These five foundations are

The Catholic Development Fund (CDF) continued to play a significant role in ensuring that good work of all our agencies can continue. Loan funds in excess of $80 million were provided by the CDF to diocesan agencies this year, which assisted to build new schools and school infrastructure across the Diocese including at Catherine McAuley College, Medowie; St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm; St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead; St Aloysius Primary School, Chisholm; St Patricks Primary School, Lochinvar; St Therese’s Primary School, New Lambton; and Rosary Park Primary School, Branxton. Loan funds were also provided to expand the facilities of St Nicholas Early Education in Chisholm, Medowie, Gillieston Heights and to provide much-needed facilities for CatholicCare to carry out its important work.

1.

Identity and Community

2.

Worship and Prayer

3.

Formation and Education

4.

Mission and Outreach

5.

Leadership and Structure.

The second session of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle's historic Synod was a resounding success that signals the appetite for the renewal of the Church at a local level.

More than 300 people participated in session two, hosted across six hubs connected in real-time via Zoom.

Commissioned Synod members voted on Statements of Intent, which aligned with five papers: Identity and Community, Worship and Prayer, Formation and Education, Mission and Outreach, and Leadership and Structure. Following consultation with their local communities, the members cast their vote on various important matters including women in leadership, homelessness, care for the

environment, communication, cultural diversity, protection for the marginalised including refugees, interfaith dialogue, and youth engagement.

Members of our Church also participated in Australia's first Plenary Council in 84 years. The Plenary Council is the highest formal gathering of the Church across the country and brings together Catholics of many different backgrounds, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern what God is asking of the Church in Australia.

Our own Diocesan Synod, the Australian Plenary Council, and now the Bishop’s Synod on Synodality continue to provide a local, national, and universal lens to the synodal journey the Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle has been on in 2021.

The CDF generated a surplus of more than $6m for the year ended 30 June 2021, exceeding its budget and forecast results, which is an exceptional result in a very challenging environment with interest rate yields at historically low levels.

From this surplus, a $5m distribution was made to the Diocese to support its pastoral mission. The balance was retained to build the CDF’s capital base.

Across all our agencies, our Shared Services team continued to support the work of the Church. Our technology services, human services, administration, and communications teams were kept particularly busy assisting agencies to navigate complications arising from the pandemic. Meanwhile, our property, finance, governance, enterprise management, and data and analytics teams also pivoted and ensured we continued to make great gains in supporting each of our agencies, whilst also streamlining their service provision.

2021 has taught us resilience, given us courage, and reminded us to always be ready to adapt. The events of the year have encouraged me to reflect on the values of our Church and for that, I am thankful.

CARE TALK

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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

Care talk Christmas celebrations: a time for reflection and gratitude GERARD OGLE

The Rosewood Centre’s registered psychologists address a new issue each month.

The advice provided is general in nature and does not replace ongoing support and advice from your health professional.

To talk to someone about counselling support, call: The Rosewood Centre P 1800 613 155 or Lifeline 24/7 on P 131 114.

It feels like just the other day we were taking down the Christmas decorations in my home. But here we are again, on the cusp of the “most beautiful time of the year”. But in between the Christmas tinsel of past, and the hot-cross buns and chocolate eggs that followed, these past two years have felt like a blur of rollercoaster emotions, fatigue, and deferred hope if I must be honest. What with lockdowns, working from home (although I have loved the casual dress code) and the home-learning for schoolkids that ensued.

And now, here we are – at the dawn of a season that can bring mixed emotions for many.

What makes this year different though is that for the first time in almost two years, many of us in NSW get to celebrate and cherish with those closest to us – in person. Almost miraculously it seems, we have weathered a challenging few months of early morning news conferences littered with statistics and everchanging restrictions and safety rules. And so, as if by divine intervention, it feels as though we have been blessed with gifts so apt for this time of year – the gifts of love, family, and fellowship. This surely feels like good grace. So, with these looming celebrations on the horizon, mindful planning and preparation in our approach could be key allies in combating the inevitable stress that often accompanies this special family time. Indeed, this festive season can herald the advent of a new dawn for our mental well-being.

Here are some useful tips to ensure that we feel less overwhelmed and yet still able to enjoy the holidays celebrating with those we love.

1. Remember that you don’t have to do everything on your own.

It is important to share the responsibilities and ask for help when you feel you need it as you plan for those family and friend celebrations.

The old saying “many hands make light work” couldn’t be more appropriate and could potentially be the difference between you feeling overwhelmed or being able to enjoy the company of loved ones as you create new memories.

2. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect Who doesn’t love to have that special party with just the right amount of everything? But pulling that off often comes with a large dose of pressure, and if you’re already feeling the strain after this challenging year, remember that the desire to pull off that perfect party or celebration doesn’t have to be the unrealistic standard you aim for.

Just do your best.

3. Set a budget and stick to it We all know that once the celebrations are over, the New Year will come and there will be financial responsibilities to be met. One of the best ways to ensure that we don’t start the New Year experiencing financial pressure and feeling overwhelmed is to set a budget and to stick to it. Financial discipline can save you from a great deal of pressure as you head into the New Year.

4. Stick to your normal routine It was the uncertainty during the lockdowns that contributed towards triggering anxiety and stress for many.

Keeping our normal routine of regular exercise, mindful eating, and sleep patterns can help us remain focused and feeling energised these holidays.

5. Moderation The celebrations that we share can provide the perfect temptation for us to indulge in excess food and alcohol – almost as reward for the restrictions we’ve had to endure. Remember, this excess may help with easing the painful memories of the year that has been, but this relief may be short-lived if we struggle with guilt and regret later.

Celebrating in moderation can help us avoid the dread of having gone too far.

6. Let your values guide you As the advertising ramps up and the pressure to please mounts, it is easy for our emotions to influence us. The pressure to compete with what we see others doing on social media, or the pressure of our emotions jerking us around can cause us to commit to actions that are out of character.

Always let your values guide you.

Simply ask, what is important to me?

What do I value most? You can use these reflective questions to help guide your decision making rather than being swayed by big emotions such as guilt or frustration.

Finally, be mindful of those around you who are lonely and in need of company – perhaps not able to be with loved ones – or just doing it tough. Kindness towards others can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things you do this season.

W W W. M N N E W S . T O D AY / A U R O R A

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COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Diocesan Advent Reflection: Waiting with purpose

Caritas Global Gifts Are you looking for meaningful Christmas presents?

Give a Global Gift. These cards will bring hope and joy to the world’s most vulnerable and smiles to your loved ones. You can buy a Global Gift by visiting globalgifts.org.au/#buy

Christmas Mass To find out Christmas Mass times in your local parish, please visit mn.catholic.org.au/places/christmas-masstime-maitland-newcastle/ The 5pm Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve, the midnight Mass and the 9.30am Christmas Day Mass will be livestreamed from the Sacred Heart Cathedral. You can watch the livestream at mn.catholic.org.au/Places/Livestream

Christian Formation Course (CFC) 2022 Are you wanting to know more about Christianity?

Expressions of interest are now open for the Christian Formation Course 2022 The Christian Formation Course (CFC) is a face-toface learning experience that allows participants to explore their life’s journey and their faith within the Catholic tradition. This one-year course introduces participants to scripture, theology, Church history, sacramental life, and liturgy. The course runs across twelve months and comprises of eight units.

Commencing on 1 February 2022, no prerequisite formation or qualification is required to enrol. All who complete the course are awarded a Diocesan Certificate in Christian Formation.

Expressions of interest close on 10 December. For more information visit: www.mn.catholic.org.au/church-mission/catholic-life/ adult-faith-formation/christian-formation-course/

As we continue our Synodal journey, an Advent Reflection resource Waiting with Purpose has been created for our Diocese. Waiting with Purpose responds to the voices heard during Synod reflection process, which identified a longing for different forms of prayer that include faith sharing.

Waiting with Purpose invites us to use mystagogical reflection as our way of encountering Christ in the Advent gospels. It invites us to focus on the presence of Christ in our experience and in the living tradition of our faith, to connect it to life now and to be changed by it.

During Advent there are opportunities for those who cannot gather in their local communities to experience Waiting with Purpose via Zoom.

For more information on this event series, visit: www.eventbrite.com.au/o/diocese-of-maitlandnewcastle-18080128129

Newcastle Community Kitchen CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning is delighted to announce our latest Community Kitchen based out of Civic Park. Every Saturday, CatholicCare will provide a free meal and refreshments for those in our community in need of support. If you know someone who would benefit from the service, please pass on this information.

Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Simply Vinnies

Date: Every Saturday

Simply Energy has created a new electricity and gas product specifically for Vinnies. It offers special supporters a low energy rate, supplies 100 per cent carbon neutral energy, and for every person who joins the plan, Simply will give Vinnies an ongoing payment every month to help fund our good works.

So, you can get a great rate on energy while supporting vital services in our community at no cost to yourself.

Where: Civic Park, King St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Vinnies hopes the project will generate muchneeded additional funding that can go towards its many services around NSW such as its night patrol and outreach services that offer food, a friendly face, and the opportunity to get introductions to specialist services for anyone on the street or facing homelessness.

A Pride Mass for LGBTIQ people, their families, friends and other Catholics will be held at 6.00pm on Friday 4 March 2022 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, located at 16 Tighes Terrace, Tighes Hill.

“We are hoping a lot of people will be able to save money by switching to this product and, at the same time, enable us to do more for people in need,” said Mitchell Sadler, Director of Commercial Enterprise at Vinnies.

“Simply will give us $3 a month for every live account or $6 if people take dual fuel. That can quickly add up and will be put to great use.”

Simply Vinnies, energy that’s good for you, the community, and the environment.

To see if you can save while also supporting Vinnies go to www.simplyenergy.com.au/simply-vinnies

For more information, please contact: P: 4979 1339 E: foodprograms@catholiccare.org.au

Pride Mass

Contact LGBTIQ@mn.catholic.org.au for more information.

KEY DATES 3 December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities 8 December: Feast of the Immaculate Conception 18 December: International Migrants Day 24 December: Christmas Eve 25 December: Christmas Day

Download the Diocese app For the latest news and events in our Diocese.

For more events, please visit mn.catholic.org.au

26 December: Boxing Day 26 December: Feast of the Holy Family 31 December: New Year’s Eve

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Food talk

A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E

The Taree Community Kitchen has been a place of welcome in the Manning district since it first opened its doors five years ago.

In that time, thanks to generous volunteers and donors, the kitchen has served 50,000

PAVLOVA WREATH

meals.

CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning manages the grassroots operation, which is committed to providing a festive meal to help patrons celebrate the Advent season.

In the days leading up to Christmas, the Community Kitchen will serve pavlova

adorned with berries that reflect the Advent colours of pink and purple.

The kitchen’s volunteers have shared the recipe below, and hope that you too will find the gift in giving this Christmas.

Ingredients f 4 egg whites

f 300ml cream

f 1 cup caster sugar

f 200g strawberries

f 1 teaspoon cornflour

f 200g raspberries

f 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

f 200g blueberries

Method f Preheat oven to 120°C and grease a large oven tray (a round tray works best). f On a sheet of baking paper, draw a 23cm circle (you might like to use a plate to help).

Then draw a second 13cm circle inside. Place the paper on the tray. f Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. It’s important there are no traces of egg yolk, and that the bowl is dry before starting. f Add sugar a spoonful at a time, ensuring it is dissolved before adding another spoonful. Once all the sugar has been added and the mixture is thick and glossy, add cornflour and vanilla. Beat briefly, until just combined. f Using the pencil marks as a guide, scoop large spoonfuls of meringue onto the tray to

form a wreath shape. Then, using the back of a spoon, make small indentations along the top of the wreath – this will help later, when adding cream and berries. f Place the tray in the oven for 1½ hours, then turn the oven off. Following this, prop the oven door open slightly and leave the meringue to cool completely. f Meanwhile, whip the cream until it becomes thickened. f Once the meringue is cool, remove it from the oven and using a knife, gently separate it from the baking paper and slide it onto a serving plate. f Place the cream on top and decorate with fresh berries.

You may choose to use other fruit, but the berries are seasonal and look nice and festive.

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Make these school holidays a time your children will never forget!

St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care Programs available now at stnicholasoosh.org.au Operating between 16-22 December and 3-31 January f Excludes Australia Day, 26 January f All eligible families are entitled to receive the Child Care Subsidy* *Enrolments with St Nicholas OOSH must be confirmed with Centrelink

stnicholasoosh.org.au