Aurora - March 2021

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle March 2021 | No.210

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FIRST WORD

Our hearts beat the same

On the cover

I was recently at the local pool with my six-year-old son, Archie. As we waited for swimming lessons to kick off, a little boy in the same class told us he would have sushi for dinner that night. Archie, detecting an accent and knowing sushi hails from our Asian friend, asked his swimming buddy if he was from Japan.

“No,” he said with a beautiful grin on his face, “I am from Africa.”

Photo by Peter Stoop.

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Soccer, the world game

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Recognise the multicultural in all of us

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Talking the talk is second nature

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Mother-tongue Mass a multicultural marvel 9

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Keeping the faiths

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Ignite a conversation to connect

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A word from the Bishop on the eve of the Second Session of Synod

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Discussion: Harmony Day

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Rhythms amid purple haze

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Keeping on

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Learning to live together

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Listen for the diversity

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The boy's father watched over the conversation alongside me, and I immediately felt myself wanting to interject and explain Archie's naivety. However, by the time I had found the words to explain, the moment had passed, and the boys were splashing around in the water laughing and carrying on.

It was then I was reminded of a children's book that came across my desk recently entitled Whoever You Are by awardwinning author Mem Fox. The book commences with the words: "Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world." It continues: "Their lives may be different to yours, and their words may be very different from yours, but inside, their hearts are just like yours, whoever they

are, all over the world."

While on the surface, Archie and his swimming buddy look very different and sound different too, their joy as they performed “underwater tumbles” was just the same. Archie's question was not loaded or racist; it was purely a question that stemmed from curiosity and a desire to connect with the little boy. And, in responding to Archie's question, the little boy seemed quite proud to share a piece of his identity.

A few days later, I was in an Uber and took a leaf out of Archie's book. In chatting with my driver, he told me he had moved to Newcastle a year ago, and I then asked him about his heritage.

He is from Pakistan, and we proceeded to speak about his home country. We also spoke about some of the themes that have arisen as part of this month's edition of Aurora, which takes inspiration from Harmony Day and Lent. One story, in particular, sprung to mind – Craig Duncan's piece on page 11. In Craig's article, he writes: "This Harmony Day I hope we come together and share our knowledge. It's a chance for everyone to sit, stop and listen to others' stories."

Contact Aurora Aurora editorial and advertising enquiries should be addressed to:

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First word

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My word

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Aurora online Good news! You can still catch up with Aurora online, via www.MNnews.today.

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

Frankly spoken

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Care talk

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Alumni

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Community noticeboard

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Food talk

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Subscribe E aurora@mn.catholic.org.au Editor: Lizzie Snedden Graphic Design: David Stedman Contributors: Elizabeth Baker, Ashleigh Banks, Darrell Croker, Brittany Gonzalez and Alexander Forster.

Aurora appears in The Newcastle Herald on the first Saturday of the month, in the Maitland Mercury, The Singleton Argus and in the Manning River Times the following week. Aurora can also be picked up at IGA’s in Taree, Bulahdelah, New Lambton, Paterson, Karuah, Cameron Park, Wangi, Gloucester, Dungog, Shoal Bay, Boolaroo, Blackalls Park, Woodrising, Stockton, Caves Beach, Rathmines, West Wallsend and Windale. The magazine can also be read at www.mnnews.today

WHEN IT MATTERS

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is located on traditional lands of Awabakal, Biripi Darkinjung, Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri, Wonnarua, and Worimi

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And so, this Lent, as we slow down and reflect, may we use that time to consider how we can better connect. Because yes, there is strength in diversity, but to celebrate it, we must really understand it. We must reach out to others with compassion and appreciate their differences. I hope the stories in this edition will serve as an inspiration for these conversations and remember, as Mem Fox writes: "Joys are the same, and love is the same. Pain is the same, and blood is the same … wherever they are, wherever you are, wherever we are, all over the world."

Lizzie Snedden is Editor for Aurora

Next deadline 10 March, 2021

Regulars

I asked my driver what he thought of this sentiment. He said he agreed and that this is missing in Newcastle. He remarked people here never seem to want to engage in conversation with him, which he said he thought maybe due to a lack of interest, or perhaps not wanting to say, “the wrong thing”. I consider this in the context of when I have travelled overseas, and people have shown an interest in my Australian accent. Maybe I am fortunate, but I have never felt the raff of being from “the land down under”, and I have loved having the opportunity to share a little about our blessed country with those who have taken the time to ask me about our place in the world.

peoples. We honour the wisdom of and pay respect to, Elders past, present

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and emerging, and acknowledge the spiritual culture of all Aboriginal and

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Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. We have much to learn from this ancient culture.

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MY 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

Fascinating, but scary Like so many others, I found the unravelling of the Trump presidency compelling viewing. From the craziness of the campaigning through the awfulness of the post-election events and on to the siege-like security of the inauguration, it had the fascination of some dystopianfuture movie, with the marauding gangs of Mad Max, leaders manipulating the populace à la Hunger Games, and more than a few reminiscences of Orwell’s Ministry of Truth and community hate sessions. But this wasn’t fiction. It was all too real.

Are there lessons to be learnt? Well, of course there are, but as so often happens, the measures that immediately occurred to people were probably the wrong ones. More and better fences, more heavily armed police and troops on hand, more restrictions on social media access, classifying more groups as “terrorists”, tougher laws and penalties – all these things that tend to entrench fear and division in a society are at best temporary expedients, nor solutions.

We in Australia are, of course, very lucky.

We have a deeply rooted civil society. The military stays out of politics. The police are rarely used to political ends. Our “safety nets” don’t entirely prevent the formation of disadvantaged underclass groups, but there’s still a pretty good level of social mobility by world standards. We have issues with racism and demonisation of some ethnic and religious groups, but they are at least “submerged” attitudes, not socially acceptable to most of the community most of the time. Historically, the right-wing militias of the interwar years died of their own absurd posturing, the courts stopped Menzies banning the communists, Gough Whitlam went peacefully if not quietly, and the anti-war

demos of the ’60s actually succeeded at the ballot box in the end. We’ve come through our crises peacefully. Can we learn anything from the Trump saga that will help keep up that record?

Here are a few things that I think are relevant to Australia. First, the importance of education, and particularly liberal education. America has many of the finest schools and universities in the world, of course. But to the outsider looking in, it does seem to be a two-class system.

For many decades there’s been plenty of talk about the decay of public education in the US, but that doesn’t seem to have arrested it. Too many states and cities seem to provide good schools to their middle classes but the bare minimum to farming communities or poor suburbs. It is hard to believe that so many Americans could have fallen for slogans, conspiracy theories, demagoguery or downright lies if they had ever learnt any serious history or how to analyse a text or dissect an argument. I know this is a very 19thcentury thought, but the purpose of education is to produce educated people, not simply people who are “job-ready” for the sort of work fate has assigned to them. We in Australia have to be careful that we educate all-comers to participate knowledgably in their society and not simply in the job market.

Second, we must preserve an independent judiciary. The blatant stacking of superior courts with political allies of the government destroys confidence in the system, as we have seen. We don’t really have any protection from this in Australia, except for tradition. We must therefore be watchful. Much the same could be said of the heads of the public service. Once upon a time they stayed in place despite changes in government, but we have seen

a growing tendency for incoming ministers to get rid of senior public servants and bring in others more aligned with their party platform. For all the faults of Sir Humphrey, however, a professional public service, not beholden to the government of the day, is a strength of our system worth safeguarding.

Third, and this is significant in Australia, we have to stick up for politicians who sometimes cross the floor. Votes “on party lines” are already too prevalent in Australia, in my opinion. Watching the Brexit debates, it was instructive to see how many Tories voted against their own government and those Labour members who voted against the direction of their leader. Equally, it has been instructive to see how few Washington Republicans have felt free to express an opinion critical of their party’s man. Essentially, it has only been some Senators who don’t face election for six years. “My

party, right or wrong” is an abdication of the responsibility we give to our representatives in parliament to engage intelligently with the issues of the day.

There are other things to watch, of course, such as the quality and variety of news services, the hazards of personality politics – let alone celebrity politics – and the dangers of gun culture among others.

I do like to believe that what happened in the US between 2016 and now couldn’t happen here, and I don’t think it could, but the biggest lesson of all is that the strength of our democracy mustn’t be taken for granted and we must keep an eye on some potential weak spots.

Bishop Bill Wright Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Frankly Spoken During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ.

Pope Francis’ Lenten message for 2021

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Photo: Peter Stoop

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Community groups including Northern NSW Football, Newcastle Football, Jesmond Football Club and CatholicCare Social Services have joined together to support new migrants playing the “world game”.

Soccer, the world game HELENE O’NEILL

No matter where you are in the world, whether on a football field in Jesmond or rugby oval in Kenya, the sense of euphoria projected from a win is astonishingly similar.

Sport, much like music and religion, can be a driving force in uniting people.

It can transcend cultural barriers and develop camaraderie between strangers.

Often, no words are needed.

In recognising this, Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) recently joined forces with Newcastle Football to support Jesmond Football Club in its efforts to welcome new migrants to the “world sport”. The Club had already been funding initiatives to support the refugee community for more than 11 years and has welcomed the additional backing.

The NSW Government’s Active Kids program provides two $100 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of schoolenrolled children to use towards two separate sport and active recreation costs each year.

When one of these vouchers is used for football registration, NNSWF and Newcastle Football are providing Jesmond FC with financial assistance that will empower the club to assist newly arrived,

migrants to meet the registration costs and play for the club.

refugees into our country as a haven, but that’s not enough.”

It is a move that will have an enormous impact on the lives of many of Newcastle’s newest residents, many of whom now reside in the western suburbs of the city.

CatholicCare’s Refugee Hub, formerly known as DARA, aims to assist new migrants at a grassroots level.

Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland says he is proud of the way in which football brings communities together and the safe and inclusive environment it can provide.

“The sport speaks internationally across many cultures,” he says. “Kids who may not interact at school become friends; parents develop networks, and communities are built.

“Northern NSW Football is committed to strengthening clubs and building more resilient and tolerant communities by addressing the barriers that impede the participation of the disadvantaged, disabled and multicultural groups.”

Director of CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning, Gary Christensen, says NNSWF’s support of refugees provides an excellent platform for Australians to share our way of life and vice-versa, rather than detracting from it.

“The Australian government invites

Assistance can include but is not limited to housing support, advocacy, NDIS co-ordination, employment matters and English lessons. The Refugee Hub has also been working in collaboration with Jesmond Football Club to increase participation in the sport for many years and is looking forward to ramping up efforts this year.

“Catholic social teachings tell you that we are here for the common good,” Mr Christensen says. “As such, it is up to all of us as individuals, clubs and organisations to help facilitate new migrants’ integration into our society, whether that be through sport or the arts, religion or other ‘everyday’ activities.”

Mr Eland agrees. “It is when we band all together, in this case with Newcastle Football, Settlement Services International and clubs such as Jesmond FC, we can make football more affordable and accessible to those who otherwise may not be able to participate,” he says.

Making the sport accessible to all is important every day, but it is particularly exciting in the lead up to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which Australia will host. It is anticipated Newcastle will be named a host city for teams from around the world.

While the sound of triumph, or a loss, of the game can be understood regardless of the dialect spoken, breaking down barriers for inclusion opens the opportunity to share cultures.

Perhaps Persian cake will complement the Aussie tradition of oranges at half time or the lamington drive fund-raiser. Or, at the very least, parents who may not have otherwise crossed paths in a workplace setting or drinks at the pub may now be able to explore common ground as they cheer on their children from the sideline.

Helene O’Neill is the Team Leader of Family Ministry Coordinators in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and Chair of Northern NSW Football.

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Photo: Peter Stoop

Those images of diversity and unity acted as a powerful magnet and spectacle for Australia all over the world.

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Left to right: Stefania's husband and children; Father Searle baptising Stefania's son; Stefania and her husband.

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Recognise the multicultural in all of us STEFANIA PAOLINI

Harmony Day celebrates the new and old faces of modern multicultural Australia and recognises our highs and lows.

I was born in Italy about 50 years ago, studied psychology there and then in the UK, and 20 years ago migrated to Australia with my newlywed English husband for a bit of adventure, to find work, and build a family.

We bought a house, became citizens a few years later, and have worked as lecturers and researchers at the University of Newcastle for two decades. Our two teenage boys speak English and Italian and identify equally with their Australian and European heritage. As with many, we miss not seeing our families back in Europe due to COVID travel restrictions. But at the same time, the shared hurdles of this pandemic help remind us that we are really “one people” in the good and in the bad.

Ours are the faces and the

ordinary stories of many new immigrants in modern multicultural Australia. Perhaps they are not that different, or perhaps they are, from those of Italian, Greek, and Macedonian immigrants arriving in much larger numbers soon after WWII. I take Ada, “my” beloved 87-year-old Italian “adoptive mother”, to Mass every Sunday and I listen carefully to her stories of those early migrations. What it was it for them at that time. How it was different but also the same as for the newer generations who leave their original home to find a new, perhaps safer and more prosperous one.

These personal and community stories of engaging with and thriving in diversity intrigue me. I am a social psychologist by training and my academic work looks at the benefits that multiculturalism can bring to society and its people. My research captures the energy, the thrills and innovation that society enjoys when it fully embraces the unique richness of our different backgrounds. My work also reflects on the darker sides of those experiences of diversity; the prejudice, the discrimination, and stigmatisation of “the other” – those sometimes-bumpy roads that we need to travel, as a society and as individuals, to get to those benefits.

As we approach Harmony Day, it seems appropriate and timely to reflect on how far Australia has come in harnessing cultural differences in a positive way.

Harmony Day is celebrated annually in Australia on 21 March. It began in 1999, to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The choice of its name is indicative of Australia’s continuing aspiration to be a harmonious and peaceful society that respects, includes, and celebrates all of its people. And I think there are real reasons to take pride in this record. Based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 data, nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was. Since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia and 85 per cent of Australians now agree that multiculturalism has been good for Australia.

On a day in which it is absolutely right and appropriate to be grateful for these extraordinary achievements in nationbuilding, perhaps it is also equally

appropriate to remember this day’s original name at the UN counterpart.

sing with one voice. I am, you are, we are Australian."

The research in these topics tells us very clearly that “harmony” between people is a realistic target. When multicultural dialogue and respect and meaningful exchange between members of different groups in society are promoted and upheld, individuals and communities do thrive.

Mutual prejudices ease, social trust and faith in the good of humanity grows. These dreams and aspirations however are difficult or impossible to achieve without doing the hard work of “eliminating racial discrimination” and inequality in society.

Exactly one year later in September 2001, we were receiving the all-clear from the Australian Immigration Department for our visas. From the same small rooftop apartment in Cardiff, we watched the images of the Twin Towers in New York crumble down under terrorist attacks.

A few days later, the plane that was to take us to Australia was redirected away from the Middle East as the war had just started and it was no longer safe to fly through there. We arrived in Australia to find a nation shaken by the enormity of these events of disharmony.

Australian aspiration to be “one nation of many”, I think, goes hand in hand historically with regular reminders that the work is not yet done and we need to remain vigilant. Racism and discrimination still exist in Australia’s society; they lurk behind every corner of this nation-building and pose a continuous threat to that dream of unity. Australia’s first inhabitants still suffer tremendously from past wrongdoing and current disparities.

Back on my memory lane, I have many salient images of some of those highs and lows, the shining and the dark in Australia’s complex relationships with diversity. I think of my early efforts at making sense of Australian multiculturalism — from a geographical and psychological distance.

My husband and I were in Wales completing our copious paperwork for Australian permanent residency when the inaugural ceremony for the 2000 Olympic Games was taking place in Sydney. Those images of diversity and unity acted as a powerful magnet and spectacle for Australia all over the world. The ceremony was described by the president of the International Olympic Committee as the most beautiful the world had ever seen.

For me, what stood up was the iconic image of the most stunning Australian Aboriginal athlete, Cathy Freeman, carrying the flame, and expressing the pride of First Peoples and all Australians.

Also, the lyrics of that beautiful song the ABC has recently reintroduced as a lullaby to keep us together during these challenging COVID times: “We are one, but we are many. And from all the lands on Earth we come. We'll share a dream and

Those emotions and primitive fears of “the other” had re-surfaced, and around those weeks of the 2001 federal elections, had fuelled speculations of seafaring asylum seekers allegedly throwing children overboard in a presumed ploy to secure rescue and passage. Familiarising myself with the Australian broadcasting networks, I was appalled to see how much air time was given to radical and divisive commentators on local and national radio stations. That was not the same Australia I had seen on TV just a year before. I had to wait for Kevin Rudd’s apology in February 2008 to Indigenous Australians for the Stolen Generation and a long history of White policies to see the sign of those dreams of unity and new highs in the “diversity and harmony” chapter of this nation.

Harmony Day is here to help us recognise and celebrate the fact that Australia is all of this – the dreams and the struggles to make the most of its multiculturalism coming together in a complex and intriguing mix. Perhaps it is an image of each and every one of us: people made in the image of God, as “children of God”, who are often derailed in the dark corners of our lives and minds.

Stefania Paolini attends Mass in the MacKillop parish and is a PhD, Associate Professor in Social and Intercultural Psychology at the University of Newcastle.

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Photo: Peter Stoop

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Maree Adams, EAL/D mentor in the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, believes students from non-English speaking backgrounds bring a rich diversity to our schools.

Talking the talk is second nature LIZZIE SNEDDEN

Arriving at school in Australia and not understanding English is a learning difference, not a learning difficulty. That is according to two Newcastle teachers, Maree Adams and Bonnie Griffin, who have more than 60 combined years of experience in education, most of which has been spent supporting students who learn English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D).

"It's an important differentiation that needs to be understood," Mrs Adams says.

Approximately 7 per cent of students attending Catholic schools across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are from non-English speaking backgrounds. These students include, but are not limited to, offspring of migrants, refugees from wartorn countries, speakers of one or more First Nations Languages and those who speak Non-Standard Australian English as a first language.

Through its EAL/D teaching program, the Diocese aims to empower these children's learning by supporting their social English and academic English.

"Learning English as a second, third or even fourth language is not a deficit," Mrs Adams says. "It might be seen that way by some, as the students may not be able to access all aspects of the syllabus. However, they have perspectives, knowledge and experiences that many of us don't have.

"Really, I believe it’s a benefit. It makes our community richer."

The duo has the same expectations of all students, regardless of their background.

"All students should be aspiring to reach their goals,” Mrs Griffin says. “It may just be that we facilitate a different path to lead them there."

The teachers also caution against what they describe as “the soft racism of low expectations”.

"These students can bring with them a strong sense of social justice through perspectives our English-speaking students may otherwise never have the opportunity to experience,” Mrs Griffin says. “I have watched these children elevate the consciousness of an entire class.”

Both Mrs Adams and Mrs Griffin are stationed at St Columban's Primary School in Mayfield, where one-third of the students learn English as a secondary language.

"The school culture here is very much one of acceptance and recognition of difference as a strength, which I don't think has filtered into the broader community yet," Mrs Griffin says.

"We consider the diversity of our students to be a real blessing. We encourage the opportunity to spend time listening to everyone's stories. Some of them are just mind-blowing.

"To be able to walk in another person's shoes by hearing their story is enriching and can be life-changing, whether you are 7 or 77," Mrs Adams says.

Sharing stories and being authentic to their experience helps to inform everyone's learning, including their own.

"There is a misunderstanding that students from non-English speaking backgrounds should convert to only speaking English once they reach school age,” Mrs Griffin says. “However, what we find ourselves continuing to say to their parents is to 'please keep reading and speaking your language at home' as it actually supports their ability to learn English. Maintaining first language also maintains first culture which is essential to developing a strong identity."

Mrs Adams was recently appointed as a diocesan EAL/D mentor, allowing her to share her wealth of experience with other teachers to better support students. The mentor program has been running for three years.

"Many of the strategies we employ as part of the EAL/D pedagogy are beneficial to all children," Mrs Adams says. "The EAL/D program focuses on explicit instruction of core content, with everything that could distract children from key learning carved away.

"Many teachers remark at how they are able to adapt these EAL/D practices in their approach to lesson planning for the broader class."

It is estimated 10 per cent of the world's population is gifted, which is a measurement of an individual's potential rather than their achievement.

"This means we need to be aware of the same potential of our EAL/D students to be gifted, so having supports in place to help them realise their capacity is vital," Mrs Griffin says.

Both teachers believe in a requirement to make EAL/D a stronger focus of undergraduate teaching degrees, similar to the increased emphasis on recognising students with learning needs.

"Australia is an increasingly diverse nation, and we need to get better at creating opportunities for all children," Mrs Adams says.

"We find the younger the children are, the more willing they are to take risks with their language. They'll have a go and not be afraid to make mistakes as they want to engage and socialise; they're highly motivated to learn.”

This tends to slip away in the older years, which is why it is essential to upskill teachers to support them.

"It can become harder the older the students are when they arrive in our classrooms as they become more selfaware and aren't as keen to make errors with their language, which can really inhibit their potential for language growth," Mrs Adams says.

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Mother-tongue Mass a multicultural marvel ASHLEIGH BANKS

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A sea of dark hair and warm, youthful smiles greet everyone walking into Mass at the iconic Christ the King Church in Mayfield West. Words are projected on screens, ensuring parishioners enthusiastically engage with Fr Thoai Ngoc Nguyen, often referred to as Fr Peter.

As a non-Vietnamese speaker, it’s difficult to respond, but despite this you can feel the Spirit of God surrounding you. Signs of peace, frequent kneeling, and the words “amen” and “hallelujah” throughout the service are symbolic reminders of the similarities that unite Catholics around the word regardless of their mother tongue or cultural context.

We are lucky to live in one of the most vibrant and multicultural countries on earth — from the oldest continuous culture of our First Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world.

While we embrace our diverse and inclusive society, there is no doubting we are cultural creatures. It is nearly impossible for us to disregard our cultural identities. We are not universal people, we are born and bred in a specific context with its own customs, traditions and languages.

The Vietnamese Catholic Community was first “discovered” residing in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle in the late 1970s.

In 1994, the Vietnamese Ecclesiastical Community was established, belonging to the chaplaincy of the Vietnamese Catholic Community of the Archdiocese of Sydney.

Photo: Lizzie Snedden

In the early years, Fr Paul Chu Van Chi from the Archdiocese of Sydney was appointed the spiritual director of the community here. Because he lived so far away, only the important Masses of the Liturgical Year were celebrated.

But 2009 was a turning point for the Vietnamese community in our Diocese with the arrival of Fr Thoai Ngoc Nguyen from Vietnam. With the permission of Bishop Michael Malone, Fr Thoai Ngoc Nguyen began celebrating Mass in Vietnamese for the community on the occasion of solemn and traditional ceremonies.

In March 2020, Bishop Bill Wright authorised the community to have weekly Sunday Mass in Vietnamese. The establishment of the Vietnamese Catholic community was recognised as fulfilling an important spiritual benefit in the Diocese, and Bishop Bill officially approved the formation of a local chaplaincy.

The Vietnamese community celebrate Mass each Sunday at Christ the King.

Due to the pandemic, the average number of attendees ranges from 30 to 50, depending on the usual Sunday Mass, or special celebrations such as Vietnamese Martyrs, Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), Christmas or Easter.

Catholic Mass is celebrated in Vietnamese at Christ the King in Mayfield West each Sunday evening.

Fr Thoai Ngoc Nguyen says celebrating Mass in the Vietnamese language is a huge blessing for the community.

“It is easy for them to participate in the liturgy,” he says. “When the homily is delivered in mother tongue, it really makes sense.

“When people come to Mass, they do not do it just to comply with the precepts of the Church, or else they would attend Mass anywhere it was on. They come to meet others, they come to talk to each other.

“The Mass in Vietnamese for the Vietnamese community is not just the ritual, it is the celebration of faith, of culture and of life sharing.

“Attending Mass in mother-tongue language gives the community a sense of remembering where we come from and the need to promote the beauty of the multiculturalism in Australia.”

Indeed, as a united Catholic community, we can be very proud and particular about our own identities, and still be perfectly in harmony with people from other cultures.

Cultural diversity during Mass serves to enhance genuine harmony and can be a blessing for everyone.

During a Vietnamese Mass, Fr Thoai Ngoc Nguyen says it is tradition to decorate the altar with flowers – except for Lent and Advent. When the pandemic ends, the community look forward to being able to share local Vietnamese food after a special Mass such as Lunar New Year, Christmas or Easter.

These are not only important, but beautiful and unique culturally specific celebrations.

The Catholic Church has come a long way in its acceptance of celebrating Mass in different cultures and languages.

From 1563 until 1965, the Catholic Mass was said entirely in Latin. Now, Catholics worldwide celebrate Mass in their own native language.

Currently, the inner-Newcastle parish of St Benedict’s celebrates Mass weekly in three other languages apart from English.

Polish Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 11.30am in the Sacred Heart Cathedral at Hamilton, Italian Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 10.30am at St Laurence O’Toole at Broadmeadow, and Vietnamese Mass is celebrated at 5.30pm every Sunday at Christ the King Church, Mayfield West.

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Photo: Peter Stoop

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The Hunter Interfaith Network – THIN – was co-ordinated as a result of the Lindt Café siege.

Keeping the faiths DARRELL CROKER

The strong spirit of interfaith support flows through Newcastle like the Hunter River itself. As a bustling international port, the city has a natural advantage.

Multiculturalism developed without fuss and the religions of those many cultures flourish amid the dominant Catholic and Protestant strains.

Moves to reinforce connections were always afoot, and on 29 October 1989, the Newcastle Baha'i community held the first local Interfaith Service at Newcastle City Hall. About 320 people from five faiths attended and formed a multifaith working party.

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has always been interested in supporting multifaith. Its Ecumenical and Interfaith Council facilitates and encourages multifaith initiatives at parish and regional levels. The diocesan document, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations within the Catholic Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle, is based on Vatican II ecclesiology, recent decrees and studies.

These guidelines promote the unity for which Jesus Christ prayed.

Alyson Segrott is the Diocese’s professional officer for pastoral ministries – communications – and has a central role in maintaining multifaith activities. She says the Diocese has taken on the role as the main driver of multifaith – at least until Covid – and bringing people together.

“We helped form The Hunter Interfaith Network – THIN – which operates informally,” says Ms Segrott. Attendees

to the once-a-term meetings are not “officially” representing their religions. “It’s just the leaders and representatives from different faiths coming together to talk about initiatives we think might be useful,” she says.

“Sections of the media were portraying rivalry among the faiths, with an emphasis on the Muslim community,” says Ms Segrott. “We wanted to show in the Hunter that we can come together in peace. And that’s how THIN developed.

Ms Segrott is the delegate for the Catholic faith at THIN, but also a representative for the Ecumenical Council when the four Abrahamic faiths discuss joint initiatives.

She expresses heartfelt excitement for the 115-year-old Newcastle Jewish

“We use THIN to participate in the Unity and Diversity Festival in [Newcastle suburb] Hamilton. All the faiths and no faith march together under one banner. We participate together in Harmony Day. And the World Day of Peace.”

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Diversity is a gift to be nurtured and the coming together of representatives of the various faith communities in friendship, in support of one another, reinforces this message.

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community’s appointment of a rabbi for the first in 60 years.

THIN was co-ordinated as result of the Lindt Cafe siege, a terrorist attack in December 2014 when a lone gunman, Man Haron Monis, held 10 customers and eight employees hostage in the APA Building in Martin Place, Sydney.

Diana Rah is a former vice-president and spokesperson for the Newcastle Muslim Association and an organiser of the Unity and Diversity Festival. She says her involvement in interfaith activities over the years has been spiritually enriching, on a community and a personal level.

“Diversity is a gift to be nurtured and the coming together of representatives of the various faith communities in friendship, in support of one another, reinforces this message,” says Ms Rah. David Gubbay, honorary treasurer of the Newcastle Hebrew congregation, believes multifaith appreciation is a crucial part of community life. “Acceptance of worshippers of all faiths is vital to our continued harmony,” he says.

Ms Segrott helps link all the faiths. As an example, she cites NAIDOC week celebrations, which are shared between the Anglican cathedral and the Catholic cathedral.

“We ensure multifaith participation,” says Ms Segrott, “otherwise the other religions don’t get that opportunity, particularly the Muslim faith, to be able to celebrate NAIDOC week.”

She is happy to maintain the networks. “If the Uniting Church is staging an event, I will circulate that information to all the other faith groups,” she says. “During Covid, we just haven’t had any events.”

Canon Andrew Eaton SMMS is the Rector of St Luke’s at Wallsend and the Anglican chaplain at the University of Newcastle.

He arrived in Newcastle from country Victoria in 2017 and was soon the Anglican representative on THIN. “It has been a joy to discover what genuine interfaith dialogue and friendship can do for a region such as Newcastle and the Hunter,” says Canon Eaton. “People praying for one another and supporting one another through difficult and challenging times, regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds, strengthens our community.

“The themes of compassion, mercy, justice and love as being core to the Divine, resound forth from the faith traditions I work with on THIN and at the university chaplaincy centre. To be people for God means to be people for humanity, for mutual flourishing, and for harmony among people of faith.”

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Photo: Peter Stoop

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Craig Duncan is encouraging people to come together and share their knowledge this Harmony Day.

Ignite a conversation to connect CRAIG DUNCAN

We all learnt a lot in 2020.

personal story.

Practical learnings such as social distancing, coughing into our elbows, and navigating Zoom calls. But we also learnt, or were reminded of, what is really important – our health and time with loved ones.

A personal story and relationship can put a lens over facts. There are stereotypes of Aboriginal people and of most cultures. My experience has shown me that regardless of what people say, do or read, there are people who think the facts about Aboriginal history are not true.

During the COVID-19 pandemic I found it difficult to adapt to the lack of connection – personal not digital. I realised how much of a difference it can make just seeing people, shaking a hand, or giving a hug. For me, that personal connection is really valued and important.

The theme of Harmony Day this year is Everyone Belongs. True belonging can mean different things for each of us but there is a strong link to connection.

Belonging is defined as a unique and subjective experience that relates to a yearning for connection with others.

So, how can we build connections and a sense of belonging for all? Occasions such as Harmony Day or Reconciliation Week, and events that encourage people to come together and connect, are a great starting point.

But they are just the start.

These occasions are opportunities for this very connection, the start of building relationships.

Relationships are so important. I love to have a joke and I find it helps people connect. To use and see humour can be a way to share heritage, culture, religion and

I invite you to consider others’ personal journeys and walk in their footsteps because what you may see or hear will influence you. If we really listen and understand personal stories, we take the first step to understanding.

A humanity kicks in when we sit and listen and have an open mind to learn. When a diverse group of people are invited to the table to share their insights and perspective, we all learn.

The Harmony Week website tells us the week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.

I’d like to go beyond that. March 21, Harmony Day, coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

It's difficult to mark such a day as an Aboriginal person. Growing up in Moree on to Gamilaraay land I certainly experienced racism. I consider my mum and family members who weren’t even allowed to attend the public pool. When I think about this, and in such recent history, I

am reminded that it is our learning and education that is so important.

From early on I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I had a patience and a desire to share learnings with others, to help people grow in understanding. I love my job working as an Education Officer for the Catholic Schools Office. I could be one person and teach a class of kids, but I have 58 Catholic schools full of amazing classrooms. That’s a lot of young minds to work with, to grow their understanding and impact their own journey.

Everyone has their own journey and we're always adding to it. I love that every day is a new day to share our stories, a new day to learn from each other.

I do understand why some people feel like they could offend others by asking questions, but I ask you, how else are we going to learn without asking questions?

If you don't know something, there's no harm in asking. It's about sharing our knowledge and learning together.

This Harmony Day I hope we come together and share our knowledge.

It's a chance for everyone to sit, stop and listen to others’ stories. We can talk and celebrate others, regardless of background, colour, language, religion.

We can ask questions of others, and we should ask ourselves difficult questions.

We talk about Australia being the lucky country but for some people it's not. Ask yourself what you believe cultural sensitivity

to be and what you can do to be an ally to others. How can we change our mindsets or help others to learn about our own mindset?

Everyone belongs – let us really think about what this means and question, do we all belong? This Harmony Day let’s have a conversation and connect with each other.

I’ll bring the tea and lemon myrtle cake and I hope you will bring some baklava or dumplings.

Craig Duncan is an Education Officer for the Catholic Schools Office in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

" I do understand why some people feel like they could offend others by asking questions, but I ask you, how else are we going to learn without asking questions?

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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

A word from the Bishop on the eve of the Second Session of Synod Jesus once remarked to a man who, if defined by his group membership, might have been expected to be an opponent, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God”. The “scribe” in question had just admitted the truth of what Jesus had said, that the greatest commandment of the Law was to love God and neighbour, and not any of the multiple rules, regulations or practices that were the scribe’s stock-in-trade. To his credit, the scribe recognised the truth when he heard it. And suddenly he and Jesus were on the same page. Religiously, they could journey together now. “Synodality”: a shared recognition of what the journey is all about.

On the eve of the Second Session of Synod a booklet, Building the kingdom of God together – our journey has been developed as an aid to reflection on what our journey of faith is all about, here and now and in this Diocese and nation. It offers a process for listening, primarily to God, so that as we talk with each other on the way to our diocesan Synod, we might recognise in each other’s words what is true and good and of God. We want to end up not just new and shiny in some sort of updated version: we want to end up “not far from the Kingdom of God”.

Let’s recall what has happened so far. After a long consultation about “What is God asking of us in Australia today?”, which fed into both our Synod and the National Plenary Council, we held the First Session of Synod in November 2019. As the data from the consultations in this Diocese were fairly consistent with others across the nation, we adopted the same six themes as the Plenary Council and commenced consideration of them through workshops and presentations at that First Session.

Now we prepare for the Second Session of Synod in May this year. The Lenten reflections in the booklet are an important part of that preparation. Having the six “themes” of the National Pastoral Council still in our minds, we take a different perspective in these reflections. Drawing on our own diocesan traditions, the reflections are structured around the “Five Foundations” that have shaped our thinking about Church life in this Diocese for many years. The context of each reflection is important. Each is framed by Scripture, prayer, quiet, dialogue, story, theological principles around the particular “Foundation”, and the concerns that we have heard in the data from the original consultations and more recently.

Whether you undertake these reflections in a group or individually, it will be important to listen well before jumping to dealing with the issues. We listen to the Scripture, we listen in prayerful quiet, we listen to what others have been saying as their concerns. Of course, we will have things to say ourselves but, like Jesus’s words to the scribe, our “opinion” will come after listening and weighing what seems to us to be “not far from the Kingdom of God”. We’re listening for the voice of the Spirit, in ourselves and in others. We’re not essentially looking for yet more “good ideas”; we’re listening for the voice of the Shepherd, something we recognise as God’s wisdom.

It is my job as Bishop to call you to unity in Christ, to have courage and to witness. By engaging with the Synod resources, we give ourselves the opportunity to open ourselves up to being a community of missionary disciples, to journeying together to Build the Kingdom of God. Most Reverend William Wright Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle

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You’re invited …

The Synod Working Party invite you to the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle contemplative dialogue and reflective experience this Lent. The Gospel readings have been aligned to the Five Foundations of Identity and Community; Worship and Prayer; Formation and Education; Mission and Outreach; and Leadership and Structure.

As we continue the synodal journey, take advantage of the multiple resources available on the Synod website www.domnsynod.com.au, including the booklet, Building the kingdom of God together – our journey. You can reflect on the Bishop’s response to the Gospel, immerse yourself in visual liturgy of our Christian story and contemplate the data gathered from the First Session of Synod and the Plenary Council for our Diocese. Although we are already part way through the official process, there is still ample time for contemplative dialogue, and we encourage you to engage.

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Photos: Peter Stoop

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Discussion: Harmony Day

On the eve of Harmony Day, Aurora visited San Clemente High School in Mayfield.

San Clemente is one of the most culturally diverse schools in the Hunter region and students there were keen to share their perspective on the day and reflections on cultural diversity.

School principal, Bernard Burgess, says the culturally diverse student population at

RANIER TANUDRA

“I think it’s great for Australia to embrace multiculturalism,” says Declan. “Everyone can share their ideas, which will help us to grow.”

Declan’s family are of Irish decent, and each St Patrick’s Day they get together at his grandmother’s home for a celebration. “I think we need to understand and accept that not everyone is the same, and embrace other people’s differences.”

LOGAN AOAKE Logan believes Harmony Day presents an opportunity for everyone to feel included and just as importantly, share their culture.

TANATSWA MUREVERWI

“There’s a lot we can learn from each other when we gain an understanding of other people’s perspectives,” he says.

Logan was born in Australia and has strong cultural influences from his father’s Samoan family, and his mother’s family from New Zealand. “On big occasions our family does the haka (a ceremonial

“I came to Australia with my family when I was one,” Tanatswa says with a beaming smile. “We came here from Zimbabwe in pursuit of more opportunities, including a better education.” Tanatswa is from the Shona tribe, and now holds a dual passport.

“Harmony means coming together as one. Everyone lives on planet

“Students are given the opportunity to learn alongside peers, some of whom have arrived in Australia very recently and others whose cultural heritage goes back several generations, giving them a rich educational experience in which they learn empathy, understanding and tolerance.”

DECLAN O’ROURKE

The Tanudra family moved from The Philippines to Australia in 2012. Ranier’s parents instigated their relocation to access better education for their children. While the family has been keen to embrace many Australian customs, they have bought some of their homeland traditions with them, including mano.

“Mano is an honoring gesture,” says Ranier.

“It is used in Filipino culture as a sign of respect to elders and as a way of requesting a blessing from them.” As part of mano, the person giving the greeting bows towards the hand of the elder and presses their forehead on the elder's hand. Ranier says that while he experienced some racism when the COVID-19 pandemic first took hold, he just ignored it.

“We all just need to love one another and accept our differences,” he says.

San Clemente offers a unique educational experience for its students.

Earth, and if we want to live on a good planet we need to talk with each other and be accepting of our differences. If someone comes to Australia we should talk with them, connect with them and create opportunities for them to be included.”

dance), and cooks a big feast in a hangi,” says Logan. A hangi is an earth oven and has been used for centuries to feed a crowd and bring a community together.

“There’s also loads of singing, and we invite our friends to come along too,” he says. “It makes me proud to share my heritage with my Australian friends and each time I do, I grow more confident.”

Logan believes Australia is an inclusive and respectful society, and that “accepting others’ opinions will only help this further”.

DWAYNE VAGGS “Harmony Day is about bringing the community together,” says Dwayne, from the Birri Gubba people. “On Harmony Day, my extended family get together and we share a feast.” Dwayne believes it’s important that we rid Australian culture of racism, and that helping each other and sharing stories will assit in achieving this.

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RAHAF ALLAWI

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BIRUK TECLE “I think it is good that Australia is multicultural as you get to learn about places all around the world, in the one country,” says Rahaf, who arrived in Australia from Syria in 2019. Her family still hold onto some of their Syrian customs, particularly celebrating the life of those lost in war.

“It’s important to include and respect other cultures, by being open to learning about them,” says Biruk. “I like that in Australia many people are from very different backgrounds, but we can share stories which unite us.” Biruk arrived in Australia from Eritrea in 2019. “My favourite thing about living in Australia is the opportunities we have here, and the people.”

“When people die in war we celebrate their life by having a nice meal and pausing to remember them in silence.”

Rahaf has sage advice for those of us wanting to create a more inclusive society.

FAHD ZARROUF

“If you see someone sitting alone, go and speak to them, include them in what you are doing.”

Fahd arrived in Australia from Syria in 2018 and has found it embodies a kind and respectful society.

“I like that in Australia there are rules to keep people safe,” he says, adding some advice for us to all take on board this Harmony Day.

“I’d ask people not to judge people by where they’re from.

Syrians are often judged poorly because there are a few bad people, but not all of us are bad.

It’s important to get to know people before you judge them.”

NESHAWN WONG Neshawn was born in Australia to a mother of English descent, and a Filipino father. He says he is fortunate because celebrations are an important tradition on both sides of his family.

“I love that I am able to celebrate so many occasions.” One Filipino tradition that his family continue to observe is celebrating people’s birthdays after they die, “like they are still with us”.

Neshawn still has family in The Philippines and believes he is blessed to be living in Australia where there are increased opportunities for diversity in employment and education.

“I think that by sharing our cultures with each other we will become more respectful of each other.”

ELLE NIKAS CHLOE HONG “Harmony to me means the opportunity to live in freedom, where we all get along. I think Australia should aspire to be less racist, by providing more opportunities for everyone to get involved,” says Elle, a granddaughter to Greek migrants.

“Harmony Day is an important day for us to all come together and celebrate,” says Chloe, whose mother is Aboriginal, and father is Vietnamese.

“There’s many benefits to Australia being multicultural, including the opportunity to share our food and sport. One of the traditions my family likes to celebrate is gifting each other red pockets with money in them each New Year’s.

If you don’t touch it for a year, it is said to bring good luck.”

“One of my favourite cultural traditions is Greek Easter. We get red eggs and crack them on each other.”

LANI HAYTER Lani Hayter was born in Australia to a Filipino mother, who is part of the Layno clan, and an Australian father. Lani says she would love to live in a world where everyone is treated equally and accepted for who they are, believing “there is still some discrimination, including in Australia.” Lani travels to the Phillipines to

see her family every couple of years and enjoys taking part in cultural traditions whilst there. Accordingly, she is looking forward to COVID-19 travel restrictions being lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.

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Rhythms amid purple haze RYAN GATO

As we immerse ourselves in the season of Lent and the Church blossoms in colours of violet and purple, we are reminded once again of the importance and necessity of slowing down and reacquainting ourselves with God. Lent lies at the very heart of the Catholic faith. Each year, on Ash Wednesday, we are invited to participate in a 40-day journey where we prepare ourselves for what is to come; the moment that constitutes confirmation of all Christ’s work and teachings – His Resurrection.

This significant event not only underpins our faith but is the fulfilment of the promises of both the Old Testament and of Jesus Himself. This season of preparation reminds us that we are all pilgrims; people who travel no ordinary journey, but one that seeks to draw us ever closer to our God. During this time, the scriptures and liturgies speak of the need to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

It is only in doing so that we can achieve a certain degree of inner stillness; where our attentiveness and expectancy frees us from our preoccupations and turns our attention to what Christ is offering.

At the beginning of Lent, we recall how Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness; a 40-day journey where He withdrew from the noise and busyness and entered a space outside the normal rhythms of life. He didn’t do this because He was tired of meeting people or needed a break from carpentry, He did it because He knew of the importance of having a one-on-one connection time with God.

This isn’t to say that we cannot engage and find God in the busyness of our lives but rather highlights that there is something special about this private and reflective time. Like a friend who has important news to share, we refrain from choosing a loud and public place but opt for something more private and personal. This is exactly how Jesus models prayer for us – a sacred space where we lift our heart and mind to God. Prayer is an important part of our daily lives but also of Lent. From our earliest traditions, this season of conversion calls for the partaking in prayer, but also of fasting and almsgiving as preached by Jesus (Mt 6:118). These three activities provide the tools to enter a time of sacrifice and discipline, but it is not meant to be a period of sadness or something for the “too-hard basket”. It is to be a time of great joy, a journey that stirs up our faith and love for one another and of God. A journey that gifts us with the ability to come to the Resurrected Christ renewed, refreshed and ready.

As the Holy Father, Pope Francis, reminds us in his Lenten Message, 2021, the path of poverty and self-denial (fasting) and concern and loving care for the poor (almsgiving) make it possible to live authentic, faithful and hopeful lives. Fasting encourages us to identify our hunger – not just a physical hunger but a spiritual hunger. Similarly, almsgiving should not just be reduced to giving something away, but recognising the needs of those around us, seeing in the eyes of another a brother or a sister.

Prayer brings this all together. It helps us to be more aware of this hunger and to be attentive to those around us. It offers us a time to be quiet and still; to ask ourselves why we engage in such activities. And what is the why? Jesus. The reason we fast, give alms and pray is that we all need to grow into a deeper relationship with Christ. This is what Lent is all about.

In this season of Lent, let us not become burdened by participating in dramatic sacrifices but rather be intentional in the time we spend with God and with others.

As Pope Francis reminds us in Fratelli Tutti, may it be a time where we consider how we speak “words of comfort, strength, consolation and encouragement, and not words that demean, sadden, anger or show scorn”. To offer people the hope we are gifted through the Resurrection, to simply be kind and be “willing to set everything aside in order to show interest, to give the gift of a smile, to speak a word of encouragement, to listen amid general indifference”. The challenge for us this Lent is to make space among the madness and the rush, of the routine and the complacency, and listen; deeply to each other, and to God. Ryan Gato is Education Officer – Religious Education and Spirituality Team, Catholic Schools Office Maitland-Newcastle.

" In this season of Lent, let us not become burdened by participating in dramatic sacrifices but rather be intentional in the time we spend with God and with others.

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times in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Tamworth. Her joy, gentleness and thoroughness have been spread widely.

The sun peaked through the clouds to shine on an assembly of Dominican nuns gathered at the Calvary Mt Carmel Retirement home in Maitland recently, to celebrate Mary Clare Innes’s 100th birthday.

The intermittent rain of the day was similar to the inclement weather a century ago, when on Sunday 20 February 1921, Dr Hollywood and Nurse Hanks delivered Mary just a few kilometres away, in West Maitland.

Just days after Mary was born, her proud parents, Brice and Florence (nee Myall), took their first-born home to Capp Street, Telarah. Reverend Michael Fitzgerald baptised her at West Maitland Cathedral on 24 February and her Christian journey began.

Keeping on ELIZABETH HELLWIG OP

Mary was confirmed in St John’s Church in 1935 and took the name Bernadette. The little Maitlander was soon joined by siblings Roslyn, Marjorie, James, Brian, Clare, John, Bernard and Mervyn. She and her sister Clare are the remaining matriarchs of their family.

After the changes brought by Vatican II, Sr Germaine soon found herself in leadership positions in the various communities and she enjoyed the new freedoms. Sr Germaine also managed to fit in what was for her personally a wonderful year, working in Rome and making the most of free time that could be spent discovering Europe.

“Rome was so nice,” she said, when friends at the birthday celebrations asked about her time there. “There was so much to take in.”

Sr Germaine has lived through enormous change – in society, in the Church, in history and politics and in religious life itself.

When asked to draw on her years of experience to give advice to others, she said, “keep on keeping on”.

“It’s a big thing to face, getting older,” she said. “Things are so different now. You just must gather it all up and put it together.

Change has to come; you just have to go along with it.”

Mary was one of Australia’s 5.5 million population recorded in the 1921 census.

Billy Hughes was Always a hard worker, prime minister even in her retirement Change has to come; you just and Benedict XV she is renowned for reigned as pope have to go along with it. raking up the leaves, in Rome, while feeding the birds, and George V was her general interest on the throne in in the garden. When England. This she sits down she has was the year crocheting in her hand, Sister Olive won making rugs for those who might need the Melbourne Cup, Australia reclaimed one. the Ashes, and Chanel No. 5 was introduced. Eddie Cantor, Irving Berlin and The centenarian moved to St Joseph’s, Al Jolson were the showbiz stars, and the Sandgate, earlier this year, where she can talkies were just beginning to make their receive the care she needs. Sr Germaine mark. Hitler had joined the newly formed is so much more than the eldest member Nazi Party and became its leader. The of the Dominican congregation – she is a Communist Party was formed in China. woman who continues to care for all of us

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Photo: Lizzie Snedden

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One person’s century brings many changes and developments.

Mary went to school at St John’s and then worked at the Maitland Convent and Boarding School. The housekeeper and homemaker sisters she worked alongside encouraged and inspired her.

Dr Hollywood declared her “free of any constitutional disease likely to interfere with her religious life” on 23 January 1940, and on 15 February 1940 she joined the Maitland community, was professed as a Dominican sister on 10 August 1942 and was given the name Sister M Germaine.

During the past 80 years, Sr Germaine has remained strong and resolute in her calling.

Fifty-three of those years have been spent in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.

Sr Germaine credits her long life to her faith.

Sr Germaine looked after sisters and boarders in Maitland, Newcastle, Mayfield and Waratah. She also made a home for sisters and boarders at

in her own way.

She continues to be much loved and admired by her former students, sisters and all those with whom this beautiful woman comes into contact. She is often found in the chapel, praying for us all.

As Sr Germaine stood in the dining room adorned with pink and purple balloons and surrounded by our Dominican sisters, she said she was in “awe” of achieving such a milestone.

“I never thought I would ever get near 100,” she said with a spritely smile on her face, acknowledging that she thought her faith might have something to do with her longevity.

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Photo: Peter Stoop

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University of Newcastle Catholic chaplains welcome students of all faith backgrounds and religious beliefs to engage with them.

Learning to live together DARRELL CROKER

Newcastle’s university is a microcosm of the city’s broader cultural diversity and at its hub is the multifaith chaplaincy, which has a greater variety of backgrounds than any other campus in Australia.

Fifteen chaplains with an extraordinary breadth of experience cater to 13 faiths, ensuring practical assistance and spiritual guidance.

Catholic chaplain, Deacon Greg Kerr, was born in Australia, lived in Papua New Guinea and the US, and is married to an American. Assisting him is Nigerian-born Fr Camillus Nwahia, who originally came to the campus to study, and Mary-Anne DeLuca, Australian-born of Tongan and Italian descent and a pastoral ministries mission and outreach support officer.

The Anglican chaplain is Canon Andrew Eaton, an Australian who has lived in several African countries and is married to a Kenyan lady. The Baha’i representative is Shane Moghaddas, born in Persia and who has lived in India, and speaks four languages.

Baptists are served by Nic Cassar, Australian-born of Maltese descent, while Buddhists can turn to Gregg Heathcote, an Australian who studied in Japan to become a priest.

Serving the Muslim faith are Mohamed A. Hamed, who was born in Egypt, lived in England, Malaysia, Indonesia and Canada, and is an imam at the Mayfield mosque; and Farooq Rah, born in Kashmir and married to a Filipino.

Presbyterians can turn to Bev Paterson, Australian-born but who has lived in Papua New Guinea. The Seventh Day Adventist chaplains are Hana Nakagawa, who was born in Japan and studied in Sydney before coming to Newcastle; and Paul Roussos, a retired senior NSW Police officer and former Australian representative on the International Criminal Court.

Sikhs can seek solace with Amarjit Singh Chawla, who was born in India, lived in Africa, and speaks seven languages. He translates for the Department of Justice, and Hunter Health. England-born Graham Clark caters for followers of the Latter Day Saints, and he has extensive international business experience, notably in shipping.

Uniting Church Pastor Kim Langford was born in Australia and has completed counselling and spiritual support degrees.

The spiritual guidance on offer comes with a world of experience that helps with everything from loneliness to more practical matters. Nine of the 15 chaplains are justices of the peace.

International students seek help with paperwork, especially to extend or change visas. But often they come in for a chat.

And chatting, along with food, promotes multiculturalism. As Imam Mohamed says, it’s better when we can come together over a coffee or a meal. “We establish friendships and learn about each other,” he says.

It’s why Harmony Day is such a big gig on campus, and important for the city as

well. It’s a “town and gown” event that incorporates a lot of other distinct apparel.

The expectation is that it will run this year.

Multiculturalism and the sharing of specific cultural days enriches the campus. The university has 120 student clubs, with many being different international groups.

Harmony Day showcases their traditional food, dress, and dance.

“The chaplains are there, in our religious garb or wearing our chaplain shirts,” says Deacon Greg. “The Wollotuka dance team put on a traditional performance. It’s a very welcoming event.”

Deacon Greg says the sharing of culture is important for domestic students. He believes Australians need to be more accepting.

Imam Mohamed believes we are accepting.

“I was in the same area [chaplaincy] for many years in Canada, and at the second-biggest university in Malaysia, and it was not the case,” he says. “At Alberta University I did not find one activity like Harmony Day. Australia is a true multicultural and multireligious country.

“Events such as Harmony Day allow every culture to display themselves and encourage inclusivity. Orientation Week here focuses on welcoming other nationalities and cultures. It did not happen in Canada, or in Malaysia, a Muslim country that claims to be multicultural.”

Ms DeLuca believes getting beyond simple tolerance is important. “The move to harmony is good,” she says. “You don’t just want to be tolerated, you want to be known and to belong.”

Mrs Paterson says although the chaplains describe themselves as multifaith, they believe in their own religion, and agree to disagree over aspects of that. “It is dialogue with respect, but you do not have to compromise,” she says.

Ms DeLuca believes the respect among the chaplains filters out among the students.

The Mayfield mosque serves the biggest Muslim community in Newcastle – 1200 people from 23 backgrounds. Imam Mohamed says he feels something amazing about living in Newcastle.

“There is a new chaplain from the Jewish community, which means we have someone from all faiths,” he says. “My friends in Sydney tell me they can’t achieve this. It is amazing here. We are able to discuss everything.”

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CARE TALK

Care talk

Douse burnout blues KELLY PAVAN

CatholicCare’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: CatholicCare P 4979 1172 or Lifeline 24/7 on P 131 114.

Do you have a question for us?

Email your question to aurora@mn.catholic.org.au or write to Aurora-CareTalk PO Box 756 Newcastle 2300.

Most of us looked forward to putting 2020 to bed on New Year’s Eve, celebrating the end of one of the most globally challenging years in living history, and hoping for better times to come in 2021. Unsurprisingly, it turns out that COVID-19 didn’t take this as a hard deadline.

As we tick into March, periodic lockdowns and unpredictability continue to rule over us, dictating areas of our lives that we previously took for granted as everyday freedoms, like where we go, who we see and what we do. And as it becomes clear that the much-anticipated vaccine rollout is not the silver bullet solution we hoped for, it’s no wonder that as the crisis response wears off, fatigue sets in.

Some of us have lost loved ones, lived with job security issues, experienced the relationship strains intrinsic to being confined to close quarters with others, financial problems, and so on. Overwhelm, frustration and perhaps a level of desensitisation to unfolding events, are some normal feelings in response to this kind of prolonged stress. Not to mention the productive guilt – social media and news mediums are a constant reminder that while Shakespeare managed to write King Lear in lockdown during the bubonic plague, I’ve only smashed a few Netflix series binge sessions from the couch in the life and times of COVID-19.

But when does understandable fatigue and related despondency cross over into a condition known as burnout, which has a more serious impact on our ability to

take care of ourselves and do the things we know will safeguard our mental and physical well-being?

Herbert Freudenberger is credited with coining the term “burnout” in 1974. His book, Burnout: The High Cost of High Achievement, defines the condition as, “the extinction of motivation or incentive, especially where one's devotion to a cause or relationship fails to produce the desired results”. In ensuing years, Freudenberger’s theory has been applied to workplace stress and employee engagement, but there are lessons we can draw on that apply to current experiences; particularly in recognising burnout related to the pandemic and strategies to mitigate a longer-term impact.

Symptoms of burnout to look out for are prolonged experiences of exhaustion, cynicism, and irritability. Other signs include avoiding previously pleasurable activities, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disruption – difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. Physiological symptoms include headaches, and gut and bowel issues. Another telltale sign is relying on unhelpful coping mechanisms such as alcohol, cigarettes or drugs/medication in a way that negatively impacts functional capacity.

Following are some tips to manage pandemic burnout symptoms. f Prioritise self-care. Eat well, exercise and make time for mindfulness and rest. This sounds obvious, but these

are the basic pillars that enable our sustainability and are also some of the first areas we neglect in a stress response. f Focus on control. Many aspects of the pandemic sit outside our control.

Focusing on what is within your circle of influence can provide a sense of agency. Consider the aspects of your life over which you have control – your choices, your behaviour, your actions – and attend to those. The world does not happen to you, you happen to the world. f Lower your expectations. It’s OK that we’re not all producing master works or achieving our stretch goals at the moment. Setting realistic and agile goals, that can be adjusted to suit the constant changes, will help reduce some of the pressure. f Turn to others. A sense of isolation correlates with increased vulnerability to burnout. Talk to your people for connection and to normalise your experiences. Sometimes, speaking to an objective person outside your immediate network can also assist in addressing burnout symptoms.

A psychologist can also assist.

Beyondblue has set up a Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service on 1800 512 348.

ALUMNI

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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

From NBN News host to Victoria’s multicultural commissioner, St Columba’s and St Pius X alumni Helen Kapalos has a breadth of experience.

Listen for the diversity BRITTANY GONZALEZ

After completing a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at the University of Newcastle in 1992 and then postgraduate studies in Communications and Media at the University of Technology, Sydney, in 1995, Helen Kapalos continued on to an impressive career in broadcast journalism. Among her many achievements are directing, producing, researching and writing the feature-length documentary A Life of its Own, detailing the medicinal cannabis debate in Australia. She achieved significant success in hosting Victoria’s flagship multicultural festival Cultural Diversity Week, attracting record crowds, and achieved great success from 2015 to 2019 in her term as Victoria’s multicultural commissioner.

What Catholic school/s did you attend?

St Columba’s Primary School at Adamstown, St Pius X High School, Adamstown, and St Francis Xavier’s, Hamilton Why did your parents choose a Catholic education?

My mother held deeply religious beliefs. She would often translate sections of the Bible in a manner that connected me to stories and people. It also connected me to a spiritual identity I could make sense of.

What is your fondest memory from your schooling years?

I loved playing guitar during the folk mass when I was at St Columba’s. I remember singing and togetherness in the playground where imagination thrived. I also remember some great teachers who had a huge impact on me and encouraged my writing and creativity.

What has been your greatest or most satisfying career achievement to date?

Most definitely writing, producing and directing my documentary on medicinal cannabis, A Life of its Own, in 2015. It had a very strong Newcastle connection

in terms of musical score and production expertise from my former boss at NBN Television.

From 2015 to 2019 you were chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. What did your role involve?

The commission was established as an independent statutory authority and the main link between multicultural communities and government. The primary purpose of my role was to investigate and research issues impacting CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse communities), and to promote inclusion and belonging in diverse communities across Victoria.

As we prepare as a nation to celebrate Harmony Day, what advice would you have for people seeking to be more inclusive?

I remember reading a quote once that really resonated … that “it’s important to remember that people not like us are in fact people, just like us” (Rabbi Jonathan Sacks). Maya Angelou, the famous civil rights advocate said, “we are more alike, than unalike”.

If each of us acknowledged that we can play a part through our individual actions

to accept others, and not be predisposed to an affinity bias – where we only identify strongly with those who look like us and have the same background us as – then the shift in attitude of the individual contributes in a meaningful way to create social cohesion and social capital.

What are some of the key challenges ahead of us becoming a genuinely inclusive society?

The rise in individualism, and a resurgence of ethnic and cultural nationalism, which have reignited tensions and negative attitudes towards migration. It has been a disturbing trend, but I also believe it has been a tipping point for change, where we prize community harmony and see we all have an important part to play in achieving that.

What advice would you offer leaders striving to be more inclusive?

Be an active listener. Take time to get to know people from different cultures and backgrounds, surrender judgment and embrace diversity as a societal asset.

Humanity means we are all in this together – it’s our shared identity. It’s so enriching to think of inclusion this way. I think most people are looking for real and meaningful connections in the world. Early in my

journalism career I witnessed that humanity always triumphed in the most testing of circumstances.

What tips do you have for all of us on embracing diversity?

Viewing our identity as a richly diverse nation, where we acknowledge migration has been an important chapter of our nation-building history. Diversity adds value to society and is an asset. We need to remember that.

" Take time to get to know people from different cultures and backgrounds, surrender judgment and embrace diversity as a societal asset.

"

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

DOMN LIBRARY To make the resources of the DoMN Library more readily available, we are excited to be opening the Dilley Library, located within the grounds of St Joseph’s College, New England Highway, Lochinvar, on the second Saturday of each month from 9am until 1pm.

Each month, we offer a Formation Session, beginning about 9am. On 13 March we will host a presentation on the fascinating Gerbert of Aurillac or Pope Sylvester II, a talented French mathematics teacher who popularised the Indo-Arabic numerals. This will be followed by Book Club at 10am.

If you are interested in attending please RSVP by emailing the DoMN Library, indicating your likely hours of attendance (domnlibrary@mn.catholic.org.au).

Please visit the DoMN Library website for general access and borrowing.

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WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT TWEC DINNER? As with so many events, the TWEC Dinner did not go ahead 2020.

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD TOGETHER, OUR JOURNEY:

There is still a lot of uncertainty, and until the coronavirus vaccine is

Diocesan Contemplative Dialogue Reflection Program during

freely available, that situation is likely to remain. Currently suitable

Lent

dinner venues must adhere to COVID-19 safety requirements and as we all know, that situation can change quickly.

Accordingly, the TWEC Dinner Committee has discerned that it is not possible to hold a dinner in 2021. The committee will certainly monitor the situation and is hopeful of announcing a dinner early in 2022.

Also, many members of the diocesan community are preparing for the second and third sessions of the Diocesan Synod, to be held in May and November respectively. This initiative is an opportunity for the People of God in Maitland-Newcastle to move closer to the reign of God, which was the overarching hope of the Tenison Woods Education Centre from its foundation.

The purpose of the diocesan reflections during Lent (17 February – 31 March) is to enable all members of the diocesan community to respond to the papers developed by the Synod Working Party.

We are inviting people to explore our life and mission as the church of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle through our five foundations with the following component parts.

Virtual launch of Project Compassion Week One – Identity and Community Week Two – Worship and Prayer Week Three – Formation and Education Week Four – Mission and Outreach Week Five – Leadership and Structure

RELATIONSHIPS MATTER

Week Six – Holy Week, Virtual The Way of the Cross

Free online event – Wednesday 24 March

COMPASSION CONNECTION GOES DIGITAL

Are you interested in relationships and the research around why

Ash Wednesday, 17 February, marked the official launch of Project

they are successful or what happens when personal dedication erodes? Are you single, dating, engaged, in a committed relationship, preparing for your first child or married? If so, this Zoom information session will benefit you.

Robyn Donnelly is an experienced facilitator and co-ordinator of Marriage & Relationship Education programs and will share with participants the research around the “I to We” concept –from me to we – and its benefits to your relationship. This covers the two dimensions of commitment – personal dedication vs constraint commitment. Research from the Gottman Institute to strengthen relationships – The Sound Relationship House Theory – helps to “affair proof” marriages by increasing understanding of building friendship. Ms Donnelly will cover strategies to build strong emotional bank accounts by explaining small things often.

The session provides participants with an understanding of patterns of behaviours that drain our emotional bank accounts and can cause the relationship to go into meltdown or disconnection of the parties.

Participants can reflect on seven areas that create strong sound relationships starting at the foundations. This includes research around rituals and shared meaning, so your relationship stays connected to get through areas of disagreements or conflict.

To register visit: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/relationshipsmatter-tickets-141917957431 For more information email marriageeducation@mn.catholic.org.au or call 49791370

Compassion 2021, Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten appeal, which runs for the six weeks of Lent.

In its 56th year, Project Compassion is one of Australia’s longestrunning appeals and has been a Lenten fixture in parishes across Australia with its iconic donation boxes. In this time, Australians have raised millions of dollars for marginalised communities worldwide.

For those wanting to connect with this program online, you are invited to register each week to one of the sessions. It is optional to register at the same time or a different time each week.

Mondays: 22 February – 22 March, 9.30am to 11am Tuesdays: 23 February – 23 March, 1pm to 2.30pm Wednesdays: 24 February – 24 March, 6pm to 7.30pm Thursdays: 25 February – 25 March, 10.30am to 12pm or 6pm to 7.30pm Fridays: 26 February – 26 March, 9.30am to 11am Saturdays: 27 February – 27 March, 2pm to 3.30pm To access the program and resources online, go to: www.domnsynod.com.au/building-the-kingdom

Technology has opened up a world of possibilities for parishes to connect with the development programs that Project Compassion

Virtual Immersions.

SANTA SABINA COLLEGE

The 75-minute Virtual Immersions hook up Australian parishes to

Ex-Students' Association Centenary Garden Party -

international programs through prayer, reflection and dialogue. Visit

formerly the All Dominican Ex- Students' Union

makes possible. This year, for the first time, parishioners are able to connect directly with Caritas Australia’s overseas program staff via

lent.caritas.org.au/virtualimmersions to watch the videos.

Celebrate this milestone with us at Santa Sabina College on At a time of such upheaval across the globe, possibly the greatest

Sunday 11 April 2021 90 The Boulevarde, Strathfield NSW 2153

world-wide challenges since the inception of Project Compassion,

Liturgy in the Chapel 11:00am-11:30pm

Caritas Australia encourages all Australians to “Be More” this year

Garden Party 12:00noon to 3:00pm (BYO picnic)

to help vulnerable communities.

For further information please contact Marisa Black 02 9745 “Project Compassion gives us the opportunity to show compassion

7050 or email: m.black@ssc.nsw.edu.au

for the poor in a special way, not just through material giving, but through spiritual giving,” says Bishop Terry Brady, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Sydney.

Kirsty Robertson, CEO of Caritas Australia, encourage all Australians to support their sisters and brothers across the world this Project Compassion. “It will enable us to continue to work with communities during these challenging times to strengthen resilience

MARCH 8

March: International Women’s Day

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March: Eighth anniversary of the election of Pope Francis

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March: Saint Joseph’s Day (Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

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March: Harmony Day

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March: Palm Sunday

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March: Chrism Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton

and build a stronger, more equal future for all,” she says.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MASS – Sunday 7 March 2021 Join the women of the Diocese as Bishop Bill celebrates Mass on International Women’s Day at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton, on Sunday 7 March at 9.30am, with the newly formed Council for Women in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. All are welcome.

“The theme ‘Be More’ is inspired by the words of St Oscar Romero, to ‘aspire not to have more, but to be more’, and challenges us to stand in solidarity with people around the world who continue to face the injustice of poverty.”

For each of the six weeks, Australians can learn more about the theme through the eyes of a community leader facing incredible challenges, with stories from Bangladesh, Solomon Islands, Tanzania and Indonesia, available online at lent.caritas.org.au.

To donate to Project Compassion, organise your own fund-raiser or get more information, visit lent.caritas.org.au or call 1800 024 413.

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

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Film talk The Merger REVIEW BY: BRIAN LACEY

During 1988, I was appointed to my first principalship, at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Warren, on the edge of the outback in western NSW. I remember vividly one mentor recommending “make sure you involve yourself in every area of community life when living in a small country town”.

So, my wife Sue and I became involved in parish family groups, Warren pre-school, the Marthaguy Cricket Club, netball, rugby, and the list continues. This is what happens in small country towns.

When we came to watch The Merger, it wasn’t hard to be immersed in the culture, stories, traditions and rituals of Bodgy Creek.

Like many small country towns, Bodgy Creek is struggling with a declining population, scarce employment, closing shops – you know the narrative. Caught in the middle of this familiar story is the Bodgy Creek Aussie Rules Football Club – the Roosters. Cash-strapped and losing players, they are being forced to merge with a neighbouring team.

Food talk Fish Fridays feast formation CRAB CAKES

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

recluse due to his involvement in leading protests to close the local timber mill, a source of employment for the town. Troy is coaxed into coaching the Roosters, a team comprising a ragged group of locals including recently arrived refugees who have been resettled.

As you can expect, the involvement of the refugees in the footy team creates tension for some in the community. But the more powerful message comes from the sharing of stories from the refugee players – you have to watch the movie.

The Bible teaches us that we ought to refrain from eating meat on Fridays, particularly during Lent as well as on Ash Wednesday in honour of the sacrifices Jesus made for us.

expresses sorrow and contrition for our wrongdoing, indicates our intention to turn away from sin and turn back to God, and makes reparation for our sins, it helps to cancel the debt and pay the penalties incurred by our transgressions.

It is thought the Christian tradition of eating fish on many Christian holidays has been one of the most significant drivers of the growth of the global fishing industry.

Abstinence is one of our oldest Christian traditions and form of penance. Penance

The Commercial Fishermen’s Co-Operative (formerly Newcastle District Fishermen’s Co-operative) was formed in 1945 and

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

500g crab meat

1 Line a baking tray with baking paper.

Combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons coriander, 2 tablespoons mint, onions, lime rind and 2 tablespoons of lime juice in a large bowl. Whisk egg and sour cream in a jug. Add to crab mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Using clean hands, mix to combine.

½ cup coriander leaves, finely chopped ½ cup mint leaves, finely chopped 3 green onions, thinly sliced 2 limes, rind finely grated, juiced 1 egg 2 tbsp sour cream 2 tbsp olive oil 1 avocado Lime wedges, to serve

Brian Lacey is the Assistant Director of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Neil recently lost his father and is struggling to find meaning and purpose through his grief – his character, story and message to all who watch the movie is worthy of a gold statuette.

The movie poses many challenges to all of us about how we embrace inclusivity,

1 ½ cups fresh white breadcrumbs

The Merger is essential viewing for those who want to be entertained, challenged and inspired.

The plot is powerful and moving. Whether you are from the “big smoke”, a “townie” or a “bushie”, you will relate to this story. The performances of Callinan, John Howard as Bull Barlow, and Kate Mulvany as Angie, are powerful and heart-warming. But the star at the centre of the movie is Rafferty Grierson, who plays young Neil.

The reluctant “hero” of the footy team is Troy Carrington (Damien Callinan). He is a

This was because centuries ago flesh meat was more expensive, eaten only occasionally, and associated with feasting and rejoicing; whereas fish was cheap, eaten more often, and not associated with celebrations.

how we welcome and how we open ourselves to learn from others – even those we sometimes place on the edge of our communities.

2 Shape tablespoonfuls of mixture into patties. Place onto prepared tray. Cover.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

3 Preheat oven to 140°C. Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat until hot. Cook crab cakes, 6 at a time, for 2 minutes each side or until light golden.

Transfer to a baking tray. Keep warm in oven while cooking remaining crab cakes.

4 Mash avocado until almost smooth.

Add remaining coriander, mint and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Mix well. Spoon a dollop of mixture onto each crab cake. Top with lime wedges. Serve hot or cold.

Lent remains one of its busiest times of the year for retail trade.

The Co-Operative sells about 50 per cent of the catch locally through retail shops or wholesale markets, with the balance being transported to Sydney Fish Market for auction daily.

To promote the local catch, the specially equipped kitchen in the Newcastle premises conducts seafood preparation and cooking demonstrations. Below is one of the many recipes listed on its website.

We are here to help The Refugee Hub supports anyone who is from a refugee, asylum-seeker or migrant background. Our aim is to assist people in gaining the independence and confidence to successfully settle in Australia and enjoy being part of the local community.

Drop-in times:

Mondays 2pm-5pm Tuesdays 11am-2pm Wednesdays 11am-2pm Or please call us on (02) 4979 1122 to make an appointment.

Our offices are open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm.

Come visit us at 58 Church Street Mayfield, NSW.

We also offer a range of rewarding volunteer roles.

For more information about volunteering with us, please email volunteers@catholiccare.org.au

RefugeeHub catholiccare.org.au

Committed to building bright futures for all children New Medowie center opening soon!

w o N l o Enr stnicholasmn.org.au